IT'S PERSONAL

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 23-25

"Parents must not be put to death for the sins of their children, nor the children for the sins of their parents. those worthy of death must be executed or their own crimes." Deuteronomy 24:16 NLT

There are days when I mutter to myself, 'I'm sure glad I won't be standing before God for 'their' sin.'

I judge. I bring the gavel down hard on their sin. I, for a moment, forget who I am and take on airs.

But then there are days...

Maybe several times in one day...

That I look at another and wish they knew how very grateful they should be that they don't have to stand before God for the sins I've committed. The words I've spoken and cannot take back. The attitudes I've copped in an effort to feed my pride. The untruths I have believed that make me 'holier than thou'.

Without God governing my heart and mind, it's a whole lot easier for me to play the role of 'Judge', rather than take on the part of 'judged'.

So let's...

Quit casting down-the-nose glances at the young mama with a little one throwing a tantrum in the aisle at the grocery store...you were once that toddler.

Stop raising your eyebrow at the prodigal's mom who is at loose ends attempting to figure out where she went wrong...you, too, had a Father who had to call you from a far country.

Cease with the phrases that begin with, 'Well, if I...' or 'Why don't they...'. Walk in the shoes you have been given to walk in...theirs don't fit you and yours don't fit them.

We will all, individually and privately, stand before the Lord one day and give an account of every action, attitude and attempt at living a life solely for His glory. We will stand before a Judge who knows motives, wayward thoughts and every word spoken.

I pray your entire 'rap sheet' is covered by the blood of Jesus--until that day, make it an every day choice to be grateful for His forgiveness and abundant with grace.

 OUR COMMISSION

Today's reading: Acts 21-22

"You are to take his message everywhere, telling the whole world what you have seen and heard." Acts 22:15 NLT

This verse is taken out of Paul's address to the crowd when he was arrested in Jerusalem.

He was a captive--but he also had a captive audience.

The people were drawn to his words.

To his story.

To his testimony.

To his God.

Paul told the crowd what God asked of him--to go and tell.

It's our commission, too.

Not to go and recite Bible verses.

Not to go and preach hellfire and brimstone.

Not to beat people about the head with our Bibles.

But to tell the world what we have seen and heard--and experienced in Christ.

Our job, as little Christs, is to tell the world what He has done for us!

SO YOU WILL NOT SIN
Today's reading: 1 John 1-3

"My dear children, I am writing this to you so that you will not sin. But if you do sin, there is someone to plead for you before the Father. He is Jesus Christ, the one who pleases God completely." 1 John 2:1 NLT

Interestingly enough, John's three-part letter is falling at the tail end of the Bible. Just two books from the maps, as some people say.

John's word express the reason for his letter--but also, on a much deeper level, the reason for the Bible itself.

-So that you will not sin.

-And if you do, there is Jesus.

Doesn't that sum up the purpose and intent of the Scriptures?

Every verse of the Old and New Testament, points to Jesus.

From the beginning to the end, and all throughout the middle.

Are you using its words to direct your path away from sin? Are you using the revealing of Jesus, our Savior, when your self guides your actions and leads you into sin?

It's all about Jesus!