The Standard…

Good morning! May God give us wisdom and discernment in all the decisions and judgments we make today and throughout the week.

Bible Verse – Matthew 7:1-6 NLT
“1 “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others.[a] The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.[b]

3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye[c] when you have a log in your own? 4 How can you think of saying to your friend,[d] ‘Let me help you get rid of that speck in your eye,’ when you can’t see past the log in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First get rid of the log in your own eye; then you will see well enough to deal with the speck in your friend’s eye.

6 “Don’t waste what is holy on people who are unholy.[e] Don’t throw your pearls to pigs! They will trample the pearls, then turn and attack you.”

REFLECTION
There are three parts to this portion of scripture, which are the final illustration of the Pharisaic judgmental practices.

The first being about Jesus speaking to the Pharisees about their judgement against him.  They judged Jesus for the things he did and said. They constantly criticized his work for God as being inadequate – according them, Jesus wasn’t offering the kingdom they expected. When they rejected Jesus, he reminded them of their own inefficiencies and how they will be measured against.

The second thing was, Jesus was pointing out that people should not make a habit of criticizing or condemning someone else when they have something similar or a greater offense.  While judgment is sometimes needed – we need to first be certain of our own lives.

The third thing is when we attempt to help or care for others – do what is appreciated and necessary. Don’t entrust Holy things to unholy people – it is a waste of time – like throwing pearls at pigs or something that is despised (it doesn’t make sense – it won’t be appreciated).

Sisters and brothers, we as believers must be careful when we judge others, especially when we remain blind to our own weaknesses and shortcomings. 

Lord, help us in the areas of our lives when we misjudge others. Open our eyes to see what you see.

Also, brothers and sisters, remember Jesus’ example, when hypocrites came against him, he kept doing what God had called him to do. His plan was greater. Let God be the judge. Keep doing what God called you to do. Trust Him.

PRAYER
Father God, thank you for today. Thank you for your grace and mercy in our lives. Lord, thank you for showing compassion and giving us freedom in you. Lord, you are everything we need, yet you give us more. Lord, forgive us when we judge others and place higher standards on others. Lord, be with us and change our attitudes and our hearts toward others. Lord, give us discernment and wisdom to live life as you call us to live. Lord, remove our hypocritical thoughts and actions. Lord, create in us a clean heart, one that is aligned with your goodness. Lord, hold our tongues and reveal to us areas that we have judged with no mercy or grace. Lord, shift our thinking so that we may be free from false judgment. Lord, keep us faithful to you and your plans for our lives. Lord, please be with those who are grieving and comfort them.  Lord, heal the broken and strengthen our faith in you.  Lord, set us free from the lies of the enemy. Lord, right now, help us to put on the full armor of God. Lord, go before us today and distinguish the arrows flying our way. Put your words of truth in our hearts and our minds. Help us to share the gospel message with others so that they will commit their lives to you.

Father God, thank you for your love toward us. Lord, thank you for your peace, mercy and grace. Lord, thank you for opening up our eyes so that we can see you. Lord, you know us. Lord, you know our spiritual struggles. Lord, you know where we fall short and are in need of you to change us in all the areas of our lives. Lord, you even know the areas that need specialty care. Lord, remove the bandages from our eyes, rip off the band aids from our heart and begin to heal us. Lord, take away the things within us that hinder our relationship with you and others. Lord, we want to be different. Change us and use us for your glory, Lord. In Jesus name, amen.

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  • Virtual Bible Study 

We are studying the book of Jeremiah.

If you would like to join us or get more information, please send an email to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com for the Zoom link.

  • SAVE THE DATE

Saturday, July 19, 2025 we will host our next Women’s Retreat. Our theme for the retreat is taken from Ephesians 6:10-17.

Our Theme is: She is Armed & Dangerous  – “Take the helmet of salvation & the sword of the spirit.”

Arboretum

Thanks to our faithful donors, the retreat will be a hybrid of in-person and virtual participation. Stay tuned for more updates. We have 75 seats available. Tickets go on sale on April 1, 2025.

  • LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS

Sisters, we are looking for volunteers for our upcoming events and also to fill an open Board position.

If you would like to join us or get more information, please send an email to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

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