“There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Ephesians 4:4-6 NIV
“…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10 NIV
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:12 NIV
(This photo was taken along the shore of the island of Maui, Hawaii)
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.“
Colossians 3:15 NIV
Jesus Christ suffered and died for you because He loves you
He has risen…He is alive and wants to help you in this life
He wants to spend eternity with you as well
Give thanks to Jesus, with your words, actions and your behavior
Choose to live your life every day with a thankful heart
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.“
Colossians 3:17 NIV
(This photo was taken on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)
“Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah: 27 “I am the Lord, the God of all mankind. Is anything too hard for me?”
Jeremiah 32:27 NIV
Nothing we face in this life is too big for God…Nothing
No matter what, no matter who, no matter where…all things are possible with God
Put your hope and your trust in the Lord and see the good that He will do.
“For nothing will be impossible with God.”
Luke 1:37 ESV
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26 NIV
(This photo was taken near Pike’s Peak in Colorado)
“Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin. 21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in[h] Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:20-24 NIV
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV
(This photo was taken near the border of Minnesota and South Dakota)
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Matthew 7:7-8 NIV
Living a life with faith first…it sounds so simple, yet life in the world is hard
The Bible is a great guide for life…the world will tell you it is not
There are those who believe it is an outdated book filled with stories that are more like fairy tales
People say the world is so different now than when it was written that it is not applicable to life today
That is exactly what Satan wants us to think
The fact is the Bible is the truth, based on actual events…it is the Word of God
Take time to read it every day and it will change your life
“So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.“
Matthew 6:31-34 NIV
(This photo was taken while driving in northern Colorado)
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.“
Colossians 3:1-2 NIV
Outlook…viewpoint…position…approach…frame of mind…attitude
What feeds your perspective? What are you consuming with your eyes, your ears and your mind?
What experience or experiences are framing your view? All of these are inputs into your perspective and they shape your attitude
If we choose to allow our point of view to be shaped by what goes on around us in a world filled with me first, self-centered, get more attitudes we will become like the world
The best defense is to build a foundation within your heart and mind that is based on a personal relationship with Jesus Christ
We can’t stop the world from trying to influence us, yet we can choose to turn away from the sin and run towards our Savior and Lord. Jesus said;
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33 NIV
Perspective is about viewing things from a different point of view…trust in the Lord and seek His perspective on your life
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 NIV
(This photo was taken at a lake in northwestern Wisconsin)
“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 NIV
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!
“In a loud voice they were saying:
“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
and honor and glory and praise!”
Revelation 5:12 NIV
(This photo was taken in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)
“When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
John 8:12 NIV
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
3 he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,[a]
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.“
Psalm 23:1-4 NIV
(This photo was taken in Glacier National Park in Montana)
“The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.”
Psalm 145:8 NIV
Trouble will come…we will experience suffering and loss in this world…yet we do not need to have fear and we do not need to be afraid
We are loved by God with a love that is greater than anything we face
Pursue a personal relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior and our Lord, meet with Him every day…
He sacrificed everything to save you because He loves you and His love will endure forever
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.”
Psalm 136:1 NIV
(This photo was taken at a lake place in central Minnesota)
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. 18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Ephesians 5:15-20 NIV
“This is the day that the Lord has made;
let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 ESV
“God again set a certain day, calling it “Today.” This he did when a long time later he spoke through David, as in the passage already quoted:
“Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts.”[d]
Hebrews 4:7 NIV
(This photo was taken at a lake in central Minnesota)
Take Your Faith With You 