Hijo de Dios

Most Christians are familiar with the exchange between Peter and Jesus in regard to forgiveness:

21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. – Matthew 18:21-22

23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26 The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 27 Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.

28 “But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 30 And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32 Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.

35 “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”

Surely this is plain enough. We are to be just as forgiving as the Father. Most Christians fully understand just how much Jesus forgave us “while we were yet sinners”. Yet Jesus seemed more specific than even that. Why 70 times 7? Why not 700 times 7? Or 7000 times 7?

Consider the following and decide for yourself what the Holy Spirit would have you understand:

So when Jesus directly states, “70 times 7”, perhaps we should consider the 4 Great Jubilees until the coming of the Messiah and the last week of the Great Tribulation before we feign to consider his response as simply allegorical!

Summary:
According to Paul, there are 6 things I must do – even seven, in order to put on the Full ArmorIsaiah 59:17 ESV He put on righteousness as a breastplate, and a helmet of salvation on his head; he put on garments of vengeance for clothing, and wrapped himself in zeal as a cloak. of God. I must:

1. Gird my waist with TRUTH
2. Put on the breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS
3. Shod my feet with the preparation of the GOSPEL OF PEACE
4. Carry the shield of FAITH
5. Wear the helmet of SALVATION, and
6. Wield the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT
7. PRAYING ALWAYS

To me, that means I should plan my daily walk and relationships around the following 7 activities:

1. DAILY
   1. In Jesus – Always considering what Jesus did for me! 5 minutes
   2. In Worship – Praise, rejoice & give thanks! 5 minutes
   3. In Prayer – Always and continually, for everything 5 minutes
   4. In the Word – Consume the Word & hide it in my heart 5 minutes
   5. In Surrender – Humble myself and tremble at His Word 5 minutes
2. WEEKLY
   6. In Pairs & Groups – Walk with others in love, let the world see once a week
3. ALWAYS
   7. In Love & Wisdom – Love each other & let the world see Christ in me always

If the world has a tendency to wear me down and block me from the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, then perhaps I’m not wearing the full armor of God. I really need to start each and every day – even before I get out of bed!, by going to the Lord in all things. In fact, these are things I should make time for…throughout my day.

As a Christian, I tithe 10% of my income to GodMalachi 3:10 NIV Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.. Well, what about my time? Do I tithe 10% of my first fruits – that is, the time given me by God? In a 24 hour day, that would be 2.4 hours. And of that, how much do I give back to God First?

I’m not suggesting I set a clock on my desk and give back 144 minutes until the alarm rings. Some might even suggest 96 minutes – since they sleep 8 hours a day. I suggest that I should not focus on a “rule”. Instead, I should consider my heart. Perhaps it is OK to ask, “But what do I do each day to seek Him first?” and, “Am I strong in the Lord and in the power of His might?”.

In Ephesians 6:4-20, Paul tells us to put on the whole armor of God:

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the WHOLE ARMOR OF GOD, that you may be able to stand against the wilesSchemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalitiesCreated beings that wield power in unseen realms to oppose everything and everyone that belongs to the Lord, against powersLuke 10:17-20 The seventy-two returned with joy and said, “Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.” He replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.”, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickednessDaniel 10:12-14 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard; and I have come because of your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days; and behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left alone there with the kings of Persia. Now I have come to make you understand what will happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision refers to many days yet to come.” in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with TRUTH, having put on the breastplate of RIGHTEOUSNESS, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the GOSPEL OF PEACE; above all, taking the shield of FAITH with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts(attacks) of the wicked one. And take the helmet of SALVATION, and the SWORD OF THE SPIRIT, which is the word of God; PRAYING ALWAYS with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospelEphesians 3:6 …that the Gentiles should be fellow heirs, of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ through the gospel (see all Ephesians 3!) Romans 16:23-27 Gaius, whose hospitality I and the whole church here enjoy, sends you his greetings. Erastus, who is the city’s director of public works, and our brother Quartus send you their greetings. Now to him who is able to establish you in accordance with my gospel, the message I proclaim about Jesus Christ, in keeping with the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all the Gentiles might come to the obedience that comes from faith — to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen., for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”

Wait…so how do I “put on the full armor of God”?
How do I go about it? How – exactly, do I “put on the helmet of salvation”? I see the 7 things Paul mentioned, but – for many, this remains unclear.

I know I am not alone. Many – most, listen to Paul’s instruction…yet fail to hear and APPLY it. The whole point of discipleship is to hold one another up – to walk in Christ.

Now, if I am a Christian who has accepted Jesus as my Savior and I am still struggling, here are 7 thoughts regarding the Armor of God from the book of Ephesians and others. Perhaps you have your own insights into maintaining His armor?!

1. In Jesus – Take time each day to consider what Jesus did for me. 5 minutes

   Before I consider this, it is essential that I give my life over to Jesus Christ as my Savior entirely by faith – not by works. All my works and piety (religious devotion) are but pitiful ragsIsaiah 64:6-7 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away. in comparison.

   In short, I CANNOT put on the full armor of God without Jesus.

   I must be saved!Joel 2:32 And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, as the Lord has said, among the remnant whom the Lord calls. I must humbleIsaiah 66:2 …“These are the ones I look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and who tremble at my word.” myself, confessRomans 10:9-13 If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” with my mouth and surrenderJob 11:13-14 “If you would prepare your heart, and stretch out your hands toward Him; If iniquity were in your hand, and you put it far away, and would not let wickedness dwell in your tents…” to Christ. I must do this not because I ought but because I believe in my heart that Jesus of Nazareth – God in the flesh, was crucified according to scripture1 Corinthians 15:3-8 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas[Peter], then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep[died]. After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. Then last of all He was seen by me also, as by one born out of due time., that he was buried for 3 days and that he was resurrected – as witnessed by well over 500 people…and lives today.

   In a few places – Worship, Surrender and Prayer, I allude to being “in Jesus”. How can I be “in Jesus”? Simply put, I can be “in Jesus” because I have accepted him as Lord. I have believed in my heart and not works – for he discerns the hearts of menJohn 2:23-25 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name when they saw the signs which He did. 24 But Jesus did not commit Himself to them, because He knew all men, 25 and had no need that anyone should testify of man, for He knew what was in man., that Jesus died for my sins so that I can live.

