Livia - Matthew 10:42

And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward." (Matthew 10:42 NIV)


If we keep our lives clean and pure God will use us. Are you willing to of work that isn't your favorite thing to do? This verse is a challenge to us all to follow Jesus example and live our lives as a servant to all.

Gina - John 5:24

"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. John 5:24″

This is an amazing concept that God GAVE us life by us simply believing in Him. Thank God that He was a generous Heavenly Father and He GAVE !!!

This word is so good during this time of year - I'm overwhelmed by His lavished love for me. I want to respond passionately!!!

Devin - Romans 12:1-2

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 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 12:1, 2 NIV)

In view of God's mercy (in light of all he has forgiven us ) let us offer our whole lives in obedience to Him.

We want to please God in all we do. Being transformed is an awesome visual of change. The caterpillar into the butterfly so to speak. God changes us from the inside out.

Daddy - John 3:16 & 17

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. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. (John 3:16, 17 NIV)

This week we are going to take a Christmas walk in the scripture.

God LOVED and GAVE !!! This scripture is the most popular verse and we know it so well that sometimes we over use it or even don't get the true meaning of it. Christmas is about God giving his only son to us. Born in a manger, the star, the angels, the manger and the shepherds. King Herod and his wrath. All of it works together for our good. Wow!!! Jesus was both God and man on earth. That's a bit amazing!!!! Yes?

Why didn't he come as a big angel or a knight on a horse? Coming as a humble, non-threatening baby made him real and approachable. Like us. Relating to us. Nice. God had an amazing plan for us!!

Kadin - Proverbs 15:1

A gentle answer turns away wrath,
but a harsh word stirs up anger. (Proverbs 15:1 NIV)

Kadin role played with daddy this morning - it was quite funny. We talked about our relationships in our home. We all recognized times when we responded poorly to each other. We really want to follow Gods word and do everything we can to keep unity and peace. It's not about us, whose right or wrong but rather responding gently and with love.

This can be tough when we think we are right but truth is it really doesn't matter. Just love.

We are going to memorize this one!!!

Gina - Psalm 130

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice.
Let your ears be attentive
to my cry for mercy. If you, Lord, kept a record of sins,
Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness,
so that we can, with reverence, serve you. I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,
and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord
more than watchmen wait for the morning,
more than watchmen wait for the morning. (Psalm 130:1-6 NIV)

Thankfully God does not keep a record of our sins! His forgiveness allows us, with reverence, to serve God. It's funny how the Old Testament is black and white with right and wrong until David - David brings another side of God ...interesting??? The scripture says that his heart was after God. Did he know God differently??

"So that" and "reverently" are standing out to me. I must serve him. Less of me , more of you God!!

Tim - Psalm 143:10

Teach me to do your will,
for you are my God;
may your good Spirit
lead me on level ground. (Psalm 143:10 NIV)

If we want someone to teach us our job is to make time to be with them to learn and to come and listen. Sometimes discipline is necessary for us to learn lessons. Consequences are a part of a Christ followers life - although painful it's so good to keep us on the right path , in his will.

What do we do with what we learn? Apply it !! Let the Holy Spirit lead us.

Kadin - Psalm 63:3

Because your love is better than life,
my lips will glorify you. (Psalm 63:3 NIV)

Kadin said God will protect us and keep us. His love for us is so amazing.

How do you glorify God?

Liv - understanding him and being like him. Acts of kindness.

G - surrendering to the Holy Spirit to live and move in me.

Daddy - they will know him by our love.

Devin - loving others

Kadin - doing good things.

God - we want you to be glorified in our lives today!!!

Livia - Psalm 119:11

I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11 NIV)

Liv said that this encourages us to take all the things God tells us in His word and to know them because it will guide us as we make decisions.

Daddy said that the Holy Spirit living in us will guide us in truth , it's more powerful than to consider that the word of God is a set of rules we have to try and follow. He lives in me! The hope of glory!

Loving Jesus this morning!

Gina - 1 John 1:9

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9 NIV)

This scripture is one that often comes to me when I get a chance to pray with people who are broken over a bad choice they have made. Of course - this is healing for me as well - but it is a good scripture for us all to have written on our hearts so that we can minister to others with this promise. Gods word heals, restores and cleanses us like no other words !!!

When you get a chance to help someone - use GODS word not your own! It will not return void.

