“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9
(This photo was taken in June of 2018 near the border of Minnesota and South Dakota)
Every day we have choices to make about how we live…what we think, what we say and what we do. These thoughts, words and actions are based on what we value. Whether it is conscious or an unconscious decision we are choosing to serve either our sinful nature or the life of the Spirit. Stay close to your relationship with Jesus Christ…by prayer and reading God’s Word…we will be renewed with hope, courage and faith to live by the Spirit. Amen.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)
Believe in the power of God…He is our Creator…He is our Savior…He will guide us with the Holy Spirit. God can and will rescue you. Don’t give up hope…don’t keep doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Believe in God’s saving grace, believe in God’s love for you. Trust in the Lord and He will rescue you. Amen.
“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
I will be with him in trouble,
I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
and show him my salvation.”
Psalm 91:14-16
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 along Beartooth Pass near the Montana and Wyoming border)
What a friend we have in Jesus. He has done more for us than anyone ever could…He reconciled us to God. Here is a hand clapping, foot stomping song of praise and thanksgiving for our Friend, Jesus. Amen.
“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:6-8
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 while in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)
He is right there with you…no matter where you are…no matter what is happening…no matter what you are feeling…no matter what you are going through…God is with you…no matter what. Turn towards Him and pray…the Lord is near…trust in the Lord. Amen.
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7
(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
Perseverance…determination…patience…endurance…dedication…commitment. Stay the course…don’t give up. This is what it takes to find what you are looking for…no matter what it is. Reflect on what you have been “thinking about doing,” what have you been “wishing were different” in your life…is it related to your finances? Is it related to your weight? Is it related to a relationship? Your faith? Something else? Begin again and this time bring it to the Lord first, seek His wisdom and be persistent. Amen.
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 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 6:7-10
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)
When we have wandered off…messed things up…did things our own way and are feeling scattered and confused…the first step to reconnecting with God is to pray. When things are going well and we have a sense of courage and confidence…the first step of gratitude is a prayer of thanks to God. If we strive to make prayer a priority, we can move from reacting in prayer to proactively praying about each day and the events and issues we are facing every day. The more we pray the more our relationship with God will grow and the better equipped we will be for the journey. Amen.
“May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart
be pleasing in your sight,
Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14
(This photo was taken in October of 2014 on the north shore of Maui, Hawaii)
He lived a life on earth…He was born as a baby…He was a toddler…He was a teenager, we don’t get to read about that time in the bible but He had to live it to get to the age of 33…He experienced hardship, pain, bad things that other people did to Him, He experienced unfair judgement by people that didn’t know Him, He was bullied…He experienced temptations of the devil and He suffered punishment as an innocent man. Jesus knows about everything and anything you are facing in this life, not only because He is the Son of God but because He experienced life on earth with other people…just like you and me. Jesus knows and He wants to walk with you on your journey…there truly is no better guide for us in life than Jesus Christ. Amen.
“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”
Hebrews 2:18
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on a hike near Bayfield, Wisconsin)
We are forgiven…Jesus Christ died on the Cross to save us from our sins. He has paved the Way for us to be forgiven. It is up to us to respond with the thoughts, words and actions of our daily lives. Who do you need to forgive? Yourself? Someone who has hurt you? Forgiveness is not a free pass…it is a willingness to let go of the anger and bitterness that eats at our souls. Make a choice to give forgiveness and you will find peace. Amen.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at a park near Dillon, Colorado)
Come as you are…no matter where you have been…no matter what you have done or left undone…come to the Cross of Christ…you have been forgiven and you will find peace. Amen.
The Cross Has The Final Word by Newsboys
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20
(This photo was taken in June of 2015 while traveling in South Dakota)
Take Your Faith With You 