   This is what it means to be “in Jesus” or “born again”. This is what it means to “put on the helmet of salvation” – to REMEMBER continually that Jesus died for me.

   And I continue to seek His Will for my life – that I may bear fruit. I do not need to marvel at this. Jesus said:

   “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

   To put on the helmet of salvation is to REMAIN in him and he in me.

   If I hope to bear fruit – especially fruit that will last, I must seek His will and acknowledge HimProverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. in everything I do. Not just when I don’t know what to do, but in everything I do.
     For a deeper dive, read what Jesus said about:
     The True Vine and the Branches:
   John 15:1-17

   All of this is foolishness1 Corinthians 1:18 For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. to those who don’t know Jesus.

   Yet, even new believers often have questions. Nicodemus was a VERY educated teacher for the Pharisees – was seeking to understand more, yet struggled with it as well.
   For a deeper dive, read what Jesus said to Nicodemus:
   The New Birth, Jesus Teaches Nicodemus:
   John 3:1-21

2. In Worship – Start my day with it and carry praise with me! 5 minutes
   I raise a hallelujah, in the presence of my enemies
   I raise a hallelujah, louder than the unbelief
   I raise a hallelujah, my weapon is a melody
   I raise a hallelujah, heaven comes to fight for me!

   Worship is a weapon provided by God to flee from trial, tribulation and the things of this world.

   Worship changes my: focus, perspective, circumstances, enemy position and changes others around me. Just as Paul and Silas were freed from prison and the jailer saved, scripture tells me that I can sing praises to the LordActs 16:25-29 But at midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken; and immediately all the doors were opened and everyone’s chains were loosed. And the keeper of the prison, awaking from sleep and seeing the prison doors open, supposing the prisoners had fled, drew his sword and was about to kill himself. But Paul called with a loud voice, saying, “Do yourself no harm, for we are all here.” Then he called for a light, ran in, and fell down trembling before Paul and Silas. and even in the midst of tribulation and He will keep me from harm!

   I can be on my knees in prayer or dancing on the carpet – giving thanks to the God who gave me life and redemption and he will keep me from the Fowler’s snare!!Psalm 91 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; my God, in Him I will trust.” Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the Fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, nor of the arrow that flies by day, nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday. A thousand may fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand; but it shall not come near you. Only with your eyes shall you look, and see the reward of the wicked. Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your dwelling place, no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; for He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways. In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone. You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, the young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot. “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. With long life I will satisfy him, and show him My salvation.”

   Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. – 1 Thess 5:16-18 “…Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”- Nehemiah 8:10

   Some of my favorite songs when I sing are:

   Raise A Hallelujah (LIVE) Gratitude – by Brandon Lake Who You Say I Am Holy, Holy, Holy! Agnus Dei (Live) Here I Am To Worship

   Or, I can simply speak the name of JESUS…over and over – to call out in spiritual battle, when my strength is all but gone.

3. In Prayer – Start each day with prayer and pray continually 5 minutes

   Prayer is not just “a good idea”. It is my lifeline and my vehicle for surrendering to His Will. I need to be on my knees – figuratively if not literally, everyday and throughout the day. My first and greatest strength comes to me when I pray over my family, my neighbor and my community – those within my sphere of influence. Prayer is my conduit for what God would have me do. And it is the Holy Spirit with my faith in Christ that ministers to me through prayer and reading His word. Nothing will see me losing spiritual battle faster than the forsaking of prayer. So many have come to me saying, “I just feel like I’m losing the battle…” And I ask, “When is the last time you sang a song in praise? When is the last time you prayed?” They stop, realizing it has been too long…

   A common challenge is to be In Worship for 5 minutes, In Prayer for 5 minutes and In the Word for 5 minutes – 15 minutes, the first thing every day for a month and see how God affects my life. Anyone who tries it for real only ever ends up giving God more of their time each day! And the reason is simple. I cannot out tithe God. When I titheMalachi 3:10-11 “…Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it. 11 I will prevent pests from devouring your crops, and the vines in your fields will not drop their fruit before it is ripe,” says the Lord Almighty. to God, He gives back many times over. I end up spending more time with the Lord than I expected and I grow closer to Him each day.

   The whole point is to not only place my faith in Christ for salvation but to literally trust God to keep His promise and take care of my needs. In my experience, this is true in ALL things! I give God my time – or anything I treasure, and God is faithful to respond! I Step back and watch my efforts bear fruit I couldn’t have imagined! But don’t take my word for it. It is His challenge to us all!

   It is through prayer that I accept Jesus as my savior. Continued prayer – in Jesus, is how I grow and learn to Trust Him with my life! (sanctification)

4. In the Word – Read each day and hide scripture in my heart 5 minutes

   Just like being “In Prayer”, it is essential to be “In the Word” every day. The two are meant to be joined…our “how to” instructions in writing.

   And yet, to be In the Word is so much more. We can see what he is saying when he referred to Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit as one…

   John wrote:

   In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. – John 1:1-5

   To me, Jesus IS the Word. And the Word IS Jesus. The two are in separable. I love the Word, I love Jesus. I love Jesus, I love the Word. Combined with the Father’s Spirit – since they are one and the same, I can KNOW Jesus AND His Word!

   This means, if I want to KNOW Jesus more, I need to spend time in His Word – in Jesus. The bible calls scripture “The Living Word”. This is because His Word is Life and Truth – Alive:

   Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account. – Hebrews 4:12-13

   Let’s try a little illustration. What happens when I literally replace God’s “Word” with “Jesus”:

   So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. – Isaiah 55:11 So shall Jesus be that goes forth from My mouth; He shall not return to Me void, But he shall accomplish what I please, And he shall prosper in the thing for which I sent him.

   Can you see Jesus IS the Word?

   So what happens when we replace God’s “Word” with Jesus in an entire story (parable)?

   Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.” – Matthew 13:3-9 Then he told them many things in parables, saying: “A farmer went out to sow Jesus words. As he was scattering Jesus words, some fell along the path, and the birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky places, where it did not have much soil. Jesus sprang up quickly, because the soil was shallow. But when the sun came up, the plants were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other words by Jesus fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the plants. Still other words by Jesus fell on good soil, where Jesus words produced a crop—a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown. Whoever has ears, let them hear.”

