IBS Proverbs 23:15- 17

My son, if your heart is wise,

my heart too will be glad.

My inmost being will exult

when your lips speak what is right.

Let not your heart envy sinners,

but continue in the fear of the Lord all the day.

When I was younger tried too hard to rebel, to do what I wanted no matter what anyone says. But in retrospect in I should have listened. My parents were always there to guide and protect me, but instead, I decided to do whatever I could to make my own way. But I am so thankful for everything my parents did to raise me on the correct path because as much as I wanted to be rebellious, I still heeded the words of my parents. And I’m further still thankful that they answered the call to go out and be missionaries. Sometimes I think about what would have happened, how my life would have been so drastically different if we would have stayed. Even though the hard times, the lord was orchestrating the events of my life. And up to now, God has granted me the opportunity to follow in their footsteps and serve Gods children around the world. He has allowed me the chance to live out my own faith, but He reminds me of the way my parents faithfully brought up an unruly son, and I’m thankful they never gave up. 

Application 

Today I will call my parents and thank them for answering the call of the lord, and always guiding me in the ways of the lord

IBS Isaiah 6:1

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple.

Through the chaos, confusion, darkness, and sin the Lord always remains on the throne. Nothing can change that. Nothing I can do or anyone else can do. King Uzziah tried to make take advantage of the power and authority that the Lord had given him. He entered the temple of Lord, his heart filled with pride, and wanted to sacrifice to the Lord. Because of his foolish actions, he was struck with leprosy, condemned to die alone, with the “mark” of sin on his forehead. The people of Israel were in dire need of the lord. Sin had hardened their hearts, blinded their eyes, muffled their ears. But God still reigned. Above all other King’s and all other lords. 

“Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts;

the whole earth is full of his glory!”

When God requires a message, he touches the heart of his messenger. He asks for a willing vessel. When Isaiah was called by the lord, he felt unworthy before the presence of the Lord. He felt unclean. But the lord has already cleansed us. He has burned away our sin. When we need direction, he guides us in what to do and what to say. And he provides the strength to reach the goal he has set before us. And through it all the lord is seated on the throne. 

“in God I trust; I shall not be afraid.

What can man do to me?” -psalm 56:11

Application 

Today I will make a notecard with this verse on it, so at the end of the day when I see it I’m reminded of his goodness. 

IBS 2 Corinthians 8:21

for we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man.

Aim. Set your eyes on your target. Don’t look away. Focus and adjust. I’m always being brought back to a place of keeping my eyes on the lord. When time is short it’s easy to get distracted by the scoreboard. Looking away from the goal and looking at the remaining time thinking “ oh there’s so little time left. What am I going to do”. And that’s when the mistakes are made. But when I focus on God, and block everything else out, and make the play, or take the shot, then the lord moves. When I focus on the daily task and make it a mundane chore, then I feel like I’m under a microscope, worrying I’m going to mess something up in front of everyone. But my heart centered in the knowledge that the lord comes first before anything. Like a good soldier, my armor needs to be on, my full armor, and my weapon needs to stay ready for use. The lord is making it clear to me the dire need to stay ready in Him and Him alone. Not in my own strength, not in my own weapons. 

“Bring no more vain offerings;

incense is an abomination to me.”

(Isaiah 1:13 a)

“Offer to God a sacrifice of thanksgiving,

and perform your vows to the Most High”

(Psalm 50:14)

To be ready in and out of season. To be faithful in the eyes of the lord, and ready to serve the needs of man. 

Application 

Today I will write out ways I see myself missing the target and pray everyday for change. 

IBS Job 11:13-18

“If you prepare your heart,

you will stretch out your hands toward him.

If iniquity is in your hand, put it far away,

and let not injustice dwell in your tents.

Surely then you will lift up your face without blemish;

you will be secure and will not fear.

You will forget your misery;

you will remember it as waters that have passed away.

And your life will be brighter than the noonday;

its darkness will be like the morning.

And you will feel secure, because there is hope;

you will look around and take your rest in security.”