Devin - John 3:36

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on them. (John 3:36 NIV)

Wrath means a lot of anger. Furious, overwhelming force. So if we don't believe in Jesus then we will not have eternal life , see life , and will remain in Gods judgement. Which sounds very overwhelming. Something we need to be saved from. That ONLY comes through Jesus, the son of God.


Let us share his love and life with everyone around us and live our lives to show the way.

Livia - 2 Corinthians 5 : 17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)

Livia shared this from a lesson at the NAZ with Pastor Jamie:

Disrespect is attitude toward your parents.

Disobedience is not doing what your parents tell you to do.

If we are in Christ and a new creation we should care about being respectful and obedient to our parents.

Livia had 6 scripture marked in her Bible to share with us. We heard quite a sermon this morning. You go girl! And thank you Pastor Jamie for pouring into our kids!

Tim - 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17, 18 NIV)

Momentary troubles? Uggh.
It's hard to embrace that these troubles achieve eternal glory for us.

We can experience All kinds of trouble ...so the advice today is to fix our eyes on not what we see but rather what we can't see. Let's not focus on our struggles because this life is a blink and eternity is forever.

Devin - Matthew 5:5

Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth. (Matthew 5:5 NIV)

What does meek mean?
Quiet, gentle, humble, enduring injury with patience and without resentment.

Sir Thomas says ...."meekness allows a person to forgive or overlook perceived insults or offenses."

Proverbs says it is a wise man who overlooks an offense. He who overlooks an offense promotes love.
He who covers an offense promotes love, but whoever repeats the matter separates close friends.

Wow! Devin - you nailed us all today!!!' Good word son!

Psalm 95:6-8

Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.
Today, if only you would hear his voice, "Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,
as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness, (Psalm 95:6-8 NIV)

What does it mean to harden our heart?

Dev - to do it without God, thinking you can do it yourself.

Liv - ditto!

Tim - saying no to God and turning from his ways.

Kadin - what Dad said!

I agree, when we harden our hearts towards God our pride increases and we lean into our own strength. As the scripture points out LISTEN to his voice! Let that be our lesson today - to never close our ears, turn our head, close our eyes to our God.

Gina - Matthew 15:7-11

You hypocrites! Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you: "'These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain;
their teachings are merely human rules.'" Jesus called the crowd to him and said, "Listen and understand. What goes into someone's mouth does not defile them, but what comes out of their mouth, that is what defiles them." (Matthew 15:7-11 NIV)

What does it mean to honor Him with your lips? Liv and Dev said you say one thing but do another. Hypocrites! Ouch. We are all guilty of saying we believe one thing and living totally different but as we grow that should become less and less of who we are.

This message is powerful! What goes in comes out!!! Let it be all HIM!!!

Tim - Matthew 5

"Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:3-12 NIV)

This sermon is one of the most known that Jesus ever preached. What does poor in Spirit mean? Liv said it's to know that being humble is best. I don't feel like I am better than anyone so , I am better to be poor in spirit than to think I am "all that!" I am not good enough on my own - I can't earn salvation! Lets embrace being poor in spirit everyday. Full of me or full of thee? Your choice!!

Kadin - 1 Cor 2:9

However, as it is written:
"What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived"—
the things God has prepared for those who love him— (1 Corinthians 2:9 NIV)

Kadin said Go has big plans for us. Livia said it's beyond what we can think of. Daddy said we cat even fathom. On a beautiful fall day he remembers thinking what could heave be??? Wow. It gives us chills. Dev quoted the reference before kadin could finish because this is one of his favorite verses and it's printed I his blanket he got for Easter.

Lets remember even now our lives have been prepared for us. Daddy could have never dreamed his life is what it is today!!

Amazing touch of God's hand on all of our lives. He has prepared all of this for us.

Gina - Hebrews 5:7

During the days of Jesus' life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. (Hebrews 5:7 NIV)

I read once that when we deny our pain we transform slowly into empty shells, with smiley faces written on them. Truthfully I get this. I have a tendency to push things down till I can't feel anymore. Days, months years go by .....

We must bring to God what is in us not what ought to be in us.

God hears.

Devin - Psalm 100:4,5

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name. For the Lord is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations. (Psalm 100:4, 5 NIV)

This reminds me that throughout our family this is the way it's been. Our grandparents have praised God in the midst of life's toughest battles. They've taught us to be strong and that no matter what our God endures, and He is good and has proven faithful to our family from generation to generation.


Good word Ddubbs!!

