"Then the Lord said to Moses, 'Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, "You yourselves have seen that I have spoken to you from heaven. You shall not make other gods besides Me; gods of silver or gods of gold, you shall not make for yourselves. You shall make an altar of earth for Me, and you shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings and your peace offerings, your sheep and your oxen; in every place where I cause My name to be remembered, I will come to you and bless you. If you make an altar of stone for Me, you shall not build it of cut stones, for if you wield your tool on it, you will profane it."'" -Exodus 20.22-25
Moses serves as the people's representative. He goes before God and gives His messages to the people, teaching them God's standards and laws. He reminds them that they are not to make other gods beside Him. He alone is God, and He is a living Spirit. His form cannot be captured in an image of gold or silver, so the people aren't to try. And they are not to make idols in the image of anything else in creation and bow before them, worshiping the as God.
Instead God tells them to worship Him with simplicity. They are to build an altar of earth. It is something that is excessively abundant. Wherever they go they are able to build an altar and worship God there. He doesn't ask for the orante riches that He deserves, but says that simplicity is what they are to do.
If they decide to use stone, making something permanent and lasting, they aren't to use any tool on the stones. Instead they are to be natural, exactly as God created it. God does not demand wealth and splendor, He asks for something simple, showing His people that all are able to worship Him, and that they can worship Him wherever they are. It's a vital task, and God simplifies it for them.
Men, have you complicated the worship of God? If we look at the past few decades, really centuries, it really seems that we have. We have created religion out of relationship, and have turned the worship of God into habitual ritual. We've complicated it with rules and traditions, making idols of denominations, churches, altars, membership and even leadership.
I don't think God ever had any of this in mind. There is a lot that we could get into here, but let me just say that those things aren't necessarily bad. They are things that can help us focus more fully on God during our worship of Him, but they can also become a great hinderance. Is our focus on the thing or the practice, or on the God that it was intended for?
God wants us to worship Him. All of us, no matter where we are, are invited to worship the creator. And so He makes it simple for us to do it. An altar of earth, or uncut stone, things that are abundant and natural. We can worship God anywhere, at any time. Let us rejoice in the simplicity of it all.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Showing posts with label Exodus 20. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Exodus 20. Show all posts
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Friday, June 20, 2014
Afraid of God
"All the people perceived the thunder and the lightning flashes and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking; and when the people saw it, they trembled and stood at a distance. Then they said to Moses, 'Speak to us yourself and we will listen; but let not God speak to us, or we will die.' Moses said to the people, 'Do not be afraid; for God has come in order to test you, and in order that the fear of Him may remain with you, so that you may not sin.'" -Exodus 20.18-20
God has been speaking with Moses, giving him the Ten Commandments. They people are hearing thunder and seeing lightning, and they stay back and are terrified. The people request that Moses speaks to them so that they don't have to speak directly to God. They are afraid to talk to God and fear that they will die. But this is the reason they have come to this place. Think back to Exodus 19.17, "And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain."
We were made to have a personal relationship with God. We were made to communicate with Him, and yet so many people don't. So many people that look to someone else rather than turning to God. People look to their pastors, or professors, people that are supposed to have knowledge and be able to interpret the things God is saying. But this isn't good enough.
God is deeply personal, and He speaks to each of us in a personal way. God reveals things to me in a certain way because it speaks to me, and He reveals things to you in a different way that speaks to you. At different parts of the journey God tells us different things, and we must be willing to explore and examine them. Yes, look to your pastor they are people who should be walking closely with God. But just because they say something don't cling desperately to it. Seek it out for yourself. Examine what they are saying and hold it next to scripture. After all, they are just men.
Men, are you afraid of God? Are you afraid to speak with Him and so you instead look for someone else to tell you what God is saying? There are things that God wants to tell you, and He will only communicate them to you. Are you willing to draw close to Him and see what He has to say? Yes, it might be scary, this is God after all, and He may ask some difficult things of you. He may take you to places you're hiding from hoping no one ever finds out about. But all of this is done for your benefit.
God spoke as He did so that the people would know who He is in order to keep them from sin. He is giving them a taste of what He is capable of so that they will have a fear of Him, knowing that He is all powerful, which is something to be feared. But later God says to "Fear not." We don't have to be afraid of God. We should not be afraid to come to Him and speak with Him.
