06.02.09

Prov 22-24
Romans 14

S: Romans 14:13
"So lets stop condeming each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall."

O:I've heard it said so many times before that the church is the only group that kicks their wounded when they are down. Why is that? Its just like in Matthew where it states "Why do you look at the speck of saw dust in your brothers eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, Let me take that speck out of your eye, when all the time there is a plank in your eye? Paul says it again in Romans. We must stop this nonsense! Why can't we figure out how to love each other and let God do the changing of heart!

A: I am not immune to this verse. I must set myself to a higher standard. One in which will not cause a brother or sister to stumble. But one that encourages one another. I must learn to remove the planks from my own eyes so that God can use me to remove the specks in the eyes of those around me.

P: Lord help me! I do not want to be a person who kicks those who are already down! I don't want to be a person of condemnation! I don't want to have planks in my eyes! Lord help me to hear your voice more and more. To listen and learn the things that are hindering my life and to not be ashamed to remove those things from my life! When the planks are removed I can grow closer to you. Lord I desire to be closer to you. Help me remove the planks from my eyes! Lord I do not want to help a believer stumble and fall! Help me to continue to chase after you, leading believers in a closer relationship with you. It is my desire to see people worshipping at the feet of God. Lord help me not to judge them or treat them differently but to lift them up to you in prayer and watch you work in their lives. I thank you for calling me to a place where I have the ability to be an influence to those around me and students that will be the next leaders of this nation. Help me to be a sensible person and lead those around me closer to you in everything I do. That my life would be an example of your amazing saving grace! Thank you Lord! Amen!