strength from God

God’s Presence

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Courage…comfort…strength…persevering…secure…enduring.  In the bible we are told we will have trouble in this world.  All of us will be in a battle of some kind…we are also told that God will be with us every step of the way.  There have never been any promises that life will be easy and even if you think someone has an easy life, they may be fighting a battle you know nothing about.  Thanks be to God for His presence in our lives, in your prayers give Him thanks…if it is hard to see where He is working or what He is up to in your life, pray that you can look at things with new eyes and a new perspective.  No matter what the situation…God is with you and He knows what you are going through, today and every day.  May His peace wash over you.  Amen.

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“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

(This photo was taken in October of 2018 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Faith Over Fear

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When facing struggles and suffering, we have a choice to act based on our faith or on our fears.  Choose faith.  Fear is a weapon of evil and a powerful one.  When given the opportunity, faith can conquer fear.  As with most things there is a certain amount of fear that is healthy, protective instinct and we all need that level for personal safety.  An unhealthy level of fear is destructive and paralyzing and keeps us from the life God intends for us.  Bring your fears to the Lord and let your faith be greater than your fear.  Amen.

Fear Is A Liar by Zach Williams

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“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 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 March of 2018 at Carlsbad Caverns National Park in southern New Mexico)

Courage

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A life if faith is not easy and we were never promised it would be…in fact the bible is clear that we all will face troubles in this world.  Everyone is facing a battle of some kind and it takes courage to stand in faith and live with God at the center of your life.  God knows our difficulties and struggles and Jesus lived as a man on earth for over 30 years and knows all too well the ways of the fallen world.  Turn towards Jesus Christ, trust in Him to guide your life and stand firm on the foundation of your faith.  Amen.

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

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

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

Strength

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All that we need is provided by God.  It is easy to give up and believe that something is never going to change or get better and frankly the majority of people do exactly that…the strength to keep working for good comes from God.  Reading God’s Word and spending time with Him in prayer renews your spirit and your mind.  When we believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God and we see what He has done, we know that God is working for our good in all things…do not give up…whatever it is, whoever it is…don’t give up…bring it to the Cross of Christ.  Amen.

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“I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Philippians 4:13

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

Strength For The Weary

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One of the amazing things about faith is its power to give us the courage, the endurance, the patience and the perseverance to keep trying, to keep learning and to keep believing in hope.  Out of the most tragic circumstances that happen because of sin…God can bring about the greatest good.  Do you believe it?  No matter where you are, no matter what the struggle is in your life, right now…turn towards Jesus in prayer, seek Him and believe in the Him.  Do it every day and you will find courage, you will find patience, you will persevere and you will find peace.  May we all be strengthened by our relationship with Jesus Christ.  Amen.

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“Do you not know?  Have you not heard?  The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.  He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.  He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.”

Isaiah 40:28-29

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 near Garden of Gods Park in Colorado Springs, Colorado)

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)

Be Strong

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There is nothing greater, nothing stonger, nothing that can separate us from the love of God.  You were created by God the Father, you have been saved by Jesus Christ, His Son our Lord and you are guided by the Holy Spirit.  No matter what the world throws at you today…stand firm in faith.  Amen.

Our God by Chris Tomlin

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

1 Corinthians 16:13-14

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 while traveling on Beartooth Pass in Montana)

Renew Your Strength

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Many aspects of life on earth can make us weary and tired, shaping our perspective to approach life with negativity, doubt and fear.  We often forget, daily, that we can choose our attitude and perspective for this day.  If we focus all our thoughts and energy on the problem and why me, then we may get stuck and begin to spiral downward.  We can be renewed and draw strength by turning our focus to the Lord.  No matter what you are facing remember God is in control and if you put your trust in Him, your strength will be renewed.  Amen.

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“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary and young men stumble and fall;  but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. 

They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:29-31

(This photo was taken in March of 2018 while traveling through southern New Mexico)

Do Not Be Afraid

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One of the favorite weapons of evil is fear.  It can be paralyzing and stop us from doing good things.  It takes our focus off of God which is exactly where the prince of darkness wants us to be.  Do not listen to fear, listen for God.  What are you not doing because of fear?  What are you not taking part in or what are you not saying?  Take it to God and listen for Him to guide you.  Trust in the Lord and let you faith be greater than your fear.  Amen.

Here is an amazing and powerful song by Zach Williams regarding Fear…

“Fear Is A Liar” by Zach Williams

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“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”

Isaiah 41:10

(This photo was taken in June of 2013 in Badlands National Park in South Dakota)

 

God Renews Our Strength

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When I read God’s Word different verses and phrases will seem to stick out more than others from time to time.  This is our time to listen…God is speaking to us through the same words His Son spoke so long ago.  In the devotional bible I have been reading I have either highlighted or marked with little stars some of these verses…I have also taken time to make a list in the front of the book of the verses that speak to me the most or the most often.  This morning, on this day of worship, after completing my daily devotional I have read many of those on the list and in doing this I have literally felt peace and comfort washing over me.  If you are looking for something that seems to be missing in your life or in your heart, go look for it in the place God has provided…His Word of life.  I pray we seek the wisdom of God in His Word to renew our strength.  Amen.

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“…but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:31

(This photo was taken in May of 2014 at a lake place in central Minnesota)