There are many in religious communities that are very legalistic on maintaining customs as a part of their obedience to God’s laws.  For example; some believe that observing the Sabbath is of paramount importance.  The observance of the Sabbath and other religious practices for many is just a thing to do; a traditional routine like behavior.  Unfortunately, for these legalistic individuals their relationship with God is hypocritical.  The religion of observing the Sabbath is fine, but that in its self only addresses one of the Ten Commandments. What about the other nine commandments? 

Religion is the practicing of doctrinal and customary rules under the belief they will please, or bring salvation to your soul.   Very spiritually pathetic because our behavior practices should be based on a well rooted faith and relationship with God.  Our behavior should not be based on a recipe of sorts designed by organizations that benefit from those in obedience.  Sadly religion stands in the way of relationship.   The most intimate relationship that a person could ever experience is a true relationship with the Living God.

For many who pick and choose, here are the Ten Commandments from the New King James Version of the Bible:

1. “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.
2. “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My Commandments.
3. “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.
4. “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.
5. “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.
6. “You shall not murder.
7. “You shall not commit adultery.
8. “You shall not steal.
9. “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”

 The  Ten Commandments may be confusing for some, so here is the simple of it:

1.    There is only one God, He can not be replaced.

2.    Don’t worship anything other than the True God, or you will be sorry.

3.    Don’t use God’s name lightly, or you will be sorry.

4.    One day a week honor God, work six if you like but one must be His.

5.    Honor your father and your mother and you will live long.

6.    Don’t kill others.

7.    Be sexually faithful to your spouse, or you will be sorry.

8.    Don’t take what’s not yours, or you will be sorry.

9.    Don’t tell lies, especially about others.

10.  Don’t be envious and desire what others have.

These ten laws of God sound simple but are the most violated laws in existence.  Ironically, most laws in modern industrialized countries are fashion after the Ten Commandments.

Christians believe in the Ten Commandments and in the Grace of God.  Christ addresses the issue of laws when asked by and expert in the Laws of God, which is the greatest commandment?  In the book of Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

Christians also believe if you will an eleventh commandment given to them by Christ.  Jesus stated in the book of John 13:34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.  By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

So if you haven’t figured it out by know the greatest religion is that of a loving relationship.  Something in this age of self-centered, divorce and gluttony we are all failing at regardless of what organized faith group you belong to, even if you observe the Sabbath.

In today’s world the concept of assuring that all human beings can be given healthcare coverage at an affordable cost is a utopian idea.  Some think Obamacare is unconstitutional, but Governor Mitt Romney is credited for creating in his governing state and in the USA an environment for some to believe it is not.   The reality is many countries around the world, including Canada, provide single payer healthcare coverage to all their citizens, at great financial burdens to the county’s budget.  The United Stated is not like those other country in the world and it is especially not like Canada, which is why Obamacare is unconstitutional. 

In the United States medical treatments are the envy of the modern industrialized world.  The USA has more foreign visitors for medical procedures than any other country.  Amazingly, all US Citizens and non-citizens receive emergency care regardless of healthcare insurance, a burden that is passed on to others, and no person dies on the streets for lack of medical insurance, contrary to radical liberals in the media who hate that we are not like Canada.  They cannot accept that Obamacare is unconstitutional.

The Barack Obama healthcare law may be wellintended, but the reality is that a single payer healthcare system is the agenda.  Does insurance reform on the increase of our medical costs need to be addressed?  Most Americans think so, but having the federal government mandate purchase of medical insurance or being penalized monetarily for not having one is un-American.  No one can be forced to buy food which is a greater need that healthcare.  To be possibly imprisoned for not paying your penalty is even more un-American.  That is why so many know Obamacare is unconstitutional. 

The USA is not like Canada, not that Canada is a bad country, and Americans are free people, free to spend their money as they feel freely.  As a matter of fact, many wealthy Americans choose to not purchase medical insurance.   To have the government force a purchase of a product is the most anti-freedom, anti-American and clearly unconstitutional act that US Citizens could ever experience.   The reality is that the American Spirit is “live free” and mandating health insurance is not a freely accepted requirement Americans can swallow.  There has to be a system that can address healthcare cost issues without distorting freedom and the American Spirit.  We have to be smarter than the rest of the world, especially Canada; wake up Americans Obamacare is unconstitutional.

