Get rid of the robe, stop judging others

Read: John 8:1-12

You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Matthew 7:5

                                                                                            

Good Morning!

Based on our beliefs, we tend to judge others hastily. Criticism of strangers, friends, spouses, siblings, and even children is something we readily engage in without hesitation. Continuously criticized, a person can begin to make them feel worthless as criticism drains their motivation and strength.

 

We do wear a robe of judgment, though most will not admit to it. In John 8:1-12, the story of the sinful woman portrays an entire community assuming the roles of judge, jury, and deity regarding this woman's actions seen as "sinful." These people quickly wanted to stone this woman. They never took one minute to think of their issues of sin. Jesus asked them several times, "He who is among you who has not sinned throw the first stone."

 

As sinners, it is easy for us to forget our shortcomings and how we have fallen short of God's Glory. While we are quick to notice the speck in someone else's eye, we often fail to see the log in our eye. 

Get rid of the judgmental robe.  “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you (Matthew 7:1-2).

 

Let us learn to get rid of the robe of judgment. Let us stop finding fault in others but if possible how can we help them to become better in a Christ-like way?

 

Jesus, aware that the woman was a sinner, He forgave her sins. We need to display more love, compassion, and forgiveness while being less judgmental of others.  Let us Get rid of the robe of judgment and do not judge or plan to be judged.

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What is your character? Do you put up the shopping cart?

Read: 1 Corinthians 13

A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver and gold. Proverbs 22:1

                                                                                            

 

Good Morning!

What are your character traits? Are you a good person? According to the internet, observing what a person does with a shopping cart when finished can reveal their character. If you put the cart in the carousel you are good and if you allow them to remain in the parking lot you are bad. I must say, I am a remarkable individual! I always offer to take the cart whenever I see someone taking their last bag out.

 

In Jesus' parable in Luke 10:25-37, the Good Samaritan exemplifies a man of admirable character. Exemplifying his willingness to care for an injured man. His honest reputation preceded him, as evidenced by his ability to leave funds with the innkeeper.

 

Opposed to the shopping cart test God uses various methods to assess our character. Testing our love is one way. Regardless of whether one can speak in tongues to both man and angels, have the gift of prophecy, understand all mysteries, and possess the faith to move mountains, 1 Corinthians chapter 13 reminds us that without love, it is all meaningless. Love is patient and kind; it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

 

 Through the Spirit of the Fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), God tests us with qualities such as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. How well do you align with the Fruits of the Spirit? 

 

 Our likeness to Christ is tested by God. God, knew who would come to Him. Growing in our relationship with God the Father, Jesus the Christ, and the Holy Spirit should help us align ourselves to become more Christ-like. God, as we know, causes all things - both the good and the bad, including suffering. In our reaction to this over time, our effort to be Christ-like is manifested as we draw closer to God.

What are your character traits? Who do people see? Choosing a good name is more important than acquiring great riches. To truly understand a person's character, one must observe how they behave with the shopping cart at the store. With all seriousness, by practicing the Fruits of the Spirit and being Christ-like, we can follow God's plan for love and begin to develop and reveal our true character.

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Imitating Christ With your limitations

Read: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:21

                                                                                              

Good Morning!

 Striving to be Christ-like should be the goal of all Christians. Most times, we tend to ignore it when the opportunity arises. For instance, consider the uniqueness of individuals. Their behavior does not conform to societal norms. Individuals who may have speech impediments, or disabilities, or appear different we ignore or their words and actions are frequently disregarded.

 

 Paul suggested imitating Jesus' humility.  In Philippians 2:1-8 it states, Avoid selfish ambition, value the needs and interests of others over our own. Do whatever we do for others without grumbling. 

According to 1 Corinthians, everything we do should be for the Glory of the Lord. In verses 27-28, it is stated that God has chosen the weak to shame those who are mighty.

 

 A little girl named Valerie, who had cerebral palsy, has a story. Despite her ability to walk, the little girl struggled with her steps and she had a stuttering speech. During camp one summer, Valerie came across a group of mean girls. They daily ridiculed and mocked her clumsy walk and speech.

