God's Name

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I really do try not to. It's just so difficult. God knows my heart, and He knows I don't really want to say God's name in vain.

Shut up, Sam! Stop making excuses for yourself. Really, the point is, opposite the saying for Nike shoes,-- JUST DON'T DO IT!

The writings I do are also directed to me, as well as those who read or listen to Jessica's beautiful voice. Thank you, Jessica.

Pause break! Sorry, I just had a random thought. My head is kind of hurting. It's like, thoughts from an angel are fighting with thoughts from a demon. Jessica said, cast away evil by saying, by the Blood and Name of Jesus, Satan get out! Ok, let's get back to my writing.

Are you a Christian? Please listen up! If you are not a Christian, listen anyway! (if you want to). God doesn't want you to use His name in vain. He says in Exodus 20:7: 

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God, for the Lord will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses His Name.

Father, thank you for creating me and loving me so much that You gave up Your Son to die for me. There is so much power in your Name and in your Love, and I never want to disrespect or bring dishonor to your Name. Amen.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How do you feel about saying the name of the Lord in vain?

2. Do you believe there is power in the name of Jesus?

3. What is the biggest challenge for you when it comes to not misusing the name of the Lord?

Thank you, everyone, for listening to Samantha's Deep Thoughts. Have a Blessed Day! Remember to smile 'cause Jesus loves you!!!

Tasha Cobbs Leonard - Break Every Chain

Leviticus 19:12 ESV

You shall not swear by my name falsely, and so profane the name of your God: I am the Lord.

Matthew 12:36-37 ESV

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

James 1:26 ESV

If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person's religion is worthless.

Words of God

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First of all, I am no bible scholar. Actually, I need to read my bible more. I know that I should memorize even more of the Word of God.

I hope to one day emulate what my friend Mike does. He memorized books from the bible and recited them to the congregation.

To me, having God's words stored in my mind and heart is really important. What do we need to defend ourselves from the evil one when he puts bad thoughts in our minds? The answer is-- the Word of God!

Did you know the devil cannot read your thoughts? Yes! Isn't that a good thing? He can only put bad thoughts in our minds. That means we have to speak out loud and use the words of God to defend ourselves.

What comes to mind is when Jesus was tempted by the devil. Jesus was in the wilderness and fasted for 40 days and nights. The devil tempted Him because he knew Jesus was hungry. First, the devil told Jesus to turn the rock into food. And Jesus said God's word: One does not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.

The second one, the devil took Jesus to the holy temple and made Him stand on the parapet of the temple, and wanted Him to throw Himself down so Jesus could command His angels to save Him. Jesus told Satan: Again it is written, You shall not put the Lord, your God, to the test.

Finally, the devil took Jesus to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world in their magnificence. He told Jesus that all those he would give to Him if He would prostrate Himself and worship him. Jesus replied: Get away, Satan! It is written, the Lord, your God, shall you worship and Him alone shall you serve. Then the devil left Him and, behold, angels came and ministered to Him.

Dear Lord, thank you for who You are. Thank you for providing your Word! I pray that we will always remember to keep Your Word in our hearts! For when we pray, we are speaking to you. When we read your Word, You are speaking to us! We love you, Lord. Amen.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Have you been reading the Bible lately?

2. If so, have there been any verses that have stuck out to you that you think you should memorize?

Thank you, everyone, for listening to Samantha's 

Deep Thoughts. Have a Blessed Day! Remember to smile 'cause Jesus loves you!

Word of God Speak - MercyMe

Romans 15:4 ESV 

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

Hebrews 4:12 ESV 

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV 

All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Psalm 119:105 ESV 

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

The Temptation of Jesus

The Helmet

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The helmet of my salvation is an integral part of the armor of God. It protects our brain from the flaming arrows that the evil one is throwing at us. Not literally, but mentally.

That's really where sin begins. You know what I mean? It begins with the evil one putting an evil thought in our mind.

What comes to mind is a man or a woman thinking about their male or female coworker they have been flirting with at their workplace, and they are both married. One of the parties calls the other party and asks the person to come over and help with the computer. So, the person comes over and fixes the problem with the computer. Do you think that's all that happened? The answer is--- NO. Both marriages ended in divorce.

Prayer:

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name; Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.

Question for Reflection:

1. Are you thinking of being alone with a married coworker of the opposite sex? (The two of you have been flirting a lot lately at work.)

Thank you, everyone, for listening to Samantha's Deep Thoughts. Remember to smile 'cause Jesus loves you! Have a Blessed Day!!! Amen.

 

Megan Woods - The Truth (Official Music Video)

Romans 12:2 ESV

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Philippians 4:8 ESV

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Ephesians 6:17 ESV

And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God,

  

R&R

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No, I'm not talking about Rest and Relaxation.  What is Samantha talking about then?  Let me use a pretend person for some examples.  We will name it --A.

