Judging Others

Be careful how you view others and remember

we are all human. We all have strengths and weakness

that may be different from those you see around you.

Show compassion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Humans are complex creations of God.

We have layers-some good, some not.

We all have a different view of what beauty

is but we all have worth-created by God, loved by God!

 

Reserve judgment on what is different

from you. Remember that God is good.

Therefore, we should look for the goodness

of God in all His creations!

 

 

 



Praise and be Thankful! Happy Thanksgiving!

A Graceful Life

A young man of 17 years old learns he is dying of terminal cancer.

 What he does next teaches others how to live!

Zach's Story

Clouds by Zach Sobiech Performed by Various Artists

Christian vs Humanitarian?

http://inspirationalchristiansfortoday.com/2013/08/12/the-love-of-god-includes-pruning/

Chris·tian
noun \ˈkris-chən, ˈkrish-\
: a person who believes in the teachings of Jesus Christ. (Christ-like)


To be Christ-like means to live by Christ's example.



Chris·tian·i·ty

noun \ˌkris-chē-ˈa-nə-tē, ˌkrish-, -ˈcha-nə-, ˌkris-tē-ˈa-\
: the religion that is based on the teachings of Jesus Christ

Biblical scripture that explains what it is to be and how to become Christian.


"For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened. "Or what man is there among you, when his son shall ask him for a loaf, will give him a stone? "Or if he shall ask for a fish, he will not give him a snake, will he? "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him! (NAS, Matthew 7:8-11)

"..., blessed are those who hear the word of God, and observe it." (NAS, Luke 11:28)

Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him. (NIV, John 14:21)


"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (NIV, John 13:34-35)



Now, the definition of a humanitarian-



hu·man·i·tar·i·an

noun \hyü-ˌma-nə-ˈter-ē-ən, yü-\


: a person who works to make other people's lives better



So now, why is it that so many of us can't seem to realize that the true meaning of truly living as a Christian is not to appear superior to others but really show compassion and love by helping others in whatever way God has blessed us with to give. This show of love as Christ loved is being Christian and it is exactly what humanitarianism is. They are the SAME THING!











If we as

Angels Unaware

                                  


An elderly woman leaves the grocery store with her sackful of needed items for the dinner she was planning that night for her grandkids who were coming to visit. In the rush to do her shopping and get home she forgot to put in her hearing aids. "It's just a block away. It'll be alright just this once. I walk to that store all the time. It will be fine." As she is crossing the intersection heading back home she is preoccupied with thoughts of her recipe. Did she get everything she needed? A quick glance with her less than perfect vision and off the curb she stepped to cross the street not hearing the car barreling toward her! Suddenly she felt an arm around shoulders and a forceful tug pulling her back just as the car sped by. She looked up to see a young man of about 15 years old asking her is she was alright as he helped her pick up the groceries that had fallen from her bag."You're an angel!" said the old woman to the teenage boy.

From the beginning of time there has been talk of angels. The Bible tells us of the heavenly beings and how they are agents of God to be guardians, soldiers and messengers. There has been talk of angels in human form. There has also been stories of humans actings as angels when they allow themselves to be led by the Holy Spirit to do extrodianary things to help others.

The photo above is part of a heartwarming story of a family spared from murder by angels that "watched them sleep as if guarding them". A group of God's messangers sending a silent message to the would be killers that this family was not going to be harmed on this night!

http://angels.about.com/od/YourAngelEncounters/a/Guardian-Angels-At-Work.htm


                

Above is a picture of a crashed car burning after an explosion that happened late one night. A nearby neighbor who was a retired nurse and medic heard the crash and rushed to help. His brother was nearby and met him at the scene. Together, they broke the back glass, crawled into the car and freed the trapped driver. What they did to save that person makes them both angels! That in itself is amazing but there's more. Much more was at work that night. Another 'angel' helped and then dissapeared as if in thin air! I like to call it angels helping angels!

http://angels.about.com/od/YourAngelEncounters/a/Angel-With-A-Fire-Extinguisher.htm

In today's society we get so wrapped up in our day-to-day lives; so busy with "stuff" that many times we miss the 'miracles' that happen all around us. Some happen that are very dramatic and unexplainable like a stranger appearing from nowhere to give assistance only to vanish without a trace. Some happen just by one of us mortal humans taking the time to show compassion, listen to that still small voice of the Holy Spirit and acting with the boldness of God's Spirit in us!

