kindness

Put Aside Your Fears

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The journey of faith becomes more difficult if we let our fears have the power to stop us.  If we allow our fears to be sustained in our thoughts and in our actions we are feeding them.  We can be strengthened against our fears by the Word of God and by connecting in a community of faith.  Fear is a weapon of evil and darkness and it can be very powerful if we allow it rule in our lives.  We must remember that God is good, He already knows much more about us than we realize, He loves us and He has forgiven us.  Be renewed by developing your personal relationship with Jesus Christ…after all He gave all He could in order to save us.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“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 March of 2018 at the natural entrance to Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico)

Saved By Grace

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We do not choose God, He chose us.  He is our Creator, He sent His Son to reconcile us with Him.  He continues to be involved in our everyday with the Holy Spirit.  We have not earned this love nor do we deserve it for our behavior in this world.  God gives to you freely out of His deep abiding love for you.  No matter where you are or what is going on in your daily life…God loves you unconditionally…that is Grace.  Turn to Him, seek Him and His Word.  He is waiting to hear from you.  May God’s love and peace be with you.

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“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this not from yourselves, it is a gift of God – not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Ephesians 2:8-9

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while driving through southern New Mexico)

Follow Jesus

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Whenever we are learning to do something new or something we don’t do very often it seems easier to learn it when someone is guiding us and demonstrating for us what to do.  Once we have observed the example we can begin to assimilate into doing the task or behavior.  As we are learning to live a life centered on faith, we read the bible to learn about and understand the example that Jesus has set for us on how to live when He was here as a man on earth.  He taught…kindness, goodness, gentleness, love, joy, peace, patience, faithfulness and self-control…that last one seems most difficult.  He helped those in need and He taught about the relationship with God the Father to all.  If you are wondering how to go forward, look to the life of Jesus and follow His example.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“He has showed you, O man, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Micah 6:8

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 outside of Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico)

What Can I Do?

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This is an excellent question.  One that we can ask of God anytime and in any situation.  Asking questions and seeking the answers from God first are an excellent way to start letting God be in control.  When we are willing to ask for help we are admitting we don’t have all the answers or finally admitting we tried to answer the questions of life several times on our own and we are ready to surrender to God’s answers.  This is very humbling and yet such a lift of burden all at the same time.  I am sure you have heard the phrase…God is good, all the time and all the time, God is good…while it can be used as a mantra or a call and response exercise the truth of what that states is accurate.  It is our perspective that needs the adjustment not God’s plan.  Be open to questions, ask them to God and be prepared to listen to His answers not only the answer you want.  May God’s peace and goodness be with you.

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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

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)

Courage

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It takes courage to be a follower of Jesus Christ in this world.  It takes courage to not only say I believe but then to go out and act and do as one who believes.  It takes strength and courage to stay the course of faith and let God be in control.  We/I always want to take over control and management of life.  Then we are surprised or sometimes frustrated when things go in a different direction then what we planned or tried to orchestrate.  Trusting in God means surrendering the desire to control every aspect of your life…once again it’s simple but it’s not easy.  Give to God all the things in your mind and in your heart and pick a few verses out to memorize so you can repeat them to yourself when needed.  I have two recommendations for you Proverbs 3:5-6 and Philippians 4:13 they have helped me in many moments in my life and will continue to do so.  May God’s love and peace be with you.

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“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, and neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord.  As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)

Friendship

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There are few things greater than the gift of friendship.  Sharing experiences, listening to each other, laughing together, supporting each other.  We were made out of God’s love and we were made to be in community with God and with one another.  When we think about someone and it brings a smile to our face they are most likely a true friend.  Make time for your friends as you know they are the ones who make time for you.  May God’s love and peace be with you.

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“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.  You are my friends if you do what I command.”

John 15:13-14

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 at one of the covered bridges in Madison County, Iowa)

Spiritual Growth

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Spiritual growth comes when we continue to devote time to our personal relationship with God.  Reading God’s word, spending time in prayer and in the quiet of His calming presence.  The more we are able to center our lives on trusting God with everything the stronger our foundation of life will be.  I have read about this in several different books, the writer explains a turning point, that point where everything starts to look and feel different…it is much different to read about it then to begin to start experiencing it.  I began listening to christian music on the radio 20 years ago…I started reading faith based books and my devotional bible everyday 8 years ago…and I started this blog 5 years ago…I am just beginning to sense and understand what it means to trust God with my everything (yes I am a slow learner :).  Just like one of my favorite phrases states…it is simple but it is not easy.  May God’s love and peace be with you.

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“I am the vine; you are the branches.  If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)

When We Are Wrong

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Another characteristic that seems to be very difficult to cultivate in today’s world is humbleness.  Admitting that we are in trouble, that we made mistakes and we need help.  The communication style of the world seems to be believe your own truth and punish those who disagree with you.  It is already difficult to be humble and admit when we are wrong…and the path the world is on makes this even more difficult.  As I am reading 1 John 1 today it talks about confessing our sins and forgiveness.  We all are going to find trouble in this life, it will be best for us and for others in our life if we work on being humble when we are in trouble and helping and supporting others when they are in trouble.  May God’s love and peace be with you and flow out of you.

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“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”

1 John 1:9

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while driving through New Mexico)

Patience

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One of the hardest characteristics to develop and grow in this world is patience.  All around us is convenience, time-saving, be first, get it done…hurry hurry, we want it now!  Whew…take a moment…breathe.  The “rat race” as it has been called consumes so many people.  Let’s stop and think about that phrase…’rat race’…it has origins of a mouse or hamster in a cage running on a spinning wheel.  Working so hard and going nowhere.  We need the courage and strength to step off the spinning wheel.  The goals of the rat race give us nothing but anxiety, stress and the desire to move the bar higher causing more of the same pain and suffering.  One of my favorite quotes from Albert Einstein…‘the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result,’ sounds like the rat race to me.  Time to start making a change in how we live and the only way we can change is with patience and persistence.  Take a least one step each day out of the rat race and get into the race of faith…for the reward in that race is eternal life through Jesus Christ.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness.  He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”

2 Peter 3:9

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)

Be Thankful

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As I continue along my faith journey I am often reminded in different ways to remember to be thankful.  When we look carefully at what blessings and gifts God has already provided we realize that we take so much for granted in our daily lives.  Always concerned with others and what we don’t have or what we want next…it seems to be big part of human nature.  If we take time every day to reflect on and give thanks for what we are grateful for it will help shape our perspective for the rest of the day.  Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, His love endures forever.  For inspiration I recommend listening to the song of praise entitled Forever – by Chris Tomlin.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.  Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs.  Know that the Lord is God.  It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name.  For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;  his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

Psalm 100

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while driving through New Mexico)