We have been blessed to be a blessing…He provides amazing grace to flow through us, so that we show His love to others with our actions and behaviors.
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) by Chris Tomlin
“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 June of 2018 near the border of South Dakota and Minesota)
All people are unique and different in some way. Yet all of us suffer from similar temptations and the sinful nature. We are sinners because of things we do and the things we do not do. Because of God’s love, God’s mercy and God’s grace we have been saved and we can become a new creation that is alive with Christ. He took upon Himself the punishment we all deserve and He did this because of His love for each of us. Nothing and no one on earth can do what Jesus Christ has done for us. Amen.
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.”
Ephesians 2:4-5
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 along Beartooth Pass near the Montana and Wyoming border)
We see it on display in His actions…He sent His Son Jesus Christ into the world to save us…He gives us an opportunity to learn from Him through His Word…even while we are still sinners He forgives us…He gives us the Holy Spirit as a guide through our daily life…He will never leave us or abandon us no matter what. That is truly amazing grace. Amen.
This Is Amazing Grace by Phil Wickham
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephasians 2:8-9
(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while traveling through southern New Mexico)
A way of thinking…a point of view…outlook…perspective…belief. How would you define your attitude toward God? What is His role? How much time during a typical week are we thinking about God? The Bible has many of examples of different people and their attitude towards God, it describes their beliefs and actions. There is a lot for us to learn from those people. From Genesis to Revelation, we read about those who put God at the center of their lives and those who did not. The best example of an appropriate attitude towards God is that of Jesus Christ…He took time daily to walk with God and this is what He seeks from us as well. Spend time with Jesus every day and define your attitude towards God. Amen.
“He has showed you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”
Micah 6:8
(This photo was taken in July of 2012 on a walk in northwestern Wisconsin)
Good morning and peace be with you. The God of all creation is with you and ready to lead you today. There is nothing on earth greater than God and your personal relationship with Jesus Christ His Son. Be thankful for the blessings in your life and extend the peace of the Lord to others throughout your day. Amen.
The song I share today was just released early this year…
The Greatness Of Our God by The Newsboys
“Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom.”
Psalm 145:3
(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while traveling through southern New Mexico)
God loves you…God is with you…Bring all your worries and your fears to the Cross and trust in Him who died to save you. Our faith is free but it is not cheap, when you plant the Word of God in your heart nobody can take that from you. Believe in God the Father…believe in Jesus Christ His Son our Lord and live knowing…God loves you…God is with you. Amen.
“Do not let you hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”
John 14:1
(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
We have been saved…the battle has been won. Jesus Christ gave of Himself to save us and to reconcile us back to God. We are not made to do life alone, God our Creator made us out of His love and His Son sacrificed His life because of His love for us and the Holy Spirit is guiding us through our days with God’s love. We haven’t earned it, we don’t deserve it. It has occured because of the mercy and grace of God our Father. He is not a distant figure in the sky looking for ways to punish us for every mistake, He is doing everything for our good, not according to our plans rather according to His. We would do well to turn towards God and thank Him and seek to grow our relationship with Jesus Christ. Amen.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while traveling through northern Colorado)
Life is not about what the world and other people are doing to us, it is about what are we doing to be a light, to encourage others, to be helpful and supportive, what are we doing to be different? Micah Tyler released a song last fall…he introduces the story behind the song in the video I am sharing today about change and being different.
“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
Psalms 51:10
(This photo was taken in December of 2013 on a walk in northwestern Wisconsin)
People and relationships, these are two important elements in seeking and finding peace and joy in life. The world says that money and comfort/convenience is what you need to be happy. Focusing on others feeds our spiritual life and focusing on the self only feeds the self. As with everything in life it is our choice. God is pretty clear about the value of free will. He is not interested in having a people that just do things at His command. We are responsible for our behavior and the way we treat each other. The best place to start is with our relationship with Jesus Christ…begin, continue or renew your relationship with our Lord and Savior and will find peace. Amen.
“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 whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Colossians 3:12-13
(This photo was taken in December of 2018 on Paradise Island, Bahamas)
This has been defined as the unmerited favor and love of God. It is because of the grace of God we can be saved. Along our faith journey we will trip, we will stumble and we will get knocked down by sin and the sinful nature. It is not a matter of if this will happen, rather it is about when it happens how do we choose to respond? God’ grace provides us a way to get back up, to keep trying to do better. The bible is filled with examples of people who stumbled significantly in their lives, we are not alone in our mistakes. Jesus Christ came to save them and to save you and me. No matter what the struggle is, no matter what level of darkness you feel like you are surrounded by…God’s grace is for you too. He loves you and He sent His Son to give you the way back to Him and His love for you. I pray we trust in God’s grace and love to guide us in overcoming all obstacles and for His way to lead us in our lives. Amen.
“For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
Ephesians 2:10
(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)
Take Your Faith With You 