Learning

To Be Different

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As we move along on our faith journey we notice that the ways of the world that focus on money, time and other self oriented goals are not what we are learning from the Word of God or the example that Jesus has given us.  Spiritual growth means change, change to do better, change in perspective and change in attitude.  Many of my readings in the last week or so have been focused around this one verse.  “He must become greater; I must become less.” – John 3:30  These are words spoken by John the Baptist, who’s primary purpose was to point toward the One who was coming…Jesus.  This Christmas prepare the way for the coming of our Savior into your heart and life.  Amen.

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“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”

Romans 12:2

(This photo was taken in June of 2015 while traveling near Henry, South Dakota)

Joy And Love

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Here we are back to discuss some more Fruits of the Spirit.  Our relationship with Jesus Christ can help us get a better understanding of how these fruits show up in our lives.  Let’s look at joy for a moment.  The world’s definition of joy includes words like ‘good fortune’ or ‘possessing what one desires’…that sounds more like the emotion of happiness and satisfying the self.  For me joy is more than a feeling, it is about comfort knowing that God is in control.  It is about knowing God works for the good of all in every situation.  Joy is as much about learning and growing in faith and sharing what we have learned with others.  And love…show love to others in the same way God shows love to you.  It is simple and yet it is not always easy.  God never said life would be easy.  I pray we seek to bear good fruit in the world according to God’s will.  Amen.

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

John 15:5

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.  My command is this:  Love each other as I have loved you.”

John 15:11-12

(This photo was taken in February of 2013 in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Let Your Light Shine

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When we believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and our Savior and Lord we receive the Holy Spirit.  It is implanted in us to guide us, strengthen us and to build us up.  We must feed our spiritual lives by attending worship, reading God’s Word and by praying.  As we go on this journey we may notice a stronger sense of peace and calm and joy present more often than it used to be within us…we may notice a desire to good things more often and we may find we have greater compassion for others than maybe we did before.  We should seek to follow a desire to do good things as often as we can and to give credit to God for who we are and what we have done.  I pray we seek to shine the Light of Christ that is planted within us to others by our actions and our behaviors.  Amen.

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“You are the light of the world.  A city on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl.  Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:14-16

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

Find Rest For Your Soul

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The pace of life in society tends to be frenetic and hurried.  Rushing to get here and there taking little time to stop…and live in the present moment.  There is time to rest, to be more balanced and to set down our technology devices and have an in person conversation with a friend or family member.  To talk and to listen…all we have to do is make the decision to do it.  The world and other people are not going to do it for you…there is one person I know who actually invites us to come to Him and find rest.  He is even willing to take on our burdens and to give us peace and comfort.  Take your worries, your fears and all those things weighing down on you and bring them to the Cross of Christ and you will find rest for your soul.  Amen.

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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

Matthew 11:28-29

(This photo was taken in September of 2016 on a lake in central Minnesota)

Our Living Hope

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One of the greatest strengths of our faith is the hope we have because of Jesus Christ.  When we read from God’s Word about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, the way He lived when He was here on earth, we find there were many times when circumstances looked really bad and the people seemed to have very few choices of how to respond.  Yet Jesus would help and find new ways to work things out…not necessarily the way the people wanted but in a way that was better for everyone involved.  Just because we cannot see the way forward during trails and suffering does not mean the situation is hopeless, it just means we are not putting our trust in the Lord.  Look to Jesus in all situations good and bad and there we will find our Hope.  Amen.

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“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…”

1 Peter 1:3

(This photo was taken in October of 2014 on the north shore of the island of Maui, Hawaii)

Goodness

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This is one of the Fruits of the Spirit.  In our dictionaries it is defined as ‘the quality and state of being good.’  I see it as a summary word…things that go into goodness can include…being helpful, selfless, supportive, kind, generous, a good listener or serving the needs of others.  There are several ways to express goodness in our every day life.  It is up to us to choose an attitude that will reflect goodness in our actions and our behaviors.  I pray we all tune into the Holy Spirit living within us and seek goodness and righteousness wherever we are in life and the world.  Here is a quote associated to John Wesley that speaks about doing good:

“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”

John Wesley

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“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.”

Matthew 5:6

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

More And Less

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As we pray and read and learn more about Jesus and the examples He has provided us for living, our spiritual life should take on greater significance.  The development on our faith journey could be referred to as an inside out process.  We profess our belief in Jesus Christ and open ourselves up and ask Christ to come into hearts…we receive the Holy Spirit to guide us and help us change our thoughts, our attitude and our perspective.  A surrendering of self-focused living and an increase in Christ focused living.  The stronger we become in faith the better prepared we are to share the Good News with others in this broken world.  First God restores us on the inside and then He sends us out to share what we have learned.  I pray for courage and wisdom for all of us to be persistent in growing and nurturing our faith.  Amen.

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“He must become greater; I must become less.”

John 3:30

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

A New Self

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There are many factors that play into how we think and behave in our everyday life.  Past experiences, our personal expectations and our routines all have a significant impact on us.  It is so easy to slip into a way of thinking, believing and living until we realize we aren’t really living we are just existing and going through the motions.  If we want to see things differently then we must be willing to change something in ourselves.  Change is difficult and uncomfortable, yet we must remember we are not alone.  God is with us and He will guide us through our efforts to change.  May we seek the will for God for our lives and be open changing our attitudes and perspective in developing a new self.  Amen.

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“You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self…”

Ephesians 4:22-24

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

Relationships

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Communication…kindness…compassion…courage…commitment…time spent together…love.  There are so many things that can get in the way of this list of characteristics that support a strong relationship.  The world feeds us self-focused ways of living and that is exactly the opposite behavior needed for a strong relationship, yet people wonder why relationships are so hard?  The key to perseverance is building a relationship on a solid foundation.  That foundation is love.  More than a feeling, love is about behaviors and attitude…Jesus Christ has provided the example of love for us to follow and if we are willing to surrender self and live in this love we will begin to see our relationships get repaired, renewed and restored.  I pray we all seek the guidance of the Lord for our relationships.  Amen.

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“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.  Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

Ephesians 4:31-32

(This photo was taken in March of 2013 at the Botanical Garden at the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada)

God Renews Our Strength

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When I read God’s Word different verses and phrases will seem to stick out more than others from time to time.  This is our time to listen…God is speaking to us through the same words His Son spoke so long ago.  In the devotional bible I have been reading I have either highlighted or marked with little stars some of these verses…I have also taken time to make a list in the front of the book of the verses that speak to me the most or the most often.  This morning, on this day of worship, after completing my daily devotional I have read many of those on the list and in doing this I have literally felt peace and comfort washing over me.  If you are looking for something that seems to be missing in your life or in your heart, go look for it in the place God has provided…His Word of life.  I pray we seek the wisdom of God in His Word to renew our strength.  Amen.

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“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:31

(This photo was taken in May of 2014 at a lake place in central Minnesota)