Senseless Ramblings of the Mindless

Exodus 15:26 – Saying, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer.”

When it comes to all my health related issues, things are complicated to say the least. The Dr’s are at a loss as to what to do. They have pretty much tried just about anything and I have been on home health for a long time. I am bringing this up because of my appointment I had with my cardiologist today.

For a long time, they have been trying to bring my blood pressure down. They have diagnosed my blood pressure as “malignant hypertension.” Which basically means that it is out of control. My blood pressure is on the average well over 200 for the top and around 120 for the bottom number. I take about 8 or 9 medications just for that. My blood pressure though is secondary since it is because of the Myastenia Gravis and the CIPD variant of Guillian Barre Syndrome. Since it is summer, it will get worse as it always does. So it will linger around the 230/120 mark at any given moment and it has a way of going much higher on any given day. I realize it is serious, but there isn’t much that can be done to change it. I have chosen to not stress or worry about it since that isn’t what I want to focus on.  My cardiologist is stressed enough since he said he is unable to control it. He pretty much has said that there is nobody that he treats that he can’t help. He must have had a hard time admitting that. He also said, he can’t be responsible for the outcome. Not sure that is a good or bad thing. I guess it depends on how I take it.

The last few minutes of today’s visit was what I enjoy doing at Dr’s appointments. And, that would be to witness to my Dr’s. Some Dr’s, not all have it in their mind that they are the one that can control everything, when that is far from the truth. I have some pretty awesome Dr’s and nurse friends that aren’t like this. But, my cardiologist isn’t like that. He asked me how I can handle the things I do and it is simple. I handle things because I know that God is the only one in control. He is the great physician. God has blessed Dr’s with the ability to help people and cure them. Ultimately it is up to God. I have chosen to trust in God and my faith is in Him, not Dr’s. I trust my Dr’s, but my faith is in God.

Jesus came to heal the sick from physical and emotional illnesses. From my own experiences I have found that there is no condition that Jesus can’t heal. I’m not necessarily thinking a physical healing since there are many forms of healing. I was explaining to my Dr that no matter what happens that Jesus will heal and that is why I have faith in Him alone. Over and over again, Jesus praised those who were being healed because of their faith. When we read Mark 5:25-34 it talks about how the woman who was sick knew that if she were to touch even His cloths, that she will be healed and made well. Immediately after she touched his garments, she was healed of her disease. Jesus healed those who asked to be healed and who had faith that they would be healed.

• Acts 5:16,  “Also a multitude gathered from the surrounding cities to Jerusalem, bringing sick people and those who were tormented by unclean spirits, and they were all healed.
• Mark 16:17-18,  “And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name . . . they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”

As I was talking to my cardiologist I made sure that if nothing else from today’s visit that he knew that my faith was in Christ. As a Christian, I feel that we need to be prayerful and trusting. Faith is necessary and throughout the Bible we see that this is the main ingredient when it comes to healing stories and miracles. If we have a lack of faith, we may not experience healing. If nothing else happens during my visits, I think that Jesus put me in the offices of Dr’s and caregivers that needed to hear about Him. I feel blessed that I can witness to them and talk to them about my faith in Christ. I feel worse for the Dr’s than I do myself. When I come across a Dr who has come to the point where they have no idea what to do next, I have the privilege of telling them to pray and trust God.

In closing, I just want to say that if you are in need of the Great Physicians, now is a good time to schedule an appointment with God. No copay is needed and your visit has been paid in full.

I have been working on my churches power-point for this coming Sunday. This one got me thinking about the shooting in Charleston S.C. 9 lives were taken by the hands of a gunman. Yet, those people offered this young man forgiveness. My last blog was on the shooting to. What touched my heart was that as they prepare to bury their loved ones, they were singing the hymn “We Will Overcome”. Our sermon is titled, “Living as Overcomers.” Video of We Shall Overcome by Pete Seeger.

I went to the churches website and was reading about the Bible study that was going on. On this night, God received 9 people into Heaven.  On the website this was the description;

• Is something missing from your life? Are you doing all you can to have a closer relationship with God? If you have a desire to learn more about God, then join us on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m. in the lower level of the church. We look forward to seeing you!

My pastor didn’t know what was happening since when he sent me the information to put on the screen for our service, the shooting hasn’t happened yet. The whole time I was doing the power-point for church, I was listening to story after story on CNN about how they love the lord and how all have sinned. We must all forgive since God instructed us to forgive. While their hearts were breaking, they are trusting fully in the Lord.

One of the ladies stated that she is a work in progress and she is very angry, but she has forgiven him also. I have to admit I would have a hard time doing that.

