u/Alive_Friendship_895

God Desires Honesty, the “Wisdom of Hiding” as some cults call it is in no way Biblical.

'He delights in those who tell the truth.' Proverbs 12:22 NLT

Rosalie Elliot made it to the fourth round of a national spelling contest. The eleven-year-old from South Carolina was asked to spell the word 'avowal'. In her soft southern accent she spelled the word, but the judges were unable to determine if she had used an 'a' or an 'e' as the next-to-last letter. They debated among themselves for several minutes as they listened to the recording, but it was too accent-blurred to decipher. Finally, the chief judge put the question to the only person who knew the answer. 'Was the letter an 'a', or was it an 'e'?' he asked Rosalie. By this time, being surrounded by whispering young spellers, Rosalie knew the correct spelling of the word. Still, without hesitation, she replied that she had misspelled the word, and she walked from the stage. The audience stood and applauded, including newspaper reporters. The moment was a proud one for her parents. Even in defeat, she was a victor. And, more has been written about Rosalie Elliot over the years than about the 'unknown' winner of the event.
As a redeemed child of God, your heavenly Father requires honesty in word and deed. 'Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed' (Proverbs 12:19 NLT). 'Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds' (Colossians 3:9 NKJV). 'Therefore, put away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbour," for we are members of one another' (Ephesians 4:25 NKJV).

Tell the truth

Sunday 9th August 2026

'He delights in those who tell the truth.' Proverbs 12:22 NLT

Rosalie Elliot made it to the fourth round of a national spelling contest. The eleven-year-old from South Carolina was asked to spell the word 'avowal'. In her soft southern accent she spelled the word, but the judges were unable to determine if she had used an 'a' or an 'e' as the next-to-last letter. They debated among themselves for several minutes as they listened to the recording, but it was too accent-blurred to decipher. Finally, the chief judge put the question to the only person who knew the answer. 'Was the letter an 'a', or was it an 'e'?' he asked Rosalie. By this time, being surrounded by whispering young spellers, Rosalie knew the correct spelling of the word. Still, without hesitation, she replied that she had misspelled the word, and she walked from the stage. The audience stood and applauded, including newspaper reporters. The moment was a proud one for her parents. Even in defeat, she was a victor. And, more has been written about Rosalie Elliot over the years than about the 'unknown' winner of the event.

As a redeemed child of God, your heavenly Father requires honesty in word and deed. 'Truthful words stand the test of time, but lies are soon exposed' (Proverbs 12:19 NLT). 'Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds' (Colossians 3:9 NKJV). 'Therefore, put away lying, "Let each one of you speak truth with his neighbour," for we are members of one another' (Ephesians 4:25 NKJV).

1 Samuel 16:7
The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

Lord our Father,
Thank you that it is not our outward appearance that defines us, but the posture of our hearts before you. Thank you that you see our hearts. You know what motivates us, you know our innermost thoughts, our deepest desires, and the reasons behind them.
Lord, please help us to see others as you see them. Help us to look beyond outward appearances and the personas people project, and instead see their hearts with compassion, grace, and love.
Please give us a genuine desire for your presence and help us to seek you with sincere hearts. Shape our hearts to reflect yours, so that your love is seen in the way we treat others.
In Jesus name, amen.

1 Corinthians 2:9–10
9 However, as it is written:
“What no eye has seen,
what no ear has heard,
and what no human mind has conceived,”
the things God has prepared for those who love him,
10 these are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit.
The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God.
Lord, Thank you for revealing your truth through your Spirit. Thank you that we do not have to rely on our own wisdom to know you. You have made your plan of salvation known through Jesus Christ, and we thank you for the forgiveness, righteousness, and eternal life that are ours by grace through faith.
Help us to grow in understanding your Word and to trust what you have revealed rather than our own thoughts. Teach us by your Spirit each day, and help us to live with confidence, knowing that all your promises are true.
Thank you for the wonderful things you have prepared for those who love you, both now and for all eternity.
In Jesus name, Amen.

Walk in fear, or love?
Wednesday 22nd July 2026

'Perfect love drives out fear.' 1 John 4:18 NIV

Research showing that love mindsets are the norm while fear mindsets are learned is revolutionary for scientists. But it's not new if you look at Scripture: 'There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear' (1 John 4:18 NIV).
Over the past several decades, scientists have researched the anatomy and physiology of love and fear. These are two different systems, and at any one conscious moment, we will be operating in one or the other. Science is showing us that there is a massive 'unlearning' of negative toxic thoughts when we operate in love. We can unlearn negative fear - it is not part of our innate natural functioning. Recent neuroscientific research suggests that some of the chemicals the brain releases when we are operating in love, including oxytocin, can calm fear and worry, support the brain's capacity for positive change, and help us form healthier ways of thinking and connecting with others. This chemical also flows when we trust, bond and reach out to others. So, choosing to operate in love can literally 'drive out fear'. Research also shows that when we do good things and reach out in love, endorphins and serotonin are also released. These detoxify our brains and increase our motivation and wisdom, helping us handle life better.
We see the profound consequences of choosing between love and fear in Scripture: 'I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life' (Deuteronomy 30:19 NIV). In Ecclesiastes 7:29 (NLT) we are told, 'God created people to be virtuous, but they have each turned to follow their own downward path'. The choice is yours: walk in fear or walk in love.

Psalm 147:3
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”

Heavenly Father,
Thank you that you see every wound, even the ones no one else understands. You know the pain caused when people misuse your name to control, shame, or frighten others. Thank you that your heart is not like theirs.
Please heal the places in our hearts that have been hurt by spiritual abuse. Replace our fear with your peace, our shame with your grace, and our confusion with your truth. Help us to see you as you truly are, loving, kind, patient, and full of mercy.
Renew our trust in you. Teach us to recognize your voice above the voices of condemnation and manipulation. Remind us that we are accepted because of Jesus, not because of our performance. Thank you that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)
Give us wisdom as we continue to heal, courage to set healthy boundaries, and hope for the future. Help us to grow in the freedom that Christ has given us and to rest in the certainty of your unfailing love.
In Jesus name, Amen.

Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.”

Lord, thank you for choosing us and for never letting us go. Thank you for showing us, through Jesus, how to reflect your love in this world. As we are deeply loved by you, help us to clothe ourselves with Christlike character, walking each day in your righteousness and reflecting your love in our words and actions.
When we are wrong, give us humble hearts that are quick to admit our mistakes and make things right with others. When we are wronged, help us to forgive with grace. If correction is needed, help us to speak the truth gently and with love, always seeking restoration rather than condemnation.
Help us to see people through your eyes, with compassion and understanding. Teach us to treat everyone with kindness, humility, gentleness, and respect, remembering that each person is precious to you.

Lord, we surrender our anger to you. Where there is bitterness, replace it with gentleness. Where there is impatience, fill us with your peace and patience. May your Holy Spirit shape our hearts so that our lives point others to Jesus.
We pray in Jesus name, Amen.

1 John 3:20
“If our hearts condemn us, we know that God is greater than our hearts, and he knows everything.”

Righteous Judge, you are greater than our hearts, even on their loudest and harshest nights. Today we choose to believe your Word over our feelings.
We have often extended grace to others while withholding it from ourselves.
By faith, we receive the verdict you have already declared over us through Jesus Christ: not guilty, because Jesus paid our debt in full at the cross. We lay down every false sentence of condemnation and rest in your grace, knowing that your judgment is true, your mercy is sure, and your love never fails.
In Jesus name. Amen.