THE DIRECTIVES BY THE DOZEN +1
We heard about the Big Ten, God’s 10 Commandments. Another word for commandment is directive. Directives are defined, as something that serves to direct or guide and to cause a strong need to do something toward an action or goal. In the Bible days, God presented His people with over 600 commandments. However, the Big Ten were chiseled in stone and those are the ones people recognize, today. And, for that concept I will take these commandments and apply modern day twists and turns, for educational purposes. In no way, am I attempting to rewrite God’s Word, but to educate and enlighten people, on the world’s evolution and recognize a need to change behaviors.
God provided the Big 10, the 10 Commandants. Adding 3 other Directives results in 10 commandments +3 Directives =a dozen (12) + one. The Directives by the Dozen +1.
The Ten Commandments are the Do Not’s. Do not kill, steal, covet… The added Directives are the Do’s. I addressed each of God’s 10 Commandments. Now, three other Directives are identified, that are commanded of God, but not included in the Big Ten. The Do’s, the added Directives are: Acknowledge; Hearken and Obey; and Trust.
Acknowledge means to accept, regard, recognize, express gratitude and to take notice. Some people refer to God, as the Man upstairs; an old man with a white beard, wearing a long white robe, carrying a staff; or, a Santa Claus character providing gifts to the good; or a distant, unreachable being blind to the world’s tragedies.
We need to acknowledge God as Who He is. God is the Alpha and Omega. The Beginning and End.
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty. Revelation 1:8 King James Version (KJV).
God is our Father, our All-Powerful Father.
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Matthew 6:9 (KJV).
God is a Spirit.
24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. John 4:24 King James Version (KJV).
God sees and knows all. Just because we cannot understand His plan, or His Ultimate goal, that does not mean God does not see or understand what is happening in the world.
He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he. Deuteronomy 32:4 King James Version (KJV).
If, we must truly acknowledge God as Who He is and what He can do. Our directions in life will be instructed by Him.
In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Proverbs 3:6 (KJV).
Hearken and Obey, though 2 different actions, but comes as a pair. Hearken means to listen to give a respectful attention. To hear, to give heed. Obey is to do what is told to you or to follow commands. To conform or comply to do what is ordered of you.
You can hear and listen to all type of sound advice or proper guidance. But, if you do not comply to then, what is the point? People tend to listen and adhere to thing that are comfortable, easy and convenience This may not be God’s direction for your life. God’s guidance usually takes you out of your comfort zone. He is preparing you for bigger challenges and better results.
5 Now therefore, if you will in fact obey My voice and keep My covenant (agreement), then you shall be My own special possession and treasure from among all peoples [of the world], for all the earth is Mine. Exodus 19:5 Amplified Bible (AMP).
Trust is assurance, reliance and hope. A charge or duty imposed in faith. Faith is the strong belief.
You must trust God when things are good and when things are bad. Trust will build patience. Have faith in God’s plan; not your plan; or, your friends and family’s plan. When you trust God, He will provide you with His instructions and His wisdom. Stop thinking you can do things without God. Trust God.
5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 King James Version (KJV).
If you trust God He will pay for back for all the trust you bestowed in Him. Not because you are good, because He is good.
12 The Lord recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. Ruth 2:12(KJV).
When you trust God, He will be there when things get tough and will provide for you the elements to go on.
9 Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the Lord thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. Joshua 1:9 (KJV).
Trust God, when you fail, grow weary and feel you can’t go on. He is there for you. When you trust God’s plan, He will help you along the way.
10 Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10 (KJV).