Distractions

Redefine Needs

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We are fed a daily dose of what we should get or do to make our life easy, more convenient.  The messages from the world and society are ‘get more,’ define yourself according to the world’s standards…this is all to keep us away from pursuing a life of faith and a relationship with God.  The more we focus on our lifestyle comforts and what the world tells us we need to be considered successful, the less time and effort we focus on building up our faith and spending time with God.  Just the way the prince of darkness wants it…to break the cycle we need to take courage and stand up to the barrage of ads and prodding to live by the standards of this world.  People get frustrated when something doesn’t have instructions or information about ‘how to’…life and faith happen to have an instruction manual and it was delivered to us by the manufacturer…our Creator and loving Father.  Pick up your bible, spend time with God and seek His instructions on what you Need.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“Then he said to them, “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”

Luke 12:15

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

Peace Of Christ

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Each day can be filled with ups and downs, depending on where you focus your thoughts and your energy, a day can feel like quite a roller-coaster ride.  At the end of a day like this we are exhausted, tired and we just want some stability and peace of mind for a period of time in order to have a better balance to life.  I have found one way to access peace on a day to day basis and I have learned that you have to go get it, this is my time with the Word of God…the world is not looking to provide you peace of mind or time to rest.  The demands will keep coming from all areas of your life…be courageous and when necessary you can say no in order to defend your time.  For me a start to every day is coffee and with that coffee is time with God.  If something is planned for the morning I try to get up a little earlier or say no or reschedule if it will conflict with my time.  To be clear this isn’t always smooth and easy but what is significant is that it has become a time of priority for me and a time I look forward to every day.  Jesus sacrificed himself in order to reconcile us with God the Father, it is up to us to take advantage of this reconciliation and build our relationship with Him…every day.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace.  And be thankful.”

Colossians 3:15

(This photo was taken in April of 2016 on a lake in central Minnesota)

It Takes Courage

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A life of faith is not a way to live on easy street…it takes courage, commitment and a willingness to surrender self-centered desires and trust in the Lord.  It takes courage because it is not the message you will see and hear in the world.  When you wonder if the choice of faith is really making any difference in your life or the life of others you are experiencing doubt and that is natural…what you do when doubts occur will tell you a great deal about where you are on your faith journey.  Spiritual growth comes when we “don’t know what to do about this” and we turn and pray…we give ourselves and our doubts to God and ask for His guidance as well as the ability to see and hear Him.  That takes courage…May God’s peace be with you.

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

1 Corinthians 16:13

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

Give Thanks To The Lord

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I grew up in house where Sunday was all about going to worship, then food which was usually a full spread brunch at home or out to eat and then football.  These Sundays are some of my best memories from childhood.  There is something about following sports that is hard to explain in words and it doesn’t matter what sport you follow…football, basketball, baseball, hockey, Nascar or even Olympic sports.  For everybody it can be a different sport but when this thing about it gets into you…your juices really seem to get flowing you are either excited because things are going well or you disappointed and disgusted because things do not go well.

Either way, win or lose, the one thing that I have thought about lately is sports and sporting events seem to bring people together in community in a way that few things in this world can and that may be the best part they play in our lives.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Psalm 100:5

(This photo was taken by my friend Matt in July of 2014 at a lake place in central Minnesota)

Do Your Best, Wherever You Are

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The following was written by the Apostle Paul in his letter to the Philippians…

“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.  I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty.

I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:11-13

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

Distractions

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“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.  She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said.

But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made.  She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself?  Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed.  Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”

Luke 10:38-42

We all need to take time to sit and listen to the Lord.

 

(This photo was taken in September of 2016 at a lake in central Minnesota)