FELLOWSHIP

Journal Entry by Geoff Allen

S – Hebrews 10: 24-25 (NLT)
24 Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. 25 And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.  


O – Observation
I can remember when I first asked Jesus into my life. I was serving in the NSW Police as a Detective.  At the age of 32, only a matter of weeks after making this decision I found myself in coronary care. I was in and out of coronary care for two years. During that time we had to sell our car, walk everywhere scrape together enough to pay the bills that just kept coming from specialists, etc hoping for enough to live on, I had no idea on my future or even if I had one.. Somehow people knew us enough because we knew them through small groups and church and every now and then a meal, box of fruit and vegetables and even a packets of meat were dropped off at times always at our point of need. 


A – Application  
If I hadn’t been in fellowship and let people into my life, I wonder what would have happened?  Sometimes when we are facing things that have impacted very deeply in our lives it can be an option not to be in fellowship, not to come to church. Over the years from my experience I have found that the opposite to be true.  I need to be obedient in my faith as the above scripture encourages, many times it’s given me so much strength to face another day and so often just by turning up I have been privileged to be in God’s plan for someone else, to encourage or even rescue.  It's amazing what happens when we go to church or a meeting looking to be the hand of Jesus to someone in need.

P – Prayer
Lord thank you for all the people you have put into my life, who at times have rescued me or I have been able to encourage.  Help me to be faithful and obedient to your word even in difficult times.
 

UPSY DOWN TOWN

Journal Entry by Brenda Jones

S – Proverbs 25:21-22 (MSG)
If you see your enemy hungry, go buy him lunch; if he’s thirsty, bring him a drink.  Your generosity will surprise him with goodness, and God will look after you.

O – Observation
Contrary to how our reactions rise and see us respond to situations when we are faced with those we feel threatened by or offended with, here the writer of the Proverb reminds us that when we see our enemies in need, we are to respond with kindness and to meet those needs in practical ways.


A – Application  
As an early childhood teacher, I have a repertoire of children’s actions songs in my toolkit.  One of my favourites though is a song called ‘Upsy Down Town’.  It’s a fun song that always gets a laugh from the children, as the sky is in the sea, you’ll find cows in trees, rain falls up instead of down, and as you eat the chocolate cake, it just keeps getting bigger instead of smaller!!  No wonder it sounds like fun to the children, because everything happens in a way that is the opposite to the world they know!

As I read this Proverb I was reminded of Upsy Down Town, and the fact that the things of God’s Kingdom don’t work in the ways of this world.  God’s way of handling the difficult situations we face in life, is counter-intuitive, and requires a deliberate choice to face those ‘enemies’ in our life with kindness.  We all face enemies that might not just be the people we come across in life, but with Jesus as our helper, we can face whatever comes our way and see things with His eyes of compassion, allowing us to see the truth in others worlds and working to respond with generosity..

P – Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, Thank you that I can come to you and ask you to forgive me for the times that I have responded as per the ways of this world.  I’m a definitely work in progress, but  I’m so grateful that You don’t condemn or place shame on me for the times I mess up, but that You do just as You remind me to do here.  You look on me with kindness and compassion, and respond with such lavish generosity.  Your grace is amazing.  Give me eyes to see this world, but especially the enemies I face, as You do.  Amen

DO YOU BELIEVE IT?

Journal Entry by Bec Tobar

S – Psalm 119:68 (ESV)
You are good and do good; Teach me your statutes.

O – Observation
The Psalmist declared that not only was God good, his nature and very essence good. 
But He DOES good.
The goodness of God is not a hidden sentiment or an inactive element of his character.
God’s goodness finds expression in his acts.
With confidence to a loving and good God, the psalmist would pray, “teach me your statutes”.


