September 29
Scripture focus: I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge--that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16-18 (NIV)
Another common misapplication of boundary guidelines is turning a boundary into a fortress. Cloud and Townsend use the illustration of Paul and John Mark's relationship as an example. At one point, John Mark desserts Paul and Paul subsequently rejects john mark as a traveling companion on a mission trip (Acts 15:37-39). Paul draws a boundary.
Years later, Paul requests John Mark's companionship (2 Timothy 4:11). Paul changes his boundary.
One can only assume that the concerns that Paul had about John Mark's reliability have been resolved. I love this story. It speaks of redemption without cheapening the process. Clearly Paul didn't rush to restore John Mark into his inner hut. Nor did he banish him from consideration.
Oh Lord, give us the wisdom to know when to say no, when to say yes, so that we can take responsibility for our lives. And when we stumble and fall, may we take responsibility for our errors and please, Lord, may those around us be gracious without violating their own sense of when to say yes, and when to say no.
Recommended reading: Job 14-16
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