by Jennie Carter
Day 1 – Read Matthew 7: 1-6
In Verse 1 Jesus says, “Do not judge or you too will be judged.”
In our culture the word “judge” can take on many meanings. It can mean what type of punishment ought to be imposed on a criminal, it can mean to discern between right and wrong; or it can mean to form an opinion or conclusion about another person, their choices, intent and heart.
The Greek word originally used in this passage is krino (kree-no) which means to decide (mentally or judicially), avenge, conclude, condemn, damn, decree, determine, esteem, judge, call to question, think, sentence to ordain.
For me “do not judge” refers to conclusions I make and/or think that call one into question and can have very damning consequences. My thoughts and judgments can be immediate and made on appearances or they can be made in response to someone’s words, belief system, choices, or actions. Sometimes I am aware I am making them, other times I am not. Most of the times I don’t verbalize them but sometimes I do.
When you read Matthew 7:1 what meaning does the word judge take on for you and how does it translate into your own life? Are there others you are quick to judge? Do you know them by name? Are there particular group associations or choices that trigger judgment in you?
Day 2 - Read Matthew 7:1-6, focus on verses 3-4; Read Romans 2:1 and Romans 3:9
Paul reiterates what Jesus is stating in His parable, that not one of us has the right to judge others because we have all sinned. Ironically, many times the sins that seem so present and obvious to us in others are sins that have taken root in ourselves.
All of us sin much more than others see and even more than we admit to ourselves. Jesus reminds us of this when He forgives an adulterous woman in John 8:7, stating to the crowd “if anyone of you is without sin, let him be first to throw a stone at her.”
What sins in others make you want to pick up a stone?
Are you knowingly throwing “stones” to make yourself look or feel better? Are you unaware of the “stones” you throw?
Take a minute to listen to or read the lyrics of the following two songs on judgment:
“What It’s Like” by Everlast (Note that lyrics are not “G” rated)
“If We Are The Body” by Casting Crowns
How, if at all, do these two songs speak to you?
What sins in your own life are you having trouble letting go of, or untangling from?
Take time to pray and ask God to open your eyes and heart to unrecognized sin and judgment in your daily walk.
Read 1 Corinthians 12:24-27 and be reminded that every single one of us makes up the body of Christ! I have to constantly remind myself that there is not one person Christ did not die for, not one.
Day 3 – Read Matthew 7:1-6, focus on Verse 4-5
“... first take the plank out of your own eye...”
One of the points Jesus seems to be making here is that instead of being quick to judge others we need to start with ourselves. Instead of becoming defensive, making excuses or justifying our actions we, like David, need to admit our sins, ask for mercy, forgiveness, cleansing and a heart right with God.
Read Psalm 51 - In verses 1-7 David is repenting, turning and asking for forgiveness. What sixth request of God is David making in verses 10-12?
How is it that following David’s lead in Psalm 51 will aid us in removing the plank form our own eye?
Read Isaiah 55:6-7 - I find great comfort in God’s word that tells me even in my sin He grants me do overs. God promises that if we seek God we will find Him, if we forsake sin and turn toward Him, He will have mercy.
Read Exodus 14:14 and be reminded that God is on your side.
Day 4 – Read Matthew 7:1-6; Read Psalm 5:13
David shows us that when we experience God’s forgiveness of our sins that we naturally want to share His mercy and love toward others. Judgment and condemnation seem to melt away.
Recall/write about a time you have experienced God’s mercy and forgiveness and how it opened your eyes to others.
When we catch ourselves judging others we need to recall our own “plank” and the amazing forgiveness shed for us on the cross.
Read the following passages and record, in your own words, what you hear God speaking to you in each about judgment.
Ephesians 2:7-9, James 2:13, Isaiah 55:9, 1 Corinthians 4:3-5
Day 5 – Read Matthew 7:1-6, focus on verse 6
There have been many times in my life that I have been unable or unwilling to hear and heed God’s word and love in my life. If I am honest it is usually due to a barrier I have constructed – an idol I have in place, a sin that has become a crutch or I like to much to let go of, and/or pure stubbornness. Similarly there have been some I have tried to share God’s word and love with and find my head throbbing from the sudden crash into their “wall”.
In both scenarios, the “pearls” were trampled and unlike the positive outcome in Matthew 18:15, there was no “winning over”, at least not in that moment in time.
