Think Before Judging

Again, deviating from Ezekiel.  (Go read chapter 24 if you want to keep up on your own)

Over a year ago, I wrote a piece on gossiping, and I explained that it's still gossip whether you know the person or not.  It could be a celebrity or political figure, but if you're gossiping about them, you're still gossiping!  The subject matter doesn't change the meaning.  I remember it because it was fairly recent that Facebook's "On this day" reminder popped up to show the post.  I find this a fun way to go back and read some of my older posts and see how my thinking has or hasn't changed on certain subjects.

So in this gossip piece, I pulled a celebrity figure for the example.  Reading what I wrote reminded me that at the time, Justin Bieber had just gotten a DUI and was going through typical "out of control rich celebrity" syndrome.  I remember thinking that we needed to pray for him, and others in the news, that they get through these difficulties and find a way to be drawn closer to Christ through all of it.  It's hard though to know what's really going on in the heads of public figures, because so few of them openly discuss their Christian faith - it isn't the popular thing to do and it could be career suicide if they bring it up too much.

We don't truly know where anyone else is in their walk with God.  They may not be walking with God at all, they may be new to the walk, or they may be grounded in their faith.  They may even be making mistakes now that will be forgotten by God when they truly devote their lives to Christ.  My mother-in-law is a pastor and tells the story of why she stopped going to church when she was in grade school.  She wore a rather short skirt and could hear other ladies in the pew whispering about how indecent it was that she wore that skirt to church!  She ended up leaving the church for many years before returning later in life to it.  Why do we need to judge and criticize that which God won't even remember?

A few days ago, I was reading my daily news and it included a quote from Justin Beiber about Christianity.  I don't remember specifically what it was, but I remember rolling my eyes and thinking, "Oh boy, now what?" and still clicking the link to see the whole interview.

I was stunned - in a very pleasant way.  I skimmed over most of the first half (I don't really care about his love life or how he is creatively inspired for his music), but the second half is when the topic of Christianity is brought up - by Justin Bieber.  He then goes on to profess his faith in Christ for having died for his sins!  It's really inspiring to see someone talking about Christ specifically, and their relationship with Christ.   Justin Bieber Interview (2015 Cover Story)

Whether we're making snap judgments about a celebrity we don't know, or a person sitting a few pews away from us in church, we're still making judgments that are not for us to make.  We are called to love like Christ.  The judgment is up to God.

Thurs Devo: The Bronze Snake

How do you think the Lord answered the Israelites’ request to take the venomous snakes away?

Numbers 21:7-9  The people came to Moses and said, “We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. ⁸ The Lord said to Moses, “Make a snake and put it up on a pole; anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.” ⁹ So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived.

God didn’t take the snakes away, but instead provided a unique way for the people to survive a snake bite. Similarly for us, God doesn’t always remove the consequences for our sins. He does help us move forward through the consequences, though, when we turn back to Him and seek His help.

All sin deserves death. However, God is so merciful. He gave many of the Israelites an opportunity to live, even if they were bitten. The Israelites didn’t earn the right to live, but rather looked to and accepted God’s way of salvation.

Going even further, God has provided an opportunity for eternal life with Him in Heaven. Like the Israelites, we don’t earn it, but must choose to look to and accept God’s way of Salvation.  

John 3:14-16      ¹⁴ Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, ¹⁵ that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” ¹⁶ For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.

Is Jesus your “bronze snake?” Have you accepted God’s unique way of salvation by looking to Jesus? He paid the ultimate sacrifice so you and I don’t have to experience the full consequence for our sins (Hell/eternal separation from God). Instead, you and I can live with Him for eternity!

Alice

Protection, Blessings, and Love

But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever.Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy. For you bless the godly, O Lord; you surround them with your shield of love.  Psalm 5:11-12

The other day, my family found that our first house had a major fire.  We were incredibly saddened to learn of it, and we prayed that everyone who currently lived in the house was safe.  Then as I thought more about it, I realized that I would never see my old home again.  The memories that our family built there would be all that remained.  But on the other side of it, I realized God had blessed us allowing our family to move to our new home and change our lives.  Even if we were still in that house, I believe we would have been alright, but I did not want to be unappreciative of the fact that God has loved, blessed, and protected our family.  We are so humbled that He has done so.

All of us as Christians are so incredibly blessed as children of God. We could complain about many things going on in our lives.  We might feel our boss is being tough on us or our children do not want to talk to us anymore.  Some of you might have the struggle of dealing with the loss of a loved one, and others wish they could lose the loved one they have (smile).  Many face difficult decisions about what job to choose.  Even some are struggling to decide whether or not to stay in an abusive relationship with a spouse.  No matter where you are in your life, know there is a God who is with you each and every step of the way.  He loves you, and blesses you infinitely.  He is always there looking out and protecting you from harm.  In placing our trust in Him, there are barriers moved that we would never see, and He sets in motion plans for us days, weeks, and months in advance so that each move we make is in line with His perfect plan for our lives.

When we give praise to our God, we have nothing to fear!  God said through the prophet Isaiah, “I will lead blind Israel down a new path, guiding them along an unfamiliar way. I will brighten the darkness before them and smooth out the road ahead of them. Yes, I will indeed do these things; I will not forsake them.” (Isaiah 42:16)  God is always looking out for us.  Our goal is to rely on Him, give of ourselves to Him, and give thanks to Him for He is indeed worthy of our praises.  What should you be thankful of today?  What small issue can you give to Him in exchange for praising Him for the position He has given you?  My prayer is that we praise God for His protection, blessings, and love.  Amen!

Tues Devo: Finding forgiveness, Part 3

Colossians 3:12-15 “So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone, just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you. Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.” (NASB)

Hello,

So far we have been through the ingredients to execute forgiveness and the need to offer to all – not being selective.

Today, I wanted to get into the last portion of these verses and look at the context given for providing forgiveness – love. Generally we see context given first, but here it is last. In addition to the context of love, we also see that unity is a driving force or motivation for this forgiveness (This is geared at believers – so there is a common foundation for unity).

If we don’t do things with love prevailing –it will be temporary.
If we don’t keep in mind the need for unity as believers, we won’t persevere when it gets tough.

Have a blessed day,

Will Hill

Lean not on your own Understanding

Proverbs 3:1-6

My son, do not forget my teaching,
    but keep my commands in your heart,
for they will prolong your life many years
    and bring you peace and prosperity.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you;
    bind them around your neck,
    write them on the tablet of your heart. 

Then you will win favor and a good name
    in the sight of God and man.

 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.

Last week I wrote about God having a plan for you, knowing your future.  I want to continue that thought with how our part is to trust Him and lean not on our own understanding. 

Recently I applied for another position, internally.  I didn’t get the position and was rather bummed about it.  I knew and still know that I was very qualified for the position.  I know that I would have done well in the position.  That’s not to say the person that got it isn’t just as qualified or a better fit for the position, however I know that I would have been great.  At the same time, God knows what is best and has an abundant plan for me.  I have a wonderful position now and if that is his plan for me, I’m okay with that. 

Sometimes it takes disappointment to get us to focus back on trusting the Lord with all of our heart.  I must say that through the process, I may have lost focus at times and may have been too prideful.  I’m sure we have all been through that before.  Today though, I am doing my best to remember to submit to him and let him make my path straight.  I encourage you to do the same.