Truth

September 19th – Romans 1:18

Romans 1:18

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness.”

In today’s world, there often seems to be an “anything goes” attitude. Moral and ethical boundaries are increasingly blurred or ignored. However, no matter how wicked this world gets, God’s perspective remains unchanged. And with Him there are no grey areas. Because God doesn’t compromise between right and wrong. And the Lord sees and knows our actions, and whether they align with His will or not. That’s why Paul warns of the consequences of disobeying and rejecting God’s truth. And reminds us of the importance of acknowledging the moral and spiritual consequences of our actions. Because nothing gets by God. And living a life opposite of His truth and embracing ungodliness always leads to destruction. Worse yet, it leads to moral decay and separation from His grace. So lovingly, Paul encourages us to seek truth, righteousness, and a relationship with God. To recognize the significance of aligning our lives with His divine principles.

September 19th – Romans 1:18 Read More »

August 5th – Colossians 4:6

Colossians 4:6

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

In the times of both the Old and New Testament, salt was used for more than just seasoning food. It served as a preservative, disinfectant, currency and part of a temple offering. And as followers of Jesus, our speech should carry the same value. Salt was often used to preserve meat and keep it from spoiling. Our words should preserve the true gospel of Jesus Christ, and keep it from being spoiled by those who would twist it. Salt was also often used to kill bacteria. With our speech we too can kill the bacteria of false gospels by sharing the inerrant Word of God. When the Romans were interesting in purchasing a slave, salt was given as payment. When our speech points others to Christ, we lead them to One who purchased their freedom with His precious blood. And when the people brought their sacrifices to the altar of burnt offerings, none could be offered without the seasoning of salt. The smell lifted to God as a pleasing aroma, as does as our speech when it’s filled with the flavor of grace, truth, humility, and love.

August 5th – Colossians 4:6 Read More »

July 11th – Proverbs 30:6

Proverbs 30:6

Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.”

As the days get closer to the Lord’s return, Jesus warns about the increase of false teachers. (Matt. 24:24) Whether it’s an ear tickling gospel, a prosperity gospel, or a works based gospel, if it doesn’t line up with God’s gospel, it is a false gospel. These false gospels keep us chained to rules and laws. And feed us lies that there are many roads to God. False gospels tell us that through our own efforts we can earn everlasting life. The consequences of heeding these false teachings can be severe. Because they can lead to spiritual confusion, moral compromise, and a departure from the true path of faith. To protect ourselves from the influence of these wolves in sheep’s clothing, we must diligently study the Bible, seeking to understand its context, message, and teachings. By grounding ourselves in God’s Word and relying on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can navigate through the deceitful tactics of false teachers and remain firmly rooted in the unchanging truth of God’s Word.

 

July 11th – Proverbs 30:6 Read More »

July 9th – Proverbs 27:6

Proverbs 27:6

Faithful are the wounds of a friend; profuse are the kisses of an enemy.

When speaking about friends and enemies Mark Twain once said, “It takes your enemy and your friend, working together, to hurt you to the heart. The one to slander you and the other to get the news to you.” Sometimes friendship involves having the courage to speak the truth, even when it may be difficult or uncomfortable. But we must check our heart motives when sharing truth. Are we sharing with a spirit of love, kindness, and good intentions? Or are we sharing out of an eagerness to gossip? When sharing with our friends, it’s essential to approach those conversations with humility. And with the intention of seeking to understand and support others rather than tearing them down. Or worse yet, to embarrass or hurt them. True Christian friendship is anchored in truth, as it seeks to build each other up in love and righteousness. And true Christian friends are those committed to speaking truth in love, gently correcting and encouraging one another to grow in faith.

July 9th – Proverbs 27:6 Read More »

June 26th – John 8:44

John 8:44

He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.”

Two of the of the greatest weapons Satan has in his armory are guilt and shame. And he wields them generously. He whose name means Accuser does just that, whispering in our ears that we are unclean, unforgivable, unworthy, and unloved. He delights in reminding us of our past sins. Constantly he tries to inject our hearts with feelings of doubts about God’s truth and love. And when we give him even an inch of opening, he takes full advantage. He’ll turn that inch into a mile; taking up residence and building destructive strongholds in our minds. But He is a liar and not to be believed. And so we must cling to the truth of the Lord. Jesus while hanging on the Cross says with His final breath, “It is finished!” (John 19:39) Our Savior declared all of our sins, past, present, and future, paid in full; forgiven forever. Because of His shed blood we are deemed righteous, no matter what the Enemy tries to tell us.

