We can be conquerors of sin…we can overcome obstacles…we can be blessed with wisdom to find our way. If we are willing to cast our worries and burdens on Him and trust His love for us anything is possible. There is nothing that can separate us from God’s love and God’s plan for us. Believe and you will receive. Amen.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Romans 8:37
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)
It’s not about me…it’s not about how everything affects me or makes me feel…I am not the center of everything. Each of us is one person, created by God and how we choose to live and interact with others on a daily basis is what we can control more than anything. Our actions and how we choose to respond to the actions of others is up to us. Put God first, read His word and pray. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and give thanks to Jesus Christ for His love, His mercy and His grace…if you are wondering how will I ever do this or get through this…know that strength can be found in weakness. Amen.
“…For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:10
(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)
We can be content knowing God is in control. No matter what the world does to try and keep us away, God is always with us. We do not need to live in worry and anxiety when we put our trust in the Lord and seek His Word. The bible talks about becoming a new creation, choosing to live different from the way of the world and the sinful nature. Ask God to help you open the eyes of your heart and to see with the eyes of Jesus. Live with God at the center of your life and you will find peace. Amen.
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 at a park near Bayfield, Wisconsin)
Begin again…trust God to guide you…surrender your heart and mind…with God all things are possible. Trouble will come, things will get messed up and times will be difficult, this is to be expected. Focus on what you can control…how will you choose to respond? Will you choose hatred, anger, malicious talk and put your efforts into tearing down others? Many have chosen this way and it brings nothing but destruction. Will you choose kindness, compassion, listening and patience? Even with your enemies? Every single person was created by God…clearly it is time for the human race to go back and read the instructions for life found in God’s word. If you are unsure where to begin try the Book of Proverbs or look into the story of Joseph in Genesis. God can renew and restore us if we are willing to turn towards Him. Amen.
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.”
Psalm 51:10-12
(This photo was taken in December of 2018 on Paradise Island of the Bahamas)
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.
“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)
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.
“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)
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.
“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)
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.
“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)
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.
“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)
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.
“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)
