“Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.”
Proverbs 16:3
“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
(This photo was taken in May of 2020 along the North Shore of Lake Superior)
The bible does not say, if you follow Jesus, your life will be easy and worry free. One of the most difficult elements of faith is commitment…no matter what is happening, no matter where we are, no matter how difficult life can become…we must remain committed to Jesus Christ and our faith. The Good News is we don’t have to do any of this alone…
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
“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
Jesus Christ knows what it is like to suffer in this world…He has carried His Cross and because He did, we are saved. We cannot choose the things that will happen to us…yet we are 100% responsible for how we choose to respond. Follow the example of Jesus our Savior…carry your cross. Amen.
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 near Arches National Park in Utah)
“Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[a] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment.”
Matthew 22:37-38
“Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me.”
Luke 9:23
“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
(This photo was taken in June of 2015 while traveling in South Dakota)
“Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalms 37:3-4
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.”
Proverbs 16:3
(This photo was taken in April of 2020 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
The Lord asks for all of you…not just Sunday morning you or Wednesday evening you and not just some quick memorized words at meal time or just before bed…He wants more than that from each of us. He wants a relationship with you…He wants communication with you every day. He wants to hear from you with all your heart and He wants you to listen to Him. Commit your way to the Lord and you will find peace. Amen.
“ Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. 6 These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.”
Deuteronomy 6:5-6
(This photo was taken in October of 2014 while exploring the island of Maui, Hawaii)
Anything worth doing takes commitment. The athlete does not become the best at their sport “overnight.” It takes dedication and focus…hours and hours of practice, discipline. The more time we spend on something the more we grow in it. It also means we must sacrifice time doing other things. This is true for all aspects of our lives. It is the same with our faith and our relationship with Jesus Christ. Where we choose to spend our time has a direct impact on who we are and who we can become. Choose your faith journey, choose God’s Word, choose prayer and worship every day. Amen.
You Are Holy (Prince Of Peace) by Michael W Smith
“Better is one day in your courts
than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God
than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield;
the Lord bestows favor and honor;
no good thing does he withhold
from those whose walk is blameless.
12 Lord Almighty,
blessed is the one who trusts in you.”
Psalm 84:10-12
(This photo was taken in May of 2020 in Superior National Forest in northern Minnesota)
Loyalty…dedication…devotion…commitment…dependability…truth. God is faithful in all He has promised. The struggles and the difficulties have been brought on by our chasing after sin and sinful desires. Even though we wander off…God the Father, our Creator and Jesus Christ His Son our Savior, with the Holy Spirit are faithful to loving us and saving us…if we are willing to confess our sins and trust in God. Amen.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9
“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
(This photo was taken in June of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
Lead Me To The Cross by Chris and Conrad
“Have mercy on me, O God,
according to your unfailing love;
according to your great compassion
blot out my transgressions.
2 Wash away all my iniquity
and cleanse me from my sin.”
Psalm 51:1-2
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while standing on Beartooth Pass in Montana)
Perseverance…determination…patience…endurance…dedication…commitment. Stay the course…don’t give up. This is what it takes to find what you are looking for…no matter what it is. Reflect on what you have been “thinking about doing,” what have you been “wishing were different” in your life…is it related to your finances? Is it related to your weight? Is it related to a relationship? Your faith? Something else? Begin again and this time bring it to the Lord first, seek His wisdom and be persistent. Amen.
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
Galatians 6:7-10
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)
How do we get better at staying the course? This New Year’s resolution business is almost always a path to failure. Some of the most common mistakes is over-committing to too many things or setting unrealistic goals and achievements as well as a lack of patience for change in this fast paced, immediately gratification world. The biggest mistake we make is either not asking God to guide us or not listening and looking for His will for our lives. We are easily distracted and believe we have to maintain everything on our own. The best change we can make is turning towards God first in all aspects of our lives. Amen.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.”
Proverbs 16:3
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)
Take Your Faith With You 