Beyond Today Daily

"Live Long and Prosper"

The Bible shows us one of the main ways we can lead peaceful and productive lives.

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[Darris McNeely] If you're a "Star Trek" fan you know the phrase "live long and prosper." But you know where that came from? Here's where I think that it came from. Ephesians 6, where God is talking about honoring our parents. And He says, "Honor your father and mother," which is the first commandment with promise. And He's talking about the fifth commandment there, to honor your father and mother. What is the promise? In verse 3 it says, "that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth." Honor your parents that it might be well with you and you will live long on the earth.

Now, that is a part of God's Word, and that is a promise that we can claim.

I recently had a friend of mine whose father died. His father was almost 98 years old. He was a World War II vet, he was a Marine. He went through the...stormed through the South Pacific in World War II, and the man lived a long life. And he lived a good life. And in his last years his son, my good friend took really good care of him. And his death was a peaceful death with his family around and his son there, and it was as everyone might wish.

And reflecting about that, I was thinking, you know, this verse here is extremely important for all of us. If you still have your parents with you, no matter how old you might be, appreciate them. Look at this commandment, "Honor your father and mother that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth."

Respect your parents, honor your parents, take care of your parents to their last breath. Do what you can. If there's a problem, get it resolved. If there's an issue that needs to be taken care of, make sure you get that taken care of. And then do what you can to talk with, to honor, to take care of your parents, so that in your life there'll be no regrets. And you can claim that promise that God says, that it may be well with you and you will live long upon the earth.

That's BT Daily. Join us next time.

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The Ten Commandments (Exodus 20 & Deuteronomy 5)

The Ten Commandments

Don't you think it's about time you learned what the 10 Commandments are all about? Sadly, most people know little about the Ten Commandments or where to find them in the Bible (read Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5). Few people can name more than three or four of them. Those who take the time to study the commandments find they're not a list of "Do nots," but are in fact God's guide to the good life—a life full of blessings. That's why the Bible calls them "the royal law" and "the law of liberty." There's much more to these commandments than meets the eye. They're not just God's way of preventing us from having a good time. The commandments are relevant to us today and are designed to protect us, our families and our communities. They're a guide to transforming the way we think, what we do and how we live. They truly are ten keys to a successful and happy life! Learn more about God's Commandments and how you can begin having a life full of blessings.

Darris McNeely

Darris McNeely works at the United Church of God home office in Cincinnati, Ohio. He and his wife, Debbie, have served in the ministry for more than 43 years. They have two sons, who are both married, and four grandchildren. Darris is the Associate Media Producer for the Church. He also is a resident faculty member at the Ambassador Bible Center teaching Acts, Fundamentals of Belief and World News and Prophecy. He enjoys hunting, travel and reading and spending time with his grandchildren.