COMMANDMENT # 10 EXODUS 20: 17

COMMANDMENT # 10

"You shall not covet your neighbor's house.  You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or ANYTHING that belongs to your neighbor."     Exodus 20:17 (NIV)

LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE COMMENTARY:

   To covet is to wish to have the possessions of others.  It goes beyond simply admiring someone else's possessions or thinking, "I'd like one of those."  Coveting includes envy--resenting the fact that others have what you don't.  God knows however, that possessions never make anyone happy for long.  Since only God can supply all our needs, true contentment is found only in Him.  When you begin to covet, try to determine if a more basic need is leading you to envy.  For example, you may covet someone's success, not because you want to take it away from him, but because you would like to feel as appreciated by others as he is.  If this is the case, pray that God will help you deal with your resentment and meet your basic needs.

MY THOUGHTS

   To covet is to obsessively, excessively desire that which belongs to another.  It is to lie awake at night obsessing over why they have it when you should be the one who owns it.  It really should be yours.  You need it.  They don't know how to handle owning it.  Etc.   It is not just a desire to obtain it for yourself, but to deny another of having it so you can own it.
   I googled "define covet".  I found a site called, "bible.org", which went into deep detail of what coveting is.  It was truly amazing.  I invite you to go to their site.  The post is titled, "Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Coveting--And A Whole Lot More.
   Coveting is a sin of the heart, not a sin of an action.  If I murder, it is known.  If I steal, it is known.  If I covet, no one knows until it leads me to one of the other sins.  King David coveted Bathsheba.  She belonged to another.  He obsessed about her.  Then he acted, committing adultery, murder, lies, etc.  He took his eyes off of God and onto a possession of another. 
   It is easy to say to keep your eyes on God, but it is not always so easy to do.
History is full of people who coveted, including Adolf Hitler.  He coveted to be God.
   We need to take stock of our own thoughts and desires.  Desire is a good thing.  It can motivate us to work hard to achieve goals.  Let us examine our hearts and place God on the throne of our hearts.  Pray for God to show us where we might be harboring covetousness.

   But I have good news if you desire to spend eternity in Heaven with God.  He has prepared a place for you and a Way to get there:  Jesus.  Please visit our "Path to Salvation" page and accept His gift to you. Have you accepted Jesus's gift of salvation?     https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html. 

You are encouraged to leave a comment with your thoughts,

   Also, if this ministry is a blessing to you, please share this post on your favorite social media.  Thank you.

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaslife.blogspot.com and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

KING HEROD'S MASSACRE

KING HEROD'S MASSACRE

   After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews?  We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him."

   When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.  When he had called together all the people's chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Christ was to be born.  "In Bethlehem in Judea, "they replied, "for this is what the prophets has written:

     "'but you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,

          are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;

       for out of you will come a ruler

          who will be the shepherd of my people Israel.'"

Then Herod called the Magi secretly and found out from them the exact time the star had appeared.  He sent them to Bethlehem and said, "Go and make a careful search for the child.  As soon as you find him,  report to me, so that I too may go and worship him."

   After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen in the east went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star, they were overjoyed.  On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.  Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.  And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.

   When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream.  "Get up," he said, "take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt.  Stay there until I tell you, FOR HEROD IS GOING TO SEARCH FOR THE CHILD TO KILL HIM."

   So he got up, took, the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod.  And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet:  "Out of Egypt I called my son."

   WHEN HEROD REALIZED THAT HE HAD BEEN OUTWITTED BY THE MAGI, HE WAS FURIOUS, AND HE GAVE ORDERS TO KILL ALL THE BOYS IN BETHLEHEM AND ITS VICINITY WHO WERE TWO YEARS OLD AND UNDER, in accordance with the time he learned from the Magi.  Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled:

       "a voice is heard in Ramah,

             weeping and great mourning,

        Rachel weeping for her children

             and refusing to be comforted,

        because they are no more."                      Matthew 2:  1 - 18   (NIV)

There are two things I want to point out to you tonight from these passages:  1) ...Herod is going to search for the child...  God knows all things past, present, and future.

2)  All the boy children two years old and younger were sentenced to death by their government.  God knew this before it happened.  God allowed it to happen to accomplish His plan.

   God knew about the young man in Connecticut from the time before he was born.  He knew what he would do before he was allowed to do it. 

   God knew about Columbine, where Rachael Scott attended.

  

   Let us get on our knees and worship God for His love and mercy.  Let us pray for comfort for the families of the children and the adults. Let us give thanks for the relationships in our lives that bring us so much joy.  Let us pray for a major revival in this nation to honor God.

 Do you know God's love?  Have you accepted His forgiveness for your own sins?  Please visit the "plan to salvation" page.  God doesn't want any to perish, but to have everlasting life.

