The Ten Commandments

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Monday, June 13, 2016

Today's Scripture

“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain [that is, irreverently, in false affirmations or in ways that impugn the character of God]; for the Lord will not hold guiltless nor leave unpunished the one who takes His name in vain [disregarding its reverence and its power]." (Exodus 20:7 AMP)

Thoughts for Today

The first of the Ten Commandments states that we are to have no other gods. We are to worship only the one true God. The second commandment tells us to worship no idols, to worship God properly. This week we will look at the third commandment, which tells us not to misuse the name of the Lord our God. This commandment emphasizes right thinking about the name of the Lord. He commands and deserves the greatest respect for his name. It is a privilege for us to use his name, and we must always honor it.

Most of us understand this commandment prohibits profanity and blasphemy. However, it has broader application. We break this commandment anytime we take the Lord's reputation lightly. As we like others to speak our name correctly and with honor and respect, God, whose name is above any other, wants us to use his name with respect and honor. We misuse his name when we use it with profanity, hypocrisy, or irreverence.

Consider this . . .

God had given the Israelites the privilege of using his name. Although he is divine, he gave them the honor of using his name, which indicated his trust and love toward them.

With this privilege came the responsibility to guard the reputation of the Lord's name. This same privilege and responsibility is ours today—and we need to take this responsibility seriously. This week we will consider actions that dishonor God's name and look at some of the characteristics the Bible tells us belong to his name.

Prayer

Father, thank you for the privilege of using your name. I know that with the privilege comes responsibility. Help me never to misuse your name or use it carelessly. In the mighty name of Jesus . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

The Ten Commandments: Applying the Foundations of Living to My Personal Life by Jimmy Ray Lee, D.Min. Knowing that there are absolutes that define moral conduct and ethical decisions is essential for believers surrounded by relativistic values. This guide helps us understand God's boundaries. It shows how the Ten Commandments apply today. It also discusses the biblical laws on which the legal codes of every civilized society are based. This guide is written in a way that helps people see the Ten Commandments in light of today's problems. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a personal study for individuals or couples.

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Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Today's Scripture

“You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name." (Exodus 20:7 NLT)

Thoughts for Today

As a Christian, you may not be tempted to use the Lord's name in profanity, but think about this. Do you watch movies or television programs or read books where his name is used that way? Or watch the broad spectrum of programs where the Christians are portrayed as fools? Do you laugh with friends at a joke that dishonors our Lord?

All misuses of his name. All showing dishonor.

And what about praying in Jesus' name? Or using his name in worship? So easy for that to become nothing but a habit. Words we say without even thinking about it. This kind of careless use of his name does not honor him.

Consider this . . .

In today's culture, we can easily be lulled into overlooking misuses of God's name. We can become comfortable spending time with people who use his name as profanity. We may not even be bothered by the misuse of his name in the media. But we should be.

Think through your life. Ask God to reveal any way you may be dishonoring his name. Ask his forgiveness and his help in being more aware . . . and honoring him in all you say and do.

Prayer

Father, as I think about it, I realize in some ways I am using your name carelessly or taking part in activity where others are misusing your name in profanity or by taking your name lightly or irreverently. Please forgive me and help me honor you—always. In the precious name of my Lord and Savior, Jesus . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

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Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Thursday, June 16, 2016

Today's Scripture

"And all nations will hate you because you are my followers. But everyone who endures to the end will be saved." (Words of Jesus in Matthew 10:22 NLT)

Thoughts for Today

We are called to honor God's name in all we are . . . in all we do . . . in all we stand for.

Not an easy task in today's upside-down world. In today's scripture, Jesus warned that we would be hated for following him. We should not be surprised at what is happening all around us—we are continually seeing prophecy being fulfilled.

Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. (2 Timothy 3:12 NLT)

Even in the United States, Christians are being criticized and in some cases suffering loss because they are standing up for what they believe and acting on it. Around the world, greater numbers of Christians than ever before are being imprisoned, tortured, and killed because they will not deny their faith in the name of Jesus Christ.

More and more we are having opportunity to honor God's name by not compromising our faith. Will we endure to the end?

Consider this . . .

Jesus suffered on this earth . . . suffered and overcame. He encourages us that we too can overcome. We can endure to the end as we trust and honor him.

"I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” (Words of Jesus in John 16:33 NLT)

It is important for us to have an eternal perspective. Any suffering we do on this earth because of honoring God cannot begin to compare with the eternal blessings that await us.

And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering. Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. (Romans 8:17-18 NLT)

"God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers. Be happy about it! Be very glad! For a great reward awaits you in heaven. And remember, the ancient prophets were persecuted in the same way." (Words of Jesus in Matthew 5:10-12 NLT)

Prayer

Father, I thank you that you warned us about what would happen. That honoring your name brings criticism . . . hatred . . . and even persecution. Help me to stay focused on Jesus and honor your name in all I do. Help me to have an eternal perspective, remembering that the struggles here on earth are only temporary. Help me remember that I will have eternity in heaven with you. Give me boldness and wisdom in honoring your name and standing up for truth. In Jesus' name . . .