There are many out there that thinks that Christians in America are spoiled and that nothing would happen to us since we are a free nation. There is persecution going on everyday. These people were participating in a Bible study. I would hope if I were to be killed, I would be doing the Lords work. People are afraid to stand up for what they believe because they think they will be put away or killed.I have people tell me every now and then that I shouldn’t blog a certain subject since it will make someone feel bad. More people needs to be standing up for what is right and not be afraid of hurting someones feelings. Persecution is happening in America right now. Churches aren’t safe and neither is any other place. Within minutes life can change.

This church in South Carolina has touched a special spot in my heart. They aren’t afraid and they offer forgiveness. They are praising God in the midst of their storm. The sermon that is this Sunday will have special meaning to those who know what is happening in the world. This is a sensitive subject for me since I have nieces and nephews of all races. Hatred and racism needs to end. I don’t think it ever will till Christ returns. People that are prejudice and hateful makes me sick to my stomach. God created all people and the color of the skin shouldn’t matter. My prayer is for Christ to come and rescue us all.

With all of the things going on in the news about the 21 yr old man who went into a South Carolina church and killed 9 people, in what would be considered a hate crime.

Race aside, what came to my mind is that the man decided to murder black Christians. Not only was it a hate crime against race, but it is also against Christians. In my heart I know that he must be forgiven and all over the news those in the area are loving and forgiving. I would hope that if something like that happened where I went to church and I survived that I could be that forgiven. The community is hurting and yet they show the love of Christ.

My heart and mind can’t help but wonder what kind of a life this man had. Children aren’t born into hate, something or someone had to have introduced him to this sort of hatred. This isn’t anything new. Throughout history white supremest have existed. I can’t understand the type of hatred this man had against those he never knew.

I’m dumbfounded on how someone can go into a church or any place and kill innocent people. Not only because it is a church, but we have seen this go on in schools, theaters and other places. I have thought about what I would do if a gunman came into my church and told everyone that if they are believers in Christ to stand up, knowing you would be killed. I would hope that I would have the strength to do that. When it comes down to the choice to deny Christ or to die for Christ, I would much prefer to die for Christ then know that I have no chance of eternity with Christ.

I’m not saying I wouldn’t be scared, I don’t think anyone wouldn’t be scared. But, I have no doubt that God would be present. Also to the man who killed these innocent lives in South Carolina, I will pray for him and for him to be given the chance to really experience the love and forgiveness Christ offers. I can’t begin to know how the families feel and the community, but I don’t think they will stop believing and they will be praying. My favorite verse in the Bible is Psalms 46:1 and that says, “God is our refuge and strength, ever present in times of trouble”.

My prayer is that God will bring peace to the community and touch the hearts of those hurting. I also pray for those who are filled with hate, that they can see that it is destructive not only to others, but to themselves. I pray that in the coming days that the families feels Your presence. I pray that they praise You in the midst of this storm.

What is God’s will for my life? This has got to be one of the most asked questions for Christians. If not, it would have to be up there pretty high on the list. This is one of those questions that I have ask myself since I have had many struggles from the time I was little. It’s like we have the mentality of thinking that God’s will went missing in action. When it has really been there ever since we were born.

There are a ton of self help books and all kinds of advice to help you understand what God’s will is for your life. With all the health problems and uncertainty in my life, I have had those who ask me what it is that keeps me going. It is as if they are asking about some magic potion when there is no potion, there is only God. The struggles are something that I have chosen not to focus on and I don’t think that God wants us to focus on all of those things that bring us down. When I think about God’s will, I believe that by doing God’s will, I should be trusting God and having faith that God is going to be there for me. That’s what I would call faith.

It’s as if we have a bucket list kind of mentality when it comes to obeying God and knowing God’s will for our lives. It isn’t like there is a list of things to check off. Even though there have been times I have said that I want to make sure I keep myself in check and motivated for the right reasons when it comes to my walk with Christ. When we open ourselves up to God, study His word and be obedient then I am doing as God as guided me to do. When I let worldly things and my own emotions control my life, then my life becomes destructive for myself and for those around me. Each day is different and I have to take things a day at a time and sometimes an hour at a time, either way, God is in control and I choose to do His will.

• Jeremiah 29:11, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declared the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future’”.

Those who have been following what has been going on with my family understands that Satan is at work. As for me, I refuse to let him (Satan) control things in my life, no matter what may come my way. When I consider the obstacles my mom has been dealing with that are physically and emotionally difficult to handle without God, I know that my relationship with God is the only option when it comes to peace, true happiness and hope.

• Isaiah 32:17, “The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever”.

For me there is no choice since I already do my best to follow Christ. If we trust fully in God and have faith God can accomplish what needs to happen in our lives.

• Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight”

In closing, I just want to say that in the Bible we are told that God’s will is to be worshiped. He wants us to listen, receive and love the gospel and to glorify Him. We are told in Matthew 4:19 to “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” In the days that followed, He taught them in Luke 19:10, that He “came to seek and to save what was lost,” and He told them that just as the Father had sent Him into the world, He would send them into the world. God’s will in the world is to save and bless His people. And as a follower of Christ, it is my responsibility and my choice to listen to God’s voice and to go where He sends me. Even if I don’t get it, which is a lot of the time, but I will go and share the gospel with those who need to hear it, which is the world and my parents.

Written By Guest Writer Pastor Ray Schroeder

            Did you know that the Bible is restricted or banned in 50 countries? We are blessed in America to have so many Bibles available to us. However, having the Bible available and agreeing on how to interpret it are two different things.  

            There are basically two ways to read and interpret Scripture. We can read it in the way that it says it is to be read—that it is God’s Word. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,…”  (2 Timothy 3:16). 

            This is the way that Jesus read and interpreted the Bible: “For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled” (Matthew 5:18). “The Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35). He believed the stories and people of the Old Testament were historically real and accurate.  Also, as the Son of God and member of the Trinity Jesus is the final arbiter and interpreter of the Old Testament. We see this in his approach to interpreting the Ten Commandments and in his declaring all foods clean.

            Or we can read the Bible in another way–that it is just like any other book ever written. This method is called the historical-critical method and it sets up man as the judge over the Bible, even as judge over Jesus and his words. In reading the Bible this way a person can choose for himself or herself what parts are meant only for the time in which it was written as compared to what can be applied today. This is the basic division in how to read and interpret the Bible. These two ways of reading the Bible have caused a huge split in churches and societies in today’s world.

            For example, we see this in the current understanding of marriage. One side claims Biblical marriage is defined as between one man and one woman for life. This was affirmed by Jesus in Matthew 19:4-6, and in Mark 10:6-9. I believe Jesus is the final word on this.

            Those who read the Bible from the historical-critical method say that marriage is evolving and we can define it differently today. But it all comes down to what you think of the Bible:  God’s Word or just another book?

            May God bless you as you read and apply God’s Holy Word in your life!

You may find this surprising, but not everyone who calls themselves a true child of God is a Christian and not all believe that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. I know way to many that feel this way and sadly I have many family members who are lost and will be lost. In Luke 6:44 we are told that “for every tree is known by his own fruit. For from thorns men do not gather figs, nor from a bramble bush gather they grapes.” This verse is a good source to help those who are Christian to discern what type person we are keeping company with or dealing with. It is also a good verse that helps us know if those who profess to be Christian, really are. If they don’t believe in the Bible and that it is the inspired Word of God, then they can’t be considered a true Christian. There is no fence sitting on this. You either are a Christian or your not.

I must be in a preaching mode and I’m not even a preacher,lol. I am an opinionated Christian woman. In my opinion, there is no problem with that unless you ask my husband and then he would be more than happy to share his most wonderful thoughts with you all.

I think of the quotes that people say that drives me nuts is about God. They will say that it doesn’t matter what you believe or what Bible or other inspirational book you may be reading at the time, it is all good. We all serve the same God, just in a different way. I get rather upset over that whole comment since I know many that worship a different God than I do. I worship the same God that is discussed and that inspired the Holy Bible. There is only one God and God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. I know that may surprise people, but it is what it is.

When I think of how loosely the term Christian is used these days, I get the idea they are talking about anyone or anything. I also think that people that claim to be true Christians knows very little about the Bible. When a friend of mine use to say before she died that the Bible is a great book and Jesus was a great teacher, I would get very defensive. I have a problem when people make light of who Christ is and what the Bible really says. It’s as if they are reading “Grimes Fairy Tales” or some other book that is just a good read and has some positive things to say. I have a hard time understanding everything in it, but I know for myself at-least and true Christians that it is the most important book ever. Jesus is the most important person that every walked this earth.

As I talk to people that goes to church, I wonder if they get it! Does the Bible mean anything to them or are they going to church because they always went and it is just something they do? I can’t answer that since I can’t see or feel what they are really feeling. I get rather bent on this topic for many reasons. The reason why I get bent on this is that people have a way of interpreting scripture that makes it into something that they can live with and to justify their own actions and the views that they have chosen.God’s law is God’s law. I have been guilty of this myself and have to keep myself in check. The Bible isn’t just advice and we can take or leave what we don’t like.

I do want to to add just a little bit on denominations or churches that are nondenominational. There are those out there that say those who belong to a non-denominational church aren’t Christians. All I can say about that is that my church follows what the Bible says and not what man has to say.

