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