You are also invited to visit with Oma at http://omaslife.blogspot.com and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

COMMANDMENT # 9 EXODUS 20: 15

COMMANDMENT #9

   You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.  Exodus 20: 15

   Exodus has a whole paragraph on lying: 
Do not spread false reports.  Do not help a wicked man by being a malicious witness. 
Do not follow the crowd in doing wrong. 
When you give testimony in a lawsuit, do not pervert justice by siding with the crowd, and do not show favoritism to a poor man in his lawsuit.  Exodus 23:  1-3  (NIV)
Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits. 
Have nothing to do with a false charge and do not put an innocent or honest person to death, for I will not acquit the guilty. 
Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous.    Exodus 23" 6-8   (NIV)

Do not lie

 Do not deceive one another.

Do not swear falsely by my Name and so profane the Name of your God.  I am the Lord.   Leviticus 19: 11,12        (NIV)

   Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body.   Ephesians 4: 25  (NIV)

   In Matthew, Jesus said, 18)"But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man.  19) For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, FALSE WITNESS, blasphemies:"

It appears that the bottom line for those called by His Name are to have morals above those "of the world".  Even the wicked know how we are instructed to act; just ask a politician.  We are to reflect God's nature.  Remember that "Satan is the father of lies".  John 8: 44  (NIV)  Where would we be if God lied?

Have you accepted God's gift of eternal life?  We are born into sin due to the choices of Adam and Eve.  God gave us a way out of that sin.  Please visit the "Path to Salvation" page to learn more about His love.

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaslife.blogspot.com and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

COMMANDMENT # 8 EXODUS 20: 14

COMMANDMENT # 8

   You shall not steal.    Exodus 20: 14   (NIV)



   Really, that says it all.  Do not take from anyone what is not yours.  If you want something, work for it.  At the very least, ask for it.  Personally, if you ask me for what you need, it will be given to you if I have it.  If I don't have it and you really need it, I will do everything in my power to help you get it.  Why would you steal?
 
Then there is that famous passage in Malachi:

"I the Lord do not change.  So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.  Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them.  Return to me, and I will return to you."  says the Lord Almighty.
"But you ask, 'How are we to return?'
"Will a man rob from God?  Yet you rob me.
"But you ask, 'How do we rob you?'
"In tithes and offerings.  You are under a curse--the whole nation of you--because you are robbing me.  Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.  Test me in this", says the Lord Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.    Malachi 3: 6-10 (NIV)

If you do steal, surely you would not want to steal from God, Himself! 

You see, God does not look in favor on us when we make for ourselves another god....even in the form of government.  God will care for those who cannot care for themselves when we tithe as we are instructed to do.  He does not feed the lazy.

Let us all return to our first love, The Lord, and revere Him and receive His blessings.  Have you accepted God's love through Jesus Christ?  Please visit the "Pathway to Salvation" page and accept Jesus today, while there is still time.

If this post is a blessing to you, please feel free to share it on your favorite social media.  Thank you.


You are also invited to visit with Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com and http://omaslife.blogspot.com.

COMMANDMENT #7 EXODUS 20: 14

COMMANDMENT #7

   You shall not commit adultery.    Exodus 20: 14  (NIV)

                                                            

                                                          

   The definition of adultery according to thefreedictionary.com is "voluntary sexual intercourse between a married man or woman and a partner other than the legal spouse". 
   There are so many ramifications connected to adultery.  One is that you lie and steal when you commit adultery.  You lie to the same one you promised to cherish and love forever.  You lie to your children.  You lie to family and friends to cover your sin.  You steal happiness, trust, and security from your spouse and your children.  You brand yourself as one who is not to be trusted, so you loose respect from anyone who knows about your adultery. 

The Bible has so much more to say about sexual sins, but adultery made it to the top of the list:

   If a man commits adultery with another man's wife--with the wife of his neighbor--both the adulterer and the adulteress must be put to death.
   If a man sleeps with his father's wife, he has dishonored his father.  Both the man and the woman must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.
  If a man sleeps with his daughter-in-law, both of them must be put to death.  What they have done is a perversion; their blood will be on their own heads.
   If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable.  They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads.   Leviticus 20:  10-13  (NIV)

The list in Leviticus goes on.............God wants the best for us and He knows that sexual sin may shatter the lives of His children.

