God’s Presence

Joy In God’s Promises

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“Therefore the Lord himself will give you[c] a sign: The virgin[d] will conceive and give birth to a son, and[e] will call him Immanuel.”[f] 

Isaiah 7:14 NIV

“For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
    will accomplish this.”

Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV

Father God, we are holding tightly to our hope in You.  We trust that You are faithful, and we believe that You will always fulfill Your promises.  Thank You for promising to bring justice to unjust situations.  Thank You for promising to fulfill Your plans for us.  Thank You for sending Your Son and for promising to return to Your people.  You are faithful, Lord-and we will trust in You.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9 An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

Luke 2:8-11 NIV

(This photo was taken at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)

The Holy Spirit

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“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

John 14:26 NIV

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13 NIV

Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli

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“If you love me, keep my commands. 16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be[c] in you. “

John 14:15-17 NIV

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

The Word Of God

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“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV

“Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Ephesians 6:17 NIV

Keep God’s Word close to your heart…read it, memorize it, use it to pray and let it lead and guide you in your daily life.

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“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.”

Hebrews 4:12 NIV

(This photo was taken along the North Shore of Lake Superior)

God Is Greater

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“The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods.”

2 Chronicles 2:5 NIV

“If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”

1 John 3:20 NIV

Father God, You know what is on my mind and has me distracted and worried.  For the things in my past, help me to let them go and to find peace in You.  For my current day struggles, guide me to draw near to You and be patient.  For my ‘what if’ thoughts about the future, remind me to put my trust in You because You ave overcome this world and You are greater than anything or any situation I will encounter in my life.  Thank You God for who You are and all that You do for me.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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“You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.“

Isaiah 26:3 NIV

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

Put Your Hope In God

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“Why am I discouraged?
    Why is my heart so sad?
I will put my hope in God!
    I will praise him again—
    my Savior and my God!”

Psalm 42:11 NLT

Father God, we know You have a plan for our lives and that You want to bless us.  Help us lean into that promise.  Sometimes it is hard to see past our present struggles.  Fill each of us with Your hope and give us peace.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Find Rest by Fracesca Battistelli

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“Have you never heard?
    Have you never understood?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
    the Creator of all the earth.
He never grows weak or weary.
    No one can measure the depths of his understanding.
29 He gives power to the weak
    and strength to the powerless.
30 Even youths will become weak and tired,
    and young men will fall in exhaustion.
31 But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength.
    They will soar high on wings like eagles.
They will run and not grow weary.
    They will walk and not faint.”

Isaiah 40:28-31 NLT

(This photo was taken at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Seek God’s Will

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“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. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

Jeremiah 29:11-13 NIV

Father God, thank You for loving us and pursuing a personal relationship with each of us.  You are everything to us, and we want to seek You first every day.  Please be a part of every decision, every thought, every word, and every action we have.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Romans 12:1-2 NIV

(This photo was taken at a park near Bayfield, Wisconsin)

Contentment…Gratitude

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“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,

“Never will I leave you;
    never will I forsake you.”[a]

Hebrews 13:5 NIV

God is always with us…if God feels distant, it is because we have wandered off and away from Him.  Believe in Jesus, confess your sin and invite Him into your life daily.  He will be with you and He will lead and guide you forever.  Thanks be to God.

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 in northwestern Wisconsin)

Peace

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“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

“You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.“

Isaiah 26:3 NIV

Father God, I often find myself consumed by my circumstances that are beyond my control and I am distracted by things that don’t matter.  Forgive me for not consistently placing my trust in You.  No matter what I face, I know You are still with me.  You are the giver of peace, help me remember I can access Your peace whenever I draw near to You.  Remind me to make space in my heart and mind to be able to experience Your peace.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Breathe by Michael W Smith

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“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

Colossians 3:15-17 NIV

(This photo was taken at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Trust In God

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“You will keep in perfect peace
    those whose minds are steadfast,
    because they trust in you.”

Isaiah 26:3 NIV

Father God, You are our source of strength and hope.  You are able to overcome our fears with Your love.  With You, all things are possible.  So we will place our hope and trust in You.  Even when everything around us seems to crumble, we will trust and not be afraid…for we know our future is secure with You.  Thank You for Your peace, Your mercy and Your love.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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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 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

God’s Presence Is All Around Us

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“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9 NIV

God Is With Us by Casting Crowns

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“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV

(This photo was taken in September of 2022 in Big Sky, Montana )