Gratitude

Contentment…Generosity

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“But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. “

1 Timothy 6:6-9 NIV

Give of yourself and be content when your needs are fulfilled

The world will tell you to want more and to get more

God has provided more than enough for everyone

Contentment and Generosity are about all aspects of life…our time, our talents, our emotions, our faith

  The more we are content the more we can share when we have received an abundance

Take time to assess where you stand…where do you have more than enough on your hands and how can you share to help those who are in need?

May the grace and peace of the Lord be with you

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“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 7 Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.“

2 Corinthians 9:6-8 NIV

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

Gratitude For God’s Goodness

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“Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

Father God, nothing is impossible for You.  You love me even when I am unlovable.  You are good to me even when I do not deserve it.  You are kind and compassionate toward me even when I mess up.  You provide the example of what faithful love looks like.  Thank You for never leaving or abandoning me.  Today, remind me of the ways You have provided for me in my life so that way I can intentionally praise You and Your goodness.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.“

Philippians 4:4-7 NIV

(This photo was taken at Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming)

A New Way

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“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.“

Ephesians 4:22-24 NIV

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!“

2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV

Every day brings new possibilities

Trust the promises of God to find a New Way

Our hope is in God and His love

The Wonderful Cross by Michael W Smith

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“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.“

Philippians 4:8-9 NIV

(This photo was taken at sunrise at a lake in central Minnesota)

Walk In The Light

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“The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?”

Psalm 27:1 NIV

Father God, when we are overwhelmed by the brokeness we see, help us to remember that You see us.  You are in control.  We cannot stop all the pain and injustice we witness, yet help us overcome evil by doing good.  Help us to walk in the Light with You.  Give us the courage and humility to love people well today.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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“This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 6 If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[a] sin.”

1 John 1:5-7 NIV

(This photo was taken in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)

The Name Of Jesus

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“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 2:9-11 NIV

There Is Power by Lincoln Brewster

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“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”

Proverbs 18:10 NIV

(This photo was taken at Jenny Lake in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming)

Give Thanks To The Lord

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“Praise the Lord.[a]

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.”

Psalm 106:1 NIV

We are saved by grace

We cannot earn it nor do we deserve it

It is a gift from God

Let us give thanks to the Lord for all He has done for us

He is with us, He loves us and He will never leave us

Forever by Chris Tomlin

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“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2     Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Psalm 100:1-5 NIV

(This photo was taken along Beartooth Pass in Montana)

Humility…Perspective

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“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Philippians 2:3-4 NIV

“…All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because,

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”[a]

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:5-7 NIV

When something needs to change…start with your perspective.

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“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Romans 12:9-13 NIV

(This photo was taken along Beartooth Pass near the Montana and Wyoming border)

Gratitude

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“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2     Worship the Lord with gladness;
    come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
    It is he who made us, and we are his[a];
    we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.”

Psalm 100:1-3 NIV

Gratitude by Brandon Lake

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“Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Psalm 100:4-5 NIV

(This photo was taken at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Comfort

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“May your unfailing love be my comfort,
    according to your promise to your servant.”

Psalm 119:76 NIV

Our God is the God of all comfort

There is nothing and no one in the world that can comfort us the way God can

Turn towards God and you will find comfort and peace

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“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 NIV

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

Give Thanks

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“Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Father God, nothing is impossible for You.  You love us even when we are unloveable.  You are good to us even when we don’t deserve it.  You are kind and compassionate toward us even when we mess up.  Thank You for never leaving us or forsaking us!  Teach us to focus on gratitude in all circumstances and draw us closer to You.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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“Enter his gates with thanksgiving
    and his courts with praise;
    give thanks to him and praise his name.
5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
    his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Psalm 100:4-5

(This photo was taken in St. Croix State Park in northern Minnesota)