A – Application  
When the storms of life hit, being anchored into the foundational truth that “God is good” keeps us steady and sure.
Not only IS He good, He is actively working in ALL things in the lives of those who love Him, to bring about His goodness (Romans 8:28).
Choosing to anchor in truth, and not in our feelings is a CHOICE.
I’m sure that’s why the psalmist cried out for God to teach him His ways.
Sometimes the way God works, isn’t easy for us to see and understand.
But He sees the complete picture.
So we ask Him to teach us..

P – Prayer
Father, just as the Psalmist cried out to you, we call out to you today.
Teach us your ways, for YOU are Good and YOU do good.

SUSTENANCE

Journal Entry by Warren Mortomore

S – Jeremiah 15:16 (NLT)
“Your words are what sustain me. They bring me great joy and are my heart’s delight, for I bear Your Name, O Lord God Almighty.”

O – Observation
In the middle of persecution and suffering from accusing words spoken against him, Jeremiah gives us the source of his sustenance. It wasn’t food or water (both we need to survive) but Gods words to him, words spoken in season through what was happening around him and what he was facing. 

A – Application  
I need every day to read and hear what He wants to speak to me from His word. I cannot make it through a day in my own strength and wisdom. Jeremiah reminds me that God’s daily words to me in the season I am in bring great joy, (not a fleeting moment but a state of mind and being) and delight, which is not found in things, but in a person – Jesus Christ. I then put what I read and what He speaks to me into action – there is joy found in obedience.

P – Prayer
Lord Jesus, You are my strength, my salvation, my all sufficiency, my sustenance and my song. I cannot survive a single moment without You. Speak to me, I am waiting, I am listening for Your words of life.

LIVING EXAMPLES

Journal Entry by Trina Bossard

S – Philippians‬ ‭3:17‬ ‭(AMPC)
“Brethren, together follow my example and observe those who live after the pattern we have set for you.”

O – Observation
Paul is talking to his readers here to encourage them to be an example of what it means to Live for Christ and take up your cross. He is urging them that anything else is “rubbish” (v8) that they are pursuing when compared to living and chasing after all that God has for them. He doesn’t say it arrogantly as he reminds them of his own imperfections (v12), but rather provides the example of what it looks like and asks them to do the same for others. 

A – Application  
Firstly, how important it is for us to be around like minded people, running the same race in order to encourage and sharpen one another (Prov 27:17). Secondly, we need to have this always in the back of minds in everyday life. The choices we make, the words we speak, the actions we take….how do these reflect my walk with Christ? Will this represent Him well? Whether we like it or not, or even are aware of it, we have people following us and learning from all of us…despite whether you have a “title” or not. Will your life urge others to want to know Jesus and fall in love with Him too? 

P – Prayer
God, will you remind us that our actions and the way we live are bigger than ourselves. That everything in this world is temporal, and nothing else matters except living for YOU. Will you draw people along side those who long to know you more and can provide  examples of what it means to live for You.

LIVE AS LIGHT!

Journal Entry by Beck Schofield

S – Ephesians 5:8; 13 (NIV)Verse 8
" For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of the light and find out what pleases the Lord."

Verse 13
"But everything exposed by the light becomes visible - and everything that is illuminated becomes a light." 

O – Observation
Light is powerful. It brings clarity, illuminates areas that are dark and with that comes a sense of security. I love that in Genesis God commanded light to appear, defining the difference between darkness. It is hard to fathom that moment that God speaks and light becomes a reality! There is also a sense of freedom that comes with light - nothing can hide from it!  These verses act to encourage  living a truthful, accountable life, one that searches earnestly for what pleases God.

A – Application  
Being 'light' can be uncomfortable and put me in a vulnerable position. It can appear easier to hide when I am hurt, depressed or offended, but verse 13 reminds us that everything exposed to the light is visible. What a sobering thought. Even if it is not immediately visible, eventually it will be exposed. Am I living a life that not only pleases God, but that is honest and leading others to following Jesus too? What things in my life do I need to ask Him to examine, ask for forgiveness or be accountable for, in order to live authentically? These verses remind me that although circumstances can at times be 'dark', I need to be willing to live as light, not only for myself but for the benefit of others.