My heart needs to be prepared for his use. My time here in Uganda and what the lord is showing me here ultimately comes back to this, my heart set and prepared on Him and Him alone. The enemy is always trying to distract me from Gods plans and lure my eyes away from God and trap me in sneaky snares. Sometimes I can get so focused on staying above water then I lose focus on what God is trying to tell me for that day, that moment. But when I come before Him, heart ready and hands outstretched, withholding nothing, Hiding nothing, I see Him. In times of misery, the Lord is always there, and he’s the one who washes our worries away. When I have sin in my life and I’m confused about why I’m not shining, why I’m in fear, He won’t use me to my fullest. But no matter how dark it can seem, He shines through to my heart, and He allows me to lift my head blameless before Him, confident and secure in His forgiveness. And that’s the point in which He begins to use me. That’s when he makes me shine. This is the point to which God is driving me. To be confident the morning will come, and in the morning, find rest in His security. 

Application

this week I will memorize this passage

IBS Proverbs 17:17

A friend loves at all times,

and a brother is born for adversity

Throughout my time in ignite, the lord has been working in my heart to be more open with my brothers. To come to some when I’m struggling, and not just keep it inside and in my own heart. And this verse has been coming up in my field time. This was a verse for the kids in the kids club, and the kids all learned it, and when this verse came back up in a bible study, I really felt the Lord speaking to me. Not too long ago the lord placed on my heart to even step out and talk more with the young men here, and share with what the lord he’s been doing in our lives. Because I can talk to the lord all day, and that’s great, but what if the Lord wants to use me to encourage someone who needs it? Because the lord has his plans and I’m not the center of it, but just a piece in a mosaic. And really I’m just being selfish keeping to myself because I’m not meeting the lord work in my life. The lord is also showing me that there are people who care for me, that my brothers are there, and they want to see me grow and not struggle with my the cares of this world alone. God placed my brothers in my life, at this time for a reason, and I need to get past my insecurities and trust in His promise of brotherly companionship. 

Application

Throughout this week I will go to one of my brothers every night and fellowship and pray with them. 

IBS Matthew 9:37-38

Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.

Through my time in Uganda, I have seen much harvest. The Lord every day gives us, individually and as a team, opportunities for ministry with those around us. But even with everything we do, there is still more. There is still so much work. But the Lord knows what he is doing. My time here is sadly winding down, and there’s always more I’d like to do, but for this season in my life he has called me to six months in Uganda, and He wants me to be faithful in the little things, like serving the wonderful Ugandan people. With all the work and the little time left it could be discouraging, but I know God has called and equipped more faithful laborers to continue in the work He started. The Lord knows just when the crops are going to be ready and He calls the right laborers for that season, for the good of the harvest and the laborers themselves. And the laborers are not tasked with the whole field, but with a section that’s just there own, that they were assigned to for a specific reason. I am very thankful for this season of my life, but I’m still more thankful that the Lord will not forget His people, and that the helpless sheep will find their Shepherd 

Application

This week Put a note by my bed that says “Harvest”, to remind me to pray for the laborers, those here and on their way, and the great harvest that’s coming. 

Psalms 32:8-9

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;

I will counsel you with my eye upon you.

Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,

which must be curbed with bit and bridle,

or it will not stay near you.

This last week has been very eventful, but I can see God through it all. Every day was had a challenge He set before us, as a team and individually. But for me personally, I can say God has just been drawing me closer. Even when I felt like I was doing great, I was shown my efforts weren’t growing and teaching me, and that only the lord can do that in my heart. All the great things I could do won’t draw me closer to knowing God more. God moves in the heart and molds the character of a man. And even “my best” isn’t His best, and and the opportunity to grow closer to this team He has put me on is still present. But God, He promises me He will instruct me. Sometimes I get distracted by all the promises He makes us, and I lose sight of everything He wants for me. And awhile back I was encouraged with this verse but now the Lord has presented it to me again, and now with fresh eyes, it means so much more. He won’t guide me if I’m not submitted and wanting to be in His presence if I’m not seeking Him constantly. He won’t force me either, it’s all a choice, my choice to be instructed by the Lord. 