May we always draw close to Him, knowing His power, but also knowing that everything He does is for our good.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
God has been speaking with Moses, giving him the Ten Commandments. They people are hearing thunder and seeing lightning, and they stay back and are terrified. The people request that Moses speaks to them so that they don't have to speak directly to God. They are afraid to talk to God and fear that they will die. But this is the reason they have come to this place. Think back to Exodus 19.17, "And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain."
We were made to have a personal relationship with God. We were made to communicate with Him, and yet so many people don't. So many people that look to someone else rather than turning to God. People look to their pastors, or professors, people that are supposed to have knowledge and be able to interpret the things God is saying. But this isn't good enough.
God is deeply personal, and He speaks to each of us in a personal way. God reveals things to me in a certain way because it speaks to me, and He reveals things to you in a different way that speaks to you. At different parts of the journey God tells us different things, and we must be willing to explore and examine them. Yes, look to your pastor they are people who should be walking closely with God. But just because they say something don't cling desperately to it. Seek it out for yourself. Examine what they are saying and hold it next to scripture. After all, they are just men.
Men, are you afraid of God? Are you afraid to speak with Him and so you instead look for someone else to tell you what God is saying? There are things that God wants to tell you, and He will only communicate them to you. Are you willing to draw close to Him and see what He has to say? Yes, it might be scary, this is God after all, and He may ask some difficult things of you. He may take you to places you're hiding from hoping no one ever finds out about. But all of this is done for your benefit.
God spoke as He did so that the people would know who He is in order to keep them from sin. He is giving them a taste of what He is capable of so that they will have a fear of Him, knowing that He is all powerful, which is something to be feared. But later God says to "Fear not." We don't have to be afraid of God. We should not be afraid to come to Him and speak with Him.
May we always draw close to Him, knowing His power, but also knowing that everything He does is for our good.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Coveting
"You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife or his male servant or his female servant or his ox or his donkey or anything that belongs to your neighbor." -Exodus 20.17
Commandment number ten is one that I don't think people fully understand. The command is not to covet your neighbor's house, wife, servants, animals, or any of his possessions. We define coveting as wanting something that someone else has, but that isn't what coveting is. Simply wanting something that someone else has is not what coveting is. Coveting is much deeper, much more extreme, and much more dangerous.
Coveting is wanting something so badly that you want someone who has it not to have it because you can't have it. Example, I used to drive a Ford F-150 pickup truck. I loved that thing and miss it. One day I hope to get another one. It's a popular vehicle, and typically I see several of them each day on my way to work. When I do my mind thinks, I'd really like another one of those some day. This isn't coveting. I don't want the guy driving the truck not to have his because I can't have one. I'm simply saying I like the vehicle, and some day I'd like my own. This is not coveting.
But I have to be honest, I used to have a problem with coveting. When I was single and freshly out of college, many of my friends began to get married. I hated going to the weddings, one because I was there by myself, and two because there was no wedding in my foreseeable future. I hated watching other people get married because I wasn't, and that is coveting.
Coveting keeps us from sharing in the joy of others. It keeps us from rejoicing about all of the blessings God has poured out on us. Simply saying "They have a nice house, I'd like these features in my own house some day" is not coveting. But when it consumes you, and you hate the fact that someone else has something and you don't then it becomes a sin.
Men, do you covet? Are you single and like I use to be? Maybe you're married and not having kids while others you know are. Do you covet that? Maybe you got passed over for the promotion. Do you covet the guy who got it? Maybe it's something else, a house, a car, a hobby, what is it for you? Do you covet anything?
Let us rejoice with others, and let us rejoice in the blessings that God has given us. As men we set the tone for our families, or those we mentor, do they see a joyful attitude or a covetous one? Do you admire something someone else has, are are you consumed with the desire for it that causes you to want no one to have it if you can't? I think that it isn't until we get over the coveting that God can truly bless us in those areas. It wasn't until I learned to rejoice with friends who were getting married that God allowed me to share in that joy.
What blessings is your covetous attitude keeping you from?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Commandment number ten is one that I don't think people fully understand. The command is not to covet your neighbor's house, wife, servants, animals, or any of his possessions. We define coveting as wanting something that someone else has, but that isn't what coveting is. Simply wanting something that someone else has is not what coveting is. Coveting is much deeper, much more extreme, and much more dangerous.
