forgiveness

Walk In The Light

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“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[a] sin.”

1 John 1:5-7

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“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

1 John 1:8-9

(This photo was taken in May of 2020 at sunrise along the North Shore of Lake Superior)

All People

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Are created by God.  He has a plan and He values all people.  If we choose to judge others by the standards of the world, we are forgetting about what God teaches us.  Often times we know very little about others we encounter in our daily life…yet we are quick to assume things about them.  Pick up God’s word and strive to see people through the eyes of Jesus.  Like many aspects of our faith journey it is simple, but it’s not easy.  Peace be with you.  Amen.

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“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”

James 2:12-13

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at a park in Winterset, Iowa)

The New Covenant

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“This is the covenant I will make with the people of Israel
    after that time,” declares the Lord.
“I will put my law in their minds
    and write it on their hearts.
I will be their God,
    and they will be my people.
34 No longer will they teach their neighbor,
    or say to one another, ‘Know the Lord,’
because they will all know me,
    from the least of them to the greatest,”
declares the Lord.
“For I will forgive their wickedness
    and will remember their sins no more.”

Jeremiah 31:33-34

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“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16

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

By His Wounds We Are Healed

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Our sins leave a mark on us.  Some mark our hearts or our minds, some leave a mark on our bodies and some sins leave long lasting wounds.  These wounds occur because we chase after sinful desires that hurt us and may hurt others.  He took the punishment for our sins…He sacrificed Himself for us because He loves us and we are not capable of saving ourselves.  Jesus Christ suffered, was crucified and died for us and it is by His wounds we are healed.  Amen.

“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By his wounds you have been healed.”

1 Peter 2:24

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“But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
    and by his wounds we are healed.”

Isaiah 53:5

(This photo was taken in July of 2015 at a lake in central Minnesota)

 

The Love Of Christ

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This is the foundation of our relationship with Him.  His love for us is the reason He sacrificed Himself to reconcile us with God, even though we are sinners.  Even while He hung on the Cross He pleaded for our forgiveness.  No matter what happens in your life never forget how much Christ loves you.  Amen.

“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”[a] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”

Luke 23:34

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“I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.”

Ephesians 3:16-19

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 near Pike’s Peak in Colorado)

He Knows

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Jesus knows what it is like to live life in this world.  He was born as a baby…from the day of His birth until the day He died He experienced almost anything we encounter in our lives.  He knows what it is like for you and me in this world.  He knows we are sinners and that we will make mistakes and poor decisions…yet He sacrificed Himself to save us anyways.  Why?  Because He loves us that much.  Amen.

He Knows by Jeremy Camp

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“Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.”

Hebrews 2:18

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

Trust

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Even when I can’t see, I trust you to guide and lead me.  I don’t have all the answers but I know you love us and you are working for good things.  Our sins in this world blind us to your goodness.  Forgive us, comfort us and help us remain in your love every day.  Thank you for sending your Son to save us and reconcile us to you.  In His name we pray…Amen.

Blessing I Can’t See by Building 429

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

Romans 8:28

(This photo was taken in June of 2015 while traveling from South Dakota to Minnesota)

Redeemed

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We must be willing to give forgiveness, to let go of bitterness, anger and pain as our Father in heaven will forgive us.  Forgive, be forgiven and you will find peace.  Amen.

Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave

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“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

Matthew 6:14-15

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

Forgiveness

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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.

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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

(This photo was taken in September of 2016 at a lake in central Minnesota)