We can be conquerors of sin…we can overcome obstacles…we can be blessed with wisdom to find our way. If we are willing to cast our worries and burdens on Him and trust His love for us anything is possible. There is nothing that can separate us from God’s love and God’s plan for us. Believe and you will receive. Amen.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
Romans 8:37
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)
It’s not about me…it’s not about how everything affects me or makes me feel…I am not the center of everything. Each of us is one person, created by God and how we choose to live and interact with others on a daily basis is what we can control more than anything. Our actions and how we choose to respond to the actions of others is up to us. Put God first, read His word and pray. Seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit and give thanks to Jesus Christ for His love, His mercy and His grace…if you are wondering how will I ever do this or get through this…know that strength can be found in weakness. Amen.
“…For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
2 Corinthians 12:10
(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)
Often times, not always, these are the people who are more like our brothers and sisters than the ones in our family. There is trust, honesty, a sharing of experiences, giving as often as receiving and love. Some friends are only for a period of time in our life and others last the whole way through, even when there are gaps of time. Like everything else that is good they are a gift from God. Who are your true friends? Give thanks to God for those people and say a prayer for them and their life this day. Amen.
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”
John 15:12-13
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)
When we talk about the rich and the poor our minds immediately go to someone’s value based on their financial position. There are more ways to be rich or poor than with money. People can be rich or poor in intellect or with emotions. The bible talks about spiritual poverty and spiritual riches. If we get it stuck in our minds that money is the key item to define poverty and wealth then we are missing out on so much joy and we are setting ourselves up for constant defeat and struggle. Turn towards the Lord in prayer and read God’s Word regarding wealth and poverty (1 Timothy 6:3-10) and be open to expanding and shaping your perspective of rich and poor. Amen.
“Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Colossians 3:2
(This photo was taken in March 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)
All that is good comes from God. When darkness creeps in and fear takes hold, God is our strength. When you don’t know what to do ask God to guide you and your decisions. When life is going well give thanks to God for His blessings. Remember the Lord every day and know that with God all things are possible. Amen.
“Give thanks to the Lord, for his is good. His love endures forever.”
Psalm 136:1
(This photo was taken in June of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
Raise your hand if you have ever prayed to God about a problem or a situation and you asked God to help you and then you go and do what you think should happen next only to find you have made it worse…my hand is up. Trusting God with our words is one thing…living it out in our daily life is another level of spiritual growth. If we truly want to see God’s work and God’s plan in our life we need to learn how to get out of His way. I can think of several times when I have been praying about something and have not been patient enough to wait for the Lord. As I have stated in the past…I tend to be a slow learner. I am thankful for God’s mercy and grace and know He will be with us no matter how long it takes for us to learn how to trust in Him. Amen.
“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 July of 2016 while traveling through North Dakota)
No matter how high you climb, no matter how low you go, no matter how far you have traveled or if you rarely leave your hometown…God is with you. In every situation, every interaction, for every decision, He is there. Our job is to seek Him, to ask in prayer and to listen to Him by reading God’s Word and attending worship. Just because God does not do things the way you want, does not mean He is not there, it means His plan and your expectations are not aligned. Surrender your desire to control the outcome and see what God has planned for you and your life. Amen.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at Falls Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota)
Everybody makes mistakes, everyone makes poor choices. There are examples of this throughout history. The most prominent names in the bible committed sins, except for one. We are broken, we are weak, we give into temptation and the human race is responsible for bringing sin into the world. Even still we can be saved…Jesus Christ the one without sin who was crucified and died…He is Risen and He is our Redeemer. No matter what you have done or left undone, turn towards God and confess yours sins and you will be saved. Amen.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:9
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)
We are blessed to be a blessing. Sharing with those in need is about more than a financial giving. It is sharing whatever God has provided in abudance. Some have an abundance of wisdom, some the ability to be a good listener, some have a solution oriented mindset and some an abundance of posititvity. These things and many others like them are blessings from God that can be shared with others. When reflecting on what you have the ability to share look at your life from a Godly perspective not from the world’s point of view. Be thankful for what God has given you and share as He has shared with you. Amen.
“Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Romans 12:13
(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
With all that goes on in the world and in our lives we all need to find rest and to be restored. It is how we are all made. Balance is a key element in life. Eating a balanced diet is best…balance in our speaking and listening time makes us better in relationships…balance in our fun and wild times with our quiet times. The best recipes have a little bit of this and a little bit of that or a pinch of this and a pinch of that…excess will lead to destruction and definitely a poor tasting meal. In order to be at our best we need balance in all aspects of our lives…physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. Seek the Lord and you will find rest and be restored. Amen.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
Matthew 11:28
(This photo was taken in September of 2019 at a lake in central Minnesota)
Take Your Faith With You 