August 28th, 2017
John 12:26
"Anyone who wants to be my disciple must follow me, because my servants must be where I am. And the Father will honor anyone who serves me."
Jesus wants us to physically follow him, he wants us to pick up our crosses and follow him daily. He doesn't just want a verbal promise. I find that for me there is often a delay when I realize I have to physically go out and do things for God, unless of course it is something that I want to do.
I find that we often skim over the word servant when we read the bible. I think that this is because we like to trick ourselves into thinking that we are some how better than a lowly servant The matter of the fact is that we are actually lesser than a servant on a good day. To be a servant means that you must give up all of your rights inorder to serve your master. You can no longer put yourself first or think about yourself first. You have to be humbled. Since coming here humility and humblness are two very common themes. I often think about how prideful I was before coming here and I didn't even realize it. Since being here I have tried more and more to lay that pride down, even though it is consistantly such a struggle. Why is serving eachother so hard? Is it because we don't want to submit to each other? Or maybe because the concept of "less of us" is too hard to comprehend? Whatever the reason may be there is no question that serving others can be extremely difficult. Even this morning while I was sitting and writing this I witnessed some one waiting to do their responsiblity because the other person wasn't there to help them. It was by no means a difficult task but he wanted everything to be even between the two of them. This stood out to me because I am often some who would like to make things even between two people, if it's not then I go back to pride and think "oh look at me I am such a good person doing all of this."
But God calls us to follow and serve Him, so in that there is the extention of others. If we do however serve others then we serve the Lord and he honors us for that sacrifice.
Application: Today I will serve my team by asking them what I can do to pray for them.
Monday, August 28, 2017
August 25th, 2017
1 Corinthians 12:14-15
"Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, 'I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,' that does not make it any less a part of the body."
Last night I was praying with my field assignment team, Cambodia, and I prayed about this not knowing it was the IBS verse for today. I believe that God really wants to ingrain this into my brain before we get to our field time. Since I have struggled with perfection and wanting to be the best in all areas of my life this is an important verse for me to remember. Sometimes I forget that everyone is made inadequate in some way. The reason for that, besides the typical answer of the fall, is because God wants us to depend on each other while we walk through our lives serving Him. He wants community and He wants there to be a team work mentality to it. Just like man and women are made to complete eachother, so is the church. I know in which areas I am lacking, take skits for example, I am not the best actor. Knowing this I openly tell my team that I stink so we arrange that I have a smaller part and allow one of the other girls to step in as the lead, they are all amazing at it by the way. But even with something that simple I can already see how my team adapts when needed and they recognize they need to support eachother inorder to come together and get the work that we need to done.
It blows my mind that God would do that, he made us all different. He didn't want rebotic soldiers that are all exactly the same. He forsaw the beauty that comes with the team work we are created to have, and when everything falls in place it is beautiful. So incredibly beautiful, like this sunrise that is popping up over the clouds and trees that surround me here.
Application: Analyze my team and see where they can step in and lift my arms in the weak areas of my life. Write down one area for each of them.
1 Corinthians 12:14-15
"Yes, the body has many different parts, not just one part. If the foot says, 'I am not a part of the body because I am not a hand,' that does not make it any less a part of the body."
Last night I was praying with my field assignment team, Cambodia, and I prayed about this not knowing it was the IBS verse for today. I believe that God really wants to ingrain this into my brain before we get to our field time. Since I have struggled with perfection and wanting to be the best in all areas of my life this is an important verse for me to remember. Sometimes I forget that everyone is made inadequate in some way. The reason for that, besides the typical answer of the fall, is because God wants us to depend on each other while we walk through our lives serving Him. He wants community and He wants there to be a team work mentality to it. Just like man and women are made to complete eachother, so is the church. I know in which areas I am lacking, take skits for example, I am not the best actor. Knowing this I openly tell my team that I stink so we arrange that I have a smaller part and allow one of the other girls to step in as the lead, they are all amazing at it by the way. But even with something that simple I can already see how my team adapts when needed and they recognize they need to support eachother inorder to come together and get the work that we need to done.
It blows my mind that God would do that, he made us all different. He didn't want rebotic soldiers that are all exactly the same. He forsaw the beauty that comes with the team work we are created to have, and when everything falls in place it is beautiful. So incredibly beautiful, like this sunrise that is popping up over the clouds and trees that surround me here.
Application: Analyze my team and see where they can step in and lift my arms in the weak areas of my life. Write down one area for each of them.
August 23rd, 2017
Galatians 5:13
"For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love."
What does living in freedom look like? It says that we are called to live in freedom but it does not say that we necessarily walk in that freedom. So what does that freedom look like? Is it an image of Jesus dying on the cross? How about some one singing with their arms raised and a smile on their face? What about some one on a street corner shouting "You have been saved!" bible dramatically being whipped around in their hands. Regardless of what your freedom looks like we are all called to it. But not the freedom to do anything under the sun that we please, we are now called higher than the life of bondage that often seems so pleasing. I feel that often times people get to that point of realizing that we are free but do a complete one-eighty and start living their live in accordance to things that are of this world. Even though walking in freedom sounds so easy, it is so hard. But why is that? Why is it that we see our sins and temptations, the shackles that are hanging on the wall open and reminding us of the death we will recieve with them, and call out about how we miss them? How is it that they seem so enticing? They are literally as clear as day what they are and what your outcome will be from them.
For me there was a sin in my life for a good couple years that I was in bondage to. I would be freed and I knew that I was freed from it but I kept going back. I would go and clamp closed that shackles after having them opened and off my wrist for a while. I kept going back to them. It wouldn't take long though for the me remember the smell of death and decay though and once I did I would cry out to God and He would send Jesus with a key to unlock me once again. Then I would be on my way forgetting about that freedom two weeks, a month, maybe two and be back in that prison cell in an instant. It isn't that way anymore though, I am freed and I plan not to go back into that hole ever again unless I am helping some one out of it. The next part of the verse talks about misusing your freedom, this reigns true to me now because when ever I share to some one my testimony it is important that I am giving the full glory to God and not making it something it isn't. I don't want to fall to pride when I share, it is important to remember it is all God, it wasn't me. I don't want to use what God has given me to satisfy my nature of pride. I want to use what he has given me to help others out of the holes they are in, and serve them in the way that no one ever did for me so that way they may be freed as well.
