Life Journaling

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.

You can also learn how to Life Journal by clicking on the links to the right.

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

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.

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.

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

The Beginning Of Wisdom

By Joshua Cordero

SCRIPTURE

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

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..

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

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

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

Worthy Is The Lamb!

SCRIPTURE
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels,

numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand

times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the

living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang:

"Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power

and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and

glory and praise!" Revelation 5:11-12


OBSERVATION
WOW!! What a powerful visual picture this gives us of the

awesome praise and worship going on in heaven. My mind

is trying to picture that many angels, in a circle singing praises

in a loud voice.

Jesus teaches us how to pray in Matthew chapter six.

In verse ten of chapter six it says "your kingdom come,

your will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

We are establishing God's kingdom here on earth

when we sing praise in a loud voice just as the angels are

doing in heaven.

APPLICATION
At times my praise and worship is spoken to the Lord in a

whisper, or a soft song, but this verse reminds me to chime

in with the angels in a loud voice and sing praises to the

Lord giving Him honor and glory to His name. As I do this

I am establishing His kingdom here on earth.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father,

I thank you for my voice. Thank you that I live in a country where

I may sing and shout your praises in a loud voice without fear.

Thank you that I may join in with the angels in heaven giving you

all honor and glory! Worthy is the Lamb! AMEN!

Give the Best Gift

SCRIPTURE

Revelation 4:9 Whenever the living creatures give glory, honor and thanks to him who sits on the throne and who lives for ever and ever...

Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."


OBSERVATION

When we worship our Father it's like when a child shows appreciation to their parent. When we worship, when we praise, it's the best earthly gift we can give to our father our creator. It's our offering to God.


APPLICATION

I need to be what God has created me to be and to do what God has asked me to do. To show God my appreciation and Love every day.

PRAYER

Help me not to take you for granted. I truly appreciate all the blessing you have delivered to me. I pray that I am the person you have created and want me to be.

Listen for the knock

SCRIPTURE

Rev.3:20 Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

OBSERVATION

Jesus does not barge in. He waits until the door of my heart and mind is open to let him in. He is always willing and ready. It is I who need to take action to open myself to his presence. It is Jesus who will take in my meal FIRST ...he will hear me, hear what I have to say and offer. Then He in turn will provide the meal I am lacking and need for the journey that I am on. It is like in Ezekiel 4:14-15 when Ezekiel presented his concerns and God listened and heard and allotted the change according to his plan for Ezekiel.


APPLICATION

God will listen and will hear ...if I just open up and take in His leading.

PRAYER

Thank You, Jesus, for allowing me to hear and see that You are there and ready to hear and lead me to Your perfect plan in my life.

Discipline's rewards

SCRIPTURE

Hebrews 12:11 "No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it."

OBSERVATION

Jesus wants us to discipline ourselves in our lives and get the most out of it. Discipline in any area is difficult, therefore painful. But, as the scripture says, one will reap the rewards for being trained to abstain. If discipline can lead to achieving the great goals that we have set for ourselves, it is worth traveling that bumpy road.


APPLICATION

There are a lot of areas in my life where I need discipline. Those areas include planning my day, praying to and thanking God more often, not giving in to sin (even in the slightest area), do what I propose to do, and strive more to get ahead. Even though I am a law abiding man, that is not enough. It's not fair to God if I obey man's law, and ignore the ways in which God wants me to be more like Him.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, thank you for thinking I can be a more disciplined person in your eyes. Teach me to be more disciplined and how not to give in to the temptation away from the road of a disciplined life. Forgive my failures and help me in my weakness. I know this is the correct road as it will lead to your gate. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

He is coming!

SCRIPTURE

Behold He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him, even they who pierced Him. And all the tribes of the earth will mourn because of Him. Even so, Amen. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:7,8


OBSERVATION

He is coming, not in secret, not just for his children to see but for every eye to see. Every man woman and child will see Jesus coming in the clouds in all His glory to claim His children.


APPLICATION

As my life is full of busyness I need to remember that Jesus is coming back soon. The Alpha and Omega, The Beginning and the End is coming back for me. What is so important that I do not remember my Savior, my Lord is coming back to take me to be with Him forever.

PRAYER

Oh Lord help me so I should never forget that the same Jesus that saved my soul, that washed my sins away is coming to take me home with Him forever. No more pain, sorrow or sadness, it will all be exchanged for joy and peace that comes with being with Jesus for eternity. Amen

Words vs. Actions

SCRIPTURE

Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue, but with actions and in truth.

1 John 3: 18

OBSERVATION

The letters in 1 John were applicable in the past, are an applicable truth today, and will also be applicable in the future. His truth is not a fad, but a definate truth. Actions always speak louder than words. This is an evident truth.

APPLICATION

As a teacher I am unable to use words to share about God's love, but I can show His love on a daily basis. I can be an example by spending extra time tutoring a student that needs extra help. I can give encouragement to a student in need. I can remind them that they are special, and although each person may have different challenges to overcome, I will be there to help them overcome their challenges. I can go to a ball games, or attend a family funeral to show them that I care about their celebrations and grief. I can be the good morning waiting for them, and the I can't wait to see you tomorrow. I even have an opportunity to teach them how to be kind and forgiving. Over the past 16 years I have had a wonderful opportunity to share God's love to children of many nationalities and religions by loving in truth.

PRAYER

Dear Lord, I pray for opportune moments to share the love of God to those He sets in my path. Help me to minister beyond words. May those in my path receive love and truth through my actions. Please help me remain strong, and not weary so that I can reach out to those in need. Quicken my spirit so that I will recognize opportunities to share the love of God. Give me wisdom to know how to express your love and truth.

Focus on His Goodness

SCRIPTURE

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth. My life makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble and afflicted hear and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. I sought the Lord and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. Psalm 34:1-4

OBSERVATION

My mouth reflects the attitudes of my heart. I must and will keep His praise as the focus of my speech. As I keep His praises as my focus, others will hear and join me in the praise of the Lord. As a result of seeking to keep His praise my focus, He will deliver me from ALL my fears.

APPLICATION

I must keep the focus of my conversation the praise of the Lord. As I keep His praises foremost in my mind and heart and word, He inhabits my praise and His Peace is my portion.

PRAYER

Lord, help me keep my heart, mind and words focused on Your goodness. I believe that You are faithful to deliver me from ALL my fears. Amen

His Promises Will Never Fail

SCRIPTURE

Jeremiah 33:25 – 26 This is what the LORD says: 'If I have not established my covenant with day and night and the fixed laws of heaven and earth, then I will reject the descendants of Jacob and David my servant and will not choose one of his sons to rule over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. For I will restore their fortunes and have compassion on them.'