When voting in the Republican Primaries or the general elections please keep one very important principle in mind, vote God.  The basic tenet of the United States is one nation under God and your vote should support that view.   Many voters tend to give their vote to the politician who supports an issue that benefits their cause or belief, rather than to vote God.  Whether the issue is abortion, gay marriages, public education or the military, voters are seeking their benefit not the countries or honoring God.   The Judeo-Christian beliefs that are the foundations of our blessed nation should be your influence when casting your vote.  The litmus test a conscience voter should use is the founding premise of the United States, which states; “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” 

David Barton of Wallbuilders.org has stated that you will know a politician’s views on 90% of the issues if you know their stance on abortion and the sanctity of life.  That means if you hold God in any greater regard than yourself you should first seek to protect the sanctity of life, and the blessings that come from He who gives life, the Creator, so vote God.  That is why God is mentioned in nearly every State Constitution in the USA, and why the great majority of the statements in the Declaration of Independence are paraphrases from bible verses.  Rightfully expected of a document where most of the signers were bible scholars.  Since the time of the Mayflower Compact, which served as the governing document prior to any other in the United States, God has been the focal point to prosperity.  Let’s continue that belief in our voting practices today and vote God.

Seek Truth Kill Sin!  

Finding Comfort from the Bible

In our modern era, it is not seemingly hip to look to age old sources to find the things we need most in life. However some things just stand the test of time. The Bible is one of those things. The Bible is not just a bunch of opinions spouted by crazy religious nuts.. For thousands of years the Bible has been a source of comfort.

It does not matter if you are rich or poor, young or old, famous or infamous, there are some things that are common to all of us. Facing the death of a person you care for is one of those things.. Death is not the favorite topic of most people, and going through the grieving process is not something that people volunteer for. Unfortunately all of us must face it one time or another. That is why I compiled a list of comforting Bible verses about death that will help a person through this process. You can find great comfort and solace in reading God’s promises to you.

What Does the Bible Say About Death and Dying?

Because the one thing we all have in common is that we all will someday experience death it is wise to learn what the Bible says about death. We all will part from this world and move on to whatever is beyond. Many people believe that death is the end of things. They say that there is no afterlife. Multitudes of people believe that there is life after death.

The Bible is full of references to what happens after we die.. It has shaped our belief structure for thousands of years. Because of this, I have compiled a list of bible verses that talk about the afterlife, about death, and about how people can be assured of their eternal destination after death.

My blog, Taber’s Truths Christian Blog, is filled with articles that answer some of people’s biggest spiritual questions in life. The subject of death and dying is one of many things that people have questions about. So follow me on over to my blog and you can find answers to many of your spiritual questions.

by Duke Taber  

Pastor Duke Taber is the publisher of Taber’s Truths Christian Blog He has written over 200 articles including Bible Verses About Death http://www.taberstruths.com/bible-verses-about-death-dying-comforting-scripture-passages-for-those-facing-death-or-grieving/

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

On our old North Clayton farmstead -
my brother, sister, I -
were picking berries with our mom,
when brother caught my eye.

In each our hands, a bucket with,
our minds on all our work.
We each were very diligent
’til brother went berserk.

Wisconsin’s early summer brought us
many ripe gooseberries -
but never could we match what mom,
within her bucket carried.

God’s trees stretched high above our heads,
His briers pulled our clothes -
yet creek ran faithful, east to west -
while heat, with sun, had rose.

Now you don’t know my brother yet,
but all of us could tell,
that trouble followed him around
and knew my brother well.

He said, “Look here, at this kitten!”
He poked it with a stick -
but when it turned and raised its tail,
our mother yelled out quick.

Although it wasn’t humorous,
we giggled in our fun.
But when mom said it was a skunk -
we sure knew how to run!

