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You Reap What You Sow - Tuesday Praise & Pray (for others) January 17, 2023

We've talked about the Royal Law for over a week, focusing on the need to treat others as we want to be treated - with love. We've also learned of the need to be cautious in our communications which include what we say and hear. The Lord showed us in His word to not gossip and slander and to not lie & give false witness against someone.


Today we focus on an issue that may seem unrelated to the Royal Law but can't be separated from the command.


God sees all and judges all.


Many of us forget that God is the judge of all as stated in Psalm 75:7 - It is God who judges: He brings one down, He exalts another. However, He makes it very clear that He watches each of us closely and takes note of what we do and don't do (Proverbs 15:3).


Therefore, we reap what we sow.


Galatians 6:7 tells us, Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. This scripture is a clear warning that we must be intentional in how we live and that includes how we treat others, for the Lord will call us all to account for everything we've done and said. Whatever seed we plant will bear eventual fruit that we shall have to eat. Consequently, we need to be careful how we think of others, what we say, and how we treat people.


Although human beings can only observe what people do, God sees past everybody's exterior behavior. Proverbs 20:27 - The human spirit is the lamp of the Lord that sheds light on one's inmost being. As such, God knows what lurks in the deepest part of us and there can be no pretense with Him. Our mental attitudes must align with His, so we don't allow negative thinking (even about ourselves) to produce actions and communications that are bad fruits to later be reaped.


So as we apply The Royal Law each day let us remember that we cannot hide anything from our God. Indeed all shall reap what they sow. Thus, let us live in accordance with His word that we shall enjoy the benefits of the Royal Law. These benefits stem from obedience and they include God's favor, long life, success in endeavors and more.


May this knowledge guide us to walk in fear and righteousness before Him. The Lord will help us all IJMN, Amen.


For more on the Royal Law, please see:


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The Royal Law: Liars & False Witnesses - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) January 13, 2023

We continue reviewing the Royal Law from the perspective of how we communicate. Previously, we considered gossips and slanderers but today, we focus on liars and those who give false witness against others.


Proverbs 6:16-19 - 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 person who stirs up conflict in the community.


For a long time, I wondered why the Lord took the time to distinguish between someone with a lying tongue (A.K.A. a liar) and a false witness who pours out lies and is therefore, also a liar. Fortunately, the Lord clarified the distinction. A liar tells untruths - big and small. However, a false witness is a type of liar whose words hold weight and can negatively impact someone else. Imagine, for instance, a witness lying against somebody in court. The consequence could be severe.


The fact God highlighted different types of liars should catch our attention. The Bible goes on to spotlight other types of liars and what becomes of them. Proverbs 19:5 - A false witness will not go unpunished, and whoever pours out lies will not go free. Lying was such a big deal, the Lord included it in the Ten Commandments. Deuteronomy 5:20 - You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. Further, He instructed in Leviticus 19:11 - “’Do not steal. “’Do not lie. “’Do not deceive one another. Notice that deception is also a form of lying to the Lord, though many consider it better than telling an outright lie. However, where there is deception, there is often a lie in waiting. Ananias and Sapphira were deceptive and said what they likely thought was a tiny lie. They each died on the spot (Acts 5:1-11).


On some level, most know that lying is wrong. However, many do not realize how intensely God hates the act. As a result, telling 'white' lies is thought to be inconsequential. Far too many craft large webs of untruths thinking the end justifies the means. And there are those skilled in deception who wield it as a weapon. In each of these cases, the liars sadly ignore God's word and thereby use their mouths and fingers to fall into the category of those God hates and has promised to destroy (Psalm 5:6).


As self-professing believers we must be aware of the need to be truthful as it gains us access to the Lord (Psalm 15:1-5). We must also treat others as we want to be treated. Ask yourself, did you ever enjoy being falsely accused? Did it make you happy to learn that an untruth was spreading about you? If any part of you can identify with those questions, then please think long and hard before sharing an untruth. Never give false witness against someone. And do all you can to not be deceptive. Sure, there are times when you can't share information even when a straightforward question was posed. In such cases, the solution is not to lie. Instead, rely on God for the wisdom to answer - or not answer - without deception and lies. This will require being intentional and prayerful to receive such grace in advance.


Unfortunately, all of us have told an untruth but praise the Lord, He offers us forgiveness when we sincerely repent. King David is an example of someone who was deceptive and lied in the way he killed Uriah (2 Samuel 11). Thankfully, he humbled himself before the Lord and was washed clean of his sins. You and I have an opportunity to do the same and receive God's mercy today. May our Heavenly Father forgive us and help us remain mindful of what He desires. May He teach us how to communicate in a manner that honors Him in obedience and express the love we receive from Him to others, IJMN, Amen.


For more on the Royal Law, please see:

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