The greatest gift we ever receive is the love of God.
Nobody Loves Me Like You by Chris Tomlin
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
1 Corinthians 13:13
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)
Faith is about being certain of God and His love and faithfulness beyond our visible circumstances and surroundings.
“We live by faith, not by sight.”
2 Corinthians 5:7
(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
He sacrificed Himself on the Cross to save us and reconcile us with God.
The Cross Has The Final Word by Newsboys
“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 in Badlands National Park in South Dakota)
When situations in life bring us down or when we are struggling and our path is difficult, our human minds may wonder, ‘does God care what is happening to me?’ God is always with you…when you find yourself in a place like this, stop and pray. Not some memorized words, rather a real heart felt prayer asking God to help you see your way forward. God does care for you…He sent His Son to die on a cross to save you and to be able to have a relationship with you. Seek Him and His will for you and your life and you will find peace. Amen.
“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”
1 Peter 5:7
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)
Like in the story of Daniel in the bible…Daniel was faithful and trusted God and when danger was near God protected Daniel in the lion’s den. There are many more stories of people who have had near misses in life…how many times have you heard, if it was a few seconds sooner or if it was a few inches more this way it would have been much worse? I believe that God is working through His angels even today to protect people from danger. Give thanks to God for the angels that keep us safe. Amen.
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
Psalm 91:11-12
(This photo was taken in September of 2014 on a walk in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)
It takes humility, sacrifice and a willingness to put the needs of many before one. Freedom is earned by human beings working together for a common cause…not by shouting and trying to tear others down. Freedom is earned through courage and a belief in something greater than self. Jesus Christ is the one who provided the example of sacrifice and the willingness to forgive…we all would do well to read about Him and His example of love. Time to put down the flaming arrows of hate and to serve one another in love.
Thank you God, for all the people who serve and have served in the military services of this country…thank you for their willingness to put themselves in the line of fire so others can prosper. I give thanks for them and their families that sacrifice so much in the name of freedom for all of us. Amen.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:3-4
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 at Mount Rushmore National Memorial)
In Christ alone. We are saved by His sacrifice, His mercy and His grace. Give thanks to God for all that is good. We can search high and low and all over this world for peace but our source of strength and hope and true peace will be found in Christ Alone. Look for where God is at work in your life today. Amen.
In Christ Alone by Brian Littrell
“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 June of 2016 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
There is nothing greater, nothing stronger and nothing higher than God’s love. He showed the human race His love by sending His one and only Son into the world to save us. No matter what the circumstances of your life are today, turn towards the Lord in prayer and ask Him to help you see God’s love in your life. Amen.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
John 3:16
(This photo was taken in October of 2014 at the Nakalele Blow Hole on the island of Maui, Hawaii)
No matter what you are facing…no matter what things are going on around you…no matter what decisions or worries you have…remember that Jesus Christ died once for all sins, for all people. We all are broken, we all need His forgiveness for our sins. God has shown us His grace and mercy through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Do not fret or be discouraged…trust in the Lord and you will find peace. Amen.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:33
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 in a neighborhood near Plymouth, Minnesota)
Worries and burdens will pile up. We set ourselves up for disappointment and regret when we try to go it alone. God is our refuge, He is the stronghold of our lives. There is more to our relationship with the Lord than Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings…there is more than quickly speaking memorized words before a meal or at bedtime. Turn towards the Lord and seek Him. Pray for His presence to be something you can see in your life and listen for His guidance in everything. Amen.
“My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.”
Psalm 62:1-2
(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Arches National Park in Utah)
Take Your Faith With You 