“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 at Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota)
“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. As the Scripture says, ‘Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame’.”
Romans 10:10-11
(This photo was taken in August of 2012 while hiking near the North Shore of Lake Superior)
The following is a wonderful verse for everyday life…
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
We will often have questions and not understand the reason that things happen. We must remember that the world is being ravaged by sin and people choosing to pursue sin and ignore God. There are just as many events that show the light of God in the world everyday…unfortunately, people choose to ignore those stories and seem to enjoy spending all their time sharing and talking about events of darkness and evil.
We are to Trust…trust that God is still on the throne of glory and because of free will we can choose to seek him and events that reflect His will.
May we seek to see the work of God today!
(This photo was taken in April of 2016 at sunrise on a lake in central Minnesota)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
Romans 8:28-31
(This photo was taken in June of 2016 at a lake near Minneapolis, Minnesota)
So I have aged another year and as I reflect I think about my physical age and my faith journey…I am still a child in spiritual growth but so grateful for the opportunity to grow by reading God’s Word, praying and fellowship and I am thankful for the Holy Spirit’s presence!
On this day I thank you and praise you God for all you have blessed me with in life and I pray for my interactions with others that they can see you presence in my life and my actions.
“Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
1 Peter 3:8-9
(This photo was taken in October of 2014 at Kaanapali beach on Maui)
The words of Jesus in the Gospel according to Matthew…
“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28-29
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14
It is so easy for us to get distracted by events and the words of this world that make us feel terrible. That is about the time we let our self-talk, you know, the talk in our minds about how alone we are, how nobody really understands…been there, done that myself, too often!
The thing is Jesus does know, he came down from heaven and lived as a man on earth. He lived an everyday life, not just a miracle making life. He interacted with people, he got frustrated with others, he felt grief and sorrow, he went to weddings and funerals, he was treated poorly by many and treated with love and respect by others.
He lived a life on earth just like you and me…no matter where you are, how you are feeling, trust in Jesus, talk to him about it today…
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.
Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Hebrews 4:14-16
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while driving through Nebraska)
Solomon the son of David became king of Israel and when God came to him and told him to ask whatever he wishes and it will be given to you…Solomon made a choice very few people would…
“Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
2 Chronicles 1:10
God blessed him with significant wisdom and knowledge, more than any other person had ever been given. The Book of Proverbs is a collection of many nuggets of wisdom spoken by Solomon and therefore it has many great instructions for life…and again most of these items are simple statements of truth that are not always easy to live out.
If you have had difficulty wondering where to start in looking at or reading the Bible, try starting in Proverbs it has so many great lessons to remember for everyday life.
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise.”
Proverbs 19:20
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 near Arches National Park in Utah)
Don’t get misled by the ways and words of the world, develop a prayer habit and share what troubles you with Jesus…
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)
As is it with anything in life the answers are within the Bible, take a few moments to look at the Book of Hebrews, chapter 11. It begins…
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
As it continues it provides several examples of faith represented in the lives of biblical heroes, who despite their circumstances, persevered in faith to trust God even when everyone around them told them differently.
The statement above is simple, living it out is not easy…we need daily interaction and a growing relationship with the Lord in order to stay on course.
Faith is not an event or a destination it is most definitely a journey! May God’s peace be with you today as you take a few more steps along the way.
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while driving near Pike’s Peak in Colorado)
Take Your Faith With You 