Jesus said in ‭‭Luke‬ ‭10‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.

How did Moving Forward Monday go? In today’s key verse we learn that God has given us His power to trample Satan and all his lies. When Satan is trying to keep you chained to the boat, that usually means God has something for you. If you are feeling afraid because of what you see in front of you today, evaluate that fear. This is called discernment. The Holy Spirit gives us discernment to know if it is a Holy, healthy fear or fear from the enemy. 

Our perspective can get clouded by what we see in front of us. As you sit in God’s word today, pray and ask Him to transform your perspective. Ask Him to give you the confidence you need to go throughout your day in His power. Ask for God’s help to guide you. Be intentional in looking for the God Winks He provides. Perspective isn’t always an easy fix. For me, I have to intentionally find joy and not negativity. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Godly confidence. Transform my perspective today so that I can find joy in holy fear. Help me not to get consumed by the fear and negativity this world gives. Guide me today to be intentional and help me not to miss Your God Winks. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen

‭‭Psalms‬ 139‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ – Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in the depths, You are there.

Do you still have the holy, healthy fear from Sunday? In our key verse today, David tells us that there is nowhere we can go to get away from the Holy Spirit. It is up to us if we invite the Holy Spirit into our everyday lives. Often behaviors take time to change. What steps are you taking to move forward in God’s call for your life? We can allow our earthly fears to leave us in the boat or we can allow our healthy fears to propel us forward and step out in faith.

Often we feel that earthly fear when we allow Satan’s voice to become louder than God’s voice. We allow worldly behaviors to chain us down. Even when we don’t think God is speaking or moving, He is right beside us holding our hand. If our “No Lord” or “Not now Lord” becomes a normal behavior, God will move on to someone who will say: “Hear am I. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for nudging me to be the best version of myself. Thank You for never leaving or forsaking me. Thank You for still loving me even when I allow Satan’s voice to be louder than Yours. Equip me today to step out of my boat in holy fear. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

‭‭Luke‬ ‭1‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV – Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.”‬‬

Today’s key verse is about Zechariah hearing the news that his wife Elizabeth, who previously could not conceive, is bearing a child. This is not just any child, but John the Baptist. Notice Zechariah was gripped with fear at the sight of the angel. I would call this a healthy fear. Hearing God’s message through a Sunday worship service can often bring on a healthy fear. 

God doesn’t usually call us to play it safe. God wants to see our Sunday behaviors carried through our week. We tend to say “Yes Lord” on Sunday because we have a holy, healthy fear that the Holy Spirit gives us. When Monday comes we tend to slip back into our own earthly fears and behaviors. Will you allow the holy, healthy fear you feel today get you out of your boat on Monday?

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for Sunday behaviors that can get me moving in holy fear. Thank You for Your Holy Spirit to get me out of my boat. Equip me to say “Yes Lord” as I go about my week. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV — In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.‬‬

Watch today’s See You Saturday Video as I share with you about something you can do while on vacation to be a witness for Christ.

Psalms 46:10 — Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.

I have enjoyed reliving some of my past vacations. Have you been able to walk down memory lane? Do you have a vacation planned for sometime in the near future? Perhaps time and money have restricted you to travel. You can still take a mini-vacation while remaining at home — a staycation. Take a moment to read this article titled Take a Mini-Vacation Every Day! A Few Staycation Ideas.

Did the article spur some ideas for your very own staycation? I encourage you to build in some prayer, devotion, and Bible reading whether on a vacation or staycation. The time away with God promises to be rejuvenating and renewing. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, I seek time away with You. Thank You for our times together and for rejuvenation in You. Guide my time so I am able to be renewed. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Matthew 5:16 NIV — In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

This week I have shared with you about various vacations I have had. As I have traveled down memory lane in my writing, I have also thought about the not so wonderful sights and smells I have seen in my travels — the ugly side of vacations. Today, reflect on previous vacation spots. Did you only see the beauty or were you also exposed to the unlovely? As we think about the less than desirable sights, let’s take time today to pray for those people caught up in negative circumstances. Pray for God’s light and love to be shone brightly through you. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, I lift up all those caught in undesirable circumstances. Open their eyes to Your love and light. Make me an instrument of Your grace and may my light shine brightly for You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Psalms 8:1 NIV — Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth. You have set your glory in the heavens.

If you have been able to watch my “See You Saturday” videos over the last several months you have learned that I have had the opportunity to travel to many places recently for my work. I have been to Orlando, Dallas, Las Vegas, and Denver. Each of the destinations brough new experiences and new insights. While the trips were mostly consumed by work, I was still able to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation. Today’s photo is a collage of some of the sights. Seeing all of the various land features always sparked a moment of praise and worship. As I was in awe of God’s creation, I thanked Him for the beauty of the Earth.

Have you had work-related vacations? Where did you go? What did you do? What did you see? How did God speak to you? Thank God for the opportunities to see new places and experience new things. Praise God for the beauty of His Earth.

Take a moment for praise and worship as you listen to the hymn For the Beauty of the Earth.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank you for the opportunity to see and experience new places. I give You my sacrifice of praise. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.