“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 NIV
“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 NIV
“He must become greater; I must become less.”
John 3:30 NIV
(This photo was taken at Bear Lake in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)
“The Lord is righteous in all his ways
and faithful in all he does.
18 The Lord is near to all who call on him,
to all who call on him in truth.”
Psalm 145:17-18 NIV
God is faithful
He is always near
The world is broken and sinful
Do not be afraid, do not be discouraged
Call on God…our Creator
Our Savior and Lord of all
“The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.
9 The Lord is good to all;
he has compassion on all he has made.”
Psalm 145:8-9 NIV
(This photo was taken along the North Shore of Lake Superior)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
Matthew 11:28-30 NIV
The Heart Of Worship by Michael W Smith
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 NIV
(This photo was taken while visiting Rocky Mountain National Park)
“God made him who had no sin to be sin[a] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!”
2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV
“Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”
Colossians 3:1-2 NIV
(This photo was taken at a lake in central Minnesota)
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Matthew 7:12 NIV
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.“
John 15:12-13 NIV
Jesus lived His life as an example we can follow for how we live
Love and honor God
Love and serve one another
Share the Good News of the Gospel
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:29-32 NIV
(This photo was taken at St. Croix State Park in northern Minnesota)
“Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship.
Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
Romans 12:1-2 NIV
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Romans 12:9-13 NIV
Father God, we want every aspect of our lives to be honoring to You
Sometimes our thoughts get set on things that do not honor You
Help us each day to renew our minds – to replace negative thoughts with those that are good and pleasing to You
Help us remember Your truth in every moment
In Jesus name, Amen
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 ESV
(This photo was taken in Glacier National Park in Montana)
“The Lord is gracious and compassionate,
slow to anger and rich in love.”
Psalm 145:8 NIV
Troubles will come
We will experience suffering and loss in this world…yet we do not need to have fear and we do not need to be afraid
We are loved by God with a love that is greater than anything we face
Pursue a personal relationship with Jesus Christ our Savior and our Lord, meet with Him every day…
He sacrificed everything to save you because He loves you and His love will endure forever
“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever.”
Psalm 136:1 NIV
(This photo was taken at a lake place in central Minnesota)
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28 NIV
Nothing in our lives is wasted
God is still working
Do not be deceived by the enemy
God loves you
God wants you to live life to the full
Don’t give up
Don’t give in to sin
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10 NIV
“And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:6 NIV
(This photo was taken at Kathio State Park in central Minnesota)
“Pride leads to disgrace,
but with humility comes wisdom.”
Proverbs 11:2 NLT
Modesty…humbleness…meekness
Let go of pride and trust the Lord to lead you
It may be uncomfortable, it will be difficult…God never promised life would be easy but He has provided the Way, the Truth and the Life through His Son
Invite the Lord Jesus into your heart and your circumstances
No matter what you have done or what you have not done, He wants to hear from you
God is with us…not because what we do rather becasue of who He is…
“Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you…”
James 4:7-8 NIV
(This photo was taken in Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado)
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart,
but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”
Proverbs 19:21 NIV
As we reflect on the year that is ending and look towards the New Year
May we all have the courage to surrender our plans
To ask God what is His plan for our lives
We know from His Word that His plan is for our good
Today and every day let God lead the way
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.”
John 15:7 NIV
(This photo was taken in a neighborhood in central Minnesota)
Take Your Faith With You 