Wednesday, November 13, 2013
Judge Not
I am fascinated by this command in the Bible.
There are so many ways to interpret it!
Yesterday, we read through this chapter in Commands of Christ Series which we have used for several years. I'm always convicted, always challenged regarding this command.
I also have a short memory, apparently.
The command contains a warning----Judge not, lest you be judged.
That is key to understanding the whole concept.
In another way to put it, don't judge me until you have judged yourself!
God is JUDGE. He is the ultimate judge of the entire universe. I am always floored by this, and I PRAY MERCY---under the blood of Christ Jesus (the only way to escape His horrible wrath!)
When He is the judge, do we need to judge each other?
NO!!!!!!!!
You and I can discern righteousness by looking at God's Word. That's easy. That's our standard. We must judge ourselves according to God's standard.
To look outward from our own souls is to see needs in other souls.
The only valid way to see others is to ask how can I help? How can I serve them?
So when you are beaten down, unappreciated, misunderstood, hurt-------------You've been given a gift.
God will judge the one who has injured you. You will look for ways to love and serve that person, and you have the gift of an opportunity to do something for a heavenly kingdom. Perhaps you will be a means to bringing that soul closer to Christ.
That is what it's all about.
There are so many ways to interpret it!
Yesterday, we read through this chapter in Commands of Christ Series which we have used for several years. I'm always convicted, always challenged regarding this command.
I also have a short memory, apparently.
The command contains a warning----Judge not, lest you be judged.
That is key to understanding the whole concept.
In another way to put it, don't judge me until you have judged yourself!
God is JUDGE. He is the ultimate judge of the entire universe. I am always floored by this, and I PRAY MERCY---under the blood of Christ Jesus (the only way to escape His horrible wrath!)
When He is the judge, do we need to judge each other?
NO!!!!!!!!
You and I can discern righteousness by looking at God's Word. That's easy. That's our standard. We must judge ourselves according to God's standard.
To look outward from our own souls is to see needs in other souls.
The only valid way to see others is to ask how can I help? How can I serve them?
So when you are beaten down, unappreciated, misunderstood, hurt-------------You've been given a gift.
God will judge the one who has injured you. You will look for ways to love and serve that person, and you have the gift of an opportunity to do something for a heavenly kingdom. Perhaps you will be a means to bringing that soul closer to Christ.
That is what it's all about.
Tuesday, November 12, 2013
Finger Prying
I have a heavy heart tonight. Lots of reasons.
It seems incongruous with my fun and upbeat weekend of celebration with my mother, who just turned a decade older----with my own extended family.
But I do feel down.
Illness continues to plague. World events seem so depressing. I continue to fail in my own ways, needing forgiveness.
I wonder if the Lord is trying to pry my fingers off of this life like never before.
When circumstances seem daunting, and life becomes burdensome-----isn't that only one more reason to let go of our "treasures" here, and "lay up treasures in heaven?"
Like any human, gifted with everything needed to sustain life on the this planet, I cling to life! I cling to things that I value, that have become precious. I cling to people who I care about, yet they seem not to care about the life to come.
The one in heaven.
It's a lesson in letting go.
How great the Father's love for us! Such a hope for our future. We have so much to anticipate!
It's time to look up, with hope.
The earth, like a garment, is worn out and discarded. (That's from the prophetic writings of Isaiah, 51, verse 6) Those who believe in Christ Jesus, and have put their hope and faith in Him, repenting from sin, have every hope of new life with Him.
I need that hope today, as my Savior pries my clenched fingers from this old world.
Let Him pry yours, too.
It seems incongruous with my fun and upbeat weekend of celebration with my mother, who just turned a decade older----with my own extended family.
But I do feel down.
Illness continues to plague. World events seem so depressing. I continue to fail in my own ways, needing forgiveness.
I wonder if the Lord is trying to pry my fingers off of this life like never before.
When circumstances seem daunting, and life becomes burdensome-----isn't that only one more reason to let go of our "treasures" here, and "lay up treasures in heaven?"
Like any human, gifted with everything needed to sustain life on the this planet, I cling to life! I cling to things that I value, that have become precious. I cling to people who I care about, yet they seem not to care about the life to come.
The one in heaven.
It's a lesson in letting go.
How great the Father's love for us! Such a hope for our future. We have so much to anticipate!
It's time to look up, with hope.
The earth, like a garment, is worn out and discarded. (That's from the prophetic writings of Isaiah, 51, verse 6) Those who believe in Christ Jesus, and have put their hope and faith in Him, repenting from sin, have every hope of new life with Him.
I need that hope today, as my Savior pries my clenched fingers from this old world.
Let Him pry yours, too.
Monday, November 11, 2013
Small Groups Introduction Video
http://www.youtube.com/v/Ceus-xpD3t8?version=3&autohide=1&autoplay=1&showinfo=1&attribution_tag=XgnXFnUK-T2jRScMeoghsg&feature=share&autohide=1
The Fuel Project
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheFuelProject?feature=watch
These little YouTube clips are priceless.
If you are interested in true Biblical Christianity you will be fascinated and encouraged by each of these mini seminars.
Fairly has put together reams of research in very digestible bites.
You will be amazed and convicted.
You will be shaken to your core, especially if you have bought into church tradition over Biblical authority.
Prepare to be born again, sans the chains of the Deceiver's designs.
I have been so blessed.
You will be too.
These little YouTube clips are priceless.
If you are interested in true Biblical Christianity you will be fascinated and encouraged by each of these mini seminars.
Fairly has put together reams of research in very digestible bites.
You will be amazed and convicted.
You will be shaken to your core, especially if you have bought into church tradition over Biblical authority.
Prepare to be born again, sans the chains of the Deceiver's designs.
I have been so blessed.
You will be too.
Friday, November 8, 2013
Cute corgi puppies part 6 Puppy wants to eat camera. slow motion / カメラを食...
http://www.youtube.com/v/nBWmTh9WlYY?version=3&autohide=1&autohide=1&showinfo=1&feature=share&autoplay=1&attribution_tag=Kyu4V-jjhpp9KOjKwY8u2Q
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)