Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

1 Samuel 18-20 NIV

Psalm 59 NIV

Today’s featured scripture in 1 Samuel tells of David being sought after by his enemies. David wrote Psalm 59. In verse 8 David says God “you laugh at them” and “you scoff at all those nations.” David had complete trust in God, even when he was fleeing for his life. Can you say the same?

You and I may not be fleeing for our lives in the same manner as David. However, in some ways we are fighting to stay focused on God and not be distracted by the evils of this world. How do you stay focused on God and trust His path? On this Thankful Thursday, thank God for His guidance, direction, and protection.

Let’s pray. Dear Father, thank You for Your guidance, direction, and protection. May I stay focused on You and trust Your path. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

1 Samuel 17 NIV

Are you familiar with the story of David and Goliath? Read today’s featured scripture to learn about David slaying a giant with a few rocks and a slingshot. David was a water walker. He stepped out in faith. David focused on God instead of the giant in front of him.

At first you may think you may not be able to relate to the story of David and Goliath. However, each of us have giants in our lives. We each have obstacles, situations, difficult people, etc. that may present problems and predicaments. To slay those giants we must rely on guidance and direction from the Holy Spirit. We must rely on God’s strength and not our own. 

Examine the giants you are facing. How will you approach the giants? Will you follow David’s example and walk on water to slay the giants in your life?

Join me in prayer. Dear God, thank You for the example David set as he slayed Goliath. May I always focus on You instead of the giants in front of me. Guide and direct my steps as I walk on water toward the giants. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

1 Samuel 16:1-13 NIV

Are you familiar with the story of the anointing of David? If you haven’t already, read today’s featured scriptures to learn about the anointing of David. 

In today’s reading we learn that David was the son of Jesse, a shepherd, and “ruddy” in appearance. David was not the image Samuel thought God would choose to be a king. However, God reminded Samuel that He wasn’t looking at outward appearance, but instead He was judging the heart. 

Only you and God truly know what is inside your heart. Society tells us to invest our time and money improving and fine tuning our outward appearance. God tells us to spend time developing and growing our inward appearance. How are you investing in the growth of your heart? 

Join me in prayer. Dear Heavenly Father, forgive me for getting caught up in what others think of my outward appearance. Guide and direct me as I invest in the growth of my heart. Draw me closer to You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

This week I will be sharing about David. Below are listed more scripture than usual, but I would like for you to take the time to read them either today or on the day they are featured. By reading these chapters you will gain a greater understanding of David’s background and his relationship with God. Many of my thoughts this week are guided from the understanding I gained from reading The Bible Recap by Tara Leigh Cobble.

1 Samuel 16:1-13 NIV

1 Samuel 17 NIV

1 Samuel 18-20 NIV

Psalm 59 NIV

1 Samuel 21-24 NIV

Psalm 27 NIV

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Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

This week we will be diving into the life of David from the Bible. As you prepare for the week ahead, take a moment to listen to Your Heart (David) by Chris Tomlin. Ask God to open your eyes, ears, mind, and heart to His message for you this week.

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Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭Genesis‬ ‭17‬:‭3‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Abram fell facedown, and God said to him, “As for me, this is my covenant with you: You will be the father of many nations. No longer will you be called Abram; your name will be Abraham, for I have made you a father of many nations. I will make you very fruitful; I will make nations of you, and kings will come from you.

This week we are sharing what the rainbow symbolizes to Christians and what it represents in God’s new covenant. When you see a rainbow, what do you think of? Double rainbows are caused by sunlight reflecting twice inside raindrops, rather than once as in a primary rainbow. A double rainbow is a beautiful reminder that God loves to give multiple blessings.

In today’s key verse we read about how God promised Abram the same covenant and changed his name to Abraham as He made him the father of many nations. Notice when Abram surrendered to God, he fell facedown. I think about ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

On this Surrender Saturday examine what areas of your life that you need to surrender to God. Will you fall face down in complete surrender? Will you exalt God? 

Take this opportunity to sit in God’s presence and just be still. You could light a candle or play worship music. No words are necessary. Just be still in His presence.

Bonus: Read the story of Abraham in Genesis 17.

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Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

Genesis‬ ‭9‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth. So God said to Noah, “This is the sign of the covenant I have established between me and all life on the earth.”

This week we are sharing what the rainbow symbolizes to Christians and what it represents in God’s new covenant. When you see a rainbow, what do you think of? They are fleeting. As soon as the water droplets fall out of the necessary position, they stop creating the color spectrum. Isn’t life fleeting? We are continually chasing moving targets.

In today’s key verse, we are blessed with remembrance. At any time, we can recall the covenant blessing. Whether we see a rainbow or not, we can always seek God and find Him. In ‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ we are told — You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

On this Fruit Friday remember that life is fleeting. Don’t miss the fruit God has for you today. Will you choose to live for today?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You that I can seek You and always find You. I choose to live for today so that I don’t miss out on Your fruit. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Bonus: Today is the first day of Spring. Visit Almanac.com to learn some fun facts about Spring.

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