Jesus accused the Pharisees of many things,
but this is the worst!
"You lock the Kingdom of Heaven
before human beings.
You do not enter yourselves,
nor do you allow entrance."
Matthew 23:13
This seems to be related to verse
Matthew 18:18:
"Whatever you bind on earth
will be bound in heaven,
and whatever you loose on earth
will be loosed in heaven."
Sometimes we can be judgmental,
self righteous, overly critical of people.
God's most important commandments
were about LOVE.
Are we shutting the door of heaven to others
by confessing that they are
"beyond hope", "an ingrate",
"too selfish and ungrateful",
"holier than thou", "an unbeliever",
"beyond salvation"?
I have to confess that sometimes
I say these things of corrupt politicians or
a wayward celebrities!
We have to believe in miracles,
not just for ourselves but for others as well!
NOTHING, absolutely nothing
is impossible for God!
Let us instead pray for those we think
are far from God,
let us open the door of heaven for them!
Nathanael judged Jesus before he even met Jesus,
"Can anything good come out of Nazareth?" he asked.
We can be like Nathanael (or Bartholomew),
and discriminate against others
because of their race, their family, their religion,
the way they speak, etc
Let's NOT!
Let us be always hopeful that people CAN
and WILL change.
Every week I choose one wonderful visitor
who leaves a comment
to receive an ATC from me.
I know it takes so much time and effort
to leave a comment
and I appreciate it soooo much!
This week,
Random.org chose
#18, Belinda of Belinda's Crafts.
Visit her to see her pretty cards!
Sometimes I put on my best pajamas
and join these great parties!
Blessings,
Patsy
Wonderful artworks! Especially I like your second one!
ReplyDeleteI love your golden glow to your miraculous art work. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI'd love you to link this artistic inspiration with us over on my blog. Just follow the link below :)
Sarah @ A Cat-Like Curiosity
I love your work and always find it so inspiring. Thanks for posting here.
ReplyDeleteDan - Boarding Call
http://kramersboardingcall.blogspot.com/2013/08/what-is-return-of-investment-of-your.html#.Uhu08by862w
I believe in miracles too! God can do anything.
ReplyDeleteTimely words, Patsy. Beautiful work, as always :)
ReplyDeleteAwesome words. Not to jugde, but to love. Bless your heart Patsy:)
ReplyDeleteVery inspiring blog post. new GFC follower here
ReplyDeletehope you can visit my Inspire me Monday
Love the way they all glow - beautiful light.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing with Mandarin Orange Monday:)
So much hope and love for others in your words! Can't tell you how they stir faith and encourage! UNITED in sisterhood, Jen
ReplyDeleteYou have touched on something I need to hear--I need to let go of my critical spirit toward politicians and pray for them. Our Lord is a God of miracles.
ReplyDelete