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?

Needed Conversation

Needed Conversation

Genesis 35: ⁹ Then God appeared to Jacob again, when he came from Padan Aram, and blessed him. ¹⁰ And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob; your name shall not be called Jacob anymore, but Israel shall be your name.” So He called his name Israel. ¹¹ Also God said to him: “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply; a nation and a company of nations shall proceed from you, and kings shall come from your body. ¹² The land which I gave Abraham and Isaac I give to you; and to your descendants after you I give this land.” ¹³ Then God went up from him in the place where He talked with him. ¹⁴ So Jacob set up a pillar in the place where He talked with him, a pillar of stone; and he poured a drink offering on it, and he poured oil on it. ¹⁵ And Jacob called the name of the place where God spoke with him, Bethel.

 

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Fleeing the area where Simeon and Levi had murdered all the men of Shechem, Jacob was nervous. To top it off, he did not have his mother to talk to and the closest person to a mother figure had just died. “Then GOD appeared to Jacob again.”

 

My Observations:

• Jacob already birthed the kids who would fulfill the prophesy.
• GOD stepped in and talked “with” Jacob, but Jacob’s words were not written.
• GOD changed Jacob’s name from “Deceiver” to “He who strives with perseverance.”

 

Jacob seemed to struggle with the way he was raised versus the right way he should act. Jacob learned how to deceive, and became good at it. Unfortunately, he had to struggle for many years. He realized that GOD protected him, even though he caused his own problems.

 

Now Jacob was in a larger mess and deception would not be the answer to his problems. He needed a conversation from GOD, who not only changed his name, but gave him assurance that HIS prophecy still stood. GOD would protect Israel and his sons and daughters.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about HIS conversation and name change of Jacob to Israel?
• Are you in need of a conversation from GOD?
• Will you seek GOD’s comforting words today by reading HIS promises HE has for you?

Dedicated to Susie Washington

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?

Ready to be Renamed

Ready to be Renamed

Genesis 17: When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. ² And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.” ³ Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: ⁴ “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. ⁵ No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. ⁶ I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. ⁷ And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you. ⁸ Also I give to you and your descendants after you the land in which you are a stranger, all the land of Canaan, as an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.”

 

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From seventy-five to ninety-nine, GOD kept telling Abram about this huge promise HE was going to do. Day one of the promise, Abram left the area where he grew up and immediately began walking, not knowing where he was going. GOD showed up and Abram thought that the promise had been fulfilled. Little did he know that famine, abduction and family dysfunction would be in store for him.

 

On a day that Abram wasn’t looking, GOD appeared to him and renamed him. HE then restated HIS promise to make his name great, and many nations would be his descendants.

 

My Observations:

• Abram was faithful at seventy-five, but probably needed to show long term faithfulness that finally appeared at ninety-nine.
• Abram went through famine, fights and fragmented family  without seeing GOD’s promise come to fruition.
• Abram was the first-person GOD renamed, probably showing Abram that he needed to be a new person.

 

The further away from the Garden of Edan, the shorter the lifespans became. Many people used to live over nine hundred years, but now the age of the elderly was at two hundred. For some, one hundred was very old. Abram may have gotten used to GOD making promises and wondered when the promise would happen.

 

Then the day finally came when GOD was about to act. HE renamed Abram to Abraham, and HE restated the promise of land acquisition. Canaan’s defiance of Noah’s curse would be overthrown in GOD’s time. GOD also announced JESUS through this covenant.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD waited twenty-four years to rename Abram?
• Has GOD ever promised you something and you are still waiting on the promise to come to fruition?
• Will you remain faithful to GOD, no matter how long HE is taking, knowing HE always keeps HIS promises?

Ready for Action

Ready for Action

1 Peter 1: ¹³ So then, have your minds ready for action. Keep alert and set your hope completely on the blessing which will be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. ¹⁴ Be obedient to God, and do not allow your lives to be shaped by those desires you had when you were still ignorant. ¹⁵ Instead, be holy in all that you do, just as God who called you is holy. ¹⁶ The scripture says, “Be holy because I am holy.”

 

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Feeling that I needed some “relief” from the pressures of work, I decided to go to the party. After that decision, I decided to do other things that wound up being more distractions from life. When I woke up on Monday, I realized, I had not studied at all for the quiz.

 

• I was not ready.
• I blamed the quiz on not being ready.
• I felt worse because I was not ready and now I had more pressure that required “relief.”