(Romans 10: 9-13) If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved. As Scripture says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.” For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile—the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

In closing I just want to add that there has been many changes going on in our world when it comes to redefining what a Christian is and who/what the Christian believes. Most of that has been in the news recently and concerns Bruce Jenner, The Duggars and a bunch of others. I am really getting sick of hearing about both of them and all the other stuff that just makes my heart and brain hurt. People get upset that Christians are pushing their views on others and I actually see it the other way around. My Facebook has been inundated by one thing or another about being all accepting. If someone says what their opinions or views then you going to have a firestorm. But, there are those who will claim that Christians are bigots and afraid of homosexuals and that isn’t the truth. At-least in my views it isn’t. While I don’t agree with redefining marriage among other things, I do believe in what the Bible has to say and what God has instructed us to do. Anymore, the whole world view is different than what it ever has been and things are getting away from what the Bible says.

Christians need to understand that ALL humans are sinners and that is including myself. God loves everyone, but that doesn’t mean that we should be accepting of another persons sin. I am sure if I went out and killed someone that there would be a whole bunch of people ticked off at me. They would not be accepting of my sin. There are loving ways to help the sinners and as I said, we all sin. We just sin differently. Being a true Christian isn’t about being hateful and judging others. By doing this you will be causing pain and could drive them further away, plus it isn’t our responsibility. Now there are times that we need to speak up and share the Gospel and what God has instructed us to do in order to help those around us. When we talk to those who are not Christian, we need to do it in a way that is a witness for Christ and to share God’s grace and mercy.

This posting was prompted by a conversation I was having with a friend about her church that is part of the Episcopalian Churches. This post isn’t meant to be judgmental and I don’t write this to offend.  Every now and then someone will request a post on a certain topic. My friend Helen gave me permission to write this post, which I was happy to do. The reason I am writing this is because of a congregation in the mid west that went through a lot of changes and felt that they needed to have the support of the Episcopalian Churches. Eventually they found that they didn’t really get real help, since it became a financial burden for them. She asked for prayers for her church.

I have been going to our little church for about 20 yrs now and it has gone through many changes and pastors during that time. Originally our church wasn’t affiliated with one particular denomination. We were simply non-denominational and self supported. That changed a few years after it was started and our church was then taken in by the American Baptist Churches USA. When we first joined our church which was called at the time St. George Community Baptist Church, I had issues with a number of things that went on during the service. During those parts, I just chose not to take part in them. I was glad  we separated from them. Since there was no Nazarene Churches here, this was the closest I could find.

They eventually decided that they wanted to become an independent church. Otherwise, they felt that they weren’t getting much from the actual denomination, they were paying out rather then benefiting from the union.

When the church I attend, it separated from the American Baptist Churches USA since they were part of the groups of churches that were ordaining gay and lesbian pastors. Changes had to be made since there was a lot of heat over the union and it was getting ugly. That was when we did a separation from the American Baptist Churches USA and joined a newly founded affiliation called Transformation Ministries. I don’t actually know how we benefit when it comes to this union though. They do have some wonderful people there though. We may see someone by fluke, but there isn’t anything really that I can see that they do for our church since we are the only church in our area that has this same affiliation. I think it would have been more beneficial if we weren’t so far from where everything is. I never knew there was a fee that had to be paid for the union and for them to take us under their wing, unless I’m not seeing it. Which could be.

As I was looking through old pictures and postings, I remember when all of this happened. I’m not sure exactly what Transformation Ministries do for us. I wasn’t in the meetings our church had with them when we first joined. But I would think there would be some better ways to support missionaries and outreach then to pay fee’s for things we don’t see. I could be totally wrong on this, but my mind has been wondering as I was talking to my friend in the mid west. Their church had to do things the way those they are affiliated with instead of doing what is best for their church. I can’t help but wonder is churches are being destroyed by groups that are interested in wealth, power and selfishness. I know there are many that have their heart in the right place, but I also wonder what it is that associations and affiliations does for a small church like ours. I can’t help to wonder if it is all about power and wealth. Or maybe I am just over-thinking this since I was talking to my friend. They struggle every month paying the dues and fee’s they have to pay and yet they get no assistance, just rules when it comes to the affiliations they have.

They have right around 250 people in their congregation and they are about to loose their church because of the fee’s they have to pay. I asked her if her church has to be affiliated with a major denomination, she said she thinks so. I did advise her to check it out. I would think a church could be independent since they have enough people to keep it going. I’m not familiar with the Episcopalian Churches, but I’m sure something could be done. I asked her if it was just the money they have to pay and she said that and also they have to follow the rules or whatever it is that they signed. I would think it is the bylaws. If they aren’t comfortable, I don’t know why they couldn’t separate.

