Jesus Knows How You Feel

DSC07662 publish

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 1:14

It is so easy for us to get distracted by events and the words of this world that make us feel terrible.  That is about the time we let our self-talk, you know, the talk in our minds about how alone we are, how nobody really understands…been there, done that myself, too often!

The thing is Jesus does know, he came down from heaven and lived as a man on earth.  He lived an everyday life, not just a miracle making life.  He interacted with people, he got frustrated with others, he felt grief and sorrow, he went to weddings and funerals, he was treated poorly by many and treated with love and respect by others.

He lived a life on earth just like you and me…no matter where you are, how you are feeling, trust in Jesus, talk to him about it today…

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet was without sin.

Let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

Hebrews 4:14-16

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while driving through Nebraska)

Perseverance

dsc_0841-publish

Don’t get misled by the ways and words of the world, develop a prayer habit and share what troubles you with Jesus…

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

James 1:12

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)

Immanuel

DSC_0065 publish

An angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream as written in the Gospel of Matthew…

“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ – which means, ‘God with us’.”

Matthew 1:22-23

(This photo was taken in June of 2016 on a lake in northwestern Wisconsin)

Holy Living

DSC07538 publish

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Colossians 3:12-14

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 in Pike National Forest near Colorado Springs, Colorado)

Fill Me With Joy

IMG_20141016_publish

The following is written in a psalm of David…

“You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Psalm 16:11

(This photo was taken in October of 2014 at Kaanapali Beach on the island of Maui)

 

Peace

dsc_0458-publish

The words of the angel speaking to the shepherds in the fields nearby in the Gospel of Luke…

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord’.”

Luke 2:10-11

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 near New Salem, North Dakota)

Joy

DSC09993 publish

The following was written by James, a brother of Jesus…

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.”

James 1:17-18

(This photo was taken in October of 2014 at sunrise on the island of Maui)