God’s Word

Focus

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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…

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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 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 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)

Humility

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The message in the bible is clear…we need to learn how to be humble.  Selfishness and self-serving behaviors are running wild in the world.  God knows it is a problem for the human race and He made sure it is talked about often in His Word…

“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”

Romans 12:9-10

“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”[a]

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:5-7

If you want to know more do an internet search on bible verses about humility.  Turn towards Jesus our Savior and the one who set the example of how to be humble by caring for others.  Amen.

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“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Philippians 2:3-4

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 near Arches National Park in Utah)

 

Contentment

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What are we seeking in our daily lives?  We all have needs and wants…at what point are we content with what we have?  Ready to share any abundance we have received?  This goes well beyond the financial status of our lives…though many of us get stuck on that one…the truth is if we are looking for contentment in the things of this world we will be disappointed as true contentment will not be found in money, a job or career, any human relationship or any amount of power or position…it can only be found in a relationship with God.  Spend time in your relationship with Jesus Christ, read God’s word and you will give yourself the opportunity to know contentment that only comes from God.  Amen.

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“But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”

1 Timothy 6:6-9

(This photo was taken in October of 2014 on the north shore of Maui, Hawaii)

Our Father

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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

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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; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 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)

Life By The Spirit

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Every day we have choices to make about how we live…what we think, what we say and what we do.  These thoughts, words and actions are based on what we value.  Whether it is conscious or an unconscious decision we are choosing to serve either our sinful nature or the life of the Spirit.  Stay close to your relationship with Jesus Christ…by prayer and reading God’s Word…we will be renewed with hope, courage and faith to live by the Spirit.  Amen.

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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)

Believe

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Believe in the power of God…He is our Creator…He is our Savior…He will guide us with the Holy Spirit.  God can and will rescue you.  Don’t give up hope…don’t keep doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.  Believe in God’s saving grace, believe in God’s love for you.  Trust in the Lord and He will rescue you.  Amen.

Rescue by Lauren Daigle

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“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

Psalm 91:14-16

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 along Beartooth Pass near the Montana and Wyoming border)