Application

This week I will devote a time In the morning and evening to reading and praying for further fellowship and devotion to my savior 

IBS Romans 15: 5-6

May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

These first four months of field time have been incredible. But as our time draws closer, I’m seeing how myself and my team can improve, finish the race strong. One thing that has been hard for me is truly being one unit, of being open with my brothers and encouraging them when moved too. But the Lord has granted me and moved me to make more opportunities like that, of late nights, fellowshipping and praying in the lord. And even though it’s been great there always still more. When we get out of sync you can tell, when one part is off it’s easy to follow in that way. But it’s encouraged when I read this verse, as some of us are tired, the God of endurance is there for us. He encourages and strengthens us. He brings us closer, through thick and thin, to finish our race strong. When we allow ourselves to be in the center of His will is when we glorify Him as one. My prayer is that for those who may feel distant, that the Lord shows them that this relay race isn’t over, and everyone needs to be in it to win it. And that we aren’t just a team, but a family brought together by the lord. 

Application 

I will write in my bookmark family as a reminder to pray for the next two months

IBS ROMANS 5:3-4

Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope 

In my time in Uganda I have gone through some suffering, not a lot, but some. Some of it was physical, but most was a suffering I brought on my self, torturing my mind to dark places. When my heart was in the wrong place my mind and my thoughts into a place of spiritual punishment. But God, in His incomprehensible ways was always there when I needed Him, just waiting for a cry of help. And after escaping the suffering the Lord has allowed my spirit to soar. I have made things right with my team and with God, and am depending more on Him. And recently with my newfound trust in Him, He has convicted me to step up and do more, as much as I can, and draw closer to this team he has chosen for me to serve with. And through it all I can see many benefits, an operation He used to make me trust Him more. Everything He does is for my benefit, I just need to see the dark valleys as an opportunity to let God shine. 

Application 

Today I will write this verse in my bible bookmark, as a reminder for those days

1 Chronicles 22:19

Now devote your heart and soul to seeking the Lord your God. Begin to build the sanctuary of the Lord God, so that you may bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the sacred articles belonging to God into the temple that will be built for the Name of the Lord. 

I read this verse the other day In my devotional and it stuck with me the rest of the day. What caught my attention was the first part. And I started to think about the second half, and what it meant to me.  After spending some thought I moved on, but the verse stuck with me. Yesterday I got the opportunity to go to a high hook and share something for their chapel. And as I was thinking about what I should share, I was thinking about what I would have wanted to hear when I was younger. And lord reminded me of this verse, and what I should share. That our bodies are temples for the lord and a dwelling place for Him (like the ark). I shared with the students the importance of keeping the Lord's temple pure by devoting our hearts to the lord, something He has really been showing me, and by being careful of what we let enter our minds. In the past, I let things like this slide thinking that it didn’t really matter, been the lord has been showing me that I need to be careful with what I watch, listen, and dwell on. Before I would have denied any effect on me, but he has been showing me I have been lying to myself been and have been distracted and dissatisfied. My prayer for those students was that the Lord would speak to them. After I shared Colin shared about the power of the spirit and tied his message into mine, and after prayed a baptism over the students. I know that growing up can be hard, and my hope is that those young people truly knew what they were praying for and that it was a real thing for them. 

Application 

This week I will pray for those students this week, that the Lord would remind them of His will for them. 

IBS 1 Chronicles 14:10

And David inquired of God, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? Will you give them into my hand?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up, and I will give them into your hand.”

David inquired of God. He spoke to God, with nothing to hide or hold him back. A man after God’s heart. As I was reading this I recognized in me that I don’t spend enough time praying. Even when I need it the most. Take a look at David, he was going into battle, and with thousands of men running around, the clashing of metal and thumping of wood, he somehow finds time to talk with God. He’s not thinking about “How am I going to beat this?”  But “ How can God display His power, again”. But most importantly, God answers. Sometimes I pray feeling God can’t answer or won’t listen. But really God is always listening, even when I’m not praying. And grants David he prayer by giving him victory. But what really gets me, is later on David seeks after God again. He goes back to the lord, even after his recent victory.  David knows the power is from the Lord, and not from him. The lord has the power, and he lends His power to those who inquire. 

