Psalm 11 - Kadin

Kadin played a little Bible roulette this morning.  It's not the way we like to do study but we let him have some fun this morning .... And Psalm 11 was the word he landed on.  

Lord is righteous-morally right or justifiable; virtuous.

Loves justice -just behavior or treatment.

Upright will see His face - honorable or honest.

Enter these definitions below.....

Enough said!!!

Proverbs 17

We read through Proverbs 17 this morning, while its all good - we plucked out a few and prayed about this wisdom in our lives ....

Ephesians 6 - Tim

We wrestle just staying in the pocket!!!.  Our flesh takes on its own thinking and without the Holy Spirit in us we are wavering to know His will.  

Sometimes it's hard to know the will of God - so it takes prayer , discernment and a "wrestling" to know God's will.  

Let us wrestle in prayer to know him and seek Gods face!!!

Hebrews 1:3 Gina

As I sort through my faith , I've come to believe that almost all that we believe in our practical lives about our faith has its roots in what we believe about the nature and character of God .

It all is part of what we have lived and experienced.  

Jesus asked John "who do you say I am?"  And certainly that's the question for us today - in your heart of hearts , in your raw place of grief and suffering , in your rich center of love and redemption , who do you say God is? 

Who is he to you?

When we speak of a "sovereign God"  during tragedy are we saying he caused the pain?   I really can't believe that about my God. We live in a fallen world with sin and our war is not against flesh and blood but rather a spiritual battle.  God fights evil he doesn't cause it.

Instead I believe that sovereignty means that all will be healed in the end.  That all will be held.  That God is at work to bring redemption and reconciliation. 

Who do you say he is? 

(Some thoughts shared above from a reading by Sarah Bessey ) 

Col 4:17 Kadin

It's very inspiring to hear these words 

written by someone in chains for the gospel of Jesus Christ.  I don't have that opportunity to even know how it feels to give my life for a cause in that way.  Wow. I'm impressed.   The fact that he was encouraging others while he was in jail and telling them that they need to keep the faith, finish the task and finish strong.

Let us complete the ministry!!!!  

James 4 - Livia

So Liv goes after it this morning!  Wow ....none of were quite awake yet for this but she reads this scripture and says ..." Hum ...if a person is double minded are they really a Christ follower?"  

The room got quiet and I said..."whoa!?"

So!  Ya that is a great question worth pondering.  We talked about what double minded means.  That it means living in a state of compromise.  Being swayed from left to right and never really landing on what you truly believe.  Never driving the stake.  What a miserable place to be.

We know that Jesus said he would "spit the lukewarm out of his mouth" and that many will say "lord I did this and that" and he will say " depart from me I never knew you." That's real.  Just as real is his mercy and love for us and it is his kindness that leads us to repentance.    

Like the man next to him on the cross .  He did not get a chance to make a choice to live a life completely surrendered or in a double minded state and Jesus told Him "today you will be with me in paradise" ...

What a beautiful God we serve and if we love Him - we obey Him and live a completely surrendered life.  

Matthew 6:19-21 Devin

As teenagers we don't make a lot of money but we do have the same choice as everyone else to take it all for ourselves or to share it. 

For me, I've come to realize that it's better to give than receive.  It does feel good.  It's not why I do it, but it is a benefit of being generous!   God tells us to not "store up" our treasures and so whatever you have be ready to give it away!!!!  Live in contentment!!!

Let's be more and more like Christ in our giving and living.  Especially this Christmas season.  

John 15:5 Gina

The miraculous ministry of Jesus was dependent on His intimacy with His Father.   Likewise the disciples ministry was dependent on their intimacy with Jesus...and yes so it is with us, our ministry whatever we do - is dependent on our intimacy with Christ.  

The loss of intimacy means the loss of power for ministry.  

It's simple really , but we complicate it.  Make it more than it is.  We must abide....in HIM everyday.  We can easily put the discipline before the relationship.  Hear me?  Doing good things, reading the Word, saying a prayer can all become ....just a routine if it's not intimate and a real relationship.  

