faith perspective

Love God, Love People

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“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV

All actions and behaviors of violence and destruction against others are wrong

  Nobody can rightfully condone violence at one event because it aligns with their opinion and condemn it at another…all actions and behaviors of violence against others are wrong

  We need more listening that is seeking to understand even when we don’t agree

We need more kindness, more compassion

If we choose to condone violence at any time, against anyone…we are just going to get more violence in the world

Turn towards God, seek Him, seek understanding

Forgive as Christ forgave you

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“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.”

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV

(This photo was taken at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Renew Your Perspective

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“All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”[a]

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

1 Peter 5:5-6 NIV

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“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.“

Romans 12:9-13 NIV

(This photo was taken at sunrise by a lake in northwestern Wisconsin)

Be Thankful…Be Content

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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. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 3:15-17 NIV

Jesus Christ suffered and died for you because He loves you

He has risen

He is alive and wants to help you in this life and prepare you to spend eternity with Him

Give thanks to Jesus, not only with words but with how you choose to live your life every day

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“But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that.”

1 Timothy 6:6-8 NIV

(This photo was taken on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)

Actions Of Hope

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“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28 NIV

An action of hope means getting practical

It means working and doing things with trust in God’s plan even when the circumstances don’t reveal it

Actions of hope are a way to live in faith and to put your trust in God

In Jeremiah 32 there is a story of Jeremiah buying a field at a time when Babylon was coming to capture the city

This was not a logical action at the time rather an action of hope because God had said the people will return to buy fields, build houses and live in this land

Destruction was coming yet Jeremiah bought a field

Nothing in your life is wasted…God is at work

Turn towards God in faith and ask for His guidance for opportunities for you to take actions of hope in your life

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“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 1:6 NIV

(This photo was taken while traveling in North Dakota)

Thanksgiving In How We Live

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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 NIV

Jesus Christ suffered and died for you because He loves you

He has risen…He is alive and wants to help you in this life

He wants to spend eternity with you as well

Give thanks to Jesus, with your words, actions and your behavior

Choose to live your life every day with a thankful heart

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“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.“

Colossians 3:17 NIV

(This photo was taken on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)

Open The Eyes Of My Heart

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“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”

Ezekiel 36:26-27 NIV

Open The Eyes Of My Heart by Michael W. Smith

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

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

(This photo was taken at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Perspective

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“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.“

Colossians 3:1-2 NIV

Outlook…viewpoint…position…approach…frame of mind…attitude

What feeds your perspective?  What are you consuming with your eyes, your ears and your mind?

What experience or experiences are framing your view?  All of these are inputs into your perspective and they shape your attitude

If we choose to allow our point of view to be shaped by what goes on around us in a world filled with me first, self-centered, get more attitudes we will become like the world

The best defense is to build a foundation within your heart and mind that is based on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ

We can’t stop the world from trying to influence us, yet we can choose to turn away from the sin and run towards our Savior and Lord.  Jesus said;

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 NIV

Perspective is about viewing things from a different point of view…trust in the Lord and seek His perspective on your life

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“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28 NIV

(This photo was taken at a lake in northwestern Wisconsin)

Perspective

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“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.“

Colossians 3:1-2 NIV

Outlook…viewpoint…position…approach…frame of mind…attitude

What feeds our perspective?

What are we consuming with our eyes, our ears and our minds?

What experience or experiences are framing our view?

All of these are inputs into our perspective and they shape our attitude

If we choose to allow our point of view to be shaped by what goes on around us in a world filled with me first, self-centered, get more attitudes…we will become like the world

The best defense is to build a foundation within your heart and mind that is based on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.  We can’t stop the world from trying to influence us, yet we can choose to turn away from the sin and run towards our Savior and Lord.  Jesus said;

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 NIV

Trust in the Lord and seek His perspective on your life

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“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28 NIV

(This photo was taken at a lake place in northwestern Wisconsin)

The Voice of Truth

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“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6 NIV

While Jesus walked on earth he taught using the phrase “I tell you the truth…”  He spoke this phrase more than 75 times as recorded in the New Testament

With so much input coming at us from the world, the flesh, and the devil…it is important to seek the One voice of truth

Listening to and believing God’s Truth takes courage

Following God’s Truth means trusting that no matter what happens He has got you in the palm of his hand

He knows you…He knows what you are facing

He knows your fears and the temptations pressuring you

Open your heart, mind, and soul to Him

He has the truth and His Son delivered the message of truth personally to us

Voice Of Truth by Casting Crowns

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“To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free’.“

John 8:31-32 NIV

(This photo was taken at Falls Park on the Big Sioux River in South Dakota)

Gratitude For God’s Goodness

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“Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Father God, nothing is impossible for You.  You love me even when I am unlovable.  You are good to me even when I do not deserve it.  You are kind and compassionate toward me even when I mess up.  You provide the example of what faithful love looks like.  Thank You for never leaving or abandoning me.  Today, remind me of the ways You have provided for me in my life so that way I can intentionally praise You and Your goodness.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 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 4:4-7 NIV

(This photo was taken at Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming)