#meditatemonday #fishing #waterwalkers29

Matthew 4:18-20 ESV — While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 

Matthew 4:21-22 ESV — And going on from there he saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets, and he called them. Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

Matthew 28:16-20 NIV — Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

Mark 1:16-18 ESV — Passing alongside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and Andrew the brother of Simon casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. And Jesus said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” And immediately they left their nets and followed him.

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This week’s theme is fishing. I have found some oldies but goodies to share with you. Take some time to listen and pray about our week ahead.

Pray For the Fish by Randy Travis

Down To the River To Pray by Alison Krauss

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

I pray you have been able to spend some time reflecting and refocusing on Christ as we embark on the second half of 2026. If you weren’t able to already, take some time today to create God-driven goals to finish out the year. Sit still and quiet so you can hear God’s direction and then surrender to His guidance for you. May you feel the Holy Spirit’s presence as you reflect and refocus for the remainder of 2026.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

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.

As we end our week of reflecting and refocusing, spend a few moments reading 25 of the Funniest Tweets About New Year’s Resolutions. Enjoy a good laugh and then apply the lessons we have learned together this week. 

Let’s pray. Dear Father, Thank You for doing new things and making a way. As I embark on the remainder of 2026 with Your guidance and help, may I make You proud of the steps I take. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

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