Coveting is wanting something so badly that you want someone who has it not to have it because you can't have it. Example, I used to drive a Ford F-150 pickup truck. I loved that thing and miss it. One day I hope to get another one. It's a popular vehicle, and typically I see several of them each day on my way to work. When I do my mind thinks, I'd really like another one of those some day. This isn't coveting. I don't want the guy driving the truck not to have his because I can't have one. I'm simply saying I like the vehicle, and some day I'd like my own. This is not coveting.
But I have to be honest, I used to have a problem with coveting. When I was single and freshly out of college, many of my friends began to get married. I hated going to the weddings, one because I was there by myself, and two because there was no wedding in my foreseeable future. I hated watching other people get married because I wasn't, and that is coveting.
Coveting keeps us from sharing in the joy of others. It keeps us from rejoicing about all of the blessings God has poured out on us. Simply saying "They have a nice house, I'd like these features in my own house some day" is not coveting. But when it consumes you, and you hate the fact that someone else has something and you don't then it becomes a sin.
Men, do you covet? Are you single and like I use to be? Maybe you're married and not having kids while others you know are. Do you covet that? Maybe you got passed over for the promotion. Do you covet the guy who got it? Maybe it's something else, a house, a car, a hobby, what is it for you? Do you covet anything?
Let us rejoice with others, and let us rejoice in the blessings that God has given us. As men we set the tone for our families, or those we mentor, do they see a joyful attitude or a covetous one? Do you admire something someone else has, are are you consumed with the desire for it that causes you to want no one to have it if you can't? I think that it isn't until we get over the coveting that God can truly bless us in those areas. It wasn't until I learned to rejoice with friends who were getting married that God allowed me to share in that joy.
What blessings is your covetous attitude keeping you from?
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Lies
"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor." -Exodus 20.16
This final section of the Ten Commandments deals with civilization. My high school government teacher said there were two laws that make civilization possible. The second one is "Don't encroach on anyone else's rights or property" the don't steal idea. The first one would fit under commandment number nine, "Do all that you've agreed to do", be truthful and honest. Without honesty, society cannot exist.
Lies are spread to help someone get ahead, or to try and cover up something that they don't want known. How can society function like this? If no one is trustworthy how does anything good get accomplished? If there is no honesty how does order surpass chaos? If there is nothing but lies how are the rights of the people protected?
Men, how honest are you? Do you speak the truth always, no matter what the consequences might be? Or do you bend it to save your own skin when necessary? Are you trustworthy and honest by reputation? Or do you just speak what people want to hear?
Recently another season of High School Tropical Island (aka Survivor) came to an end. The guy who ended up winning drove me nuts. Every time he would make a promise to someone he'd swear on something different. He was a cop, so it started with his badge, then it moved to his wife and daughter, and finally it ended up on his father's grave. He had to keep upping the stakes because he just became more and more untrustworthy, but he was good at it, and people bought it and ended up losing. That's what happens in a society where lies are allowed to spread, he who can lie the best and most wins.
We must hold ourselves to truth and honesty. We must set a standard do speaking the truth at all times, even if it leads to our death as the quote from Kingdom of Heaven states. Are you willing to be completely honest? Without honesty everything falls apart. Let us speak the truth always.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
This final section of the Ten Commandments deals with civilization. My high school government teacher said there were two laws that make civilization possible. The second one is "Don't encroach on anyone else's rights or property" the don't steal idea. The first one would fit under commandment number nine, "Do all that you've agreed to do", be truthful and honest. Without honesty, society cannot exist.
Lies are spread to help someone get ahead, or to try and cover up something that they don't want known. How can society function like this? If no one is trustworthy how does anything good get accomplished? If there is no honesty how does order surpass chaos? If there is nothing but lies how are the rights of the people protected?
Men, how honest are you? Do you speak the truth always, no matter what the consequences might be? Or do you bend it to save your own skin when necessary? Are you trustworthy and honest by reputation? Or do you just speak what people want to hear?
