Living Hope

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

John 8:36 NIV

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“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 NIV

(This photo was taken while traveling in southern New Mexico)

Surrender

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:27 NIV

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“He must become greater; I must become less.”

John 3:30 NIV

(This photo was taken at Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)

I See Your Goodness All Over My Life

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28 NIV

Nothing in our lives is wasted

God is near and always working for our good

Look closely and you will see God’s goodness

All over your life

Evidence by Josh Baldwin

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“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.”

Colossians 3:12-14 NIV

(This photo was taken in Glacier National Park in Montana)

How We Live Each Day

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”

Matthew 7:12 NIV

“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.“

John 15:12-13 NIV

Jesus lived His life as an example we can follow for how we live

Love and honor God

Love and serve one another

Share the Good News of the Gospel

“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 NIV

(This photo was taken at St. Croix State Park in northern Minnesota)

Joy Because God Is Good

“Taste and see that the Lord is good;
    blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

Psalm 34:8 NIV

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

James 1:17 NIV

Father God, thank You for being our good Father

We are so grateful we can always count on You

You bless us and Your love is poured into us

Thank You for Your mercy and grace

Thank You for sending us Jesus

Remind us of Your goodness in everything and help us remember You are greater than any circumstances or difficulties we face

In Jesus name, Amen

Goodness Of God by Jenn Johnson | Victory

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“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28 NIV

(This photo was taken in Tettegouche State Park in northern Minnesota)

His Love Endures Forever

“The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
    slow to anger and rich in love.”

Psalm 145:8 NIV

Troubles will come

We will experience suffering and loss in this world…yet we do not need to have fear and we do not need to be afraid

We are loved by God with a love that is greater than anything we face

Pursue a personal relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior and our Lord, meet with Him every day…

He sacrificed everything to save you because He loves you and His love will endure forever

Forever by Michael W Smith

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“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.”

Psalm 136:1 NIV

(This photo was taken at a lake place in central Minnesota)

Today And All Throughout the New Year

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28 NIV

Nothing in our lives is wasted

God is still working

Do not be deceived by the enemy

God loves you

God wants you to live life to the full

Don’t give up

Don’t give in to sin

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

John 10:10 NIV

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“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 1:6 NIV

(This photo was taken at Kathio State Park in central Minnesota)

Renewal And Restoration

“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 NIV

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

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“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 NIV

(This photo was taken on Paradise Island of the Bahamas)

Freedom In The Spirit

“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”

Galatians 5:13-15 NIV

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV

There Is Freedom by Josh Baldwin

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“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants[a] of God.”

1 Peter 2:16 NIV

(This photo was taken while traveling through southern New Mexico)