Jesus told his disciples all those years ago and he is telling us now, "Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it." - John 14:12-14

Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! - Hebrews 13:2

Pastors Posing as Homeless: New Ministry Approach

This photo has become a hot topic on the web recently. The story that goes with it is of a man (Jeremiah Steepek) posing as a homeless person on the street in front of the church in which he was to be the new pastor.

It's a very intriguing story and one that sends a very strong message. "Love one another." There are rumors that the picture is not actually the pastor or the story not totally factual yet the message is still just as real and just as important. To read the story, go here. http://youviewed.com/2013/07/23/homeless-pastor-jeremiah-steepek-teaches-his-new-congregation-a-lesson-in-being-christians/

The above story may or may not be true. Maybe there is a real revolutionary advocate for the homeless named Jeremiah Steepek, maybe not. There is however a real Willie Lyle, pastor/revolutionist right in our very own Tennessee!

  

Tenn. pastor goes undercover as homeless man for week

                     

Before Willie Lyle's first day as pastor of Sango First Methodist Church in Clarksville, TN. he decide to make a bold statement and lasting impression on his new congregation and surrounding community. He spent 4 1/2 days in downtown Clarksville as a homeless man. He learned much of how the general public reacts to the homeless and the issues these people face. He took that first hand knowledge and taught it to his new congregation.

 Read the full article here.  http://www.wbir.com/news/article/279666/2/Tenn-pastor-goes-undercover-as-homeless-man-for-week 

Are WE taking the time to hear them?

There are so many hurting people in the world! Many of them are right next door, standing beside you in the check-out line or sitting beside you in a restaurant (or even at your church). People are so much more that their sin and have so much more worth saving! God thinks so! So should we! They will never know unless we SHOW them!

                             

Justified Measures

                           

Have you ever taken a moment to think about all the things we measure in life? In cooking we measure each ingredient to make sure the desired dish comes out tasting great. During a building project we calculate each measurement precisely to ensure proper function and safety. We even measure our kids to see how fast they’re growing. In each case, we always have tools to help us achieve an accurate assessment. Our society has even taught us how to measure a person socially by judging a person based on certain standards such as wealth, education, social standing or appearance. Now, I ask you, “By what, do we measure these attributes and how can we feel secure in the accuracy of our ‘measurement’ of that person? How much does our approval of each other really matter in the long run anyway?” Yes, in some social situations achieving approval from certain individuals may provide prosperity to a person’s immediate future but does it really benefit later on or even where it matters most-eternity? Remember everything that happens, every decision that you make will affect your life, those around you and your future: here and for eternity!

Praying for You

Love the Lord your God with all you heart, soul & strength. The next is just as important-Love your neighbor as yourself. ~ Jesus

Read more at http://loldamn.com/21-pictures-that-will-restore-your-faith-in-humanity-2.html#uEvHxVVc1Ja3Moz4.99 

Do not judge, or you too will be judged.Matthew 7:1

Eyes of Love

                    

One day at work I came across a coworker who was going through a difficult time in her life and appeared to be very sad, quite, preoccupied and withdrawn. Her eyes were downcast and seemed to be void of light. Though she didn’t speak much, she communicated volumes to reflect her mood and emotions. I couldn’t help but notice that her eyes could not contain the message, which she refused to speak with her mouth. This experience reminded me of a proverb about how the eyes are the windows of the soul. I began to think of the truth in that statement and how much is revealed of a person through the eyes. The Bible says that the eye is the light of the body (Luke 11:34). This can explain how we are able to share our feelings or possibly even our personal convictions without speaking a word. Sadness, pain, joy, fear, anger, love and hatred as well many other emotions or even ones mental state can be seen through the eyes of that person. This shows how the mind and body affect each other and how hiding ones true feelings or even personal character may prove difficult at times.

