1 Corinthians 4:2-4 Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful. But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged of you, or of man’s judgment: yea, I judge not mine own self. For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

I was caught, yet again, in being critical of my own performance. This time it was my pastor’s wife who simply said “Stop it.” I knew what I had done. I even know why I did it. I’ve confessed it before a brother and sought pray, forgiveness and help in putting an end to it.

It was not until this morning that I gained some deeper insight into exactly what I was doing. It is at the heart of my self-deprecation that I have not accepted the sufficiency of Christ. The Lord is my judge and for me to judge myself is a way of saying His judgment is insufficient.

2 Corinthians 12:8-9a For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee:

I am what I am by the grace of God. I am NOT what I want to be by that same grace. The Lord needs me to be what He needs me to be and not what I want to be. If His grace is indeed what I say it is, prevenient grace, then it follows that His judgment is as sufficient as His grace because the two are tied together by He who died in my place.

Romans 14:4 Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand.

That includes me, judging me, for I am His servant.

Psalm 139:38 Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear.

This devotional is my thing, one of many, written by people of different religious persuasions, affiliations, backgrounds and training. No two should be alike, for we are all different. I do not stylize mine after anyone else’s, it has my own personal touch. My hope is that all devotionals serve the same purpose even if written within a different framework.

I am not a teacher, I do not write as a teacher. I am not a pastor, I do not write as a pastor. I have no degree, I am not a doctor of letters. I am a writer of sorts and like all writers I would like to think that I can in some way relate to my readers. I am a Christian, much the same as any other Christian. I suffer the same doubts and fears as do we all. I have had my share of temptations and tribulations. I have received help, in the form of men and in God’s grace.

My devotionals are a reflection of my devotion to God. It is not meant to be doctrine. It is how I see things, how God speaks to me, and since I am human, maybe you can relate. Maybe not. The last thing I want for you my readers is for this devotional to be your only contact with the Word of the Lord. It is not a study guide. If you find yourself questioning something that I write, by all means go to the Word and seek what God has to say to you on any subject. Let God have the last word.

This is not an inspirational. God inspires. I am devoted to God not this work. It too will pass away, like the flowers of the field, pretty for a season, but only lasts for a short time. Let the Word of God be implanted in your hearts where it will never wither nor fade.