Inspiration

Today And All Throughout the New Year

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“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28 NIV

Nothing in our lives is wasted

God is still working

Do not be deceived by the enemy

God loves you

God wants you to live life to the full

Don’t give up

Don’t give in to sin

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

John 10:10 NIV

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“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Philippians 1:6 NIV

(This photo was taken at Kathio State Park in central Minnesota)

Humility

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“Pride leads to disgrace,
    but with humility comes wisdom.”

Proverbs 11:2 NLT

Modesty…humbleness…meekness

Let go of pride and trust the Lord to lead you

It may be uncomfortable, it will be difficult…God never promised life would be easy but He has provided the Way, the Truth and the Life through His Son

Invite the Lord Jesus into your heart and your circumstances

No matter what you have done or what you have not done, He wants to hear from you

God is with us…not because what we do rather becasue of who He is…

Who Am I by Casting Crowns

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“Submit yourselves, then, to God.  Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Come near to God and he will come near to you…”

James 4:7-8 NIV

(This photo was taken in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)

God’s Plan

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“Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
    but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Proverbs 19:21 NIV

As we reflect on the year that is ending and look towards the New Year

May we all have the courage to surrender our plans

To ask God what is His plan for our lives

We know from His Word that His plan is for our good

Today and every day let God lead the way

“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

John 15:7 NIV

(This photo was taken in a neighborhood in central Minnesota)

Wait For The Lord

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“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for him.”

Lamentations 3:22-24 NIV

The world preaches immediate gratification, seek more…quickly

Obedience to God is upside down according to the world

God is with you and working for your good and His glory

Keep seeking Him…Keep praying

Trust in the Lord and wait for Him to complete His work on His timeline

It may be you just haven’t seen it yet…

Haven’t Seen It Yet by Danny Gokey

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

Psalm 27:13-14 NIV

(This photo was taken at Bear Lake in Rocky Mountian National Park)

Renewal And Restoration

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“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”

Ephesians 2:10 NIV

Begin again

trust God to guide you

surrender your heart and mind

with God all things are possible

Trouble will come, things will get messed up and times will be difficult, this is to be expected

Focus on what you can control…how will you choose to respond?

Will you choose hatred, anger, malicious talk and put your efforts into tearing down others?

Many have chosen this way and it brings nothing but destruction

Will you choose kindness, compassion, listening and patience?

Even with your enemies?

Every single person was created by God…clearly it is time for the human race to go back and read the instructions for life found in God’s word

If you are unsure where to begin try the Book of Proverbs or look into the story of Joseph in Genesis

God can renew and restore us if we are willing to turn towards Him

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“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.  Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.”

Psalm 51:10-12 NIV

(This photo was taken on Paradise Island of the Bahamas)

Merry Christmas

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“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 NIV

At Christmas time and throughout the year put Christ in the center of your life

With Christ you will know Hope

You will know Peace

You will know Joy

You will know that the Love of Christ in your heart will help you overcome anything this world can throw at you

May we all see and know God’s blessings in our lives this Christmas and carry them with us all through the New Year

Merry Christmas!

Christmastime by Michael W Smith

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“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

13 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:11-14 NIV

(This photo was taken while on a walk in northwestern Wisconsin)

Give This Christmas Away

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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

Share hope

Do good things to help one another

Let the joy flow through you in your actions

Give the love you have received from God to others

Give This Christmas Away by Matthew West

“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Galatians 6:7-10 NIV

(This photo was taken on the island of Maui, Hawaii)

Freedom In The Spirit

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“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”[b] 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.”

Galatians 5:13-15 NIV

“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.”

2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV

There Is Freedom by Josh Baldwin

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“Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants[a] of God.”

1 Peter 2:16 NIV

(This photo was taken while traveling through southern New Mexico)

With God, All Things Are Possible

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“For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Luke 1:37 NIV

“But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Matthew 19:26 NIV

As we close out 2025 and look forward to the New Year…remember you have a Good Father in God and there is nothing He can’t handle in your life

When it looks and seems impossible

Know that God can conquer all things

He is with you…He is for you and He loves you

God Is With Us by Casting Crowns

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“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 NIV

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

Peace That Surpasses All Understanding

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“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 14:27 NIV

“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

As we reflect on this year and the stroms of life in a broken world

We need to remember there is peace available for all of us

It is a peace that surpasses all understanding

As our faith rises up and we become still

Peace will come over us

Jesus speaks peace

Peace Be Still by Hope Darst

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“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 4:6-7 NIV

(This photo was taken in Glaciaer National Park in Montana)