IBS 1 Corinthians 12: 14-15

“For the body does not consist of one member but many. If the foot should say, ‘because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body.’”

In this beautiful body, I have a purpose. I don’t know what that is yet, but I’m still developing. I’m still being formed into the vessel he has had planned out for me since forever ago. But a body has many members. In team Uganda, there are eight of us, and I’ve already seen that we can look like an eight headed freak at times. We need a leader. A head that knows what it’s doing and how to do it correctly and efficiently. Now naturally we would appoint one, but one of us leading would fall far short of the things He can do. We can do good, but He can do the Greatest. One mind. One body. Moved by Him. And that’s just a team of eight! In this ministry alone there are so many different body parts. Flip them around and put the appointed parts in different areas and nothing could function. Everyone is where they are at for a reason. He knows what’s best, He sees past skin and bone. He has the eternal in view. Thank you, God for the body, this strange body that seems Frankensteined together at times, but in reality is a perfect organism. Help me to put that in perspective Lord

Application

Today I will write unity on my arm, and when I see it I will pray for team Uganda( and the others ), for last few weeks and our field time.

IBS 1 Corinthians 9:22

“ To the weak, I became week, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people. that by all means, I might save some”

When I think of growth I think of getting stronger. But as the Lord showed me through this passage, sometimes growing is becoming weaker. Lowering myself as to not seem like such a high and mighty Christian. A Christian who is perfect in every way and can’t fail. But even Paul. The greatest of heavyweight missionary’s, humble himself for the lost. But it’s all for the gospel. Out of humility not out of pride but out of love for a brother in need. As I look back I’m thankful for the men in my life that spent that time, those late nights talking about life. Living in a basement with nothing but each other. I’m thankful that these men had their positions in leadership yet came down to my level to help me through my hard times. Even though they didn’t have to they did out of a passion and calling to disciple and be there as an older brother. And as they were challenged to live like this I was too. So as I grow with the lord and in years I pray for opportunity to speak through me for the one

Application

Today I will pray for these influential men In my life and next time I see them I will thank them for spending those late nights someone who really needed it

IBS HEBREWS 5:8

“Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered”

When I think about Jesus I think of my perfect savior. But not as someone who needed to learn anything, especially obedience. For He is all knowing and all powerful. He sits at the right hand of the father and reigns over his enemies. He does all the commanding, why should He need to obey anyone. But He is the son, and as the son, He set the ultimate example. Offering Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for His creations. He served the Low and he redeemed the broken. Through obedience, the Lord was glorified. The son was taken out of the depths and exalted upon high. He took my lashes and forgot my sins. Now how can I not obey the request of sweeping the crumbs and the fallen dust? For that’s what I am without His sacrifice. A pile of ashes. The perfect son took the perfect place for a disgraced son, me not Him. Lord help me to obey thy commandments even when I don’t see the outcome.

Application

Today I will memorize this verse as a reminder of the depths he will go for His lost sons.

IBS ROMANS 15:1

“We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak. “

I have never been the strong one. It’s always someone else talking about what God is doing, and I left wanting something like that. I’ve always been the baby Christian, feeding on milk, and wanting to move on to the meat. But I know he’s growing me. Even if I can’t see it. He’s not growing me in my timing. But my timing is not perfect, but he is. He will make me strong to help those who are weak. He has put people in my life to help me when I was weak. And those people told me I would do the same for some else one day. I’m not there yet, but I pray to God I will be.

Application

I will take time out of my mornings to read over this verse and pray for opportunity and strength

IBS HEBREWS 13:17

“Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. “

Obedience has always been hard for me. Although most of the time on the outside I might seem like I’m complying, but in my heart, I would grumble. Growing up we had three dogs, and I was volunteered for pooper-scooper duty. And that was gross. I didn’t like it and I complained about the poop that would sometimes get on me. But that was my parents. I always thought it was easier to obey a request from someone in authority. But once I started working at MM and got orders from anyone, I realized it was much harder for me to comply. But now I’m called to ignite. And I’m called to obey without complaining anything my leaders ask me. For they are above me, and they are under God. I’m called to respect them because they know what’s best because God knows what’s best. I’ve personally seen everything a leader is called to do. To drop anything for the need of someone else. They want what’s best for us, and they strive for our success

APPLICATION

Tonight I will pray for all of the leaders on the field that I personally know, and pray for these next 6 months.

