prayer

Come Near To God

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Jesus Christ came down from heaven to live as one of us…throughout the Old Testament there is a back and forth between God and humans as they would come close to Him and then wander off into sin.  God would save them and they would come close again and then wander off again…and on and on it went.  Then God changed everything by sending His one and only Son into the world.  Jesus Christ is our Savior, our Redeemer, He has paid the price for our sins and reconciled us back to God, forever.  Come near to God and stay close to Him…no matter what comes your way.  Amen.

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“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

James 4:8

(This photo was taken in May of 2020 at Temperance State Park on Lake Superior)

Christ Will Carry Our Burdens

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Our failures in the past…our current worries…and our anxiety about the future.  All of this He offers to reconcile for us…if we are willing to believe and trust in Him.  It is right there in Scripture…

Our past failures:

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[a] sin.”

1 John 1:7

Our current worries:

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

Our anxiety about the future:

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:33-34

These are just a few of the assurances and promises the Lord has made…the Bible is filled with the very words of Jesus Christ telling us how much He cares for us and how far He is willing to go to show us His love.  Trust in the Lord, read God’s Word and believe in our heavenly Father.  Amen.

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“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:6-7

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)

The Way Of Faith

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The way of faith is a wise way to live and a narrow path for life.  Simple yet not easy.  Commit your way to God, trust in Him and you will find peace.  Amen.

“Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise by the standards of this age, you should become “fools” so that you may become wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness”[a]; 20 and again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”

1 Corinthians 3:18-20

“My son, do not forget my teaching,
    but keep my commands in your heart,
2 for they will prolong your life many years
    and bring you peace and prosperity.

3 Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart.
4 Then you will win favor and a good name
    in the sight of God and man.

5 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 3:1-6

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“Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.”

Matthew 7:13-14

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

He Is With You

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No matter what…no matter where…no matter what you have done or left undone…He is with you. Give thanks and find peace with Jesus. Amen.

There Was Jesus by Zach Williams, Dolly Parton

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

(This photo was taken in August of 2012 while hiking along the North Shore of Lake Superior)

Make Time For Rest

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The pace of life always seems to be increasing and so we must make a conscious effort to live a balanced and healthy life. This includes more than eating right and physical exercise…we must also spend time nurturing our mind and our spirit. If we are always running at peak energy and activity we will eventually crash and the constant high high’s and low low’s is taxing on every part of who we are. Strive for balance…make time to go to a quiet place and rest. Jesus knows this is important for us and spoke about it in the Gospels. Follow His example…make time for rest. 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

““Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.””

Matthew 11:28-30

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

God Truly Is The Way Maker

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We continually wander off and get led astray and no matter where we go or what we get ourselves into…God is the only One who is our Way Maker to get us back on track…He gives us the ability to see…He gives us wisdom…He gives us courage…He makes the way clear. Trust in God and His will…He loves you and He is constantly working to be your Way Maker. Amen.

Way Maker by Leeland

“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

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Arches National Park in Utah)

Peace Prayer

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Prayer of St. Francis by Sarah McLachlan

Lord, make me an instrument of your peace
Where there is hatred, let me sow love
Where there is injury, pardon
Where there is doubt, faith
Where there is despair, hope
Where there is darkness, light
And where there is sadness, joy

O Divine Master, grant that I may
Not so much seek to be consoled as to console
To be understood, as to understand
To be loved, as to love
For it is in giving that we receive
And it’s in pardoning that we are pardoned
And it’s in dying that we are born to Eternal Life
Amen

“Blessed are the peacemakers,
    for they will be called children of God.”

Matthew 5:9

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

Wisdom And Understanding

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Often times the writings in the bible can be misunderstood because the true intent of the word has lost its meaning in society.  Take the word ‘fear’ as an example…in today’s world this strictly means to be afraid, danger or a bad feeling.  In the bible to fear the Lord is to regard God with reverence and awe, to be respectful.  When we learn we gain wisdom and when we understand the writing becomes clearer.  We would be wise to regard God with reverence and awe.  Amen.

“Blessed are those who find wisdom,
    those who gain understanding,
14 for she is more profitable than silver
    and yields better returns than gold.”

Proverbs 3:13-14

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“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
    and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Proverbs 9:10

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)

Be Patient

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Do not be anxious or worried…be persistent in doing good things and in prayer.  God works on His own time table not ours.  He knows what you need and He wants to give you good things.  He cares for you, trust in the Lord.  Amen.

“I remain confident of this:
    I will see the goodness of the Lord
    in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the Lord;
    be strong and take heart
    and wait for the Lord.”

Psalm 27:13-14

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“Be still before the Lord
    and wait patiently for him;
do not fret when people succeed in their ways,
    when they carry out their wicked schemes.”

Psalm 37:7

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

Set An Example

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A younger generation watches the older generation…they observe the words, actions and behaviors of those who came before them.  Every generation has made a contribution to where the world is today…good, bad and otherwise, no one group deserves only praise or only blame.  We are all accountable for how we act and behave.  Choose to do good things…seek to do the good things that God asks you to do according to His Word.  Amen.

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“Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. 7 Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, 8 and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.“

Titus 2:6-8

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