You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments. You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
Exodus 20:3-6 [NIV]
Recently I read someone talking about the Ten Commandments as Ten Opportunities. It is just a matter of swinging around from ‘Thou shalt not’ to a more positive statement ‘This is the best way’
So I would like to paraphrase these commandments for you this way. I hope nobody is offended by me apparently speaking for God, this is how I think the God I know would say it.
‘I am God, that means that everything in heaven and on earth is under my control. The weather, your health, your financial security, your chance for personal happiness… everything. And I am also the source of all wisdom, ask anything and I know the answer and the best way to proceed. I can make your life run like clockwork, I can bring you success if you take my advice. And I am love itself and I love you with an everlasting love which nothing can separate you from. Everything that I do is geared up to give you what you need in the best way possible. I desire only good for you. Nothing is impossible for me and I am always with you. From me all your needs will be met.
Sometimes I will use other people or agencies in order to help you and sometimes I will use you to help others - but you must never think that those people or agencies have any power of their own, even kings and world leaders only have power because I give it to them.
You might see other people putting their trust in things or ideas that are not me or are only my tools. Of course you will tell them that you have the real thing. You will point out that they are suffering because they are not allowing me to be their God and when you see what power and love I show in your lives and the lives of others you will whisper my name in awe, reverence, gratitude and true worship.
Love
pp Sheree Burgess
God 