What is God's intention for the commandment, keep holy the Sabbath (Exodus 20:8; Deuteronomy 5:12)?

The scribes and Pharisees wanted to catch Jesus in the act of breaking the Sabbath ritual so they might accuse him of breaking God's law. In a few penetrating words Luke records that Jesus knew their thoughts. They were filled with fury and contempt for Jesus because they put their own thoughts of right and wrong above God. They were ensnared in their own legalism because they did not understand or see the purpose of God. Jesus shows their fallacy by pointing to God's intention for the Sabbath: to do good and to save life rather than to do evil or to destroy life.

Christians have traditionally celebrated Sunday as the Lord's Day, to commemorate God's work of redemption in Jesus Christ and the new work of creation he accomplished through Christ's death and resurrection. Taking "our sabbath rest" is a way of expressing honor to God for all that he has done for us. Such "rest" however does not exempt us from our love for our neighbor. If we truly love the Lord above all else, then the love of God will overflow to love of neighbor as well. Do you honor the Lord in the way you celebrate Sunday, the Lord's Day and in the way you treat you neighbor?

source: Don's Dailt email - Kairos-EME

God's assurances of protection for His faithful people

If you make the Most High your dwelling--

even the LORD, who is my refuge--

then no harm will befall you,

no disaster will come near your tent.

For he will command his angels concerning you

to guard you in all your ways;

they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

~ * ~ Psalm 91:9-12 ~ * ~

My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge,

my shield and the horn of my salvation.

He is my stronghold, my refuge and my saviour—

from violent people you save me.

I called to the Lord, who is worthy of praise,

and have been saved from my enemies.

~ * ~ 2 Samuel 22:3-4 ~ * ~

Hunger for God's truth and wisdom

There is great freedom and joy for those who live in God's light and who seek his truth. Those who listen to God and heed his voice will receive more from him; they will not lack what they need to live as Christ's disciples, and they will shine as lights to those who hunger for God's truth and wisdom.

Psalm 40:1,3-4,6-10

I waited patiently for the LORD;

he inclined to me and heard my cry. 

He put a new song in my mouth, a song of praise to our God.

Many will see and fear, and put their trust in the LORD. 

Blessed is the man who makes the LORD his trust,

who does not turn to the proud,

to those who go astray after false gods! 

Sacrifice and offering you do not desire;

but you have given me an open ear.

Burnt offering and sin offering you have not required. 

Then I said, "Lo, I come; in the roll of the book it is written of me; 

I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart." 

I have told the glad news of deliverance in the great congregation;

lo, I have not restrained my lips, as you know it, O LORD. 

I have not hid your saving help within my heart,

I have spoken of your faithfulness and your salvation;

I have not concealed your steadfast love and your faithfulness

from the great congregation.

Share the joy of God's Love with All

Keep the joy of loving God in your heart 

and share this joy with all you meet, 

especially your family. 

Be holy.

~ Blessed Mother Teresa ~

God's Love and Faithfulness NEVER FAILS

Hebrews 10:23

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, 

for he who promised is faithful.

Faithfulness or fidelity allows us to persevere in living out an unswerving commitment. The Lord is committed to us in a bond of unbreakable love and fidelity. That is what covenant means, keeping one's word, promise, and commitment no matter how tough or difficult it gets. Faithfulness is a key character trait of God and one that he expects of us. Fortunately God gives the grace and strength to be faithful. He also rewards faithfulness.

Exodus 14:14

The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still.

Lord Jesus, you are faithful even when I fail. Help me to persevere in faithfulness and not shrink back in the face of challenges or difficulties. May I never forget your presence with me and may I always be ready to receive you when you call me to your home.

1 Thessalonians 5:24

The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.

In God's hands ....

The best place in the world is in the arms of someone who will not only hold you at your best, but will pick you up and hold you tighter at your weakest. Let us be safe always in God's hands. Trust in His protection, for His loving care will cover you in your weakest moments....