Originally posted in June of 2019…
Even though the world knocks you down, your faith will see you through.
“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.”
Psalms 37:3-4
(This photo was taken in June of 2016 in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
and a light for my path.”
Psalm 119:105
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Romans 12:9-13
(This photo was taken in May of 2020 at Beaver River Falls in northern Minnesota)
“And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
Romans 5:5
“But the Advocate, 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. 27 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 14:26-27
(This photo was taken in April of 2020 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
We all have choices and decisions to make in life and each one leads us either closer to or further away from God. God provides all that we need, an instruction manual for life…the Bible…He has provided the One who can lead us…Jesus Christ. Meet with Jesus regarding the path you are on and follow Him…He is the only Way home. Amen.
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[a] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Revelation 21:4
(This photo was taken in April of 2020 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
The bible tells us that we will have trouble in this world…it states clearly that we can persevere through trials and temptations. The bible also gives us examples of people who lived and suffered and how they interacted with God and lived their lives with faith. At times it wasn’t pretty, they didn’t live lives that were sweet and easy all the time. Read about Abraham and Sarah, read about Joseph. Look through the pages of David’s life. Take time to read about the life of Jesus. Yes, there are struggles, trials and suffering and a life of faith and living in God’s love doesn’t mean they will disappear…it provides you the courage and the hope to get through the difficult times. Do not be overcome by darkness and evil look to God and pray and you will see hope. Amen.
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
1 John 4:4
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:21
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)
The information overload we receive each day has intensified with current world circumstances. Distractions and inaccurate information are running wild creating misunderstandings and leading to people act on false perceptions. We need a solid foundation of truth to stand on more than ever…that foundation can be found with God’s Word. It is the truth about God, His Son and the Holy Spirit. Pick up the bible and spend time renewing your mind. May God’s comfort and peace be with you. Amen.
“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
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)
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.
“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)
When you read the red letters in the bible, the very words of Jesus, He often spoke in a way that was comforting to others. Sometimes He needed to be firm and many times He had to repeat Himself, yet His overwhelming presence was comforting. He knows what it is like to live as a human on earth…He has experienced childhood, teenage years and interactions of many kinds during His life…He knows about weddings, friendships, helping others, betrayal, frustrations, temptations, pain and suffering and death. He knows what is happening in your life…today. Turn towards Jesus Christ in prayer and you will find comfort. Amen.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”
John 14:1
(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
His Word is filled with His messages to us. If you have questions for God or about God, pick up a bible and begin to read. The bible is the Word of God and no matter how many times you read something in the bible it can be a new learning or new understanding unlike anything else. It never changes yet you can be changed forever. Amen.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
Hebrews 4:12-13
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)
It’s not too late…it’s never too late to confess your sins and ask Jesus into your heart and mind to be renewed and to create the new self. What you need to know is you can’t do this alone and the changes must start on the inside not on the outside. Real change occurs when we commit to a new attitude and we surrender our ways for His way. Some bible verses that speak to the new self are; 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 4:22-24, Romans 12:2 and many more. Trust in the Lord to lead you and guide you to a new life. Amen.
All Things New by Steven Curtis Chapman
“You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
Colossians 3:7-10
(This photo was taken in March of 2013 at the Bontanical Gardens in the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada)
Take Your Faith With You 