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.