 

Peter tried to get everyone off a vicious cycle of not being ready. He provides a path of “readiness” that includes hope, blessing, obedience and holiness. These actions will provide rewards from CHRIST.

 

My Observations:

• Sin distracts me away from the peace of GOD, and I start to lose hope
• Disobedience causes me to challenge GOD which in turn blinds me from HIS blessings.
• Various desires stay top of mind, causing me to remain ignorant of who GOD really is.

 

Spiritual blindness and deafness are the result of not listening to GOD. I mean, when I go too long doing things “my” way, I stop listening to GOD, who has a better way. HE allows me to commit as many sins as I would like. HE warns me of the consequences and is just to bring judgment on me if I disobey. BUT GOD has grace that I do not understand.

 

HE gives me a better path that I can follow. JESUS lived a perfect life. HE is my example. HE lived in “holiness” and suggests that I do the same. The enemy wants me to act contrary to JESUS. I am glad HE gave me many examples of how to live an abundant life.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer mention the mind?
• Have you ever thought of a plan to give yourself pleasure or “relief” from the pressures of this world?
• Have you considered that not every plan you think of is good for you?
• Will you consider placing all of you plans, thoughts and desires before the LORD and allow HIM to guide you to a better path 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?

Finding

Finding

John 15: ⁵ “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. ⁶ If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. ⁷ If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. ⁸ By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.

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When I “found” the new job, I was excited. I was making two dollars more than the last job and I could work twenty hours a week instead of twelve. I could finally fix my car! I told everyone about the job I “found.”

• One time I was searching for something and thought a job could fill it.
• One time I was seeking something and thought I could fill it with more money.
• One time I was longing for something and thought the problems would go away if I had more money.

JESUS says again “I AM the vine, you are the branches.” HE then tells them to “bear fruit.” If we bear fruit, it is only because JESUS lives in us. Those who do not bear fruit will be cast out. This scared me.

• JESUS says to me “do not worry for I AM with you always.”
• JESUS says to me “do not be afraid.”
• JESUS says to me “you live in me and I live in you. Go make disciples of all nations, and teaching them.”

GOD wants me to bear fruit. In other words, HE wants me to point my life to HIM, not towards more buildings that “will” get burned down. HE desires to be the only message and sadly, that message is dissipating. JESUS is the primary message that needs to be preached to the lost.

HE “found” me and HE wants me to “find” others. HE sends me to seek HIS kingdom first, and if anything gets in the way of finding HIS people, I can ask and it will be given to me. This message is about bearing GOD’s fruit, not fulfilling human ego and lusts. I am grateful GOD enables me to bear HIS fruit.

• What is your primary message?
• Have you mentioned programs, church names and buildings, but have not mentioned JESUS?
• Will you make JESUS your primary message without thinking people need to be “fixed” first?

True Greatness

True Greatness

John 8: ⁵² Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon! Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and You say, ‘If anyone keeps My word he shall never taste death.’ ⁵³ Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?”

⁵⁴ Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. ⁵⁵ Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you; but I do know Him and keep His word.⁵⁶ Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.”

⁵⁷ Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?”

⁵⁸ Jesus said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I AM.”

⁵⁹ Then they took up stones to throw at Him; but Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

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JESUS declares that HE was the one who gave Moses the laws and the ten commandments by saying “Before Abraham was, I AM.” This infuriated the church leaders because they refused to bow down to HIM as their king. JESUS was saying HE has the power over death which was given to HIM by the FATHER.

• GOD wants me to give HIM more credit than I normally do.
• GOD wants me to see that HE is involved in every facet of my life.
• GOD wants me to understand that HE controls everything and has thrown Satan to earth.

Underestimating who JESUS is, was the church leader’s big mistake. I make this mistake often with people. I mean when I mistreat someone or overlook the throw away people, I am underestimating those GOD wants me to serve. This is just like the Pharisees.

• JESUS wants me to see HIS greatness so I can tell others about HIM.
• JESUS wants me to recognize HIS power to save me and those who also believe in HIM.
• JESUS wants me to accept that HE is the GREAT I AM.

JESUS was and is forever. HE was and is all powerful. HE was and is all seeing, all knowing and is everywhere. I serve the Living GOD.

• Who is JESUS to you?
• Do you think HE has forgotten you?
• Will you allow the Great I AM to take you to places you never dreamed of?

Needing Proof

Luke 16: ²⁴ “Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’ ²⁵ But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. ²⁶ And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’

²⁷ “Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, ²⁸ for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’ ²⁹ Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’ ³⁰ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ ³¹ But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ”

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Feeling a bit unassured, I asked around to see if one of the higher ups was telling the truth about promoting me. When word got back to the person about my inquiries, they said, “I’m sorry, you may not be a fit for this opportunity.”

• There were times when I did not trust what was told to me.
• There were times when I did not completely believe in what was handed to me.
• There were times when I was taught something, yet doubted what I was taught.

JESUS completes HIS recollection of the situation by telling the nameless rich man’s desire. The rich man begged for more comfort in eternity, remembering how comfortable he was on earth. Abraham, who showed his faith on earth, said “No, it’s too late.” Bargaining, the rich man begged specifically to send someone who would rise from the dead. “People won’t believe”, Abraham said.

• GOD wants me to believe in what the prophets wrote.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS plan of salvation for HIS creation.
• GOD wants me to believe in things that are far out of my reach, yet easy for HIM.

Creation, life after death, Heaven and hell, demons and angels, and miracles are things GOD tells me to believe in, yet there were many times when I doubted. I went for the next best thing which was proof. I needed proof that everything happened as it was told. So I dug into research and could only come to one conclusion, GOD IS. I now fully believe and beg HIS forgiveness for needing proof.

• Do you doubt GOD’s love for you?
• Are you blaming HIM for your life or are you grabbing onto HIS love for you?
• Can you accept JESUS as your savior today without requiring more proof?
• If you need love, will you seek what HE says about HIS love for you today?

Prove It

Mark 14: ⁶⁰ And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, saying, “Do You answer nothing? What is it these men testify against You?” ⁶¹ But He kept silent and answered nothing.

Again the high priest asked Him, saying to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?”

⁶² Jesus said, “I am. And you will see the Son of Man sitting at the right hand of the Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.”

⁶³ Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “What further need do we have of witnesses? ⁶⁴ You have heard the blasphemy! What do you think?”

And they all condemned Him to be deserving of death.

⁶⁵ Then some began to spit on Him, and to blindfold Him, and to beat Him, and to say to Him, “Prophesy!” And the officers struck Him with the palms of their hands.

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“Please supply your driver’s license, passport, five years of bank statements, seven years of taxes, birth certificate and social security card please” was the overwhelming request made to me as I was going to assume a house note. “Why do you need all of this?” I asked. “To prove who you are” they said.

• There have been times when I had to prove my identity.
• There were times when I had to carry the right paperwork around with me to prove who I was.
• There have been times when I was worried about people believing in my identity.

“Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” was asked by the church leaders in an assumed authoritative way. They questioned JESUS as if to say “Prove it to us and we will let you go.” Their arrogance was noted by JESUS and HE answered “I AM” stating HE is GOD. They were furious!

• JESUS wants me to know HE IS the great I AM.
• JESUS wants me to know HE IS GOD.
• JESUS wants me to know HE IS alive, just as HE said HE would be.

“You will see the SON of MAN sitting at the right hand of the POWER, and coming with the clouds of heaven” were the words that incited pure anger. The church leaders decided to prove their power over JESUS by beating HIM, but they had no power at all. JESUS allowed every blow because HE wanted to forgive me for my sins.

• Do you believe in JESUS?
• Are you busy trying to make HIM prove HIMSELF in your life?
• Can you stop forcing GOD to show you signs and allow HIM to open your eyes in order to do a marvelous work in you?  

The ONLY Name

Zechariah 14: ⁹ The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name.

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Parents were Lords to me at one time, telling me when and where to go. Teachers were Lords to me at another time, assigning homework and grading my performance. Bosses became Lords to me at yet another time, hovering money over my head in anticipation of raises and bonuses.

• GOD says to me “I AM THE LORD your GOD.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the Alpha and Omega, beginning and end.”
• GOD says to me “I AM.”

The great “I AM” is the only name that can be called LORD. HE has full authority to do as HE pleases with my life and my struggles are fewer when I let go and place full trust in HIM.

Think Bigger

Ezekiel 38: ²² I will execute judgment on him with plague and bloodshed; I will pour down torrents of rain, hailstones and burning sulfur on him and on his troops and on the many nations with him. ²³ And so I will show my greatness and my holiness, and I will make myself known in the sight of many nations. Then they will know that I am the Lord.

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“I hope my running-back gets more yards than my opponent” was my prayer. Fantasy football was extremely fun to play and I got into it. My coworkers got me involved and it was a sign of being accepted. Praying for running-backs is probably okay, but looking back, I wonder what I would pray for if I only had a few breaths left in my body.

• GOD is concerned with minor things in my life as well as major things.
• GOD is concerned about growing me up to think more like HIM and to see those around me.
• GOD is opening up my eyes to not just getting stuff but being who HE want me to be.

From lost car keys to loss of life, GOD wants my prayer. BUT GOD wants me to know HE is in control of nations, this planet and this universe. One reason is when I face situations and think there is no way out, HE wants me to know that HE is bigger than anything I can go through.

• I can trust GOD because HE does exactly what HE says.
• I can trust GOD because HE is the only one who can keep a promise.
• I can trust GOD because HE is the first and the last.

GOD says “I WILL make MYSELF known in the sight of many nations.” HE will one day pour out wrath that has never been measured. The problem for humans is it will be too late. GOD would prefer that I come to HIM willingly rather than having to go through calamity in order to seek HIM. GOD is much larger than anything I can face. I only need to turn to HIM.

• Have you thought so little of GOD that you think HE cannot solve what you are going through?
• Are your words full of blame and doubt?
• Can you seek the LORD first and allow HIM to rule in your life?
• Will you allow GOD to open your eyes to HIS greatness?

HE is WHO HE IS

Isaiah 44: ⁶ “This is what the Lord says—
    Israel’s King and Redeemer, the Lord Almighty:
I am the first and I am the last;
    apart from me there is no God.
⁷ Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it.
    Let him declare and lay out before me
what has happened since I established my ancient people,
    and what is yet to come—
    yes, let them foretell what will come.
⁸ Do not tremble, do not be afraid.
    Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?
You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me?
    No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”

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Pondering about the concept of GOD made me ask questions. “If GOD is real, why doesn’t HE just heal everybody?” I then decided this “GOD” thing isn’t enough for me. There has to be more. I mean I read parts of a self-help book and it said “I” should draw from my strengths.” I liked that because it put me in control. I soon started depending on “me” and got deeper into my mess. “I wonder if I should try GOD again” I thought to myself.

• There were times when I thought there has to be more than GOD.
• There were times when I thought GOD’s word was not enough.
• There were times when I thought GOD seems to not love me because I am in another mess.

Looking back on my relationship with GOD, I can see that I was the one who left HIM, not the other way around. During the time when I stopped praying and worshipping, I felt pretty good for a moment. I could do as I pleased and live as wild as I wanted to. But when problems happened, and boy did they happen, I had no place to turn. Should I rely on myself? No!

• GOD said to me “I AM the first and I AM the last; apart from me there is no GOD.”
• GOD said to me “Do not tremble; do not be afraid for I AM with you.”
• GOD said to me “You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me? No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”

GOD is my Rock and my salvation, whom shall I fear? After coming to my senses I soon realized I just wanted “my” way. I mean all those rules and not sinning didn’t seem “fun.” BUT GOD held onto me anyway. HE watched over me in spite of me and gently nudged me back to HIM. I am very glad to be in HIS arms. HE is the one and ONLY true GOD!

• Do you doubt GOD?
• Do you feel you need to add something to what HE said about life?
• Can you stop fighting GOD and let HIM work in your life?
• Will you turn your life over to HIM fully and watch HIS power unfold?

I will be your GOD

Exodus 6: ⁶ “Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment.

⁷ I will take you as my own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. ⁸ And I will bring you to the land I swore with uplifted hand to give to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob. I will give it to you as a possession. I am the Lord.’”

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When GOD says “I will” it doesn’t mean it may happen or it possibly could happen, it means it will happen. But there are times when I doubt HIS promise to me. During these times I get nervous or make excuses to GOD just like Moses did when he kept telling GOD he wasn’t eloquent enough to convince Pharaoh to release the Israelite slaves.

I look at my abilities and power and can’t imagine doing something grandiose BUT GOD says different.

• GOD says “I will bring you” meaning I am not the one who has to provide the way.
• GOD says “I will free you” meaning anything that holds me in bondage will be broken.
• GOD says “I will redeem you with outstretched an arm and my might acts of judgment” meaning HE welcomes me, though sinful, and HE fights my battles.
• GOD says “I will take you as MY people” meaning I am part of HIS family and no longer HIS enemy.
• GOD says “I will be you GOD” meaning there is no person, place or thing greater than HIM.

GOD says “HE loves me” and “has a plan for me” and “will never leave me.” HIS might is far too great for HIM to go back on HIS word. HE says “I am the LORD.”

• Are you scared to cross over into greatness?
• Do you think GOD has something huge for you to do?
• Won’t you let GOD decide how to grow you and stretch you?
• Can’t you believe there is nothing too great for GOD?