Tag: Proverbs 26:28
Would you lie to God?
Scripture reading for November 6: Acts 5-7
Lying is a sin! One of the ten commandments states that we should not give a false accusation against a neighbor! (Exodus 20:16) God hates a lying tongue! (Proverbs 6:17-19) Lying causes mistrust because lies are usually found out and the person’s character is degraded by all who know the truth. Lying breaks relationships, marriages, homes, and even churches! A lying tongue hates the one it hurts! (Proverbs 26:28) A false witness will not go unpunished and he who pours out lies will perish! (Proverbs 19:9) The devil is a liar and can speak only one language: “LIE!” (John 8:44)
The Book of Acts records the history of the early church from just before the day of Pentecost and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to the imprisonment of the Apostle Paul in Rome. Very early in the history of the new church, Luke recorded the story of a Ananias and Sapphira, who told a costly lie. Acts 5:1-16.
Ananias and Sapphira sold some of their property and made an offering to the Apostles for the use of the church. The price of the property was more than what they gave, but they told the Apostles that they gave all the money to the Lord. Now it wasn’t wrong not to give it all. It was only wrong to lie about what they had given. Scripture doesn’t say why they did this. It may be that they wanted to look good to other church members . It may be that they dedicated more than they were willing to give and decided to keep some back. Whatever the reason, both husband and wife died for telling less than the truth.
“Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men, but to God.”” “When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what happened.” (Acts 5:3-5)
This should make each one of us evaluate our own hearts and giving. We need mercy more than ever! This is a New Testament story to warn God’s people that dealing with God is serious business! Amazingly, the church grew and many souls were added after this judgment! God is building a holy church that will reflect His character of Truth! The Holy Spirit is a Spirit of Truth given to us as a gift!
Faithfulness brings mercy!
Scripture reading for September 11th: 1st Timothy 1, Psalm 31, Proverbs 26
1st Timothy 1:12-17 “I thank Him Who has given me strength, Christ Jesus our Lord, because He judged me faithful, appointing me to His service, though formerly I was a blasphemer, persecutor, and insolent opponent. But I received mercy because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display His perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in Him for eternal life. To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.”
Paul begins his letter to his young ‘son’ in the faith by sharing about how he received Christ’s mercy, Paul considered himself the ‘foremost’ of sinners, because he persecuted God’s people and even had some murdered out of zeal for the law and ignorance of faith and grace. He was worthy of great punishment and rejection by God. But through Christ Jesus, Paul received grace and an appointment into God’s service. He came to realize that it was Christ’s primary mission to save sinners, even ones as bad as he was! Christ used the miraculous change in Paul’s life as an example to others and as a display of God’s perfect patience. All Paul could do, along with us, was worship the King of the Ages Who lives forever and ever! God’s faithfulness and patience brought Paul into His family and us who believe as well!
Psalm 31:3-5 “For You are my Rock and my Fortress; and for Your Name’s sake You lead me and guide me; you take me out of the net they have hidden for me, for You are my Refuge. Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Your amazing patience with me and the grace You have shown to all sinners throughout history. It is Your love and faithfulness that have brought me to a place of repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. You have delivered me from pride and flattery as well as lying and violence. You are my King Eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God. You are worthy of honor and glory forever!
Proverbs 26:28 “A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”
Gentiles receive the Holy Spirit
Scripture reading for February 6th: Acts 10, Psalm 26, Proverbs 26
Acts 10: 44-48 “While Peter was still saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell on all who heard the Word. And the believers from among the circumcised who had come with Peter were amazed, because the Gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out even on the Gentiles. For they were hearing them speaking in other tongues and extolling God. Then Peter declared, “Can anyone withhold water for baptizing these people, who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” And he commanded them to be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked him to remain for some days.”
Peter was a devout Jew, trained in the Old Testament Scriptures and the traditions of Judaism. He was also a man of prayer, and while praying God gave him a vision that challenged his understanding of Old Testament laws. In a vision, God called Peter first to eat what was lowered from heaven–foods the law declared unclean. But this was to prepare Peter to go to the home of a Gentile, Cornelius, without hesitation. Cornelius was a God-fearing man who loved God and gave alms to the poor. His heart of love got God’s attention and God sent Peter to share the Gospel. While sharing, the Holy Spirit was poured out from Heaven and Cornelius and his household spoke in tongues and glorified God. Peter then understood that God wanted the Gentiles to enjoy salvation and baptized them.
Psalm 26:8 “O Lord, I love the habitation of Your house, and the place where Your glory dwells.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for showing no partiality between Jew and Gentile! Thank You for freely pouring out the Holy Spirit and the gifts on all people. Help me, as You helped Peter, to understand Your ways when my own prejudices and past religious training blocks me from knowing or doing Your will. Pour out Your Spirit as I share the Word of God with those who are hungry for truth.
Proverbs 26:28 “A lying tongue hates its victims, and a flattering mouth works ruin.”