Israel’s Prophecy for Dan

Israel’s Prophecy for Dan

Genesis 49¹⁶ “Dan shall judge his people
As one of the tribes of Israel.
¹⁷ Dan shall be a serpent by the way,
A viper by the path,
That bites the horse’s heels
So that its rider shall fall backward.
¹⁸ I have waited for your salvation, O Lord!

 

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Dan was the fifth son of Jacob and the first son of Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant. Dan’s name means “judge.” Israel prophesied that Dan would provide Judges, but would cause people to fall.

 

My Observations:

• Danites produced famous judges loke Samson.
• Danites committed idolatry and complained about their land inheritance.
• Danites were not listed in the book of Revelation, but were prophesied and one of Israel’s tribes in the book of Ezekiel.

 

Many Bible scholars have tried to guess the reason Dan is not mentioned in the list in Revelation 7. Some believe it was because of the idolatry; others believe it just happened that the people were wiped out. Whatever the case, they are not mentioned.

 

Bilhah influenced Dan. She also voluntarily slept with Reuben, even though he was Jacob’s son. Dan also hated Joseph and Israel could see this. Israel seems to remorsefully state that he has waited on Dan’s salvation.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Dan being a “serpent?”
• Has anything become an idol in your life?
• Have you reviewed your life to see if any idols have formed that you need to give to GOD?

Anger Soup

Anger Soup

Revelation 15: ⁵ After this I saw the temple in heaven open, with the Sacred Tent in it. ⁶ The seven angels who had the seven plagues came out of the temple, dressed in clean shining linen and with gold bands tied around their chests. ⁷ Then one of the four living creatures gave the seven angels seven gold bowls full of the anger of God, who lives forever and ever. ⁸ The temple was filled with smoke from the glory and power of God, and no one could go into the temple until the seven plagues brought by the seven angels had come to an end.

 

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Testing the limits of what I could do, I performed my new found freedom in secret. I did a few things I was not supposed to do, and “got away with it.” But one day the thing I was doing was discovered and I had to face the full anger which I feared.

 

• I thought I was getting away with being “free.”
• I thought I would not have to face consequence if no one knew what I was doing.
• I thought I could escape anger.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, saw the temple in heaven open with the Sacred Tent in it. He saw seven angels with seven bowls of GOD’s anger ready to be poured out on the earth. This was the end of the patience of GOD, the earth had enjoyed since the beginning of humanity.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s anger will one day be in full force.
• GOD has seen every wrong doing you and I have ever done.
• GOD’s anger can be escaped through saving belief in JESUS.

 

Our current actions dictate which bowls we belong to. One set of twenty eight bowls in heaven contains the prayers of those who believe in JESUS as the Savior. But there is another set of seven bowls that are GOD’s full anger towards those who cause harm to those who believe in JESUS.

 

GOD’s anger is nothing to play with. HIS fury is dedicated to those who refuse the prompting of the HOLY SPIRIT to believe in JESUS as the Savior. Blame, rage, wars and hatred spew from those who have not surrendered their lives . GOD records every though, every action against HIS kingdom. I am glad HE made a way to avoid HIS anger.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about GOD’s anger?
• Have you ever been angry at someone?
• Will you seek GOD’s grace by asking HIM for forgiveness today through HIS SON, JESUS?

Rare Action

Rare Action

1 Corinthians 5: ^12-13 After all, it is none of my business to judge outsiders. God will judge them. But should you not judge the members of your own fellowship? As the scripture says, “Remove the evil person from your group.”

 

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My meetings usually ran smooth, but this one wasn’t going so well. I had a guy who insisted on interrupting and asking antagonizing questions. Usually my approach was to request to hold questions until the end, but this was not going to happen with this guy. I stopped the meeting and told him to leave.

 

• There have been rare times when I had to kick someone out.
• There have been rare times when I needed to let someone go.
• There have been rare times when I exceeded the capacity for patience and had to tell a person to leave.

 

Paul addressed a person, perhaps a self-acclaimed church leader, who was boastful about his sexual escapades. He implies that the guy also acted greedy, worshipped idols, slandered people, was a drunkard and a thief. It seemed like the guy was not going to surrender his life to following JESUS any time soon. The best thing to do was to tell him to leave.

