Livia - Ephesians 4:26,27

“In your anger do not sin”: Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold. (Ephesians 4:26, 27 NIV84)

Liv shared that in Club 56 last night they talked about anger and how God made our emotions. Jesus was perfect and never sinned and he had the emotion of anger at times.

We love that part about the sun going down because like Devin said you won't sleep well and it will make you feel worse. It stirs up and makes you more angry at times. The more you do that the more it will feel justified. Usually it's pride !!!

Kadin shared about the Proverb that says a gentle answer turns away wrath but a harsh word stirs up anger. Nice Diddy!!!

Beautiful word Livi- G!!

Mom- Proverbs 26:14

As a door turns on its hinges, so a sluggard turns on his bed. (Proverbs 26:14 NIV84)

Kadin asks "What's a sluggard?" Devin said slug means slow. Kadin said a big, slow slug. Like a bug!!! LOL. Kadin stated that they could be hypocrites. Daddy said someone who is lazy.

We value sleep around here and we know we must take good care of our bodies however, this proverb teaches us that we must work hard and give our all at whatever we do. That we should look for opportunity to give, work and be fruitful.

Amen??

Devin - Ephesians 3:20

Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, (Ephesians 3:20 NIV84)

Think about it! More than I can think up or imagine - God can do. He is able. Immeasurably means we can't measure it, we can't count it ....like counting the grains of sand - impossible!!!!

This same power is within us! Wow!

Let's trust that He is able and he can do anything !!!

Gina - Philipians 2:3

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. (Philippians 2:3 NIV84)

This scripture is such a check point in my life. We are faced with several different ways we can be selfish. We can be angry that we are doing things for others and how it's not fair and then we also do things so that others can see how awesome we are. Neither one of these bring honor to God or show true humility. In everything "I, I, I..." Yuck. This is no way to "live as Christ", let's let this scripture check us often in everything we do!!!

Philippians 3:9 - Daddy

and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ–the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. (Philippians 3:9 NIV84)

Love that -" Through faith in Christ" . The law was sent to show us our need for God. Christ makes us holy by covering all of our sin. We are without sin not because we are perfect but because God gave His son. Christ freed us once and for all. What about the law? Should we not worry about it anymore? No. We need to embrace that we have been saved through faith - Christ did not come to destroy the law but rather to fulfill it. We are called to live holy as he is holy.

Kadin said "this devotion makes me want to worship. " Amen little buddy - let's respond to Him this morning!!!

Devin - Hebrews 6:10

God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. (Hebrews 6:10 NIV84)

God does not forget the good that comes from us. The fruit that comes from our hands. It's amazing that our God loves us as he does and chooses to pour blessings into our lives.


One blessing for us this week is that we got a call from U of M within a 5 minute spot that Mom was in and out of the house and they said this is such a rarity but my manager said if you can get them on the phone right now give them the cancellation appt for Monday otherwise put them at the bottom of the waiting list ! So of course we accepted. I think that is God's favor.
Thank you Lord for caring for us as we care for your people.

Kadin - Psalm 103:1-5

Bless the Lord , O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord , O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. (Psalms 103:1-5 KJV)

Such a powerful scripture!!! One of Mom's favorites because it was one that that Grandma Ruby and Her shared together in her last few days. As she quoted it to grandma - she tried desperately to say it with her. Her eyes fluttered and we knew she was blessing The Lord with her soul at that moment!!!

Livia - Psalm 103:13

As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; (Psalms 103:13 NIV84)

Compassion is being full of love and caring towards others. Having concern for others. You may show it by helping others. Daddy helps us. Daddy feeds us. Daddy loves us. Daddy takes time to talk to us and listen to how we are feeling. Daddy learns this by His father in heaven. God has this same compassion for us, greater even.....for those of us who fear Him. Those who recognize who God is and what He has done for us. Those who bow before Him and acknowledge His holiness.

Our part? Understand who God is and to respect Him!

Mom - Psalm 40:1

I waited patiently for the Lord ; he turned to me and heard my cry. (Psalms 40:1 NIV84)

First part says WAIT....how easy is it to be patient? What do you think waiting patiently on God looks like? Kadin said "just sit there!" Liv said "it's an attitude of trust when you pray". Dad said "mon is waiting for answers from god so how does she do that patiently? No complaining. No questions. Just trusting and like the fiery furnace ..."even if He does not deliver me, I will still serve Him."

Second part... (After we wait patiently) it says God turned to me....he paid attention to me , he listened....he heard my cry.

Amen....He heard me!

Lets do our part !!!

Devin - John 15:1-2

“I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. (John 15:1, 2 NIV84)

What does pruning mean? A gardner trims what is not needed to keep a plant healthy and alive. In our lives there are lots of things that should be pruned. We need to pray that God will show us what needs to be pruned from our lives. Most times it hurts but then when we decide to trust God and see the results ....it's so worth.

Daddy - Philippians 3:7-8

But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, (Philippians 3:7, 8 KJV)

Paul who was pretty full of himself as Saul recognized something quite amazing! All that he had before he met Jesus is all a loss. Knowing Jesus is everything!!! Name changed to Paul and he writes that he will be found in Christ alone. We can't keep the law it's only through Christ that we find this beautiful freedom of life.

Kadin - Proverbs 9:12

If you are wise, your wisdom will reward you;
if you are a mocker, you alone will suffer. (Proverbs 9:12 NIV)

Discipline from The Lord is a mark of discipleship. We are ever learning and growing under his guidance and care. If we listen and embrace his correction we will be wise, however if we mock wisdom we will be alone.
We are so blessed to hear His voice ....lets keep our mouths closed and ears open.

Gina - Psalm 51:16,17

You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it;
you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit;
a broken and contrite heart
you, God, will not despise. (Psalm 51:16, 17 NIV)

This scripture is one of my favorite. I love when I'm in this place of broken and contrite heart. I wonder why I ever get away from this place. Today I'm reminded of complete surrender to God is where I want to live, it's where I want to rest , it's where I must be to find true joy, peace and happiness.
God - take my life and let it be consecrated lord to thee!!

Devin - Ephesians 4:32

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32 NIV)

Have you ever dealt with self centered people? Before you start to judge other people about their self centered ness , check yourself. You may not know anything about them and could be self centered yourself by being annoyed by them. Uggh. Ouch.

God forgave us, sin and all. We all have faults and we are no better than anyone else. We must live like Christ with a tenderness towards everyone- even people who seem to not deserve it or annoy poor you.

Nice Devin Wessel!!!

Dad - phillippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6, 7 NIV)

What a beautiful break we had! Lots of family time and down time. We went sledding, to the movies, played wii, and board games, watched series of movies....wow!

This morning is a bit tough to get moving but we are ready to get back to our lives and routines!!! Today we hear this scripture that reminds us to rest in our God. There are many things that we cant change and we let steal our joy. We must embrace this peace that as we pray to God he will guard our hearts from worry and anxiousness. This is our reality! Lets embrace it fully this new year!!