Salvation

Our Hope Is Found

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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

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“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)

God’s Love

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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.

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“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)

His Sacrifice Saves Us

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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.

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“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)

Our Refuge

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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.

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“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)

Connection Through Prayer

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The joy of the resurrection is more than a one day event or church service.  It is the fulfillment of God’s promise to never leave us or abandon us.  We can continue and grow our relationship with the Lord each day through prayer.  Prayer that is from the heart, that involves raw emotion, not a list of wants or a moment that we recite words before a meal with no feeling or emotion other than let’s finish praying so we can eat.  Our connection with God the Father exists through our personal relationship with Jesus Christ our risen Lord…start today…thank Jesus for what He did for you on the cross and ask Him to guide you and teach you through your prayers.  Amen.

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“May the Lord direct your hearts into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.”

2 Thessalonians 3:5

(This photo was taken in October of 2014 on the island of Maui, Hawaii)

Good Friday…God’s Love

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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.

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“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)

Sacrifice

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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?’

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“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)

Courage

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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.

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“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)

Holy Week

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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

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“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)

Saved By Christ

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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.

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“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)