Something New the Lord Has Brought Me

Starting today I am beginning to read a book Sarah let me borrow called A Call To Die. I'm very pumped about following this journey it's provided for others, and to most importantly become closer to God in ways that I haven't experienced!! The book instructs to fast something over a forty day period that usually takes up a portion of your daily life. I've decided to fast all Internet except for blogging (because this is how I express myself these days, and need it). The other thing I've decided to fast is texting, but not completely. To tell you the truth I haven't really decided exactly how much of it I am going to give up. I think that it'd be best if I allow myself to only text during a certain time of the day? Only after nine? I don't know, but basically I am LIMITING the amount of texting I do.

It's not only fasting objects or activities that this forty day segment asks of me, it's also attitude adjustment. To be honest, this will probably be a more arduous task. Being a teenager I have my natural selfishness, and letting go of that will help me grow as not only a human but a Christ follower.

The book mentions being more encouraging than sarcastic, which I find neat. Everyone has been on the side of receiving a slightly ignorant remark about their situation, and it does cause some hurt. That tiny verbal slash that makes you feel ignored or not put into sincere consideration. Just a few seconds ago I started thinking, "How would I feel if God gave me a sarcastic response to my prayers or requests? My thanks?". Is it not a job as a Christian to follow Jesus' footsteps which spread the love and sincerity of God? This can be so difficult as humans, since we are easily drawn to sin, hate, lust, self-centerdness. All of these things keep us from seeing people as our brothers and sisters in the name of God, the creator of us all. Not to mention- seeing God in general!!! The times I push these humanistic behaviors aside are the moments I rejoice the most about God's given willingness. At first it feels like being a child, where you want to avoid discipline, and since self discipline is the most difficult of all types, the path to appreciating following God's words and obedience is not always the most fun. It's when we separate what we consider "important" to what's genuinely important to God that we are blown away by His direction. I believe life is full of these trials that He brings into our lives, and He'd never place us in any maze that we wouldn't have the capability to escape. The key to being free is through God!

"So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law." (Galatians 5:16-18)

"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control..." (Galatians 5:22-23)

What do I pray that I gain graciously through my walk with God? All of the above in my life!! Right now, though, I seek self-control, patience, and peace most.

My only thing is, I'm a bit perplexed as to what I should read in the bible. Recently I've been reading Daniel and John, and bits of Mark. But I'll pray for God to provide me guidance and lead me to scripture that will affect me.

This will be challenging, but then again it will make me stronger!! Every passing day of this experience I will recite the words of Britney Spears.

"I'm stronger than yesterday

Now it's nothing but God's way"

Ok so I changed the lyrics a LOT but hey you get the jist. Wow, whoever thought Britney Spears really preaches about self growth and gaining will or maturity through the merciful Lord??

God, You are so great.