Gina - Mark 8:34-36

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? (Mark 8:34-36 NIV)


Twist : I'm chewing on this one for a while because I want to understand it. I think God wants me to have an abundant life with joy , peace and laughter and so today I look for balance. I've turned "taking up my cross" into a burden that takes away everything good and fun for me and my family. Enough! I will give ALL still because I love Jesus with my whole heart , but I will sacrifice with a glad heart.   I will embrace a full life in Christ and let Him use me, fill me up and then use me again. I'm looking forward to this new season of our lives.     God is so good to us.  

Livia - John 4:11-14

"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his livestock?" Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life." (John 4:11-14 NIV)

Livia says God gives us life and we will never want again. He satisfies every need. Material things work for a minute and we always want more. Jesus leaves us wanting no more !

Amen!!

Tim - Be Holy as I am Holy!

for it is written: "Be holy, because I am holy." (1 Peter 1:16 NIV)

Holy = perfect.

God says over and over again in His word to go and sin no more, be holy as I am holy , carry your cross and turn from your wicked ways. So how is that possible? Can we do it?

It's a dangerous place to be to say "no one is perfect , we all make mistakes" because it gives you a reason to do it anyway! This call to be holy convicts us to make Jesus Lord of our lives entirely. That we would live so devoted to God that we would not choose to sin anymore.

Choosing to be like Christ in every area of our lives is our choice to be holy as he is holy.

If more people lived wit this heart our world would be so much different.

Come on! let's do this Wessel family!

Livia - 1 Kings 19:11-16,18

The Lord said, "Go out and stand on the mountain in the presence of the Lord, for the Lord is about to pass by."
Then a great and powerful wind tore the mountains apart and shattered the rocks before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. When Elijah heard it, he pulled his cloak over his face and went out and stood at the mouth of the cave.
Then a voice said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:11-13 NIV)

Have you ever felt alone? Like you don't even feel God? Or maybe like you are the only one who is making the "right" decisions. This can be a hard time but God is there.

Liv told an example of her friend at school who said something pretty mean, but instead of getting mean back she decided to be quiet and just let it go. That's tough but it's right.

Devin - Luke 11:13

If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" (Luke 11:13 NIV)

Kadin said God gives us trillions compared to what daddy and mommy do! Hum!? Lol!

Daddy shared verse 9 which helped us understand the heart of God - if we ask for what we need , he will provide. How much more will God care for you than your earthly parents.

God answers prayers like "God I want to know you, I need you to guide me, open my eyes to see your wonder all around me....." God is near.

God loves to care for his children , and we are his sons and daughters. What a blessing to be His.

What do you ask for today ?

Devin said I ask for the Holy Spirit to help keep my thinking pure and right.

Liv said she ask for help to not fight with her brothers and obey her parents! ( yippee)

Mom said for him to be near to me.

Kadin said for him to help him with math.

Daddy said he wants His peace and love to give to someone in the hospital today who is hurting terribly.

2 Corinthians 4:7-11

2 Corinthians 4:7-11

New International Version (NIV)

⁷ But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. ⁸ We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; ⁹ persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. ¹⁰ We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. ¹¹ For we who are alive are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that his life may also be revealed in our mortal body.

The CROSS is the center of our relationship with Jesus.  The cross is where we die.  The cross is where we live.  To go there daily, is not easy.  When you think about God as creator and how he created everything out of nothing , it makes me realize - I have to be NOTHING before I can be anything of use for God.   To be dragged to the foot of the cross, forced to my knees at the foot of Calvary where I MUST die to self, release my pride, anger and let go of my dreams and desires is not easy but it leaves me in a place of hope.... a place of surrender.... a place where God wants me to be.

I shared with the kids that in life we will have difficulties and setbacks.... they could not name one yet in their little lives of 13, 11 and 9.  How sweet and vulnerable their eyes were this morning as I spoke to each of them one by one and said "YOU WILL HAVE TROUBLE, you will get devastating news, you will hurt, your heart will be broken..."  They must have thought "What kind of Mother are you!?".. .. but my question to them was this.... When IT happens - what will you do - will you run TO Jesus or will you run AWAY from Him?  The cross is our answer.

God - help us not to fear  but rather embrace the hope we have in you through the cross , both death and life.    Thank you for the cross my friend.

 

Gal6:1-7

Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted. Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves. Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else, for each one should carry their own load. Nevertheless, the one who receives instruction in the word should share all good things with their instructor. Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps
what he sows. (Galatians 6:1-7 NIV)

It's our responsibility to restore our friends in Christ when they fall. None of us are perfect and we all fall short but let's never forget that God cannot be mocked - staying straight with The Lord (as grandma ruby says)....is our call. Helping each other , lifting each other up and doing all this without judging each other is crucial to our growth in Jesus. God's word brings life and sin brings death and destruction ...let us guard our hearts and each other's hearts in His name and remember that what we reap we sow.

WE GOTTA GO!

Do you ever have one of those mornings?

"Mom I don't have any clean jeans."
"Oh, Mom I have a project due today."
"Mom... I don't feel good."
"Where's my other shoe?"

LOL!  We did !  
As much as I wanted to feel like a failure of a Mom and wish I had one more day from the weekend to clean my house, do some laundry and have another chance at asking my kids if they had any homework .... - it's all good.

We trust that God still loves us, and as we circled up in the living room, recited our family creed and prayed we trust the one who saved us is still FOR US even though we had "one of those mornings!"

So as I settle into my busy work day I am reminded....of Matthew 6:33 and 34 one of our favorites:

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

---

   

Tim - 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

And so it was with me, brothers and sisters. When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit's power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God's power. (1 Corinthians 2:1-5 NIV

I love Paul's humility as he understands it's not about him and how he appears to others. Jesus Christ alone is his message. The crucifixion of our Lord only. He points out that he came with fear and trembling because he knows that God has called him to do this,  however he has no idea how they will receive the truth of Jesus. He relied totally on the Spirit's power. Like the mission trip in Chicago - we were willing, we opened our mouth even though we were scared and God's power fell down and used us!!!!

What an honor!!! This kind of reliance allows people to be impressed with God not with us. We don't want to take God's glory but rather we want to point to him alone!!

Livia - Matthew 6:25-27

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? (Matthew 6:25-27 NIV)

This is so relieving to know that God "has got this !" We work hard and do what God calls us to diligently and trust him with all our hearts.

Lets keep a "No worry zone" at our house!!!

Acts 20:35 - Give!

In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" (Acts 20:35 NIV)

We asked if any of us have experienced that it is more blessed to give that to receive. We heard stories of the kids giving away some of their toys they really like and see the smile on the other kid's face. In biblical times they did not have a lot of "things",  so hard work and time is what they gave.

Devin shared how people would rather give money than time because they don't have time anymore. Time is more valuable. Livia said we should go work on someone's house or show up at a homeless shelter and work for the day.

Love the way you guys are thinking!
Give, give , give until we've got nothing left.

Gina - Galatians 5:7-9

You were running a good race. Who cut in on you to keep you from obeying the truth? That kind of persuasion does not come from the one who calls you. "A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough." (Galatians 5:7-9 NIV)

I've had some things "cut in on me" lately. Hearing this scripture this morning has awakened my soul to my need for time alone with Him. I've been "running the race" but Ive been running out of energy because I'm not spending time with my source like I need to. Such a timely discovery for me - seems simple and yet so easily missed by us all. Or is it just me? The family shared things that they have allowed to "cut in" on their time with God. Honesty is so healing.

Kadin - Matthew 16:24-27

Then Jesus said to his disciples, "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul? (Matthew 16:24-26 NIV)


Jesus lost all selfishness for us on the cross and He calls us to do the same. I don't want to gain the whole world and lose my soul. What if everyone at school teases you - how will you respond? What if you say no to something that everyone else is doing?

We have to be strong in our faith and trust God to guide us.

Good word Diddy! (He is keeping a notebook with a scripture each day ....it's awesome!)

Livia - Acts 6:1-7

In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Hellenistic Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food. So the Twelve gathered all the disciples together and said, "It would not be right for us to neglect the ministry of the word of God in order to wait on tables. Brothers and sisters, choose seven men from among you who are known to be full of the Spirit and wisdom. We will turn this responsibility over to them and will give our attention to prayer and the ministry of the word." This proposal pleased the whole group. They chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit; also Philip, Procorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas, and Nicolas from Antioch, a convert to Judaism. They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. (Acts 6:1-6 NIV)

At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their coats at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep. (Acts 7:57-60 NIV)


Liv read much of Acts to us this morning. This story was moving as we here the call on Stevens life and then the stoning of his life. His heart much like Jesus' as he said "do not hold this sin against them!" What a heart.

We pray that in our lives we would live strong in our faith no matter what we face.

Gina - James 3:17,18

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:17, 18 NIV)

When I think about these virtues of wisdom - I can't help but think of Grandma Ruby. She was so wise and to read things like pure, impartial, submissive, full of mercy - she was all of these things. I truly want to be like her when I grow up!!!

