Steadfast, Beloved

Week 6 Day 3; Adaptability Galatians 5:13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Jesus has set us free; it is for freedom we are set free. And where the Spirit is, there is liberty. Not only have we been set free, Jesus called us by name. He said 'follow me'. Being a disciple of Christ means to imitate Christ. Jesus told us the world will know we are HIs disciples by how we love one another. This sis the new commandment; that we love as CHrist loved. Jesus didn't love in order to make Himself greater than another (although He is King and Lord); He loved in humility. I know I mentioned this in anohter IBS, but the body plays a big role in this. When the body is seeking the Lord, social status shouldn't matter. Instead, we will be looking for opportunities to serve another like Jesus did. But 'one another' doesn't just go for the body, it applies to all that

Week 6 Day 2; Adaptability 1 Corinthians 9:22 "to the weak I became as weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some." Jesus became man that He could relate to us. This is a beautiful picture of how loving our Father is. Tonihgt we had a hospital outreach where we were blessed to pray over two women. Their young infants were hospitalized for quite some days. As we began to pray, the Lord softened my heart to the situation and these women. We all began to cry out to the Lord over the young children. In this moment, I felt the heaviness of carrrying somenoe else's burden. I was overwhelmed by the Lord's precence and I truly believe He revealed Himself to these women. Tonight, through Jesus, He made me weak, that He might be glorified and these women eyes be open. Application: Write this prayer in my prayer journal and pray for them every day this week.

Week 6 Day 1; Adaptability Ephesians 5:21 "submitting to one another in the fear of God." Submission isn't a suggestion; it's a command from the Lord. He lovingly asks us to submit to Him because He knows what's best for us. Submitting to others seems like a hard thing to do, but God asks us to be wise especially in those we fellowship with. If we are in communion with our fellow brothers and sisters, we will all hopefully be seeking the will of God. Then, it will become easy to submit to each other as we both seek the Lord. The body will always have times when there comes dissagreement, but we can all agree on truth God has clearly shown us. With Jesus at the center, submission to others and ultimately God becomes joy. Application: This week I will pray to surrender more of my will for God's.

Week 5 Day 5; Obedience Hebrews 13:17 Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable to you. Being in Ignite has been such a blessing to me through all the staff who give up their time and rights to serve us. With that, we should be respectful and listen to what they have to say. This verse has reminded about what Austin talked about eariler this week about being a liability versus an asset. We signed up fot this program to surrender our rights and privleges because we wanted to see change. If we continue to walk in our own ways because we think we know better, we're only hurting ourselves. We're wasting their time and effort when their just trying to bless us and help us seek the Lord. Who wouldn't want that? So many times I have found myself becoming overwhelmed by the amount of things I need to do that I just end up not getting

Week 5 Day 4; Obedience Ephesians 6:1 "Children obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right." Colossians 3:20 "Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord." I always thought I was the obedient child. Once my younge siblings entered the picture and cause havoc, I desired attention by being obedient. I always did was I was told without hesitataion. As I grew older, things began to change. There wasn't any real authority in our household and so I did whatever pleased my flesh. I was still obedient and respectful to an adult's face, but behind their backs I lived a life obedient to myself. Even though my parents never corrected me in my ways, I knew the difference between right and wrong. I knew the consquences agasint my Heavenly Father. I had to come to a point in my life of exhaustion from my own ways. I became sick of my own selfishness. It wasn't until the Lord broke me in multiple ways, that I truly found j

Week 5 Day 3; Obedience Romans 6:16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you ae that one's slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death or of obedience leading to righteousness? "Choose this day whom you will serve", Joshua 24:15. Before coming to Christ I was living for myself everyday. I didn't realize that you can only serve two masters; God or Satan. Living for myself was essentially living for the devil himself. I lived in ignorance of who I was following. There was an evident stronghold on my life. I was captive to sin; a slave. When I ran to freedom, it seemed there were more temptations and struggles. I knew in this time there was such a thing as spiritual warfare. This had proved to me God was real and so were the experiences. It's a scary thing to be in midst of, but I believe God was walking me through it to test my obedience to Him. Everyday I had a choice to make. To give in or fight. I so badly wanted all tha

Week 5 Day 2; Contentment 2 Corinthians 10:5- casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ. Many of us have struggled with fighting agaisnt someone. Whether it was a sibling, someone you love, or someone you don't; we've all been there. It's okay to bring different opinions and views into a conversation, but there is always a fine line. There may come a time when the boundary is crossed, and someone feels hurt. I have been on both sides. On one side, your pride is built up and your words are not sensitive. Sensitive to the other person, but also to the Spirit. On the other side, you're offended and walls build up. You believe you can never come to this person without feeling put down. Keith Wheeler said this, "How much you love God depends on how much you love your worst enemy." If we always remembered this concept in the front of our minds, how w