IBS Ephesians 6:1

“Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right”

Colossians 3:20

“Children obey your parents in everything for this pleases the lord”

I’ve always struggled with obedience. I’ve always been rebellious. Usually in “small” ways to most, but in ways that sent me spiraling. Growing up as a missionary has me the typecast that I was a goody two shoe kid. I always hated being called sheltered, so much so that I would do whatever I could to not be that. I struggled most with obeying my parents. Anyone else that was in authority I usually would have gladly done what they asked. But I never really liked listening to mom and dad. But now I wish I listened to them and took heed of their warnings. They looked out for me, saw in me themselves and wanted to stop me from making the same mistakes they did. Although I love them I saw their flaws but never gave them the grace they would give me after I lied time after time straight to their face. I wish I could go back and tell myself to listen to them because it saddens me how much stress I caused their already stressful lives. But now all I can do respect them for all the hard work and sacrifices they made for me. And appreciate all the things I took for granted growing up.

Application

The next time I see my parents I will apologize for making their lives unnecessarily difficult and thank them for leading me in the right direction

IBS ROMANS 6:16

“Do you not know that if you present yourselves to anyone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or obedience which leads to righteousness?”

I have been set free from sin and bought by God my new master. A master who is good and gives me everything I need when I need it. So why is it so hard to follow his simple commandments. One master, the old one, deceives me. But the other, my new one, redeemed me. I know he can change me, but I’m too impatient to wait. I want to be better now. a slave can’t serve two masters, it must choose one or the other. Sometimes I like to think of my self as a bondservant. Willfully obeying menial tasks anything and everything without question. But I’m still a slave. Of righteousness nonetheless but a slave. I need to go through the 7 year time of trial, to be able to return to my master freely. Will it be easy, no. But I know he will grow. Will it be easier after, no? But I want to strive to get there one day. Later on in this passage it talks about fruit. The fruit I do longingly want, but don’t want to wait for. But for it grow I need to be obedient in righteousness.

APPLICATION

Over this next week, I will take time out of my morning to read this passage and pray for a more obedient heart

IBS ACTS 5:29

“But Peter and the apostles answered, ‘we must obey God rather than man’”

How can a guy like peter say something like that in front of the whole Sanhedrin. By obeying weird things like ‘go catch a fish”. A few weeks ago I read through Matt 18. There’s a section that talks about the temple tax, and this Sunday I was reminded of this passage. In the moment it sounds strange, but Gods ways are greater than ours. Through simple obedience, Peter learned something. By obeying this strange request Jesus told Peter he was redeemed, even before old Pete denied Jesus. And now, after many more lessons from Jesus, Peter stands in front of Jesus’ accusers reaping the Lord's blessings. He’s full of His spirit, and walking in his gifts, talking. A lot. So if Peter did it so can I. Although I don’t understand everything He asks me, I pray every day to help me leave my dirty cloak behind and come follow Him. Although in my head I’m praying to leave my self behind I guess I’m praying that he helps me obey him by going, following him. Neat

APPLICATION

Today I will memorize matt 17:26 to remind me that I live in freedom, and I am free to live for Him

IBS PSALM 17:15

“And I- in righteousness I will see your face; when I wake, I will be satisfied in seeing your likeness”

This is the one that’s hardest for me. Being content with where I’m at with God

My biggest wish is to be more like God. To be more in His image. I know it’s a process but I want improvement now.

In Exodus 24:9-11, Moses saw the Lord. No one could look at him afterward because he was radiating with Gods glory. But Moses had his mount, Sinai. He needs to climb to the top for the reward. He spent forty days and forty nights with God. With no distractions. Just him and the Lord. My desire is to be more in the likeness of Him. But it’s nothing I can do to draw closer. It’s all by Him. Through the cross. By His love and the cleansing of my heart and mind do I look more like a Him. By His cross and sacrifice will I be satisfied.

