THE MARSHMALLOW EFFECT

Journal Entry by Esther Lawson

S –  Luke 6:20-21 (ESV)
20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said:
“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.

O – Observation
Have you heard of the ‘Marshmallow effect?’ It’s a famous study done by a then professor at Stanford University to study delayed gratification. He gave the children in the study a cookie and told them if they could wait to eat it until he came back they would get an extra cookie. However, he gave all of the children something to think about while he was gone. He told some children to think about marshmallows – ‘fluffy white clouds’. This group was the most successful of those he studied. Why? Because the marshmallows were the food that was most different in texture to the cookies than the other things he gave the other groups to ponder.

A – Application
Delayed gratification is not a popular concept in our world. We get what we want instantly – drive thru, constantly updating media, gyms open 24/7. I mean you can pour water on a bag of powder and make ‘mashed potatoes’ (what a joke). We can generally access what we want when we want it. That’s the ‘texture’ of our world and it is beyond easy to lose the God-like ‘texture’ of our lives. The verses above remind me that there is an element of trust to our walk with God. In these verses he asks me to wait. The reward? God. God is our reward. How do we do it? Set your mind on things above, guard your heart and trust that instant is not always best. This is not rocket science. It is a tried and true path. We can all agree real mashed potatoes are worth the effort.

P – Prayer
Thank God that you know what is best for me. I don’t need everything I want. I need what it is you want me to have. Help me to believe it. Help me to be heaven minded – to set my mind on things above. You are my satisfaction, portion, prize and reward. Amen.

RESCUE

Journal Entry by Geoff Allen

S –  Luke 2:11 (The Passion Translation)
For today in Bethlehem a rescuer was born for you.

O – Observation
How great is this, no matter who you are or where you are, no matter what circumstances you are in "a rescuer was born for you” Sometimes I need strength and courage beyond what I think I have, sometimes patience and endurance to see things through; sometimes I need that peace that only He can give.  I know I can keep adding to this list, how about you?   Like most I have two pasts, a life without Christ and a life after accepting Him as my Lord and Saviour at the age of 32. I was astounded as a father, the depth of love that God had for me – that He sent his Son for me knowing that he would die a horrible death in the hope that I would come to know Him.

A – Application
A tradesman looks at the task that he has in front of him and chooses the appropriate tool for the job at hand.  He is often just given situations to fix and repair; to build or rebuild; or even to make safe, because further work needs to be done at a foundational level. I think our father in heaven looks at us and makes similar decisions, but he has given us a free will to accept the tradesman’s help and advice. For me looking back on my life, the one thing I need in my tool belt is a relationship with the living Christ, my Rescuer and Savior. If you are reading this and don’t know Him or need a rescuer, please speak to someone today.

P – Prayer
Dear Lord thank you for sending your son, a rescuer, a saviour for us, may we continually grow in the knowledge of your love for u

BECAUSE YOUR HEARTS WERE HARD…..

Journal Entry by Paul Davila

S – Mark 10: 1-9 (NIV)
“Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them. 2 Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?”
3 “What did Moses command you?” he replied.
4 They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away.”
5 “It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law,” Jesus replied.6 “But at the beginning of creation God ‘made them male and female.’7 ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, 8 and the two will become one flesh.’ So they are no longer two, but one flesh.9 Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

O – Observation
As usual, the religious scholars wanted to trap Jesus on a matter of the Law and as usual, He was always one enormous step ahead of them. Here the big issue was “divorce” and what Jesus had to say about it. Also, clearly stated, was Jesus’ view of marriage being between a man and a woman. 

The line that stood out to me though was, “it was because your hearts were hard”. 

In other words, Jesus was saying that God the Father never intended it to be this way. Their hardness of heart caused Moses to change the law. 
This got me thinking about our recent law changes with respect to marriage equality and saw a bit of a parallel here. This time it's not Moses changing the law but our govt with the backing of the majority of Aust people. 

Q: Could it be that our hearts have become hardened just as they were in Moses day? YES!!!

