REMEMBER WHAT HE HAS DONE WHEN THE DISTORTION COMES

Journal Entry by Ethan Mortomore

S – Scripture: Mark 8:14-21 (NRSV)
The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.” Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied. “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.”

O - Observation
The disciples, recently coming from the miracle of Jesus feeding the 4 thousand and the pharisees demanding a sign from Jesus in the beginning of chapter 8, totally miss Jesus’ warning and think that it is His reference to bread and not the ‘yeast of the Pharisees’ that have them wondering if they are in trouble. Leaven/Yeast was a common metaphor for corruption within Jewish and non-Jewish circles of the early first century, and Jesus’ warning is against the corruption that the pharisees and Herod were trying to bring against Himself; and would eventually try to bring against His Church (the first of which were the Disciples).

A - Application
Am I learning from God, walking with Him, experiencing Him and growing alongside Him? Or do I see a miracle and then instantly forget his power to move again? We are to be like the disciples in a sense that we do not rely on having or not having ‘bread’; for Jesus is our miracle worker and provider. We must guard our hearts however against the things that rise up and seek to dismantle what we believe in. I must remember that when the storms of life try to disrupt my faith I must draw further into WHO He is, and WHAT He has done - and not focus on the storm.

P - Prayer
Lord, help me to always remember to place my faith in you. Not in myself, or in my family, my workplace or anything else the world tries to place in front of us. Nothing brings the security you bring. Remind me, and all of us as the Body of Christ, to never look within to my own strength, but always up to you who has and always will be my provider and my strength. Amen.

WHAT’S THE POINT?

Journal Entry by Jared Lawson

S – Scripture: Genesis 11:1-7 (NIV)
Now the whole world had one language and a common speech. 2 As people moved eastward, they found a plain in Shinar and settled there. They said to each other, “Come, let’s make bricks and bake them thoroughly.” They used brick instead of stone, and tar for mortar. 4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” But the Lord came down to see the city and the tower the people were building. 6 The Lord said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. 7 Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.”

O - Observation
In this story there is much that reminds me of our current age: everyone is coming together, new technologies are being made and people are racked with fear. What I find interesting about this story is that God doesn’t intervene until we read verse 5. God didn’t seem too concerned about bricks or people coming together, but he seems concerned with who they become when they are together and the purpose of their actions. It seems note-worthy that God intervenes after the people try to make a name for themselves and act out of fear (verse 4).

A - Application
This story has caused me to think about why I am doing what I am doing. God had a problem with people acting out fear and the pride present in the hearts of the people. We see this fear (not wanting to be scattered) and pride (making a name for themselves) in verse 4. Where am I acting out of fear? What am I doing to try and make my name great?  This passage also causes me to think thoughtfully about my technology use. I don’t believe God has a problem with the way we advance in the making and building of things. But, advanced technology does lead to advanced opportunities for harm, temptation and fulfilling unfruitful desires. 

P - Prayer
Heavenly Father, I thank you for all that we have and who you made us to be. Thank for the technology around us, help us to use it mindfully whilst always remembering it is not the problem in our world, our wickedness is. Help me to keep from advancing my own name, help me to trust you and never act out of scarcity or fear. 

WALK WITH ME

Journal Entry by Warren Mortomore

S – Scripture: Matthew 11:28-30 (MSG)
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to Me! Get away with Me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with Me and work with Me – watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-footing on you. Keep company with Me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”

O - Observation
When reading this year I want to try and read slowly so that I can listen to what I am reading and to what in this case Jesus is saying. Come to who? Come to Me Jesus said. Come hang with Me Jesus said. Walk with Me – Keep company with Me.

A - Application
The King of the Universe, The Light of the World, The one who died for Me and rose again for Me to give me eternal life – is asking ME – YOU – to Walk With Him – To Come to Him – to recover your life – How do I respond to what He is asking me to do? What is my reply? What do I need to talk to Him about that concerns my life? Jesus said Come to Me – Walk with Me.

P - Prayer
Jesus help me to respond to Your invitation, not to try and walk out my life on my own. I surrender my mind to you and pour out my heart, the things that weigh me down. You are my burden bearer.

