The Way

The way to get through times of difficulty and struggle is found with Jesus Christ.  The current days show clearly that what the sin of the world values is finite and can vanish instantly without warning…leaving us lost and our minds wandering with questions about our choices in life.  It is never too late to turn towards Jesus Christ your Savior and tell Him you believe in Him…confess your sins and let the Holy Spirit be your guide.  If you are searching for the way to get through difficult times, start there and see what God has in store for you.  Amen.

DSC_0166 publish

“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 takne in June of 2016 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

The Word Of God

It is a source of comfort…it renews us…it purifies us…it teaches us…it guides us.  If we plant the seeds of the Word in our hearts and minds it will come to us at times when we don’t have our bible with us.  It can calm our fears…it can relieve our stress and it can provide unexplainable peace.  Read God’s Word every day, build your faith, seek His wisdom for your life.  Amen.

DSC_0090 (2) publish

Your word is a lamp for my feet,
    a light on my path.”

Psalm 119:105

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 at a park near Bayfield, Wisconsin)

Fruit Of The Spirit

Even though we all know about the common thing that is impacting everyone in the world, there are still battles everyone is fighting that we don’t know about.  The impact of a pandemic goes far beyond are you sick or is someone in your house sick…there are people who were struggling with the basic needs in life before this ever started and it could be worse now…there are still people battling mental illness and this situation is adding another level struggle…the list could go on and on.  Life is hard and often unfair and if this pandemic has magnified anything it is this…how we treat each other in our daily life is so important…every person you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about, so be kind, live your life with the Fruit of the Spirit shining through your thoughts, your words and your actions.  May God’s peace be with you.  Amen.

DSC06486 publish

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 March of 2013 at the Botanical Gardens in the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada)

Our Hope

Comes from God.  Easter is approaching and that event more than any other shows us that from the worst of tragedy God can bring about the greatest joy.  Nothing is more powerful and wonderful than God.  We do not know what tomorrow holds for us but we know full well who holds tomorrow.  May God’s peace and comfort surround you this day.  Amen.

DSC09023 publish

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13

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

Taste And See

If ever there was a time to explore faith…to grab a bible, sit down and ask God the questions you want to ask…if ever there was a time to be able to step away from the busyness and read what God has said in the bible.  As with everything, the current days  are all about your perspective…you can choose to complain about what you can’t do or where you aren’t able to go…and focus on why a self-serving life is not satisfying…or you can take the opportunity to learn more about God your creator and to seek a relationship with Jesus Christ…take time to taste and see what faith is all about.  Amen.

DSC_0158_1 publish

Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

Psalm 34:8

(This photo was taken in December of 2018 while visiting the Bahamas)

Trust

Even when I can’t see, I trust you to guide and lead me.  I don’t have all the answers but I know you love us and you are working for good things.  Our sins in this world blind us to your goodness.  Forgive us, comfort us and help us remain in your love every day.  Thank you for sending your Son to save us and reconcile us to you.  In His name we pray…Amen.

Blessing I Can’t See by Building 429

DSC02384 publish

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28

(This photo was taken in June of 2015 while traveling from South Dakota to Minnesota)

Come Near…

Listen to songs of worship…go to a quiet place and pray…read God’s Word…reflect on where and when have you seen God at work in your life…have gratitude and give thanks for the blessings you have in your life…share whatever you can with those who are in need…these are just a few of the ways you can come near to God…none of them cost money, only a willingness and a desire to have a relationship with Him.  Use this time to connect or reconnect with God the Father, Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord and the Holy Spirit.  Amen.

DSC_1502 publish

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

James 4:7-8

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Arches National Park in Utah)

Pray With Confidence

Our prayers are how we communicate with God.  He knows whether or not we truly believe what we are saying or asking for…that’s the biggest difference between talking with God and talking with people.  People may or may not know the truth about what we say…God knows, He knows everything, there is no use in trying to ‘sell’ Him on your wants, desires or ideas, it is fruitless to try and hide your fears…when we turn towards God in prayer we should be prepared to be honest, open and vulnerable and we can be assured that God is working for good things for all of us.  Pray with confidence to God and be open to His ways rather than your ways.  Amen.

DSC_1556 publish

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 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 August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)

Light In The Darkness

When we believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord and we confess our sins, we will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit…which is a light, the light that shines within us and enables us to walk in darkness.  We do not have all the answers, yet we have confidence in God for this life and the life to come.  Amen.

DSC_0730 publish

“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”

2 Corinthians 4:6

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