A – Application
A hardened heart can cause us to crave for so many things that are often contrary to God’s ways as we know them through His Word. 
A hardened heart makes us want things around us to change to accommodate our poor choices and lifestyles, rather than me changing my ways. 
A hardened heart makes me the victim and personal responsibility goes out the window. 
A hardened heart distorts my views and makes right things seem wrong and wrong things seem right. 

P – Prayer
Thank you Jesus that you weren’t afraid to challenge the thinking and wrong attitudes of the day and your words are still as powerful today as they were then. May I/we choose to keep our hearts soft so that we don’t become hardhearted and fall into error and pay the consequences

HAVE FAITH IN GOD

Journal Entry by Warren Mortomore

S – Mark 11:22 (NLT)
Then Jesus said to the disciples, “Have faith in God”

O – Observation
Our faith is not to use for claim this and claim that, although we are told by Jesus to speak his word to the mountains of impossibility that face us. Faith is not in things but to be ‘in God’. Means that my conviction, my confidence, my trust, my belief, my reliance is in Him and who He says He is. Faith is the opposite to doubt which only breeds fear.

A – Application
When everything is going wrong, or not the way we expected, when faced with obstacles of situations and people, it is in these times that we stand firm and declare to ourselves and to what we are facing, that my assurance, my faith, my confidence is in God.  God I don’t only believe in you, but I believe you.  Believing causes faith and expectancy to grow. 
Our faith is not in things but in God and in alignment of what he says in his word to us. Jesus goes on to say that the faith in our hearts is to be spoken, and in so doing becomes active and effective to what we are believing and praying for.
Listen to Jesus words of encouragement to you today – ‘Have faith in God’ 

P – Prayer
Father God, our faith is in you, and in all that you have spoken in your word. We thank you that you are a faithful God, faithful Father. We believe that our faith in you releases the resources of heaven into our situations and our lives here on earth.

MULTIPLICATION FROM OUR ADDITION

Journal Entry by Cristian Tobar

S – Mark 8:4-5 NIV
'His disciples answered, ‘But where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread to feed them?’ ‘How many loaves do you have?’ Jesus asked.  ‘Seven,’ they replied. '

O – Observation
With seven loaves Jesus begins to feed the 4,000 that had been with him for 3 days. He felt compassion for them as many of them were going to travel a long distance back home without any food. The place where they were, was remote with no food in sight. Amongst the disciple there was 7 loaves of bread. With this small quantity of loaves, Jesus miraculously makes provision to feed them all and have baskets of leftovers. This is an example of God’s miraculous hand of provision.  

A – Application
As we give God the “little” we have, we are giving to a God that multiplies. His provision of our needs goes beyond what we can see in the natural. The disciples having previously seen Jesus feed 5,000 with 2 loaves and 5 fish. Still asked from their natural perception, “Where in this remote place can anyone get enough bread?” Sometimes we get into this same mindset and ask the question from what  we see in the natural. It isn’t until God asks us the “How many loaves to do you have?” question, which He does in order or in the hope that it reminds us of what He has done for us in times past. All he needs is the small amount that we have on hand. God is a multiplication God and He uses what we have, to bring about a miracle that astounds us..

P – Prayer
Father God, I thank you that you are a miracle working God. You use the little I have and multiply it.

Ssssssssh!

Journal Entry by Trina Bossard

S – Psalm 4:4-5 (Message)
Complain if you must, but don’t lash out. Keep your mouth shut, and let your heart do the talking. Build your case before God and wait for his verdict.

O – Observation
This is something that I need reminding of every now and then. I hate injustice…which means in turn I also love justice and right principals. Quite often when correcting something I see that doesn’t seem “Fair” I’m quick to open my mouth and say something…express my “opinion”. This isn’t necessarily always a bad thing, God wants us to have a voice and an intelligent say on certain things.

A – Application
When it could tear something down, discourage or cause conflict I need to do as it says here….keep my mouth shut and wait to hear God's verdict on the situation.  I can’t let anger, frustration or disappointment control me and be the first response. Life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21) which is why the verse is so important.When it could tear something down, discourage or cause conflict I need to do as it says here….keep my mouth shut and wait to hear God's verdict on the situation.  I can’t let anger, frustration or disappointment control me and be the first response. Life and death are in the power of the tongue (Proverbs 18:21) which is why the verse is so important.

