Jesus’ resurrection on that first Easter changes everything for us. Easter is not just about forgiveness of sins (though that would be enough!). Easter makes everything new. In Easter, God makes us into new people through a new birth – so much more than a second chance. In Easter, God takes our dreams and wishes and transforms them into a living hope – a guarantee based on God’s character and sealed with Jesus’ resurrection. In Easter, God guarantees our future for eternity – a rock solid inheritance that no earthly power or force can shake. We are Easter people, and in Easter God makes everything new for us!
Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words can hurt us on a much deeper level. The Ninth Commandment prohibits us from “bearing false witness against our neighbor.” In that commandment we also hear God commanding us to use words and actions to build each other up. May God Order Our Steps and Shape Our Hearts as we consider the consequences of every light or heavy word we speak as we grow in Loving Truth and Neighbor.
The Eighth Commandment, which prohibits stealing, directs how we treat possessions. We may not acquire anything dishonestly or unfairly, nor may we be wasteful or stingy with what we have. Instead, we are to be good stewards of all the things God places in our care, using them to glorify God and benefit others. May God Order Our Steps and Shape Our Hearts by his word and Spirit as we learn to Live with Open Hands.
When God commanded, “You shall not commit adultery,” he did not do it to empty our lives of joy and pleasure. God’s law directs us according to his design for a full life, and his law shows us how to truly love the people around us. May God Order Our Steps and Shape Our Hearts by his word and Spirit, and may we find joy and freedom in life as we learn to Cultivate Purity.
Matthew 5:21-22, 43-48 The Sixth Command, “You shall not murder,” is the most universally accepted commandment, yet it is also one of the most blatantly violated commandments. When we look closer at God’s intent in this commandment, we see that God isn’t simply prohibiting deliberate murder; he is promoting the protection of all people as his image-bearers. In Jesus we see the fullness of this law: love even your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you. May God Order Our Steps and Shape Our Hearts by his word and Spirit so that we may truly Help Others Thrive.