Month: October 2018

Fellowship

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Friendship…companionship…togetherness…mutual support…shared interests.  A coming together and spending time together, that is what I think of when I think about fellowship.  It is encouraging to come together and be able to openly discuss issues and topics while setting aside judgement and comparisons.  In order for fellowship to be effective there is an element of forgiveness that must be present, because we are human, we will make mistakes and we will need to ask for forgiveness.  The other key element that is necessary for fellowship to work is time.  We need to devote time to fellowship and friendship.  This is also true for our relationship with God.  He has forgiven us of our sins and He is wanting us to spend time with Him.  Reflect on your life and the people in it…with whom do you need to devote more time and where is a lack of forgiveness present?  I pray that we turn towards God and ask Him to help us to see where fellowship is needed in our lives.  Amen.

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“For where two or three come together in my name, there I am with them.”

Matthew 18:20

(This photo was taken in July of 2014 by one of my best friends at a lake place in central Minnesota)

Seek God’s Will

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We all have been given a conscience and we all have the ability to choose how we will respond to events and activity in our lives and the world.  Every day, every interaction with others is an opportunity to choose the way you will go.  We can’t get caught up in ‘the problems are too big’ or ‘they won’t listen to me’ or ‘I don’t have anything to offer others’…these are the words of darkness and evil trying to keep you from God’s will.  It may be only one moment in a day, one brief interaction or act of kindness but if you can do something to help or serve just one other person today, you have made a difference the world.  The world is broken and the problems, the suffering and the pursuit of selfishness and evil has people angry and fearful, for the human race overcoming all this alone is impossible but nothing is impossible for God.  I pray that we all will seek Him and His will for our lives.  Amen.

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“He has showed you, O mortal, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Micah 6:8

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 at the north entrance to Yellowstone National Park)

To Be Different

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Around this time last year a new album came out and a new song by Micah Tyler…the title of the song is “Different.”  This song has resonated with me ever since the first time I heard it.  It is the truth about living a life of Faith and having Jesus Christ at the center of everything you do.  I am continuously amazed at how God uses the gift of music to communicate with us and I am so grateful for others willing to use their gifts to share Christ through writing and performing music.  Below are the lyrics and a link to a video…I pray that we are all able to see how we can be different for Christ. Amen.

Different – by Micah Tyler

I don’t wanna hear anymore, teach me to listen
I don’t wanna see anymore, give me a vision
That you could move this heart, to be set apart
I don’t need to recognize, the man in the mirror
And I don’t wanna trade Your plan, for something familiar
I can’t waste a day, I can’t stay the same

I wanna be different
I wanna be changed
‘Til all of me is gone
And all that remains
Is a fire so bright
The whole world can see
That there’s something different
So come and be different
In me

And I dont wanna spend my life, stuck in a pattern
And I don’t wanna gain this world but lose what matters
And so I’m giving up, everything because

I wanna be different
I wanna be changed
‘Til all of me is gone
And all that remains
Is a fire so bright
The whole world can see
That there’s something different
So come and be different; oh-oh

I know, that I am far, from perfect
But through You, the cross still says, I’m worth it
So take this beating in my heart and
Come and finish what You started
When they see me, let them see You
‘Cause I just wanna be different, ye-ey

I wanna be different
I wanna be changed
‘Til all of me is gone
And all that remains
Oh is a fire so bright
The whole world can see
That there’s something different
So come and be different
I just wanna be different
So could You be different
In me

Songwriters: Micah Tyler Begnaud / Kyle Lee

Different lyrics © Music Services, Inc

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“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10
(This photo was taken in March of 2018 near Carlsbad Caverns in southern New Mexico)

Humility

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Where is the focus of our life?  What is the center of our existence?  When others say kind things about us or something we have done, while this is encouraging, do we remember the One who made it possible for us?  We all are so easily distracted and this can be how we are led away from God and His plan for us.  The Book of Proverbs is filled with great reminders and statements about holy living.  These were spoken by Solomon who had been blessed with incredible wisdom from God…even He succumbed to distractions in his life on earth.  Nobody is immune and that is why daily interaction and communication with Jesus Christ is essential to finding humility and staying humble.  May God’s mercy and grace wash over us each day.  Amen

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

Proverbs 11:2

(This photo was taken in June of 2016 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Be Transformed