   In today's society, you also put your spouse at risk of contracting diseases which can be debilitating and even fatal.  If your spouse is pregnant when you choose to commit adultery, you are also putting your pre-born child at risk of contracting a fatal disease.  That is labeled as murder.
   So, you bear false witness, steal, and commit murder as well as committing adultery.  I would say this one is a commandment you would want to steer clear of.  How do you ask for forgiveness for adultery when you failed to observe so many of the commandments all wrapped up in one?
   Since I am no longer "politically correct", I never call adultery by any of the acceptable terms such as "an affair" or "an indiscretion" or whatever we are told to smooth it over with in today's society.  I call a duck a duck.

What are your thoughts?  Do you know Jesus?  Please visit the "Path to Salvation" page to learn how to be saved from the sins you have committed.

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com and http://omaslife.blogspot.com.

COMMANDMENT # 6 EXODUS 20: 13

COMMANDMENT # 6

  

   You shall not commit murder.  Exodus 20: 13 (NIV)

   Anyone who strikes a man and kills him shall surely be put to death.  However, if he does not do it intentionally, but God lets it happen, he is to flee to a place I will designate.  But if a man schemes and kills another man deliberately, take him away from my altar and put him to death.  Exodus 20: 12-14.

  

   You have heard it said to the people long ago, 'Do not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.'  But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.  Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin.  But anyone who says, 'You fool!' will be in danger of the fire of hell.  Matthew 5:  21, 22.  (NIV)

   Life begins at conception.  Facts are facts: 

Jeremiah 1:5 - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart, I appointed you as a prophet to the nations."

If God knew us before we were born, how can we murder any baby who is living within his mother's womb?

"Your brother's blood cries out to me from the ground".  Genesis 4: 10b  (NIV)  This is what God said to Cain after he had killed his brother, Abel.  How much more the blood of 47,000,000 babies has cried out to my Father in Heaven from America, a "Christian nation"!

Do not call yourself a Christian and condone abortion.  What's more, how can you trust a doctor to practice medicine in your best interest when he/she can cold-bloodedly commit murder? 

You are encouraged to leave your thoughts in a comment on this site. 

If this ministry is a blessing to you, you are invited to share this post on your favorite social media.  Thank you.

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COMMANDMENT # 5 EXODUS 20: 12

COMMANDMENT # 5

   Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.  Exodus 20:12  (NIV)

 LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE COMMENTARY



   This is the first commandment with a promise attached.  To live in peace for generations in the promised land, the Israelites would need to respect authority and build strong families.  But what does it mean to "honor" parents:  Partly, it means speaking well of them and politely to them.  It also means acting in a way that shows them courtesy and respect (but not to obey them if his means disobedience to God).  It means following their teaching and example of putting God first.  Parents have a special place in God's sight.  Even those who find it difficult to get along with their parents are still commanded to honor them.

  

MY THOUGHTS

   My problem is with the "father and mother" thing.  I have a problem fitting today's society into God's plan.  Webster defines a "mother" as a female parent.  Webster defines a "father" as a man who has begotten a child.  Answers.com defines "parent" as one who begets, gives birth to, or nurtures or raises a child. 

   Decades ago, parents got divorced on grounds of adultery or abuse or abandonment.  Today, parents don't even get married.  Today we have "friends with benefits" and both parents may not even be aware they are parents.  We also did not have homosexuals who were allowed by the courts to adopt children.  Where did we go wrong?  How can we get back to the place where we should be?

   None of today's societal ills absolve us of our duty to God or this commandment.  We are still to honor our father and mother.  Note that the father is listed first, as he is the head of the household.

    John MacArthur says, "The key to societal stability is reverence and respect for parents and their authority."  That respect and reverence transfers to those in position of authority.  Mystery Babylon has infiltrated our schools, government, and even our homes.  We believe those who preach evolution, promote homosexuality, and say that babies in the womb are just clumps of cells and that it is o.k. to destroy them.

   The Bible goes even farther in reverence to your parents:   "If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be put to death.  He has cursed his father or his mother, and his blood will be on his own head."   Leviticus 20: 9  (NIV)

   Do you know  you are also instructed to "Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God"?  Leviticus 19:32   (NIV)

   What are your thoughts?

You are also invited to visit with Oma at http://omaslife.blogspot.com, h ttp://omaspolitics.blogspot.com, and http://tbcspeaks.blogspot.com.

 

EXODUS 20:7 COMMANDMENT # 3

THE LORD'S NAME IN VAIN

image courtesey of freeBibleimages.org

   Commandment # 3 is "You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His name.  Exodus 20:7  (NIV)....."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."  (King James Version)

LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE COMMENTARY

   God's name is special because it carries His personal identity.  Using it frivolously or in a curse is so common today that we may fail to realize how serious it is.  The way we use God's name conveys how we really feel about Him.  We should respect His name and use it appropriately, speaking it in praise or worship rather than in curse or jest.  We should not take lightly the abuse or dishonor of His name.   Anything that would bring disrespect or disrepute to His character is using His name in vain.