   Later, Jesus explains to the disciples that the “seeds” are his “words”:

   “Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.”

   The parable illustrates how many receive him – the Word. Can you begin to see how these things to “put on the Armor of God” are interconnected? …how they depend on each other? (So many examples, so little time!) The Word is ALIVE because the Word IS Jesus! To be in the Word, is to be “In Prayer”. To be In Prayer is to be “In the Word”. To be in the Word is to be “In Jesus”…(we really can do this all day!)

   If I were to lose the Word, it seems as if it would be like losing a child or a family member, and feeling as if I could no longer breathe…times the number of souls on earth. If I do not have the Word, I don’t have Jesus nor do I have Prayer. Without the Holy Spirit, I do not have the Word. Without Jesus, I do not have the Word. If I have no Jesus, no Prayer, no Word, then I don’t have the Father or the Spirit.

   I NEED to be in the Word every day. It could be five minutes or five hours, or the entire day. But I need the Word. I need to spend time in it. I need to ask for understanding – eyes to see and ears to hear. Without these things, I have nothing and no hope for TRUTH, LIFE, LOVE or God.

   In fact, it is even important to be in His Word CONTINUALLY.

   What?? How can I possibly be “In the Word” continually? Glad you asked!

   I must hide His Word in my heart, so that I may speak it when I need or feel prompted! Psalm 119:11

   This means prayerfully studying it for understanding. It means memorization to give it the best change of being part of me – consuming it, eating it. And yes, I know what you might be thinking, “but the verse numbers are impossible!” Sometimes they are, sometimes they aren’t. I suggest that my focus should be on His Word more than numbering made up by men in the mid-16th century: Where Do Verse and Chapter Numbers in the Bible Come From? – Andy Rau

   Don’t misunderstand me. I love to be able to speak or go directly to a verse in scripture. And I see nothing wrong with it. If you can memorize the exact numbering – good for you! Yet I confess that I’m more impressed with hiding Jesus in my heart – ready to speak His Words according to the Spirit, than with my ability to point to a place in the book as collated by a single man around 600 to 800 years ago.

   I must CONSUMERevelation 10:8-11 – John Eats the Little Book
   Then the voice which I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, “Go, take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth.” So I went to the angel and said to him, “Give me the little book.” And he said to me, “Take and eat it; and it will make your stomach bitter, but it will be as sweet as honey in your mouth.” Then I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it, and it was as sweet as honey in my mouth. But when I had eaten it, my stomach became bitter. And he said to me, “You must prophesy again about many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings.” His Word until it becomes a part of who I am. And the more I understand and put His Word into practice, the more like Jesus I become. (sanctification)

   Without the Word, I have no redemption, no life, no love, no joy, no peace, no patience, no kindness, no goodness and no faithfulness. Now that I know Jesus and His Word, how can I possibly start my day or continue through it without such things?

   Fear not! If I start my day with prayer and dive into His Word, the day becomes possible! If I seem under attack, I can sing His Praises and speak HIS TRUTH. I can know His JOY!

   5. In Surrender – Start each day in humility before the Lord and walk in it 5 minutes

   As a Christian, I have come to learn that it is not by my strength; rather, it is by His strength that I endure:

   I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13

   If I have concerns or challenges, or real people I wish to pray for, or I am simply grateful, I make a list! Then I hand over these things to Jesus. I trust Jesus to grant what I ask for according to His Will. I come to Jesus in faith and love – seeking His Will first, and the Father will grant my request:

   “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” – Mark 11:24-25

   And again:

   You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. – John 15:16 Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. – John 16:24 A man with leprosy came and knelt before him and said, “Lord, if you are willing, you can make me clean.” Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately he was cleansed of his leprosy. – Matthew 8:2-3

   If I am in Jesus, then His first promise is to grant me what I NEED. No, not what I want! It doesn’t mean grant me millions just so I can be rich. (By the way, that desire would imply I am not in Jesus!) It absolutely means that the Father will grant me anything I ask for in Jesus name as I have accepted him as my Savior, take up my own cross and follow him – not the world, and seek His perfect Will first. Believe me when I say this. If I am In Surrender, what I desire will change. That will align my heart to Jesus. And what I ask for will change with it!

   WEEKLY

   6. In Pairs & Groups – Reach out to others and support each other once a week

   Jesus demonstrated that we are not to walk alone. When we walk and work in pairs, we build each other up, bear witness to one another, carry each others burdens and produce more and better work“The sum of the whole really is greater than the sum of the individuals.”. As parts of the body of Christ, we support one another. Together, we are stronger in Christ than we can be while walking alone! I cannot count the number of times I thought I had a good bead on things only to discover that God has shown someone else a different – and often times better, way!

   Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. – Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

   When Jesus sent out the apostles and disciples, he did so in pairs:

   And He called the twelve to Himself, and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits. He commanded them to take nothing for the journey except a staff—no bag, no bread, no copper in their money belts— but to wear sandals, and not to put on two tunics. – Mark 6:7-9   Luke 10:1-4

   We are NOT to walk alone but in pairs, in groups and in gatherings of the body:

   Hebrews 10:24-25   Matthew 18:20   Acts 2:42-47   Ephesians 4:15-16   Acts 5:42 John 13:34-35   Galatians 6:1-2   Hebrews 3:12-13   Psalm 133   1 John 4:10-14

   I was in prayer at a corporation when the Lord allowed me to see and understand that walking and working in pairs – even in the workplace, was indeed found in scripture. So I tried it in my organization with stunning results. Morale improved. Productivity improved. Quality improved. Even attendance improved. And the speed at which projects were delivered improved. When asked, “What’s your secret?”. I looked the other director in the eye and stated, “Jesus showed me that working in pairs is better!” and shrugged my shoulders with a big ol’ smile.

   In short, surround yourself with other believers and run the race together!

