Learning

Living Hope Perspective

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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 NIV

The hope we receive from Christ is a hope that knows and believes that Christ lives and that God is for us and working for our good, even when, especially when the visible evidence is against it

The hope from God’s Word tells us to not give up or surrender to sin and doubt, rather know that God is with us and we can trust in Him

Not for the things we believe we should have but for the things God knows that we need

May we all place our trust in the God of hope in our daily lives

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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

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

Rest With Him

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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 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. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30 NIV

As the summer is winding down and the schedule of activities and places to be cranks up, it is important to be consistent in taking time to rest in between the coming and going

Making time and having a place to rest…truly rest…time to pray, read scripture and recharge your mind and spirit is so important

We can’t be all things for all people all the time…been there, failed at that

Even Jesus would make time to rest His mind and body…why do we think we could do more than Him?

  Seek Him and ask Him to help you find rest in your daily activities

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“Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”

Mark 6:31 NIV

(This photo was taken while walking on the North Shore of Lake Superior)

The Power Of Prayer

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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 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

We are children of God

He wants to hear from us

We may think, well He is God if He knows everything and life is supposed to go according to His plan why do I need to talk to Him?

Think about your relationship with your parents or if you are a parent think about your relationship with your children

In both circumstances the relationship is always enhanced or stronger when we have good two-way communication

The same is true with Father God.  Believe in the power of prayer

“When We Pray” by Tauren Wells

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

Philippians 4:6 NIV

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

God Is Love

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“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”

1 John 4:8 NIV

“Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.”

1 John 4:11 NIV

It has been said that in order for people to receive and understand a message they must see/hear it a minimum of three times

May these verses and the words below help each of us to know and understand…

GOD is Love

God IS Love

God is LOVE

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“God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them. 17 This is how love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment: In this world we are like Jesus. 18 There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love.

19 We love because he first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.”

1 John 4:16-21 NIV

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

Sacrifice…Savior…Salvation

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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

“But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
    and by his wounds we are healed.”

Isaiah 53:5 NIV

There is a better way to be different and to live with purpose

Based on your personal relationship with Jesus Christ

He loves you, He gave His life to save you

He is with you, He is for you

Spend time in God’s Word and learn about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus

He did it all for you

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“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me.”

John 14:6 NIV

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

He Carries Us Through…

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“The Lord is my light and my salvation—
    whom shall I fear?
The Lord is the stronghold of my life—
    of whom shall I be afraid?”

Psalm 27:1 NIV

Carry You by Amy Grant

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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 NIV

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

The Words Of Jesus

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“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”

John 15:8 NIV

Father God, thank You for giving us Your Word.  Scripture is full of truth and life, and we never want to take it for granted.  We know that we are easily distracted, and yet You give us the strength to persevere.  Show us how to meditate on your Word.  Teach us to prioritize our relationship with You above all else.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33 NIV

(This photo was taken along the shore of Lake Supereior near Ashland, Wisconsin)

Wisdom And Understanding

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“For the Lord gives wisdom;
    from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Proverbs 2:6 NIV

“Blessed are those who find wisdom,
    those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
    and yields better returns than gold.“

Proverbs 3:13-14 NIV

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“Get wisdom, get understanding;
    do not forget my words or turn away from them.”

Proverbs 4:7 NIV

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

When Trouble Comes…

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“God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.”

Psalm 46:1 NIV

Father God, You are strong and faithful.  Thank You for encouraging me through Your Spirit, even when I am struggling.  Help me never give up but to continue to follow after You regardless of my circumstances.  In Jesus name, Amen.

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.  And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 4:6-7 NIV

(This photo was taken at the Botanical Gardens in the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada)

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?

No. 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 and stay connected to God.

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)