   Do not swear falsely by My Name and so profane the Name of your God.  I am the Lord.   Leviticus 19: 12    (NIV)   We are to perform our oaths to The Lord.  It is better not to swear at all, but let our yes be yes and our no be no.  (Matthew 5:  33-37)

Personally, my ears hurt when I am around babies who run around with the omg or actually say, "oh my God!"  It is the same thing.  My problem is that these kids don't realize what they are doing.  They are saying what their parents, friends, or tv shows say.  Everybody says it.  We have lost our first love.  Between shopping on Sundays and using God's name in vain, we have been extremely slack in paying God the respect He is due.  How do we change?  I usually call people down who use the Lord's name in vain.  They may say, "good Lord", or "Jesus Christ!"  I'll usually say, "you don't have to call me that."  It is just a way to call them out.  I would much rather people use the "f" word around me than disrespect the Lord's name.


  

What are your thoughts?  Can you justify using language that disrespects my Lord?  Let us know what you do to show Him the respect He deserves.

If you have not given your heart to the most wonderful God, we have a page for you to visit:
"Pathway to Salvation".  Search for it on our "pages".

If this post has been a blessing to you, we encourage you to share it on your favorite social media.  Thank you.

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaslife.blogspot.com, http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com, and http://tbcspeaks.blogspot.com. 

COMMANDMENT #2: EXODUS 20:4-6

COMMANDMENT #2:  EXODUS 20: 4- 6

   "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in Heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.  You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generations of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand generations of those who love me and keep my commandments."  (NIV)

How long is a "generation"?  Bible scholars have varying opinion:  some say 20 years, some say 40 years, some say 100 years.  Regardless of how long a generation is, I don't want to be responsible for my children being punished by my God.  I have worked to provide a better life for my children than my parents were able to give to me.  The last thing I want is for God to be angry at them on my account.  I follow Job's lead by praying for them daily...He sacrificed for his daily. 

Here is the definition of  "idol" according to "dictionary.com":

 

1.  an image or other material object representing a deity to which religious worship is addressed.

2.

Bible .

a.

an image of a deity other than God.

b.

the deity itself.

3.

any person or thing regarded with blind admiration, adoration, or devotion: Madame Curie had been her childhood idol.

4.

a mere image or semblance of something, visible but without substance, as a phantom.

5.

a figment of the mind; fantasy.

Here is the definition of jealousy, according to Psychology Today: 

"As emotions go, jealousy is neither subtle nor kind, but it is definitely complex, encompassing feelings from fear of abandonment to rage to humiliation. It strikes both men and women when they perceive a THIRD-PARTY THREAT TO A VALUED RELATIONSHIP, and that distinguishes it from envy, which involves wanting something someone else has. Conventional wisdom holds that jealousy is a necessary emotion because it preserves social bonds, but it more often destroys them. And it can give rise to relationship violence."

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COMMANDMENT #1 EXODUS 20: 1-3

COMMANDMENT # 1    EXODUS 20: 1-3

And God spoke all these words:

  "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.

   You shall have no other gods before me...."  (NIV)

COMMENTARY FROM LIFE APPLICATION STUDY BIBLE

      The Israelites had just come from Egypt, a land of many idols and many gods.  Because each god represented a different aspect of life, it was common to worship many gods in order to get the maximum number of blessings.  When God told His people to worship and believe in Him, that wasn't so hard for them---He was just one more god to add to the list.  But when He said, "You shall have no other gods before me,"  that was difficult for the people to accept.  But if they didn't learn that the God who led them out of Egypt was the only true god, they could not be His people--no matter how faithfully they kept the other nine commandments.  Thus, God made this His first commandment and emphasized it more than the others.  Today we can allow many things to become gods to us.  Money, fame, work, or pleasure can become gods when we concentrate too much on them for personal identity, meaning, and security.  No one sets out with the intention of worshipping these things.  But by the amount of time we devote to them, they can grow into gods that ultimately control our thoughts and energies.  Letting God hold the central place in our lives keeps these things from turning into gods.

   The Israelites had been in bondage to the Egyptians and God had led them out of that bondage in a major way.  I imagine how long the trek out of Egypt was after being mistreated by the captors.  I imagine working long hours with very little food or water.  I imagine they may have looked about like the children in the third world countries; severely malnourished, with the protruding bellies and big eyes.  But God remembered them.  When they  came up against the river and saw Pharaoh's army galloping toward them to slay them right there, God parted the waters and they walked across ON DRY LAND.  Then God took care of Pharaoh.  Why would we have any other God? 

