Believe

Believing And Seeing

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“Though the fig tree does not bud
    and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
    and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
    and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
    I will be joyful in God my Savior.

19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength;”

Habakkuk 3:17-19 NIV

Faith is about being certain of God and His love and faithfulness beyond our visible circumstances and surroundings

We Believe by Newsboys

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“We live by faith, not by sight.”

2 Corinthians 5:7 NIV

(This photo was taken at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

When We Pray

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“For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family[a] in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

Ephesians 3:14-19 NIV

Prayer…it is our way to interact with God

It is how we can grow in our relationship with Him

Communication is the foundation of any relationship

Anyone can do it…it is not about using the right words or being in a certain position…it is all about speaking sincerely and from the heart

We can pray about everything in our lives and the best part?  God is waiting to hear from you…He will listen…He will respond…that doesn’t mean you should expect everything to go the way you desire…that’s not how it works

But God promises no matter what you are going through He will be with you…it is up to you to do your part…so talk to Him and seek Him

God’s peace be with you

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Philippians 4:6 NIV

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

Stand Firm In The Faith

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“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.”

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV

There many elements of life working against those desiring to follow Jesus

The world, the flesh and Satan all are like a rushing river of water trying to keep us away from God and His Word

We must learn to stand firm in the faith

To speak the truth with respect, kindness and compassion

Remember God is with you, no matter what

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“Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.”

1 Peter 5:8-9 NIV

(This photo was taken in Tettegouche State Park in northern Minnesota)

When Doubts Arise…Faith Can Overcome

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“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Matthew 14:29-31 NIV

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“As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him.
31 For who is God besides the Lord?
    And who is the Rock except our God?
32 It is God who arms me with strength
    and keeps my way secure.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
    he causes me to stand on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle;
    my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You make your saving help my shield,
    and your right hand sustains me;
    your help has made me great.
36 You provide a broad path for my feet,
    so that my ankles do not give way.”

Psalm 18:30-36 NIV

(This photo was taken on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)

Choose Faith Over Worry

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“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Hebrews 11:1 NIV

“By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family.”

Hebrews 11:7 NIV

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“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:31-34 NIV

(This photo was taken at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)

Freedom Given Through Sacrifice

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“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.“

Galatians 5:13-15 NIV

Many have been sacrificed for freedom to exist in the USA…the most important sacrifice of life for the freedom of others came from Jesus Christ

He came down from heaven, set an example for us on how to live and then died on the Cross so that we can be reconciled with God

Let’s not take for granted what others have done for our freedom to exist…especially the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and His saving Grace

May we be filled with joy and peace and serve others with love because of Him who died to save us

Amen

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“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Romans 12:1-2 NIV

(This photo was taken at The Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cementary)

Teach Us Your Ways

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“Show me your ways, Lord,
    teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
    for you are God my Savior,
    and my hope is in you all day long.”

Psalm 25:4-5 NIV

Father God, please guide us and teach us as we seek to live a life that honors You

Lead us into our calling, and lovingly correct our mistakes

Thank You for being the One we can confide in, and for loving us just as weare

You are good, and we are grateful for You and everything You do

In Jesus name, Amen

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“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
    I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.“

Psalm 32:8 NIV

(This photo was taken along the North Shore of Lake Superior in northern Minnesota)

Trust In The Lord

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“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

When you feel lost and alone

Frustrated and disappointed

Uncertain and afraid turn towards the Lord in prayer

Put your trust in Him, He is always with you

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“Trust in the Lord and do good;
    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Psalm 37:3-4 NIV

(This photo was taken at Temperance State Park in northern Minnesota)

Only God Can…

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Save us…

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

John 14:6 NIV

Heal us…

“He heals the brokenhearted
    and binds up their wounds.”

Psalm 147:3 NIV

Comfort us…

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

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Do All Things…

“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.”

Mark 10:27 NIV

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

Where Do You See God In Your Story?

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“Where can I go from your Spirit?
    Where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there;
    if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,
    if I settle on the far side of the sea,
10 even there your hand will guide me,
    your right hand will hold me fast.
11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me
    and the light become night around me,”
12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;
    the night will shine like the day,
    for darkness is as light to you.“

Psalm 139:7-12 NIV

God Is In This Story by Katy Nichole & Big Daddy Weave

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“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 NIV

(This photo was taken at a lake in northwestern Wisconsin)