Dirty and Left Out

     The one quote that has always fascinated me was this, "What in my life would cause Jesus to get off His throne in excited anticipation of what was about to happen?" For years I have asked myself this question - with almost no reply. I'd always say "Well, I'm getting better!" But with God, better isn't what He wants. He wants CHANGE. The real kind too!
    God did one serious work in me with LifeWay and World Changers (I'll tell ya' about it later) these past few months, and I don't want such intense momentum to stop!
    At the end of my sister's fast, she sent me a text that read, "What if someone didn't wear shoes for Lent?" First off, I didn't exactly know what Lent was; I'm Baptist for crying out loud! But, the idea sounded cool these past few days, so I searched what Lent was. Lent is the period of 40 days between Ash Wednesday and Easter in which you give up something that is not furthering your discipline or reliance on God. Again, my life was changed by God. I truly believe that I was brought to my sister's attention through God wanting me to learn something more about Him.
    This blog tonight is about compassion, grace, and dirty DIRTY feet. I told God I would set aside time this week to live out Isaiah 1:17 if He would give me a cause to stand behind for his glory. He gave me Lent!
Sin #1 I put idols before God. I will not change and be disciplined for His glory to shine through me.
    God made it clear to me that I have serious discipline issues.  My discipline ranges from bad to extremely dangerous in regard to my time and resources. For example, I decided that if I got a job with LifeWay this summer then I would buy 3 new pairs of shoes. Long story short, all I could think about was getting new shoes. All. I. Thought.About.
Sin #2 I think about my comfort more than anyone else's
    I also noticed a real lacking in my exercise regime and eating healthy. I love being fit and eating carrots! So, why did that not matter to me as much anymore? My lack of discipline has lead me to gain 7 pounds in a year. I know to many people this isn't a big deal, but I have a small frame and this is a BIG deal to me.
Sin #3 I don't designate time to enhance the temple that God has given me to keep safe and managed wisely.
    And so ladies and gents. God, who knows me best and want me to love Him most, has given me the desire and grace (should I ask for it, and I have!) to change these things in my life. It's just another step to becoming the person He designed me to become. I WANT to change, because my witness is going to be tested like never before as me and my team at World Changers lead over 300 people this summer. And I, will NOT ruin the gospel for them because of my lack of discipline and love for them.
    The changes I'm making in my life are REALLY simple, but have already taken a toll on me. During the Lenten season (40 days) I am relying on God to be my everything.
#1 I am seeking to change my spiritual life by being able to pray for 60 minutes straight
#2 I am not wearing any form of shoe. My feet are dirty and callused already! With the exception of Sundays and going into establishments, in which I wear socks with grip. This isn't a sock fast! :)
#3 I am drinking ONLY water. Not only for my benefit, but the benefit of others - check this out! http://40days.bloodwatermission.com/
These things are not easy. AT. ALL. But, who said I was doing it myself? God is the one I know will sustain me and carry me throughout these 40 day. I trust my time, my feet, my diet, and my life to Him!

Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice.
   Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
   plead the case of the widow.