   God will do nothing less for us today.  He is our God.  If His people, who are called by His Name will humble themselves and pray and seek His face and turn from our wicked ways, then He will hear from Heaven and will forgive our sins and heal our land.  (paraphrase of 2 Chronicles 7:14)

   I go about trying to identify gods in my life....the government is not one of them for me, but not everyone can say that, obviously.  I don't want to have ANY god before the Great I Am.  One day, I will stand before God as a Judge.  I want Him to say, "Well done, my good and faithful servant."    I love my Lord and I like it when He is on the throne of my life.

   What about you?  Can you identify gods in your life?  Do you care?  For more information on how to become a child of The Most High God, click here:   https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaslife.blogspot.com, http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com, and http://tbcspeaks.blogspot.com.  Leave a comment.

ISAIAH 9: 8- 12 GOD'S WARNING TO A NATION

GOD'S WARNING TO A NATION  ISAIAH 9:8-12 (NIV)

photo courtesy gdcritter.blogspot.com

The Lord has sent a message against Jacob;

   it will fall on Israel.

All the people will know it--

   Ephraim and the inhabitants of Samaria--

who say with pride

   and arrogance of heart,

"The bricks have fallen down,

   but we will rebuild with dressed stone;

the fig trees have been felled,

   but we will replace them with cedars."

But the Lord has strengthened Rezin's foes against them

   and has spurred their enemies on.

Armaneans from the east and Philistines from the west

   have devoured Israel with open mouth. 

Know this, America, when the leaders of our country spoke these words in September of 2001, they called down a curse on America.  Look it up.  Research what I am telling you.  Buy the book, THE HARBINGER.  He who has ears, let him hear the words of the Prophet of the Lord.  Turn back to God.  He is our only True Hope.

What are your thoughts?  You are welcomed to leave a comment.

You are also invited to visit Oma at http://omaslife.blogspot.com and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

THE NINE HARBINGERS

THE NINE HARBINGERS

I am reading a book by Jonathan Cahn titled, The Harbinger.  This is an amazing subject, one which is very timely.  One of the comments on the back of the book reads:  "Before its end as a nation, there appeared in ancient Israel a series of specific omens and signs warning of destruction--these same Nine Harbingers are now manifesting in America with profound ramifications for  America's future and end-time prophecy."



  I have already covered the first three of the harbingers.  I really don't want to divulge the story, even knowing how busy Americans are.  I really want you to purchase the book and invest your time in reading it.  Mine also came with a video.  I will wait until after I finish the book to view the video.  You can order yours at www.theharbingerbook.com. 

   The scripture we have covered so far is Isaiah 9:10.  We have covered Nineveh, Iraq, and Assyria.  I really encourage you to get the book and read along.  With the forty days of prayer we are currently observing, it potentiates the importance of what America is going through.

You are also invited to follow Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com, and http://omaslife.blogspot.com.

COMMANDMENT # 4----REMEMBER THE SABBATH

COMMANDMENT #4  REMEMBER THE SABBATH
EXODUS 20: 8 - 11

   Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.  Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.  On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor you animals, nor the alien within your gates.  For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all this is in them, but He rested on the seventh day.  Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.  Exodus 20: 8-11 (NIV)

COMMENTARY

     The Ten Commandments were given to the Jews after God rescued them from slavery to Pharaoh.  He parted the water for them to cross when Pharaoh would have overtaken them and released the water to prevent Pharaoh from following them to the other side of the Red Sea.  They were en-route to The Promised Land.  God had provided manna for them to eat, so they would not have to plant and reap; they would not have to worry about what they would eat.  The stipulation was that they were to gather manna six days but not on The Sabbath.  They were provided enough on the sixth day to gather so they would not go without food on The Sabbath.  God was showing them (and us) that He will provide all of our needs and that we are to keep the Sabbath holy.

  Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary states it this way:  "One day in seven is to be kept holy. Six days are allotted to worldly business, but not so as to neglect the service of God, and the care of our souls. On those days we must do all our work, and leave none to be done on the sabbath day. Christ allowed works of necessity, charity, and piety; for the sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath, Mr 2:27; but all works of luxury, vanity, or self-indulgence in any form, are forbidden. Trading, paying wages, settling accounts, writing letters of business, worldly studies, trifling visits, journeys, or light conversation, are not keeping this day holy to the Lord."  "The sabbath of the Lord should be a day of rest from worldly labour, and a rest in the service of God."

   That pretty much takes care of watching sports of any kind, even youth sports that your child is involved in.  That forbids watching television, fishing, swimming, working in the garden, etc.  This commentary says we are to dedicate this one day out of seven to The Lord, only.

   We Christians do not observe "The Sabbath", but rather, we observe the first day of the week, Sunday.  For it was on the first day of the week when Jesus rose from the dead, and when Pentecost occurred.   Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament.

   Colossians 2 says it this way:  16) Therefore do not let anyone judge you by what you eat or drink, or with regard to a religious festival, a New Moon celebration or a Sabbath day.  17) These are a shadow of the things that were to come; the reality, however, is found in Christ.  18) Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you."  NIV

MY THOUGHTS

 SIX DAYS YOU SHALL LABOR.  How have we missed this part of the COMMANDMENT?  America has 47% of people on public assistance in one form or another (instead of laboring).  This is a commandment (to labor).  How have we been guided by our government to disobey our God?  Wise men follow wise counsel but fools are led astray.  We are currently in forty days of praying for America.  We are praying for God to remember us, forgive us, for us to repent.  47%.  Join us in our journey to seek God's face and return to Him.

   I have realized that shopping on Sunday was not glorifying Him.  Do you know how convenient it is to shop on Sunday?  My problem is that someone had to stay away from church to run the register, or stock the shelf, or open the convenient store for gasoline, or what ever.  I realized I had positioned myself between them and my God.  Whoa!  This is the same God who parted the river for the Israelites to cross.  I only want to put a smile on His face, not get between Him and His children.  It is not as easy as it sounds to give up such convenience.  You should try it sometime.

   Have you identified activities you normally engage in that are counter to this Commandment?  You are encouraged to leave a comment and share it with us.

   You are also invited to share this post on your favorite social media if we have been a blessing to you.  Thank you.

You are also invited to join Oma at http://omaslife.blogspot.com and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

40 DAYS OF PRAYER RECLAIMING AMERICA

40 DAYS OF PRAYER RETURNING GOD TO AMERICA



   The following schedule for 40 days of prayers for Christians to intercede to reclaim America for God can be found at http://www.ifmypeople2012.org.  

Prayer Topics

DAY

DATE

PRAYER TOPIC

PRAYER LEADER

                                               NATIONAL REVIVAL

Day 1	Sep 28	Revival For Prayer	Dave Butts - Chairman of National Prayer Committee
Day 2	Sep 29	Humility In America and Churches	Nancy Leigh DeMoss - National Speaker, Author, Radio Program
Day 3	Sep 30	Revival To Seek God	Mike MacIntosh - Pastor, Author, National Radio Broadcast
Day 4	Oct 1	Repentance	Raul Ries - Pastor, Author, National Radio Broadcast
Day 5	Oct 2	Revival For The Word Of God	Dr. Lamar Vest - President of American Bible Society
Day 6	Oct 3	Revival For Purity	Ken Johnson -  Indianapolis Colts Chaplain
Day 7	Oct 4	Passion For The Lost And Evangelism	Steve Douglass- President of Cru (Campus Crusade for Christ U.S.)
Day 8	Oct 5	Praise And Thanksgiving	Jason Hershey - Initiator of David's Tent D.C.

                                                          CHURCHES AND FAMILIES

Day 9	Oct 6	Fathers And Husbands	Bob Woodson - President of Center For Neighborhood Ent.
Day 10	Oct 7	Mothers And Wives	Vonette Bright - Speaker, Author, Co-founder of Campus Crusade
Day 11	Oct 8	Youth And Teenagers	Clark Kellogg - CBS Sports Analyst, Former NBA player
Day 12	Oct 9	Children	Mike Novak - President of EMF Broadcasting
Day 13	Oct 10	Families	John Bornschein - Vice Chair of National Day of Prayer Task Force
Day 14	Oct 11	Marriages	Kirk Cameron - Actor, Producer, Co-Host of The Way of the Master
Day 15	Oct 12	Pastors And Church Leadership	Bishop Harry Jackson - Pastor, Pres. High Impact Ldrship Coalition
Day 16	Oct 13	Revival Throughout the Nations	Henry Blackaby - Author and President of Blackaby Ministries
Day 17	Oct 14	God's People To Fully Live For God	John David Webster - Worship Leader, Recording Artist

                                               NATIONAL RENEWAL

Day 18	Oct 15	Protection Of Religious Liberty	Alan Sears - President of Alliance Defending Freedom
Day 19	Oct 16	Sanctity Of Life	Melinda Delahoyde - President of Care-Net
Day 20	Oct 17	Sports And Entertainment To Glorify God	Hunter Smith - NFL Veteran, Author, Singer
Day 21	Oct 18	Pornography	Stephen Arterburn - Author, National Radio Broadcast
Day 22	Oct 19	Poor, Homeless, And Needy In America	Jay Height - Executive Director of Shepherd Community
Day 23	Oct 20	Scriptural Truths Reflected in Families, Church and Government	Ken Ham - President of Answers in Genesis, Creation Museum
Day 24	Oct 21	Exalting Jesus Christ as Lord	Anne Graham Lotz - Speaker, Author, President of AnGeL Ministries
Day 25	Oct 22	Schools And Education in America	Fern Nichols - President of Moms in Prayer International
Day 26	Oct 23	Business In America To Glorify God	Ray Hilbert - CEO of Truth@Work

                                               GOVERNMENT

Day 27	Oct 24	Candidates Intentions And Motives Revealed	Jerry Newcombe - Producer, Author, Host of Truth in Action
Day 28	Oct 25	U.S. Senate	TBA
Day 29	Oct 26	Congress	TBA
Day 30	Oct 27	Supreme Court	Justin Knight - General Manager of Shine.fm
Day 31	Oct 28	President	David Kubal - President of Intercessors for America
Day 32	Oct 29	Your State Govenor and Leadership	Curt Smith - President of Indiana Family Institute
Day 33	Oct 30	Armed Forces	Skip Heitzig - Pastor, National Radio Broadcast
Day 34	Oct 31	First Responders: Police, Firefighters, EMTs, Chaplains	Bill Goodrich - Pastor, Police Chaplain
Day 35	Nov 1	Peace And Protection For Israel	Joel C. Rosenberg - International Speaker, Best Selling Author
Day 36	Nov 2	Protection From Domestic And Foreign Threats	Darrel Wilmoth - Pastor Present at CO Theater Shooting
Day 37	Nov 3	Exposing Sin And Wickedness In Government	C.L. Bryant - TV/Radio Producer, Former President of NAACP

                                               2012 ELECTION

Day 38	Nov 4	God's People To Have Wisdom On How To Vote	Tony Perkins - President of Family Research Council
Day 39	Nov 5	God's People To Turn Out To Vote	TBA
Day 40	Nov 6	ELECTION DAY! - God's Will To Be Done This Election	Mike Huckabee - Former Arkansas Governor, TV and Radio Host

GOD IS SO IMAGINATIVE

GOD IS SO IMAGINATIVE

   I was driving today when I started thinking about my God and His creative hand in my life.  I began thinking about my body, the human body, all the interaction that occurs within the body between all the systems:  the neuro system, the circulatory system, the digestion system, etc.  Who could possibly design a machine as complex and wonderful as the human body?  Who could possibly imagine such a thing?

   Then I contemplated how human beings, created in the image of God, have so much more than any other creature.  And we have souls that have been breathed into our bodies by our awsome God!

   I just praise Him for all the good things He has done and for creating me, loving me.  It is like His entire focus was just for my benefit, He loves me so much!  I can never, never, never give Him even as much as He has given me.  I praise You, Lord and I thank you so much.  Lord, the daily cares of this world have surely been clouding my eyes.  I love you, Lord.  Help me every day to focus my energy on showing everyone who looks at me to see You.  You are my life.

DO YOU BREATHE AIR?

DO YOU BREATHE AIR?

   The story goes that a young man asked the preacher to teach him how he must live.  The preacher takes the young man to the river.  The man assumed he was about to be baptised.  They walked out in the water until the water was well above their waists.  The preacher took the man and submerged his head under the water AND  held it there.  The man was denied air.  Before long, the man struggled and fought the preacher to release him so he could breathe.

   We have air all around us.  We breathe without thinking about it.  When we are denied air, when the source of air is withheld, we struggle and fight to restore our air supply.

   Americans have access to the Word of God in so many ways.  How often do you read your Bible?  How often do you go to church and worship the most high God?  How often do you listen to radio preaching, television preaching?

   In these last days, Christians should be saturating themselves with the Word of God and leading the ones we care about to Christ.  One day we will stand before God and give account of all the missed opportunities.  Is there any excuse for not witnessing to those who are in your circle of influence?  The time is short.  Christ is coming severely soon.  

   Christians have to reveal who we are by what we do.  What are you doing?  We are going to begin 40 days of prayer to take back our country for God beginning September 28, 2012.  We have been lax in our duty to our God.  Now is the time.  Even as Esther was raised for a "time such as this", we believers have an enormous opportunity on November 6th.  And we need to take 10 believers with us to the polls.

   Can we count on you?

You are also invited to visit with Oma at http://omaslife.blogspot.com and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

  

MY GOD HEALS THE SICK

MY GOD HEALS THE SICK

   I have heard a lot of my television preachers talk about God healing the sick this week.  It was not just one preacher, but several of them.