“God has broken through my enemies by my hand, like a bursting flood.” (Verse 11).  

David conquered His enemies by Gods power alone. And how did he do this? Prayer. Just speaking to God and having faith he will move. If David found time to pray in the middle of all that chaos, then I can find time in my day today. So if my day to day is to muddled to pray, then my priorities are off 

Application 

This week I will take a tech fast

IBS Proverbs 6:20-22

My son, keep your father's commandment,

and forsake not your mother's teaching.

Bind them on your heart always;

tie them around your neck.

When you walk, they will lead you;

when you lie down, they will watch over you;

and when you awake, they will talk with you.

In a men’s bible study going over Proverbs, God showed me this verse, a verse that coincided with what I been feeling. God has been showing me that throughout the day I tend to drift my focus away from Him and focus more on petty little things. And after having our study and reading this verse I realized what was wrong, I was forgetting His promises and His word throughout the day. I focus less on what He wants and says and more on the microscopic insignificant things of the moment.  I have always read the Bible but rarely lived it, and never to the fullest that God wants for me. God is showing me that all I need is Him and His word and that I need to center myself even more on His word, and more importantly not forget what he is showing me. Because sometimes I feel like God is not speaking to me, even when He is and I’m not listening. I need the word more present on my mind and to dwell on the words He is directly speaking to me. 

Application

This week I will make reminders to read my devotional again at noon and at night

IBS Acts 17:6

And when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brothers before the city authorities, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,”

God has given me this great opportunity to go to a foreign country to serve Him. And it’s been such a blessing, but sometimes I feel like I’m not doing as much as I can. I feel a great need to do more. More for the one who did everything for me. And when I read this, someone that turned the world upside down, it makes me want to do more, to be more on fire. I need to stay one hundred percent focused on him because the distractions are everywhere. I need to cast aside the things holding me back and step into the shoes I was created for, to be obedient in the little things and disciplined and cool under pressured. Paul was on fire because he was constantly filled and prepared ready for any situation. God I know is doing a work in me, but sometimes I just get in the way. I want to do the most that I can, but lord helps me to grow in your guidance. 

Application 

This week I will get up earlier, reading in a passage of scripture I haven’t yet read, to get more focused on God

IBS Psalms 138:7-8

Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

you preserve my life;

you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,

and your right hand delivers me.

The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me;

your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever.

Do not forsake the work of your hands.

Even when I am making foolish decisions the lord is always watching over me. I’m constantly acting selfishly, only thinking about myself. But luckily God da watching out for me. He’s keeping my well being in mind even when I’m not. And he sends someone like it says in Proverbs 17:17 “which says A friend loves at all times,

and a brother is born for adversity”. I’m thankful for this team and the way we can grow each other. God put us together for a reason, and I’m thankful for my brothers and sisters, who are not afraid to speak up when someone’s in the wrong. The lord has a plan for me and he gives me trials to see how I handle myself. God is helping me see where I’m faulting and helping me grow. This last week I’ve seen that I need grow more, that I can’t fall back, that I can’t let up. Because the flesh is willing to take a break. But oh lord thank you for being our strength and for building me up with your strong hands. 

Application

Today I will memorize this passage

Acts 9:6

But rise and enter the city, and you will be told what you are to do.

Sometimes I struggle with not knowing what I’ll do after this season. After this time I literally do not know what I’ll do. And sometimes I that really distracts me. I have an opportunity but no vision or direction. But I was encouraged after I read this. Right now I’m called to this season, and it’s great. Every day God shows me something new. God has lessons and growth for me at this time. But my thoughts and actions remain in the here and now. When Saul went into the city he fasted and prayed, he was healed and set free from his past life and given a new direction, but only after he went in, blind nonetheless. He was even given new direction on the road. His original intent was to find Christians and take them away. And although he found them, he was blown away by the power found in Christ Jesus. So for me, I need to stay focused on my calling here, like Saul going into the city, going back to that image of Christ engrained in his brain, and focus on the thing I am called to do, serve in Uganda. And after, only after I do as I’m asked, am I told what I shall do. And something that stood out to me was what Saul did after entering the city, he fasted and prayed, waiting on the lord. Thank you, Lord, for drawing my eyes back to you in this time. 