OBSERVATION

Jeremiah was in jail and he was listening to God tell him why things were happening around him. Judah and Jerusalem were at war. Everything around him was being destroyed. Yet in all of that God tells Jeremiah what will happen. He asks Jeremiah to not give up and to not give in, but trust him because his promises are true and unfailing.
At the end of the chapter God tells him that he will keep his promises until day and night cease to work in unison. If you think about it, when will night and day cease to stop working. I would think that that wouldn't happen until something catastrophic happens, or until God decides for his creation to stop working. Then and only then will his promises cease to be true.

APPLICATION

When times seem overwhelming, when situations seem unable to be solved, when life is hitting you on the left and right, when divorce is staring you in the face, when you or your children are sick, when friends leave you, when your family disowns you, when you are trying to do all you can but at the end of the day nothing seems to go right, we need to remember that God's promises, for healing, salvation for your family, provision, deliverance, protection, etc., etc., will not cease to be true until the earth ceases to operate the way God designed it. there will always be a way out, always be something taht happens that can only be explained by the hand of God.

PRAYER

God, even though I always try to do everything on my own and it seems that it takes me getting to the point where I can't physically or spiritually do it, I know that you will provide for all that I need, you will answer my prayers for salvation and protection for my family, you will be my God until you send your Son back. Help me to, even thou I am in the middle of the struggle, remember your promises and draw my strength from your strength.

That IS What We Are!!!

SCRIPTURE
1 John 3:1 How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!


OBSERVATION
Again, I love these verses. We have been given a great compliment; a huge favor of the Lord! He calls us "children of God". Does it get any better than that? It speaks to His great love and regard for us. It speaks to His generosity towards us. And then John goes on to declare 'that is what we are'. What's also interesting to me is that these two verses have exclamation marks. They're not used extensively in the Bible so this tells me that John is adament about these two statements.


APPLICATION
My take away is that I am to fully realize that I am a highly regarded child of God. That I am blessed by an Almighty Father. That I am to act like a princess of the Highest King. I should claim my heritage and all the power and love that comes with it. Each day should begin and end with this awareness.

PRAYER
Thank you, Father, for this gift! I want to always remember the love and wonder of my Father. I want to claim all that goes with the title of 'child of God'. Let me live up to that humbling and beautiful title. Amen.

Blessings and Praises

SCRIPTURE
Psalm 67:1-4 May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face shine upon us, that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations. May the people praise you, O God; may all the peoples praise you. May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth.


OBSERVATION
The psalmist asks for God's blessings for His people. They pray, in turn, that because of the people's praises to God, the nations see and praise Him as well. They see that God provides for his people and that He is a just and guiding God.


APPLICATION
The blessings of God are many, from material to emotional to spiritual. To me, one of the greatest gifts we have is hope - hope that comes from a loving Father who is with us through good and bad times . . . hope that allows us to endure daily struggles of life and relationships . . . and a hope that we have a perfect eternity ahead of us through the price paid by Jesus. How do people make it through life without hope? I don't want to know.

PRAYER
I pray that people who do not know Jesus will see hope demonstrated in my life. Father, let me model reliance and hope in You to my children, my friends, and all those around me. Amen.

Three Important Reminders

SCRIPTURE
Psalm 105:1-4 Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always.


OBSERVATION
In just four verses, the psalmist reminds to do so many things regarding our Lord, I feel that I'm falling short. Thank Him. Call on Him. Speak to others about Him. Sing to and praise Him. Tell. Rejoice. Rely on the Lord's strength, seek His face always. Alot of reminders! But if I group them, I come up with 3: PRAISE, RELY UPON and TELL OTHERS. The psalmist gives us several examples of how we can do these three things. But, looking at the three main reminders - it sums it all up for me . . . praise Him, rely upon Him, tell others about Him.


APPLICATION
Am I doing all that I can each day to accomplish these three things? Am I spending enough time each day praising my Lord? Am I relying upon Him with ALL things? Or do I lean on my own strength and understanding? And, finally, am I doing all He has called me to do to tell others about the amazing God I serve? Daily reminders (in His Word) can do alot to keep us on track.

PRAYER
Lord, keep me on track. Keep putting reminders before me that you are a God worthy of praise, omnipotent so as to be relied upon with all things, and certainly worthy of telling others. Thank you for your Word. Amen.

By Believing, Life in His Name

SCRIPTURE
John 20:30-31 Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.


OBSERVATION
I love these verses because they tell so much in just two sentences. First, we're told that the book of John tells only some of the miraculous signs are included and that not all are recorded. Verse 31 then tells us that these words are written for us to believe that Jesus is the Son of God, and therefore have life everlasting.


APPLICATION
This tells me that God included enough, but not everything, in His Word to convince all of us of truth. It also points me toward blind faith - in not only what is written, but in what I know in my heart to be true.

PRAYER
Lord, let me continue to draw and learn from Your Word, but continue to remind me that You have given us Your Holy Spirit to lead us to the truth. Please help me to become less proof-led and more Spirit-led. Amen.

Does God Still Speak Today?

SCRIPTURE
(John 16:13) "But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come."


OBSERVATION
Jesus spends this discourse telling His disciples that He is about to die. They do not have to fear because the Spirit of God will come and comfort them and lead them by speaking the heart of God to them. God speaks to us today through His Holy Spirit. The question is, do we really want to hear Him?


APPLICATION
Jesus said the Spirit will only say to us what He has heard the Father say. Paul in I Corinthians 6:17 says that when we join ourselves to Jesus we become one spirit with Him. His spirit is united with our spirit and His spirit speaks what God is saying and where He is leading. Are you listening to your spirit?

PRAYER
Lord, I know Your spirit desires to commune with my spirit, but I often restrict the communication by focusing on worldly distractions. Keep my eyes focused on You, so I can hear Your voice.

And it was Going So Well!

SCRIPTURE
(John 15:1&2) "I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit, He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit, He prunes it, that it may bear more fruit."


OBSERVATION
Hearers of the Word of God that do not bear fruit will not be allowed to remain a part of the true vine. Jesus says in this passage that God will cut them off and discard them. Those who are bearing fruit will go through times of limitation or pruning, for the purpose of being more effective for the kingdom of God.


APPLICATION
When things are hard or difficult in life experiences, God is most likely pruning you or preparing you for the future harvest. To develop a discontent disposition or a bitter heart will require more pruning to get rid of the non-productive growth. We can rejoice in momentary light affliction because we know it is producing eternal glory.

PRAYER
Have Your way Lord in my life. I submit to Your molding and shaping of my life so that You might be glorified. I want to bear fruit in the most productive way that you see fit.

You Want Me to do What?

SCRIPTURE
(John 14:12) "Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go to the Father."


OBSERVATION
There are instances when Jesus raised the dead, worked physical healings, and defied the laws of nature. He says that if we believe in Him and the works that He did, then we will be able to do even greater things. The key is belief in Him and to know the source from which He was able to do what he did.


