An Attitude Adjustment

TODAY'S s SCRIPTURE::  John 8:2-11

TODAY'S VERSE:  So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.  

John 8:7(KJV)

 

“Forbear to judge, for we are sinners all.”  —William Shakespeare

 

I have a friend whose life is in constant turmoil, and though I can sympathize with her it is extremely hard to remain patient. She is quick to judge others for the smallest infraction; she loses her temper and doesn't realize that she is guilty of the same actions. I told myself that I was not judging her; I was only observing, but when I gave up judging others for lent, I realized that I was not observing, but was indeed being self-righteous and judgmental. After much prayer and soul searching, God gave me a new approach with my friend. I began to gently suggest scripture to her.  With a changed attitude, I became better able to properly witness to my friend, and she became more receptive. 

 

By being self-righteously judgmental, I closed channels of sharing the word with my friend and may have hindered her from seeking God.  We do not have to judge, because God does that for us. When we judge others we are placing ourselves in danger of being judged in the same manner that we judge. Only God is superior and righteous enough to judge, therefore, seek to find the best in everyone as Jesus did

 

 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.”   ―C. S. Lewis 

 

 

A Peculiar People

Today's Scripture: 1 Peter 2

Today's Bible Verse: 1 Peter 2:9 King James Version (KJV)

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;

What does the phrase, a peculiar people mean? Does it mean that Christians are strange or weird? I heard someone ask this question, and I decided to do some research on the matter. This is a simplified explanation of what I found:

If you look up the word peculiar in the dictionary, these are some of the meanings: Strange, odd, queer, uncommon, unusual distinctive in nature or character from others. This is an older meaning of the word: belonging exclusively to some person, group, or thing.

The passage using the word peculiar can be found in the King James Version, New American Standard and New International translations. Peculiar was commonly used, long ago, to describe people belonging to something or someone, such as subjects to a King. In other translations of the Bible, it is translated as a people belonging to God. The older meaning of the word is still in the dictionary but is rarely ever used in that manner.

We are a people possessed by God, and as such, we are expected to grow and mature in our faith. It is our responsibility to tell others about Jesus, and guide them toward the faith. We no longer belong to anyone or anything but God. Whether Jew or Gentile, black or white, yellow or red, Christians, are chosen, called and faithful servants of God.

After my research on this phrase, I came to this conclusion, if belonging to God makes me peculiar by any definition, then I am delighted to be peculiar. Another conclusion was that God loves all people whether we be black, white, yellow or red.

PRAYER: Lord, we thank you for loving all of us. We ask that we may be more tolerant and loving toward each other in speech and action. In our Savior and your Son’s name, amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Matthew 7:12. So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.

Abandoned Barn

Abandoned Barn

While driving down a country backroad, I came across an old abandoned barn. It sat in varying stages of decay. I pulled off the road and allowed myself the luxury of imagining how it would feel to be left out in the elements with no one to make repairs or care about my well being. It was obvious that at one time this barn had been well kept, and was very useful to its owner. It made me sad, but, at the same time, I was reminded of God's presence He does not abandon us, but it is up to us to make the necessary repairs that keep us useful to our Heavenly Father. We can have a better physical, mental, and emotional condition by having daily contact with our awesome God.. Reading the word, and making time to be in His presence assures us that He is with us to the end of time, so we will never be alone.

Thought for the day: • “No matter what storm you face, you need to know that God loves you. He has not abandoned you.” Franklin Graham

Hebrews 13:5 and (NKJV)

5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

Prayer:  Awesome and Holy Father, thank you for being faithful,

and never forsaking us. Help us to seek you, and follow your example of faithfulness. We pray in the name of your Son and our Savior, amen.