Okay, here’s the funny of the day, and this just happened today as I write this, but yesterday for all of you. My personality type is an INFJ. I just found out this about myself a few years ago, and it completely revolutionized my world. I love being an INFJ mainly because I finally have an explanation for my quirkiness which includes complete absent-mindedness at times, lacking in the common sense arena, and an overall scattered existence. Which also makes me accidentally leave groceries in the car when I get home from the grocery store. Not all of the groceries, but just a bag here or there.

Now if you knew my husband you would know that this kind of thing drives him completely out of his mind. I don’t know what his personality type is, but I do know that it’s not INFJ. Stong on the “I” – yes – but the others probably as opposite from me as you can get. He’s the math guy. The logical one. The one who barely says words much less writes them.

So anyway . . . today he sends me an email that says, “you know what’s not nice that I realized . . . I came home yesterday with some fresh eggs and they are still in my truck!!!!!!!”

I know I should have done the Jesus thing, but I so didn’t! Instead I told him God was serving him up some humble pie! And fortunately for me, I think he ate it!

A Lot of Prayer

On Sunday we enter Holy Week, and we meditate more deeply on the days that led up to the Cross and Jesus’ death and resurrection. This year I am in Bible Study Fellowship (which I highly recommend and encourage you to check out!), and we are studying the book of Matthew. It just so happens Jesus’ death and resurrection in Matthew has corresponded perfectly with Easter this year, and the last days of Jesus’ life are fresh on my mind.

I want to talk to you a little about Peter though. Oh, how I love Peter! He’s my favorite disciple because he reminds me of myself. Just so stinkin’ hardheaded! And prideful! And is given warnings but doesn’t listen to them! That’s so me!

So there Peter is in Matthew 26, after sitting and eating the Jesus’ last meal with Him, and Jesus warns the disciples telling them that they will all fall away because of Him that night. Peter speaks up, though, and says something like, “They might fall away, but I most certainly will not fall away!” And Jesus warns him, telling him that he will deny Him three times. But Peter doesn’t listen.

So on they go to the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus takes Peter, James, and John further along with Him and asked them to stay awake and pray while He prays. But they did not do it. They fell asleep. Jesus even went back and reminded them to stay awake. “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). They just couldn’t do it.

What’s striking about this whole exchange is that Jesus was not asking the disciples to pray because He needed their prayers. Remember, He could call a whole legion of angels at any time He wished. Jesus told them to pray for their own good because He knew that they would need to be suited up for battle in the hours and days to come. Just like Jesus warned Peter that he would deny Him.

The Holy Spirit is warning us in the same way. Are we listening? Are we arguing with Him, telling Him that we’ll never fall into temptation? That there’s plenty of time? That we’re too tired? Or are we suiting up for battle, preparing for what’s to come through prayer and Bible study?

Friend, if you’re not preparing now, you won’t be ready. You won’t be ready to stay pure in your next relationship or even on your next date. You won’t be ready to hear God’s voice when the decision you’re about to make is unwise. You won’t be ready when crisis comes into your life and shakes you to your core.

So this week, this Holy Week, let’s get ready. This is my prayer for you and for me this weekend.

And a Little Encouragement

Here are some links I came across this week. Enjoy!

Sexual Atheism: Christian Dating Data Reveals a Deeper Spiritual Malaise at CharismaMag.com – I have a lot to say about this article. But for now, if this is you – you are a Christian but think sex outside of marriage is separate from your faith and okay – then I warn you that your relationship with Jesus is not healthy. Seek to get it healthy – asap!

Single Desire: How Can I Be Sexually Alive? by Dannah Gresh – So I’m totally out of my comfort zone posting this one, but I thought it was interesting. A little different, maybe, but worth the read.

6 Reasons Millenial Christians Will Change Everything at RelevantMagazine.com – This is very hopeful!

And my post over at Woman to Woman Ministries! Every 2nd Saturday I will be writing a post over there on singleness. So join me tomorrow?

And Even Some Fun

This week’s Cents of Style Fashion Friday Deal: The debut of Cents of Style own custom t-shirt line! And today, April 10, 2014, they’re 55% off the original price with the coupon code LAUNCH. Shirts will all be under $16 shipped.

These shirts are a 60/40 cotton-poly mix which make them the perfect mix of comfort and durability. They are also screen printed, and are all Cents of Style’s personal designs. There is something for everyone from the cheeky “I have nothing to wear” to the inspiring “be the good.” The shirts are women’s sizes, s-xl fitting sizes 0-16.

(This is my affiliate link!)

Praying for you this weekend! Leave your requests below!