March Newsletter

West Valley Church   -   March 5, 2025

God Loves YOU SO Much—That’s Why He Gave You And I The 10 Commandments!

Family, everything God tells us to do, or tells us not to do; is for our good, protection, provision and blessing. The 10 Commandments are God guiding us into what’s best for our life. They, guide us into a right relationship with God. They’re foundational for our faith and relationship with Him and others. Will you choose to trust Jesus and allow Him to bless you, protect you, and provide you with the best life and eternal life? Family, that kind of trust only becomes real—when we act on His Commands—By obeying them.

 

Exodus 20:15, “You shall not steal.”

Now, many of us would say, “I’m not a shoplifter or a bank robber, and I don’t steal from others.” But there are different ways that the Bible talks about how we can steal.

 

So, the question BECOMES: ‘How Do We Steal?’

□By deceiving customers.  Amos 6:5, “(They) overcharge, use false measures, and fix the scales to cheat the customers.” (GN)

□By defrauding employers.  Colossians 3:23, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord.”

□By delaying payments.  Leviticus 19:13, “Don’t take advantage of anyone…Don’t hold back the wages of someone you’ve hired, not even for one night.” (GN)

□By defrauding on loans.  Psalm 37:21, “The wicked man borrows and never pays back…” (GN)

□By deceiving the government.  Romans 13:6-7, “…the authorities are working for God…Pay what you owe them; pay your personal and property taxes…” (GN)

□By defrauding the Lord!  Malachi 3:8, “Will a person rob God? Yet you rob me!  but you ask, `How do we rob You, God?  By withholding tithes and offerings! Bring your whole tithe into the church.” A tithe is 10% of your income that God commands us to give to our local church.

 

Ok, so we’ve answered the question of how we might steal, beyond robbing a bank, stealing from others or shoplifting. So, now the question becomes, ‘Why should I be honest?’

Why Should I Be Honest?

  1. I’m Being Watched By God. Job 34:21-22, “God careful watches the goings on of all mankind; he sees them all. No darkness is thick enough to hide evil men from his eyes.” (LB)

Proverbs 20:7, “It is a wonderful heritage to have an honest father.” (LB)

  1. I will reap whatever I sow. Galatians 6:7, “Don’t be misled, remember a man will always reap just the kind of crop he sows!” (LB)

Proverbs 15:27, “Try to make a profit dishonestly and you’ll get your family in trouble.” (GN)  Proverbs 21:6, “Dishonest gain will never last, so why take the risk?” (LB)

 

Now, let me pause for a second and ask, ‘Why do we steal?’

  • Greed
  • Laziness
  • Pride

 

Ok, Back to answering the question of Why Should I Be Honest?

  1. Dishonesty damages my character. Proverbs 10:2, “Wealth you get by dishonesty will do you no good, but honesty can save your life.” (GN)

Proverbs 19:1, “It is better to be poor but honest, than to be a lying fool!” (GN)

  1. God will reward my honesty. Proverbs 28:20, “Honest people will lead a full, happy life but if you are in a hurry to get rich you are going to be punished.” (GN)

Matthew 25:21, “Well done…you’ve shown you can be faithful in small things.  I will trust you with greater ones; come and join in your Master’s happiness!” (JN)

 

Those are some powerful reasons from the Bible on why I should be honest. Remember, God loves us and shows us what’s right. So, then the final question becomes: ‘How do I live with integrity?’ Here’s some steps to integrity. 

Steps To Integrity

  1. Make restitution when possible. Luke 19:8, (Zacchaeus) “If I have cheated anyone, I will pay him back four times as much.” (GN)
  2. Give God My FULL Tithe. Malachi 3:8-10, “Is it right for a person to cheat God? Of course not…Bring the full amount of your tithes to God’s House … and I will pour out on you in abundance…” (GNT)
  3. Make a living honestly. Ephesians 4:28, “The man who used to be a thief must give up stealing, and do an honest day’s work with his own hands…” (Ph)
  4. Do unto others as you want them to do to you. Matthew 7:12, “Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law, and the prophets.”

 

If you and I will do those things, not only will we have a full, happier lifestyle here, but the rewards you and I will experience in heaven will go on and on and on…WHY? 

Because When I choose Integrity God will Prosper Me!

Let’s live with integrity church family!

We love you all!

PD & Julie