‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”

Do you consider yourself a trailblazer for Christ Jesus? When I hear that term, I think of tracking through the mountains. In Matthew 3:3, John the Baptist was a trailblazer. He was preparing the way for Jesus. We have talked a lot about words, verses, and mantras for the year. Have you selected a word, verse, or mantra for 2025? Whether you have selected one or not, I want us to meditate on 1 John 2:6 NIV — Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.

Jesus was the ultimate trailblazer. His life models who we should be today. When selecting a word, verse, or mantra, it should help us to grow in our faith and to live as Jesus did. As we celebrate Independence week, think about all Jesus accomplished during His Earthly ministry. Take a moment to celebrate all the trailblazers that have gone on before us so that we can have independence. 

The mantra I leave with you today is, “Be the Change.” Now let’s go trailblaze for Christ Jesus.

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ – l am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

John Locke first said individuals have certain fundamental rights, such as life, liberty and property. It was Thomas Jefferson who changed it to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness when writing the Declaration of Independence.

There is a book and movie called: The Pursuit of Happiness. Both are based on the true story of Chris Gardner’s life. He was a homeless father who became a successful Wall Street Broker. In reading today’s verse our pursuit to happiness should be found in contentment. We already know that if we look at our circumstances for happiness our joy won’t always be sustained. We can honor God with contentment. On this 4th of July week, I encourage us to pursue happiness through contentment as we celebrate our freedom to worship. 

Let’s pray. Dear God, thank You for Thomas Jefferson and our Declaration of Independence. Thank You for my Independence to worship You. Thank You for showing me contentment in all my circumstances. In Jesus’ Name I pray, Amen.

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

Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭NIV‬‬ – l am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through Him who gives me strength.

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’”

‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬ ‭NIV‬‬ — a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace.

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭17‬ ‭NIV‬‬ —For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.

Join us this week as we share our independence. The best kind of freedom, Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) by Chris Tomlin. 

One of my Dad’s favorites, God Bless The U.S.A. by Lee Greenwood.

As we go about our day, let’s rejoice because this is the day the Lord has made. We have the freedom to ring bells and play music for God everyday.

1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV — So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 

Join us on our YouTube channel as we finish up the week with Deborah sharing on mid-year review. It has been a time of both reflection and refocus.

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.

As we end our week of reflecting and refocusing, spend a few moments reading 20 of the Funniest Tweets About New Year’s Resolutions. Enjoy a good laugh and then apply the lessons we have learned together this week. 

Let’s pray. Dear Father, Thank You for doing new things and making a way. As I embark on the remainder of 2025 with Your guidance and help, may I make You proud of the steps I take. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

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1 Corinthians 10:31 NIV — So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 

Today, let’s spend some time thinking and setting goals so we will have God-driven, positive results at the end of 2025. Take a moment now to read this article Ten Steps To Setting God-Ordained Goals which is an excerpt from The Circle Maker by Mark Batterson.

I encourage you to spend time today in prayer and planning. If you don’t have the time to commit to it today, then plan a time for goal setting soon. Take some time alone to sit with God and set goals for the remainder of the year. Keep in mind Proverbs 16:3 — Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans.

Let’s pray. Dear God, I commit to You the remainder of 2025. Lay upon my heart Your goals for me and I will give You all the glory for the results we accomplish together. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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