DATE POSTED
Monday, June 29, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
Feel free to read the following verses in your own Bible

Ephesians 4:24-25 ~ Yes, you must be a new and different person, holy and good. Clothe yourself with this new nature. Stop lying to each other; tell the truth, for we are parts of each other and when we lie to each other we are hurting ourselves. (TLB)

Zechariah 8:16 ~ Here is your part: Tell the truth. Be fair. Live at peace with everyone. (TLB).

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

As I meditated on these verses, I tried to recall who first taught me to lie. While I don’t remember any blatant, defining moment of dishonesty, a realization hit me: this is exactly like the other areas of transformation we’ve discussed. When we accept Jesus, our entire character changes because we are under new lordship. I encourage you to look at your own life and circumstances today as I share a piece of my journey.

Before Christ: The Legacy of Deception

From our earliest days, we absorb behavior from those around us—parents, siblings, and friends. During my career, we often had to carefully weigh whether to allow a seasoned employee to train a new hire. On one hand, they could share years of valuable experience. On the other hand, they might also pass along their shortcuts, showing the rookie how to bypass regulatory laws. They could easily teach the “bad stuff” alongside the legitimate and valuable skills necessary to help our employer stay in full compliance with applicable laws.

Outside of work, the world trains us similarly. We pick up “neat tricks” from culture that often edge into outright deception. Before Christ, this worldly influence was our guide. Even if we had Christian friends, the world whispered that they were just fanatics trying to please an unseen God. So, whenever we were backed into a corner, we chose the world’s way—even lying to our dearest Christian friends or pastors to protect ourselves.

However, in His amazing grace and filled with mercy, Jesus placed me in a spot where I heard the gospel one more time, and in a way that I knew it was directed straight at me. And on that precious night in 1976 I surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, inviting Him into my heart as my personal Savior.

After Christ: Walking under New Management

Having taken Ephesians 4:24 deeply to heart, I began the lifelong journey of setting aside the world’s ways—its sin, wickedness, and lies—to live according to my new Master.

You might ask me, “Did you completely stop lying after that night?”

The truth is, while we are saved by the precious blood of Jesus, we still live in a fallen world and face daily temptation. This isn’t an excuse, but a reality. However, I am eternally grateful that God placed the Holy Spirit inside of us to guide, protect, and reveal the Father’s heart. Because of His power, we truly can do all things through Christ.

Whenever I am tempted to fall back into old patterns of deception, the Holy Spirit quickly reminds me that Jesus died to free me from that old nature. God defends and honors us when we stay true to His Word and obey His commands.

Let’s commit to making Zechariah 8:16 a daily standard: Tell the truth. Be fair. Live at peace with everyone. With God as our Helper, remember that you are no longer weak or defenseless against sin. The Holy Spirit is your Advocate and Guide. Listen to His still, small voice—He will never lead you astray.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for rescuing me from the old ways of this world and bringing me under the gracious Lordship of Your Son. Forgive me for the times I may have lied or relied on worldly shortcuts or dishonesty to get by. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to live inside me, serving as my Guide and my Defender. Give me the courage today to speak the truth, act fairly, and pursue peace with everyone I meet. As Truth seekers, may we speak the truth in love and reflect the new nature You have clothed us in. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!