Application:
Share with my team my past and allow for the glory of God to be the main and only focus so that I do not become prideful.
Galatians 5:13
"For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don't use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love."
What does living in freedom look like? It says that we are called to live in freedom but it does not say that we necessarily walk in that freedom. So what does that freedom look like? Is it an image of Jesus dying on the cross? How about some one singing with their arms raised and a smile on their face? What about some one on a street corner shouting "You have been saved!" bible dramatically being whipped around in their hands. Regardless of what your freedom looks like we are all called to it. But not the freedom to do anything under the sun that we please, we are now called higher than the life of bondage that often seems so pleasing. I feel that often times people get to that point of realizing that we are free but do a complete one-eighty and start living their live in accordance to things that are of this world. Even though walking in freedom sounds so easy, it is so hard. But why is that? Why is it that we see our sins and temptations, the shackles that are hanging on the wall open and reminding us of the death we will recieve with them, and call out about how we miss them? How is it that they seem so enticing? They are literally as clear as day what they are and what your outcome will be from them.
For me there was a sin in my life for a good couple years that I was in bondage to. I would be freed and I knew that I was freed from it but I kept going back. I would go and clamp closed that shackles after having them opened and off my wrist for a while. I kept going back to them. It wouldn't take long though for the me remember the smell of death and decay though and once I did I would cry out to God and He would send Jesus with a key to unlock me once again. Then I would be on my way forgetting about that freedom two weeks, a month, maybe two and be back in that prison cell in an instant. It isn't that way anymore though, I am freed and I plan not to go back into that hole ever again unless I am helping some one out of it. The next part of the verse talks about misusing your freedom, this reigns true to me now because when ever I share to some one my testimony it is important that I am giving the full glory to God and not making it something it isn't. I don't want to fall to pride when I share, it is important to remember it is all God, it wasn't me. I don't want to use what God has given me to satisfy my nature of pride. I want to use what he has given me to help others out of the holes they are in, and serve them in the way that no one ever did for me so that way they may be freed as well.
Application:
Share with my team my past and allow for the glory of God to be the main and only focus so that I do not become prideful.
August 22nd, 2017
1 Corinthians 9:22
"When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some."
Right from the first time I read this I kicked back, weakness, no thank you. I mean I know that we have to submit and we are weak in Christ, but being weak for other people? I thought to myself, I am not sure I signed up for that. I thought through all things Christ will give me strength, aren't we done with all this humanly weakness? God is constantly calling us to be this tiny creatures that are weak so that we will fully depend on him and his plan.
"I try to find common ground", they are saying that because their view points are so different it is hard to relate to them in a worldly sense so they picked something that everyone can relate to, weakness. That is hard for me to admit, that I am weak. I always hated being the weak one, it never bothered me if others around me were the weak ones but as soon as I started to feel weak it would terrify me on the inside. I hated giving people a foot hold, as I saw it, in my life.
When I was little my Dad used to tickle me all the time, and I mean all the time. He would pop around the corner scaring me before throwing me over his shoulder and bringing me to a couch and would start feverishly tickling me. I would try everything, screaming, hitting him, breaking free, calling my siblings for reforcements, and pulling the "I have to go pee" card. Most times it still not working. Needless to say it made me realize how much I hate weakness and the feelings that accompanied it. I think that this is an accurate representation of weakness in my life. In these times I would not be able to control anything. But even still God doesn't call us to be weak on our own, not only does he offer himself but he also offers up those around us to support us too.
Application: Talk to one of my roomates about my testimony and the struggles that I am going through.
1 Corinthians 9:22
"When I am with those who are weak, I share their weakness, for I want to bring the weak to Christ. Yes, I try to find common ground with everyone, doing everything I can to save some."
Right from the first time I read this I kicked back, weakness, no thank you. I mean I know that we have to submit and we are weak in Christ, but being weak for other people? I thought to myself, I am not sure I signed up for that. I thought through all things Christ will give me strength, aren't we done with all this humanly weakness? God is constantly calling us to be this tiny creatures that are weak so that we will fully depend on him and his plan.
"I try to find common ground", they are saying that because their view points are so different it is hard to relate to them in a worldly sense so they picked something that everyone can relate to, weakness. That is hard for me to admit, that I am weak. I always hated being the weak one, it never bothered me if others around me were the weak ones but as soon as I started to feel weak it would terrify me on the inside. I hated giving people a foot hold, as I saw it, in my life.
When I was little my Dad used to tickle me all the time, and I mean all the time. He would pop around the corner scaring me before throwing me over his shoulder and bringing me to a couch and would start feverishly tickling me. I would try everything, screaming, hitting him, breaking free, calling my siblings for reforcements, and pulling the "I have to go pee" card. Most times it still not working. Needless to say it made me realize how much I hate weakness and the feelings that accompanied it. I think that this is an accurate representation of weakness in my life. In these times I would not be able to control anything. But even still God doesn't call us to be weak on our own, not only does he offer himself but he also offers up those around us to support us too.
Application: Talk to one of my roomates about my testimony and the struggles that I am going through.
Monday, August 21, 2017
August 21st, 2017
Ephesians 5:21
"And futher, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
"submitting to one another in the fear of God"
I know that I have often in the past viewed submitting to others as being weak. I know that it is not the case but I can't help but think in my flesh, "I am stronger than this." I never had an issue with authority though, submitting to them wasn't my problem. It is / was submitting to my peers. I have been in leadership my whole life, whether that is in the church, sports teams or school, I am used to being the example and the one that called the shots. I would have to pick up their slack when they were lazy, or just taking the lead because they just weren't wanting to lead or they didn't have the knowledge inorder to do so.
