Today’s thoughts are by Julie wicker

Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

This week we are talking about the practice of doing things repeatedly. Every year Deborah and I share Rachel Hollis’ Last 90 Day challenge, which consists of her 5 to Thrive: get up 30 minutes earlier than usual to do something for you, get your body moving for 30 minutes, drink ½ your body weight in water, fast a food group or food item, and write five gratitudes. 

Over the years Deborah has been encouraging us to practice the writing of our gratitudes. I may not do this daily but I practice it often enough that it helps keep me focused on God because He is the ultimate source of my joy. In practicing, I learn to not always focus on big things but rather look for the tiny blessings. Rachel Hollis suggests writing ten gratitudes. Today I challenge you to do the same.

Today’s key verse is what I consider my life verse. It keeps me grounded in God’s word and helps me not get discouraged. I am reminded that life isn’t always easy. Sometimes we need a little extra hope when our hallelujahs are hard-fought and our feelings of gratitude are forgotten. We must press on because God will continue to work in our lives for our good and for His glory.

Take a moment to pray through your Hard Fought Hallelujah’s with Brandon Lake

Bonus: Hollis, Rachel. “How to Become Unrecognizable by January 1st.” The Rachel Hollis Podcast, Episode 1020, 28 September 2026. https://msrachelhollis.com/audio/

@biblegateway @youversion @msrachelhollis

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

Joshua 1:9 NIV —  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. 

In reading today’s key verse, I think of “active worship,” which means getting your body moving while worshiping God. After all, our bodies are His Temples. Every year Deborah and I share Rachel Hollis’ Last 90 Day challenge, which consists of her 5 to Thrive: get up 30 minutes earlier than usual to do something for you, get your body moving for 30 minutes, drink ½ your body weight in water, fast a food group or food item, and write five gratitudes. 

Just like Peter walking on water, I too strive to be a water walker versus a spectator in a boat. Getting my body moving at least 30 minutes a day is my therapy physically, mentally, and spiritually. Maybe you have just gotten started with getting your body moving through exercise. Maybe you currently don’t exercise. Maybe you are limited physically. Today is a chance for a fresh start and to begin again. Getting started is half the battle! 

Is fear holding you back? Often it helps us to look back at what God has already done in our lives so that we can gain confidence for tomorrow. We can do this by remembering goals and dreams that we have already accomplished. Getting started may look like one goal instead of five. There should always be room for change. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, I desire to be like Peter and walk on water. Give me the courage to move my body for Your glory and not to give in to excuses. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

@biblegateway @youversion @msrachelhollis

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

What do you think about when you read today’s key verse? Do you feel convicted to take better care of your body? Every year Deborah and I share Rachel Hollis’ Last 90 Day challenge, which consists of her 5 to Thrive: get up 30 minutes earlier than usual to do something for you, get your body moving for 30 minutes, drink ½ your body weight in water, fast a food group or food item, and write five gratitudes. 

God created us in His image and for His glory. Do you trust God with honoring your body? If we choose to take care of our bodies by daily improving our habits, we would feel so much better. I say improving because none of us are perfect. My obsession is my love for coffee. Black coffee is good for you in moderation. I know I need to drink lots of water to stay hydrated. One of my favorite things to make is detox water. It is so refreshing, just like God’s daily word refreshes our souls.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for opportunities to improve my habits. I trust You to guide me in taking care of my body for Your temple. I desire to be refreshed by Your living water. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion @msrachelhollis

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

Every year Deborah and I share Rachel Hollis’ Last 90 Day challenge, which consists of her 5 to Thrive: get up 30 minutes earlier than usual to do something for you, get your body moving for 30 minutes, drink ½ your body weight in water, fast a food group or food item, and write 5 gratitudes. 

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

1 Corinthians‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬-‭20‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.

Joshua 1:9 NIV —  Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. 

Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Daniel‬ ‭1‬:‭5‬, ‭8‬, ‭12‬ ‭ESV‬‬ — The king assigned them a daily portion of the food that the king ate, and of the wine that he drank. They were to be educated for three years, and at the end of that time they were to stand before the king. But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king’s food, or with the wine that he drank. Therefore he asked the chief of the eunuchs to allow him not to defile himself. “Test your servants for ten days; let us be given vegetables to eat and water to drink.”

“This is why it is said: “Wake up, sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬

@biblegateway @youversion @msrachelhollis

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

Every year Deborah and I share Rachel Hollis’ Last 90 Day challenge, which consists of her 5 to Thrive: get up 30 minutes earlier than usual to do something for you, get your body moving for 30 minutes, drink ½ your body weight in water, fast a food group or food item, and write 5 gratitudes. 

Today I encourage you to listen to Famous For (I Believe) by Tauren Wells Featuring Jenn Johnson. God is famous for doing exceedingly, abundantly more than we can ask or imagine.

@msrachelhollis

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Hebrews 13:8 NIV — Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary “change” means to make different or to give a different position, course, or direction. How do you feel about change? Change can be scary and hard. Change can be sad. Sometimes when change begins as scary, hard, or sad, it eventually turns out to be a positive thing.

As the daughter of a United Methodist minister, I experienced some big changes on a regular basis. The United Methodist conference has an itinerant system meaning ministers do not stay at one church appointment for long periods of time. In fact, until I was married, I had never lived anywhere longer than 5 years. 

Each time when we learned we would be moving, I would be filled with a range of emotions. Angry, sad, excited, and nervous are just a few of the feelings I experienced. As I reflect over that time in my life I now realize the change taught me many valuable life lessons. I met many people who impacted me and helped to shape me into the person I am today.

No matter what changes we go through, no matter what season we are in, there is one constant: Jesus. Jesus is with us through the changes and He will guide and direct our steps as long as we are willing to allow Him. Spend some time today reflecting on changes you have been through during the seasons of your life. How did those seasons shape you? Did you have an attitude of surrender and allow Jesus to direct your steps?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Your presence in my life. Help me to look for and recognize the positives that change can bring. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion



Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Psalms 1:1-3 NIV — Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither — whatever they do prospers. 

After winter comes spring. Spring is always such a joyous season for me. The temperatures begin to rise and new growth abounds. As I shared yesterday, winter is necessary for spring to occur. Plants must have a season of dormancy in order to spring with new growth. Likewise, you and I have our own winter times so we are able to grow. As today’s featured scripture states, we must meditate on the law of the Lord, day and night, so we may yield fruit and not wither. 

What season are you currently in; summer, fall, winter, or spring? How is God speaking to you in this season? Are you listening and learning as you walk through this season? Take time today to be like a tree planted by a stream of water. Sit still, be quiet, and listen so you will be able to yield fruit for God.

Let’s pray. Thank You God for spring. As I sit at Your feet today, speak to me so I can be Your vessel by yielding fruit. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion