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)
No matter how high you climb, no matter how low you go, no matter how far you have traveled or if you rarely leave your hometown…God is with you. In every situation, every interaction, for every decision, He is there. Our job is to seek Him, to ask in prayer and to listen to Him by reading God’s Word and attending worship. Just because God does not do things the way you want, does not mean He is not there, it means His plan and your expectations are not aligned. Surrender your desire to control the outcome and see what God has planned for you and your life. Amen.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at Falls Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota)
There is nothing greater, nothing stronger and nothing higher than God’s love. He showed the human race His love by sending His one and only Son into the world to save us. No matter what the circumstances of your life are today, turn towards the Lord in prayer and ask Him to help you see God’s love in your life. Amen.
“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 October of 2014 at the Nakalele Blow Hole on the island of Maui, Hawaii)
When trouble comes, seek the Lord. When you feel like you are being attacked, seek shelter by turning towards the Lord. When you are filled with worries and anxiety, find comfort with the Lord. When you have fear, get courage by seeking the Lord. We you have joy, give thanks to the Lord. Don’t limit the experience of a relationship with God by having Jesus as a Savior but not the Lord of your life. He is with you, every day, everywhere you go. Amen.
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
Proverbs 18:10
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)
Do these things connect easily in our daily life? We read the words of Jesus and others in the bible and we look around at the world we live in and it really is difficult to see it in action. Or is it? Actions that reflect God’s love are happening all the time, all around the world every day…the real questions are where are you looking to see God’s love in action and what are you doing in your circle of influence in the world to show God’s love to others? Just because the news and social media streams are obsessed with sin, evil, darkness and hate does not mean that is all that is going on in the world…it just means we are looking in the wrong places for Him. Every single person of all backgrounds and expereicnes have a responsibility to show the love of God to others in some way. If more people had a goal to show kindness, goodness and love to just one other person each day…it would make such a big difference in the world. May the God’s love flow through you today. Amen.
“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for one’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 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.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”
James 1:19-22
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)
You most likely know the information and the stories written about in the bible. You know the names of most of the books of the bible and many of the names of the people. There is one name that is above every other name, there is one who did the unthinkable for the undeserving. Jesus. You know about Him…the question is do you believe it? Believe in the power of God…believe in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord, who died and was rasied to life and lives in you today…when you believe you can achieve anything. Amen.
“He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.”
Matthew 17:20-21
(This photo was taken in April of 2016 on a lake in central Minnesota)
Take Your Faith With You 