Update #59

“Let not mercy and truth forsake you; tie them around your neck; write them upon the tablet of your heart; and you shall find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man.” Proverbs 3:3-4

Seen the movie Vertigo? This should look familiar...

The verse above really stood out to me this week. Basically, if you are merciful and truthful then you have favor and “success” in the site of God and man…cool…could always use more favor and success!

Um, what is meant exactly by “mercy” and “truth”?

I did a bit of research, and, of course the above verse isn’t as easy to implement as it first seems. Albert Barnes describes the terms as follows:

• Mercy: Shutting out all forms of selfishness and hate.
• Truth: Shutting out all deliberate falsehood, all hypocrisy, conscious or unconscious.

Whoa. Tall order. How often am I selfish, self-centered, self-seeking, self-absorbed, self-interested vs. selfless? How often do I pass judgment others, abhorred by what I see, or am put off, repulsed or find someone insufferable…vs. loving them unconditionally?

Sigh…a long way to go on that one.

“Ok, well, ‘Truth’ will be easier” I thought – then I studied the word. How often do I unconsciously exhibit double standards, act insincerely, say one thing and then end up doing another (it was too cold to go for a walk) or get the facts of a story wrong? Or, am insecure and involuntarily put off an over-confident pretense?

After really mulling this over, and over, and over, I came to the conclusion that the only way I can not forsake mercy and truth is to have God help me. The closer I draw near to Him the more I reflect, exude and portray. The farther away I drift, the more my selfish, fleshly, judgmental, duplicitous nature I project.

Where are you on the mercy / truth continuum? Are you on the “all about me” end, the “oh God please save me from myself” end, or do you vacillate wildly depending on your surroundings? As we move into the time of high family interaction and contact with those who can “push our buttons” faster than anyone else on the planet – I hope you are solidly on the end that best reveals Him to those around you.

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas

Updates:
Living – at my relative’s house until God puts me in different accommodation.
Work – We are heavy into recruiting for the next training season…are you interested in doing business as mission abroad? It will definitely impact your life, may even change it.
Holidays – Heading towards Seattle the 22nd, thinking about putting on an open house but not sure of the timing or location…TBD…still coordinating…
Computer – Actually behaving itself! Thank you for praying!

Requests:
Housing – I am with my Aunt, Uncle, and cousin for the time being but, when the new rēp headquarters are determined, I need a place close to the office.
Holidays - Please pray for safe travel and good time with family and friends.
Work – We are finalizing training details for the next round and are trying to determine the best education platform for our remote trainees, we are also seeking to work with a few larger business’ in the San Francisco area as consultants, we are still seeking LEMON Leadership bookings, and we are heading into next years planning meetings soon.
Relationships - deepening of present ones, start of new ones and that God will be present.
Financing - I need to raise my income. If you are interested in contributing, please see ‘Contribute’ at http://www.repurposing.biz/ on the left of the page, or visit http://www.denaandrews.blogspot.com/ and read the footer for additional info.

Dena

P.S. Check out rēp’s Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2480290241