God is infinite…humans are finite…we will not always understand ‘why’ something is happening…but we know we can always trust ‘who’ is in control for all aspects of our lives.
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
John 14:6
(This photo was taken in September of 2016 at a lake place in central Minnesota)
Is this how I would like others to treat me? When we get into interactions and activity we can quickly lose sight of how we are treating other people. Our emotions can blind us to our impact on those around us…the first step to understanding how we are being received is to observe closely the reactions of others to us and the next step then is to ask yourself how would I like someone to treat me in this situation? If more of us would just take a moment to assess ourselves in this way, more often, things would be much different in the world…unfortuantely selfishness, pride and a host of other sins keep getting in the way. Turn towards Jesus in prayer and ask Him to help you open the eyes of your heart. Amen.
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Luke 6:31
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)
People are constantly seeking answers to difficult questions in life from a worldly point of view. Approaching situations with this perspective and mentality leads to phrases like…’I don’t know what else to do’…’It will never get better’…’I have tried everything’…’I give up.’ We were not made to do things alone. We are created out of love and that love is from God. He wants a relationship with us, all that is good in our lives is from God. Darkness and evil, the bad things in life, are rooted in sin which is the way of this world. Our hope, our peace comes from God and our time spent in our relationship with Jesus Christ, His Son, our Lord and Savior. Be renewed by the hope that we have in Jesus. Amen.
“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down but not destroyed.”
2 Corinthians 4:7-8
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Madeline Island in Lake Superior)
So many questions in our hearts and minds every day. We must be careful not to let them overcome us. We should bring our questions to the Lord in prayer and listen for Him to guide us. He is the light for our path. Whatever is troubling you this day, take it to the Cross and live. May we seek the will of the Lord everywhere we go. Amen.
“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 July of 2016 along Beartooth Pass in Montana)
Fear can be powerful, if we let it. It can stop growth and progress, it can create major detours in our lives and relationships that none of us planned on taking. It is a weapon of evil that is used frequently on everyone. We can overcome fear, we can proceed with care and caution while still moving forward on the path God has put before us. We can’t do this alone and the good news is we don’t have to. God sent Jesus Christ into the world to save us and to teach us. We are not alone and if you find yourself in circumstances wondering ‘how is this going to change or get better?’ Remember, all things are possible with God. I pray we take our worries and our fears to the Lord and let Him guide our way. Amen.
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
Luke 2:10
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)
God can help us with anything…everything! If we are worried about money, He can help with that. If we are worried about physical health, He can help with that. If we are concerned about our emotions or how we are feeling about issues He can help with that. If we are struggling with family and friends or social relationships, He can help with that. The important things to remember about God is He will and does help with everything on His terms not ours, not on our timeline and not with our outcome as His top priority. He has a far greater plan and outcome in store for us if we will just trust in Him. Here is what I have learned from my relationship with God. Be patient and persistent and pay attention for resolutions to situations that you never even considered. Be humble, willing to speak honestly and learn how to listen. Spend time with Him everyday and grow your relationship. Forgive others, do not be quick judge and do not stay angry. God is with you, He is holding you in the palm of His hand, be thankful and be willing to tell others of His great love for us. Anything is possible when we learn to trust in Him. May God’s peace, joy and love be with you.
“Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
Matthew 19:26
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 near Arches National Park in Utah)
Today is recognized as Independence Day in the US. A holiday where people can gather and celebrate freedom. It is a day where we should give thanks to the Lord for all we have in our lives. Take a moment and reflect on your surroundings, people in your life…all of the good things are gifts from God. If it is difficult to see goodness, take some time to work on your relationship with God, talk to Him and listen in the quietness of time alone with God. You were created out of love by God, He is with you and you can have contentment, security, peace and hope for a future in a way that only God can provide by choosing to turn to Him and His One and Only Son, Jesus Christ. God is good…all the time…and all the time…God is good! Praise the Lord. May the peace and joy of the Lord be with you.
“Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.”
Psalm 146:1-2
(This photo was taken in June of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
Come to the Cross…A place to bring your burdens…Savior…Salvation…Forgiveness…Peace. The Cross of Christ, this is the place we should turn to in all situations. This is where God sent His One and Only Son to be crucified to save us from our sins. This is where our relationship with God is reconciled. There are problems and struggles everywhere you can’t change everything for everyone, but He can. You can’t change everything but you can change something, you can change one thing that will make a difference in the world…You. Jesus said ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.’ (John 14:6) Open your heart and mind and invite Jesus Christ into your life everyday. This will make the world a better place. May God’s joy and peace be with you.
“When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit.”
John 19:30
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 near Pike’s Peak in Colorado)
I am finding myself seeing examples of the brokenness of people in my daily life interactions and experiences. Or at least I am more aware of these things than I used to be. It is discouraging. We are so willing to pull and push others down for a variety of reasons. It is so important to seek out what is good and what we have gratitude for in our lives. If we look around with the eyes the world wants us to, we will be very negative and feeling unworthy. If we trust in God and His goodness for our perspective it changes things dramatically. We are never going to know all the answers or understand them while we are here, however, if we trust in the Lord we know that He is working for the good in all things. May God’s joy and love be with you.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”
Matthew 7:7-8
(This photo was taken in June of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth , Minnesota)
As we work to grow in our relationship with Jesus, we may begin to focus on offering ourselves up in prayer. To most of us when we think about prayer we thinking of speaking, however, as we can learn from our relationships with others, listening is a vital yet little used characteristic in the world. Every strong relationship involves communication two ways. Speaking and offering up your words and support verbally and then also taking time to sit quietly and listen. I have been doing my reading and devotions in the early morning for several years and I choose that time for me because the world is very still and quiet in my life in the early morning and I have found I can truly meditate on God’s Word and let it soak into to my soul. I start each day speaking and listening with the Lord and it sets my perspective and attitude for good things. Seek the Lord and listen for His voice. May God’s peace be with you.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
John 10:27
(This photo was taken in April of 2016 at sunrise at a lake place in central Minnesota)
Take Your Faith With You 