Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

In Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV the Lord said — Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines beginning as the first part or a rudimentary stage or period. Today’s featured scripture reminds us to not dwell in the past but instead be open to the new things God is preparing for us. Spring is a little more than a week away and often signifies new life, new hope, and new beginnings. 

What new beginning is God preparing for you? “Do you not perceive it?” Are you dwelling in the past instead of trusting God to lead you? Let’s face forward, step out in faith on the way in the wilderness God is preparing, and take hold of the new beginning.

Let’s pray. Dear merciful Father, thank You for making a way in the wilderness for me. Open my eyes to Your loving path and help me walk in faith toward Your new beginning for me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Take some time to meditate on this week’s featured scripture verses.

In Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV the Lord said — Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV — Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!

Isaiah 40:31 NIV — but those who hope in the Lord    will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles;    they will run and not grow weary,    they will walk and not be faint.

Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV — You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard

Welcome to a new week as a Water Walker as we share about new beginnings. As you prepare for this week, listen to the following songs and ask God to prepare you for any new beginning He has in store for you.

Made New by Lincoln Brewster

More of You by Colton Dixon

Break Every Chain by Jesus Culture

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭10‬:‭14‬, ‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Therefore, my dear friends, flee from idolatry. You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons too; you cannot have a part in both the Lord’s table and the table of demons.

This week I will continue sharing thoughts about Paul from the Bible. Today’s key verse is about not having idols in our life. What is an idol for you? A quick response might be to say you have no idols. At a deeper look, we can evaluate what we put before God. I will share some examples that I tend to struggle with. 

1. Family. It is easy for me to put my family on a pedestal. I have to remind myself that my husband, son, and daughter are God’s children first. 
2. Running. It is easy for me to get caught up on my appearance and how I perform. I have to remind myself why I run, which is to take care of God’s temple physically, spiritually, and mentally. 
3. Identity. It is easy for me to get caught up in my career and earthly titles. I have to remind myself that my identity in Christ Jesus comes first. 

Family, exercise, and a career are all healthy things as long as we humbly surrender to God’s glory. Are you living like Paul? Are you sitting at God’s table and drinking from His cup? I encourage you to evaluate idols in your life.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your savior, I encourage you to visit our Steps To Peace page to learn how you can trust God with your life. If you would like more information or support, please email us at waterwalkers29@gmail.com.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You that I can come and feast at Your table. I surrender my life to you for Your glory to shine. Help me to find a healthy balance so that I can flourish. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen. 

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭25‬-‭26‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

This week I will continue sharing thoughts about Paul from the Bible. Today’s key verse is about living by the Spirit. Paul left us great instructions on how to live by the Spirit. As most of you know, my word of the year is “Fruit of The Spirit.” Some may think the Bible is nothing but rules that leave you in chains. Living by God’s word and the Spirit should be freeing. God understands that we won’t be perfect. We just need to be humble. 

Are you living like Paul? Are you living by the Spirit? I encourage you to be intentional with your thoughts, actions, and speech as you go about your day.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your savior, I encourage you to visit our Steps To Peace page to learn how you can trust God with your life. If you would like more information or support, please email us at waterwalkers29@gmail.com.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your word that is living and active. Guide me as I walk in Your Spirit. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen. 

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭2‬:‭13‬-‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

This week I will continue sharing thoughts about Paul from the Bible. Today’s key verse is about standing firm in our faith. Paul was thankful for his brothers and sisters in Christ. God chose each of us as his firstfruits. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we help each other to stand firm in our faith.

Are you living like Paul? Are you thanking God for your brothers and sisters in Christ? I encourage you to evaluate how you are helping others stand firm in their faith.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your savior, I encourage you to visit our Steps To Peace page to learn how you can trust God with your life. If you would like more information or support, please email us at waterwalkers29@gmail.com.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for my brothers and sisters in Christ Jesus who help me to stand firm in my faith. Show me how I can encourage others. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen. 

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭4‬:‭1‬-‭2 ‭NIV‬‬ — As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. 

This week I will continue sharing thoughts about Paul from the Bible. Today’s key verse is about living to please God. What comes to mind when you hear or read “live life on purpose?” For me I think about living out my calling. I think about Paul and how he lived for the applause of God and not those he was ministering to. He selflessly devoted his life to telling people about Jesus.

Are you living like Paul? Are you living life on purpose? I encourage you to evaluate if you are living to please God or others.

If you have not accepted Jesus Christ as your savior, I encourage you to visit our Steps To Peace page to learn how you can trust God with your life. If you would like more information or support, please email us at waterwalkers29@gmail.com.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for making me for a greater purpose. I want to live my life to please You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen. 

@biblegateway @youversion