Job 23:10

But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.—Job 23:10

Have you ever been in a place that you want change soo bad?  You just want the pain to go away and get some relief?

Oh man, have I!!!

Reading about Job and considering other  examples of the Bible like the firery furnace and the lions den - and knowing that they were delivered, not burned, did not even smell or look like they had been there.  That's my God.  He is with us!  He will deliver me in due time so I will praise Him and pay attention to his lead along the way.    

Knowing refinement is coming to make me pure as gold.    Knowing I will be better for the trial.  Knowing my pain will serve others and will develop perseverance in me - is worth it all!!!!

Romans 8:38-39

 Lord - Christmas is all about you.  Perfect love came down.   Please remind us of your purpose and presence.  We confess that our priorities get messed up sometimes.  And we look at material things more than eternal things.  Help us be givers and not just of gifts but of ourselves.  Open our eyes and hearts this season.   

Isaiah 40 (1 of our favorites)

Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, that she has received from the Lord’s hand double for all her sins. A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God. Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all people will see it together. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” A voice says, “Cry out.” And I said, “What shall I cry?” “All people are like grass, and all their faithfulness is like the flowers of the field. The grass withers and the flowers fall, because the breath of the Lord blows on them. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever.” You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young. Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, or with the breadth of his hand marked off the heavens? Who has held the dust of the earth in a basket, or weighed the mountains on the scales and the hills in a balance? Who can fathom the Spirit of the Lord, or instruct the Lord as his counselor? Whom did the Lord consult to enlighten him, and who taught him the right way? Who was it that taught him knowledge, or showed him the path of understanding? (Isaiah 40:1-14 NIV)

1 Corinthians 15 :58

Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. (1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV)

Simply put - we are exhausted right now. A few of us are sick.  Weary.  There's a lot of demands on all of us - so we have to remember that we work unto our Lord and that it's not in vain - it will produce fruit!!

Strengthen us oh God this morning for the day ahead of us.   Fill us with your Spirit and then use us once again. 

G - Matthew 6:19-21

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Matthew 6:19-21 NIV)

We wrestled with this in a real way this morning. Having a pile of "treasures" in our bedroom for "us"  - makes me feel sick. We are struggling with how to de-materialize this Christmas season.  The tradition is to give gifts so that means spend money and shop. Is this action "storing up treasures on earth"? 

Storing up treasures in heaven means people/ souls !!! It means relationships are most important.  So we have resolved to - as we give and receive gifts to look into the eyes of those we give and receive from and see the soul.   To open our mouths and speak love and truth to those people and make a difference!!!

To pray for them out loud or in our hearts and ask God to give us his heart for others. 

Where our treasure is - you will find our hearts.   Let it be in you alone!!!

 

Livia - Gal. 5:22

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love,joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,23 gentleness and self-control.Against such things there is no law.

We strive for perfection at Christmas time.  What would Jesus say to us if he showed up next to us at the shopping centers?   

Exhibit love, joy and peace to everyone!!! Don't think it odd but rather treat each encounter with a person as a divine appointment to share love, joy and peace. 

Hebrews 11 (the faith chapter)

Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)

Faith is our confidence and assurance in what we cannot see and what we hope for .  We have hope in this life because of our God and all he's done for us. We sang a song last night at church called "Hope was born this night " by sidewalk prophets and as I was singing it I was thinking about how my life was changed when Jesus was born.  I am loved and free because Jesus was born - son of God- my hope, my family's hope my friend's hope  - I live in expectation of what is to come through my savior.  

Colossians 3:15

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. (Colossians 3:15 NIV)

We talked about what could potentially steal our peace this Christmas and then what we could do to counter that attack-

Liv - getting presents / give presents

Kadin - being greedy and making the gathering about the gifts / just choose to enjoy the time with friends and family 

Tim - stress of spending $/ consider it a real chance to bless others and embrace spending quality time with others.

Devin - getting down about busyness with basketball and life  / choose to enjoy the time off and not worry.

