We must be willing to give forgiveness, to let go of bitterness, anger and pain as our Father in heaven will forgive us. Forgive, be forgiven and you will find peace. Amen.
“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Matthew 6:14-15
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)
The world looks at hope as wishful thinking, unrealistic or a daydream. The biblical definition of hope seems to be more like a confidence and belief in what God has promised and trust in His faithfulness. We may not ever fully understand or be able to comprehend things while we are here, yet with hope, provided by Jesus Christ we know that anything is possible. Be patient, be persistent, keep doing good things and believe with hope that comes only from God. Amen.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)
His Word is filled with His messages to us. If you have questions for God or about God, pick up a bible and begin to read. The bible is the Word of God and no matter how many times you read something in the bible it can be a new learning or new understanding unlike anything else. It never changes yet you can be changed forever. Amen.
“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
Hebrews 4:12-13
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)
When our faith is strong our foundation is solid. When we live by faith our motives and our purpose are clear. When we walk in faith our troubles will not disappear but God has promised to walk through them with us. By faith we will know hope that surpasses all understanding. By faith we will find peace that comes from God. Amen.
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1
(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while traveling in southern New Mexico)
It’s not too late…it’s never too late to confess your sins and ask Jesus into your heart and mind to be renewed and to create the new self. What you need to know is you can’t do this alone and the changes must start on the inside not on the outside. Real change occurs when we commit to a new attitude and we surrender our ways for His way. Some bible verses that speak to the new self are; 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 4:22-24, Romans 12:2 and many more. Trust in the Lord to lead you and guide you to a new life. Amen.
All Things New by Steven Curtis Chapman
“You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 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 March of 2013 at the Bontanical Gardens in the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada)
As God’s creation, each of us has been blessed and have God-given gifts and abilities. Our purpose in our lives is to love the Lord and to learn about and use the gifts He has given us to contribute to our communities. What gifts has God given you? What can you do or provide to others in your family, your neighborhood or your faith community? If you are unsure, turn towards God in prayer and seek His will for you. Amen.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your[a] faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”
Romans 12:6-8
(This photo was taken in July of 2019 on a golf course in northwestern Wisconsin)
All of us. God sent His Son into the world to save us from our sins…to reconcile us back to Him. God loves us…God created us…He sent His Son to save us…He gives us His Holy Spirit to guide us and lead us…He forgives us…nobody we meet in this life will ever be able to care for us like God cares for us. Turn towards God and give Him thanks and praise Him for His never-ending love. May you be comforted by God’s love today. Amen.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
(This photo was taken in June of 2016 at a lake in northwestern Wisconsin)
In this world we will have trouble. We will get knocked down, turned away, rejected and discouraged because we live in a fallen world, filled with our sin. Do not be defeated…turn towards God in prayer, be encouraged and strengthened by His love, proclaim your faith in Jesus Christ, believe and He will help you rise. Amen.
“Do not gloat over me, my enemy!
Though I have fallen, I will rise.
Though I sit in darkness,
the Lord will be my light.”
Micah 7:8
(This photo was taken in July of 2019 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
Jesus.
Heart Of Worship by Michael W. Smith
“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield[a] and the horn[b] of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Psalm 18:2
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 while driving in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)
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 another topic in the bible that is repeated often…Matthew 6:6, Luke 18:1, Philippians 4:6 and many more places. This 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. Amen.
“ 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
(This photo was taken in july of 2018 on shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)
Take Your Faith With You 