Faith

Perspective

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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.

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“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)

Whatever You Do…

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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.

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“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)

Persevere Under Trial

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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.

I Am by Crowder

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“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)

When Trouble Comes…

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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.

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“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)

Believe

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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.

Give Me Jesus by Jeremy Camp

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“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)

 

Shine The Light

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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.

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“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)

Renew Your Strength

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Many aspects of life on earth can make us weary and tired, shaping our perspective to approach life with negativity, doubt and fear.  We often forget, daily, that we can choose our attitude and perspective for this day.  If we focus all our thoughts and energy on the problem and why me, then we may get stuck and begin to spiral downward.  We can be renewed and draw strength by turning our focus to the Lord.  No matter what you are facing remember God is in control and if you put your trust in Him, your strength will be renewed.  Amen.

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“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall;  but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. 

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:29-31

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while traveling through southern New Mexico)

Prayer

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When we want learn more about someone or grow our relationship with them…what do we do?  We spend time with them, we talk with them often, we listen and we focus our energy on them.  This has always been how friends become best friends, this is how people who have just met grow into a relationship of love and this is what God wants to have with you and me…more than anything else.  A close personal relationship.  Spend time with Jesus and invest in your relationship with the Lord.  Amen.

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“pray without ceasing”

1 Thessalonians 5:17

(This photo was taken in August of 2012 while hiking along the north shore of Lake Superior)

Quiet Time

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Busyness is a distraction that keeps us away from spiritual growth.  Living life at a frenetic pace not only wears down the body physically it also wears down and dulls your inner spirit.  We were made to be more balanced in our daily lives.  The example has been shown to us by Jesus…He often went off to be alone and pray, even when many people were clamoring to be with Him or near Him.  If you reflect on your life over the past few days, weeks and months…how much time have you spent quietly, in solitude, just you and God?  Seek balance in your daily life and you will find peace.  Amen.

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“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”

Mark 1:35

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior near Bayfield, Wisconsin)

The Presence Of The Lord

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When have you felt like you could sense the Presence of God?  When have you felt like God has come near to you?  Where were you?  What was going on in your life or around you?  How often do you ask or have you been asked where do you see God in this?  All that is good is from God…all that is dark and evil is from the prince of darkness and human nature.  Look to see the Presence of the Lord in your life and you will see that He has been with you every step of the way.  Amen.

Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli

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“The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”

Exodus 33:14

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)