Romans 6:12-18 (New Living Translation)
"Do not let sin control the way you live;[a] do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Sin is no longer your master, for you no longer live under the requirements of the law. Instead, you live under the freedom of God’s grace.
Well then, since God’s grace has set us free from the law, does that mean we can go on sinning? Of course not!Don’t you realize that you become the slave of whatever you choose to obey? You can be a slave to sin, which leads to death, or you can choose to obey God, which leads to righteous living.Thank God! Once you were slaves of sin, but now you wholeheartedly obey this teaching we have given you.Now you are free from your slavery to sin, and you have become slaves to righteous living."
Paul,in writing the book of Romans, asked the most important question to the believer and that is,"Do we keep on sinning because we have been set free from the law? Do we keep on sinning to allow God's grace to abound? Paul's answer, "Absolutely not!"(Romans 6:2)
Many Christians take advantage of the sacrifice that was made for them on the cross. Using it as a "golden ticket" to live as they please. To me, it's like slapping Jesus in the face when we deliberately sin. Many use the excuse that God died for all people and for all sin, therefore they can live however they please. But that is a lie from the Devil himself. Reread the verses above. When we choose to live in sin, we are a tool for satan! Did you get that? Let me say it again...when we choose to live in sin we are a tool for satan! I didn't come up with it, God did.
The opposite of being a tool for satan is being a tool for God!(vs.13)I desire to be used by God for His glory, for His Kingdom! I fail at times but the Holy Spirit is alive and well in me, therefore; I feel the conviction from my Lord when I am sinning or about to...what a freedom that brings! The kind of freedom that shows me a better way. A freedom that says to my heart, "the temporary joy is not worth the pain that will follow this sin." or "The sin your are about to do will affect more people than you can imagine."
I don't know about you all but I will not be satan's tool! After all, we were created for God's purpose and for His glory!
Lord God, please help us to be familiar with the schemes of the devil that we may avoid his traps. May we stay on the path that You planned for us from the beginning of time and enjoy the freedom that comes with following Your narrow path. We need your help for we are weak, but we know that we have victory as long as we follow You! Fill us with the Holy Spirit and guide us as we live in this evil world. In the mighty name of Jesus we pray, Amen!
Monday, May 16, 2011
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Happy Mother's Day Mom, I love you!
Dear Mom,
I just wanted to write this Mother's Day letter to tell you how much I love you and how much I miss seeing your face. I miss hearing your laugh. I miss seeing your beautiful brown eyes, that always had a sparkle. Mom, I just miss you. I wish I could call you up when I am having a rough day or just want to chat.
It's strange to me that this Mother's Day seems to be very hard since you went home to be with the Lord. It's been a little over 2 years now and I have my days where I just need your touch or words of comfort. I often think of the things you have missed, like Stephone graduating from high school, the kid's birthdays and such. Trea is graduating this month and you will miss that too. It saddens me to know you are not apart of the celebration physically, but joy comes to my heart knowing you are having the time of your eternal life, in heaven with our sweet Jesus!
I talk about you often with the kids. Asking them what they remember about you...we laugh and cry as we recall special memories we have shared....like you searching for that unique rock, always looking for a 4 leaf clover, and making flower bracelets for the girls. You recognized God's creation as something to be treasured.
Stephone and Trea remember going fishing with you and Papa during the summer. Keanna remembers you singing to her as you rocked her to sleep and she said,"Shhh grandma, I trying to sleep." I reminded her of the time she wanted to go live with you and she packed her suitcase when she was only 2 years old. Kobe remembers you playing Mario and another video game on the Nintendo and watching cartoons with you on Saturday mornings or the Tool Time show with Tim Allen.
When I was little, I remember your long brown hair...and I remember you telling me everything was going to be alright when bad things happened.
When you were in the hospital during the last week of your life, you told me you were sorry for any wrong you had done and asked me to forgive you. I told you that I forgave you and how much I loved you. Then you held me in your arms and told me how proud you were of me and how much you loved me.
Mom, I am proud of you! I love you so very much and I want to thank you for all the sacrifices you made for our family. We didn't have much growing up but one thing we did have was your love! That can never be replaced or taken away!
