Learning

Give Thanks And Praise

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The Lord gives us blessings…He knows each of us and He cares for us.  Some blessings are talents or natural skills we can use to share abundance with others…some blessings don’t feel like a blessing but are intended for us to learn from, in these times it can be difficult to stay true to faith and to look for God in all of it.  He is right there with you, no matter what has happened, no matter who you have lost in this life.  Spiritual maturity comes by walking with God and trusting in Him.  Give thanks and praise Him for His love, His mercy, His forgiveness and His grace.  Amen.

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“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”

Deuteronomy 6:5

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Arches National Park in Utah)

We Are Being Transformed

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Trials and temptations will come and our faith will be tested…God can use these times to transform us into something new.  Take a look at James 1:2-18 for more about this.

Diamonds by Hawk Nelson

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“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

James 1:12

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

Listen

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I sense a need for less talking and more listening.  Choose whatever way you can best connect with God by listening.  For me, of course, I listen to music that has been created by Christian artists that God has blessed with talent to share the Good News.  For a period of time, not sure how long, I will be talking less and sharing messages through God’s Word and song and gathering new photos.  May the peace and comfort of the Lord be with you.  Amen.

He gives us strength…He gives us courage…His is the voice of truth.

Voice Of Truth by Casting Crowns

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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; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

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

Alive With Christ

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All people are unique and different in some way.  Yet all of us suffer from similar temptations and the sinful nature.  We are sinners because of things we do and the things we do not do.  Because of God’s love, God’s mercy and God’s grace we have been saved and we can become a new creation that is alive with Christ.  He took upon Himself the punishment we all deserve and He did this because of His love for each of us.  Nothing and no one on earth can do what Jesus Christ has done for us.  Amen.

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“But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions – it is by grace you have been saved.”

Ephesians 2:4-5

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 along Beartooth Pass near the Montana and Wyoming border)

Give Glory To God

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We do not live for ourselves…we were created by God with a purpose…our lives are not about us.  Selfishness and selfish behavior are poison in the world…they are harmful to us and to others.  Give and it will be given to you…seek and you will find what you are looking for…Take time reflect on what God has done and is doing in your life, give thanks and give glory to God.  Amen.

Not To Us by Chris Tomlin

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“Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness.”

Psalm 115:1

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

What Is Faith?

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It is belief…it is trust…it is confidence…it is optimism…it is hope and it exists because of God’s love and what He has done for us.  It is not complex, it is simple.  Faith and religion are not the same thing.  Faith is about your personal relationship with Jesus Christ…religion is about the ways people choose to practice their faith.  Your faith is between you and God, first.  Start by seeking Him, believing in Him and trusting Him and He will guide you and your life from that point forward through any and all circumstances.  Amen.

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“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”

Hebrews 11:1

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 near Glacier National Park in Montana)