Now sin can still deceive us.
It’s fun, this world thinks -
but it is not to play with so,
remember, sin still stinks!

by louis gander  
Copywrite 2004-2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/
Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

From 1982 to 1985, I lived in the Aloha state
To serve in the 25th Infantry Division was my fate
Oahu was beautiful with rainbows galore
Peaceful and fragrant from shore to shore

I went down to Pearl Harbor bay
It was hard to imagine the chaos of that day
When suddenly the island was exploding with sound
Noises of airplanes, bombs and gunfire all around

I rode the boat to the memorial site
Saw the engraved names of those who did fight
And lost their lives in that deadly attack
Some, I suppose, never had a chance to fight back

Freedom cost the lives of our nation’s best
On the ocean below their bodies now rest
To see Old Glory flying over the Arizona that day
Brought tears to my eyes and reminded me to pray

To the Lord God who rules from heaven above
That He would comfort us with His great love
Remember those who died so we can be free
And the Star Spangled Banner, O Say Can You See.

by Irvin Rozier  

Copyright 2008 Irvin L. Rozier, author of My Walk with the Lord, US Army, Chaplain of American Legion Post 181..website to song and video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lseFgH7XumU http://www.youtube.com/user/walkin2e

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

Thanksgiving is approaching. I have always heard that we seem to celebrate this day for all that has been given to us. Rightfully so, as we are a very blessed country. We have many things to be thankful for. Yet, for some reason this thought hit me about thanksgiving that I had not considered before.

The word Thanksgiving has two words in it. It has the word “thanks” and the word “giving”. We offer thanks for things given to us. Yet we maybe need to look at this a little closer. We need to give thanks for God giving us the ability and or the resources to give. If it were all about what we get it would be one-sided. The greatest joy is being able to give to others. Scripture even says that we are to:

Luke 6:38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.

Because the Lord has given us the ability to give, it causes us to receive. We can be thankful then that God has allowed us to have things to give so that it comes back to us. I think our motive must be just to minister to the needs of others. Getting back for doing so is a result, not a motive. I think about the scripture that says:

2Corinthians 9:10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

God gives us seed to sow. He then multiplies our seed if we do sow into others. Some unfortunately eat their seed and never get God’s blessing. Their seed is never multiplied back as they just use it on self. Those of you that have learned that Thanksgiving is all about giving gain a blessing from the Lord and have your seeds multiplied by God. For this, we all can be thankful this year that God so graciously gave to us seed to sow that He multiplies it back, as we are obedient.

So for this Thanksgiving I pray that you can be thankful for not only what has been given to you, but also that God has enabled you to give and be a blessing. Obedience to Him and His Word then brings a blessing back to you. Thank You Lord!

Happy Thanksgiving all!

by Rick King  

Need to contact me or make a comment? Please direct all correspondence to: r_king60@hotmail.com (Please note that there is an underscore ( _ ) between the r and the k in my email address). Thanks so much!

I am a 62 year old Born-Again spirit filled Christian, that has been saved for 30 years. Jesus found me when I was suicidal. I learned real quickly that I was powerless to be in control of my life, so I let Jesus take over. He has chosen me to be a warrior for Him. WE win, if we fight His way.

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

Whether you consider Halloween pure evil or harmless fun, keep the following tips in mind:

1. Don’t get bent out of shape.
The kid dressed as a bunny–or a vampire–knocking on your door isn’t actualizing centuries of pagan ritual. He’s just having fun, with the permission of his parents, and encouragement from the culture in which he lives. If you don’t participate, there’s no reason to post a sign declaring your righteous stand against the child. Just turn off the light and don’t answer the door.

2. Children Trick-or-Treat.
Trick-or-treat is not the venue for abortion photos, political pamphlets, or descriptions of hell. If you pass out gospel tracts, make sure they’re child-friendly. Attach candy or toy (no choking hazards, please) to tracts with tape. A tract without a treat disappoints, and gives parents cause to complain about Christians.

3. Be nice.
It is never God’s will for us to be unloving. Wiccans know that Christians demonize them the most on Halloween. Yes, the Bible teaches against witchcraft and all occult activity. It also teaches that God is not willing that any should perish. I’ve listened with revulsion to some Christians who can’t quite mask their glee at the idea of witches going to hell. God’s love and mercy is infinite. He desires the Wiccan, the dabbler, even the Satanist, to come to him for forgiveness and abundant, eternal life. Many do. But not because of unkind treatment.

4. Keep it clean.
Some things are best left unsaid. Don’t take this opportunity to recount the details of a gruesome Halloween murder. “It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret.” (Ephesians 5:12, NIV). I don’t want to know.

5. Be a light in the darkness.
“Be very careful then, how you live–not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV). Some hand out Halloween gospel tracts. Some gather with fellow believers for alternative celebrations, sharing love with the community. Some mix it up, shining as a light in the world. Others quietly continue in the ordinary, noting their separateness before God as an act of worship.

