God’s Word

Be Transformed

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To change…modify…reshape…rebuild…reconstruct…renew.  A transformation is the creation of a new way, a new way of thinking, a new approach.  For something or someone to be transformed the old ways and old thoughts must be broken down so that the new way can be created.  Transformation is personal and it is not easy…we should be careful that we do not assume that one person’s transformation will be the same as another person.  The greatest power we have in the transformation process is prayer.  Take time to be with God in prayer and be transformed.  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.  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

(This photo was taken in October of 2018  at a park near Winterset, Iowa)

Our Source For Light

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When we admit we are broken and sinful and turn to Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord we will begin to learn about the Light of the world.  The world is filled with darkness and sin.  The thoughts, words and actions of worldly values is centered on the self and a selfish attitude.  A life centered on Christ can be a Light in the world when we are willing to surrender our plans for God’s plan.  The one true source of Light is God through His Son, Jesus Christ.  Trust in Him and you will have joy and peace.  Amen.

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“For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ.”

2 Corinthians 4:6

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)

 

Amazing Love

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Nothing compares to God’s love.  His love overcomes all things.  We are saved by the sacrifice Jesus Christ made at the cross.  God is love and His love is never-ending.  Amen.

You Are My King (Amazing Love) by The Newsboys

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“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.  This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

1 John 4:9-10

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

He Is Worthy

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Hello and welcome to another day to worship and sing praise to God.  As we travel on the journey of faith, we will encounter questions and doubts along the way…that is natural and it is ok.  We need to remember that the one simple truth of faith is that Jesus Christ sacrificed Himself to save us and reconcile us to God because He loves us.  His love for us will conquer every battle in our lives.  He is worthy of our thanks and praise.  Thank you God, for your Son Jesus Christ…Amen.

Is He Worthy? by Chris Tomlin

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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.  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

(This photo was taken in July of 2019 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Show Compassion To One Another

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Everyone has troubles…everyone is fighting a battle most of us know nothing about.  Don’t assume the worst in others…don’t assume the thoughts, words and actions of others are all about you.  Have mercy, show compassion and pray about your interactions with others.  We were all created by God…all of us, and He loves every one of us.  We all are broken and Jesus died to save us from our sins.  Give your best to one another and shine the Light of Christ’s love to each other…even when we don’t think others deserve it.  Amen.

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“And the word of the Lord came again to Zechariah:  “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.  Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.”

Zechariah 7:8-10

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

 

The Fruit Of The Spirit

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The way we think…the words we say…the actions and behaviors we put into practice in our daily life can be built on the nine qualities described as the Fruit of the Spirit.  None of these things cost money, they are free.  It is up to us to choose how we live.  Our best life is one led by God and His Holy Spirit.  Seek Him and live your best each day.  Amen.

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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while traveling through northern Colorado)

God’s Presence

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He is with you…He is guiding you…He has been impacting your life in ways you cannot comprehend while living in this world.  The greatest experience in faith is experiencing and realizing God’s presence in your life…acknowledging the voice of the Holy Spirit when you sit quietly in prayer.  Learn to connect with the Lord daily…He is with you everywhere you go.  Amen.

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“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 1:14

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while traveling on Beartooth Pass in Montana)

Our Refuge In The Storm

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When danger is approaching, where should we go to seek cover?  Where can we be safe?  Who can help us in our time of need?  God is our rock and our refuge…He shields us and delivers us from the things that try to take hold of us.  Our emotional reactions can quickly escalate and get out of control…God can help us with self-control.  A relationship with Jesus Christ is a strong foundation that can withstand anything in this world.  Seek the Lord in prayer and pick up a bible…read God’s word and take refuge from the storm.  Amen.

Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns

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“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Psalm 18:2

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

Rest In Him

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Jesus invites us to come to Him…to bring all our worries and our burdens and lay them down at the foot of the Cross and trust in Him.  In this world that is filled with sinful thoughts, words and actions we all end up with a large load of burdens…some we are meant to carry…others are not meant for us to carry yet we take them upon ourselves anyways.  Then we think we can carry these burdens around all by ourselves and everything will be alright.  One of the most prominent messages in the bible is that of surrender…to know and to believe that God can do more good things with troubles and burdens than we ever thought possible.  It starts with our ability to surrender and trust in the Lord.  May the peace of the Lord be with you.  Amen.

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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while traveling in northern Colorado)

 

Holy Living

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As we learn about Jesus and we read God’s Word, we find that the life God wants for us is not all about money…that message comes from sin and the world, that message is about selfishness.  To live a holy life doesn’t cost money, it is about who you are and how you treat others.  If you spend all your time comparing yourself to others and worried about what you don’t have you are setting yourself up to be miserable.  Trust God, listen to the words of Jesus and live as God’s Word has taught us to live.  May the peace of the Lord be with you.  Amen.

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“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Colossians 3:12-14

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 while on a walk in northwestern Wisconsin)