But I have already noticed a difference here. People here are naturally called and gifted towards leading and are generally not lazy, the reason behind that is because we view everything we do as serving unto the Lord. I think that this verse is very important for me to remember because we should submit to each other inorder to follow out God's will. The healthy fear that is of God should be present everytime leadership is gathered and making descisions. For we should fear that we will miss what God wants for us because of our pride and inability to submit to others ideas.
Application:
Today I will pray for the ability to submit within myself and my team.
Ephesians 5:21
"And futher, submit to one another out of reverence for Christ."
"submitting to one another in the fear of God"
I know that I have often in the past viewed submitting to others as being weak. I know that it is not the case but I can't help but think in my flesh, "I am stronger than this." I never had an issue with authority though, submitting to them wasn't my problem. It is / was submitting to my peers. I have been in leadership my whole life, whether that is in the church, sports teams or school, I am used to being the example and the one that called the shots. I would have to pick up their slack when they were lazy, or just taking the lead because they just weren't wanting to lead or they didn't have the knowledge inorder to do so.
But I have already noticed a difference here. People here are naturally called and gifted towards leading and are generally not lazy, the reason behind that is because we view everything we do as serving unto the Lord. I think that this verse is very important for me to remember because we should submit to each other inorder to follow out God's will. The healthy fear that is of God should be present everytime leadership is gathered and making descisions. For we should fear that we will miss what God wants for us because of our pride and inability to submit to others ideas.
Application:
Today I will pray for the ability to submit within myself and my team.
August 18th, 2017
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 an account . Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."
God has placed athority in all of our lives, whether it be Austin, Pastor Mike, our parents. There is some one that we can look to for godly counsel. With that authority and ability to speak into our lives we need to respect them with the respect we would have had for Jesus. He has hand picked them to be representitives of his word and to guide you along so that you can go out among the nations teaching and baptizing them. They are to make sure that you stay on the path of righteousness so why make their lives harder by disobeying them and not submitting to them? All you do is test their joy and try to set them on edge. So let them, instead of fighting their athority go with it and there will be joy because it will be in God's will, his perfect plan.
I will not lie for me at first it was had to submit so fully, which was strange because I have never had this problem before. It is just that I had to look bibically at this. It wasn't even the authority in this it is the roles of women and men in God's eyes. I was so used to the worlds stand point of "yes women can do everything, they are the ones that should be inchage of families, businesses, countries, even now a days some churches." so therefore the transition from that life to this one was quite the stretch. But as I was talking to one of the women mentors here she explained that there is something beautiful that happens when men and women fit into the roles that God has designed for them. Now having been here 6 weeks, I happen to agree. I couldn't imagine anything more perfect.
Application:
Encourage one women who is in authority over me today.
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 an account . Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you."
God has placed athority in all of our lives, whether it be Austin, Pastor Mike, our parents. There is some one that we can look to for godly counsel. With that authority and ability to speak into our lives we need to respect them with the respect we would have had for Jesus. He has hand picked them to be representitives of his word and to guide you along so that you can go out among the nations teaching and baptizing them. They are to make sure that you stay on the path of righteousness so why make their lives harder by disobeying them and not submitting to them? All you do is test their joy and try to set them on edge. So let them, instead of fighting their athority go with it and there will be joy because it will be in God's will, his perfect plan.
I will not lie for me at first it was had to submit so fully, which was strange because I have never had this problem before. It is just that I had to look bibically at this. It wasn't even the authority in this it is the roles of women and men in God's eyes. I was so used to the worlds stand point of "yes women can do everything, they are the ones that should be inchage of families, businesses, countries, even now a days some churches." so therefore the transition from that life to this one was quite the stretch. But as I was talking to one of the women mentors here she explained that there is something beautiful that happens when men and women fit into the roles that God has designed for them. Now having been here 6 weeks, I happen to agree. I couldn't imagine anything more perfect.
Application:
Encourage one women who is in authority over me today.
August 17th,2017
Ephesians 6:1
"Children obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do."
Colossians 3:20
"Children always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord."
The common theme in both these verses is obey your parents. Luckily for me I have always had a really good relationship both my parents and they both love God and are always there to encourage me to press on in my relationship with God. So obeying them wasn't really ever an issue for me. They way I see it is that you were given your parents to help guild you along, they are like a mother bird teaching their baby how to fly on it's own. When it is first born the mother regurgitates food for the baby, in that same way parents try to pass on the knowledge and the fruit that they have eaten and are producing. The role of a parent is one that is terrifying to me. You have to raise your kid and teach not only things like walking, how to brush their teeth, their first language but you also must teach them about the bible and how to pray etc. But even with all that teaching there is still the chance that your kid will rebel and not want any part of the gospel. Yet you tried your best to inform them all about Christ. God has given you parents to glorify him, He gives us a metaphor through our fathers so we know how he feels about us but a tenfold more. He also gives us a metaphor through our mothers, He is always wanting to pick us up after we fall and dust us off, to give us a comforting hug when we are crying and being a counselor to us when we just need to talk.
But, if your parents aren't walking with the Lord and they are instructing you against Him then you shall not listen to them. If they are sinning against God then you need to close your eyes to that sin. I can't imagine what it would be like to have parents that don't believe in the gospel or God. After meeting so many people that come from so many different corners of the earth and all different situations I have come to a point of realization that what ever I do I need to be a good parent for my child because there is so much hate for those whose parents were not there.
Application:
Write down 5 ways in which I want to be a good parent
Ephesians 6:1
"Children obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do."
Colossians 3:20
"Children always obey your parents, for this pleases the Lord."