APPLICATION
When I worry because things become tight with my finances, or I doubt God's ability to work through me to achieve great things, what I am saying is that I question the validity of who Jesus said He was. Mark 9 says all things are possible to him that believes. I do not have to worry about my family, my finances, or my calling because God is in control of it all and He has given me His authority through Christ Jesus.

PRAYER
God, I do not want to doubt the power and authority of Your Son. Help me to become more aware of the authority that You have given me through Jesus, and to act upon it.

Why Should I have to Do That?

SCRIPTURE
(John 13:4&5) "Jesus rose from supper, and laid aside His garments; and taking a towel, He girded Himself about. Then He poured water into the basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded."

OBSERVATION
Jesus, the manifest power and earthly form of God, humbles Himself and washes the dirty feet of His disciples. Jesus was symbolically acting out His mission on earth: to wash away the dirt or sins in our lives so that we can have full access to a Holy God. He models for us an attitude He would like displayed: humility and a concern for the well-being of others.


APPLICATION
In the kingdom of God, some of the tasks that are needed are basic and dirty. Some times we may think they are beneath us. The servant is not above his master. When we are tempted to ask, "why should I have to do that," it is because Jesus did it before us and asks us to have the same servants heart.

PRAYER
God, I am willing to do whatever You ask. Keep my heart pure and my motivations right before You.

Are You Afraid of the Dark? You Should Be!

SCRIPTURE
(John 12:46) "I have come as light into the world, that everyone who believes in me may not remain in darkness."


OBSERVATION
Jesus is informing the crowds that He is the light of God sent to expose and lead them out of darkness. His purpose is not to judge but to redeem. We each have a free will to chose to follow the light or remain in the darkness. Darkness is seperation from God, a place of torment, loneliness and regret. A place to be afraid of.


APPLICATION
In Matthew chapter 5, Christ says that we are now the light of the world, and that we should let our light shine in such a way that people will see our good works that glorify God. Light has to be generated from a source. Jesus is the light and the source of our light. If we share Jesus, that light shines brightly. Fear or intimidation from man seeks to dampen the light. Don't fear man, but fear the judgement (imposed darkness and seperation) of an eternal God.
PRAYER
God, let your light shine in me that people may see Your good works and redemtive power.

SCRIPTURE

Jesus wept.

John 11:35

OBSERVATION

In the verses leading up to verse 35, Jesus continues to express his intention to raise Lazarus from the dead.  Those around him don't understand what he is going to do, but Jesus obviously does.  In spite of this, Jesus is moved with great emotion (v. 33) by the mourning of Mary, Martha and the others.  He cries upon seeing the body of Lazarus.  Jesus knows that he is going to move in a miraculous way, but he is still emotionally connected to the event.

APPLICATION
This verse seems to teach us that Jesus is full of great emotion stirred by love.  He doesn't simply look at the world with foreknowledge, knowing with confidence how things will turn out.  He is emotionally involved.  Like us, Jesus has emotions and feelings.  He understands our emotions.  In fact, he created them.  He can sympathize with us in the midst of difficulty, stress and sadness.  How cool is that!

PRAYER
Jesus, I praise you for your 'realness'.  That you aren't an impersonal, distant God.  You are close, personal and relationally connected to your creation.

Lost Sheep

SCRIPTURE
"I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me."

John 10:14

OBSERVATION
This is one of the great "I am" passages in John.  Here, Jesus is stating that he is the good shepherd.  There is a natural inclination to recall Psalm 23 while hearing the words of Jesus.  In Psalm 23, God is called a shepherd, and indeed a good shepherd.  He leads his sheep in the midst of darkness and threat.  He leads the sheep through the valley to quiet waters and green pastures.  He provides for all the needs of his sheep.  Because of the presence of the shepherd, the sheep have no need for worry or fear.  They have great faith in the love of their shepherd, and his ability to protect them.  Jesus says that he is the good shepherd, that he will lead us to quiet waters and green pastures.  He will restore our soul.

APPLICATION
I need to remember that I am a sheep.  That I need to follow.  That I am weak and fallible and dependent.  Left to myself, I am lost and lonely.  However, Jesus extends an invitation to become my shepherd.  He expresses his desire to lead and love.  All I have to do is accept the invitation and begin to follow.

PRAYER
Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd.  When I follow you, you lead me to places of peace and joy and provision.  Forgive me for those times when I don't follow.  Help me to follow you more fervently and earnestly.  

God in a Box

SCRIPTURE

Some of the Pharisees said, "This man is not from God, for he does not keep the Sabbath."

John 9:16

OBSERVATION
The Pharisees missed it. They missed the Messiah. They were so caught up in keeping their religion in a nice box with neat categories that they missed connecting with the Son of God. Their expectations for God's move were defined by lists and rules, rather than an organic relationship with the living God. They refused to push past their assumptions about the nature of God. They allowed pride in their religious knowledge hinder their understanding of God. As a result, they missed the most profound expression of God on earth.

APPLICATION
I'm afraid that I have Pharisaical tendencies. Like the Pharisees, I sometimes place God in a box and limit His action to my preconceived notions of who He is and how He moves. We obviously need to have notions and knowledge of who God is, otherwise, anything might become God. However, we can also become so cautious with when, why and how God works that we miss it when He shows up because he doesn't fit in our neat, comfortable box. I want to be surprised by God. I want to allow my worldview to stretch beyond my past experiences and see God in fresh ways. I want to loose my Pharisaical tendencies.

PRAYER
Father, surprise me. Stretch my conception of you so that I may know you more fully. Soften my heart and open my mind to further comprehend your character.

Becoming a Student

SCRIPTURE
"You are truly my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings."

John 8:31

OBSERVATION
A disciple is a student. Someone who sits at the feet of another in order to learn how to do something. If you want to learn Tae Kwon Do, you must become a disciple or student of an expert in the Korean martial art. And, if you want to be successful, you must obey the teachings of your instructor. The same is true of our spiritual life with Jesus. We become disciples of Jesus because he lived fully in the kingdom of God. As Christians, we too are called to live fully in God's kingdom. Too often, we live on the border, with one foot in the kingdom of the world and one foot in the kingdom of God. Sometimes, we move entirely out of God's kingdom an plant our feet fully in the world. Jesus teaches us how to move into God's kingdom. How to stay there. How to live there. And to do this, we must obey his teachings. We must do what he tells us to do.

APPLICATION

How frequently do I straddle the border? How often do I allow my life to be compartmentalized, with part of me pursuing things of this world while other parts pursue God. I am called to pursue God with all of me. All my thoughts, my actions, my will, my words... In order for this to happen, I have to become serious about being a disciple of Jesus Christ! Just as a half-hearted Tae Kwon Do student will never move beyond basic martial arts, the half-hearted disciple of Jesus Christ will never experience the fullness of God's kingdom. It's time to give up half-hearted Christianity and fully pursue obedience to my Lord and Savior.

