“Jews demand miraculous signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block for Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.”
1 Corinthians 1:22-25
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while traveling through northern Colorado)
Jesus speaking to his disciples in the Gospel of John…
” ‘You believe at last!’ Jesus answered. ‘But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.
I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world’.”
John 16:31-33
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while at Pike’s Peak near Colorado Springs, Colorado)
“I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you. Praise be to you O Lord; teach me your decrees. With my lips I recount all the laws that come from your mouth. I rejoice in following your statutes as one rejoices in great riches. I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. I delight in your decrees; I will not neglect your word.”
Psalm 119:10-16
(This photo was taken in April of 2016 as the the sun was rising on a lake in central Minnesota)
“My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you which can save you.”
James 1:19-20
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 near Garden of the Gods Nature Center near Colorado Springs, Colorado)
“But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”
Colossians 3:8-10
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while driving through northern Colorado)
The Lord said while speaking to Joshua…
“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them. Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:6-9
(This photo was taken in October of 2014 while driving the north shore of Maui)
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.”
Psalm 32:8
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while driving through Colorado)
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)
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)
In all of our busy lives we typically spend time focusing our energy and effort on what we believe is important. The question then becomes what is important to you and your life?
There are many things that can be on this list and I have found the most peace, joy and contentment in the world comes when I put “follower and believer in Christ” first on that list. The world will not make this easy for you to do but we were never promised easy that was lost as soon as the fruit was eaten from the tree that was off limits. We are promised something and that something is only offered by God…
We are promised his Presence, Forgiveness, Mercy, his Grace, his unconditional Love, an answer to Prayers, comfort when were are stressed and so many more gracious gifts. If only we will choose to put him first in our daily life and spend time reading his Word will learn about and be reminded of all that he offers us. What comes first can make all the difference for everything else in our lives.
May his Peace be with you!
Take Your Faith With You 