Desktop Devotional: Thirteen

“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged; condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven”

Luke 6:37

Saints, did you know that God is offended when we judge one another or indulge in self-hatred? This realization hit me so hard this morning, I had to share with you.

No one is perfect, and people will always disappoint.  Why? We are people with flaws and were not designed to be perfect.  God is the judge of us all, and he will make us righteous because we seek his appearing and strive to please him through application of his word. 

“And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing” - Romans 4:8

So many years I have judged others for actions they made that I couldn’t understand. Sure, relationships will never be all we want or expect, but give your concerns to God in prayer. Because, God is the only judge and Jesus acquitted the believer through shedding his own blood in death.  The price was paid for all of our condemning acts, saints and sinners alike.

“There is therefore no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit”- Romans 8:1

Let me help you out by following this basic principle, set your expectations on what God requires of you.  Here it is:

“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit of God yields life and peace”- Romans 8:6

Often times we must focus on a reliable resource for our expectations.  Expectations of Christ in our valley experiences will grant freedom that we’ve never experienced before. When you live close to God and absorb his word, the Holy Spirit will guide and correct your concerns as needed.  There is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ.

Lady Graves

Inspired by:  “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young: Devotions for Every Day of the Year.