Exodus 20:7 (Amplified Bible)
You shall not use or repeat the name of the Lord your God in vain [that is, lightly or frivolously, in false affirmations or profanely]; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
We've all done this at one time or another; we're knee-deep in a stressful situation, we drop a tool on our foot, or are pushed to the breaking point with our kids. And then it happens. The catalyst really doesn't matter, but the words that freely pass through our lips certainly do. Let's make a conscious effort to watch the words that come from our mouths.
"Lord, sometimes we sin and don't realize the severity of the violation until after the fact. In this world, it's all too easy to say your name in vain 100 times a day, for needless reasons. Your Word clearly says that you will not hold us guiltless for taking your name in vain. I know I'm guilty, and humbly ask for your forgiveness. Amen."
Good Night
Monday, February 7, 2011
Sunday, February 6, 2011
The Second Commandment
Last night's message encompassed the first of the ten commandments. In hindsight, I've found that you can't delve too deeply into what the first commandment entails, without considering elements of the second commandment. They fit together (as do all ten) like a hand in a glove.
We've already spoken about some common (and often unintended) idols that are ever-present in our culture today. Tonight's message is a continuation of that same train of thought.
Exodus 20:4 (Amplified Bible)
You shall not make yourself any graven image [to worship it] or any likeness of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;
Would we praise a light bulb? Of course not! We would rightfully pay our respects to it's inventor (Thomas Edison). Of course, the creation is a wonderful thing in its own right, but it's not worthy of our worship, praise and love.
Nothing that has ever been created should take the place of the Creator of all things.
Good Night
We've already spoken about some common (and often unintended) idols that are ever-present in our culture today. Tonight's message is a continuation of that same train of thought.
Exodus 20:4 (Amplified Bible)
You shall not make yourself any graven image [to worship it] or any likeness of anything that is in the heavens above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth;
Would we praise a light bulb? Of course not! We would rightfully pay our respects to it's inventor (Thomas Edison). Of course, the creation is a wonderful thing in its own right, but it's not worthy of our worship, praise and love.
Nothing that has ever been created should take the place of the Creator of all things.
Good Night
Saturday, February 5, 2011
The First Commandment
The Lord has placed sharing the Ten Commandments on my heart. Over the next week and a half, I'll expound on each of them, one at a time. Tonight, we'll begin with the first, which is first mentioned in Exodus Chapter 20, verse 3:
Exodus 20:3 (Amplified Bible)
You shall have no other gods before or besides Me.
What does that really mean? Obviously, the Lord doesn't want us to worship other non-existent Gods, or to place idols of any kind above Him. This is very easy to mentally grasp; we're supposed to put God first in our lives. However, how often do we actually live in this way? From personal experience, I can assure you that on a normal work day, the Lord isn't always at the pinnacle of my thoughts.
It's not that I set out each day to worship other Gods or idols- God forbid!. My heart is for the Lord. However, living in a prosperous modern Western culture can offer many deterrents. We simply have access to everything. A cop-out you say? Let's take a look at some of the most common 'idol opportunities' that are present in everyday life. I've got them in my house, and I'm certain you do, too:
Television - the network programming we watch or choose stream on demand can really become a stumbling block for some Christians. Some people can count the number of hours set aside for quality worship on one hand, while their DVR's are brimming with weeks of programming, waiting to be viewed.
Money - whether it's lack of it, or a surplus, money is often worshiped because of its ability to directly and tangibly impact our everyday lives. We think about it a lot, and some even dream about it. What would it be like to win the lottery?
Material things - as with television sets, many are caught up in obtaining (and maintaining) the fastest cars, most fashionable clothes, latest computers, largest houses etc. It's easy to become lost when "keeping up with the Joneses" becomes a focal point, either consciously, or unconsciously. God is supposed to meet our needs- are we satisfied with this?
Time - Where are you spending your time? Are you honoring the Lord with the 24 hours he gives you each and every day? Are you making the most of each day, living and loving those around you? Or, is time being squandered on unfruitful things like laziness, selfishness, bitterness, anger or apathy? How often do we set about spending time with Jesus?
I've been guilty of all of these things at one time or another in my life. In fact, i still struggle with some of them today.
It's not that any one of these elements is inherently evil. It's alright to enjoy a movie, go out to eat, buy an iPad, etc. God loves to bless us. Rather, it's the condition of our hearts while we either use, or are in the presence of such things that becomes a problem. God wants access to all of us, in every way. Nothing is supposed to get in the way, or even come close. Anything that competes with our devotion to the Lord is an idol.
Let's rid ourselves of the idols in our lives, shall we? I'm not telling you to get radical and toss your television sets out of the top floor window. I'm simply asking you to step back and take a long, honest look at where you're devoting your attention, time, and money. Then, prioritize.