When we haven’t walked in another’s shoes, so to speak, and don’t understand their choices or the walls they have built then it makes it difficult for us to verbally share God’s love without coming across as pious or judgmental. It is equally difficult for our words to be received by one who feels misunderstood and/or shame thus the hyperbole “... they may trample them under their feet and the turn and tear you to pieces.”
What then are we to do if our pearls will just be trampled and we risk being turned on? Read the following passages:
Matthew 22:37-39 John 15:12 Ephesians 4:2-3 Hebrews 10: 24-25
We are called to love not judge.
“Whenever you are confronted with an opponent. Conquer him with love.” Mahatma Gandhi
How that looks will be different in each relationship but all begins in prayer.
Casting Crowns song, “Prayer For A Friend”, is an excellent reminder of lifting up those in need instead of judging.
I am reminded, as I end, that it starts with me and sometimes the “friend” I need to lift up in prayer is myself.
One can make a difference! “We must become the change we want to see.” Mahatma Gandhi
Carefree Living
by Carey Hess
Day 1: Anxiety (Read Matthew 6:25)
When Jesus speaks about being anxious about our lives; He is really asking us about what is in our hearts and what is central in our lives. Perhaps a better term for anxiety in this sense might be “concern”. Our hearts need to be filled with something and Jesus wants them to be filled with Him, not with the things of this world. Are we concerned about how much money we make, getting ahead in our jobs, acquiring more “things” and buying fancier clothes? Jesus knows that if these are the concerns of our hearts; we will have no room for Him and God’s kingdom (Luke 10: 41-42). What dwells in our hearts becomes the focus of our lives and if our lives are focused on the things of this world; we cannot have a relationship with Jesus. If our concern is for worldly possessions and they become the focus of our lives then we will constantly be anxious that they will be taken away and/or that we need to acquire more “just in case” we don’t have enough.
God knows that we need food, clothing and shelter and He generously provides these to us but He wants us to make Him the main concern of our hearts by living in the Word and serving Him and others. If we worry and fret about hoarding material goods and are “concerned” that we might lose them then we will not be free to glorify and serve Him. Anxiety and stress over the “things” of this world do nothing but hinder our relationship with God (Philippians 4:6).
What are some situations or needs that cause you to be anxious and worry? Who or what do you rely on to get over your anxiety so that you can lead a carefree life?
Day 2: Lessons from the Birds (Read Matthew 6:26)
What a strange and wonderful thing Jesus does when He asks us to consider the nature and habits of birds in comparison to the way we live our lives. Jesus certainly knows His audience and He knows that the majority of the people that He is addressing are simple, agrarian, poor people; but they are people who certainly have a good understanding of nature.
If birds can fly around and be carefree; then why can’t we? God provides for the birds and they accept it freely and without worry that they won’t have enough or that they need a place to store it up for later.
God loves us so much more than the birds but we constantly fret that we won’t have enough to sustain us. But Jesus knows that first we must be fed with the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35). Jesus wants us to understand that “our daily bread” is a free gift from God. We are fed not by our own hard work but by God’s grace and we must daily accept it without questioning where it came from or how we got it. We need to understand that God provides for us daily all that we need and that everything that we have comes from God.
Only when we accept and are fed with the true bread of heaven will we be free from concern about having enough food to nourish our bodies (John 6:32-34).
Day 3: Life Span (Read Matthew 6:27)
Jesus wants us to take care of our bodies and not live our lives in a reckless manner; but He also knows that we are mortal and that our days are numbered (Psalm 139: 13-17). He wants us to live in the freedom of living each and every day secure in the knowledge that God is in control and we can rest knowing that we are the recipients of God’s grace and love.
Even if we might be terminally ill we are to live each day to the fullest by living in the Word; confident of God’s love and care for us. We are to be content no matter what the condition of our health or circumstances (Philippians 4: 8-13).
When our earthly life is over we are reassured that we will have a heavenly home waiting for us and will be in God’s presence for eternity (John 14: 1-4).
There is no better “Life” insurance policy than the assurance of God’s grace, love and care for us.
Day 4: Arrayed in Glory (Read Matthew 6:28-32)
Have you ever had the pleasure of stopping along a roadside to view a beautiful field of wildflowers? Perhaps the flowers were intentionally planted or perhaps they were miraculously grown from seeds carried by the wind or birds. It really doesn’t matter how they got there but their beauty is breathtaking. In God’s eyes we are even more beautiful and breathtaking.
God loved us so much that He created us in His own image (Genesis 1: 37). Surely, if God loved and cared enough about us to create us in His own image then certainly He has much greater plans for us than flowers that will wither and die.
Jesus isn’t speaking here about dressing us up in worldly clothing; He isn’t interested about what kind of clothing we are wearing but about whether or not we are being clothed for God’s kingdom. Whether someone is dressed in rags or haute couture; all are beautiful in God’s eyes. Jesus came to dress us in God’s grace and glory through the Spirit and the Word.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we, as God’s precious, beloved children, could see each other through His eyes and not judge one another by worldly clothing?
Day 5: First Seek the Kingdom (Read Matthew 6:33-34)
If we first seek God’s Kingdom and pray to do His will then we really have no room for anxiety or concern about our lives. Only when we realize that God is truly in control and that we are merely sinful humans that we can truly be free to live in the joy of God’s grace and love in Christ Jesus.
No one truly knows, except God, what the future holds but we still worry and stress out about our plans for the future. We try to make elaborate plans and schedules; we accumulate money and stock portfolios thinking that these things will provide for our future. But, what happens when pension funds disappear, a business fails, good friends abandon us, you experience the loss of a loved one or you experience bad health? It is during these times of anxiety that we can only be comforted by the assurance of God’s love, care and grace for us (Psalm 46).
Some of the best advice that I ever received was from a Pastor who told me: “when you are going through a very bad time; do something for someone else. Helping another person takes your mind off of your troubles, benefits the other person, and you are doing God’s will in the world.”
We only have this moment, this day to take care of and God wants us to make the best use of our time by living for Him and His kingdom.
Do you want to enjoy the carefree life? Only through listening to the Word, working for God’s kingdom, and joyfully living in His grace can we enjoy true freedom. What a blessing to know that God is walking right beside us during our moments of joy, grief, sorrow and heartbreak.
First seek His kingdom and everything else will be given to you (Luke 18: 29-30).
Day 1: Anxiety (Read Matthew 6:25)
When Jesus speaks about being anxious about our lives; He is really asking us about what is in our hearts and what is central in our lives. Perhaps a better term for anxiety in this sense might be “concern”. Our hearts need to be filled with something and Jesus wants them to be filled with Him, not with the things of this world. Are we concerned about how much money we make, getting ahead in our jobs, acquiring more “things” and buying fancier clothes? Jesus knows that if these are the concerns of our hearts; we will have no room for Him and God’s kingdom (Luke 10: 41-42). What dwells in our hearts becomes the focus of our lives and if our lives are focused on the things of this world; we cannot have a relationship with Jesus. If our concern is for worldly possessions and they become the focus of our lives then we will constantly be anxious that they will be taken away and/or that we need to acquire more “just in case” we don’t have enough.
God knows that we need food, clothing and shelter and He generously provides these to us but He wants us to make Him the main concern of our hearts by living in the Word and serving Him and others. If we worry and fret about hoarding material goods and are “concerned” that we might lose them then we will not be free to glorify and serve Him. Anxiety and stress over the “things” of this world do nothing but hinder our relationship with God (Philippians 4:6).
What are some situations or needs that cause you to be anxious and worry? Who or what do you rely on to get over your anxiety so that you can lead a carefree life?
Day 2: Lessons from the Birds (Read Matthew 6:26)
What a strange and wonderful thing Jesus does when He asks us to consider the nature and habits of birds in comparison to the way we live our lives. Jesus certainly knows His audience and He knows that the majority of the people that He is addressing are simple, agrarian, poor people; but they are people who certainly have a good understanding of nature.
If birds can fly around and be carefree; then why can’t we? God provides for the birds and they accept it freely and without worry that they won’t have enough or that they need a place to store it up for later.
God loves us so much more than the birds but we constantly fret that we won’t have enough to sustain us. But Jesus knows that first we must be fed with the “Bread of Life” (John 6:35). Jesus wants us to understand that “our daily bread” is a free gift from God. We are fed not by our own hard work but by God’s grace and we must daily accept it without questioning where it came from or how we got it. We need to understand that God provides for us daily all that we need and that everything that we have comes from God.
Only when we accept and are fed with the true bread of heaven will we be free from concern about having enough food to nourish our bodies (John 6:32-34).
Day 3: Life Span (Read Matthew 6:27)
Jesus wants us to take care of our bodies and not live our lives in a reckless manner; but He also knows that we are mortal and that our days are numbered (Psalm 139: 13-17). He wants us to live in the freedom of living each and every day secure in the knowledge that God is in control and we can rest knowing that we are the recipients of God’s grace and love.
Even if we might be terminally ill we are to live each day to the fullest by living in the Word; confident of God’s love and care for us. We are to be content no matter what the condition of our health or circumstances (Philippians 4: 8-13).
When our earthly life is over we are reassured that we will have a heavenly home waiting for us and will be in God’s presence for eternity (John 14: 1-4).
There is no better “Life” insurance policy than the assurance of God’s grace, love and care for us.
Day 4: Arrayed in Glory (Read Matthew 6:28-32)
Have you ever had the pleasure of stopping along a roadside to view a beautiful field of wildflowers? Perhaps the flowers were intentionally planted or perhaps they were miraculously grown from seeds carried by the wind or birds. It really doesn’t matter how they got there but their beauty is breathtaking. In God’s eyes we are even more beautiful and breathtaking.
God loved us so much that He created us in His own image (Genesis 1: 37). Surely, if God loved and cared enough about us to create us in His own image then certainly He has much greater plans for us than flowers that will wither and die.
Jesus isn’t speaking here about dressing us up in worldly clothing; He isn’t interested about what kind of clothing we are wearing but about whether or not we are being clothed for God’s kingdom. Whether someone is dressed in rags or haute couture; all are beautiful in God’s eyes. Jesus came to dress us in God’s grace and glory through the Spirit and the Word.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we, as God’s precious, beloved children, could see each other through His eyes and not judge one another by worldly clothing?
Day 5: First Seek the Kingdom (Read Matthew 6:33-34)
If we first seek God’s Kingdom and pray to do His will then we really have no room for anxiety or concern about our lives. Only when we realize that God is truly in control and that we are merely sinful humans that we can truly be free to live in the joy of God’s grace and love in Christ Jesus.
No one truly knows, except God, what the future holds but we still worry and stress out about our plans for the future. We try to make elaborate plans and schedules; we accumulate money and stock portfolios thinking that these things will provide for our future. But, what happens when pension funds disappear, a business fails, good friends abandon us, you experience the loss of a loved one or you experience bad health? It is during these times of anxiety that we can only be comforted by the assurance of God’s love, care and grace for us (Psalm 46).
Some of the best advice that I ever received was from a Pastor who told me: “when you are going through a very bad time; do something for someone else. Helping another person takes your mind off of your troubles, benefits the other person, and you are doing God’s will in the world.”
We only have this moment, this day to take care of and God wants us to make the best use of our time by living for Him and His kingdom.
Do you want to enjoy the carefree life? Only through listening to the Word, working for God’s kingdom, and joyfully living in His grace can we enjoy true freedom. What a blessing to know that God is walking right beside us during our moments of joy, grief, sorrow and heartbreak.
First seek His kingdom and everything else will be given to you (Luke 18: 29-30).
Where Your Treasure Is
by Lisa Glassco
Day 1: Read Matthew 6:19-20
These verses remind me of people who have collections. Usually. The individual pieces in a collection cost little and it's only when the prices of the pieces are added up that the collector realizes how much money has been spent on it over time. These are indeed treasures that are endangered by moths, rust, and thieves. While there is nothing wrong with collecting things that bring pleasure to our hearts, there might be trouble if adding to the collection starts to become more important than helping others – when keeping the breakable pieces displayed is more important than letting children plan in the house – when things become more important than people.
What are the collections in your life? How much have you spent on them?
Day 2: Read Matthew 6:21
What is treasure? Is it the same for everyone? No, indeed! For our dog, treasure is any unattended food. For young children, treasure is a shiny stone or a stick shaped like a T. For pirates (at least in the movies), treasure is gold and jewels. What kind of treasure did Jesus have in mind? Anything people think is important, is my guess. He spoke earlier of the less-important treasures in heaven, treasures like showing mercy, making peace, living humbly, sharing blessings, and believing in God.
Where is your treasure? Would Jesus approve?
Day 3: Read Matthew 6:22-23
This is one section that I sincerely hope should not be understood literally. I have very bad eyesight. Without my glasses the world is, basically, lots of blobs moving around. This is very confusing. If I had to live without glasses to correct my vision, I would be walking in darkness. Maybe God is providing eyeglasses for us by giving Jesus as our direction and our light. As humans, we trip over decisions, blunder into (or out of) relationships, and walk uncertainly into bad situations just like people who need glasses trip, blunder, and walk uncertainly wherever they go, but our faith in God assures us that we are never alone. Through God's Word, we have a way to see more clearly, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are comforted.
Are you wearing your glasses today?
Day 4: Read Matthew 6:24-26
You cannot serve God and money, but money can serve God in many ways. Money can support churches, shelters, disaster victims, and charities of all kinds. A Christian's goal shouldn't be simply earning money to keep it, but earning money to give it away. Money shouldn't be simply earning money to keep it, but earning money to give it away. Money should be a resource that we earn and use to fulfill God's goals, not a goal in itself.
How are you using your money to further God's goals?
Day 5: Read Matthew 6:19-26
This whole passage is really about how to use money in ways that please God. We should not let earning or keeping it become more important than people. We should not fixate on it to the exclusion of anything else, especially God. We should be generous and use our resources to help others. We should keep our financial priorities straight and see the world through God’s eyes. There's nothing wrong with saving something for a time of trouble or inheritance for our children; we just need to remember to help our brothers and sisters too.
Who are you going to help this week? This month? This year?
Day 1: Read Matthew 6:19-20
These verses remind me of people who have collections. Usually. The individual pieces in a collection cost little and it's only when the prices of the pieces are added up that the collector realizes how much money has been spent on it over time. These are indeed treasures that are endangered by moths, rust, and thieves. While there is nothing wrong with collecting things that bring pleasure to our hearts, there might be trouble if adding to the collection starts to become more important than helping others – when keeping the breakable pieces displayed is more important than letting children plan in the house – when things become more important than people.
What are the collections in your life? How much have you spent on them?
Day 2: Read Matthew 6:21
What is treasure? Is it the same for everyone? No, indeed! For our dog, treasure is any unattended food. For young children, treasure is a shiny stone or a stick shaped like a T. For pirates (at least in the movies), treasure is gold and jewels. What kind of treasure did Jesus have in mind? Anything people think is important, is my guess. He spoke earlier of the less-important treasures in heaven, treasures like showing mercy, making peace, living humbly, sharing blessings, and believing in God.
Where is your treasure? Would Jesus approve?
Day 3: Read Matthew 6:22-23
This is one section that I sincerely hope should not be understood literally. I have very bad eyesight. Without my glasses the world is, basically, lots of blobs moving around. This is very confusing. If I had to live without glasses to correct my vision, I would be walking in darkness. Maybe God is providing eyeglasses for us by giving Jesus as our direction and our light. As humans, we trip over decisions, blunder into (or out of) relationships, and walk uncertainly into bad situations just like people who need glasses trip, blunder, and walk uncertainly wherever they go, but our faith in God assures us that we are never alone. Through God's Word, we have a way to see more clearly, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are comforted.
Are you wearing your glasses today?
Day 4: Read Matthew 6:24-26
You cannot serve God and money, but money can serve God in many ways. Money can support churches, shelters, disaster victims, and charities of all kinds. A Christian's goal shouldn't be simply earning money to keep it, but earning money to give it away. Money shouldn't be simply earning money to keep it, but earning money to give it away. Money should be a resource that we earn and use to fulfill God's goals, not a goal in itself.
How are you using your money to further God's goals?
Day 5: Read Matthew 6:19-26
This whole passage is really about how to use money in ways that please God. We should not let earning or keeping it become more important than people. We should not fixate on it to the exclusion of anything else, especially God. We should be generous and use our resources to help others. We should keep our financial priorities straight and see the world through God’s eyes. There's nothing wrong with saving something for a time of trouble or inheritance for our children; we just need to remember to help our brothers and sisters too.
Who are you going to help this week? This month? This year?
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)