We have been richly blessed to have had her in our lives. We will forever love and cherish her in our hearts.

As she always said "pass it on..."

Dad - Philippians 4:13

I can do all this through him who gives me strength. (Philippians 4:13 NIV)

Creed # 1
To always be honest and real about how we are feeling and how we are doing.

Honest - the Bible is clear that lying is an offense to God. God is truth. When we lie to get our way or to avoid truth it will catch up to us. In Isaiah it says "you can't heal a wound that you say isn't there ."

We have to be honest and real if we want to live free from the burden of sin and death.

With that , God gives us the strength we need to be honest and real. We can do all things in Jesus name including being honest and real.

Daddy asked mom how she is doing. She shared feeling super sad losing Grandma Ruby , overwhelmed with demands from work and the home this week. Daddy rallied the kids to go above and beyond this week and be responsible for their school work without being reminded. To help with the house and be flexible. This is the week to shine! Family rally cry this week : support and help Mom anyway you can!!!

Kadin - James 3:12

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13 NIV)

Kadin said - show God that you love Him by being wise and doing things that please Him. Pride is ugly and scripture tells us it comes right before a fall. We should always draw attention to our God not ourselves. This kind of humility is wise.

"I want to be wise. " k-Diddy .

Livia - 1 Choronicles 16:34

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
his love endures forever. (1 Chronicles 16:34 NIV)

God is always there for us and He is so good!   Mom's sweatshirt this morning says "you are for me!"
He deserves our praise and thanks for our life walking in his blessing and his will now and for our life forever after this one in eternity with Him .  We don't even know his love like we will when we see him face to face. Imagine that!

A bad day here should be no big deal in the light of eternity. I love what Jesus said "take heart". I've got this - I've already overcome this world.

Gina - 2 Samuel 7:22

"How great you are, Sovereign Lord! There is no one like you, and there is no God but you, as we have heard with our own ears. (2 Samuel 7:22 NIV)

My God I look to you this morning for the strength of my grandmas faith. As she takes each breath I know that 1 soon will be her last. Ruby knows you and loves you and I adore her. Lord keep her in your peace and comfort I pray that we will all never be the same because of her imprint on our lives. As I told my worship team she has lived her life real, simple and selfless.

There is no one like you God! I look at grandma Ruby and I see you! It's overwhelming and right.

Reign over us all today our God!

Devin - Matthew 11:28

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28 NIV)

Kadin says this means "when you are not sleepy - I'll make you sleepy!"
LOL!

That gave us quite a laugh this morning! We do get weary, troubled and things do get to us and this verse reminds us to always bring our burdens to Jesus and he gives us peace!

Devin said - Gods word is good, personal and invitational. It's so wonderful to feel that we have a God who knows all things.

Now lets go take the MEAP test!

Daddy - 1 Corinthians 15:33

Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV)

Responsibility is the word of the day! The kids listed responsibility type things : chores, being a good example, making good choices and listening to the word of God.

Today we learn that bad company corrupts good character. How true it is that we become like those we hang with. It's important that we choose our friends well and that we live out our values.

We recited our family creed this morning to remind us what we have decided us most important to us eac and everyday.

We love you God , take our lives today, use us and be Lord in our hearts.

Kadin - 1 Cor. 15:33

Do not be misled: "Bad company corrupts good character." (1 Corinthians 15:33 NIV)

Christina from The Naz shared this cool devotion for us to do at home that goes along with what we are learning at church. It's called Peer Pressure.

Exodus tells us about Moses and Aaron and how Aaron fell to the pressure of the people to make golden calves. Moses said to Aaron "What have you LET these people do to you??"

Lesson in a word - persist.

Aaron wanted everyone happy and everyone to like him and I doing so he denied Moses his leader and God! In the end it was so hurtful and painful.

It's not worth it! Hang in there!

It's all about Devin today! Psalm 139

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth. Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be. (Psalm 139:13-16 NIV)

Today we celebrate Devins life and while we surprised him a month early with a mentor walk and party - today is the day!!! We are so proud - we went around the circle this morning and told Dev what we love about him. He's a good big brother, a role model, a leader, he's kind hearted and hard working. Dev cares about others and is quick to put himself second, or third or 20th!!!

Happy birthday Devin Joseph Wessel!
We love you!!!