I thank God for you and allowing me to be your daughter. I know you are having the BEST Mother's Day because you are in the Lord's presence, free from all of lives trials and tribulations and for that I am grateful!
This Mother's day I honor you, my mom!
Proverbs 31:25&28
"Strength and honor are her clothing;
She shall rejoice in time to come....
"Her children rise up and call her blessed"
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Satan has asked to sift each of you!
Luke 22:31-34 CEV Jesus said, "Simon, listen to me! Satan has demanded the right to test each one of you, as a farmer does when he separates wheat from the husks.But Simon, I have prayed that your faith will be strong. And when you have come back to me, help the others." Peter said, "Lord, I am ready to go with you to jail and even to die with you." Jesus replied, "Peter, I tell you that before a rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will say three times that you don't know me."
Jesus was speaking to Peter before He was betrayed by Judas and arrested by the Jewish leaders. He had given Peter a stern warning. He told Peter that Satan wanted to "sift each one like wheat". One commentator said it means,"to take us apart". Did you get that? Satan wants to take us apart!(Biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries)
Jesus assured Peter that He had prayed for his faith to remain strong and that after Peter's denial, Peter would strengthen others through his own experience.
Peter did not fully understand his weakness, yet Jesus did and he warned him. When Jesus led them to the garden to pray, He told the disciples to wait there and pray so that they would be able to withstand the coming trials. The disciples fell asleep when they were supposed to be praying. Luke 22:45 says that when Jesus went to check on them, they were all asleep, exhausted from sorrow.
I can definitely relate to the disciples. I can remember several times praying during a sorrowful time and falling asleep out of pure exhaustion. The moment my feet hit the floor, Satan knew I was weak because of my lack of prayer. I fell for his lies and rushed to become agitated and grouchy, my temper flared easily, grumbling words rolled off my tongue, negativity filled my mind and anyone within ear shot knew to stay out of my way...Ever been there?
What happened when Jesus was arrested? Some of the disciples fled but Peter was ticked and went into warrior mode! He drew his sword, thinking he was protecting Jesus, and cut off the ear of the priest's servant. Jesus rebuked him and demanded he put away his sword. Peter followed with his flesh...much like I do.
I often think about how I would have acted or reacted in that situation? I am similar to Peter and I know when I am not prayed up and filled with the Holy Spirit, I can lose my cool. I am a natural born fighter and I have to stay in a mindset of prayer so that I am not tempted to blow my top...I fail many times but praise God, less and less as I mature in Christ. Just being real.
After Jesus was arrested, Peter then followed Him from a distance. This is when he denied Christ three times before the rooster crowed. A rooster's crow signals a new day, which for Peter would mean a new beginning. I love that Jesus' words to Peter before all of this took place, knowing Peter would fail, were words of hope! For Peter, this new day was the beginning of his faith walk with Jesus! I think of the verse in Psalm 30:5, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."
Peter wept the night before, fell asleep when he was to be praying, was unable to withstand the temptation of sinful anger, denied Christ three times, and then...the rooster crowed! The instant Peter heard the sound, his heart was broken and he realized his sins. I imagine Jesus looking Peter in the eyes with compassion as to say, "Remember the warning I gave you? Now accept my grace now go strengthen your brothers."
Peter may have failed at the moment, but he did not stay in the failure mode. I have failed in moments of weakness as well but I don't stay there long. You know why? I envision Jesus looking at me with His grace-filled eyes saying,"Now get up and go strengthen your brothers and sisters in Christ."
We always have a way of escape from any sin or temptation(1 Cor 10:13). Through Christ's strength, depending fully on His Spirit, and continual praying; is our way of escape. Just as Jesus told Peter to be in prayer because the Devil wants to take us out...and he tries us one at a time! Know that Jesus is praying for us and we too have to be praying in order to win our battles on this earth!
Jesus was speaking to Peter before He was betrayed by Judas and arrested by the Jewish leaders. He had given Peter a stern warning. He told Peter that Satan wanted to "sift each one like wheat". One commentator said it means,"to take us apart". Did you get that? Satan wants to take us apart!(Biblegateway.com/resources/commentaries)
Jesus assured Peter that He had prayed for his faith to remain strong and that after Peter's denial, Peter would strengthen others through his own experience.