APPLICATION

Today I will draw a cross in my bible bookmark with the passages of exodus and psalms to remind me of the desire to be more like christs image

IBS Philippians 4:11

“not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content”

In the past it’s been hard for me to be content with the place that I’m at. When I was 7 I didn’t really have a say in moving to Costa Rica to be a missionary. Living there was fine. I was really young so I didn’t really understand what was going on. I just thought it was kind of cool to live in another country. Even though it was hard being away from my family and friends we still got to see them at least once a year. But Guatemala was much harder for me. I was a teenager, so that’s fun. But I really wasn’t walking with God. I felt more dragged along then ever. I didn’t feel called you could have said. Now I look back and think, “wow, I could have done so much better”. But really I was just waiting on God, expecting to change me, but not changing myself. I was in a vicious cycle of sin and repentance that I felt I couldn’t escape. I needed help, but I never reached out. When pastor Mike asked me to come work at Mudman, I didn’t hesitate. Unlike most people I couldn’t wait to go to ignite. I thought that would change my life. I wasn’t content with where I wanna at because I thought I was supposed to be somewhere else. But now I couldn’t be more content. I’m with my family, my class, and I’m get to live on an island in Africa. And I couldn’t be more grateful.

APPLICATION

Today I will pray for each one of my teammates, that as a team we maybe content with each other and our location.

IBS HEBREWS 13:5

“Keep your lives free of the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said ‘never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’”

When I was younger I loved money.and I love new things. I was always the one out of three kids that would spend it immediately on LEGO’s or comics or a video game or something. When I would ask my sisters how much they had, they always had way more than me because they would save for something big, but I couldn’t keep anything it seemed. But in growing up and earning money through hard work, I’ve learned a new appreciation for contentment. For saving for the things I actually need like food and clothes. Instead of blowing it on a cool, shiny new toy. And being content with what I have. I literally don’t have a place to go. My parents don’t own a home. I can’t live with them anymore. I have to trust in Him for a roof over my head. And right now I couldn’t be happier. With my class. My team. And my lack of money I feel content. I feel content with praying with my brothers and growing with them every day, praying for only more growth, and knowing he is with me wherever I go.

APPLICATION

Starting today each night I will personally go to one of my brothers and ask them how I can pray for them

IBS REVELATIONS 1: 9

“I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus”

Patience. Through the waves and the storms, persevere. I remember swimming at the beach once with my dad. We went out a little too far, and the waves got bigger and bigger. And as one crashed over us, I remember clutching for his hand and holding on. We would breathe, go under come up again. Repeat. Until we started to drift to shore. Above in the waves, there was chaos. But underneath there was peace. For John, there was peace on his island. Exiled from society because of his faith, he wasn’t alone. Jesus was always with him. John depended on Him After John was told he would suffer for Jesus name, and he saw the other twelve slowly die around him, he found peace in his island. This island wasn’t like a dessert. Dry and inhospitable. This place was different, Jesus was there, in johns presence, where he found peace. Yesterday god spoke to me in a verse. Romans 5 : 3- 4 where it says ( reads the bible ). after the waves and storms, there is always calm. Peace. Exodus 14: 14 says ( reads bible [again]) But since it will take an endurance only our Savior can give us. To persevere for his name's sake.

Application

 Today I will Memorize Romans 5 : 3- 4 to remind me of the goal and the reason we persevere

IBS LUKE 3:14

“then some soldiers asked him ‘and what should we do?’. He replied ‘don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely- be content with your pay”

 As I look back on my time first job at Mudman, that was definitely a time of contentment. Working the long hours for just enough money to get by. But it was also very relieving. Knowing God would always provide is refreshing. But I was also content with the calling for that time in my life. Serving in the humble lest of ways, serving by washing dishes mopping floors, knowing its all for a purpose. Being content with knowing that the money that I was working for was going to kids and young adults. But these soldiers in this passage are working for the here and now. Sometimes I find myself being not content with my walk with God. But he has paid me or giving me things I need to be content with. And right now it's being content with waiting and praying. But in being content I've prayed more in the last few weeks than I think I ever have. He knows and he grows. And he will raise our pay grade when we're ready