PRAYER
Jesus, forgive me for being a half-hearted disciple. Help me to fully embrace my call to be your disciple.

SCRIPTURE
On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to me and drink.  Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him."  By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive.  Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified.

John 7:37-39

OBSERVATION
During the Feast of the Tabernacle, Jesus makes this interesting claim.  He says that anyone can come to him and drink and that streams of living water will flow from those that believe in him.  I can only attempt to image what those who were listening to Jesus were thinking.  What does he mean?  How can my thirst be quenched by this man?  What is living water?  How can living water flow from me?  While they did not fully understand the promise given, one thing was clear, Jesus was central.

APPLICATION
Water is key for life.  Everything that lives requires it.  And Jesus makes a claim that he, like water, is needed.  Jesus tells us that he is central to life.  But he doesn't leave it there,  he invites us to come and receive from him.  To drink of the "living water."  What a great reminder!  Jesus is constantly inviting us to come to him, the one thing that is truly needed.

PRAYER
Jesus, you are the one thing that is needed.  Help me to remember this.  Help me to pursue you.  Give me a sensitivity to the spiritual thirst within.  Help me to look to you to quench that thirst!

Living Hope

SCRIPTURE
1 Peter 1:3: Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead


OBSERVATION
Because of God's mercy, he gave us new birth into a LIVING hope through Christ's resurrection.


APPLICATION
People place hope in all sorts of things. We place hope in the fact that the economy will turn around, that our car will get us to work in the morning, etc. Hope in objects are dead! Because of Christ's death and resurrection we have hope...Living hope! Heb 6:19 says that the hope we have in Christ is an anchor for our soul!

PRAYER
Father, thank you! Thank you for the living hope we have in Christ as an anchor for our soul!
Amen

SCRIPTURE
James 5:13-14: 13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. 14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord.


OBSERVATION
The scripture says that if you are in trouble (or having trouble) that you should pray, but if you're sick, then call for the elders.


APPLICATION
It's funny how many people will come for prayer because of their "Troubles", yet if you ask them if they have prayed about it, they will tell you no. We need to be sure that we're in line with the scriptures in all that we do. If you're in trouble, pray. If you're sick, call for the elders to lay hands on you!

PRAYER
Father, help me to dig into your word more. Help me to know what the Bible says about my situation(s) and to act on the word.
Amen

Submit & Resist

SCRIPTURE
James 4:7
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.


OBSERVATION
Two actions are required...Submitting to God, and resisting the devil. When these actions have taken place, there's no ground for the devil to stick around.


APPLICATION
The application is simple, submit to God fully. Submit to his Lordship, his commandments, his will, etc; and resist the devil. Someones first actions when dealing with the harassment of the devil, must be to resist! The Word says that if you resist him he MUST flee. Must does not imply that he has a choice, but rather, he has no option in the matter.

PRAYER
Father,
help me to fully submit to you and give me the strength that it takes to resist the devil and his schemes.
Amen

The Writings

SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 30:8
Go now, write it on a tablet for them, inscribe it on a scroll, that for the days to come it may be an everlasting witness.

OBSERVATION
There is only one Holy Scriptures and the Bible was written by God through men that he chose. He wrote it down for us. There is power whenever we record something on paper. If it is a contract with another person, we are responsible for the agreement. If it is a diary, we are reminded of what has gone on. If it’s a journal entry those who read it will know what God has been doing in your life.

APPLICATION
You will benefit greatly if you take time to journal your thoughts and encounters with God on a daily basis. It will be a witness to others and a remembrance for you.

PRAYER
O God, help me with those disciplines that will help me grow in you

He Isn't Silent

SCRIPTURE
Job 33:15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls upon men, in slumbers upon the bed;16 Then he opens the ears of men, and seals their instruction,

OBSERVATION
God guides us even when we are asleep. When we face major decisions and face a myriad of distractions it is good to know that God will find a way to communicate. Often it is when things quiet down and we are still before God that He begins to talk. The Bible says: Stand still and know that I am God.

APPLICATION
Are you willing to trust God to provide you with guidance and direction while you are sound asleep? He can speak in dreams, visions, when we are awake or when we are asleep. When you have a major decision to make, maybe you ought to sleep on it!

PRAYER
As we sleep and slumber, Please watch over our ways O God.

You Lose

SCRIPTURE
Rom. 16:20 ¶ The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. ¶ The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

OBSERVATION
The two key words here are: Crush and Shortly. One tells us how thoroughly powerless our enemy has been made since his defeat at the Cross and the other word indicates that we do not have long to wait.
In the original Great text, the word translated CRUSH is a verb meaning to shatter; to pulverize, break in pieces or pulverize. The enemy is no match for our God.

APPLICATION
What a great promise God has given us. The enemy will ultimately be defeated and it will take place SHORTLY. This word in the original meant ‘as soon as possible.’ If you are in the midst of warfare, be encouraged today. SOON, God will defeat your opponent. Keep seeking God because He is working in the dark and will bring all things to the Light.

PRAYER
Lord, I rejoice in your power today and your love toward us. Strengthen us to day to stand against the enemy, knowing that you are reigning over our enemy even though he is ruling in this season of time.

Sweet Dreams

SCRIPTURE
Psalms. 126:1 ¶ When the LORD brought back the captives to Zion, we were like men who dreamed.

OBSERVATION
One sign that reveals God has set a person free is that they are able to dream and hope for a bright future. We all have dreams and so does God. His dreams have your best interest in mind. Listen to His words in Jeremiah. 29:11, “For I know the plans (dreams) I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans (dreams) to prosper you and not to harm you, plans (dreams) to give you hope and a future.”


APPLICATION
Many times we find ourselves pursuing dreams that don’t involve God. Too often it is what we want for ourselves and not what God wants for us. Maybe that’s why so many dreams have been shattered. It’s good to have dreams but we must discover God’s dream for us. Our dreams will often turn into a nightmare but His dreams for us will turn the night into day.

PRAYER
Lord shows me the dream you have for me.

I AM

SCRIPTURE
Ex. 3:14 ¶ God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” NIV

OBSERVATION
God had just spoken to Moses and told him that He was going to use him to deliver Israel from the oppression of the Egyptians. Moses was surprised and even shocked because this seemed impossible. To this proposal, Moses, asked: Who am I that you should send me? God didn’t answer that question but did introduce Himself as the great “I AM” He was trying to convey to Moses that the important thing isn’t who man is are but who God is that counts.

APPLICATION
The mission doesn’t depend upon who man is or what man can do. It depends upon the zeal of the Lord and His strength. (Isaiah 9:7) God is calling you and me to help people who are in need of deliverance. You may say that I AM not ready or I AM not educated enough or I AM not qualified in some other way but remember it is not who you are but who He “IS” that counts. He is all you need. Availability is more important than your ability.

