I loved the Pastor's sermon this morning regarding the "dry bones" and walking out of the "valley".  It spoke to my spirit.  I recently heard another sermon about the "valley of the 'shadow' of death.  Such a profound message for such a young person - to focus on the SHADOW - a shadow is a mere outline of the "REAL THING".  She went on to explain 3 ways to overcome or "walk out of the valley" - Prayer, Praise and The WORD (scripture).  I thought of that today while Pastor Steve was preaching.  His thoughts seemed to mesh with the message that she spoke. 

In thinking about these two messages, I began to ponder on what things could create the type of "valley" and realized that we, Humans, are the guilty ones.  Too often we look for "things" to make us happy, when it's not what we have, but WHO we have that can truely fill that void.  If we have the love of God, family and friends, we have more than enough to make our lives complete.  We should not be jealous of what others have, but should be encouraged that these things are obtainable.   We should not judge others by the same standards that we set for ourselves - too often we fail to live up to those standards, yet we expect others not to fail.  And when others do fail, we are to quick to point a finger at them.  Remember that when you point a finger, you usually have three pointing back at yourself! 

The Church of God has come a long way from the days of it's a sin to go to movies and a sin to wear makeup and a sin to wear jewelry or play sports.  But we are still stuck with that "G" word (gossip).  Gossip is specifically addressed in the bible, where these other man made laws are not specifically named.  Gossip is a form of judgement - look it up - it's forming an opinion and spreading that opinion on a specific topic or person.

I have learned that not everyone lives by the same standards.  What I think is a "sin" may not be a "sin" to another.  Take Smoking as an example.  While I think it is wrong - for me.... there are many religious denominations that do NOT teach Smoking as WRONG.  It's just a nasty habit for them.  Smoking may not send you to hell - by as one wise person told me - It will make you smell like you've been there!  

The Bible tells us to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling.  Father, Help me to not hold others to MY Standards, but only to YOUR Standards.    Father, help me not to be judgemental.  Help me not to gossip or repeat gossip that may be hurtful to others.  I don't know their circumstances, I don't know why they act or do the things they do, and I don't need to know WHY.... Only you, Father, need to have that knowledge.  Only you,  Father, can judge.  Help me to lift up and encourage others with my words, rather than to degrade and tear down.  Help me to understand what others are going through and to be a prayer partner for them, when they are unable to pray for themselves.  Help me to be able to see through the gossip and see to the hurt.   Amen