Gina - hosting parties and desperate for down time / let go of high expectations and make some white space on the calendar over the break to just be still !! 

Tim - Gal. 5:24

Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. (Galatians 5:24 NIV)

Jesus said if any man will follow me he will deny himself!!! Go to the funeral of your own dependence.  Sacrifice the natural so that the supernatural can become alive in is. 

We should always be at war with our flesh.  True understanding of being alive in Christ is knowing what it looks like to be selfish and self centered and running from that behavior.  

Gina 1 John 4:8

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. (1 John 4:8-9 NIV)

Jesus came not to shame and condemn but rather to love and to save.  When we consider the purpose of celebrating Christmas we must stay away from any religious traditions lest our hearts get cold and calloused. Let's open our hearts to let the real meaning Christmas change us. 

Genesis 41:40

New International Version
You shall be in charge of my palace, and all my people are to submit to your orders. Only with respect to the throne will I be greater than you."

"Most of us are sterner with others than we are in regard to ourselves.   We make excuses for things in ourselves while we condemn in others things to which we are not naturally inclined." - Oswald Chambers 

We have to account to God how we rule our body.  I'm responsible to manifest the life of the Lord Jesus in me through the power of the Holy Spirit -   it does not magically happen.   We have government over the temple (our bodies) of the Holy Spirit.  Over our imaginations and our affections.  We must never give way to inordinate affections. 

Rule it!  Own it!  Make it submit.

Romans 12:1 - offer your body a living sacrifice.....the temple of the Holy Spirit!!!

Livia - John 7:37

On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. (John 7:37 NIV)

What does it mean to be thirsty in this scripture?  

Livia said when we are thirsty in body - we feel a need.  We are dry and if you go long enough without water it could be a desperation , it could mean if you don't get water you would die. 

So - how do we drink God?

We HAVE to seek him.  We have to find quiet time alone with God.  This life is so busy and we are always going - so when do you drink God?  Do you have daily time alone in His word, to pray , to be still, to worship....?

After you drink - he flows from you - so what if you don't drink?  What's flowing from you???  (Yikes!) 

Thirsty?  Drink!!!

Tim - 1 Corinthians 2:4

"My speech and my preaching was not with inticing words of mans wisdom, but  demonstration of the Spirit and of power."

If you substitute your own power in for Gods power - it will never produce fruit or bring change.  It's only by God's Spirit does anything real or transforming take place.  

Never rely on self , but rather see your reliance of the Holy Spirit. Once rooted in Him nothing can shake you.  

Personal relationship with Jesus causes us to see his disapproval of this world and sanctifies us through as through.  

Kadin is 12!!!!!

Today we celebrate Kadin's life.  As tradition goes in the Wessel house - he has been served breakfast in bed and he's been sung to and now we are about to tell him everything we love about him!!

Starting with .....

Always wants to play and spend time together 

He's fun to be with

He's funny

He has awesome songs

Sings them around the house 

He has a sweet and caring heart 

Gentlemen 

Soft heart

Creative imagination

Quick to apologize

Love out loud

Good with words 

Witty personality

Intelligent

Humble

Puts others first 

He's a good friend!!

We love and adore you Kadin Allen Wessel!!!! 

I'm thankful for....

My savior Jesus Christ

My family

Food and shelter

My church family

Music

Heat

My puppy

Thanksgiving dinner

Basketball

School / education

Friends

Grace and mercy

Peace

Fruit of the spirit 

Abundant life

Health

Ministry as our vocation

Life

Deep relationships 

Sun

The Holy Spirit 

Give thanks in all things!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Philippians 1:6

I love that this scripture says not just "for you" but "in you"!!!

He who began a good work IN you.  

Think about that?   What work has he started in you?

We read about Paul and his purpose for writing this letter.  It's still soooo relevant for today-

To encourage the church to stand firm in the face of persecution and rejoice regardless of circumstances.   

To exhort them to humility and unity.

