In this particular picture the sun was setting. It was such a beautiful evening as we drove over the Bridge. In a 24 hour period the sun rises and the sun sets. Each day we see this repeated again and again. On this Mindset Monday, are you living on repeat? Are you just going through the motions to check another day off the calendar. Our days can become so monotonous if we allow them too. The good news, God has called us for so much more. In Isaiah 60:1 we read; ““Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.” We are God’s remnant and He has so many glorious plans for each of us. I encourage us all to get off repeat mode so that we can arise and shine through our Monday!

Listen to this song, “Arise & Shine”. We are the remnant that will not be shaken but rather, standing firm; https://youtu.be/H7_34K-2EzI

Today is Spiritual Sunday, a day to get rejuvenated in God’s word. Some of us may need healing today. Maybe it’s past wounds, sickness, addiction, or from the lies we tell ourselves. We are blessed to be able to be in God’s presence today and receive His healing touch. Unfortunately there are many that don’t know or don’t believe that Jesus came to save them, to heal them, to love them. May we all get so filled today that our shadow this week will draw others to know Him as their personal savior so that they too will feel God’s love and experience His healing touch.

Take a moment to read the message version of today’s verse; “Through the work of the apostles, many God-signs were set up among the people, many wonderful things done. They all met regularly and in remarkable harmony on the Temple porch named after Solomon. But even though people admired them a lot, outsiders were wary about joining them. On the other hand, those who put their trust in the Master were added right and left, men and women both. They even carried the sick out into the streets and laid them on stretchers and bedrolls, hoping they would be touched by Peter’s shadow when he walked by. They came from the villages surrounding Jerusalem, throngs of them, bringing the sick and bedeviled. And they all were healed.” Acts‬ ‭5:12-16‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Who else finds themselves running on empty this morning? Who needs to refill and be renewed? Isaiah 40:31 is my life verse but sometimes I have to be reminded to turn to God instead of relying on my own strength. Praise God for Godwinks and reminders like this empty tank. Let’s Finish this Friday by refueling and refilling with Scripture and devotion. Then face the day with a full tank and shine for Him!

Today is the last day of the 2020-2021 school year in Georgetown County! Hallelujah and praise the Lord! We made it through the most difficult school year most of us have ever seen. Recently I have been enjoying delicious vegetables but those veggies were grown as a result of hard work and labor. Likewise, it was a hard year but hopefully we all learned and grew from it. One day we will enjoy the fruit of our labor. Today I am thankful for opportunities to grow, even when it’s hard. Take some time today to ponder ways God has helped you grow over the last year. Have you already begun to see the fruit of your labor or will it take more time? Today reflect on the blessings that come from hard work and thank God.

Julie and I talk each week about stepping out and walking on water. Take a moment and read all of the story of Jesus walking on water and pay special attention to verse 30.

https://www.bible.com/111/mat.14.22-33.niv

Yesterday when I was recalling the journey of our Water walkers blog I realized that I teeter back and forth from walking on water to doubting and sinking. I sometimes muster enough courage to step out of my boat when Jesus calls me to “come” but then I might lose focus, begin to rely on my own strength, and start to worry about my own abilities. What about you? Have you stepped out of your boat to walk on water and today find yourself doubting and sinking? On this water walking Wednesday I encourage you to do as Peter did and call out to your Savior, “Lord save me!” Allow Jesus to reach out his hand. Have faith that He will catch you and give yourself grace. Spend some time refocusing, pull up your bootstraps, and step out again. Our faith journey is all about ups and downs, learning and growing, and most importantly not giving up. Take some time to worship as you listen to this song, “The Goodness of God” and may God renew your water walking spirit!

I am sure you are wondering what kind of picture I am sharing today. I took this picture while going through a car wash. I have to say, it was a somewhat scary and unnerving experience. You may be familiar with this type of car wash where you drive your car in and put it in neutral, take your foot off the brake and let the system do it’s work. Your car is slowly pulled through as lights flash and soapy suds cover your car. Before you know it your car is back outside and sparkling clean. The unnerving part for me was releasing control of my car by taking my foot off the brake and allowing the track of the car wash to pull my car through. However, if I had continued to push the brake my car would have remained in the same place and filthy dirty. Yes, I experienced a few moments of uncertainty and anxiousness, but by my letting go of control the result was a clean car.

What about you? What area of your life is God nudging you to relinquish control? Has God asked you to take your foot off of the brake? This transformation tip Tuesday I encourage you to let go and allow God to guide you through the track of life. The result may be a clean, pure heart. As you examine your heart take a moment to read the message version of Psalm 51.

https://www.bible.com/97/psa.51.1-19.msg

Mindset Monday is an opportunity for you and I to begin our week with a bang. This picture of the clouds is both sunny and cloudy. At first glance I am unsure whether the next moments will bring more sun or a storm. Hebrews 11:1 is one of my favorite verses because it reminds me that we may not know what this week holds but we know the One who holds us. Verse 2 reminds us to look to the examples in faith modeled by our spiritual ancestors. Remember that what you and I do today is an example for those watching. We show what being a Christian is in the ways we exercise faith, the way we act/react to obstacles, and the way that we face our unknown future. How are you handling what you cannot see? Does your “act of faith” distinguish and set you “above the crowd”?

“The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It’s our handle on what we can’t see. The act of faith is what distinguished our ancestors, set them above the crowd.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11:1-2‬ ‭MSG‬‬

As you begin this week and face the unknown obstacles I encourage you to;

“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Colossians‬ ‭3:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