P – Prayer
God, I thank you that you’re in the business of refining and building character. I ask today that as I wait on your verdict for certain things, you will reveal them in the right time and right manner. I thank you for your correction!

WILDERNESS JOURNEYS

Journal Entry by Brenda Jones

S –   Exodus 8:27 (NKJV)
"We will go three days’ journey into the wilderness and sacrifice to the Lord our God as He will command us.”

O – Observation
Here as Moses petitioned Pharaoh for a fifth time to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt to go in the wilderness to worship God as instructed, I was struck that the original request of Pharaoh was only for 3 days.  I’m guessing I had not noticed this before when reading these chapters, knowing the ending that the Israelites were going to be set free from Egypt at the end of this petitioning process.

But did God always say it was going to be a 3 day journey?  In Exodus 3:18 , God directed Moses to ask for a 3 day journey, but that Pharaoh would also say no, and that when the Israelites do leave, it will not be empty handed (Exodus 3:21).  Then as God spoke with Moses and Aaron in Exodus 7:1-5 of today’s reading, He clearly indicates that He is about to do something bigger than they anticipated.

A – Application
We all go through wilderness journeys at some point in our lives, and as I find myself in wilderness moments, the endurance required to persevere when things are not happening in my expected timing has been greater than I can sustain.  In this place I have found myself frustrated and hurt by feelings of abandonment from God, and question if He really is here for me.  Surely I can’t be the only one who has ever felt like this, and appreciate that I am reassured as I read God’s word that as the Israelites fled Egypt and forgot about His powerful hand which had helped them escape, that I am not the only one in history to have done this.

What a reminder this verse is, that just as Moses petitioned Pharaoh knowing full well he was requesting to go on a wilderness journey, that over the years I too have petitioned God to bring about change in me, which I was acutely aware could be a difficult process.  So why then in the middle of the wilderness journey do I feel abandoned knowing full well that the sanctification process I sought, was going to lead me to this place?  Maybe have I, like Moses, seen only the instruction God gave me, and failed to recognise that the journey was going to be so much more.

So what can I learn from this?  God's instruction was to go into the wilderness for 3 days to worship Him.  But as He freed the Israelites and they escaped into the wilderness, He fulfilled His promise to not leave them empty handed, and He continued to provide along the way.  But it was their lack of faith and disobedience that saw them flounder in the wilderness and have to await receipt of the promised land some 40 years later.  It is only by keeping my eyes on Jesus, and not doubting that His promises are true that I can see the bigger picture and all that lies ahead, even when surrounded only by the wilderness.

P – Prayer
Dear Lord, Your word truly is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.  In my times of unbelief, thank You that You have all I need ready to remind me that You have not forsaken me.  Thank You that You understand just who I am and how I tick.  That You can provide a Word and it taps into my mind that seeks to understand, and it is in that place that the pieces fall into place and You give me a glimpse of the big picture, and the very reminder I need to restore my faith in You.  Lord, I ask that You strengthen me through Your Spirit, that I will not do as the Israelites did and fall into a perpetual place of losing sight of You and all You have promised me.

HIS LOVE

Journal Entry by Grant Schofield

S –  Psalm 18:19 (TPT)
His love broke open the way and brought me into a beautiful broad place. He rescued me – because his delight is in me!

O – Observation
I find it so interesting of how this scripture starts, “HIS LOVE”. That through all that we struggle through, in the pains and hurts of bad reports, through the disappointments and even the unexpected shock of loss, it’s HIS LOVE that will break open the way for us to find a beautiful place of rest, peace, hope and comfort instead of being hemmed in by the things of the enemy. When it feels like we have no room to move because of the pressures, HIS LOVE will bring us into an ample room, where we can be free.   

