Savior

Reconciliation

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“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer. 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here! 18 All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: 19 that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. 20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

2 Corinthians 5:16-20

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“God made him who had no sin to be sin[b] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”

2 Corinthians 5:21

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 in Rocky Mountain National Park)

Come Near To God

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Jesus Christ came down from heaven to live as one of us…throughout the Old Testament there is a back and forth between God and humans as they would come close to Him and then wander off into sin.  God would save them and they would come close again and then wander off again…and on and on it went.  Then God changed everything by sending His one and only Son into the world.  Jesus Christ is our Savior, our Redeemer, He has paid the price for our sins and reconciled us back to God, forever.  Come near to God and stay close to Him…no matter what comes your way.  Amen.

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“Come near to God and he will come near to you.”

James 4:8

(This photo was taken in May of 2020 at Temperance State Park on Lake Superior)

Christ Will Carry Our Burdens

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Our failures in the past…our current worries…and our anxiety about the future.  All of this He offers to reconcile for us…if we are willing to believe and trust in Him.  It is right there in Scripture…

Our past failures:

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all[a] sin.”

1 John 1:7

Our current worries:

“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8

Our anxiety about the future:

“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

Matthew 6:33-34

These are just a few of the assurances and promises the Lord has made…the Bible is filled with the very words of Jesus Christ telling us how much He cares for us and how far He is willing to go to show us His love.  Trust in the Lord, read God’s Word and believe in our heavenly Father.  Amen.

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“Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

1 Peter 5:6-7

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)

God’s Presence

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He is always with us…any comfort you have, any joy and peace, any courage you need…it comes from God. The presence of God brings good things to us…the sin of world brings bad things. Turn towards God and give thanks for all that He does for you. Amen.

“You make known to me the path of life;
    you will fill me with joy in your presence,
    with eternal pleasures at your right hand.”

Psalm 16:11

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while standing in Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming)

Give Thanks To The Lord

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Jesus has paid the price for our sins…He has reconciled us to God.  We are redeemed…we are loved.  God will teach us and guide us through His Word…He can transform our hearts and minds…He comforts us and strengthens us.  Give thanks to the Lord.  Amen.

Forever by Chris Tomlin

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“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good.
His love endures forever.”

Psalm 136:1

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 along Beartooth Pass near the Montana and Wyoming border)

It Takes Courage…

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The post below was originally posted in January of 2020…my how the world has changed since January…we need courage to do the right things now more than ever…we need to trust in the Lord.  Amen.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

Joshua 1:9

To move forward without knowing the outcome…to admit we don’t know the answers…to be patient…to share and be vulnerable with another person.  It takes courage to be humble…to surrender your plans for God’s plan…it takes courage to live the life that God has intended for you…and the best part is…a relationship with Jesus Christ will give you the courage to seek His will when you trust in Him.  Amen.

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“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.”

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)

Redeemed

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Redeemed by Big Daddy Weave

“For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.”

Romans 5:19

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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

(This photo was taken in April of 2020 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

God Of All Comfort

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If we seek God first and not the things that the world values we will find comfort with Him.  God has done and continues to do more than anyone else for us.  He loves us…He cares for us…He wants good things for us.  Trust the God of all comfort.  Amen.

“May your unfailing love be my comfort,
    according to your promise to your servant.”

Psalm 119:76

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“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”

2 Corinthians 1:3-4

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)

There Is A Place…

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A place to find redemption…a place to be forgiven…a place where we will know hope…a place where we will find peace.  There is a place where you can find what you have been looking for…it is at the foot of The Cross.  Amen.

The Cross Has The Final Word by Newsboys

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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 June of 2013 in Badlands National Park in South Dakota)

Stand Firm

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When a person stands firm in faith they are often persecuted and told that their thinking is outdated or wrong.  This is because the way of the world and the way of faith are constantly in conflict with each other.  The world wants faith to be convenient, easy, self-pleasing and self-serving.  The way of the world is about following the sinful nature.  The way of faith is not about the self-first…it is about God’s Word and Jesus Christ…the way of faith is about being humble, admitting that sin is wrong and confessing our sins…the way of faith is about surrendering your will and following God’s will according to His word.  The way of faith is about your relationship with Jesus Christ.  Stand firm in faith.  Amen.

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God[a] may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

2 Timothy 3:16-17

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“Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. 14 Do everything in love.”

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)