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!!