PRAYER
Lord, lead to my divine appointment and show me how to help that person in need.

SCRIPTURE
Hebrews 7:26-27
26 Such a high priest meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.
27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.


OBSERVATION
Jesus is the Ultimate High Priest. Because He never dies, He is always in the office of the High Priest. Because He is perfect, He does not need to offer sacrifices for His own sin like a normal priest would, neither does He have to offer sacrifices for us continually because once was enough!

APPLICATION
We must remember that Jesus' PAID it all and that He is ENOUGH for us! Yesterday's failures, today's foibles and tomorrows disappointments — all of them are covered in the Blood of Christ.

PRAYER
Thank you Jesus for being the Ultimate Priest!

The Challenge to Keep Growing

SCRIPTURE
Hebrews 6:1
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity


OBSERVATION
There is a tendency within all of us to stop growing and to rely instead on things we have already learned.


APPLICATION
God wants us to continue to grow. Growing means continuing to stretch and expand. Many times it means being uncomfortable. But it always means that we continue to learn new things about God. It's easy to stagnate, it's not so easy to grow! Spiritual growth takes a sustained effort. It takes a decision coupled with a day-by-day walking it out.


PRAYER
Lord, help me not to rely on yesterday's bread, but to continue to get fresh bread from Your Hand every single day. Amen!

SCRIPTURE
Ps. 101:8
Every morning I will put to silence
all the wicked in the land;
I will cut off every evildoer
from the city of the LORD.


OBSERVATION
David recommitted himself continually to put down wickedness from around him. Every day, he says, he will do this.


APPLICATION
This is the type of commitment we must have to walking in faithfulness to our God. Every morning, we re-establish our decision to pick up our Cross and follow. Every morning we once again decide to cooperate with His Holy Spirit and walk in His ways. Every day we again crucify the flesh and walk in the Spirit.

We do it every morning because we forget. We so easily get sidetracked and things creep into our lives. David wasn't perfect, but he was serious about following the Lord and so he constantly went back to his commitments and re-established them in his heart.

PRAYER
Lord, help me to be faithful today and remind me to return to my commitments to You tomorrow and the next day. Every day I want to give myself and my ways to You!

He "gets" us

SCRIPTURE
Hebrews 2:14-18 verse 14 'Since the children have flesh and blood, he too (Jesus) shared in their humanity" verse 17 "For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest" and verse 18 "Because he himself (Jesus) suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."


OBSERVATION
Jesus "gets" us. He shared in our humanity, he was made like us in every way. He suffered and was tempted.

APPLICATION
God "gets" me?? huh? How can that be? I don't even get me sometimes...lol. The cool thought is, this also makes him a merciful and faithful high priest! It makes me think about Psalm 103:10, 13 & 14. He does not treat us as our sins deserve...As a father has compasion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.

PRAYER
I don't always get your thoughts because they are so much higher than me, but....thanks for "getting me" and loving me anyway!

In the same place

SCRIPTURE
Hosea 1:10 In the place where it was said to them, 'You are not my people', they will be called the 'sons of the living God.'


OBSERVATION
There is a drastic contrast here from not even being 'My people' to the status of 'sons' and it happens in the same place!


APPLICATION
I think when we've been in "that place" of life with Christ we can, just like Israel, become complacent and allow some things to slip in on us. It doesn't have to be big stuff either, I think its little stuff too. But God is always ready to bring us back to himself as sons.

PRAYER
Father God, you are amazing...you always have been....from the Israelites to me! Keep me mindful of how easy it is to go from faithful to faithless, from thankful to unthankful, from obedient to disobedient, from selfless to selfishness and the list goes on...and on...and on...and....Thank you, for making me your daughter!

Used to be usless

SCRIPTURE
Philemon vs 11 Formerly he was useless to you, but now he has become useful both to you and to me.


OBSERVATION
I would absolutely hate for someone to call me useless! I mean really! What a terrible commentary! It just makes me feel bad for the guy! I've had that very thought about some people I know! Before you judge me too hard...you probably have someone you're thinking of right now! Or even worse, you've felt that way about yourself!

APPLICATION
Aaah! But read the text again. Some key words change everything! "Formerly" and "but now" this guy Onesimus (what a name) he's not just not useless anymore, Paul goes on to say "now he has become useful to both you and me!" Paul even goes on to say this guy is "my very heart" he actually becomes very dear to Paul! Now I know God changed water into wine but useless to useful....yup, you bet!

PRAYER
Lord forgive me wherever I have placed this "useless" tag on the Onesimus' in my life. Cuz outside of you...I'm useless! Help me to see the "but now" in everyone before it even happens!

Not a license

SCRIPTURE
Jude 1: 4 They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality and deny Jesus Christ our only Sovereign and Lord.

OBSERVATION
Yesterday as I journaled from the book of Isaiah the grace of God that moves him to remove our sin was so big. Today as I journal from the book of Jude this great caution jumps from the page. That there are many who change the grace of God into a license for immorality or sin. Even angels are listed among some who have fallen into the trap.

APPLICATION
As wonderful as I see the grace of God, and no matter to what measure I have experienced it in my life, and no matter how much I desire others to experience the touch of God's grace in their own life...it is never a license sin...I am not free to sin because of God's grace...but because of His grace in my life....I am free from sin.

PRAYER
Lord, you know how easily we can get off course....and me, I have a tendency to get my head in the clouds and think about how wonderful you are, ( You are so wonderful!) thank you for your grace but, also for your instruction and warning here in Jude. Your grace is free, abundant and able. Its not a license to do my own thing and think you'll look the other way.

Because of his Mercy

SCRIPTURE Titus 3:3
At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. 4But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, 5he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, 6whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior


OBSERVATION
This passage of scripture reminds me not to have pride in my life or believe that because I am a good person that God loves me more from the person down the street. It is only because of his kindness, love, mercy and generosity that I am the person I am today. God created in me a clean heart. My righteous acts or behavior can never save me.


APPLICATION
I want to live my life with his kindness, love, mercy and generosity. I want people to see you when they view me. I want to live my life pleasing you and not for my own pleasure.

PRAYER
Lord, teach me and develop in me your characteristics. I want to represent who you are. Forgive me for having anger, envy, hate, foolishness and disobedient to you. Help me to make the right decisions and live my life so that others will know that you are God.

God's grace

SCRIPTURE
Isaiah 1:18
Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson they shall be like wool.

OBSERVATION
When I read about the state of Jerusalem and Judah, the nature of a man is so clear and really the picture seems so hopeless. Rebellion,corruption,turned their backs, evil deeds,sick,meaningless offerings.But then....the miracle! Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be as white as snow; though they be red as crimson, they shall be like wool.

