Month: August 2020

The Way Of Faith

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The way of faith is a wise way to live and a narrow path for life.  Simple yet not easy.  Commit your way to God, trust in Him and you will find peace.  Amen.

“Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”[a]; 20 and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”

1 Corinthians 3:18-20

“My son, do not forget my teaching,
    but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
    and bring you peace and prosperity.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
    in the sight of God and man.

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.”[a]

Proverbs 3:1-6

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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. 14 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 while traveling in southern Colorado)

Treasures

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Originally posted in July of 2018…

What gets your attention quickly?  What is it that gets your heart pumping and your blood flowing faster?  What is it in your life that you have passion towards?  These are hints of your treasures.  We all have something that drives to the heart of us.  As we continue to grow on our faith journey the treasures tend to change.  As knowledge and time spent on growing our relationship with Jesus Christ increases we begin to get a better understanding of the value of relationships.  We also can begin to clearly see that the stuff and the things we have worried about in the past may have been foolish worries.  We are humbled to learn that God in heaven knows us, loves us and forgives us and the things He has planned for us involve far greater treasures than those the world offers us.  May the awe and wonder of our God be with you.  Amen.

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“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Matthew 6:21

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

He Is With You

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No matter what…no matter where…no matter what you have done or left undone…He is with you. Give thanks and find peace with Jesus. Amen.

There Was Jesus by Zach Williams, Dolly Parton

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

(This photo was taken in August of 2012 while hiking along the North Shore of Lake Superior)

Make Time For Rest

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The pace of life always seems to be increasing and so we must make a conscious effort to live a balanced and healthy life. This includes more than eating right and physical exercise…we must also spend time nurturing our mind and our spirit. If we are always running at peak energy and activity we will eventually crash and the constant high high’s and low low’s is taxing on every part of who we are. Strive for balance…make time to go to a quiet place and rest. Jesus knows this is important for us and spoke about it in the Gospels. Follow His example…make time for rest. Amen.

“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.””

Mark 6:31

““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.””

Matthew 11:28-30

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)

God Truly Is The Way Maker

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We continually wander off and get led astray and no matter where we go or what we get ourselves into…God is the only One who is our Way Maker to get us back on track…He gives us the ability to see…He gives us wisdom…He gives us courage…He makes the way clear. Trust in God and His will…He loves you and He is constantly working to be your Way Maker. Amen.

Way Maker by Leeland

“So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

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

God’s Presence

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He is always with us…any comfort you have, any joy and peace, any courage you need…it comes from God. The presence of God brings good things to us…the sin of world brings bad things. Turn towards God and give thanks for all that He does for you. Amen.

“You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Psalm 16:11

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

Peace Prayer

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Prayer of St. Francis by Sarah McLachlan

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred, let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy

O Divine Master, grant that I may
Not so much seek to be consoled as to console
To be understood, as to understand
To be loved, as to love
For it is in giving that we receive
And it’s in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it’s in dying that we are born to Eternal Life
Amen

“Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.”

Matthew 5:9

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

Wisdom And Understanding

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Often times the writings in the bible can be misunderstood because the true intent of the word has lost its meaning in society.  Take the word ‘fear’ as an example…in today’s world this strictly means to be afraid, danger or a bad feeling.  In the bible to fear the Lord is to regard God with reverence and awe, to be respectful.  When we learn we gain wisdom and when we understand the writing becomes clearer.  We would be wise to regard God with reverence and awe.  Amen.

“Blessed are those who find wisdom,
    those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
    and yields better returns than gold.”

Proverbs 3:13-14

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“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Proverbs 9:10

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)

Give Thanks To The Lord

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Jesus has paid the price for our sins…He has reconciled us to God.  We are redeemed…we are loved.  God will teach us and guide us through His Word…He can transform our hearts and minds…He comforts us and strengthens us.  Give thanks to the Lord.  Amen.

Forever by Chris Tomlin

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

Psalm 136:1

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 along Beartooth Pass near the Montana and Wyoming border)