Application

Today I will write this verse in my bible notebook, as a reminder that whenever I see to pray for guidance and focus on his plan. 

IBS 1 Samuel 12:24

Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. 

While teaching kids in a school the Bible we were going over this area of scripture, the anointing of Saul. As I was teaching this class I realized how much fun it was and what a blessing this time was. As I was showing the kids this verse it really impacted me. And throughout the week it stuck with me. How much the Lord has done for me. This opportunity was truly radical, being halfway across the world teaching the Bible to some awesome kids. As I was breaking down this verse with the kids it was breaking down in my heart. Only fear the lord. Have room only for God in your heart. Be in awe of His power. Do whatever he asks me to do, go where ever he leads you to go. Why? Because he gave me the ability to write these words, breath this air, to live a life for Him. And as I was asking them for what God has given them, they were so thankful and thoughtful, more than your average kid in the states. And as I’ve been here there have been ups and downs, but he is faithful and I will remain as well. 

Application 

This week I will memorize this passage 

IBS john 12:26

“If anyone serves me,he must follow me; and where I am, there will my servant be also. If anyone serves me, the father will honor him.”

I’ve been a missionary all of my life, but I haven’t followed Jesus to the field. I’ve always followed my parents. Only in recent years have I followed Jesus to where he called me. And that was back to the US ironically enough. But serving has always been interesting for me. I thought I was serving, I was a missionary. I thought I was doing the best I could. But God slowly showed me I was very wrong. I’m still not there yet. Whenever I think I am, I see someone do something I should have thought to do. But God is teaching patience and contentment in His timing

But now I’m being called on my own. And as I’m called to Uganda I know it will be tough. But I will be with Him, and He will be with me.

Application

Tonight I will pray that our team will be ready in His timing.

IBS Psalm 120

The Lord is so faithful and good, even when I get caught up in traps and snares. When it seems like I’m on way up, I get brought down by such small things, that wriggle and creep their way into my mind. But when I was in my dark place, seeking refuge from it, and the Lord shined through. He showed me I was lying to myself and everyone around me. I was trying to tell myself I was ok where I was at, but like the sun faithfully rises every day, the lord broke through the lies and showed me there was more, there was something missing. I wasn’t crying out to Him, and He showed me in time. I get so caught up in the things surrounding me that I lose sight of what’s important. But as I read this passage the lord really showed me where I was at, and that he is the only one who can remove me from the camp I made myself. Thank you, Lord, for your grace that always renews itself every morning. 

Application 

This week I will make my phone background a sunrise to remind me when I lose sight of Him, He doesn’t lose sight of me

IBS Psalm 119:46

I will also speak of your testimonies before kings

and shall not be put to shame.

This past week has been crazy. I didn’t know what to expect with my trip to visit refugee camps in northern Uganda. I thought it would be more shocking or something, but the lord truly showed me they were still just people in great need. It’s funny because this was only my second mission trip, and it is definitely one I will remember. As I was reading this verse It really struck me as a fitting verse for my experiences. Because the purpose of the trip was to glorify God, through my music, service, and love for His children. God gives us opportunities that we will never forget, radical life-changing blessings to serve others in any way. Whether it’s stacking chairs or giving out food, God was glorified and was with me on this trip. He taught me and equipped me for future service, and blessed me with the opportunity to serve with a great team I know blessed the people and pastors from South Sudan. He lets us on these trips to witness to anyone, from the lowest beggar to the highest ruler, of what the power of Gods love can do. Thank you, Lord, for the blessing of serving you. 

Application 

Today I will draw out on a little note card the flag of South Sudan to remind me to pray for the people, and also pray that I may never fall back from testifying the work He is doing in my life and In the camps

IBS 1 Samuel 17: 46-47

This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you down and cut off your head. And I will give the dead bodies of the host of the Philistines this day to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, and that all this assembly may know that the Lord saves not with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord's, and he will give you into our hand.

