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

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

‭‭John 1:3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.

Have you ever seen or heard of an American Beautyberry plant? I’ve been blessed to see this plant while walking the Botanical Gardens in Clemson, SC. God never ceases to amaze me with all His creation. Through him, all things were made!!! I am so intrigued by God and His beauty.

On this Thankful Thursday, I encourage you to see God’s beauty and be thankful for all things. Just like this plant’s beauty caught my eye, we should slow down and see God’s beauty anew every day. Take a quick inventory of your surroundings. What catches your eye? What amazes you? Let’s flood the heavens with our praises!! 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your beautiful creation. Help me to slow down so that I don’t take my surroundings for granted. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

Psalm 32:7 NIV – You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance.

I have shared with you before that we have created a backyard bird sanctuary. First, we hung several bluebird houses along our fence. Next, we put out a bird feeder. Lastly, we hung a bird bath. We quickly gained a family of bluebirds. It is a beautiful thing to see them return each year. Often in the summer I sit outside for my devotion, as I am doing today. You could say it is my sanctuary and my sacred place. 

What is a sanctuary? According to Merriam–Webster it can be a building or room for religious worship. It can be a place that provides safety or protection. It can be a wildlife sanctuary. It can also be protection from a difficult situation that is provided by a safe place. Where is your sanctuary? Where do you run first when you need to rest in God’s presence? 

In our key verse, we are protected and surrounded with songs of deliverance. In our sanctuaries, we can be free to worship without worldly distractions. As you slow down this summer, I encourage you to find your sanctuary to sit and worship God.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for my sanctuary that I can sit and worship You without worldly distractions. I am so blessed to be reminded today that no one can stop You from Your protection and deliverance. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

I have the pleasure of assisting retirees at work. One retiree shared with me how she taught her students to look, listen, learn, and love. By doing this they would always succeed. This was a very inspiring message and I quickly thought about how I can apply this with my faith. I am sure these four words could help you recall many different scripture verses. As you start to slow down through the summer months, I thought the following scripture verses would be appropriate. 

Look: ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭105‬:‭4‬ ‭NIV‬‬ – Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.

Listen: ‭‭James‬ ‭1‬:‭19‬ ‭NIV – My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.

Learn: ‭‭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.

Love:‭‭ 1 Corinthians‬ ‭16‬:‭14‬ ‭NIV‬‬ – Do everything in love.

As you experience the joys of summer, I encourage you to discover what look, listen, learn, and love mean to you. Like the lighthouse pictured here, you can look to God to find our way through life.

Let’s pray. Dear God, Thank You for these encouraging words to help guide me through my day. Help me to do everything from Your Godly love. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

@biblegateway @youversion