This week we’re reflecting on The Ten Commandments. You can read about it here:
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2020%3A1-17&version=NIV
Have you ever looked at the 10 Commandments within something that you do in your life? There’s a post at hockeyministries.org (https://www.hockeyministries.org/home-ice/blog/questions-for-hockey-players-from-the-10-commandments/) that caught my interest and it gets me thinking a little more and offered their framework to give us something to think about. Firstly, think about something you do a lot – be it work, chores, caring for others, sleeping, eating, etc. With that in mind, ponder the questions associated with each commandment.
#1 & #2 - You shall have no other gods or image before me.
Has ‘my thing’ or desiring to be the best ‘within my thing’ taken first place in my heart?
Have I trusted myself or something else over God?
#3 - You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
How do I talk about God within the parameters of ‘my thing’? With others?
What do I say when I have a bad day or make a mistake?
#4 - Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy
Would I be willing to taking part in ‘my thing’ if I felt I needed to set aside a time for God?
Is spending a day with God sound boring when compared to spending a day doing ‘my thing’?
#5 - Honor your Father and Mother
Have I thanked my mom or dad for the things they have done for me in my life?
When do I pray for my parents?
Do I treat my parents as if they are God’s representatives to me?
#6 - You shall not murder
When do I get angry with others?
Are my words harmful to anyone?
Have I helped others instead of hoped for their destruction?
#7 - You shall not commit adultery
Do I strive to live a life reflecting the purity of God?
What kind of speech am I taking part of in all areas of my life?
#8 - You shall not steal
Am I discontent with the things God has given me?
Have I ever claimed credit for something I shouldn’t have?
Have I been lazy, and not being faithful with God’s time?
#9 - You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor
Have I talked poorly about anyone behind their back?
What do I say about those who I disagree with?
Do I look for the bad in others around me or the good?
#10 - You shall not covet
Do I think constantly about the things other have within ‘my thing’, but others do?
Am I jealous of the success of others?
Have I become bitter because I don’t have the skills someone else has?
A video for today: “God Will Take Care of You” by Rosemary Siemens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI4Opq7P8IM
Today’s prayer:
God, you call us to follow and obey your commandments as we live out our lives. Help us to clearly see why and to see where we can improve in living them out purely. Where injustices and inequity separate us from others and if we begin to think we need to break a commandment to survive, help us to reach out to others so they can have the opportunity to serve us and to show us that we have the support of others. May we feel your grace, forgiveness and compassion surround us when we stray from your commands and help us to refocus on you and our community. God, grant us peace and comfort when we feel challenged. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Exodus%2020%3A1-17&version=NIV
Have you ever looked at the 10 Commandments within something that you do in your life? There’s a post at hockeyministries.org (https://www.hockeyministries.org/home-ice/blog/questions-for-hockey-players-from-the-10-commandments/) that caught my interest and it gets me thinking a little more and offered their framework to give us something to think about. Firstly, think about something you do a lot – be it work, chores, caring for others, sleeping, eating, etc. With that in mind, ponder the questions associated with each commandment.
#1 & #2 - You shall have no other gods or image before me.
Has ‘my thing’ or desiring to be the best ‘within my thing’ taken first place in my heart?
Have I trusted myself or something else over God?
#3 - You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.
How do I talk about God within the parameters of ‘my thing’? With others?
What do I say when I have a bad day or make a mistake?
#4 - Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy
Would I be willing to taking part in ‘my thing’ if I felt I needed to set aside a time for God?
Is spending a day with God sound boring when compared to spending a day doing ‘my thing’?
#5 - Honor your Father and Mother
Have I thanked my mom or dad for the things they have done for me in my life?
When do I pray for my parents?
Do I treat my parents as if they are God’s representatives to me?
#6 - You shall not murder
When do I get angry with others?
Are my words harmful to anyone?
Have I helped others instead of hoped for their destruction?
#7 - You shall not commit adultery
Do I strive to live a life reflecting the purity of God?
What kind of speech am I taking part of in all areas of my life?
#8 - You shall not steal
Am I discontent with the things God has given me?
Have I ever claimed credit for something I shouldn’t have?
Have I been lazy, and not being faithful with God’s time?
#9 - You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor
Have I talked poorly about anyone behind their back?
What do I say about those who I disagree with?
Do I look for the bad in others around me or the good?
#10 - You shall not covet
Do I think constantly about the things other have within ‘my thing’, but others do?
Am I jealous of the success of others?
Have I become bitter because I don’t have the skills someone else has?
A video for today: “God Will Take Care of You” by Rosemary Siemens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TI4Opq7P8IM
Today’s prayer:
God, you call us to follow and obey your commandments as we live out our lives. Help us to clearly see why and to see where we can improve in living them out purely. Where injustices and inequity separate us from others and if we begin to think we need to break a commandment to survive, help us to reach out to others so they can have the opportunity to serve us and to show us that we have the support of others. May we feel your grace, forgiveness and compassion surround us when we stray from your commands and help us to refocus on you and our community. God, grant us peace and comfort when we feel challenged. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.