Kadin- Romans 5:8

But God shows and clearly proves His [own] love for us by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One) died for us. (Romans 5:8 AMP)

This truth is so good for us to understand.  So many people think God does not love us because of our shortcomings and failures.  Not true!   He would not have died for us if he did not love us.  His love endures forever and day out all fear.  

Let's share that love today.  Do not judge the sin but rather see them as Jesus does.  He died for them too and loves them just the same. 

Gina - Romans 12:1

I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. (Romans 12:1 AMP)

"Choose freedom over our self-will".  This statement caught me this morning.  Our own being can cause us to be in bondage.  If we choose to be truly free - we choose Christ and HIS way.  

We make a decision to turn our lives and wills over to the care of God. 

Tim - Ephesians 2:1-3

AND YOU [He made alive], when you were dead (slain) by [your] trespasses and sins In which at one time you walked [habitually]. You were following the course and fashion of this world [were under the sway of the tendency of this present age], following the prince of the power of the air. [You were obedient to and under the control of] the [demon] spirit that still constantly works in the sons of disobedience [the careless, the rebellious, and the unbelieving, who go against the purposes of God]. Among these we as well as you once lived and conducted ourselves in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by our corrupt and sensual nature], obeying the impulses of the flesh and the thoughts of the mind [our cravings dictated by our senses and our dark imaginings]. We were then by nature children of [God's] wrath and heirs of [His] indignation, like the rest of mankind. (Ephesians 2:1-3 AMP)

Everything around us could cause us to follow our selfish nature.  We have to understand that God is a jealous god and he wants all of us.  He hates what gets in the way of our relationship.  When we were in sin God had a wrath against sin and it's only through Jesus death and resurrection that we live and have life today. 

Livia - Genesis 27

So he went to his father and said, My father. And he said, Here am I; who are you, my son? And Jacob said to his father, I am Esau your firstborn; I have done what you told me to do. Now sit up and eat of my game, so that you may proceed to bless me. And Isaac said to his son, How is it that you have found the game so quickly, my son? And he said, Because the Lord your God caused it to come to me. But Isaac said to Jacob, Come close to me, I beg of you, that I may feel you, my son, and know whether you really are my son Esau or not. So Jacob went near to Isaac, and his father felt him and said, The voice is Jacob's voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau. He could not identify him, because his hands were hairy like his brother Esau's hands; so he blessed him. But he said, Are you really my son Esau? He answered, I am. (Genesis 27:18-24 AMP)

God shows favor to those who tell the truth.  Lies are an evil language.  they hurt and cause so much pain and trouble.  

Truth is what god speaks.  When we speak truth we show loyalty to our God. 

Help us Lord to choose truth always.  

Devin - Psalm 30:4-5

Sing to the Lord, O you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, but His favor is for a lifetime or in His favor is life. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. [II Cor. 4:17.] (Psalm 30:4, 5 AMP)

Everyday should start with praise.  A reminding of who God is.   He's a holy, righteous and amazing God who deserves our respect and honor.  

We practiced ...

Thank you for -

Our family

Home

Church

Health

Food

Guitars

Drums

Pianos

Joy

Friends

Peace

A job

Animals

Beautiful nature

Our talents

A car 

He is...

All knowing and right and just. 

He is loving and compassionate.  

He walks close to us.  He never leaves us

Wow!!! He is good. 

Tim - John 13:15

For I have given you this as an example, so that you should do [in your turn] what I have done to you. (John 13:15 AMP)

Mark it down!   We are what we see.  If we only see ourselves then we only see our own appetite  our own shame, our own hurt.   Christ likeness is to see his love and forgiveness and to do the same!

To serve others.  To put others before ourselves.  That's true living!!!

We will feel more like we've LIVED if we live selflessly. 

Gina - Psalm 40

I WAITED patiently and expectantly for the Lord; and He inclined to me and heard my cry. He drew me up out of a horrible pit [a pit of tumult and of destruction], out of the miry clay (froth and slime), and set my feet upon a rock, steadying my steps and establishing my goings. And He has put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God. Many shall see and fear (revere and worship) and put their trust and confident reliance in the Lord. [Ps. 5:11.] (Psalm 40:1-3 AMP)

Take a minute to reflect on each stage of this scripture.  Have you been on your knees waiting , have you been lifted out of a bad spot, have you sensed that you've been saved and set on a firm foundation??

Picture it!?

Now read on - he puts a new song in your heart - sing a new song today and let others see his goodness in you and find faith in him!!

G - Perspective!

My sister in law , Dena Wessel has a friend who has gone through such a journey with a sick child.  Through it all she has shared her thoughts in a blog and recently she blogged one she titled "devastated".   You can only imagine.  

Dena asked for prayer for this family this morning and we decided let's just make them our focus today!

