christianity

Shine A Light

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“For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”

2 Corinthians 4:5-6 NIV

Our purpose is to learn about Him who loves us and sacrificed Himself for us

And then to shine a light on God’s love, God’s mercy and God’s grace for others to see not for ourselves but for God

We can show God to others by who we are in how we treat others and by our actions and behaviors

Shine a light in this dark world and trust in the Lord

“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.”[a]“

1 Peter 1:13-16 NIV

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

Allow Christ to Change Your Perspective

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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

Jesus Christ is alive…the promised Savior has come!

He was born, He lived and taught us how to live

He sacrificed Himself and was crucified and died for us

He has risen and is seated at the right hand of God in heaven

Now what does that mean for us?

What difference is He making in your life?

Are you aware of God’s presence in your daily life?

Believe in Him…seek Him…pray…read God’s Word…pay attention to how God is at work in your life

  Choose to live different from the way of the world

Allow Jesus Christ to impact every area of your life and change your perspective

Different by Micah Tyler

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“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”

Ezekiel 36:26-27 NIV

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

Spiritual Battle

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“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. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.”

Ephesians 6:13-18 NIV

We are caught in the spiritual battle every day

Jesus Christ has won the war and defeated death and evil

Yet darkness is still working to keep us away from God

Be aware the battle continues because of sin

And we know that God will work all things for our good and His glory

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“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

Hebrews 2:18 NIV

(This photo was taken near Arches National Park in Utah)

Persevere

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“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.

7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.”

2 Corinthians 4:6-9 NIV

Father God, You call us to always be faithful and obedient, especially during difficult times

Thank You for providing Your Word as a guide for us

Remind us that no matter what our struggle is, You are near and will renew our strength and provide us endurance to persevere

In Jesus name, Amen

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“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. 3 For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is your[a] life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.”

Colossians 3:1-4 NIV

(This photo was taken on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)

Faith Commitment

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

Proverbs 16:3 NIV

Success in life is most often tied to commitment

When you learn the details of a success story there is always a moment or moments along the way that a person had to make a choice to stay committed to a vision or mission in order to see it through

It is a willingness to commit that leads to success in relationships and our everyday life

When we reflect on our lives, we all are committed to something right now…what is it for you?

Ask yourself this question, how do my commitment(s) tie into my faith and my relationship with God?

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“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be people of courage; be strong.  Do everything in love.”

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV

(This photo was taken near Arches National Park in Utah)

Joy…Prayer…Gratitude

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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, by Your grace, You have offered each of us a relationship with You

We can be known by You, and we can know You

Thank You for giving us peace that extends beyond our feelings and circumstances

Thank You for protecting us in this dark world

We give You thanks because we can experience joy and find peace with You

In Jesus name, Amen

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 3:15-17 NIV

(This photo was taken on a walk in central Minnesota)

The Goodness Of God

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“The Lord is gracious, kind and tender.
    He is slow to get angry and full of love.
9 The Lord is good to all.
    He shows deep concern for everything he has made.”

Psalm 145:8-9 NIRV

All that is good is from God

The evil, the darkness and terrible things in this world are the result of sin

God’s plan was the Garden of Eden before Eve and then Adam were disobedient

God doesn’t tempt us or make bad things happen

God is good

He forgives, He Heals, He renews and He restores us

Even though we don’t deserve it

The Goodness Of God by Bethel Music & Jenn Johnson

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“Your kingdom is a kingdom that will last forever.
    Your rule will continue for all time to come.

The Lord will keep all his promises.
    He is faithful in everything he does.
14 The Lord takes good care of all those who fall.
    He lifts up all those who feel helpless.
15 Every living thing looks to you for food.
    You give it to them exactly when they need it.
16 You open your hand
    and satisfy the needs of every living creature.”

Psalm 145:13-16 NIRV

(This photo was taken in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)

Savior…Sacrifice…Salvation

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“But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
    and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
    each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
    the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 53:5-6 NIV

“He committed no sin,
    and no deceit was found in his mouth.”[e]

23 When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly. 24 “He himself bore our sins” in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.” 25 For “you were like sheep going astray,”[f] but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.“

1 Peter 2:22-25 NIV

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“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8 NIV

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

How We Treat Each Other

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“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 7:12 NIV

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.“

John 15:12-13 NIV

You will get what you give in this life

God’s Word gives clear instructions and Jesus lived the example we can follow

Love and serve one another

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV

(This photo was taken at St. Croix State Park in northern Minnesota)

Measuring Success

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“For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.”

2 Timothy 4:6-8 NIV

The measure of success we have in our life depends on which race we have chosen to run

Have we decided to pursue the race of the world, chasing money and possessions, constantly consuming and comparing our standing or our place in the world with others on social media?

Or have we been working on pursuing the race marked out for us by God’s will?

Making faith more important than things, focusing on our relationships, how we treat others and seeking to grow in our spiritual life

God has given us the gift of free will and so we have the ability and the responsibility to choose which race we will run

No matter where we are today, God is with us and we can trust in Him by turning to Christ in prayer and listening to the Holy Spirit to guide our path

Best of luck to you and to everyone in your race today

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“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.“

Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV

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