These thoughts were drawn from …

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Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Today's Scripture

"He provided redemption for his people; he ordained his covenant forever—holy and awesome is his name." (Psalm 111:9 NIV)

Thoughts for Today

God's name is holy and awesome. Throughout the Old Testament we find many names for him. Most of those names reveal a part of his character. Here are just a few examples:

Elohim: the All-Powerful One; Creator

El Roi: The God Who Sees Me

El Shaddai: The All Sufficient One

Jehovah-Rapha: The Lord Who Heals

Jehovah-Rohi: The Lord Is My Shepherd

And then the New Testament introduces the powerful and precious name of Jesus Christ and teaches us salvation can be found only through his name.

Consider this . . .

God's name is powerful because it represents him. "To the Hebrews a name was not a label, or a tool to distinguish one person from another; a person's name was viewed as equivalent to the person himself. A person's name signified their person, worth, character, reputation, authority, will, and ownership." Let's look at just a few of the multitude of scriptures that teach us more about God's name and should motivate us even more to never misuse or treat his name lightly. (Note: we added the emphasis added in these verses.)

The Lord says, “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them. I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.” (Psalm 91:14-16 NLT)

The name of the Lord is a strong fortress; the godly run to him and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10 NLT)

Lord, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power. (Jeremiah 10:6 NLT)

"And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21 NLT)

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” (Words of Jesus in Matthew 18:20 NIV)

"These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages." (Words of Jesus in Mark 16:17 NLT)

When the seventy-two disciples returned, they joyfully reported to him, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use your name!” (Luke 10:17 NLT)

"You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!" (Words of Jesus in John 14:13-14 NLT)

"At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name." (Words of Jesus in John 16:23 NLT)

"Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are. During my time here, I protected them by the power of the name you gave me. I guarded them so that not one was lost, except the one headed for destruction, as the Scriptures foretold." (Words of Jesus in John 17:11-12 NLT)

“Through faith in the name of Jesus, this man was healed—and you know how crippled he was before. Faith in Jesus’ name has healed him before your very eyes." (Acts 3:16 NLT)

"There is salvation in no one else [only Jesus]! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12 NLT)

"Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus.” (Acts 4:30 NLT)

For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13 NLT)

Some of you were once like that. But you were cleansed; you were made holy; you were made right with God by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11 NLT)

The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven. This shows that the Son is far greater than the angels, just as the name God gave him is greater than their names. (Hebrews 1:3-4 NLT)

I have written this to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know you have eternal life. (1 John 5:13 NLT)

Prayer

Lord, your name is indeed holy and awesome. Thank you for revealing yourself to me more fully through your name. Thank you for the power and comfort and healing in your name. Thank you for salvation in your name. Father, thank you that I can always come to you in the mighty name of Jesus . . . and it is in his name I pray.

These thoughts were drawn from …

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Friday, June 17, 2016

Today's Scripture

"Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name above all other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (Philippians 2:9-11 NLT)

Thoughts for Today

What better way to honor the name of the Lord than to worship and praise him! And someday every knee will bow and declare that Jesus Christ is Lord!

Praise him in your quiet times with him. Praise him in worship services. Praise him as you go about your day. Sing his praises. Praise him in your thoughts.

Consider this . . .

In your quiet time, try starting out with some praises from God's Word. Pray them. Sing them. Sometimes you'll find they lead to your own spontaneous praises. Following are just a few to get you started. You'll find many through the Bible (especially in the Psalms).

For this, O Lord, I will praise you among the nations; I will sing praises to your name. (2 Samuel 22:50 NLT)

“O our God, we thank you and praise your glorious name!" (1 Chronicles 29:13 NLT)

“May your glorious name be praised! May it be exalted above all blessing and praise!" (Nehemiah 9:5 NLT)

I will be filled with joy because of you. I will sing praises to your name, O Most High. (Psalm 9:2 NLT)

Honor the Lord for the glory of his name. Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness. (Psalm 29:2 NLT)

I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak his praises. I will boast only in the Lord; let all who are helpless take heart. Come, let us tell of the Lord’s greatness; let us exalt his name together. (Psalm 34:1-3 NLT)

Let them praise your great and awesome name. Your name is holy! (Psalm 99:3 NLT)

Enter his gates with thanksgiving; go into his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name. (Psalm 100:4 NLT)

Praise the Lord! Praise the name of the Lord! Praise him, you who serve the Lord. (Psalm 135:1 NLT)

Let them all praise the name of the LORD. For his name is very great; his glory towers over the earth and heaven! (Psalm 148:13 NLT)

Therefore, let us offer through Jesus a continual sacrifice of praise to God, proclaiming our allegiance to his name. (Hebrews 13:15 NLT)

Prayer

Lord, I praise your great and awesome name. Your name is holy! Through Jesus I offer a continual sacrifice of praise to you and proclaim allegiance to your name.

These thoughts were drawn from …

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