Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV — So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 

Today, let’s spend some time thinking and setting goals so we will have God-driven, positive results at the end of 2026. Take a moment now to read this article Ten Steps to setting God-Ordained Goals which is an excerpt from The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson.

I encourage you to spend time today in prayer and planning. If you don’t have the time to commit to it today, then plan a time for goal setting soon. Take some time alone to sit with God and set goals for the remainder of the year. Keep in mind Proverbs 16:3 — Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Let’s pray. Dear God, I commit to You the remainder of 2026. Lay upon my heart Your goals for me and I will give You all the glory for the results we accomplish together. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Matthew 14:29-30 NIV — Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

As you reflected on the first half of 2026, did you discover that perhaps you have lost your focus on Christ? Have you been focusing on the wind around you instead of the eyes of Christ? 

Take some time to imagine being in the boat with Peter when Jesus called him out onto the water. Peter took a bold step out of the boat and onto the water. As long as he was focused on Christ, he was able to walk on water. However, he began to sink the moment he focused on the wind instead of Jesus. Today, let’s refocus our attention. We have spent time looking back at the first half of 2026. Now let’s move forward. Let’s step out of the boat with laser-like focus on Christ. Focused on Him we can move forward in the remainder of 2026 with renewed strength and courage.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Your presence in my life. Help me to refocus my attention and move out of my boat toward Your path for me the rest of 2026. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Philippians 4:13 The Message — I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

We are nearly halfway through 2026. Spend some time reflecting and recalling your thoughts from the beginning of this year? Did you make New Year’s resolutions? Did you choose a word of the year and/or mantra? Have you stuck to those resolutions? Has your word of the year been in the forefront of your mind? 

Most of us lose our resolve from the first weeks of the year as time passes. Let’s not get stuck being down on ourselves if we are not where we wanted to be at this time of year. Instead, let’s reset our mindset and renew our resolve. What steps can you take to make the most of the rest of 2026? What habits can you instate to ensure your resolution/word/mantra stays in the forefront of your mind? One practice I have is to write my word and mantra every morning as I finish listing my five gratitudes for the day. Do you have another practice? We would love to hear from you. If you are reading on Facebook or Instagram, please comment below. If you receive the blog via email, you may email us at: waterwalkers29@gmail.com

Let’s pray. Dear God, Renew a right spirit within me. Reset my mindset and strengthen my resolve. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

As we begin our week on reflecting and refocusing, spend some time reading and meditating on the featured scripture for the week ahead.

Philippians 4:13 The Message — I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am.

Matthew 14:29-30 NIV — Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV — So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 

Isaiah 43:18-19 NIV — 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.

@biblegateway @youversion

We are nearly halfway through 2026. Let’s begin our week of reflection by listening to Trust In God by Elevation Worship. No matter what the first half of the year has been or whatever the second half holds, we can trust in God.

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

I Mark‬ ‭6:31‬ ‭NIV‬ – Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

We never have to worry about receiving an invitation when it comes to our relationship with God. We don’t have to wonder, will we make the list? Will we get an invite? Our social status is nonexistent. There is always a place we can retreat with God. Are we accepting the invite to retreat with God? Are we choosing to follow God? Are we choosing rest? 

Sometimes we are forced to rest because of sickness or a change in plans. I am talking about true and intentional rest. One of my favorite quotes by Mark Batterson is: 

“Change of PACE + change of PLACE = Change of PERSPECTIVE.” 

Notice today’s photo collage. Each photo represents a time when either Deborah, Ray, or I changed our pace and place. The opportunity to sit and rest with God just may be the rest our perspective needs. I hope we can all lean into God today and accept His invitation. As we conclude our week slowing down in the summer season, I encourage you to look at next week’s schedule and carve out some time to rest with God.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your invitation to rest. As I look through my calendar, help me to find opportunities to change my place and pace to sit with You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

John 4:14 NIV — but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.

I love visiting South Pawleys Island beach and creek in South Carolina. On occasion, you will see starfish in the water, which are amazing creatures. For instance, they can regenerate their own arms when one is broken. They can only live in saltwater. What impresses me the most is that their vascular system is water, which gives a new meaning to living water. We can learn a lot from them as they are very peaceful creatures.

With God’s living water, we are transformed by His love. We are daily regenerated and renewed by His grace. As you slow down for summer, remember the simplicity of the starfish and God’s living water. How will you stay connected so that you may be refreshed through your relationship with your Heavenly Father?

Join me in prayer! Heavenly Father, thank You for Your living water that flows through me. May Your blessings, love, and grace flow through me so I can shine Your glory for others to see. In the name of Jesus Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion