Our prayer today!

Our prayer today:

Faith to believe you rule this world

Seek you first 

No anxious thoughts

See your purpose in all things

To be calm and brave 

To believe in your love to melt our hard hearts and swallow up our sin

To practice love not force

For strength to endure whatever hardships you call us to today

To trust the welfare of our loved ones in your hands 

And rid our hearts of vain anxieties and paralysing fears 

Give us cheerful hearts and a bouyant spirit to do your will!!

Amen!

Psalm 91

HE WHO dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty [Whose power no foe can withstand]. I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; on Him I lean and rely, and in Him I [confidently] trust! (Psalm 91:1, 2 AMP)

Stable and fixed. Lean and rely!  These words stuck out to me this morning.  I haven't felt very stable and fixed lately with the busyness all around me.  It is so good to dwell in the secret place ( have time with god , stay near to him ) then we can confidently trust him. 

This scripture is such a reminder to us of who god can be for us if we dwell in him. I need a fortress.  I need a safe place.  Peace comes no matter what is going on when you rely on him. 

Psalm 143:10

You are my God. Show me what you want me to do, and let your gentle Spirit lead me in the right path. (Psalms 143:10 

Show me what you want me to do!

That's our plea this morning!

We find out what he wants us to do by taking time to be quiet everyday and to read HIS word.   If we don't we flounder from day to day with no direction or understanding of his purpose for our life.  

Let his gentle spirit guide you today. 

Be aware!

10,000 Reasons !!!

This morning we listened to lots of worship music like we always do but for some reason today I noticed how much everyone carries the "song" with them.  Music is powerful.  Kadin was singing "God is Able" and Livia ran up the stairs singing "10,000 reasons for my heart to find!"  Devin shouted " build your kingdom here!!"  And as mom..... I feel very blessed to hear my kids singing his praises this morning !!!

1 Timothy 1:5

You must teach people to have genuine love, as well as a good conscience and true faith. (1 Timothy 1:5)

No human has loved me like my dad has. He has been a true example of genuine Christ like love.   A good conscience comes from teaching the work of Christ that covers our sin.   We can't feel "ok" with ourselves unless we are under the blood of Christ that redeems us.  True faith makes the first two: genuine love and good conscience possible.  

I'm grateful for  genuine love , good conscience and true faith through Jesus Christ my Lord.  

Tim 2 Corinthians 5:21

Christ never sinned! But God treated him as a sinner, so Christ could make us acceptable to God. (2 Corinthians 5:21)

Acceptable to God!  Nice!!!

Because of Christ our sins are covered.  Now we are called to be holy as God is holy.   In His spirit we can. 

We can't go our whole lives without making a mistake, however we can choose to be surrendered fully to our God and be at a place where we are a spirit controlled being and we can honor God with our decisions and actions. 

Let's strive to be a light and honor our God in all we say and do!!

Kadins birthday!!!

Kadin is 11 today. 

 

It's an a tradition to share what we love about each other on our birthdays.  

Soooo...

Boo (our dog) said she loves how you leave food on your face for me!

Daddy said:

Sense of humor

Kindness

Handsomeness

How you love us

Livia said:

Always ask me to play with you

Good brother

Rumble the couch good when you toot!

Devin said:

You like to play games that I do

Outgoing

Fun 

Acts like himself 

Happy personality

Really funny

Mom:

Love the way you sing around the house

You care about how people feel

You use words very well

You are so neat and unique

Can't imagine our lives without you!!!

Happy birthday Diddy!!

Matthew 7:1

Don't condemn others, and God won't condemn you. (Matthew 7:1)

What does it mean to condemn?

Kids response:

Hurt

Insult

Sentence to die

Look down on them

Judge 

Assume people are guilty 

Rather we should:

Forgive

Love

Be patient 

Give

No one deserves to be hurt, we have no right to condemn others.  Be kind!

People will receive consequences for their actions within their heart and soul as well as through our justice system for what they do, however we must still show them love and compassion.  Even when you are right!!

Thank you Jesus for the best example!!!

A prayer by John Wesley

I am no longer my own, but yours. 

Put me to what you will, rank me with whom you will.  Put me to doing , put me to suffering.  Let me be employed for you or laid aside for you.  Exalted for you or brought low for you.  Let me be full, let me be empty   Let me have all things let me have nothing.   I freely and whole heartidly yield all things  to your pleasure and disposal.  And now, o glorious and blessed god , father son and Holy Spirit you are mine and I am yours.  So be it.  

Pray and go!

Have you ever been running behind!?

That's us today!

We circled up - looked in each other's eyes to make sure everyone is good, prayed and off we go!!

We know He goes before us, and we will trust him to carry us a little bit today too!

God speed!

Tim - Romans 10:17

No one can have faith without hearing the message about Christ. (Romans 10:17 )

We have to hear it in order to believe it - right?  Kadin said if you want people to know Christ through you , you have to act like Christ. 

It's important to work our own faith out by reading gods word and prayer, being with others who believe and loving all people by our actions.  

Livia 1 Corinthians 8:2

In fact, people who think they know so much don't know anything at all. (1 Corinthians 8:2 )

We all have knowledge and knowledge makes us feel important.  However it is love that strengthens us.  The person who love God is the one God recognizes. Hes not impressed with those who try to tell everyone else what is what!!

It's sad when people are so caught up In what they know and correcting people that they can't get to the love part. 

Let's not think too highly of ourselves.  

Be humble!

 

Power!

Trust the Lord and his mighty power. (Psalms 105:4 )

Being without power gives you great perspective on how much you need it!  

Everything I've went to do this morning I can't!  Shower, brush my teeth, have a hot tea, a peice of toast ....start some laundry .....wow!

Made us think this morning that because we are filled with Christ and we live in his power.   The truth is we can do nothing without him.  At least nothing that is of worth or value.  He truly does bring transforming power and make us strong and able. 

Tim 1 Peter 2:9

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)

This is the scripture of the day on you version.  It stood out this morning because it repeats a message we have been hearing all week about being called out of darkness into the light.  It is so amazing to know that god has called us out and has a plan for us.  We LOVE proclaiming his excellencies by telling our testimony of what God has done in our lives.   This week alone we've had so many opportunities for God to be glorified in us!   Thank you God for your tender mercies toward us!!

John 14:1

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. (John 14:1)

Today our prayer is simply:

To be Christ like in word and deed

To be brave and follow where he leads

To be strong and let no self pity in our life

To let our thinking be keen , our speech frank and open and our actions courageous and decisive.

Let it be !!

 

1 Timothy 6:18

Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. (1 Timothy 6:18 )

We are meant to be Christ to our world.  What kinds of things can we share?

Kids answers:

Time

Money

Food

Gospel of Jesus Christ 

One of our values in our family creed is "to give from our time and stuff so that others will experience God's love."

What would hurt if we gave it away?

Kids answers:

Electronics!!!

If we gave away our home 

All our food 

It is better to give than to receive.  Let's live our lives as a servant to others and give until we just can't give anymore!!!

Trusting that our God is faithful to care for us as we care for others.  

Philippians 3

Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13, 14 )

Forget, strain, press and win.  

Some awesome action words this morning for us.  Too many live in the past and in the shame of what they have done.  So we are called to strain and press through (work hard) to move!  Don't stay put!!!  We will win when we do this in Jesus name.  

Gina 2 Corinthians 4:8-9

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. (2 Corinthians 4:8, 9 )

This little lady is my hero.  She has evidence of strength and faith - she will survive.  She will prevail.  She stands In Christ with hope.  Yes , she's struck down but not destroyed.  

Psalm 23 even though she walks through the valley of death - she will fear no evil for our god is with her!!  He will comfort her and keep her.  

Gina - 1 Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. (1 Peter 5:6)

We are all still in shock over the loss of our dear friend Ken Johnson.  We are all moved and inspired by his life he lived.  He was a humble man who always put others before himself.  He was so good to our family and encouraged Tim and I within our ministries by believing in us and spurring us on in our gifts in Christ.  

He will be missed like crazy.  

These 5 Wessels are better people because we knew Ken Johnson. 

Gina - John3:16

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. (John 3:16 BOOKS)

This verse says it all, let's live in that love today!!

Devin - Galatians 5

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. (Galatians 5:16-18 BOOKS)

Simply said......Walk in the spirit!!

Gina - John15:17

This is what I command you: that you love one another. (John 15:17 AMP)

Lately I've been moved to get back to the basics.   We can easily get caught up in people pleasing and being motivated by the approval of others.  

Love is a simple over used word but it is so powerful.   Jesus said that the greatest thing is love.  He calls us to love all people and to put love in action.  

When is the last time you really loved someone?  

How long has it been since you considered someone else over yourself?

Gina - Isaiah 26:4

Trust in the Lord forever; he will always protect us. (Isaiah 26:4 GNTD)

Love his word!!!   It is such truth that gods got my back and I have no need to worry.   I will not waste my energy fretting about anything.  I will trust my god wth my life that he has given me.   I am his and he is mine.  I want to be forever faithful to my god who loves me and gave his life for me.  

Livia - James 4:8

Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners! Purify your hearts, you hypocrites! (James 4:8 GNTD) 

 

Livia typed:

Come near god and he will come near you. It means ask for god and you will receive him. But if you don't ask he won't force you. 

Wash your hands you sinners is  to ask for forgiveness and to clean your hearts. 

Purify your hearts you hypocrites, is  actually to know god and then to say you  you don't. 

Kadin - Philippians 4:6

Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. (Philippians 4:6 GNTD)

Kadin said this means DONT WORRY. But instead PRAY!!!

This verse has helped Kadin to not think about things coming up but rather to live in the present.   God helps him to stay focused and gives him peace.  

God calms Kadins heart and helps him to relax knowing god is in control.  

Good word K-Diddy!

Livia - John 14:6

Jesus answered him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life; no one goes to the Father except by me. (John 14:6 GNTD)

Livia encouraged us to memorize this verse and to be ready to share this good news.   Jesus brings life to us and without him we are nothing.  

We have hope and we have the way to share this life with other people...

We are blessed - 

Livia - Deuteronomy 15:6

The Lord will bless you, as he has promised. You will lend money to many nations, but you will not have to borrow from any; you will have control over many nations, but no nation will have control over you. (Deuteronomy 15:6 GNTD)

This message was to the Israelites.   Is this true of Israel today? yes! However, at the beginning it was not - they were over thrown and were very much dependant on others.  It's a good example for our country as well , and well that's a whole other conversation!   Lol. 

Liv spun this on our own lives this morning.   She suggested that God makes promises to us and we don't always see it right away.  He's working for us even when we can't see it!!   

Tim - Ephesians 3:20-21

Now to the one who is able to do beyond all measure more than all that we ask or think, according to the power that is at work in us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen. (Ephesians 3:20, 21 LEB)

Who is able?  God is!  Beyond all measure, more than we could ever come up with!!!  Wow!

The power?  Whose power?  His power, that's in US!!! Greater is he that is in me than he that it is the world!!

When we pray, we should pray with faith that God knows all and can move in ways our minds cannot even come up with!  Amen!!

Gina - John 10:10

The thief comes only so that he can steal and kill and destroy; I have come so that they may have life, and have it abundantly. (John 10:10 LEB)

Recently I've been challenged to consider my attitude on "my life".  It's so easy to think about all the things that are not right and are causing me pain and too quickly I forget about my awesome God and his power.  I feel a new sense of awareness about what Christ has done for me and how he has truly given me abundant life.

Devin put it well " you have all you need"in Christ, therefore you have abundant life.  

Let's consider how big our god is and how small our enemy is - let's focus on our solution (god) instead of the problem!!

Kadin - Matthew 6:33

But seek first his kingdom and righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Matthew 6:33 LEB)

We get so caught up in our selfish ways.  

Greedy for delight , fond of idleness, so quick at play, so slow to nourish our souls and do for others and work hard. 

Our humanity calls for us to satisfy our bodies here and now, but if we seek god first and obey his commands - true joy and satisfaction comes.  

Livia - 1 Corinthians 1:10

I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. (1 Corinthians 1:10 ESV)

Paul is reminded the church to not fall into a trap of division.  It's crazy but true that people will divide over silly things like material things.   Liv suggested that people will divide over what they believe or don't believe too. the "smaller things" if you will and forget the big picture that its Jesus who saves and some things should be left as a mystery until the day of Jesus Christ. 

Well said!

Devin - Matthew 6:15

but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. (Matthew 6:15 ESV)

Devin shared an example that he read in about a man that owed money and his lender forgave the debt.  Then this man leant money to someone who could not repay and he charged him double for not paying it back.  What's wrong with this picture?    

If someone wrongs you - forgive quickly because your turn is coming!!

Tim - John 15:4

Abide in me, and I in you.  As the branch cannot bear  fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.  John 15:4

Daddy gave us quite a challenge this morning.  Our walk with Christ must be consistent.  It's not enough for us to feed off of church services, family devotion time or prayer at night with Mom and Dad before we go to bed.  This ABIDING that the scripture is talking about is deeper than that.  Those things help for sure, but to abide means to always be in, to rely on a source and to be consistent.  We were challenged this morning to answer the question when and where is our daily quiet time with God?  We all answered the question and all agreed that we need to ABIDE if we want to bear good fruit in Jesus name.  

Gina - Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:20 NIV)

This past weekend someone complimented me on how I live and respond to life, while it was flattering I knew very quickly my answer.... "It's Christ in me..."   Nothing of me is good or right but because I've been "crucified" with Christ I live this life of faith and I am blessed.  Others see his good work in me and then glorify him in heaven. 

My God is so good to me.  

Livia - Luke 10

The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do. (Luke 10:17-21 NIV)

God is pleased with us when we trust him and love him.  When Jesus helpers came back they were full of joy - and Jesus reminded them of what true joy means.  

Jesus defeats our enemies and he loves us - what a combo!!!

Devin : Proverbs 3:1-2

My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart, for they will prolong your life many years and bring you peace and prosperity. (Proverbs 3:1, 2 NIV)

Keeping Gods commands is much easier  when we fellowship with him.  Commands can be treated like rules and that feels bad.   When we understand that gods commands in his word bring prosperity and life and we can testify that his way is the best way.  When we decide to ignore his plans we lose gods favor and we lack peace.  

His way is the best - blessed - way!!!

Tim - Matthew 20:26-28

But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:26-28 KJV)

This truth hits the bullseye!   To become great you must become a servant and a slave.  It's not natural to choose to serve others because we were born thinking about our own needs and wants.

Jesus came to serve and to give his life for many.   On the cross, he paid the ransom ( what it cost to get us back)   For our souls.  

Let's consider what it takes to be like Jesus and do it!!  Let's lay down our lives for others.  

Gina - Isaiah 40 :31

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 KJV)

I am upon a very busy week.  The demand for my time and best contribution in many different places with all kinds of hats will be huge and I know this.... It will be up to me to wait upon The Lord each day and gain strength.  It will be up to me to choose to glean something spiritual and awakening from it or to let it exhaust me. 

So I choose experience and life .  I choose refinement.  I choose his way today.  I pray for patience, thankfulness, perseverance, courage, long suffering, humility, temperance and endurance. 

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength. 

Let it be dear lord, let it be .

Kadin - John 21:16

A second time Jesus said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep.” (John 21:16 GNT)

Today is Devins birthday so Kadin used Devins life verse - John 21.

This verse speaks volumes of who Devin is by how he lives.   He puts people first - it's amazing to watch out of a 14 year old!

We took the opportunity to tell Devin what we love about him ....

Here's just a few:

Kind

He plays with us

He is a sport

A great brother 

Sacrifice is easy

Full of integrity

Loving

Passionate

Cool

Faith filled

Not moved by influence

Steady

Awesome son!!! 

Livia - John 21:3

Simon Peter said, “I am going out to fish.” The others said, “We will go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat. They fished that night but caught nothing. (John 21:3 NCV)

Jesus told the disciples to drop their net and he caused them to catch many fish.  

Each of these men were so different and yet he was a friend to each one.  

Livia encouraged us to be like Jesus with people.  Even though people are not like us we can still love them and kind to them.   Every person is important to God.  

We also need to be content with how God made us.   Loving ourselves because we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God is so important !!!!

So thankful that Livi-g gets that this morning!!  Amen girl!!

