prayer

What Do Others See In Us?

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It is said that people can learn about other people by watching their actions.  This is very prevalent with toddlers and young children.  When we are little we are like a sponge soaking up whatever we are exposed to…when a child is playing with something and gets frustrated and exclaims “Dammit” the adults will look in surprise and wonder where did you hear that?  Well they don’t come up with it all by themselves…they have witnessed it either live in-person or on TV or some other form of media.

This ability to learn by watching others does not disappear completely when we become adults.  Yet in our self-centered world we forget the impact our actions have on those around us.  The most popular verse around this thought is John 13:35…“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”  There is also a popular christian song entitled “They will know we are Christians by our love”…it has been covered many times by groups like Jars of Clay, For King and Country and artists like Rebecca St. James.

All of this points to one simple fact, people will know what you stand for by how you act in every situation and every interaction…so when you think about your daily life…What do others see in you?

“I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.  The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Galatians 2:20

(This photo was taken in the fall of 2013 by my daughter in central Minnesota)

Our Foundation For Life

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In the Gospel of Matthew, chapters 5-7 all the words are red.  It is all teachings from the mouth of Jesus.  It is all clear instructions about we should live while here on earth.  I pray we all spend more time reading these words and putting them into practice in our everyday lives.  At the end of chapter 7 Jesus says this…

“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.  But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.”

Matthew 7:24-27

(This photo was taken in July of 2015 at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado)

Trust and Patience

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“Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.  Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.  Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteousness shine like the dawn, the justice of your cause like the noonday sun.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes.  Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret – it leads only to evil.”

Psalm 37:3-8

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at Garden of the Gods Park near Colorado Springs)

A Life Verse

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The bible is full of wisdom and knowledge.  God has provided this for us to help us in this fallen world.  He knows we will face trails, temptations and suffering during our time on earth and he even has experienced it through the life of his Son.  One way to stay focused on the Word of God is to choose a verse or verses that keep you aligned with God in all areas of your life.  It can be different verses at different times of life, the important thing to remember is the source and the peace and comfort you get when you remind yourself of that verse.  Here are the verses I have been holding onto most recently…

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;  in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Proverbs 3:5-6

(This photo is one of my favorites, it was taken by my daughter in May of 2014 at a lake place in central Minnesota)

Which Way Should We Go

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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.  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 at Badlands National Park in South Dakota)

Keep Feeding Your Faith

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“All this I have spoken while still with you.  But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.  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 14:25-27

(This photo was taken in the summer of 2013 at Badlands National Park in South Dakota)

Comfort and Healing

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“Is any one of you in trouble?  He should pray.  Is anyone happy?  Let him sing songs of praise.  Is any one of you sick?  He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up.  If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.  Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.  The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.”

James 5:13-16

(This photo was taken in the summer of 2013 at Custer State Park in South Dakota)

We Will Come Under Attack

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We need to be careful not to underestimate the power of evil and darkness in this world.  We should read the Word of God daily to help us keep God in the center of our lives.

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.  Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.  Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.  Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace.

Ephesians 6:10-15

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at Falls Park in South Dakota)

Prayer and His Presence

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“Rejoice in the Lord always.  I will say it again: Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all.  The Lord is near.  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 4:4-7

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