Peter did not fully understand his weakness, yet Jesus did and he warned him. When Jesus led them to the garden to pray, He told the disciples to wait there and pray so that they would be able to withstand the coming trials. The disciples fell asleep when they were supposed to be praying. Luke 22:45 says that when Jesus went to check on them, they were all asleep, exhausted from sorrow.
I can definitely relate to the disciples. I can remember several times praying during a sorrowful time and falling asleep out of pure exhaustion. The moment my feet hit the floor, Satan knew I was weak because of my lack of prayer. I fell for his lies and rushed to become agitated and grouchy, my temper flared easily, grumbling words rolled off my tongue, negativity filled my mind and anyone within ear shot knew to stay out of my way...Ever been there?
What happened when Jesus was arrested? Some of the disciples fled but Peter was ticked and went into warrior mode! He drew his sword, thinking he was protecting Jesus, and cut off the ear of the priest's servant. Jesus rebuked him and demanded he put away his sword. Peter followed with his flesh...much like I do.
I often think about how I would have acted or reacted in that situation? I am similar to Peter and I know when I am not prayed up and filled with the Holy Spirit, I can lose my cool. I am a natural born fighter and I have to stay in a mindset of prayer so that I am not tempted to blow my top...I fail many times but praise God, less and less as I mature in Christ. Just being real.
After Jesus was arrested, Peter then followed Him from a distance. This is when he denied Christ three times before the rooster crowed. A rooster's crow signals a new day, which for Peter would mean a new beginning. I love that Jesus' words to Peter before all of this took place, knowing Peter would fail, were words of hope! For Peter, this new day was the beginning of his faith walk with Jesus! I think of the verse in Psalm 30:5, "Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning."
Peter wept the night before, fell asleep when he was to be praying, was unable to withstand the temptation of sinful anger, denied Christ three times, and then...the rooster crowed! The instant Peter heard the sound, his heart was broken and he realized his sins. I imagine Jesus looking Peter in the eyes with compassion as to say, "Remember the warning I gave you? Now accept my grace now go strengthen your brothers."
Peter may have failed at the moment, but he did not stay in the failure mode. I have failed in moments of weakness as well but I don't stay there long. You know why? I envision Jesus looking at me with His grace-filled eyes saying,"Now get up and go strengthen your brothers and sisters in Christ."
We always have a way of escape from any sin or temptation(1 Cor 10:13). Through Christ's strength, depending fully on His Spirit, and continual praying; is our way of escape. Just as Jesus told Peter to be in prayer because the Devil wants to take us out...and he tries us one at a time! Know that Jesus is praying for us and we too have to be praying in order to win our battles on this earth!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Seek First the Kingdom of God
Matthew 6:33 NKJV "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you."
I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS TRUTH! Unfortunately not everyone understands it. When I have asked Christians what this means, many have a perplexed look on their faces. Some say, "It means to seek God's Kingdom??" I then I ask, "What is God's Kingdom?"
I recently had this conversation with my oldest son, Stephone. He is constantly asking for advice and if I know God's plan for him. I respond with Matthew 6:33, You have to seek God's Kingdom 1st." He says, "I know that..I am praying and sometimes I read my bible..but I still don't know what He wants me to do with my life."
So I asked him what he thinks the Kingdom of God means? He said, "God's will???" "What is God's will?" I asked. "Ummm I don't know, I guess to pray and .....I don't know."
For quite some time I have been in search of God's Kingdom. I asked God to reveal His Kingdom to me and I believe this is what He showed me......If you disagree with me, let me know. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
He lead me to think about Heaven, His Home...what is it like in heaven? Peaceful, tranquil, no more tears, no more pain, JESUS! He is the bright and shining Presence that never goes away. Saved people are there...Love is abundant and never ceases! Sin no longer effects us! I could go on and on....
Then I thought about God's will...what is God's greatest desire? Matthew 18:14 "Just so, it is not the will of My Father Who is in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost and perish." Another desire He has is that we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
Mark 12:30 (New King James Version)
And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.'
