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Today is Thursday July 23, 2009 and we are continuing our studies in the book of Proverbs, please read chapters 12-15 in your Bible or Click Here to read them. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs%2012-15&version=9

Today's Message: No Little White Lie
Christians today are often tempted to modify the truth just a little bit to fit their situation, but when we try to change truth, no matter how small or convenient, it becomes a lie and can lead to pain and suffering in the end.

Besides being a revelation of God to man, the Bible is meant to provide practical instruction that covers every aspect of life, from love and relationships to correction and obedience, God teaches us how we can live an abundant, blessed filled life. However, if we are not careful of the things we do, even the smallest thing can create much pain and suffering. “Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved..............He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellors of peace is joy. There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight.” - Proverbs 12:1-3,17-22. God despises even the little white lie, a lying tongue destroys trust in another person's word, just one conversation can do evil that will last a lifetime simply through one little white lie. Incidentally, there is no such thing as a little white lie, it is just as deceitful and will cause harm in the end. The tongue of a liar strips a man of what makes life beautiful, it takes away his good name, and breaks bonds of friendship.

The tongue should be an instrument of life controlled by the Holy Spirit. The tongue that is controlled by the Holy Spirit becomes an instrument of imparting His life and truth to others. Jesus sent us the Holy Spirit to dwell in us as He did on the earth so that we can learn His truths. Jesus said, “Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.” - John 16:13. The Holy Spirit that dwells in all believers of Christ guides us and teaches His truths, the more we yield to Him the less we will be able to speak even the smallest of lies. In fact, just yesterday I was trying not to tell a person where I bought something from, but the Holy Spirit would not let me lie. If I had gotten away with just that little white lie there would have been consequences in the end, that little hidden truth would have given me the false sense of thinking if I got away with that lie I can get away with others. You see how Satan works?

God also teaches us how to raise up our children, the greatest acts of love we can do for our children's future is to teach them obedience and respect, first to Christ as their personal Savior and Lord of their lives, then to their parents and all who are in authority, including schoolteachers and law enforcement officers. “A wise son heareth his father's instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke...........A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children: and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. Much food is in the tillage of the poor: but there is that is destroyed for want of judgment. He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes. The righteous eateth to the satisfying of his soul: but the belly of the wicked shall want.” - Proverbs 13:1,22-25. The rod is a symbol of authority that God has committed to parents for training their children. To apply that rod means to exercise that authority, not with a literal rod, but discipline, the rod must be administered firmly yet lovingly. We must not expect adult maturity from our small children. They need the same loving-kindness and patience from us that we desire from our Heavenly Father. Even mature Christians are prone to forget how many times the Lord, with long-suffering love, has forgiven our sins and failures throughout the years. “Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;” - Psalm 103:1-4.

We can develop our children's respect for God-ordained authority and, at the same time, provide them with an assurance of both our love and God's love for them. In doing this, it is important to spend time with our children, especially reading the Bible and praying with them, in order to develop in them a concern for the things of God. Biblical discipline follows the example of our loving Father in heaven, who corrects and disciplines everyone whom He loves. “The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat. The ear that heareth the reproof of life abideth among the wise. He that refuseth instruction despiseth his own soul: but he that heareth reproof getteth understanding. The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom; and before honour is humility.” - Proverbs 15:30-33. The earlier we teach them, the more respect they have for God, the more they will take correction with stride, that goes for us as well. Truth, not matter how painful guided by the Lord does not get one offended, but teaches one to change his/her ways.

Today's Prayer:
Dear God,
When our earthly fathers discipline us, it is intended for immediate correction and future application. At the time it is painful and a humiliation of sorts. As with You, Father, Your discipline is not pleasant at the time, but painful. Yet, we stand upon Your promise that “later on, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those of us who are trained by it.”  It transforms our thinking, shapes our values, and corrects our behavior so that we become more and more like Christ. In Jesus' Name.............Amen.

Have a wonderful and blessed day/night and enjoy the rest of your week.
God Bless You,
Christina

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