prayer

When Trouble Comes…

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We all face trials and struggles.  The one thing we can control during these times and situatons is how we choose to respond.  Many of us quickly try to gain control and take charge, determined not to let the situation get the best of us…others do an about face and get away from the situation as quickly as we can.  All of us can do better if we start with bringing the situation, the difficult time or difficult relationship, start with bringing our anxieties and worries to God…First!  Not waiting until after it gets worse or something unexpected occurs…going into battle against darkness and evil without God is like a soldier heading into a battle without any weapon.  The more we turn towards God first the more likely we will find peace and be able to overcome the troubles of life.  Amen.

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, 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 4:6-7

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

Shine The Light

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To follow Jesus, to read the words He spoke and do as He instructed is to walk in the Light of Christ.  There are several references in the Bible to the darkness and the light.  Evil and sin lead us into darkness and keep us from our relationship with God.  When you find yourself physically in a dark room or outside on a dark night and you cannot see anything, what is your first instinct?  We were made to seek the Light…when we invite Jesus into our hearts and we receive the gift of the Holy Spirit we will have the Light of Christ and as we study God’s Word and build our relationship the Lord, we will learn how God wants us to shine His Light into the world.  Seek the Light of Christ that God has placed in you and ask Him how He wants you to let that light shine.  Amen.

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“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.”

Matthew 5:16

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)

His Sacrifice Saves Us

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No matter what you are facing…no matter what things are going on around you…no matter what decisions or worries you have…remember that Jesus Christ died once for all sins, for all people.  We all are broken, we all need His forgiveness for our sins.  God has shown us His grace and mercy through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  Do not fret or be discouraged…trust in the Lord and you will find peace.  Amen.

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“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

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Our Refuge

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Worries and burdens will pile up.  We set ourselves up for disappointment and regret when we try to go it alone.  God is our refuge, He is the stronghold of our lives.  There is more to our relationship with the Lord than Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings…there is more than quickly speaking memorized words before a meal or at bedtime.  Turn towards the Lord and seek Him.  Pray for His presence to be something you can see in your life and listen for His guidance in everything.  Amen.

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“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”

Psalm 62:1-2

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

Renew Your Strength

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Many aspects of life on earth can make us weary and tired, shaping our perspective to approach life with negativity, doubt and fear.  We often forget, daily, that we can choose our attitude and perspective for this day.  If we focus all our thoughts and energy on the problem and why me, then we may get stuck and begin to spiral downward.  We can be renewed and draw strength by turning our focus to the Lord.  No matter what you are facing remember God is in control and if you put your trust in Him, your strength will be renewed.  Amen.

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“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)

Prayer

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When we want learn more about someone or grow our relationship with them…what do we do?  We spend time with them, we talk with them often, we listen and we focus our energy on them.  This has always been how friends become best friends, this is how people who have just met grow into a relationship of love and this is what God wants to have with you and me…more than anything else.  A close personal relationship.  Spend time with Jesus and invest in your relationship with the Lord.  Amen.

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“pray without ceasing”

1 Thessalonians 5:17

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

Quiet Time

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Busyness is a distraction that keeps us away from spiritual growth.  Living life at a frenetic pace not only wears down the body physically it also wears down and dulls your inner spirit.  We were made to be more balanced in our daily lives.  The example has been shown to us by Jesus…He often went off to be alone and pray, even when many people were clamoring to be with Him or near Him.  If you reflect on your life over the past few days, weeks and months…how much time have you spent quietly, in solitude, just you and God?  Seek balance in your daily life and you will find peace.  Amen.

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“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”

Mark 1:35

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior near Bayfield, Wisconsin)

God’s Word

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When we have questions or when we need guidance or when we seek comfort, the Word of God can provide for us in all these situations as well as in every other situation we may encounter.  There is a sense of peace not found in the world that can come over you when you make time to read God’s Word and pray each day.  There is guidance in there that we will not find anywhere else.  May the peace of the Lord be with you on your journey.  Amen.

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“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”

Psalm 119:105

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)

By Faith…Persevere

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How do we grow in faith?  How can our faith become the cornerstone of who we are?  It depends on your perspective…if your faith is more about religion and performing for the approval and acceptance of others, you will find it a poor foundation that will easily crumble.  Faith is a living part of who we are, we must feed our faith as often as we feed our physical body…faith is fed by reading the Word of God everyday, praying and seeking the will of God for our lives…we build and grow our faith by establishing and building our personal relationship with Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior.  That is the foundation that has stood the test of time and that is the foundation that God promises will sustain us.  Turn towards Jesus and begin building a foundation of faith that will last.  Amen.

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“For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.  For God did not give you a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.”

2 Timothy 1:6-7

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 near Dillon, Colorado)

Attitude

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A way of thinking…a point of view…outlook…perspective…belief.  How would you define your attitude toward God?  What is His role?  How much time during a typical week are we thinking about God?  The Bible has many of examples of different people and their attitude towards God, it describes their beliefs and actions.  There is a lot for us to learn from those people.  From Genesis to Revelation, we read about those who put God at the center of their lives and those who did not.  The best example of an appropriate attitude towards God is that of Jesus Christ…He took time daily to walk with God and this is what He seeks from us as well.  Spend time with Jesus every day and define your attitude towards God.  Amen.

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“He has showed you, O mortal, what is good.  And what does the Lord require of you?  To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Micah 6:8

(This photo was taken in July of 2012 on a walk in northwestern Wisconsin)