No matter where we go or what we do…we can be assured God knows us and is watching out for us. He has a plan for us and it is up to us to seek Him and His Word.
“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
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 on Beartooth Pass in Montana)
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)
This is about His plan not ours…this is about learning to listen…this is about prayer…this is about spending time in the quiet alone with God. How do we know when something is what God is asking us to do? As they say, if it were easy, everyone would be doing it. There is not one process or the same steps for everyone to know or understand what God is asking them to do…believe me I know this is frustrating to hear. The answer(s) are in your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. When we want to learn about something we usually try to gain knowledge by spending time reading or consulting with others who have had success or experience in that work or field of expertise. So if we want to learn more about God’s plan and where or what we are being called to…we should read God’s Word and consult with Jesus. The key is this…it is easy to ask the questions; the journey moves forward according to our ability and willingness to listen and take action…even if it means being uncomfortable or not knowing what is going to happen next and we can do that when we learn to trust in Him. May the joy and peace of God be with you. Amen.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)
Thinking about taking a trip…making a decision about where to live…job transitions…people and relationships…family gatherings and celebrations. All these things and many more can involve decisions that will have a lasting impact on our lives and the lives of others. As we grow our relationship with Jesus we must learn to start the planning process by connecting with God first and not wait until things have gone completely off the rails and we are in desperate need of saving. When we are early in our faith journey we tend want to keep God in a box with glass door that says “In case of an emergency break glass”…that is us trying to be in control and not fully surrendering ourselves to trusting in God’s plan. Don’t misunderstand me, I still struggle with this in my personal faith journey often. The change I am trying to make is to be aware of something that your mind spends a great deal of time on and openly offer it up to God’s will. To spend more time in prayer on the topic and less time stewing about it in my own mind. May’s God’s goodness and compassion be with you.
“The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.”
Proverbs 21:5
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)
The Bible is not a book that tells a story about past events and is not relevant to today. It is the Word of God and how God made the world out of love. The people of the world both back then and now have chosen to reject God, so the stories of the old testament and the new testament are about God’s pursuit of the people in creation. It is about the things He was and is doing to bring people back to His love. In the old testament it was battles, kings and prophets and in the new testament it is the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ His one and only Son. These stories are about God’s pursuit of humanity and it continues today. Pick up a Bible and see your place in God’s pursuit of you and people all over the world. May God’s peace be with you.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”
Psalm 119:105
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 along Beartooth Pass near the Montana and Wyoming border)
“For we are God’s workmanship, 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 June of 2013 near Pike’s Peak in Colorado)
We must try to remember that God has a plan for each and every one of us…we will find the Fruits of the Spirit love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control in His plan not in our own ideas about how life should be.
” ‘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
(This photo was taken last month on a lake in central Minnesota)
“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Psalm 16:9-11
(This photo was taken in June 2013 while driving in Colorado)
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while driving through northern Colorado)
“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while driving through Colorado)
Take Your Faith With You 