A – Application
As people we can find ourselves staring at the issues and trails of life. It’s like the hardship of life is a box sitting on a table, and all we do is stare at it. We don’t let our eyes move away from that box. What this does unfortunately is it stops us from enjoying the beauty that surrounds us. We have to let the Love of God enter into our space of despair to break us out of our fixated mindset and see that He has rescued us because He loves us and is so for us.

P – Prayer
Lord, I ask that you will help me to not fixate on issues that come my way. I ask that you would help me see the beauty surrounding me, because of the love You have for me. I pray that I would walk in freedom with my head lifted knowing you have rescued me even when I can’t see it.

THE VALUE OF HIS WORD

Journal Entry by Tony Gebran

S – PSALMS 119:68-72 (NLT)
“You are good and do only good; teach me your decrees. Arrogant people smear me with lies, but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart. Their hearts are dull and stupid, but I delight in your instructions. My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. Your instructions are more valuable to me than millions in gold and silver”.

O – Observation
I can rest knowing that I serve a good and faithful God. That as I draw nearer to him he will teach me his way’s and will lead me through the challenges we face each and every day.
We can take delight in his instruction’s and may even suffer for him but we can be assured that God has all things under his control. Scripture tells us that it will produce in us the things that are everlasting (righteous harvest) the more we find ourselves facing life’s situations (sufferings) the closer we run and draw near to our father, paying attention to what he has to say to us through his word. We find that his instructions become more important and valuable than the things we surround ourselves with.

A – Application
May I take delight in your instruction and apply them to my daily life! I need to allow your word to lead and mould my life in so many areas. I face challenges and decisions that need your wisdom and understanding applied to when making these decisions both at home and work. 


P – Prayer
Lord I ask that you continue to lead me as I lead others, I need your guidance in the situations I face and your wisdom to be able to understand how to deal with them. I thank you that your word to me is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.

TREASURE

Journal Entry by Geoff Allen

S – Proverbs 2:1 (NLT)
My child, listen to what I say, and treasure my commands.

O – Observation
The proverb goes on to say tune your ears, concentrate on understanding, cry out for insight, ask for understanding, search for them as you would for silver and seek them like hidden treasures. You will gain knowledge of God, wisdom, the treasure of common sense to be honest.  There is a desperation, a yearning, a longing for the understanding and knowledge of God.

A – Application
Sometimes I must admit that I do my bible readings out of habit, a good habit but for me I need to delve into it and put my heart and mind to work and look for what God is saying to me. I know when I strike something that speaks to me, I journal and start to research, it's like wow - and it opens up a whole new realm of understanding and closeness to my Lord. So often it speaks into my everyday life.

P – Prayer
Lord help me to be in the right place when I read your word and allow you to speak into my life. Help me always to be teachable and receptive to what you have to say.

FOUNDATIONS

Journal Entry by Geoff Allen

S – Matthew 7:24-25 (MSG)
These words I speak to you are not incidental additions to your life, home owner improvements to your standard of living. They are foundational words, words to build a life on. If you work these words into your life, you are like a smart carpenter who built his house on solid rock. Rain poured down, the river flooded, a tornado hit—but nothing moved that house. It was fixed to the rock.

O – Observation
I have been looking at the homestead on our church property lately, which is a heritage listed building, together with its other smaller buildings.  We have had a structural engineer out to advise us of the cracking in walls and the gaps in the brickwork that are getting bigger and talking to others who are looking at restoration works.  Its all about the foundations.  They didn’t go down and sink piers to the bedrock, they were just built on a few brick footings on the top of the clay.  

A – Application
I have found it the same in my life, I have been hit by many storms, gone through dry times, and have been hit pretty hard.   Did you ever think of giving up?  I thank God that my faith is grounded in the Living God, that I know my Saviour and he knows me.  I can face the trials of this life, that are sure to come for all of us. I have gone down to bedrock and built solid foundations in my faith or as some put it I have put down an anchor and am secure. It doesn’t mean I don’t struggle and wrestle with things, but I know where my help comes from.   How about you, where is your foundation, is it strong and deep?

