Tag: weakness

Posted in Easter, Safe with Jesus, Uplifting Christ

JESUS, Our High Priest

Posted on by Uplifting Christ
Learner-Driver-stick-people2
Photo credit: http://carinsurance.arrivealive.co.za/must-a-learner-driver-drive-with-an-l-plate-displayed.php

Learning to drive is a difficult experience every professional driver has been through; being afraid, nervous, steady, focus, etc are things every driver went through in the early days of driving. And because we know how challenging it is to learn to drive, we tend to be compassionate, caring, and careful when we see vehicle with the “L plate” on the road. We give them access where we wouldn’t have if it weren’t for the displayed “L Plate”. Sometimes we wait and drive slowly behind them even when we are in a hurry to get things done. We do all these because we know and understand how it is to learn to drive.

This scenario can be likened to what the scripture says in Hebrews 4:14-16.

“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” NLT

Like the learner driver who faces many challenges and huddles to cross on the road, we face temptations every day in the Christian journey. We are tested in every aspect of our daily activities and of course sometimes we screw up and feel so horrible because we are unable to control ourselves.

But Jesus, The Son of God who is the Subject for this Easter Season, is the Professional driver who had been through or faced the challenges and therefore understands how it feels to learn how to move a car. The scripture says that Jesus sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations. He was tempted and knows how it feels to be human. This is the good news: Upon all the temptations that came his way, Jesus didn’t sin. He conquered every challenge that came his way. And because He is victorious, He is able to help us when we face same or similar challenge.

I remember few days after receiving my provisional license, my car had a “P Plate” displayed and I was driving on steep hill upward with the 3rd gear. Suddenly, I could hear some noise coming from the engine but I didn’t know what it was until a gentleman standing by the roadside yelled “Man change to 1st gear before you blow up your car”. I did it and the car drove off smoothly. This man, like Jesus, understood the challenge I was encountering and because he knew what it was, he was able to help me with his words.

lordismystrength_nivFriends, Jesus knows and understands every challenge or weakness we are going through right now. The scripture says Jesus came to destroy the works of the enemy. In other words, the enemy may try to inflict us with many weaknesses but Jesus defeated Satan many years ago. And because Jesus defeated him (Satan), we can also defeat him (satan) because He (Jesus) is our strength.

I don’t know the sin you are battling with or the weakness that make you feel that you are unqualified to come to God through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 12:1 (KJV) says that “Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which doth so easily beset us…”. Verse 2 says “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith;…”

Jesus can help you today. It is just a matter of opening up to him in prayer and letting him know your willingness to turn over a new leaf. Trust me that your life will never be the same in Jesus’ Name. Amen

Posted in DON'T JUDGE

DO NOT JUDGE!

Posted on by Uplifting Christ

judgeDon’t pick on people, jump on their failures, and criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It’s easy to see a smudge on your neighbor’s face and be oblivious to the ugly sneer on your own. Do you have the nerve to say, ‘Let me wash your face for you,’ when your own face is distorted by contempt? It’s this whole travelling road-show mentality all over again, playing a holier-than-thou part instead of just living your part. Wipe that ugly sneer off your own face, and you might be fit to offer a washcloth to your neighbor. Matthew 7:1-5 MSG.

All of us have strengths, and we all have weaknesses. You are strong in an area where your neighbor is weak. And you neighbor may be strong in an area where you are weak. None of us is perfect, so don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, and criticize their faults. You may think you can condemn such people, but you are just as bad, and you have no excuse! When you say they are wicked and should be punished, you are condemning yourself, for you who judge others do these very same things. And we know that God, in his justice, will punish anyone who does such things. Since you judge others for doing these things, why do you think you can avoid God’s judgment when you do the same things? Romans 2:1-3

It is easy to think “I wouldn’t do that. How could a Pastor, Teacher, President, or Christian do this or say that?” But the truth is you are strong in those areas because of the Grace of God. I am not a drug addict because the grace of God, I am not a gossiper, drunkard, womanizer, thief, etc because of the Grace of God. I believe people do what they do for reason(s) we don’t know therefore let us take time to understand their situations and pray for them. Take time to understand your friends’ situation before you pass a comment. Don’t talk behind their back

Think about this for a moment; if God should expose everything you do behind closed doors to the rest of the world, could you imagine what people would say about you?

Friend, don’t join unbeliever who mock at believers who fall into temptations. don’t judge them when their secret sins come to light. Don’t be quick to judge when you hear your brother or sister’s weakness. Instead, show some love. Let them know how you love them, and pray for them.

Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37 niv84.

If we are critical rather than compassionate, we will also receive criticism. You will receive what you give to others in full amount.

God is the Judge!

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