DCLM Sincere Milk 13 December 2024 — Misuse of God’s Name
DCLM Sincere Milk 13 December 2024 Devotional by Pastor W. F. Kumuyi — Misuse of God’s Name
Topic: Misuse of God’s Name
Text: Exodus 20:4-8
4Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image, or any likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth:
6And shewing mercy unto thousands of them that love me, and keep my commandments.
7Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
8Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
Key Verse: “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” Exodus 20:7
Message
“Never make fun of my father’s name again.” “How could you have said something false about my father’s name?” Kenny, with a frown on her face, reported Debby to her teacher for making fun of her father’s name. Debby was punished for her bad behaviour. Her punishment was a mild one. A more serious punishment awaits those who misuse God’s name, except they repent.
Also Read: DCLM Sincere Milk 12 December 2024 — Choose Rightly
Today’s key verse contains God’s warning to everyone not to misuse His name. It is wrong to use God’s name for wrong purposes such as: swearing in God’s name, shouting of “Jesus” or “Oh my God,” when surprised or excited. It is wrong to joke with God’s powerful name or laugh with those who unwisely do it. Never use God’s name to support a false claim, thereby making what is not true appear true thus covering up a lie. We must respect God’s name at all times. His name is holy and powerful. Disobedience to God’s command attracts punishment. If you are guilty of this behaviour, repent and ask God to forgive you and help you to live each day to please Him.
Further Reading: Matthew 5:34-37
Prayer for today: Lord, please help me never again to misuse your name. Help me to please You in all I do.
1. Admit that you are a sinner. "For all [humans] have sinned, and comes short of the glory of God....[and] the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord" (Romans 3:23)
2. Repent now. "Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out ...[for] if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness " (Acts 3:19, 1 John 1:9)
3. Believe that God loves you and Jesus died for you. "God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet Sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8)
4. Invite Jesus into your life through prayer of faith. Jesus says, "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20)