P – Prayer
Lord I not only pray for myself but for each person reading this that you would touch our hearts and help us continually build the foundation of our faith in Jesus so that we can stand strong in the face of whatever has come against us, may come, or will come.  I pray that your love would abound in each and every one of us. 

BE CAREFUL WHERE YOU WALK, STAND & SIT!

Journal Entry by Warren Mortomore

S – Psalm 1: 1-3 (NIV)
The Psalmist is not telling us not to associate with sinners, but rather not to conduct our lives as they do, and not to allow cynicism or mocking to be a part of our speech. Rather we are to delight in God’s word, speak his word to ourselves, situations, and be planted in Him and in His house where we will grow and thrive, we will flourish.

O – Observation
I have to surround myself with those who will speak life into my life. Jesus has put us in the world to reach people but not to be of the world – us influencing the world not the world influencing us. As we start this new year, where am I to walk, stand & sit and where am I not to, so that I will know His blessing on my life, blessing that I can in turn bless others.

A – Application
God promotes us or puts us in a place for a reason and we need the courage and wisdom to see that reason and to walk in it. (David Guzik). In Revelations 3:20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” The key to opening the door is to first hear his voice the rest will follow.

P – Prayer
Lord Jesus, help us at the beginning of this year to listen to you, to follow you so that our lives will be a blessing to others, from the fruit that you are producing in and through us.  
 

LET MY PRAISE ROAR!

Journal Entry by Sam Jones

S – Psalm‬ ‭148:7-12‬ ‭(NIV)‬‬
“Praise the LORD from the earth, you great sea creatures and all ocean depths, lightning and hail, snow and clouds, stormy winds that do his bidding, you mountains and all hills, fruit trees and all cedars, wild animals and all cattle, small creatures and flying birds, kings of the earth and all nations, you princes and all rulers on earth, young men and women, old men and children.”

O – Observation
I remember as a kid being scared of thunder and lightning (as I think most kids are), but not as I grew older. These verses put it into perspective for me - lightning (and the accompanying thunder) are nature's way of bringing roaring praise. It’s praise that can’t be missed, seen and heard from kilometres around!

A – Application
When I stand and praise Him in both the good situations and the not-so-good situations, do I lift my praise above everything else going on around me. I would like to think so, but know that sometimes I “contain” my praise for Him - sometimes wondering if He even hears my voice - although I know He does! Even on days when I feel empty, I know that the praise I bring sounds like roaring thunder, especially in the face of the enemy!

P – Prayer
“Father God, let the praise I bring come from a heart that is after your own heart. Through the good and the bad times, let me lift my voice to You for all you have done. Amen.”

A DIFFERENT KIND OF PEACE

Journal Entry by Bec Tobar

S – John 14:27(TPT)
Jesus said, “I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous!

O – Observation
A person’s parting words or gifts are treasured. They are remembered and valued by the people that loved them. 
On my staircase this Christmas hangs a beautiful double bow that my friend Naomi made several years ago when she visited HopePoint. 
I remember the night she made it. We had been decorating the church for Christmas, and she was determined to make sure the bow was perfect. 
That bow didn’t match any other decoration I had in my house this year, and it probably isn’t even my personal style, but it is more meaningful to me that I can articulate. Every time I climb the stairs, I look at that bow and remember our friendship. But more than that, I remember her words of encouragement to me. They continue to be a gift to my heart.

When Jesus addressed his disciples, he said he was giving them a gift. His gift wasn’t ornamental or temporary or even seasonal.
His gift was everlasting, life-transforming and life-giving.
Unwrap his gift this Christmas, the gift of peace.
Not just any kind of peace, His very own peace. 
A peace that brings wholeness, harmony and a flourishing to our lives.

One thing that has echoed so loudly in my mind this Christmas is that the Peace Jesus wore in His life on earth, He left as a legacy for his people.
He wore that peace as he was growing up. He wore it when he was; misunderstood, on trial, tempted, helping people, betrayed and even on the cross.
It wasn’t a fragile peace.
It weathered the toughest of times and the most complex of situations.

