Monday November 7, 2022

Today is Monday, November 7 and we are studying the words of Jesus in Matthew chapter seven.

As I begin this time of prayer, I focus myself upon the God who loves me. My heavenly Father calls me close to His side for a quiet and intimate conversation.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus Christ, speak to me about the Kingdom of Heaven and teach me how to live a life of love. I sit at Your feet listening to the words from the Sermon on the Mount longing for Your voice to permeate my soul. Amen.

I lift my praise to God and worship Him with the ancient words of Psalm 98.

Let the sea resound, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it. Let the rivers clap their hands, let the mountains sing together for joy; let them sing before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples with equity. Psalm 98:7-9

Pause and Pray

In the seventh chapter of Matthew, Jesus continues His Sermon on the Mount and now turns his attention to human relationships. Once I am right with God, my relationships with other people will inevitably be positively impacted. Children of God are to treat other people from a kingdom perspective. Jesus begins by taking up the subject of fault finding, judging or blaming other people. The constant critic assumes a superiority that entitles him or her to continually assess the failings of others. Jesus cautions us against being judgmental.

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

John Wesley encourages the Christian to think of other people from a perspective of love and grace instead of disparagement and condemnation. I am cautioned to refrain from making snap judgments about people or lay blame without sufficient evidence. It is always better to give a person the “benefit of the doubt” before making assumptions or piling up criticism. The person may be innocent of any wrongdoing, there may be miscommunication or a misunderstanding. If someone is guilty, I should not be harsh in my judgment of them, remembering my own sins and shortcomings and recalling how merciful God has been to me.*
Ask: When do I tend to jump to criticize and blame another person? When have I judged someone without having all the information?

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus, forgive me for overlooking my own shortcomings and being quick to judge the deficiencies of others. Remind me of the gracious mercy of my Father in heaven who continually demonstrates a generous love for me despite my missteps. Remove the plank in the eye of my soul that prevents me from extending grace to others. I read Matthew again, listening for the message You have for me today.

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

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

God may want me to improve relationships with specific people in my life. Who might that be? How is God speaking to me this morning and revealing d where I need to make changes and betterments? I ponder the words of Jesus with the ears of my heart endeavoring to comprehend what he is saying about my current circumstances and daily relationships.

Pause and Pray

Lord Jesus Christ, I invite you to examine the depths of my soul. Come and shine your light upon the sawdust, the specks, and the planks that contaminate my heart and prevent me from realizing Your mercy and love. Judge me with a gentle and gracious measure and remind me to do so with others. Amen.

Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Luke 6:37-38

I leave this time of prayer, knowing I am a beloved child of God, forgiven by Christ and redeemed by grace. I go to love others in Jesus’ name.

Amen