Devin - Ephesians 4:31

Do not be bitter or angry or mad. Never shout angrily or say things to hurt others. Never do anything evil. (Ephesians 4:31)

Relationships are more important than anything else.   God will never require you to give more grace than he's already given you!!    

Don't let bitterness and anger simmer in your heart - get rid of it!!!!  

Keep people priority like Jesus did and he will open your eyes to a true love for humanity. 

Jesus - make me like you!!

Dad - Proverbs 18:10

The name of the Lord is a fortified tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10 NIV)

Jesus is everything you need.   His name means so much: healer, provider, redeemer, savior, almighty, and holy one!!!  He is high above evil and strong!!!!

Let's not focus on our problems (our giants) but rather focus on who God is!  We will see he is our strong tower ( above it all). and will get us through anything.   When we see who he is truly, our problems seem meaningless.  He is in control always. 

We will trust him and run towards him with our whole lives.  

Mom - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

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(Photo with Rend Collective Experiement)

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17 NIV)

God has provided his word so that we can obey it and be changed by it.    It's life giving to us.  

The word of God is meant to be read and  applied!   We must practice this if we want God to change us.  Words merely heard are soon forgotten but words LIVED OUT change us forever.

We hear "practice what you preach" but how about we flip it around.  What if we "preach what we practice"?  What would that look like for you and me?

Kadin - Matthew 5

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, (Matthew 5:38-40, 44 NIV)

This scripture was read to us out of Kadin's Lego Bible.   Very cool. 

We are reminded to turn our other cheek when someone hurts us.  This is a beautiful lesson for our kids who have times of being teased for their faith.   More so, this inspires us to be like Christ.   To respond to others with kindness , mercy and grace just as our Heavenly Father has treated us.  

Love is very powerful.  Let's do our best to love unconditionally and with a heart that is tender towards others.  

Livia : Hebrews 10:35,36

So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. (Hebrews 10:35, 36 NIV)

Confidence in what?

In Christ Jesus !!

Persevere?

We thought of a young lady who has become owned by Hollywood, the lifestyle, the money...

If she were to repent and turn towards God it would take perseverance because she would feel like a failure , like she would lose all her friends, her stuff and her reputation.  Sin has such a grip on so many.  Let's fight that in our lives with our faith!!!!

Lets take heart - keep our eyes on Jesus and keep our confidence.   To persevere knowing that in the end honoring God with our lives.  

Devin : Psalm 25

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My hope is in you, so may goodness and honesty guard me. (Psalms 25:21 NCV)

When things don't go right.  When worry gets ahold of your heart and mind.  When   Everything you thought would be is not and when you really don't know how you will survive this season of your  life - hold on!!!!

There's hope!

His goodness and pure truth - will guard you.   When you pray and let go the peace that passes understanding will guard your heart in Christ Jesus our lord!!

Kadin said "hope is when your soul believes something and it gives you peace!"  Nice K-Diddy!!

Tim - Matthew 5:7-10

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:7-10 ESV)

Mercy - let them off the hook!  Then you will be shown mercy!

Pure heart - holiness - sanctified - perfect in intent.   Then we will see God. 

Peacemakers - forgive quickly , your desire In your heart is unity.  Then we will be called the sons of god. 

Persecuted - those who are harmed for their faith.  Some countries it is physical.  For us it can be at school and at work when people make fun of us.  For those they will have the kingdom of heaven.  

Gods way is the best way.  

We love him this morning !!