A – Application
His peace is my inheritance as a follower of Jesus,
Let’s pause. 
Remind ourselves again, that He offers us his peace afresh today.
Unwrap this gift and follow his instructions, “don’t give in to fear, but be courageous”.

P – Prayer
Father, thank you that you sent Jesus. That His life gave us the gift of peace with you and the ability to walk in peace throughout our lives. Not an ordinary kind of peace, but a peace that goes beyond our understanding or comprehension. May we be a group of people that are marked with your peace and joy this Christmas, and always.
 

STAND UP

Journal Entry by Geoff Allen

S – Esther 4:14 (NLT)
14 If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. Who knows if perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this?”

O – Observation
Mordecai reminded Esther that though the fate of God’s people rested in God and not in her, her own fate depended on her own faithfulness to God. Esther needed the courage and wisdom to see that she was made Queen for just such a time as this.

A – Application
God promotes us or puts us in a place for a reason and we need the courage and wisdom to see that reason and to walk in it. (David Guzik). In Revelations 3:20 “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.” The key to opening the door is to first hear his voice the rest will follow.

P – Prayer
Lord help me hear your voice calling and give me the courage and wisdom to be your person right where I am.

YOU CAN GO THROUGH THE FIRE & NOT SMELL OF THE SMOKE!

Journal Entry by Warren Mortomore

S – Daniel 3:27 (MSG)
‘All the important people, the government leaders and king’s counselors, gathered around to examine them and discovered that the fire hadn’t so much as touched the three men – not a hair singed, not a scorch mark on their clothes – not even the smell of fire (smoke) on them!’

O – Observation
The 3 Hebrew young men had been thrown into a furnace that was so hot that it killed the men who threw them in – all because they refused to bow down and worship a gold statue.

A – Application
As we live and follow Jesus Christ – there are trials we encounter, people that oppose us, circumstances beyond our control, storms that try and sink our boat, but as was the case with the 3 Hebrew young men, there is someone else in the fire with us – Jesus!    He is with us, for us, praying for us – that our faith would remain strong – and even though we go through fire – we can do so without smelling of smoke, without it taking a lasting effect on us, without it derailing our walk with Jesus Christ.

I love their bold statement – ‘and even if God doesn’t rescue us, we will never serve any other Gods or bow down to any gold statue.’

P – Prayer
Lord, thank you for the encouragement of your word to us today – from the lives of these 3 young men – that you are walking with us through the dark valleys, through the fiery trials we face, and you bring us to the other side, with not even the smell of what we have just walked through.

DOUBTER’S WILL COME

Journal Entry by Lester Salanoa

S – 2 Peter 3:3-5 (NIV)
3 Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own desires. 4 They will say, “Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.” 5 But they deliberately forget that long ago by God’s word the heavens came into being and the earth was formed out of water and by water.

O – Observation
Peter writes to encourage the believers of the early Church to hold steadfast as there was an incredible amount of doubt and unbelief whether God was capable of following through with what was foretold – keep in mind this was a people that had witnessed the miracles of God first hand.


A – Application
The first thing that comes to mind is that for us to fend off these doubters, we each need know and understand personally who God ‘IS’ as well as our purpose and the direction where we are headed. Once we understand with clarity of our calling, we can then walk with an unwavering level of confidence (Philippians 1:6) that can only come from a closeness with our creator and the ‘WHY’ we’ve been created. This passage is as relevant today as it was over two thousand years ago as there will always be opposition, sometimes by those who are close to us.


P – Prayer Father, your word says that as we draw near to you, you will draw near to us – I pray that we will never grow comfortable in having you near that we lose our confidence but that we hunger for more of you and less of things with no eternal value.

JESUS IS LIFE!

Journal Entry by Liz Davila

S – John 11:25-27, 35 (NKJV)
Jesus said to her (Martha), “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this? She said to him, “Yes Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world.” …Jesus wept. 