To warn against legalism and libertarian among them.  

Hum....?

Thank you Jesus for your goodness to us and for the word of God that inspires us everyday!!

John 15

John 15 - "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."

So? Question?

Are you bearing fruit?  What is it?

What would others say you are bearing?

What are the fruits of living in the Spirit?

love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, goodness, self control.  

If you are bearing fruit , God will still "prune" you so that you remain IN HIM.

Getting rid of what distracts us, what brings us down and what does not bear fruit.  

Let Him be the gardener of your life.   

Psalm 40

Psalm 40 "I waited patiently for the Lord, he turned and heard my cry.  He lifted me out of the slimy put, out of the mud and mire.  He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. "

We experienced Life Challenge last night at our church.  It's always a blast from our past as we recall God saving Tim's life with his grace through this program.  He truly picked him out of the slimy pit and gave him a firm place to stand.  Hopeless no more - rather full of hope and ready to share it with all!!!!

We are so grateful this morning. 

Our God is good. 

 

Tim - John 16:8

John 16:8. "When he comes he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin, because men do not believe in me. "

Forgiveness does not mean that we are saved from hell and made right for heaven.   Rather, forgiveness means we are forgiven into a recreated relationship. A new identification in Christ.   The miracle is he turns us (unholy)into the standard of himself (holy) by giving us the disposition of Christ. 

Devin - Psalm 34:5

Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. (Psalm 34:5 NIV)

See yourself as God sees you.  It's easy to look in the mirror or to think about your person and feel not good enough.   Our faces shine when we accept his love and forgiveness.  True joy.  

 Make space in your life for God to enter in, for the Holy Spirit it. Guide you.  Let's walk in collaboration with Him. 

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. Israel, put your hope in the Lord, for with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption. He himself will redeem Israel from all their sins. (Psalm 130:1-8 NIV)

A prayer for mercy and grounds for assurance.  If God were not forgiving, people would flee from him in terror .  

I wait in hopeful expectation for the Lord to meet me here this morning.  It's interesting that the psalmist says this twice. I wonder why?  I repeat when I think it's important.  Waiting onGod in His word - is a powerful daily process.   

I like to change the name of "Isreal" to my name.  "O Gina put your hope in the lord.  For with the Lord is unfailing love and with him is full redemption.  He himself will redeem Gina from all her sins."

Thank you Lord! 

Tim - 2 Cor 5:17

If any man is in Christ he is a new creation!  The old is gone and all things are new!!!!  2 Cor. 5:17

If we are a new creation - we are changed!   We don't talk the same way, act the same way, love the same way...everything is different!   You live 1 Cor. 13 Love and Galatians 5 fruit of the Spirit !!! Amen!!!???? 

Deeper than our conscience  can go , God is working on us everyday.  Love that!!!

Ephesians 1:18-20

WI pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, (Ephesians 1:18-20 NIV)

God promises to be in our day and to give us what we need as we need it.  Trusting God brings faith and security in everything. His power will carry you today.  

Gina - Philippians 2:3-4

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. (Philippians 2:3-4 NIV)

This verse is our small groups memory verse right now!  It's powerful self-less call is right in our face this morning.  

What is selfish ambition ?  Wanting things for yourself.  For your good.  For your agenda.  Promote you.  

What is vain conceit?  Excessive pride.  Thinking about your outward appearance and caring more about that then anything else.  

So?  Don't do anything that is selfish and prideful!   What a great word for us who live in a world that says "more more more me me me!"  

God - as we surrender our lives to you point out our selfish and prideful ways !!!

1 John 2:16

For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. (1 John 2:16 NIV)

Everyday we are in conflict with the worlds ways.  Why?   We live in a world that is crazed over gratifying self.  Our culture also encourages us to bow to materialism.  It's all about what else you can get and what your status is.  This is toxic for our spiritual growth. 

When tempted with these attitudes remember what God values....self control, generosity, humbleness, and a servants heart while we interact with our world. 