P – Prayer
Jesus, thank you for this reminder that we are light in you. I am so glad that I don't need to rely on myself to be light, but it is when I follow you that I can be light. When I am tempted to run and hide, please remind me that everything will come into the light - help me to have the courage to live in a way that pleases you.

FALL FROM GRACE

Journal Entry by Paul Davila

S – Scripture Galatians 5:1 (MEV)“
For freedom Christ freed us. Stand fast therefore and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage.”

O – Observation
Paul in these chapters writes some strong words to the Galatian church. He commends them on their faith and how well they have started on their Christian journey but also challenges them about how they have slipped back to old habits, old ways, old traditions and a desire to be justified by works of the Law instead of by faith alone in Jesus Christ. 

He says to them in verse 4 “You have been cut off from Christ, whoever of you are justified by law; you have fallen from grace.”

A – Application  
This expression “fallen from grace” is often used in everyday life. Wikipedia describes it as: “To fall from grace is an idiom referring to a loss of status, respect, or prestige.” It’s an expression that none of us would like to hear about ourselves in any aspect of life. Yet what Paul is saying is far more significant than the loss of status, reputation, prominence, importance etc. 

If we as Christians have “fallen from grace”, we have stopped relying on the One who came to free us and save us from our sins. We have gone backwards and are somehow trying to justify ourselves by some other means. 

So we are encouraged to keep looking to Jesus who not only came to free us once and for all when he died on the cross and was resurrected, but to daily walk in that freedom. There’s the challenge. To walk every day as a free man/woman only by the grace He has given..

P – Prayer
Lord Jesus thank you that you came to bring us freedom. Freedom from sin, from sickness, from unhealthy traditions, from fruitless thoughts and ideas, from anything that would cause us to be bound. Help me today to walk in that freedom that you gained for me. Help my heart not to look to or for anything else. I ask in Jesus name. 

HIS SUFFICIENT GRACE

Journal Entry by Tony Gebran

S – Scripture 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NLT)
Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

O – Observation
Jesus speaks here to Paul telling him that his Grace is sufficient to overcome things that he is facing on a daily basis. That Gods power can work through his life when he is faced with life’s challenges. Paul draws courage and strength out of a relationship that doesn’t boast about how to do it your own way, but allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through the situations we face.

A – Application  
This challenges me and my natural way of thinking, when faced with daily challenges I would rather reason, asses, diagnose and then want to resolve the problem. I think I need to pause a bit  (selah) allow God to speak into each and every situation I face, drop my way of reasoning and thinking and as Paul puts it - take pleasure in my weaknesses, “for when I am weak then I am strong” I am then assured that His power works best in my weakness.

P – Prayer
Lord may I be challenged in the way I think about things and how I react to certain situations. I pray that you give me the “Mind of Christ”.  I pray that I allow the Holy Spirit to speak into the decisions I face each and every day, your Grace is truly all I need, Grace in my marriage, my family, my home and my business. I ask this in Jesus name Amen.

GIVING

Journal Entry by Geoff Allen

S – Scripture 2 Corinthians 8:2-4 (NLT)
They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor, but they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity.  For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more.  And they did it of their own free will.  They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. 
 

O – Observation
I prepared for this journal entry by looking at the dates around today and reading through them, waiting on some sort of revelation, surely something other than giving would appear .. but everywhere I looked whether it was Psalms, Proverbs, New or Old Testament I found myself reading about giving and the heart behind it.  It restored families, brought blessings on Kings, kingdoms, and all manner of people no matter their station in life.  Interesting that Paul says their first action was to give themselves to the Lord.  

David Guzik in his commentary said  “Once you see the matter of giving is centred in this lovely word grace, it lifts the whole act away from mechanics, from pressure and duty, from obligation and mere legalism.   It lifts us up into the most lovely atmosphere of an activity which seeks by giving to convey to others all that is lovely, all that is beautiful, all that is good, and all that is glorious.” 

