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Posted by Tom Welch on June 24, 2009 under News | Be the First to Comment

::truth::

Judging Judgmentalism

Few attitudes derail spiritual awakening more than judgmentalism.Â We hear the prophetic call to humble ourselves and draw near to God. We feel the conviction and sorrow for having spurned the god who loves us to pursue the idols of the world. We passionately pursue repentance. We resolve to live for the glory of God.

But then we lose focus. Our eyes shift from the God who calls us to spiritual awakening to those around us. Why aren’t they passionate pursuing God like we are? Why haven’t they repented of _____ (insert personal conviction here) like we have? “Harrumph”, we say, “they must not be as spiritual as we are!”Â Judgment sets in. Spiritual Pride emerges. Heartfelt repentance and renewal is derailed!

Judgmentalism derails spiritual awakening, exposes our hypocrisy, puts us above the law, quenches love for others, and makes us to be God! (James 4:10-12)

The key to ongoing spiritual awakening is ongoing personal humility.Â We only draw near to God when our eyes remain on Him.Â We have plenty to do in cleansing our own hands and purifying our own hearts! And as the Lord molds our hearts to the passions of Christ, we see others in new ways. Not as irritants to judge, but as beloved brothers and sisters to love and encourage.

And as others see your humble pursuit of God, they will want to join you! (Zechariah 8:20-23)

The well wisher of your soul’s happiness,

Pastor Tom

::prayer::

Andria M: I’m traveling next week (Sun – Wed) with my brother. Please pray for our safety and for us to connect after this time apart.

Susan F: Praise for Alais continued improvement. Prayers for improvement to her speech and motor skills.

Annie M: Annie is at Health Central for bad headaches. Meningitis is ruled out (whew!), and she is feeling better, but pray for healing!

Anonymous: My brother and sister-in-law need hope and healing.

::community::

This Week:

Youth “Chill” Night: The youth are invited to chill at the Welch’s this Wednesday evening. Bring a board game and snacks! 6:30 – 9:00PM. RSVP to tom@swchurchonline.org.

Family Movie Night: Beat the heat for some cool summer fun. Southwest Church and the Mission Committee of the Roper YMCA Family Center will be hosting a Family Movie Night, Saturday, June 27^th at 6PM in the gym. Feature movie: “Mary Poppins”. We’ll bring the hotdogs and popcorn, you bring the blankets! Bring a friend for some fun for the whole family! (click for more info)

Sunday, June 21 –

9:15 AM – Family Bible Classes for all ages.
10:30 AM – Worship Service
Next Sunday’s Message: “Business Class Pride”, from James 4:13-17

THIS WEEKS SERVANTS:

Set-up: Jeff or Joe
Prayer: Maurice Bender
Nursery: Susan Feltman
Greeters: The Relichs

::mission::

Lindsey Phillips (Indonesia) – Pray for Lindsey that she has adjusted to the culture and surroundings.Â Pray for her and the team she is with that they haveÂ an abundance of opportunities to share the Gospel and God’s love.

Mike & Sue Farho (North Africa) – Pray for the healing of Mike’s sprained ankle.Â Pray for their adjustment to their new home, that new friends and relationships will abound.