APPLICATION
Restored by grace! God's restoration is complete,perfect,wonderful and good!

PRAYER
Father, thank you for being moved by your grace to work in my life! Help me to do right, to encourage the oppressed and grow a willing and obedient heart in me.

Hidden Potential by Donna Howard

SCRIPTURE
1Tim. 1:12 ¶ I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service,
1Tim. 1:13 even though I was formerly a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent aggressor. Yet I was shown mercy because I acted ignorantly in unbelief;
1Tim. 1:14 and the grace of our Lord was more than abundant, with the faith and love which are found in Christ Jesus.

OBSERVATION
When God called Paul into ministry, Paul had not yet been faithful or obedient to God’s directives. Acts chapter 9 makes that very clear. The Lord, however, saw potential in Paul and on the basis of that vision He anointed and released him into the ministry. God is like a great coach who sees hidden potential
and recognizes what many of us miss.

APPLICATION
Every person has hidden potential and God sees it. You may not recognize it but it’s there anyway. His desire to involve you and me in His work is not based upon what we have done or haven’t done. It is based on his vision of us. You may not feel qualified or ready to be what He has called you to be but He is ready to use you and He’s ready to begin today. I am going to step out in faith and believe what He says and do what He asks. After all, Father knows best. I hope you do the same. He sees great potential in you.

PRAYER
O God. Thank you for seeing my potential. I want to be faithful to those possibilities that have been placed in me by you. Please help me to live up to the potential you see in me.

Heavenly Minded by Donna Howard

SCRIPTURE
Colossians 4:5 Live wisely among those who are not Christians, and make the most of every opportunity. NLT

OBSERVATION
I am to conduct my life with a heavenly mindset. That means I do not live for myself, I live to show Jesus to a lost and dying world. Making sure that I interject Jesus into every situation by how I live. “Redeeming the time” is the phrase that the King James Version uses. It gives me a sense of urgency, that time is short.

APPLICATION
I’ve always heard the phrase “They’re so heavenly-minded that they’re no earthly good” and knew I didn’t want to be that way. However, I have many times become so earthly-minded that I’ve not been much heavenly good. The key for me is balance. I must show those who don’t know Jesus a love and joy they’ve not experienced before while always looking for a way to reveal the gift of salvation.

PRAYER
Lord, I need boldness and courage to seize every opportunity You bring my way to introduce the lost to your gracious and costly gift of forgiveness of sins. Speak through me to plant seeds of hope in hearts, to water seeds that others have planted or to have the privilege to harvest souls into Your Kingdom.

My Citizenship Is Heaven

SCRIPTURE
But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly
await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.
Philippians 3:20


OBSERVATION
Our citizenship is in heaven! Citizenship is a powerful
word, it means membership of a community. As I
live and function in this world on a day to day basis I
must remember my citizenship is in heaven. I am
a member of the community of heaven and one day
that's where I will live for eternity.


APPLICATION
I must pray for the things going on in this world,
but I don't have to get all caught up in it. I must
keep my perspective of my citizenship in heaven
as I eagerly wait for the coming of my Savior:)


PRAYER
Father, thank You that You have prepared a home
for me for eternity. Cause my mind to be at peace as
I walk through this world knowing my citizenship
is there. I do eagerly await Your returning when
every knee will bow and every tongue will confess
that You are Lord! In Jesus name, Amen

Attitude A Little Thing That Makes A Big Difference

SCRIPTURE
Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:5


OBSERVATION
WOW, talk about an attitude adjustment this verse will give it to you.
This verse gives me direction for my attitude and the arrow leads
me to Jesus. I'm saddened to admit my attitude is far from what
Jesus' would be on a daily basis. I have some work to do!
The good news is through Christ there is hope for me.
Jesus himself tells us in Matthew 19:26 ". . . but with God all things
are possible."

Even with the cross before him Jesus would pray to the Father saying
"Father, everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet
not what I will, but what you will." Mark 14:36. Jesus always did
the will of God even unto death. His mind was always on the heavenly
realm not the earthly realm. Doing God's will always took first place.

My attitude seems like such a little thing, but it's amazing how it not
only affects me, but others as well. I remember catching myself
complaining (in excess) and it was like a runaway snowball that just
kept getting bigger and was moving into a full-blown avalanche! The
Holy Spirit did something in me that day and began to remind me
how blessed I was. I began thanking the Lord out loud for his
goodness, my salvation, my health, my family, the birds singing
in the tree and on and on. That gave me quite the attitude adjustment!


APPLICATION
I will adjust my attitude! It's something I control! I will do that
through worship, prayer, and reading God's Word. Psalm 37:5
says, "Commit your ways to the Lord;" One of the biggest ways
my life is directed is through my attitude. Jesus' attitude was
to do the will of His Father. Each day I will adjust my attitude to
do the same.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, give me an attitude overhaul. Work in me
that I may have the right attitude in every situation and
conversation. Thank you Lord that you give my your
Holy spirit to work in me your Holy attitude adjustment.
In Jesus name, Amen

It's Not About Me

SCRIPTURE
Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner
worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philippians 1:27


OBSERVATION
Before reading chapter one I read the introduction
to the book of Philippians and found it to be most
interesting. It states that while the book has only four
chapters Paul uses the words "joy" and "rejoice" fourteen
times. Paul is writing to the church while he himself
is in prison. Here's a man in jail for his faith and he
continues preaching the gospel to anybody and
everybody.

For me the words "whatever happens" jumps out. I am
to exalt the Lord and share the gospel no matter what is
happening in my life. It doesn't have to be a day with
perfect weather where everything's going right, I'm
exactly where I want to be, doing exactly what I want to
be doing. NO! It's not about me. Even in a day where
everything is going wrong I'm still called to conduct
myself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.
That tells me I have something others need it's Jesus!


APPLICATION
I will remember that my ups and downs of life do not determine
if I share the gospel with someone today. I cannot be ruled by
emotions and feelings that change with the passing of minutes
in a day's time. I must remember that this hurting world needs
the love of the Lord and they need it today. My great days or bad
days do not determine that fact.

PRAYER
Lord help me to walk in a manner that reflects the love and caring
of Christ, NO matter what's going on in my day. Give me that gentle
reminder. It's not about ME, it's all about YOU and YOUR kingdom.
May I be a woman who is not lead by her feelings and emotions, but
may I be a woman who is lead and walks by Your Holy Spirit.
In Jesus name, AMEN

Get That Armor On!

