Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

I recently listened to the podcast, episode 52 by Jess Connolly called “Is Ambition a Dirty Word?” In Philippians Paul writes about a healthy ambition, full of humility. We also know that there is an unhealthy ambition that James writes about in‭‭ James ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

In your time of prayer and devotion, take some time to reflect and ask God if you have any selfish ambition. In the song Single Mind by Jeremy Riddle, he sings how we should long to please God because He should be our heart’s desire. With that in mind, let’s be ambitious for God today.

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for the teachings from Paul and James. I come to You with a humble heart today. Guide me in removing any selfish ambition. I long to please You, Lord. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

@jeremymriddle

@jessaconnolly 

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV — For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.‬

I recently dedicated a space in my closet to retreat and pray. It is still a work in progress, just like I am. How can we love others well? Spending time in prayer and devotion to God. The second most important commandment is to love our neighbors as ourselves. Before we can be a light for others, we must first ignite our fire within. In the song Temple by Jeremy Riddle, he sings that we should have a desire to fill our temple and have a burning desire for God’s Glory.

Will you choose to be a light for God today? Will you choose to love yourself so that you can love others well? Will you love your neighbor as yourself? We can show others we love them by praying for them. Do you currently have a space that you can retreat to for devotion time and prayer? If not, I encourage you to create a space.  

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for commanding us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Give me the burning desire to be a light for You. May I bring You glory, honor, and praise as I shine Your light. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen. 

@biblegateway @youversion

@jeremymriddle 

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

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

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭15‬ ‭NIV — For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.‬

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — Then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.

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

‭‭Galatians‬ ‭5‬:‭22‬-‭23‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

‭‭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

Today’s thoughts are by Julie Wicker

Today I encourage you to worship with CCV Music. As well as Jeremy Riddle, live in the prayer room.

Temple by Jeremy Riddle

Single Mind by Jeremy Riddle

Bloom by CCV Music

Psalm 63 by Jeremy Riddle

@jeremymriddle 

@ccvmusic 

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

Mark 5:25-34 NIV

Let’s finish this week by watching some videos from the Godwink Youtube channel. I have linked a few stories but you can spend as much or as little time learning more about Godwinks. 

Delightful Godwink Fluke

Godwinks and the Bible-Nicole and Jess

Godwinks on a Boy with a Dream

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes, ears, heart, and mind to notice and receive the winks You show me today. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion

Today’s thoughts are by Deborah Ard.

John 4:48 NIV — Unless you people see signs and wonders, Jesus told him, you will never believe.

Do you believe God still sends us signs and wonders? I believe Godwinks are one way God sends us signs and wonders in today’s world. Below are two more signs God once sent. 

Godwink #1

Julie and I recorded a video one morning and talked about music being a source of strength. Later that day, a meme on my Facebook memories said “Music is the strongest form of magic.” WOW!

Godwink #2

The weather was predicted to be bad in our area as there was a tropical system off the coast. In my human nature I began to worry some about the impending effects we may feel. My daughter arrived at home and called to tell me to hurry outside. A rainbow had appeared in the sky and appeared to be perfectly placed above my house. God reminded me not to worry. 

Have you been open to Godwinks this week? Where have you seen God? What messages has He sent you? Are you looking, listening, and open to receiving? Are you thankful for the Godwinks sent your way?

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes, ears, heart, and mind to notice and receive the winks You show me today. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

@biblegateway @youversion