It's Just A White Lie...Say What?

There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers. Proverbs 6:16-19

There are many references to lying and liars in the Bible. Probably all of us have told a lie at one time or another in our life. Problem is when you lie you have to tell another lie to cover up for the first one. Then there is reference to telling a 'white lie' which somehow makes it better. A lie is a lie is a lie. Those of us who are of the Christian faith know how important it is to be truthful.  It is a commandment as a matter of fact.

Many take an oath on the Bible and are to sworn to tell the truth, the whole truth so help them God. That is good for those who believe in God but not so much for those who don't really care or whose religion, such as Islam, says it is okay to lie to some people's. For we who name the name of Jesus, it is important to value the virtue of truthfulness and don't get in the habit of stretching the truth(lying),misspeaking(lying) or telling white lies(lying).

If you have told a lie or been careless with your words, confess it now to God. He can forgive you. If you have a problem in this area ask God to help set you free from the stronghold of a lying tongue. Make it your practice to tell the truth at all costs.

PRAYER: Forgive me Lord when I have caught myself saying an untruth. Help me to learn to be honest and open and speak the truth in love. In Jesus' name. Amen.

DO WE ALL LIE?

The answer according to the host of The Nat Geo Channel "Brain Games" show is yes. But what he failed to mention in his explanation is we are born with a sin nature. He could perform series of tests to prove his theory but never once mentioned what the Bible says about lying.

Unfortunately many high up U.S. government officials have been caught in blatant lies even though they took an oath to be honest. The laying of the hand on the Holy Bible to some means very little or nothing at all. Lying becomes so common place it is okay and socially acceptable. The thing is it is WRONG for anyone who says they are a Christian to purposely lie. It is far better to tell the truth then to have to make up stories over and over. In Numbers 32:23 it is said, "be sure your sins will find you out" and truly they will. An oath or vow becomes meaningless if all you do is lie.

Lying is not only a mouth problem but a heart problem. God can deliver you from a lying tongue. A "white lie" is also still a LIE. I have heard government officials say they "misspoke". Ah yes that sounds so much more acceptable than admitting they lied. No harm done, right? Wrong! A "half truth" is another buzz word for not saying LIE.

What does the word of God say about lying?
Psalm 40:4 'Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.'
Psalms 63:11 '..the mouth of them that speaks lies shall be stopped.'
Proverbs 12:22 'Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but they that deal truly, are His delight.'
Proverbs 19:9 'A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaks lies shall perish.'
Proverbs 6:16-19 'These six things doth the LORD hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, An heart that deviseth wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, A false witness that speaketh lies, and he that soweth discord among brethren.'

There are many more scriptures on lying and liars. Basically don't do it! Satan is the father of lies it says in John 8:44. Satan is so deceitful and can and does trick believers. Be on your guard and keep grounded in the word of God. Do not be taken captive by lying spirits that try to deceive you and bring you down.

PRAYER: Lord I know the enemy Satan is roaming around trying to deceive many. He is a cunning trickster for sure but I will not abandon the truth found in God's word. Forgive me for any lies I have ever told. It pleases you to have total truth. That is what my goal is with your help. Even when it is hard help me tell the truth. In Jesus' name. Amen.

STOP LYING

You may say "I do not lie"  but it was pointed out in a sermon I heard recently that all of us probably lie when asked "how are you" and we flippantly in a robotic manner answer "fine". Are you really fine? If we are not why do we say that? Maybe because we do not want to unload our problems on whoever it is. Sometimes you may be really fine and say "If I were any better I'd be twins". I actually have said that before. That gets a look too, but in the case, when  I said it, I meant it!  I feel like most of us do not want to share what is happening. Wouldn't the person who asked the question be shocked if we replied "well I am glad you asked. My dog died. My toilet is backed up. I have overdue bills I can not pay. I just flunked a class I was taking." There may be times when we say something partially truthful but most the time most folks probably just reply "fine'. It is probably more of a habit and you do not mean to actually lie.

In Proverbs 6:16-19 it elaborates on what the Lord hates and it says "There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers." Get that! He hates a lying tongue, not the liar just the lie!

