God’s Promises

He Did It All For You

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“But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
    and by his wounds we are healed.
6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
    each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
    the iniquity of us all.”

Isaiah 53:5-6 NIV

End Of The Beginning by David Phelps

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“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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

John 3:16-17 NIV

(This photo was taken in the Black Hills in western South Dakota)

We Are Forgiven

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“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8 NIV

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:32 NIV

Father God, You always give me grace when I mess up, and I want to extend that same grace to others.  Help me to be quick to forgive others because You are quick to forgive me.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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“Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”[a] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.”

Luke 23:34 NIV

(This photo was taken at sunrise on the island of Maui, Hawaii)

Saved By Grace

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4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.”

Ephesians 2:4-7 NIV

Father God, I sometimes struggle to give myself grace.  It can be hard to forgive myself for things I have done, yet I know that You have forgiven me.  Knowing that You have forgiven me, I can forgive myself.  I ask You for wisdom to learn and understand Your Word and Your truth about grace.  I give You thanks for Your mercy and grace that has saved me.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:8-10 NIV

(This photo was taken in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)

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)

Trust In The Lord…Praise Him

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“Trust in the Lord and do good;
    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
4 Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Psalm 37:3-4 NIV

Father God, when I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.  You are my source of strength and protection.  You guide me and fight for me.  When I draw near to You, I have nothing to fear, becasue I know You are in control.  Thank You!  I put my trust in You and give You praise for who You are.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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“I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;
    I will glorify your name forever.”

Psalm 86:12 NIV

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

Believe…Trust

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“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. 23 “Truly[a] I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. 24 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.”

Mark 11:22-24 NIV

Father God, I believe in You.  No matter what comes my way…I believe You have overcome the world.  Even though trouble is all around me, You are my constant source of peace.  Nothing is too difficult for You to accomplish.  You guide me and protect me.  I praise You because You are the One in whom I trust.  Thank You for all that You have done and are doing for me.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.[a]“

Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

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

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)

Listen And Be Encouraged

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“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 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.”

James 1:19-21 NIV

Father God, thank You for counting us as part of Your family.  No matter what our circumstances and worries, we can always find hope in You.  You will never abandon us, or give up on us.  Renew us as we listen to Your Word.  Help us be more aware of Your presence at all times.  Encourage our hearts, so that we can encourage those around us.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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“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 a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)