“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit – just as you were called to one hope when you were called – one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.”
Ephesians 4:2-6
(This photo was taken in October of 2014 while driving on the north shore of Maui)
As we live our day to day lives and experience each and every detail of life we are easily distracted from recognizing God is with us. He is in everything…He is the Creator and the Author of our faith…“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8
Just like the two individuals in Luke 24, they were ‘On the Road to Emmaus’. They were busy discussing what had happened over the previous three days…Jesus of Nazareth who they believed was a prophet was handed over and crucified but he was supposed to be the one to redeem Israel. Them and all the disciples thought…’ok now we have a king who is powerful and will be sure to set things right for us in this world’…just like many of us today who latch on to something or someone and think ‘ok this is the thing or the person who is going to make everything right in my life’.
Then the two ‘On the Road’ encountered another while walking. He asked them questions and they explained their dismay at what had occurred, even though Jesus himself had told them several times before he died that it was going to happen…even though it was stated by many of the early prophets that He will come, be sacrificed and will be raised from the dead.
They couldn’t understand, they were so distracted by the events of their everyday life to even notice that Jesus was right there with them the whole time. He was walking right beside them listening, teaching them and when they had spent enough time with Him, while they were sharing a meal with Him…Finally! They could see He was right there with them the whole time.
Friends, God is with us…right here, right now. Jesus said in the Gospel according to John…
“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 14:27
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at Falls Park in Sioux Falls, South Dakota)
“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. 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 the wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”
Isaiah 40:28-31
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while visiting Pike’s Peak in Colorado)
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set you hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Colossians 3:1-2
(This photo was taken in October of 2014 while on the island of Maui)
“Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”
Psalm 16:9-11
(This photo was taken in June 2013 while driving in Colorado)
Jesus said while speaking to his disciples…
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going.”
John 14:1-4
(This photo was taken last month at a lake place in central Minnesota)
“Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
Ephesians 5:1-2
(This photo was taken in April of 2016 at a lake place in central Minnesota)
“Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked. For the Lord God is a sun and shield; the Lord bestows favor and honor; no good thing does he withhold from those whose walk is blameless.”
Psalm 84:10-11
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while on a walk in northwestern Wisconsin)
“This is the day the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24
(This photo was taken in July of 2015 while visiting Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado)
“I will praise you, O Lord, with all my heart; before the “gods” I will sing your praise. I will bow down toward your holy temple and will praise your name for your love and your faithfulness, for you have exalted above all things your name and your word. When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted.”
Psalm 138:1-3
(This photo was taken in October of 2014 on the north shore of Maui)
Take Your Faith With You 