Recently another season of High School Tropical Island (aka Survivor) came to an end. The guy who ended up winning drove me nuts. Every time he would make a promise to someone he'd swear on something different. He was a cop, so it started with his badge, then it moved to his wife and daughter, and finally it ended up on his father's grave. He had to keep upping the stakes because he just became more and more untrustworthy, but he was good at it, and people bought it and ended up losing. That's what happens in a society where lies are allowed to spread, he who can lie the best and most wins.
We must hold ourselves to truth and honesty. We must set a standard do speaking the truth at all times, even if it leads to our death as the quote from Kingdom of Heaven states. Are you willing to be completely honest? Without honesty everything falls apart. Let us speak the truth always.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Stealing
"You shall not steal." -Exodus 20.15
Respect for God, His name and His day, respect for parents, respect for life, and respect for marriage. All of these revolve around intangible things, things that have eternal value. But commandment eight seems to look at material things. God commands His people not to steal. Don't take what doesn't belong to you. Why is this important if material things don't matter in light of eternity?
I think commandment eight is talking about more than just material stuff, it's talking about civilization. One of the only things I remember from my high school government class is something my teacher called the two laws that make civilization possible. The second one is "Don't encroach on anyone else's rights or property." If people steal there is chaos. People become so focused on protecting their stuff that it consumes their lives.
Stealing encourages hoarding and laziness. Stealing is just looking out for yourself. And if you can just get what you need by taking it from someone else, why work for anything. And stealing brings chaos. There is constant worry, constant panic, you can't have civilization under those conditions. And stealing doesn't just involve money or materials, you can steal time. You can skip out of work early, you can blow of responsibilities at home and with your family.
Men, do you steal? Do you take what isn't yours or what you haven't earned? Do you rob your family or your time and attention? Are you bringing chaos into the lives of those around you?
Let us work hard, and honestly. Let us bring order and make civilization possible. Do not steal.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Respect for God, His name and His day, respect for parents, respect for life, and respect for marriage. All of these revolve around intangible things, things that have eternal value. But commandment eight seems to look at material things. God commands His people not to steal. Don't take what doesn't belong to you. Why is this important if material things don't matter in light of eternity?
I think commandment eight is talking about more than just material stuff, it's talking about civilization. One of the only things I remember from my high school government class is something my teacher called the two laws that make civilization possible. The second one is "Don't encroach on anyone else's rights or property." If people steal there is chaos. People become so focused on protecting their stuff that it consumes their lives.
Stealing encourages hoarding and laziness. Stealing is just looking out for yourself. And if you can just get what you need by taking it from someone else, why work for anything. And stealing brings chaos. There is constant worry, constant panic, you can't have civilization under those conditions. And stealing doesn't just involve money or materials, you can steal time. You can skip out of work early, you can blow of responsibilities at home and with your family.
Men, do you steal? Do you take what isn't yours or what you haven't earned? Do you rob your family or your time and attention? Are you bringing chaos into the lives of those around you?
Let us work hard, and honestly. Let us bring order and make civilization possible. Do not steal.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Monday, June 16, 2014
Adultery
"You shall not commit adultery." -Exodus 20.14
Commandment seven deals with marriage, and guarding this relationship. It's a big deal. As humans we are made in the image of God, each one of us displaying God to the rest of creation. In marriage you have a man and a woman coming together and becoming one. You have a man, made in the image of God, bearing the masculine half of His heart, the side that is strong and dangerous, being joined to a woman, made in the image of God, bearing the feminine half of His heart, the side that is beautiful and captivating, and becoming one.
It is as one that a couple is able to fully display God to the rest of creation. And it is in the covenant of marriage that the two physically become one. When the two halves of God's heart come together as one, there is the ability to create life. It is a sacred gift, and a powerful one. It is an intimate bond that God has given to men and women to enjoy, but also to witness about Him. God does not want that broken by adultery.
Adultery takes the relationship, the heart of God, and breaks it. It wants the pleasure without the commitment. It's looking for intimacy without having to deal with the hard stuff. It's a sin, and God commands against it.
Men, is adultery part of your life? Some of us have watched it dramatically alter our lives when someone else engages in it, this is the story of my life. My grandfather had an affair, and it did a lot of damage to my family, that is continuing to grow worse. Some are engaged in it now, hoping that no one will ever find out. Let me tell you, your sin will be discovered, and it will destroy your family. Don't go down this road, the price you will pay is not worth the momentary pleasure. But some of us are doing everything we possibly can to avoid ever falling into it. We have seen the damage it can do. We have a desire to be faithful men of God, and we strive daily to be obedient to Him. Where do you find yourself?