   ALWAYS

   7. In Love and Wisdom – Choose to love others as Jesus loved me first always

   And finally, if I have all these things but do not have love and the application of love (Wisdom), it profits me nothing. It doesn’t matter what I do or say. It doesn’t matter what I sacrifice. None of these things matter if I do not claim and practice the love that Jesus showed me on the cross:

   If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 For a deeper dive, read: The Greatest Gift 1 Corinthians 13

   The world often quotes:

   “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou

   To me, this is a reality discovered by the world because of Jesus. If you are reading this, you may not remember any of it. But I write not for the sake of the elect – because you will remember, but because you are loved.

   I’ve learned that I do not impact others because of my limited knowledge or skill. So I strive as it was with Paul. When I write, I do not write with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaim to you my testimony. For as I write, I am determined to know nothing – save Jesus Christ and him crucified. Rather, I simply wish to share in all things Christ as any of you. And love covers a multitude of sin!1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
   1 Peter 4:8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
   Proverbs 10:12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins.
   1 John 4:7-9 Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

   In my life, I have learned – am learning, that I cannot defend myself on a daily basis without the love of Jesus Christ which he first showed me. Each of us is a target for the enemy. Surrendering to Christ – in love, is the only way…His Way.

   Peace to you and Grace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

   To God be the Glory. Amen

Let’s take a moment to consider God’s standard of righteousness – His Ten Commandments, in greater detail.

Ten Commandments – God’s Law

My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness.- Psalm 119:172

Exodus 20 – The 1st and 2nd Commandments

3 “You shall have no other gods before me.”

4 “You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. 5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, 6 but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments.”

This first two commandments appear easy at first glance. After all, just go to church on Sunday, right? (more on the 4th commandment later…) However, history and experience has shown – time and again, that it is VERY easy to place another “god” before Him and not even realize it. In Jeremiah we read:

4 “Because they have forsaken Me and made this an alien place, because they have burned incense in it to other gods whom neither they, their fathers, nor the kings of Judah have known, and have filled this place with the blood of the innocents(children) 5 they have also built the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command or speak, nor did it come into My mind, 6 therefore behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that this place shall no more be called Tophet or the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter.” – Jeremiah 19:4-6

We now know from biblical AND secular history that the people sacrificed to idols – even their children, from the time of the Babylon empire even unto today. God found this to be particularly offensive – to worship images of stone, wood and metals, instead of the God who created us in the first place. At the time Jeremiah wrote of these things, the nations of Israel and Judah were sacrificing to the false Canaanite god Baal [and Asherah, queen of heaven – consort of El] (Βάαλ Greek, Baal LT,BʿL Phoenician or “son of Dagon”, Hada Sumerian, Bel Babylonian or Marduk or Son of El).

“One may question that those ancient enemies of Israel were as evil as the Bible claims that they were, but even a superficial glance at Canaanite religion alone aptly demonstrates their iniquity. Base sex worship was prevalent, and religious prostitution even commanded; human sacrifice was common; and it was a frequent practice–in an effort to placate their gods–to kill young children and bury them in the foundations of a house or public building at the time of construction: Joshua 6:26 “In his days did Hiel the Bethelite build Jericho: he laid the foundation thereof in Abiram his firstborn…” – Howard E. Vos, “An Introduction To Bible Archaeology” Revised ed. (Chicago: Moody Press, 1953) pp. 17-19.

Entire groves of trees on high hills were carved into phallic symbols and shapes. The peoples would have great orgies in front of these images and sacrifice their infants to deal with the resulting births. Children were literally placed into the hands of a statue – Baal, and were burned unto death. Thousands of children and sacrifices occurred. Most people would read of such history and think, “Thank God we don’t do that today…”

However, we covet our lustful lifestyles and think nothing of a simple trip to the clinic when the birth is inconvenient. Today, there are 3,500+ births aborted each and every DAY in the United States alone. When we abort a child because we don’t want to change our lifestyle, we have stopped loving the God who created us and started worshiping the lifestyle which brings fleeting pleasure. The Israelis were doing this by the hundreds and thousands. Today in the U.S., we think nothing of doing so – by the millions. Over 33% of nations have currently legalized abortion. Most countries do not permit abortions.

Every time we choose things which bring us fleeting pleasure – food, money, sex, entertainment, and avoid; God’s word, repentance, love and sacrifice, we are choosing those things over Him who loves and created us in the first place. God commanded that we rest on the 7th day just as He did. Let me say that again to make a point, God commanded us to remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. Yet we go boating, lust after the next best movie at the theater, shop for things to temporarily satiate a desire to possess, and on it goes. Rather than read God’s word, we tend to zone out watching TV shows filled with violence, sex, foul language and the list goes on. Rather than helping our neighbor, we go out and buy the next best TV screen available, the next best car, the next best amazing outfit – all while others around us are struggling. Instead of learning to be content with what we have – rich or poor, we strive for more. One more car, one more gun, one more TV, and the list is endless. Each time we do, we don’t realize that we’ve actually forsaken the God who loves and created us only to worship things of wood, gold, material, etc.

And yes, some of us even worship other “gods” literally. Buddhist statues, Mecca, Kali, Baal, Astarte, Isis, the Pope. All of such things have their beginning in the pagan worship in Babylon. Yet they are worshiped even today after being “repackaged” under other names. Read a chapter in Jeremiah 10 and see if you can find a hint of truth in this.

Any time you place “things” as more important than your relationship with your Creator, you are placing an idol between you and Him.

One of the many lies perpetrated against God is the lie that we need anything created more than we need Him. And that is offensive to the God who created you and me.

So tell the truth – to yourself and God if not to others. Have you ever placed a false god or image ahead of the Creator – the One who gave you life in the first place? You don’t have to convince anyone of the truth to this question except yourself and God. After all, it is God who knows the truth even if we lie to ourselves and break the 9th commandment – “Thou shall not lie”.

Dictionary definitions of idolatry speak of “…religious worship of physical idols or excessive reverence or devotion to something.” In biblical terms, idolatry is worship of anything other than God. Colossians 3:5 links idolatry with covetousness; when we want something so much that we covet it, the thing has become an idol. And when we go after something ahead of or in place of God, we are breaking this commandment to love Him first and only.

What do you call someone who places false gods – even material things, before God? An idolator…

Exodus 20:7 – The 3rd Commandment

“You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”

This commandment has been interpreted in two ways I know of. First, there are many of us – most of us, who have used God’s name as a cuss word to express contempt or anger. Think for a second. How often do you hear someone say, “Hitler d*mn it!”? Or, “Buddha d*mn it!”? How often do you hear someone swear by the president of the United States – “I swear to Truman it’s true!” Yet none of us thinks twice about using God’s name as a cuss word. It might even be true that the most common phrase I’ve ever heard used while cussing is “Jesus Christ”. But I’ve never heard anyone smash their finger and cuss aloud, “Buddha!” or “Muhammad!” In fact, I venture to guess that if you used Muhammad like that, you could start an intense fist fight or even a holy war! Yet, for no explainable reason I’ve ever heard, Christians are expected to tolerate people using God or Jesus Christ as a cuss word – even from other Christians! Have you ever considered why? To do such a thing is called blasphemy. And it offends not only the Jews but any christian. Can you imagine using your mother’s name in such a fashion…as a cuss word? I’m betting any woman who did all these things: gave you birth, decided not to abort you, raised you, cared for you, would be pretty offended. Can you imagine how offensive it is to the God who created you? “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you,” – Jeremiah 1:5

For me, there is a second way that we blaspheme God’s name. We go about our day claiming to represent God – as Christians, church leaders and so on, yet we live as hypocrites who bring a negative stain to His name. We either do so out of ignorance or we do it by claiming we know and understand His Will and make promises – in His name, as though we are speaking for Him. The fact is, we have no right to claim to speak for God. We can claim His Word. We can speak His Word. And we can certainly share God’s Word – as it affects us. Yet we cannot create or save a single hair on our own head. We cannot attend a church service one day and then reveal to the world how shallow and uncaring we are the next day or all week and then claim we are doing God’s work – without breaking this commandment.

To blaspheme His name, is to speak of Him irreverently – as though He were not God. Or to speak as if we were God and thus speaking for Him.

In truth, have you ever taken the Lord’s name in vain? Have you ever used his name as a cuss word? Have you ever presumed to speak for God? Most folks have no problem admitting they have. I personally know of no one person who hasn’t.

What do you call someone who presumes to speak for God – in place of Him, and/or uses His name as a profane cuss word? A blasphemer…a blasphemous person

Exodus 20:8 – The 4th Commandment

“Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.”
⁹ Six days you shall labor and do all your work, ¹⁰ but the seventh day is a sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. ¹¹ For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”

This commandment is by far the least honored commandment I know. Even the jews – who made every effort to obey God, failed miserably at this. So much so, they were exiled from their own nation for 70 years. And all because they failed to honor the Sabbath for the land in Judah. This commandment is a sign between God and man. To me, it is how God knows who I am, because I will honor the 7th day of the week and keep it holy. I will seek after Him on that day and love my neighbor as myself. I will do this because of my love for God and my neighbor – not as a sacrifice. It is my heart that God seeks, not my sacrifice.

Glynnis Whitwer once wrote,

“The more I’ve deliberately chosen to rest on the Sabbath, the more my enslavement to overwork has lessened. No amount of my trying to shake off those chains made a difference. As I’ve declared my trust in God through honoring the Sabbath, the chains to being overly busy have fallen off. The Sabbath is a gift we should accept gratefully, not try to do perfectly. Honoring the Sabbath seems to be more of a heart-issue than about the rules. When I tried to find that loophole, my heart was in the wrong place. But when I humbly admit I need the Holy Spirit to confirm or refine my choices, I can honor the Sabbath guilt-free. What a beautiful gift our Father gives us in the Sabbath. A chance to rest. An opportunity to trust. An invitation to experience His faithfulness. The Sabbath is a gift I want to open every week. ‘Lord, thank You for the gift of the Sabbath. Show me the areas of my life I haven’t fully submitted to You, and help me learn how to accept Your gift of rest. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.'”

In addition to this wonderful gift that God gave, there is every reason to believe that this command – that God signified His people, is how we are marked as His children in the days to come. This is how we are identified as His.

So, have you ever worked a Saturday – the 7th day of the week? Have you ever chased after material things instead of seeking rest in Him on that day? Or – like the rest of us, have you chased after movies, entertainment, food, drinks, parties, sexual fulfillment? What about your Saturdays – all of them, have you set aside to honor God and His creation? Again, I know of no one person who has ever honored this commandment without fail.

What do you call someone who breaks this commandment? An idolatrous rebel – against God. To break this commandment is a breach of God’s covenant. In essence, I am no longer in agreement that He is my God and I follow Him. To remember the Sabbath and keep holy is to remain covent – in contract, that He is my God. A seal or sign that I am His child because I worship Him – in faith, even in this. By honoring Him on this day and setting it aside as a day of rest, I am placing Him as my God and not the things of this world. So I suppose, to break this commandment is to be an idolator or a rebel – since it would mean placing the things that He created ahead of Him. And if I am an idolator, then I’ve declared that I do not belong to the God I created.

Exodus 20:12 – The 5th Commandment

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

Usually we think this means “doing anything they say or command”. This isn’t the case at all. Although God gave parents authority within the family, all human authority has limits. For example, it never overrules God’s authority. For instance, when a high court ordered Jesus’ disciples to disobey God, they replied: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” – Acts 5:27-29 Likewise, children obey their parents “in union with the Lord,” —Ephesians 6:1 that is, in all things that do not conflict with God’s laws.

There is good reason for honoring our parents. If nothing else, they have almost always been through before what you are now discovering for the first time. To entirely ignore your parents advice is simply foolish. After all, what father would give his son a stone when he asks for bread? (Matt 7:9-10, Luke 11:11) Even a bad example IS an example of right and wrong after all. But there is a big difference between following your parents blindly as we do as children – when we need it most, and as we grow into adults.

