Jesus Saves

Troubles Can Be Overwhelming

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Our thoughts are often the driver of our hearts and our actions.  The more we think about and focus on something, the more likely it will lead us to doing something.  The problem is the amount of inputs and sensory overload we are getting from darkness and evil tend to keep us dwelling on our sins and the sinful nature within us.  It truly is a struggle and can be all consuming.  The only source of Light is Jesus Christ.  The only way to get help in removing the blinders to goodness and good things is God’s Word.  Faith will not make the evil and darkness disappear, rather it provides the tools and the resources we need to promote the Fruit of the Spirit.  Faith helps us shine the Light of Christ for us and others to see in this dark world.  Thanks be to God for Jesus Christ our Light of the World.  Amen.

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“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Romans 12:21

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

The Facts Of Faith

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Jesus Christ was born and lived life as a human being for 30+ years. He performed miracles that thousands of people witnessed and recorded. He was arrested, beaten, presented to the people as a criminal. He was innoccent and yet He was sentenced to death. He was flogged and finally He was crucified and died. His body was placed in a tomb and it was sealed…this is not the end of the story. Three days later Jesus Christ rose from the the dead, many came to the tomb but He was not there, His body was never found, after His resurrection He was seen several more times, the fact is Jesus Christ is alive and living with God our Father in heaven. “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

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“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 15:57

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 near Colorado Springs, Colorado)

Holy Living

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It is a choice we face every day…what is the way we are going to choose to live this day?  Others are going to do, say and think things and we do not control that.  Our response is up to us and nobody else.  The sinful nature is going to push hard for selfishness and putting the self before others, do we have the foundation of faith to be able to put on the full armor of God?  To learn more about the armor of God grab your Bible and look to  Ephesians chapter 6.  The truth in everything begins at The Cross…start there and see what happens next.  May the mercy and grace of God wash over us this day.  Amen.

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“You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.  But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these:  anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.  Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

Colossians 3:7-10

(This photo was taken in December of 2018 on walk in northwestern Wisconsin)

God’s Love

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It is uncomprehendable for our finite minds…in the Book of Ephesians chapter 3 Paul writes a prayer for the Ephesians…“…And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ…” (Ephesians 3:17-18)  God stands by us, when we turn our backs on Him, He doesn’t give up on us.  When we get consumed by the sinful nature, He forgives us.  When He saw that all His efforts in the Old Testament to save His people were temporary fixes…He did the unthinkable, He became like us and He sacrificed His one and only Son to ensure we would be saved.  God loves you…more than you will ever be able to understand during your life on earth.  Seek Him and His everlasting love.  Here is a song of praise about God’s love.  Peace be with you.

How He Loves Us – David Crowder Band

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“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have enternal life.”

John 3:16

(This photo was taken in June of 2018 while walking the dog near Plymouth, Minnesota)

The Foundation Of Our Faith

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Jesus Christ.  His birth, His life, His words, His teachings, His love, His grace, His mercy, His willingness to forgive us, His ability to take our punishment, His death, His resurrection.  If you are looking for answers, seek Him…If you are struggling with a situation, ask Him what you should do…If you are grateful and thankful for blessings in your life, thank Him.  He is our Light in a dark world.  Open yourself up to Him and you will find peace and joy.  Prepare The Way of the Lord in your heart.  Amen.

Prepare the Way – Holy Redeemer Church, Performer: Daniel Schmit

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

Proverbs 18:10

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)

Why Did Jesus Come?

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He came down from heaven and into this world.  God had a plan and Jesus knew exactly what He was getting into…so why do it?  He did because He loves you, He cares for you and He wants only the best for you.  The answer to this question and so many others have been given to us in God’s Word.  It’s not complicated, it is simple and yet the human race seems bent on making things much more difficult and complicated then they need to be.  Jesus came to save us because He loves us and even though we don’t deserve it, He loves us anyways.  Let us be thankful for Jesus Christ and His saving grace.  Amen.

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“…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”

John 10:10

(This photo was taken in April of 2016 on a lake in central Minnesota)

The Savior Of The World

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Take time during this Advent season to reflect on what Jesus Christ has done for you and for me.  He came into this world as a baby, born in a stable…He came in peace, to teach us, to help those who are suffering and to reconcile the lost souls of the world to God.  He was rejected by many…He was beaten, crucified and just before He died He asked Father God to forgive us.  He has done and is continuing to do everything He can for you and for me, for our good…because He loves us.  This Christmas give thanks to Jesus Christ…Our Savior of the World.  Amen.

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“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:10-11

(This photo was taken in December of 2017 in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)

He Lives

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We are saved…we are forgiven…the Sacrifice has been made…the price has been paid…the battle has already been won…our Savior took our punishment…we are reconciled with God…we can go on in faith…because He Lives!

Sharing a song of worship and praise today…May God’s peace be with you.

“Because He Lives” by Matt Maher

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“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Galatians 2:20

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 while driving through the State of Washington)

Distractions

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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.

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“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

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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

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“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)