Let us flee from adultery, and to set a godly example of a marriage relationship. Let us live in intimacy with our wives that displays God most clearly to creation, strong and beautiful, dangerous and captivating.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Commandment seven deals with marriage, and guarding this relationship. It's a big deal. As humans we are made in the image of God, each one of us displaying God to the rest of creation. In marriage you have a man and a woman coming together and becoming one. You have a man, made in the image of God, bearing the masculine half of His heart, the side that is strong and dangerous, being joined to a woman, made in the image of God, bearing the feminine half of His heart, the side that is beautiful and captivating, and becoming one.
It is as one that a couple is able to fully display God to the rest of creation. And it is in the covenant of marriage that the two physically become one. When the two halves of God's heart come together as one, there is the ability to create life. It is a sacred gift, and a powerful one. It is an intimate bond that God has given to men and women to enjoy, but also to witness about Him. God does not want that broken by adultery.
Adultery takes the relationship, the heart of God, and breaks it. It wants the pleasure without the commitment. It's looking for intimacy without having to deal with the hard stuff. It's a sin, and God commands against it.
Men, is adultery part of your life? Some of us have watched it dramatically alter our lives when someone else engages in it, this is the story of my life. My grandfather had an affair, and it did a lot of damage to my family, that is continuing to grow worse. Some are engaged in it now, hoping that no one will ever find out. Let me tell you, your sin will be discovered, and it will destroy your family. Don't go down this road, the price you will pay is not worth the momentary pleasure. But some of us are doing everything we possibly can to avoid ever falling into it. We have seen the damage it can do. We have a desire to be faithful men of God, and we strive daily to be obedient to Him. Where do you find yourself?
Let us flee from adultery, and to set a godly example of a marriage relationship. Let us live in intimacy with our wives that displays God most clearly to creation, strong and beautiful, dangerous and captivating.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Don't Murder
"You shall not murder." Exodus 20.13
After honoring parents God's next commandment is not to murder. God doesn't say not to kill, but not to murder. There is a difference. Murder is something that is premeditated, and done with malice. It is an act done for the simple purpose of ending someone's life over some difference or disagreement. Murder is killing, but killing isn't always murder.
Israel just went through a battle, and in that battle, in order to win, they had to kill the enemy. God does not like when humans end the life of another human, but He knows that the world is fallen and sinful. He knows wars will happen. In the not too distant future God will even order Israel to completely destroy the other nations in the Promised Land. God says you shall not murder.
Men, life is a sacred and precious thing. God wants us to guard it, protect it, and preserve it. He does not want us to plan on ending the life of another human. He does not want us, driven by anger and hatred, to take revenge and carry out judgment on other people. But again, His commandment is not to murder.
If someone breaks into my house at night I will be firing my 12 gauge at them, aiming to kill. I have a family to protect, and I will do what I have to in order to keep them safe. That is not murder, that is survival, and defending my family. But I will not sit and plot revenge on the someone who has wronged me, and then go carry it out, that is murder.
Let us guard life, let us deal with those who have wronged us calmly and rationally. Let us not act in anger or hatred to take the life of another; we'll see when we get to Jesus' teachings how these two coincide. We shall not murder.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
After honoring parents God's next commandment is not to murder. God doesn't say not to kill, but not to murder. There is a difference. Murder is something that is premeditated, and done with malice. It is an act done for the simple purpose of ending someone's life over some difference or disagreement. Murder is killing, but killing isn't always murder.
Israel just went through a battle, and in that battle, in order to win, they had to kill the enemy. God does not like when humans end the life of another human, but He knows that the world is fallen and sinful. He knows wars will happen. In the not too distant future God will even order Israel to completely destroy the other nations in the Promised Land. God says you shall not murder.
Men, life is a sacred and precious thing. God wants us to guard it, protect it, and preserve it. He does not want us to plan on ending the life of another human. He does not want us, driven by anger and hatred, to take revenge and carry out judgment on other people. But again, His commandment is not to murder.
