“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at a park near Winterset, Iowa)
Our actions speak louder than our words. Our actions tell the truth about the condition of our heart. The faith journey is a process that works from the inside out…we must begin with what is in our hearts and minds…we can be made new and be renewed by spending time with Jesus Christ. As we learn more about what Jesus is teaching us, we can turn that learning in to actions that bear fruit. May peace and patience be with you on your journey. Amen.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. 17 This is my command: Love each other.”
John 15:16-17
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota)
We must be willing to give forgiveness, to let go of bitterness, anger and pain as our Father in heaven will forgive us. Forgive, be forgiven and you will find peace. Amen.
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Matthew 6:14-15
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)
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.
“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)
The battles are many and they are different for all of us. The darkness and evil of this world are constantly attacking us and everyone is fighting a battle of some sort…chose to overcome trouble, believe in Jesus Christ. He has fought this fight and He has overcome the trouble of this world. Stay strong in the battle find courage, strength, wisdom, peace and hope in the only One who can provide it, your Savior and Lord. Amen.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while traveling in southern Coilorado)
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.
“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)
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.
“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)
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.
“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)
It is the source of truth and our guide for living in this world. There are so many ways it will help you and support you and it never changes. People will come and go; people will try to twist it and use it for their benefit…stay close in your relationship with Jesus Christ and He will tell you the truth. Pickup God’s word every day and you will see the many ways God speaks to us…a few examples from my life below…there are so many more. Amen.
When I am focused on worry and fear…
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—
whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
of whom shall I be afraid?”
Psalm 27:1
When I have doubt or confusion…
“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
When I am led astray by temptations…
“Create in me a pure heart, O God,
and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”
Psalm 51:10-12
If you want to know where is God in all this, open up His Word, seek and you will find. Peace be with you.
“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 April of 2016 at sunrise on a lake in central Minnesota)
Jesus.
Heart Of Worship by Michael W. Smith
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield[a] and the horn[b] of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Psalm 18:2
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 while driving in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)