The common theme in both these verses is obey your parents. Luckily for me I have always had a really good relationship both my parents and they both love God and are always there to encourage me to press on in my relationship with God. So obeying them wasn't really ever an issue for me. They way I see it is that you were given your parents to help guild you along, they are like a mother bird teaching their baby how to fly on it's own. When it is first born the mother regurgitates food for the baby, in that same way parents try to pass on the knowledge and the fruit that they have eaten and are producing. The role of a parent is one that is terrifying to me. You have to raise your kid and teach not only things like walking, how to brush their teeth, their first language but you also must teach them about the bible and how to pray etc. But even with all that teaching there is still the chance that your kid will rebel and not want any part of the gospel. Yet you tried your best to inform them all about Christ. God has given you parents to glorify him, He gives us a metaphor through our fathers so we know how he feels about us but a tenfold more. He also gives us a metaphor through our mothers, He is always wanting to pick us up after we fall and dust us off, to give us a comforting hug when we are crying and being a counselor to us when we just need to talk.
But, if your parents aren't walking with the Lord and they are instructing you against Him then you shall not listen to them. If they are sinning against God then you need to close your eyes to that sin. I can't imagine what it would be like to have parents that don't believe in the gospel or God. After meeting so many people that come from so many different corners of the earth and all different situations I have come to a point of realization that what ever I do I need to be a good parent for my child because there is so much hate for those whose parents were not there.
Application:
Write down 5 ways in which I want to be a good parent
August 16th, 2017
Romans 6:16
"Don't you realize that you become a slave to whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living."
I find that I am often a slave to things and I don't even notice it. I was thinking about how often I have become intraped in things of this world. Most of the time not even realizing it. There is a type of power placed on those things that we value. We conform like addicts and do what ever it takes to get our next fix. Think about this, most teenagers today sleep with their phones in their room, I know that for me personally I set an alarm on it. But the thing is, at home, I don't just use it as an alarm. The alarm starts to ring, turning it off I proceed to look at what I missed out on since last looking at my social media the night before. It is a cycle that you easily can get caught in. We often think that it isn't a sin or that there is no harm that comes from it. But it is still an addiction, social media takes up so much of our day and our lives. It is hard because the world is constantly encouraging us to be on it and conect with those that we know twenty-four seven. God is no longer my first priority in my day, and is not my first or even second thought. I want to my thoughts to surround God how they used to surround always looking at social media.
Application:
Make a list of things that I have been a slave to over the past month.
Romans 6:16
"Don't you realize that you become a slave to whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living."
I find that I am often a slave to things and I don't even notice it. I was thinking about how often I have become intraped in things of this world. Most of the time not even realizing it. There is a type of power placed on those things that we value. We conform like addicts and do what ever it takes to get our next fix. Think about this, most teenagers today sleep with their phones in their room, I know that for me personally I set an alarm on it. But the thing is, at home, I don't just use it as an alarm. The alarm starts to ring, turning it off I proceed to look at what I missed out on since last looking at my social media the night before. It is a cycle that you easily can get caught in. We often think that it isn't a sin or that there is no harm that comes from it. But it is still an addiction, social media takes up so much of our day and our lives. It is hard because the world is constantly encouraging us to be on it and conect with those that we know twenty-four seven. God is no longer my first priority in my day, and is not my first or even second thought. I want to my thoughts to surround God how they used to surround always looking at social media.
Application:
Make a list of things that I have been a slave to over the past month.
Monday, August 14, 2017
August 11th, 2017
Psalm 17:15
"Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied."
This verse infers that only those who are righteous will look on to God and actaully see him, so that probes a question for me, am I righteous? Righteousness is of morality, and being free from guilt because you are acting according to the word of God. I can imagine that with this righteousness comes the fleeting feeling of discontentness. So it would be hard to stay righteous because us as humans are always craving more. But we must stay righteous inorder to see God face to face, and isn't that the ultimate goal, to one day see God face to face? If you are looking upon his face he will be able to guide you that much better, you will know when it is him that is guiding you and you will be able to recognize him when things start to get dark.
There would be a type of clarity that would come with seeing God face to face, I think it is interesting that it says I will be satisfied, if you were seeing God face to face wouldn't you be past the point of satisfaction? I would think that it would draw out even just a little bit more than satisfaction. Another way of looking at the verse would be, I will see you face to face and be content, to be filled and then become full. When I wake up I will see you and then I will become filled for the day so that I may pour out that love of Jesus on others. When I wake, when I read this I don't think that it means literally when I wake up, I believe that it is a metaphor. When I wake, when you are awoken from the slumber of which is your sin or the life you were living as a luke warm Christian. Then finally, after all the chasing that you did under the sun you will come to a stop and you will be refreshed and satisfied.
Application:
Pray that today I would seek God's face not just his heart.
Psalm 17:15
"Because I am righteous, I will see you. When I awake, I will see you face to face and be satisfied."
This verse infers that only those who are righteous will look on to God and actaully see him, so that probes a question for me, am I righteous? Righteousness is of morality, and being free from guilt because you are acting according to the word of God. I can imagine that with this righteousness comes the fleeting feeling of discontentness. So it would be hard to stay righteous because us as humans are always craving more. But we must stay righteous inorder to see God face to face, and isn't that the ultimate goal, to one day see God face to face? If you are looking upon his face he will be able to guide you that much better, you will know when it is him that is guiding you and you will be able to recognize him when things start to get dark.
There would be a type of clarity that would come with seeing God face to face, I think it is interesting that it says I will be satisfied, if you were seeing God face to face wouldn't you be past the point of satisfaction? I would think that it would draw out even just a little bit more than satisfaction. Another way of looking at the verse would be, I will see you face to face and be content, to be filled and then become full. When I wake up I will see you and then I will become filled for the day so that I may pour out that love of Jesus on others. When I wake, when I read this I don't think that it means literally when I wake up, I believe that it is a metaphor. When I wake, when you are awoken from the slumber of which is your sin or the life you were living as a luke warm Christian. Then finally, after all the chasing that you did under the sun you will come to a stop and you will be refreshed and satisfied.
Application:
Pray that today I would seek God's face not just his heart.