As a human it’s easy to see the things of this world and be uneasy with hard situations. I have been given the opportunity to go minister in refugee camps in Northern Africa. I know God is sending me for a reason, and I’m excited, but I’m the enemy tries to discourage me telling me I can’t minister to these people. But it’s not about me, it’s about the lords work. When I let fear creak in I get crippled. Like the Israelites. Waiting, watching and rotting while their enemy laughs in their faces, shaming their people and their God. Their eyes only saw the man. But God, oh but God sees more. Like the heart of a young man after His own heart. A man who could not wait for the “men” to do something, so he let God use Him in one of the most amazing accounts in the Bible ever. “There is no fear in love, for perfect live drives out all fear” 1 John 4:18. David’s love for the Lord, and the lords love for him gave him the victory. And Gods glory was revealed to the whole land. This land that was in fear of a man, and like a good Sheppard, a boy to returned the people to the sheepfold. But most importantly David gave glory to the one that gave him the power the giant in the first place. Me I know God will give me his power an he will be glorified in His victory. Thank you lord for your encouraging words in times of need.

Application
Today I will memorize this passage

IBS PSALM 103

I know the Lord is trying to work in my life, but I keep getting in the way. I take my eyes off of Him and I get distracted with earthly things. The enemy throws my sin and my surroundings at me to distract me, but I’m distracted further still by the lord. He always brings my eyes back to Him. What the enemy throws at me the lord throws away further than my mind can comprehend. And He covers me with a love my heart can’t contain. In a time of need the lord has shown me I can’t do it on my own, and that when the eyes are not focused on being Christ like, tension and frustration arises that only creates division. Lord help me to see as you see and let your word solidify In my heart. 

Application 

This week I will make this passage my background on my phones to remind me of Gods promises

IBS PSALM 103

I know the Lord is trying to work in my life, but I keep getting in the way. I take my eyes off of Him and I get distracted with earthly things. The enemy throws my sin and my surroundings at me to distract me, but I’m distracted further still by the lord. He always brings my eyes back to Him. What the enemy throws at me the lord throws away further than my mind can comprehend. And He covers me with a love my heart can’t contain. In a time of need the lord has shown me I can’t do it on my own, and that when the eyes are not focused on being Christ like, tension and frustration arises that only creates division. Lord help me to see as you see and let your word solidify In my heart. 

Application 

This week I will make this passage my background on my phones to remind me of Gods promises

IBS Psalm 94: 17- 19

If the LORD had not been my help,

my soul would soon have lived in the land of silence.

When I thought, “My foot slips,”

your steadfast love, O LORD, held me up.

When the cares of my heart are many,

your consolations cheer my soul.

Recently I had the opportunity to go on a missions outreach to a small island called Bussi island, in lake Victoria. There we got to evangelize to the people living on this rural island. At first I was apprehensive, because they told us there were “drunkards, fornicators and witch doctors”, but after some time in prayer and in the word, I felt like the lord had prepared me for this outreach. It turns out I had an amazing blessed time. On our first stop we talked to a young lady at her house, but as we were talking, a young man was walking up the road, so me and a local started to talk to him. He started to share how he was on the island looking for work to provide for his family( mind you he is 23 years old). He said he was born again but didn’t have a bible. He explained that he didn’t have enough resources to provide for his family, and wanted us to pray for him. Later on we would realize many people on this island were on the same boat. As I prayed for him I prayed that he would see God in a new way and trust in Him to be the provider for all our needs. As we finished I felt lead to give him my bible, and explained the significance behind why it was burned. I have been thinking about this encounter ever since,and as I read this psalm today It impacted me as a reminder of how faithful God is, and that he never lets us go and never lets us down. He is steadfast, and provides des what we need when we need it, and I think that he provide that outreach just in time for me. 

Application

Today I will write down on a notecard this passage and put in next to my bed, to remind me to pray for my faith and the faith of the souls on bussi. 