Now, my thoughts is that I think that denominations are full of rules and regulations. When really the only rules and regulations are in the Bible. I don’t think that God intended everything to be so divisional and denominational. I would be happy if the names of churches were just called “Bible Believing Church” and leave it at that. I would love one day to see that on our sign outside where it has our church info. It will never happen, but it would be nice. There are so many denominations out there, it is hard to know which one is the right one. In my opinion and it might not count for anything, the only church to go to is one that is preaching from the Bible and letting that be the sole source for truth. I don’t think we need all of the rules and legalisms of big denominations. They provide a great way of separating people over petty stuff. I’m not against denominations since I always went to a Nazarene Church, but I can see how they have a way of distracting people from what the Bible really has to say. I’m not into all the legalism of things and I like to use the KISS theory and that means Keep it Simple Stupid. I make things more difficult than they should be and I think mankind is that way. I think God is pretty straight forward.

Americans and I would guess any country has those who follow a particular religion. Religions have a way of getting in the way of Christianity. You can be ‘a good Christian’ without belonging to any specific denomination. You don’t have to be part of a specific denomination in order to be a Christian. In order to be a Christian, you need to believe in Jesus Christ, accept Him as your Lord and Savior and admit you are a sinner. The name on the church building isn’t going to save you.

I was looking up a little information on why churches are denominational and if we as Christians should be part of a particular denomination. Simple conversations like what my friend and I had gets my brain going. But what I was reading is that denominations are man-made organizations. There are more than 600 different denominational churches, all with different and conflicting doctrines, beliefs, and teachings. For those who go to church, I’m sure you have noticed all the different names, types of worship (contemporary/traditional), doctrines, bylaws and the list goes on. Many also have different plans of salvation. I’m not sure how that can be if they are Bible believing. Many times I wonder if it is more of a money thing than a reaching people and advancing the Kingdom of God.

When I think on the whole denomination thing and the money aspects of churches I think of Matthew 16:24 – To follow Jesus one must deny himself. True religion does not consist of what pleases us. It is entirely a question of what pleases God. To me this verse is saying that we shouldn’t be church hopping or going to a church that says what we want to hear. We should be going to a church and be part of a church that solely believes in Christ. Denominations separate people, when in reality we should be uniting in the name of Christ. I know many that will go from one church to another for one petty reason or another. Shoot, I know one person who left a church because they were told that the church only goes by what the Bible says. WOW, wasn’t sure on what to say to that, but I’m sure I told them that if they are going to church to not listen to the Word of God, they might want to re-evaluate why they are going.

Lastly, I just want to say that it is up to the individual and if something is not feeling right to you, there may be a reason why. There is no church that is going to save you, only Christ can do that. If you are going where they don’t put the Word of God first and having a personal relationship with Him first, you should look elsewhere. If they say they don’t want to use the Bible, that should be a huge red flag. When I choose where I go, I realize that when I join, I believe what is going on. If I am associating with a group or church, I am saying that this is what I believe. I would hope that people would say I was guilty by association when it comes to me going to a church that believes in Christ and that the Bible is the inspired Word of God. If it isn’t in the Bible, I don’t want anything to do with it.

Our newest pastor came from a denomination that frowned on him preaching from the Bible. He left that denomination and I love it that he is using his experiences as a way to teach people that we only need the Bible for instructions in our lives and that Christ is the only way. I have no respect for pastors or church leaders that like to sugar coat things and are afraid to say what God puts on their heart out of fear. My pastor isn’t that way. If people have a problem with wanting the truth and want a lot of sugar coating for their life, our church may not be the right place. There are plenty of other churches that are more than happy to do that for ya. Too much sugar for a diabetic could kill them, so watch out for how much sugar coating you get in your life. It could be what costs you your life in the end.

If you want to check out my church in St. George, Utah, you are more than welcome. Check out our website. My church is a smaller church, but you will find the most loving, kind hearted Christians there. They show the real love of Christ. You won’t find it showy and over the top. We have a traditional service that is focused on Christ Alone, nothing else.

 “What is a Bible church?”

Answer: Bible believing churches are those which profess to adhere to the Bible as their standard of faith and practice. If you are searching for a new church home and want to attend a church that is Bible believing, here are some things to look for.

• Choose a church where it is understood that the Bible is the truth and inspired by God. The Bible is the sole authority (2 Tim 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:21).
• Choose a church that studies and teaches the Bible. Nothing more, nothing less.
• Choose a church that believes in baptism and spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
• Choose a church where the people love and serve one another.
• Choose a church where the pastor is genuine and seems to love his people.
• Seek God’s wisdom (James 1:5) and will in prayer for a church home, and choose the church of God’s leading.

Yesterday I started a blog on the topic of the ten commandments and the Duggers. Today I will finish up that blog topic with the other 5 commandments.

