Good morning! Sometimes we look at loyalty to others as a need to lie for them, cover up their lies or share their lies with others. By protecting them or their lie, we often put our integrity at risk and our own peace. Indirect lies are still lies. Join me as we read Acts chapter 5 verses 7-11.

BIBLE VERSE – Acts 5:7-11 NLT
“⁷ About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. ⁸ Peter asked her, “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?”

“Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”

⁹ Peter said to her, “How could you conspire to test the Spirit of the Lord? Listen! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.”

¹⁰ At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and, finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband. ¹¹ Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.”

REFLECTION
Yesterday, we read in verses 2, “With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.”It was clear that Sapphira was aware of the lie, but chose to go along with the unnecessary deceit.

Peter gave Sapphira an opportunity to respond in truth, but she didn’t and it cost her her life. This testimony of what occurred was a witness to everyone that God is displeased with dishonesty in His church.

When I was a child, my mom would often say everything done in the dark will soon come to light. Those words still run through my mind today. As a child I was afraid to lie, but I did it – yes, mom I cleaned my room or I did my homework. My mom was fully aware of what I did and did not do, before she even asked. The feeling in my heart when she would correct me was awful – I could see the disappointment and frustration which made me feel as though she couldn’t trust me.However, she forgave me and gave me an opportunity to experience forgiveness, grace and rebuild trust.

Sisters and brothers our relationship with God out weighs our relationship with others. As believers (followers of Christ), our words and actions should reflect Him not the lies of Satan. We must protect our hearts, because the enemy would love to discredit any Christian brother or sister and bring down the body of Christ.Satan would also like to destroy our integrity.

Remember everything done in the dark will come to light. Speak truth in love, and refrain from the lies that bring spiritual death.

• What untruth are you struggling with today? _____

• Can you correct it? _________

• Will you allow God to help you be a woman or man of integrity? ________

PRAYER
Father God we thank you for another day. Thank you for your forgiveness and grace. Thank you for the opportunity to come to you imperfect and unworthy. Father forgive us for our sins (known and unknown) against you and your people. Father we don’t deserve your grace but you give it to us. Father we want to be people of integrity who are filled with your Spirit. Father, work in us. Transform us and help us to always speak truth in love. Help us to move away from deceitful actions, practices and behaviors. May our Christian values always align with your word and truth. Father help us to take a stand against injustice and untruths. Help us to be your hands and feet in the communities that we live in and throughout the world. Father we trust you. In Jesus name we pray, amen.

——–

PRAYER REQUEST
Do you have a prayer request? We would love to pray for you. Send your prayer request to: contactus@maryewhiteministries.com

Bible Reference: http://www.biblegateway.com

Copyright ©️ 2022 Mary E. White Ministries, all rights reserved.