The words of Paul in his letter to the Ephesians…
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)
Our faith can grow and get stronger only if we feed it and exercise it just like our bodies…if we don’t eat food or exercise our muscles our bodies become frail and weak. The same is true for our spiritual lives and our faith muscles, we need to feed on the Word of God and exercise our faith by how we interact with others in order for our faith to grow.
“Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.
He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers.”
Psalm 1:1-3
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while driving on Beartooth Pass in Montana)
It is so easy to get caught up in the events and headlines of the world or within our own daily lives, and then begin to live in worry and stress constantly. After much wringing of our hands and maybe lashing out at others, we sit and think how can I change what is happening? We can’t do it alone, we need to turn to our Lord and Savior first and listen for his guidance.
The words of Jesus in the Gospel according to Matthew…
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Matthew 6:33-34
(This photo was taken in September of 2014 while on a walk in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)
Paul writes in his second letter to the Corinthians…
“For we do not preach ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake. For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.”
2 Corinthians 4:5-6
(This photo was taken in October of 2014 near Kaanapali Beach on Maui)
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 near Arches National Park in Utah)
“And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the day of judgment, because in this world we are like him.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. We love because he first loved us.”
1 John 4:16-18
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at Garden of the Gods park near Colorado Springs, Colorado)
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Romans 12:9-13
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while driving through North Dakota)
Paul writes in his letter to the Ephesians…
“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. 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 4:1-6
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while driving northern in Colorado)
Paul writes in a letter to Titus, a pastor serving in Crete…
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.
He saved us through the washing of re-birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”
Titus 3:4-7
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)
The words of Jesus according to the Gospel of John…
“As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in his love.
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
John 15:9-12
(This photo was taken by my daughter in August of 2016 near Dillon, Colorado)
Take Your Faith With You 