“See, I will create
new heavens and a new earth.
The former things will not be remembered,
nor will they come to mind.”
Isaiah 65:17 NIV
All Things New by Big Daddy Weave
“‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’[b] or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Revelation 21:4 NIV
(This photo was taken in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)
“For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 NIV
Jesus gave up everything and came down from heaven as one of us
He did it to save us by taking the punishment for our sins
He did it for you and me and everyone
He sacrificed himself for us because thats how much He loves us
Take time this Christmas season to reflect on what Jesus, the Son of God, has done for you and the people in your life
“While he was still speaking, a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”
Matthew 17:5 NIV
(This photo was taken at park along the St Croix River in Minnesota)
“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 NIV
Hope is being certian of the good things of God even when circumstances show no sign of things changing or getting better
Hope is to believe what God can do because you know what God has done
“Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”
Hebrews 11:1 NIV
(This photo was taken at a park in Winterset, Iowa)
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander.”
1 Peter 3:15-16 NIV
We live, we learn and we grow
As we read God’s word and learn about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ we are not only learning for ourselves…we also have a responsibility to share what we learn with others
Especially, the younger generations
Often the wisest people are those who choose to learn from life’s experiences
Each one of us has certain experiences that give us knowledge about different aspects of life…as we learn, we can share to help the future generations to benefit from our experiences
This is true for our faith journey as well…seek the Lord and share what you learn with the younger generation
“For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”
Psalm 100:5 NIV
(This photo was taken at a lake place in central Minnesota)
“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 NIV
Father God, You are the bread of life, true nourishment for my soul. Forgive me when I chase what the world offers, instead of You. I want to pursue You and know You, rather than empty pleasures. Thank You for your faithful presence in our world and my life. Keep me focused on You and an attitude of gratitude today and all through the holiday season. In Jesus name, Amen.
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
1 John 4:9-10 NIV
(This photo was taken at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
“The temple I am going to build will be great, because our God is greater than all other gods.”
2 Chronicles 2:5 NIV
“If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”
1 John 3:20 NIV
Put anything that comes to mind before this title and it will be a true statement…God is greater
No matter what you can think of, our God is greater
This means whatever is on your mind, whatever is pulling on you or keeping you distracted, whatever burden you are carrying…God is greater than that issue, that problem, that worry, that concern, that guilt or shame
It doesn’t matter if we are are talking about the past, the present or the future…
God is greater than all things and He is with you right now
Turn towards Him, talk with Him and trust in Him
“You will keep in perfect peace
all who trust in you,
all whose thoughts are fixed on you!”
Isaiah 26:3 NIV
(This photo was taken at a lake in central Minnesota)
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.“
Colossians 3:15 NIV
Jesus Christ suffered and died for you because He loves you
He has risen…He is alive and wants to help you in this life
He wants to spend eternity with you as well
Give thanks to Jesus, with your words, actions and your behavior
Choose to live your life every day with a thankful heart
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.“
Colossians 3:17 NIV
(This photo was taken on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)
“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.”
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 NIV
“…being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:6 NIV
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
Colossians 3:12-14 NIV
(This photo was taken while traveling in northwestern Wisconsin)
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.”
Ezekiel 36:26-27 NIV
Open The Eyes Of My Heart by Michael W. Smith
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV
(This photo was taken at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
“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.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 NIV
Good and Gracious God, thank You for Your never-ending faithfulness
No matter what we face You continue to guide, protect and strengthen us
Thank You for sending us Your Son and for our salvation
When unexpected things occur help us turn towards You first and put our hope and trust in You
In Jesus name, Amen
Nobody Loves Me Like You by Chris Tomlin
“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. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”
John 3:16-17 NIV
(This photo was taken in Glacier National Park in Montana)
Take Your Faith With You 