Tim - Matthew 20:26-28

But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Matthew 20:26-28 KJV)

This truth hits the bullseye!   To become great you must become a servant and a slave.  It's not natural to choose to serve others because we were born thinking about our own needs and wants.

Jesus came to serve and to give his life for many.   On the cross, he paid the ransom ( what it cost to get us back)   For our souls.  

Let's consider what it takes to be like Jesus and do it!!  Let's lay down our lives for others.  

Gina - Isaiah 40 :31

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. (Isaiah 40:31 KJV)

I am upon a very busy week.  The demand for my time and best contribution in many different places with all kinds of hats will be huge and I know this.... It will be up to me to wait upon The Lord each day and gain strength.  It will be up to me to choose to glean something spiritual and awakening from it or to let it exhaust me. 

So I choose experience and life .  I choose refinement.  I choose his way today.  I pray for patience, thankfulness, perseverance, courage, long suffering, humility, temperance and endurance. 

Philippians 4:13 I can do all things in Christ who gives me strength. 

Let it be dear lord, let it be .

Kadin - John 21:16

A second time Jesus said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” “Yes, Lord,” he answered, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said to him, “Take care of my sheep.” (John 21:16 GNT)

Today is Devins birthday so Kadin used Devins life verse - John 21.

This verse speaks volumes of who Devin is by how he lives.   He puts people first - it's amazing to watch out of a 14 year old!

We took the opportunity to tell Devin what we love about him ....

Here's just a few:

Kind

He plays with us

He is a sport

A great brother 

Sacrifice is easy

Full of integrity

Loving

Passionate

Cool

Faith filled

Not moved by influence

Steady

Awesome son!!! 

Livia - John 21:3

Simon Peter said, “I am going out to fish.” The others said, “We will go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat. They fished that night but caught nothing. (John 21:3 NCV)

Jesus told the disciples to drop their net and he caused them to catch many fish.  

Each of these men were so different and yet he was a friend to each one.  

Livia encouraged us to be like Jesus with people.  Even though people are not like us we can still love them and kind to them.   Every person is important to God.  

We also need to be content with how God made us.   Loving ourselves because we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God is so important !!!!

So thankful that Livi-g gets that this morning!!  Amen girl!!

Devin - Mark 9:22

The spirit often throws him into a fire or into water to kill him. If you can do anything for him, please have pity on us and help us.” (Mark 9:22 NCV)

It is In the place of humiliation where we find our true worth to God.  

Peter wanted to stay on the mountain with Jesus but Jesus took them down into the valley.  

On the mountain top you can have faith for anything but it's in the valley that you receive your testimony. 

Dev said that living in a place of humility is the best most learning place to be.  In the valleys of our life we display his glory more than any other time in our life.  

Tim - Ephesians 3:16

I ask the Father in his great glory to give you the power to be strong inwardly through his Spirit. (Ephesians 3:16 NCV)

Like a child longing for a fathers favor , we should feel the same about our Heavenly Father.    We can go to God everyday and say I want your blessing on my life today Lord. 

It's each of our responsibility for our own relationship with God.  Strength inwardly comes from daily time spent with God.  

Do you want to be strong?

Spend time with our God!

Gina - Psalm 25:6

Lord, remember your mercy and love that you have shown since long ago. (Psalms 25:6 NCV)

It's important for us to remember that our God is a father.   That we can crawl up into his arms and be held and loved.  Too often we forget how much he love us.

Yesterday we said goodbye to an amazing friend and fatherly mentor in our lives.  When we had our last words Pastor Mark grabbed Tim and I and sobbed as he held us both.  The love I felt was so rich and pure.  

God's love for me is amazing.  He swoops me up into his arms , he holds my hand, he hugs my neck , he transforms me to be like him .