We had our men's study - which was great! It was all about sharing one's innermost struggles with others and more importantly one's wife. Then I bought train tickets to Shiyan, doing quite well with the Chinese, not needing any help, translator, or really lame pantomime or anything. I have been able to buy tickets for more than a year, but I just noticed how much more I was able to use real words, sentences, and understand the agent!
We went to dinner with the 3 who were recently baptised. It was a great time! We had some good food, good company and it was just enjoyable.
Then we went for a quick shopping run. While waiting for Jaime, I cracked open the tennis balls and started practicing juggling... the cashiers enjoyed it! Then we came home and went to sleep.
John 5-8
Jesus is constantly talking about coming from the Father, claiming to be God, claiming abilities that only God has, and making direct statements that equate him with God... and the Jews call him the lowest thing they can think of, "you are a Samaritan and demon-possessed."
A student will be like his teacher. Jesus said his disciples will do more than Jesus and receive the same treatment from men. I am called to speak the words of God and be prepared for abuse, yet respond as Jesus did. How did Jesus respond? It seems he responded argumentatively throughout this part, still teaching and explaining while being abused. The attackers were actually allowing more people to believe in him because he continued to speak the words of God to the people. All the while, the attacks were increasingly enraged because they weren't able to shut him up. They were losing. They were on the defensive, trying to win the people over, trying to keep their power.
Even while being ridiculed and being treated terribly, I need to be sure to speak the truth in love. Sometimes that can sound like a defensive or offensive statement, but it doesn't need to be ugly. It just needs to be the truth from God that needs to be said at that moment. What is required? Love, faith, and boldness.
Power of a Praying Husband - Fears
The opposite of fear is faith.
God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. - 2 Timothy 1:7Prayer
There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involved torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. - 1 John 4:18
The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe. - Proverbs 29:25
Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him. - James 1:12
I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. - Psalm 34:4
I pray that you bless Jaime with confidence, boldness, and faith in you to overcome her fears. To know that you will protect her, set her free, and provide for her in every situation. Set her free from everything that weighs her down, that holds her back, that hinders her faith in you and your faith in her. God help Jaime to know that you believe in her and you want her to be increasing in all that is good - love for you and others, humility to serve, boldness to speak the truth-your truth to herself and others (including me), and allow her dreams to be your dreams! God grant Jaime the knowledge of her blessedness to you, me, and others... let her see in meaningful ways how much of blessing you have made her to be. Let her find your acceptance and your power in her life each day so that she can overcome her fears with faith.
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