He is always with us…any comfort you have, any joy and peace, any courage you need…it comes from God. The presence of God brings good things to us…the sin of world brings bad things. Turn towards God and give thanks for all that He does for you. Amen.
“You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Psalm 16:11
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while standing in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)
Often times the writings in the bible can be misunderstood because the true intent of the word has lost its meaning in society. Take the word ‘fear’ as an example…in today’s world this strictly means to be afraid, danger or a bad feeling. In the bible to fear the Lord is to regard God with reverence and awe, to be respectful. When we learn we gain wisdom and when we understand the writing becomes clearer. We would be wise to regard God with reverence and awe. Amen.
“Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.”
Proverbs 3:13-14
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)
Jesus has paid the price for our sins…He has reconciled us to God. We are redeemed…we are loved. God will teach us and guide us through His Word…He can transform our hearts and minds…He comforts us and strengthens us. Give thanks to the Lord. Amen.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.”
Psalm 136:1
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 along Beartooth Pass near the Montana and Wyoming border)
Do not be anxious or worried…be persistent in doing good things and in prayer. God works on His own time table not ours. He knows what you need and He wants to give you good things. He cares for you, trust in the Lord. Amen.
“I remain confident of this:
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
be strong and take heart
and wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:13-14
“Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
Psalm 37:7
(This photo was taken in June of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
The Word of God tells us about God’s grace in many passages. Here are a few to reflect upon and give thanks to God for His mercy and grace…
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—”
Ephesians 2:8
“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
2 Corinthians 12:9
“But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it.”
Ephesians 4:7
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Hebrews 4:16
(This photo was taken in April of 2016 on a lake in central Minnesota)
“Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.”
Proverbs 3:13-14
“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.”
James 3:17-18
(This photo was taken in June of 2020 at a lake in northwestern Wisconsin)
If we seek God first and not the things that the world values we will find comfort with Him. God has done and continues to do more than anyone else for us. He loves us…He cares for us…He wants good things for us. Trust the God of all comfort. Amen.
“May your unfailing love be my comfort,
according to your promise to your servant.”
Psalm 119:76
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)
Who better to lead us than our Creator? He knows everything about us…He knows about every aspect and every interaction of our lives. He knows and He still loves us and wants what is best for us, even when we don’t know what that is. Turn towards God and ask Him to lead you through this day and every day of your life. Amen.
“You have searched me, Lord,
and you know me.”
Psalm 139:1
“Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
24 See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Psalm 139:23-24
(Thjis photo was taken in May of 2020 at Palisade Head along the north shore of Lake Superior)
When you pray leave room for God’s will and God’s plan to be the way you should go. We tend to think we have things all figured out and we just need to top it off with a quick FYI to God to get Him on board. Surrendering to God’s will and God’s plan means we are open to a new way for things to go…maybe in a way we haven’t considered or thought about yet…be open ended in your prayers…make room for God’s way in your life. Amen.
“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
for to you I entrust my life.”
Psalm 143:8
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:4-7
(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while traveling in southern New Mexico)
“Trust in the Lord and do good;
dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
and he will give you the desires of your heart.
5 Commit your way to the Lord;
trust in him and he will do this:
6 He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn,
your vindication like the noonday sun.
7 Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.
8 Refrain from anger and turn from wrath;
do not fret—it leads only to evil.
9 For those who are evil will be destroyed,
but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.”
Psalm 37:3-9
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while traveling through North Dakota)
Take Your Faith With You 