Life

Contentment

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What are we seeking in our daily lives?  We all have needs and wants…at what point are we content with what we have?  Ready to share any abundance we have received?  This goes well beyond the financial status of our lives…though many of us get stuck on that one…the truth is if we are looking for contentment in the things of this world we will be disappointed as true contentment will not be found in money, a job or career, any human relationship or any amount of power or position…it can only be found in a relationship with God.  Spend time in your relationship with Jesus Christ, read God’s word and you will give yourself the opportunity to know contentment that only comes from God.  Amen.

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“But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.”

1 Timothy 6:6-9

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

Our Father

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Being a parent requires a willingness to sacrifice to serve the needs of others.  What we give up is nothing compared to the loving and nurturing relationship we can have with our children throughout life.  Here to, God has set the example of a Father who has given up so much so that He can have a loving, engaging and nurturing relationship with you.  We would do well to not take Him for granted…He is our Father, who loves us and wants good things for us.  Take time to be with Our Father.  Amen.

Good Good Father ft. Pat Barrett by Chris Tomlin

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“The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
    slow to anger, abounding in love.”

Psalm 103:8

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

He Has Set An Example

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Throughout history the phrase “What would Jesus do?” has shown up in popularity and faded and shown up again.  Taken at its most basic level the question is valid to reflect upon.  His behaviors, His kindness, His generosity, His goodness, His mercy, His forgiveness, how He treated others and especially, His love.  We would do well to learn more about what He would do according to the Scriptures.  May the peace of Christ be with you.  Amen.

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“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

John 13:15

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

Different Gifts

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We each have been made by our Creator God and we all have different gifts and abilities according to His will.  When each of us use our God given talent to the best of our ability our community is made stronger.  It does no good to compare ourselves to others and to covet their abilities.  God created you, He loves you and He wants good things for you in life…when things go sideways or off track that is our sinful nature leading us astray.  Turn towards Jesus Christ in prayer and seek God’s plan for your gifts.  Amen.

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“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7 if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8 if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.”

Romans 12:6-8

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)

Together In Christ

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There is a section in Ecclesiastes 4 that speaks about going through life alone versus with others.  It provides a few examples of how much more difficult life can be alone.  We are made to be in community, to work together to support each other.  I am a sports fan and my favorite sport is football, today is a very big day in the football world…over the years I have reflected on the different sports and I have come to realize I often prefer team sports versus individual ones…it is not that individual sports are bad but I prefer a sport where we are more dependent on each other than individual talent alone…a sport that requires community for success.  At its basic level, in football it takes all 11 people on the field to find success, individuals willing to sacrifice for the good of the team…community, working together for the good of all.  May we all be engaged in community in our daily lives…if you are unsure of your community, turn towards God and seek His guidance.  Amen.

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“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”

Ephesians 4:1-6

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 in Custer State Park in South Dakota)

Learn, Teach, Give Thanks

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Faith is a journey.  Not an event, not something we do to check the box…it is a life learning and life-giving experience.  We learn by reading God’s Word, spending time in prayer and our own experiences…we share with others the things we have learned and we learn from others experiences…we help others by sharing the things we learn and we give thanks to God for all that He has done for us.  God is with you, right now, today and He wants a relationship with you…turn towards Him every day…learn from Him…share with others what you have learned and give Him thanks and praise.  Amen.

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“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 3:15-17

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

Life By The Spirit

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Every day we have choices to make about how we live…what we think, what we say and what we do.  These thoughts, words and actions are based on what we value.  Whether it is conscious or an unconscious decision we are choosing to serve either our sinful nature or the life of the Spirit.  Stay close to your relationship with Jesus Christ…by prayer and reading God’s Word…we will be renewed with hope, courage and faith to live by the Spirit.  Amen.

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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

Galatians 5:22-23

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

Believe

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Believe in the power of God…He is our Creator…He is our Savior…He will guide us with the Holy Spirit.  God can and will rescue you.  Don’t give up hope…don’t keep doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result.  Believe in God’s saving grace, believe in God’s love for you.  Trust in the Lord and He will rescue you.  Amen.

Rescue by Lauren Daigle

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“Because he loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

Psalm 91:14-16

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

What A Friend

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What a friend we have in Jesus.  He has done more for us than anyone ever could…He reconciled us to God.  Here is a hand clapping, foot stomping song of praise and thanksgiving for our Friend, Jesus.  Amen.

What A Friend by Matt Maher

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“You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:6-8

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