Let us wait in His presence for a divine encounter and be empowered to do life can a  ministry.   

Col. 3:16. Livia

God has blessed me beyond measure.  It's such a good reminder each day that God has a plan. No matter how we feel.  It is an insult to God to let our circumstance bring us down.   If we are fully persuaded that God is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.  So.....?????  

Let us always be motivated with gratitude in our hearts.  

Matthew 28 - Gina

Man Oh geez.... Thinking about what gets my time and realizing there is a lot of wasted time in "transitions" of life events. That's changing today.  

I think we are afraid that if we don't just run non-stop and keep up that we are going to miss out on something or worse yet people are going to think we are lazy!!!

We become very self destructive by never embracing any downtime. Admit it ...every time you have a little "lul"what do you do?  Grab your phone.  Flip through.... Catch up! Constant input.  

Today our family has been challenged on the "luls" to instead of grabbing our phones and flipping to embrace rest or relationship or silence or a good book. 

Enough!!!

Let's find rest for our weary souls in our transitions  !!! 

Psalm 46:1,2. Kadin

Over and over again we read in God's word that we can seek Him no matter what we are facing ...so when we face the feeling of defeat , remember that there is strength and protection in the Lord. 

It's easy to trust him when all is well but what about when things are tough??  We might feel desperate and beg God to intervene but is there a peace in that prayer???  

Wow...

Same yesterday , today and forever - Livia

We have nothing to fear because God is always with us.  Alpha and omega means beginning and end.  As we live our lives we get closer and closer to him and yet we can never come up with what eternity will be.   

We have been created for God.  So since the day we were born we have a natural drawing to him.  Everything gets perspective when God is in a moment. 

I want to let him in all of my moments.  My beginning and my end. 

Psalm 21 - Devin

Slow down!!  Enjoy the joy of HIS presence and let God do the same with you ... Let Him enjoy you.  You are His creation.  

Our schedules are so demanding and busy so the last thing we think of doing is being still because there is so much to do.  You are too busy not to pray.  

2 Thes. 3:5 - Gina

The majority is not always right. If the majority had ruled the children of Israel would have never left Egypt.  If the majority had ruled David never would have become king he would have stayed with the sheep.  

We must listen to the spirit through our heart and trust it. We are on our way to becoming a disciple when you keep a clear head and a pure heart. 

Start with God. - Kadin

Begin your day with God.  Don't just dive into the day!   Being still and let God equip you for your day.  If we don't we may not be ready for what comes.  

It's easy to just go, go, go ....but if we do we grow weary and lose heart. 

Take a deep breath and take God in before you go, go...go!!!

John 3:16 Livia

Little time this morning but big message from Livia ....Jesus loves you.  Have a super day !!!!!

Deuteronomy 33. Tim.

God is our support in all times, especially when we are sinking.   When we are at our lowest , most humiliating point and have descended into the deepest , darkest thoughts remember you have never fallen too far away from His love to save you.  

His arms will always reach you and his arms are always around you to comfort you.   Giving you grace for each need , strength for each duty and love for all.  

His eternal arms will prevent us from further fall for he fails not and he never grows weary.  

Psalm 133 - Devin

Pretty much everyone has friends but it's good to know how to be with friends.  If you give a friend priority they will enjoy being around you more. If you talk a lot especially about yourself they will want to just be away from you.  Let them talk, you listen.   Being too competitive can be annoying especially when you argue.  Who cares?!  It's just a game. Lol - go ahead admit you were wrong or give it up even though you feel you were right it actually feels amazing!!!

If you are a good friend, you will have good friends to the end. 

Romans 8:27 - Gina

It's a comforting thing to know that God knows my heart and my feelings even if I don't speak a word.  My quiet times have been very "quiet" lately and although I've not spoke a word I sense He knows me. He is for me.  Truth is sometimes if I am babbling so much I lose the moment of just "being" with God because I just talked the whole time.  

Knowing the Holy Spirit prays/intercedes for me when I sigh or just cry gives me a quiet confidence that everything will be ok.  

