We can be conquerors of sin…we can overcome obstacles…we can be blessed with wisdom to find our way. If we are willing to cast our worries and burdens on Him and trust His love for us anything is possible. There is nothing that can separate us from God’s love and God’s plan for us. Believe and you will receive. Amen.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Romans 8:37
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)
It’s not about me…it’s not about how everything affects me or makes me feel…I am not the center of everything. Each of us is one person, created by God and how we choose to live and interact with others on a daily basis is what we can control more than anything. Our actions and how we choose to respond to the actions of others is up to us. Put God first, read His word and pray. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and give thanks to Jesus Christ for His love, His mercy and His grace…if you are wondering how will I ever do this or get through this…know that strength can be found in weakness. Amen.
“…For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:10
(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)
Begin again…trust God to guide you…surrender your heart and mind…with God all things are possible. Trouble will come, things will get messed up and times will be difficult, this is to be expected. Focus on what you can control…how will you choose to respond? Will you choose hatred, anger, malicious talk and put your efforts into tearing down others? Many have chosen this way and it brings nothing but destruction. Will you choose kindness, compassion, listening and patience? Even with your enemies? Every single person was created by God…clearly it is time for the human race to go back and read the instructions for life found in God’s word. If you are unsure where to begin try the Book of Proverbs or look into the story of Joseph in Genesis. God can renew and restore us if we are willing to turn towards Him. Amen.
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.”
Psalm 51:10-12
(This photo was taken in December of 2018 on Paradise Island of the Bahamas)
Focus on what is good…focus on the blessings you have been given…what are the gifts and talents God has given you that you can share with others? There is nothing that can separate us from God’s love. He created us and this world, He has given us free will, He has kept His promises to us…it is up to us to seek Him and His will…it is up to us to pick up God’s word and read, it is up to us to pray and deepen our relationship with His Son Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God for all He has given us. May the peace and joy of the Lord be with you. Amen.
“…Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:19-20
(This photo was taken in June of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
When we talk about the rich and the poor our minds immediately go to someone’s value based on their financial position. There are more ways to be rich or poor than with money. People can be rich or poor in intellect or with emotions. The bible talks about spiritual poverty and spiritual riches. If we get it stuck in our minds that money is the key item to define poverty and wealth then we are missing out on so much joy and we are setting ourselves up for constant defeat and struggle. Turn towards the Lord in prayer and read God’s Word regarding wealth and poverty (1 Timothy 6:3-10) and be open to expanding and shaping your perspective of rich and poor. Amen.
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Colossians 3:2
(This photo was taken in March 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)
During your time at work or at home…with family or friends…on an adventure or relaxing on a beach…or just trying to keep up with a busy schedule…God is watching over you. Too often we are turning away from Him, going off on our own and then making some sort of mess of things. To read a similar story, pick up the bible and look at Luke 15:11-32…the story of the prodigal son. God is just like a father that welcomes us back every time we come home to Him. Seek the Lord and walk with Him in all that you do. Amen.
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Chirst Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10
(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at one of the covered bridges near Winterset, Iowa)
Don’t give up…keep praying…keep trying…be persistent…have courage…believe. Everyone is challenged by something in life. Everyone is fighting a battle of some kind. It is in these situations that we can see the power of God, we can see the His mercy and His grace when we shift our perspective off of worldly treasures and back on to Jesus. God is holding on to you through everything the world is throwing at you. Trust in Him and persevere through trials. Amen.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12
(This photo was taken in October of 2018 standing on one of the Bridges of Madison County near Winterset, Iowa)
We all face trials and struggles. The one thing we can control during these times and situatons is how we choose to respond. Many of us quickly try to gain control and take charge, determined not to let the situation get the best of us…others do an about face and get away from the situation as quickly as we can. All of us can do better if we start with bringing the situation, the difficult time or difficult relationship, start with bringing our anxieties and worries to God…First! Not waiting until after it gets worse or something unexpected occurs…going into battle against darkness and evil without God is like a soldier heading into a battle without any weapon. The more we turn towards God first the more likely we will find peace and be able to overcome the troubles of life. Amen.
“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 March of 2013 at the Botanical Gardens in the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada)
You most likely know the information and the stories written about in the bible. You know the names of most of the books of the bible and many of the names of the people. There is one name that is above every other name, there is one who did the unthinkable for the undeserving. Jesus. You know about Him…the question is do you believe it? Believe in the power of God…believe in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord, who died and was rasied to life and lives in you today…when you believe you can achieve anything. Amen.
“He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 17:20-21
(This photo was taken in April of 2016 on a lake in central Minnesota)
To follow Jesus, to read the words He spoke and do as He instructed is to walk in the Light of Christ. There are several references in the Bible to the darkness and the light. Evil and sin lead us into darkness and keep us from our relationship with God. When you find yourself physically in a dark room or outside on a dark night and you cannot see anything, what is your first instinct? We were made to seek the Light…when we invite Jesus into our hearts and we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit we will have the Light of Christ and as we study God’s Word and build our relationship the Lord, we will learn how God wants us to shine His Light into the world. Seek the Light of Christ that God has placed in you and ask Him how He wants you to let that light shine. Amen.
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)
Take Your Faith With You 