August 10th, 2017
Phillipians 4:11
"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have."
Here Paul reccognizes that fact that he has all he needs, this is because he is already spiritually filled. There is no need for earthly posessions I think that we often forget that. After all, they are not even our own belongings.
We should be content with what we have in a materialistic sense, there shouldn't be a yearning for more in that sense. We should one the other hand be content in where God has placed us for that season for our life. But, with that being said we should always be yearning to be filled with the spirit. If we are truely living out the way that God has called us to live we will be constantly pouring out and needing that fufillment that comes with Him. We should not be content with being lukewarm, that is not the type of contentment God has called us to. There is undoubtedly a contentment that comes with God that is unexplainable. There are people that literally have zero dollars to their names yet they have the ability to be more content then some one who has thousands. But it is also really important to remember that there is a difference between happiness and that of contentment.
I find it ironic that we are talking about contentment in a time of finding out another step in our life. Some may not be content in this moment with where God has called them for their field time. They have it in their heads that they are happy about it but there is this lack of genuine contentment. They may be happy but there is still this boulder in the way that is keeping them from being completely and fully submissive, content in God's plan. I know that I have already been challenged in my contentness with God's plan for me since being here and I know that he will only continue to shape me more and more each day. I am going to need to become even more content with doing things that I don't want to do.
Application:
Today I will focus on verses about contentment during my devo.
Phillipians 4:11
"Not that I was ever in need, for I have learned how to be content with whatever I have."
Here Paul reccognizes that fact that he has all he needs, this is because he is already spiritually filled. There is no need for earthly posessions I think that we often forget that. After all, they are not even our own belongings.
We should be content with what we have in a materialistic sense, there shouldn't be a yearning for more in that sense. We should one the other hand be content in where God has placed us for that season for our life. But, with that being said we should always be yearning to be filled with the spirit. If we are truely living out the way that God has called us to live we will be constantly pouring out and needing that fufillment that comes with Him. We should not be content with being lukewarm, that is not the type of contentment God has called us to. There is undoubtedly a contentment that comes with God that is unexplainable. There are people that literally have zero dollars to their names yet they have the ability to be more content then some one who has thousands. But it is also really important to remember that there is a difference between happiness and that of contentment.
I find it ironic that we are talking about contentment in a time of finding out another step in our life. Some may not be content in this moment with where God has called them for their field time. They have it in their heads that they are happy about it but there is this lack of genuine contentment. They may be happy but there is still this boulder in the way that is keeping them from being completely and fully submissive, content in God's plan. I know that I have already been challenged in my contentness with God's plan for me since being here and I know that he will only continue to shape me more and more each day. I am going to need to become even more content with doing things that I don't want to do.
Application:
Today I will focus on verses about contentment during my devo.
August 9, 2017
Hebrews 13:5
"Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, 'I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.' "
This week has been rough for me in the area of contentment. I wish to be at home this summer, getting to see my friends, not having to put the effort in to make new ones that don't seem like their ever going to be as close to me yet. I wish I could do whatever I wanted and not follow the plans layed out for me that make me exhausted. I wish that I could be playing volleyball in the sun with my brother and sisters like I used to. But those days are gone, and I need to move on. God doesn't call us to be comfortable. Oh but that comfort seem so entiscing. It draws me in like a fish on a line, I try to fight and sometimes I get free but other times I can feel it start to draw me in.
God says that he will never fail us or abandoned us. Some times I feel abandoned by God. I feel like I am going into an opaque rushing river. There is a fear that surfaces as I submerge myself into the murky brown water but I am disgusted. I feel like I am going in alone. I know that in my heart that God is always with me, and that he doesn't abandon me, like the verse says but some how I can't help but feel like a stranded like bobbing bouy trying to stay afloat. I feel myself drifting, going with the flow of routine. I try to pathetically fight the current forgetting that I am anchored below the surface. Then I realize that God is there as my anchor. He is anchoring me, even though I feel as if my head is barely above the water sometimes and that he isn't visibly there, he is. My anchor just below the surface.
Application:
Write a list of ten ways that God was evident today, inorder to remind me that I can't always see him but he is there.
Hebrews 13:5
"Don't love money; be satisfied with what you have. For God has said, 'I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.' "
This week has been rough for me in the area of contentment. I wish to be at home this summer, getting to see my friends, not having to put the effort in to make new ones that don't seem like their ever going to be as close to me yet. I wish I could do whatever I wanted and not follow the plans layed out for me that make me exhausted. I wish that I could be playing volleyball in the sun with my brother and sisters like I used to. But those days are gone, and I need to move on. God doesn't call us to be comfortable. Oh but that comfort seem so entiscing. It draws me in like a fish on a line, I try to fight and sometimes I get free but other times I can feel it start to draw me in.
God says that he will never fail us or abandoned us. Some times I feel abandoned by God. I feel like I am going into an opaque rushing river. There is a fear that surfaces as I submerge myself into the murky brown water but I am disgusted. I feel like I am going in alone. I know that in my heart that God is always with me, and that he doesn't abandon me, like the verse says but some how I can't help but feel like a stranded like bobbing bouy trying to stay afloat. I feel myself drifting, going with the flow of routine. I try to pathetically fight the current forgetting that I am anchored below the surface. Then I realize that God is there as my anchor. He is anchoring me, even though I feel as if my head is barely above the water sometimes and that he isn't visibly there, he is. My anchor just below the surface.
Application:
Write a list of ten ways that God was evident today, inorder to remind me that I can't always see him but he is there.
August 8th, 2017
Luke 3:14
" 'What should we do?' asked some soldiers. John replied, 'Don't extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.' "
There are multiple important points to this verse the first is that this is a crazy act in it's self, Roman soldiers were asking a Jew, "what should we do?". When I was analysing this it was important for me to remember that these people hated eachother. But sure maybe on the off chance that they did got along I can imagine that they would only be getting along because they would be making those around them agree by force or because they had been given bribes. These people would not have been seen as moral men, infact they were probably hated by the Jews.
