I am not sure if I could write it any clearer, but STOP using it!
Do you have any idea what it means? Or any idea what you are saying?
The use of God’s name in OMG is nothing more than a vain space filler without the absence of human thought. 99.9% of the time when I hear God’s name in OMG and the phrase, “Oh my God.” it is not calling out to Him for help or a plea to the maker, but a space filler.
Let’s be honest, it is time to stop filling space with God’s name and start filling hearts with Him.
The Bible has been clear for centuries on the use of God’s name:
“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.” (Exodus 20:7; ESV)
‘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.” (Deuteronomy 5:11; ESV)
So, today, consider how you are using God’s name? Are you using it as a space filler or it is really a cry out to the Creator for His help in our time of need?
If you are like most people I know, you need some motivation from time to time to get you going again. Monday’s are hard for many people because it is the beginning of a long work week along with many other activities ranging from child transportation to household maintenance. It can be a long week, but it can be made better.
Beginning today, the Preacher’s Pen will feature #MondayMotivation. Every Monday, a motivational video will be featured to get your workweek started in a good way. Be sure to stop by every Monday and get your #MondayMotivation.
Here is today’s #MondayMotivation. See how one simple act of kindness can inspire others. Click the picture to open up the YouTube video. (It was not able to be embedded, so you will be directed to YouTube.)
The child kneels by the bed and begins to pray, “Dear God, thank you for my family, thank you for Jesus, thank you for the trees, thank you for the worms, thank you for the dirt…” As the prayer continues, everything in creation seems to be covered; from the tallest Redwood to the deepest ocean cavern. Every person is in the family is included in prayer; from the grandparents to the family goldfish. Needless to say, children have an interesting way of praying.
As adults, our prayer life will have its highs and lows like every other part of life. There will be moments when we feel we have prayed just like Daniel, then there are other times when we feel like we have no idea what to pray. This is the struggle of prayer.
Over the years, people have asked one question more than any other regarding prayer, “How can I do better in my prayer life?” Allow me to offer a few suggestions to consider as you strive to become better at praying.
Realize there will be great times of prayer and times that you do struggle. Take a moment and read through the Psalms and see how David’s requests (discussions) with God had their highs and lows.
Sometimes we do not know what to pray for; and it’s ok. During those times where you do not know what to pray for, remember that you have the Spirit which intercedes for you (Romans 8:26). The key is to keep praying.
Read God’s Words to speak better words to God. A great step to becoming better at prayer is to build your relationship with God. As your relationship grows, so will your communication with him. The better relationship you have, the more you will find yourself praying. (See Daniel)
Make time for prayer. Do not let prayer become a happenstance, let it become a marked period of time. Normally we consider the prayer life of Daniel because of Daniel (Daniel 6:10-11) but remember that Christ set aside time to pray. Remember passages such as, “After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone.” (Matthew 14.23)
I hope these will help you in your prayer life, but remember the biggest point, “No matter what the circumstance, whether good or bad, do not forget to pray.”
On Friday the Supreme Court handed down a decision which made same-sex marriage legal in all 50 states. When this decision was handed down, many questions came up regarding how the ruling would affect churches and Christians. For this lesson I discussed how a Christian should respond and when the battle started.
During the lesson, I mentioned a gathering of people in Chicago in 1972 formulated a Gay Agenda Platform which has been pushed since its inception. The resource is found here: http://afaofpa.org/archives/1972-gay-rights-platform/
Here is some other information not included in the PowerPoint but referencing the year 2003:
On September 30th, many leaders of our nation will vote on the definition of marriage.
Events and decisions in the United States:
On June 10, 2003 three Canadian judges on the Canadian Supreme Court declared that the exclusive view of marriage, one man with one woman, to be unconstitutional.
On June 26, 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the Texas law prohibiting sodomy. (Lawrence v. Texas)
The New York board of education, on July 28, 2003 announced the creation of a gay-oriented high school.
Bride magazine devoted a full page article about same-sex marriages in the September-October issue.
The audio for the lesson will be available shortly.
In the light of the current events in our nation, I am requesting each person to take a moment on Tuesday, June 30th at 1:00pm (EST) and spend some time in prayer. Pray for our nation, its leaders and the citizens of this nation.
I believe this is a time where we need prayer more than ever. My words on Facebook a few days ago, share my current thinking:
Today, the United States has seen the consequences of electing leaders who care more about political opinion than the future of our children. The leaders have become cowards looking for votes instead of leading a nation into the future.
This morning, if you listen closely, you can hear the “death rattle” of a nation choking to death on its own disgust. The downward spiral is upon us and no voted politician will bring us back. It must be “We the People.”
The people must turn to God, not a man, for the restoration of hope and life. The vile digest of sin needs to be called what it is – sin. Instead of fluffing up words as to not offend, how about exposing the vile filth for what it really is – a path to hell.
Whether you want to believe it or not, a court of cowards by no means overrides the GOD of all men. It is He who must be glorified, not a court of fools.
Christians, rise to the occasion and live your life for GOD and not a human institution.
Do not let the religion of living for GOD become second place. Show the world your greatness because of Christ.
Just my thought you never asked for.
These were my thoughts when I saw such an immoral decision come from leaders of a nation who have “In God We Trust” on our money, yet the heart of a nation is far from them. As a result, I am asking each person to spend a few moments in prayer on Tuesday at 1pm (EST). Let us unite as a group of humbled servants to petition the Lord Almighty ad seek His guidance in the midst of this current turmoil.
Feel free to copy and share this graphic and let’s get to praying!
None of us wants to stink as parents, but some of us just might be getting there. We want a positive future for our children and we want to see them succeed in every way.
Our future is determined by our actions in the present, not the past. Today is the day to begin living for the future. Parenting has future rewards that are beyond our imagination. These ten ways are not guarantees, but they are a start. Enjoy!
Live the example of how you want your children to grow.
Stop being your child’s friend and be their guide.
Hug your children.
Give your children responsibilities and make them fulfill them.
Let your children be children; stop expecting adult reactions from them.
Stop yelling at your children.
Spend time playing with your children. (Video games do not count)
Read with your children.
Discipline your children, they will appreciate you later.
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