April Newsletter

West Valley Church   -   April 2, 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 20:16, “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”

Psalm 34:12-13, “Would you like to enjoy life?  Do you want a long life and happiness?  Then keep from speaking evil and from telling lies.” (GN)

  1. So, WHY Do We Lie?

□The cruel lie. (To Hurt)

□The cowardly lie. (No Guts To Tell The Truth)

□The conceited lie. (To Build Up Myself)

□The calculated lie. (Planned Out For Many Bad Reasons)

□The convenient lie. (To Save My Backside)

I’m ashamed to say this, but I think we’ve all probably told all those lies at one time or another. Let’s stop all these lies.

 

SO, HOW DO I TELL THE TRUTH?

  1. Tell The Truth Completely.

Proverbs 10:10, “Someone who holds back the truth causes trouble.” (GN)

Proverbs 28:23, “In the end people appreciate frankness more than flattery.” (LB)

Don’t cover up parts of the truth, even if it’s hard to say, or may be hurtful to someone. We must tell the truth in love and for the good of all. Tell the truth completely.

 

  1. Tell The Truth Consistently.

Ephesians 4:15, “Let our lives lovingly express the truth in all things – speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly.” (Amp)

Proverbs 11:3, “People who can’t be trusted are destroyed by their own dishonesty.” (GN)

Proverbs 13:17, “Reliable communication permits progress.” (LB)

Are you consistently telling the truth, in all situations? Now, I’m, not talking about your opinion, I’m talking about the truth of Jesus. Tell the truth consistently.

 

  1. Tell The Truth Lovingly.

Ephesians 4:15, “Speak the truth in a spirit of love.” (GN)

Ephesians 4:29, “(Speak) only what is helpful for building others up, according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”

Again, we must speak God’s truth in love. Remember, what would Jesus say is truth? What does His word, the Bible say? This isn’t about the world revolving around you or I or your or my opinion, it’s about what Jesus says and wants. Tell the truth lovingly.

 

  1. Tell The Truth Tactfully.

 

Proverbs 12:18, “Thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword, but wisely spoken words can heal.” (GN)

Proverbs 16:23, “Intelligent people think before they speak.” (GN)

Ecclesiastes 8:6, “There is a right time and a right way to do everything.” (GN)

Don’t be a bull in a China shop and break everything in sight. Learn to tell the truth in love, with tact. Tell the truth tactfully.

Family, here’s the real problem:

Matthew 12:34, “For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (GN) How’s your heart? I mean seriously, how’s your heart? Jesus loves you and can help you with your heart problems. Seek Him, read His words and meditate on them. Pray, talk to God honestly and as David did, ask God to create in you a clean heart!

Ephesians 4:17-25, “Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you. (NLT) That’s some powerful advice, and a command that we all need to trust and obey. Apply God’s truth to your life!

For greater clarification and application, let me ask these questions:

  • What kind of talk should come out of our mouths?
  • What should you “get rid of”?
  • What should replace those attitudes and behaviors?
  • Do you find yourself telling “little white lies” on a regular basis? Do you easily justify those lies?
  • Do you need to come clean with anyone?
  • Do you control your tongue or does it control you?
  • Do you find yourself wondering why you said something untruthful or negative about someone else?
  • Where would you place yourself on a scale between: “building others up with my speech” and “tearing them down with my words”?

Those are important questions to process and evaluate our life with. We need hearts full of Christ and His love.

In Closing: Here are four ways we can respond to this command from Jesus:

  1. I will not lie to God-calling myself a Christian while living a life that does not attempt to reflect his principles and attitudes.
  2. I will not lie to other people-I will guard my heart against the temptation to slander others and spread gossip.
  3. I will not lie to myself-I will honestly deal with my weaknesses and failures instead of covering them up.
  4. I will value truth in every area of my life, especially when it comes to my need for a Savior.

We Love You All! Keep growing in your relationship with Jesus and His likeness!

In Christ,

Pastor Doug And Julie