Philippians 4:8

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8 NIV)

Kadin shared this morning that PJ is teaching his class about temptation.  This is a great verse to train your mind to think on truth , God's word when you are in a tough spot.  Wether it's temptation or feelings of anxiety or stress.  

Kadin learned that it's not a sin to be tempted, Jesus was tempted , it's what you do with it that counts and can either bring consequence or blessing!!!

Romans 8:39

neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:39 NIV)

Relax knowing that God will never stop loving you no matter what you do.  It's a pure gift.  Live in peace and know that God will help you with your trouble.  He has overcome the world.  

We cannot do enough or be good enough to earn his love.  It's free. 

Col. 1:28

He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. (Colossians 1:28 NIV)

Although we know we are not perfect.  We are perfect in Christ Jesus.  

Accepted and loved.  Pure. 

Admire this truth in Christ for just a moment........

Jesus gives us the gift of maturity as we trust him and he pours wisdom upon us as we call upon His name for help.

Col. 3 :12-14

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. (Colossians 3:12-14 NIV)

Boy it's easy to be hard on each other for how they act or what they do.  Truth is - all of us fall short of the glory of God.  How dare we judge each other and attack each other because we feel justified!!!   Rather , we should clothe ourselves with humility, love, patience and kindness so that Christ love will be known.    Isn't that how we want to be treated?  Don't settle for justifying your behavior but rather surrender your thoughts and actions to the one who loves and forgives you  .

2 Cor. 3:18

We all, with open face, beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image. 2 Cor. 3:18.

The outstanding characteristic of a Christian is this unveiled frankness before God so that the life becomes a mirror for other lives. By being filled with the Spirit we are transformed, and by beholding we become mirrors. You always know when a man has been beholding the glory of the Lord, you feel in your inner spirit that he is the mirror of the Lord’s own character. (Oswald Chambers) 

We want our lives to be mirrors of His glory.  To be like Him in all that we say and do.  Let us test every action and every word against the nature of our God and let His transforming power lead the way.  

Psalm 33:20-22

We wait in hope for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. May your unfailing love be with us, Lord, even as we put our hope in you. (Psalm 33:20-22 NIV)

What is your hope in?  Money? Stocks? Lottery? Your position?  Your financial status ? Your popularity?

What is hope? Anticipation.....your feelings of what is to come....expectation of something good or better coming your way. 

Jesus gives us hope in our salvation for sure through eternal life but also a daily hope that brings us peace each day we live.   That hope is what we have and what others need.  The local church is the hope of the world.  If you are not involved with a church you are missing out on extending hope to the world.  What a beautiful thing!!!

Jeremiah 2:2

“Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem: “This is what the Lord says: “ ‘I remember the devotion of your youth, how as a bride you loved me and followed me through the wilderness, through a land not sown. (Jeremiah 2:2 NIV)

Oh how we get lazy in our love towards God!!!   What does God recall of you today?  Were you once in love where you would do anything that He asked - go anywhere - be anything to anyone because nothing deserves your attention like Him.  Does God long for you to get back there?  Has your heart become cold and in a regiment of daily duty?  Are we full of joy because He gives us life no matter what hardships we are going through or have we lost our joy because we've forgotten his precious gift and are distracted with our tough times?     Have we've been kind to God through our reputation ?   Whoa!  Good question!!!

2 Corinthians 2:14

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. (2 Corinthians 2:14 NIV)

We cannot know all of God in our lifetime, however we can know as much as we want of Him!!! There is always more of Him to know. 

The apostle Paul said "that I may know Him" and we believe he meant loving God more not head knowledge.   Less of us , more of Him is a deeper walk with Him.  For sure KNOWING God's word 

is important to knowing God, but not for the purpose of showing people you have knowledge.  

Knowing God should make you more and more like Him in all you do!!!

So that we may know HIM better. 

That's it!!!

Psalm 145:4,10-13

One generation commends your works to another; they tell of your mighty acts.

All your works praise you, Lord; your faithful people extol you. They tell of the glory of your kingdom and speak of your might, so that all people may know of your mighty acts and the glorious splendor of your kingdom. (Psalm 145:4, 10-12 NIV)

So generation to generation.  As we talk about His goodness to us.  As we tell our testimony of His love in our lives we are passing His love and passion on from generation to generation.   

It's quite exciting to see how one persons life affects another.  Passing the baton and keeping the faith alive.  Kadin said it's sort of like paying it forward - indeed it is - it's just the ultimate pay it forward !!!!   Leave a Legacy!!!

Mark 4:10

When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. (Mark 4:10 NIV)

The disciples constantly asked questions but they really didn't understand Jesus' answers until they received the Holy Spirit.

There is stubbornness and ignorance to be revealed by the Holy Spirit in each one of us , that only happens in our time alone with God.   Are we alone with Him now?  Or are we taken up with little fussy notions even within God's service. (OOuuch!!!)

Jesus cannot work on us if we never give Him alone time. If we intend to stay passionate and real we must die to our self and surrender daily!!!

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23 NIV)

Sin is serious stuff.  It separates us from God.  It causes great consequences.   It walks us through big time pain and agony at times.  

Thankfully - he doesn't just forgive us of our past sin he also transforms us into our present and future.  

We must take sin seriously.  Choose wisely. Every decision is laced with a consequence (good or bad) so consider your life and who is your Lord - you or God?! 

Matthew 9:13

"But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” (Matthew 9:13 NIV)

God doesn't need "religious activities" but rather mercy!!!  We must choose mercy as our lifestyle.   Know you are a summer and so is everyone else. None of us are big or small.  Everyone is medium.  It's only by HIS GRACE that we are saved.  That's all of us the same. 

Luke 1:37

For no word from God will ever fail.” (Luke 1:37 NIV)

We need not be afraid of anything. 

When we feel weak and uncertain we must pry our minds away from our problems and fix our eyes on Jesus .

Instead of trying to direct God to do this or that - seek God and attune yourself to what God is already doing around you.

  

Livia - treasured moments! Ephesians 2:13

But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. (Ephesians 2:13 NIV)

Those of us who believe in Jesus - we have a testimony / a story to hold on to.  Like a string of pearls.  It is a treasure. 

We were once far away - and now we are close and near to him.  We have a string of memories that we cherish that brought us to this beautiful moment.  

Believe on the one who sustains you and upholds you and who has given you life.  Believe in the one who pitied you and spares you and keeps you.  Believe on the one out of whom you came. 

Believe 

Wisdom & Might are His!

and said: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. (Daniel 2:20-21 NIV)

God is the creator so even when we create something amazing as humans it was God that provided the resources to make it. Let us never forget!!!

Our God is sovereign and HE is in control no matter what WE want - His way is the best way.  We will be miserable all our days of we resist his plan for our life.  Surrender is best. 

1 Corinthians 1:25

For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. (1 Corinthians 1:25 NIV)

Devin shared this scripture with us this morning.  He read it last night before going to bed.   He said that it made him think about his best days, his greatest accomplishments and how it's NOTHING compared to God.  He is the creator of all things!!! Wow!  The earth, galaxies, stars, humanity !!!!  Who can compare to that!?

Phil.4:13 says "I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me" and this year - we plan to lean hard into our faith in Christ that - this is true!!! Whatever God calls us to - he will provide for!!!   We don't need to worry but rather trust!!!

Matthew 5

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3-10NIV)

Our family has decided to memorize the beatitudes at the beginning of this year.  2015. What a better start than Jesus' sermon on the mount!!

Looking forward to studying each one of the 8 and making it part of our everyday life. 

Blessed are those who  ......!!!

Let's go!!