January 8

Genesis 20-21

My heroes in life include anyone who can speak two languages. There are many people who are taking this journey with us and reading in their second language. You guys have my highest praise and admiration. If you want help in comprehending the English, you can actually hear the Bible read to you. Simply go to biblegateway.com/ and download the real player software. This is a great tool to use.

From the commentary today, “If there is any encouragement, it is in knowing that while there is bad in the best of mankind, there is also good in the worst.” We see that goodness displayed in Abimelech’s response to the character flaw in Abraham.

By the way, “Who are you in your heart of hearts? Who are you when no one is looking?” That is what is revealed today in Abraham’s life. Here is a guy who has heard the voice of God on several occasions, negotiated with God face to face, seen the judgments of God, and yet, when he gets into a difficult situation, his default mode of operations is lying!!

Abraham had a serious character flaw. He was a liar. In our culture, lying isn’t even seen as a character flaw these days.

One of the famous quotes at Grace Church is from Erik V.... he worked in NYC for years. He said, “To distinguish yourself in the city you only have to do one thing.... tell the truth.”

People lie all the time. Here are some of our most popular lies:
The check is in the mail.
I’ll give you a call
You get this one, I’ll pay next time
No, I’m not angry
No, that doesn’t bother me
I’ll pray for you
My wife doesn’t understand me
Trust me, I’ll take care of everything
Son, I promise we will play ball tomorrow
Of course, I love you
It’s not the money, it’s the principle of the thing
She means nothing to me
I’ve never done this before
Yes, absolutely

It is so easy to lie. It is so dangerous to lie. Tell the truth at all times.