A WAY OUT OF NO WAY

Journal Entry by Cristian Tobar

S – Scripture: Psalms 81:6-7 (NLT)
“Now I will take the load from your shoulders; I will free your hands from their heavy tasks. You cried to me in trouble, and I saved you; I answered out of the thundercloud and tested your faith when there was no water at Meribah. Interlude'

O - Observation
In these verses we see God bringing to remembrance what He has done for His people when they were in slavery in Egypt. He lifted the burdens from their shoulders, from the hard labour that was placed upon them.  He removed them from the oppression of slavery. He heard their cry and delivered them. He even continued to show His favour as He tested their faith at Meribah, where there were quarrels about whether God was with them or not.

A - Application
As I reflect on these verses I am reminded of what God has done in my life, in retrospect, I can see His goodness, His favour, His deliverance. At the time it looked like there was no way, yet He made a way out of no way. I’m also reminded of God’s redemptive story through His son Jesus, that through the power of the Cross, Death and Resurrection of Jesus, when Satan thought he had the victory, God made a way to reconcile man to God. Now, like the Israelites were encouraged in the first 4 verses of this Psalm to sing praises to God for their deliverance, how much more am I to sing praises to God for the work done through Jesus Christ my Lord and Saviour.

P - Prayer
Father thank you for the reminder today that you are there through life’s challenges and struggles. You faithfully make a way for us. Thank you that you made a way through Jesus to bring us back to you. May I always celebrate and praise you for your goodness towards us.

AUSTRALIA

Journal Entry by Esther Lawson

S – Scripture:Revelation 22:2 Amplified Bible (AMP)

Then the angel showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb (Christ), 2 in the middle of its street. On either side of the river was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruit, yielding its fruit every month; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

O - Observation
In the Revelation passage the scripture says that the leaves of the tree, the life of the tree, were for the healing of the nations. It doesn’t take much, just a quick scroll through the news, to see that our nation is need of healing. We need the life that this river will provide. We need rain in the natural and the spiritual. I am reminded that it is our responsibility to be the life bearers. To bear good fruit, grow good leaves.

A - Application
The good news is that we don’t do this alone. In John it says that we are the vine and He is the branch. The vine cannot exist without the branch and, as such, we don’t have to (in fact we cannot) bear this fruit in our own power. We need the river of life that flows from his throne to us. We need it so we can stand in the gap on behalf of our families, friends, politicians, leaders and ultimately our nation. 

P - Prayer
My prayer today is simply this. We would be a nation who is blessed because we have chosen to put God is his rightful place and chosen Him as our inheritance (Psalm 33:12). Amen.

THE DISCIPLES ARE JUST LIKE US

Journal Entry by Chris Watling

S – Scripture: John 18:17 - NIV
“You aren’t one of this man’s disciples too, are you?” she asked Peter.  He replied, “I am not.”

O - Observation
Often I make fun of the disciples but they are so like me, Their responses and their actions are not far from my own. Sometimes I scoff at the fact that they are with Jesus and they should respond better than the way they do, but I do the same. He is near to me, He has sent his spirit to guide and teach me, yet often my response is the same.

Peter responded in fear here. He did not do it deliberately or with evil in his heart but despite his best intentions, he failed. Maybe he didn't fully trust who Jesus was at that point of his journey or maybe he allowed the circumstances of the current situation, which probably would have been overwhelming, to rule his words and actions. From this test, Peter learned a lot and became the courageous leader that he needed to be to push the church forward.

A - Application
Trust: Sometimes fear can strike when circumstances don’t look like I think they should, so I need to trust Jesus and what he wants for my life. To know that He is in control and He wants the best for me. I need to allow the Holy Spirit to transform my heart
Humility: Don't be proud, he knows if I'm going to fail but don’t give up keep going.
If I fail, use Peters example of how he became a different person after this incident. He was full of courage and knew who he was in God and what he was destined for.

P - Prayer
Jesus, please give me courage and wisdom to know when fear is ruling my decisions rather than your love and hope. Please help me to remember that you want the best for me and that I can trust you.

