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.