Scripture: James 4:11-12
Summary: Don't judge each other.Be a doer of the law and not a judge. There is one lawgiver and judge, so who are you to judge your neighbor.
Thoughts: When I read this scripture I find myself thinking about a young lady I know. There was a rumor circulating that she had made some bad choices, involving illegal drugs and sex. When I heard the rumor, I was obviously concerned about her well being, knowing that those kind of choices could have serious consequences for her. But my bigger concern waas the way that other girls in our group began to treat her. And I began to think about how Jesus had treated the people around him: how he had accepted people who had made poor choices in the past. So I began talking to the girls who I heard talking about this young lady. Trying to stress to them that we wanted our church to be a safe place to be, even for people who had made bad choices. Because when you are really honest, you realize that we have all made bad choices in our lives. And although we may consider other people's bad choices worse than ours, who are we to judge someone else? This is what I see as the crucial point of this scripture. Who are we to judge our neighbors or to judge another youth at our church? Perhaps we can focus more on the person and less on their past. Isn't this what Jesus did?
Prayer: God help me to see past the external facade of each person to see the child of God within. Amen.
Showing posts with label Forgiveness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Forgiveness. Show all posts
Monday, November 8, 2010
Monday, September 10, 2007
Romans 8:1-11 - No condemnation
Scripture: Romans 8:1-11
Summary: This scripture says that God does not condemn us and reminds us that we should set our minds on the things of the Spirit, not things of the flesh.
Thoughts: Paul says "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Do we need to hear any more than this? No matter what we have done in the past, God does not condemn us. This is a powerful message to those of us who constantly hear condemnation of ourselves, either in our own head or from the mouths of others. Let's offer those condemning thoughts of all of our shortcomings and wrongdoings to Jesus Christ, who provides us pardon for all of it. What more needs to be said? Nothing.
Prayer: Forgiving God, I offer you all of the condemnation that has taken root in my soul. I know that you will take it and make it no more. If I can give it up, you will make it disappear. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Summary: This scripture says that God does not condemn us and reminds us that we should set our minds on the things of the Spirit, not things of the flesh.
Thoughts: Paul says "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Do we need to hear any more than this? No matter what we have done in the past, God does not condemn us. This is a powerful message to those of us who constantly hear condemnation of ourselves, either in our own head or from the mouths of others. Let's offer those condemning thoughts of all of our shortcomings and wrongdoings to Jesus Christ, who provides us pardon for all of it. What more needs to be said? Nothing.
Prayer: Forgiving God, I offer you all of the condemnation that has taken root in my soul. I know that you will take it and make it no more. If I can give it up, you will make it disappear. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Colossians 1:9-14 - Who is this who forgives sinners?
Scripture: Colossians 1:9-14
Summary: Paul wishes for them to be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so they might lead lives worthy of God. God has rescued them and transferred them into the kingdom of Christ, in whom we have forgiveness of sins.
Thoughts: There is alot of good stuff in this scripture! But my favorite part is that we might be filled with the knowledge of God's will. What a great gift to know the will of God for our lives. Sometimes I think I know what God's will is for me, but often it is like I'm looking through a dense fog. Just when I think I've got it figured out, my life takes another sharp turn. There are two things at work here. First I can only see what God is willing to show me and second I have to pay attention to see what I'm being shown. I'm guessing that the main problem is with me! I need to keep working on paying closer attention to what God is showing me.
Prayer: Your will be done. Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. What more needs to be said? Amen.
Summary: Paul wishes for them to be filled with the knowledge of God's will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so they might lead lives worthy of God. God has rescued them and transferred them into the kingdom of Christ, in whom we have forgiveness of sins.
Thoughts: There is alot of good stuff in this scripture! But my favorite part is that we might be filled with the knowledge of God's will. What a great gift to know the will of God for our lives. Sometimes I think I know what God's will is for me, but often it is like I'm looking through a dense fog. Just when I think I've got it figured out, my life takes another sharp turn. There are two things at work here. First I can only see what God is willing to show me and second I have to pay attention to see what I'm being shown. I'm guessing that the main problem is with me! I need to keep working on paying closer attention to what God is showing me.
Prayer: Your will be done. Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. What more needs to be said? Amen.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Isaiah 1:18-20 - Who is this who forgives sinners?