Eyes: Windows of the Soul

Have you ever spoken with someone who had expressive eyes? As they recall a story, did their eyes seem to accentuate the very point being made by the verbal communication given? Imagine living during Jesus time on earth as one of his disciples, privileged to personally observe him speaking, teaching, and healing. What message would his eyes portray to you? Envision being able to have a conversation with him as the disciples did. Would you see passion in his eyes to strengthen the reality of his message and give insight to its true meaning of power and potential to change lives? I think you would. The Bible continually speaks of the love of Christ. The book of John is considered the book of love because it describes the love Jesus had for all mankind. How can a heart so full of love and compassion refrain from flooding the eyes with a reflection of the same?

The Eyes of Jesus

To see the expressive eyes of Jesus, you merely have to choose one of the many compassionate stories in the Bible and step into the shoes of the main character. Take, for instance, the story of the widow’s only son. When Jesus saw the widow in pain, he had compassion on her and told her not to cry. Because he had love for her and felt her sorrow, he touched her sons’ coffin and gave the command that brought him back to life (Luke 7:13-15). Imagine being that mother looking into the eyes of the one who gave you the gift of your son-alive! Another report tells how he responded when confronted with the death of Lazarus. Jesus saw his sister weeping, was troubled in spirit and wept also as he called Lazarus to come forth-raising him from the dead (John 11: 32-44). How his eyes must have danced with joy to be able to give such restoration to these people whom he loved so much. He was fully committed to sharing in the lives of those around him and openly expressed his love and compassion for them.

His Ministry

His entire earthly existence was dedicated to love, life and giving both to others. How could anyone ever find any wrong in that? The religion scholars did and wanted him stopped at any cost. They decided that the only price sufficient was to forever extinguish the eyes that sparked life to the hopeless and shed light in dark places. The eyes and life of Jesus became the payment they required (John 19:7). The life that lived for others and began on earth for the purpose of bringing hope to the world was not welcomed and suffered for it. The suffering was brutal and did not only encompass physical beating but scorning, ridicule and persecution from Roman soldiers (Luke 22:63-67). While enduring this torture, he also faced abandonment of those he considered to be his closest companions-the result was isolation and loneliness. During each ordeal he presented love and compassion that, I believe, could not be contained by his eyes. This expression of intense love for us and for God’s will was evident in his eyes even though his flesh caused him to feel every hurt just as deeply as any one of us would. How do I know? The Bible states that when Jesus was taken to the high priest house, Peter (one of the twelve disciples) being close enough to see him, denied Jesus to the crowd outside. Immediately, Peter was convicted with one look from the loving eyes of Jesus and he began to sob from the grief of his betrayal (Luke 22:54-62).

The Trial

During the arrest and trial of Jesus, the ones who received the benefit of his love the most were the same ones who were demanding his crucifixion while the soldiers took joy in mocking and beating him (Luke 23:23). Throughout it all he never spoke a word in retaliation and continued to regard them with love. This love was apparent even amid the excruciating pain of hanging on a cross by nails driven through the hands and feet. First, when Jesus gazed down at his mother with eyes of compassion as he said to his disciple John to care for her as his own (John 19:26-27). Then, as he saw past his own suffering and considered with mercy the ones directly responsible for his anguish as he prayed on their behalf for God’s forgiveness (Luke 24:34). It seems that anyone would find it nearly impossible to even imagine looking at someone who caused so much misery with love or mercy-but Jesus did. Love continued to radiate from his presence when he turned eyes full of grace to the thief on the cross next to him as he reassured the man of his eternity (Luke 24:39-43).

What He Can Do For You

He still restores us today with mercy and grace that flows through eyes of love, which he reveals to all who have the desire to know him. He blesses that desire with the ability to envision his eyes covered in blood and swollen but full of love as he hung on the cross for the very ones that put him there-all of humanity. The eyes that wept with compassion, convicted with truth, healed with grace and renewed with hope. Those eyes can do the same today if we permit ourselves to be drawn as so many were all those years ago. So allow yourself to be drawn to the eyes of hope, truth, grace and mercy-the eyes of love.


copyright Morning Glories 2009

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