June 10
"People lie to one another; they flatter and deceive. May the LORD cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that boasts! They say, “We speak persuasively; we know how to flatter and boast. Who is our master?” “Because of the violence done to the oppressed, because of the painful cries of the needy, I will spring into action,” says the LORD. “I will provide the safety they so desperately desire."
- Psalms. 12:2-5 (NET)
Have you ever been the victim of a lie? Most of us have at one time or another. The sting remains a long time. The damage can be severe. Sincerity and truth are so valuable because they seem increasingly rare in our current culture. Many people who are deceivers or liars believe they will meet their goals by deception. Sometimes we may even be tempted to believe some lies are harmless, even useful at times. But God does not overlook lies, deception, bragging, or boasting. These sins can originate from inflated egos, disrespect, or bad attitudes eventually expressed in our speech. The letter of James says the tongue can be our greatest enemy. We all need to be careful how we use ours. Yet it can be hard to know if someone is lying. Unfortunately, people's noses really don't grow like Pinocchio's. So we need different criteria and divine discernment to tell the difference. Yet we can rest assured God knows the difference!
Since God cares deeply for all people including the helpless and poor, he promises to especially protect them from the results of liars or con-artists who promise more than they intended to give. God assures the downtrodden who have been manipulated or harmed by lies that He will confront their oppressors. We can all identify with God's attitude if we have been harmed by lies or been victims of broken promises. However, God's work is not done until we also join him in caring for the poor and defending the oppressed. Yet if we feel sincerity and truth have nearly disappeared, we still have an infallible hope—the truth of God's Word! It is pure and perfect as refined silver. Treasure it today and every day. God will never lie or deceive you in any way! Rejoice when God speaks to you with comfort and truth through his Word for our Lord will never lie, manipulate, or abandon you in any way!
Prayer: God help me to look to you for truth rather than those sources seeking gain by manipulation and deceit. Amen
Meditation For The Day: Lies manipulate. Truth liberates.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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