“The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.”
Psalm 119:130

“Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.”
Psalm 119:105
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 at a park near Bayfield, Wisconsin)
“The unfolding of your words gives light;
it gives understanding to the simple.”
Psalm 119:130

“Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path.”
Psalm 119:105
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 at a park near Bayfield, Wisconsin)
“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”
1 John 4:4

“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 July of 2019 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 27:1

“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,”[a] made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:6
(This photo was taken this morning at sunrise over a lake in northwestern Wisconsin)
When you made a recent decision or were experiencing a crisis…did you meet with God about it? Did you pray for guidance or wisdom? As I have stated before in matters of faith, I think I am a slow learner. It has taken most of my life and many “how did I get here?” moments to learn that I need to walk with God and not race out in front of Him thinking I have everything figured out. His way is better…it won’t align with worldly views and perspectives…it will be different yet better. Take everything in your life to God…the worries, the relationships, the decisions, the things you struggle with…everything and then the most important part comes next…look and listen for Him and His reply. Amen.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
so are my ways higher than your ways
and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8-9
(This photo was taken in June of 2018 while walking the dog in a neighborhood near Plymouth, MN)
Jesus Christ came down from heaven to live as one of us…throughout the Old Testament there is a back and forth between God and humans as they would come close to Him and then wander off into sin. God would save them and they would come close again and then wander off again…and on and on it went. Then God changed everything by sending His one and only Son into the world. Jesus Christ is our Savior, our Redeemer, He has paid the price for our sins and reconciled us back to God, forever. Come near to God and stay close to Him…no matter what comes your way. Amen.

“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
James 4:8
(This photo was taken in May of 2020 at Temperance State Park on Lake Superior)
Our failures in the past…our current worries…and our anxiety about the future. All of this He offers to reconcile for us…if we are willing to believe and trust in Him. It is right there in Scripture…
Our past failures:
“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 1:7
Our current worries:
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
Our anxiety about the future:
“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
These are just a few of the assurances and promises the Lord has made…the Bible is filled with the very words of Jesus Christ telling us how much He cares for us and how far He is willing to go to show us His love. Trust in the Lord, read God’s Word and believe in our heavenly Father. Amen.

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)
We continually wander off and get led astray and no matter where we go or what we get ourselves into…God is the only One who is our Way Maker to get us back on track…He gives us the ability to see…He gives us wisdom…He gives us courage…He makes the way clear. Trust in God and His will…He loves you and He is constantly working to be your Way Maker. Amen.

“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Arches National Park in Utah)
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)