Application

Today will doodle a thumbs up and make it my background, to remind me to pray this week for me and my classmates to be content with God and what he has for us

IBS Luke 8: 11 - 15

“ This is the meaning of the parable: the seed is the word of god. Those along the path are the ones who hear, and then the devil comes along and takes away the word from their hearts, so that they may not believe and be saved. Those on the rock are the ones who receive the word with joy when they hear it, but they have no root. They believe for a while but in time of testing, they fall away. The seed who fell among the thorns stands for those who hear, but as they go on their way they are choked by life’s worries, riches, and pleasures, and they do not mature. But the seed on good soil stands for those with a noble and good heart, who hear the word, retain it, and by persevering produce crop”

God loves everyone and wants everyone to hear his gospel, the good news of the washing of sins. It always confused me of why the farmer was almost careless with his seeds. If it were me I would scatter the seeds in the field, the good field he must have spent many hours cultivating, and not on rocks and in thorns and in places where there is an Ideal place to grow. But God meets us where we are at. And he can always return for the rocks and the thorns, and he can disrupt the birds that pluck the seed. There is always next season, when that person is ready to receive, and grow. but to grow we need to take root. And the only way to take roots is to receive the water that graciously flows on us. And like a plant grow towards the sun, and grow in light. And during the night persevere and meditate and on what we received during the day. The picture of a farmer is a beautiful picture of God, because he wants all of his plants to succeed and grow, but will stop and care for the one when it needs it, whether that means watering or pruning, it's for our own growth. But when we think our caregiver is far off and we see others growing faster than us and flourishing with fruit, we must pray for patience, and perseverance, because God has his perfect timing and calling on our lives

Application

As I walk through this week I will pray for patience and perseverance, and journal of the ways I see God growing and pruning in my life.

IBS JAMES 1: 5

God knows we're not perfect so he gives us what we need. We just need to ask, and receive. Ive always had trouble asking for things, especially as I got older. I don’t really like bothering people to ask them what I have to do for the task at hand. Because sometimes I don’t things the first time. But God doesn’t just give out handouts. He's not Oprah standing up and saying “you get some wisdom, you get some wisdom you get some wisdom”. And he does give generously and he knows the desires of our hearts. I've been a Christian all my life. And even though I may know some knowledge of the Bible, but using it in wisdom is something lacking in me. And whats interesting (to me) is this letter is written to the jews. Many of which had knowledge of the scriptures. Memorizing whole passages, but it needs to travel from the head to the heart. It reminds me of me. I've grown up a Christian, but haven’t lived it out. Not until recent years. He has redeemed me and called me. For now to ignite, but who knows in the future.

APPLICATION

Today I will pray for the understanding and of wisdom and journal my thoughts

IBS COLOSSIANS 1 : 11

“Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience”

When I think of times in my life when I experienced endurance, I can think of a few. But a big one was hiking Agua, one of the biggest extinct volcanos in Guatemala. When I went two years ago I didn’t really want to do it. I mean I could see the thing from my backyard. We had to get up early, cram in a van, and then drive to our destination. The group I was with was a big group, and they were very slow. I didn’t have a lot of food and we had to hike 5 hours just to get to the top, not including all the stops. While I was trudging along I kept on thinking “it will be worth it at the top, everyone said it will get worth it at the top. But it wasn’t. it was completely covered with clouds and it was 30 degrees. But as I read this verse I realized my attitude was completely wrong. Yes, it would have been epic if the top wasn’t covered with clouds, but when I got to the top I didn’t, as Paul writes, joyfully give thanks to the father in our time of long-suffering. And as my mom later told me I could’ve been thankful for being able to even climb up the mountain, but instead I complained that I couldn’t feel my ankles. But God is good and gracious and he knows we can’t do it on our own. He knows without him we will burn out before we even get to the base of the mountain. God gives us strength when we need it the most, in his timing. And when we are strengthened we grow, and we grow fruit. And when we look back we should always give thanks for our growth, and never stop praying for more.

