God’s Word

Enjoy Every Moment

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Our hours and days and weeks and months and years are filled with interactions and events…we have little victories and defeats every day.  Every once in a while, a bigger event shows up in our lives.  Most of the time, we always knew it was there and many things we have been doing have been working towards this bigger event…when the bigger moments are happening be sure to soak it all in.  Being thankful, showing gratitude to others and being present in the moment is far more important than worrying about what others are thinking, saying or doing or about the perfect photo and other distractions.  Some moments are only going to happen once in your life be sure to be present when they occur.  May God’s peace be with you. Amen.

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“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.  Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:33-34

(This photo was taken this morning as these two ran down the street in our neighborhood while I was writing to you)

Perspective

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When we talk about the rich and the poor our minds immediately go to someone’s value based on their financial position.  There are more ways to be rich or poor than with money.  People can be rich or poor in intellect or with emotions.  The bible talks about spiritual poverty and spiritual riches.  If we get it stuck in our minds that money is the key item to define poverty and wealth then we are missing out on so much joy and we are setting ourselves up for constant defeat and struggle.  Turn towards the Lord in prayer and read God’s Word regarding wealth and poverty (1 Timothy 6:3-10) and be open to expanding and shaping your perspective of rich and poor.  Amen.

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

Colossians 3:2

(This photo was taken in March 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)

Whatever You Do…

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During your time at work or at home…with family or friends…on an adventure or relaxing on a beach…or just trying to keep up with a busy schedule…God is watching over you.  Too often we are turning away from Him, going off on our own and then making some sort of mess of things.  To read a similar story, pick up the bible and look at Luke 15:11-32…the story of the prodigal son.  God is just like a father that welcomes us back every time we come home to Him.  Seek the Lord and walk with Him in all that you do.  Amen.

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“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Chirst Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:10

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at one of the covered bridges near Winterset, Iowa)

His Love Endures Forever

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All that is good comes from God.  When darkness creeps in and fear takes hold, God is our strength.  When you don’t know what to do ask God to guide you and your decisions.  When life is going well give thanks to God for His blessings.  Remember the Lord every day and know that with God all things are possible.  Amen.

Forever by Chris Tomlin

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

Psalm 136:1

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

Wherever You Go…

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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.

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“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)

God’s Love

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There is nothing greater, nothing stronger and nothing higher than God’s love.  He showed the human race His love by sending His one and only Son into the world to save us.  No matter what the circumstances of your life are today, turn towards the Lord in prayer and ask Him to help you see God’s love in your life.  Amen.

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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.”

John 3:16

(This photo was taken in October of 2014 at the Nakalele Blow Hole on the island of Maui, Hawaii)

Persevere Under Trial

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Don’t give up…keep praying…keep trying…be persistent…have courage…believe.  Everyone is challenged by something in life.  Everyone is fighting a battle of some kind.  It is in these situations that we can see the power of God, we can see the His mercy and His grace when we shift our perspective off of worldly treasures and back on to Jesus.  God is holding on to you through everything the world is throwing at you.  Trust in Him and persevere through trials.  Amen.

I Am by Crowder

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“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

James 1:12

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 standing on one of the Bridges of Madison County near Winterset, Iowa)

The Name Of The Lord

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When trouble comes, seek the Lord.  When you feel like you are being attacked, seek shelter by turning towards the Lord.  When you are filled with worries and anxiety, find comfort with the Lord.  When you have fear, get courage by seeking the Lord.  We you have joy, give thanks to the Lord.  Don’t limit the experience of a relationship with God by having Jesus as a Savior but not the Lord of your life.  He is with you, every day, everywhere you go.  Amen.

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“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)

 

God’s Word…Our Actions

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Do these things connect easily in our daily life?  We read the words of Jesus and others in the bible and we look around at the world we live in and it really is difficult to see it in action.  Or is it?  Actions that reflect God’s love are happening all the time, all around the world every day…the real questions are where are you looking to see God’s love in action and what are you doing in your circle of influence in the world to show God’s love to others?  Just because the news and social media streams are obsessed with sin, evil, darkness and hate does not mean that is all that is going on in the world…it just means we are looking in the wrong places for Him.  Every single person of all backgrounds and expereicnes have a responsibility to show the love of God to others in some way.  If more people had a goal to show kindness, goodness and love to just one other person each day…it would make such a big difference in the world.  May the God’s love flow through you today.  Amen.

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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, for one’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.  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.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves.  Do what it says.”

James 1:19-22

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

Believe

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You most likely know the information and the stories written about in the bible.  You know the names of most of the books of the bible and many of the names of the people.  There is one name that is above every other name, there is one who did the unthinkable for the undeserving.  Jesus.  You know about Him…the question is do you believe it?  Believe in the power of God…believe in Jesus Christ His only Son our Lord, who died and was rasied to life and lives in you today…when you believe you can achieve anything.  Amen.

Give Me Jesus by Jeremy Camp

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“He replied, “Because you have so little faith.  I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move.  Nothing will be impossible for you.”

Matthew 17:20-21

(This photo was taken in April of 2016 on a lake in central Minnesota)