Tonight at home group, the Lord was really teaching me and reminding me of different things. They seem so milky and at an elementary level of biblical knowledge. But this is where I am at. Tonight we studied 1 John 3. Micah brought up how amazing the first phrase is "See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God. . . " I was thinking, 'yeah, so. He loves us, but why is that so amazing, we already know this.' Then God started to show me why it is so amazing. As I have been dealing with all of these fears, God was telling me, "I love You. You are My child. I will protect You like any good earthly father. I have your best in mind. I know the best thing for You." All of a sudden, wow, why do I doubt You Lord. Why do I doubt who You are and Your love for me? Lord give me more trust in You.

We also talked a lot about loving other people. For the past couple of days I have been asking people, do I tell people the truth about the Bible and God's ways when they view me as holy rollers, Molly Mormon, and think I am putting myself on a higher level than them? So many times when I tell my family something that is concrete in God's word like 1 Jn. 3:6-8, it's black and white and there is nothing anyone can do to change the meaning of it. Yet, then Grant brought up 1 Jn. 3:18 "Little children, let us not love with word or with tongue, but in deed and truth." Telling my family the truth about these things is loving them in truth. Even if they don't percieve it as love, it is still love. Just as David reminded me, I need to pray for them. I need to pray a whole lot. Lord help me not give up on my family. Help me realize You have Your hand on my family's lives and You love them so much more than I do.
Micah brought up too that we need to be more open and honest with people. Answer people's questions truthfully about our lives and not try to make people comfortable. Chrissy added that if we are more bold with people and they decide to no longer have fellowship with us, then that can be a good thing. It can show them what exactly is missing in their life. They might miss it when it's gone.

Today I read about the flood. It continually shows how Noah obeyed all that God commanded him. It says how Noah was a righteous man. Yet, the first thing he did when he got off the ark was get drunk and naked. The Lord dealt with him accordingly and Noah dealt when Shem accordingly when he looked upon Noah's nakedness. These chapters really show God's mercy and love in having a remnant of people that was saved. They also show how the Lord has a balance of His mercy and grace with the need of being obedient to Him. Lord help me be obedient and remember the promises You have given to me. Help me rely more upon You. I love You Lord.