Application

Today I will draw a mountain on my hand, to remind me to pray for patience and endurance. So that when I get to the top I give thanks with a joyful heart, clouds or no

Luke 8:22-25

IBS LUKE 8:22 -25

Sometimes most people think storms and trials are bad, but God can use them to strengthen our faith. Even when Jesus is right by our side, we doubt. How, how can I see Gods power and yet still doubt him. Jesus is taking me on a journey across the lake. He wants to spend time with me. He wants me to focus on the here and now and the personal time with him and not the ultimate destination, the other side of the lake. And when it seems like he’s not with me he wants me to trust in him. Trust he can stop the waves, calm the storm, and save me from drowning. Save me from anxiety about my future, my past hurts, and the trials the enemy throws at me. But he also wants me to remember that I don’t need to wait till I’m in jeopardy to cry for help. All I need to do is take his hand and let him guide me through the wind and the rain, to the other side of the lake. And on the way, I need to listen to his still small voice, that gives me guidance on my journey. So that maybe If I see one of my brothers going through the same trial I can pass on the same wisdom he gave me in my time of need.

Application

Starting Today i will pray once a day for one of my classmates that God will help that individual through their trials and that they see that time as a time of strengthening their trust in God

hebrews11:1

IBS HEBREWS 11:6

How encouraging it is to have something to believe in. something to stand sure on. The assurance that we have a mission, and a goal. And on the way, we can pour ourselves into something, someone who rewards us in our faithfulness. How blessed are we to be chosen by Him. But first, we must come to Him. To do that we need to have faith in something we don’t understand, yet. For over time we will. Over time He will reward, in more ways than one. Through his love, his comfort. His word, his compassion. His word, his spirit. And ultimately his son, and His death and resurrection. But without faith were nothing. We a wandering lost soul with nothing to hope for, and nothing to work for.it doesn’t matter if I devote myself to helping homeless children and build houses for widows, without faith its all for naught. Without faith that he will move in mighty ways, change hearts bring souls into his loving embrace, then those people will pass away, and we only eased their pain temporarily. Be strong, have faith. I know he is moving right now because he has promised us he will. Daily he moves in our hearts so that we can be used for his ministry. But we have to have faith. We must earnestly seek him. As Jacobs life was in turmoil, God came to Him. They wrestled, they struggled. They fought and Jacob persevered. Jacob was rewarded. He saw the face of God and survived, and he was blessed. He was given a new name and a new identity in the god of Abraham and the god of Isaac. Jacob had faith, that if he struggled and earnestly sought-after god and his blessing then he would receive it.

Application

Today I will to constantly seek the face of God earnestly seek the ultimate reward heaven                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          

mathew 8:9-10

IBS MATTHEW 8:9-10

I wonder what was going on in the disciple’s heads during this scene. Jesus is confronted by a Roman centurion, the “enemy”. they probably didn’t think he was going to tell them that the roman had more faith than anyone in Israel. Throughout my Christian walk, I have found it hard to surrender everything to Christ. There always those little things I wanted to hold on to. I always thought I was lifting my hands saying Jesus take it all, but I was still grasping on with my pinkies. Not fully opening my hands keeping just enough for my own comfort. But here’s a guy who understands authority. A Roman centurion was in charge of one hundred of the most loyal men you could find, and yet he recognizes Jesus’ authority immediately. And he has the faith to back it up. This is one of two times Jesus was astonished, and by a roman gentile heathen nonetheless! Incredible. Something that’s also very convicting, is the actions of the men under the centurion. He says he tells someone to go somewhere and they go there. He tells someone to something, anything, and they do it. These soldiers and servants listen to a man with very little authority compared to other commanders of thousands, but they did it wholeheartedly. And yet I don’t have enough faith to listen and obey. I need more faith to help me let go and let him act in my life. With full authority and control. Because he doesn’t have authority over one hundred men, but millions of angels, and the whole universe.

Application

Today I will pray that God will help me surrender my life completely to him so that I can fully trust and serve him