Stumbling Blocks

Romans 14:13 -- Therefore let us stop passing judgment on one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother's way. (NIV)

How amazing is our God! I just want to praise Him and honor Him for He is always finding different ways to speak to me so I may learn His way!

I sent a rather judgemental and rude email to my business partner yesterday. Feeling a bit righteous and thinking I know better. Then I got a response from him which showed me my arrogance and how my email has visibly upset him. Naturally my first reponse was one of defensiveness. But then the Daily Bread email caught my eyes and I thought I would read that first before I give my business partner a piece of my mind. The Lord opened my eyes and showed me how easily I can be judging others when all judgements are reserve for our Lord. Before I comment on the speck of dust in other's eyes, I need to take the plank of wood out of my own eyes first! I immediately send an email to apologize to my partner. However the amazing thing is not just about asking for forgiveness from him and forgiveness from the Lord. But the Lord put into my heart to forgive myself. I have a really tough time forgiving myself for any sin that I commit and I tend to drive myself to such self-loathing that it becomes destructive. This time, after the Lord has pointed out my error and reminded me to confess my sin, He also reminded me to forgive myself for the blood of Jesus has washed away my sin and has given me forgiveness. I must then learn and move on.

Our Lord is truly the alpha and the omega, the beginning and the end. I pray that He will continue to renew my spirit everyday and may the Holy Spirit inside me guide me and lead me to a more intimate walk with God. Amen!