Needed: An Awakening – Chapter 6 – Is American at War with God’s Law?

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Fifth Commandment

 

Exodus 20:12 “Honor your father and your mother so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

 

It is interesting to note with the Ten Commandments that in the first tablet the first four commandments deal with our relationship to God our Creator. The first Commandment brings out how we need to honor God.

 

In the second tablet the first Commandment is dealing with man’s relationship to man – in the command to honor our father and mother.

 

From this it would seem that in God’s eyes, as in a small child’s eyes as well, a parent stands in the place of God. When you think about it – a parent is the child’s creator, provider, lawgiver, teacher and protector. The child’s response to this relationship will greatly determine the child’s response to society and even his relationship with God Himself. How often we have heard how it has been hard for a child who had a cruel father to relate to the goodness of our Heavenly Father.

 

Because of this relationship that parents have to a child the obligation of the parents to live worthy of that honor is extremely important.

 

From Scripture and the last six commandments we come to understand that the family is established by God as the fundamental authority on earth. We see in Genesis 1:26–28 that the original commission or cultural mandate of God was for man to take authority or dominion over the earth and this was to be done primarily through the family.

 

However, we find that the state has taken away much of the authority of the family as well as taking dominion or ruling over the earth. We see many things taking place by the state that undermines the family – homosexual marriage, tax laws, and welfare benefits that basically pay mothers not to live with the father of their children. We see how the state has taken over the education, health and welfare of the children and citizens.

 

There are other things done by the state to undermine the family that are not biblical; things like property tax, the graduated income taxes and government regulations regarding land-use, and etc.

 

We also see that this fifth Commandment has a promise. In Deuteronomy 5:16 we read: “Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land Lord your God is giving you.”

 

Paul also repeated this promise in Ephesians 6:2, 3: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord for this is right. Honor your father and mother – which is the first commandment with a promise.”

 

We see some very strong language being used about anyone who would curse or attack their father or mother. This cursing is not just about the use of words, but about bringing bodily harm to the parents. In the Old Testament this cursing, along with striking the parents, was tantamount to murder and was punished accordingly.

 

This relationship of parents to children does not stop with age. For example, in the Old Testament we see Joseph and the reverence that he had to his father Jacob. We see this reverence with Joseph when he brought his two sons to have Jacob bless them. Genesis 48:12 “Then Joseph removed them from Israel’s knees and bowed down with his face to the ground.”

 

In adulthood there might be a time when it is no longer necessary or right for a person to strictly obey his parents like in childhood, but God’s requirement to honor them never ceases. With parents, and especially godly parents, the duty to honor them pays dividends to the children by giving access to the wisdom of years.

 

Here in the West we appreciate youth more than the elderly, but in the Old Testament and other parts of the world, especially Asia, we see that old-age is highly respected.

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, all who claim Me as their only God will go through hard times; but it is in these hard times that I will be with them and show Myself strong. When they go through rivers of difficulty, they will not drown. When they walk through the fire of oppression, they will not be harmed. For, they have been chosen to know Me and believe in Me, and they will understand that I alone am God and there is no other. No one can snatch My children out of My hand. No one can undo what I have set into action.

 

Today people trust in something that can’t help them at all! When they hear what I say, they do not understand. They do not comprehend what I do, even when they see it. For their hearts are hardened by sin’s deceitfulness. They have closed their eyes and ears – so that they cannot understand that they need to turn to Me so that I could free them and heal them. I want them to know that My salvation is still available, but people with hardened hearts will never accept it.

 

Look at all the horrible things going on in the world, and you will see that evil has twisted the minds of people. They have chosen their own mad course, one without hope of anything good and lasting. There is nothing ahead for them but great fear and regret; eternal death is all that awaits them! These people have grown tired of hearing about Me, and they have burdened Me with their progressive sin and rebellion. Only I can blot out their sins and give them peace with Me, but they resist the truth. If they would only come to Me asking to be forgiven then I would never think of their sins again, but protect them and provide for them. They would be the children I favor. I have paid the price to set men, women and children free, but they must humble themselves before Me and receive My great salvation. Now is the time to seek Me, heart and soul.

 

Son, I will carry out the warnings of My prophets, for it has already begun! So be strong and courageous; do not be afraid or lose heart. Keep My light shining in the world. I am Your peace and strength to the end.

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

When truth is outlawed and honesty is trampled on there will be no peace, and people with common sense will be attacked by people without the common sense God gave us. When people refuse to acknowledge God they will not listen to the truth and the fulfilled life will be hidden from them.

 

To know the Truth one must know the only true God through His son Jesus Christ. Truth is: the followers of Jesus Christ are made holy by His truth. Truth is: when the followers of Jesus are one in love and purpose, and enjoy the results of such perfect unity, the world will know that Jesus loves them just as much as He loves His faithful followers. Truth is: that Jesus came into the world to testify to the truth, and all who love the truth will recognize that what Jesus said of Himself is the truth, the way and the life. Truth is: the world hates anyone who follows Jesus Christ and will attack those organizations and homes that are united to represent the life of Jesus Christ.

 

Daily Devotional

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Lord, I pray that after I die it not be said of me, “He followed the Lord’s instructions, but not with all his heart.”

 

Son, then never turn away from My Word. Unless your faith in Me is firm, you will not be able to stand. People who refuse My Word will live their lives in the darkness. Wherever they look, they will only see trouble, anguish and despair, and not anything good that I am doing or that I could do if they came to Me. So walk in the light of My Word while you can, and darkness will not overtake you. Trust in My Word, and you will be known as a child of the light who is filled with My peace and hope. Allow My Holy Sprit to control your life. Stand up for My Word and teach it to your children and grandchildren, and they will put their faith in Me as well.

 

Son, tell your children and grandchildren the key to life is to trust Me with all their hearts; seeking My will in all they do, and I will show them My good path to take. When they hold on to My instructions, never letting go, My Word will penetrate deep into their hearts and they will always know the right course to take in life.

 

Show them how to honor Me with their wealth, and train them to have good common sense and discernment, and then their homes will be blessed. They must listen for Me to speak to them and then do all that I ask of them; so that they will be rewarded for faithfulness. Be the example of faithfulness before your children and grandchildren.

 

Son, I know the day you live in and that there are many people who want to teach and lead people, but remember to first listen to their life before you listen to what they say. People that want to control other people will say and do anything to gain control over people, communities and nations. So, be wise and aware of the schemes of those who do not listen to Me.

 

 

Needed: An Awakening – Chapter 5 – Is America at War with God’s Law?

Posted by & filed under Franks Blog.

Fourth Commandment

 

Exodus 20:8 “Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.”

 

Basically the Sabbath is a day of rest both physically as well as spiritually, but there has always been some confusion regarding the Sabbath Day. God worked six days and He rested on the Sabbath and we are to do the same. This was something unknown to ancient non-Christian nations and so when God instituted this day of rest for people and animals it was something unique to other nations. For example, during the French revolution the leaders not only did not keep the Sabbath but tried to institute a 10 day week.

 

We find that when we follow God’s order and have a day of rest it helps us to be very productive in the six days of work. I find for example a short nap after lunch helps keep me going for the rest of the day, to be more alert as well as more productive.

 

The Sabbath is vital to our relationship with God because it shapes the way we perceive and worship Him.  We should remember the Sabbath by formally worshipping God on that day.

 

The Sabbath is a special day to concentrate on developing our relationship with God. It takes time to build any relationship and to build a relationship with our Heavenly Father we need to take time to do it and the Sabbath is just such a day. No close relationship can succeed without taking the time it needs, whether its courtship, marriage, friendship or especially our relationship with God.

 

The Hebrew word for Sabbath, shabbath, means “to cease, to pause or take an intermission.” On the Sabbath we are to take the day off from our regular activities and devote our time and attention to our Creator.

 

The idea in back of spiritual rest is to help build our trust and confidence in God so that we might be able to enter into the redemptive rest to where we cease from our own works and have confidence in His work.

 

God goes on to say in Exodus 20:9–11 “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 male or female servant, nor your animals, nor any foreigner residing in your towns. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath and made it holy.”

