- araratchurch
- Oct 22, 2025
- 3 min read
“But the king shall rejoice in God; Everyone who swears by Him shall glory; But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped.”
Psalms 63:11 NKJV
There’s a joke that goes: How do you know when a politician is lying? Answer: Their lips are moving. Now, given, I feel certain that there are still some politicians who value the truth and who do not knowingly tell a lie. But I have seen that there are many numbered in that group who will say whatever it takes to get themselves in a position of power, to keep that position of power, as well as to stay out of jail. They produce lies out of whole cloth with seeming impunity.
I hate lying. As my sons were growing up I used to remind them that they cannot be forced to say anything; but, when they open their mouth, make sure the truth comes out.
The fact is, we have all—in one way or another—been guilty of lying at some point. For that, we need to humbly repent before the Lord. And, we need to make sure that what comes out of our mouth is the truth as weighed in God’s balance.
Yes, lies have led to everything from false imprisonment, to murder, to the taking over of governments with “bloodless” coups, and beyond. You see, although lies are often used in defense of our wayward behavior, lies are also a weapon.
We see all through the Scriptures incidences where people hired liars to bear false witness against someone whom they wanted to see destroyed.
One of the first examples that may come to mind is that of how Ahab and Jezebel dealt with Naboth (1 Kings 21). You see, King Ahab of Israel tried to convince Naboth the Jezreelite to sell the vineyard Naboth owned next to the king's palace. When he refused, Ahab complained to his wife, Jezebel, who—long story short—hired false witnesses against Naboth, leading to his execution.
Sadly, as mentioned regarding politicians, it can seem as though liars are getting by; whereas those who are actually telling the truth, are being accused of committing falsehoods. Now, that’s definitely a recipe for frustration.
I like how the writer of Proverbs puts the ultimate fate of liars:
“A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape. A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies shall perish.”
Proverbs 19:5, 9 NKJV
In today’s portion from David’s psalms, we see David speaking of enemies who had lied against him. Ultimately, he is encouraged in the Lord, knowing that the Lord will see to it that liars do not go unpunished.
People given to habitual lying would do well to consider the prophetic word regarding their ultimate fate:
“He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.””
Revelation 21:7-8 NKJV
And then, there’s this:
“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie.”
Revelation 22:14-15 NKJV
Our part is to make sure that we do not participate in any kind of a lie. And when others do lie, and when their lying affects our lives, we must remember that ultimately, truth will prevail.
For today let us know and understand what David knew:
Liars will be cut off.
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
- araratchurch
- Oct 21, 2025
- 3 min read
Updated: Oct 28, 2025
“Truly my soul silently waits for God; From Him comes my salvation. My soul, wait silently for God alone, For my expectation is from Him.”
Psalms 62:1, 5 NKJV
I saw on the news recently that at a sporting event, somehow, the word got around that there was a threat (an active shooter, a bomb, something). Predictably, running and screaming, pushing and shoving ensued, as the crowd tried to escape the stadium. But this time, thankfully, there was no active shooter, there was no bomb; but even so, many people were injured. You see—in their panic—the people hurt themselves and others!
Sadly, any kind of sudden crisis situation involving large groups of people, will often yield all sorts of chaotic and clamorous behavior, greatly increasing the risk of mishaps and injuries.
Think about it, it’s the way we start out our lives: If something was wrong (we were hungry, we needed a diaper change, we were afraid, etc.), we produced a commotion to get what we wanted/needed. As well, many a toddler has flung themselves onto the floor in a full blown temper tantrum, to register their displeasure regarding, well, anything they don’t like.
But let’s face it, as an adult, unless you’re screaming out for help or to warn other people, all that yelling and screaming and commotion, only makes things worse.
Several years ago, a nightclub caught on fire, causing the people to all rush the exit at once. Tragically, they literally created a human logjam, causing many needless deaths.
Even when a crisis is not sudden, we may still be tempted to be “noisy,” or panicky, with the expression of our angst and distress.
Now, in our relationship with the Lord, there are times when we appropriately cry out to Him with our voice and our spirit. But then comes a time that when waiting for the answer, we must not be noisy with complaints, foolish statements, or anything else that impedes the process of our deliverance.
I’m thinking of the time when the children of Israel stood with the Red Sea on one side of them and the approaching army of Egypt on the other; there is literally no route of escape. And yet, as they begin to panic, Moses instructs them to be still.
“Then Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid! Take your stand [be firm and confident and undismayed] and see the salvation of the Lord which He will accomplish for you today; for those Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see again. The Lord will fight for you while you [only need to] keep silent and remain calm.””
Exodus 14:13-14 AMP
Had they panicked, they surely would have been destroyed!
In today’s portion from David’s psalms (as well as at many other times), we see David expressing his resolve to wait quietly for the Lord. He has made his need known to the Lord. He has cried out to Him. Now, it’s time to show his faith and confident trust by being quiet and still.
Full disclosure: I’m one of those people who screams easily when suddenly frightened, so I understand being noisy. But when our noisiness and clamorous behavior are indicating a lack of trust in the Lord, we may soon find ourselves in a worse situation, all because of our own drama.
For today let us know and understand what David knew:
There’s a time to be quiet when waiting for God’s help.
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!
- araratchurch
- Oct 20, 2025
- 2 min read
“From the end of the earth I will cry to You, When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
Psalms 61:2 NKJV
We’ve all seen the frightening images: Somebody driving along in their car, having tried to cross a flooded out area, now finds themselves surrounded by dangerous flood waters. In desperation they have climbed out of their flooded car and are now standing on the car’s roof, begging for help.
I remember the horrifying images of people standing on the roofs of their houses, waiting to be rescued, in the aftermath of hurricane Katrina. As they waited for help, they knew that they would soon have no place to stand. Tragically, for some, help never came.
I can remember being overwhelmed by a big wave in the ocean. At this particular time I was not able to swim and I desperately sought to make it back to where I could put my feet down. It was an awful feeling.
Even if you have never experienced physically threatening situations, such I have described, you may still know how it feels to be surrounded by trouble, having no idea how to escape. It may seem as though your whole world is being flooded by trouble; and you are standing on a very uncertain perch, desperately crying out from your innermost being for a rescue.
In today’s portion from David’s psalms, we see David, finding himself in overwhelming circumstances, cries out for the saving power of the Rock of his salvation. Indeed, this plea was often repeated from David’s lips. And, thanks be to God, the Lord was always ready to extract him from dire situations:
“He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps.”
Psalms 40:2 NKJV
Sinking in mud and muck, that’s exactly how being overwhelmed can feel. You know you’re in trouble, headed for some dreadful fate. You’re doomed, unless you’re rescued!
I have a copy of a cartoon that aptly puts how we sometimes feel. It features a disheveled looking fellow, hair standing on end, and craziness in his eyes. The man is saying, “I try to take it one day at a time; but lately several days have ganged up against me.”
It seems that David certainly could identify with that cartoon character’s sentiment. I imagine that you can as well. Just remember, the Lord is ready and willing to put your feet back on the solid Rock. That solid Rock has a name: Jesus Christ!
For today let us know and understand what David knew:
When you are overwhelmed, you need to run to the Rock.
Peace to you.
Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!