Here are a few examples of honoring you mother and father that easily make sense – even in the worst situations:

Appreciate them. You honor your father and mother when you are thankful for all they have done for you. You can show your appreciation by valuing their guidance. (Proverbs 7:1, 2; 23:26) The Bible encourages you to view your parents as your “glory,” that is, to be proud of them.—Proverbs 17:6. It doesn’t mean following them blindly as you grow into an adult. It means that as you grow, you consider their advice and guidance sincerely. Thank them for the things they have sacrificed – to grow you as an adult and teach you in God’s Way. Then take it a step further by forgiving them as much as you have been forgiven during your life. By doing this, you show your appreciation for their efforts – no matter how small or large they may be. You will ONLY benefit from a relationship with your parents if you make every attempt to honor them – even and especially when they deserve it least.

Accept their authority. Especially while you are young, you honor your father and mother when you recognize the authority God has given them. Colossians 3:20 tells young ones: “Be obedient to your parents in everything, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord.” Even young Jesus willingly obeyed his parents. —Luke 2:51. You can disagree while still accepting authority – perhaps more so. The point is, while they are making the best decisions they know how to make, accept it. If their decisions seem to contradict scripture, sit down and discuss it with them. Ask them to teach you how their authority is in line with God’s Word. Either you are they – or both, are likely to learn from it! On the other hand, flagrant disobedience serves only to make every situation worse. Seek counseling if need be. But honor God by first making every attempt to honor your parents.

Treat them with respect. (Leviticus 19:3; Hebrews 12:9) This often involves what you say and how you say it. True, some parents at times act in ways that make it hard to respect them. After all, the bible warns parents as well, “Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.” – Eph 6:4 Even then, children can honor their parents by avoiding disrespectful speech and actions. (Proverbs 30:17) The Bible teaches that speaking abusively of one’s father or mother is a serious offense. (Matthew 15:4)

Provide for them. When your parents get on in years, they may need practical support. You can honor them by trying your best to make sure that they have what they need. (1 Timothy 5:4,8) For instance, shortly before he died, Jesus arranged for the care of his mother. (John 19:25-27)

What do you call a person who fails to honor their father and mother? An insolent rebel… If you cannot find a way to honor your own father and mother, what hope do you have in honoring your Creator? Even when parents deserve less, God will honor every effort you make to honor your parents. It is a direct reflection on how you honor God. When my own children show honor and respect, it makes me want to be a better dad!

Exodus 20:13 – The 6th Commandment

“You shall not murder.”

Of this commandment, Jesus taught,

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. – Matt 5:21-22

Here, Jesus is teaching that our own definition of murder is far less stringent than His. Yet, it is God who will judge us. If we harbor resentment or hate toward another in our heart, we are already in danger of being judged as a murderer.

So have you ever held hate and/or spite and anger in your heart for someone else? You don’t have to convince anyone of the truth to this question except yourself and God. After all, it is God who knows the truth even if we lie to ourselves and break the 9th commandment.

What do you call someone who commits murder – even in their heart and mind? A murderer…

Exodus 20:14 – The 7th Commandment

“You shall not commit adultery.”

Of this commandment, Jesus taught

27 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. – Matt 5:27-28

And he went on to illustrate just how serious this is,

29 If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to sin, cut it off and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell. – Matt 5:29-30

Clearly, our own definition of adultery tends to be far below God’s standard of righteousness. And yet, how many women would turn a blind eye if their husbands choose pornography over their own marriage bed? How many men would “turn the other cheek” if their wife chose to spend time with another man instead of with him? I rather doubt that it would be “Okay” if a husband ignored his wife to spend time with another woman – even if they hadn’t gone to bed with the other woman…yet. Clearly, Jesus more than implied that such things are not acceptable. Nevertheless, our desires tend to stray at a moments notice – even if we “don’t get caught”.

So, have you ever looked at another person – other than your spouse, with lust in mind? You don’t have to convince anyone of the truth to this question except yourself and God. After all, it is God who knows the truth even if we lie to ourselves and break the 9th commandment.

What do you call someone who cheats on their spouse – even in their heart and mind? An adulterer…

Exodus 20:15 – The 8th Commandment

“You shall not steal.”

This one is interesting because most everyone would – when asked if they have ever stolen, almost always say “No, not really”. Their first reaction is something like, “well, nothing substantial…” But it’s kind of like stealing $500 from the bank and walking out. Then, telling the judge you’re innocent because it wasn’t $50,000. The Hebrews have a word for such “ironic audacity”. They call it chutzpah. And while I’m told there is no direct English word for this, Missler has a great explanation. It’s like “…killing your own parents and then throwing yourself on the mercy of the court because you’re an orphan.” No reasonable person would accept the justification. It doesn’t matter what your excuse, stealing is stealing. And doing so doesn’t become theft just because you cross an imaginary amount of worth. If it belongs to someone else and you take it, you’re stealing. If you steal food because you’re hungry, it’s stolen food – especially with so many government handouts and churches willing to help! If you’re at work and decided to goof off and not perform work, is that not stealing from your employer? Are they not paying you after all? If you “borrow” a tool from work or a neighbor without their knowledge or permission- even if you return it, is that not stealing? If I borrow $500 from the bank without their knowledge and return it, won’t I still expect to be punished for stealing it in the first place if I get caught? The word “caught” itself actually implies the truth doesn’t it?

So, have you ever stolen anything – taken that which belonged to someone else? No matter how small? You don’t have to convince anyone of the truth to this question except yourself and God. After all, it is God who knows the truth even if we lie to ourselves and break the 9th commandment.

What do you call someone who steals? A thief…

Exodus 20:16 – The 9th Commandment

“You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”

Plain and simple, this commandment means “You shall not lie to harm your neighbor”. A false testimony literally means “a lie”. Some argue, “Well, I’ve never lied to my neighbor.” However, Jesus taught about the “Good Samaritan” in order to reveal “Who is my neighbor?” And the short of it is, EVERYONE is your neighbor! We are not supposed to “lie” to ANYONE. A lying tongue is an abomination to the Lord. Consider Proverbs:

16 These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look (pride), A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.” – Prov 6:16-19

And,

“Like a club or a sword or a sharp arrow is the man who gives false testimony against his neighbor.” – Prov 25:18

This commandment forbids us from bearing false witness or giving false testimony against one another. To bear false witness against others is to lie about them, especially for personal gain. The Hebrew word translated “neighbor” in this commandment can mean an associate, a brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, or neighbor. In other words, we are commanded to be truthful in ALL THINGS, but especially when speaking about another person. People are not to lie publicly – as in a court of law, by laying at another’s feet any false charge that could injure them, nor are we to lie privately by whispering, talebearing, backbiting, slandering, or destroying another’s character by innuendos, sly insinuations, and evil suggestions.

