When we are walking with the LORD in the Light we are honest and trustworthy. The Word of God commands believers to speak truthfully and condemns both lying and making excuses. Proverbs 6:16-19 which lists a lying tongue as one of the things God hates, and Colossians 3:9, which instructs believers not to lie to each other are just a couple verses that make it clear how important it is to God and ought to be to us. Proverbs 12:22 states that lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, while Matthew 16:8 shows us that making excuses is often a sign of reasoning among ourselves instead of trusting God. Read the account of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden and see where reasoning ends up. 

It is written: “Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator” (Colossians 3:9) and serves as a reminder for believers to abandon deceptive practices. We are called by God to walk in the Light which means we live truthfully with each other because we are new creations in Christ Jesus. 

Putting on the “new self” refers to the transformation that occurs when a person becomes a follower of Jesus Christ, marked by a renewed mind and understanding in the image of God.  As believers, we are encouraged to be honest and truthful in our relationships which reflects the image of God. Proverbs 12:22 contrasts the negative view of deceit and falsehood with God’s favor towards honesty and integrity. We are called to be people of our word and act with faithfulness. 

A foolish man is soon angry, and is hasty in expressing it. He is running like a gerbil on a treadmill to and fro and headed toward mischief. It is wisdom to hate what God hates and love what He loves. It is good for all to dread and detest the sin of lying, and to be governed by honesty in this life. 

Check your own heart today to see if you are walking in the Light.

Don’t stay off course if you are living in sin. Repent and turn to God today! He loves you and wants you to walk with Him. Make certain of your salvation and tell the world about Jesus–He is coming back soon! 

His love and mine,

Deborah

A dear friend and I were walking along the seashore and gazed at breathtaking sunsets to sunrises each new day. Have you ever stopped to watch a sunset and felt something beautiful stir within? Sunsets are reminders of God’s presence and faithfulness, inviting us to be still and to reflect, to trust Him, and find hope in the Creator, the divine artist. If you’ve ever wondered why you feel such peace by the water or wondered about the spiritual meaning behind the vibrantly handprinted skies by God Himself, countless Bible verses about sunsets reveal lessons of renewal and divine promise. 

Sunrise is an invitation to draw near to Him, with the promises of His mercies that are new every morning. It’s a gift from God to be still and explore creation. It’s wisdom to spend time outdoors and detach or unplug from technology and live divinely connected to the God of all creation. 

A sunset’s beauty reflects the glory of God in creation, His unmatched creativity and majesty— the Master Artist and Creator of all. It is written: “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1-6). The sun’s rising and rhythm reminds us of God’s sovereignty over creation and brings a stillness within that only God can give as we continue to walk with Him. 

From the vibrant colors of orange, pink and purple hues to the sun’s gentle descent, each sunset shows God’s detail and care in shaping the natural world about us. It’s a divine invitation to draw near to Him, to pause, reflect, and marvel at His glory. 

There is divine symbolism of light and darkness as well. Light and darkness are powerful symbols of spiritual truths. It is written in Genesis 1, the Creator separates light from darkness, a key act of creation. Sunsets are where day meets night and symbolizes transitions in life where we get to trust God and acknowledge Him in all our ways through the changes. 

Jesus’ words in John 8:12, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life,” is a wonderful and timeless promise of divine hope and direction to all who seek Him. Take time to pray Proverbs 3:5-6 each day as well. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit (or acknowledge) him, and he will make your paths straight” (NIV). 

A sunset brings us to the close of a day but holds the divine promise of a new dawn, reflecting God’s constant presence in our lives. It is written: “Because of the Lord’s great love, we are not consumed…His mercies are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Even at the end the day, as the sun sets so beautifully, we are reminded of God’s unchanging care and mercy, a sign of His unfailing faithfulness and everlasting love. 

HIS LOVE and mine,

Deborah

I would dare to say that the tongue is probably the biggest problem for most people. I would like to call you to heed God’s Word and to spend eternity with Him, and to make certain of your salvation. 

It’s imperative to stop slandering others because speaking evil against another is the product of sinful condemnation, because evil words and sinful condemnations violate the heart of the law. Persisting in evil words and sinful condemnation is to condemn the law of God, because condemning the law of God is to place yourself above God, and all of these things lead to destruction in this life and the one to come unless you genuinely repent. 

Speak life and speak good things toward one another. The Bible is filled with all kinds of reasons not to slander, but it is also filled with incentives to speak words of encouragement and life. One word of encouragement can change a person’s life. It can keep someone from suicide. It can give someone hope to make it another day and to fulfill their God-given destiny. 

Instead of slandering, let us be a church characterized by our words of encouragement and life. Let’s commit ourselves to identify evidences of grace in those we might otherwise be tempted to speak against, speak life instead, and pray for them. Let’s work to recognize the manifestations of the image and goodness of God in one another and talk continually about those things, rather than whatever lingering effects of the fall in the Garden of Eden remain in us. Let’s commit to living aligned with God’s Word and pointing people to Jesus! 

Remember this, God sees us, not in our sin, but in Christ. Because of Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross, victorious resurrection, and glorious ascension, we have been united with Jesus when we place our faith in Him. Our identity is no longer in our sin, but in Christ’s righteousness. Let’s look at other people the way God sees them….Love God, love people and live to know God and make Him known. Tell the world about Jesus today! God loves you!

His love and mine,

Deborah