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So as a church we're going through the Life Journal this year. The Life Journal is a daily Bible reading and journaling plan and I'm loving it! Here's how it works:

1) read the passages marked out for you (I do this on my phone, the YouVersion App has a Life Journal Bible reading plan option)

2) journal; S-scripture, O-observation on that scripture, A-application of that scripture, P-prayer

As I was reading and journaling this morning, one of the scriptures in Acts stood out and I wanted to share.

S- Acts 11:18 NLT
"When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.”"

O- This is one of the most critical moments for the early church. This is the response to the moment when God openly poured out His Spirit and fully forgave a completely Gentile household. Not a household that was trying to be Jewish, not "foreigners living among them" but full-blooded Gentiles.
Instead of letting insecurities rise up, instead of feeling threatened or being exclusive the leaders of the early church began praising God for what He was doing. Why? Peter, explained what happened and they recognized God's hand. They knew His voice and they trusted Him over their traditions and what they were used to. Their security and identity was in Him now, not who they once were.

A- if my security, affections and trust lie completely in Him, I will be able to accept with joy any change He brings.

P- Lord, help me position my heart and focus my eyes so completely on You that my soul is at rest and my heart is content, come what may.

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