A – Application  
Mother Teresa said, “It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” All I know is that over and above my usual giving I find that God leads me down tracks to help certain people and I know when I do this and am obedient, everything seems to come together. The giving makes a difference in the life of the individual, family or some other circumstance and I walk away filled with the joy and exhilaration of being in on Gods Plan and knowing that I made a difference. It doesn’t mean that I am always at these times flush with the funds sometimes it’s a struggle but oh so rewarding and I think I’m richer for the experience.

P – Prayer
Father, I pray that I continually hear your voice and direction for my life. Help me to be wise in the stewardship of what you have given me. Help me be a generous person overflowing with your grace.

DON'T GIVE UP!

Journal Entry by Warren Mortomore

S – Scripture 2 Corinthians 4:9b (NLT)
‘We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going.’

O – Observation
The Common English Bible says – We are knocked down, but we aren’t knocked out’
There are many times where we are discouraged and tempted to give up – give in. Apostle Paul says we are tempted to lose heart, we get knocked down, but his encouragement to us is to get back up, and keep going forward. – You may be down but with Jesus you are not out.

A – Application  
How do we do that? Paul goes on to say that we have a treasure – light within us – who is Jesus Christ. Our faith is in Him, He renews us inwardly, and we experience his strength and sustaining power. We don’t ignore our present hardships and problems, but we don’t keep looking or gazing at them, we keep looking ahead by faith to our future inheritance and home. We never lose sight that we are eternal beings, created for eternity with God.

P – Prayer
Lord I pray today for those who are feel knocked down, finding it hard to get back up. I pray for their faith to be strengthened, their hearts to be encouraged, their spirits refreshed and renewed, their hope restored. We may be knocked down, but we aren’t knocked out. Thank you Jesus that you have given us eternal life, so we keep our eyes on You!

IF GOD HEARS THE PRAYERS OF AN EVIL KING, WILL HE NOT HEAR YOUR PRAYERS?

Journal Entry by Warren Mortomore

S – Scripture 2 Chronicles 33:12-13 (NLT)
"But while in deep distress, Manasseh sought the Lord his God and cried out humbly to the God of his ancestors. And when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request for help. So the Lord let Manasseh return to Jerusalem and to his kingdom. Manasseh had finally realized that the Lord alone is God!”

O – Observation
Manasseh was an evil King, (v2-5,7-9) he did so much evil that he aroused God’s anger.(v6) Even when the Lord spoke he refused to listen, he turned his people form listening  and he ignored all of God’s warnings.(10)  But then he came to his senses, whilst in captivity and deep distress, he cried out to the Lord – notice what happened – when he prayed, the Lord listened to him and was moved by his request for help. 
What? No way is what I would be thinking.

But here’s the point – If God hears and answers the prayers of an evil King, will He not much more hear and answer your prayers, the prayers of His children?

A – Application  
One of my favourite songs to sing along to when I hear it, is Armand Van Helden's "You don't At every stage of my life, in every stage of my day, God is waiting for me to call out to Him, to come to Him, not to hold back. He waits to hear my prayer, and be moved by my requests for help.  What a God, What a Father!

P – Prayer
Lord, we come to you, we pray to you, not on the basis that we are not as evil as Manasseh, but on the basis that Jesus has made a way for us to boldly come before you, to obtain mercy and to find grace to help us in time (our time) of need.

OUR DIVERSE GOD

Journal Entry by Brenda Jones

S – Scripture 1 Corinthians‬ ‭12:4-6‬ ‭(NLT)
"There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us.”

O – Observation
God is clearly a fan of diversity. And the purpose of diversity was to bring strength, creativity, scope and impact to the body of Christ. While He is unchanging, & is at work in all of us. He doesn't move in each of us in the same way. But as He uniquely moves in each of us, He draws us together for a common purpose.