Gina - Psalm103:1-5

Praise the Lord, my soul;
all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins
and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit
and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things
so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalm 103:1-5 NIV)

We are blessed!!! There are very few things In life that really hurt . No money, no house, no new clothes - who cares!!! God is our provider and we can trust him. Today I consider all the benefits of a God who owns my whole life! Who has forgiven, healed, redeemed, crowned and satisfied me in every way! Yes this world brings trouble but my God has overcome this world.
Bless The Lord O MY SOUL!!!!!

Devin - Psalm 103:8-12

The Lord is compassionate and gracious,
slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse,
nor will he harbor his anger forever; he does not treat us as our sins deserve
or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth,
so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west,
so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:8-12 NIV)

God has removed our sins as far as the east is from the west. What a thought! Jesus has done an amazing thing for us. Let's live today with that thought and truth close to our hearts. Amazing grace.

Daddy - Ezekiel 18:30-32, Hebrews 9:27,28

"Therefore, you Israelites, I will judge each of you according to your own ways, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent! Turn away from all your offenses; then sin will not be your downfall. Rid yourselves of all the offenses you have committed, and get a new heart and a new spirit. Why will you die, people of Israel? For I take no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Sovereign Lord. Repent and live! (Ezekiel 18:30-32 NIV)
Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him. (Hebrews 9:27, 28 NIV)

Losing people we love is hard enough, then to add the fact that we could face the unknown - if we don't know if they had accepted salvation in Jesus Christ. Grandma Ruby is slowly fading from this world. One thing we know is she has always prayed to Jesus with such intimacy that it gives us all peace that she is very close to him and we will see her again.

These scripture remind us to stay focused and live our life with purpose and in love. We never know when our last day will come. Live your faith !!!

Tim - Philemon 1:1-7

Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother,
To Philemon our dear friend and fellow worker— also to Apphia our sister and Archippus our fellow soldier—and to the church that meets in your home: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers, because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus. I pray that your partnership with us in the faith may be effective in deepening your understanding of every good thing we share for the sake of Christ. Your love has given me great joy and encouragement, because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people. (Philemon 1:1-7 NIV)

Is it refreshing for others to have you as a friend? Whoa! Good question.
It's important to remember that our life is not our own, we've been bought with a price and we should always live ready to love and serve others. Be kind even when others are not or don't deserve it. Be the kindest!!!

Gina - Hebrews 12:7-11 & Psalm 32

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. (Hebrews 12:7-11 NIV)

Then I acknowledged my sin to you
and did not cover up my iniquity.
I said, "I will confess
my transgressions to the Lord."
And you forgave
the guilt of my sin. (Psalm 32:5 NIV)

Well I'm off on the Atlantic Ocean while the family plugs away back in Brighton so they told me to blog for us today.
I'm captivated by the Lord's discipline lately. I'm surprisingly good with it. I'm inviting it in, realizing that it's what saves me from myself. I would not be His true "son" if I did not receive His discipline. Hum? Nice. Although it's painful , ironically it brings peace. It tells me he is near and that He cares. The end result is righteousness and peace - that's beautiful , and that's what I rest in today.
I want to be free from pride including being judgmental and impatient with others faults, I don't want to take more pleasure in spiritual blessing than in God himself, I want to embrace all that the cross stands for and and I want to stop running from what looks impossible. I will confess these things to the Lord and welcome his discipline and forgiveness!!!

I love living in relationship with Jesus.

Livia - Ecc 3:1-8

There is a time for everything,
and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh,
a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them,
a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up,
a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend,
a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate,
a time for war and a time for peace. (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 NIV)


God gives us seasons of life. We must patiently wait for the seasons to come along instead of wishing them here and away.

22 years ago today Clare Wessel passed away. Tim's Dad. He was a wonderful that we lost way too early. He would be so proud of his boys and all the grand kids. Talk about a time for everything......we trust you God and look for your sovereign hand I every season of our lives.

Devin - Joshua 1:7-9 and Haggai 2:4

"Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. 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 1:7-9 NIV)

But now be strong, Zerubbabel,' declares the Lord. 'Be strong, Joshua son of Jozadak, the high priest. Be strong, all you people of the land,' declares the Lord, 'and work. For I am with you,' declares the Lord Almighty. (Haggai 2:4 NIV)

Devin encouraged us to be strong in the Lord this morning. Like Mom said yesterday - He is with us so we should take heart and remember that Jesus has overcome this world and nothing is impossible with our God! And if our God is for us, who can be against us??

It's kind of funny. It reminds me of my Mom yelling at me in cross country "be strong Devin! You got this! Stay strong!!!"

Amen and amen!!