Let's say A likes to lie, cheat, and take the Lord's name in vain. It knows that it is wrong. The Holy Spirit is convicting its heart, making it feel it's wrong for what it is doing. It really feels sorry.

Each time it sins, it knows the Lord forgives. 1John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." But that certainly doesn't mean that we, who are believers, should keep on sinning. We actually should try not to sin.

It's not like we have a free pass to sin. It's totally the opposite. I mean, since Jesus died for our sins, we should try hard not to sin. The operative word is--- TRY. God knows we are not perfect, and He still died for us, sinners.

Back to what I was saying earlier, the first R stands for Remorse. Meaning, when it knows it did something wrong that made it feel bad, what is it gonna do? It would say, "Sorry," and maybe not make the mistake the next day. Unfortunately, the same mistake is still happening over and over again. And then, it's just gonna say, -- "Sorry." It becomes like a cycle. It knows that's not good.

This brings us to the second R. It stands for Repentance. A should do their best to stop lying, cheating, and taking the Lord's name in vain. God knows what's in A's heart and A's heart is saying, "it wants to change." A believes, with much prayer to God and asking for His help, that He can change A. It would also need to exert much effort and work to try to change. It's not like God will do all the work. God can do all the work if He wants to, but I think it's like God opens doors. But then, we have to work hard and figure out how to get through the door.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for today. I pray that you would be with every one of us today. We love you, Lord. Amen.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Are there any cycles of sinning and just repeating, "I'm sorry," but no repenting in your life?

2. Is there a sin that you just keep on repeating, but you really want to stop doing it?

3. Have you spoken to God about it and shared your feelings with Him?

Thank you for listening to Samantha's Deep Thoughts. Have a Blessed Day!!! Remember to smile 'cause Jesus loves you!!!

Mighty to Save - Hillsong Worship

Goodbye Yesterday (Live) - Bethel Music, David Funk & Brooke Ligertwood

1 John 1:9 ESV

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

2 Corinthians 7:10 ESV

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.

Acts 3:19 ESV 

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out,

Matthew 4:17 ESV 

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

2 Peter 3:9 ESV 

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.

Worshipper of J.C.

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What does it mean to me, Samantha, to worship Jesus Christ?  Well, first of all, I would be in an environment that didn't have any distractions, like being alone in my room with the door closed. Well, if I were in Church, that's a different story.

I would try my best to clear my mind of any thoughts that would distract me from thinking about Jesus. I would usually close my eyes because that would keep me from seeing anything that would be distracting. If I were in the living room and Joe was watching TV, I would be wearing my headphones so I could fully concentrate on Jesus.

Perhaps, you guys are similar to me and can get easily distracted. I don't think that's fair to Jesus, considering what He did for us. Don't you think?

Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for who You are. I pray that I would be mindful of spending time with you. I pray that I will always make you my first priority. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Questions for Reflection:
1. Is Jesus our first priority? Why or why not?
2. What does it mean to you to worship Jesus Christ?
3. Am I a member of a bible believing Christ-centered Church? Why or why not?

Thank you, everyone, for listening. Have a Blessed Day! Remember to smile because Jesus loves you!

Heart of Worship - Brandon Lake

James 4:8 ESV
Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

Romans 12:1 ESV
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Psalm 86:12 ESV
I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.

1 Peter 2:9 ESV
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.

Spreading the Gospel One on One

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Honestly, I don't usually do this. I'm talking about like witnessing to people or evangelizing.

I know the Lord would like His children to do that. I mean, Jesus said that in the Bible, so I guess it is His command to His children.

Like I said, that is not my spiritual gift. My husband, on the other hand, his spiritual gift is pastor/shepherding. So, really, if he wanted to ever do that, he would be really good at it. He also has a lot of bible knowledge. He actually is teaching Bible study with some of the family, some Sundays.

I'm a child of God, so, of course, I would like to do it. But it doesn't come easy to me. So, my heart doesn't jump at the first opportunity. However, if I'm in a situation, I would share what Jesus did for us, the sinners, and if you believe that, you would go to heaven and be with Jesus forever.

Since I don't really have the head knowledge, what I use is passion. And another way I share Jesus is through my "Deep Thoughts from Samantha" blog. I really hope many people who read my blog are getting encouraged. Can you let me know? I would love that!

What is your spiritual gift?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank you for today. Thank you for who You are. Thank you for blessing us with spiritual gifts. I pray that we will use our gifts to spread Your name. We love you, Lord. We pray all these things in Jesus' name. Amen.

Questions for Reflection:

1. Do you know what your spiritual gifts are?

2. How can you use your spiritual gift to spread the name of Jesus?

Thank you, everybody, for listening to my "Deep Thoughts!" Have a Blessed Day! Remember to smile because Jesus loves you!!!

Words - Hawk Nelson

Matthew 28:19 ESV 

Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,

Psalm 96:3 ESV 

Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous works among all the peoples!

Romans 1:16 ESV 

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.