“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13
“Surely your goodness and love will follow me
all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.”
Psalm 23:6
(This photo was taken in February of 2013 in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, 5 who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
1 Peter 1:3-9
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
John 8:36
(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while traveling in southern New Mexico)
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14
“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
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:11
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota)
“Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 42:11
Find Rest by Francesca Battistelli
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
(This photo was taken in April of 2016 at a lake in central Minnesota)
Goodness Of God by Jenn Johnson
“The Lord is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.”
Psalm 145:9
“The Lord is good,
a refuge in times of trouble.
He cares for those who trust in him,”
Nahum 1:7
“Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”
Psalm 34:8
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever.”
Psalm 107:1
(This photo was taken in May of 2020 at sunrise along the North Shore of Lake Superior)
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 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 4:1-6
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13
(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while traveling in southern New Mexico)
We have hope because of Jesus Christ. Do good things…live out the Fruits of the Spirit in your daily life and no matter where you are or what is happening in your life don’t give up hope…renew your strength by turning towards the Lord. Amen.
“Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:28-31
“So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10
(This photo was taken in April of 2020 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”
John 4:24
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”
John 14:26-27
Holy Spirit By Francesca Battistelli
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 while on a walk in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)
“The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love.”
Psalm 103:8
“He prayed to the Lord, “Isn’t this what I said, Lord, when I was still at home? That is what I tried to forestall by fleeing to Tarshish. I knew that you are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love, a God who relents from sending calamity.”
Jonah 4:2
“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 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 October of 2018 near Winterset, Iowa)
It goes much deeper than happiness…it comes from down in your soul where you are most closely connected to the Lord. It comes from your perspective based in trust, faith and hope…choose joy. Amen.
“Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 near Lake Dillon in Colorado)
Take Your Faith With You 