April 14 -The Truth for a Lie

Matthew 28:8-20

Today we read about a plan by the chief priests to fabricate an explanation for Jesus’ empty tomb. This story is only found in Matthew and it was likely included to refute this false explanation for the empty tomb that still lingered in Matthew’s day.

The chief priests and the elders were trying to “exchange the truth for a lie” – an attempt that was pretty weak when you stop to ask a few questions:
· If the guards were asleep, how did they know the disciples stole the body?
· Why would the disciples steal the body? It is clear in the gospel accounts that despite Jesus’       teachings they were not expecting his resurrection.
· And… why did the disciples start preaching Jesus death and resurrection within weeks of the crucifixion and suffer persecution and ultimately death – for a lie?

But don’t we often “exchange the truth for a lie”? In Romans 1:25 Paul writes, “25 They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.” This verse was written regarding sexual immorality, which was certainly a problem in Paul’s day and continues to be in ours. But isn’t it more than that? It seems that the times we are living in are revealing some of the lies that we have exchanged truth for, even if sexual immorality is not one of them. I think each of us could identify a couple of areas where we have “served created things rather than the Creator” – money, jobs, government, possessions, health, ….

Now is a time when we need to be reminded of truth. It is interesting to note that Matthew places his story of the chief priests and guards between two instances that document the truth of Jesus’ resurrection. Matthew 28:9 talks about Jesus meeting the women who went to his tomb. Matthew 28:17 talks about the risen Jesus meeting with the disciples.

Christ has risen!! This is the truth that we all must embrace. He is alive today no differently than he was when he appeared to the women and his disciples and many others after his crucifixion. He loves us and he knows exactly what is happening in each of our lives, especially during these challenging times. Let’s use these times to examine ourselves and remove any lies that we might be serving instead of “the Creator – who is forever praised. Amen.”

The Waiting Game

But now, this is what the Lord says—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine. (Isaiah 43:1)

Advent is our season of waiting. We wait for a baby to appear on the scene. As Christians, we know the significance of this baby. Before we were followers of Christ we still waited. Waited for Christmas, for Santa, for shopping to be finished or for payday so we could finish gift hunting.

Little did we know then that the greatest gift of all was soon to make an appearance. Our dark world would soon be lit up. Truth would make an entrance, and nothing would ever be the same again. Even our 'waiting' would change.

About nine years ago I was waiting for Jesus in a different way. My husband received a terminal diagnosis and we waited to see what God would do. I was waiting for Him send a cure, instead He sent a Savior to take my husband back home with Him.

Because of Advent, that time of waiting for a Savior--a Redeemer, my waiting was not a hopeless time, but a time of growing in faith and endurance.

Imagine Jesus' mother, Mary, and her time of waiting. Again, a time of waiting for a Savior, a Redeemer. As I am starting to learn, waiting is not a negative state, but a state of pregnant expectation.

Each year we begin this season waiting and anticipating what God will do for us, with us, and sometimes despite us, in the coming year. How are you spending your ‘waiting’ time this year? Please share in the comments below, or feel free to email me here.

Isaiah 43:1-13

Charge On

Welcome Tori Short as today's guest writer!

Colossians 1:9-14

“9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,[a] 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you[b] to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

Take a minute, grab a cup of coffee, turn off the noise of the moment and take a deep breath...close your eyes...take a deep breath again. Now read this verse again and again. This passage was written for you, yes YOU!

Sometimes we forget who we are...what our charge of the day is. Our lives require a lot out of us. This verse tells us who are and the promises that God has for each of us!

Life can be lonely and hard but did you know that you are being prayed for? Friends, family, loved ones, the Church..is praying for YOU. Someone is praying that you would know the love of God, feel His presence in your life, see Him all around your world and in your heart.

We are often clouded and forget that we were made with a distinct, significant purpose. This purpose is to know God, bask in His love, learn of and from Him, bless others, to be blessed, to share God with others and  to share His redemption story of our lives with others.  Because of this we get to live in His glory...to be rescued from sin and live in heaven.

Isn’t there comfort in this truth? Isn’t it a breath of fresh air to have this sort of check and balance that is only between you and Jesus? This passage affirms our faith and who we are destined to be in Him. It is our charge...our mission statement.

Take comfort in this...you have and are being prayed for...both on earth and the angels in heaven...praying that your fullness, your meaning, your significance would rest in the One who created you. Lean on this truth, rest in this truth, breathe in this truth. Simply have peace in this truth...now face today...God has you and together, you can face all that awaits.

Truth is Truth

"If we go around bragging, 'We have no sin,' then we are fooling ourselves and are strangers to the truth." (1 John 1:8 VOICE)

"...the truth is not in us..." (NIV)

"...refusing to accept the truth..."(TLB)

"...only fooling ourselves..." (MSG)

Of all the many the names of Jesus, Truth is a mighty one. He is many other things: Light, Savior, Redeemer and Lamb, to only name a few. But Truth stands out for me today. We are surrounded by so much untruth, out and out lies, that sometimes it is difficult to discern truth. I am learning that when faced with questioning if something is factual, I must turn to scripture and prayer. Satan can sugar coat deception and make it seem attractive, causing me to wonder what is right, what is wrong; where does truth live?

