Bible

Do Not Be Overcome

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“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 NIV

The Bible tells us that we will have trouble in this world and it states clearly that we can persevere through trials and temptations

The Bible also gives us examples of others who lived and suffered and how they interacted with God and lived their lives by 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 in Genesis.  Look through the pages of David’s life in 1 Samuel.  Take time to read about the life of Jesus

Just like them we will have struggles, trials and suffering…yet we need to remember that living a life by faith and trusting in God’s love doesn’t mean these will disappear…

What it does mean is when you believe and live by faith you will receive the courage and the hope to get through the difficult times

Do not be overcome by darkness and evil look to God, pray and you will see hope

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“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Romans 12:21 NIV

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

A Prayer For Peace

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“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 16:33 NIV

Father God, You know that we need You

We are sorry for all the times we have pretended that we are fine on our own

Please forgive us

Today, we come to You just as we are and we give You all of our anxieties, all of our cares and all of our worries

Please replace our worry with peace

Replace our anxiety with hope

And replace our concerns with confident trust in You

We know nothing is too hard for You and that You are greater than anything we face in this world

Grant us Your peace

In Jesus name, Amen

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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. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

(This photo was taken in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming)

Blessings And Spiritual Gifts

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“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.”

1 Peter 4:10-11 NIV

As God’s creation, each of us has been blessed and have God-given gifts and abilities

It is up to us to learn about and use the spiritual gifts God has given to us

We are blessed to be a blessing to others

What gifts has God given you?

What can you offer or provide to others in your family, your neighborhood or your faith community?

If you are unsure about your gifts, turn towards God in prayer and ask Him to help you to see

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“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

Romans 12:6-8 NIV

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

No Matter What…

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“But now, this is what the Lord says—
    he who created you, Jacob,
    he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2 When you pass through the waters,
    I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
    they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
    you will not be burned;
    the flames will not set you ablaze.
3 For I am the Lord your God,
    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;…”

Isaiah 43:1-3 NIV

God is with you…no matter where you go

God is for you…no matter who is against you

God loves you…no matter what happens

Seek Him, believe Him, trust in Him…No matter what

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“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV

(This photo was taken while traveling in New Mexico)

Come Near To God

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“The Lord is near to all who call on him,
    to all who call on him in truth.”

Psalm 145:18 NIV

God changed everything by sending His one and only Son into the world

Jesus Christ is our Savior, our Redeemer, He has paid the price for our sins and reconciled us back to God, forever

Come near to God and stay close to Him…no matter what comes your way

God Is With Us by Casting Crowns

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“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

James 4:8 NIV

(This photo was taken at Temperance State Park on the shore of Lake Superior)

Advent Reflections – Peace

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“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”

Colossians 3:15 NIV

In this world peace is defined as the absence of conflict

The biblical definition of peace is more expansive and is speaking about having completeness or wholeness

It is referred to as the taking of something that is broken and making it complete once again

Jesus gives us peace by taking our broken relationship with God because of our sin and restores it to completeness by His sacrifice on the Cross

We can learn about this peace by spending time in God’s Word and doing daily devotions

Find whatever resource works best for you to spend time studying and learning about Jesus

May the peace of God be with you and flow through you each day

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“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 14:27 NIV

(This photo was taken in the Black Hills in western South Dakota)

The Fruit Of The Spirit

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“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 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. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

When we believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God who died and was resurrected to save us from our sins and we confess our sins to God…the Holy Spirit will come into us

It is not a feeling and not an emotional state of mind it is the presence of God living in us and working through us

When we surrender our old way of thinking (worldly values and self-centeredness) and we live with the Holy Spirit pouring into our hearts and minds the results will be the Fruit of the Spirit flowing through us in our thoughts, words and our actions

May the Fruit of the Spirt flow through us during this season and all year long

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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23 NIV

(This photo was taken while in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)

Our Hope Is In God

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“Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 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.

6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:3-8 NIV

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

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“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

James 1:12 NIV

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

Light Of Life

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When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12 NIV

Father God, thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus, to rescue us from a life separated from You

Today and during this season, please give us the courage to draw close to You, and to seek You with all our heart

Your Son is our Light in this dark world

Your Light is our salvaltion and guide

Please use us as a light in the world to show Your love, grace and mercy

In Jesus name, Amen

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“In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it.”

John 1:4-5 NIV

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

The Son Of God

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“For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Isaiah 9:6 NIV

Jesus gave up everything and came down from heaven as one of us

He did it to save us by taking the punishment for our sins

He did it for you and me and everyone

He sacrificed himself for us because thats how much He loves us

Take time this Christmas season to reflect on what Jesus, the Son of God, has done for you and the people in your life

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“While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

Matthew 17:5 NIV

(This photo was taken at park along the St Croix River in Minnesota)