If someone breaks into my house at night I will be firing my 12 gauge at them, aiming to kill. I have a family to protect, and I will do what I have to in order to keep them safe. That is not murder, that is survival, and defending my family. But I will not sit and plot revenge on the someone who has wronged me, and then go carry it out, that is murder.
Let us guard life, let us deal with those who have wronged us calmly and rationally. Let us not act in anger or hatred to take the life of another; we'll see when we get to Jesus' teachings how these two coincide. We shall not murder.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Saturday, June 14, 2014
Honor Parents
"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you." -Exodus 20.12
The first four commandments deal with man's relationship with God, but here with commandment five there is a transition to man's relationship with one another. The first commandment in this section deals with the first human relationship every person has, honor your father and mother. When we do there is the promise of long life in the land that God gives the people.
It is important to note that it says honor, not obey. There comes a time when we no longer have to obey our parents. At 27, and living on my own, my parents can no longer tell me what to do. They can give advice and offer suggestions, but since I'm an adult who is on my own, I am not required by God to obey them. But I am called to honor them. So what does that mean?
Honoring is living in a way that does not bring shame to your parents. It is living as a law abiding citizen who contributes to the good of society. We can honor our parents always, even if they are no longer here, and it is something that God has commanded us to do.
Men, are you honoring your father and mother? Are you living in a way that does not cause them grief and shame? Even if your parents weren't good parents, you can still honor them, and are still called to honor them. Your dad may not have been around, physically or mentally, but you can still live in a way that would make him proud, even if he couldn't care less. Your mother may have torn you down with her words, or lack of them, but you can still live in a way that doesn't shame her, even if she never acknowledges it. Honoring is not contingent upon them, but you.
And it is important to ask another question, are you living in a way that deserves to be honored by your children? Are you setting an example as a man, husband, and father? Are you teaching your children how to live a life that honors you as their father, and your wife as their mother? Are you living a life that they want to honor?
We are commanded to honor our parents for as long as we live. And we need to live in a way that teaches our children to honor us so that their lives may be prolonged in the land that God gives them. Honor your parents, and live in a way the deserves to be honored.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
The first four commandments deal with man's relationship with God, but here with commandment five there is a transition to man's relationship with one another. The first commandment in this section deals with the first human relationship every person has, honor your father and mother. When we do there is the promise of long life in the land that God gives the people.
It is important to note that it says honor, not obey. There comes a time when we no longer have to obey our parents. At 27, and living on my own, my parents can no longer tell me what to do. They can give advice and offer suggestions, but since I'm an adult who is on my own, I am not required by God to obey them. But I am called to honor them. So what does that mean?
Honoring is living in a way that does not bring shame to your parents. It is living as a law abiding citizen who contributes to the good of society. We can honor our parents always, even if they are no longer here, and it is something that God has commanded us to do.
Men, are you honoring your father and mother? Are you living in a way that does not cause them grief and shame? Even if your parents weren't good parents, you can still honor them, and are still called to honor them. Your dad may not have been around, physically or mentally, but you can still live in a way that would make him proud, even if he couldn't care less. Your mother may have torn you down with her words, or lack of them, but you can still live in a way that doesn't shame her, even if she never acknowledges it. Honoring is not contingent upon them, but you.
And it is important to ask another question, are you living in a way that deserves to be honored by your children? Are you setting an example as a man, husband, and father? Are you teaching your children how to live a life that honors you as their father, and your wife as their mother? Are you living a life that they want to honor?
We are commanded to honor our parents for as long as we live. And we need to live in a way that teaches our children to honor us so that their lives may be prolonged in the land that God gives them. Honor your parents, and live in a way the deserves to be honored.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Friday, June 13, 2014
Sabbath Commanded
"Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a sabbath of the Lord your God; in it you shall not do any work, you or your son or your daughter, your male or your female servant or your cattle or your sojourner who stays with you. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day; therefore the Lord blessed the sabbath day and made it holy." -Exodus 20.8-11
Commandment four is God telling them something they have already heard. Back when the manna was being given God told them to gather enough on day six for two days. He told them to prepare whatever needed to be done the night before because the seventh day was to be a sabbath day of rest. Here, as it is commanded, not suggested, that the seventh day is to be a day of rest. And here there is some explanation.
