Devin - 2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV)

So many of us face mountains that we think we can climb like Mt Messiah , Mt Self sufficient , Mt I can do it .....

Our role is to help the world not save it.

We are not the Savior.

Why do we live self made? How is it we face another 12 hour day by rolling our sleeves up and saying I can do this?
Instead lets start our day on our knees.

Tim - Isaiah 43:25

“I, even I, am he who blots out your transgressions, for my own sake, and remembers your sins no more. (Isaiah 43:25 NIV)

Blot out means to cover. Forgive. What are transgressions? Sin. Wrong doing.

Why for HIS sake? We think because he's so holy and right and without His touch on our lives we could not go to him and he wants us to be able to. He wants a relationship with us. He enjoys us and wants us. For HIS sake.

It's hard to imagine our God who can do anything will forget our sin. Here's the thing, he chooses to forget for OUR sake. Thank you Jesus.

Gina - James 5:16

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. (James 5:16 NIV)

It's very powerful to verbalize your failure to confess wrong to someone you trust. It's hard to do especially when our pride gets in the way. It could be powerful for us to get in the habit of saying. "I've sinned" as we move into a time of confession or forgiveness.

Telling the truth helps us to heal and overcome. As we do this we sense Gods power helping us and his strength that transforms us.

Devin - Titus 2:14

...who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. (Titus 2:14 NIV)

What is the intent of grace? It teaches us to live in a wise and right way. Not to give us a pass to keep on sinning. The Bible asks ...once saved, should we keep on sinning - by all means NO!!

God deserves our very best.
Lets give it to him today!

Tim - 1 John 4:4

You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. (1 John 4:4 NIV)

Do not be afraid of what you might go through. (Rev 2:10). Even though at times it may feel like we've lost , God is greater than the enemy who wants to steel, kill and destroy us. We must rely on the strength of our God OVER the enemy to survive in this world.

Greater is he that is IN us than he that is in the world. We must take heart!!!

Tim - Col.4:2

Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. (Colossians 4:2 NIV)

Imagine if we were to give our kids everything they asked for. We'd be so in debt and our bodies would be bloated with tons of junk food!!!

Our journey with God will have its moments where we want , want want but our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us. Sometimes God says no like a parent does a child. He knows what is best for us.

Lets devote ourselves to talking to God and knowing what He wants for us.

Gina - Matthew 11:29

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. (Matthew 11:29 NIV)

What is a yoke? It's a farm piece for ox to work side by side. So taking God's yoke means to walk with Him and let him help carry the burden and heavy load.

His yoke is easy and his burden is light. When we trust him we will receive rest. What kinds of things do we carry? Anger, getting along with brothers and sisters , obeying parents, talking poorly to others ..... These are all things that God can help us with. We can't do it right all the time but He can. We need to allow him to come and make that change in us.