Let's take the steps to obey the first commandment and put God first.
Good Night
Exodus 20:3 (Amplified Bible)
You shall have no other gods before or besides Me.
What does that really mean? Obviously, the Lord doesn't want us to worship other non-existent Gods, or to place idols of any kind above Him. This is very easy to mentally grasp; we're supposed to put God first in our lives. However, how often do we actually live in this way? From personal experience, I can assure you that on a normal work day, the Lord isn't always at the pinnacle of my thoughts.
It's not that I set out each day to worship other Gods or idols- God forbid!. My heart is for the Lord. However, living in a prosperous modern Western culture can offer many deterrents. We simply have access to everything. A cop-out you say? Let's take a look at some of the most common 'idol opportunities' that are present in everyday life. I've got them in my house, and I'm certain you do, too:
Television - the network programming we watch or choose stream on demand can really become a stumbling block for some Christians. Some people can count the number of hours set aside for quality worship on one hand, while their DVR's are brimming with weeks of programming, waiting to be viewed.
Money - whether it's lack of it, or a surplus, money is often worshiped because of its ability to directly and tangibly impact our everyday lives. We think about it a lot, and some even dream about it. What would it be like to win the lottery?
Material things - as with television sets, many are caught up in obtaining (and maintaining) the fastest cars, most fashionable clothes, latest computers, largest houses etc. It's easy to become lost when "keeping up with the Joneses" becomes a focal point, either consciously, or unconsciously. God is supposed to meet our needs- are we satisfied with this?
Time - Where are you spending your time? Are you honoring the Lord with the 24 hours he gives you each and every day? Are you making the most of each day, living and loving those around you? Or, is time being squandered on unfruitful things like laziness, selfishness, bitterness, anger or apathy? How often do we set about spending time with Jesus?
I've been guilty of all of these things at one time or another in my life. In fact, i still struggle with some of them today.
It's not that any one of these elements is inherently evil. It's alright to enjoy a movie, go out to eat, buy an iPad, etc. God loves to bless us. Rather, it's the condition of our hearts while we either use, or are in the presence of such things that becomes a problem. God wants access to all of us, in every way. Nothing is supposed to get in the way, or even come close. Anything that competes with our devotion to the Lord is an idol.
Let's rid ourselves of the idols in our lives, shall we? I'm not telling you to get radical and toss your television sets out of the top floor window. I'm simply asking you to step back and take a long, honest look at where you're devoting your attention, time, and money. Then, prioritize.
Let's take the steps to obey the first commandment and put God first.
Good Night
Friday, February 4, 2011
Tactari!
I can't think of a better way to spend a Friday night: great friends, delicious food and retro video games from the 1970's and 1980's (Pitfall!, River Raid, Kaboom, Breakout, Joust...) on a truly big screen. To top it off, decadent desserts, heaps of laughter and a movie via the Netflix on-demand streaming service made "hanging out" an extremely enjoyable experience.
Let's hope this evening's "Tactari" (a mashup of the words taco and Atari) event is only the first of its kind. We look forward to many more exciting evenings to come. Thank you, Jesus for such wonderful blessings and people to share these memories with.
James 1:17 (American Standard Version)
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning.
Good Night
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Be Still
I had a couple of different ideas for tonight's blog entry. However, the thoughts and insights almost seemed forced. This tells me that anything I would have said wouldn't have truly come from my heart- it would have been phony. Sometimes it's best to not say anything at all.
So, we'll simply sit here in silence for a minute.
Psalm 46:10 (American Standard Version)
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Good Night
So, we'll simply sit here in silence for a minute.
Psalm 46:10 (American Standard Version)
Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.
Good Night
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Hump Day
I'm really tired. Since the beginning of this week, I've been getting up earlier than usual to begin the commute by bus in order to report to work by 7AM. Once I'm free to leave for the day (between 5 and 6PM), I've been getting caught up in the daily routines of cooking dinner, cleaning up, preparing lunches for the next day, etc. From the minute I walk through the front door to my house, there's work waiting to be done.
By the time I'm finished with my domestic responsibilities, and am free to do whatever I want to do, it's usually after 9:00 at night. Often, all I have the energy for is a quick 30 minute TV program with my wife and jotting down entries in this blog before heading off to bed. My days are beginning to run together.
I tip my hat to those who do this each and every day. I don't understand how people with families can flourish on little sleep, work full time, take care of the house, feed the kids, clean up, work out, volunteer and still have time to catch up on the latest showing of American Idol. These people amaze me (you know who you are).
Good Night
By the time I'm finished with my domestic responsibilities, and am free to do whatever I want to do, it's usually after 9:00 at night. Often, all I have the energy for is a quick 30 minute TV program with my wife and jotting down entries in this blog before heading off to bed. My days are beginning to run together.
I tip my hat to those who do this each and every day. I don't understand how people with families can flourish on little sleep, work full time, take care of the house, feed the kids, clean up, work out, volunteer and still have time to catch up on the latest showing of American Idol. These people amaze me (you know who you are).
Good Night
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Something To Think About
If you're in the position where you see others being elevated higher, or being blessed greater than you feel you deserve for yourself, remember the parable of the workers in Matthew chapter 20. In our daily lives, it's easy to become jealous of others, or to feel entitled to a certain level of success based on our efforts. Often, we can become angry if we're not the main recipients of "the good stuff". We feel we deserve better because we've worked harder or longer than others. In our minds, it's only fair that effort equals reward. To the world, it's all about performance.
I don't think it's how the kingdom of God works.
After listening to this parable via podcast and letting it really sink in, I think one possible moral of the story is salvation and grace. If the man in this story represents God, and we are the workers, it is actually quite relieving to think of the story in this way.
If we decide to turn our lives over to the Lord, we'll find that He offers the same level of grace extended to the saints who came before us. If we make ten mistakes, or ten thousand, His grace is sufficient to cover us. Whether we make the decision to follow Christ as a child, or turn to Him on our death bed, we'll be saved. Salvation is timeless. It can't be earned, but is freely given to anyone who genuinely seeks Jesus.
Matthew 20:1-16 (The Message)
A Story About Workers
1-2 "God's kingdom is like an estate manager who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. They agreed on a wage of a dollar a day, and went to work. 3-5"Later, about nine o'clock, the manager saw some other men hanging around the town square unemployed. He told them to go to work in his vineyard and he would pay them a fair wage. They went.
5-6"He did the same thing at noon, and again at three o'clock. At five o'clock he went back and found still others standing around. He said, 'Why are you standing around all day doing nothing?'
7"They said, 'Because no one hired us.' "He told them to go to work in his vineyard.
8"When the day's work was over, the owner of the vineyard instructed his foreman, 'Call the workers in and pay them their wages. Start with the last hired and go on to the first.'
9-12"Those hired at five o'clock came up and were each given a dollar. When those who were hired first saw that, they assumed they would get far more. But they got the same, each of them one dollar. Taking the dollar, they groused angrily to the manager, 'These last workers put in only one easy hour, and you just made them equal to us, who slaved all day under a scorching sun.'
13-15"He replied to the one speaking for the rest, 'Friend, I haven't been unfair. We agreed on the wage of a dollar, didn't we? So take it and go. I decided to give to the one who came last the same as you. Can't I do what I want with my own money? Are you going to get stingy because I am generous?'
16"Here it is again, the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first."
Good Night
I don't think it's how the kingdom of God works.
After listening to this parable via podcast and letting it really sink in, I think one possible moral of the story is salvation and grace. If the man in this story represents God, and we are the workers, it is actually quite relieving to think of the story in this way.
If we decide to turn our lives over to the Lord, we'll find that He offers the same level of grace extended to the saints who came before us. If we make ten mistakes, or ten thousand, His grace is sufficient to cover us. Whether we make the decision to follow Christ as a child, or turn to Him on our death bed, we'll be saved. Salvation is timeless. It can't be earned, but is freely given to anyone who genuinely seeks Jesus.
Matthew 20:1-16 (The Message)
A Story About Workers
1-2 "God's kingdom is like an estate manager who went out early in the morning to hire workers for his vineyard. They agreed on a wage of a dollar a day, and went to work. 3-5"Later, about nine o'clock, the manager saw some other men hanging around the town square unemployed. He told them to go to work in his vineyard and he would pay them a fair wage. They went.
5-6"He did the same thing at noon, and again at three o'clock. At five o'clock he went back and found still others standing around. He said, 'Why are you standing around all day doing nothing?'
7"They said, 'Because no one hired us.' "He told them to go to work in his vineyard.
8"When the day's work was over, the owner of the vineyard instructed his foreman, 'Call the workers in and pay them their wages. Start with the last hired and go on to the first.'
9-12"Those hired at five o'clock came up and were each given a dollar. When those who were hired first saw that, they assumed they would get far more. But they got the same, each of them one dollar. Taking the dollar, they groused angrily to the manager, 'These last workers put in only one easy hour, and you just made them equal to us, who slaved all day under a scorching sun.'
13-15"He replied to the one speaking for the rest, 'Friend, I haven't been unfair. We agreed on the wage of a dollar, didn't we? So take it and go. I decided to give to the one who came last the same as you. Can't I do what I want with my own money? Are you going to get stingy because I am generous?'
16"Here it is again, the Great Reversal: many of the first ending up last, and the last first."
Good Night
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)