Courage

Faith Over Fear

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When facing struggles and suffering, we have a choice to act based on our faith or on our fears.  Choose faith.  Fear is a weapon of evil and a powerful one.  When given the opportunity, faith can conquer fear.  As with most things there is a certain amount of fear that is healthy, protective instinct and we all need that level for personal safety.  An unhealthy level of fear is destructive and paralyzing and keeps us from the life God intends for us.  Bring your fears to the Lord and let your faith be greater than your fear.  Amen.

Fear Is A Liar by Zach Williams

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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

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in southern New Mexico)

Do Not Be Afraid

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God is with you…wherever you are…whatever your circumstances…no matter what you have done or left undone…God promised He would never leave you or abandon you.  If you can’t see Him…look at things differently than you have been.  Pick up God’s word and learn about Him so that you can see.  May the peace of the Lord be with you.  Amen.

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“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

(This photo was taken in December of 2013 on a walk in northwestern Wisconsin)

Courage

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A life if faith is not easy and we were never promised it would be…in fact the bible is clear that we all will face troubles in this world.  Everyone is facing a battle of some kind and it takes courage to stand in faith and live with God at the center of your life.  God knows our difficulties and struggles and Jesus lived as a man on earth for over 30 years and knows all too well the ways of the fallen world.  Turn towards Jesus Christ, trust in Him to guide your life and stand firm on the foundation of your faith.  Amen.

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

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

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

With God…

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What are you facing today?  What burdens and worries are you carrying in your life?  It is easy for us to get caught up in the problems and the struggles, we also tend to think that others aren’t suffering as we are…friends, the world is a broken place, the whole world and everyone in it is fighting some type of battle.  Just because we haven’t seen it or it hasn’t been shared with us or we haven’t read about it doesn’t mean it isn’t happening.  If we try to go it alone and depend on our own will power…we will continue to fail.  With God, we can get through anything…it won’t be easier and the problem won’t magically go away…rather when we believe and we trust in God we will be filled with encouragement and courage.  When we read God’s word a sense of comfort and peace will calm our worries and we can replace our fears with faith.  You will be amazed at what can happen when you walk with God.  Amen.

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“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Matthew 19:26

(This photo was taken in June of 2012 on a walk in northwestern Wisconsin)

Keep Going

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Don’t give up…keep doing good things.  Persistence is powerful.  God did not promise life would be easy.  Keep praying, walk closely with God.  Do not give into the sinful nature and the temptations of this world.  I have struggled just like you, we all do…turn towards the Lord, trust in Him and you will make it through whatever trouble or sadness or struggle you are facing.  God is with you.  Amen.

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“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Galatians 6:9

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)

Our Refuge In The Storm

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When danger is approaching, where should we go to seek cover?  Where can we be safe?  Who can help us in our time of need?  God is our rock and our refuge…He shields us and delivers us from the things that try to take hold of us.  Our emotional reactions can quickly escalate and get out of control…God can help us with self-control.  A relationship with Jesus Christ is a strong foundation that can withstand anything in this world.  Seek the Lord in prayer and pick up a bible…read God’s word and take refuge from the storm.  Amen.

Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns

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“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Psalm 18:2

(This photo was taken in June of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Be Strong And Courageous

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Meet with God daily.  Pick a time and quiet place for you to be with God.  He is our Creator…His Son is our Savior and He gives us the Holy Spirit as a guide for the darkness of this world.  God is with you and He loves you and wants good things for you and your life…be strong and courageous…turn towards God, trust Him and live.  Amen.

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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

(This photo was taken in October of 2013 in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Trust In The Lord

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When you are facing trouble in this world…when it seems like everything you try or do is failing…when you don’t know what to do next…pray and trust in the Lord. Do something good and wait patiently for God and His will. Trust is hard, especially when we have put our trust in things that have let us down in the past…you can trust in the Lord, He keeps His promises and He is always with you. Amen.

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“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Psalm 37:3-4

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while traveling through North Dakota)

Strength

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All that we need is provided by God.  It is easy to give up and believe that something is never going to change or get better and frankly the majority of people do exactly that…the strength to keep working for good comes from God.  Reading God’s Word and spending time with Him in prayer renews your spirit and your mind.  When we believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and we see what He has done, we know that God is working for our good in all things…do not give up…whatever it is, whoever it is…don’t give up…bring it to the Cross of Christ.  Amen.

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“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:13

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)

He Knows…

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All that has happened in our lives and in history.  The greatest blessings can come from the greatest tragedies.  This has been true throughout history…going back to the resurrection after the crucifixion.  God knows all these things and He will guide us through everything and anything we encounter in life…it is up to us to seek Him and His Word.  Amen.

He Knows by Jeremy Camp

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“You have searched me, Lord and you know me.”

Psalm 139:1

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at a lake in Plymouth, Minnesota)