Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. Rev 22:15

Jesus boldly declared in John 14:6 that he was “the way, the truth, and the life and that no one could come to the Father except through Him.” It’s no great surprise that Jesus also declared the father of lies to be His antithesis–the devil. Of the seven abominations attributable to Satan in Proverb 6 verses 16-19, two come to the fore as it relates to this next rule: a lying tongue and a false witness that speaks lies. Fittingly, the ninth commandment of God reads: “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.”

A simple, yet profound, distinction must be made: God is truth. Therefore, anything that derives itself of something other than Him falls short of His ordained standard. In genuinely seeking the truth that is God, we have the distinct privilege of becoming “temples of the Holy Spirit” (1Cor 6:19); in becoming “temples of the Holy Spirit,” our hearts find their natural tendency in a desire for honesty.  Truth settles as our friend.

Lying is a callous and unwise investment whose inevitable end is failure. When deceitfulness (e.g., gossip, false accusations, blame, or self-deceit) is detected as part of one’s agenda, trust has no way of being afforded. What’s more, adding or omitting information to support a personal bias–even if it seems harmless–is equally damaging in the long run.

The Word of God always supports the telling of the truth and is revealing of its lasting benefits. “The wise keep all falsehood and lies far from them” (Prov 30:8). “God hates a lying tongue, and delights in those who tell the truth” (Prov 12:22). Truth speakers are valued by kings (Prov 16:13). To live as a witness of the truth requires one to remain intimate with God through a life sown in personal integrity and outwardly in brotherly love.

Let’s open a new season, allowing our light of honesty to shine brightly wherever we may go. How good it is to know, follow, and to grow ever-closer to the truth and the One who is truth… one commandment at a time!  In the power of the Holy Spirit, savor His 9^th, “Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.”

Ex 20:16

And as you would that men should do to you, do you also to them likewise.  Luke 6:31

Although God never changes, He expects each and every one of us to be led and guided along His path of righteous change.  That is why we were excited to embark on this fresh look at the Ten Commandments, specifically in light of Romans 13:8-10 (which says we are to owe no man anything but to love them and love is the fulfilling of the law).  We believe the Spirit of God is purposefully involved.  If He indeed is the Master Teacher, then we have a wonderful opportunity to grasp what God wants us to understand relative to His operating system.  Admittedly, it is all too clear that we have no idea on our own what God’s operating system truly is.  As the singer is more important than the song, the builder more important than the building, the test here is to review our writing and give credit to the Author behind it. With that in mind, let’s take a look at Commandment # 6:  Thou shalt not kill.

In order for us to receive this command in the right context, one must research the Hebrew word for “kill.” According to Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, this word is “ratasch,” which means “to dash in pieces, i.e. kill (a human being), especially to murder–put to death, kill, slay.” A premeditated taking of another’s life, for the sole purpose of destroying such life, in the light that God created it with a potential to live in the fullness of His image and likeness, is tantamount to killing God Himself. Killing or murdering another person is the exact opposite of God’s admonition to “love thy neighbor as thyself.”

John 10:10 is the dividing line on this issue. Jesus said, “The enemy comes not but to steal, kill, and destroy, but I have come to bring life and bring it more abundantly.” Therefore, if someone murders another person by reason of dark intent, the spiritual result is not of God, but of Satan. If someone comes alongside another person for the purpose of nurturing, enhancing, and infusing hope, then the assurance is that the spiritual influence is of God alone. Essentially, this four word command dictates the parameters of how we are to conduct ourselves with others; regarding life and God in a synonymous way and consistently behaving as if it were our top priority.

It is critical to note that God’s Word is totally reflective of Himself. He is the definite Spirit of that which is good or holy. He is “The Divine Definer.” Therefore, the intent of His Spiritual principles must be interpreted and understood through the filter of His Holy Spirit deposited within us. His grace is what allows us to awaken to His essence: The Ten Commandments are not rules and regulations, written in stone for us to argue about, be condemned by, or discover through archeological pursuit. They are God’s perfect moral guidance for the right time, the right place, for the right people, and for the right reason. Moses knew God’s ways and the people of Israel knew God’s actions. (Ps 103:7). In Hosea 4:6, God said, “My people are destroyed by lack of knowledge, because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me; seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.” To His credit, God is not a respecter of persons. Each of us is created in a perfectly just equality. By our willingness and the power of His Spirit, we are given the means to know Him, His ways, His principles and patterns, represent Him, and effectively destroy the cursing influence of previous generations.