6. Do the right thing.
You alone will answer for your choices. If someone else does Halloween a different way, so what? God knows your heart. “Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom.” (James 2:12, NIV)

7. Be good.
You can’t overcome evil by talking about the pagan origins of Halloween, or by preaching against séances or refined sugar. There is a place for teaching, but knowledge doesn’t heal. Only good overcomes evil. “Overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:21, NIV).

by Kathryn Frazier  

Copyright 2011, Kathryn A. Frazier.
Kathryn lives with her husband and children in Tampa, Florida. It’s hot there. And swampy. With gators. She’s really brave. PreciousHolidays@yahoo.com

Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com-CHRISTIAN WRITERS

Jesus said… “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.”

Matthew 16:24

You remember how to play Simon-Says, don’t you? It’s probably been a few years. It’s the children’s game where a leader gives verbal commands that are to be followed if and only if they are preceded by an explicit statement of permission bearing the warrant of mighty Simon himself. Non-”Simon-Says” commands are worthless, and following them only gets you in trouble.

Aside from being fun (for a few minutes anyway), the game also helps kids work on motor skills, coordination, listening skills, manners, and respecting authority. But shhhh… don’t tell them that.

I’m not convinced the game’s so popular these days, as everyone’s more interested in raising leaders than followers anymore, but I digress.

Let’s just look closely at the three actions in the verse above, which begins not with “Simon Says,” but rather “Then Jesus said…”

1) Turn Around (“let him deny himself…”). This is what denying one’s self is all about. Repentance. Seeing things God’s way. Going from darkness to light. Playing the fool for God. Even the notion of playing a child’s game is apropos here, as we must not use our own adult human knowledge and wisdom to accomplish this step, but instead we die to self and come willingly in faith like a child.

2) Bend Over, Stand Up (“take up his cross…”). When you pick up the cross, you have to set down other burdens, the other things that you tend to think define “you.” Taking up your cross does not equal the burden of being you, your identity. You are indeed unique, but each day you should take on something new from Christ that makes you more like Him.

3) Go Forward (“…and follow Me”). Following = sacrificial living. It’s advancement toward a Kingdom goal. In Matthew 8:1 we find that when Jesus “had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him.” He had just finished teaching them; they had received instruction from one who had no place to lay his head and was feeding thousands on mere loaves and fishes. Moving forward in the Kingdom can only involve putting others in front of self. Is it really all that foreign to us? People sacrifice all the time to climb ladders in their career and for other personal goals. Why not sacrifice without the ladders?

Intersecting Faith & Life: Is this verse, are these three instructions, hard, or easy? The answer depends on perspective. Quitting smoking looks easy to the non-smoker, but the smoker must take it one minute, one day, one step at a time. Losing weight is a manageable goal for most, but if the focus is on losing 60 pounds in the first day the dieter is fighting a losing battle. Make it your goal to Turn Around, Bend Over/Stand Up, and Go Forward one day this week and see where playing “Jesus Said” takes you.

by: Shawn McEvoy

Shawn McEvoy is the Managing Editor of Crosswalk.com.

Source: ArticleCity.com

Pride is a great sin.  The Bible states “pride comes before the fall” and as we promote “Kill Sin” we should learn how it is intertwined with killing our pride. 

Pride is the belief and self indulgence of ones greatness or the delusional belief that you are better or superior than others.  As we look at ills in society we can see the evils of self pride lurking beneath them as part of the problem.

• Divorce has the prideful spirit of; I desire better or to be happy.
• Abortion has the prideful spirit of; I do not want a child.
• Homosexuality has the prideful spirit of; I can be how I want to be.
• Fatherlessness has the prideful spirit of; I do not have time for kids.

All the above have the self as the most important issue in the equation.  That is pride at its most evil state. To “Kill Sin” is to realize that pride is the greatest sin to kill.  To think of others as greater than one’s self is the first step.  It may sound ridiculous to believe that we should think of others as greater.  “I am number one” is a familiar statement that contradicts putting others first.  As we “Kill Sin” in our lives we realize that to be second or last is the pathway to greatness.  To love your neighbor and to uplift the meek are the characteristics of a great person.

The philosophy of “Kill Sin” constantly promotes that individuals put their foolish pride aside and realize they do not know it all, to seek Truth and ultimately that will “Kill Sin.”   

“Seek Truth Kill Sin”