If I called my best friend zeroth she might think it was an insult – demeaning and abusive language (she would actually think I was being silly and making up a word but go with me on this). The point is most people do not know what zeroth means. I had never heard of the word until last week when I was googling more attribute words for God that start with the letter Z. Continue reading
Just like you desire respect from others for the lifetime of positive actions or achievements you make, God desires respect because of all that He is. With NFL players making the choice not to stand for our national anthem, their negative actions may not bring them the respect they yearn for due to their lack of understanding the significance of their action.
However, God’s being far outreaches the capability of our mental capacity for understanding, whether we are an NFL player or one of the five smartest people in history (Albert Einstein, Leonardo da Vinci, Terence Tao, Stephen Hawking, Nikola Tesla). Perceptive brains nor inanimate footballs make the man–God does!
The third commandment proclaims that we are to keep God’s name holy. But if you have a questioning mind you may be wondering what are some reasons that we should obey that commandment. So, here are seven selected reasons to help us better understand the need to respect God’s name.
1. God created us.
The fundamental reason is that God created us from nothing more than dirt. Genesis 2:7 Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being.
2. God deserves our worship.
And for all that God is He deserves our worship. The definition of worship includes the word respect but is also described as glory to a superior being. In truth God reigns as our Supreme Being. Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.”
3. God gives us wisdom.
Usually we believe all wisdom comes from our educational or personal experiences. But how much wisdom can come from a pile of dust? Psalm 111:10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise.
To fear God is to be in awe of Him.
King Solomon, the last king of Israel, knew his human mental capacity was limited and humbly asked God for a blessing of wisdom 1 Kings 3:6-9. Solomon’s heartfelt request prompted God to shower Solomon’s dust with more than just wisdom, God also showered Solomon with great wealth and honor.
4. God will judge us.
Reverend Billy Graham explains Jesus Christ came and was crucified on the Cross for our sins so that believers will not have to fear judgement, “…when we turn to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith, God forgives our sins and gives us the gift of eternal life.” But those who do not know Christ will be judged. Matthew 25:41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
5. God is love.
1 John 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. And out of this being of love flows attributes of patience, kindness, goodness, mercy and grace.
And by His grace we are saved. John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. Believers will have an eternal life in the presence of God’s unending love.
6. Respect pleases God.
Honor is a synonym for respect. Ephesians 6:2-3 “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—”so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” In our fifth commandment God tells us if we respect our earthly parents it will please Him so much so that He will bless us with enjoyable long life. Since God is our heavenly Father, our actions of respect towards Him will also please Him.
7. The Bible tells us not only are we to respect God’s name and our parents, we are to respect all others as well.
All peoples, including other believers, and those in authority. 1 Peter 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
That means government officials, the military, police offices and the American flag. Listen to one of the most rocking renditions of The Star Spangled Banner played by the fabulously patriotic Madison Rising band.
God has a plan for our country. But He likes hearing our input! The Bible tells us we are to be in constant communication with God-
1 Thessalonians 5:17-18 pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Just like your best friend loves to hear how you are doing and what your needs are, God, though omniscient in His eternal loving manner, still desires us to tell Him about our lives. This includes being thankful in all things while presenting our wants and concerns.
During this election season the need for Christians to follow God’s will of prayer is crucial. Continue reading
It helps to understand the necessity for thankfulness to our BIG God, by acknowledging the differences between Him and our little gods.
Our BIG God sent His Son to offer us salvation from sin. We are not saved from sin by living a “good life.” No, we are saved only through faith in Jesus Christ and the blood that He shed for us on The Cross. This is a truth that creates our BIG God. Continue reading
This week’s message is a guest post written by fellow Christian blogger, Andrew Gilmore. I thank Andy for taking the time to share a personal story of God’s only true Guide. To read more inspiring posts written by Andy, please visit his blog at Andrew Gilmore.net.
“I write for people who crave a deeper relationship with God, but might not know where to start. I want to give you the tools you need to bring more clarity to your faith, and more intimacy with your Creator.” Andrew Gilmore Continue reading
Big sales are happening this week-end encouraging customers to purchase gifts for Father’s Day. While my earthly father lived, I bought him items he wanted that matched his hobbies. But as I think about my heavenly Father, what can I give Him that He truly wants? Continue reading
Jesus was looked upon as a “Teacher” (John 13:13) during the last three years of His life on earth as He purposefully taught the Word of God to many peoples. But it is the fact that His teachings were extremely bold that should inspire us to make a clear decision about who The Man really is. Referencing Him as one who teaches does not measure up to the Truth of His being; and this simple acknowledgment will not secure for us our inheritable heavenly eternity. Continue reading
Simon, also known as Peter, is noted in the Bible as the first disciple Jesus called to follow Him.
Mark 1:16-17 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” Continue reading
James, the author of the Book of James, is the half brother of Jesus Christ. Although the Bible does not give us much information about James being intricately involved with Jesus before the crucifixion, we easily find that after the resurrection James clearly becomes a leading figure in the early church.
James, Cephas and John, those esteemed as pillars, gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship when they recognized the grace given to me. They agreed that we should go to the Gentiles, and they to the circumcised. Galatians 2:9 (emphasis added) Continue reading
Revelation 1:3 Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
Lift Him Up 