 

• GOD wants me to be able to tell a disrupter to leave.
• GOD wants me to recognize when a person is not following CHRIST but serving their own lusts.
• GOD wants me to remove the evil person from the group as a rare but necessary action.

 

Judge not lest you be judged still applies when considering kicking someone out of a fellowship. I mean, any group can segregate themselves and make up rules to keep their fellowship looking and acting like themselves.

 

That is not what is going on here. In a diverse group of people, there may be a person who clearly is not following JESUS and is harmful to spreading HIS message of love and forgiveness. Such a person is spreading evil versus love. This person needs to be removed from the group. I am grateful GOD forgives and restores.

 

• Do you have a person who is being disruptive in your group?
• Has that person exceeded everyone’s patience regarding the love of CHRIST?
• Is the person spreading evil and focused only on worldly conversations?
• Will you prayerfully remove this person and hope he or she will be restored by GOD someday?

Ask before judging

Joshua 22: ¹⁵ When they went to Gilead—to Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh—they said to them: ¹⁶ “The whole assembly of the Lord says: ‘How could you break faith with the God of Israel like this? How could you turn away from the Lord and build yourselves an altar in rebellion against him now? 

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²¹ Then Reuben, Gad and the half-tribe of Manasseh replied to the heads of the clans of Israel: ²² “The Mighty One, God, the Lord! The Mighty One, God, the Lord! He knows! And let Israel know! If this has been in rebellion or disobedience to the Lord, do not spare us this day.

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²⁴ “No! We did it for fear that some day your descendants might say to ours, ‘What do you have to do with the Lord, the God of Israel? ²⁵ The Lord has made the Jordan a boundary between us and you—you Reubenites and Gadites! You have no share in the Lord.’ So your descendants might cause ours to stop fearing the Lord.

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Confused I sat pondering what I was going to talk about. I know just what they will want to hear about, “Sex.” I was pleased that I thought of my topic for this group of teens and was ready to tell them about everything they needed to here.

When we got together, they surprised me with questions about GOD and a closer relationship with HIM. I felt foolish!

• My assumption about other folk’s relationship with GOD is sometimes off the mark.
• My assumption that other people aren’t serving and I’m the only one doing the work is usually way off the mark.
• My assumption that other folks are serving wrong and I’m serving correctly is mostly off the mark.

Just because I’ve given up a certain sin doesn’t make me clean enough to look at another person like they are a worse sinner. GOD wants me to recognize what people are doing in HIS name and praise HIM that HE has more servants than anyone can count.

HIS kingdom is vast and I should not think HE is not in control of any situation. GOD will deliver!

• Are you judging someone?
• Do you think you are alone in service?
• Can you praise GOD for what people are doing instead of judging their efforts?
• Won’t you join in with someone helping them worship the way they worship GOD?

Here’s mud in your eye!

James 2: ¹² Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, ¹³ because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

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Dangerously close is an understatement as to where my bumper was to the car in front of me. We were all traveling at a high rate of… well let’s just say we were really moving! Then “that” guy pulled up in the next lane. I recognized the shiftiness on his face and the movements of his car showing he wanted to “get in front of me!”

I wasn’t having it. I nudge my car closer and closer to the car in front of me and as he backed off I had a sense of victory. Later, in that same drive to work, my exit was approaching and I had to merge into another lane. Most would not let me in and now I created a traffic jam behind me. Someone was “gracious” enough to wave me on.

• When I judge people I will be judged by the same measure no matter who I’m judging.
• When I judge people I will be sentenced to their sentence.
• When I judge people I will be embarrassed when I am being judged in front of everyone.

I have said this many times before… “We are all in the mud, throwing mud at each other, saying you have mud on you!” How disgraceful it is for me to act without mercy. No wonder my ministry is weak at times. I’m amazed that GOD would even listen to me at all.

• GOD wants me to speak to “that” person as if that person were me.
• GOD wants me to act like I am “that” person and then I name the sentence.
• GOD wants me to be merciful to “that” person so HE will show mercy on me.

“But I’m saved” popped into my head, I’m supposed to judge people. Well, not quite. My meal should consist of a healthy ration of love and a heaping dose of mercy with a sprinkle of correction done in love. GOD knows my heart and HE knows “that” person’s heart and HE says choose grace and mercy to both and everything will be fine.

• Are you judging someone?
• Are you really trying hard to get you way?
• Do you realize you may be trying to reduce GOD down to your judgment?
• Can you let GOD show judgment on whom HE wants to show judgment and mercy to whom HE wants to show mercy?

I’m going to judge you wrong.

Romans 2:  ¹ You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. ² Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth.

³ So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? ⁴ Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?

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Self-acclaimed church critic, no drinking, rule follower is what I had become.  I couldn’t even watch TV comfortably because it just had, what I thought, too much junk.  You see, I had come a long way from where I used to be. I promised GOD I would no longer cuss and spit and I felt HE should give me stuff in return. What could possibly be wrong with any of this?

• When I think “I” have arrived I will get the impression it’s my duty to clean someone else up.
• When I think “I” have arrived I will accept the improvements I have already made and become complacent towards further change.
• When I think “I” have arrived I will judge others hoping they will “come up” to “my level.”

It is unhealthy to think to lowly or too highly of oneself. I mean if I think I have arrived then I am thinking too highly of myself and if I grovel like I don’t deserve anything then it is possible I don’t know who I am related to very well. GOD wants me to understand people make mistakes and so do I. HE wants me to correct my course as well as others while not judging.

• Judgment says “I” am right and “you” are wrong, course correction says “we” are wrong and GOD is right.
• Judgment says ”I” am righteous and “you” are not, course correction says “all have sinned” BUT GOD made a way to save us.
• Judgment says “I” have accomplished a lot for GOD what about you?”, course correction says “GOD has done everything for us.”

Followers of CHRIST are obligated to help people stay on the course “and” correct people in love. Any judgment that makes “me” look better will not work. I should know, just ask my family. Here is how I think judgment works. Before I accuse “that” person of a specific wrong I better check my past to see if I haven’t done a form of the same thing.

Then I need to check my compassion level for wanting to restore the person rather than condemning them. Finally I have to check with GOD to see if HE even wants “me” to be the person to bring this to their attention. Judging is dangerous for me because “I” have to stand before GOD one day.

• Are you judging someone over their lifestyle?
• Is your message of Great News coming across as being a self-righteous snob?
• Are you so heavenly bound that you are no earthly good?
• Can you lighten up where you need to in order to win “that” person?
• Won’t you drop your fight with “that” person so GOD can do HIS correcting?

"That’s pretty judgmental of you"

John 8: ⁴ and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. ⁵ In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?” ⁶ They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

   But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. ⁷ When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” ⁸ Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

   ⁹ At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there.

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One defining moment of my life that told me I was on the wrong track was a conversation I had with my wife. Well actually she was my fiancée at the time. It was about a friend or relative deciding to “live” with someone.

By this time I was in the middle of study at a seminary and I quickly retorted to the position by saying “they shouldn’t be doing that.” She responded, “That’s pretty judgmental of you.” Wow! Was I on the wrong path?

• GOD does not like when I go on a hunt looking for sinners to clean up.
• GOD despises when I certify myself as being cleaner than someone else.
• GOD loathes any act of tripping someone else up just to look better.

Many times I get confused with eradicating sin. Yes, I am supposed to teach others what GOD wants from me and that includes letting go of sin however the main message I need to say is JESUS died for the multitude of sins I commit daily!

Judging others who have not sinned against me is so easy to do. The news parades mean nasty people who deserve sentencing in front of me daily. My once positive outlook on life turned into blanket statements like “they shouldn’t be doing things like that!”

• Instead of looking at the sin others commit, I need to seek the good GOD sees in them.
• Instead of finding who to blame, I need to find who needs grace.
• Instead of being very aware of GOD’s message of judgment, I need to become familiar with HIS message of mercy.

JESUS quietly bends down and writes my sins on the ground. “Cast a stone at that person you don’t know, I dare you” is what I hear. Now this doesn’t mean I should be a pushover and let a people sin against me without repercussion rather as I tell the person I must remember how I sinned against GOD and possibly them.

• Are you ready to judge that person?
• Have you admitted the sin you have committed?
• Are you busy comparing yourself to someone else trying to look good to GOD?
• Won’t you look at your own sins for a change and openly admit them to GOD and others?

Let me judge you!

Matthew 16: ¹² Then they understood that he was not telling them to guard against the yeast used in bread, but against the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.

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“Crash, Bang, Ha, Ha, Ha” were the sounds in the hallway before the first day of classes. I went out and said “could you hold it down?” At that moment one of the guys crept up behind me and pulled down my pants!

Later that week we were finished with our classes and wanted to enjoy a little music. As I cranked up the decibels another neighbor, who was not involved in the commotion, asked “could you guys hold it down?” “Who does he think he is? Everyone makes noise, he just has to deal with it.”

• When I judge people I am trying to get things my way.
• When I judge people I have a double standard.
• When I judge people I am saying that you do not meet “my” standards.

It seems like everyone else is stupid when I judge others. I mean, “Why don’t they just do it my way and things will be fine.” “The leaders are smart until they don’t agree with me” is the attitude I worked from BUT GOD thinks differently.

• Every human is loved dearly by GOD.
• Every opposing view from others is not wrong.
• Every thought I have towards another person has to be compared with the compassion of GOD.

It’s real easy to hate others or dislike what they do. In some instances I can clearly justify why I think they are wrong because I “followed the rules.” BUT GOD truly wants me to have compassion on those who do not deserve it.

• Is someone treating you wrong?
• Do you want something bad to happen to them?
• Can you have compassion on them even if they are wrong?
• Will you drop the double standard and treat the person the way GOD wants you to treat them?

It’s not just “how” I judge but “who”.

Matthew 7:  ¹ “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ² For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

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 Matthew 7:  ⁶ “Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces.

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Misery was the tone in the department. Our boss was a blowhard who thought his insults were valiant. I figured he needed to be fixed so I took it upon myself to “soften” him up a bit. Wow this was frustrating but patience was required.

Meanwhile at home the slightest breach in “the rules” would bring on my wrath. Back at work my plan backfired and the guy began lashing out on me. “Is anyone in my corner?” I wondered.

• When I judge others, I am saying to GOD treat me the same way.
• When I judge others, I bring judgment on myself.
• When I judge others, I have to remember my own sin.

It’s not just “how” I judge but “who”. GOD says we should correct each other in love and in this passage HE also wants me to choose “who” I try to correct. I must look at my own sin and ask GOD for forgiveness then humbly turn to the person “who is willing” to accept correction and help them with their problem.

• Trying to correct the wrong person will bring on a battle I’m not ready for.
• Trying to correct the wrong person is a waste of time.
• Trying to correct the wrong person means I think I know better than them and GOD may allow their wrath to fall on me.

I have spent my share of time with the greedy and the lustful. Their thoughts are not GOD’s thoughts and they are not willing to change anytime soon. GOD wants me to take the lust and greed out of my “eye” then help those who are struggling with life to do the same. HIS sacred words are not to be wasted on the unwilling.

• Are you wasting your time trying to be buddies with upper management in hopes to get a raise or promotion?
• Are you sinning because they are sinning?
• Can you reduce or stop the sins you are doing that “they” are doing as well?
• Will you take your lesson about your sinfulness to the people who are willing to change?

Have I lost connection?

Colossians 2: ¹⁸ Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you. Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. ¹⁹ They have lost connection with the head, from whom the whole body, supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.

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We circled the Wal-Mart parking lot for the last time with the fortune of finding a close spot. Two gentlemen approached me asking for money to “catch a bus” even though this store was far away from public transportation. The thought crossed my mind to tell them about CHRIST especially since I had just volunteered for the Billy Graham outreach.

It had been a long time since I told someone the gospel so unfortunately the words didn’t come out so well as my judgmental tone preceded my message. “Do you know JESUS” I questioned in a condescending tone. As I talked “at” them I noticed their eyes glaze over as they searched for a way to get away from me. I had lost connection!

• False humility is the ugliest way to worship GOD.
• False humility let’s me judge others without looking at myself.
• False humility means I am following the letters of the “law” without understanding the “heart” behind it.
• False humility lives on the “past” service I have done which gives me the license to “currently” judge others.

When I live a life thinking I am spiritually clean I justify my judgmental actions. I declare others unworthy of my wealth and time and I get out of practice of being compassionate. I start complaining about what “others” are doing wrong and what “they” are saying without thinking about GOD.

• GOD is the one who draws people to HIMSELF.
• GOD is the one who holds the true church together.
• GOD is the one who has the right to judge yet shows compassion.

When GOD became a human and allowed HIMSELF to be murdered, that action took all my judgment away. It’s my job to exclaim the great news about being saved from eternal separation from GOD instead of judging people for what they do.

• Are you talking about “them” and what “they” do instead of looking at yourself?
• Do you openly listen to messages about giving or do you judge who should get your money?
• Do you think GOD needs you to spread HIS gospel or do you feel thankful that’s “why” you spread the gospel?

I found peace this weekend

Philippians 4: ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 ⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

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My mind was filled with excitement as I thought of expansion of my business. On my way to one of my business solution partners, I felt the urge to call my mother to check on her, this was last Monday. “The nursing home just called me” she said in a very somber tone. The inevitable had come and grandma was home with my LORD and SAVIOR JESUS who is the CHRIST.

I have to admit the dread that came over me was not because I will miss her, even though that is true, it was because I wondered how my aunts, uncles, mother and father would take the news. Would there be infighting or blame or would there be a passive aggressive tolerance for one another? What should I do?

• Peace is what GOD is made of.
• Peace comes from GOD in the middle of anxiety.
• Peace from GOD rests my mind.

Grandma truly loved JESUS and wanted her children which included grand children, great grand children, spouses, friends and neighbors, to believe in HIM and this weekend I found out why… PEACE.

• GOD wants me to rejoice in the LORD always in spite of what’s going on.
• GOD wants me to be gentle so everyone will see GOD’s face with my actions.
• GOD wants me to pray and petition HIM so HE can give me wisdom and peace.

Grandma loved. You would think I would have to write more but that sums it up and this is what she would want me to do.

• In the middle of my fears, think about JESUS who is the “true” savior.
• When I feel like arguing, think about what HE has done and mimic the “noble” efforts.
• Instead of always being right, think about JESUS and truly act “right” according to his standards.
• When faced with the world’s temptations, think about HIM and HE will give “pure” thoughts.
• During my disgust of the ugliness of the world, think about JESUS who is “lovely” in action.
• While lusting over worldly items think about HIM and “admire” HIS merciful qualities.
• When I judge and hold someone to my measure, think about JESUS and HIS “excellent and praiseworthy” personality.

Grandma and JESUS want me to spread unity to my family, which gives me peace.

Am I better than "that" person?

19Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.

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When I was a baby I threw tantrums and did things I wasn’t supposed to do. I wanted all the attention in the room and would cry when I wasn’t getting it. How do I know I acted like that? Because most babies act out not knowing any better.

 

As an adult, if I screamed and threw a tantrum people would look at me like I was crazy, I should know better. How should I know better if I haven’t been taught? Fortunately for me, I was taught how to act around people. But is there any excuse for someone who wasn’t raised to discern right from wrong?

• GOD wrote HIS law on every heart so that I would know right from wrong. 
• GOD made sure that every human would have a choice. 
• GOD knows HIS creation will always choose sin over HIM. 
• GOD introduced GRACE, LOVE and MERCY through HIS SON JESUS “THE CHRIST.”

  

I am taking my time while reading this very important chapter because it points out the unrighteousness of humans. Sometimes I think my attempts of being “good” can change GOD’s mind about me or that I can sway HIM to do something different in my circumstance.

• GOD didn’t leave the most important act of “eternity” up to me.
• GOD knew I would not act perfect so HIS perfect SON volunteered to die in my place. 
• GOD knew I wouldn’t choose HIM, yet HE made me anyway.

 

God speaks through Paul to me and says I am not righteous nor are my family, friends, neighbors or anyone on this planet. HE says that some people attempt to live by the “law” but their attempts just point out the dreadful fact that all humans are sinners. 

 

What are we to do? Is there any hope? YES! GOD gives us only one way to have hope and that is to believe JESUS died when we should have died.

• I can’t trust humans, but I can trust JESUS.
• I can’t trust myself, but I can trust JESUS. 
• I may run into liars and cheats, but I can trust JESUS.

 

The FATHER says “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you.” This plan includes protecting me for eternity!

• Are you trying to get out of your situation by being good?
• Are you straightening up your act temporarily or permanently?
• Is it your righteousness or GOD’s mercy that saves you?
• When does GOD “not” like you?(The answer is HE ALWAYS loves you!)
• How much more does GOD have to do for you outside of the death of HIS SON?

 

Which side are you on?

John 8:2At dawn he appeared again in the temple courts, where all the people gathered around him, and he sat down to teach them. 3The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group 4and said to Jesus, "Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. 5In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. Now what do you say?" 6They were using this question as a trap, in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. 7When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, "If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." 8Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

9At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. 10Jesus straightened up and asked her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?"

11"No one, sir," she said. "Then neither do I condemn you," Jesus declared. "Go now and leave your life of sin."

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I read this situation and I saw three people, the accused, the accusers and GOD. Years ago I used to think I was like the accused. Yes, I may have sinned but the way the religious people handled me seemed harsh and uncaring. They were busy making sure that I confessed my sin while they went about committing their own.

Now years later, I see there are instances where I have become the accuser. It’s easy to do. When I read the Bible, I wanted to clean up my act. It felt good to drop off those sins and to worship GOD. But somewhere along the way, I picked up a new sin that GOD despises, the sin of judgment.

• When I judge people by what they are wearing (cheap or expensive) I miss who they really are.
• When I judge people by their driving, I miss out on praying for their distractions.
• When I judge people by what they are still doing or not doing, I miss out on being graceful.
• When I judge people by what they say, I cannot hear their pain.
• When I judge people by their title, I cannot understand GOD's plan for that person.
• When I judge people by their monetary status, I make assumptions that are wrong.
• When I judge people by where they work or not work, close the door on a relationship that could bring them closer to CHRIST.

It slips in so easy! Judgment happens when a person thinks they have made it. When a person believes they are clean and others have to do the same is the moment they become an enemy of GOD.

The third person in this story is GOD. HE is the only one able to accuse or forgive people. As HE wrote on the ground the accusers quickly saw what they had done. I have no idea what HE wrote, but it could have been their name and the current sin they were committing.

HE says some very interesting words. "Then neither do I condemn you" and "Go now and leave your life of sin." I like the first set of words because it shows that GOD loves me in the middle of my sins. But I don't like the last set of words. I want to keep sinning and have GOD keep forgiving me without consequence. GOD wants me to stop my sin.

Each day I choose a side. The only side I cannot choose is being GOD.

• Are you judging someone today?
• Are you holding onto sin and trying to justify it?
• Will you show grace and mercy to someone today?

Please don't judge me!

John 5:22Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.

24"I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. 25I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. 26For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son to have life in himself. 27And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man.

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Okay, let me admit right now that I am a sinner. Whew! now that I got that off my chest I feel better. Over the years I realized that "ALL" sin will come out in the open no matter how much I try to hide it.

My sin that I think I do in private will be as public as being on the news. I was born a sinner so even when I don't sin I never deserve GOD's grace. My sinful nature sometimes demands that HE gives me grace and that HE does stuff for me and gives me stuff.

GOD just looks at me when I demand things from HIM and HE shows me grace. GOD the FATHER is amazing. HE is the most special FATHER anyone could have. HE gave all judgment to HIS SON JESUS and allowed JESUS to choose a sinner like me.

JESUS looks at all of my sin , hidden or overt and HE says "do you know the penalty?" I have to say back to HIM, "My sins should send me to hell." Then HE says "Don't worry, since you have heard my word, believed in the FATHER and ME, then you will have eternal life."

Wow! JESUS saved me from dying an eternal death. HE is the one who will judge mankind. So then I go on my merry way and I tell people about this great news. They see my excitement and they believe. This is great!

But then I saw someone who said they were a Christian commit sin. I was ready to jump on that person because the Bible says to tell people about their sins. After pouncing on a number of people I noticed that I wasn't drawing humans to GOD, I was repelling them.

I can't let people just go on sinning, what should I do? I have realized that I cannot reach everyone in the world so I have to reach the people HE has sent to me.

• When I tell people about my sin GOD draws people to HIM.
• When I tell people about my sin GOD helps them realize that they can be forgiven too.
• When I tell people about my sin GOD melts their heart so they can believe in HIS SON.
• When I tell people about my sin GOD says to them "there is hope for you too!"

I have attended churches where people are full of judgment. They wonder why all the "sinners" don't attend. They wonder why people are not listening to their message about CHRIST. Personally I believe that it is because JESUS doesn't need another judge. HE can do that HIMSELF.

• Are you judging others without confessing to them sins you commit?
• Have you told another person what they have done wrong without saying the wrong things you have done?
• Are you drawing people to GOD or are they running away from you?
• When is the last time you have talked about CHRIST to someone who isn't a Christian?Do you have any "true friends" who are not Christians?

How would "you" like to be treated?

Luke 10:25On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. "Teacher," he asked, "what must I do to inherit eternal life?" 26"What is written in the Law?" he replied. "How do you read it?"

27He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'"

28"You have answered correctly," Jesus replied. "Do this and you will live."

29But he wanted to justify himself, so he asked Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

30In reply Jesus said: "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. 31A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. 32So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. 34He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, took him to an inn and took care of him. 35The next day he took out two silver coins[e] and gave them to the innkeeper. 'Look after him,' he said, 'and when I return, I will reimburse you for any extra expense you may have.'

36"Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?"

37The expert in the law replied, "The one who had mercy on him." Jesus told him, "Go and do likewise."

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I used to think this story was an example to show how to be good to strangers. Two religious types pass by a person in need and one stops and truly helps. End of story. But later I realized there is much more to this story.

The priest and Levite not only represent religious types, they represent me and my actions toward my family and friends and acquaintances. JESUS knew the Sadducee, or teacher of the Law, was trying to test HIM. This is a rare discussion that shows JESUS had compassion on even those who opposed HIM.

HE illustrates how people who have been in church a long time forget why they are learning the Bible. The Bible is meant to be a guide book rather than a rule book. The words of grace and mercy should guide humans away from the path of rejecting CHRIST.

The illustration shows us how to apply this guide book to our lives. JESUS uses an extreme example of a person coming from a group who hated the Jews for their prejudice. The Samaritan helped a Jew. GOD says at the end, "Go and do likewise."

Go and help someone you don't care for? Yes. What about repayment for my actions? GOD says "Your repayment will be in heaven where moths and rust cannot get to it." Flip the script, how would you like to be the person in need? Help someone in need, don't look at the pay, don't judge the person in need.

• Is there someone in your family who is in need?
• Are you too concerned with how you look to other people to help someone who is different than you?
• Is there anyone around you in pain that you are passing by because you are judging them?

Should I get tired of admitting I'm wrong?

Luke 7:36Now one of the Pharisees invited Jesus to have dinner with him, so he went to the Pharisee's house and reclined at the table. 37When a woman who had lived a sinful life in that town learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee's house, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume, 38and as she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them. 39When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would know who is touching him and what kind of woman she is—that she is a sinner."

40Jesus answered him, "Simon, I have something to tell you." "Tell me, teacher," he said.

41"Two men owed money to a certain moneylender. One owed him five hundred denarii,[d] and the other fifty.

42Neither of them had the money to pay him back, so he canceled the debts of both. Now which of them will love him more?"

43Simon replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." "You have judged correctly," Jesus said.

44Then he turned toward the woman and said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I came into your house. You did not give me any water for my feet, but she wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair.

45You did not give me a kiss, but this woman, from the time I entered, has not stopped kissing my feet.

