“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
“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 September of 2020 at sunrise by a lake in northwestern Wisconsin)
“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, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
1 Peter 1:3-9
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
John 8:36
(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while traveling in southern New Mexico)
God’s story and God’s plan is greater than our self-oriented desires…we are a part of His story, not the other way around. We all have been given certain gifts to use while we are here…our job is to recognize the gifts we have been given and to use them to help others. We are to do our part to Prepare the Way for the coming of the Lord when He returns. Amen.
“…as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:
“I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way”[a]—
3 “a voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’”[b]
Mark 1:2-3
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”
John 3:36
(This photo was taken in October 0f 2014 at sunrise on the island of Maui, Hawaii)
“For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.”
1 Corinthians 1:25
“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him. 30 It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption. 31 Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”[a]
1 Corinthians 1:26-31
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”
James 1:19-21
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 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 4:29-32
(This photo was taken in July of 2019 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:11
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota)
“Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 42:11
Find Rest by Francesca Battistelli
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
(This photo was taken in April of 2016 at a lake in central Minnesota)
For everything…His character…His goodness…His compassion…His response to questions…His attitude…His selflessness…His love. No matter what our struggle is, no matter where we are in life…Jesus has an example of how we should try to respond, react, proceed. This morning I read about one of the most unbelievable things He did…while hanging on the Cross, blood draining out of His body…taking the punishment we and those who put Him there deserve, He spoke these words:
“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
No matter what is happening in your life turn towards Jesus Christ, learn from Him and you will find peace. Amen.
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Romans 12:9-13
(This photo was taken in June of 2018 by a lake in Plymouth, Minnesota)
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”
Psalm 100:1-3
“Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
Psalm 100:4-5
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)
One act of kindness, compassion and thankfulness can set off a chain reaction…
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:12-15
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10
(This photo was taken in February of 2013 in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)
Take Your Faith With You 