Sixth Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Kill
This seems to me to be one of the most overlooked commandments of all times. As I think about how we are instructed to not kill, planned parenthood comes to mind for me. They are the largest pro-abortion group out there. The kill unborn children each and every day. There was a time that I didn’t think about abortion a crime against humanity. There was a young lady that had an abortion and I should have stepped up and done what I could have done to prevent her from doing that. I felt that it was her body and her choice. When I started paying more attention on what happens when these youngest victims are snuffed out, it is inhumane and they can feel when a they are literally cut out of the womb. I carry guilt over not doing more to prevent this from happening. Besides abortion killing and murder is epidemic in America and all over the world. Innocent people are being murdered at rates that boggle my mind. Not only the killing of people, it is also happening with animals. Perfectly healthy pets are being killed because they can’t find a home.

I am guilty of breaking this commandment because even though I may not physically kill someone, it isn’t as if I never wished a person wasn’t alive. Even thinking of killing and wishing someone dead will make us guilty of committing murder.

Verdict: Guilty as Charged- Sentence is suspended due to Christ paying my debt

Seventh Commandment- Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery

Adultery is rampant in America and glamorized and accepted in movies. I think of a recent reality tv show that is gaining popularity. The show is called “The Community”. It is about a community or normal housing area that showcases families that swing. If you don’t know what that means, it means they swap partners. They practice open marriage and they have no problem with it. There is also a show called “Sister Wives”. I live in Southern Utah and I see a lot of polygamist that live in our area. Many think they are Mormons, but they are actually the FLDS Church. They have one husband and many wives. For those who have been living without watching the news, Warren Jeff’s is the most well known leader of the FLDS Church. His trial brought our area and their lifestyle to everyone’s living-room.

Adultery doesn’t have to be a physical thing. Pornography is also adultery. When you look at someone else lustfully and want to be with that person, you are committing adultery. Marriages are falling apart everyday and families are destroyed because of adultery. Some people will justify buying a playboy or other materials as innocent, but they are far from that. I would recommend watching the movie “Fireproof” with Kirk Cameron. It is a slow fade to how pornography and adultery can tear a family apart. There is nothing innocent wrong with this. There was a time in my life when I didn’t see anything wrong with it. How can a show or a magazine ruin lives. My husband and I had a friend who thought it would be interesting and fun to swap partners, that never happened. Those friends were never welcomed into my home. I have watched movies and shows that focus on adultery and I didn’t care.

Verdict: Guilty as Charged- Sentence is suspended due to Christ paying my debt

Eighth Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Steal

Theft can come in many forms. Some of those forms would be gambling, insurance scams, robberies and so on. Many states and the state I live in is a non-gambling state. Gambling has caused and incredible amount of destruction and loss. Theft is also taking something that is not your own. That can be as if borrowing $1.00 or a million. If it isn’t paid back that is theft. I am guilty of this since I have borrowed money and haven’t paid it back on a timely manner. This is one of those areas I have really looked inside my heart and decided that if I can’t get something on my own accord and I can’t afford it, I don’t need it. Slowly I am repaying debts that I have had and having to get them done little by little. Due to all my medical bills and stuff, it has been hard at times to make ends meet and pay bills. When someone says, you can borrow the money and pay it back later, I now say no. I don’t like money getting into the way of friendships. When people ask to borrow money from me, I don’t ask for it back unless I know for sure they will be able to do that. I know there are times that it is difficult to do that, so I count it as a gift. I have two people that I have been struggling to pay back. They are both people who I need to pay what I can so I can get it done and get things in order. In my mind, it is theft since I haven’t paid it off when I said I would.

Theft can also come in forms of services and deception. One of those would be to say a person has cancer or an illness. We are seeing more and more people doing fundraising to help them with medical bills. There is something going on right now in a group I belong to on Facebook. This guy is seeking funds to help with everything. While checking him out, he doesn’t have Guillian Barre Syndrome at all. He is just wanting people to feel sorry for him in order to get money.

Verdict: Guilty as Charged- Sentence is suspended due to Christ paying my debt

Ninth Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness

False witness means lying. Lying can be easy to justify for many. We lie to get what we want. We lie to protect peoples feelings. We lie to get away with whatever it is that we want to. Our government is built on liars. There are scammers and users all over the place. Lying is widely accepted since for some reason people see it as not hurting others. When in reality it hurts the most. I can handle a lot of things, but when someone lies, it breaks the trust I have in them. Even thinking about lying to someone or thinking I am lying for the greater good, is still a lie. A little white lie is a lie. If a bill collector calls up or a solicitor asks if I am home, I will say this isn’t her phone. That is still a lie. I can easily justify lying to someone when it comes to me telling them the truth would hurt their feelings. When it comes to voting for government officials, people say to vote who will do the least amount of damage. For me, they all lie and I trust none. It doesn’t matter what party they belong to.

I have had some people tell me that I am to direct in my blog topics and I am OK with that. If people want me to lie to them, they need to let me know in advance so I can make it a good one.

