Keeping things given to us by God simple, even though we live in a very complicated world.

Thursday, May 29, 2008

About using God's name in vain.....

Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh His name in vain. Exodus 20:7 KJV

No using the name of GOD, your God, in curses or silly banter; GOD will not put up with irreverent use of His name. Exodus 20:7 The Message

It's been said that as Christians, we have to pick and choose our battles. Language is one of these things. Some people can get too legalistic when it comes to listening to others.

A topic on other blogs have centered around one of the seven words you can't say on television and body parts. As a rule, I try my hardest not to say some of these words. A good part of the time, the flesh prevails.

I used to be one of the types that would cast judgement on those who would say "shoot" or other substitute swear words. I felt that that was just someone's attempt to "legally swear."

My biggest problem is with those who use God's name in vain, or a thoughtless manner. Jesus Christ is my Lord. To me, He is not a swear word. People don't realize what they are asking when they ask God to damn something. And while we are at it, I don't like it when they refer to the Lord as "the man upstairs."

A local radio host overuses the phrase, "my God in Heaven." That usually has me reaching for the button to change stations.

Another way I have the name of our Lord used in vain was several years ago when I worked overnights stocking shelves in a grocery store and one of the other stockers had a bad habit of using the MF word. We would go into the break room and he would then be telling someone that they should accept Christ as their personal savior. That would really offend me because that cheapens salvation.

Our attitude and mention of God and all His names, should be very holy.

What are your thoughts?

Sunday, May 4, 2008

Keep this in mind

Since this is Sunday afternoon as I write, I want to remind all churchgoing people this as you are enjoying your Sunday dinner. It's okay to have the pastor for dinner as long as he's there eating with you. Think about it.

Thursday, May 1, 2008

Strength in numbers

Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.Hebrews 10:25 KJV

Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching. Hebrews 10:25 Amplified Bible

People are always saying that they can worship God as well at home as they can in church. According to the Word of God, that's just not so. But what constitutes a church? The word "church" means "called out assembly." Where does this assembly of believers meet? Ideally we meet in a building maybe several times a week. I know several of us meet at various blogs and through email.

Why should believers meet? To help one another, to give each other strength, and to pray for one another. As Christians we should serve each other spiritual food.

If one has a burden, they should go to the brethren, and seek prayer. We should lift those burdened up to the Lord. It's a lot easier to lift someone when there are several helping lift.

A match will burn quickly. A match put to some kindling well placed between logs in a fireplace, will start a fire that will keep many warm.

God gives us all a role in helping one another. If you can't be in church as often as you like, seek fellowship among us. You may find something that will benefit you in your Christian walk. Or you may have something that may benefit the rest of us.

But by all means, seek out folks that you can have some physical fellowship with. People that will love on you when you have a struggle. And people that you can love on when they are hurting.

Cliff Note:While I was making my comment as a followup to Suzanne's comment, I was checking out The Message's translation of the verse I quoted. I want to share this with everybody: "And when two or three of you are together because of me, you can be sure that I'll be there." Matthew 18:20, The Message.-Very powerful!