Who you are

We talked about identity this last week quite a bit. Here are just some of the things that God says about those who trust in Him.

The list is long. Read it all if you want, but just look at a few at a time, and focus on the ones that stand out to you.

I have purpose (Ephesians 1:9 & 3:11)

I have hope (Ephesians 1:12)

I am included (Ephesians 1:13)

I have been chosen and God desires me to bear fruit (John 15:1,5)

I have been shown the incomparable riches of God's grace (Ephesians 2:7)

God has expressed His kindness to me (Ephesians 2:7)

I am God's workmanship (Ephesians 2:10)

I have peace (Ephesians 2:14)

I have access to the Father (Ephesians 2:18)

I am secure (Ephesians 2:20)

I am a holy temple (Ephesians 2:21; 1 Corinthians 6:19)

I am a dwelling for the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 2:22)

God's power works through me (Ephesians 3:7)

I can approach God with freedom and confidence (Ephesians 3:12)

I know there is a purpose for my sufferings (Ephesians 3:13)

I can grasp how wide, long, high and deep Christ's love is (Ephesians 3:18)

I am completed by God (Ephesians 3:19)

I can bring glory to God (Ephesians 3:21)

I can be humble, gentle, patient and lovingly tolerant of others (Ephesians 4:2)

I can be certain of God's truths and the lifestyle which He has called me to (Ephesians 4:17)

I can have a new attitude and a new lifestyle (Ephesians 4:21-32)

I can be kind and compassionate to others (Ephesians 4:32)

I can forgive others (Ephesians 4:32)

I am a light to others, and can exhibit goodness, righteousness and truth (Ephesians 5:8-9)

I can understand what God's will is (Ephesians 5:17)

I can give thanks for everything (Ephesians 5:20)

I can be strong (Ephesians 6:10)

I am dead to sin (Romans 1:12)

I am not alone (Hebrews 13:5)

I am growing (Colossians 2:7)

I am prayed for by Jesus Christ (John 17:20-23)

I am united with other believers (John 17:20-23)

I am promised eternal life (John 6:47)

I am promised a full life (John 10:10)

I am victorious (I John 5:4)

My heart and mind is protected with God's peace (Philippians 4:7)

I am chosen and dearly loved (Colossians 3:12)

I am set free (Romans 8:2; John 8:32)

I am a light in the world (Matthew 5:14)

I am safe (I John 5:18)

I am healed from sin (I Peter 2:24)

I am not helpless (Philippians 4:13)

This week

Cafe time at the perfect cup on tuesday. After school til 4:30 Come hang out and relax after a busy day.

Remember, Jr. high is at the Berry's this week. We're alking about relationships again. Don't miss it. Mrs. Judson will even be there. Yay for the girls!!!

Temptation

Hey guys, just a few words about AXIS this morning. For those of you that weren't there, check out James 1:12-16 to know what we're talking about. that may raise more questions than give answers, but you know what, we're learning what God has to say in His word, and it's a growing process so questions are how we learn. please leave comments, e-mail questions, whatever!

We learned that it is not God who tempts us or brings circumstances into our lives to tempt us with evil. Rather, we talked about how he is first calling us to himself, to a relationship with Him. Then when things come across our path, our choices are our own, that is the gift of mankind, that we have a free will to choose what we want.

But we can choose 2 things. To live in a way that brings life (to us and others) Where do we learn to live this way? By learning from others who are putting God first, and by studying the Word of God to see what it has to say, and learn God's heart for us, and his wisdom. Which James 1:8 tells us, God is pleased to give to those who ask, in faith.

But if we are not seeking God first, then our selfish desires, which are always there, tend to take over and that can lead us to act on those desires we have, which are not usually good for us. And when we act, that is sin, we haven't given those thoughts up for what God desires for us, and we don't ask God for wisdom, in how to honor parents or siblings, or speak words of life to friends. Or sometimes just how to act at school. And we have nobody to blame but ourselves when we choose that. Because we have been offered a way out, and there is no temptation too great with God on our side, because he's given us all the resources for a way out.

Who do you usually blame?
Why don't we take responsibility for our actions?
Why don't we ask forgiveness?
Did you know you can start over anytime?
Do you know it gets easier to make those decisions if you practice?
But it's not usually easy......

Parents meeting

Today at 2..... You guys are so busted now. :) jk

Valentines Day

This week we will be at the Judson home. Hope to see you all there. Boys where are you? There's too many girls!!!!!! JK I like you girls too. But I do miss the guys! We will be starting a series of lessons on relationships and what the Bible says about relationship. You know, the good ol' valentines day theme? So hope to see you there.

Honor

I was talking about honor and the fear of the Lord with one of you guys the other day, and i said I'd give you some info. If you want more, I have it, but here's a little for anyone who is interested.

The Bible has a lot to say about the subjects of honor and integrity. They are characteristics of the most highly respected and influential men and women in the Bible. Honor is something many of us are not familiar with.

Integrity however, many of us are. In Matthew 5:37 Jesus tells the crowd "Let your yes, be yes, and let your no, be no." Basically..... If you say you're going to do something, then do it. If you can't do it, don't say that you will. Job, David, Joseph, Jesus... are all people of integrity. God calls us to live in truth. Do your words and actions match up???

Honor, is a deeper study, and there are many things to it. But lets say that it is tied to the fear of the Lord. The idea that what God says, is more important than what people say. PRoverbs talks about the fear of man and the fear of God. If you're reading a proverb a day, as many of you are, check it out. There's a lot in there, just look for it. Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 15:33 are 2 verses to check out.

Tell me what you think about this.

God is honored when we worship Him.
God honors us when we give our lives to Him.
I am honored when i spend time to share the Word of God with YOU each week.
Honor is NOT about me.


Some thoughts for you. Leave comments and questions, I love to interact with you.

Today's Cafe Time

For those of you who are wondering.... I am still in littleton and wont be at the perfect cup today.... or thursday. But I will see Jr. High Thursday night and everyone this weekend.