 

Romans 12:1

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. (Romans 12:1 NIV)

In view of Gods mercy ...in other words because of his great compassion and love for us ....it's the least you can do - to give yourself too!   

Wen we surrender ourself , our dreams, our ideas, control over our lives to Him we are offering ourselves as a living sacrifice.   Does it take guts?  You bet!

Trust is a factor , but when you step out and see that God's plans for you are good and right and that he can be trusted - you are just never the same!!!

Kadin - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies. (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV)

Everyday we have an opportunity to offer life to those around us.  It us so important to be filled by the Holy Spirit so that what we offer brings true life to them.  If we work in and out of our own strength all we offer is as dry crumbs but when the Holy Spirit leads you then you offer living water !  John 4 - Jesus is livig water.  

 Psalm 87 - all my fountains are in you!!

Livia - Mark 14:27

“You will all fall away,” Jesus told them, “for it is written: “ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep will be scattered.’ (Mark 14:27 NIV)

(Halloween 2014 - Liv and Emma)

At first the disciples scattered in fear however something very powerful and good came from this scattering.  Instead of staying together in a "holy huddle" they went to different areas to share the good news of Jesus Christ .  This scattering affected our lives!  This message is powerful - this scattering - is our call today - if we just hang out with our friends who are already in faith , inside the 4 walls of a church and never "scatter" we lose the privilege of sharing who Jesus is!

Let's scatter!!!

Tim - 2 Cor. 5:21

God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. (2 Corinthians 5:21 NIV)

The modern day view of Jesus is that he died because he had sympathy for us, but truth is He bore our sin and paid the penalty of death for all man because He was obeying His Father and became sin that we may become righteous (morally right or justifiable) .  Christ died for ALL,  and with identification with his death we are set free from sin and death. 

It's not Christ  FOR me unless I'm determined to have Christ formed IN me!!

Gina - Ephesians 5

Yes Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. (Ephesians 5:15-17 NIV)

I'm in a personal study right now called "Simplify".  Why?  Because I'm ready for change.  I'm tired of being tired. I'm sick of saying "life is so busy" or "I just don't have time".  Especially for the things that matter most.  

I have added a daily alarm on my  phone that says "What is most important?" Followed by an added spontaneous comment from my 11 year old that says "tee with a side of hee".  Which makes me smile. 

I need to smile more.  To laugh at the days to come like Proverbs 31 says the virtuous woman does.  Our family creed says "laugh at yourself and don't take things so seriously"....so this morning I'm inspired by Ephesians 5 to be very careful how I live - not as unwise but wise!   Making the most of every opportunity. Yes the days are short and evil is all around so I will not be moved - I will stand strong and let the Spirit guide me to a place of simplicity and authenticity .

    

Psalm 23 - Kadin

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:1-6 NIV)

 Need we say more!!!

Blessed be the name of our Lord!

Livia - Matthew 11:28

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

What a beautiful invitation! Jesus looks into the eyes of tired moms, weary dads and says "I will give you rest. ". It does take action on our part to "come" .

To move out of our situation and to him.  Verse 29 says "take my yoke upon you and learn from me for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls."

On that day they came to him.  They brought him their burdens of their existence and he gave them not religion, not doctrine, not systems, but rest.  

Tim - Psalm 21:6

Surely you have granted him unending blessings and made him glad with the joy of your presence. (Psalm 21:6 NIV)

You can find joy no matter what.  Sometimes it's easy.  Sometimes not so much.  Search for it.  Begin by remembering that this is the day that the Lord has made.   Rejoice that God knows you and understands you. It takes your will to WANT it bad enough to seek him and find joy.  In his presence there is fullness of joy!!!

Devin - Psalm 139:23-24

Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. (Psalm 139:23 NIV)

Instead of pushing feelings down, let them rise up and be dealt with.  Ask God to increase your awareness of it and for boldness to deal with it so you can become free. 

