Livia - Rev 1:12-20

12 I turned around to see the voice that was speaking to me. And when I turned I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man,[a] dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sunshining in all its brilliance.

17 When I saw him, I fell at his feetas though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

19 “Write, therefore, what you have seen, what is now and what will take place later. 20 The mystery of the seven stars that you saw in my right hand and of the seven golden lampstands is this: The seven stars are the angels[b] of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches.

Liv said - she pictures Jesus more clear than before when she read this scripture. She loved all the symbols within the word.  She shared Hebrews 4:12 and the connection of the word of God being sharper than a double edged sword and it getting to the motives of our heart.  Good stuff Liv!

This makes her feel that God is powerful , strong and perfect. 

Tim - 1 Thes 5:18-22

Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. Do not quench (suppress or subdue) the [Holy] Spirit; Do not spurn the gifts and utterances of the prophets [do not depreciate prophetic revelations nor despise inspired instruction or exhortation or warning]. But test and prove all things [until you can recognize] what is good; [to that] hold fast. Abstain from evil [shrink from it and keep aloof from it] in whatever form or whatever kind it may be. And may the God of peace Himself sanctify you through and through [separate you from profane things, make you pure and wholly consecrated to God]; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved sound and complete [and found] blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). (1 Thessalonians 5:18-23 AMP)

What does ALL circumstances mean?

It means when you win the lottery or when your family member dies. No matter what - give thanks!!  Knowing God is good all the time.  

What does quench mean?

It means don't put out the fire of the spirit in your life by bad choices.  

We need to test everything against the word of God - the Bible.  Does what you are hearing make sense and line up with Gods word. 

Abstain from evil?

Making choices to honor God and stay away from anything that does not glorify God.   

Gina - Ephesians 4:31-32

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31, 32 ESV)

O God incline my heart to...

*keep my body under subjection

*make no provisions for my flesh

*esteem others better than myself

*continue to pray with thanksgiving 

We are yours God, let us shine your light today.  

Livia - James 1:19-20

Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry. For man's anger does not promote the righteousness God [wishes and requires]. (James 1:19, 20 AMP)

Anger makes us sour and bitter.  It can hurt many people. If we don't talk it out and forgive we end up talking about the situation with others and making it worse. 

Being slow to speak is a gift.  To be able to hold your tongue is a sign of self discipline .  It's better to be a ready listener.  

Tim - 1 Chor. 16:8

Thank God ! Call out his Name! Tell the whole world who he is and what he’s done! Sing to him! Play songs for him! Broadcast all his wonders! Revel in his holy Name, God -seekers, be jubilant! Study God and his strength, seek his presence day and night; Remember all the wonders he performed, the miracles and judgments that came out of his mouth. Seed of Israel his servant! Children of Jacob, his first choice! He is God, our God; wherever you go you come on his judgments and decisions. He keeps his commitments across thousands of generations, the covenant he commanded, The same one he made with Abraham, the very one he swore to Isaac; He posted it in big block letters to Jacob, this eternal covenant with Israel: “I give you the land of Canaan, this is your inheritance; Even though you’re not much to look at, a few straggling strangers.” (1 Chronicles 16:8-19 MSG)

So funny "even though you are not much to look at!"  Lol.  Who cares - right!!?

We want to MAKE KNOWN what god had done for us.  Our testimonies individually come together as our family testimony as well because he has changed our hearts and it affects how we treat each other. 

Praise God for saving the people around me so that we can encourage and love each other in Christ.  

Gina - Isaiah 64:8

But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand. (Isaiah 64:8 ESV)

God wants us to be like Jesus. We are not stuck how we are!  We are tweakable.  If you worry every day you need not worry the rest of your life.  Where did we get the idea that we cannot change? So many people say "that's just how I am."  Who says?  Would we make similar comments about our bodies?  My leg is broken , that's just how it is.  No!  We seek aid and treatment and it heals it changes!!! Jesus can change our hearts and attitudes.  

He is the potter we are the clay.  

Gina Psalm 30:11-12

You have turned my mourning into dancing for me; You have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, To the end that my tongue and my heart and everything glorious within me may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever. (Psalm 30:11, 12 AMP)

 We were born sinners and we are declared NOT GUILTY because of Jesus.  In this life Jesus does not promise there will not be trouble if we come to him but he does prose a peace that passes understanding, an in compromised joy that doesn't go away and everlasting unchanging love.  He turns our mourning into dancing!  I will NOT be silent about what he has done for me!!!  Bless The Lord oh my soul. 

Kadin - 1 Thes 5:16-18

Be happy [in your faith] and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); Be unceasing in prayer [praying perseveringly]; Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will]. (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 AMP)

Praying is vital to our relationship with God.  It's like a marriage.  You have to talk and communicate if you want to know each other.  

Kadin read to us an acronym today called PUSH .  Pray Until Something Happens.  

We like this idea, not that God forgets but it's good for us to work through it by surrendering ALL over to him everyday. 

Tim - Isaiah 43:1-3

BUT NOW [in spite of past judgments for Israel's sins], thus says the Lord, He Who created you, O Jacob, and He Who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you [ransomed you by paying a price instead of leaving you captives]; I have called you by your name; you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned or scorched, nor will the flame kindle upon you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt [to the Babylonians] for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba [a province of Ethiopia] in exchange [for your release]. (Isaiah 43:1-3 AMP)

This verse is perfect for us this week. We are up against a very crazy, busy week.  It will take a lot of focus and endurance.   This verse is personal..."I've redeemed you , I've called you by name."  He promises to protect us and be with us.  Rivers, waters, fire and flame (think of what you are up against this week). It will not consume us!!  He is our savior!!!

Livia - Matthew 6:9-13

Pray, therefore, like this: Our Father Who is in heaven, hallowed (kept holy) be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven (left, remitted, and let go of the debts, and have given up resentment against) our debtors. And lead (bring) us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (Matthew 6:9-13 AMP)

I love that Jesus tells us how to pray!  

Prayer is something you can practice and get better at.  I'm realizing that prayer is more about connection and relationship with Christ and less about what I want or need.  

 Our all powerful God knows our needs.  If we delight in Gods ways and he lives in us then whatever we pray will be within His will.  

Praying is a chance to express our hearts out loud. Praying is life giving!  So let's do it!!

 Well said Miss Livia!!

Livia - Genesis 22:9

When they came to the place of which God had told him, Abraham built an altar there; then he laid the wood in order and bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar on the wood. [Matt. 10:37.] (Genesis 22:9 AMP)

Livia was amazed at the attitude and sacrifice of Abraham.   How cool that God took him to the very last second and then provided a way out.  What a faithful , loving father to teach and refine us as we go.  

We are so grateful for His love toward us.  His constant presence through the mountain tops and the valleys.  

We love you God - you can have our hearts - speak truth to us today.