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1 Chronicles 29:17a NiRV - Pastor Mark

“My God, I know that you tested our hearts. And you are pleased when we are honest.”   1 Chronicles 29:17a (NIrV) 

  Our memory verse is an excerpt from David’s prayer regarding the offerings made for the construction of the temple Solomon was to build. The offering received was more than enough to finish the project, and David shared with God how all of Israel acknowledged their offering would never have been possible without His provision.  Further, Israel recognized everything they possessed truly belonged to God. In this verse, David says to God he knows His expectation of Israel... He would only be pleased with honesty.   

The offering to build the temple was a way for God to test the hearts of the people; but, as their leader, King David also observed and judged their actions.  One commentator put it this way, “David judged, as in reason and clarity he ought, of the tree by its fruit, and of their hearts by their actions.”  By their actions, all of Israel passed the test; and in that moment, they were found to be honest.  God was more interested in their honesty than He was in the amount they gave. 

Let’s skip forward to the beginning of the church, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. In chapter 4, we understand each believer willingly shared their possessions with one another. One man, called Barnabas sold a piece of land and brought the money to lay at the apostle’s feet. Then, in chapter 5, a second man, named Ananias also sold a piece of land.  However, Ananias with his wife, Sapphira conspired to hold back part of the money for themselves. 

It is clear from Chapter 5 of Acts, keeping a part or all of the money would not have been an issue had Ananias and Sapphira only been honest.  However, their deceitful actions were judged; and not only did they lie to the apostles, but they lied to God.  Dishonesty cost Ananias and Sapphira their lives. 

  While we have seen people seemingly “get away” with deception, we must remember the price of dishonesty is too heavy to bear.  Dishonesty destroys relationships and is capable of stealing all that we value! Let us honor God with our actions!

01/13/2021

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in Weekly Memory Verses 2021

6 comments

  • Paul
    Paul Wichita Falls
    Jan 17 2021 8:12 AM
    I am reminded of a phrase I heard many years ago and comes to mind today when I catch people in the middle of their lies. “Oh the web we weave when we try to deceive.” The web keeps getting bigger and bigger the more that lie grows. Eventually we become entangled in that web and there is no way out of it except by coming forth and telling the truth. But by then, trust is gone. It is important that from the beginning, speak what is true. It may be painful or there may be consequences, but it is much better than trying to keep track of the lies that continue to build off of each other.

    I am reminded of a phrase I heard many years ago and comes to mind today when I catch people in the middle of their lies. “Oh the web we weave when we try to deceive.” The web keeps getting bigger and bigger the more that lie grows. Eventually we become entangled in that web and there is no way out of it except by coming forth and telling the truth. But by then, trust is gone. It is important that from the beginning, speak what is true. It may be painful or there may be consequences, but it is much better than trying to keep track of the lies that continue to build off of each other.

  • Daniel Robertson
    Daniel Robertson
    Jan 18 2021 9:26 AM
    What an important reminder about the power and significance of honesty. We need this reminder especially with all of the deception and false accounts being shared by news outlets and on social media. I am thankful that Jesus is the Way, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. I am praying that God helps me to know His truth, and to only speak His truth.

    What an important reminder about the power and significance of honesty. We need this reminder especially with all of the deception and false accounts being shared by news outlets and on social media. I am thankful that Jesus is the Way, the TRUTH, and the LIFE. I am praying that God helps me to know His truth, and to only speak His truth.

  • Jacklyn
    Jacklyn Iowa Park
    Jan 18 2021 9:36 AM
    This is a powerful message for the times we’re all living in. If I might add something God revealed to me yesterday before church I believe can also shed some more light on honesty; as much as God values our honesty to Him and others, He also wants our Honesty with ourselves. Yesterday morning before church I threw my hands up and said, “God deal with me!” He loosened what I thought I “should say or feel and got down to my HONEST emotions. My true hurts and hang ups so He could heal and replenish my heart with Him. He took me through it for a reason, I know, but He couldn’t take me deeper until I got Honest with Him. Let our offerings be not only monetary but also our hearts. He only wants it so that He can increase and grow in your relationship with Him.

    This is a powerful message for the times we’re all living in. If I might add something God revealed to me yesterday before church I believe can also shed some more light on honesty; as much as God values our honesty to Him and others, He also wants our Honesty with ourselves. Yesterday morning before church I threw my hands up and said, “God deal with me!” He loosened what I thought I “should say or feel and got down to my HONEST emotions. My true hurts and hang ups so He could heal and replenish my heart with Him. He took me through it for a reason, I know, but He couldn’t take me deeper until I got Honest with Him. Let our offerings be not only monetary but also our hearts. He only wants it so that He can increase and grow in your relationship with Him.

  • Sabrina
    Sabrina Iowa Park
    Jan 18 2021 9:52 AM
    I know all well how dishonesty can destroy a family. I have lied. My husband has lied. Our children have lied. Now because of recovery, I’d rather have the difficult conversation and confess my untruths (and be extremely uncomfortable for a few moments) rather than live with years and years of deceit being reaped. Bringing all darkness into the light is what our savior does in our hearts! Thank you Jesus for making all things NEW!

    I know all well how dishonesty can destroy a family. I have lied. My husband has lied. Our children have lied. Now because of recovery, I’d rather have the difficult conversation and confess my untruths (and be extremely uncomfortable for a few moments) rather than live with years and years of deceit being reaped. Bringing all darkness into the light is what our savior does in our hearts! Thank you Jesus for making all things NEW!

  • Victoria
    Victoria Texas
    Jan 18 2021 8:01 PM
    Thank you for this post! There is a reason honesty is so important to the Lord and for a believer. How can we be trusted in what we say of Christ if lies slip from our mouths. Jesus is called the truth and Satan is called the father of lies.

    Thank you for this post! There is a reason honesty is so important to the Lord and for a believer. How can we be trusted in what we say of Christ if lies slip from our mouths. Jesus is called the truth and Satan is called the father of lies.

  • james
    james USA
    Jan 28 2021 3:59 AM
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