All of us - James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4 NIV)

We all took turns saying the memory verse. With a few little hints we all did it!!! It was very encouraging to hear each other say the Word from our hearts.

As we finished praying this morning like everyday when we say "Amen" the dog, Boo - she jumps up and starts running around. So funny. "Let's go! Lets go!"

This photo was taken this morning , by Devin's bed. So good to see Devin spending time with God on his own!!

Kadin - James 1:2-3

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4 NIV)

Doing good, we've almost got it memorized...now more importantly - lets apply it to our lives. Seriously consider tough times an opportunity to grow. That God works in us and brings us to a completeness in Him! We want that!!!!

Practice scripture memory, pray and go!!!

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4 NIV)

Somedays!!!

Thank you Lord for life !!!

Devin - James 1:2-4

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4 NIV)

This scripture is one that we've decided to memorize together. It is filled with hope for us and for others. We want to remember always that life will bring us trouble but there is so much to gain from it. We will grow in character and in perseverance and in love by what we experience. Good and bad.

God - we trust you today to lead our paths and to finish your work in us so that we will lack nothing!!!

Kadin - 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)

Kadin said that God wants us to not worry. When we are worried we feel nervous and anxiousness. When we are not worried we feel peace and even joy.

You decide - what will it be today!???

On another note Kadin reminded us that we didn't do our "what we love about Livia" yet for her birthday. So we took time this morning to each of us say what we love about her. Some of the things we said were: a servant, smiley, kind, plays boys sports with her brothers, answers the phone with a chipper voice. Can do attitude, expresses her feelings so well and loves Jesus with all her heart!!! Love our Livi-G!!!

Livia - Acts 7:54-56

When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:54-56 NIV)

Steven was a witness for Jesus - he called the people "stiff necked" and "resistant" and he told them "you have not obeyed". They got so mad they stoned him.

Saul who was later named Paul was the lead guy when it came to executing Christ followers. We know , later he encountered Christ and was transformed by His grace.

Liv said she believes that Stephen was allowed to see a glimpse of Gods glory to comfort him and to witness to Saul and all those stoning him that Jesus was alive an the true son of God.

Amen Livi-g!

Gina - John 8:31-32

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31, 32 NIV)

Holding to Jesus' teachings means to do more than just SAY that you are a follower but rather you obey what the person says that you are following!!!


The great benefit of that diligence is that we will know the truth and the truth will set us free. Truth? What truth? That Jesus is the son of God and that His word is alive and that the Holy Spirit lives I me. And amen and amen - that truth sets us free from the law of sin and death and gives us eternal life !!!

Devin - John 14:6

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6 NIV)


Jesus was tolerant of people with opinions and different views. While he lived on earth he gave compassion and mercy. He loved. Despite that there were those who rejected him , he was able to give to all. Certainly he is the only way, but until his creation (you and me) see the light - he still loves.

Dev says "it's pretty straight forward to me Jesus is the way but there are many who think there are many paths to God."

Jesus was either a liar, a lunatic or lord!
Who do you say he is?

Tim - Colossians 3:17

And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. (Colossians 3:17 NIV)

Consider the women (Mary and Mary) who prepared Jesus' body. What if they would have said "no, I've done so much - let someone else do it." Thankful they didn't. What they were called to do was necessary.

In our life , there our lots of "words and deeds" that we are required to do that don't always feel appreciated or even necessary. However!!! This scripture is telling us no matter what we "have " to do - let's do it all unto the Father for His glory and honor.

Also from Ephesians 4 - let's not just stop doing what will offend and hurt but let's go beyond that and do good - like give and build up and love.

Let us make a conscience effort to surrender to the Holy Spirit in all that we do.

Gina - psalm32:1-2

Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. (Psalm 32:1, 2 NIV)

That's us! Us 5 this morning count it a blessing that our God offers forgiveness to us. It's this forgiveness that gives us life and therefore we share this life with others.

Livia - Psalm 100

Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 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 100:1-5 NIV)

Why praise Him? According to Psalm 100 he made us, we are his kids, he is good and his love never fails. His faithfulness continues forever.

Liv encouraged us all to praise God no matter what we are going through. God is our joy.

Devin - I Chronicles 16:10-11

Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. (1 Chronicles 16:10, 11 NIV)

What does "seek his face always mean" ? Was kadin's question right after this scripture was read. Daddy answered by showing how he looks right at him face to face and has eye contact in order to know him and spend time with him.

How do we spend time knowing God? By being quiet before him, praying , listening, reading his word , going to church to learn more and be encouraged.

Just last night some of my worship team friends and I talked about seeking God's face, not his will. Then we will know his will by knowing God and his heart. Let our hearts rejoice!!

Gina - Psalm 8

Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory in the heavens. Through the praise of children and infants you have established a stronghold against your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? You have made them a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor. You made them rulers over the works of your hands; you put everything under their feet: all flocks and herds, and the animals of the wild, the birds in the sky, and the fish in the sea, all that swim the paths of the seas. Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8:1-9 NIV)

Need we say more!?

God is everything we need!

Tim - Ephesians 6:10

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. (Ephesians 6:10 NIV)

Our eyes see our faults, but our faith sees our Savior. So many times we feel like we have failed. We look in the mirror and see a failure. God sees new life , a child he loves very much and a forgiven soul.

While we must persevere and keep living our lives to glorify God - it's so beautiful to rest in His love and mercy.

Be strong in The Lord and never give up hope!!!