Monday, October 25, 2010

Judgment...

Volume 3.10

Welcome to Life is for Living 2010. We are excited about the Life is for Living blog and hope you are too! We believe that the Lord created each human being with a purpose, a destiny, and a future. Put your faith in the Lord and place your life in His hands. He is there; and He will not fail you or let you down. The Lord Jesus Christ loves you and has a special plan and purpose for your life. When you go throughout your day and walk out the busyness of your life try to remember to stop, thank Him for His many blessings, and enjoy His beautiful creation! Remember that “Life is for Living!”

Daily Bread- Have you ever judged a person or group of people and felt convicted in your heart before the Lord? If so, you are not alone. Many individuals have felt judgment toward another at some point in their lives. The Bible teaches that we should love one another and refrain from passing judgment. In Matthew 7:1-3 NIV it says; “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?”

Did you know that when you judge your neighbor you open yourself up to be judged? In the Scriptures it shares that whatever a man sows, he also reaps. "Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up"(Galations 6:7-9 NIV). If you sow goodness, love, acceptance, and forgiveness you will reap this in return. If you sow judgment, deceit, strife, and unforgiveness, eventually you will reap these things in your own life.

The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the standard and the perfect example for each and every person. He is the one that each individual should look to for guidance and answers for their life. It is easy to look about you and measure your life and success based on another human being. This is a trap of the devil and one that can cause a person to enter into a downward spiral of judgment and jealousy in their life. It is vital to seek the Lord for His will and purpose for your life. When you seek Him earnestly for guidance and ask Him to reveal His plan for you, then it sets your eyes on Jesus.

In John 8:1-7 NIV it says;

Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. At dawn He appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around Him, and He sat down to teach them. The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do You say?” They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing Him. But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning Him, He straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.”

In this passage of Scripture Jesus was addressing the individuals who were judging this woman and casting aspersion upon her. There were those that wanted her stoned to death and were willing to pass this judgment without acknowledging that they were sinners too. There isn’t a perfect man or woman. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23 NIV). Jesus is the only perfect one. He is the King of King's and the Lord of Lord’s.

Jesus had a course and direction as He walked the Earth, and you too have a purpose given to you by your Father in Heaven. Your path will not be the same as your mother, brother, spouse, best friend, or neighbor. Each person is unique, with a unique set of giftings, talents, and ideas; given by God, to glorify His name and build His kingdom. Whatever path the Lord has given you to walk, whatever He has put in your hand to do, whatever He has destined you for, do it with all of your heart. Do not look to the left or to the right, judging your neighbor and bringing accusation against him, because he is not doing it as you are. Recognize that it is not your place to judge. It is your duty to love the Lord, love your neighbor, and live your life as the Lord has called you to.

You can start by praying this prayer aloud to Him;

Dear Lord Jesus,

Forgive me of my sins and wash me clean with Your blood. I give You my life and I ask that You would fill me with Your Holy Spirit. I ask for Your will and plan for my life, and I ask that You would forgive me for passing judgment on others, and for holding jealousy in my heart. Show me the way and reveal to me the talents and giftings You have placed in my life for Your glory.

In Jesus Mighty Name I Pray,

Amen

Date Idea Of The Month- Go to a local recreational center or indoor swim club and swim for exercise. Do this with the one you love. If you already swim for exercise then bring your spouse along. If you have never tried it before, then do it for the first time. They say that swimming is one of the best ways to workout; and there is no better way to bond with your spouse than during times of fitness and health. After you're done, go to lunch together and enjoy a healthy meal. Have Fun!

Family Time Idea Of The Month- This month do something that your family has been wanting to do, but hasn't gotten around to. Has your family been wanting to go to the local park, the ice skating rink, the bowling alley? Whatever it is, partake in it together as a family. Enjoy and Have fun!

Movie Must See- This month instead of recommending a film for you to view, re-watch your favorite movie. Choose one of your favorites that spoke to your heart when you first saw it or evoked a deeper emotion within you. Watch the film once again and allow it to speak to your heart. See what else you can take away from the experience!



Music Must Hear- This month instead of recommending an album for you to enjoy, listen to your favorite music CD. Choose one of your favorites that spoke to your heart when you first listened to it or evoked a deeper emotion within you. Listen to the music once again and allow it to speak to your heart. See what else you can take away from the experience!


Fall Must Read- The Bible; The Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John)

These books of the Bible are found in the New Testament and share about the life of Jesus; His birth, ministry, death, and resurrection. These books will give you further insight into who Jesus is, the miracle’s He performs, and the ultimate gift He offers to each and every one of us. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are must reads!




Bible Verse Of The Month- "Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother's eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?" Matthew 7:1-3 NIV

Final Thought- Do not judge those around you. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus and ask Him to search your heart. As the Bible says; if you judge, you shall also be judged. Remember, there is not one person in this world that is the standard. Jesus is the standard for us all and the only one that we can look to for perfect guidance, hope, and love.