Reflect with Gratitude, Go Forward with Hope

Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”

Philippians 1:6 NIV

Father God, thank You for being faithful

Thank You for making a way for us in this life

When we reflect on past events give us an eye for gratitude in all circumstances

Please show us how You are at work in our lives

We want to choose to patiently wait on You, becasue we know that You will finish the work You have started in us

In Jesus name, Amen

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“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5 NIV

(This photo was taken at sunset by a lake in Plymouth, Minnesota)

Be An Overcomer

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

Romans 12:21 NIV

Do not give up…do not quit

Yes, you have been knocked down and it hurts

Get back up

Stand on the rock of faith

Fix your eyes on Jesus as your guide

Choose to be an Overcomer

Overcomer by Mandisa

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“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.

21 To the one who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.”

Revelation 3:20-21 NIV

(This photo was taken near Dillon, Colorado)

Be Faithful

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”

Romans 15:5-7 NIV

Accept one another…

We spend so much time condemning, blaming and complaining

We all suffer from this condition in this broken world…no one is immune

Be intentional to be different

Trust God…even when circumstances say otherwise

Let the Fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) flow through you

Be faithful to follow Jesus and His teachings

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“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”

1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV

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

Trust…Commit

Trust in the Lord and do good;
    dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.
Take delight in the Lord,
    and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Psalms 37:3-4 NIV

Believe that God is at work even when you cannot see it

Stay focused and keep going

Do not be afraid and do not give up

Commit your way to the Lord

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Commit to the Lord whatever you do,
    and he will establish your plans.”

Proverbs 16:3 NIV

(This photo was taken at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

God’s Faithfulness

“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.”

Deuteronomy 7:9 NIV

No matter what we have done or left undone…

God is with us and God is for us

Even when we don’t see Him or the work He is doing in our lives…He is near

Every promise God made has been kept…He is faithful and His only promise yet to be fulfilled is when Christ returns

Trust in the Lord and His Word…

He is trustworthy and faithful in everything

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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 NIV

(This photo was taken at a field near Kimball, Minnesota)

When Doubts Arise…Faith Can Overcome

“Come,” he said.

Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind, he was afraid and, beginning to sink, cried out, “Lord, save me!”

31 Immediately Jesus reached out his hand and caught him. “You of little faith,” he said, “why did you doubt?”

Matthew 14:29-31 NIV

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As for God, his way is perfect:
    The Lord’s word is flawless;
    he shields all who take refuge in him.
31 For who is God besides the Lord?
    And who is the Rock except our God?
32 It is God who arms me with strength
    and keeps my way secure.
33 He makes my feet like the feet of a deer;
    he causes me to stand on the heights.
34 He trains my hands for battle;
    my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
35 You make your saving help my shield,
    and your right hand sustains me;
    your help has made me great.
36 You provide a broad path for my feet,
    so that my ankles do not give way.”

Psalm 18:30-36 NIV

(This photo was taken on Lake Superior near the Apostle Islands)

Nothing Can Separate Us

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

1 John 4:7-9 NIV

There is nothing on earth in your life that is more powerful than the love of God…nothing

There is no situation, life circumstances, no relationship or struggle that can separate us from God’s love

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No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[b] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:37-39 NIV

(This photo was taken at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Choose Joy

10 “If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in his love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

John 15:10-11 NIV

Father God, thank You for our constant access to Your presence

Because You are near, we can experience joy in all things

Help us remember our joy is not based on our circumstances

Too often, instead of trusting You, we let our problems direct our behaviors

Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, so that we can strive to live with undefeatable Joy

In Jesus name, Amen

Joy by for KING & COUNTRY

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“Nehemiah said, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”

Nehemiah 8:10 NIV

(This photo was taken near Lake Dillon in Colorado)

When You Haven’t Seen It…Remember Anything Is Possible

“For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Luke 1:37 NIV

“But Jesus looked at them and said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

Matthew 19:26 NIV

When you are frustrated or worried

Angry or concerned

Wondering what is God doing or where is God in all of this?

Remember He is always with you and always working on things for your life

Even when you don’t see it…

Haven’t Seen It Yet by Danny Gokey

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Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 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 4:4-7 NIV

(This photo was taken at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Do Not Fear

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 NIV

Fear Is a Liar by Zach Williams

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“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 NIV

(This photo was taken at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)