Devotions

Plans

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“To man belong the plans of the heart, but from the Lord comes the reply of the tongue.  All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.  Commit to the Lord whatever you do,  and your plans will succeed.  The Lord works out everything for his own ends – even the wicked for a day of disaster.  The Lord detests all the proud of heart.  Be sure of this:  They will not go unpunished.  

Through love and faithfulness sin is atoned for; through the fear of the Lord a man avoids evil.  When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.  Better a little with righteousness than much gain with injustice.  In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.”

Proverbs 16:1-9

(This photo was taken in August 2016 at Arches National Park in Utah)

Compassion

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“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.  The Lord is good to all;  he has compassion on all he has made.”

Psalm 145:8-9

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)

Choose A Life Verse

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I have found on my faith journey one important aspect of faith is to choose a verse or verses that best fit your faith life.  Memorize them and speak them at any time throughout your day.  This is how we can carry the Word of God with us in our hearts.  The following has been my life verse for quite a long time…

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 while driving through the State of Washington)

What is your life verse?

Communicate With Prayer

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“But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.  Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  And when you pray, do not keep babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”

Matthew 6:6-8

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mt. Rainier National Park in Washington)

Live By The Spirit

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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Against such things there is no law.  Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.  Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”

Galatians 5:22-25

(This photo was taken in July 2016 at Beartooth Pass Summit in Montana)

Be Strong

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“I am still confident of this:  I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

Psalm 27:13-14

(This photo was taken last week in Glacier National Park in Montana…can you see the waterfall near the bottom of the picture?)

Seek Love

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“Love must be sincere.  Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves.  Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with God’s people who are in need.  Practice hospitality.”

Romans 12:9-12

(This photo was taken earlier this week near Glacier National Park in Montana)

Seek Humility

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Faith is a journey because it is not something to be reviewed and learned once and then you check the box and move on because now you can say ‘I know about Jesus and who he was’…Faith is about a relationship with God our Father, Jesus his Son and the Holy Spirit.  It is a daily interaction with the Lord like all important relationships and it is a re-dedication to doing our best to seek Jesus and the words and examples he sets for us…in his life, death and resurrection…He is risen and alive today and he loves you!

Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians…

“If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose.  Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves.  Each of you should not look only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”

Philippians 2:1-4

(This photo was taken earlier this week at Glacier National Park in Montana)

Seek Hope

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“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary,  and young men will stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:29-31

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

Getting To Know Him

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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.  Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 29:11-13

(This photo was taken this past Saturday while driving through North Dakota)