It's not up to me!!!  Amen. 

Psalm 18 -Livia

Staying close to God is so important.  When you stumble and fall He will be there with His comfort and His help.   

It's so hard to walk by faith not by sight.  It's what we see with our eyes that affect how we feel.  Yet God tells us not to worry about tomorrow , don't be anxious about anything ...to take every thought captive....on and on.  

Let us live today in trust that has no borders!!!  He arms me and makes me secure. 

Rev.3:15 Gina

Have you ever thrown up?  Ugh - gross I know!  (As Devin finished his breakfast and gives me a "what!?" ) So...I got thinking about my life and wondering ....I guess knowing at times its maybe lukewarm probably even cold.  Ouch.  Jesus said that makes him want to spit me out of his mouth!   Ahhhh!

Driven by tasks and even good things I fall short of living on fire for Christ.  Lord forgive me.  

Today I reconcile with that thought and open myself up to trust God without borders and hold on for Him to take the lead.  

May I never be lukewarm again.  

James 6:10 Gina

There is so much that comes our way that God calls us to and many times NO ONE else knows the time and energy you've poured into or given up for a cause or a person and that's when this verse carries us.  It doesn't matter who knows what you do because God knows and that's all that matters.  It's really ALL that matters, is that he is happy with what you do.  Pleasing God.  Honoring God .  If we do that - all is well.....  

Proverbs 13:20 Livia

“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

Proverbs 13:20 NIV

http://bible.com/111/pro.13.20.niv

So! The people you hang out with you will become like.  Wise is good.  Fools = bad!   Lol. Sounds easy but it's also so easy to get tangled into a friendship with someone who takes you down a wrong road.  

When you hang with a fool for too long you will be hurt.  Either physically, mentally , spiritually or all of the above!

Let's be wise and choose our company carefully!!

Psalm 51 :10-12

“Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.”

Psalm 51:10-12 NIV

http://bible.com/111/psa.51.10-12.niv

Why is it important to say this prayer if we've already received Jesus into our hearts and he's forgiven is and died for our sins ?

I think that because we are given a free will over what we do, what we say and how we act that we could easily feel like we've got this. We can slide into old habits and ways and not honor God.   If we study God's word and seek His will we will feel the tension of His holiness and his righteousness compared to how we live. 

Being restored, being renewed , being purified and sustained are all amazing benefits of a submitted life to Christ. 

 

Psalm 18:30 Tim

“As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.”

Psalm 18:30 NIV

http://bible.com/111/psa.18.30.niv

This life is in no way perfect.  God has mapped out our life and will be with us through all of this worlds imperfections.  It's best if we expect to find trouble in this day because Jesus said "in this world you will have trouble... But take heart I have overcome this world".  We must stay concieous of his presence and that he never leaves us. He will protect us from unnecessary trials and equip you to get through whatever must be endured.  

His peace and joy circumstance can't touch.  

Psalm139:23-24. Gina

Not a lot to be said after a scripture like this.... Let it be our prayer today.  

We have to invite God in to do this work in our lives - so that we refocus on everlasting , eternal stuff!!!

A new song we've fallen in love with at our house:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=djrY_eFDOwE&autoplay=1

Colossians 1:29 - Livia

“To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.”

Colossians 1:29 NIV

http://bible.com/111/col.1.29.niv

The human body is wonderfully crafted but gravity and the inevitable effects of aging weigh it down. Lasting abundant life is found in Christ alone.  Let's not be anxious about our body becoming weak and old but rather let God strengthen you from the inside out so that you live this life with enthusiasm and grace!!

Devin - Psalm 103:2-5

“Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”

Psalm 103:2-5 NIV

http://bible.com/111/psa.103.2-5.niv

Devin shared a song this morning ....

From the Day!  It was a great kick off for a Monday.  "From the day you saved my soul till the day that I go home...I will sing!!  I will dance!!!..."

Let us go into our day with the faith that carries us, the love that sustains us and the grace that keeps us going. 