THE STRENGTH OF HIS WORD

Journal Entry by Tony Gebran

S – Scripture: Psalms 119:17-24 (NLT)

"Be good to your servant, that I may live and obey your word. Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.  I am only a foreigner in the land. Don’t hide your commands from me! I am always overwhelmed with a desire for your regulations. You rebuke the arrogant; those who wander from your commands are cursed. Don’t let them scorn and insult me, for Ii have obeyed your laws. Even princes sit and speak against me, but I will meditate on your decrees. Your laws please me; they give me wise advice.”

O - Observation
This is a wonderful part of scripture that portrays to me the protection I have in obeying God’s word and applying it to my life. It speaks to me that as I read his word daily then its HIS WORD that begins to mould, instruct, guide and directs me through all the issues I face on a daily basis.

A - Application
How important is it to have his word be the first thing that speaks to you each day. It allows this to be the foundation for all the decisions/actions that will take place for the remainder of the day. I am reminded by the words of Jesus in Mathew 24:35 ‘Heaven and earth will pass away but my words will never disappear”.

P - Prayer
Thank You that your words to me are a light to my pathway and acts as a guard-rail that keeps me for without them Lord we are helpless. Amen.

DON’T BE AFRAID FOR I AM WITH YOU

Journal Entry by Geoff Allen

S – Scripture: Genesis 26:24 (NLT)
 “I am the God of your father, Abraham,” he said. “Do not be afraid, for I am with you and will bless you.”


O - Observation
So many times God speaks to his people with similar words .. ”Don’t be afraid, for I am with you.” Fear is a natural instinct it keeps us alive.  But there is healthy fear and unhealthy fear.  We are all in different circumstances in our lives facing different things and some of these seem insurmountable, beyond our perceived capacity to walk through. BUT GOD.. The creator of heaven and earth is there to hold you tight, whispering in your ear, don’t be afraid I’m going to walk with you through this…. You can do it.  Yes you will make it through because I am with you and for you. 


A - Application
So many times I have found myself being fearful of circumstances I was in, but I have found that when I come to that place of putting my trust in God that I can do it, I can face that person, I can get through the day, I can, I can, I can…. Not because of me or anything about me but because my God is with me.  Sometimes It’s through prayer, sometimes through worship, sometimes through reading my bible or a combination of all three.  I find that yes, God is with me and I can….. 


P - Prayer
Father God, I pray for all those reading this that are feeling fearful of where they are at.  I speak your covering over them, that they would know that their creator God is for them and you are speaking into their hearts and lives “Don’t be afraid, I am with you.” 

IF YOU ARE?

Journal Entry by Warren Mortomore

S – Scripture: Matthew 4:3 (NKJV)
1“The devil came to Jesus and said, “If you are the Son of God then..”

O - Observation
The devil came to tempt Jesus in 3 different areas, all of them to attack His identity. But Jesus knew who He was, where He had come from and what the Scriptures said.

A - Application
He does the same to us. He comes to attack our identity, that is why we need to know who our God is, who our Saviour Jesus is, who we are as sons and daughters of the most high and what the word of God says. When we are attacked we are as His children to know and use the word of God as a weapon against his attacks and lies.

As we start this year, lets remind ourselves who our God is, who we are as His children and hide his word in our hearts, and speak it out with our lips.

P - Prayer
You are our God, our Father and our Shepherd, and our identity is found in You. We will walk through this year knowing who You are, and knowing who You say we are, your children, sons and daughters of the Most High God.

HE IS WITH ME!

Journal Entry by Rebecca Schofield

S – Scripture: Isaiah 41:10 (NLT)
“Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”

O - Observation
Afraid means to be worried that something undesirable will occur; being unwilling or reluctant to do something in fear of the consequences. Being afraid or fearful can be crippling. The weight of isolation can leave us in a position of feeling anxious - of how others perceive us (or how we think they perceive us), about the complexities of being alone, feelings of rejection or worthlessness. But I LOVE this promise that God is with me! It silences the fear that can linger when I overthink. Overanalyse. Over complicate. It places God in a position that WHEN I trust He is there, it changes everything. The reference to His power in His right hand speaks of authority and assurance (for me) in His ability. 