Before Jesus ascended in to Heaven, He gave His last command for the disciples(if you are a believer this applies to you too)Matthew 28:18-20 "Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
I believe when we seek the Kingdom of God, this means we are to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, we are to seek His Peace, we are to pray for the lost and share the gospel with them, we are to live as we say we believe and everything else will fall into place. We have to put 1st things 1st! Loving Jesus means serving Him through serving others. Loving Jesus and dying to self means we are seeking His Kingdom, His will to be done on earth!
If you struggle with bitterness, hatred, selfishness, greed, sexual sin, drunkenness, anything that is keeping your mind from seeking the Kingdom of God, then you are not seeking His righteousness. Start praying that the Lord will help you change your vision. He will and when you start seeing others the way Christ sees us, then you will be seeing the Kingdom of God on earth!
May we bless God and bring a smile to His face today!
Love in Christ,
Angie
I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS TRUTH! Unfortunately not everyone understands it. When I have asked Christians what this means, many have a perplexed look on their faces. Some say, "It means to seek God's Kingdom??" I then I ask, "What is God's Kingdom?"
I recently had this conversation with my oldest son, Stephone. He is constantly asking for advice and if I know God's plan for him. I respond with Matthew 6:33, You have to seek God's Kingdom 1st." He says, "I know that..I am praying and sometimes I read my bible..but I still don't know what He wants me to do with my life."
So I asked him what he thinks the Kingdom of God means? He said, "God's will???" "What is God's will?" I asked. "Ummm I don't know, I guess to pray and .....I don't know."
For quite some time I have been in search of God's Kingdom. I asked God to reveal His Kingdom to me and I believe this is what He showed me......If you disagree with me, let me know. I'd love to hear your thoughts.
He lead me to think about Heaven, His Home...what is it like in heaven? Peaceful, tranquil, no more tears, no more pain, JESUS! He is the bright and shining Presence that never goes away. Saved people are there...Love is abundant and never ceases! Sin no longer effects us! I could go on and on....
Then I thought about God's will...what is God's greatest desire? Matthew 18:14 "Just so, it is not the will of My Father Who is in heaven that one of these little ones should be lost and perish." Another desire He has is that we love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.
Mark 12:30 (New King James Version)
And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.'
Before Jesus ascended in to Heaven, He gave His last command for the disciples(if you are a believer this applies to you too)Matthew 28:18-20 "Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
I believe when we seek the Kingdom of God, this means we are to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, we are to seek His Peace, we are to pray for the lost and share the gospel with them, we are to live as we say we believe and everything else will fall into place. We have to put 1st things 1st! Loving Jesus means serving Him through serving others. Loving Jesus and dying to self means we are seeking His Kingdom, His will to be done on earth!
If you struggle with bitterness, hatred, selfishness, greed, sexual sin, drunkenness, anything that is keeping your mind from seeking the Kingdom of God, then you are not seeking His righteousness. Start praying that the Lord will help you change your vision. He will and when you start seeing others the way Christ sees us, then you will be seeing the Kingdom of God on earth!
May we bless God and bring a smile to His face today!
Love in Christ,
Angie
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
How I Long For Her Touch
"How I Long For Her Touch"
My mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung cancer on December 9, 2008 at the age of 55. The Dr.'s told us she had 6-8 months to live and so I decided to stay with her as long as she was with us. I lived in Fort Lauderdale at the time and she lived in Missouri. I had a wonderful job that allowed me to transfer to Missouri so I could be with my mom. We shared some wonderful moments together. We laughed, we cried, we laughed some more. My mom taught me a very powerful lesson during the last few months of her life. That is, she taught me to slow down and hug.....
Being a wife,mother of 4 kids, and working a part-time job, I found my self running ragged, not really spending quality time with my family. Yeah, I hugged them, and told them I loved them but something was lacking....
I was getting ready to leave for Florida to spend super bowl Sunday with my husband and kids. I went in to see my mom at the hospital before I left. As always, she hugged me good bye but this hug was different. It was the most wonderful hug! She hugged me as any mother would knowing her days were numbered. She held me for what seemed an eternity. Putting her hand behind my head and gently caressing my hair. She whispered how much she loved me and couldn't wait for me to get back. "I will miss you while you're gone, so hurry back." she said. I held back the tears as I hugged her goodbye. "I'll see you in a few days, mom. I love you," I said as I walked out the door. When I returned, the Dr. told us she only had a few days left. The Lord allowed me to spend the last 5 days of her life with her at the hospital. We hugged a lot. I held her hands. I caressed her hair. I laid with her. I loved on her and she loved on me. How I miss my mom! How I long to be in her arms! Oh, How I miss her hugs!