Week 5 Day 1; Obedience Hebrews 5:8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered Some call it tough luck, but we know it as tough love. Growing up, was a pretty respectful child. I never gave my parents any problems, but if I'm honest, I just wanted to be the good kid. I wanted to feel loved and accepted; that I was worthy enough to not suffer the things I went through. I tried to be obedient to authorities over me, but it was a mask. My heart was corrupt and wanted to run wild. I was sneaking out at night and doing things that weren't glorfing to my authorities. I lived a double-sided life and it was exhausting. Every year it feels like the Lord has given me a word to live by, and last year it was obedience. Every message i heard at church the Lord just spoke obedience. I couldn't understand what I needed to yeild to if I was already being respectful. I learned obedience wasn't just listening to what I was told, it was changing my he

Week 4 Day 5; Contentment Psalm 17:15 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness; I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness We can never satisfy God, in of ourselves. That's why we needed Jesus to take God's wrath upon Himself on the cross. Without Jesus, we could never partake in righteousness. It doesn't belong to us; it is given. I often times find myself forsakeing this gift and trying to find righteousness on my own. Why is it so hard to accept what the Lord freely gives? All HIs gifts are good, yet we are never content with what we have. Though sometimes, I believe it is better to be discontent when you are pursuiing God. We should never get to a point where we think we can't g any deeper. We should faithfully run after HIs righteousness every morning. He is an all creative God and will never become boring. Therefore, following Jesus will always be fresh and exciting. Wednesday I found out my field location, where I will be serving for the next 6

Week 4 Day 4; Contentment Phil 4:11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content. This is the ultimate encoragement for contentment. There are many times in my day that I am discontent, or many seasons that I am needy. I have learned recently how prideful I am, and I think that I can supply my own needs. This is obviously wrong. Jesus has paid the price that we may abundance of whatever we need. And if we don't have it, it's because either God doesn't see it fit in your life or because it's a matter of waiting upon the Lord. In each circumstance, we are given what we need. So many times I find myself telling God what I need out of my own selfish desires. I argue wiht God when He gives me something I didn't want, but in the end I always see how it was used for His good. It's important to praise God on the mountain and in the valley. Because if we are truly followers of Christ, there will come a time for both. App

Week 4 Day 3; Contentment Hebrews 13:5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." Our hearts shouldn't be one that beats for anything other than Jesus. We owe everything because of the cross, yet we still can hold on to our dues. There are plenty of things people, including myself refuse to give up. We hold on to our own desires, then become jealous when God is doing something great in another's life. Each can experience the same if only we would let go of our foolish ambitions and dreams. Everything we have is a good and perfect gift from God; so why don't we accept what He has given? Especially the gift of the Holy Spirit that came upon us when Jesus died on the cross. God's greatest sacrifice was our greatest gain. He will never leave us for anything He doesn't think is best for us; even the things that seem hard to overcome. Not only does He giv

Week 4 Day 2; Contentment Luke 3:14 Likewise the soldiers asked him, saying, "And what shall we do?" So he said to them, "Do not intimidate anyone or accuse falsely, and be content with your wages." I have never had a job. I do not know what it would be like to be unhappy with the money I'd make. I have however, heard others complain about the amount they make. There are two people who fall into this category. One: those who spend their wages, then complain they do not make enough. And two: those who save intensily and still complain they do not make enough. Each one shows a man of wealth and a man of poor, but both have one thing in common. Greed. The BIble says in 1 TIm. 6:10 that mmoney is the root of all evil. They say money speaks and that surre rings true. It causes people to murder, covet, and steal. It's so sad that our hearts are so concerned with what we have and don't have, that we are willing to submit to this evil. I am a victim of this. G

Week 4 Day 1; Contentment "Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content."-1 Timothy 6:6-8 Humility is simplicity. Jesus was a simple man. During His minitsry He had no home, sometimes money, or food. Jesus was humble; He didn't covet material things. He wanted people to know Him the way He knew the Father. So often times, I find myself coveting my brothers and sisters in Christ. I see the strong family connections and the godly parents who lead their children in truth. All of my life I have longed for my parents to know the Lord, that we might finally have true relationships. This verse in convicting for me because I need to be content with the life the Lord has given to me today. I know God has a plan for my life. I know He desires relationship. I know the Lord desires for my parents to know Him, but it has to be in His own