A – Application  
One of my favourite songs to sing along to when I hear it, is Armand Van Helden's "You don't know me".  The lyric opens like this. "You don't really know me, you say that I'm not living right, you don't understand me, so why do you judge my life?" I remember the 1st time I heard this song, & feeling it was like an anthem to a life where I never felt like I quite fit in. And while it's not a godly song at all, it still holds a place because I still can resonate with it, not just in how others see me, but in how I perceive the judgement of others & my own acceptance of the ways God has created me to be. 
But I loved this reminder from 1 Corinthians 12 that even now as a follower of Jesus, I haven't been created or am being transformed by a one size fits all cookie cutter God. Rather He does things in me in a way that is unique to others. Who He created me to be is not the same as others around me.  But at the heart of who I am is the same Jesus, the same Spirit and the same God as is in all my Christian family and friends. We might have different ways of being & doing, but if He's at the centre we are all part of His big puzzle & have a unique fit in the overall scheme of things.

P – Prayer
Father God, when I think of the creativity and breadth of diversity in Your creation I can't help but feel overwhelmed and in awe of just how amazing You are. But I love the reminder that in the diversity of creation, You are always so intentional in Your purposes, and have the overall picture of how all the pieces fit together. Lord, help me first to not be so judgemental of the ways of others. Let me see them by their strengths & unique purpose as You have created them, & to find ways to encourage, even when what I see is so distinct and foreign to me. And Jesus come along and continue to work in me, to set me free from the impacts the judgments of others have on me. As I draw near to You, show me Your design and purpose for my life, so I can stand in assurance that I am on the path You have called me to, & that the judgements of others don't toss me to & fro. Amen

LET THE REDEEMED OF THE LORD – SAY SO!

Journal Entry by Lester Salanoa

S – Scripture Psalm 107:1-2 NIV
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story – those he redeemed from the hand of the foe.

O – Observation
What a great reminder! I love that unlike our feelings which are constantly up, down and everything in between, the one constant we can be assured with – God is good and his love endures forever!

A – Application  
VS 2 “Let the redeemed tell their story” – is somewhat of a Life Verse that I carry with me throughout my Life, that because God has been SO  good to me even when at times I wasn’t, God still remains faithful – regardless if I fail or not, Good or Bad seasons,  his love endures!
I am compelled by the love of Jesus (2Cor 13:14) to share with as many people about the cross and the grace that is available to ALL!
What’s funny is, even by a simple act of showing kindness, helping out, lending a hand, serving food, giving of time, listening to someone share their feelings etc – Gods love in ACTION.
Everyone can play a part in their own way – That’s the beauty of it!

P – Prayer
Father, I thank you for all that I have, as without you I have nothing. May you equip us all with the confidence and boldness to share of your love and goodness. Thank you for our your Grace, Mercy and Love. Amen.

WAKE UP

Journal Entry by Sara Gebran

S – Scripture: Romans 13:11 (NLT)
“This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed.”

O – Observation
When I read this verse I’m reminded that time is running out I’m closer today than I was yesterday in my journey home... its easy to get caught up in the rushing of life...forgetting the things that are important. 

A – Application  
I need to remind myself daily that I’m on my way home.. (heaven bound) I’m passing through, I need to get on with the task that the Lord has for me cause there is no time to waste! I need to listen to His voice and do what he has asked of me without trying to work out the whole picture, after all he has everything under his control...I'm to remind myself to wake up!!! And look up!!..

P – Prayer
Lord please help me to be alert and awake and I ask you to keep me on track and on the path you have for me.. I pray that I would be a faithful servant and do what is pleasing in your sight. Help me not get distracted with other things that are around me in your precious name Jesus. Amen.