Devin - Mark 9:22

The spirit often throws him into a fire or into water to kill him. If you can do anything for him, please have pity on us and help us.” (Mark 9:22 NCV)

It is In the place of humiliation where we find our true worth to God.  

Peter wanted to stay on the mountain with Jesus but Jesus took them down into the valley.  

On the mountain top you can have faith for anything but it's in the valley that you receive your testimony. 

Dev said that living in a place of humility is the best most learning place to be.  In the valleys of our life we display his glory more than any other time in our life.  

Tim - Ephesians 3:16

I ask the Father in his great glory to give you the power to be strong inwardly through his Spirit. (Ephesians 3:16 NCV)

Like a child longing for a fathers favor , we should feel the same about our Heavenly Father.    We can go to God everyday and say I want your blessing on my life today Lord. 

It's each of our responsibility for our own relationship with God.  Strength inwardly comes from daily time spent with God.  

Do you want to be strong?

Spend time with our God!

Gina - Psalm 25:6

Lord, remember your mercy and love that you have shown since long ago. (Psalms 25:6 NCV)

It's important for us to remember that our God is a father.   That we can crawl up into his arms and be held and loved.  Too often we forget how much he love us.

Yesterday we said goodbye to an amazing friend and fatherly mentor in our lives.  When we had our last words Pastor Mark grabbed Tim and I and sobbed as he held us both.  The love I felt was so rich and pure.  

God's love for me is amazing.  He swoops me up into his arms , he holds my hand, he hugs my neck , he transforms me to be like him .

Kadin Job 42:3

You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. (Job 42:3 NIV)

God knows what he's doing.  It's easy to thank him when things are good.   When things are tough....it's hard to understands like Job, however the truth is God owes us nothing so when you can't figure out the work of his hands - trust his heart for you.   He loves you - 

Trust him. 

Livia - Matthew 6

“Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. “So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. (Matthew 6:1-4 NIV)

If it cost us to do right - God sees and rewards us.  We should not make a big deal over what we do for God and for others.  Let God be your reward.   

Last night we honered Pastor Mark after 33 years of service to our church.  He is a wonderful example of selflessness.   We are so grateful for a wonderful example.  

Devin - Rev 2:17

“Everyone who has ears should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. “I will give some of the hidden manna to everyone who wins the victory. I will also give to each one who wins the victory a white stone with a new name written on it. No one knows this new name except the one who receives it. (Revelation 2:17 NCV)

God has so much more for us than we can imagine.  It even sounds as if we will have a new name in eternity!   If we have ears we should listen to what God is saying to us always.

It's important that we consider and meditate on who God is  and what his perfect will for us.  Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness .... Those are just a few of the things he has for is every day of our lives.

Gina - John4:24

God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” (John 4:24 NCV)

When we consider what real worship is ....we are told that it must be in Spirit which is with all our being, heart, soul, mind and strength.  With an undivided heart.  Worship is never to be insincere.  AND always in truth which is His life giving word.  The knowledge of who God is and the overflow of the mind meditated on god alone.

  

True worship is unwavering, resolute and a determined heart focused only on God.

Tim - John 14:1

Jesus said, “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust in me. (John 14:1 NCV)

Jesus was talking to the disciples.  They, like us, struggle to trust God's plan and what he was doing.  They eventually saw him raise from the dead!!  Amen!

God help us today to trust you and not be moved by our circumstance.  

Kadin - Psalm 92:2

It is good to praise you, Lord, to sing praises to God Most High. (Psalms 92:1 NCV)

God loves you no matter what!!!   No matter how many goofy or dumb things you do, 

Or how many times you ignore him or disappoint him.  He just keeps on loving you.

God is awesome!!!

Great word! K-Diddy thanks for that reminder!!!!

Livia - 1 Corinthians 8:1

Now I will write about meat that is sacrificed to idols. We know that “we all have knowledge.” Knowledge puffs you up with pride, but love builds up. (1 Corinthians 8:1 NCV)

Knowledge is just information.  It can make you feel proud , like you know it all.   Love, however is about selflessness.  Thinking more of others.  

When we care more about what we know than how we make others feel that's a big problem !!!