SCRIPTURE
Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand
against the devil's schemes. Ephesians 6:11



OBSERVATION
I love to read about the armor of God. I can just picture in my mind a solider
dressing for battle putting each piece on. The helmet of salvation, the breastplate
of righteousness, the belt of truth, feet fitted with the gospel of peace, the shield of faith,
and the sword, which is the Word of God. Even though this is spiritual armor I can
picture it in the physical realm. This scripture tells us to PUT on the FULL armor. We
must put the armor on, it doesn't just jump on us. A soldier doesn't go out to battle and
leave his armor in the closet. We must put on every piece, the FULL armor. Than means
each piece is important for the fight. The scripture tells us we CAN stand against the devil's
schemes. We cannot be passive when it comes to our enemy, we must stand and fight!


APPLICATION
I need to put on my armor every day. I'm saved, I know the Lord, my helmet is secure. My breastplate is doing what's right, not just knowing what's right, but doing it. That protects my heart and keeps me from sin. Speaking the truth and taking God's peace as I walk on a daily basis. Believing God can and will do what his word tells us. My shield of faith will extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. My sword which is the Word of God in my hand. I don't walk around with something in my hand if I'm not going to use it. This means I read God's Word, quoting scripture sends the devil running. Jesus is our example. He quoted scripture to the devil each time he tried to tempt Him in the wilderness. I will stand and use my armor!

PRAYER
Lord, I thank you that you have provided a complete outfit of armor for me to use against
the devil. Help me Lord to be wise and put it on each day using each piece to its full
measure. In Jesus name, Amen:)

Warning Watch Out!

SCRIPTURE
Be very careful, then, how you live not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Ephesians 5:15-17


OBSERVATION
In the first part of this scripture there is a warning to not just be careful, but it says, "be VERY
careful how we live". That let's me know I must WATCH OUT! It also says "because the days are evil". When evil is all around truth can be relative. Whose truth? The line between right and wrong seems to get crossed a lot when evil surrounds us. God's truth always remains the same. He tells us in Hebrews 13:8, Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Jesus taught in Matthew 7:24 about a wise man and a foolish man. He used the comparison of the wise man building his house on a rock, a firm foundation while the foolish man built his house on sand. When the rain came, the house built on the rock stood firm while the house on the sand fell with a great crash. Jesus tells us in this story if we put his words into practice then we are like the wise man, but if we do not then we are like the foolish man.


APPLICATION
I must be on a consistent path of praying and reading God's word so I will understand what God's will is for my life. I love this childrens song that says, "I like the Bible cause I read it and I do it"! This little song reminds me that I can know God's word, but not put it into practice. I must be a doer of the word not just a reader of it. To take advantage of every opportunity using God's wisdom to live my life.

PRAYER
Lord, Help me to be wise in how I live my life, placing it on a firm foundation, YOU! Help me to live by the truth of your Word that I may be a doer of your Word and not just a reader.
In Jesus name, AMEN:)

Watch Those Words

SCRIPTURE
Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.


OBSERVATION
This scripture reminds me to think before I speak, and again, think before I speak. There have been countless times where I allowed words to come out of my mouth and then think to myself right away, I wish I didn't say that, but it's too late they are already out there.  Of course that warning thought always seems to come to me after and not before I speak.  Our words are very powerful indeed.  They are able to build up or tear down.  I remember hearing that wise saying many times, " you have one mouth and two ears so listen more than you speak". I have seen the power of words in the look on others' faces as they receive life changing words spoken into their lives.  The huge smile and even the tears.


APPLICATION
I will apply God's truth to my life and obey His word.  Think BEFORE I speak.  Will these words build up, help, or even benefit the listener?  If not I should not speak.  We all know at times we must share things with others that they would probably really rather not hear, but the truth spoken in love is the best policy.  I will guard my lips and remember they are small yet very powerful.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father,

Give me wisdom and discernment in my choice of words.  Help me, Lord, to think and reflect on this scripture before I speak that I may bring glory to your name.

In Jesus' name,

Amen & Amen

The Tongue

SCRIPTURE
Proverbs 15:1-2, 4, 7, 28 (1) A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. (2) The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool gushes folly. (4) The tongue that brings healing is a tree of life, but a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit. (7) The lips of the wise spread knowledge; not so the hearts of fools. (28) The heart of the righteous weighs its answers, but the mouth of the wicked gushes evil.


OBSERVATION
Wow! In just this one chapter of Proverbs are all of these cautionary words about how we use our tongue. And, of course, this same topic is covered in so many other places in the Bible. Is it any wonder? It must mean that it's a topic we need to hear from God about over and over and over again, until it sinks in. Or does it ever? I love to read the verses that address what I need to work on in my life because they are good reminders and keep me on track.


APPLICATION
Okay, Sylvia, here's another verse for you to put on a 3X5 card (I'm going to run out of room for all of these cards). A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Check your words before they leave your lips. Do they build up or tear down? Do they encourage or discourage? Are they words God would use or are they of man? We can do more damage with what we say than in any other fashion. Likewise, we can certainly build people up and encourage and love.

PRAYER
Lord, I choose love. Please keep Your words on my lips. Remind me, Holy Spirit, to think before I speak. Amen.

How to Be Saved

SCRIPTURE
Romans 10:9-10 That if you confess with you mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.


OBSERVATION
Sometimes we make salvation a complicated thing particularly when we are explaining it to the unsaved or to children. As I read Romans 10:9-10 I thought, "How simple is this?" Confess and believe. I love the last sentence - with our heart we believe and with our mouth we confess and are saved. I've added so many other sentences to these simple truths even when leading someone in a salvation prayer.


APPLICATION
I want to make salvation as simple as possible for any who desire to KNOW the Lord. I'm going to memorize these two scriptures and keep them in the back of my mind so that I don't make it too complicated for anyone.

PRAYER
Thank you Lord for your word and for the opportunity to learn more and more each time we delve in. I pray you will continue to give me opportunities to share the simple truths of You with others. Amen.

Do Not Swerve

SCRIPTURE
Proverbs 4: 24-27 Put away perversity from your mouth; keep corrupt talk far from your lips. Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm. Do not swerve to the right or to the left; keep your foot from evil.


OBSERVATION
There are several places in the Bible that are so direct about how to live life or how not to live life. They are like a 'how to' for life. Proverbs is one such place. I read these verses not only for myself, but to refer to in teaching my children. God gives specifics in these verses about how we are to talk, where we are to look, where we are to walk. He has a specific path for us. It is a path that leads to a prosperous, fulfilling life. He wants the best for us. If we stay on that path and do not swerve to the right or the left, we will benefit greatly and have more of what God wants for us in this life. I love how this chapter ends - 'keep your foot from evil'.


APPLICATION
I need to remember that God watches and hears my every action and word. That when I swerve to the left or right of his righteousness, I am stumbling along. It is not what God wants. I need to guard my words, my eyes, my ears and my steps very closely. I want what God wants.

PRAYER
Lord, keep me on Your path for my life. Help me to think before I speak or act. Help me to find opportune moments to pass this wisdom on to my loves ones. Amen.

