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Lies: Cages & Consequences 2 - Friday Praise & Pray (for others) March 20, 2026
Lies are cages that bind the teller of an untruth and the person who hears it and believes. It doesn't seem that way at first when you tell a 'little' lie here and another 'little lie there. However, when we look at things from God's perspective, we quickly realize there's nothing little about lying.
As previously noted, it is crucial to remember that the telling of a lie causes the dishonest to agree with satan. This is because deception is not a part of the Lord's heavenly protocol. In fact, the Bible teaches that God cannot lie (Hebrews 6:18). Jesus was so truthful that He told all believers that they would face persecution because of Him (Luke 21:17). He revealed that following Him would be unpleasant, so all could make educated choices.
The devil, on the other hand, doesn't do that. It is called the father of lies, and lying is its native language (John 8:44). That's partly why Eve was no match for the serpent in the Garden of Eden. Up until that point, she'd only heard the truth. And we all know that satan's lies caused Adam and Eve's expulsion from paradise. Eve agreed with the falsehood and then shared its evil fruit with Adam, and all their offspring have borne the consequences ever since.
It is easy to make light of fibs, but there is nothing light about them. Consider, for instance, the groups and organizations that pump out deceitful information to their loyal following, some of whom then go out into the world to carry out violence, creating chaos, fear, and grief in the lives of individuals, families, and entire communities. In that way, they cause them to sin against the Lord.
What about the corporations that falsely advertise harmful products as safe, having calculated that if they make enough money, they can pay future damages to the injured? And of course, individuals are manufacturing carefully crafted deceptions to influence those who develop discontentment, question how God created them, and become hypercritical toward themselves. Or, others who opt to do sinful things to replicate the fake lifestyles being projected.
These different ways of lying are prevalent in our society and across the world. Many of us are even willing participants. They can cause millions to believe untruths and, in so doing, come into agreement with the originator of all lies, satan. Remember, God's word tells us in Job 22:21 - Agree with God and be at peace; thereby good will come to you (ESV). When people agree with satan, the very enemy of their souls, who does that serve? Certainly not the Lord!
Praise God that, despite countless people disobeying Job 22:21, there is grace for people to be released from the consequences of lies and the cages they create. And those consequences are significant. God hates habitual liars, which explains why He treats satan with such disdain (Proverbs 12:22). Deceptive people will not enjoy a good life because they will reap what they've sown (1 Peter 3:10). They also will not make it to heaven if they do not repent and stop telling untruths (Psalm 101:7; Revelation 22:15).
Don't be fooled into thinking that unrepentant liars have it good. They 'package' and pretend in public, but the truth is many endure problems the righteous will never face, struggle with strange diseases, and cannot sleep, among other problems. There will always be consequences for failing to obey God's word. Yet, the Lord's mercy is giving them time to repent and turn from their wicked ways (2 Peter 3:9). If they do not, God's judgment will eventually come. And we believers shouldn't desire the wrath of God for ourselves or anyone else, for that matter.
Instead, we should focus on repenting and making changes by the grace of Jesus Christ, and with the help of God's Spirit. When we lean on the Holy Spirit, He will provide discernment to distinguish between the spirits behind the communications and messaging we encounter (1 Corinthians 12:10). This will limit us from agreeing with satan and its lies.
The Holy Spirit will also alert us when the potential to deceive is approaching and guide us to speak truthfully. Sometimes, He will instruct us to say little or nothing at all in an effort to prevent the telling of falsehoods. He may even cause us to walk away so we don't hear a delectable tale that is false. And if we fail, He will highlight the need to repent, without using guilt or shame. He will help us do better next time, so we grow more honest and become those who, by God's mercy, no longer agree with satan through lies. There is grace, and we serve a God who is invested in molding us to be more like His Son. He will help us all by His grace and to His glory. It shall be well with us, IJMN, Amen.
As you await fellowship at Noon EST, consider reading the Altar Call below and the following previous P&P messages:
ALTAR CALL
No matter how blemished we are, Jesus died on the cross to erase every sin and wash us clean over and over again.
We take advantage of that great gift by acknowledging His sacrifice, proclaiming Him our Savior, and praying in His name for forgiveness of our sins
Now is your opportunity to do just that and get baptized in the Spirit (John 3:5).
So if your heart is open, plus if, as in Psalm 42:2, your soul thirsts for God and you want to appear in His presence, why don't you say the following prayer?
Lord Jesus, I confess that I am a sinner and repent for my sins. And I believe that you are the Son of God. I believe that you came, you died, you rose again, and you paid the price for my sins. Today, I accept the new life, today, I accept the Holy Spirit. Come dwell in me, make Your home in me. I will never be the same again. In Jesus's Name, Amen.
Praise God and welcome to the household of the Lord. For you have to have Jesus in you in order to have God the Father (John 14:6).
Please let the Lord transform you. He loves you as you are and welcomes you just that way, but He will change you. I'd be doing you a disservice if I didn't let you know. My recommendation is that you let Him have His way and bow to the changes He will bring your way.
To learn more about the faith and find answers to some questions you might have, check out this handy page - ! How to have a stronger relationship with YHWH God!