" Her Hugs"
Her touch, her smile, her heart,
her hugs, her eyes,
her laugh, her wink, her whistle.
Who could forget?
Oh, how I miss her hugs!
This poem is dedicated to my mom, Cindy Rose who lost her battled to Lung cancer on February 9Th, 2009. She may have lost on earth, but she won the grand prize! Eternity in heaven with Jesus!
For those of you who have lost a loved one whether it be to cancer or any
other reason,I pray that you remember their hugs.
My mom was diagnosed with Stage 4 Lung cancer on December 9, 2008 at the age of 55. The Dr.'s told us she had 6-8 months to live and so I decided to stay with her as long as she was with us. I lived in Fort Lauderdale at the time and she lived in Missouri. I had a wonderful job that allowed me to transfer to Missouri so I could be with my mom. We shared some wonderful moments together. We laughed, we cried, we laughed some more. My mom taught me a very powerful lesson during the last few months of her life. That is, she taught me to slow down and hug.....
Being a wife,mother of 4 kids, and working a part-time job, I found my self running ragged, not really spending quality time with my family. Yeah, I hugged them, and told them I loved them but something was lacking....
I was getting ready to leave for Florida to spend super bowl Sunday with my husband and kids. I went in to see my mom at the hospital before I left. As always, she hugged me good bye but this hug was different. It was the most wonderful hug! She hugged me as any mother would knowing her days were numbered. She held me for what seemed an eternity. Putting her hand behind my head and gently caressing my hair. She whispered how much she loved me and couldn't wait for me to get back. "I will miss you while you're gone, so hurry back." she said. I held back the tears as I hugged her goodbye. "I'll see you in a few days, mom. I love you," I said as I walked out the door. When I returned, the Dr. told us she only had a few days left. The Lord allowed me to spend the last 5 days of her life with her at the hospital. We hugged a lot. I held her hands. I caressed her hair. I laid with her. I loved on her and she loved on me. How I miss my mom! How I long to be in her arms! Oh, How I miss her hugs!
" Her Hugs"
Her touch, her smile, her heart,
her hugs, her eyes,
her laugh, her wink, her whistle.
Who could forget?
Oh, how I miss her hugs!
This poem is dedicated to my mom, Cindy Rose who lost her battled to Lung cancer on February 9Th, 2009. She may have lost on earth, but she won the grand prize! Eternity in heaven with Jesus!
For those of you who have lost a loved one whether it be to cancer or any
other reason,I pray that you remember their hugs.
Friday, January 28, 2011
Journey of Life
The fog was so thick that you could cut it with a knife. It was about 7:15 am and I had to turn on my head lights for oncoming vehicles because the visibility was so bad. The roads from Fayette to Columbia are hilly and winding, low valleys and high peaks. It is a beautiful sight during these snow filled winter days! A winter wonderland is what I would call it.
The Lord speaks to me through his creation and this day was no different. As fog consumes the scenery around me, so my troubles consume me. I was beginning to feel as if God had left me...I could not see Him or feel Him...the worries of my life began to drown out the truths that I have hidden in my heart...then it happened. "I will never leave you, Ang.." He whispered to my spirit.
As I was driving along, I could vaguely see the tail lights of the car in front of me. It was like the Lord said, "See if you look hard enough, I am always before you." I then entered a low valley and the fog began to lift and the car in front of me was completely visible. Then I looked in my rear view mirror and noticed a truck behind me....
You see in our lowest valleys of life, the Lord showed me that He is before us and behind us! He will not leave us! The fog represented my worries and when I worry, I can't focus on God. Notice something, when I hit the lowest point of my valley, He is so visible, so real. When I am at the peak of my mountain, there He is again, so visible, so real...but on the way up or down the "mountain of life" our worries will consume us, just as the fog consumes the scenery. We have to keep truckin' along even though we can't see Him because He is always there!
Thank You Lord, for the way you speak to my heart. I love you and on this "journey of life", through the valleys and the peaks, help me to fix my eyes on You!
