From: John & April Correia [email protected]
Subject: Encouragements From The Heart - July 9, 1998 (CORRECTED VERSION)
Date: Thursday, July 09, 1998 9:58 AM

"Your shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who missuses His name."  Exodus 20:7 NIV  

The word misuse is defined as, "to put to a bad or improper use."  In the KJV the word vain is used and is defined thus: "barren of results."  It also means - empty, useless.  

Now that I've given us a definition lesson on the words misuse and vain I'll get to my point.  When God gave us this command I believe He was telling us to not use His name in a meaningless way.  As Christians we already know that God's last name is not damn.  And we recognize when the name of Jesus Christ is being used in vain - or misused.  But do we see what is happening around us with the way the Lord's name is being thrown about?  I hear Christians frequently say things like "Oh my G--!, or Oh my L---!" then go on telling about their bad day or how they have never seen such behavior... .  I've also heard a proclaiming preacher say things like, "My G--, man, get real..." I could go on.  I don't mean to sound ugly but don't you think that the Lord considers this use of His holy and righteous name - misuse, even vain?  

Oh beloved, if you have misused the LORD's name - stop confess this as sin (for that's what it is), and ask for His forgiveness.  He is faithful to forgive those who ask and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).  In the future before we speak, let us all stop and pray and ask our heavenly Father to guard our tongue, through the Holy Spirit, that we don't "misuse" His precious name.  

by April Correia
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April Correia   PRAISE THE LORD!!  We are currently working on the "Encouragement From The Heart" website.  Here you will be able to re-read past encouragements along with other selected stories, poems, and more.  There will also be a discernment site where you can link to other sites on discernment along with researched write-ups I've written from the last few years as well as thoughts from others.   The Lord is leading us daily and is supplying all our needs, including a Webmaster! (thanks to Chris R.)  Please keep us in prayer.   Blessings to all you blessings! April Correia all glory to God!
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