Devin - Matthew 13

And they took offense at Him [they were repelled and hindered from acknowledging His authority, and caused to stumble]. But Jesus said to them, A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house. (Matthew 13:57 AMP)

Jesus had a reputation within his community and he knew not everyone would like him.  We are to be peacemakers whenever we can, however peoples disapproval should never keep us from pleasing god.  Let's not chase after the approval of others instead let's surrender our hearts to God wholly.  

G - Psalm 32:1

BLESSED (HAPPY, fortunate, to be envied) is he who has forgiveness of his transgression continually exercised upon him, whose sin is covered. (Psalm 32:1 AMP)

When I think about forgiveness.  True forgiveness. It brings tears to my eyes.  For all the shame and guilt that you feel when you know you were wrong, when you hurt someone or cause pain to someone you love  - it's an amazing experience to be forgiven.  To have someone say "it's okay. I forgive you.  I love you.  I trust you again.  No worries!" That's huge.  That takes all the burden off , but it should not feel like a free ticket to do it again should it?  We know the pain and consequence now so we change our ways, we learn, we grow.   We love deeper and better through the experience of forgiveness. 

Thank you Lord for forgiving me , for allowing forgiveness from others towards me and for teaching me how to truly forgive.  

Devin - 2 Cor 1:3-4

Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4 KJV)

God comforts us and then it gives us the ability to comfort others in the same way.  This truth helps us to be "okay" with what we go through knowing God is for us , He will make all things turn out for good and He will use our story, our testimony of His faithfulness to comfort others.  

Gina - Romans 3:23-24

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: (Romans 3:23, 24 KJV)

Justified freely feels great today.  Thank you god of second, third and fourth chances.  His grace is amazing. You are a God who forgives and redeems.  We are thankful.  

As Christ followers we must always keep in mind that we ALL have fallen.  For some reason we can get it In our head that we are justified by our doing instead of by faith in Jesus - and then we look at others almost as if we have it all figured out and they don't. 

We encouraged the kids this morning that they are blessed to know God at a young age.  That he has saved them from the pain and consequence of sin and if they stay true to their faith God will be with them and protect them. 

We want them to have their own relationship with Christ not an experience through Mom and Dad. 

Tim - Proverbs 3:9-10

Honor the Lord with your capital and sufficiency [from righteous labors] and with the firstfruits of all your income; [Deut. 26:2; Mal. 3:10; Luke 14:13, 14.] (Proverbs 3:9 AMP)

It is good to honor The Lord with what we have.   There are many ways to honor God with what we have:

1. Tithe and offerings

2. Give to others freely

3. Pray before you spend and make sure god approves !!!

Let's not be quick to satisfy our desires but rather let's be quick to honor God. 

This life passes quickly and let's remember the most important things are not things!!

Gina - Psalm 29:11

Theo Lord will give [unyielding and impenetrable] strength to His people; the Lord will bless His people with peace. (Psalm 29:11 AMP)

Let's not over analyze our circumstances.  We miss out trusting God and experiencing His peace when we are so consumed with what is instead of what will be. 

I'm confident that He is for us as we said yesterday - why worry?

Wessel's theme and determination this year is TRUST GOD!

Kadin - Romans 8:31

What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?] [Ps. 118:6.] (Romans 8:31 AMP)

Fix your eyes on God not on your problems.  He is bigger!   Seize the day today and don't worry about tomorrow.  As you savor the gift of this day - you receive a precious gift of the "here and now".  Don't let it pass you by.  

God is for you and walks with you.  That truth should be enough to sustain you through anything!!!