Sacrifice…Savior…Salvation. God has shown us just how much He loves you, cares for you and values you. He sacrificed His Son, our Savior for our Salvation. Thanks be to God for His everlasting love. Amen.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
(Photo credit: Stockphoto)
An offering…to give up something of value to serve a greater cause or to help others. During this Holy Week we recount the events that led to the greatest sacrifice in human history. Jesus Christ suffering and sacrificing Himself to death on a cross in order to save us from our sins. And just when we may wonder ‘what more could He do’…He spoke these words while hanging on the cross, “…Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:34 Whenever I reflect on these events, I typically end up asking myself the same question in my mind…’what have I done for Him, after He has done so much for me?’
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:45
(This photo was taken in June of 2016 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)
Brave…bold…stouthearted…spirited…determined. When we come to a situation or scenario that is beyond our control we get a glimpse of the powers that exist beyond ourselves. It forces us to look at the world and our life with a different perspective. It takes courage to have heartfelt compassion…it takes courage to be truly humble…it takes courage to admit we are broken and we need help. It takes courage to move forward after a tragedy of any kind. Our inspiration for courage should come from the One who was more courageous than any other in His life, His death and His resurrection. Jesus Christ…turn to Him in prayer for your courage to face whatever is weighing on your heart today. Amen.
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9
(This photo was taken in April of 2016 on a lake in central Minnesota)
It is Palm Sunday…the day we celebrate Jesus entering the city…the moments and events of the coming week are in honor of the facts that changed everything in the world thousands of years ago. It is all very relevant today, and this week in history was not the End…it was the End of the Beginning…think about the events in the life and death of Jesus this week and all that He has done for you. Amen.
End Of The Beginning by David Phelps
“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what they have done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”
Revelation 22:12-13
(This photo was taken in April of 2016 on a lake in central Minnesota)
To admit when we are wrong…to be accountable for our actions and behaviors…to walk in truth. The hardest part is typically the first step when it comes to repentance. It takes a level of humility that pride is fighting against. Since we live in a broken and fallen world we know that judgement will come from others even though it is not theirs to deal out. The foundation of our faith, a relationship with Jesus Christ is what we all need to be able to move through repentance and begin to turn away from sinful behaviors. Offer up your repentance to God and His Son Jesus and begin to heal the wounds of guilt and fear. Amen.
“If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
1 John 1:8-9
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)
A sacrifice…an offering of redemption…grace…mercy…humility…love…Savior. There is nothing or no one in our lives as compassionate as Jesus Christ. He lived a life on earth just like everybody else…only He suffered more than anyone else and He did it knowing it was going to happen the whole time. He offered Himself up to take the punishment we all deserve and He did it to save you and to save me. Give thanks and praise to our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.
“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed.”
Isaiah 53:5
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 in Badlands National Park in South Dakota)
There is no one in life that will be able to show us through their actions the love that God has demonstrated for us in the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the Cross. His love endures through every aspect of our lives. Through the greatest joys and through the deepest of sorrows…God’s love is surrounding each one of us. No matter where you are or what is happening turn towards the Lord and you will find comfort in His love. Amen.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
(This photo was taken in October fo 2014 at the Nakalele Blowhole on the island of Maui, Hawaii)
The world tells us to pursue money, comfort and the easy life. To look out for ourselves and satisfy ourselves first and most often, this is the sinful nature and it has taken hold in many people. There is a way to be different and to live with purpose and it is based on your personal relationship with Jesus Christ. He loves you, He gave His life to save you and His way is the only way to God the Father. Spend time reading God’s Word and learn about the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. May the peace of the Lord be with you. Amen.
“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 July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)
We are saved because of Him. We are forgiven. We can find joy, peace and contentment in life because of Him. Even when we have turned away from God, maybe for long period of time because we are frustrated or mad at God or we have been over come with doubt and fear. He calls to us, He cares for us and He is The Way back to a relationship with God. The things of this world will come and go…time, money, people and friendships. The one constant for us, the one thing we know we can rely upon no matter what is happening or where we are in life…we can always rely on the love of Jesus Christ. Amen.
“…I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.”
John 10:10
(This photo was taken in August of 2012 while hiking on the North Shore of Lake Superior)
As we read about the life of Jesus in the Bible, we hear about how His presence alone was powerful. When He spoke it captured the attention of anyone around, it didn’t matter if what He was saying was making them feel good or made them feel fearful, everyone listened intently. Something was different about this man, He was more different from any other person. Then there were the miracles…healing the sick, feeding the hungry, bringing the dead back to life. He was a friend to those that society had cast aside and He could see people in a way that no one else could. He was God in human form and He came down from heaven to save us. Before He began His public ministry, a ministry He knew would end with His death on earth…He spent 40 days in the desert fasting. As of yesterday, we have entered a similar 40 day period…how will we take time to connect with Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord over the next 40 days? May the peace of the Lord be with you on your journey. Amen.
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8
(This photo was taken in March of 2018 in White Sands National Monument in New Mexico)
Take Your Faith With You 