 

Work has been ordained by God and He has given us all unique talents and skills that fit us for our unique purpose and calling that He has given us. Our work is a way to extend God’s kingdom here on earth. We see that Jesus followed His Father’s example by working hard and enjoying His work in John 5:17. “My father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.”

 

Many people want to become rich so that they can work less, but true Christians love work. We are to work not just to supply our own needs (although that is necessary), but to work for God’s glory in all that we do.

 

Stephen McDowell brings out that there are three Sabbaths mentioned in the Word of God. “First, the creation Sabbath when God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh. Secondly, we have the Hebrew Sabbath that was to be remembered in how Israel was delivered out of Egypt by God in a miraculous way. Then we have the Christian Sabbath where we remember Christ’s triumph over sin and death and eventually the restitution and restoration of all things in Christ.”

 

So we find that the Sabbath is a day of rest, but it is also a time to remember. God tells us to remember what Christ has done; to remember the great acts of God; to remember God’s faithfulness, mercy and love.

 

The one thing that I like to do on my Sabbath is to let that be a time when I just wait upon God, to remember and to write down the thoughts that He has given me about Himself, things to do in the days ahead or just to praise Him; but the main idea is to “remember.”

 

To me the Sabbath is a prelude to what we read in Hebrews 4 about the rest of faith. What a tremendous thing it is in the midst of tribulation, problems, obstacles, etc. we have the rest of faith knowing that God is in control and He is working out all things for His glory and purpose.

 

Psalm 91:4-8 “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart. You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday. A thousand may fall at your side, ten thousand at your right hand, but it will not come near you. You will only observe with your eyes and see the punishment of the wicked.”

 

Let us all remember the Sabbath and keep it holy.

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Lord, I have asked myself this question, “What will it take to unite this country?” America has had divisions in the past and overcame them. The civil war, the 60’s, and the Vietnam war are just a few, but today it is different; for there is a great hatred in our land.

 

So what will it take to unite our country? Your word tells us the answer in Luke 1:17 that men need to turn their hearts back to their wives and children; to unite their family. And, to show that rebellion will not be tolerated – with consequences for bad choices. We need to see the wisdom of the righteous at work – so that people will see the good it brings and accept the wisdom of the godly. Finally, God’s people need to be prepared for the return of the Lord, and to make ready a people prepared for Him. We plan our lives as though You might not come in our life time; but we live each day as though this is the day of Your coming!

 

Son, I am about to do something you wouldn’t believe even if My prophets told you about it. Be encouraged and continue in the faith. Remind My children that in the coming days they will suffer many hardships, but if they will listen – they will hear a small voice behind them saying, “This is the way you should go.” Don’t be afraid to feed an enemy and give your enemies water to drink. Let them see Me through you. Remember that I’m testing your love for Me. I will deliver You at just the right time!

 

People today have rejected Me and judged themselves unworthy of My eternal life. These people are stubborn, and refuse to pay attention to My Voice and My Word through My messengers.. They tell My children, “Stop telling us what you say is right. We don’t want to hear anymore gloom and doom. Get off that narrow path of thinking! We don’t want to hear any more about this Holy One you speak of.” These fools believe their own lies! There is no hope for fools who think they are wise and capable of leading others, even a nation.

 

Listen very carefully to their smooth words today, which only hide their wicked hearts. People cover their hatred with pleasant words, and pretend to be kind, but you must not be fooled; don’t believe one word that comes from their mouths. For, I see that their hearts are full of evil, and I will expose their wrongdoing in public. Soon they will recognize My holiness. They will stand in awe of the Holy One they have despised. But, if they will turn to Me with faith in My Word they will be saved and be at rest in what I have done for them. My peace I will give them.

 

Son, take confidence in My Word and stay calm in all situations holding to the promise I have given you and your family. Hold on to it, for this will be your strength in the days ahead!

Daily Devotional

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Lord, I ask that You would bless me and my family. I hope and pray that You are pleased with us in all that we do. Those who trust in You – You will keep them in perfect peace. Those whose thoughts are fixed on You – Your path for them is not steep or rough. I will show my trust in You by being obedient. You are the One all the prophets wrote about saying, “Anyone who believes in the Lord will have their sins forgiven.”

 

Son, today people have become deceived thinking they are right in their own eyes, but I examine their hearts and only find wickedness. These people today have strayed from common sense, and they need to understand that no human wisdom or plan of man can stand against Me. Those who have planted injustice, are going to harvest disaster, and their reign of terror will come to an end. These wicked people will keep doing wrong and will never acknowledge who I AM! My kindness to these wicked people does not make them good. My love and justice is in My children, and it terrifies evildoers that My children have such peace and confidence.

 

I AM coming from heaven to judge these rebellious people for their sins, and the earth will no longer hide those who have been killed. Everything hidden will be brought out for all to see, and I will condemn all evil and reward all faithfulness to Me accordingly.

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

Son, disasters are coming to America because the people are worshiping other gods. Again and again I have sent My prophets to warn the people of America: “Turn from all your evil ways.”

 

 

Some of the people are refusing to listen. They have become stubborn, despising My warning, rejecting My Word and the covenant I made with their first fathers of the nation. Since these stubborn people reject Me, and would rather worship worthless things; they have become worthless themselves. They will elect leaders that want to follow the bad examples of the rest of the nations. Remember that wickedness never brings stability, and your leaders are chasing fantasies that make no sense; making fools of themselves and of all the people.

 

 

Truth will stand the test of time, and expose all lies. These foolish leaders broadcast their foolishness, and are trapped by their own words that accomplish nothing good. When someone truthful and honest stands up to them, the wicked leaders stand on their flimsy idea that they are in control. They continue on with their progressive lifestyle without any regard for the truth. They will not listen to the prophets I send them, but just continue to mislead the people. They don’t believe they are wicked and that they should turn from their wickedness and let Me rescue them from the coming wrath upon all wickedness.

 

 

Son, America stands at a crossroad. They can choose to follow these progressive thinkers and be lead down the path of wickedness to their destruction, or they can choose to do what is pleasing in My sight, and to trust Me at My Word! When the leaders are faithful to Me in everything, and obey all that I ask, then I will be with America again. The nation will be strong and successful in everything they do. But when treacherous and dishonest people lead, wickedness will control the nation and the whole nation will suffer.

 

 

When leaders look to Me and do what is right – the whole country will celebrate. People will shout for joy when wicked leaders die and righteous ones take their place. Without wise leadership, a nation falls! I detest people with crooked hearts, who think nothing of lying as only a means to get what they want, but I delight in those with the integrity of truth. If America chooses Me, they will again find My favor; but if they choose evil, they will find that as well!

 

 

Son, do you love Me? Then do all that I ask of you. Don’t be wise in your own eyes, give good advice to those who ask, and make use of everything I give you. Remember that a wise person stays calm in times of trouble, because they see what I show them.

 

 

Daily Devotional

Posted by & filed under Mikes Blog.

O LORD, my God, You are enthroned between the mighty cherubim! You alone are God of all the kingdoms of the earth. You alone created the heavens and the earth. Today is a day of trouble, insults, and disgrace – for people defy You. Help us, our nation has turned away from You; the only One who can save us. We have forgotten You and all that You have done for us. We used to meet together as a nation of prayer to You; devoted to the teaching of Your Word in our homes and schools. We used to love to share with those in need. Godliness is what made our nation great. Today people only think about themselves only hoping for peace and security in their own lifetime, with no concern for future generations.

 

Son, I have heard your prayer. America needs to understand what is taking place. For there is a path before them that seems right, but it ends in destruction. The wise will avoid the danger ahead, but the foolish plunge ahead with reckless confidence, and harvest a load of grief and unrelieved pain. Remember that hope deferred makes the heart sick, and fools who refuse to turn from evil will have injustice sweep away everything they have.