Scripture: Isaiah 1:18-20
Summary: God promises that although your sins are scarlet, they shall be like snow, if you are wiling and obedient, but if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.
Thoughts: Wow! Who among us is willing and obedient?!?! Certainly not me! I tend to fit into the rebellious category rather than the obedient category. I may be in line to be devoured by the sword (not a pleasant prospect!). But... I know that God is a gracious God, so if I'm trying to be obedient I believe that God will grant me mercy. For I know that I don't deserve any of the wonderful things God has given me, and continues to give me. But God continues to give wonderful things to me anyway.
Prayer: Merciful God, help me be willing and obedient and follow in your ways. Both of us know that I am not perfect, but I have faith that you take broken people and make them whole. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Summary: God promises that although your sins are scarlet, they shall be like snow, if you are wiling and obedient, but if you refuse and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.
Thoughts: Wow! Who among us is willing and obedient?!?! Certainly not me! I tend to fit into the rebellious category rather than the obedient category. I may be in line to be devoured by the sword (not a pleasant prospect!). But... I know that God is a gracious God, so if I'm trying to be obedient I believe that God will grant me mercy. For I know that I don't deserve any of the wonderful things God has given me, and continues to give me. But God continues to give wonderful things to me anyway.
Prayer: Merciful God, help me be willing and obedient and follow in your ways. Both of us know that I am not perfect, but I have faith that you take broken people and make them whole. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Acts 10:34-43 - Who is this who forgives sinners?
Scripture: Acts 10:34-43
Summary: Peter is speaking about Jesus and says that everyone who believes in Jesus, their sins are forgiven.
Thoughts: The scripture says that God shows no partiality, that anyone who fears God and does right is acceptable to God. Why is this so hard for us to believe? My whole life their has been a group of people that I have been encouraged to consider as less than me. I grew up in Mississippi where African Americans were often treated badly. Then during the cold war we were led to believe that all Russians were bad. Now in Texas, I hear that the illegal aliens are taking all of our jobs. And homosexuals are not allowed to legally marry in most states. So when the Bible says that God shows no partiality, do we really believe that? Or do we convince ourselves that this doesn't apply to "those people," whoever they might be?
Prayer: Forgiving God, help me to learn to be unpartial, to accept all those around me, no matter how different they appear from me. For we are all created in the image of God and it's time we began acting like it! Amen.
Summary: Peter is speaking about Jesus and says that everyone who believes in Jesus, their sins are forgiven.
Thoughts: The scripture says that God shows no partiality, that anyone who fears God and does right is acceptable to God. Why is this so hard for us to believe? My whole life their has been a group of people that I have been encouraged to consider as less than me. I grew up in Mississippi where African Americans were often treated badly. Then during the cold war we were led to believe that all Russians were bad. Now in Texas, I hear that the illegal aliens are taking all of our jobs. And homosexuals are not allowed to legally marry in most states. So when the Bible says that God shows no partiality, do we really believe that? Or do we convince ourselves that this doesn't apply to "those people," whoever they might be?
Prayer: Forgiving God, help me to learn to be unpartial, to accept all those around me, no matter how different they appear from me. For we are all created in the image of God and it's time we began acting like it! Amen.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Psalm 103:1-14 - Who is this who forgives sins?
Scripture: Psalm 103:1-14
Summary: God forgives, heals, and redeems us
Thoughts: The word steadfast is used twice in this scripture to describe God. This word brings images of large rocks, even mountains, which are unmovable and will always be there, in that same place. God is steadfast. God is always there. God is present for us no matter where we are, no matter what we have done, no matter how we try to ignore God. The scripture says that God's love is as great as far as the east is from the west. God's love is so great I can't even begin to imagine it! Like that mountain, God is steadfast, I can lean on God. And this scripture says that God has compassion for me and for you and works for justice for all who are oppressed. How great is our God!
Prayer: Steadfast Lord, my human words are inadequate to describe you. And yet you are there for me no matter my sins. Praise God! Amen.
Summary: God forgives, heals, and redeems us
Thoughts: The word steadfast is used twice in this scripture to describe God. This word brings images of large rocks, even mountains, which are unmovable and will always be there, in that same place. God is steadfast. God is always there. God is present for us no matter where we are, no matter what we have done, no matter how we try to ignore God. The scripture says that God's love is as great as far as the east is from the west. God's love is so great I can't even begin to imagine it! Like that mountain, God is steadfast, I can lean on God. And this scripture says that God has compassion for me and for you and works for justice for all who are oppressed. How great is our God!