 

One day during camp, the director requested a volunteer to lead the morning devotion. Valerie was their chosen volunteer among a group of girls. As Valerie confidently walked onto the stage, laughter and snickers filled the room. Valerie, clutching the microphone, struggled for several agonizing minutes before uttering, "I love Jesus, and Jesus loves me."

 

 As Valerie moved silently back to her seat, the room was enveloped in deathly silence. When Valerie finally made it to her seat, the room was filled with crying, sniffing, and a few people shouting "Glory to God."

 

Striving to be Christ-like should always be our goal. We should be as bold as Valerie. We should not hesitate to speak on behalf of The Lord God, regardless of our limitations. Allow the Holy Spirit to use you.

 

If God can use a child such as Valerie with limitations, what do you think God can do with you? Just think of how many people that can be helped and led to Christ.  In order to allow the Lord to use us, we must be humble and open-minded and learn to imitate Christ.

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Tomorrow is not promised. Your tomorrow could end today. Do not let time slip away

Read: Matthew 25:1-13 

Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.

Matthew 25:13

 

Good Morning!

Analysts suggest that we save for our future. Invest in some type of interest-bearing account as a way to sustain the golden years of retirement. Just as a person prepares for future uncertainties it is just important to fortify the spiritual future.

 

Ten women set out with good intentions to accomplish one thing – attend a wedding. The parable tells us how five prepared for the untimely arrival of the bridegroom while the other five procrastinated.  It is funny how the lives of many parallel this story. Life leads one to believe there is plenty of time to care for and prepare for the future. Not giving much thought to mishaps, setbacks, and disasters which alters well-intended plans of getting ready. 

 

Tomorrow is not promised.  The day may start as usual but could end with a catastrophe. What happens then? Don’t let the day slip away without preparing your future. Have you accepted Christ? Now is a good time to – Declare with your mouth “Jesus is Lord,” believe God raised Him from the dead and you will be saved! Romans 10:9-10

 

Prayer: Gracious Father, you know the future, you know our life story.  Help us to align our lives with you. Help us prepare our future in your salvation. I confess my sins and lay all my burdens at your altar to be set free to serve thee. Amen.

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Women of great faith, Honoring Women

Read: Proverbs 31

God is within her; she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.  Psalms 46:5

 

Good Morning!

The Bible is filled with women who were strong, courageous, and had deep faith. Some are known by their names, while others are recognized by their actions. Each of these women exemplified one or more of these biblical traits.

 

1. Proverbs 31:30, fear the Lord.

2. Colossians 3:23-24,  emphasizes working for the Lord.

3. Ephesians 3:18-19, Love for the Lord

4. Galatians 5:22-24, Bearing the Fruit of the Spirit

5. Ephesians 2:10,  Created for Good works 

6. Proverbs 31:25, being strong and wise.

 

As the leader of a nation, Deborah served as a judge (Judges 4). She was also a wife, warrior, and poet, she possessed an array of Godly superpowers. Led by God, Deborah displayed the traits necessary for victory over the Canaanites.

Ruth, Sarah, Rahab, Rebekah, Leah, Mary, and Miriam are among the other women known for their strong faith in the Bible. 

Mark 7:24-30 recounts the story of the Canaanite Woman, whose daughter was possessed. Her unwavering faith is something that be should remembered.

 

These women encountered situations that demanded faith, love, fear, work, and the bearing of the Fruit of the Spirit, these women tackled them all.

 

Similar to women today, the women in the Bible share many characteristics. Leaders, judges, mothers, and wives just to name a few. Women of today are warriors. The can be strong and relentless. 

Women of God exemplify their love openly and can move mountains when necessary. Through their prayers and unwavering faith in God, they have helped restore homes and communities and led even the most hardened individuals to God. Through imperfect people, women of God know that their positive faith in God can accomplish great things.

Women were created by God not solely for their beauty, but also to be the source of new life. In addition to their beauty, tenderness, love, wisdom, and power were bestowed upon them by God. Created for the Kingdom of God, women are destined to accomplish great things. 

Women, I charge you to embrace your calling as women of God and live each day with confidence, faith, and humility.

In this dedicated month of honoring women, let us recognize their greatness and pray for God's blessings, grace, and mercy to surround and protect them. 

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