Month: May 2019

Enjoy Every Moment

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Our hours and days and weeks and months and years are filled with interactions and events…we have little victories and defeats every day.  Every once in a while, a bigger event shows up in our lives.  Most of the time, we always knew it was there and many things we have been doing have been working towards this bigger event…when the bigger moments are happening be sure to soak it all in.  Being thankful, showing gratitude to others and being present in the moment is far more important than worrying about what others are thinking, saying or doing or about the perfect photo and other distractions.  Some moments are only going to happen once in your life be sure to be present when they occur.  May God’s peace be with you. Amen.

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“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:33-34

(This photo was taken this morning as these two ran down the street in our neighborhood while I was writing to you)

Friends

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Often times, not always, these are the people who are more like our brothers and sisters than the ones in our family.  There is trust, honesty, a sharing of experiences, giving as often as receiving and love.  Some friends are only for a period of time in our life and others last the whole way through, even when there are gaps of time.  Like everything else that is good they are a gift from God.  Who are your true friends?  Give thanks to God for those people and say a prayer for them and their life this day.  Amen.

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“My command is this:  Love each other as I have loved you.  Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

John 15:12-13

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

Perspective

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When we talk about the rich and the poor our minds immediately go to someone’s value based on their financial position.  There are more ways to be rich or poor than with money.  People can be rich or poor in intellect or with emotions.  The bible talks about spiritual poverty and spiritual riches.  If we get it stuck in our minds that money is the key item to define poverty and wealth then we are missing out on so much joy and we are setting ourselves up for constant defeat and struggle.  Turn towards the Lord in prayer and read God’s Word regarding wealth and poverty (1 Timothy 6:3-10) and be open to expanding and shaping your perspective of rich and poor.  Amen.

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“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Colossians 3:2

(This photo was taken in March 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)

Whatever You Do…

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During your time at work or at home…with family or friends…on an adventure or relaxing on a beach…or just trying to keep up with a busy schedule…God is watching over you.  Too often we are turning away from Him, going off on our own and then making some sort of mess of things.  To read a similar story, pick up the bible and look at Luke 15:11-32…the story of the prodigal son.  God is just like a father that welcomes us back every time we come home to Him.  Seek the Lord and walk with Him in all that you do.  Amen.

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

Ephesians 2:10

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at one of the covered bridges near Winterset, Iowa)

Freedom Isn’t Free

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It takes humility, sacrifice and a willingness to put the needs of many before one.  Freedom is earned by human beings working together for a common cause…not by shouting and trying to tear others down.  Freedom is earned through courage and a belief in something greater than self.  Jesus Christ is the one who provided the example of sacrifice and the willingness to forgive…we all would do well to read about Him and His example of love.  Time to put down the flaming arrows of hate and to serve one another in love.

Thank you God, for all the people who serve and have served in the military services of this country…thank you for their willingness to put themselves in the line of fire so others can prosper.  I give thanks for them and their families that sacrifice so much in the name of freedom for all of us.  Amen.

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“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Philippians 2:3-4

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at Mount Rushmore National Memorial)

Our Hope Is Found

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In Christ alone.  We are saved by His sacrifice, His mercy and His grace.  Give thanks to God for all that is good.  We can search high and low and all over this world for peace but our source of strength and hope and true peace will be found in Christ Alone.  Look for where God is at work in your life today.  Amen.

In Christ Alone by Brian Littrell

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“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6

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

His Love Endures Forever

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All that is good comes from God.  When darkness creeps in and fear takes hold, God is our strength.  When you don’t know what to do ask God to guide you and your decisions.  When life is going well give thanks to God for His blessings.  Remember the Lord every day and know that with God all things are possible.  Amen.

Forever by Chris Tomlin

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“Give thanks to the Lord, for his is good.  His love endures forever.”

Psalm 136:1

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

Be Strong

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There is nothing greater, nothing stonger, nothing that can separate us from the love of God.  You were created by God the Father, you have been saved by Jesus Christ, His Son our Lord and you are guided by the Holy Spirit.  No matter what the world throws at you today…stand firm in faith.  Amen.

Our God by Chris Tomlin

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“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous, be strong.  Do everything in love.”

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while traveling on Beartooth Pass in Montana)

Trust In The Lord

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Raise your hand if you have ever prayed to God about a problem or a situation and you asked God to help you and then you go and do what you think should happen next only to find you have made it worse…my hand is up.  Trusting God with our words is one thing…living it out in our daily life is another level of spiritual growth.  If we truly want to see God’s work and God’s plan in our life we need to learn how to get out of His way.  I can think of several times when I have been praying about something and have not been patient enough to wait for the Lord.  As I have stated in the past…I tend to be a slow learner.  I am thankful for God’s mercy and grace and know He will be with us no matter how long it takes for us to learn how to trust in Him.  Amen.

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“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”

Psalm 37:7

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while traveling through North Dakota)

Wherever You Go…

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No matter how high you climb, no matter how low you go, no matter how far you have traveled or if you rarely leave your hometown…God is with you.  In every situation, every interaction, for every decision, He is there.  Our job is to seek Him, to ask in prayer and to listen to Him by reading God’s Word and attending worship.  Just because God does not do things the way you want, does not mean He is not there, it means His plan and your expectations are not aligned.  Surrender your desire to control the outcome and see what God has planned for you and your life.  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 Falls Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota)