Women's Focus Ministries: Monday Writing...11/25/19..."Speak and Act"

Good Morning,

The writing this morning points out that people need to leave behind the behavior of being judgmental. WE need to bring mercy into what we speak and into how we act. Lynnie wrote, "To learn how to love others in the midst of irritation; and in the face of self-serving rationalization. To ask the Lord to reveal the lovable hidden inside the unlovely, so we can release judgement of them to Him. To learn to speak, act and live as truly humbled followers of Jesus Christ."

May you be blessed this week and Happy Thanksgiving.

Lynda Kinnard

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Today's Devotional

"Speak and Act"

Written by

Lynda Kinnard

"Speak and act as those who are
going to be judged by the law

that gives freedom,
because judgment

without mercy will be shown
to anyone who

has not been merciful.
Mercy triumphs over judgment."

James 2:12-13

We are going through a huge transitional phase at work. New hires, people transferring departments and some key people leaving. All is happening as we end our fiscal year and are about to launch a new computer system. Most of the time I take the changes in stride; but some days I am overwhelmed. And it shows.

Thankfully, our Bible Study season is well under way. I am working on reading the encouraging lessons that lead to specific scriptures which highlight something in me that needs to be humbled or enlightened.

I need to be reminded that since one of my assignments in this life is to lead others to Jesus Christ, I cannot be the one complaining about those who may not know about the all-inclusive love of Jesus Christ; or may just be having a bad moment.

We all have our own story. Our conception, birth, childhood, formative years; opportunities, disappointments, rejections, assumptions, peers of choice or circumstance. And this frames our view of the world. How we decide to be "one of us", or step closer to "one of them". And where the line (or the bridge) that we refuse to cross is laid.

Our free will allows us to like and agree with those for whom we feel affinity. Those others who speak and act in ways that allow us to smile and nod in agreement and smile. The circle of comfort that few people choose to venture away from. The space where I am known and seldom misunderstood.

But my choice, our choice, to be followers of Jesus, commands us to do more than just "like" when and where it is easy. Jesus commands us to love. As God loves us. As we speak of in church. As we sing about in praise and worship songs. As we pray for forgiveness and mercy.

To learn how to love others in the midst of irritation; and in the face of self-serving rationalization. To ask the Lord to reveal the lovable hidden inside the unlovely, so we can release judgement of them to Him.

To learn to speak, act and live