Sunday Words of Encouragement May 31, 2015

Our Sunday School teacher continued with the study in Romans on not judging. This blended well with our communion message on putting unrest behind and partaking of the sacraments in a humble and worthy manner. I have really tried to boil down today's messages into little nutshells. There was more discussion and more scripture but I think (hope) I have captured the gist of it.

Romans 2:3 basically asks ‘What right have you to judge others and then think you will escape the judgment of God on your own sin?’ Sin is sin and we all are guilty. God’s loving kindness, forbearance and patience is intended to lead us to repentance. Romans 2:4.  It is intended to help us find a right standing with God, not to make us prideful thinking we are superior to others.

Likewise, advised our Pastor, the Lord hates those who stir up trouble in the community. Proverbs 6:9. If there is a spirit of unrest we need to seek out and address any issue directly and nip it in the bud. We need to discern the type of fruit Luke 6:43. Otherwise we need to turn away from restlessness that may be the yeast of criticism (Matthew 16:11) and seek God’s peace and grace.

This song seemed to fit today for those who have a restless spirit and need encouragement.

Hope in Front of Me by Danny Gokey.

A Verse for today:
Isaiah 30:15
For thus the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel, has said, "In repentance and rest you will be saved, In quietness and trust is your strength." But you were not willing,

I am ever so thankful for God’s patience and kindness towards me. It is by His Amazing Grace that I experience great joy. It is by His plan that I seek to share His love and joy with others while in this earthly world..