Verdict: Guilty as Charged- Sentence is suspended due to Christ paying my debt

Tenth Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Covet Anything That is Thy Neighbor’s

I have had my grandsons ask me about this commandment and what it means. Coveting isn’t a common word for many. I know it isn/t for me. Our world is a materialistic world. At least in the United States we are. We want the most expensive car, houses, cloths and luxury items. TV’s are getting bigger and better and we are a country built on electronics. I was able to explain to my grandsons that if a friend of theirs has a super cool gaming system and all the awesome games, what is it that they want? They said they want to have the same game system and even cooler games. One of the boys said he will go steal the games. OK! Well that is breaking a couple commandments.

Keeping up with the Jones’ is a huge thing. If our neighbor has a huge house, we need a huger one. I don’t think I am a very materialist person. But what I find is that I like my yard to look the best. I don’t like my yard to look like yard. I have one neighbor that has a very pretty yard. So I get this feeling that I need to head to Home Depot to get more flowers and more of this and that. I don’t always do it, but I do want his yard. That is coveting.

Verdict: Guilty as Charged- Sentence is suspended due to Christ paying my debt

As I go through the ten commandments, I know without a doubt that I am “GUILTY” as charged. God is a loving and merciful God. When I went to God in prayer and beg for forgiveness in Jesus Christ, He offered it to me and all I had to do is ask. As a Christian, I’m not without sin. I am guilty of being a person who has broken all of the commandments that God said not to break. Also as I look at what the Duggers are going through, I know that it isn’t my responsibility to judge him. He has gone to God and has repented of his sins. He was 14 at the time and his sins were dealt with. I think about my sins and to think that everyday someone would be there to shove them into my face when I know I have been forgiveness is the work of the devil.

Because of the things I have done in my past and those things yet that have not been done yet, I am deserving of going to hell. I deserve eternal punishment. But because of the gift of the blood of Jesus Christ, I am forgiven. I’m not a perfect Christian. There is no perfect Christian.

Matthew 12:34-37, You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of. A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in him, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in him. But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Jesus said that we will either be justified or condemned by the words that we speak. I would say that it is important that we a careful about what it is that we say and what comes out of our mouths. God wants His words of life and truth to come out of our spirit. For this to happen, however, we must read, study and receive the Word of God in our hearts.

On closing I just want to add that God is a loving and merciful God. But, Satan is busy with his deception and counterfeits. There isn’t a day that goes by that we can’t see how our world is changing and the violence is escalating. I honestly believe that Satan is clouding our hearts and minds when it comes to judging others and thinking it is our job to do that. In our world, we are fast to accept all things so we don’t offend anyone that doesn’t share God’s commandments. Churches and pastors are just as guilty of this. They don’t want to offend and want to be all accepting. I don’t see how that can happen if as a Christian we believe that Bible is the inspired Word of God. Our world is becoming more volatile and changes are occurring rapidly. There are huge waves of satanic corruption coming against our culture.

Romans 3:23-24… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

I have been listening to all the stuff that people have been saying about Josh Dugger. I don’t really watch their show. But that is only because I don’t watch a lot of reality shows unless it is Big Brother. It seems to me that the media is using what Josh did as a 14 yr old child as a tool to bring down the entire family. Some are saying that the Duggers is part of a dangerous cult among other things.

I guess this is a personal thing for me because I knew a young man that was 13 I believe at the time and he committed sodomy against a younger child. Not only did it change the life of a young boy, but also the teenager. The teenager carried the guilt and what he would call demons from that event that forever changed his life. He ended up committing suicide because of those demons among other things. He went to professional counseling and so did the other young man. The family of the child forgave the abuser and it was dealt with in a way that helped both of the victim and the perpetrator.

I am not one that is going to condemn Josh for something that happened when he was so young. I don’t know much about this family but I do know that no matter what they are going through, that God is front and center. From my understanding his family and others seeked help from outside of their family and Josh admitted his wrong doings and asked for forgiveness from those he hurt the most. This whole media thing is like they are punishing the families and the victims all over again. What right do I or anyone else have in judging him? Thankfully we have a whole world that is full of perfect people that never done anything wrong when they were teenagers or adults. While what he did was very serious and I don’t want to take away from the seriousness of this, but I do want to say that I for one can say that I am very far from perfect and according to the standards of the media and all the perfect people I should be hung out to dry and put to death by some people or countries standards.

While I am talking about sin and specifically the sins I have committed I would say I have a long list. I have pretty much broke every commandment there is. If you don’t know how many there are, there are 10 of them. Now if you ask my husband he will refer to a movie with Mel Brooks called ‘History of the World. Where Mel Brooks says there are 15 commandments. He then drops one of the stone tablets and he then says, “We have Ten Commandments.” My husband loves this movie. But seriously in the Bible there are “Ten Commandments”.

