Month: December 2018

God’s Presence Is All Around Us

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One of the most difficult things for us to accomplish is change.  A change that will last, is sustainable and makes a difference in us and how we interact with others.  One of the greatest changes in human history occurred when Jesus Christ changed Saul into Paul, His disciple.  We read about this is the Book of Acts, chapter 9.  What Jesus did to create and sustain this change was to illuminate His Presence to Saul.  To show His Presence and then to give instructions to Saul as to what he must do.  God is present in creation and in each of our lives everyday…we just need to do a better job of looking for Him.  His Presence exists in nature, the change of the seasons and in the Fruits of the Spirit that we give and receive in our interactions with others.  God is with you, He loves you and His Presence is what gives you strength.  Thanks be to God.  Amen.

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“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Begin With Jesus

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How can we start or restart focusing on our Faith journey.  We can grow up going to church or not, we can be someone who attended Sunday school or catechism classes or not.  We can be someone who has very little exposure or experience to organized religious practices…none of this matters when it comes to your Faith.  Faith is bigger than religion…religious practices, worship services and activities at church are things we do as a part of our Faith journey.  They can contribute to our learning and our spiritual growth along the way.  Our Faith journey is more, it is everything, everyday and every interaction with others…and it begins with Jesus Christ and your relationship with Him.  No matter what is happening, where you are or how you feel, turn to the One that God sends to save you, to strengthen you and hold you up…begin again with Jesus.  Amen.

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“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word.  After he provided purification of sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty of heaven.”

Hebrews 1:3

(This photo was taken in October of 2014 on the north shore of Maui, Hawaii)

The Gift Of The Holy Spirit

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If we are willing to the surrender our self-serving desires and seek out God’s will for us and our lives we should begin by turning towards Jesus in prayer and open ourselves up to Him.  When we do that we will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  This is our guide, this is that small voice telling us the right thing to do, especially when the right thing goes against the way of the world.  Listening and then doing what God has intended for us will not be the easy route in many situations.  Over time it can become more natural, it is at the beginning when change will be the most difficult…be persistent, be patient and trust the Lord.  He is right there with you, every step of the way, every single day.  Trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit, it is a gift from God that we may receive this spirit.  Amen.

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“For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

2 Timothy 1:7

(This photo was taken in October of 2014 on the north shore of the island of Maui, Hawaii)

Serving Others

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We have been saved by the grace of God our Father and the sacrifice of His One and Only Son…Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.  We have been blessed so that we can be a blessing to others.  As you reflect on your life or this past year…how has God blessed you?  What are you thankful for?  What gift, talent or skill has God given to you and how can you use that gift to help and serve others?  Seek the blessings you have been given, give thanks and pursue the ways you can be a blessing to others.  Amen.

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“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.”

1 Peter 4:10

(This photo was taken in October of 2014 at sunrise on the island of Maui, Hawaii)

To Be Different

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As we move along on our faith journey we notice that the ways of the world that focus on money, time and other self oriented goals are not what we are learning from the Word of God or the example that Jesus has given us.  Spiritual growth means change, change to do better, change in perspective and change in attitude.  Many of my readings in the last week or so have been focused around this one verse.  “He must become greater; I must become less.” – John 3:30  These are words spoken by John the Baptist, who’s primary purpose was to point toward the One who was coming…Jesus.  This Christmas prepare the way for the coming of our Savior into your heart and life.  Amen.

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“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

Romans 12:2

(This photo was taken in June of 2015 while traveling near Henry, South Dakota)

Faith

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Commitment…belief…trust…relationship…communication…courage…strength…mercy…grace…worship…praise…thankfulness…love.  It is a powerful thing.  Give thanks to God for all He has done for you and trust in Him to carry you through, wherever you are, no matter what struggle you are facing.  Believe in Jesus Christ and the power of Faith.  Amen.

Here is some music about Faith…

What Faith Can Do – by Kutless

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“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Hebrews 11:1

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

Comfort And Peace

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It is astonishing to discover the comfort and peace that God can provide with His presence when we surrender control and strive to not only listen to the Word of God but actually do what it says.  The process of surrender takes time and I have only sensed this amazing comfort and peace on few occasions because…well old habits die hard.  The self is stubborn.  One occasion most recently was when my Dad went home to the Lord, unexpectedly.  I clung more tightly to the words in my bible and prayed more passionately…and as promised, God carried me through and is still carrying me and my family onward.  The hardest part is trying to avoid slipping back into old habits or old ways of thinking, especially after sensing such a closeness with the Lord.  The comfort and peace we seek and that God offers every single person is available to us today and everyday…if we are willing to put aside our selfish ways and desires and put our hope in God.  Amen.

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“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.  The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”

Psalm 145:8-9

(This photo was taken in September of 2016 at a lake in central Minnesota)

Joy And Love

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Here we are back to discuss some more Fruits of the Spirit.  Our relationship with Jesus Christ can help us get a better understanding of how these fruits show up in our lives.  Let’s look at joy for a moment.  The world’s definition of joy includes words like ‘good fortune’ or ‘possessing what one desires’…that sounds more like the emotion of happiness and satisfying the self.  For me joy is more than a feeling, it is about comfort knowing that God is in control.  It is about knowing God works for the good of all in every situation.  Joy is as much about learning and growing in faith and sharing what we have learned with others.  And love…show love to others in the same way God shows love to you.  It is simple and yet it is not always easy.  God never said life would be easy.  I pray we seek to bear good fruit in the world according to God’s will.  Amen.

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“I am the vine; you are the branches.  If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.  My command is this:  Love each other as I have loved you.”

John 15:11-12

(This photo was taken in February of 2013 in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Let Your Light Shine

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When we believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and our Savior and Lord we receive the Holy Spirit.  It is implanted in us to guide us, strengthen us and to build us up.  We must feed our spiritual lives by attending worship, reading God’s Word and by praying.  As we go on this journey we may notice a stronger sense of peace and calm and joy present more often than it used to be within us…we may notice a desire to good things more often and we may find we have greater compassion for others than maybe we did before.  We should seek to follow a desire to do good things as often as we can and to give credit to God for who we are and what we have done.  I pray we seek to shine the Light of Christ that is planted within us to others by our actions and our behaviors.  Amen.

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“You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)

Find Rest For Your Soul

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The pace of life in society tends to be frenetic and hurried.  Rushing to get here and there taking little time to stop…and live in the present moment.  There is time to rest, to be more balanced and to set down our technology devices and have an in person conversation with a friend or family member.  To talk and to listen…all we have to do is make the decision to do it.  The world and other people are not going to do it for you…there is one person I know who actually invites us to come to Him and find rest.  He is even willing to take on our burdens and to give us peace and comfort.  Take your worries, your fears and all those things weighing down on you and bring them to the Cross of Christ and you will find rest for your soul.  Amen.

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“Come to me, all 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 September of 2016 on a lake in central Minnesota)