Tim - Memorial Day

We have many family members and friends who have served our country. Today we want to remember what they did for us and our country. They have fought for our freedom. They have given like Jesus did for us. Let's not get so caught up in the fun and forget the sacrifice made. Say thank you when you see those that served! Let's show respect and appreciation.

Livia. John 12:1-8

Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus lived, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. Here a dinner was given in Jesus' honor. Martha served, while Lazarus was among those reclining at the table with him. Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus' feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. But one of his disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, "Why wasn't this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year's wages." He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief; as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it. "Leave her alone," Jesus replied. "It was intended that she should save this perfume for the day of my burial. You will always have the poor among you, but you will not always have me." (John 12:1-8 NIV)

Livia said that Jesus knew judas ' heart and Mary's heart. He knew their motives and so he was able to rightly say "leave her alone!".

Psalm 150:6

Let everything that has breath praise the lord.

Club 56 at the Naz joined my worship team last night for one song! What a delight they are. Smiles and giggles. Fun and games. We talked about how we can't lift up holy hands and praise if we have "junk" that we are carrying.

We must drop all of our worries at his feet and praise him.

Gina - Proverbs 23:4,5

Do not wear yourself out to get rich;
do not trust your own cleverness. Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone,
for they will surely sprout wings
and fly off to the sky like an eagle. (Proverbs 23:4, 5 NIV)



The boys said that they felt like This means don't value things because they won't last! We need to make sure we bring balance to our lives and not wear ourselves out trying to obtain riches!!
God will take care of us, let's not trust ourselves but rather what God chooses to bless us with.

Kadin reminded us of his favorite verse :"godliness with contentment is great gain for we have brought nothing into this world and we can take nothing out of it. For if we have food an clothing we will be content with that!". Nice k-diddy!!

Devin - Jonah 2

From inside the fish Jonah prayed to the Lord his God. He said:
"In my distress I called to the Lord,
and he answered me.
From deep in the realm of the dead I called for help,
and you listened to my cry. You hurled me into the depths,
into the very heart of the seas,
and the currents swirled about me;
all your waves and breakers
swept over me. I said, 'I have been banished
from your sight;
yet I will look again
toward your holy temple.' The engulfing waters threatened me,
the deep surrounded me;
seaweed was wrapped around my head. To the roots of the mountains I sank down;
the earth beneath barred me in forever.
But you, Lord my God,
brought my life up from the pit. "When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, Lord,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple. "Those who cling to worthless idols
turn away from God's love for them. But I, with shouts of grateful praise,
will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
I will say, 'Salvation comes from the Lord.'" And the Lord commanded the fish, and it vomited Jonah onto dry land. (Jonah 2:1-10 NIV)

Devin reminds us of what happens when we ignore God's voice !! It's not smart. LOL. We are most content and fulfilled when we are in His plan for our lives.

Gina -John 10:27

My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:27 NIV)

We read the creed this morning, which is always so cool to hear the kids rattle off each one. Thank you lord for living here in our home.

My sheep - us, his people
Listen - not talk , pay attention
I know them - he has us in his
Mind , he knows what we love and hate , close and intimate.
They follow me - to surrender , to walk behind him go we're he is going.

So Wessel version of John 10:27 is
" we, his people stop talking, and pay attention to his voice , he has us in his mind, he knows what we love and hate - he is close and intimate. We surrender to him, follow behind him and go where he goes. "

Tim - Matthew 20

So when those came who were hired first, they expected to receive more. But each one of them also received a denarius. When they received it, they began to grumble against the landowner. 'These who were hired last worked only one hour,' they said, 'and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the work and the heat of the day.' "But he answered one of them, 'I am not being unfair to you, friend. Didn't you agree to work for a denarius? Take your pay and go. I want to give the one who was hired last the same as I gave you. Don't I have the right to do what I want with my own money? Or are you envious because I am generous?' "So the last will be first, and the first will be last." (Matthew 20:10-16 NIV)

This morning the hearts at the Wessel home are tender. Upon 2 funerals this weekend and off of a crazy , emotional week - we sense Him all around us.
Daddy shared that IT Is fair that a friend like Mike(fish) can call on Jesus and be saved on his dying bed and that those that have called on his name already can live an abundant life while we still live here on earth. God is right, just and fair. It is right that his Dad , Claire called on Jesus and even stated "how can this be after I've lived my whole life for myself?" and once again we say God is right, just and fair! He loves us and we can feel him all around!!

Gina - Galatians 5:1

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1 NIV)

A great reminder that Jesus came for freedom! We let ourselves be in bondage to the law and try hard to live good on our own and we forget that we have been saved by grace. Nothing we can do !!! Let's not forget the wonderful, amazing work on the cross and what it does for our lives. Let's not be a slave to sin or the law!!!

Livia - Romans 1:8-10

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. God, whom I serve in my spirit in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you. (Romans 1:8-10 NIV)

Witness is someone who "saw it all". God sees everything. Paul wrote an amazing letter to the saints of Jesus Christ about how he feels about them. Anyone who prays constantly for you is a good friend and servant of Christ.

This morning let's be that kind of friend and lift up those we love!!!