Planks and Pots

It started last week as a tiny little nagging in my head. A, “wait a minute, why didn’t she…? And how come she did this…?” The nasty mind niggling grew bigger and before I knew it, I was angry!
It’s amazing how fast a small slight can mature into full-fledged resentment!

This morning, though, the Holy Spirit stepped in with some strong conviction. Yes, I had been wronged, but He reminded me that in my swiftness to judge I had forgotten that I had done the same exact thing to the person on my mind just a few years before. Wow! I truly was the pot thinking the kettle black!

It’s one of the most popular Bible-verses of all time, but it sure applied to my life these past few days:

“How can you say to your brother, 'Brother, let me take the speck out of your eye,' when you yourself fail to see the plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother's eye.” Luke 6:42 (NIV)

God brought to mind another reminder from His Word:
“So why do you judge your brothers or sisters in Christ? And why do you think you are better than they are? We will all stand before God to be judged…” Romans 14:10 (NCV)

With the Holy Spirit’s help, this pot is going to set aside her hurt, acknowledge that I’ve been just as guilty, and forgive as I’ve been forgiven. Thank you, Jesus, for fresh starts!

“God has chosen you and made you his holy people. He loves you. So you should always clothe yourselves with mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other, and forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, forgive that person because the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:12-13 (NCV)

Announcements

• We have a special Echo Project for the next four weeks! We are having a crayon drive! We're asking kids to give a gift to children in Mexico, India, and South America who can't afford school supplies by bringing a box of crayons to either Jungle Heights or Elevate. Everyone who participates in the Echo Project will earn 5 stamps for their stamp cards
• Be sure to check HD's Facebook page or your email for details on our next HD FIT on August 20!
• We have so many Bibles, jackets, bags, and other items in our HD Lost & Found, that we’re needing to clean them out! If you think you’ve lost a belonging while at HD, be sure to check the Lost & Found in Jungle Heights by August 30. All unclaimed items after August 30 will be donated.
• Check out HD's family devotional guide at: www.radiantchurch.com/children. Click on the Family Devotionals button and you'll discover 30 days of Bible readings and activities for your family!