PRAYING IN THE SPIRIT

Journal Entry by Liz Davila

S – Scripture: Rom 8: 26 – 38 (NLT) 
And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words… for God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son..he gave them his glory..nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

O – Observation
Wow! I am so humbled when I read this. I often don’t know how to pray, or where to start, Lord, what do I pray for? Isn’t it saying this is good attitude before the father, and that is the best way to think, because then I will pray in the spirit. Actually, we only truly start praying when we have emptied our minds with all of our cares and concerns and immediate needs and thanks and finished our words and then allow the Holy Spirit in us to lead us in prayer and teach us to pray and give him a voice in us, the pause, the silence is when we start to pray and hear how the Spirit wants us to pray. What an honour to pray in tune with God’s heart and spirit. I have done nothing to deserve this glory, this love, this adoption to be called God’s sons and daughters with Jesus, our brother. God does not promise us an easy road here on earth, he is making us like his son, Jesus, that’s his aim for us, we must share in his sufferings to become like him, and know God’s love for us. But more than that, to know relationship, dependence and interdependence (teamwork) with himself and the Holy Spirit, as Jesus did. 
Could God the Father love me like he loves his son Jesus? He is giving us his glory to shine through us to the world and show them his son Jesus in us..
 

A – Application  
How can I practise praying in the Spirit more? How would my day look if I prayed in the spirit at work, before work, and at home in different circumstances to be led by Holy Spirit and shine Jesus and be more like Jesus in my circle and world. How can I be more like Jesus where I live?

P – Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, please lead us in prayer, not just to pray for our individual worlds and needs but also to pray allowing your Spirit to lead us beyond ourselves and cares. May you work in us to be more like Jesus, that we may know him more, and that your light and love may shine and minister to those who surround us. May we bring glory and honour to your name as we walk knowing we are so loved by you our Creator and Father through your son, Jesus, our Saviour.

TEACH ME

Journal Entry by Geoff Allen

S – Scripture: Psalm 86:11‬  (NLT)
S - Teach me your ways, O LORD, that I may live according to your truth!  Grant me purity of heart, so that I may honour you.  


O – Observation
This is my heart, but in my eyes I miss the mark so often.  I am so relieved that David follows this up in verse 15 “But you, O Lord, are a God of compassion and mercy, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness”   He must know me .. 

A – Application  
In Romans 5: 3-4 It talks about our problems and trials that help us develop endurance, which develops strength of character, and that character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.  The longer I live and go through the different circumstances of my life, the more I can reflect on how true this is.  It’s been really hard sometimes to - not give up and not get stuck in the valleys of my life. It’s a decision not to stay there, that I have to make as often as I need to in order to get to the other side.  I find such strength from the revelation I get by reading God’s word, not to mention peace and wisdom, etc.

I can’t speak strongly enough about the need to be daily reading God’s word and reading with an expectancy for God to speak into your life and your circumstances.. 


P – Prayer
Dear heavenly Father create in me a longing for your word, for the openness to allow it to wash over my life.  That you teach me your ways, that I may live according to your truth.  Grant me purity of heart father God so that I may honour you.  

THE MARK OF GOD

Journal Entry by Cristian Tobar

S – Scripture: Romans‬ ‭2:29‬  (NLT)
S - “No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not merely obeying the letter of the law; rather, it is a change of heart produced by the Spirit. And a person with a changed heart seeks praise from God, not from people.”   http://bible.com/116/rom.2.29.nlt

O – Observation
In this passage, Paul is addressing the condition of the heart and making comparison with circumcision. Paul mentions that just because a Jew was circumcised or born of Jewish heritage, didn't mean that was enough. There was meant to be an obedience to God's law and furthermore having a heart that was right with God. We all need to allow a procedure of the heart produced by the spirit. Which comes as we obey the voice of the spirit and by shedding off the unwanted sinful nature. 

A – Application  
This verse teaches me that I need to listen to the Spirit of God and allow Him to work in my life. As I do, He will reveal areas of my life that I need to let go of. God's spirit working in me keeps me looking to Him for acceptance and approval, not from people.

P – Prayer
Father God I present my heart to you that you would mark me as I shed off the sinful nature and draw closer to the image you created me to be.