IBS Proverbs 12:1

Whoever loves discipline loves knowledge,

but he who hates reproof is stupid.

I don’t think I love discipline. Usually, discipline comes with harsh words and means intentions. But discipline comes when I do something wrong, and a correction helps me in the future. If I don’t take heed to a correction, I’m just a fool returning to folly, a dog returning to his vomit. To learn from your mistakes is to change, and grow for the better. But it’s also important to note that most of the time, I blow off a correction because the way it was delivered. It’s mostly on my part, but also the correct way to deliver a correction is with love, and a want for the person to know they were wrong and they just want to help. Both sides of this verse is applicable and necessary, especially in day to day ministry

Application

Today I will write down on a notecard listen and pray for this whole week's lessons

2 Timothy 2:2

and what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also.

Putting the word into practice. Walking and talking out the things we have been instructed with, privately and publicly. The good news is meaningless if there is no one to hear it, and no one will hear it if there are no messengers. The lord works in mighty ways and moves hearts to change them. For me, my parents shared with me the good news of Jesus Christ, but not everyone has that luxury of a loved one reaching out to them. The time has come for me ( and others ) to receive that calling that has been put on our lives and be the good soldiers that we were trained to be. To reach out to “the enemy” and show them the truth and witness Jesus, what he’s done in us and witness what he’ll do in others. And as I go out on the field and can’t wait and am so excited for the opportunity he has given me. I just pray for His strength and hand to be upon these next six months. 

Application 

Today I will write witness in my bible bookmark to remind me daily of the work that is to come

IBS Proverbs 9:9

Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be still wiser;

teach a righteous man, and he will increase in learning.

A wise man can never stop learning. And a wise man learns and accepts faults and failures and learns from them. And the youth would be wise to learn from them. And as a faulty man walking in righteousness the never stops growing us. We’re always being molded, and time spent with Him is time being grown in that righteousness. We always have blind spots and God puts people or directly acts in our lives to show us how we can grow more. But a foolish man would thro le these things to the wind and count them as foolish. For the man is only wise if he takes the instruction in stride and walks in the teachings. Sometimes I am that foolish man and don’t receive that instruction. Whether it’s because it’s form, someone, that it’s difficult for me to get along with or because it’s bra ugh they to me in a harsh manner. I pray I leave that folly and become wiser in my youth 

Application

Today I will memorize this verse to remind me of foolish times

IBS Mark 4:10- 11

And when he was alone, those around him with the twelve asked him about the parables. And he said to them, “To you has been given the secret of the kingdom of God, but for those outside everything is in parables 

Fear and doubt constantly creep in to surround me. I hate knowing that I can have the answers but feel like I can’t achieve what is asked of me. But in Somers ways, it’s expected, because I’m not perfect, and if I was I wouldn’t listen to anyone. But He is glorified when His word sinks into our lives. He is the teacher and we the students. I can’t use the solution to something I don’t currently have a problem with. But I know I’m His power he will help me when the time comes. And when I don’t understand the problem as the student I can go to the teacher for help. Sometimes I struggle with going for help, and trusting he is in control and can help more than I expected. But a student has faith that the information he is given is beneficial for his well being. 

Application

 Today I will put a notecard above my bed with the word trust, so when I wake up it reminds me to start the day with a prayer of trust. 

IBS Luke 15:22

But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet.

As I read the this parable recently I have seen real similarities in my life. I can now see how I am similar to both sons. The first, in that I knew Gods goodness but wanted something else. I knew His promises and yet sought something lesser. It was only until I realized the filth did I seek to escape. The real takeaway for me though is seeing the son return. The son confesses’ and the father's immediate response is one of restoration. He gives a robe for covering and comfort. He gives a ring to show value. And sandals for guidance. The Father cares for His children. He doesn’t care about what they did, only that they are in His arms again. But I also can see myself as the other son. Having pride in remaining faithful, comparing and saying at least I’m not that bad, and not rejoicing in the further dance of our heavenly family. Oh lord remind me of your word and center me when I become complacent in petty things. 

Application 

Today I will write this passage down on a notecard to remind me of his promises