Growing up in Jesus

James 1:2-4 NIV84 "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

So far, I think this has been the best fast/devotion/life style change I've done with Jesus. And maybe the hardest. I've needed Him every moment to get this right. And in the moments I forget that, I find myself instantly struggling. (by the way, I'm talking about giving up discouragement) So much has been thrown at me by Satan since I've started and yet every time, my God has helped me through. I've been learning so much about myself, and growing. (Lord, THANK YOU for growing me!) Life is so much sweeter when I am controlling me. When I'm not being bitter, hateful, crude, or discouraging, or whining, or fighting. And even sweeterer (lol) when I'm encouraging, loving, uplifting, and discipling others.

James 3:8 NIV 84 "but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison."

We all I know I love a challenge.. especially when it is something I know makes God smile. I see this also as a warning from James - and he was so right. I don't want to waste anymore time dragging myself or anyone else down.

James 3:5-6 NIV84 "Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."

Think about it... When there hasn't been any rain and the earth is dry, all it takes is one leave getting too hot from the sun. What happens? The leave begins to smoke then there's a tiny flame. That one leave can cause a wildfire to engulf an entire forest in no time... That's what we do with our words, our texts, our Facebook status updates and comments when we aren't in line with God.

James 3:13 NIV84 "Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."

Lately as I've been ministering to others, I've noticed that I sound a lot like my own Pastor - sharing what he has been teaching me in the Lord and praising Jesus for him and how his teaching matches God's word. This verse makes me first think of him... But then I realize that this includes me now, too. This verse encourages me to keep on striving and fighting against myself to look like Jesus - for my life to reflect Christ's life.

Here's some of God's word I've been marinating my heart in to help:

Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Hebrews 10:23 NIV "Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful."

Philippians 4:4 NIV "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!"

Philippians 4:8 NIV "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."

Philippians 4:5 NIV "Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near."

Romans 8:28 NIV84 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Mark 1:17 NIV84 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

Ephesians 5:1-4 NIV84 "1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. 3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God's holy people.4 Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving."

And so on.

Ashes to ashes

Today was ash Wednesday. James and I had talked earlier this week about it. He encouraged me to do some research on the purpose behind it all and if it was something I wanted to do, he would take me. So I found this great article, which I posted on Facebook, that was super helpful.
It's not just fasting just to do it, it's about devoting yourself more to Christ . It's a reminder of when Christ went into the wilderness and fasted for forty days with the devil tempting Him left and right.

Growing up, most of my friends have up things like candy or soda for lent... But I wanted to give up something that would be more of a behavior that I had planned on leading others out of already. Wow Ash Wednesday came at the perfect time to help me do this and devote myself to the lord how I'd been wanting to.

So for lent (at least 40 days) I'm giving up myself... I'm giving up my negativity. I'm giving up talking about others if it isn't encouraging. I'm giving up crude jokes. I'm giving up fighting with the flesh (also perfect timing that we went over eph 6 tonight). I'm giving up my need to be right. I'm giving up, essentially, discouragement.

Soda would be so much easier, I don't drink that much soda. Candy would be way too easy... Meat is also too easy... I would be short changing not only myself but also Christ and my relationship with Him... And I would be short changing my church. So I don't expect this to be an easy forty days... But I do expect them to be a beautiful forty days. Lord, please give me the strength and the wisdom daily to keep this devotion and promise I have made to You. I want what You want for me, Father.. And for Your church.