Love and mercy from God, not because we have earned it, rather because He wants us to have it. Amen.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)
“For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”
Romans 5:19
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
(This photo was taken in April of 2020 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
Our source of peace, our source of hope…only God can provide peace and hope that can endure all troubles and suffering. The peace of Christ in your heart will hold you up through the most painful moments in your life and the hope from God will guide you on your path as events and circumstances, that you do not control, change in your everyday life. When we are willing to be humble, to confess that we have done wrong and we turn towards God and seek Him…we will find peace we never knew existed and we will have hope we have never seen before. May God’s peace be with you. Amen.
“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
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…”
1 Peter 1:3
(This photo was taken in May of 2020 at the High Falls in Tettegouche State Park in noerthern Minnesota)
Today is the third day since Resurrection Sunday and we must caution against taking our salvation for granted. For most people by now they are focused solely on the tasks of work or daily tasks at home and the glory of Christ sacrifice for us is in the rear-view mirror. The faith journey and spiritual growth is about so much more than checking in on Sunday and checking out the rest of the week. Seek your relationship with Jesus Christ every day, spend time with Him and in God’s Word. May the peace of the Lord be with you. Amen.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
(This photo was taken in April of 2020 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
This is something we need to give as much as we need to receive it. Forgiveness is more than God’s grace given to us through Jesus Christ…we need to be able to give forgiveness to others as well. If we choose to hold on to the pain, the bitterness and the anger it will eat away at our very life and end up affecting our relationships with everyone. To forgive is not to say someone gets a free pass for hurting you…it is the act of letting go of the things that are continuing to hurt you in your daily life. Christ will help you through this…come to Cross and give thanks to Jesus for His forgiveness of your sins and ask Him to help you find your way to give forgiveness. Amen.
“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
(This photo was taken in September of 2016 at a lake in central Minnesota)
Come as you are…no matter where you have been…no matter what you have done or left undone…come to the Cross of Christ…you have been forgiven and you will find peace. Amen.
The Cross Has The Final Word by Newsboys
“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”
Galatians 2:20
(This photo was taken in June of 2015 while traveling in South Dakota)
Forgive others as you have been forgiven. We are redeemed by Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. No matter how far off we have wandered or how long it has been you can return to Christ through faith and that is also true for all others. So, whether or not you are concerned about the path you are on or the path another is on you should pray and seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit to guide you and/or your support for one another. May the grace and peace of the Lord wash over you. Amen.
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32
(This photo was taken in February of 2013 in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)
God renews us…God restores us…He takes away the sin and darkness and makes us new again. All that we have done wrong and messed up, only He can make new again. Our hope is found in Christ…if you are staring at a new beginning or change of direction begin by humbling yourself and surrendering your plans for God’s plan. He truly does make all things new. Amen.
All Things New by Steven Curtis Chapman
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:7
(This photo was taken in April of 2016 at a lake place in central Minnesota)
We have been saved…the price has been paid…God has forgiven us for our sins. However, this is not the end of the story. It is the beginning of the rest of your story and your faith life. There is more for you to learn and do…there is a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ beyond forgiveness. Jesus is your Savior but is He the Lord of your life? Turn toward God in prayer and ask Him to help you see what’s next? Amen.
God’s Not Done With You by Tauren Wells
“…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
(This photo was taken in August of 2018 in Glacier National Park in Montana)
Everybody makes mistakes, everyone makes poor choices. There are examples of this throughout history. The most prominent names in the bible committed sins, except for one. We are broken, we are weak, we give into temptation and the human race is responsible for bringing sin into the world. Even still we can be saved…Jesus Christ the one without sin who was crucified and died…He is Risen and He is our Redeemer. No matter what you have done or left undone, turn towards God and confess yours sins and you will be saved. Amen.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)
Take Your Faith With You 