A - Application
Do I trust and honestly believe that he is with me? What areas of my life am I allowing fear to convolute what I know is truth about God? In moments of being afraid, how can I remember his word and apply it authenticity to my life?

P - Prayer
God, I am so grateful for this promise that you are with me. In the moments that I overanalyse or become afraid of the ‘what ifs’, please help me to remember that you are with me. Your strength is my strength - help me to walk in this when I feel isolated and afraid. Help me to live this truth in a genuine way. Amen.

The Glorious Church

Journal Entry by John and Jann Rice

THE GLORIOUS CHURCH

S – Scripture: Revelation 14: 1-4 (NKJV)
Then I looked, and behold, a Lamb standing on Mount Zion, with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father's name written on their  foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of loud thunder. And I heard the sound of harpists playing their harps. They sang as if it were a new song before the throne, before the four living creatures, and the elders; and no one could learn the song except the hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes, These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.

O - Observation
Jesus as the Lamb is the one who draws our attention to the heavenly realm. The Church has the Father's name written on their foreheads. When God speaks His voice is awesome, like many waters, thunder, and yet with the sound of harpist playing. The Holy Redeemed Church washed in the Blood of the Lamb sing a new song before the Throne, that only they can sing, and the Heavenly beings look on in wonder.

A - Application
As we allow Jesus to be central in our lives, we will delight in His Presence and understand the voice of the Father as He seeks to get our attention, that we will respond in Praise and Worship singing the song of the redeemed as we have been made Holy by the BIood of the Lamb.

P - Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father we thank you for Jesus who united us with  you through His shed blood, we are now part of the worldwide Church with a song to sing of Praise to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords to you be glory forever.

WHY AM I SUFFERING?

Journal Entry by Jared Lawson

S – Scripture:1 Peter 4:12 – 15 (ESV)
12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory[a] and of God rests upon you. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer or a thief or an evildoer or as a meddler.

O - Observation
I enjoy the lengths that this scripture goes to remind you that trials are not strange, telling us not to ‘be surprised’ nor ‘consider it strange.’ Trials or in this case fiery trials are to be seen as normal. We will suffer, of that there is no doubt. Why we are suffering, or how we handle it, is up to us.  

A - Application
This verse calls us to suffer trials for the right reasons. It is causing me to take stock of my trials. Is my current tension today because I was a meddler or an evil doer, have I brought this suffering on myself? Or is it because I am working to live the way God wants me to? 

If I am suffering for the right reasons, I am blessed because the Spirit of Glory and of God rests upon me. I am also sharing in Christ’s sufferings, Jesus suffered more than I can imagine to save me. Whilst my work can never redeem a soul I can be part of leading someone to the great redeemer. 

P - Prayer
Jesus, thank you for suffering for me. You suffered so I can be free, you have done what I could not. Help me to champion the right causes to seek your will and not my own comfort. May I suffer for the right reasons.

THREE LITTLE WORDS

Journal Entry by Gary and Christine Skinner

S – Scripture: Psalm 136:1 (NIV Translation)
“Give thanks to the LORD…
His love endures forever.”

O - Observation
What are the three most impactful words every individual long to hear spoken over them?
They’d have to be “I L-O-V-E you…”
We never get sick of hearing them…
Say it again; say it again; say it again!
These three words bring joy, hope, and most of all… life
When God speaks them over a person, it’s for all eternity.

A - Application
So, choose to receive the love from the Father, let go down deep in your soul…
then watch and see the change God will bring in your life…
and the lives of those around you
We can’t contain God’s love for us, we were never meant to…
So, choose to let His love perfect you and flow freely from you so the world may see our LORD is a God of L-O-V-E
God says to every person who is reading this blog… “I L-O-V-E you!!!”

P - Prayer
LORD God, thank You for speaking these three little words over each one of us today. Cause these words to sink deep into our soul where they may infect our being with Your love for which there is no cure, only acceptance in Jesus name.