46You did not put oil on my head, but she has poured perfume on my feet.

47Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." 48Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." 49The other guests began to say among themselves, "Who is this who even forgives sins?" 50Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace."

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A funny thing happens to some people who have been "Christians" for a long time. They become judgmental of others. How do I know? Because I have been a Christian for a long time and I have become judgmental of others.

I have judged people by their occupation, school, lack of school, income, car, clothes, political party, size, shape and tone of speech. It's real easy to spot a sinner, just look around.

GOD said all have sinned and fall short of HIS glory. But obviously that doesn't mean me. I mean I'm clean now and that person over there is dirty, right? Wrong!

In this passage it is clear that the Pharisee judged JESUS as being beneath him and definitely the woman. I don't know if she had ever set foot in the Pharisee's house. She may have never been invited because she was too dirty. Was she a thief, a prostitute, a murderer or did she just fight a lot?

What ever the case, she realized her current way of life wasn't helping anybody. Something inside her made her feel shamed and tired. She wiped animal poop from JESUS feet with her hair and tears. Each tear cleaned HIS feet and her soul.

I get tired of admitting I'm wrong. Can't I just be right sometime? YES! I am made right with GOD by admitting I'm a sinner and HE is GOD. By admitting my sins I give JESUS the right to do whatever HE wants with my life.

I have to trust that HIS choice will be an eternal life with HIM. I have to believe that HE will do the same for others and not try to control them or their situation with GOD.

GOD forgives anyone who wants to be forgiven.

• Do you judge others harshly?
• Have you given up a sin and judge others for doing that sin?
• Do you compare your Christianity to someone else's?
• Do you believe that JESUS is GOD and HE is the forgiver of sins?

I know better than you do!

Matthew 7:1"Do not judge, or you too will be judged. 2For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. 3"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? 4How can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? 5You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.

6"Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and then turn and tear you to pieces.

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People who didn't do things the right way used to annoy me. "Put the thing in the RIGHT place" or "Just do it THIS way" is what I thought to myself. My annoyance for perfection soon spread into spiritual areas of my life.

I would attend church and look around at all of the hypocrites dressed in suits or wearing fancy dresses. I would think to myself, "Just look at them... they probably are not giving or serving or praying." I would then listen to the pastor preach and say "I would have said it different or maybe even better."

Then I would head home and fix the kids and my wife, because they were definitely broken right?! WRONG! When I read this scripture about judging people I soon realized that GOD was talking about me.

I was the hypocrite. My lessons were geared towards remaking people into "me." My idea of perfection wasn't so perfect. I was looking to fix people who were less "broken" than I was. Sure, I was successful in the eyes of humans, BUT GOD laughed at my arrogance.

HE calmly sat right next to me and watched me trample all over people with my tactics of change. Then HE put me in "their" place. HE reversed the role, took away my status and humbled me when I left a company. People looked down at me and tried to "fix" me.

They judged me as "lazy" or "stupid" when I couldn't find work. they would say things like "Did you try Monster.com orCareerbuilder.com." They would ask "Have you tried the government? or networking?"

Wow, I was on the other side of judgment! I couldn't believe it. The same people who celebrated my success had turned into people who were judging me! Then it hit me... it wasn't them who had changed, it was me. I had to realize that all this time I had been judging others in a way that GOD didn't want me to.

My testimony now draws people to HIM because I am truly embarrassed about how I treated others. I thought that my polite smooth behavior was enough to conquer anything, when in reality it was a mask for judging people.

• GOD wants me to humbly approach people with my "broken" story.
• GOD wants me to be pure when I approach someone else.
• GOD wants my motives to be open and not hidden.
• GOD wants me to stop trying so hard to get my way and allow HIM to work.

I now realize GOD is the only one who can change the hearts of my neighbors, friends and family. When I get in the way of GOD's changes, I actually mess them up. GOD can do a much better job at "hearts" than I can. HE wants me to focus on fixing the most broken person I know. Me.

• Do you have to control every situation?
• Are you trying to change people?
• Are you easily irritated by people and their habits?
• What thing is bugging you about someone?
• Can you handle your own "pet peeve" instead of making others do it?