So why is it then that they were asking what they should do? They didn't even believe in the same God as the Jews. This just goes to show us how radical the movement of Jesus' coming was, John was preaching that the Messiah was coming and all those who heard the good news wanted to be apart of it, even if it went against everything that the government said.
Are people like this today? Being from Canada I get to see a lot of comfortable living, as it is considered one of the richest countries in the world. I have started to come to the realization that although Canada is an amazing and beautiful country there is too much comfort. We as citizens aren't asking "what should we do?" we are asking only of issues that concern our; corporate gain, revenue, marital status etc. An example of this is on the east side of Vancouver, there is a sector that is full of homeless people and it is very well known for this fact too. Sure there are a couple of ministries that take this amazing oppertunity to minister to these people but the majority of citizens living in and around Vancouver completely avoid this section of the city, they won't even drive in this area of the city. These people are seen as the modern day lepers. Churches are ignoring the call to invite these people into the body of Christ and extend a helping hand. God states quite clearly that we are to help the poor, would they not classify as the poor? So why then is nothing being done? It is because of comfort. They say that money is the root of all evil but comfort is a by product of that, it keeps us ensnared there for the rest of our lives.
What is the difference between contentment and comfort? I believe that contentment is the joy of serving the Lord and in that you can find comfort but you will not be found comfortable because Jesus is consistantly telling you to move.
Application: This week I will wake up at a different time every morning so that I don't get stuck being comfortable in a routine for my devos.
Luke 3:14
" 'What should we do?' asked some soldiers. John replied, 'Don't extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.' "
There are multiple important points to this verse the first is that this is a crazy act in it's self, Roman soldiers were asking a Jew, "what should we do?". When I was analysing this it was important for me to remember that these people hated eachother. But sure maybe on the off chance that they did got along I can imagine that they would only be getting along because they would be making those around them agree by force or because they had been given bribes. These people would not have been seen as moral men, infact they were probably hated by the Jews.
So why is it then that they were asking what they should do? They didn't even believe in the same God as the Jews. This just goes to show us how radical the movement of Jesus' coming was, John was preaching that the Messiah was coming and all those who heard the good news wanted to be apart of it, even if it went against everything that the government said.
Are people like this today? Being from Canada I get to see a lot of comfortable living, as it is considered one of the richest countries in the world. I have started to come to the realization that although Canada is an amazing and beautiful country there is too much comfort. We as citizens aren't asking "what should we do?" we are asking only of issues that concern our; corporate gain, revenue, marital status etc. An example of this is on the east side of Vancouver, there is a sector that is full of homeless people and it is very well known for this fact too. Sure there are a couple of ministries that take this amazing oppertunity to minister to these people but the majority of citizens living in and around Vancouver completely avoid this section of the city, they won't even drive in this area of the city. These people are seen as the modern day lepers. Churches are ignoring the call to invite these people into the body of Christ and extend a helping hand. God states quite clearly that we are to help the poor, would they not classify as the poor? So why then is nothing being done? It is because of comfort. They say that money is the root of all evil but comfort is a by product of that, it keeps us ensnared there for the rest of our lives.
What is the difference between contentment and comfort? I believe that contentment is the joy of serving the Lord and in that you can find comfort but you will not be found comfortable because Jesus is consistantly telling you to move.
Application: This week I will wake up at a different time every morning so that I don't get stuck being comfortable in a routine for my devos.
Monday, August 7, 2017
August 7th, 2017
1 Timothy 6:6-10
"Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandeed from true faith and pierced themselveswith many sorrows."
How hard is it for you to be content? In our world, even in the Christian circles, having more is one of the top priorities. Contentment with what you have is practically unheard of in western society, and my question is why is that? Why is it that even those who are following God's word are falling into this trap? Churches dream for bigger buildings or nicer facilities, church go-ers dream to have enough money that they won't have to worry about a retirement plan. There is so much lack of contentment. Would it not be better to be lacking in worldly things as to gain a better relationship with God fully leaning on him trying to gain support?
In this verse it says that money is the root of all evil, to which I agree whole heartedly. With money your dreams and desires can start to become reality. From those desires you long for more each day and your arrogance grows along with your title. But like with every earthly thing the money, fame and materialistic things will fade, and you will be left with nothing that will satisify you.
These verses really hit me and got me thinking about how often I place materialistic things above anything else. I realized how selfish and blinded I was by the fact that I needed money. I knew that I needed money for this program and then I was told I should try and have extra money for when I got back inorder to go to school. Even though my intentions were mostly pure it still consumed me, I was roughly working thirty hours a week while in highschool for a good six months during my senior year. All I would think about on my down times was budgeting; "how many hours would I need to work inorder to make this happen?", "how much could I spend on coffee inorder to still be on track?", and "if God provides for me with this certain amount of money, then how much will I have?". I was putting God in a box again. I didn't want to have to depend on him for things that I thought were in my control. But I had forgotten, was it not him who got me the job in the first place? Was it not him who placed me at the heart of my church family that also happens to be very giving? I was so consumed that I forgot to be content with what God had already given me, and place my hope in him for what was to come.
Applications: Tonight I will make a list of all the things God has blessed me with since being here.
1 Timothy 6:6-10
"Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can't take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. But people who long to be rich fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires that plunge them into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is the root of all kinds of evil. And some people, craving money, have wandeed from true faith and pierced themselveswith many sorrows."
How hard is it for you to be content? In our world, even in the Christian circles, having more is one of the top priorities. Contentment with what you have is practically unheard of in western society, and my question is why is that? Why is it that even those who are following God's word are falling into this trap? Churches dream for bigger buildings or nicer facilities, church go-ers dream to have enough money that they won't have to worry about a retirement plan. There is so much lack of contentment. Would it not be better to be lacking in worldly things as to gain a better relationship with God fully leaning on him trying to gain support?
