Learning

Keep Doing Good Things

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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

We reap what we sow in this life

This does not mean we can earn our way into heaven by doing the right things

It means whatever we go out and do in the world will come back around to us at some point and none of us knows or can control how or when that will happen

This is further proof that God is in control and it is our responsibility to choose our behaviors and our actions in our daily life

We cannot control what others will think, say or do, yet we can control how we respond

Let’s keep doing good things

May the Fruit of the Spirit flow through us each day

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“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.  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.  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Galatians 6:7-9 NIV

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

To Make Him Known

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“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.”

Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV

As we learn and grow on our faith journey, we will be given opportunities to share faith

How, when or where we share the gospel is different for everyone

This is about living in the present moments of your life

If we are constantly stewing about the past or what might happen in the future we will miss that which is right in front of us

This is the journey, we will get distracted and sidetracked, it happens to everyone

In our efforts to get to know Him and make Him known, we will read stories of conversion and sharing and it will seem like, wow that person changed who they are instantly and began sharing the Good News with others…that’s not typical, at least it hasn’t been for me

I didn’t start daily devotions in my life until I was in my thirties…

I started posting on this blog in 2013…

I started posting something everyday late in 2015…

I began actually writing thoughts inspired by the Holy Spirit on this blog everyday in the beginning of 2018…and here we are today

What you don’t know is all the other things that go on in a person’s life that impacts their journey

We all are part of God’s plan and on our life’s journey, God is helping me narrow the focus on this…

He created me to Know Him and to make Him Known, everything else should lead into that and I am still learning how that works

I want to take this moment to say Thank You for stopping by, reading, commenting and being part of the journey

May the peace and joy of the Lord be with you on your journey

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“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:13 NIV

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

To Know Him

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“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love,
    for I have put my trust in you.
Show me the way I should go,
    for to you I entrust my life.”

Psalm 143:8 NIV

As it has been said, faith is a journey not a destination

So what does that mean?

It is about making progress, every day

We live, we learn, we pray, we give thanks, we cry for help, we forgive others and we learn some more

We are human, we live in a broken and fallen world

Nobody is perfect, even if their social media profiles try to project it

We are not made to do this life alone

We need to know Him, Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord

He gave His life to save us and to reconcile us to God

Give faith a chance, spend time learning about Jesus Christ and His birth, His life, His teachings, His death and His resurrection

Pickup God’s Word and seek Him daily, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain

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“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Proverbs 9:10 NIV

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

Troubles Can Be Overwhelming

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When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

John 8:12 NIV

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 our 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 get through difficult times and 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

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

Romans 12:21 NIV

(This photo was taken on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)

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)

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)

A Different Perspective

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“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.“

Romans 12:9-13 NIV

Different by Micah Tyler

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“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.“

Romans 12:1-2 NIV

(This photo was taken along Beartooth Pass in Montana)

Let The Holy Spirit Be Your Guide

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“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 15:13 NIV

When we put our trust in God and believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord, we will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us grow spiritually

It can be difficult to tune in to the Holy Spirit during the hustle and bustle of daily life but that does not mean God is not present with you

Evil and darkness will go to great lengths to keep us from our connection to God…make time to connect to God’s presence in your life and tune into the Holy Spirit

Holy Spirit by Francesca Battistelli

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“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”

John 14:26 NIV

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

Prayer Makes A Difference

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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 NIV

Do we always get what we want, when we want it?  No

Does a child always get what they ask for?  Do they understand why?

No, they don’t…what we do know is that God wants us to pray

It is our way to communicate with God

It is a common topic in the bible…Matthew 6:6, Luke 18:1, Philippians 4:6 and many more places

Prayer is something God encourages us to do and knowing that, means that even though we may not understand how it works, prayer does make a difference

When We Pray by Tauren Wells

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“ Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessolanians 5:16-18 NIV

(This photo was taken on shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)

Forgive

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“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

Colossians 3:12-14 NIV

Forgive others as you have been forgiven

We are redeemed by Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord

No matter how far off we have wandered or how long it has been we can always return to Christ through faith and that is true for all people

  So, whether or not you are concerned about the path you are on or the path another is on you should pray and seek wisdom from the Holy Spirit to guide you and guide your support for one another

  May the grace and peace of the Lord wash over us all

Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave

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“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:32 NIV

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