Listen to it here:

http://youtu.be/TUjuRFwwvaw

Luke 11 : 9-10 - Gina (momma)

““So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Luke 11:9-10 NIV

http://bible.com/111/luk.11.9-10.niv

Ask

Seek

Knock

Seems pretty simple.... And yet why do we do not do it? 

Kids answers this morning -

Too Busy

Too caught up in stuff

Can't stop and think

We think we can do it ourselves

Stop feeling the need 

Lose faith 

Discouraged 

What we do to keep this practice real in our lives?

It takes a simple prayer.  Faith of a mustard seed to carry through. Don't give up.  When crisis comes (and it will) we have 2 choices 1. Run to God or 2. Run away from Him.  

My prayer this morning for my kids is that they will always run TO their Heavenly Father where grace and love abounds. 

Keeping it real....

1 Thess 5:8

“But since we belong to the day, let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.”

1 Thessalonians 5:8 NIV

http://bible.com/111/1th.5.8.niv

Faith, love and hope is the defensive armor that guards the soul.  A man whose heart and head is covered will walk unharmed by this world. He will breathe fresh air above all the chaos. 

It is only as we trust God and fix our eyes on him that we are able to activate self control and be governed by the Holy Spirit living in us.  

These 3 together (faith, hope and love)  bring true spiritual life to our souls.  

Phil 3:8 Tim

“What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ”

Philippians 3:8 NIV

http://bible.com/111/php.3.8.niv

I cannot know Jesus through someone else's relationship with him.  I must know his nature, his attributes, his works, his love and his word through my own heart knowledge as I study who his is with my mind.   Let it not be to just know "of" him. 

To know him!!

Many types of knowledge for us- 

Personal

Intelligent 

Affectionate

Satisfying

Exciting

Happy

The more I know him the more I want to know him more!!!!  Lol

Let us sit at his feet today and learn of Him!!! 

Devin - Luke 12 :6-7

“Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Luke 12:6-7 NIV

http://bible.com/111/luk.12.6-7.niv

God is always with us and knows us intimately.  We don't have to work hard at   Helping God to know us - he made us!  He knows every hair on our head.  Seriously!?? 

Often we can feel lonely that no one understands us or cares, but knowing that God is always near no matter what is so comforting. 

Thank you lord for being that close to us!!!

Isaiah 55 - Gina

““For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”

Isaiah 55:8-9 NIV

http://bible.com/111/isa.55.8-9.niv

O man! I just can't figure it out ....

I want answers!  I want to know the plan. I want, I want , I want!!!

I forget often that God is sovereign and that His ways and thoughts are so much bigger than I can ever imagine or dream! I'm afraid I try so hard to scheme what life should be that I miss what God really has for me. 

I'm too busy in ministry action , driven by service and plans that I forget to rest in him.  Then, I secretly resent the work, the church even God for my weariness .

God please forgive me!!!

Let us hold on to who He is in our lives and rest  in Him  because he holds our future in His hands. 

Psalm 23- Livia

“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

http://bible.com/111/psa.23.1-6.niv

Livia memorized this scripture so she shared it with us this morning ....it was so moving to hear my daughter quote scripture so confidently.  

What a good word ...God takes care of us and we don't need anything only what he deems we should have.  We can rest in him and trust him with our lives , there is no need for worry.   

He chooses us to be a light and he cares for us and loves us and wants us to share that light and love with everyone. 

Isaiah 40. - Gina

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.”

Isaiah 40:28 NIV

http://bible.com/111/isa.40.28.niv

Having hope is a promise we have from God.  When junk and more junk is piled on and trial after trial - it does make you feel like you have no hope.  Our hope is in God and in that it doesn't matter what we have or don't have or what is going on in our lives because 

God's hope is not about my happiness .  The question for us is "Is His grace enough? " no matter what???

 hum.....

Kadin - Matt 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

http://bible.com/111/mat.6.34.niv

Live this day abundantly !!!

See all there is to see.  Do all there is to do.  Don't be distracted by future plans. Don't live worrying about tomorrow.  Live in today!!

