challenges

In The Midst Of The Storm

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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

No matter what is happening

No matter what has gone wrong in your circumstances

God has promised to never leave you and never to abandon you

Seek Him because He is waiting to hear from you always

Even in the midst of the storm

Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns

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“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.

8 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 5:6-9 NIV

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

Complete Trust

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“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

Father God, when I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.  I will rely on You no matter what comes my way because You are my source of strength and safety.  You guide me and fight for me.  When I draw close to You, I have nothing to fear, because You are in control and You are all I need.  Thank You Father!  I choose to put my complete trust in You.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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“The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?”

Psalm 27:1 NIV

(This photo was taken in a field near Buffalo, Minnesota)

Power In The Name Of Jesus

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“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 2:9-11 NIV

There Is Power by Lincoln Brewster

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“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10 NIV

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

Courageous

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“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 NIV

God has promised to be with you wherever you go…every day, all the time

When we look around at the world or at our own worries, fears and frustrations…it’s easier to shrink back than to be bold and courageous, to play it safe rather than to go forward trusting in God

This is how living by faith is different than living the way the world tells you to live

We are inundated with messages of self-center living and behaviors

It takes courage to strive to be true to God’s Word

Put your hope and your trust in God and His promises…follow the example of Jesus Christ

Be courageous

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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

(This photo was taken along Beartooth Pass near the Montana-Wyoming border)

Gratitude For God’s Goodness

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“Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Father God, nothing is impossible for You.  You love me even when I am unlovable.  You are good to me even when I do not deserve it.  You are kind and compassionate toward me even when I mess up.  You provide the example of what faithful love looks like.  Thank You for never leaving or abandoning me.  Today, remind me of the ways You have provided for me in my life so that way I can intentionally praise You and Your goodness.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 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 4:4-7 NIV

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

Courage

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“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 NIV

Father God, thank You that no matter how hard life is, I can always find hope in You.  You will never abandon me, never stop loving me, and never give up on me.  Renew my hope and strength.  Encourage my heart, so I can encourage others.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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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

(This photo was taken along Beartooth Pass near the Montana-Wyoming border)

God Is Greater Than _________

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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

No matter what you are facing in life

No matter what circumstances you encounter

No matter how bad the tragedy or trauma that has occurred

No matter what…God is bigger than that ____________

God is greater than anything you will ever encounter in this life

Believe it and put your faith, your hope and your trust in Jesus Christ

What is it in your life you need to remind yourself that God is greater than?

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“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for him.”

25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
    to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
    for the salvation of the Lord.”

Lamentations 3:22-26 NIV

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

The Name Of Jesus

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“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 2:9-11 NIV

There Is Power by Lincoln Brewster

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“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10 NIV

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

Make A Commitment

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.”[a]

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Good and Gracious God, I want my life to be marked by loyalty and commitment to You.  I want to be known for how I loved, how I was generous, and how I shared with others about You.  Show me how to embrace a life of complete commitment to Your calling.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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“Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.”

Proverbs 16:3 NIV

(This photo was taken in Glacier National Park in Montana)

It Takes Courage…

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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

Courage is not the absence of fear…Courage is the willingness to move forward without knowing the outcome…to admit we don’t know the answers…to be patient…Having courage is placing your trust in God ahead of fear…it is about not allowing fear to stop you or defeat you.

  It takes courage to seek the Light…to surrender your plans for God’s plan…

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“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

2 Timothy 1:6-7 NIV

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