Submit your tendencies to God. You can ignore it and hope it goes away or you can be open to dealing with it authentically. 

The best response to loss is " you give and take away, blessed be the name of the Lord."   All good things come from God so instead of feeling entitled we should respond to them gratitude.  Be prepared to let go of anything God might take from you, but never let go of His hand.  (Jesus Calling) 

Gina - Matthew 6:34

Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (Matthew 6:34 NIV)

What comes from worrying ?

Stress

Uncertainty

Anxiety 

Most of the time we make it worse in our minds than it is.  We keep thinking about it and we find no rest.  We think of all the things that can wrong instead of just trusting God with it.   There is NOTHING that will change by worrying so let's not do it!!!!

Let each day come and let us trust God With all our hearts and lean NOT on our understanding ( thinking) and know that he will direct our path.  Day by day.  

Matthew 11:25

At that time Jesus 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. (Matthew 11:25 NIV)

Obedience unlocks the door!!!  Just like little children who has no knowledge yet. 

In a situation Daddy was in as a teenager he made a decision to be honest about things he had done illegally and was prepared to pay the penalty.  Somehow the severe penalty was waived!

Obedience OVER knowledge is our opinion.  While we MUST study Gods word to know what to obey , the action of obedience is what caused God's hand to move.  Not what he knew about God.

Matthew 9:38

Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” (Matthew 9:38 NIV)

Just doing work for God is not okay!!!!   While we are the workers in the harvest we are to be prayerful so we can be ready to be used by him. At any moment.     We are so busy with active work, over energized activity and we waste time while people are all around ripe and ready for harvest. 

Let's not work so hard that we miss an opportunity to do the good work in the harvest right in front of us.  

Timothy - 1 John 2:2

He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:2 NIV)

The key to the missionary message is Jesus' sacrifice.  The great limitless significance of this sacrifice  is that it is for EVERYONE!!!

If we preach not the gospel (Jesus takes away our sins) - God forbid.   Sure he healed me, saved me and blesses but the gospel is JESUS died for our sins. 

Psalm 73:26

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26 NIV)

In our humanity we will die and we can't be perfect so YES our flesh and our heart may fail but God is our strength and he causes us to prevail.

We can "try hard" and certainly there is a decision within our will to decide to make it or to fail, however our true strength comes from the Holy Spirit in us.  He gives us the power we need - so let's tap in this morning and live in the strength of God. 

Philippians 1:21

For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21 NIV)

Our small group started a study called "Philippians" by Matt Chandler.  

To live is Christ - what does that mean? 

To be lead by the Holy Spirit

To live is Jesus- to be like him. 

Real living is being in Christ on this earth 

To die is gain means-

We have victory over death like Jesus

That we will be with him

Eternal life. 

What then should we do with this truth? live each day to the fullest with Christ in our hearts and don't look back.  Always striving to know Christ more and make him known. 

Kadin - Phil. 2:6

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; (Philippians 2:6 NIV)

Being very nature God, Jesus still did not consider equality with God something he could touch.   He set aside his glory to identify with us.   Consider that process ..... As we consider all that he is and what he became for us. 

Let's walk in the light of his love for us today!!!

Livia - Daniel 10

“Do not be afraid, you who are highly esteemed,” he said. “Peace! Be strong now; be strong.” When he spoke to me, I was strengthened and said, “Speak, my lord, since you have given me strength.” (Daniel 10:19 NIV)

In life there are things we don't feel comfortable doing.   Stepping out and trusting God gives us the courage we need to do things that God wants us to do.  Sometimes you have to choose to do it and let your mind (thinking) catch up. 

I love the part that says "when he spoke to me I was strengthened".  Thank you Lord for your attention to our lives.  

Daddy - Matthew 11:28

"Come unto me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest."

All you have to do is COME.  It's really not that hard.  Just as you are. We make it harder than it is.  It does take our willingness.  We get feeling guilty about sin in our lives and then we don't want to be before our God because then we have to deal with the junk in our lives.  Therefore we never "come to him" and instead we live in a restless state.

