He is always with us…any comfort you have, any joy and peace, any courage you need…it comes from God. The presence of God brings good things to us…the sin of world brings bad things. Turn towards God and give thanks for all that He does for you. Amen.
“You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Psalm 16:11
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while standing in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)
Prayer of St. Francis by Sarah McLachlan
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred, let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy
O Divine Master, grant that I may
Not so much seek to be consoled as to console
To be understood, as to understand
To be loved, as to love
For it is in giving that we receive
And it’s in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it’s in dying that we are born to Eternal Life
Amen
“Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.”
Matthew 5:9
(This photo was taken in April of 2016 at a lake in central Minnesota)
Often times the writings in the bible can be misunderstood because the true intent of the word has lost its meaning in society. Take the word ‘fear’ as an example…in today’s world this strictly means to be afraid, danger or a bad feeling. In the bible to fear the Lord is to regard God with reverence and awe, to be respectful. When we learn we gain wisdom and when we understand the writing becomes clearer. We would be wise to regard God with reverence and awe. Amen.
“Blessed are those who find wisdom,
those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
and yields better returns than gold.”
Proverbs 3:13-14
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)
Jesus has paid the price for our sins…He has reconciled us to God. We are redeemed…we are loved. God will teach us and guide us through His Word…He can transform our hearts and minds…He comforts us and strengthens us. Give thanks to the Lord. Amen.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.”
Psalm 136:1
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 along Beartooth Pass near the Montana and Wyoming border)
Do not be anxious or worried…be persistent in doing good things and in prayer. God works on His own time table not ours. He knows what you need and He wants to give you good things. He cares for you, trust in the Lord. Amen.
“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
“Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
when they carry out their wicked schemes.”
Psalm 37:7
(This photo was taken in June of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
A younger generation watches the older generation…they observe the words, actions and behaviors of those who came before them. Every generation has made a contribution to where the world is today…good, bad and otherwise, no one group deserves only praise or only blame. We are all accountable for how we act and behave. Choose to do good things…seek to do the good things that God asks you to do according to His Word. Amen.
“Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.“
Titus 2:6-8
(This photo was taken in March of 2013 in the Bontanical Gardens at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada)
Let the Word of the Lord wash over you and cleanse you…clear your mind and share what is on your heart with the Lord. Spend time reading God’s Word…let the peace of Jesus into your daily life. Amen.
“Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.”
James 1:21
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)
Don’t hesitate…don’t come casually…decide to come to the Lord and then run to Him. He is waiting for you…He will comfort you, strengthen you and guide your way. Amen.
“The name of the Lord is a fortified tower;
the righteous run to it and are safe.”
Proverbs 18:10
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 at a park near Bayfield, Wisconsin)
Whose plans are you working on? What is the purpose of what you are doing? When you have questions like this and others about your life the best place to turn is to Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. He knows what is best for you and He loves you. Ask the Lord to guide and direct you and then pay attention and listen for His reply. Amen.
“Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
and he will establish your plans.”
Proverbs 16:3
(This photo was taken in July of 2019 at a lake in northwestern Wisconsin)
God speaks to us many ways…most often it is through the words in the Scriptures. When we read the bible, we are reading the very words of God. Things He wants us to know…a guide for living with peace in our hearts. In our relationship with the Lord we should not be the one doing all the talking, otherwise we will miss out on hearing God’s will and God’s plan for our lives. Listen and you will learn and gain wisdom from God. Amen.
“Show me your ways, Lord,
teach me your paths.
5 Guide me in your truth and teach me,
for you are God my Savior,
and my hope is in you all day long.”
Psalm 25:4-5
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
Psalm 32:8
(This photo was taken October of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
Take Your Faith With You 