Week 3 Day 5; Perseverance Hebrew 6:12 That you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. It's so easy for life to become tired and routine. I know for my life right now, it's been hard to come before the Lord in the morning with joy. I am a person who adapts to any situation or place very quickly and easily. We are very comfortable at home and are able to do whatever we please. Same goes for being here in Guatemala. I've accepted that this will be home for now and have made myself comfortable. Even though each day may be different, there is still a schedule and plan to follow. I so easily get caught up in just checking the next thing off the list so I can do my own thing. This is something that has really been pressed upon on my heart to change; to be uncomfortable being comfortable. We have it so easy at home to freely read our Bible and whatever goes on in our day. Living here, I've really had to make an effort

Week 3 Day 4; Perseverance Revelation 1:9 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. There are two things I noticed John points out in the verse, but first I want to Point something else out. In light of perseverance shown here, there is also an impressive amount of patience. Firstly, John mentions that he is our companion during the tribulation. He was banished to Patmos basically to die. He understands as well what it means to be persecuted and go through hard times. John is an example of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus to the very end. Secondly, we also know from scripture that John was on the island for a very long time. He is an example of patience through perseverance. Most of us get anxious when we're going through hard times and we don't hear the voice of the Lord, but John was faithful til the very end.

Week 3 Day 3 Colossians 1:11- strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and long suffering with joy What a powerful verse relating to perseverance. If we're all saved, I'm pretty sure by now we know we can't do anything in our strength. We've either tried and failed miserably or succeed even more miserably. We use God only when we know we can't finish the work in our own strength. But His word tells us we are 'strengthened with all might, according to His power'. The spirit is so willing to share His power with us if we would just ask. I know in my own life, it's always my own flesh unwilling to ask for help. I am the only one holding myself back from experiencing the full glory of his power. This is especially true during seasons of suffering. In my sufferings, I have developed a habit of sitting through the rain and waiting for the storm to pass. I don't seek the Lord whole-heartily, instead I just ask what

Week 3 Day 2 Luke 21:19 By your patience posses your souls. Our patience says a lot about our heart. For instance, take a father and child. The child disobeys his father and the father yells and rebukes him. The child will very soon repeat what he has learned. If the father had chosen patience instead of anger, he could have ended this cycle of hidden anger. I always thought I was a patient person. Which I kind of still do, but I've never had roommates before now. I had patience because everything was my own and I didn't have to share a bathroom. It's sometimes hard to have patience when you live with four girls who all want to use the bathroom at once. It's even harder when we're called to wait upon the Lord. We want everything now, when we want it.I have found that waiting for the restroom wastes time that I could be waiting in the Lord. It is a sweet time to spend with he Lord waiting for His word when you thirst for Him. This is a reflection of your heart. T

Week 3 Day 2 Luke 21:19 By your patience posses your souls. Our patience says a lot about our heart. For instance, take a father and child. The child disobeys his father and the father yells and rebukes him. The child will very soon repeat what he has learned. If the father had chosen patience instead of anger, he could have ended this cycle of hidden anger. I always thought I was a patient person. Which I kind of still do, but I've never had roommates before now. I had patience because everything was my own and I didn't have to share a bathroom. It's sometimes hard to have patience when you live with four girls who all want to use the bathroom at once. It's even harder when we're called to wait tupon th Lord. We want everything now, when we want it.I have found that waiting for the restroom wastes time that I could be waiting in the Lord. It is a sweet time to spend with he Lord waiting for His word when you thirst for Him. This is a reflection of your heart. Th

Week 3 Day 1 Luke 8:11-15 Now the parable is this; The seed is the word of God. Those by the wayside are the ones who hear; then the devil comes an takes away the word our of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. BU the ones on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, who believe fro a while and in time of temptation fall away. Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity. But the ones that fell on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with a noble and good heart, keep it and bear fruit with patience." Reading this verse, I honestly had no idea how this related to perseverance. But as I began to read, and re-read, and read again, I saw different parts of my life in each example. The seed that fell by the wayside was my 9 year old self. I had believed because my family went to ch

Week 2 Day 5 Ephesians 5:15-17 See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. It's so funny reading this verse, when this morning my devotion said the same thing. In Ecclesiastes 12 the theme is to seek God in early life. When we're young we like to be under our own authority and live for ourselves. Coincidence? I think not. This is dangerous as we might fall into a sin that could affect our lives forever. For quiet some time of my life, I looked to the world as an exciting and fruitful place for my flesh to thrive. I later realized, this fruit was harmful to my body and soul. But once you realize this,the damage has already been done. The Bible tells us we are a new creation in Christ. When I finally surrendered the will for my life, He redeemed all those years I walked alone in sin. He turned my darkness into light; my mourning into dan