Who Will Rescue Me?

SCRIPTURE
Romans 7:21-25 So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God-through Jesus Christ our Lord!


OBSERVATION
I love these verses! They describe so clearly the war within each of us. The war between flesh and spirit. I can relate to the part that says "when I want to do good, evil is right there with me". But interestingly, it goes on to describe the war of our minds, making us prisoners of sin within our body. The daily battle between good and evil; between our old self and the new self, redeemed by the blood of our Saviour.

The end of this section then appropriately, and in exasperation, screams out "what a wretched man I am (or woman, in my case)! Who will rescue me from this body of death? And, of course, it is our Superhero, Jesus. And I also love that the scripture ends with "thanks be to God".

This is the most human of all segments of the Bible to me; the one we can all relate to on a daily basis.


APPLICATION
So what do I do with this? What's the key here? Awareness. The spiritual battle going on for my very soul and spirit is a very real one. One one side, Satan and my fleshly, sinful self. On the other - the victorious side - JESUS. We know who wins in the end. But, daily I must fight on Jesus' side - the side of righteousness and holiness. I must strive to be more like Jesus each day, reaching for perfection even when I know I can never be.



PRAYER
Father in heaven, help me to be alert and ready each and every day to fight the good fight - not only for myself but for others as well. Thanks be to God - for Jesus! Amen.

YOU CAN'T WORK ENOUGH OVERTIME!

SCRIPTURE
(Romans 4:4-5) "Now to the one who works, his wage is not reckoned as a fovor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness."


OBSERVATION
There is an ever present negative belief that has been passed down most likely due to our human nature. The only way God can be pleased with me is if I do lot's of good things to work off the penalty for my sins. Paul addresses the Roman church on this false belief. No amount of work will justify you before God, only belief in Jesus Christ.

APPLICATION
There is nothing wrong with doing good things and serving God in ministry outreaches. Romans 12 says this is spiritual worship. But if your motivation is to gain favor with God your actions are an exercise in futility. You can't work enough overtime to impress God.

PRAYER
Lord, I can only walk and serve in the cleansing, justifying work of Your Son Jesus Christ. Let my service to You be from a pure heart and a desire to worship.

SO WHAT GOOD IS A GODLY HERITAGE?

SCRIPTURE
(Romans 3:1-2) "Then what advantage has the Jew? Or what is the benefit of circumcision? Great in every respect. First of all, that they were entrusted with the oracles of God."


OBSERVATION
Paul spent most of his missionary journeys telling people that being a jew or living by the law is not what gains you entrance into heaven. It is the blood of Jesus. So what good is it to be one of the chosen people through the promises to Abraham? They were entrusted with the law which Jesus came to fulfill. Without their faithfulness and sacrifice, none of us would have the relationship with God that we do.


APPLICATION
Hebrews 12:1 says we have a cloud of witnesses that have gone before us. To be a bearer of the truth is to be a part of the collective family of God throughout the ages. Your part enables future generations of converts access to the kingdom of God. What an awesome opportunity you have because of your heritage.


PRAYER
Lord, give me eyes to see Your eternal perspective and not my immediate limited view.

ONE FINGTER FORWARD, THREE POINTING BACK!

SCRIPTURE
(Romans 2:3) "And do you suppose this, O man, when you pass judgement upon those who practice such things and do the same yourself, that you will escape the judgement of God?"

OBSERVATION
In this discourse Paul is pointing out principles for righteous living. He warns how easy it is to become self-righteous and judge others for the wrong that they do without accounting for our own indiscretions. God says if we remain stubborn or unrepentant for our actions, He is storing up wrath for us in the day of judgement.


APPLICATION
Do not take lightly the instructions of Paul in this letter. Many will try to contextualize the meaning of these words and compromise their application as irrelevant for contemporary society. This is a dangerous practise that will have eternal consequences. There is nothing that is hidden from God. Be careful with pointing a judemental finger at someone else, there are three pointing back at you.

PRAYER
Lord, I don't want to be judgemental in my assessments of situations, but I do want discernment to give corrective instructions in regards to sinful behaviors. Give me Your thoughts and Your heart as I face each daily challenge.

OPEN YOUR MOUTH AND SAY AHHHHHH!

SCRIPTURE
(Romans 1:24&25) "Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, that their bodies might be dishonored among them. For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever."


OBSERVATION
The letter to the Romans is a manual on godly life principles. Paul is saying here that perceived wise men are fools because they have made the creation central over Him. God will give us over to mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual deprevation if we place our hope in anything other than him.


APPLICATION
People often come to my counseling office wanting sympathy for their physical and relational state of being. They also often resent the attempt to correlate their state of being with self-gratification motivations. Many are looking for an empathetic ear to somehow sanctify their sins and make their discomfort go away. If we don't return to the centrality of serving Christ, our health prognosis doesn't look so good. So just as the physical doctor asks you to open your mouth so they can inspect for obvious problems, we may need to open our spiritual mouths and say ahhhhhhh to the great physician for His prognosis.

PRAYER
Lord, I want to maintain godly wisdom and spiritual health by seeking after Your will and worshipping You daily.

WHO'S YOUR FRIEND?

SCRIPTURE
(II Thess. 3:6) "Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep aloof from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us."

OBSERVATION
Paul has been giving the church instructions on how to live a holy life. He commands them to stay away from people who profess to be believers but are leading undisciplined lives. David says in Psalms 101:7, "He who practices deceit shall not dwell within My house; He who speaks falsehood shall not maintain his position before Me." Those whom you associate with will affect your thoughts, behavior and eventual eternity.

APPLICATION
There is a tendency in human nature to adapt to our surroundings to survive. When you closely associate with those who are compromising their faith through their actions, it is not long before you will be the compromiser. A question to ask yourself on your walk of faith is, "who's your friend?"

PRAYER
Lord, I want my ways and those I associate with to exalt Your name and advance Your kingdom.

"YOU HAVE CHOSEN WISELY!"

SCRIPTURE
(I Kings 3:9&10) "So give Thy servant an Understanding heart to judge Thy people to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Thine? And it was pleasing in the sight of the Lord that Solomon had asked this thing."


OBSERVATION
Solomon had what could be considered a blank check, so to speak, from the creator of the universe! He could have anything he asked for. It was pleasing to God that he asked for a discerning heart. The condition or motivation of your heart determines the direction of your actions. Where is your heart taking you today?


APPLICATION
Proverbs 4:23 says, "watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life." Each of us must chose to govern our heart, but God gives wisdom and direction if we ask for it. Great blessings were added to Solomon because he chose wisely. Will every choice you make today give glory and honor to God? It's your choice!

PRAYER
God, I want to be a man of wisdom and integrity. Let the condition of my heart and the meditation of my thoughts always be pleasing in Your sight.