“But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord.”
Genesis 6:8
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Colossians 3:2
“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 12:2
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 along the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)
“Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[a] is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.”
1 John 2:15-17
“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 12:2
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at Falls Park near Sioux Falls, South Dakota)
Because God has given us free will, we can choose how we want to live. It is not up to others, no matter how much we tend to blame them, we are responsible for how we respond to everything in our lives each and every day. In the bible, John the Baptist is an excellent example of the characteristics of holy living. You can read more about him in the Gospel of John. John the Baptist makes a statement that truly shows his humility, in referring to Jesus he states…“He must become greater; I must become less.” (John 3:30) We can’t control what others will think, say or do, yet we do control how we choose to respond. Choose a different way of living, choose to follow Jesus Christ. Amen.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 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 March of 2018 while traveling in southern New Mexico)
How has your faith shown up in your daily life? When you reflect on your attitude, your perspective and your daily living and compare it to a previous point in time, what do you notice has changed? Some of our old ways have faded, some are taking longer to adjust…this is the process of spiritual growth. Not everyone will encounter a burning shrub in the desert like Moses or directly encounter Christ on the road like Saul who became Paul. Our journey will be different, yet our God who is with all of us is the same. Be aware of who you are, the people in your life and what you can offer someone in need right where you are and pray. Pray for wisdom and courage, pay attention to what God is up to in your daily life. That alone will be different than the way we were before. Amen.
“For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit.”
1 Thessalonians 4:7-8
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 along Beartooth Pass in Montana)
As we move along on our faith journey we notice that the ways of the world that focus on money, time and other self oriented goals are not what we are learning from the Word of God or the example that Jesus has given us. Spiritual growth means change, change to do better, change in perspective and change in attitude. Many of my readings in the last week or so have been focused around this one verse. “He must become greater; I must become less.” – John 3:30 These are words spoken by John the Baptist, who’s primary purpose was to point toward the One who was coming…Jesus. This Christmas prepare the way for the coming of our Savior into your heart and life. Amen.
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Romans 12:2
(This photo was taken in June of 2015 while traveling near Henry, South Dakota)
Around this time last year a new album came out and a new song by Micah Tyler…the title of the song is “Different.” This song has resonated with me ever since the first time I heard it. It is the truth about living a life of Faith and having Jesus Christ at the center of everything you do. I am continuously amazed at how God uses the gift of music to communicate with us and I am so grateful for others willing to use their gifts to share Christ through writing and performing music. Below are the lyrics and a link to a video…I pray that we are all able to see how we can be different for Christ. Amen.
I wanna be different
I wanna be changed
‘Til all of me is gone
And all that remains
Is a fire so bright
The whole world can see
That there’s something different
So come and be different
In me
And I dont wanna spend my life, stuck in a pattern
And I don’t wanna gain this world but lose what matters
And so I’m giving up, everything because
I know, that I am far, from perfect
But through You, the cross still says, I’m worth it
So take this beating in my heart and
Come and finish what You started
When they see me, let them see You
‘Cause I just wanna be different, ye-ey
I wanna be different
I wanna be changed
‘Til all of me is gone
And all that remains
Oh is a fire so bright
The whole world can see
That there’s something different
So come and be different
I just wanna be different
So could You be different
In me
Different lyrics © Music Services, Inc
Take Your Faith With You 