Distractions

It is so easy to get caught up in the things of this world.  So easy to lose focus from our purpose and why we are here.  The world is full of distractions and it is when we take our eyes off of Jesus and our faith that we begin to feel things becoming overwhelming.  We need to continually find ways to feed our faith and seek spiritual growth.  To build our relationship with our Savior and keep our focus on living a life centered on faith.  Jesus Christ is with you, even when you aren’t paying attention to Him…turn towards Christ and trust in Him to lead and guide you.  May the peace and love of Christ wash over us in our daily life.  Amen.

DSC_0128 publish

“Lord if it is you,”  Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.”  ” Come,” he said.  Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came towards Jesus.  But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried our “Lord, save me!” 

Immediately Jesus reached our his hand and caught him.  “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Matthew 14:28-31

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)

Redeemed

Saved…recovered…reclaimed…restored…changed…forgiven…set free.  The price has been paid for our sins.  Jesus came down from heaven and suffered to save us from the defeat of death in sin.  We are loved by God and that love conquers all things in this world.  We are reconciled with God and can pursue His will for our lives.  Sharing a song by the group Big Daddy Weave entitled “Redeemed”

I pray for God’s love to wash over the burdens in our lives and strengthen us in kindness, goodness, compassion and forgiveness.  Amen.

Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave

DSC_0091 publish

“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at City Park in Winterset, Iowa)

 

We Believe

Today is a day of worship and praise.  The faith journey is often a struggle and feeling alone…we are not alone and we can never forget the foundation of our faith, Jesus Christ.  We must persevere, be strong, have courage and believe.  I offer praise and worship this Sunday through song.  This one by The Newsboys, here are the lyrics and a link to We Believe

We Believe by The Newsboys

In this time of desperation
When all we know is doubt and fear
There is only one foundation
We believe, we believe
In this broken generation
When all is dark, You help us see
There is only one salvation
We believe, we believe

We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He’s given us new life
We believe in the crucifixion
We believe that He conquered death
We believe in the resurrection
And He’s comin’ back again, we believe

So, let our faith be more than anthems
Greater than the songs we sing
And in our weakness and temptations
We believe, we believe!

We believe in God the Father!
We believe in Jesus Christ!
We believe in the Holy Spirit!
And He’s given us new life!
We believe in the crucifixion!
We believe that He conquered death!
We believe in the resurrection!
And He’s comin’ back again!

Let the lost be found and the dead be raised!
In the here and now, let love invade!
Let the church live loud, our God we’ll say
We believe, we believe!
And the gates of hell will not prevail!
For the power of God, has torn the veil!
Now we know Your love will never fail!
We believe, we believe!

We believe in God the Father
We believe in Jesus Christ
We believe in the Holy Spirit
And He’s given us new life!
We believe in the crucifixion!
We believe that He conquered death!
We believe in the resurrection!
And He’s comin’ back,
He’s comin’ back again!
He’s comin’ back again!
We believe!
We believe

 

DSC_1543 publish

“Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life.  He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty.”

John 6:35

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)

Redeemer

To save…to get back…to retrieve…to regain…recover…reclaim.  We belong to Jesus.  We are God’s people, He loves us.  He is constantly seeking a connection with us.  When we are lost He shines a light on the way out.  Even though we are sinners and broken He sent His One and Only Son to save us and bring us back.  It is up to each of us to turn towards Jesus instead of turning away and come back to Him who loved us first.  May we be blessed with wisdom and courage this day.  Amen.

DSC07425 publish

“For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

John 3:17

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)