In this verse it says that money is the root of all evil, to which I agree whole heartedly. With money your dreams and desires can start to become reality. From those desires you long for more each day and your arrogance grows along with your title. But like with every earthly thing the money, fame and materialistic things will fade, and you will be left with nothing that will satisify you.
These verses really hit me and got me thinking about how often I place materialistic things above anything else. I realized how selfish and blinded I was by the fact that I needed money. I knew that I needed money for this program and then I was told I should try and have extra money for when I got back inorder to go to school. Even though my intentions were mostly pure it still consumed me, I was roughly working thirty hours a week while in highschool for a good six months during my senior year. All I would think about on my down times was budgeting; "how many hours would I need to work inorder to make this happen?", "how much could I spend on coffee inorder to still be on track?", and "if God provides for me with this certain amount of money, then how much will I have?". I was putting God in a box again. I didn't want to have to depend on him for things that I thought were in my control. But I had forgotten, was it not him who got me the job in the first place? Was it not him who placed me at the heart of my church family that also happens to be very giving? I was so consumed that I forgot to be content with what God had already given me, and place my hope in him for what was to come.
Applications: Tonight I will make a list of all the things God has blessed me with since being here.
August 4th, 2017
Hebrews 6:12
"Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead you will follow the example of those who are going to inherite God's promises because of their faith and endurance."
Sometimes I feel like we numb ourselves to God. We only get a tingle of a feeling when God does something amazing and the rest of the time He is void and our excitment for Him is static. We become indifferent to Him and everything He is doing in our lives. We trick ourselves into thinking that God has placed us in a dry season when really, we did that ourselves. Becoming deaf to his voice we chase everything that passes by us. But God calls us to be at a higher place, He says that we need to press on, in verse ten of that chapter it says that God is not unjust, that He will remember how hard you worked. This is encouraging to me because I feel like I don't want to press on anymore. Quite honestly at this point I wish I could just be going to the beach with my friends and laying in the pool just floating around. It is so tempting to look back at my old life and wish that I could still have that right now. But God didn't call me to be comfortable, He called me to the end's of the earth to share His love to those around the world.
Press on he is whispering gently in my ear each morning when I don't feel like getting up to do my morning devos. So I get up, it is hard, but I get up. I think to myself, if I don't go willing to God then He will just chose some one else to go in my place. But, I want to be that person, I want to inherite his glory. So, here I'll stand, continuing to press on. Even if I end up with the slowest time in the race it's okay, it is better than never because atleast I tried my best and made my Father proud.
Application: Go the extra mile. Everywhere you look today try to intensionally seek out oppertunities serve.
Hebrews 6:12
"Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead you will follow the example of those who are going to inherite God's promises because of their faith and endurance."
Sometimes I feel like we numb ourselves to God. We only get a tingle of a feeling when God does something amazing and the rest of the time He is void and our excitment for Him is static. We become indifferent to Him and everything He is doing in our lives. We trick ourselves into thinking that God has placed us in a dry season when really, we did that ourselves. Becoming deaf to his voice we chase everything that passes by us. But God calls us to be at a higher place, He says that we need to press on, in verse ten of that chapter it says that God is not unjust, that He will remember how hard you worked. This is encouraging to me because I feel like I don't want to press on anymore. Quite honestly at this point I wish I could just be going to the beach with my friends and laying in the pool just floating around. It is so tempting to look back at my old life and wish that I could still have that right now. But God didn't call me to be comfortable, He called me to the end's of the earth to share His love to those around the world.
Press on he is whispering gently in my ear each morning when I don't feel like getting up to do my morning devos. So I get up, it is hard, but I get up. I think to myself, if I don't go willing to God then He will just chose some one else to go in my place. But, I want to be that person, I want to inherite his glory. So, here I'll stand, continuing to press on. Even if I end up with the slowest time in the race it's okay, it is better than never because atleast I tried my best and made my Father proud.
Application: Go the extra mile. Everywhere you look today try to intensionally seek out oppertunities serve.
August 3rd, 2017
Revelations 1:9
"I, John, am your brother and partner in suffering, and in God's Kingdom, and in the patient to which Jesus calls us. I was exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God, and for my testimony about Jesus."
I think that it is curious that he says that he is our partner in suffering even though he died on the island. But yet even still because the bible is an ageless book it still comforts us that he was going through what we go through, if not worse. This verse is talking about how we need to cling to God through the turbulation and not allow our grip to losen in the suffering. For if we are not patient and we are not preaching the word of God we will not make a difference in God's kingdom. We need to allow him to use us so that we may recieve the calling in which he has placed on us. I find that it is often hard to be an empty vessel for God, haven giving up everything we want to hold on to inorder to be used. I often find myself wanting to give up, so that I don't have to keep getting up early in the morning and start running the same race that I started when I was three. It is so hard, some times I get bursts of engery but even still I am exhausted. But even through my exhaustion I smile, I have the joy of the Lord and the patience to know that even though I have leg cramps, exhaustion and an unquenchable thirst that I would be worthy of being exiled like John. To me that is encouraging. It has always been my hope that I would be worthy of dying a martyrs death. To shake and uproot everything going on around me. That I would cause an upset because God was using me to the greatest capacity offered.
Application: Take a half an hour to be in God's presence tonight before bed so that I may be refilled and press on.
Revelations 1:9
"I, John, am your brother and partner in suffering, and in God's Kingdom, and in the patient to which Jesus calls us. I was exiled to the island of Patmos for preaching the word of God, and for my testimony about Jesus."
