We are forgiven…Jesus Christ has paid the price for our sins…we can let go of our guilt and live in God’s grace…because in the battle that rages on within us and within others…Grace wins everytime. Amen.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—”
Ephesians 2:8
(This photo was taken in June of 2016 at a lake place in northwestern Wisconsin)
Trustworthy…reliable…constant…unwavering…unfailing…steady…faithful. God is with you at all times no matter where you go. All that is required is for us to come to the Cross and believe in Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. There is nothing, no place or no one on earth that compares to what you can have in a personal relationship with our Lord. We often spend our lives looking for something or someone and we believe that if that place or person could be a part of our everyday life then we would be satisfied…Jesus Christ is all that we need. Turn toward Him and give thanks for all that He has done for you. Amen.
“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
Hebrews 13:5
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 while traveling through Nebraska)
Jesus is described as our shepherd in many places in the bible. This is not a common occupation in today’s world, yet the description of who The Good Shepherd is and what it means for us is extremely accurate for our relationship with Him. He watches over us and ensures we have what we need…He guards us and keeps danger away…He knows everything about us…and most importantly He laid down His life to save us. You can read more about Jesus the Good Shepherd in the Gospel of John, chapter 10. We live in peace with The Good Shepherd watching over us. Amen.
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.
Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Psalms 23
(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while traveling through North Dakota)
As we grow on our faith journey it seems some behavior changes happen somewhat easily and for others, we keep going the wrong way. We get stuck and feel powerless to change what we know needs to change. It is at this point that the road to the Savior seems to narrow and we begin to see how truly amazing God’s grace can be…learning to have humility…to surrender…to admit we need Him even when we know we don’t deserve it…this can be a difficult step in our lives and it takes courage, yet it is the only way, Jesus is the only way to joy and everlasting life. From the most tragic events can come the greatest joy…if you ever doubt it…remember what happened between Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday. May God’s grace wash over you. Amen.
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin.”
Psalms 51:1-2
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 at a park near Bayfield, Wisconsin)
We have been blessed to be a blessing…He provides amazing grace to flow through us, so that we show His love to others with our actions and behaviors.
Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone) by Chris Tomlin
“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 2018 near the border of South Dakota and Minesota)
Come to the Cross…All are welcome…No matter what has happened or where you have been, Come lay down all your burdens and be healed. As it says in today’s song, “earth has no sorrow that heaven can’t heal.” Amen.
“For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:12-13
(This photo was taken in June of 2013 in northern Colorado)
Freedom isn’t free…A price has been paid to save us…If we want things to change or to be better we have to start with ourselves first. Turn towards God and ask Jesus Christ into your heart each day to lead you and make you new. Let the peace of Christ be in you. Amen.
Let There Be Peace On Earth by Vince Gill
“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Colossians 3:15
(This photo was taken in September of 2016 at a lake in central Minnesota)
God is listening…He has shown His love to us in His Word…You are not alone.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7
(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior in Ashland, Wisconsin)
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)
