Grace

Follow Jesus

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Whenever we are learning to do something new or something we don’t do very often it seems easier to learn it when someone is guiding us and demonstrating for us what to do.  Once we have observed the example we can begin to assimilate into doing the task or behavior.  As we are learning to live a life centered on faith, we read the bible to learn about and understand the example that Jesus has set for us on how to live when He was here as a man on earth.  He taught…kindness, goodness, gentleness, love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness and self-control…that last one seems most difficult.  He helped those in need and He taught about the relationship with God the Father to all.  If you are wondering how to go forward, look to the life of Jesus and follow His example.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“He has showed you, O man, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Micah 6:8

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 outside of Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico)

Courage

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It takes courage to be a follower of Jesus Christ in this world.  It takes courage to not only say I believe but then to go out and act and do as one who believes.  It takes strength and courage to stay the course of faith and let God be in control.  We/I always want to take over control and management of life.  Then we are surprised or sometimes frustrated when things go in a different direction then what we planned or tried to orchestrate.  Trusting in God means surrendering the desire to control every aspect of your life…once again it’s simple but it’s not easy.  Give to God all the things in your mind and in your heart and pick a few verses out to memorize so you can repeat them to yourself when needed.  I have two recommendations for you Proverbs 3:5-6 and Philippians 4:13 they have helped me in many moments in my life and will continue to do so.  May God’s love and peace be with you.

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“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.  As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)

When We Are Wrong

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Another characteristic that seems to be very difficult to cultivate in today’s world is humbleness.  Admitting that we are in trouble, that we made mistakes and we need help.  The communication style of the world seems to be believe your own truth and punish those who disagree with you.  It is already difficult to be humble and admit when we are wrong…and the path the world is on makes this even more difficult.  As I am reading 1 John 1 today it talks about confessing our sins and forgiveness.  We all are going to find trouble in this life, it will be best for us and for others in our life if we work on being humble when we are in trouble and helping and supporting others when they are in trouble.  May God’s love and peace be with you and flow out of you.

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“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”

1 John 1:9

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while driving through New Mexico)

Living Faith

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We have been redeemed.  Christ lives, He is in us and we are saved.  Jesus did His part to save us and now it is up to us to live as a people saved by Christ.  We are blessed with free will.  We need to do our part to uphold our faith.  Choose goodness, choose kindness, choose to help those in need, choose joy, choose to be encouraging and uplifting…we have already received more than we could have ever hoped for from Jesus Christ, now we are reconciled with God, let’s go out into the darkness of the world and share the light of Christ.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Luke 6:31

(This photo was taken in July of 2014 at a lake place in central Minnesota)

Wait For The Lord

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In our hurried society where everyone seems to be rushing around from one thing to the next, it is hard not to get caught up in it and begin to feel rushed for no particular reason.  Why are we in such a hurry?  What is so pressing?  As I travel the roads of this country from time to time, I observe this increasingly busy life style frequently.  During these days between the Crucifixion and Easter Sunday plan time to be with the Lord and seek His will for you and your life through His timing.  How is God working in your life?  Where can you see His presence?  Who can you help by sharing the Good News?  Seek Him and then wait for Him to lead you.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“I am still confident of this:  I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.  Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.”

Psalms 27:13-14

(This photo was taken in March of 2013 at the Botanical Gardens in the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada)

Prayer

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This is the beginning of a personal relationship with God.  It is not a place to worry about saying the right words in the correct order rather it is about being honest with yourself and talking in truth to God about everything and anything.  A strong personal relationship always begins with communication, honest, heart-felt and a willingness to be vulnerable shows true commitment and trust.  Then when we are looking for the answers we must be open to a possibility of something we did not think was going to happen because with God anything is possible, even the unthinkable.  Open up your heart and mind in conversation with God and then watch for the amazing things that will happen.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Philippians 4:6

(This photo was taken in June of 2015 while driving through South Dakota)

Forgiving

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Everyone has been hurt by others in some way, at one time or another.  This is not a unique situation to be in, the key to peace and joy is what you do with the hurt and the pain…do we live with bitterness and anger at the sound of their name or place where the pain occurred?  Maybe for a period of time, eventually we must find a way to forgiveness.  We will be much better off to learn about what it means to forgive someone and proceed with removing the dark cloud from over our heads.  It won’t make the pain go away and we will live with the scar of past hurts no matter what we do…what it will do is open us up for other future possibilities, some that we could have never imagined if we were still angry and bitter.  Give forgiveness a try and see what God has in store for you.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:32

(This photo was taken in February of 2013 in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Be Different

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So much of our time is spent in comparing ourselves with other people and the world with social media feeds the anxiety and stress of these comparisons.  We are all made by God, with each having gifts and talents…we are made to work together for the good of ourselves and others.  Don’t get caught up in the differences as a bad thing or a reason to try and be something other than just yourself.  We are all God’s children.  Trust in God and the difference you can make when you have a close relationship with Him.  On this day of worship I share a song entitled Different – by Micah Tyler.  Be different in having a strong connection with God our Father, Jesus Christ his one and only Son and the Holy Spirit.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.”

Romans 8:16

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

The Final Word

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Once again I find myself in worship through music.  This time it is a song by The Newsboys.  Our journey of life will have ups and downs, highs and lows, struggles and joy.  We can find our way through anything if we stay close to God and His Son Jesus.  He gave up everything for us and He did it because of love.  No matter the situation of the events in your life…remember God has the final word.  Give this a listen…The Cross Has The Final Word by The Newsboys.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“Nothing is 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 4:13

(This photo was taken in October of 2014 at Kaanapali Beach on the island of Maui)

 

Renew

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I am working on trying to be better about not making snap judgments and flippant comments regarding situations when I know very few details.  We don’t take time to learn the details of a situation and try to understand before we start down the path of judgment and criticism.  Social media, of course, it right there to encourage the wrong behavior.  If we strive to learn more before we speak out, society as a whole would be much better off.  I am able to renew my mind and my behavior when I spend time reading the Word of God.  I want to stop jumping in to be the critic and the doubter so quickly and remember that we all were created by God and that each and every person is fighting a battle.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“Do not conform any longer 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 12:2

(This photo was taken in April of 2016 at a lake in central Minnesota)