The reasons for God’s prohibiting lying and testifying falsely against one’s neighbor appear to be three-fold:

First, God’s people are to reflect God’s character. The Lord is a truthful God who does not and cannot lie.

“God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” – Num 23:19

The people who are called by God’s name and who represent Him in the world are expected to accurately reflect His character. Lying to or about one another brings reproach upon His holy name, and this He will not tolerate.

Second, bearing false witness against another is destructive to the individual who is the victim of the lie, and he suffers by it in his credibility and reputation, as well as in his trade and business. Leviticus 19:18 makes it clear that the Israelis were to love their neighbors as themselves, a command reiterated by both Jesus and Paul (Matthew 22:39; Romans 13:9). Loving our neighbors precludes lying about them.

Third, false witness is seen as so destructive to society that courts of law, both in the days of the Israelis and today, could function only if the witnesses – who were called to testify, could be trusted to tell the truth. Without a trustworthy judicial system based on eyewitness testimony from reliable, truthful witnesses, societies are at risk for the breakdown of law and order. When this happens, chaos ensues and the innocent suffer.

The New Testament is equally condemning of false witness.

9 “Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, 10 and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,” – Col 3:9–10

Christians are new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17), and, as such, we reflect His nature. We have been released from our “old self” with its evil practices such as lying and bearing false witness. As the Israelis were to reflect the character of the Lord God, Christians are to reflect to the world the character of Christ that identifies us as His own.

So, have you ever told a lie to someone – especially about someone else? You don’t have to convince anyone of the truth to this question except yourself and God. After all, it is God who knows the truth even if we lie to ourselves and break this very commandment.

What do you call someone who lies? A liar…

Exodus 20:17 – The 10th Commandment

“You shall not covet your neighbor”’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his male or female servant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor.”

How many of us have looked upon our neighbor and thought, “I wish I had that…” and perhaps went out and even gotten it? There is an entire industry dedicated to marketing commercial products and their main objective is to make you wish you had whatever it is they are selling. TV commercials are entirely predicated on this approach. To me however, longing after something that belongs to your neighbor or pining away for something you don’t have lies at the heart of this commandment. Our children learn this quickly, “Mom, can I please, please have those shoes?! Everyone else is wearing them!” As adults, we go about our lives as though we are immune to such child like desires. Yet nothing could be further from the truth. Ask any fisherman how much more tackle he needs. Or, ask a hunter how many more guns is sufficient. Most will answer, “One more…” Your neighbor puts in a sprinkler system and suddenly your spouse is after you to add one too. We covet what we see all day long everywhere we look. It is so common in our society that it is unlikely any one person is even aware of it at any given moment. To covet that which does not belong to you invites a person to steal and even to do harm in doing so. It is the beginning of sin – to steal or desire things instead of God. And based upon what Jesus actually taught regarding murder and adultery, to covet in one’s heart – desire, is the same as committing the act of theft or harm directly. One cannot offend a single part of God’s law without corrupting the entire law. Righteousness is abandoned not only with our deeds but in our heart and mind.

God – the Father, spoke directly when Cain was angry that his sacrifice was found unacceptable: 6 Then the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? Why is your face downcast? 7 If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” – Gen 4:6-7

To covet immediately sets our mind and heart to sin before sin has even taken place. And unless we master it – take it captive, and hand it over to God, it will consume us. Sin will enter in and destroy us.

What do you call someone who covets? A thief at heart…

Have you already accepted that Jesus poured out his life for your sins and mine? Is there a next step?

Step: Salvation begins with belief in Christ. Be baptized – washed in the water. Profess a public proclamation that you accept Jesus as Lord.

But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith which we preach): that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. – Romans 10:8-10 Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John. But John tried to deter him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” Jesus replied, “Let it be so now; it is proper for us to do this to fulfill all righteousness.” Then John consented. – Matthew 3:13-15

Step: So I’ve accepted Christ into my heart and have been baptized, now what? Study God’s Word.

“He humbled you, causing you to hunger and then feeding you with manna, which neither you nor your ancestors had known, to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” – Deuteronomy 8:3

Read the bible. Find another Christian and study together – church, house, friend. Reading God’s word is a gift in itself. To read and learn together is a blessing from the spirit of Christ! I have every confidence that you too will find the practice of studying God’s Word together to be extremely beneficial!

“…For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matt 18:20

Step: And again…

After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” – Luke 10:1-2

Be a light unto the world, an example and witness of Christ in you…that others may see and know the reason for the difference in you.

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matt 5:14-16

Step: Then – as you learn to grow in God’s word, the desire to live a right life grows inside you. You will long to obey His commandments – even in your heart, thought and deed. Not because you and I are perfect, but because He is perfect and able to give you that strength and desire. By walking with Christ, you can come to know our Father in heaven.

Only by the acceptance of Christ by faith – that no man may boast of his own works, can we have a right and true relationship with God. This is not because we are or will be completely sinless. Rather, this is because we are forgiven from sin and placed our faith in Jesus as a sacrifice for all our sins; past, present and future. We are given a new heart that desires after God’s righteousness and we grow in our faith and His strength.

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6

Step: Do you seek God’s Way? Isn’t there a better way forward from here? None of us knows what tomorrow may bring. Will you put it off like so many people and wait until it is too late?

When compared to God’s righteousness – His Law, we all fall short of His expectations. For all have sinned and fall short of His Glory:

21But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” – Romans 3:21-24

But what does that mean when we get right down to it? I mean, the majority of folks consider themselves to be “good people”. We think things like, “I’ve never killed anyone…” and, “I’ve never cheated on my spouse…” “Why do I even need Jesus in the first place?”

Ask yourself the following questions. Tell the truth – to yourself and God, if not to others. You don’t have to convince anyone of the truth to these example summary questions – except yourself and God. After all, it is God who knows the truth even if we lie to ourselves and break the 9th commandment. In the menu option “Am I a Good Person? – Deeper Dive”, there is more detail you may wish to consider if you desire to discover a deeper truth for yourself. I implore you NOT to take my word for it. Search your heart and God’s Word for yourself.

