Third Commandment – No use of GOD’s Name in Vain

Third Commandment – No use of GOD’s Name in Vain

Exodus 20: ⁷ “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

 

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Exactly 430 years, the children of Israel were in Egypt. The same day they entered Egypt was the same day they left. During that time a deep mindset had guided the children of Israel into limiting beliefs. One belief the children of Israel adopted was GOD is as common as humans, so HIS name, or promises, were as powerless and useless as the next human.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s name is Yahweh meaning I AM WHO I AM (all caps).
• GOD was telling the Israelites not to take HIS position, prophecies or power lightly.
• GOD was addressing a mindset that HE was like humans.

 

For hundreds of years, the children of Israel were told that Pharaoh was a god and they had to do what he said. We do the same when we want to gain power or wealth. We make a human a god by talking about them, planning for or against them and speaking their name more than GOD’s name.

 

GOD’s name was supposed to be tied to power, knowledge, presence and love. To undermine HIS name, or take it lightly, meant that anything goes when it came to following HIS commands. A person could say, “GOD told me,” when the voice was their own selfish desire. This is taking GOD’s name lightly.

 

Other obvious examples include swearing, manipulating or instigating when GOD did not say to use HIS name. To paraphrase, “Do not use MY name for your own selfish desires or to get your way or to curse people in a joking way.” Using GOD ‘s name to manipulate people or to get a sinful wish granted makes GOD remember when and why the person did so.

 

One check to see if GOD’s name is used correctly is the fruit that comes from the use of HIS name. When love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness or self-control appear from the use of the name, then it was used properly. When confusion sets in from “believers,” and not those who dislike GOD, then check to see if GOD’s name was misused.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about what HE spoke to the children of Israel about using HIS name in vain?
• Have you ever wanted to feel special so you name dropped GOD’s name to feel important versus making HIM important?
• When you use GOD’s name at the end of a prayer, are you sure you are aligned with HIS desires?

Eighth Plague: Locusts

 

Eighth Plague: Locusts

Exodus 10: Now the Lord said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh; for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his servants, that I may show these signs of Mine before him, ² and that you may tell in the hearing of your son and your son’s son the mighty things I have done in Egypt, and My signs which I have done among them, that you may know that I am the Lord.”

 

³ So Moses and Aaron came in to Pharaoh and said to him, “Thus says the Lord God of the Hebrews: ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, that they may serve Me. ⁴ Or else, if you refuse to let My people go, behold, tomorrow I will bring locusts into your territory. ⁵ And they shall cover the face of the earth, so that no one will be able to see the earth; and they shall eat the residue of what is left, which remains to you from the hail, and they shall eat every tree which grows up for you out of the field. ⁶ They shall fill your houses, the houses of all your servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians—which neither your fathers nor your fathers’ fathers have seen, since the day that they were on the earth to this day.’ ” And he turned and went out from Pharaoh.

 

⁷ Then Pharaoh’s servants said to him, “How long shall this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, that they may serve the Lord their God. Do you not yet know that Egypt is destroyed?”

 

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For the seventh time and last time, GOD tells Moses to warn Pharaoh to let HIS people go. Seven warnings, ten plagues. This time GOD tells Moses to remember what HE did to Egypt.

 

My Observations:

• GOD hardened Pharaoh’s heart and his servant’s heart by allowing them to believe they were in control.
• GOD was showing everyone that HE is GOD.
• GOD sent HIS final warning to Pharaoh and from here on out, there would be no chance for redemption.

 

Seven warnings to change made even Pharaoh’s servants uneasy. They tried to convince Pharaoh to change his mind, but he refused to believe he was human and not a god. Pharaoh’s servants refused to walk away from his rulership even though everything was destroyed. His heart was truly stubborn.

 

GOD gently warns Moses not to follow Pharaoh. HE wanted Moses to tell the story of what HE did to Egypt to the children of Israel and their descendants. GOD promised to bring locusts to the Egyptians that would eat any remaining vegetation. Unfortunately for the Egyptians, GOD was done with the warnings. Pharaoh’s servants thought the battle was with Moses when it really was against GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about HIS last warning to Pharaoh regarding the locusts?
• Have you ever experienced fear to the point of making up your own path, meanwhile, disregarding GOD’s warnings?
• Do you see that the LORD has you and has the situation that causes you to have fear?

Gaining Clarity

Gaining Clarity

Exodus 3: ¹¹ But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh, and that I should bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?”

 

¹² So He said, “I will certainly be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: When you have brought the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.”

 

¹³ Then Moses said to God, “Indeed, when I come to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?”

