“Those who keep the commandment preserve their lives;” Proverbs 19:16

Dear Friends:

God knows, no one likes being told what to do. This Lent, as we plunge inwardly into our relationship with God in Christ, we’re reminded of the promise of God in our life. When God gives Moses the Ten Commandments in the whirling clouds of thunderous lightning atop Mount Sinai, at the foot of the mountain, God’s people are anxious about God’s promise. Not obeying God’s Law has consequences. So, maybe it is that God’s people need a couple thousand years to come to the realization that obeying God’s Law will save our life, our soul, our mind as is known through the fulfillment of the Law in Jesus Christ.

Why resist this first commandment? We’re not denying that there are other gods for folks. But, for us, there is one, true God. One God who promises to be with us, love us, and guide us in loving God and loving our neighbor as ourselves. So, one God should be enough.

Why do we insist upon making images of God? We can’t begin to design a golden calf or an idol that resembles the greatness and magnificence of God. False gods only get in the way of God’s steadfast love, God’s passionate desire to be loyal and gracious with us. Isn’t this enough from God? Why would be try to manipulate the generosity of our God by shaping God into our own container?

We promise in the name of God and then use God’s name to mold and form our own wants and wishes, resulting in a lack of significance to God’s name as our Lord God. Why do we fail at fulfilling this third commandment?

Stop, break the routine, God commands in the fourth commandment. God rests. So must we! Rest is holy! Don’t feel guilty for stopping to lavish in God’s abundance, the skies, the seas, the shores, the mountains and the rivers and the green grasses. Stop, rest.

I’m reminded that it was one year ago this very day my sisters and I gathered around my mother as she breathed her final breath. I pray we honored her well and in doing so we taught our own children to honor us as they assume their role of lead family members in fulfilling this fifth commandment, honor your father and your mother.

Today, as the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School return to class following the horrific mass shooting on February 14, and as Epiphany prepares to host youth and chaperones in a Rally, Lodging and Support for the March for Our Lives, March 23-24, may our prayers, words and actions be a response to God’s sixth commandment: do not kill.

Maintaining family integrity and the covenant promise of marriage, in the time of Moses is intended to assure family legacy and property inheritance to the degree in which command ranks among the ten as number seven: do not commit adultery.

“Do not steal” is meant to protect ownership, especially of people. In reviewing commandment number eight, we may ask, how are we stealing the privacy and dignity of another?

As we violate commandment number nine, do not lie, who is then falsely accused?

Oh, how we love to covet. Commandment number ten warns us against action taken in response to our lusting and desire!

Today, in reflecting upon being told what to do one faithful soul offered up her thoughts concerning her Lenten discipline. “This year, I suck at Lent,” she offered. Well, my friends, it’s not too late. Maybe tackling a commandment or two will help with our Lenten disciplines, whatever they may be.

Tonight, at 7:30 p.m. Women will be gathering for Women’s Bible Study taking a look at the perfect woman, Eve, who falls to imperfection. We’ll share our stories. Come! Bring a friend! This is an amazing group of trustin, bold women!

Sunday we’ll take some time with the Ten Commandments in 8:30 worship and 10:00 Family Worship, followed by a delicious feast. Seldon will continue with his study of the gospel of John following 10:00 worship. Celtic Worship at 5:30 p.m. with the sacred sounds of Melissa Woodhead on the harp, Jiji Park on the keyboard and friend to Epiphany, Gail Van Buren offering reflection, will close out our weekend and strengthen us for the week ahead. God is good.

May your practices for Lent deepen in you your promise with God in Christ.

Many blessings,

Hillary