The Three Stages
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This is another way to read and understand the Ten Commandments. It sees the Ten Commandments in three distinct sections.
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First we are told three things to not do in our relationship with God.
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1. You shall have no other gods before me.
2. You shall not make for yourself a carved image.
3. You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain.
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Then we are told two things to do in our relationship with God.
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4. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5. Honor your father and your mother.
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Then we are told five things to not do in our community relationships.
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6. You shall not murder.
7. You shall not commit adultery.
8. You shall not steal.
9. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.
10. You shall not covet anything that is your neighbor's.
We can see this as a developmental progression. When you do the first three Commandments you are getting your vision of God in focus. Next, now that you clearly see His greatness you can do these two things in your relationship with Him, to focus on hope, as you pursue the depth of His love. You are busy living in the Sabbath hope cycle weekly and living under the influence of His Fatherhood love daily.
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Then, once you are avoiding misinformation about God, and feasting on His wonderous love, you are ready to have healthy community relationships. You have the proper framework to treat others well and not abuse them. You can be a full-fledged member of the community of grace.
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To You, the Gifted One
To you, the gifted one,
I have for you,
A Son.
Blessed above others,
Gifted in many ways,
Misunderstood,
Despised,
Mocked,
Ridiculed,
He's for you,
My son.
He knows your pain,
He feels your hurt;
And yet;
He chose to live again.
He's a remarkable Son indeed,
Peaceable,
Yet, people only made His heart bleed.
Still, He chose to go on to Calvary.
He rose above it all,
Drawing His strength, comfort & wisdom from Me;
Finding He could stand tall & free,
No matter what was the enemy.
That is why, My child;
I send Him to you.
To walk with you,
And talk with you-
To be strength to you,
Because, He knows how to.
Give Him the chance,
He'll show you that His peace with Me,
Was meant to dwell in thee.