Let’s ask God for a pure heart, because that’s the place from which the issues of life stem. What the world calls our “subconscious,” God calls our “heart.” And “as a man thinketh in his heart, so he is” (Prov 23:7). Keep going family and friends; we are on the most fulfilling journey–one commandment at a time! This  milestone is Commandment # 6: Thou shalt not kill.

Ex 20:13

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Colossians 3:20 (ESV)

The first four commandments direct us to trust God alone, not to substitute any false gods in His place, to respect His name, and to follow His pattern of keeping a holy day of rest in Him. Another way of reviewing the significance of the order of the first four commandments is to focus on the makeup of the cross. The formation of the vertical beam (which consists of the first four commandments) represents our upward connection with our heavenly Father. The horizontal beam (which consists of the last six commandments) connects us personally one to another.

Having previously examined the details of the four vertical members of the cross, let’s take this opportunity to transition to the horizontal. God’s initial instruction for us to respect our earthly parents–His primary partners and our earliest-stage “commanders”– signifies His loving genius: “Honor your Father and Mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” Isn’t it beautiful how the promise of long life in honoring our earthly parents parallels the promise of everlasting life with Him as our eternal parent?

As the ultimate balanced authority, God wants all people to respect and honor those He has placed in positions of authority. For a period of time, parents essentially stand in the place of God to their children; therefore, rebellion against their lawful commands has been considered as rebellion against God. Let’s be honest. All of us who have life must have had an earthly father and mother. None of us pick our parents or experience those who are perfect. As a matter of fact, in many instances, fathers and mothers have acted dishonorably and have caused great pain and suffering. Even in situations such as these, God expects us to honor them for His sake. “Honor thy father and thy mother” ideally valuing them by our conduct, obeying their lawful commands, responding when they call us, going where they send us, doing and not doing what they tell us, and cheerfully and lovingly caring for them in their elder years.

If we really get to know The Lord, then no matter how twisted or distant our relationship with our parents may have become, we can rise up in the power of His graceful, forgiving and cleansing might.  Our God has always been with us, even during our history of dismay.  Knowing God’s motive and following His decree allows us to return in faith to whenever and whatever fell off track — and be restored. There’s no other effective way to receive restoration besides God’s way.

Solomon, regarded as the wisest man that ever lived, concluded, “When it’s all said and done, fear God (respect and worship Him) and keep His commandments. It is upon this, God will judge us” (Ecc 12:13-14).

Dear family and friends, let’s heed God’s supreme insight…one commandment at a time, with greater light shining on the 5th — Honor your Father and Mother that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee. 

 Ex 20:12

Then Jesus said to them, “The Sabbath was made to meet the needs of people, and not people to meet the requirements of the Sabbath. Mark 2:27 NLT

In light of our purpose to see the Ten Commandments as God’s moral law of love (Romans 13:8-10), this series is not to debate or pressure anyone into feeling “obliged” to memorize them.  These behaviors can bind us and cause division. Our pursuit is to work in connection with the Spirit of God well enough to know Him, love Him, follow His Spiritual prompting and share our finding with others.  According to God’s promise, this will result in rest and unity in Him.  With that distinction, let’s take a close look at the 4th Commandment today, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.”

One thing to keep in mind is that we consider everyday as a day of worship. Our church attendance may take place within a material building, but we as temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 3:16-17) worship Him first and foremost in spirit and in truth (John 4:20-24).  Propping a particular day as a legality over the One who made the day in the first place would be idolatry. What is key concerning the Sabbath is that we extend our hearts in gratefulness to the God of creation, realizing that He more than deserves a day of honor on our behalf. God is love, the law giver, and our ultimate merciful caretaker and judge. He sent His Son Christ Jesus to die for our sins and gave us the opportunity to receive His loving Spirit in our hearts.  For these reasons, He is ultimately deserving.

Colossians 2:13-7 guides us and sheds a helpful light.  13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses; 14 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; 15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.16 Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days:17 Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.

Notice the sabbath days are referred to as a shadow of things to come.  Think of a tree as the thing, and reputation like its shadow.  The shadow is what we think of it, but only the tree itself has the substance of reality.

Hebrews 4:3 (KJV) corners God’s desired outcome.  3 For we which have believed do enter into rest, as he said, As I have sworn in my wrath, if they shall enter into my rest: although the works were finished from the foundation of the world.

This is the substance of what the shadow referred to:  Entering into the real thing — resting in Christ, through believing.

So family and friends, let’s seriously purpose to know and operate in His order and rest this coming week…One commandment at a time.
  
1.   Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

2.   Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.

3.   Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. 

4.   Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.

Ex 20: 8-11

I once sent an e-mail to a friend who makes his living as a golf professional. As an inside joke, I ended my note with this:  “This may sound blasphemous, but keep your head up!!” This was my attempt at a little humor, especially when keeping your head down is critical to shot making.  There is another kind of blasphemy, however, that isn’t appropriate or funny under any circumstance.  As we move along in our Ten Commandment series, that’s the one we’d like to take a serious look at today as we introduce God’s 3rd Commandment:“Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain.” 

There are very few guarantees in life. One that comes to mind is a life full of outrage and physical punishment if we went around deliberately calling people’s mothers degrading names. There’s little argument among us about mothers holding positions of honor that merit defense and protection at almost any cost.

What about our choice to casually use God’s name in vain?  Isn’t He our ultimate eternal parent, with the perfected attributes of both our earthy fathers and mothers?  Let’s be more fully aware of taking His name in vain and purpose to choose to honor Him by defending and protecting His holy name. The Bible says that the name of Jesus (God) is exalted above all names and in His name we are to pray. The consequences of degrading His name go beyond emotional rage and physical punishment– please think of everlasting spiritual disconnection and eternal judgment.

Can you imagine taking in vain the name of the one who Created us and gave us life?  Can you imagine downgrading the name of the One we will face as Ultimate Judge when we take our last breath here on earth?  Can you imagine having to expand our vocabulary with foolish words that abuse the name of the One who gave us an imagination in the first place?  Can you imagine calling ourselves a “Christian” and acting like a demon most of the week?  As unimaginable as it all seems, most of us… if not all, are guilty as you know what…SIN!

In practical review, The Ten Commandments are God’s love note and righteous operating system to His chosen, yet hard-hearted people.  After answering their cry for deliverance from their bondage and deserving full credit for doing so, His first commandment was for them to rank Him first; the second commandment was for them not to worship powerless idols made from His creation; and the third was not to drag His name in the mud.  I ask each of you,”Does this sound like some terrifying, unreasonable ogre, or pure truth to be reverenced with a wholesome fear blended with appreciation and love?”

Let’s stay rooted and grounded in Scripture, enjoy the week, and access His longing to be present in our lives….One Commandment at a time. In hopeful review, please give careful thought to the first three testimonies God is giving us:

1.   Thou shalt have no other gods before me.

2.   Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.

3.   Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain. 

It’s obvious God loves us and there’s nothing we can do about it.  What an awesome and Almighty God we serve!!!

 Ex 20: 7

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path.  Prov 3:5-6

Can you imagine God scratching His head wondering why He ordered the Ten Commandments the way He did?  If we believe the God of Creation is all knowing, ever present, all powerful and unchangingly perfect and holy, then the second Commandment belongs second.  His first Commandment we learned last week is “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”  Let’s take an in-depth look this week at adding # 2 “Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.”

In the old Testament, when Moses descended from Mount Sinai with the Ten Commandments, he was immediately exposed to what God was warning about in His second Commandment. There, in Moses’ 40 day absence, in all its splendor was a golden bull that the people had crafted and chose to worship as their god. It must have looked and felt good.  Even with their best intention, the problem was it was a false idol made of earthly resources by people for people; the source, God Himself, was ignored.

As a youngster I attended a religious school and church that portrayed many statues. Please note, there is nothing inherently wrong with a statue as a representation.  The most significant statue I remember was of Jesus Christ hanging on a cross.  My childish focus trained me to gaze upon a perfectly crafted cross and a drooped man nailed to it. What I desperately missed in those days and too many subsequent years was the essential relationship that must be struck with the Spirit behind the rendition of Jesus Christ’s passion.  As a result, I reaped what was sown— a Spiritless, unforgiving religion based on an idol with no real power to change me for the better.

The Bible says that God is a jealous God. In human terms that sounds petty and selfish.  From God’s perspective, it’s right on!  Based upon His flawlessness and proven performance, He justifyingly expects His chosen ones to put no other gods before Him and to absolutely refrain from idolatry. Discerning golden calves, statues, and religious jewelry is one level. Idols also come in more subtle forms. What about our money, jobs, family, ideas, muscles, desires, education, fame, political power, the earth, feelings or whatever we may selfishly trust as our primary source?

According to Scripture, God is spirit and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and in truth (Jn 23-24). Jesus also said that the pure in heart would see God (Matt 5:8).  Let’s come to God this week with a pure and truthful heart and purpose to do what He alone wills for our lives. God is worthy and deserves our personal trust and reverence. Let’s start today….One Commandment at a time. Please give careful thought to the first two testimonies God is giving us:

1. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2. Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image.

Have a great week, and know that God is a rewarder of those of us who diligently seek Him.

Exodus 20:4

You are My friends, if you do what I command you. John 15:14

In the New Testament, Jesus “commanded” His disciples to leave their past practices and to follow Him.  Inherent in that loving direction would be the model behavior of the One who would perfectly execute the Ten Commandments.  It’s in light of their practical application that we invest time to look back, in a fresh way, at the original Ten Commandments to see more clearly why they exist.

First of all, when the God of Creation commands, He is not suggesting, informing, or providing a temporary fix. His commandments are authoritative, balanced, instructive, and always absolute—never to be obsolete. Secondly, no other god or deity has ever supplied a visible blueprint for moral living as did the God of the Bible. In the Garden of Eden, God not only created and made Adam and Eve, He also foreknew what we needed as a righteous operating system to truly live as His crown of creation!  We were all created in God’s image and His likeness. Thirdly, when our original physical parents sinned, the righteous operation system of being led by God’s Spirit was corrupted by the ways of Satan. The hopeful part is God is God, the ultimate problem solver or healer, and His amazing and perfect plan is to rescue us from unrighteousness and restore us back to Him.

The first Commandment is: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”  It is referenced in Exodus chapter 20 and verse 3. That was written by the finger of God in stone as His first and foremost admonition. Making it a point to memorize, understand, and meditate on this 1st commandment is paramount because our true life and who we choose to follow literally depends on it.

God shares in verses 1 & 2 of Exodus 20 that it was He alone who saved and delivered His people from the bonds of Egyptian rule (world system of the time).  If one is looking for nothing but the facts or the major idea, then God is saying don’t major in fiction or in the minors. The God of eternal love responded to their desperation, saved them, and delivered them from their tragic and hopeless situation. He merely points out that it is He alone who deserves their esteem, adoration, appreciation, and worship.

Our personal challenge with this commandment is not to be side tracked by the glamorous movie the Ten Commandments or artists’ renditions of the fury of Moses smashing them but to ”see” what was actually written as the first order of God’s business on those  tablets most of us recognize as the Ten Commandments.

May each of us have a teachable spirit and may it be triggered, clarified, edified, and amplified by this very personal question:  Is the God of Creation really my personal God or Commander, defined by a heart that seeks to honor His Commandments, and the One who deserves and openly receives my trust, thanksgiving, praise, worship and passion to follow?

Family and friends, by God’s grace and our willingness, we are capable of knowing, understanding, and operating in these lasting and fulfilling principles. God said, “If we are willing and obedient, we will eat the good of the land” (Isaiah 1:19).  Let’s take back the land we have lost in our personal disobedience and purpose to do what God wills for our lives.  Let’s start today getting to know, and follow the Commander, One Commandment at a time, the first being… “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.”  

Deut 6: 17-18

The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.  Psalm 19:7

I can remember watching a game show years ago.  The host offered the contestant a large sum of money if he could recite his social security number.  He couldn’t.  At that moment, I learned my own social security number, never to forget it, in case that same lucrative question was ever asked of me.

Fast forward to my late 50’s:  I remember watching a video with men from my church. It showed the late Edwin Louis Cole meeting with a large group of “godly men.”  The discussion centered on the need to do as Christ commanded, if we want to be His real friend and disciple. Cole then asked the audience, “Who can recite the Ten Commandments?”

The response was telling. Every man in that room wanted to hide under the nearest chair. Watching that video convinced me to do three things: 1). Learn the Ten Commandments by heart and in order.  2). Inspire others to understand God’s intention in handing them down. 3). Help others know them, live them, and pass them along as well.

Remembering my social security number may help me but does little or nothing for others.  Knowing the Ten Commandments helps everybody as they embody the loving Spirit that leads to life everlasting.

If we were to walk up the steps of the U.S Supreme Court, we would see a relief of history’s law givers near the building’s roof line.  What’s telling is that each faces a figure in the middle. That figure is Moses holding the Ten Commandments!

Let’s be convinced that by God’s grace and our teachable spirit, we are capable of knowing, understanding, and operating in these lasting and fulfilling principles that prove God is real, He is love, He never fails, and most amazingly….He loves you and me and craves to meet us personally!

Friends, in the following weeks, we will take a fresh look at the Ten Commandments and the heart of the Commander Who issued them.  We’ll shine light on God’s operating system, granted to guide us to salvation. The power of God’s love will change us and those around us if we let Him…One Commandment at a time!

Ex 20; Deut 6; Jer 31: 31-33; Rom 13:8-10

I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Phil 3:14

The opportunity to share a word of encouragement with family and friends is an awesome privilege. With the excitement of the Summer Olympic Games and the Rio de Janeiro Marathon, known as the “Marvelous-City-Marathon”, fresh in our memory, our purpose is to encourage us for the week ahead by pulling the trigger on a special hopeful starting gun.

In a way, what we’re facing this week is like being an Olympic marathon runner. The event we’ll be participating in is called life. Whether we like it or not, there will be sweat, thirst, heartbreak hills and side stitches. The challenge, changing circumstances, applause, and the final kick to the finish line is the other part to our whole week.  In spite of what we know are the parts of the race, our focus must be on the prize which is a level of victory.  Just know that we’re cranking up for the week’s race and there is a level of victory in store for us all.

There are so many stand-out marathon stories.  Ninety year olds, the police officer with a prosthesis, cancer survivors, the wheel chair champions, the mother and daughter teams.  The list goes on and on.  What determination and perseverance these people display!  They all have one major thing in common.  Before we announce what that is, let us share what it isn’t.

It isn’t any of the ones who started out and quit along the way.  It isn’t any of the ones who faked an injury so it looked like it wasn’t their fault for giving up.  What about Rosie Ruiz?  Remember her? She’s the one who was honored as the winner of the Boston Marathon – except for one small hitch.  She started at the 20 mile mark and made believe she was a champion. The ones we highlighted previously are the real deals – the ones that persevere to the end — no matter what!

So dear family and friends, we’re about to start the race.  Get ready, my wife Cynthia has the starting gun and… hold it!!!!!!!  She’s pointing it at me (only kidding – just checking to see if you are actually reading this).  Seriously, she’s ready to fire away for us to get going in our hopeful run this week.  Oh, I almost forgot. Here’ the nitty gritty truth about our run.  It’s not only how we start that matters.  It’s how we finish that counts.  As you sweat, thirst, pain, stitch, and even cry, stay determined to stick to your run, listen to the hopeful applause, and don’t quit.

In faith, if we’re faced with any sort of overwhelming race, we like to get our primary wind from the Ultimate Source of Strength through prayer.  Join us if you feel you need an extra lift also.

Father in Heaven,

You are noted as the Author and Finisher of all creation.  In a mighty way, that makes You the Master of all marathon runners.  Please be with us this week as we run our race.  Give us Your direction, power, perseverance, and encouragement to finish our course.  Father, please bring a special blessing to our family and friends.  We believe You have assembled  a unique and determined group of relatives and friends that You personally want to see succeed. Help those of us who have doubts or reservations of Your presence to know You are God; caring, hopeful, and real.  For our family and friends and in Jesus name, we pray.  Amen.

 See you at the winner’s platform!

 1 Cor 9:24-27; Heb 12:1-2; Phil 2:16; 2 Tim 4:7

Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God 1 Cor. 10:31

I’m so grateful to be approaching 70 years old and still be able to ride my road bike; especially now that I’ve had a recent hip replacement. It’s one of the remarkable ways for me to connect back to a pleasant childhood, where bike riding was freeing, my mode of transport, and a major joy.

As part of the Salvation Army’s 2016 Serve-A-Thon, yesterday on Saturday, September 10, 2016, I joined a group of ten others who rode bikes round trip from Cooke Park in Fairhaven to the site of the Mayflower in Plymouth, MA. We called it “The Pilgrim Ride”.  In this message, may I share some added benefits that I sense surround the present and future of  our bike-riding day:

1. On a personal level, the opportunity to inspire others, especially my wife and family, to new heights of their own.
2. On a physical note, to exercise and stay fit.
3. On a social level, for the privilege of riding with accomplished people from our Town and surrounding area.
4. On a civic and service level, to appreciate people volunteering with and/or sponsoring me for a good cause; supporting the Salvation Army & Mobile Loaves & Fishes, two ministries in our area dedicated to helping the needy and homeless.
5. On an area value and tourist level, to introduce a perspective that will affect us all from Plymouth to Providence in a richer way.
6. On an interest level, to revisit the godly childhood of our area’s history and ask questions like: How did the first settlers get here? Why did they come?  What shaped their morality?  Where was their ultimate destiny?
7. On a humbling and Spiritual level, to glorify the God of the Bible to the best of my ability—through a personal, focused, motivated and hopeful “rubber meets the road effort”.

Jer 29:11; Rom 8:28; Ps 1:1-3; 1 Cor 16:13-14

Editor’s Daily Letter: