Greetings!
Welcome to the Koinonia Life Journal blog. In our archives you can see examples of Life Journal entries written by our staff and congregation.
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Finally, if you would like to see additional examples that are posted regularly, you can visit the Life Journal main page.
God Bless You!
Pastor Andrew
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
The Unveiling by Donna Howard
SCRIPTURE
Psalm. 48:3 …He has made Himself known as a stronghold.
OBSERVATION
We can never discover God unless he makes Himself known. Like a grand unveiling of something outstanding, however, God HAS revealed himself to all mankind. The good news is that He has revealed Himself to be a great God who is in love with his people and gives them favor. In this verse He is revealed as a ‘stronghold.’ This word in the original Hebrew means a secure high place, a retreat or an unassailable place where a person can find solace and safety.
APPLICATION
When calamity strikes without the slightest rumble of warning in advance, where do you turn for help? To the welfare system or some government agency? To friends or family? To your savings, retirement or investments? When your life falls apart because your marriage is shaken and gives way to divorce, where do you find hope? When you lose your job after twenty-five years of faithful service, whom do you turn to? David discovered the one unshakable and unassailable thing in the entire Universe: GOD! He ran to Him and found him to be a rock and secure fortress. I encourage you to do the same.
PRAYER
Lord, we tend to put our trust in many things but only you can protect us from the attacks of the enemy. Thank you for being a stronghold for us in the time of trouble.
Psalm. 48:3 …He has made Himself known as a stronghold.
OBSERVATION
We can never discover God unless he makes Himself known. Like a grand unveiling of something outstanding, however, God HAS revealed himself to all mankind. The good news is that He has revealed Himself to be a great God who is in love with his people and gives them favor. In this verse He is revealed as a ‘stronghold.’ This word in the original Hebrew means a secure high place, a retreat or an unassailable place where a person can find solace and safety.
APPLICATION
When calamity strikes without the slightest rumble of warning in advance, where do you turn for help? To the welfare system or some government agency? To friends or family? To your savings, retirement or investments? When your life falls apart because your marriage is shaken and gives way to divorce, where do you find hope? When you lose your job after twenty-five years of faithful service, whom do you turn to? David discovered the one unshakable and unassailable thing in the entire Universe: GOD! He ran to Him and found him to be a rock and secure fortress. I encourage you to do the same.
PRAYER
Lord, we tend to put our trust in many things but only you can protect us from the attacks of the enemy. Thank you for being a stronghold for us in the time of trouble.
Monday, September 7, 2009
THE BLOOD OF THE LAMB by Donna Howard
SCRIPTURE
Revelation 12:11 And they have defeated him because of the blood of
the Lamb and because of their testimony. NLT
OBSERVATION
The enemy of our soul has been ‘taken out’ because of the completed
work of Jesus on the cross, the shedding of His blood. But revealed through the
evidence and public profession of that work in the lives of the believers.
APPLICATION
The book of Revelation has always been intimidating to me, but He is
faithful to reveal Himself in simple ways even in the midst of ‘the hard to understand’ parts of scripture. This is what I came away with.
When the blood of Jesus is applied to my life a new dimension of
God’s authority is unleashed against the enemy. A weapon for defeating the one who wants to destroy my life is formed in me the more I share who Jesus is to those around me. Satan can’t stand to hear me proclaim the name of Jesus from my lips or in the everyday
walking out of my life.
PRAYER
Jesus, I thank you for the sacrificing of Your life to bring me life. My
thanks and praise fall so pitifully short of what You deserve, but it’s
all that you ask. I desire to allow You to continue to work in me and
through me to defeat the enemy’s plan for me and for my family.
Revelation 12:11 And they have defeated him because of the blood of
the Lamb and because of their testimony. NLT
OBSERVATION
The enemy of our soul has been ‘taken out’ because of the completed
work of Jesus on the cross, the shedding of His blood. But revealed through the
evidence and public profession of that work in the lives of the believers.
APPLICATION
The book of Revelation has always been intimidating to me, but He is
faithful to reveal Himself in simple ways even in the midst of ‘the hard to understand’ parts of scripture. This is what I came away with.
When the blood of Jesus is applied to my life a new dimension of
God’s authority is unleashed against the enemy. A weapon for defeating the one who wants to destroy my life is formed in me the more I share who Jesus is to those around me. Satan can’t stand to hear me proclaim the name of Jesus from my lips or in the everyday
walking out of my life.
PRAYER
Jesus, I thank you for the sacrificing of Your life to bring me life. My
thanks and praise fall so pitifully short of what You deserve, but it’s
all that you ask. I desire to allow You to continue to work in me and
through me to defeat the enemy’s plan for me and for my family.
