Day 1
The Spirit of the Lord is on me,  When the Lord gives freely of His salvation, He also gives a Spirit of freedom to
go into all the world and preach the gospel.

Whether we are called to go to a distant country or to cross the street, or even to be a disciple to the ones sharing our lives,
He is faithful to give all that we need to do the  mission that He has sent us on.  The Holy Spirit will provide us with the words needed in any situation if we trust and listen for His voice.  
 
Father, feed us daily with your wisdom and your mercy.  Lead us into a close communion with the Holy Spirit so that we are so sensitive to His leading that we see the opportunity to share your wisdom and gift of salvation without fear to those you bring to us.

Matthew 7:1,2  

Do not judge or you will be judged. for in the same way you judge others,
you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

 I could have done a much better job than that.  I know more than that person does about that.  Why don't they call on me to do this or that. I, I, I.  Sound familiar?  I fall into the same rut all too often in comparing what I think I can do with others.  I see someone doing something that I do or want to do and find fault with how they do it.  I forget Who is the true judge
of how well we are doing or who does it.  

Too many times when we are studying God's word and we come up against the subject of judging others, this reference is brought up to remind each other not to judge in any circumstances.  But let's really look at what it is saying.  Is it saying never to judge others or is it saying be careful HOW we judge others.  Is our critical attitude, our self centered focus the real problem?  Is the Lord reminding us of the log in our own eye while we criticize the splinter in someone else's eye?  He is reminding us of our attitude toward His chosen people, His royal priesthood.  

 Yes, we are to judge others.  Not with a critical attitude but by testing the spirits and evaluating their fruit against the Word of God.  His instruction manual gives us all the tools we need to know the true works of others. We are not to evaluate someone else's motives or their agenda.  That is God's job.  Our job is to motivate, encourage and support each other in serving the Lord and doing His will to promote the kingdom.   The next time someone gets the job or promotion or acknowledgement that you want, surprise them.  Honor them with praise and congratulations.  Let them know you appreciate their gifts and the quality of work they do.  You will find peace within yourself instead of that nagging bitter spirit that steals your joy.