 God is always with us!!!!   This is the most important fact of our  existence -  that God is with us!!!

Luke 12:15

"Be on your guard against every form of greed."  Luke 12:15

We need more and more stuff these days.  We are obsessed with the next thing and the next thing.  We spend 110% of what we make and we are still not satisfied.  

This is a serious issue.  

We sense it in our everyday life with simple things like going into stores and needing to walk out with a drink or a candy bar.  Just never satisfied.  It's an ongoing hunger that never lets up.  

It's exhausting!!

How can we change?  Pray!

Ask God to show us how to fight greed. 

This is a great reminder - 

http://youtu.be/PtUUuVtURrc

We are making a list of everything we can cut back on and change in our lives.  We heard at church on Sunday that kids in Panama are getting one meal a week !  We want to be able to contribute to feeding them more often!   We eat whenever we want even when we don't need it!  

God forgive us for our greed. 

Devins 16th bday Devotion!

“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”

John 15:13 NIV

http://bible.com/111/jhn.15.13.niv

It's tradition to get breakfast in bed and to go around the 5 person circle on our birthdays and tell the birthday person what we love about them here at the WESSEL home!  

So ... Devin is celebrating 16....

Kadin loves that he's willing to play anything with him and that he plays basketball with him.  He loves how kind he is and how he knows his big brother loves him.

Livia loves how Christ centered he is.  Very kind and nice.  Love that he is a good big brother and that he's there for her  when She needs him. 

Daddy loves everything about him. Mature for 16!  Good head on his shoulders.  Work ethic and hard working. That makes him very proud. It's hard to come by these days in teens. He believes he is so kind because he doesn't allow the world to make him who he is even when it's not the cool thing to do.  He's teachable and grows quickly from that quality .  Love that he's responsible and checks himself on what is most important. 

Love that hunting and fishing is in his blood. Family first with Dev - love that.

Momma - His quiet approach to life that displays such confidence in who he is in Christ and to us , his family. I love how he gets back up again when he's been knocked down.  I love the music in him ..that I get to do music with him and the way he whips and nay nays!!!  Music lives in him - love to watch it come out.

We love you Devin!!!!

  

Matthew 17:20 Kadin

“He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.””

Matthew 17:20 NIV

http://bible.com/111/mat.17.20.niv

Do we have faith that God can move mountains??? While we know he could move a real mountain I believe we are referring to the mountains in our lives figuratively.   It's easy to have that faith for others but not so much for ourselves.  

It's about trusting God who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above what we can ask or imagine.  That's our God!!

God chooses people who will give him honor when He moves the mountains.  

How about you? 

James 4:4 - Livia

“You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God.”

James 4:4 NIV

http://bible.com/111/jas.4.4.niv

Worldly pressures and desires get in the way of our relationship with God.  The Bible says we are the salt and light of this world....we should not be hidden.  Brian Summer , http://www.iamsecond.com/seconds/brian-sumner/,  our guest speaker last night at youth group encouraged us to be strong in our faith.  To seek God not the world.  We should shine bright for our God. We are IN this world but NOT of it. 

 

Proverbs 4:23-27 - Tim

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it. Keep your mouth free of perversity; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. Give careful thought to the paths for your feet and be steadfast in all your ways. Do not turn to the right or the left; keep your foot from evil.”

Proverbs 4:23-27 NIV

http://bible.com/111/pro.4.23-27.niv

When most people think of their heart they think of their "Valentine" heart or maybe the organ within their body.  In the Bibile it says it's the source of our life and that we should protect it.  

If we guard our "heart" (that source) above all else.... with scripture ... We will live a life of honor to our God. 

 

Isaiah 40:28 - Gina

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Isaiah 40:28-31 NIV

http://bible.com/111/isa.40.28-31.niv

Need we say more!?

Run and not grow weary 

.....Walk and not be faint.

Teach me Lord to wait. 

Psalm 68 - Gina

Psalm 68 says "Praise be to the Lord to our God our savior- who daily bears our burdens....our God is a God who saves!!!" 

