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.

Subscribe in a reader

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.

Subscribe in a reader

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.

Subscribe in a reader

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.

Subscribe in a reader

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. 

Subscribe in a reader

What is your Red Sea? Give God praise in the middle of your storm

Read: Exodus 14

Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord; The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace.” Exodus 14:13-14

 

Good Morning!

Not trusting God's plan is easy when facing challenges. Despite our faith and fervent prayers, we can find ourselves teetering between trusting God and trusting ourselves. The beautiful thing about God, He can show up amid problems, even when we're doubtful, angry, or worried.

 

Despite knowing that God has provided an answer, do you find yourself going in the opposite direction of victory?  The waves of life keep pushing you further away, drowning you in an ever-increasing number of problems.

 

 Your plight is no different than the children of Israel, As they made their journey out of Egypt toward the Red Sea, it appeared to be no outlet from disaster. Instead of leading them by the shorter land route, God chose to guide them through the wilderness, with the Red Sea to one side and Pharaoh's army in pursuit (Exodus 13:17-20). How has your Red Sea entrapped you?

 

We tend to waver and point blame when things go array. Upon seeing the Red Sea and Pharaoh approaching, the Children of Israel were angry and complained to Moses. Now, more than ever, in your Red Sea, this is the time to praise and thank God instead of complaining.

 

 Expressing their anger towards Moses, the children blamed him for leading them to their deaths (Exodus 14:10-12). God asked Moses why he cried out to Him. God was aware of Moses' heart, even though he never articulated it. While in the Red Sea, you must audibly express your praises and desires to God from your heart. Sincerity is known by God He knows our hearts.

 

 Always, we should praise and thank God. In the middle of your Red Sea, you should not complain but praise God sincerely. Have trust and belief that The Lord will fight for you. Despite the fact you cannot see your victory, thank God in advance. Your Red Sea and Pharoh will continue to persevere but press forward when surrounded by the wilderness.

When we encounter the challenging Red Seas and realize that reaching the other side is beyond our control, we must understand that God is in control. This is the moment we should offer God our utmost praise. We got through the Red Sea not because of us, but because of the power, grace, and mercy of God. Things that we know we had no control over bring God the greatest glory.

 

 On your journey through the wilderness towards the Red Sea, whatever challenges you encounter, God has a plan for you. God will provide a way to cross the Red Sea. Do not lean on your understanding; trust in the Lord with all your heart. Let him be your sanctuary. He will never forsake you or leave you.

Subscribe in a reader

Does Man Limit God?

Read: Psalm 78

Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure Psalm 147:5

 

Good Morning!

Despite our professed faith, love, and belief in the limitless capabilities of God, we still limit God. Usually, while we are praying, doubt, unbelief or we think we know what God can do puts limits on God and invades our thinking.  God’s power is limited when defined by man’s finite perspective. All things are possible with God.

 

Despite God's kindness, the Children of Israel rebelled against God. From displaying his great powers with plagues, their Exodus from Egypt, parting the Red Sea, providing food in the wilderness, and a beacon of light by day and night, the Children of Israel witnessed God's great power. Yet through it all, they turned their backs and tempted God and limited the Holy One. Yes, man can limit God.

 

Scripture contains numerous verses emphasizing the greatness of God. Remember and recite these passages in times of doubt or forgetfulness: Great is our Lord, abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure (Psalm 147:5). Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, according to the power at work within us (Ephesians 3:20). My God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19).

 

Limiting God occurs when we forget the marvelous things He has done (Psalm 78:11-17). Forgetting the prayers that God answered causes us to also overlook His Grace and Mercy, which, like our prayers, quickly fade into forgetfulness. Limiting God happens when we disobey Him. Doubt, worry, and unbelief limit God when we entertain them.

 

Let us be aware of how we limit God's blessings by what we do or do not do.  Let us pray Psalms 139:23-24, Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;  And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way of everlasting.

Subscribe in a reader 7

What are your dreams, goals, and aspirations? You are made in the image of God

Read: Job 33:15 – 18

 Write the vision; make it plain on tablets Habakkuk 2:2-3

                                                                                            

Good Morning!

 Having dreams, goals, and aspirations is something that we all have in common. 

Have you taken your dreams, goals, and aspirations to God in prayer for guidance and direction? I'm not saying there's anything wrong with your dreams, but seeking His guidance is important.

Divine dreams can occur. Dreams were used by God to communicate with both believers and nonbelievers. Joseph was used to interpret the dreams of nonbelievers. God directed the prophet Habakkuk to write down the vision and make it plain on tablets for all to read. 

I urge you, once again, to take your dreams, goals, and aspirations to God and discover his plans for your dreams.

As Christians, let us remember that one of our missions is to glorify the Lord in all our actions. Including God in your plans and allowing Him to order your steps is a great way to Glorify Him. 

Renew your mind's spirit (Eph. At 4:23), let the dreams be manifested by God.

By entrusting your dreams and work to the Lord, He will establish your plans (Prov. 16:3). God can finish whatever he placed in your heart. 

Putting your dreams into action by effectively setting goals. It is important to follow the example set by God in directing Habakkuk. This involves writing down and outlining the vision, making it clear and concise.

While manifesting your dream you will undoubtedly encounter roadblocks, setbacks, and stumbling blocks.  Remember, you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Phil. 4:13). If you want to accomplish the dream that God has given, you have to walk in your faith. As  you start this dream journey also remember to: 

1. Stay rooted in the word

2. Serve selflessly

3. Forgive constantly

4. Love unconditionally

5. walk through fear

6. Ignore naysayers

7. don't quit

Now is the time to pray and bring your dream to life. So, whatever you are dreaming, seize this opportunity by trusting God's word and direction. Write it down and make it plain. Walk by faith and not by sight.

Subscribe in a reader 7

The worst part of being a giver No one ever asks if you are okay…

Read:  Matthew 8:1-27

Jesus, tired as he was from the journey, sat down by the well John 4:6

 

Good Morning!

Individuals who are often helping others are often taken for granted by society and family members. 

Community leaders, pastors, or even yourself can fulfill this role. These individuals continuously offer their time to advise and assist people in different ways. We often overlook the fact that these individuals are human and also experience fatigue. As a result, we tend to want or need more from them, not taking into account that they have limitations and need for rest. Because of their tireless efforts, we often assume everything is fine without considering if they are okay or not.

 

Throughout Jesus' ministry, there were moments when He displayed weariness, such as when He sat down by the well because He was weary from the journey (John 4:6). We often overlook his weariness, focusing instead on what he was doing at the well. 

In Matthew chapter 8, Jesus performs various miracles. He cleanses a leper (Matthew 8:1-4) and heals a Centurion's servant (Matthew 8:5-13). Jesus then visits Peter's house and heals Peter's sick mother-in-law (Matthew 8:14-15). Jesus performed additional healing throughout the entire evening, as recorded in Matthew 8:15-17. Jesus, upon seeing a large crowd approaching (Matthew 8:18, commanded that he needed to depart. After Jesus departed, they boarded a boat and he immediately fell asleep (Matthew 8:24).

 

A great storm arose while on the boat. Ignoring Jesus' exhaustion, the disciples, like countless others, sought his assistance without considering his well-being or questioning if he was tired or doing okay.

 

 I am trying to convey the point to both givers and receivers of blessings. Givers should take some time to rest just like Jesus. Just like Jesus, they too get tired and weary, so don't take for granted their continual giving, helping, and lack of complaints.

 

Take time to check on your pastors, leaders, or family caregivers. No one ever asks if you are okay, which is the worst part of being strong and giving.

Subscribe in a reader 7