 

Do not be disturbed by the blasphemous speeches against Me! Who do they think they have been defying and ridiculing? Against Whom have they raised their voices? At Whom do they look with such haughty eyes? It is Me! The Holy One! By their words and actions they have defied Me. I know them well – where they stay and when they come and go. I know the way they have arrogantly raged against Me. I will protect My honor! Therefore, I will cause wonders in the heavens above and signs on the earth below – blood and fire and clouds of smoke are coming. The sun will become dark, and the moon will turn blood red. Then these people will see their Creator, The Holy One.

 

Everyone who calls on My Name will be saved, and filled with the joy of My presence. They will have a deep sense of awe come over them. My children will again meet together, seek after Me, pray and share everything they have with those in need. They will worship together as one body and with one mind, praising Me everyday, and I will add to My family those who will be saved.

 

Lord, thank You for allowing me to be able to spread out my concerns before You today, this is what I needed this morning.

 

Needed: An Awakening – Chapter 4 – Is America at War with God’s Law?

Posted by & filed under Franks Blog.

Third Commandment

 

Exodus 20:7 “You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.”

 

David Kupelian says in his book Snapping of the American Mind: “It’s not much of an exaggeration to say that in today’s America, tens of millions of people are living in a delusional dream state.” He goes on to say: “In politics and culture we speak casually of “the left” and “the right,” as though these were two morally equivalent camps or worldviews. In reality the socialist/Marxist ideology that has captivated today’s Democrat Party is at war with reason, human nature, common sense, history and truth – indeed, at war with God and His laws.”

 

This third Commandment reveals the negative aspect of the law which is important for us to understand. This negativism is not bad but in reality of a great benefit, because it limits the power of the state and insures liberty. For example, the eighth Commandment: “You shall not steal,” limits the state from stealing and taking over private property. So when the law prohibits blasphemy and false witness it is also guaranteeing that all other forms of speech have their liberty.

 

For example, Roman Law was based upon the positive concept of the Law that “the health of the people is the highest law.” However, all aspects of life can come under the well-being of man and society and so a law like this becomes unlimited and the state then can control all life and the result is a loss of liberty.

 

We see in the Bible that some cursing is biblical as we see God pronouncing curses on people and nations as well as the prophets and others on certain occasions that God called to invoke judgment on evil doers.

 

Stephen McDowell says about profane speech: “Profane means ‘outside the temple’ and thus all speech, action, and living which is outside God.”

 

This third Commandment is not just talking about taking the name of God in vain but a wicked and rebellious language that is directed against God. It shows a disregard and lack of reverence to the Supreme Being. This lack of reverence to God leads to a disregard of His Word as well as His Law. Isn’t this what we see today in our society? When there is a lack of reverence and fear of God there is really no effectual restraint of human passions, lusts, ambitions, anger, profanity, hostility, etc.

 

We know that the Name of the Lord represents all the ways that God makes Himself known to us and so by taking His name in vain also represents degrading who He is. In 1 Corinthians 11:28 and 29, regarding the Lord’s Supper says: “A man ought to examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on himself.” This sacrament of bread and wine represents not only who Jesus is but what He has done. Therefore, the one that “eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner will be guilty of sinning against the body and blood of the Lord.” (verse 27) In this sacrament the Lord is making His sacrifice for us known and we are not to partake of it vainly or profanely.

 

This third Commandment deals with speech, but also at the heart of it deals with the foundation of a legal system. We have what is known as the oath of office, oath of the courts, the oath of husbands and wives in marriage as well as the oath (vows) of ministers, and all of this is vital for having a proper functioning society.

 

We also see the profanity in our culture as a barometer of our society. As profanity increases it shows a profane action by society against God. When we see more and more profanity working its way into our arts, TV, music, movies, entertainment, it shows a moral decline occurring in our society. We know that words eventually lead to actions and we see this in our entertainment today.

 

When we stop and think about it, what use is profanity? Is any man or woman wiser or happier because they use God’s Name in vain and in a profane way? Often it indicates a person’s lack of vocabulary and being able to properly express his/her emotions. Why is it that because a person does not know a proper word to use, he inserts a blasphemous word against God? “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks,” and so we see a desperate need for the gospel of Christ that can reach into the human heart and begin to change it. God says that He will write His laws on our heart.