We talked about how shame in our life can hold us back from growing in Christ. When we fail, and we will - we ask God for forgiveness and he restores us but sometimes we carry this burden of failure with us and unless we ask God to take that from us too we stop and live there for a while.   I don't want to live there anymore - freedom in Christ is real and I receive it. 

This song , Holy Spirit has captivated me...it's my heart cry right now to be overwhelmed by God. 

Take a listen-

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UvBBC7-PSHo

1 Corinthians 10:13. Livia

“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

1 Corinthians 10:13 NIV

http://bible.com/111/1co.10.13.niv

Temptation can come in any different forms.  We are fallible and are tempted to sin.  Sometimes we forget that God is always with us and we can overcome!!!!  

For me I am paying attention in my conversations.  Who I talk about , what I say in order to fit in and being faithful to my God.  

 

We must hold our ground and stay true to God who always provides a way out and then we will have victory!!!  Jesus used scripture against satan every time he was tempted so I am going to do the same!!! 

Get my Glorious victory!!!

Matthew 20:27-28

“and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.””

Matthew 20:27-28 NIV

http://bible.com/111/mat.20.27-28.niv

"To lead people, walk behind them!"

Leadership and respect is gained by the way we care for and have compassion for others.  The most thriving leader promotes service to gain the respect of followers.  

Jesus was the best example of a great leader.  He washed his disciples feet.  He did everything in love.

  

Leviticus 19:32 Devin

““ ‘Stand up in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord.”

Leviticus 19:32 NIV

http://bible.com/111/lev.19.32.niv

Our elders have had experiences that us young peps cannot touch.  We must understand that our parents are there to keep us from doing dumb stuff. LOL 

I talked to my parents last night about a vehicle and during some of the conversation I wasn't on board with some of their reasoning .... But I'm realizing this morning that they are wise and know more than I do on the subject so I'm gonna trust them!!!

Trip Lee suggested in his book to pick wise mentors in your life.   My parents asked 6 men to speak into my life since I was 13.  Of course my Dad, Papa (JoeDaddy), uncle Roger , Uncle Ryan, Uncle Marshal and Coach Vance. My life is rich because of these men. Im gonna choose to yield to their instruction.  

“In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.”

1 Peter 5:5-6 NIV

http://bible.com/111/1pe.5.5-6.niv 

Romans 5:8 - Kadin

“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

Romans 5:8 NIV

http://bible.com/111/rom.5.8.niv

Have you ever known someone hard to love?  

How do we love them anyway?

Think about yourself....and what Christ did for you on the cross.  To treat others as you'd like to be treated and for sure pray!!!!Ask God to help you love them!!!

Psalm 130:4 - Devin

“But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can, with reverence, serve you.”

Psalm 130:4 NIV

http://bible.com/111/psa.130.4.niv

Forgiveness is a very special thing.  Jesus gave his life for us.  We need to be reminded that we should offer that same forgiveness to others no matter what they have done to us.  70x70 is the standard which means always!  Amen?  If we don't forgive we become bitter and we hold anger and grudges and it makes us miserable.  Then the relationships are ruined and no one is happy!!!

Offer forgiveness freely!!

Our family creed says "forgive quickly, apologize quickly and love unconditionally."

Let it be for all of us today. 

Zechariah 9:13 - Livia

“I will bend Judah as I bend my bow and fill it with Ephraim. I will rouse your sons, Zion, against your sons, Greece, and make you like a warrior’s sword.”

Zechariah 9:13 NIV

http://bible.com/111/zec.9.13.niv

Christianity is a battle not a war. 

Learning that there is a real enemy for our soul brought some fear to my heart. He has his aim toward you...but he's not like God he's NOT all knowing or ALL present so we are greater than he who is living in the world because Jesus lives in us. 

The attacks you experience can be more about who you will be in the future rather than who you were in the past!!! So fight!!!

We are like warrior swords .... We need to wake up every morning and put our armour on and fight!!!!