I think that it is curious that he says that he is our partner in suffering even though he died on the island. But yet even still because the bible is an ageless book it still comforts us that he was going through what we go through, if not worse. This verse is talking about how we need to cling to God through the turbulation and not allow our grip to losen in the suffering. For if we are not patient and we are not preaching the word of God we will not make a difference in God's kingdom. We need to allow him to use us so that we may recieve the calling in which he has placed on us. I find that it is often hard to be an empty vessel for God, haven giving up everything we want to hold on to inorder to be used. I often find myself wanting to give up, so that I don't have to keep getting up early in the morning and start running the same race that I started when I was three. It is so hard, some times I get bursts of engery but even still I am exhausted. But even through my exhaustion I smile, I have the joy of the Lord and the patience to know that even though I have leg cramps, exhaustion and an unquenchable thirst that I would be worthy of being exiled like John. To me that is encouraging. It has always been my hope that I would be worthy of dying a martyrs death. To shake and uproot everything going on around me. That I would cause an upset because God was using me to the greatest capacity offered.
Application: Take a half an hour to be in God's presence tonight before bed so that I may be refilled and press on.
August 2nd, 2017
Colossions 1:11
We also pray that you will be strengthed with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy.
This verse reminds me alot of running. When you run the goal is often to build endurance, not just to lose weight. But in order to build endurance though you need to add an element to your work out, eg. another lap, push for a faster time, press on harder. You can not just build endurance by having the same workout that never pushes you farther. But then it says, "may you be filled with joy" for me personally I get an abundant amount of joy when I run. You get to soar, zip, or become bent over in half while along your route. There is just something crazy about seeing how far you can push your body. That same way God wants to push us, He wants to add more and more pressure to our lives allowing us to bend to his will.
Another thing that I noticed in this passage is that is says you will have all the endurance and patience that you will need, not what you want but what you need. We, as people from western society, tend to over buy, over eat, and over produce. We are always wanting more. Never sastisfied but always indulging for more. But this verse specifically says what you need. We often don't give credit to God for all that he is doing. We think that he isn't doing enough in our lives because it isn't as tangeable as the world going on around us. We become spoiled expecting things and when they aren't given to us in our own time we freak out. But He says He will fill us with joy and give us all we need.
Application:
I am going to write in my journal five ways and times that God has strengthened me.
Colossions 1:11
We also pray that you will be strengthed with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy.
This verse reminds me alot of running. When you run the goal is often to build endurance, not just to lose weight. But in order to build endurance though you need to add an element to your work out, eg. another lap, push for a faster time, press on harder. You can not just build endurance by having the same workout that never pushes you farther. But then it says, "may you be filled with joy" for me personally I get an abundant amount of joy when I run. You get to soar, zip, or become bent over in half while along your route. There is just something crazy about seeing how far you can push your body. That same way God wants to push us, He wants to add more and more pressure to our lives allowing us to bend to his will.
Another thing that I noticed in this passage is that is says you will have all the endurance and patience that you will need, not what you want but what you need. We, as people from western society, tend to over buy, over eat, and over produce. We are always wanting more. Never sastisfied but always indulging for more. But this verse specifically says what you need. We often don't give credit to God for all that he is doing. We think that he isn't doing enough in our lives because it isn't as tangeable as the world going on around us. We become spoiled expecting things and when they aren't given to us in our own time we freak out. But He says He will fill us with joy and give us all we need.
Application:
I am going to write in my journal five ways and times that God has strengthened me.
August 1st, 2017
Luke 21:19
"By standing firm, you will win your soul."
"by your patience possess your souls." NKJV
"in your patience possess ye your souls." KJV
By Standing firm... standing firm. How often am I guilty of flaking out when tough times come? I find that inorder for me to commit to something I have to be one hundred and ten percent in it, so that I won't back out. You see I don't like to fail, or lose, I am quite competitive in that way which can often keep me from doing things that I am not sure I will win at.
Luckily with God's promises you know that you will come out victorious, but the intense training to get there sometimes will scare off those who are not confident in the fact that they have the best personal trainer around. Then there are others that try to do it themselves, they think "I read a book on this once so I know what I am doing." Except reading a book on it doesn't qualify you for the olympics. There needs to be coaches in your life, a whole team of them spuring you on and instructing you how to be better and better each day.
Then once you have established a team and are continiously standing firm in your training and keeping yourself healthy, then you will achieve the greatness you desire. You will win your soul, like a prize. We should be treating our souls like prizes. Don't wager them on the line for nothing of much value or for something that isn't substancial. You need to be confident in where you are placing your hope, because if it is not somewhere solid then you will fall for everything. Especially for things of this world that seem shiny and sturdy on the outside but they are rotten on the in. You will find yourself caving in like a rotting log on the forest floor. Like that log you will be left lying face down decaying faster than you can imagine.
Application:
Today I am practicing placing my strength in God, so me and Maya are going to be fasting. We will hold eachother accountable to go off and pray during each meal.
Luke 21:19
"By standing firm, you will win your soul."
"by your patience possess your souls." NKJV
"in your patience possess ye your souls." KJV
By Standing firm... standing firm. How often am I guilty of flaking out when tough times come? I find that inorder for me to commit to something I have to be one hundred and ten percent in it, so that I won't back out. You see I don't like to fail, or lose, I am quite competitive in that way which can often keep me from doing things that I am not sure I will win at.
Luckily with God's promises you know that you will come out victorious, but the intense training to get there sometimes will scare off those who are not confident in the fact that they have the best personal trainer around. Then there are others that try to do it themselves, they think "I read a book on this once so I know what I am doing." Except reading a book on it doesn't qualify you for the olympics. There needs to be coaches in your life, a whole team of them spuring you on and instructing you how to be better and better each day.
Then once you have established a team and are continiously standing firm in your training and keeping yourself healthy, then you will achieve the greatness you desire. You will win your soul, like a prize. We should be treating our souls like prizes. Don't wager them on the line for nothing of much value or for something that isn't substancial. You need to be confident in where you are placing your hope, because if it is not somewhere solid then you will fall for everything. Especially for things of this world that seem shiny and sturdy on the outside but they are rotten on the in. You will find yourself caving in like a rotting log on the forest floor. Like that log you will be left lying face down decaying faster than you can imagine.
Application:
Today I am practicing placing my strength in God, so me and Maya are going to be fasting. We will hold eachother accountable to go off and pray during each meal.
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