😊☀️👋🏻 Good morning, friend!

Pastor Blake here. After diving into loving our enemies, it’s only fitting that Jesus next tackles judging others. It’s easy to spot someone else’s flaws but far harder to admit our own. Yet when we take time to address the “log” in our own eye, we create space for genuine transformation, both in ourselves and in our relationships.

Let’s explore how shifting from judgment to compassion can break down walls and mirror the grace God shows us every day.

🙏 HUMBLE

Begin this time pondering the following questions:

1. What are you thankful for today?

2. What burdens, fears, or areas of sin do you need to release to God today?

Now, let’s ask God to help us find HOPE in Him today:

“Lord, open my heart and mind to Your Word today. Help me to see the hope You have for me in these pages. Shine Your light on every truth, and guide me to understand, trust, and apply what You reveal. May Your presence transform my heart and fill me with the hope only You can give. Amen.”

📖 OBSERVE

Now, let’s observe what God has to say in His Word:

Today's Reading:
READ: Luke 6:37-45 (NLT)

Reflection Questions:

1. What stood out to you most from this passage?

2. What does this teach us about God, His character, and what He does?

3. What does this teach us about people, including yourself?

Today's Devotional:
In this passage, Jesus teaches that the measure we use to judge others often comes back upon us. He illustrates this with a vivid metaphor: trying to remove a speck from someone else’s eye when there’s a plank in our own. The implication is clear: we need God’s help to address our own brokenness before we can effectively guide others.

We see a God who desires hearts free from hypocrisy and saturated with love. By looking inward, we align ourselves with His grace, remembering that we, too, depend on His mercy. This recognition fosters empathy rather than condemnation.

Practically, moving away from judgment could mean pausing before speaking negatively, offering encouragement instead of criticism, or praying for a person we find challenging. Each small step contributes to an environment where healing flourishes and God’s grace prevails. As we live in this posture of humility, our words become life-giving streams that reflect the heart of Christ.

💡 PERSONALIZE

Now to make this personal in your life, consider this question:

What is one area where God is encouraging you to grow or change?

📢 MY #HOPEDECLARATION

Create your own declaration of hope today!

“Today I will _______________________ because of Jesus Christ!”

Snap a pic of your #HopeDeclaration and share it on Social Media!

❤️ ENGAGE

1. Who in your life would benefit from hearing what you’ve learned today?

2. What practical way can you use what you’ve learned today to bless or serve someone?

🙏 STOP AND PRAY: 

Take time to pray through what God has revealed to you today:

• Thank Him for His blessings and faithfulness.

• Surrender your stresses, burdens, fears, and sins, trusting Him to carry them.

• Pray through what He taught you in today’s passage, including your #HopeDeclaration, asking for His Spirit to empower you to live it out.

• Ask for boldness to share today’s story and invite others to follow Him, praying that God would use your obedience to multiply disciples.

Let this time align your heart with His and empower you for His mission.

✨ READY TO GO DEEPER?

Take a few moments to reflect on today’s insights and how they apply to your journey. Use your Daily HOPE Journal to capture your thoughts, prayers, and commitments, and watch your relationship with God grow deeper each day.

Don’t have a journal yet? Grab yours here and start your journey.

❤️ SPREAD THE HOPE, GET A DIGITAL JOURNAL!

Your impact is just beginning! Every share spreads hope and brings more people into this journey of encouragement. Keep sharing to unlock your next exclusive reward and help build a stronger, hope-filled community. Click below to keep the momentum going!

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💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION: 

We’d love to hear from you! To stay committed, reply to this email or head over to the comments section on today’s post to share your #HopeDeclaration. Let’s encourage each other in this journey!

⛪️ WHY NOT VISIT US IN PERSON?

We’d love to see you at Mountainside Community Bible Church! Join us for worship and a welcoming community every Sunday at 10 AM. Plan your visit below—we can’t wait to meet you!