GOD of the Impossible!

Journal Entry by Warren Mortomore

S – Scripture: 2 Kings 6:4-7 (NLT)
’When they arrived at the Jordan, they began cutting down trees. But as one of them was chopping, his axe head fell into the river. “Ah my Lord!” he cried. “It was a borrowed axe!” “Where did it fall?” the man of God asked. When he showed him the place, Elisha cut a stick and threw in into the water. Then the axe head rose to the surface and floated. “Grab it”, Elisha said to him, and the man reached out and grabbed it.”  

O – Observation
For an axe head to float, for iron to float – it is impossible.  It is a reminder to us that He is the God of the impossible, for what seemed impossible floated to the surface. As it did the man reached out on Elisha’s instruction and grabbed it.

A – Application  
What everyday situations do I face that I am to ask for the God of the impossible for help. I often times face situations in my own strength, my own ability and I don’t ask for his help, and I miss the opportunity of seeing Him work on my behalf. He is the God of the impossible, the God of the dead ends and waits for us to call out to Him for help.  When he does answer, when he does provide, He calls us to reach out and grab ahold of what He is doing and providing.

P – Prayer
Lord you are the God of the Impossible. Help me to see you at work in my everyday situations, but not only see you, but to reach and grab hold of the miracle you are working on my behalf.

HE'S FAITHFUL TO HIS PROMISES

Journal Entry by Grant Schofiled

S – Scripture: Psalm 145:13 (Voice)
Your kingdom will never end; Your rule will endure forever. You are faithful to Your promise, and Your acts are marked with grace. 


O – Observation
This verse reminds us that God's kingdom is everlasting, it endures through all generations. The concept of forever is a hard one to perceive. We also see that all God's promises He makes, He keeps. It seems too good to be true; unfortunately we can allow our minds and hearts to be swayed with distrust, especially when it seems like nothing is going right in our lives.  Because of our natural skepticism, we often think of God in the same manner - too good to be true.

A – Application  
I love that God is always working behind the scenes. He's been faithful in His promises for as long as I can remember. I remember early into my marriage that both my wife and I lost our jobs in the same week. We looked at the bills coming up and we looked at our bank account and it wasn't going to be enough, let alone money for food. I remember kneeling beside my bed that night and said "God your word says that you provide the birds of the air, and that I am more valuable in your eyes, so I'm asking that you will provide for me!" The next day I checked the mail box and inside was an envelope with enough money to not only cover our bills but put food on our table.  If that is not God's faithfulness marked with grace I don't know what is!

P – Prayer
Thank you God that you know me, my needs and my heart. I pray that I never forget the promises you've made and kept in my life. Amen

GOD DELIGHTS IN YOU!

Journal Entry by Warren Mortomore

S - Scripture: 2 Samuel 22:19-20 (NLT)   
’They attacked me at a moment when I was weakest, but the Lord upheld me. He led me to a place of safety; He rescued me because He delights in me.’


O – Observation
David had defeated Goliath, but once again he is at war with the Philistine Giants - Goliath’s brothers, and he is cornered until some of his mighty men come to his help, and together they defeat them and David sang a song of praise to the Lord.

A – Application  
David was quick to give thanks, and to declare who and how great the Lord was. You are my rock, my fortress, my Saviour, my deliverer.  He recounts what happened in his song (Psalm) and how he was overwhelmed and how the Lord came to his rescue, he comes to this amazing statement: - ‘He rescued me because He delights in me’  I don’t know where you are at today or what battle you may be facing – but I would encourage you as I encourage myself, God delights in you – He loves you – He is for you – He is with you, He rescues you, He sent Jesus for you. 
His delight in us is not on the basis of what we have done or how good we have been – His delight in us is because of who we are – His creation – His sons, His daughters.


P – Prayer
Lord thank you - for that reminder today – you rescue me on the basis that you delight in me – thank you for your amazing grace.