Happy Mother's Day! Today we look at some of the women in the Old Testament who were faithful leaders in various ways. In Exodus Chapter 2, we find Miriam who protected her brother, the baby Moses, from death during a tragic time. She watched as the Egyptian princess, Pharoah's daughter, took Moses in to care for him. Miriam was his protector. In Joshua Chapter 2, we find Rahab, a woman who took chances and protected the Israelite spies when they came to Jericho. She is in the genealogy of Jesus. Then, in Judges Chapter 4, we read about Deborah, a Godly woman of courage and faith. And, in the book of Ruth, we find a Gentile woman who chose to stay with her mother-in-law Naomi and ultimately became the great-grandmother of Jesus. These were some of the great women who trusted God and "hung on" to their faith when it was not easy. That's what Kingdom followers do!

In the tenth Commandment found in Exodus 20:17 God commands us to not covet anything that anyone else has. To "covet" means to desire something or someone. Don't be jealous of your neighbor's house, wife, servants, "stuff", or anything else that your neighbor has. Who is your neighbor? Everyone! Learn to be content with what you have. To covet is selfish and it can destroy relationships. Be content with what God has given you and count your blessings every day. Yes, even the small ones!

Our words lay the groundwork for our witness. The 9th of the ten commandments in Exodus 20:16 tells us not to bear false witness against our neighbor. Who is our neighbor? Everyone. Exaggerating, gossiping, negative comments, lying, and doing verbal harm are all ways of bearing false witness. Not to mention the negativty that can permeate out of AI and other digital postings. When you speak, what is your intent? It is helpful, harmful, encouraging, kind, or filling a need? Do not use God's name in vain. Sometimes we TALK TOO MUCH! Let your words impart grace, not hate.

The Bible tells us not to steal. See these verses: Exodus 20:15, Ephesians 4:28, and Malachi 3:8-10. Simply put, "If it ain't yours, don't take it!" We all know it is wrong to steal. But, stealing takes many forms that we rarely consider. Taking things from an employer, kick-backs, cheaating on taxes, not honoring debts, borrowing and not returning, and even stealing from God. In this lesson, we will discuss the many ways we steal without even thinking about it. That even includes tithing and other ways we should use our talents to increase the kingdom of God. "Spending your time" telling others about Jesus is "time well spent!"

The 7th of the 10 Commandments deals with sexual ungodliness.  It is written in several passages in the Bible, as in:  Exodus 20:14, Matthew 5:27-30, and I Corinthians 6:9-11.  Marriage is a covenant with God.  We all encounter temptations in our life. Adultery, pornography, is a sin, but you can be forgiven.  Here is an ANTHEM acronym to help you remember your conviction to Christ: A – Avoid sinful situations; N – No, say “No” quickly; T – Turn away from temptation; H – Hold on to Christ when tempted; E – Enjoy the promises of God; M – Move on to more positive things.  Purity begins in the heart.  Pledge your Life, your Convictions, and your Conscienceto Christ. We are all washed and sanctified by Jesus Christ.

Today we return to the last chapter in the book of Matthew. Chapter 28 retells the events of the day that our Lord Jesus Christ was raised from death. He did indeed die on the cross and when on Sunday the women went to the tomb, He was not there. An earthquake, an Angel, the tomb guards, and the women experienced a supernatural event. Jesus arose from death. The earth shook and the stone was rolled back. The tomb was empty. Jesus resurrection fulfills prophecy from the Old Testament. He even met the women on the road when He told them to tell the disciples where to meet Him later. Guards were paid to lie about the empty tomb. What should we do? Tell others about what Jesus has done for all who come to Him. He died on the cross for the sins of everyone so that we can live in eternity with Him in Heaven. That's a pretty awesome arrangement for us all! Praise God!!

The Triumphal Entry: It's Palm Sunday. The day that Jesus humbly entered Jerusalem on the back of a donkey to shouts of acclamation, hosannas, and palm leaves paving the way. People had seen Jesus work miracles and they were happily excited to see Him coming. They were not necessarily saved, but they thought He would save them from oppression. They did not realize that He came to die for their sins. The Trial: But by the end of the week they were calling for Him to be crucified. The Execution: On Friday, He was judged, nailed to the cross, received shouts of anger from those who judged Him, died, and was placed in a tomb. Shouts three times for different reasons. What will you do with Jesus today? Is He on trial in your heart? Are you "for" or "against" Him?

In Exodus 20:8-11 we are given God's word for honoring the Sabbath, His 4th commandment . God knows we need to stop and rest and our true rest is found in Jesus Christ. In Mark 2:27-28 we are told that the Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath. If you are worn out from trying to everything on your own? Jesus said that we should come to Him on the Sabbath and He will give us rest. In today's hectic world, isn't it good to know that there is rest to be found with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

As we study the verses of the "Ten Commandments" we come to Exodus 20:7. Have you fallen into the habit of using "cuss" words when you speak? This commandment reminds us that we are NOT to use the Lord's name in vain. In a nutshell, "All that I can say and do should glorify God." In this sermon I will give you six points to consider. Have your Bible in your hands as we find various verses that will help guide you in what a Christian is to say and do to glorify our God and His Son Jesus Christ. Amen!

Exodus 20:5 God lets us know that the element of legacy is important to how we conduct our lives and follow His commandments. This should be important to all of us who are familiar with the saying "we reap what we sow". It has been true since the time of Adam and Eve. Mankind has a sinful nature. Consequences can feel like punishment. We are responsible for our choices and actions. Will you be passing down a curse or a blessing? Listen and consider how you choose to live. Live for the Lord!