Trust

Trust His Word

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God is with you.  It is said over and over again in the Bible.  The message is clear, we can rely on God…this does not mean your life will be free of trouble and suffering.  It tells us that when those things come, we can count on God to guide us, strengthen us and give us hope through those times.  Pick up a Bible and see for yourself in Deuteronomy 31, Joshua 1, Isaiah 41 or Hebrews 13 and other places…God is with you, trust Him and His word.  Amen.

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“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.”[a]“

Hebrews 13:5

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 on the shore of Lake Superior near Ashland, Wisconsin)

The End Of The Beginning…

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Just when we think all is lost and we are struggling to know what to do…imagine how His disciples felt the day after He was crucified and before the resurrection…we must remember that with God all things are possible and if we wait and trust in Him, He will do good things, things we never thought were possible in our lives.  Amen.

End of the Beginning by David Phelps

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“Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man, 51 who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God. 52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body. 53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid. 54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.”

Luke 23:50-54

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Arches National Park in Utah)

Be Humble

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This is Holy Week…a time to reflect clearly on what Jesus truly did for you, to save you.  He entered the city of Jerusalem to cheers and the waving of palms…and days later He left the city, beaten, bloody and dragging the very cross He would die upon…in order to reconcile us with God.  It is all written down for us in God’s Word.  I am a sinner, thankful for the Lord Jesus Christ…for His sacrifice, for His mercy and for His love.  Thanks be to God.  Amen.

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“Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed: ‘God, I thank you that I am not like other people—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’

13 “But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’

14 “I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For all those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.””

Luke 9:10-14

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 near Dillon, Colorado)

Surrender Your Way

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Seek the way of the Lord.  Spend time with God.  Read God’s word.  Pray.  Seek to understand rather than judge.  Cast all your worries and fears on Him who sacrificed Himself to save you.  God loves you and He wants a personal relationship with you…turn towards Him in faith and trust His way.  Amen.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.[a] “

Proverbs 3:5-6

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

Don’t Stop Praying

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As I awake this morning there are 2 songs that I can’t stop hearing in my mind that are constant reminders to not give up…we must learn to be patient and persistent.  No matter how long you have been praying about something and you haven’t seen a change…don’t quit…keep praying…believe…many people fall away from God because He does not work on our time line.  Remember He is God and He knows what is best for us even if we can’t see it.  Trust Him in everything.  Amen.

Haven’t Seen It Yet by Danny Gokey

Blessing I Can’t See by Building 429

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“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Galatians 6:9

“For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Luke 1:37

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

The Way

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The way to get through times of difficulty and struggle is found with Jesus Christ.  The current days show clearly that what the sin of the world values is finite and can vanish instantly without warning…leaving us lost and our minds wandering with questions about our choices in life.  It is never too late to turn towards Jesus Christ your Savior and tell Him you believe in Him…confess your sins and let the Holy Spirit be your guide.  If you are searching for the way to get through difficult times, start there and see what God has in store for you.  Amen.

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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 takne in June of 2016 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

Trust

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Even when I can’t see, I trust you to guide and lead me.  I don’t have all the answers but I know you love us and you are working for good things.  Our sins in this world blind us to your goodness.  Forgive us, comfort us and help us remain in your love every day.  Thank you for sending your Son to save us and reconcile us to you.  In His name we pray…Amen.

Blessing I Can’t See by Building 429

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“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.”

Romans 8:28

(This photo was taken in June of 2015 while traveling from South Dakota to Minnesota)

Pray With Confidence

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Our prayers are how we communicate with God.  He knows whether or not we truly believe what we are saying or asking for…that’s the biggest difference between talking with God and talking with people.  People may or may not know the truth about what we say…God knows, He knows everything, there is no use in trying to ‘sell’ Him on your wants, desires or ideas, it is fruitless to try and hide your fears…when we turn towards God in prayer we should be prepared to be honest, open and vulnerable and we can be assured that God is working for good things for all of us.  Pray with confidence to God and be open to His ways rather than your ways.  Amen.

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“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 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 4:4-7

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 at Sapphire Point near Dillon, Colorado)

Rest For Your Soul

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Trust…confidence…belief…assurance…faith.  God is greater than any virus or economic issue.  We can put our trust in God…this does not mean we sit on our hands and do nothing waiting for God.  We need to continue to do good things…we need to pray, to help those who are in need, we need to be kind, humble, patient and shine the Light of Christ through our thoughts, words and our actions.  Spend time living the way Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord taught us to live and you will find rest for your soul.  Amen.

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“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Matthew 11:28-30

(This photo was taken in August of 2012 while hiking along the North Shore of Lake Superior)