God created everything in six days and on the seventh He rested. If God rests after creating the universe, man should rest too. There are six days to get done what we need. There are six days to do our job in, and six days to work around the house and do yard work. But on the seventh day, we need to rest.
Men, do you have a sabbath? It doesn't have to be Sunday, back when I was in professional ministry I had to work on Sundays, and so I took Friday as my sabbath. I would spend the day resting, maybe take a long walk with my dog. I'd get alone and just try to enjoy nature, something that refreshes me.
The sabbath doesn't mean we sit around and do nothing, that often ends up leaving us more drained. Instead we need to rest, we need to do something that is refreshing. It needs to include a time of worship, set aside to fully focus on God more than every other day. And on it, we need to let others rest as well, they also need a sabbath. We need to make sure our families have time to rest, and to worship together.
The Sabbath is not a suggestion, but a commandment from God. We are to remember it, to fiercely guard it, and keep it holy.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Commandment four is God telling them something they have already heard. Back when the manna was being given God told them to gather enough on day six for two days. He told them to prepare whatever needed to be done the night before because the seventh day was to be a sabbath day of rest. Here, as it is commanded, not suggested, that the seventh day is to be a day of rest. And here there is some explanation.
God created everything in six days and on the seventh He rested. If God rests after creating the universe, man should rest too. There are six days to get done what we need. There are six days to do our job in, and six days to work around the house and do yard work. But on the seventh day, we need to rest.
Men, do you have a sabbath? It doesn't have to be Sunday, back when I was in professional ministry I had to work on Sundays, and so I took Friday as my sabbath. I would spend the day resting, maybe take a long walk with my dog. I'd get alone and just try to enjoy nature, something that refreshes me.
The sabbath doesn't mean we sit around and do nothing, that often ends up leaving us more drained. Instead we need to rest, we need to do something that is refreshing. It needs to include a time of worship, set aside to fully focus on God more than every other day. And on it, we need to let others rest as well, they also need a sabbath. We need to make sure our families have time to rest, and to worship together.
The Sabbath is not a suggestion, but a commandment from God. We are to remember it, to fiercely guard it, and keep it holy.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Thursday, June 12, 2014
In Vain
"You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not leave him unpunished who takes His name in vain." -Exodus 20.7
The first two commandments are very personal, almost internal, but here with commandment three there is something new. The first two deal with the people and their personal relationship with God, but this one involves how they speak of Him. Pastor Mark Driscoll, in a sermon on this verse, stressed how God allows us to use His name under certain conditions.
God's name is holy, and above all others. His name demands honor and respect. We are not to speak of it vainly, "without real significance, value, or importance; baseless or worthless". Are any of these true of God? The people are not to reduce Him, or even His name, to these things. Driscoll said, "What we speak about God is how we worship God."
Men, how do you use the name of God? Over the past few centuries God's name has been used to condone murder, the crusaders went into battle declaring "God wills it!" It has been used to condemn, how many messages have been turn or burn, and God's name is all over it. How many times has God's name been associated with hatred and anger? One group is famous for their phrase, "God hates fags!" God's name has even been reduced to an every day expression of shock, anger, or sadness, "Oh my God." Do any of these have significance, value or importance? All of them are worthless expressions of God most high.
Let us never misuse the name of God. May we never treat it as a trivial thing that is ours to do what we will with. May God's name always be spoken as you wish your name would be. With highest respect, deep honor, and genuine love. Let us never dishonor God by speaking His name casually. May we always treat it with the holy reverence it alone is worthy of.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
The first two commandments are very personal, almost internal, but here with commandment three there is something new. The first two deal with the people and their personal relationship with God, but this one involves how they speak of Him. Pastor Mark Driscoll, in a sermon on this verse, stressed how God allows us to use His name under certain conditions.
God's name is holy, and above all others. His name demands honor and respect. We are not to speak of it vainly, "without real significance, value, or importance; baseless or worthless". Are any of these true of God? The people are not to reduce Him, or even His name, to these things. Driscoll said, "What we speak about God is how we worship God."
Men, how do you use the name of God? Over the past few centuries God's name has been used to condone murder, the crusaders went into battle declaring "God wills it!" It has been used to condemn, how many messages have been turn or burn, and God's name is all over it. How many times has God's name been associated with hatred and anger? One group is famous for their phrase, "God hates fags!" God's name has even been reduced to an every day expression of shock, anger, or sadness, "Oh my God." Do any of these have significance, value or importance? All of them are worthless expressions of God most high.
Let us never misuse the name of God. May we never treat it as a trivial thing that is ours to do what we will with. May God's name always be spoken as you wish your name would be. With highest respect, deep honor, and genuine love. Let us never dishonor God by speaking His name casually. May we always treat it with the holy reverence it alone is worthy of.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Wednesday, June 11, 2014
No Idols
"You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments." -Exodus 20.4-6
After commanding the people to have no gods before Him, the Lord gives His second commandment, don't make any idols. Israel had just gotten out of Egypt, a civilization full of idol worship. God is teaching His people that He is alive, not an inanimate object. He is the creator, not created, and there can be no representation of Him. If we worship God it demands faith, faith is what is unseen. An idol gives something to touch and watch, but it is worthless and powerless. God is real, God is spirit, and there can be no idol of Him.
Men, do you have idols? They can take many shapes, it doesn't have to be a stone statue of an animal. It's something you live for, something you look to for strength, guidance, or security. Money can be an idol. Material possessions can be as well. A person can be an idol. Anything we are striving to live up to, or compare ourselves to, that is not God, is leading us away from Him.
An idol is a distraction, a false foundation, and God knows how dangerous and destructive this will be for His people. He tells them from the beginning, "Don't do it. Don't be like Egypt whom I destroyed." God want's us to trust in Him, follow Him, worship Him, and strive to live like Him. Idols take us away from all of that, so God tells us, do not make any idols.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
After commanding the people to have no gods before Him, the Lord gives His second commandment, don't make any idols. Israel had just gotten out of Egypt, a civilization full of idol worship. God is teaching His people that He is alive, not an inanimate object. He is the creator, not created, and there can be no representation of Him. If we worship God it demands faith, faith is what is unseen. An idol gives something to touch and watch, but it is worthless and powerless. God is real, God is spirit, and there can be no idol of Him.
Men, do you have idols? They can take many shapes, it doesn't have to be a stone statue of an animal. It's something you live for, something you look to for strength, guidance, or security. Money can be an idol. Material possessions can be as well. A person can be an idol. Anything we are striving to live up to, or compare ourselves to, that is not God, is leading us away from Him.
An idol is a distraction, a false foundation, and God knows how dangerous and destructive this will be for His people. He tells them from the beginning, "Don't do it. Don't be like Egypt whom I destroyed." God want's us to trust in Him, follow Him, worship Him, and strive to live like Him. Idols take us away from all of that, so God tells us, do not make any idols.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
No Other Gods
"I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. You shall have no other gods before Me." -Exodus 20.2-3
God has come down onto the mountain and has called Moses up to meet with Him. And it is here on the mountain that God gives Moses His law. Here Moses receives the Ten Commandments, the standard of righteousness at this point. Commandment number one declares that the Lord has brought His people out of Egypt, delivering them from slavery, and they are to have no other gods before Him.
Men, who is your God? What land of enslavement has God brought you out of? Freedom is only found in God, and the freedom allows us to serve Him. We are human, and we will serve something. We either serve God, or we serve what is not God. God is either our god, or self/sin is our god. If you aren't serving God, then you haven't been delivered from slavery.
If you have been set free then gratefully serve God. Have no other gods before Him. He has delivered you and earned your love and worship. Remember all that God has done for you, and have nothing else before Him.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
God has come down onto the mountain and has called Moses up to meet with Him. And it is here on the mountain that God gives Moses His law. Here Moses receives the Ten Commandments, the standard of righteousness at this point. Commandment number one declares that the Lord has brought His people out of Egypt, delivering them from slavery, and they are to have no other gods before Him.
Men, who is your God? What land of enslavement has God brought you out of? Freedom is only found in God, and the freedom allows us to serve Him. We are human, and we will serve something. We either serve God, or we serve what is not God. God is either our god, or self/sin is our god. If you aren't serving God, then you haven't been delivered from slavery.
If you have been set free then gratefully serve God. Have no other gods before Him. He has delivered you and earned your love and worship. Remember all that God has done for you, and have nothing else before Him.
"Iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."
To God alone be the Glory!
Strength and Honor
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