Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Psalms 51:10 NIV — Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

I do not like being cold. Therefore, winter is not my favorite season. Although it is rare in South Carolina, in some areas, winter brings snow and ice. When I think of winter I think of dark and dismal times. Often I gripe and complain about the weather in winter. Even though I do not enjoy winter, I realize it is a necessary season. Take a moment to click here and read this student-friendly article entitled “Why Do We Need Winter?”

The article states that many plants benefit from winter because of the opportunity to be dormant and store up energy for new growth. Take a moment to reflect. Have you ever experienced a winter in the journey of your spiritual life? Has there ever been a season of dormancy for you? Did that dormant season result in new growth? I think our growth after a dormant season is dependent on our attitude and response to our personal winters. What will be your response to the next winter you experience? 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for winter. Create in me a new heart so that I may respond with openness to growth during my personal winters. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

James 1:17 NIV — Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 

Yesterday was the first day of fall 2026. Is fall your favorite season? What comes to mind when you think of fall? In South Carolina fall means having slightly cooler temperatures, leaves beginning to turn colors, and the appearance of yellow butterflies. Click here to read an article about what a yellow butterfly symbolizes in various cultures.

While I love the weather change – the vibrant colors of the changing leaves, and the sighting of yellow butterflies fluttering around – all of those signal for me a flash of sadness. Fall reminds me of the end of my favorite season of summer. Fall also symbolizes a time years ago when my family suffered the loss of the matriarch of our family, my grandmother, who we called Mother. Exactly a week from her funeral, my Uncle Buddy passed away. Both Mother and Uncle Buddy had been living with my family so their deaths greatly impacted each of us. For years, fall brought on a time of sadness for me. However, as I mentioned, now the sadness is just for a flash. Now, as fall approaches, I use the flash of sadness to be a catalyst for a time of thanksgiving. Fall reminds me of the blessings of having Mother and Uncle Buddy in my life and for that I am most thankful. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for fall. As summer leaves and fall begins, I am reminded of all You have blessed me with and I am so thankful. When I see a yellow butterfly, may I be reminded to be an instrument of praise and thanksgiving. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Isaiah 40:31 NIV — but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Do you have a favorite season? I have aspects of each season that I like, but summer is my favorite season. As a child, summer signified a time out of school, a less structured routine, and time to play with friends. As an adult, the same is still partially true. Over the years, my time for summer break has decreased, but I still have a little time to play with friends. I enjoy spending time sitting on the beach or by a pool relaxing and catching up with friends. 

As I reflect on the many reasons I love summer, I realize summer signifies time for me to pause and be still. The warm sun on my skin seems to recharge my batteries and rejuvenate my spirit. Summer is a time apart from the usual hustle and bustle of life. As I type, I realize I need to take time throughout the year to have a “summertime” to be refreshed and renewed. In fact, I will begin viewing my daily time with God as a mini summer break. 

What can you do today to be rejuvenated? How can you be renewed and refreshed? Carve away a time to have your very own mini summer break with God.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for summer. As I spend time with You today, renew and refresh my spirit so I may be an effective vessel of Your love to others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Prepare for our week on seasons by reading the featured scripture for each day.

Isaiah 40:31 NIV — but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

James 1:17 NIV — Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 

Psalm 51:10 NIV — Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 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. 

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

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV — There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.

Several weeks ago Julie shared thoughts about seasons. This week we will ponder various aspects of change and different seasons in our lives. Let’s start today by recognizing the season you are in now. What brought you to this season and how are you handling it? Is this a difficult season? If so, how are you responding? Listen to Seasons by Hillsong Worship as you prepare for the week ahead.

As you participate in corporate worship today, draw close to God. Allow Him to bring to mind the blessings in today’s season. Allow His love, peace, and joy to rejuvenate and renew you. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for today and for the blessings of today. Open my eyes to my current season and help me to respond after the example of Jesus. In His name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

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.

Yesterday we talked about humble confidence which ties in with my word of the year, Fruit of the Spirit. It also makes me think about today’s key verse which I consider my life verse. 

Good works go a long way in our relationships with God, family, friends, and our community. On this Surrender Saturday, reflect on this past week. How have you put living for today into practice? What good works do you see through yourself and in your relationships?

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the blessings of today. May others see You through my good works. I surrender this day to You. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker 

‭‭Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭40‬ ‭ESV‬‬ — “You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”

This scripture verse should be an encouragement to live for today and hope for tomorrow. In referencing this scripture on The Bible Recap, Tara-Leigh Cobble used the terms “humble confidence” and “humble hopefulness.” This really speaks to me on this Fruit Friday. Last year my word of the year, Humble. This year my word of the year, Fruit of the Spirit. We can gain Godly fruit through humbleness. 

What are you doing to intentionally fulfill your purpose of making disciples? We need to stay ready with humble confidence, leading others with humble hopefulness. Although we may not see the promises fulfilled in this lifetime, we have God’s word that there is something better for us in ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭39‬-‭40‬ ‭ESV‬‬ — And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the hope of Your promises yet to be fulfilled. Thank You for Your word to give us humble confidence as we make disciples and lead others toward You. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion