Scripture:
Luke 6:37 “Stop criticizing others, or it will all come back on you.”
Observation:
Heh – another NLT specialty that should really be translated as “don’t condemn” rather than “don’t criticize.” Que sera, sera. Sometime before Christmas break I realized (again) how critical I am and how ugly it is. Every criticism is devoid of grace, compassion, and empathy. Though the verse could be interpreted to mean other people will criticize you, the sentiments themselves tend to just sit, like poison, in my soul resulting in far more retribution than any external result.
Application:
I need to have more grace, more compassion, and more empathy. Though I can’t immediately change my thoughts, I can change whether I express them, and if controlling my tongue is anything like a bit in a horse’s mouth or the rudder of a ship, then hopefully I can change my thoughts.
Prayer:
Lord, forgive me for being a critical person – redeem me. Please help me control my tongue, and beyond just not being critical, please fill me with grace, fill me with compassion, and fill me with empathy – so much that they overflow.
Scripture:
Colossians 1:19-20 “For God in all his fullness was pleased to live in Christ, and by him God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything in heaven and on earth by means of his blood on the cross.”
Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace.”
Observation:
God reconciled everything to himself. He made peace with everything. I’m called to let that peace rule in my heart in order to live at peace with others.
Application:
I’ve been praying for peace the last couple days. I’m still upset that Ian and Erin are leaving the group, and don’t seem interested in trying to repair it. Katie and Craig were asking me about it yesterday at church; as soon as we each went on our way, I could tell I wasn’t at peace with it yet. I didn’t leave the conversation feeling like I was “full of grace” (Colossians 4:6). That to say, God made peace with us so we can make peace with each other: I need to submit this situation to God.
Prayer:
Lord … please give me peace. Help me reconcile whatever needs to be reconciled.
Scripture:
Matthew 7:1-2 “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.”
Observation:
I read this verse yesterday for a study I’m doing on staff. I don’t remember what the question was, but there was one that framed this verse, for me, in the form of grace. I often judge other people because a lack of understanding, compassion, and ultimately grace.
Application:
I need to give people more room, and start with the (accurate) assumption that I don’t know enough about their situation to make any kind of judgment – even if it wewre my place (which it’s not).
Prayer:
Lord – I can’t help but to ask that you don’t measure grace to me in the amount I measure to others.
Scripture:
2 Corinthians 6:15 “How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?”
Observation:
I have a dear friend engaged to an unbeliever – an unbeliever I love. When I initially read this verse (from yesterday’s reading), I just got this sick feeling like I should tell my friend “No! Don’t do it!” Fortunately, God pounced on that thought and replaced it with a conviction to earnestly pray for this person to find Christ – ultimately the goal regardless of this marriage.
Application:
Pretty simple today – I need to start earnestly praying for this person’s salvation. And although it’s important to this marriage, it’s eternally important to the soul.
Prayer:
Lord I lift this person up to you. I pray they answer the call you’re making – that they’re responding to your voice. I pray that the community surrounding them would also lift them in prayer and give them the support they need to make the commitment. I pray that I respond quickly to any action you would have me take to help facilitate this transition. Please give my believing friend strength and patience as they see their fiancee through this process. Please settle this couple on my heart and remind me to keep them in my prayers.
Scripture:
Mark 6:56 “Wherever Christ went – in villages and cities and out on the farms – they laid the sick in the market plazas and streets. The sick begged him to let them at least touch the fringe of his robe, and all who touched it were healed.”
Observation:
Jesus’ ministry … even when I think about the word “minister” as defined by offering care or aid is so different than what we see in churches today; we have “Adult Ministries” and “Youth Ministries” and “Children’s Ministries.” Jesus healed people. I wonder if all the accounts we had of Jesus preaching verses Jesus healing what the split would be. In any case, Jesus didn’t need to “do outreach” as we think of it today – that was his entire mission, and because of that people were drawn to him. He didn’t have to knock on doors. He didn’t have to hold “seeker friendly” events. People knew that if they came, they would receive healing … how much more “relevant” can you get?
Application:
I’m so grateful this is the direction Life Center is headed. This is the direction I need to head as a “minister” to my world. What are my resources? I have no robe with healing powers, but I have lots to offer.
Prayer:
Lord – help me identify what I have to give, how to do so, and where I can minister those gifts.