   Why am I discussing this?  I know three girls who are battling with cancer:  one has a recurrent cancer-she lives in Indiana; one just had surgery for breast cancer-stage 4, with mets- she lives in Texas; one is my sister, who is taking chemotherapy for metastatic cancer-she lives in Louisiana.  My son was diagnosed a couple of years ago with type I diabetes.  There is a girl in Alabama who is married to a long time friend of mine who has been close to death for a long time but now is doing better.  I know people who have seizures, chemical dependency, severe arthritis, throat cancer, heart disease; My friend in the Dallas area has skeletal-muscular atrophy-she was born with this condition and cannot physically perform her activities of daily living.

   Most of the people I have mentioned do not have my sympathy, but they have my prayers.  I know my God is in control and has healed them.  They are a living ministry.  They have witnessed to many due to their condition.  I wait upon The Lord to have the healings manifested so all who have been witnessed to will see His power and grace.

   Maybe He will return soon with America experiencing the greatest revival ever known to mankind.  I don't know what tomorrow brings, but I know who holds tomorrow.  So, I pray for the healings to be accepted and seen by all.  And I pray for America.  I pray for forgiveness for me, my family and friends, and my country.  I pray for revival for my country that He will be glorified.  I pray for this upcoming Presidential election, that His will be done.  Every Christian American needs to vote against the Democrats, who did not even want God in their convention.

   WAKE UP, AMERICA!! 

   What are your thoughts?

You are also invited to follow Oma at http://omaslife.blogspot.com, and http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com.

A BLESSING FOR AMERICA

A BLESSING FOR AMERICA

   I have received good news today.  On September 1, 2012, there was born unto us a baby girl, Marissa Jade Sterling.  As I was in the spirit on The Lord's Day, it was revealed to me that this child is a blessing for her family.  Her Great-Grandmother is in a fierce battle with stage 4 metastatic cancer.  This child is a blessing for her family.  This child's Mother is my name sake. This child is a blessing for her family.

   This child is also a blessing for this nation.  God has formed this child in her Mother's womb.  He knows the plans He has for her.  I received the Word that this child is a blessing for her family and this nation.  God wants to bless and not harm us, and He has given us this child....a girl! 

   This is not counter to His teachings:  He has blessed through women throughout history:  Esther, The Virgin Mary, the Prophetess Deborah, etc.  Keep your eyes on Marissa and remember my words as my God has given them to me.

You are also invited to visit with Oma at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com and http://omaslife.blogspot.com.  

NOT PROMISED TOMORROW

NOT PROMISED TOMORROW

   When you are diagnosed with a terminal condition, the news affects you and everyone around you.  Children mourn, even though you are very much alive.  Treatments have not even been initiated.  Everyone, including you, everyone can look into the future and know the end result.   Whatever!

   From the time we are born, we are all dying.  Get over it!  We each have a destination but we each also have a purpose.  Get your eyes off the raging waters of the storm or you will drown.  Refocus your eyes on Jesus and you will walk on the water.

   Your heart should not be heavy.  Not everyone has God's grace to be given the advanced notice of their demise.

   So, if you have received a terminal diagnosis, all that does is make you aware of your humanity.  It gives you notice that you need to get your affairs in order, instead of being taken off guard.  None of us were meant to live forever in this world.  We are just passing through:

   Those of you who are living life with no concern about your home-going, you are the ones we really feel sorry for.  God will demand your life one of these days.  What will you be able to say to Jesus who has sacrificed Himself for you?  Will you be in the position to say, "Thank you", or will you only be able to say, "I'm sorry, Jesus, other things were more important to me while I still lived."?

PARABLE OF THE RICH FOOL

   Jesus was speaking, "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop.  He thought to himself, 'What shall I do?  I have no place to store my crops.'

   "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do:  I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods.  And I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years.   Take life easy:  eat, drink, and be merry." '

   "But God said to him, 'You fool!  This very night your life will be demanded from you.  Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' "

  "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God."  Luke 12: 14-21 (NIV)

   Money isn't the only thing that is implied here.  If you are living your life as if God doesn't exist, you will come face to face with Him one day when your life is demanded of you.  The good news is that as long as you still breathe, there is hope.  Please, Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart.  Please open the door and let Him into your life.  It is a joyful life, even with a terminal diagnosis.

   So, now you know.  It is time to get back to task of living.  Know this:  God is the Great Physician.  Every day of your life is a gift from The Great I Am.  The next life is determined by you.  For learn more about the saving grace of Jesus, please click here:   https://omaswisdom.blogspot.com/p/path-to-salvation.html

What are your thoughts?  You are encouraged to leave a comment with your thoughts and share this post on your favorite social media if it is a blessing to you.

Oma can also be found at http://omaspolitics.blogspot.com/, http://omaslife.blogspot.com/, and http://omashealth.blogspot.com/.  You are invited to come visit with her there, too.