 

¹⁴ And God said to Moses, “I AM WHO I AM.” And He said, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.’ ” ¹⁵ Moreover God said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all generations.’ 

 

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Moses seemed content with his life. He lived in the desert with his wife and child. He had plenty to eat and faced no contention. BUT GOD told him to “bring MY people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” Moses asked some clarifying questions.

 

My Observations:

• Moses seemed scared to address any Pharaoh after being labeled a wanted man for killing an Egyptian.
• Moses was probably addressing an issue he saw with the children of Israel where their beliefs were mixed with other cultures polytheistic beliefs when he asked GOD HIS name.
• GOD gave the vaguest, yet sovereign answer to tell the children of Israel, “IAM WHO I AM.”

 

You would think that Moses would have asked more questions about the problems he would have with the Egyptians. He seemed to be more worried about the children of Israel needing to be convinced that they should leave. He may have sensed that they feared GOD, but they also had been in Egypt for a long, long time. They may have started to believe in the Egyptian culture of many gods.

 

When Moses asked, “” What is HIS name?” regarding the question the children of Israel might ask, GOD did not say “Tell them” or “persuade them” or “MY name is.” HE replied “I AM WHO I AM.” This is the final say. No more will be said. No convincing needed. No more is needed.

 

GOD is known as the great I AM. People have tried to separate JESUS from the FATHER and from the HOLY SPIRIT. Later, when JESUS became a human, HE called HIMSELF, “I AM.” This enraged the Pharisees. GOD sent Moses and said HE would be with him. Moses needed that boost of confidence, and perhaps you do as well. I AM is with you.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD remind Moses about the conversation HE had when HE called him to be HIS leader?
• What questions do you have about your calling?
• Did GOD’s calling on your life scare you enough to make you ask HIM questions for clarity?

Right on Time Encouragement

Right on Time Encouragement

Genesis 26: ²³ Then he went up from there to Beersheba. ²⁴ And the Lord appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham’s sake.” ²⁵ So he built an altar there and called on the name of the Lord, and he pitched his tent there; and there Isaac’s servants dug a well.

 

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After facing a famine, Isaac went to meet with the King of Gerar. Isaac stayed in the land upon the LORD’s request. But in doing so, he was told by the king to get out because Isaac had become too successful. He then went back to where Abraham lived. His servants got into quarrels and hostilities digging wells. This may have been discouraging.

 

My Observations:

• Isaac faced extreme blessing, causing others to become jealous.
• Isaac tried to live a peaceful life, only to face quarrels and hostility.
• Isaac, while blessed, may have felt discouraged because of the current situation.

 

Quarrels, hostility and moving can be exhausting. Isaac was simply trying to find a place to settle where he could keep his family, servants and cattle alive. JESUS, I believe, appeared to Isaac and reiterated HIS promise. “I AM the GOD of your father Abraham.” HE then said something that leads me to believe HE was providing encouragement. “Do not fear, for I AM with you.”

 

GOD could see that Isaac needed encouragement. HE restates HIS promise to him to encourage him. Isaac responded by calling on the name of the LORD. GOD saw Isaac and HE sees you and me. HE knows life can be discouraging so HE says “Do not fear, I AM with you.” The Great I AM is with you.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about HIS appearance to Isaac?
• Have you ever felt discouraged, even though GOD has blessed you over and over?
• Are you willing to call upon the name of the LORD, knowing HE is with you to help you to get rid of fear today?

 

Prayer

Dear LORD, we are frail humans and can easily get discouraged. Please bless this reader with courage. Remove all fears, worries and doubts and raise him or her to unexpected places. Thank YOU for being with us. amen

Still Acting with Immediacy

Still Acting with Immediacy

Genesis 17: ²³ So Abraham took Ishmael his son, all who were born in his house and all who were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskins that very same day, as God had said to him. ²⁴ Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. ²⁵ And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. ²⁶ That very same day Abraham was circumcised, and his son Ishmael; ²⁷ and all the men of his house, born in the house or bought with money from a foreigner, were circumcised with him.

 

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Twenty-four years earlier, GOD promised Abraham that he would have children, making him a “great nation.” Abraham waited eleven years and listened to his wife Sarah by having a child with her handmaid. It wasn’t until Abraham turned ninety-nine that GOD appeared to him again to confirm that Abraham’s plan was not HIS plan.

 

GOD then instructed Abraham to circumcise himself and every male associated with him. Even Ishmael.