Pray with us for them and see the blog below:

http://www.nickybear.com/index.php/updates

Father in heaven- you know the intensive feeling , the pain and hurt of a human heart absolutely in love with a child who is upon death.   We thank you for this family's faith and trust in you.  We pray you will continue to show yourself faithful and that you will comfort and keep them.  We lift them up to you and pray for your hands to hold them, cover them and carry them.

Kadin - Romans 12:1

I APPEAL to you therefore, brethren, and beg of you in view of [all] the mercies of God, to make a decisive dedication of your bodies [presenting all your members and faculties] as a living sacrifice, holy (devoted, consecrated) and well pleasing to God, which is your reasonable (rational, intelligent) service and spiritual worship. (Romans 12:1 AMP)

Most of us don't seek help until things are out of control.  Sometimes others point it out for us.   We all have flaws, we are people pleasers, we use food to stuff our emotions, we have anger problems , we struggle with many things.  

Although we are not perfect, we are holy and perfect through Jesus.  So what  we do know is in the midst of our lives we are called to offer ourselves to God everyday and let him live and move in us. 

Let us surrender everyday!!! 

Tim - Proverbs 3

My son, do not despise or shrink from the chastening of the Lord [His correction by punishment or by subjection to suffering or trial]; neither be weary of or impatient about or loathe or abhor His reproof, [Ps. 94:12; Heb. 12:5, 6; Rev. 3:19.] (Proverbs 3:11 AMP)

Love his discipline!

Gotta go -!

Let's pray! 

Devin - Matthew 13

And they took offense at Him [they were repelled and hindered from acknowledging His authority, and caused to stumble]. But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house. (Matthew 13:57 AMP)

Jesus had a reputation within his community and he knew not everyone would like him.  We are to be peacemakers whenever we can, however peoples disapproval should never keep us from pleasing god.  Let's not chase after the approval of others instead let's surrender our hearts to God wholly.  

G - Psalm 32:1

BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, to be envied) is he who has forgiveness of his transgression continually exercised upon him, whose sin is covered. (Psalm 32:1 AMP)

When I think about forgiveness.  True forgiveness. It brings tears to my eyes.  For all the shame and guilt that you feel when you know you were wrong, when you hurt someone or cause pain to someone you love  - it's an amazing experience to be forgiven.  To have someone say "it's okay. I forgive you.  I love you.  I trust you again.  No worries!" That's huge.  That takes all the burden off , but it should not feel like a free ticket to do it again should it?  We know the pain and consequence now so we change our ways, we learn, we grow.   We love deeper and better through the experience of forgiveness. 

Thank you Lord for forgiving me , for allowing forgiveness from others towards me and for teaching me how to truly forgive.  

Devin - 2 Cor 1:3-4

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 KJV)

God comforts us and then it gives us the ability to comfort others in the same way.  This truth helps us to be "okay" with what we go through knowing God is for us , He will make all things turn out for good and He will use our story, our testimony of His faithfulness to comfort others.  

Gina - Romans 3:23-24

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (Romans 3:23, 24 KJV)

Justified freely feels great today.  Thank you god of second, third and fourth chances.  His grace is amazing. You are a God who forgives and redeems.  We are thankful.  

As Christ followers we must always keep in mind that we ALL have fallen.  For some reason we can get it In our head that we are justified by our doing instead of by faith in Jesus - and then we look at others almost as if we have it all figured out and they don't. 

We encouraged the kids this morning that they are blessed to know God at a young age.  That he has saved them from the pain and consequence of sin and if they stay true to their faith God will be with them and protect them. 

We want them to have their own relationship with Christ not an experience through Mom and Dad. 

Tim - Proverbs 3:9-10

Honor the Lord with your capital and sufficiency [from righteous labors] and with the firstfruits of all your income; [Deut. 26:2; Mal. 3:10; Luke 14:13, 14.] (Proverbs 3:9 AMP)

It is good to honor The Lord with what we have.   There are many ways to honor God with what we have:

1. Tithe and offerings

2. Give to others freely

3. Pray before you spend and make sure god approves !!!

Let's not be quick to satisfy our desires but rather let's be quick to honor God. 

This life passes quickly and let's remember the most important things are not things!!

Gina - Psalm 29:11

Theo Lord will give [unyielding and impenetrable] strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace. (Psalm 29:11 AMP)

Let's not over analyze our circumstances.  We miss out trusting God and experiencing His peace when we are so consumed with what is instead of what will be. 

I'm confident that He is for us as we said yesterday - why worry?

Wessel's theme and determination this year is TRUST GOD!

Kadin - Romans 8:31

What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] [Ps. 118:6.] (Romans 8:31 AMP)

Fix your eyes on God not on your problems.  He is bigger!   Seize the day today and don't worry about tomorrow.  As you savor the gift of this day - you receive a precious gift of the "here and now".  Don't let it pass you by.  

God is for you and walks with you.  That truth should be enough to sustain you through anything!!!