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

IBS Luke 2:46

After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions.

God puts people, older and wiser than us to help show us their past and learn for our future. This image of Jesus is remarkable. A young man debating, questioning and challenging the rabbis and scholars of the law. These men were teachers of the words He himself spoke ages before they were born, and yet humbled himself to converse with these simple men and maybe instruct them on things they may never have seen before. It is also amazing that they saw something special in this little boy and did not turn Him away. They accepted the child, not for His age but knowledge of the scriptures and devotion to God. Devoted men of God talking to the devoted son of God in His presence, about the very words he instructed them with. Older men should not be turned away, for they have wisdom they want to share with the youth, and children shouldn’t be neglected, for they have a different perspective than we could ever achieve again

Application 

Through this week  I will pray that when I’m on the field that I would be willing to talk and listen to all ages and be open to letting the Lord speak to me through them. 

IBS 1Samuel 11:11-13

And Saul said, There shall not a man be put to death this day: for to day the Lord hath wrought salvation in Israel.

The discipline of a king. A king who knows the heart of the people, and more importantly God. Saul knew the people. He was their champion in a way. He was chosen by the people so he knew their heart. But on the opposite side was David. Saul knew the people, David knew God. David served God three that the people. The discipline lies in the heart, and who or what the heart belongs to. Whatever the is inclined too, that is what it will strive to know more and imitate in service. Saul knew the lord and walked with Him, but when his eyes were drawn away from God he faltered and never recovered. David’s heart was disciplined and devoted towards God. His eyes were always drawn back to the heavens, his heart checked and his discipline truly showed 

Application 

Today I will draw a where with a crown in the middle on my bible bookmark as a reminder of and a prayer for what I’m striving for