Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

Take a moment to read and meditate on this week’s featured scriptures.

Proverbs 22:6 NIV — Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

John 3:16 KJV — For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Matthew 28:19 NIV — 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.

3 John 1:4 NIV — I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

Isaiah 54:13 NIV — All your children will be taught by the Lord, and great will be their peace. 

Psalms 127:3 NIV — Children are a heritage from the Lord, offspring a reward from him.

Matthew 13:1-9 NIV

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Today’s thoughts by Deborah Ard.

This week we will remember and reflect on our Vacation Bible School memories. VBS will begin occurring across the country within the next month. Music is an integral part of VBS. Click here to listen to a group of songs that have become my granddaughter’s favorite to listen to and reminds me of songs I learned in VBS. As you listen, may you recall your VBS experiences and may God lay on your heart a desire to reconnect with VBS this summer.

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Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

John 11:35 NIV — Jesus wept.

This week we have shared short bible verses we can easily recall and develop a daily bible reading habit. In today’s key verse, what caused Jesus to weep? I encourage you to take time to read the passage in John 11:1-44 NIV, titled “The Death of Lazarus.” 

When Lazarus, the brother to Mary and Martha dies, Jesus travels to the town of Bethany, where Lazarus lived. As Mary approached Jesus’ feet and wept, mourning the death of her brother, Jesus wept with her. Jesus then raised Lazarus from the dead with the intention that all would believe in Him. This was His final miracle before His crucifixion. We can walk this earth knowing that Jesus weeps with us in our sorrows and rejoices with us in our joys. Take a moment to fully surrender to God as you worship with “Jesus Cries” by Riley Clemmons. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, I desire to run to Your feet when I experience both joys and sorrows. As I study Your word this week, help me to be able to recall and recite Your word in times of need. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭17‬ ‭NIV‬ — Pray continually.

This week we are sharing short bible verses we can easily recall and develop a daily bible reading habit. As we have moved through our week, I pray you have experienced the fruit of God’s word. We can also gain much fruit through our prayer lives. Have you given up on your prayer life? Have you prayed for someone or something for a long time? It is easier to give up than to continue praying. Stop to think about the Apostle Paul writing to the Thessalonians. He instructed them to pray continually. This puts things into perspective for me. 

In the song, “Don’t Give Up On Me” by Brandon Lake, God doesn’t want us to give up on Him. When we think God is silent, He is really developing our character. Take time to read Romans 5: 3-4 NIV as the Apostle Paul encourages us not to give up. Will you join me in resolving to pray continually? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for never giving up on me. Help me to persevere and not give up on You. As I move forward through 2026, I resolve to pray continually. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭1 Thessalonians‬ ‭5‬:‭16‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Rejoice always.

This week we are sharing short bible verses we can easily recall and develop a daily bible reading habit. Recently I had the joy of star gazing in my backyard. The sky was crystal clear and the stars twinkled brightly. I was overwhelmed as I sat back and enjoyed the quiet painted sky. That following Sunday we sang, “So Will I (100 Billion X)” by Hillsong Worship. The lyrics that got my attention, “every painted sky, a canvas of Your grace.” 

Are you intentional in listening and rejoicing with all five senses? This includes star-gazing with our vision, hearing the stillness of the quiet sky, and touching God through the raising of our arms in worship. We can be intentional with our smell by sitting at God’s feet with fragrant offerings, and experience the taste of God’s goodness through the breaking of bread and drinking from His cup. When worshiping with all five senses we can rejoice always, through everyday life. I encourage you to read Genesis 1:3-19 NIV and be reminded of the creation of light. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for making light that encourages me to rejoice always, through my days and nights. Thank You for the stars so that I can see and experience Your Glory. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

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Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

1 Corinthians 16:14 NIV — Do everything in love.

This week we are sharing short bible verses we can easily recall and develop a daily bible reading habit. Today I want to reflect with you on my word of the year for 2023: “Love.” My verse of the year came from 1 John 3:18-20 MSG titled: “When we practice real love.” In today’s key verse, we are instructed to do everything in love. As I look back over the years, have I done this? Everything is hard to measure so let’s look at what isn’t love.

Comparison can devalue our own self-love. Selfish ambition, being so focused on our wants and desires, sometimes results in losing sight of loving others. Being prideful, the antonym for humility, could result in missing out on forgiveness and grace. Gossip, which spreads like fire, distorts the truth and hurts feelings. As we continue to move farther away from Easter week, let’s pause and walk it out in our minds before we act. May we all be so full of God’s love that we overflow His love in all areas of our lives. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, as I continue through 2026 strong, help me to do everything in love. Help me to stay humble and give grace. I desire to walk it out and filter through Your word and truth. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts by Julie Wicker

‭‭John‬ ‭6‬:‭48‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — I am the bread of life.

This week we are sharing short bible verses we can easily recall and develop a daily bible reading habit. It is easy for us to remember that Jesus is the bread of life if we already have a Christian faith base. Take time to think about those who don’t know Jesus or don’t believe in Him. A simple loaf of bread viewed by the world represents the broken body of Christ for Christians. If they only knew that Jesus died for everyone and how wonderful it is to have a personal relationship with Christ Jesus. 

Now take time to evaluate what others see when they look at you. Do they see Christ Jesus through you? What bread are you eating from? Are you getting nourished by Jesus or by the manna in this worldly life? In ‭‭John‬, Jesus shows us how our ancestors ate from the manna in the wilderness, yet they died. I encourage you to read the full chapter in John 6:25-71 and have the confidence that all we need to recall is five simple words. We have one life here on earth to live, let’s not waste it on worldly manna. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for dying on the cross for my sins so that I can experience a personal relationship with You here on Earth and a life of eternity in Heaven. I desire to eat from the bread of life so that others see You through me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

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