Truth

Do Not Be Afraid

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God is with you…wherever you are…whatever your circumstances…no matter what you have done or left undone…God promised He would never leave you or abandon you.  If you can’t see Him…look at things differently than you have been.  Pick up God’s word and learn about Him so that you can see.  May the peace of the Lord be with 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 December of 2013 on a walk in northwestern Wisconsin)

Gratitude

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Where do you see God today?  If you think for a moment where did you see Him at work yesterday?  When was the last time you recognized what God has done for you and you took time to give Him thanks?  An attitude of gratitude starts by taking time to acknowledge what needs have been met by God in your life and offering thanks to God for those blessings.  It is easy to slip into a mode where we take things or people for granted.  A decision to be grateful is a change in perspective that can put to rest the worries and anxiety about what we don’t have and redirect us back to giving thanks to the Lord.  Thanks be to God for His love, mercy and grace.  Amen.

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“This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”

Psalms 118:24

(This photo was taken in July of 2019 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

This Is Love

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Sacrifice…Savior…Salvation.  The actions of God through Jesus Christ were done to save us.  We don’t deserve it, we can’t earn it by doing good things, it is given to us.  We can accept it; we can stay close to Him by meeting with Him daily and we can do good things to help others to learn and know about Him.  May the love of God comfort us today.  Amen.

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“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”

1 John 4:10

(This photo was taken in March of 2013 at the Botanical Gardens in the Bellagio in Las Vegas, Nevada)

A Different Attitude

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A change in perspective…focusing on eternal values rather than worldly values…living with the Fruit of the Spirit in mind at all times…getting rid of pride, selfishness and worldly ambitions and being filled with the Holy Spirit.  Lord, help us to be different, not better than but different from the ways of the world.  Amen.

Different by Micah Tyler

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“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Romans 12:2

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 at a park near Bayfield, Wisconsin)

Why Faith?

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Because, Jesus Christ…His birth, His life, His death and His resurrection embody the love of God for each one of us.  He is with you and He will never leave you.  For all the troubles and suffering we will encounter in this life…they can be overcome, because that is what faith can do.  Amen.

What Faith Can Do by Kutless

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

Proverbs 3:5-6

(This photo was taken in July fo 2019 at a lake near Plymouth, Minnesota)

 

Friendship

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A relationship in which both individuals are equally nourished by their time together.  We all have different types of relationships.  A true friendship is one where both people care for and provide for each other.  Who are your true friends?  In our relationship with Jesus, He provides for us…what are we doing to serve Him?  May the peace of the Lord wash over your relationships.  Amen.

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“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor:  If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.  But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.”

Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

(This photo was taken by oen of my friends in July of 2014 at a lake place in central Minnesota)

Peace

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In the Gospel of John chapter 14, Jesus speaks of peace.  If you have ever wondered ‘where is God in all of this?’ or ‘Where can I find peace?’  True peace requires a new perspective…the words of Jesus in John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”  He comes right out and tells us ‘not as the world gives’…if we are looking for peace according to the world’s values, we will not find peace only heartache and suffering.  The one way the only way to find peace is through a committed relationship with Jesus Christ.  Turn towards Jesus and away from sin and you will find peace.  Amen.

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“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 August of 2016 in Glacier National Park in Montana)

Compassion

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As we read about the life of Jesus and His ministry, we are given many examples of the amazing love and compassion He has for all people, especially those in need of healing.  Not just those who need physical healing but also spiritual healing and that includes you and me.  We should seek to live as Jesus has taught us and if we do, we will begin to see with new eyes where Jesus wants us to serve.  Open the eyes of our hearts, Lord.  Amen.

Open The Eyes Of My Heart by Michael W. Smith

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“A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”  Jesus was filled with compassion.  He reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!”  Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed.”

Mark 1:40-42

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

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)

Character

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Living life by faith is about who we are more than what we do.  Our behaviors, how we treat others and our interactions with others say more about us than our job or career path.  The world honors worldly things like wealth, awards, job titles and other self-oriented pursuits…these things are not considered to be wrong or bad…the issue is these things have become more important than God.  When self-satisfaction is more important than our relationship with God, we are going off course…to be clear we are all guilty of this sin, it is human nature in a fallen world.  The first step in repentance is awareness of the behavior and the next step is confessing to God and seeking to turn away from our sins, with God’s help.  As humans we all suffer from the same types of trouble…how we choose to respond is up to us.  May the peace of the Lord be with you. Amen.

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“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.  And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”

Romans 5:3-5

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