Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

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

1 Kings‬ ‭19‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭ESV‬ — And he said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke in pieces the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper. And when Elijah heard it, he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. And behold, there came a voice to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?””

‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭49‬:‭1‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.

2 Kings‬ ‭6‬:‭15‬-‭17‬ ‭ESV‬‬ — When the servant of the man of God rose early in the morning and went out, behold, an army with horses and chariots was all around the city. And the servant said, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”

‭‭Romans‬ ‭11‬:‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ — So too at the present time there is a remnant, chosen by grace.

‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭12‬:‭2‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

Take time today to worship God through song and prayer.

As For Me & My Home by Brandon Lake.

Praying Woman by Anne Wilson, Ft. Lainey Wilson.

On My Knees by Red Clay Strays.

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

I pray that this week you have been able to reflect with God on your Christian living. In doing so, has God shown you areas that He wants you to strengthen or improve? No one, exceptJesus, has ever lived a perfect life. We all have faults and fall short. However, God calls us to constantly examine our walk, ask for His help, and prayerfully strive to improve. Others are watching and making judgments about what it means to be a Christian. May each of us reflect Christ and when we don’t may we surrender our faults, repent, and try again. Reflect, remorse, repent, refine, repeat.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Psalms 16:11 NIV — You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasure at your right hand.

This week we have been examining our words and actions as Christians. On Wednesday, I reminded you that none of us are without faults. Enjoy a laugh by reading the below funny stories that remind us about our Christian living. Our daily living is a reflection of our fruit.

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A cheating painting contractor had been skimping by thinning his paint excessively. Nevertheless, he landed a big job painting a church. He was almost done when a major storm blew up. It washed all the paint off.

Amid the thunder and lightning, there came a loud voice…
“REPAINT,” it boomed. “REPAINT, AND THIN NO MORE!”

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A man was being tailgated by a stressed out woman on a busy boulevard. Suddenly, the light turned yellow, just in front of him. He did the right thing, stopping at the crosswalk, even though he could have beaten the red light by accelerating through the intersection.

The tailgating woman was furious and honked her horn, screaming in frustration as she missed her chance to get through the intersection, dropping her cell phone and makeup.

As she was still in mid-rant, she heard a tap on her window and looked up into the face of a very serious police officer. The officer ordered her to exit her car with her hands up. He took her to the police station where she was searched, finger printed, photographed, and placed in a holding cell. After a couple of hours, a policeman approached the cell and opened the door. She was escorted back to the booking desk where the arresting officer was waiting with her personal effects.

He said, “I’m very sorry for this mistake. You see, I pulled up behind your car while you were blowing your horn, flipping off the guy in front of you, and cussing a blue streak at him. I noticed the ‘What Would Jesus Do’ bumper sticker, the ‘Follow Me to Sunday School’ bumper sticker, and the chrome-plated Christian fish emblem on the trunk, Naturally … I assumed you had stolen the car.”

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

In Matthew 5:14-16 MSG Jesus instructs us — “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.”

Are you familiar with the word “influencer”? The word is used in the social media realm. An influencer is someone who has many followers (10,000 or more), is an authority on a certain subject, and often has an endorsement from a particular product or brand. In other words it is like an individual that is an advertiser. The more I think about it, I realize every one of us in the Christian community is called to be a Christian influencer! We should be a Christianity advertisement. Each of us is called to live our lives in such a way that others will learn from our words and actions what it means to be a Christian. Each day God places in our path people we are influencing. We have a choice in what we impress upon them and in what ways we influence them. Christian living is a day-in and day-out calling. Christian living is learning every day, growing from what is learned, and then showing others by example. Christian living is being an Influencer!

So now I ask you to examine yourself. First of all, think about who you influence. Who is in your close circle that you influence daily? Who do you come into contact with randomly that you may influence? Next, think about your daily Christian living. Is there an area or areas that perhaps are not good examples of Christian living that you may need to ask God to help you change? Listen to how God speaks to you and be open to His suggestions. Lastly, who has influenced you and your Christian walk? Take time to thank those who have been Christian influencers for you.

Go about your day being intentional with what you say and do. Be an example of Christian living to those who come into contact with you. Advertise for Christ by being a Christian influencer!

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for all the Christian influencers in my life. Mold me and make me into the Christian influencer You would have me be. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Philippians 4:9 NIV — Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me–put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

In yesterday’s featured scripture, Philippians 4:8, Paul instructed us on what to think about. In today’s scripture he challenges us to follow his example. In other words he was leading by example. Isn’t that what you and I are called to do as Christians? Others should see Christ in our words and actions. We are called to put into practice all we have learned and heard about being a Christian. 

Examine your words and actions today. When others hear that you are a Christian they will be watching to learn what being a Christian means. How does a Christian act and react in times of struggle, temptation, or disappointment? How are others seeing Christ in you when you fail? Do you let them see when you are remorseful and repent? After all, only Christ is without failures and sin. Those watching need to learn the full picture of Christian living. How are you reflecting Christian living for others to see?

Let’s pray. Dear God, forgive me when I do not reflect You in my words and actions. May I be aware of how I am showing others what it means to be a Christian. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Philippians 4:8 NIV — Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things. 

The book of Philippians was written by Paul to the Christian congregation he had helped to establish. He was instructing them on the meaning of being a Christian and on Christian living. The above scripture is an example of how Paul explains to live as a Christian. He instructs them, and us, on what to fill our minds with so as to stay on track in our Christian living.

Examine your thoughts today. How do you fill your mind with whatever is right, pure, lovely, admirable and praiseworthy? Trust the Holy Spirit to guide your thinking.

Let’s pray. Dear God, forgive me when I fail to fill my mind with the right things. Guide my thoughts today so I may focus on You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion