In his book The Purpose Driven Life, Rick Warren states, “When we criticize what another believer is doing in faith and from sincere conviction, we are interfering with God’s business.”

That statement prompted this essay.

Actually, it was more than that one statement. In his comment, Mr. Warren put into words what I’ve felt for years.

I’ve heard professing Christians judge and criticize other believers for so long that at times, I’ve no desire to be around them. If having a haughty, judgmental, critical attitude toward another for their beliefs or ways of worship is mandatory for being a Christian, then I want no part of it.

But that’s not how it’s supposed to be!

In Matthew 12:25, Jesus said, “every Kingdom divided will fall.” 

The apostle Paul said in Romans 14:10, “why then, criticize your brother’s actions and make him look small?” 

In one of her messages, Minister Joyce Meyer said, “hurling words of judgment is equivalent to stoning in biblical days.”

The Bible says that blaspheme against the Holy Spirit is the one sin that will not be forgiven. Now, I believe that if it’s done in ignorance, God will understand and forgive once understanding comes and repentance is articulated. However, if it’s done maliciously, as a way to puff up yourself or put another believer down, I believe it’s blaspheme at its worst. 

Keeping these things in mind, I’ve created my own motto for dealing with critical, judgmental people; “Don’t mock what you don’t understand and Judge not lest ye be judged.”

Who are we to point at another Christian and say what he or she is doing in worship is not of God? Who are we to judge and criticize another for dancing before the Lord, speaking in tongues or saying a rosary?

I don’t remember who it was, but it’s been said that if the Body of Christ would accept our differences and embrace our similarities, there would be no stopping us! Everyone would be amazed at the power the Church would have for reaching the lost, healing the sick and casting out demons. To do this, we must come to realize that no matter what denomination we are, Christianity is based on five core beliefs:

There is One God, who is the Father Almighty. 
Jesus is the Son of God. 
By the power of the Holy Spirit, He was born of the Virgin Mary and became man. 
He was crucified under Pontius Pilate, suffered, died and was buried. 
On the third day, He rose again and is seated at the right hand of the Father. 

Period. 

Now there are other universal truths that bind us together, such as: There is one Name only by which we are saved. We are not saved by works, but by Grace, etc. 

Jesus hates division! Which is why He gave us the “new” commandment to love one another as He has loved us. Love without prejudice, without judgment or criticism.  Judge not and we will not be judged, condemn not and we will not be condemned.

Nor will we be divided.

Faith is a heart issue. How are we going to be one Body if we’re not of one heart? Why do we allow division in our hearts, in our homes and in our churches? Why do we condemn those who worship Him in ways not our own? 

In John 17:21 Jesus prayed for us to the Father saying, “that they all may be one, as You, Father are in Me and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe.”

How is the world going to accept Jesus and accept us as His ambassadors if we can’t even accept each other?

We are called to be peacemakers. So, let us temper our hearts, open our minds and soften our wills toward our brethren. Let us respect our differences but celebrate our similarities. Let’s consider the words of our Lord and realize that no matter how we worship, in the heart of our worship we are one. One Body, one Spirit, one Church. As Jesus prayed we’d be.

Something to think about!
PamT
"Inspirational with an Edge! ™
"Coaching in Pjs" ™

Good Morning and Welcome back to Rainbows, Potholes and Nuggets of Gold blog!

Back in November, I posted about making my second round though this incredible series. Well, last week I finished!

Yep, 9+ years, 59 discs and over 200 episodes of faith-affirming stories. So, today, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite episodes and tell you what I've learned.

My three most favorites out of all, feature Wynona Judd beginning with the 100th episode, 151st Psalm. In this show, Audry (played by Wynona) has been unable to finish a song of praise she started writing when her son was born. But Petey needs this last item on his "To Do" list because... Well, watch this and you'll understand...

The other 2 episodes featuring Wynona are Season 6 #25 and Season 9 #20, which is the last show before the series finale.

Speaking of the finale, the way they ended this series is absolutely phenomenal! During these 2 hours we see Monica (Roman Downey) on an unknown mission while waiting to hear about her promotion. At the end, she is talking to the Lord and says, "I'm sorry but I didn't know who you were. Why didn't I recognize you?" 

To which He answers, "Don't worry, happens all the time."

This made me wonder...

Do we ever come face to face with Jesus and not recognize Him?

Do we "entertain angels unaware?"

I believe the answe to both questions are a resounding, "YES!" and so does THIS Guy.

In Season 1 #6 of The Chosen, Nicodemus tells Shmuel that fear keeps us ignorant and in the "safety of rigid tradition." AND that he doesn't want to live in a world where "God can't do anything new."

Neither do I, Sir. Neither do I.

So this day, I'm encouraging you to think outside the box when it comes to Who/Where/When and to Whom God shows Himself. Be open hearted and open minded because it just might be YOU and keep your eyes open to the "startling and unexpected."

Something to think about!
PamT
"Inspirational with an Edge! ™
"Coaching in Pjs" ™

iGood Morning and Welcome back to Rainbows, Potholes and Nuggets of Gold blog!

In my last personal post I mentioned a book by Tosha Silver that has resonated with me so deeply that I'm about  to start reading it again. Anyway...

On May 19th we headed to SC for a high school graduation and long weekend with my Honey's family. I love reading while on vacation, (I read these two last summer) so, I decided to buy Tosha Silver's other books, Outrageous Openenss and Change Me Prayers. 

Outrageous Openenss is the book Tosha wrote after being bedridden for 3 years due to adrenal failure. Despite being a little disappointed that she didn't tell more of that story in the book, I enjoyed it immensely. Change Me Prayers is comprised of 70 personal stories and prayers that coincide with each situation and reminds me of Illuminata by Marianne Williamson which I think I'll pull off the shelf soon, and go through one more time.

In all of her books, Tosha mentions how the work of Florence Scovel Shinn helped her open to God or The Devine so, of course I had to grab a copy of those too LOL!

The Early Works of Florence Scovel Shinn, reminds me of Catherine Ponder - which makes sense because according to my research, Catherine was "deeply influenced" by Shinn's work. Anyway, this book is a compilation of all 5 of Florence's books and, at $0.51 a bargain!

What I love most about these metaphysical writers are the biblical references and how their understanding and interpretation of scripture resonates so much with what I believe when I say, "God is bigger than the boxes we put Him in." See THIS Post.

​I hope you enjoy hearing about my reading experiences while on vacation and that you'll check out some of these authors.

Until next time take care and God Bless.
PamT