Thankful!

Yesterday
In respect to goals... I haven't been to the gym yet this week. I must go today. I should have gone yesterday afternoon, however the new teacher is much more insistent (which is good) that we do homework each day. She gives us quite a bit more of it too! Also, I spent about an hour or an hour and a half online, which should have spent on homework. Throughout the day, I checked email and Facebook more than I should have.

Good news! We have a new brother - from Gary's study group. Don't know specifics yet, but hope to find out soon.

We had a great study here last night. Genesis 3, the foreshadowing of Christ with the serpent's head being crushed and the sacrifice of the animal(s) for Adam & Eve's clothing. Plus, Sun Xu played her guitar like instrument. We took a video of her playing and I hope to post it soon.

On a side note, I learned how to make a Tyvek (think indestructible mailing envelope) wallet!

Mark 9-12
Key passages ...

Whoever is not against us is for us talks about a cup of water and the reward that comes when giving it to a believer!

The rich young man calls Jesus good and Jesus responds, "Only God is good." The man's opinion of Jesus is correct and Jesus accepts the position and goes on to list the last 6 of the 10 Commandments - all relating to human relationships. The man says, I have done all of these. Then Jesus says, what about the other 4? - Not exactly, but indirectly He tells the man the get rid of his idol of riches, his false security blanket, to return his trust in God and to show his love for others. Then Jesus goes on to compare the wealthy with a camel and getting that through some really small places, like the eye of a needle. He is making it clear that if one thinks he is rich, then God has no place in his heart; if one acknowledges his poverty before God, he can have the true riches of heaven and use this worlds wealth to demonstrate God's abundant blessings. Give up what you think is yours to serve God - doesn't mean one has to travel half way around the world, but that one has to get put idols (those things which take us away from God) in their place. Home, family, money, and everything else comes after serving God. I must rid myself of the desire to place more importance on earthly things, putting all that desire for importance on God. Then God will prioritize my life according to His Word & Spirit, showing me the proper place for everything.

The withered fig tree has forgiveness as a the key to unlocking a faith that moves mountains! Give God's blessing to others, release the captives that are in your heart and allow God to work through your heart to show the world His gracious love.

Marriage at the resurrection shows that God is a God of the living. We often talk of how a person has died, but God still sees them as living! How can I change my perception?

Power of a Praying Husband Ch. 3
Guarding the heart is all about a covering for Jaime's emotions. Often we let Satan have more power than we should. We think too much about the lies he tells us. We can harness the power of God to defeat these thoughts, lies, and other stumbling blocks according to 2 Corinthians 10:5. I am called to pray for Jaime's continued growth and my ability to compassionately understand her immediate emotional state. Asking how to pray for her in that situation, praying about how I respond, and that God comes first in her emotional needs. I will help to satisfy these needs, but they first must be recognized as coming from God because He is the provider of all good gifts.

Prayer
Today I am thankful for:
God hearing prayer and answering.
Giving me a great wife, ministry, and partnerships.
Transforming power of the Word in my life and all who ask.
New insights each day.
Spiritual growth of our study group.
Ability to learn Chinese and teachers to help.
Guidance of the Spirit.
Accountability partners.
Life.
Plants and the oxygen they give.