Friday, September 4, 2009
Standing In The Gap
SCRIPTURE
"I looked for a man among them who would
build up the wall and stand before me in the
gap on behalf of the land so I would not have
to destroy it, but I found none. Ezekiel 22:30
OBSERVATION
The Lord was looking for, "A MAN" not
thousands, but just ONE to stand in the
gap. Wow, the difference one
man can make.
We battle the enemy through our warfare of
prayer, worship, and raising a standard against
him by doing the right thing. When we lift our
family, friends, church, and country up to the Lord
in prayer we are standing in the gap for them. There
is a gap between the spiritual and physical that begins
to disappear with prayer. It begins to build a wall, a hedge,
a fortress of protection against the enemy. We know what the
enemy's plans are. The Bible tells us he wants to kill, steal and
destroy. As we stand before God we ask him to intervene.
APPLICATION
I will stand in the gap with prayer. I will work on building
the wall strong and high so the enemy does not have
access. Whether it be for my family, or my country I will
stand and stand firm.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
I pray for your constant grace and mercy to be over my family,
friends, church, and country. I stand in the gap on behalf of
them asking your perfect will be done. May you intervene
in the plans the enemy has for them. Send your divine
appointments Lord to accomplish your will. Thank you
Lord that you are faithful and filled with compassion.
In Jesus name,
Amen
"I looked for a man among them who would
build up the wall and stand before me in the
gap on behalf of the land so I would not have
to destroy it, but I found none. Ezekiel 22:30
OBSERVATION
The Lord was looking for, "A MAN" not
thousands, but just ONE to stand in the
gap. Wow, the difference one
man can make.
We battle the enemy through our warfare of
prayer, worship, and raising a standard against
him by doing the right thing. When we lift our
family, friends, church, and country up to the Lord
in prayer we are standing in the gap for them. There
is a gap between the spiritual and physical that begins
to disappear with prayer. It begins to build a wall, a hedge,
a fortress of protection against the enemy. We know what the
enemy's plans are. The Bible tells us he wants to kill, steal and
destroy. As we stand before God we ask him to intervene.
APPLICATION
I will stand in the gap with prayer. I will work on building
the wall strong and high so the enemy does not have
access. Whether it be for my family, or my country I will
stand and stand firm.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
I pray for your constant grace and mercy to be over my family,
friends, church, and country. I stand in the gap on behalf of
them asking your perfect will be done. May you intervene
in the plans the enemy has for them. Send your divine
appointments Lord to accomplish your will. Thank you
Lord that you are faithful and filled with compassion.
In Jesus name,
Amen
Thursday, September 3, 2009
The Beginning Of Wisdom
By Joshua Cordero
The fear of the Lord is the beginning
of wisdom; all who follow his precepts
have good understanding. To Him
belongs eternal praise. Psalm 111:1
OBSERVATION
PRAYER
OBSERVATION
In alternative interpretations fear is another word for reverence or even worship. This suggests that wisdom begins when we properly acknowledge who and what God is and then offer Him the worship He deserves.
APPLICATION
The word wisdom reminds me that life's true significance is discovered when I approach God with an attitude of humility and awe, not dread, guilt and fright. The unknown future is a frightening thing. However, whatever the topic may be: finances, work, marriage or even dreams and aspirations, we are called to give God the honor due to Him by obeying His will in each of these areas. God wants me to involve Him in the different areas of my life for my sake! I need to be wise and humbly seek God's perspective on any matter before acting, and not throw caution to the wind and act on my own impulses. I must become a man who fears God, who daily worships and honors Him and then surrenders my life to the Father's hands. Then I will have nothing to fear in either life or death..
APPLICATION
The word wisdom reminds me that life's true significance is discovered when I approach God with an attitude of humility and awe, not dread, guilt and fright. The unknown future is a frightening thing. However, whatever the topic may be: finances, work, marriage or even dreams and aspirations, we are called to give God the honor due to Him by obeying His will in each of these areas. God wants me to involve Him in the different areas of my life for my sake! I need to be wise and humbly seek God's perspective on any matter before acting, and not throw caution to the wind and act on my own impulses. I must become a man who fears God, who daily worships and honors Him and then surrenders my life to the Father's hands. Then I will have nothing to fear in either life or death..
PRAYER
Dear Jesus,
Help me to be a humble man in everything I think, say and do. It is my desire to be wise. To do that I need to have you as the priority in my life in every aspect. I acknowledge you as the center of everything I am and everything I need to be. Help me to put you in the center so that everything else can come together.
In Jesus name,
Amen
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Salvation Belongs To Our God!
SCRIPTURE
And they cried out in a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne, and to
the Lamb. Revelation 7:10
OBSERVATION
Because of God's great love for us He makes it
very simple, very clear, and very plain.
