Creation is indeed very good, but that doesn’t mean that it is complete. Creation doesn’t come into existence with schools and art museums and iPhones and automobiles. God places us in creation with an invitation to unpack and unfurl all of the latent potential that God has folded into creation—and commissions us to do just that. James Smith
Scripture
“Hypocrite! First, get rid of the log in your own eye then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.”
Observation
We are not to leap to judgement about others because we will reap what we sow. The standard we use in judging others is the standard God will use against us.
We must not worry about the speck in our friend’s eye when we have a log in our own eye. We must get rid of the log in our own eye to help the friend with their speck.
We should not waste holy teaching and wisdom on people who don’t want to receive it. They will trample the teaching and then use it to attack us.
Application
We are under constant temptation to judge other people – our co-workers, family members, celebrities, and politicians.
Jesus tells us to stop doing this. The word judge means to condemn or pass sentence. We find people guilty and condemn them without taking the time to find out why they do things.
We find fault with other people and offer to help them, even when we are guilty of far greater sins or even the same sins.
Jesus doesn’t tell us, we shouldn’t help people become better people or stronger believers. We do have to deal with our own sins first so that we can be genuinely helpful.
This takes a measure of humility in which we acknowledge that we are as guilty as anyone else. “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans. 3:23)
To be able to help another person. I must first acknowledge my own weakness. I confess my “logs” to God and ask Him to remove him so that I can be useful to others.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you that you are removing the logs in my eyes. Please keep me free from the sins of self-righteousness and pride. Amen.
Nice ride along Yarrie Lake Rd this morning, although the last couple of kilometres were hard, riding into a stiff SE breeze. #cycling #Narrabri #Biketooter
When the Spirit gives you ears to hear and eyes to see, creation is a gift that calls—it is a chamber of God’s glory that resonates with an invitation. James Smith
Scripture
“Can all your worries, add a single moment to your life?”
Observation
Jesus tells us not to worry about everyday life, whether we have enough food or drink The birds don’t plant, harvest or store food in a barn, but God provides for them.
The lilies of the field don’t worry about what they wear. Even Solomon with all his glory was not dressed as wonderfully as the wild flowers.
Don’t worry about what to eat, or drink or wear. The unbelievers worry about these things, but we are to seek God’s kingdom above all else, and to trust that God, will provide what we need.
Application.
Jesus rhetorically ask, if our worries can add even a moment to our lives, We now know that anxiety and stress can shorten our lives through strokes, heart attacks, and even cancer.
Various popular philosophers and self-help gurus tell us not to worry. They don’t tell us why we don’t have to worry about our physical needs. You just have to trust that the universe will sort it out.
If you have a personal relationship with the Father, then you have a reason to be confident. God loves us and has promised to provide everything we need. If we trust the Lord then we don’t have to be fearful.
The world tells us that the good life is to be found in an abundance of possessions. This is a recipe for anxiety.
Jesus tells us that the good life comes when we devote ourselves to serving him and trusting in His provision.
Prayer
Lord, I confess that there are times when I give in to anxiety. Please help me to trust you in all things. Amen.
Another beautiful morning. I rode to Jacks Creek and Gun Club Roads. #cycling #Narrabri #Biketooter
New Life Narrabri 