I really like this definition of what a Pharisee is. It is so simple and plain and true!
As of the last few months I have struggled with being on the other end of being Pharisaical. Perhaps at times i have been a Pharisee myself but it has been 5 years of listening to others (a couple of friends) who judged everyone on their parenting skills including my s husband and myself. It came to a head a few months back and we have not spoken since but ever since that moment I have been constantly evaluating my parenting method through Scripture. I must say that the moments of hearing cutting words whether intended or not really took a toll on our friendship. I do not harbor hard feelings just sadness at a friendship lost.
I am my own worst critic when it comes to my kids behaviors that is why we dove deep into God’s Word and tried to understand what biblical discipline looked like! Here is what we found. You can check it out if you like!
Discipline Done Biblically!
We love our kids so much and there comes a point when if someone is coming down hard on you in front of your kids you must put an end to it lest you be looked down upon by your own children. We should not let that happen. I challenge you to see if that needs to happen in a circumstance in your own life
My Walk Monday!
So Last Monday I started a 30 day challenge of daily devotions and journaling. It was a form I got with some free homeschooling stuff and I thought that I would give it a whirl. I like it mostly but this morning as I sat doing my reading and I Got to the first question which reads
“how is God’s Word speaking to you”
I paused for a moment and thought. it said nothing to me. How many times does that happen? how many times do i read God’s word and nothing profound happens. No lights click on, no nothing!
I immediately felt guilty because as believers we are programmed to believe that God’s Word ALWAYS has to speak to us…however as I thought about this I began to realize something. God was speaking to my heart and he was saying
Why do they call it devotions?
Well i can tell you it’s not because I want to get something out of it. It’s because I want to show God that I am DEVOTED to Him. That I take time out for Him and that I enjoy learning from His word He has given to me!
So No I do not always have to get something out of it and no God’s word doesn’t always have to speak to me!
That being said. This thirty day challenge has been great and I have been convicted of some things and I have also been shown some amazing pictures of who God is! Bu there is no reason why we should feel guilty if we don’t get anything from our devotions…After all it is we that are giving God the time and honor He deserves!