O – Observation
I have read this story many times, but these words and this story has rung so true to me this year with the death of dear family and watching friends and family loose loved ones also, I have cried a lot with them for our losses. Some deaths are expected but it is the accidents and tragedies at a life cut short too soon that leave us feeling even more hopeless and confused and hurting. Jesus wept when he saw the grief of his friends at the loss of their brother, a beloved son and friend, Lazarus. But while he grieves with them he still knows who he is and what he is here to do. He tells them and He shows them that HE IS LIFE and he raises a man from the dead 3 days after he was buried. How could people not believe in him after that!? There were sooo many witnesses too! In the midst of Death and Pain and Loss and Grief and a SINFUL world. He says He is Life and He is resurrection.
Isn’t that why He came? Because He knows what real Death is: full eternal separation from the most loving being in the universe : GOD, our Father. That’s why he sent His only son : Jesus. We would not have to experience everlasting separation from our real Father after death. Jesus came, paid the price for our sins, dying in our place, so he could conquer Death once and for all, so we won’t be without hope after this life IF we believe in him. We will have everlasting life in a new heaven and new earth with our loved ones who have gone before us, but most importantly with the Lover of our soul.


A – Application
I have cried so much this year having lost my precious granny, mi abuelita Ruth. I can only imagine what it feels like now to loose a Father or Mother or a son or daughter. When you love and do life together, death hurts! Really hurts. I am so glad Jesus knows and he came to give us hope and LIFE! How many people don’t have this same hope? I have friends losing family around me without hope and this grieves me. How much more does it grieve my loving Heavenly Father?


P – Prayer
Lord, I praise and thank you for the gift of LIFE through your son Jesus. How I love you Jesus! Thank you for our loved ones and the life you give to us. Please bring life to my world today and may your life be seen in me, give me boldness and courage to share you with those who don’t know you love them. May your life be shown to those around us as we prepare for Christmas. Thank you Lord for the best gift you could have given us, not money, not riches or products we desire, that always leave us wanting more; but your son, a piece of you on earth to show us the way to you! Thank you for Jesus!

KEEP MY EYES ON THE MASTER

Journal Entry by Sara Gebran

S – PSALM 123:1-2 (NLT)
“ I lift my eyes to you, O God, enthroned in heaven. We keep looking to the Lord our God for his mercy, just as servants keep their eyes on their master, as a slave girl watches her mistress for the slightest signal.”    


O – Observation
When I read and think about these verses I can't help but think about something I saw a few weeks ago when my husband and I were away. As we were walking along the street we went passed a beautiful old church, the doors were closed, we stopped there admiring the church, a couple with their two young grandchildren came to look at the church also, then the children ran to the door and started banging and shouting open the door and kept doing so for a while, it was so beautiful watching them. The thought that went through my mind was WOW that’s how the Lord wants us to come to him with excitement and enthusiasm as these little children, the difference is the Lord's door is NEVER closed on us!!


A – Application
 I need to keep my eyes on the Lord always just like in the scripture how the slave girl watched her mistress for any slight signal! I need to look to the Lord in the same way. To look for his signals no matter how small it is, pay attention to him.


P – Prayer Lord help me to be in tune to you and watch for your signals, may I have the sensitivity to recognize your call, your mercies are new every morning. Help me to keep my eyes on you. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.

GOD’S HEART FOR THE LOST

Journal Entry by Warren Mortomore

S – Ezekiel 18:23 (NLT)
23 – ‘Do you think, asks the Sovereign Lord, that I like to see wicked people die? Of course not! I only want them to turn (to me) from their wicked ways and live.’    


O – Observation
God was being accused of being unjust. But his heart is for everyone. For sinners to turn from their sins, and turn to Him and live. No matter the sin, no matter the person.


A – Application
 Often times my heart for unbelievers is the opposite of Gods. I write people off, but God doesn’t. His heart is that they would turn to Him and live. Peter in his epistle tells that God – is not willing that ANY should perish but that ALL would come to repentance. So much so that God will hold Jesus back from returning and delay judgement so that ALL would come into His Kingdom.
It’s not just about me going to heaven – but who am I taking with me?


P – Prayer
Lord let me see the lost as you see them, and let my heart beat for the lost as your heart beats.  Who today in my world are you wanting me to love, serve and reach with the good news of Jesus Christ?