Lying in general is not a good thing. The Bible says not to do it. Seems many in high up places of Government have lied to us lots. That is between them and God. But what does the Bible say? Why do people think they can lie and pay no consequence? In the Christian life it is a no no. How many out there have ever been guilty of having your children say "I'm not home" when the phone rings? Shame on you, for that is a lie too. You are teaching your children to lie when you do that.

In general it is not good to EVER lie. At times we may stretch the truth or do what the world calls a 'white lie' but is any lying really right? We probably all have lied. If you are ever in court you have to take an oath to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so help you God. When you tell one lie you have to keep up lying to cover up for the other one. It is best just to be honest. What about when someone asks "Do I look fat"? Then what do you do? Do you hurt their feelings or say that is not a fair question to ask?When you fill out a job application you have to sign that the information is correct and you give your word by your signature. Here it is tax time and how many have lied a little bit when it came to taxes? I sure would not mess with the IRS. It is better to always be honest.

Here is a good example of lying. You say you are a believer and go to church and love the Lord. 1 John 2:4 says "Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him." Are you guilty of this? In John 8:32 it says "The truth will set us free" but also in John 8:44 it says "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies." Do you want to be like Christ or the devil? Proverbs 12:22 says "Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight."  

Colossians 3:9 says "Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices." If someone asks you a question, be truthful with them. It is best to be honest and truthful. Proverbs 13:5 says "The righteous hate what is false, but the wicked bring shame and disgrace." When you accept Christ you are a new creation and old things and old habits are to pass away, this includes lying. Ephesians 4:25 says "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body." Put it off. Stop it. Do not spread falsehoods by gossiping. Gossiping easily ends up in lies as people start adding their own spin to a story. If you say you will keep a confidence do not share something with someone as then you have lied to the friend you promised. "Do not lie" is one of the Ten Commandments as well. Seems like today's world feels it is okay to not be 100% truthful. God is watching at all times so why not be sure to tell the truth.

We have all made mistakes and we can all be forgiven. Just ask God. He is ready to forgive you and help you have the ability to tell the truth.

PRAYER: Lord I want to be honest and truthful and share your love with others. Help me be full of integrity and never tell any kind of lie. Forgive me for when I have lied in the past. If my lies have caused hurt or pain help me go and ask forgiveness then seek restoration. Lord I know it pleases you when I am truthful and I intend to do that with your help.I want a reputation for being a person people can trust and I want to always be truthful. Help me do this.  In Jesus Name. Amen.

Click on link to enjoy and be blessed by a song of victory and freedom.
http://youtu.be/ZWv-UOHzaIc

SHEEP IN WOLVES CLOTHING WILL DECEIVE US

 Lying is so common to many people. To the anti Christ or his forces in our world it is the thing they do best. They lie, deceive, trick people and even make some feel they are Christians by  using just the right words. Do not be fooled. These people may look good but you will know them by their 'fruits'.  In the last days many confusing voices will say they read their Bible or pray or will even lie and say they are a Christian, but is their heart changed? Beware of false prophets and 'sheep in wolves clothing'. The Bible warns of false prophets and people who take others captive or deceive. They are roaming in our midst. Do not be fooled!

 Colossians 2:8 says "See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ." Titus 1:16 says "They claim to know God but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient, and unfair for doing anything good." 1 John 2:4 says "The man who says ..I know Him, but does not do what he commands is a liar and the truth is not in him." Jude 1:4 says "For certain men whose condemnation was written about long ago, have secretly slipped in among you. They are godless men, who change the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and deny Jesus Christ our only sovereign and Lord." 2 Corinthians 2:14 says " And no wonder for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light."

Many will be deceived, it says in the last days. They will deny God's  power but frequently name drop and feel just because they say 'God Bless America' or something similar people will think they are the real thing. You need to be alert to these people amongst us in this world. Pray for discernment and wisdom.

 We should not wish ill or harm on these people, but instead be praying for them to come to repentance and accept Jesus as Lord. Just as there can be double agents in our world who really work for the enemy, there are double agents of sorts for Satan to, sent to lead us off the path and get us to believe lies. Be on your guard. Proverbs  24:17 says "Do not gloat when your enemy falls. When he stumbles do not let your heart rejoice." Pray for these evil people who deceive that they come to know Jesus.

