Our Foundation For Life

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In the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5-7 all the words are red.  It is all teachings from the mouth of Jesus.  It is all clear instructions about we should live while here on earth.  I pray we all spend more time reading these words and putting them into practice in our everyday lives.  At the end of chapter 7 Jesus says this…

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.  But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Matthew 7:24-27

(This photo was taken in July of 2015 at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado)

Go Be A Blessing

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Jesus said while speaking to his disciples…

“Your 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 2014 on a lake in central Minnesota)

Trust and Patience

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“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.  Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.  Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil.”

Psalm 37:3-8

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at Garden of the Gods Park near Colorado Springs)

A Life Verse

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The bible is full of wisdom and knowledge.  God has provided this for us to help us in this fallen world.  He knows we will face trails, temptations and suffering during our time on earth and he even has experienced it through the life of his Son.  One way to stay focused on the Word of God is to choose a verse or verses that keep you aligned with God in all areas of your life.  It can be different verses at different times of life, the important thing to remember is the source and the peace and comfort you get when you remind yourself of that verse.  Here are the verses I have been holding onto most recently…

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

(This photo is one of my favorites, it was taken by my daughter in May of 2014 at a lake place in central Minnesota)

Perspective

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Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians…

“I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me.  Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it.  I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.  I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.  I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:10-13

 (These photos were taken in December of 2013 in northwestern Wisconsin)

 

Which Way Should We Go

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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.  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 at Badlands National Park in South Dakota)

Keep Feeding Your Faith

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“All this I have spoken while still with you.  But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:25-27

(This photo was taken in the summer of 2013 at Badlands National Park in South Dakota)

Comfort and Healing

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“Is any one of you in trouble?  He should pray.  Is anyone happy?  Let him sing songs of praise.  Is any one of you sick?  He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.  If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.  Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

James 5:13-16

(This photo was taken in the summer of 2013 at Custer State Park in South Dakota)

We Will Come Under Attack

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We need to be careful not to underestimate the power of evil and darkness in this world.  We should read the Word of God daily to help us keep God in the center of our lives.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

Ephesians 6:10-15

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at Falls Park in South Dakota)