PEOPLE OF LIGHT

Journal Entry by Jenni James

S – Scripture: Ephesians 5:8 (NLT)
For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light!

O - Observation
The most obvious question that comes to my mind about this verse is how do we live as people of light? We are made up of spirit, soul and body, and every moment of every day we have the chance to choose what part of us will lead into every situation. Will we choose to lead with our soul (our mind, our will or our emotions), or lead with our bodily desires or to lead with our spirit. When we lead with our feelings, our anger or joy or sadness will determine how we act and behave, however if we lead with our spirit we take the time to commune with God about our situation, we read the word and see how it applies to our lives and we will choose how to live according to the Spirit of God.ren.

A - Application
Last night I woke in the middle of the night agitated about an extremely minor situation in my life. To be honest my emotions were way out of proportion with the situation. I couldn’t get my emotions under control, and so I gave myself a good talking to! I reminded myself that I was not to lead out of my emotions when addressing this situation that I was to lead from my spirit. I found myself relaxing, like I could take a breath. I prayed and asked the Lord how He would have me handle the situation. It is bringing a sense of consciousness into living as people of light. If I jumped in with my emotions firing and blowing it all out of proportion I would not be living as person of light. To be honest it’s an ongoing process, it’s not the first time that I have had to pull myself up and choose to live spirit first, and it certainly won’t be the last.

P - Prayer
Jesus, please help me to live as a person of light, please help me to remember to stop and choose how I will live and how I will lead, bring me more and more into your image. Amen.

GOD’S CHILDREN

Journal Entry by Warren Mortomore

S – Scripture: 1 Peter 2:10 (TPT)
‘For at one time you were not God’s people, but now you are. At one time you knew nothing of God’s mercy, because you hadn’t received it yet, but now you are drenched with it.

O - Observation
We didn’t belong to anybody, had not obtained mercy, unloved, until Jesus came died and rose again for us. We were adopted by God, became His children.

A - Application
I am thankful everyday for what Jesus Christ has done for me. I speak about Him to those I meet, I tell what He has done for me, I show others the goodness of God.

P - Prayer
Thank you Father, you have drenched me with mercy, when I didn’t deserve it. You have included me in your family. I am your child. I belong to you. I have a future and a hope, because of Jesus Christ.

KEEP ON, KEEPING ON!

Journal Entry by Lester Salanoa

S – Scripture: Psalm 24 (NIV)
1 If the Lord had not been on our side – let Israel say – 
2 if the Lord had not been on our side when people attacked us,
3 they would have swallowed us alive when their anger flared against us;
4 the flood would have engulfed us, the torrent would have swept over us,
5 the raging waters would have swept us away.
6 Praise be to the Lord, who has not let us be torn by their teeth.
7 We have escaped like a bird from the fowler’s snare, the snare has been broken, and we have escaped.
8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

O - Observation
A great reminder from the Psalmist to Israel about the many times the sovereign Lord has delivered them out of the hands of those in opposition.  Astounding that even post-exodus, the Israelites would still need any kind of reminder (surely the Red Sea would’ve been enough?!)

A - Application
I am deeply encouraged by this passage from the Psalmist because, as we all continue to face differing circumstances at different stages in life, it may become more and more difficult to maintain a high level of faith in tough periods therefore we may at times need to take a brief look back at how far God has brought us and the many (many, many, many times in my case) times he has rescued us out of situations that seemed un-rescuable (not sure if that’s a word, but it fits).

The beauty of all this is – God continues to help, guide and rescue us even when all seems lost, so a brief look back may sometimes put the spring back in our step and allow for God to continue to breathe life into lifeless situations.

P - Prayer
Father, may you continue to help me fix my eyes on you in all areas of my life, as I look to bring you into every circumstance good or bad. May the message of your redemptive love be reflected through us all as we continue to reach those all around us every opportunity we get! We love you. Amen.

THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT

Journal Entry by Bec Tobar

S – Scripture: Hebrews 4:13 (TPT)
There is not one person who can hide their thoughts from God for nothing we do remains a secret, and nothing created is concealed, but everything is exposed and defenseless before his eyes, to whom we must render an account.