Let's be intentional to always be real with each other and with God. To live transparent lives that will allow peace to dwell among us.  

     

Devin - 1 Peter 5:5

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxiety on Him for he cares for you.  (1 Peter 5:6,7 NIV)

It's a choice we make everyday to surrender to Christ and let him lift us up.  It's tiring to worry and fret about things we cannot change.  It's better to cast our anxious thoughts over to God and allow His peace to live within us. 

Let's trust our God that He is bigger than the battle before us .....he will make a way no matter what!!!  Trust Him ! 

Gina - Proverbs 1:7

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge , but fools despise wisdom and discipline!!!

Fools- hate knowledge and correction of any kind, they are quick to quarrel and give "full vent" to their anger , they are complacent and trust only in themselves!!

Don't be a FOOL!

Lol 

Devin's birthday on Saturday so we covered him with truth of who he is to us and in Christ this morning !!!!   Love this kid!!!!!

Kadin - mark 9:29

He replied, “This kind can come out only by prayer. ” (Mark 9:29 NIV)

We slander God by working for Him without knowing Him.  We must make sure there is NOTHING between us and Jesus - we have to face it, not ignore it- and then that very thing will glorify Him.  

We enjoy the mountaintop but both the valley and the mountaintop make us who we are. Certainly a place of brokenness (prayer/seeking) is the place where God can use us, he can't use us if we are prideful and act as if we don't need him.  

Livia - Romans 12:12

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12 NIV)

This verse has 3 specific commands for us:

1. Be joyful in hope - to be content when you are waiting to "see the light" - knowing it will come!!

2. Patient in affliction - to be settled in pain no matter what your circumstance is , knowing your God is faithful and will carry you. 

3. Faithful in prayer - to know our part is to talk to God and keep our relationship with him right and pure.  

What great advice to follow when faced with uncertainty and pain. 

 

Dad - Song of Solomon 7:13

The mandrakes send out their fragrance, and at our door is every delicacy, both new and old, that I have stored up for you, my beloved. (Song of Solomon 7:13 NIV)

We have "fruit" this morning, both old and new for our "beloved" (Jesus).   New fruits include new beginnings, start ups,  new schedules are all sweet and engaging but let's not forget the old fruit - our first love, Jesus breaking into our darkness and loving us, that moment - those fruits will always be sweet and carry us to continue to bear fruit.  All of this fruit is for his glory only - not for men to gaze upon and be jealous or proud , but rather to remind us where all this fruit comes from.  His efforts in our lives.  

Gina - Acts 17

But when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, "These who have turned the world upside down have come here too." —Acts 17:6

There is no limit to what God could do in our world if we would dare to surrender before Him with a commitment like this:

"Oh God, I hereby give myself to You. I give my family. I give my business. I give all I possess. Take all of it, Lord-and take me! I give myself in such measure that if it is necessary that I lose everything for your sake, let me lose it. I will not ask what the price is. I will ask only that I may be all that I ought to be as a follower and disciple of Jesus Christ, my Lord. Amen."

If even 300 of God's people became that serious, our world would never hear the last of it! They would influence the news. Their message would go everywhere like birds on the wing. They would set off a great revival of New Testament faith and witness.  Think about your small group - ?!!!

God wants to deliver us from the easygoing, smooth and silky, fat and comfortable Christianity so fashionable today. I hope we are willing to let the truth get hold of us, even at the cost of rejection or embarrassment.

Tim - Matthew 5:23,24

"Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift. (Matthew 5:23-24 NIV)

Preparation is a process.  It's dangerous to feel settled. Like, "I'm good and I've nothing else to work through" .    The sense of sacrifice should be close to our heart at all times.     God's word on our heart will call out reconcilement .  With everyone.    Obey God no matter how much humiliation it brings to you.   Give up your rights and be a true disciple of Jesus Christ.