There is only one way to salvation and that is
through His Son Jesus Christ. Salvation belongs
to Him! Jesus is our sacrificial lamb. It is God's
desire that all men would know and walk in it.
2 Peter 3:9b says, "He is patient with you, not
wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come
to repentance."
APPLICATION
People are searching for the path of salvation. Some
are not quite sure what they even need to be saved
from, but they're trying to fill that empty place inside
that God made for Him and Him only.
As a Christian I am to be ready to share where my hope
comes from. My salvation message. Opportunities
usually come when we lest expect them to, or when
we lest want them to. I will be ready with the word
of hope that will lead others to the path of salvation.
PRAYER
Father,
Thank you for your plan of salvation. Thank you that
I'm not left alone in sin. Salvation belongs to you and
you sit on your throne just waiting to give that gift
freely to us all. Thank you for my salvation! Help me
Lord to be ready at all times to share that same plan
with others. Help not to be too busy or to not even
notice those you are putting in my path to share your
plan with. Thank you for your faithfulness.
In Jesus name, Amen
And they cried out in a loud voice:
"Salvation belongs to our God,
who sits on the throne, and to
the Lamb. Revelation 7:10
OBSERVATION
Because of God's great love for us He makes it
very simple, very clear, and very plain.
There is only one way to salvation and that is
through His Son Jesus Christ. Salvation belongs
to Him! Jesus is our sacrificial lamb. It is God's
desire that all men would know and walk in it.
2 Peter 3:9b says, "He is patient with you, not
wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come
to repentance."
APPLICATION
People are searching for the path of salvation. Some
are not quite sure what they even need to be saved
from, but they're trying to fill that empty place inside
that God made for Him and Him only.
As a Christian I am to be ready to share where my hope
comes from. My salvation message. Opportunities
usually come when we lest expect them to, or when
we lest want them to. I will be ready with the word
of hope that will lead others to the path of salvation.
PRAYER
Father,
Thank you for your plan of salvation. Thank you that
I'm not left alone in sin. Salvation belongs to you and
you sit on your throne just waiting to give that gift
freely to us all. Thank you for my salvation! Help me
Lord to be ready at all times to share that same plan
with others. Help not to be too busy or to not even
notice those you are putting in my path to share your
plan with. Thank you for your faithfulness.
In Jesus name, Amen
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Let God Be Exalted!
SCRIPTURE
But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation always say,
"Let God be exalted!" Psalm 70:4
OBSERVATION
Throughout Psalm seventy David petitions God for help
and he needs his help NOW! In verse five and six he says,
"come quickly to me," and "do not delay." There is great
urgency in David's words. Yet, in verse four it seems like a
calmness comes over David. He remembers the power in his
salvation and to rejoice and exalt God no matter what the
situation.
APPLICATION
There have been MANY times in my life where I not only
need God's help and intervention, but I am desperate for
Him!
This verse reminds me to take a breath no matter
what I'm going through and remember to, "rejoice and
be glad," "love my salvation," and "exalt God!"
Of course I'm not going to be glad about the
situation, but I can be glad in the Lord. When I choose
to do this I open the heavenly door to His presence and my
problems just seem to get a little smaller as I allow the
peace and hope of God to fill my heart. Knowing
He has the answer for whatever I'm going through.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the peace and the hope I find in you.
I thank you for my salvation. Help me to always remember you
are a breath away and to always exalt and praise your
mighty name, to rejoice and be glad in YOU. You are worthy
of praise no matter what the situation is. Thank you for your
faithfulness.
In Jesus name, Amen
But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you;
may those who love your salvation always say,
"Let God be exalted!" Psalm 70:4
OBSERVATION
Throughout Psalm seventy David petitions God for help
and he needs his help NOW! In verse five and six he says,
"come quickly to me," and "do not delay." There is great
urgency in David's words. Yet, in verse four it seems like a
calmness comes over David. He remembers the power in his
salvation and to rejoice and exalt God no matter what the
situation.
APPLICATION
There have been MANY times in my life where I not only
need God's help and intervention, but I am desperate for
Him!
This verse reminds me to take a breath no matter
what I'm going through and remember to, "rejoice and
be glad," "love my salvation," and "exalt God!"
Of course I'm not going to be glad about the
situation, but I can be glad in the Lord. When I choose
to do this I open the heavenly door to His presence and my
problems just seem to get a little smaller as I allow the
peace and hope of God to fill my heart. Knowing
He has the answer for whatever I'm going through.
PRAYER
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the peace and the hope I find in you.
I thank you for my salvation. Help me to always remember you
are a breath away and to always exalt and praise your
mighty name, to rejoice and be glad in YOU. You are worthy
of praise no matter what the situation is. Thank you for your
faithfulness.
In Jesus name, Amen
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