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If we want to see a change in our lives and the world we must begin by being changed in our minds, in our hearts and in our soul.  A desire to see change is one thing and probably a good first step…but then what?  To be renewed, to be transformed and to truly have it be a new way of living and seeing means working on ourselves with God as our guide.  Repent, believe and pray.  We need to begin with repentance, admit our wrongs and our brokenness to God and ask God to give us the courage and wisdom to do better.  Next we must believe in the power of God, pick up the Bible and read Scripture…believe in Jesus Christ the Son of God and our Savior who came down from heaven to save us, was crucified, died and was buried and that He has risen.  Then we need to pray…in the morning, during the day and at night.  Pray for our new behaviors, pray for our family and friends, pray that more people will turn towards God rather than away from Him.  These are the things that will truly change your life…not according to the world’s standards but according to God.  May we all be blessed with the courage and wisdom to be transformed into what God created us to be.  Amen.

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“For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.”

1 Corinthians 1:25

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior in Ashland, Wisconsin)

Wherever You Go

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Our Lord and our Savior is always with us.  When we are with family and friends or when we are alone…when we are busy at work or focused on a certain task and when we are sitting peacefully…when we are driving or riding in a car or out for a walk…no matter what time, what place, what activity…our God has assured us He is with us.  I am reminded this morning what an amazing and awesome promise this is and how frequently we don’t trust it or believe it or just don’t think about it in our daily lives.  Take a moment and think about what is your plan for the day or where are you needed today, no matter what it is, whoever you are with or wherever you go…God will be with you…look for Him, look for where He shows up today.  You will see, if you trust and believe.  I pray that God will open the eyes of our hearts in all we do.  Amen.

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“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 June of 2013 at Garden of the Gods park in Colorado Springs)

Listening

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A skill we all need to use more often and a way of communicating that could get us much closer to peace in our life.  If we were better at listening there would be less divorce and broken families…if we were better at listening there would be less violence and crime as hate and anger would not be stirred up so quickly.  Listening involves taking time to understand what the other person is saying, it involves empathy.  It means not being so quick to respond with your own will and desires as first priority…it takes humility to really listen…it takes a willingness to admit we don’t have all the answers.  Think about recent interactions in your life…when are you hearing and when are you listening?  I know I can do better.  Lastly, communicating with God takes more than just talking, if we are doing all the talking in prayer when do we take the time to listen to Him?  May we all be blessed with courage and humility to listen better.  Amen.

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“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”

Psalm 25:4-5

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 along Beartooth Pass in Montana)

Redeemer

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To save…to get back…to retrieve…to regain…recover…reclaim.  We belong to Jesus.  We are God’s people, He loves us.  He is constantly seeking a connection with us.  When we are lost He shines a light on the way out.  Even though we are sinners and broken He sent His One and Only Son to save us and bring us back.  It is up to each of us to turn towards Jesus instead of turning away and come back to Him who loved us first.  May we be blessed with wisdom and courage this day.  Amen.

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“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

John 3:17

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)

Light Of The World

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When we do not know where to turn…when darkness keeps us from moving forward…when it feels like the world is closing in on us…it is the Light of Christ that can lead us out of darkness.  We will encounter difficulty, troubles and frustrations in this life, everyone does…every single person is working through something.  In several places in the Bible we are told about The Light of Christ.  He is the Light of the World and He can shine best through you and me.  So when you need a little Light turn towards Jesus and pray or pick up a Bible and read God’s Word…the only way Light can be helpful is when it is shining bright…shine on!  May the grace and mercy of God’s love be with you.  Amen.

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“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12

(This photo was taken in May of 2014 at a lake in central Minnesota)

The Narrow Road

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As we move along the journey of Faith and grow in our relationship with Jesus we will begin to see differences in what people are pursuing (ourselves included) and what we read and learn about in the Bible.  When we read things like…“All people will hate you because of me, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” – Matthew 10:22  or  “Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” – Matthew 5:10  And there are many other verses in the Bible that make us squirm in our seats…as people living in this world, when we read these things it makes some of us want to ask “really? persecuted? hated? and then forgiveness, kindness and compassion?”

It is at that moment that we should stop and think for minute…close our eyes and see the Cross, see Jesus Christ hanging there…He was beaten, hated, persecuted and crucified and He went through all that and offered a prayer of forgiveness just before He died…He did all of this for me and for you.  A life living in Faith is not a promise of easy street and all happiness all the time…in fact it is the life you will often find that needs to take the road less traveled and know in confidence that there is One who showed us how to travel that road.  May we all find refuge and comfort with Christ. Amen

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“Enter through the narrow gate.  For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.  But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Matthew 7:13-14

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 in Badlands National Park in South Dakota)