 

My Observations:

• Abraham acted with immediacy to perform circumcision even after waiting twenty-four years.
• Abraham presented Ishmael as his plan to fulfil GOD’s plan.
• Abraham surrendered his plan to GOD by circumcising Ishmael, himself and every male associated with him.

 

“That very same day” means Abraham still had faith in GOD’s plan. When GOD appeared to Abraham at ninety-nine, HE said for the first time “I AM almighty GOD.” “I AM” is significant showing GOD’s sovereignty. Abraham bowed to this strange request of cutting off foreskin, simply for the reason of publicly showing alliance with GOD.

 

Abraham was the beginning of a group of people who believed in GOD together, rather than being born into an inheritance. The nation would provide the lineage of the physical CHRIST, but CHRIST may have been the one who spoke to Abraham in the first place. “I will be their GOD” is what was said to Abraham earlier. FATHER, SON and HOLY SPIRIT spoke as one.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention to Moses how old Abraham and Ismael were when they were circumcised?
• Has your patience with GOD’s power and plan worn thin?
• Do you still act with immediacy when GOD says for you to do or believe in something HE said?

Greater Than

Greater Than

Revelation 13: ⁵ The beast was allowed to make proud claims which were insulting to God, and it was permitted to have authority for forty-two months. ⁶ It began to curse God, his name, the place where he lives, and all those who live in heaven. ⁷ It was allowed to fight against God's people and to defeat them, and it was given authority over every tribe, nation, language, and race. ⁸ All people living on earth will worship it, except those whose names were written before the creation of the world in the book of the living which belongs to the Lamb that was killed.

 

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“You are staying after school” were the words I thought I would never hear. I was minding my own business and was picked on by someone. Not knowing how to fight, I used my words to counter the attack. We got into a back and fort conversation that was escalating to a fight. The teacher intervened and I figured I was in the clear. “Both of you stay after school” she said. Then she pulled me to the side and said “You are bigger than this.”

 

• I did not know what she meant about being bigger when she allowed me to be punished.
• I thought innocence should be met with no problems.
• I was not prepared for an adversary who wanted me to fail.

 

John, the disciple JESUS loved, wrote some uncomfortable things that will take place regarding believers in JESUS. He wrote about the beast who was given authority to insult and curse GOD. All the people would fall to worship the beast who would openly curse GOD and anyone associated with HIM. But not everyone will bow to the beast.

 

My Observations:

• GOD allowed HIMSELF to be insulted.
• GOD allowed HIMSELF to be cursed and for the beast to harm people.
• GOD is greater than any insult, curse or fatal wound, because HE holds life, especially eternal life.

 

Life with purpose has to be looked at differently. I mean, when GOD is the purpose, insults, and injury take second place to HIS promises. HE knows there will be battles that are spiritual in nature. Innocent people will be blamed for declaring their belief in JESUS. BUT GOD sees.

 

JESUS dies because of HIS innocence. HE was blamed, insulted and killed. This spirit of hatred towards GOD still lives today. Politicians try to steal GOD for votes. Races try to make GOD into their image. BUT GOD knows who HE is and who truly believes in HIM. HE cannot fall to the level of the insulter because HE is greater than that!

 

Challenge

• What, from the writer, is scary to you?
• Have you ever been innocent, yet people come after you with twisted words, lies and insults?
• Will you be “greater than” the insults and know JESUS has yours and my name in HIS book of life today?

Immeasurable Love

 

Immeasurable Love

1 John 3: See how much the Father has loved us! His love is so great that we are called God's children—and so, in fact, we are. This is why the world does not know us: it has not known God. ² My dear friends, we are now God's children, but it is not yet clear what we shall become. But we know that when Christ appears, we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he really is. ³ Everyone who has this hope in Christ keeps himself pure, just as Christ is pure.

 

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Teased about my hair, clothes, body size and lack of money, I felt unlovable. There were enough people telling me about what was wrong with me, that soon I wondered if I could ever be “fixed.” “GOD loves you, just as you are” were the words that resonated with me.

 

• I was relieved that I could be loved.
• I did not feel I could be loved until I understood what real love looked like.
• After being rejected by the world, it felt great to be part of a family.

 

John gets excited about telling about GOD’s love. He implies that GOD’s love is so great, that HE can forgive sins and repair broken people by placing them in HIS family. We are then called HIS children.

 

My Observations:

• GOD’s love is greater than any human love.
• GOD’s love is so great that HE wiped away my sins even though I did nothing to deserve HIS grace.
• GOD’s love is the foundation for human love, because the world’s idea of love is tainted.

