Our Rock…A Firm Foundation

The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer;
    my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,
    my shield[b] and the horn[c] of my salvation, my stronghold.”

Psalm 18:2 NIV

Father God, there is no one besides You.  You are the only One who is holy and worthy of our praise.  Thank You for being our Rock and the firm foundation we can build our lives upon!  We are grateful that You are always faithful, never changing, and the One we can put our trust in.  We love You!  In Jesus name, Amen.

Firm Foundation (He Won’t) by Cody Carnes

DSC_0226 (2) publish

It is better to take refuge in the Lord
    than to trust in humans.”

Psalms 118:8 NIV

(This photo was taken at Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park)

Complete Trust

“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 NIV

Father God, when I am afraid, I will put my trust in You.  I will rely on You no matter what comes my way because You are my source of strength and safety.  You guide me and fight for me.  When I draw close to You, I have nothing to fear, because You are in control and You are all I need.  Thank You Father!  I choose to put my complete trust in You.  In Jesus name, Amen.

DSC_0044 (2) publish

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 NIV

(This photo was taken in a field near Buffalo, Minnesota)

God Is Greater Than _________

“You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

1 John 4:4 NIV

No matter what you are facing in life

No matter what circumstances you encounter

No matter how bad the tragedy or trauma that has occurred

No matter what…God is bigger than that ____________

God is greater than anything you will ever encounter in this life

Believe it and put your faith, your hope and your trust in Jesus Christ

What is it in your life you need to remind yourself that God is greater than?

DSC_0350 publish

“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed,
    for his compassions never fail.
23 They are new every morning;
    great is your faithfulness.
24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion;
    therefore I will wait for him.”

25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him,
    to the one who seeks him;
26 it is good to wait quietly
    for the salvation of the Lord.”

Lamentations 3:22-26 NIV

(This photo was taken in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)

Perseverance

Not only so, but we[c] also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Romans 5:3-5 NIV

When the world knocks you down, don’t stay down

Get up, stand up with your faith

Be strong and courageous because you know that Jesus Christ has already won victory for us

Perseverance is about your faith being greater than your fear!

DSC_0054 publish

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

James 1:2-4 NIV

(This photo was taken while standing on one of the Bridges of Madison County near Winterset, Iowa)

Anything Is Possible

“For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Luke 1:37 NIV

“But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Matthew 19:26 NIV

Haven’t Seen It Yet by Danny Gokey

DSC_0021-1 publish

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:4-7 NIV

(This photo was taken at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

The Battle Belongs To God

“He said: “Listen, King Jehoshaphat and all who live in Judah and Jerusalem! This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s.”

2 Chronicles 20:15 NIV

Battle Belongs by Phil Wickham

DSC_0176 (2) publish

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Romans 12:11-12 NIV

(This photo was taken in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)

Overcoming Fear

“For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”

2 Timothy 1:7 NLT

“Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 NLT

Stop believing the lies of the evil one

Trust in God

Stay in the fight and He will guide you to be an Overcomer

  God promised He will and God keeps His promises

Overcomer by Mandisa

DSC_0782 publish

“All this I have spoken while still with you. 26 But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

John 14:25-27 NIV

(This photo was taken in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)

Faith Over Fear

So do not fear, for I am with you;
    do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
    I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10 NIV

“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.”

2 Timothy 1:7 NIV

God is greater than anything we face in life.  No challenge or difficulty, no pain and suffering is too much for God to handle.

He is the Creator of the universe…He knows you…He loves you and He is with you every day, all the time.  Put your faith in God and let your faith be greater than your fear.

DSC07538 publish

Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.”

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV

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

Jesus

Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves the father loves his child as well. This is how we know that we love the children of God: by loving God and carrying out his commands. In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.

1 John 5:1-5 NIV

What A Beautiful Name by Hillsong

DSC_0094 publish

“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 NIV

(This photo was taken in May of 2022 at Temperance State Park along the North Shore of Lake Superior)

Don’t Give Up…Persevere

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,[a] whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”

James 1:2-4 NIV

When the world knocks you down, don’t stay down.  Get up, stand up by faith.  God has told us we will be persecuted for following Jesus.  We should expect it…don’t quit praying, don’t quit sharing and trusting in the Lord.

He is working even when we can’t see it.  Be strong and courageous and push on…we know that Jesus Christ has already won victory for us.  Persevere, don’t give up, let your faith be greater than your fear!

DSC_0054 publish

“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.”

Romans 12:11-12 NIV

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 standing on one of the Bridges of Madison County near Winterset, Iowa)