June 26th – John 8:44 Read More »

December 19th – 1 john 5:11

1 John 5:11

When Moses gave Israel God’s Law, he told them of the grave punishment for bearing false witness against another. If the testimony given was untrue, the liar received the punishment intended for the one they falsely accused. When witnesses testify in court they’re sworn to to tell the truth and nothing but the truth. Yet unfortunately we know that people and their promises can’t always be trusted. But that’s never the case with God. We can trust that He is always true, honest, and faithful to keep His word. Throughout the Old Testament we read the glorious testimony given by God. Promises about a Messiah who would come to save the world. Which came true with the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Who is the Savior God sent to redeem the world. In His unmerited love, God has provided the way to eternal life through His only begotten Son. This is true, and this is life!

 

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November 28th – 1 Timothy 1:15

1 Timothy 1:15

I am thankful that God loves a sinner like me 

When it came to Christians, Paul was public enemy number one. No one persecuted God’s people more fanatically than him. Yet even though Paul was intent on destroying God’s church, when he accepted Jesus as his Savior, he received God’s forgiveness and unmerited grace. And so Paul says to all of us, “Look at me. If God is willing to save someone as wretched as myself, He’s willing to save all of those who believe in Him.” Could there be a more amazing truth? No matter who we are or what we’ve done, God wants us!  He wants to be our Father and cover us with His loving grace. We live in a world that fiercely opposes God’s truth. Even so that shouldn’t deter us from sharing the gospel, never giving up, and always fighting the good fight. For God’s Word is true, and “to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.” (1 Tim 1:17)

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February 20th – Psalm 145:18

Psalm 145:18

Psalm 145 known as David’s Psalm of praise, celebrates the greatness, goodness, and grace of God. Our God who satisfies “the desires of every living thing”. Who is “faithful in all He does” and “near to all who call on Him in truth.” But what does it mean to to call on God in truth? It means coming before the Lord in complete and open honesty. Pouring out all of our hopes, fears, troubles, and sins. Holding nothing back from the One who knows us better than we know ourselves. To lay all we are and have, the good and the bad at His feet. And trusting in His guidance, healing, forgiveness, and great love. For when we hold nothing back in complete vulnerability, it is then we experience the fullness of God and a closer walk with our Heavenly Father.

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November 14th – 2 Timothy 2:13

2 Timothy 2:13 

Many are the wonderful characteristics of God. And one that we count on the most is His faithfulness, because we ourselves cannot be. In our human frailty, we disappoint, let down, and hurt the ones we love. But not God. He is always faithful, all of the time. Faithful to His promises, His love, and His justice. I once read God’s faithfulness described as the gold standard of everything great and good. I love that! We can rejoice because God forever remains faithful when His people are anything but. And it was out of that loving faithfulness that He sent His Son as a sin payment for the world. Once we receive Christ as our Savior, we are sealed in Him forever. And how thankful are we that  because we are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus, our Father cannot deny His name, His Word, or His truth. The truth that because of His faithfulness, “nothing will ever separate us the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38–39).

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November 9th – 2 Timothy 3:16

2 Timothy 3:16

Members of the church at Ephesus struggled with outside influences trying to mislead them away from sound biblical doctrine. And sadly, these same influences are still alive in today’s culture. Our society is filled with immorality, false religions, and an “everything goes” attitude. Today’s churches are trading God’s truth for “feel good religion”, and believers are being led astray. But thankfully, as Christian’s we know there is truth to be found in the Word of God. For as Psalm 119:160 tells us, “The sum of Your Word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.” The Bible is our God given guide to life, and every word written on its pages true. And not just true, but eternally true. So rejoice and give thanks, knowing that when we cling to its contents, we stand on an foundation of truth no lie can shake.

November 9th – 2 Timothy 3:16 Read More »