O - Observation
It’s easy to think that we will only give an account for what we have said or done, but this scripture reminds us that even the hidden thoughts of our heart are laid open before our creator and that one day we will stand before Him and render an account. What a sobering thought! Is it any wonder that the Psalmist would pray, “let the words that I speak and the thoughts of my heart be pleasing to you, O God” (Psalm 19:14).

A - Application
The Holy Spirit is our helper, and he lives within us to help us. Today, if you’re mind is showing signs that it needs help, there is only one place to turn. Get alone with God, and ask the Holy Spirit to HELP you guard your mind and to protect your thoughts from His path. He will help us to renew our minds (Rom 12:2) and gives us the mind of Christ (1 Cor 2:16).

P - Prayer
Father God, you examine me and know my heart. You know every thought that crosses my mind, and every thought that I let stake a claim on my peace and my future. Help me to guard my mind and to pay attention to the whispers of your Spirit that directs me in the right way.

FAKE GODLINESS

Journal Entry by Paul Davila

S – Scripture: 1 Cor 13:1-8 ( NIV)
“But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. 2 People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, 3 without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, 4 treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God— 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with such people”.


O - Observation
What an interesting chapter this is, as Paul writes some clear warnings to his disciple Timothy about how he should conduct himself and his teaching and key things to be aware of.
What stood out to me was verse 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power.

I have read this many times and saw something new today.

Q: How can someone have a “form of godliness” and yet display some of those awful characteristics Paul mentions in the first 4 verses? They seem totally contradictory.
Godliness according to what we know is NOT – treacherous, unloving, proud, greedy, self-centred, unforgiving etc etc.

Q: So then I have to ask myself – how can there be a “form of godliness” if these other characteristics are in play?

Well we see it in everyday life – how often do we see the non-believing in our society play the moral card. They make believers or those who try to live by God’s standards look as if we are evil. We are intolerant, we are “unchristian” etc etc.

The word “form” in the Greek is morphosis -which means the mere form or semblance. In other words it is like a poor substitute – a fake – a good imitation. Something that mistakenly resembles something else.

A - Application
So the challenge to Timothy just as it is to us is this. God calls us to practice and teach godliness. This is something genuine and deep rooted not the substitute that on the surface may resemble it but in reality is nothing like it.

Q: How do we do this?
By living what the Scriptures tell us. Paul says this to him in verses 14-17.
14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

P - Prayer
Father, we are just noise without your love, help us to love all who cross our path without judgement or reservation because you loved us first, in Jesus's name, Amen.

GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE

Journal Entry by Melissa Semeri

S – Scripture: 1 Cor 13:1-8 ( NIV)
f I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.  Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.  Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

O - Observation
All the gifts, talents, volunteering spots we fill or good deeds we perform, they mean nothing without His love running through us.

A - Application
Whatever I do, whoever I'm with, wherever I am, I'm called to love, not judge, criticise or tell someone what to change, that's His thing, not mine. 

P - Prayer
Father, we are just noise without your love, help us to love all who cross our path without judgement or reservation because you loved us first, in Jesus's name, Amen.

HIS AMAZING LOVE

Journal Entry by Sara Gebran

S – Scripture: Romans 8:38-39 ( NKJV)
‘For I am persuaded the neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present or things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.'


O - Observation
Reading this reminds me that there is nothing that can separate me from Gods love no matter what happens to me or how hard things become. It is a promise that is spelt out clear and sure in these verses. Paul suffered greatly - through beatings and imprisonment and many other hardships, but in (v.18) he clearly declares that there is no comparison to the glory we will see one day.


A - Application
After reading these verses i have no excuses in questioning Gods love for me! even though when my circumstances can cause me to question his love for me, I need to remember his promise to me and my family. When i am tired or overwhelmed and don’t know what to pray or say I have the Holy Spirit alongside helping me along.


P - Prayer
Lord thank you for your amazing love to me and my family, you sent your son to die for my sins there is no greater love than this! Thank you for your Mercy and Grace. Help me Lord not to forget how much you love me and all you have done for me in your precious name. Amen.