My Journal

There are many things that contribute to who I am. My parents and mu intitial upbringing, the place I was born, my wider family, events such as marruage, illness and adoption, work and church. Father above all these I find my true identity in you, continue to shape me that I may know you, follow your ways and be a light to those around me.

Father God, as I conclude my studies in Exodus today I want to thank you for all you have taught me. In particular 2 things. The character of a true christian leader as seen in the life of Moses and secondly the complete assurance that you are always faithful and true to your word. Thank you for the times in which I live and the fullness of your revalation to me. Thank you that through Jesus I can know you fully. Help me to live daily knowing and experiencing your presence with me.

Lord it saddens me to reflect on the curret financial status of both our country and our church. It appears to me that prople have so given in to the opportunity to buy now and pay later that we have moved away from dealing with real money. Would you search and challenge me about my giving Lord, help me to be abundantly generous with my giving that both I and your church may benefit.

Lord, meeting with you has changed me. You have changed my mind, and heart. I pray lord that you would continue to develop me and that your glory would shine through in all that I do.

Everyone needs compassion
A love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness
A kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations

Savior
He can move the mountains
My God is Mighty to save
He is Mighty to save
Forever
Author of salvation
He rose and conquered the grave
Jesus conquered the grave

So take me as You find me
All my fears and failures
Fill my life again
I give my life to follow
Everything I believe in
Now I surrender

Shine your light and let the whole world see
We're singing for the glory of the risen King...Jesus

I'm enjoying studying Exodus and in particular seeing the relationship between Moses and yourself develop Father God. I feel challenged today when I consider, if anything, I am more blessed than Moses as I have scripture bringing bringing revalation to me and Holy Spirit helping me understand, Thnak you.

Father here on earth we only get a glimpse of you glory and more often than not it is not you we see but the impact you make in either your creation or people who have been touched by you. Would you help me see more of you in my everyday life.

Ex 32:25 - 33:6
You have given me today a stark reminder of the consequence of sin.
"The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Thank you for saving me.

Father help me to understand more fully your jealous nature. I believe you are this way because you know fully the devastation that comes our way when we follow our sinful nature rather than following your perfect plan for harmonious living. You deserve my full and total obedience. Help me to realise when I am not totally obedient to you, help me to recognise the idols I have placed in my life that I might lay them down and have you only as my number one.

Father, I declare - "there is none like you" - you alone are God, the one and only. When moments and situations arise in my life, I pray that I would not capitulate under pressure from those around me but remain focused and true to you.

Again Lord you have reminded me of the importance of Sabbath rest. I thank you for helping me put a structure in place that normally helps me take a day off per week. I have been encouraged today to think about how this structure is a witness that sets your people apart. Would you give me opportunity to use my approach to Sabbath rest as an opportunity to share how much I love you because I obey your commands.

Lord you are the worlds most amazing artist. I am part of your work and acknowledge that I am work in progress. I do thank you that I expereince your annointing upon me and that you have a job for me to do. Thank you for the NPQH journey I am embarking upon - I ask that you would equip me to fulfil whatever you are preparing me for.

'Heavenly Father' - a name that holds so much. As a King you deserve reverence, as a Father you offer intamacy. I thank you that I am your child, I pray you would help me get the balance right between reverence and intamacy.

Father God, you are a God who lives in covenant with your people. Covenant is clearly about committed relationship. You are completely and utterly committed to me, I pray that you would help me develop a deeper committment to you.

Throughout this short series on Acts, you have reminded me that we are all missionaries and that my mission field is the place where you have called me - my home, my church, my community and my work. I thank you also for the christian community that I am part of where I can find renewing, refreshing and strength.

As a missionary Lord I acknowledge today I could do with more courage. I thank you for the example of Paul and Barnabas in Lystra and Derbe and ask that you would develop in me the same courage.
- Courage in popularity - making sure I always give you the glory and credit.
- Courage in rejection - to keep on going, seeing what you are doing and what you have done and seeking support from the Christian community.

Father I thank you that your gospel IS good news. I am aware though that to some it will not be good news immeadiately or at face value. For those with, in worldly terms, affluence and success and those content with their lives, the challenge of the gospel may be too much for them. I pray Lord that you would help me be a true witness that enables others to see the abundancy of life that following you brings.

I'm reminded again today that you and you alone are the God who converts people. It is my responsibility to carry the message. Lord would you help me let go of the people who don't want to listen. I trust in you and leave them completely in your care. Would you open my eyes to see those that are open to your gospel.

