Faith

What Is Faith?

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It is belief…it is trust…it is confidence…it is optimism…it is hope and it exists because of God’s love and what He has done for us.  It is not complex, it is simple.  Faith and religion are not the same thing.  Faith is about your personal relationship with Jesus Christ…religion is about the ways people choose to practice their faith.  Your faith is between you and God, first.  Start by seeking Him, believing in Him and trusting Him and He will guide you and your life from that point forward through any and all circumstances.  Amen.

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“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Hebrews 11:1

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

Our Loving Father

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We are blessed with everlasting love from God our Father.  He knows us and wants to spend time with us.  He gives us good gifts…not everything we want, yet everything we need.  God knows we will have trouble in this life and He is always right there with us no matter what…we just have to be willing to seek Him.  Amen.

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“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.  The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”

Psalm 145:8-9

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)

He Cares For You

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When situations in life bring us down or when we are struggling and our path is difficult, our human minds may wonder, ‘does God care what is happening to me?’  God is always with you…when you find yourself in a place like this, stop and pray.  Not some memorized words, rather a real heart felt prayer asking God to help you see your way forward.  God does care for you…He sent His Son to die on a cross to save you and to be able to have a relationship with you.  Seek Him and His will for you and your life and you will find peace. Amen.

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“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:7

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)

With God In Control…

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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.

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“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)

Humility And Strength

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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.

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“…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)

Renew And Be Restored

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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.

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“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)

 

Give Thanks

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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.

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“…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)