He Cares For You

10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.

John 10:10 NIV

When situations in life bring us down or when we are struggling and our path is difficult

Our human minds may wonder, ‘does God care what is happening to me?’

God is always with you…when you find yourself with a thought like this, stop and pray

Not some memorized words, rather a real heart felt prayer asking God to help you see your way forward

God does care for you…He sent His Son to die on a cross to save you and to be able to have a relationship with you

Seek Him and His will for you and your life and you will find peace

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“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:7 NIV

(This photo was taken in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)

It’s Simple…

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Luke 6:31 NIV

Treat other people the way you want them to treat you

When you stop and think about it…often times yelling and anger gets you more yelling and anger right back at you…

And kindness with a smile often get a kind response in return

We are responsible for our attitudes and how we treat others

Jesus tells us this simple truth about life in the Bible

Read about what Jesus teaches us and follow the example He has set for us

It’s simple and yet nobody ever said or promised it would be easy…

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“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 7:12 NIV

(This photo was taken in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Peace And Hope

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Colossians 3:15 NIV

Father God, it is easy for us to get distracted and worry about circumstances in our lives

Each day, help us remember that You are always in control

We can have peace because we are trusting in Your protection and plans for us

We know You are near and that You care about our every need

Help us remember we can have hope because You are always working for our good

In Jesus name, Amen

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“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…”

1 Peter 1:3 NIV

(This photo was taken at the High Falls in Tettegouche State Park in noerthern Minnesota)

He Makes All Things New

So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!”

2 Corinthians 5:16-17 NIV

Each day we have the opportunity to live a new way

Let us approach life focusing on God’s plan rather than making new worldly plans of our own

Let us be filled with the Fruit of the Spirit

Let us run the race He has put before us

He makes all things new in a way we could never imagine

All Things New by Steven Curtis Chapman

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You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.”

Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV

(This photo was taken along the North Shore of Lake Superior)

Healed By His Love

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”

1 Peter 2:24 NIV

“Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind.”

1 Peter 2:1 NIV

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For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

Ephesians 3:14-19 NIV

(This photo was taken at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Be Persistent

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

2 Corinthians 4:7-9 NIV

Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. 15 Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.”

2 Timothy 2:14-15 NIV

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Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Galatians 6:9-10 NIV

(This photo was taken at a lake in central Minnesota)

Prayer…Peace

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:4-7 NIV

Prayer is available to us anytime, anywhere

It is not a wishing well, rather it is a foundational element in our personal relationship with Jesus Christ

It is about communication with God about all things good and bad

It is listening, sharing your joys and your worries and most importantly, it is our quiet time with God

Which leads to peace

Peace Be Still by Hope Darst

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“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Colossians 3:12-15 NIV

(This photo was taken in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming)

Wisdom

17 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. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”

James 3:17-18 NIV

When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
    but with humility comes wisdom.”

Proverbs 11:2 NIV

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Do not be wise in your own eyes;
    fear the Lord and shun evil.
This will bring health to your body
    and nourishment to your bones.”

Proverbs 3:7-8 NIV

(This photo was taken in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)

Trust What God Says…

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Isaiah 41:10 NIV

You Say by Lauren Daigle

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“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

Ephesians 2:10 NIV

(This photo was taken at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Come To The Lord

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower;
    the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10 NIV

There is only one place to find the answers we seek and that is with the Lord

He is good, His love endures forever

He wants a relationship with us

Nothing is impossible for Him.

He is greater than any issue or circumstances in our lives…

No matter what it is you are facing come to the Lord

Come, Now Is The Time To Worship by Phillips, Craig and Dean

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“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Hebrews 4:16 NIV

(This photo was taken in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)