Immanuel…Light of the World…King of Kings…Lord of Lords…The Good Shepard…Bread of Life…Living Water…Prince of Peace…Wonderful Counselor…Lamb of God…The Truth…The Way…The Savior of the World. Amen.
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
John 1:14
(This photo was taken in June of 2016 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
We have a Savior, born in barn over 2,000 years ago, because there was no room for Him in the world. Yet He came to save us…He loves us, He forgives us and He will carry us through anything we are facing. Turn to Jesus Christ and lay down your burden and trust in Him. Amen.
“Cast your burden on the Lord,
and he will sustain you;
he will never permit
the righteous to be moved.”
Psalm 55:22
(This photo was taken in Augus tof 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)
Today is the beginning of Advent. The season of preparation and expectant waiting to celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas and His return at the Second Coming. We have many resources to help us observe this season, with calendars, candles, special devotionals, etc. Observing the rituals is one part of the process, actually preparing our hearts and minds with the meaning behind these symbols will help us to grow in our faith. For me the Advent wreath and candles are the symbols I choose to learn more about, there are four candles one for each week. Some traditions include a fifth candle called the Christ candle. As with many things different religions have different ways to celebrate these weeks. My preferred 4 themes are:
Hope–Peace–Joy–Love.
Hope is confidence in God’s faithfulness…even when everything going on around us is telling us something different, we can have hope because we know that God is working for our good in all things. Spend time this week reflecting on where you have seen God at work in your life or in the lives of others and renew your hope by remembering these things. Remember with God all things are possible. Amen.
“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 June of 2013 in northern Colorado)
No matter what has happened in the past, no matter what you are facing today and no matter what you are worried about for tomorrow…you can find rest for your soul when you put your hope in God. He alone knows what you are going through and He will never leave you or abandon you. Trust in God and trust in His Son Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord. Amen.
Find Rest by Francesca Battistelli
“Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.”
Psalm 42:11
(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while traveling in southern New Mexico)
When facing struggles and suffering, we have a choice to act based on our faith or on our fears. Choose faith. Fear is a weapon of evil and a powerful one. When given the opportunity, faith can conquer fear. As with most things there is a certain amount of fear that is healthy, protective instinct and we all need that level for personal safety. An unhealthy level of fear is destructive and paralyzing and keeps us from the life God intends for us. Bring your fears to the Lord and let your faith be greater than your fear. Amen.
Fear Is A Liar by Zach Williams
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
(This photo was taken in March of 2018 at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in southern New Mexico)
Our spiritual life, our souls rely on being fed and nourished just like our physical bodies. If we take time to feed our faith, ask questions, seek to learn and grow through many activities, we are encouraged and our faith can grow stronger. If we set aside our faith and seek only self-satisfying activity our faith will be weak, withered and unable to stand up against sin and destructive behaviors. This is not about fitting time with God into our lives, rather it is surrendering and having God lead us and guide us to the people and activities that need us. Spend time with the Lord each day and be renewed by His presence. Amen.
“One thing I ask from the Lord,
this only do I seek:
that I may dwell in the house of the Lord
all the days of my life,
to gaze on the beauty of the Lord
and to seek him in his temple.”
Psalm 27:4
(This photo was taken in April of 2016 at a lake in central Minnesota)
Jesus Christ will come again. We read about this is several places in the bible. It is His final promise and He has kept every single promise He ever made. Trust in God and trust in His Son, Jesus Christ who died to save you…who is the risen Lord and who is coming back to take us to be with Him, forever. Amen.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
John 14:1-3
(This photo was taken in June of 2016 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
A change in perspective…focusing on eternal values rather than worldly values…living with the Fruit of the Spirit in mind at all times…getting rid of pride, selfishness and worldly ambitions and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Lord, help us to be different, not better than but different from the ways of the world. Amen.
“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 12:2
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 at a park near Bayfield, Wisconsin)
Because, Jesus Christ…His birth, His life, His death and His resurrection embody the love of God for each one of us. He is with you and He will never leave you. For all the troubles and suffering we will encounter in this life…they can be overcome, because that is what faith can do. Amen.
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6
(This photo was taken in July fo 2019 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
As we read about the life of Jesus and His ministry, we are given many examples of the amazing love and compassion He has for all people, especially those in need of healing. Not just those who need physical healing but also spiritual healing and that includes you and me. We should seek to live as Jesus has taught us and if we do, we will begin to see with new eyes where Jesus wants us to serve. Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord. Amen.
Open The Eyes Of My Heart by Michael W. Smith
“A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus was filled with compassion. He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.”
Mark 1:40-42
(This photo was taken in May of 2014 at a lake in central Minnesota)
