James 1:12

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (James 1:12 NIV)

Persevere under trial!?  Ugh.  We've all had tough times.  It's good to hear "stood the test" meaning "I made it!!"  Not of course , in our own power but in the power of Christ. These moments shape us and make us more like Christ.  We learn and grow from them.  This kind of steadfast faith carries us through more and more as we age.  It's good to know that we are blessed and will enjoy a crown of life as we trust him.  

Matthew 6:24

“No one can be a slave of two masters, since either he will hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot be slaves of God and of money. (Matthew 6:24)

Slave is a rough word but if you break it down for this scripture - it is the emphasis of extremes.  You have a choice to serve - so who will it be?   God or "fill I the blank"?  We live life everyday and make this decision whether we do it intentionally or not.   We will serve someone.   We will worship something.  We are designed to worship.  With purpose at our center.    What are you a slave to today? 

Saved by grace through faith!!

For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are His creation, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time so that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:8-10)

 

Liv said.... We should not boast in ourselves or think higher of ourselves than we ought to. Our boast should be In the salvation we received from Jesus.  None of us did anything to deserve to be saved. We can't do good works to earn his favor.  It's by his grace through faith - only.  God wants to save us to do good things for him but let's get it straight .... Any good thing we do is for him, in him and through him. We don't earn anything by it.  Got it?  Got it!!!

Proverbs 21:23

The one who guards his mouth and tongue keeps himself out of trouble. (Proverbs 21:23)

How do we get in trouble with our mouth and tongue?

(Kids answers:)

Gossip (talking about other people)

Slander ( intentionally trying to sway others to think bad of someone else)

Insults

Swearing

Talking about unwholesome things 

It is so important for us to GUARD our own  mouths and tongue to avoid hurting others and getting ourselves in trouble.  

 

Mark 8:35

For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me and the gospel will save it. (Mark 8:35 )

Don't waste your life!  Don't get caught up in stuff, in satisfying your flesh and desires.  A life that is selfless is one that truly lives.  Walking humbly in every situation even when it hurts you , will cause others to see that Christ in you loves them.  That kind of love is what it's all about.    Losing our desires and dying to our selfish wants causes us to have true life by giving all  !!!

Happy birthday Timothy !!

At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the proclamation might be fully made through me and all the Gentiles might hear. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil work and will bring me safely into His heavenly kingdom. To Him be the glory forever and ever! Amen. (2 Timothy 4:16-18 )

A birthday tradition here at the Wessel house is breakfast in bed and a session of "what we love about you!" So....

Liv- I love how you wrestle with me and don't take it easy on me, how you love me and spend time with me. 

Kadin- I love how you help me through things when they bother me.  And that you are always there for me and that you play with me. 

Devin- I love your compassion for other people and what they are going through. I love how you always have the right words to say. 

Gina - I love how you let the Holy Spirit guide you.  How you own your own mistakes and don't blame others.  I love how you bring fun and a free spirit to our home and I love the way you love me. 

This scripture verse is Tim's life verse. He read it on the way to teen challenge because it was the book of "Timothy" when he was 19 years old.  Today at 46 his life sings God's  praises for rescuing him , for coming to his defense for holding him safely In his arms.  

Thank you Jesus. 

Oceans

There is a song called "Oceans" and today we listened to it before we prayed together.  Listen to it at the link below Livias photo below. In Philippians 4:13 it says we can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.  Today we especially celebrate our sis as we go into a weekend all about her.   She's turning 13 soon and we want to make her feel extra special!!!

Spirit lead us where our faith is without boarders ..... Let us walk upon the waters - wherever you lead us.   Take us deeper than our feet would ever wander and where our faith will be made stronger in the presence of our savior!!!!

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=1m_sWJQm2fs