God’s Timing

One of our greatest struggles is trying to control or believing we are in complete control of time.  If we live like this, we will experience tiredness, frustrations, fatigue and lacking energy because we are living apart from God’s will.  God gives us free will and we have a responsibility in how we choose to live our lives and those choices have consequences.  If you want to learn more about God’s time, pick up the bible, read Genesis or Ecclesiastes or whatever Book in the bible you choose…our time in life is about so much more than the numbers on our devices.  Spend time with God each day and learn about His love, His plan and His time.  Amen.

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Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.”

Psalm 27:14

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 in a park near Bayfield, Wisconsin)

With Hope

The world looks at hope as wishful thinking, unrealistic or a daydream.  The biblical definition of hope seems to be more like a confidence and belief in what God has promised and trust in His faithfulness.  We may not ever fully understand or be able to comprehend things while we are here, yet with hope, provided by Jesus Christ we know that anything is possible.  Be patient, be persistent, keep doing good things and believe with hope that comes only from God.  Amen.

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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.”

Jeremiah 29:11

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)

God Speaks To Us

His Word is filled with His messages to us.  If you have questions for God or about God, pick up a bible and begin to read.  The bible is the Word of God and no matter how many times you read something in the bible it can be a new learning or new understanding unlike anything else.  It never changes yet you can be changed forever.  Amen.

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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. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

Hebrews 4:12-13

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)

By Faith

When our faith is strong our foundation is solid.  When we live by faith our motives and our purpose are clear.  When we walk in faith our troubles will not disappear but God has promised to walk through them with us.  By faith we will know hope that surpasses all understanding.  By faith we will find peace that comes from God.  Amen.

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“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Hebrews 11:1

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while traveling in southern New Mexico)

We Are Not Alone

Whatever the struggle…whatever the battle is in your life…physical, mental, emotional or spiritual…you are not alone in your fight.  God is with you…He tells us over and over again in the bible…Joshua 1:9, Isaiah 41:10, Deuteronomy 31:6, Matthew 28:20 and several more times.  Trust in the Lord, He has never broken a promise and His promise is to be with you for every day and for every situation…it is up to us to look, listen and to come near to Him.  Amen.

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“…because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”

Hebrews 13:5

(This photo was taken in June of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Focus

What are your thoughts like?  What is on your mind more often than other things?  What issues or actions grab your attention?  There is so much coming at us in our daily lives that we easily lose focus.  We are distracted, constantly shifting from one thing to the next, never getting anywhere.  So much of what is put before us is the work of evil and darkness, working to keep us away from God and our relationship with Jesus.  The more we take time to focus on God’s word and spending time in prayer the more clearly we can see the important things in life and let the other stuff fade away.  Renew your thoughts and your mind and you will find peace.  Amen.

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“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”

Colossians 3:2

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while traveling in southern New Mexico)

Not Done Yet…

Your journey continues…keep going…be persistent…act with courage and kindness…pursue what is next with compassion and goodness…ask God to guide you and stay close to Him, because God’s not done with you yet.  Amen.

God’s Not Done With You by Tauren Wells

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In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 1:4-6

(This photo was taken in May of 2014 at a lake place in central Minnesota)

Our Father

Being a parent requires a willingness to sacrifice to serve the needs of others.  What we give up is nothing compared to the loving and nurturing relationship we can have with our children throughout life.  Here to, God has set the example of a Father who has given up so much so that He can have a loving, engaging and nurturing relationship with you.  We would do well to not take Him for granted…He is our Father, who loves us and wants good things for us.  Take time to be with Our Father.  Amen.

Good Good Father ft. Pat Barrett by Chris Tomlin

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

Psalm 103:8

(This photo was taken in May of 2014 on a lake in central Minnesota)

Different Gifts

We each have been made by our Creator God and we all have different gifts and abilities according to His will.  When each of us use our God given talent to the best of our ability our community is made stronger.  It does no good to compare ourselves to others and to covet their abilities.  God created you, He loves you and He wants good things for you in life…when things go sideways or off track that is our sinful nature leading us astray.  Turn towards Jesus Christ in prayer and seek God’s plan for your gifts.  Amen.

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We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

Romans 12:6-8

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)