Father thank you for the clarity of strategy Paul and Barnabas used when on mission.
- start where they were
- share the truth, the whole truth.
I ask that you would help me adopt this strategy. Help me understand where my friends are and help me share the whole truth, as uncomfortable as it may be for me and them.

Father would you help me make the most of the opportunities you give me to share my faith in you. Thank you for the communities in which you have placed me at home and church and work. Help my witness to you be bold and effective causing those around me to ask questions about you.

Acts 13: 1-12
Lord thank you that in many aspects of our faith as Christians you call us to work as a team. In this missionary account, team work is evident throughout. Thank you for the small group I am part of, could this be a missionary team that works together for the extension of your kingdom? Speak to me Lord on this issue I pray.

Rom 16: 17-27
Father as I conclude my study of Romans I thank you for the lessons you have taught me.
- the importance of knowing scripture so that I can avoid 'smooth talk and flattery' going to my head
- the importance of team work within your Kingdom
- the importance of not losing sight of you or the goal you are calling me towards

TO GOD BE THE GLORY! great things He hath done!
So loved He the world that He gave us His Son,
Who yielded His life an atonement for sin,
And opened the life-gate that all may go in.

Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Let the earth hear His voice!
Praise the Lord! Praise the Lord!
Let the people rejoice!
O come to the Father through Jesus the Son;
And give Him the glory, great things He hath done!

O perfect redemption, the purchase of blood!
To every believer the promise of God;
The vilest offender who truly believes,
That moment from Jesus a pardon receives.

Great things He hath taught us, great things He hath done,
And great our rejoicing through Jesus the Son:
But purer and higher and greater will be
Our wonder, our worship, when Jesus we see!

Rom 16: 1-16
This list of people along with their actions reminds me of the team ethic behaind your Church. We all have a part to play, you call us your body, with each part depending on the others to function properly. As mentioned here, some will have exciting roles, others more mundane. Father help me fulfil the role you have called me to.

Rom 15: 23-33
Lord thank you for the encouragement through this reading. As Paul I too have plans, but also like Paul I'm more committed to pursuing you than chasing my own goals. Have your way in my life. I am very aware that we are all called to be missionaries in the places we find ourselves so I pray for myself and the members of ECBC in particular to be fruitful in our individual and corporate mission.

Father you have called us all to walk a journey with you. Thank you for my journey, for the people, experiences and situations I have encountered. Lord I ask that my journey from this point forward may become more missionary focused than before, that I may bring others close to you.

Romans 15: 13
"May the God of hope fill you with all jpy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Father thank you that becasue of what you allowed to happen to your one and only son at Calvery I have hope. Would you continue to develop optimism within me of better things to come and prepare me to explain to others the hope I have.

Thank you Father for your church and in particular the small expression of it that I am part of in East Cleveland. Would you help me develop my relationships with my fellow believers so that I may reflect more of your love and compassion.

Lord I simply ask today that you would be my number 1 priority for the year ahead.

Lord from my reading today it is clear we are living in end times. Thank you Lord that you are present with me in the midst of difficulties. Thank you that I have you close to me, someone I can depend upon at all times and in all places. Would you help me to see what you are doing and keep my eyes foxed upon you.

We stand and lift up our hands
For the joy of the Lord is our strength
We bow down and worship Him now
How great, how awesome is He
And together we sing

chorus

Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
The earth is filled with His glory
We stand and lift up our hands
For the joy of the Lord is our strength
We bow down and worship Him now
How great, how awesome is He
And together we sing
Everyone sing

chorus
Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
Holy is the Lord God Almighty
The earth is filled with His glory
The earth is filled with His glory

It's rising up all around
It's the anthem of the Lord's great name

Lord in the midst of turmoil I ask that you would help me keep my eyes fixed on you. Lord as the widow gave her all for you so I want to do the same, will you please show me what you want me to give.

I thank you that you have created me for relationship. I enjoy relationship with my wife, family and friends too. I've been thinking today about my relationships into eternity. I thank you that you have made it possible for me to enjoy eternity with you. I have questions about new heaven and new earth, but trust you completely and await with eagerness, exciteent and intrige.

Father yo have called me to be heavenly minded whilst living on earth. Lord help me to live in this world but with an eye on the place that you are preparing for me.

Lord, I am very aware that whn I take complete control of my lofe - I mess up. I guess this is because pride takes over allowing me to believe I am in charge of my own destiny. Lord God, help me to be humble and accept your ownership of my life. Protect me from myself and my belief that I can run my own life.