07/03/08

Do you take lies seriously?

Acts 5: 4b, 5 -- "...how is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You did not lie to us but to God!" Now when Ananias heard these words, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard of it."

I hope that when your children lie, you take it seriously. Courts, the police, the Income Tax department, and others take it seriously! But if it's important in human affairs, isn't it more so before God?

Do we ever lie in the practice of our religion? Do you sing, "All to Jesus I surrender, all to him I freely give" or pray "thy will be done - on earth as it is in heaven"? What about the fellow who says "Amen" in agreement with the scripture that says, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel..." And how about that frequent lie, "We're praying for you?" Oh - and what about that one we usually overlook - "Do you take this person...in sickness or in health...as long as you both shall live? I do." What are the consequences of lying before God - self deception; becoming unusable for God's purposes; reserving for ourselves the wrath of God in judgment? It cost Ananias his life. Have you ever lied to God? Do not take advantage of God's grace; you may not know when it will run out for you.


[ Prayer Starter ]

Father, how many times we have said things that sounded good but we did not believe! Or promised You something and did not deliver? Or confessed our sins but changed nothing in our lives. Forgive us and makes us people of truth. Amen.


[ Reference Scriptures ]

Acts 5:1-10 [NKJV]
1 But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession.
2 And he kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being aware of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles' feet.
3 But Peter said, "Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and keep back part of the price of the land for yourself?
4 "While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own control? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God."
5 Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things.
6 And the young men arose and wrapped him up, carried him out, and buried him.
7 Now it was about three hours later when his wife came in, not knowing what had happened.
8 And Peter answered her, "Tell me whether you sold the land for so much?" She said, "Yes, for so much."
9 Then Peter said to her, "How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out."
10 Then immediately she fell down at his feet and breathed her last. And the young men came in and found her dead, and carrying her out, buried her by her husband.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)