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
Monday, August 31, 2009
Worthy Is The Lamb!
SCRIPTURE
Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels,
APPLICATION
At times my praise and worship is spoken to the Lord in a
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
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,
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!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
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
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
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
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.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Listen for the knock
SCRIPTURE
OBSERVATION
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
APPLICATION
God will listen and will hear ...if I just open up and take in His leading.
PRAYER
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.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Discipline's rewards
SCRIPTURE
OBSERVATION
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
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
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.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
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
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
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
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
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Words vs. Actions
SCRIPTURE
OBSERVATION
APPLICATION
PRAYER
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.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Focus on His Goodness
SCRIPTURE
OBSERVATION
APPLICATION
PRAYER
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
Monday, August 24, 2009
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.
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.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, August 14, 2009
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.
(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.
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