Music

Overcome Trouble

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The battles are many and they are different for all of us.  The darkness and evil of this world are constantly attacking us and everyone is fighting a battle of some sort…chose to overcome trouble, believe in Jesus Christ.  He has fought this fight and He has overcome the trouble of this world.  Stay strong in the battle find courage, strength, wisdom, peace and hope in the only One who can provide it, your Savior and Lord.  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

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

With Hope

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The world looks at hope as wishful thinking, unrealistic or a daydream.  The biblical definition of hope seems to be more like a confidence and belief in what God has promised and trust in His faithfulness.  We may not ever fully understand or be able to comprehend things while we are here, yet with hope, provided by Jesus Christ we know that anything is possible.  Be patient, be persistent, keep doing good things and believe with hope that comes only from God.  Amen.

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“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.”

Jeremiah 29:11

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)

Jesus Comforts Us

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When you read the red letters in the bible, the very words of Jesus, He often spoke in a way that was comforting to others.  Sometimes He needed to be firm and many times He had to repeat Himself, yet His overwhelming presence was comforting.  He knows what it is like to live as a human on earth…He has experienced childhood, teenage years and interactions of many kinds during His life…He knows about weddings, friendships, helping others, betrayal, frustrations, temptations, pain and suffering and death.  He knows what is happening in your life…today.  Turn towards Jesus Christ in prayer and you will find comfort.  Amen.

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“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me.”

John 14:1

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

God Speaks To Us

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His Word is filled with His messages to us.  If you have questions for God or about God, pick up a bible and begin to read.  The bible is the Word of God and no matter how many times you read something in the bible it can be a new learning or new understanding unlike anything else.  It never changes yet you can be changed forever.  Amen.

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“For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”

Hebrews 4:12-13

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

Jesus

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What A Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship

Nobody Loves Me Like You by Chris Tomlin

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“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
    and gave him the name that is above every name,
10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
    in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11 and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord,
    to the glory of God the Father.”

Philippians 2:9-11

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

The New Self

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It’s not too late…it’s never too late to confess your sins and ask Jesus into your heart and mind to be renewed and to create the new self.  What you need to know is you can’t do this alone and the changes must start on the inside not on the outside.  Real change occurs when we commit to a new attitude and we surrender our ways for His way.  Some bible verses that speak to the new self are; 2 Corinthians 5:17, Ephesians 4:22-24, Romans 12:2 and many more.  Trust in the Lord to lead you and guide you to a new life.  Amen.

All Things New by Steven Curtis Chapman

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“You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. 8 But now you must also rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. 9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.”

Colossians 3:7-10

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

For Us

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All of us.  God sent His Son into the world to save us from our sins…to reconcile us back to Him.  God loves us…God created us…He sent His Son to save us…He gives us His Holy Spirit to guide us and lead us…He forgives us…nobody we meet in this life will ever be able to care for us like God cares for us.  Turn towards God and give Him thanks and praise Him for His never-ending love.  May you be comforted by God’s love today.  Amen.

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“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8

(This photo was taken in June of 2016 at a lake in northwestern Wisconsin)

God’s Word

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It is the source of truth and our guide for living in this world.  There are so many ways it will help you and support you and it never changes.  People will come and go; people will try to twist it and use it for their benefit…stay close in your relationship with Jesus Christ and He will tell you the truth.  Pickup God’s word every day and you will see the many ways God speaks to us…a few examples from my life below…there are so many more.  Amen.

When I am focused on worry and fear…

“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

When I have doubt or confusion…

“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

When I am led astray by temptations…

“Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
11 Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.
12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

Psalm 51:10-12

If you want to know where is God in all this, open up His Word, seek and you will find.  Peace be with you.

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“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 3:16

(This photo was taken in April of 2016 at sunrise on a lake in central Minnesota)

I Will Rise

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In this world we will have trouble.  We will get knocked down, turned away, rejected and discouraged because we live in a fallen world, filled with our sin.  Do not be defeated…turn towards God in prayer, be encouraged and strengthened by His love, proclaim your faith in Jesus Christ, believe and He will help you rise.  Amen.

I Will Rise by Chris Tomlin

What Faith Can Do by Kutless

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“Do not gloat over me, my enemy!
    Though I have fallen, I will rise.
Though I sit in darkness,
    the Lord will be my light.”

Micah 7:8

(This photo was taken in July of 2019 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)