“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you. Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of suffering.”
1 Peter 5:6-9
(This photo was taken in October of 2014 while driving the north shore of Maui)
Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians…
“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 4:12-13
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while driving through Colorado)
“Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge.”
Psalm 62:5-8
(This photo was taken in July of 2015 while visiting Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado)
It takes courage and a strong personal relationship with God to surrender our will and focus on God’s will for our life. The world and the forces of evil want desperately for us to choose the easy path, the convenient way and not bother with God. The life, death and resurrection of Jesus was not focused on easy. In fact, it shows us and sets the example of what sacrifice looks like and what putting our trust in God can result in. A wonderful Pastor friend in my life taught me a lesson around Easter a few years ago…from the greatest of tragedies, pain and suffering comes the greatest joy, jubilation and triumph.
Jesus while praying in Gethsemane shortly before he was arrested, in one moment was pleading with God to ‘take this cup from me’ and then in the next moment he surrenders, ‘Yet not what I will, but what you will’ Mark 14:36 He knows what it means to suffer…He knows more about suffering, pain and tragedies in this world than many of us will ever see. Trust Him because He did it all for you.
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun. Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
Psalm 37:5-7
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 near Badlands National Park in South Dakota)
An essential element of spiritual growth is spending some quiet time with the Lord…there are so many ways to get distracted and overwhelmed with this world. When Jesus was here he often would seek time to be alone with God the Father. Our faith is similar to the physical body it needs to be nourished to be healthy. God made us and he loves us no matter what…No If’s, And’s or But’s about it! He loves you and he longs for you to seek His voice.
Jesus said the following while speaking to the Jews…
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given then to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand. I and the Father are one.”
John 10:27-29
(This photo was taken in April of 2016 at a prime listening time, sunset on the water, on a lake in central Minnesota)
We must try to remember that God has a plan for each and every one of us…we will find the Fruits of the Spirit love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in His plan not in our own ideas about how life should be.
” ‘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 last month on a lake in central Minnesota)
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 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 June of 2013 while driving through Colorado)
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
(This photo was taken in April of 2016 on a lake in central Minnesota)
“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. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
Galatians 5:22-26
(This photo was taken in October of 2014 while driving up the north coast of Maui)
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the Lord, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight’, declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah 9:23-24
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while driving through South Dakota)
Take Your Faith With You 