• First Commandment: I shall have no other God’s before me

This is one of those commandments that we broke all the time and probably everyday. Where I break this commandment is when I put more of an importance on”things”. In the way I think of this commandment I would think of power, the almighty buck (money), sex, computers, entertainment or whatever gods that makes us a slave to them instead of Jehovah God. One of the examples I have of me breaking this commandment is when I want to stay home from church and play on Facebook instead of going to church and worshiping God. I try to keep myself in check.

Verdict: Guilty as Charged- Sentence is suspended due to Christ paying my debt

• Second Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Worship Any Graven Images

As I was talking to my grandsons about the “Ten Commandments”, I was asking them what they thought this one meant. They didn’t really understand it. When we were discussing this, this commandment is about anything that we bow down to and worship instead of serving God. Here in America there are those who live in massive mansions and everything is on the grandest of scales. Churches are guilty of this also. There are mega churches that are lavish and the salaries of those who are church leaders can be into the millions each year. I don’t want to offend any churches by this comment, but I do think about those churches who have all these statues and they are bigger than life. Some of these statues are made of gold and the best materials they could find. I also don’t have a picture of Jesus in my house since we don’t really know what He looked like. Well, now I do. I got it from my moms house recently. I find it sad that people will pray to those images thinking that they are praying to God. Those images or how the Bible talked about the golden calf’s will be destroyed. As I think about how I break this commandment, I would say that I like nice things. There are things in my life that has gotten in the way of God’s purpose in my life, when I should be glorifying God, not man or things.

Verdict: Guilty as Charged- Sentence is suspended due to Christ paying my debt

• Third Commandment: Thou Shalt Not Take the Name of the Lord Thy God in Vain

This is one of those commandments that I had the hardest time with. The normal language and accepted language is swearing or cursing. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t hear someone saying the “God “D” word, “F” word and a whole arsenal of other words. Even those those profess to say they are Christians are accepting of this language. I’m not going to judge others because I have no place in doing that. I can say that through my own experiences I use to swear like a sailor. About 20 yrs ago, I didn’t even pay attention to what I was saying or how I was saying it. There came a day that I was the only one in a room that was swearing and God gave me a reality check. I felt so much guilt when I heard what I was saying and realized that I wasn’t representing Christ. The more I would say things and take the name of God in vain, the further from Him I got. It was at that point in my life that I had to ask for forgiveness and knock off what I was saying. I still have to work on my thought process though. There are times in my brain and heart that I am giving someone a what for. Even thinking or feeling is the same as doing.

Verdict: Guilty as Charged- Sentence is suspended due to Christ paying my debt

• Fourth Commandment: Remember the Sabbath Day to Rest and Keep it Holy

Wow, this commandment has been part of a long debate. The reason I say that is because if you look at the calender the actual 7th day is a Saturday, which would be the true Sabbath. The majority of those who go to church will go on a Sunday. There are some places also that is trying to make Sunday just like any other day of the work week. Some states have what is called a blue law. The area I live in for the most part besides restaurants will have businesses closed. That is changing though. Sunday is like any other day and stores are open and money is needing to be made. This is one of those commandments that I need to work on more. My husband is a truck driver and usually we only have a couple days or one day a week to do our things. In my heart though, I know that on the Sabbath, that day should be for showing reverence to God and worshiping Him. I also know that at-least for myself that everyday needs to be about God, not just one day a week.

Verdict: Guilty as Charged- Sentence is suspended due to Christ paying my debt

Fifth Commandment: Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother

This is one of those commandments that says a lot about our society. I have done past blog posts about honoring parents. There is a difference in how we honor our parents depending on our age and circumstances. The way that I was raised, there wasn’t much honoring or respecting of my parents due to choices and lifestyles that they led. I was raised in a home where God wasn’t a part of it. I did go to church and it was a daily struggle. When they would do sermons on honoring our parents, this was the hardest of all commandments for me. The ways of the world now days is far from honoring the family unit. Parents are shoved aside and placed in care centers, neglected, shamed and ridiculed. As a child we are taught that we should honor and obey. There isn’t much of that going on and when the news is turned on, we hear about children killing parents, parents killing children, perversion, violence, pornography, abuse and a whole host of other things. Satan and evil is destroying people and families all over the world.

As a child and as an adult, I had/have little respect for my parents. Not because I didn’t love them because I do. When it came to honoring and obeying, I chose not to do that since by doing so, it was against what the Bible taught. For me, by obeying them, it would mean living a life that is filled with immorality and selfishness.

Verdict: Guilty as Charged- Sentence is suspended due to Christ paying my debt

I will continue this post and will be covering the other 5 commandments, which are;

• Thou Shalt Not Kill
• Thou Shalt Not Commit Adultery
• Thou Shalt Not Steal
• Thou Shalt Not Bear False Witness
• Thou Shalt Not Covet Anything That is Thy Neighbor’s