Prayer: Steadfast Lord, my human words are inadequate to describe you. And yet you are there for me no matter my sins. Praise God! Amen.
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Matthew 9:2-8 - Who is this who forgives sinners?
Scripture: Matthew 9:2-8
Summary: Jesus sees a paralyzed man and tells him his sins are forgiven. The scribes think he is blasphemous, so he asks them if it is easier to forgive his sins or tell him to walk? Then he tells tells the man to walk and he does.
Thoughts: Verse 8 says that the crowds were filled with awe and they glorified God. What were the people in awe about? That Jesus had forgiven sins or that he had healed the man? Both are wonderful events to have heard or seen. I imagine that they were awed about the healing. Because how would they have known that his sins were really forgiven? How much more impact the physical had on the crowd than the spiritual. But what is the most important thing that this man gained that day?
Prayer: Forgiving and healing God, you alone know what I need more than anything else. You alone can forgive my sins and help me to change my life. For it is only by your grace that I am saved from my sins. It is only by your touch that I am really healed, both inside and out. Amen.
Summary: Jesus sees a paralyzed man and tells him his sins are forgiven. The scribes think he is blasphemous, so he asks them if it is easier to forgive his sins or tell him to walk? Then he tells tells the man to walk and he does.
Thoughts: Verse 8 says that the crowds were filled with awe and they glorified God. What were the people in awe about? That Jesus had forgiven sins or that he had healed the man? Both are wonderful events to have heard or seen. I imagine that they were awed about the healing. Because how would they have known that his sins were really forgiven? How much more impact the physical had on the crowd than the spiritual. But what is the most important thing that this man gained that day?
Prayer: Forgiving and healing God, you alone know what I need more than anything else. You alone can forgive my sins and help me to change my life. For it is only by your grace that I am saved from my sins. It is only by your touch that I am really healed, both inside and out. Amen.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Luke 7:36-50 - Who is this who forgives sinners?
Scripture: Luke 7:36-50
Summary: This is the story of the woman who is a sinner, who bathes Jesus' feet with her tears and wipes them with her hair. He tells her her sins are forgiven, that her faith has saved her, to go in peace.
Thoughts: Only God can forgive our sins. Only God can wipe away all the failures and mistakes in our lives. How shocking it must have been for the righteous people that Jesus was having dinner with, for Jesus to forgive the sins of this woman. This must have really gotten them thinking about who he was. I am pretty certain that if I had been lucky enough to have known Jesus, I would probably not have been able to accept the fact that he was God. Especially if I had known him for long, seeing him eat and sleep like any other human being. Even today, 2000 years after he lived, it is difficult to imagine what he must have been like. But it is only through him that we can get a glimpse of who God is and what is possible with God. So perhaps as we remember the example of Jesus and the message he brought us, we too can live our lives as God wants us to.
Prayer: God, I know that it is only you who can forgive my sins, who can help me turn around and see your path more clearly. Thank you for the gift of Jesus who helps me, in my limited way, see what is possible with your grace. Amen.
Summary: This is the story of the woman who is a sinner, who bathes Jesus' feet with her tears and wipes them with her hair. He tells her her sins are forgiven, that her faith has saved her, to go in peace.
Thoughts: Only God can forgive our sins. Only God can wipe away all the failures and mistakes in our lives. How shocking it must have been for the righteous people that Jesus was having dinner with, for Jesus to forgive the sins of this woman. This must have really gotten them thinking about who he was. I am pretty certain that if I had been lucky enough to have known Jesus, I would probably not have been able to accept the fact that he was God. Especially if I had known him for long, seeing him eat and sleep like any other human being. Even today, 2000 years after he lived, it is difficult to imagine what he must have been like. But it is only through him that we can get a glimpse of who God is and what is possible with God. So perhaps as we remember the example of Jesus and the message he brought us, we too can live our lives as God wants us to.
Prayer: God, I know that it is only you who can forgive my sins, who can help me turn around and see your path more clearly. Thank you for the gift of Jesus who helps me, in my limited way, see what is possible with your grace. Amen.
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