The words written in a letter from the prophet Jeremiah to those living in exile…
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.
You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:11-13
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)
The words of Jesus in the Gospel according to John…
“I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture.”
John 10:9
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)
The words of Jesus in response to his disciples who had asked why they were unable to drive out a demon in the Gospel according to Matthew…
“He replied, “Because you have so little faith. I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” “
Matthew 17:20-21
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)
“Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”
James 4:10
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Arches National Park in Utah)
The words of Jesus speaking to his disciples in the Gospel according to Mark…
“Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:43-45
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while traveling on Beartooth Pass in Montana)
When you sense doubt…when you feel afraid…when life hits you with discouragement…when you don’t know where to turn…run to the Lord…
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.”
Proverbs 18:10
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota)
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:21
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)
The words of Paul in his letter to the Ephesians…
“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 August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)
Our faith can grow and get stronger only if we feed it and exercise it just like our bodies…if we don’t eat food or exercise our muscles our bodies become frail and weak. The same is true for our spiritual lives and our faith muscles, we need to feed on the Word of God and exercise our faith by how we interact with others in order for our faith to grow.
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”
Psalm 1:1-3
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while driving on Beartooth Pass in Montana)
It is so easy to get caught up in the events and headlines of the world or within our own daily lives, and then begin to live in worry and stress constantly. After much wringing of our hands and maybe lashing out at others, we sit and think how can I change what is happening? We can’t do it alone, we need to turn to our Lord and Savior first and listen for his guidance.
The words of Jesus in the Gospel according to Matthew…
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
(This photo was taken in September of 2014 while on a walk in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)
