Lies, Respect, Thankful

If you are reading this and think... "I want to say something, but this seems to be so personal, I probably shouldn't comment on here." You are more than welcome to post a comment, send me and email, or ask me a question. In fact, I am always open to questions and comments.

You don't need to agree with me, or make me feel good, any kind of question is okay. I try very hard to live an open life, a life for others to observe. I have been blessed by watching good and bad examples of how to be a human... I sometimes wish I would have said something, but now I am returning the blessing by allowing others to use my life as an example.

I am not perfect. I make plenty of mistakes. Yet, I am always trying to work on becoming more and more like Jesus, perfect in every way. This is only possible because God believes in me, trusts me, and has honored me with faith, forgiveness, and mercy. I am not worthy of his trust, but God makes me a better person as I live for him each day.

Yesterday
Our first Bible Study of the new year was last night. We had many new faces, some of which are just here for English practice, however their English is quite good and they are already strong believers. I think they are making others feel quite weak, insecure, and definitely taking time away from the seekers. I am going to have to find another to handle this situation. I made it clear this was a study for beginners in their faith, it isn't for old Christians, yet they want to practice English. I will simply need to ask them to limit their conversation so that others will be able to speak out or direct questions intentionally at the weaker English speakers.

The Daily Bible - Genesis 20-21
Abraham lies to Abimelech, the birth of Isaac, Abraham and Abimelech settle a dispute over a well and make a treaty, Hagar and Ishmael are sent away.

Even in the worst of people there is some good; even in the best people there is some bad. Abimelech is willing to repent, seek forgiveness, and provide a blessing though he acted in good faith. Abraham lied, despite God's abundant blessings. Abraham continues to ask Sarah to say she is his sister... she must have been very attractive and in great health that she is still desirable as a wife at 90 years old!

Boundaries in Marriage - Applying the Ten Laws of Boundaries to Marriage
Law #4: The Law of Respect
This law is all about respecting other people's boundaries. We must cherish the freedom of others to say no if we want them to honor our right to say no.

A part of this is that person who says, "Come on, yes you can. Just rearrange your schedule a little and we'll have some fun." Sometimes this might be okay, but if a person is constantly saying, "You can't say no to me!" then life becomes a little too controlled. The one being controlled will grow resentful and distant.

Another part of this is the need to respect people's freedom, even if they are unsafe. A raging angry person is free to rage, however the spouse can and should say something like, "Your raging way of being angry is not acceptable to me. If you don't find other ways of being angry with me, I will have distance from you."

Prayer
Where to begin... God you have truly blessed us! We are honored you chose us for this work in Beijing, being blessed through the Prestoncrest Family, having a great team to work with, and finding life here to be such a joy. Help us to build on these blessings a greater faith in you, a greater honor for you, and a greater humility within.

Lord watch over all those we have been sharing your Word with, give them your blessings and make them directly related to their learning and obedience to your Word. Let them see how the principles of your Word make for a great and joyous life, different than anything they might have expected and more rewarding than they could imagine!

Help us all to love you more. Bring our hearts closer to the example of Jesus. Help us to obey you in the little daily things and build upon those small victories to greater and greater obedience to your Word and your Spirit.

Watch over and bless my family. Bring us to a greater level of spiritual health, help us to recognize your blessings each day. Help us to honor you a little more each day, setting aside those things which are idolatrous, enabling us to draw closer to a complete surrender to you.

Thank you Lord for your love, mercy, and grace. Thank you for Jesus!