 

Measurable love falls short of GOD’s love. I mean, when I say “Remember the time I did…” I am measuring and this falls short of the type of love I really need. GOD’s love is much different. HE saw that I was in trouble and the only way out of my trouble was to die to let me live.

 

JESUS thought nothing of making HIMSELF a human to feel every pain I feel. HE felt the pain of rejection and was murdered, just for me. When HE rose from the dead HE forgave me and adopted me in HIS family., I am glad GOD is not finished with me, but is making me into something great like JESUS.

 

Challenge

• What is the writer so excited about?
• Have you ever felt like you do not quite fit in this place or that place?
• Will you accept JESUS as your personal Savior, so you can be adopted into HIS family and experience immeasurable love today?

Act or React?

 

Act or React?

Romans 9: ¹⁰ And this is not all. For Rebecca's two sons had the same father, our ancestor Isaac. ^11-12 But in order that the choice of one son might be completely the result of God's own purpose, God said to her, “The older will serve the younger.” He said this before they were born, before they had done anything either good or bad; so God's choice was based on his call, and not on anything they had done. ¹³ As the scripture says, “I loved Jacob, but I hated Esau.”

 

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Wanting to fit in, I joined in the mischievousness when the teacher left the room. I was teased for being “smart”. That was before the term “nerd” was popular. I wanted to prove I could be cool.

 

Go in the coat closet with that girl, was the dare. I did not know what to do in the coat closet, so I agreed. We stood there for a while. When we came out, the teacher was back and laughter filled the room.  The teacher held me after class and said “I will overlook this because it is not how you normally act.” I didn’t do that again.

 

Many times I have been spared based on being known.

Many times I did not get in trouble for something I did wrong.

Many times I should have been punished for something I did, but instead, I was given grace.

 

Paul uses Jacob and Esau as an example of GOD’s choice. GOD saw the two kids before they were born and chose one before they had done anything “good” or “bad.” HE told their mother, Rebecca, of HIS choice.

 

GOD knew I would believe in HIM before I believed in JESUS.

GOD knew every sin I would do, yet HE chose me to live.

GOD knew I would mess up time and time again, yet HE saved me.

 

Looking at GOD through dirty eyes, paints HIM to be the bad guy. I mean, when I question HIS existence, or why HE did something, I am looking at it from the sin I was born with. Sometimes my eyes are dirtier than others.

 

I question “Why do bad things happen to good people?” I then question, “Why tell someone about JESUS if the choice was made for them?” These are valid and difficult questions. I am then provided with an answer. “I AM” says the LORD.

 

GOD, the creator, showed HIS love for me, enough to follow HIS own rule that somehow states, any sin, no matter how small, separates humans from HIM by death. JESUS took on that sin and saved me from eternal death. My reaction is to praise what HE did.

 

Are you trying to earn GOD’s favor by acting good?

Do you judge others when they act ”bad?”

Will you focus on the grace and rejoice that GOD loved you so much that HE died for you so you would not have to be punished forever?

More than information

More than information

John 13: 31 So, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32 If God is glorified in Him, God will also glorify Him in Himself, and glorify Him immediately. 33 Little children, I shall be with you a little while longer. You will seek Me; and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I am going, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you. 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”

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“Please give us your bio” said an organization to me. Since there was a word limit, I could only put down the information that pertained to the inquiring group. After I spoke to the group, a person approached me. “Oh, you are the person who does… (blank)” She remembered a few items I had written in my bio, but I was so much more than what was written.

• I have been labeled by lazy people.
• I have been boiled down to a few actions from the labels people give me.
• I have been shoved in a corner by the labels people give me.

JESUS begins giving HIS disciples HIS final commands. HE speaks about “the being” who is GOD. HE explains that the FATHER has raised HIM up to the Most High, because the FATHER is the Most High with the HOLY SPIRIT, who is also the Most High.

Since they are the highest and have shown love, we should do the same. But is showing love simply going to a building and listening to information?

• GOD wants me to experience HIM every day.
• GOD wants me to “be” HIS example by showing love to those HE sends to me or I am sent to.
• GOD wants me to know HE is far more than what is written down or spoken by humans.

“Love one another as I have loved you” means more than listening to someone talk about GOD. It means I believe the consequences of pride caused the fall of humans. This fall could only be cured by belief in JESUS dying for me.

I now have sided with the one who wants all humans back, even those with stubborn hearts. Only love can penetrate the stony heart. I am glad GOD loves me .

• Have you labeled GOD as something to try every once in a while?
• Do you see HIM as a being, who can only do a few magic tricks, as written in a bio named the Bible?
• Will you experience GOD’s power, by loving HIM enough, to love those who hate you today?