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
"God D*** It!"
Do you misuse the Lord's name and don't even realize it? In Exodus 20:7 God instructed Moses to tell His people not to use His name in vain. “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name."
The other day I was at my son's basketball game and the coach yelled,"Jesus Christ!" because he was mad at a referee. I was highly offended! I actually felt heat coming from my face and I said,"Hey, Jesus has nothing to do with this!" You should of seen some of the looks I got. I think it was more of a shock for people to hear me say that than for them to hear the Lord's name being misused.
God's name has become more of an ordinary "household name" that is used without thought. There is no AWE to His name anymore at least for most people.
I started to think about how flippantly some will use the Lord's name in vain and may not realize they are misusing His name. I came across this scripture in Matthew today and the bible is clear...Matthew 12:34b "For whatever is in your heart determines what you say." Why do you think Jesus spoke of this? Why do you think God had Moses tell His people not to misuse His name in Genesis?
I think God was and still is making a point! "I AM holy and my name should be feared and reverenced!"
Many who say they love the Lord Jesus will misuse his name by saying, "God d*** it!" or "Jesus Christ" when they are upset or maybe have nothing else to say.
This should offend every born again Believer! When I hear T.V shows or movies using my Lord's name in vain, it burns me up! It truly hurts me, because it hurts the Holy Spirit which lives in me. Do we fully understand He is Holy God! Holy therefore, we have to treat Him, His Name, His Word with the utmost respect and honor! We must be careful of what we say and also what we do. If we call ourselves Christians then we must honor our Lord by reverencing His NAME. The NAME which is above all NAMES!
May the sweet name of Jesus, God Almighty be HIGHLY HONORED among His children! Think about it this way...How do you feel when someone calls your mom, dad, sibling, son or daughter a bad name? That same feeling that makes us want to rip their head off, should come when we hear our Lord's name misused! He deserves so much more than we offer Him!
Matt. 12:33-35
33 “A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. 34 You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. 35 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.
If you are a Believer in the Lord Jesus, then your heart has been made clean and should produce good things from the inside out! Let's keep His name HOLY, FOR HE IS HOLY AND WORTHY OF PRAISE!
The other day I was at my son's basketball game and the coach yelled,"Jesus Christ!" because he was mad at a referee. I was highly offended! I actually felt heat coming from my face and I said,"Hey, Jesus has nothing to do with this!" You should of seen some of the looks I got. I think it was more of a shock for people to hear me say that than for them to hear the Lord's name being misused.
God's name has become more of an ordinary "household name" that is used without thought. There is no AWE to His name anymore at least for most people.
I started to think about how flippantly some will use the Lord's name in vain and may not realize they are misusing His name. I came across this scripture in Matthew today and the bible is clear...Matthew 12:34b "For whatever is in your heart determines what you say." Why do you think Jesus spoke of this? Why do you think God had Moses tell His people not to misuse His name in Genesis?
I think God was and still is making a point! "I AM holy and my name should be feared and reverenced!"
Many who say they love the Lord Jesus will misuse his name by saying, "God d*** it!" or "Jesus Christ" when they are upset or maybe have nothing else to say.
This should offend every born again Believer! When I hear T.V shows or movies using my Lord's name in vain, it burns me up! It truly hurts me, because it hurts the Holy Spirit which lives in me. Do we fully understand He is Holy God! Holy therefore, we have to treat Him, His Name, His Word with the utmost respect and honor! We must be careful of what we say and also what we do. If we call ourselves Christians then we must honor our Lord by reverencing His NAME. The NAME which is above all NAMES!
May the sweet name of Jesus, God Almighty be HIGHLY HONORED among His children! Think about it this way...How do you feel when someone calls your mom, dad, sibling, son or daughter a bad name? That same feeling that makes us want to rip their head off, should come when we hear our Lord's name misused! He deserves so much more than we offer Him!
Matt. 12:33-35
33 “A tree is identified by its fruit. If a tree is good, its fruit will be good. If a tree is bad, its fruit will be bad. 34 You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say. 35 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.
If you are a Believer in the Lord Jesus, then your heart has been made clean and should produce good things from the inside out! Let's keep His name HOLY, FOR HE IS HOLY AND WORTHY OF PRAISE!
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