Matthew 7:15 says "Watch out for false  prophets which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ferocious wolves."

PRAYER: Lord thank you for the truth which will set us free. Keep me aware of any false teachers in my midst which may try to deceive me. I love you and you only Lord. In Jesus name. Amen.

BORN A SINNER

 We are all born with a sin nature. Ever since Adam and Eve were deceived by the serpent in the Garden of Eden man has struggled with sin. The world we live in lately has ridiculed many  who speak out against sin. But sin is sin is sin. There are not degrees of sin. Adultery and divorce are just as wrong as murder according to God. Lying is a sin.(See Revelation 21:8). Today seemingly political figures get by with lying as it nothing is wrong with it. But God says it is wrong. Adultery is wrong and even looking on a woman lustfully is wrong the same as actually committing adultery. (See Matthew 5:28). Homosexuality is condemned in scripture(See Leviticus 18:22) but psychology has tried to attribute this to a 'gay gene' which never has been proven. Sex outside of marriage is wrong.(See Hebrews 13:4). It is intended for the special bond only a man and woman should share after they say "I do". The good news is if you have messed up, and we all have, that God can forgive and he does forget. Just like the woman caught in the act of adultery he says "go and sin no more".(See John 8:11). Psalm 103:12 says "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

People can leave the sin of homosexual lifestyle just like they can decide to not look at pornography or lie anymore. You still will maybe struggle but with God's help you can be victorious.1 Corinthians  6:11  says "And such were some of you". Also remember like it says in John 8:7 "let he who is without sin cast the first stone" because we all have sin and your sin, no matter what it is, is not less than someone else's. Certain sins have greater consequences like emotional toll, pregnancy, jail time, sexually  transmitted diseases but they are no worse in God's eyes.  "All have sinned and fallen short of God's glory" it says in Romans 3:23. Luke 18:11 is an account of the self righteous Pharisee and it says "the Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself and said, "God I thank you that I am not like other men-robbers, evil doers, adulterers-or even like this tax collector." Wow he was pretty 'holier than thou' huh?

The world excuses sin. We have become desensitized and even some churches will not say things are wrong for fear of 'stepping on toes' so to speak. For instance, it is definitely wrong to kill an unborn baby in the womb but in the name of a 'women's right to choose' or 'life of the mother', millions of babies have died since 1973. Even the woman who originally started this movement which went to Supreme Court and was declared a 'right', has since asked forgiveness and is one of the many trying to get the law overturned. Her name is Norma McCorvey, aka Jane Roe, and in 1995 she became pro life.  Why do people think it is okay to murder a defenseless baby yet jail people for harming a pet? We indeed are in a messed up world where Satan is trying to gain control. And to think today our own President feels it is okay to kill babies in the womb because of choice. This is a baby with a heartbeat who deserves to live!

In 1 Peter  5:8 it says "The enemy Satan prowls around like a roaring lion seeking whom he may destroy." Satanic forces have been successful in removing the Ten Commandments and abolishing prayer in schools and have tried to eradicate Christian influence in many other places. The way people know what is right and wrong is clearly in scripture and if the Bible is not read or made illegal then how will people know? Satan would win. Christians have to keep being 'salt and light' in a world of darkness.

Trouble  is that too many of us have listened to the world and started believing the worlds lies being sucked into the modern humanistic culture. We have become desensitized. What is evil is being called good and good evil. (See Isaiah 5:20). Romans 12:1-2 says to "not be conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your  mind. "But wait this is the 21st century! How on earth could we be expected to go by the old fashioned rules in the Bible?"  First of all Gods' commandments are made to protect us just like a parents rules are made to protect their children from harm. If we go outside the boundaries God has set then pain and agony and mental torment result.

 Yes we are all born with a sin nature but the good news is God is here to redeem us and set us free if only we ask Him.

PRAYER: Lord I want to live for you and serve you. I want to stay on the path you have for me and resist the attempts of the enemy to get me to cave in to my sin nature. I want to be Christlike in what I say and do. Give me a Christian worldview and help me resist the enemy so he has to flee. Protect those in my family who may be believing the enemies lies and help them see the truth. In Jesus name. Amen.

