The greatest gift we ever receive is the love of God.
Nobody Loves Me Like You by Chris Tomlin
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)
Trials and temptations will come and our faith will be tested…God can use these times to transform us into something new. Take a look at James 1:2-18 for more about this.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
James 1:12
(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Moument in New Mexico)
Attitude
by Charles Swindoll
“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness, or skill. It will make or break a company…a church…a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past…we cannot change that people will act a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude…I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me, and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you…we are in charge of our Attitudes.”
“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
Romans 12:2
(This photo was taken in May of 2014 at a lake place in central Minnesota)
It is belief…it is trust…it is confidence…it is optimism…it is hope and it exists because of God’s love and what He has done for us. It is not complex, it is simple. Faith and religion are not the same thing. Faith is about your personal relationship with Jesus Christ…religion is about the ways people choose to practice their faith. Your faith is between you and God, first. Start by seeking Him, believing in Him and trusting Him and He will guide you and your life from that point forward through any and all circumstances. Amen.
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 near Glacier National Park in Montana)
To be patient…to be courageous and to seek wisdom. To trust in the Lord and to keep doing good things whenever you can. We learn that all that is good comes from God and we are blessed to be a blessing to others. We learn that God the Father is our Creator and Jesus Christ is His one and only Son who sacrificed Himself to save us and that when we believe we will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Spend time reading God’s word and praying…learn about the amazing relationship available for each of us with God because of Jesus. Amen.
“I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”
Psalm 27:13-14
(This photo was taken in June of 2016 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
We can be conquerors of sin…we can overcome obstacles…we can be blessed with wisdom to find our way. If we are willing to cast our worries and burdens on Him and trust His love for us anything is possible. There is nothing that can separate us from God’s love and God’s plan for us. Believe and you will receive. Amen.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Romans 8:37
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)
We can be content knowing God is in control. No matter what the world does to try and keep us away, God is always with us. We do not need to live in worry and anxiety when we put our trust in the Lord and seek His Word. The bible talks about becoming a new creation, choosing to live different from the way of the world and the sinful nature. Ask God to help you open the eyes of your heart and to see with the eyes of Jesus. Live with God at the center of your life and you will find peace. Amen.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 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 July of 2018 at a park near Bayfield, Wisconsin)
Begin again…trust God to guide you…surrender your heart and mind…with God all things are possible. Trouble will come, things will get messed up and times will be difficult, this is to be expected. Focus on what you can control…how will you choose to respond? Will you choose hatred, anger, malicious talk and put your efforts into tearing down others? Many have chosen this way and it brings nothing but destruction. Will you choose kindness, compassion, listening and patience? Even with your enemies? Every single person was created by God…clearly it is time for the human race to go back and read the instructions for life found in God’s word. If you are unsure where to begin try the Book of Proverbs or look into the story of Joseph in Genesis. God can renew and restore us if we are willing to turn towards Him. Amen.
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.”
Psalm 51:10-12
(This photo was taken in December of 2018 on Paradise Island of the Bahamas)
During your time at work or at home…with family or friends…on an adventure or relaxing on a beach…or just trying to keep up with a busy schedule…God is watching over you. Too often we are turning away from Him, going off on our own and then making some sort of mess of things. To read a similar story, pick up the bible and look at Luke 15:11-32…the story of the prodigal son. God is just like a father that welcomes us back every time we come home to Him. Seek the Lord and walk with Him in all that you do. Amen.
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Chirst Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10
(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at one of the covered bridges near Winterset, Iowa)
All that is good comes from God. When darkness creeps in and fear takes hold, God is our strength. When you don’t know what to do ask God to guide you and your decisions. When life is going well give thanks to God for His blessings. Remember the Lord every day and know that with God all things are possible. Amen.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for his is good. His love endures forever.”
Psalm 136:1
(This photo was taken in June of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
Take Your Faith With You 