All that has happened in our lives and in history. The greatest blessings can come from the greatest tragedies. This has been true throughout history…going back to the resurrection after the crucifixion. God knows all these things and He will guide us through everything and anything we encounter in life…it is up to us to seek Him and His Word. Amen.
“You have searched me, Lord and you know me.”
Psalm 139:1
(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at a lake in Plymouth, Minnesota)
The answer to all our worries, all our fears and all our burdens is found only in Christ alone. There is no love greater than Christ’s love…there is no sacrifice that anyone can do for us that surpasses His sacrifice. All of our hope and strength can be found in Christ alone. Amen.
In Christ Alone by Brian Littrell
“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
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)
Which one do you prefer most often? I am finding at different times a different verse speaks most clearly to my heart and mind. This is the wonder of God and God’s word…it is new every day. God speaks to us through His word. When negative thoughts come to mind or selfish and sinful ways pop up, we can cast them out by remembering and repeating a verse in our minds. Spend time reading God’s word and finding some verses that resonate with you. This is one of the best ways to put on the armor of God. Amen.
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”
Romans 12:12
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Madeline Island in Lake Superior)
When someone asks us, “Where have you seen God in your life?” We often quickly scan the last few days and maybe even the last week in our minds and come up with something…mostly in order to not disappoint those who are asking the question. What if we took more time to reflect? What if we look back 5 years ago or back to our childhood or teen years depending on what season of life we are in? The next time you are alone with God think about it, looking back now…”Where have you seen God in your life?” After all, He has been there all along, even when we were completely oblivious to Him. Thanks be to God for His love, His mercy and His grace. Amen.
“Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
Psalm 100
(This photo was taken in September of 2016 at a lake place in central Minnesota)
Each day is a gift. Nobody is guaranteed to wake up to a new day. Keep your thoughts and actions focused on the present people and circumstances…for all areas of life we should pray and seek God’s will for us. God is with us and He is working for good things for all of us. Amen.
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Colossians 3:12-14
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)
What has happened in the past is done and can’t be changed…we can learn from it…we can change today. Don’t let what has happened be chains around you that are dragged with you everywhere you go…Jesus Christ has paid the price for our sins and He is our Redeemer…bring your past, your shame and your guilt to the Lord and He will set you free. Amen.
“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 October of 2018 at a park near Winterset, Iowa)
The Lord redeems us from our sinful past, He washes away the guilt and the shame and makes us new again…The Lord walks with us in the present, He encourages us to engage in the current moments and experiences, with every interaction and event in life…The Lord will take care of tomorrow. His ways are greater than our ways and His plans are higher than our plans. Trust in the Lord…He forgives us, He is with us and His plans will take care of us in the future. Amen.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while traveling through North Dakota)
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. 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
(This photo was taken in August of 2012 while on the North Shore of Lake Superior)
Life can be so full and busy; we often prioritize events by our wants and desires and we easily set God aside. It seems we are always trying to manage time and a schedule of places to be and people to see. This is not a new issue in society, sure lifestyles have changed, yet the central issue of being too busy to spend time with the Lord is the same. When Jesus came into the world over 2,000 year ago, he was laid down in a manger, a structure for the animals to eat from, because there was no room for Him in the world. Open your hearts and your minds to Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord, seek Him and spend time in prayer with Him. Amen.
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”
Luke 2:6-7
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at the Corn Palace in Mitchell, South Dakota)
Turn towards God. Open your heart and mind in prayer and speak earnestly about your worries, your fears, your burdens. Open up God’s Word and read the writings He has left for you. If you believe that your circumstances are hopeless, read the Book of Job in the Old Testament…this person lost everything and He pleaded with God to tell him what was going on…Job wanted answers like many of us. I have been reminded this morning, that God does not reveal His plan…He reveals Himself with His presence. He gives us comfort, courage, warmth, perseverance, love, joy and peace. We can renew our strength because He gives us hope through His Son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:29-31
(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while traveling through southern New Mexico)
Take Your Faith With You 