Note: Do you need to be set free today? Listen to the following praise and worship song and be blessed. Click on link.
http://youtu.be/38EVco7eba0
Included below is a link to Norma McCorveys pro life web site.
 http://www.leaderu.com/norma/

LIAR LIAR PANTS ON FIRE!

The Bible has much to say about lying. We seem to live in a time when lying, even by government officials, is common place. This should not be the case. If only people followed the Ten Commandments, but as you know they are outlawed in most places. It is sad to me that this very important area of life is not held up even by our own national leaders.

I will go over some of the verses in God's word about the issue of lying. First of all, if we had not taken the Ten Commandments out of schools we would have a standard of right and wrong and young people would grow up and know it is wrong to lie.Parents can still teach their children what is right and wrong. Thankfully that has not been outlawed yet. Anti Christian forces have gotten their way and have taken away references to God that have shaped this country and the integrity of its' people. Even the ivy league schools up in the Northeastern US were founded on Biblical principles but now all of them have gotten so far away from their roots. This is what happens when we allow sin to seep in and do not speak up. We need to pray for an awakening of Godly principles to infiltrate those institutions who put God on the back burner.

Proverbs 16:13 says "The king is pleased with words from righteous lips; he loves those who speak honestly." Proverbs 6:16-19 says "There are six things the Lord hates,seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers."

Notice those in court today who have to place their hand on the Bible and swear to tell the truth so help them God. Well we know this does not happen in many cases. In the military service a similar oath is taken. An oath is to be a promise but so many today take promises lightly take for instance how many marriage vows are broken and shattered lives are left in the wake.

Honesty and truthfulness need to make a comeback for the sake of mankind. Proverbs 26:28 says "A lying tongue hates those it hurts, and a flattering mouth works ruin." If one lie is told another lie has to be told to make up for the first lie. There is no such thing as a 'little white lie'. Be honest 100% or you are telling lies. There is no way around it. Americans who are raised using God's standard, the Bible, know the truth will set us free. (See John 8:31-32). Today in our nation we are infiltrated by many who lie routinely and see nothing wrong with it and in the case of those using the Qur'an feel justified in their lying to the infidel, which are you and me if we follow Jesus. Lying is wrong.  End of story. If you are a follower of Christ or live in this country and take an oath you are to follow the oath and be truthful. Satan is out there though seeking to defeat the Christian and the truth.

Exodus 20:16 is the Ten Commandment that says "Thou shalt not lie". Lying is wrong. Dishonesty is terribly wrong .But if you grow up and do not have a standard for what is right and wrong then of course anything goes and what does a little lie hurt anyway? Psalm 120:2 says "Save me, O LORD, from lying lips and from deceitful tongues." For anyone who has ever been hurt by a lie you know how important this verse is. Lying has sent innocent men and women to jail. Lying has hurt reputations. Lying has broken up couples. Lying has caused people to lose their jobs. Lying has ruined friendships. Lying has made marriages end in divorce. The devil is the father of lies. John 8:44 says "You belong to your father, the devil, and you want to carry out your father’s desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

Psalm 31:18 says "Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous." If you have anyone in your life who spreads falsehoods about you just pray about them. God will deal with them. Psalm 109:2 says "for wicked and deceitful men have opened their mouths against me; they have spoken against me with lying tongues." God is the judge in the end and the truth will always come out. Proverbs 12:22 says "The LORD detests lying lips, but he delights in men who are truthful."

Today make it a point to be truthful in all you say and do. Truthfulness extends to business dealings, doing taxes, being honest with those you work with and for, and your friends. A lie is just that, a lie.

PRAYER: Father if I have ever lied I ask your forgiveness. If my mouth has ever hurt anyone for that too I ask for forgiveness. Help me to seek to always say what is true. To never stretch the truth or say what I think people want to hear. I want to be honest in my speech and character.We pray for those who want to hurt us with their lies too. May you deal with them in your own way Lord . In Jesus Name. Amen. 


(Assignment today is to read Psalm 5.)