Ten Core Values for the Christian life (4)

Hopefully, you are enjoying this new series based on the Ten Commandments and the subsequent books I wrote on these topics.

Although the Ten Commandments have not changed, the way we make them come true is totally different under the new covenant. Merely obeying or keeping a set of rules can turn into legalism.

However, making the teachings come true by fulfilling them in our daily lives is a whole different story. That is why I have attached core values to the commandments. 🌻Core values that would make for a happier and safer society... if applied.

So far, we've seen that loyalty towards God, a lifestyle of worship, and seeking His presence are basic values that every believer should live by. Let's continue this blog series with the fourth commandment:  Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy (Exodus 20:8-11).

It might surprise you, but the book I wrote about this commandment is not a promotion for a holy Saturday, or a holy Sunday for that matter. I have left that discussion up to others. I believe that the spiritual truth hidden within the fourth commandment is about honoring God by setting one day a week apart for Him. So, which day of the week that will be, should not be the focus of discussion.

If you are active in ministry, you work on Saturdays (in Messianic congregations) or on Sundays (in most churches) as well as on other days of the week. You will definitely need a day of rest somewhere in the middle of the week, to honor the Lord. I am speaking from my own experience. The apostle Paul wrote:

So let no one make rules about what you eat or drink or about holy days or the New Moon Festival or the Sabbath. All such things are only a shadow of things in the future; the reality is Christ [Colossians 2:16-17].

Let no one make rules, but God of course! For He alone is Lord of the Sabbath. Throughout the centuries people did make rules though. The Jewish leaders did it, the church did it, and if you grew up in a Christian home your parents probably did it. It is sad but true that the rules we made, have often obstructed the blessing that will follow when we take a day of rest after six days of work.

👉The core value I have attached to the fourth commandment is REST

We practice sabbatical rest on a daily, weekly, monthly, and annual basis, and experience a blessed balance in our daily lives.

🕂🕂🕂🕂🕂

For more on this topic, read my book 'Sacred Sabbath' (God's way to multiply our time and restore our joy). The book is available on Amazon in your country.

And the winner is....

Ancient streets in Ein Hod, Israel

It's been kind of quiet at my blogging desk for the last few weeks... I am still traveling in Israel and enjoying a good vacation. The weather here reminds me of Southern California where we have spent many beautiful winters. Flip flops and shorts... that's about all I need :)

Anyway, thanks for all the lovely reactions to my birthday give-away. It was fun to see how most of you were able to give excellent one-word descriptions of your blogs. I was amazed!

This morning I asked my husband to pick a name, and the winner is... Susan Reinhardt. Congratulations, you will receive a copy of the first book in my series on the Ten Commandments, Sacred Sabbath. I received the message for this book in 2004, which seems ages ago now, but I believe it is more accurate than ever. Enjoy!

I'll be back to blogging next week. Shalom from Israel.

Another milestone

Believe it or not, but I will turn 50 this week. Never thought that day would come so fast after my 40th birthday. It seems the last few years accelerated, but maybe that was because I've been busy ;)

Anyway, for one thing, this special day will be a good moment to give away some goodies. My upcoming book (My Neighbor's House) hasn't been released yet... so I'll throw in a classic: Sacred Sabbath, God's way to multiply our time and restore our joy. This book contains a serious message for America as well as lots of encouragement for the church as it is.

You don't have to sign up for anything, just leave a comment and a link to your own blog (a little promotion never hurts) and use ONE word to describe your blog!

I'll ask my husband to pick a winner, or two, and I'll send you the book when I come back from my trip to Israel. Happy blogging....