How good is your housekeeping? Would it be even better if you lived in a totally glass house, so that everyone could see everything? Being in a "GLASS HOUSE" means that you are in a position or situation that involves intense scrutiny by others. It also brings to mind the saying, "Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones," meaning don't be a hypocrite and judge others who are doing things you yourself do. Read on to find out more about living in glass houses.
May you be blessed by today's writing,
Jan
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Today's Devotional:
"GLASS HOUSE"
by
Jan Andersen
Jan Andersen
When I walk through the woods taking pictures of God’s marvelous creation, there are times I feel as though I am being watched. Suddenly there will be a rustle of leaves and branches as a large bird of prey quickly takes off from its perch in the tree canopy ahead of me. So there really are eyes on me sometimes (it is not paranoia if it is true!)
There may be times in life when we feel we are being watched, and we feel like we are being judged with unrealistic expectations behind those eyes. Or they are listening to everything we say, waiting for us to slip up and say something wrong. Perhaps those people are even talking behind our backs, maybe even spreading lies about us. We may feel they almost hope we do make a mistake, just so they can pounce on us! Perhaps we feel we are living in a glass house and have to be nearly perfect so no one throws any stones at us, causing it all to crash in. Perhaps we fear this might happen because of issues we’ve had in the past, roads we wish we had never gone down. What if there really isn’t anyone out there judging us except ourselves? Either way it hurts and we grieve.
Unfortunately we can never be perfect enough to avoid all judgment. God knows we can never be perfect enough to make it to heaven on our own. That is why He sent his Son to die on the cross and to rise again. All we need to do is believe in Him and remain faithful to the end of life. Remember, even though Jesus was perfect in every way, the people still tried to throw stones at Him!
John 8:56-59 (ESV) [Jesus said]: “Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have you seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.
Keeping faith in the Great I Am is how we keep a good house here on earth and ensures we make it to the Father’s house in heaven, not by living perfectly. Shining God’s light from within our glass house to the outside world is what He commanded us to do - not to try to be perfect or please other people, but to share His love with them. May we always find a way to be compassionate to others and not throw stones in our glass house, as we remember our own sinfulness and how painful it is to be judged by others. Praise God for his loving mercy.
Dear Father, our Creator in heaven, we thank you for all your blessings, especially for the free gift of salvation by grace through faith in our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Help us through the power of your Holy Spirit to shine Your light to the world through our words and actions. May they reflect your love to all. In Jesus’ name Amen.
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Song:
GLASS HOUSE
Jaci Valasquez
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Prayers are lifted up daily for you by the Devotional Writers
and the Monthly Writing Staff of Women's Focus Ministries.
Blog Writers
Sandy Billingham, Carol Steficek,
Jody Ward, Cathy Friberg,
Jan Andersen and Corinne Mustafa
Occasional Contributors
Kathy Bireley, Terri Baker
Kathy Bireley, Terri Baker
Lynda Kinnard, Beverley Napier,
Amie Spruiell, Linda Garrett, and Lisabeth Lipp
Thanks so much Amen
ReplyDeleteAs Christians who are more than Christian in name only, will always be looked at extra carefully because people in the world who are not watch us so carefully so they can see if we stumble in any way. When we do (and we all sin) then they like to say, you are supposed to be a Christian you can't do that or say that. But also whenever those people go through any hard times or losses, many times they will turn to the Christian for comfort, support. Yes we do live in glass houses, but we answer to a higher power, to God and He is the one who will guide us, protect us and always be with us. Thank you Jan for your very encouraging post.
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