‘Do not condemn others and God won’t condemn you…’ (Matthew 7:12)

As we live out our lives each day, we find it all too easy to judge and condemn others, often without even knowing that individual or their circumstances.  But, I wonder, have we ever stopped to consider just how others may be judging us and condemning us in a similar way. Here, in these few words, we are told quite clearly that we should not behave in this way. To begin with, it is not our place to judge or condemn others, but more than that, look at how it affects our relationship with God.

So let’s not judge nor condemn others, instead let’s allow God’s Spirit to work within us and make us more Christ like, such that all we show towards others is love and kindness.

‘I will never turn away anyone who comes to me…’ (John 6:37)

What a wonderful promise and how comforting for us to know that whenever we come to the Lord, for whatever reason, He will be there for us. He will never turn us away, He will never forsake us – He will always be there for us. So why not come to Him now in prayer, giving thanks for His continued presence with us, and share with Him whatever is in your heart.

‘God is ready to help you right now…’ (2 Cor. 6:2)

Take time now to reflect on these words and to come before the Lord now, asking that He be with you today in all that you do.

‘There is salvation in no one else…’ (Acts 4:12)

Today, although church attendance seems to be falling and many have yet to come to know the Lord, still there is a great interest in all things spiritual. There are many books covering a whole host of topics which they claim come under the umbrella of spirituality and likewise there are many groups who would advocate that they too are spiritual groups. The problem is, however, that none of these can reconcile us with God. Only through faith in Jesus Christ can we be at one with God and only through faith in Jesus Christ can we take our place in God’s everlasting Kingdom. There is salvation in no one else…

‘Now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus…’ (Romans 8:1)

The moment we give our lives to Christ and embrace Him as our Lord and Saviour our salvation is assured. For many, even with great faith, still there are times when we doubt this by questioning whether we are ‘good enough’. The simple fact is that none of us are good enough, it is by the Grace of God through our Lord we are saved. So let’s give thanks to the Lord now for His saving Grace.

‘…God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to Him…’ (1 Peter 5:7)

Wherever we are, whatever we are doing, the Lord is with us and always will be, so reflect on this short verse and ask yourself, how easily do I turn all my worries over to God and what might I need to do to change that.

‘In everything, do to others as you would have them do to you…’ (Matthew 7:12)

If everyone behaved in this kind of a way, just think what a difference it might make in our world today. Yet even as we reflect on this perhaps we have do ask ourselves, do we behave in this way?

‘Do not be afraid or discouraged, for I, the Lord your God, am with you wherever you go.’ (Joshua 1:9)

Life is full of ups and downs, and at times we can feel as if we are all on our own, having to face or deal with whatever the situation is before us. But here we are reminded that is far from the case. No matter who we are, no matter where we are, no matter what we face, the Lord with be with us at all times. So take time now to give Him thanks for His continued presence with us and ask for the courage, strength and faith that we might need to walk with, and to put our trust in Him.

‘Give yourself to the Lord; trust in Him and He will keep you…’ (Psalm 37:5)

Can we say that we do as the Psalmist suggests here? Do we trust in the Lord in this way? Come before Him now and ask for this trust and faith and put yourself in His hands.

‘God has said, “I will never leave you; I will never abandon you…”‘ (Hebrews 13:5)

Just take a few moments to reflect on these few words and then give thanks to the Lord for His loving grace.