“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.”[a]
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;
therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!”
Isaiah 30:18
(This photo was taken in May of 2020 along the north shore of Lake Superior)
“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
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Colossians 3:12-17
(This photo was taken in July of 2015 while on a mission trip in Denver, Colorado)
We learn from our experiences and by reading about the experiences of others. Many times, learning from our own experiences is a slow and difficult process as we are most stubborn with ourselves. Reading and learning from the experiences of others gives us new insight into how can we live going forward. God provides the greatest book filled with lessons and learnings, to help us as we live. Pick up a bible and learn from the experiences of those who came before us. Amen.
“The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel:
2 for gaining wisdom and instruction;
for understanding words of insight;
3 for receiving instruction in prudent behavior,
doing what is right and just and fair;
4 for giving prudence to those who are simple,[a]
knowledge and discretion to the young—
5 let the wise listen and add to their learning,
and let the discerning get guidance—
6 for understanding proverbs and parables,
the sayings and riddles of the wise.[b]
7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,
but fools[c] despise wisdom and instruction.”
Proverbs 1:1-7
(This photo was taken in September of 2016 at a lake in central Minnesota)
Jesus Christ came down from heaven to live as one of us…throughout the Old Testament there is a back and forth between God and humans as they would come close to Him and then wander off into sin. God would save them and they would come close again and then wander off again…and on and on it went. Then God changed everything by sending His one and only Son into the world. Jesus Christ is our Savior, our Redeemer, He has paid the price for our sins and reconciled us back to God, forever. Come near to God and stay close to Him…no matter what comes your way. Amen.
“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
James 4:8
(This photo was taken in May of 2020 at Temperance State Park on Lake Superior)
Our failures in the past…our current worries…and our anxiety about the future. All of this He offers to reconcile for us…if we are willing to believe and trust in Him. It is right there in Scripture…
Our past failures:
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[a] sin.”
1 John 1:7
Our current worries:
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
Deuteronomy 31:8
Our anxiety about the future:
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
These are just a few of the assurances and promises the Lord has made…the Bible is filled with the very words of Jesus Christ telling us how much He cares for us and how far He is willing to go to show us His love. Trust in the Lord, read God’s Word and believe in our heavenly Father. Amen.
“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:6-7
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)
The way of faith is a wise way to live and a narrow path for life. Simple yet not easy. Commit your way to God, trust in Him and you will find peace. Amen.
“Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”[a]; 20 and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”
1 Corinthians 3:18-20
“My son, do not forget my teaching,
but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
and bring you peace and prosperity.
3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
bind them around your neck,
write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
in the sight of God and man.
5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
and he will make your paths straight.”[a]
Proverbs 3:1-6
“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”
Matthew 7:13-14
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while traveling in southern Colorado)
No matter what…no matter where…no matter what you have done or left undone…He is with you. Give thanks and find peace with Jesus. Amen.
There Was Jesus by Zach Williams, Dolly Parton
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
(This photo was taken in August of 2012 while hiking along the North Shore of Lake Superior)
The pace of life always seems to be increasing and so we must make a conscious effort to live a balanced and healthy life. This includes more than eating right and physical exercise…we must also spend time nurturing our mind and our spirit. If we are always running at peak energy and activity we will eventually crash and the constant high high’s and low low’s is taxing on every part of who we are. Strive for balance…make time to go to a quiet place and rest. Jesus knows this is important for us and spoke about it in the Gospels. Follow His example…make time for rest. Amen.
“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
““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
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)
We continually wander off and get led astray and no matter where we go or what we get ourselves into…God is the only One who is our Way Maker to get us back on track…He gives us the ability to see…He gives us wisdom…He gives us courage…He makes the way clear. Trust in God and His will…He loves you and He is constantly working to be your Way Maker. Amen.
“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 August of 2016 in Arches National Park in Utah)
He is always with us…any comfort you have, any joy and peace, any courage you need…it comes from God. The presence of God brings good things to us…the sin of world brings bad things. Turn towards God and give thanks for all that He does for you. Amen.
“You make known to me the path of life;
you will fill me with joy in your presence,
with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Psalm 16:11
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while standing in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)
Take Your Faith With You 