Tuesday, April 5, 2022

The Missing Commandments

 

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVMz2R48SYc

‘What are the 10 Commandments of God in the Bible?’

By DLM Christian Lifestyle (22 min)

 

[Jesus speaking] “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law:  justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.  You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel! 

 

“’Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!  For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence.  You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may be come clean also. 

 

“’Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees hypocrites!  For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness  Even so you too outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.’” Matthew 23:23-28

 

The Commandments Jesus discussed with the scribes and Pharisees during His ministry remind us of Jesus observations above.  The Pharisees and scribes ‘lorded over’ the people of Israel as the ‘enforcers’ of the Commandments and took great pride in their ‘apparent righteousness and superiority at resisting sin’.  

 

When Jesus revealed how even thinking about the prohibitions of the Commandments (calling a brother fool or lusting after a woman) betrayed the evilness living in all hearts – He dangerously convicted the scribes and Pharisees themselves. 

 

I found it curious that He did not mention Commandment 2 – forbidding a graven image or idol and Commandment 4 – to keep the Sabbath holy.  Perhaps because these two were relatively easy to enforce.  The religious leaders obsessed over what appeared right in the temple and what you could and could not do on the Sabbath.  

 

The Ten Commandments (and the 613 rules) were given by God to protect us and help us navigate through a world where absolutes are often missing.  The Commandments and rules were also given to remind us how much and how often we need to rely on the saving grace and forgiveness of our Lord Jesus Christ!


(If you take time to watch the entire video above, you will learn of the only Old Testament Commandment of the ten that is no longer relevant today.)

 

Take care with love, especially His, Darlene (who still prays for you each day)

 

PS:  Find my statement of faith:  https://especiallyhislove.blogspot.com (where you will also find a series of beginner Bible studies to share). You can easily find the WeakDay Devotion online by doing a Google search for ‘WeakDay Devotion’.  (Also, there is an android ‘Google Blogger’ app you can download to read them on your phone.  Not sure about Apple.).  For the books, go Amazon books.  

 

NEW PRAYER REQUESTS (any updates?)

 

·      Junko and Roberto – went on holiday after waiting two years for COVID-19 to die down, and both have contracted it and are now in quarantine in their hotel.  Please pray for patience, compassion and healing.

·      Thanksgiving - Audley Mclean, my dear friend, and Millicent Thomas said their wedding vows on Sunday.  Please pray for them as they enter a new chapter of their lives.

·      Eddy – has cancer in his bladder and kidneys.  Will be having a procedure on Good Friday to remove one of his kidneys.  Pray for him and those who care for and support him during this time, especially his health-care providers.

·      Annette’s Dadhad an accident and brain bleed while in Florida and couldn’t fly.  Annette and Lyle drove down from Ohio to bring them home.  He is now recovering and off oxygen and anti-seizure meds.  He will have another CATSCAN in 2 weeks.  Pray God prepares the hearts and strengthen those who love this man for this challenging time -- and pray for his caregivers as he heals and recovers.

·      Marci – a special childhood friend and the editor of the books I’ve published from this series.  She fell and is healing.  Pray she goes slower next time.

·      Jasper, Bec and Nev – new youth pastors at our church are still at Moore College and living on campus.  Pray for balance between their academic and family life.

·      The horror of war in Ukraine Please pray for the people caught in the cross-fires of this war, and especially strength for Christians of this country and that God’s sends encouragement and help in unexpected ways to save Ukraine and our world from the potential devastation of a third world war.

·      Unprecedented Floods in New South Wales, Australia - the rains are forecast to begin again.  Clean up starts and stops.  So many are dealing with the resulting devastation and loss.  Continue to pray for those  who have lost loved ones, their homes and all their possessions and especially for those providing care and support of those affected. 

·      Simon and Tamara and their children – Simon (my pastor) has been chosen to support the Lord’s work in a new, more far-reaching way.  Help them prepare throughout this year for the new challenges that await them.  And when Simon takes up the new role, let him fill it with the same grace, devotion and love he has consistently demonstrated while at St. Marks.  Strengthen the congregation to rejoice with them and their decision.

·      Elina –  has asked for prayer.  Please hold her us as she struggles through some personal issues and is feeling overwhelmed. 

·      Ray Jr. –Pray the Lord holds Ray Jr. (and his brothers) closely as they grieve and deal with the practical matters after the loss of their father.  Give Kathy (Ray’s wife) strength and wisdom as she supports him during this time.

·      Christinegive her strength as she journeys to heart-healing.

·      Family of Eric – Eric at 52 died suddenly leaving his 47-year-old wife and three girls (ages 16, 19 and 23).  Pray the Lord comforts the family through this time of mourning.  Pray for their wisdom and that Go-d will send trustworthy, honourable, Bible-based councilors for the many decisions that now must be made.

·      Grant’s brother – seems to be stable now after doctors put a shunt in his skull to drain fluid from around the brain to reduce pressure. Pray for his health carers as they continue to help him.

·      Peyton - eldest granddaughter of Jeff and Rachael – now in her second year of college.  Please continue to pray for her that she does well, makes good decisions and continues having a good relationship with the Lord. 

·      Thanksgiving - Adam – he has found a job but continues to need encouragement and clear guidance from the Lord about his future and to know without doubt the depth of the Lord’s extravagant forgiveness.  Continue to pray for the strength of his wife that she will love and support him as he continues to heal and strengthen.

·      Barb – my brother’s faithful and kind wife.  Thank you for praying for her.  She needs prayers to sustain her and protect her health and energy during this time of additional stress and challenge at work.

·      Sophie – three-year old daughter of a friend.  She is chronically unwell and frail.  Please pray for her, her parents and health carers to find ways to manage the symptoms and heal her.

·      Hans – a dear friend in Germany, the cancer seems to be stable for now.  Pray for his financial situation to improve and for his ongoing strength through the pain when it comes.  Pray for his patience and God’s mercy.  Pray for his healthcare providers and that he is surrounded by faithful and compassionate Christian friends who will support him through this journey.  Pray for his Mom (age 84) who is also unwell -- that their time together is filled with extraordinary good memories and lots of love.

·      Callilah - a lost child.  Pray the Lord will capture her heart.

 

Pray for those in full-time service

Pray to uphold our Christian leaders – that they never compromise God’s Word, are bold and courageous in the face of evil.  Pray for their wisdom, safety, ingenuity, strength and for their families.

Pray for those with ongoing health concerns

Many of us have family, friends and loved ones with fragile health.  Pray God takes special care with them and protects them in practical ways and that the Lord will have mercy on them during this challenging time.

Pray for the World

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