Here are a summary of questions to consider:

1. Have you ever placed anything as more important to you than God Himself?

    To regard such things with adoring esteem or devotion ahead of God is called idolatry. You would be an idolator.

2. Have you ever set God aside in favor of material things and practices?

    To regard such things with adoring esteem or devotion ahead of God is called idolatry. You would be an idolator.

3. Have you ever presumed to speak for God – in place of Him, and/or use His name as a profane cuss word?

    To swear – using God’s name in vain or speak in place of God, is called blasphemy. This makes you a blasphemer.

4. Have you ever set aside your Saturday for things YOU wanted to do instead of resting and honoring God?

    To cast aside the Sabbath – our sign as His children, a rebel against God. This would make you a rebellious idolator.

5. Have you ALWAYS honored your father and your mother? Even when you felt they didn’t deserve it?

    To dishonor honor your parents is called insolent rebellion. This would make you an insolent rebel.

6. Have you ever committed murder – even if only in your heart and mind by harboring hate?

    To kill or even hate someone in your heart and mind is to commit murder. This would make you a murderer.

7. Have you ever looked upon another with lust in your heart and mind – even acted upon it?

    To do so – even if only in your heart and mind, is to act upon it. This is adultery. This would make you an adulterer.

8. Have you ever stolen anything – taken that which belonged to someone else, no matter how small?

    To take that which does not belong to you – money, objects, work time, is theft. This would make you a thief.

9. Have you ever lied – no matter how insignificant? (…bear false witness)

    To bear false witness – lie, to another is a sin. And that would make you a liar.

10. Have you ever coveted things that did not belong to you?

    Even the desire for such things is the beginning of sin. This would make you a thief at heart.

How many of us ACTUALLY keep His commandments? There is only one realistic answer – no one. We couch our ignorance and fear in statements like, “Well, it was only a white lie…” while knowing secretly that we’ve told worse many times over. For example, telling your boss you’re out sick when you aren’t is still a lie. Purposely hiding the truth from someone is still a lie – even of omission. Just because you didn’t say it out loud is no excuse. It’s a lie because you allowed them to believe something that wasn’t true. And we do it knowingly. Telling someone they don’t look fat in jeans is still a lie. I mean, they asked you for the truth and you knowingly lied…get over it. Have you ever told someone the truth when you didn’t actually know it to be true? You simply WANTED or ASSUMED it to be true…and surely it must be right? Yet you didn’t KNOW a thing to be true did you? Where does it stop?

Jesus was clear when he said,

“For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” – Matt 5:19

and,

“For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.” – 1 James 2:10

As these examples illustrate, none of us are able to stand before Him. No, not one. Not you. Not me…no one.

And as was mentioned in an earlier post, “In the Beginning”:

In the beginning, we were with God and He with us. The ONLY way to be free of our sin and be with God is to accept His gift to us. He gave that gift freely as any Father would…to free us from sin by faith and be in His presence once again.

What is that gift? What is the ONLY way to the Father?

Accept Jesus Christ as your savior. Confess to Jesus that you need Him to free you from sin and lead your life. Accept and believe that Jesus sacrificed himself willingly…so YOU can live in Him and He in YOU. Ask that he give you a new heart…as Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us as we forgive those who sin against us.” And, “Lead us not unto temptation but deliver us from evil.”

God knew we would not be able to redeem ourselves from sin. So he sent His only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have everlasting life. Do you want to know what that means? Then accept God’s gift – that Christ died on the cross so that you and I can live. Ask Jesus to give you a new heart – to be reborn. Then, be prepared to have him to do just that!

God created us in the garden east of Eden and from the beginning, we were meant to be in His presence right from the start – with only one single commandment:

	“And Jehovah God layeth a charge on the man, saying, `Of every tree of the garden eating thou dost eat; and of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, thou dost not eat of it, for in the day of thine eating of it — dying thou dost die.'” – Gen 2:16-17

Adam and Eve spent their days with God and they were content:

	“And they are both of them naked, the man and his wife, and they are not ashamed of themselves.” – Gen 2:25

It wasn’t until the decision had been made to rebel against God and sin entered the world that we began to experience how that relationship changed:

	“And the woman seeth that the tree [is] good for food, and that it [is] pleasant to the eyes, and the tree is desirable to make wise, and she taketh of its fruit and eateth, and giveth also to her husband with her, and he doth eat; and the eyes of them both are opened, and they know that they [are] naked, and they sew fig-leaves, and make to themselves girdles.” – Gen 3:6-7

	“And they hear the sound of Jehovah God walking up and down in the garden at the breeze of the day, and the man and his wife hide themselves from the face of Jehovah God in the midst of the trees of the garden.” – Gen 3:8

Obviously we cannot hide from God yet our own ignorance and pride will compel us to try just the same.

Since sin entered the world, man has been trying to either reach God on his own or rely on himself without God. This is worse than foolish. On our own, we have no hope of ever restoring that original relationship with God. In fact, Adam and Eve were banished from the garden completely. The bible states that we are forbidden from the tree of life until Christ returns. But I often wonder if there is more to it than that. Perhaps without sin, we were bathed in our own light in His presence? It’s just a thought, yet perhaps Adam and Eve didn’t realize they were naked. Instead – perhaps, they were bathed in the glow of righteousness? Without sin, we are capable of being in God’s presence without being consumed by His Holy Light. With sin, we are naked and bare in front of a Holy and Righteous God:

	“And the appearance of the honour of Jehovah [is] as a consuming fire on the top of the mount, before the eyes of the sons of Israel;” – Exodus 24:17

And…

	“The sinners in Zion are terrified;     trembling grips the godless: “Who of us can dwell with the consuming fire?     Who of us can dwell with everlasting burning?” – Isaiah 33:14

Then Isaiah goes on to say who CAN exist in His presence:

	“Those who walk righteously     and speak what is right, who reject gain from extortion     and keep their hands from accepting bribes, who stop their ears against plots of murder     and shut their eyes against contemplating evil—” – Isaiah 33:15