Learning

Seek God’s Will

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When we pray the Lord’s prayer, which is written in the Gospel of Matthew 6:9-13, verse 10 states…“your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”  Take a moment to think about that…we are asking for the will of God to be done on earth every time we pray this prayer.  So, after we speak the words, what’s next?  God’s will is done by people willing to seek Him and His will rather than their own wants and desires.  But then we think, ‘then I won’t get what I think is right for me.’  The thing is what we do receive is so much more than we ever imagined possible on our own with our own plan.  We need to learn to trust in the Lord and seek His will.  Amen.

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“For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God…”

Colossians 1:9-10

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)

Show Compassion To One Another

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Everyone has troubles…everyone is fighting a battle most of us know nothing about.  Don’t assume the worst in others…don’t assume the thoughts, words and actions of others are all about you.  Have mercy, show compassion and pray about your interactions with others.  We were all created by God…all of us, and He loves every one of us.  We all are broken and Jesus died to save us from our sins.  Give your best to one another and shine the Light of Christ’s love to each other…even when we don’t think others deserve it.  Amen.

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“And the word of the Lord came again to Zechariah:  “This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another.  Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.”

Zechariah 7:8-10

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

 

The Fruit Of The Spirit

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The way we think…the words we say…the actions and behaviors we put into practice in our daily life can be built on the nine qualities described as the Fruit of the Spirit.  None of these things cost money, they are free.  It is up to us to choose how we live.  Our best life is one led by God and His Holy Spirit.  Seek Him and live your best each day.  Amen.

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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while traveling through northern Colorado)

The Holy Spirit

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We have access to a guide, a comforter and one who will hold us up in our weakest moments…it is the Holy Spirit.  This is a gift from God.  If we believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord and we confess our sins, we will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit in our hearts.  This is a gift that is greater than anything we will encounter in life.  Listen for the Holy Spirit in your life and seek the peace that comes from knowing God is with you.  Amen.

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“All this I have spoken while still with you.  But the Advocate, 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.  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:25-27

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

Timing

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We spend so much effort trying to line things up, make things happen just the way we want, just when we want…as if we are in complete control…when will we learn?  The timing of events in life are not up to us!  God is in control…we would do well to acknowledge Him and wait patiently for His timing.  Put your hope in God and trust He is doing good things in your life.  Amen.

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“The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.”

Lamentations 3:25-26

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota)

Our Refuge In The Storm

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When danger is approaching, where should we go to seek cover?  Where can we be safe?  Who can help us in our time of need?  God is our rock and our refuge…He shields us and delivers us from the things that try to take hold of us.  Our emotional reactions can quickly escalate and get out of control…God can help us with self-control.  A relationship with Jesus Christ is a strong foundation that can withstand anything in this world.  Seek the Lord in prayer and pick up a bible…read God’s word and take refuge from the storm.  Amen.

Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns

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“The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Psalm 18:2

(This photo was taken in June of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Rich In Love

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No matter how far we wander off…God will invite us to come back to Him.  His grace…His mercy…His compassion is all encompassing.  Whatever your circumstances are…turn towards Jesus Christ…He died to save you and He is ready to walk with you.  Amen.

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“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love.  The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”

Psalms 145:8-9

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 while traveling through Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)

Doing Good

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It makes a difference…even when you don’t get to see it or know how it made a difference.  Do your best to offer what you can, to whoever you can, wherever you are.  Don’t start with trying to change the whole world…make it your goal to do good for at least one other person every day and let God take it from there.  Our job is to Love the Lord and Love our neighbor as ourselves.  Do good things, offer your best and let God take care of the rest.  Amen.

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“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.  Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

Galatians 6:9-10

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

Our Source Of Strength And Hope

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We face difficulties and struggles each day and in so many different situations.  We look for help within the world…yet everyone else is struggling as well.  What are we to do?  Who can we turn to?  There is one who we should turn to and put our trust in, only one, it is Jesus Christ, Our Savior and Our Lord.  He is the source of comfort, courage, strength and hope…find your hope and find new strength in Christ Alone.  Amen.

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“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

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

 

Trust In The Lord

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When you are facing trouble in this world…when it seems like everything you try or do is failing…when you don’t know what to do next…pray and trust in the Lord. Do something good and wait patiently for God and His will. Trust is hard, especially when we have put our trust in things that have let us down in the past…you can trust in the Lord, He keeps His promises and He is always with you. Amen.

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“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture. Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Psalm 37:3-4

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while traveling through North Dakota)