As I was reading the text for today, I noticed that this verse is teaching us that we are all sinful, imperfect, and far from righteous. We tend to think that everything is OK. If it feels good, do it. But we are really fooling ourselves. Acknowledging this is the first step to confessing and asking forgiveness.

But, when I wrestle with the reality that I am far from perfect; sometimes even denying that I am wrong, I am denying God and His Son. For if I don't admit I am imperfect, capable of sinful behavior, I am refusing to accept the truth. I am refusing to accept Jesus - who is Truth.

There are many examples of this in our society. The political system is at odds with itself, it is at odds with the Truth. Saying that it is okay to sacrifice an unborn baby for the convenience of the parent - is to deny truth. Removing the legal ramifications of murder doesn't make it any the less murder. Truth is truth. Abortion is murder.

As Christians we must pray to right these wrongs, to bring the Truth back into focus. We do this one prayer at a time, one day at a time.

  

1 John 1:8-10

The Advocate of Truth and Peace

John 16:5-15

Sometimes we have to let go of one thing, to make room for another.  In today’s passage, Jesus tries to explain to the disciples why he must go away.  I’m sure they were wondering who this “Advocate” was who was coming and wishing their dear friend could stick around a while longer.  But Jesus was adamant – the only way the Father’s plan would be complete is through the arrival of the Holy Spirit.  God gave the world his Son and now the Son is proclaiming the good news of the Spirit.

Not to trivialize, but it makes me think of the Three Musketeers, “All for one and one for all!”  We can’t get to the Father except through the Son and we get to the Son through the Spirit.  We need all three.

Several times throughout the book of John, especially in Chapter 14, Jesus mentions that He is the way to the Father and promises the Holy Spirit.  “Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me…” (v. 11) “And I will ask the Father and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever” (v. 16).

This advocate is the Spirit of Truth – not the Spirit of Half-Truths or the Spirit of What We Hope to Be True, but real truth.  The only truth that matters.  ”The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14: 26-27).

Just as I’m sure the disciples were worried about what was to come, we too are worried about what happens next.  When we can’t see things clearly or understand why something happens, our humanness causes us to be afraid, but the Spirit’s message is peace.  So why not let go of the worry for something far greater – peace in Christ, through the Spirit, from the Father.

Another Man's Treasure

Acts 4:8-12

Have you ever been fired up about something?  Sports, maybe?? (Certainly not in Central Ohio, right?)  Or perhaps someone cutting you off in traffic or an injustice committed against a friend or loved one?

Often when we’re “fired up” we open our mouths and all sorts of things fly out.  Well in today’s reading, Peter is fired up in a different way.  He’s filled with the Holy Spirit when he talks with the rulers and elders and sets them straight.  He’s not filled with the same righteous anger we might be, but instead speaks truth through the Spirit when he declares, “Hey, remember that guy you had killed?  Well, he’s risen and he’s the reason for this miracle before you.”

He goes on to describe Jesus like a stone that the masons rejected.  He brings to their attention that although they dismissed him, Jesus is the cornerstone or rock on which salvation rests.  Jesus is the only way.

Verse 11 brings this phrase to mind, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”  Jesus’ value was not recognized at the time.  He was condemned and discarded.  His words considered rubbish.  Only a very few realized the true treasure he was and even they didn’t truly recognize his worth until he died and rose again.

Peter wants everyone to be absolutely certain who Jesus is and what He’s done.  He’s filled with the Spirit and fired up for his friend.  When he opens his mouth it’s not foul words, but truth that comes out.  I admire Peter’s example of speaking the truth with such passion.

Father, I want to be fired up and declare your Son as my treasure.  Fill me with the conviction of the Holy Spirit to speak the truth and share the gift of salvation.  Amen

Can I Have Your Attention, Please?

Isaiah 8:11-17

When someone grabs you, they’re trying to get your attention.  They want you to stop and concentrate on them and what they're doing or saying.  The Message translation for today, starts out with “God spoke strongly to me, grabbed me with both hands and warned me not to go along with this people” (v.11).

Have you even felt God’s “strong hands” upon you?  You may not literally feel his hands, but you know he wants you to pay attention.  How many times have we shrugged off that feeling and went on our merry way?

This month we’re focusing on being thankful. Well, I’m so thankful we have a God who doesn’t relent and keeps trying to get our attention, despite our efforts to ignore him.  He’s got some good things to say, if we’re willing to stop and listen.

Isaiah says, “Bind up this testimony of warning and seal up God’s instruction among my disciples” (v.16).  For me, this points directly to the Bible.  The Bible is a means for “gathering up testimony and persevering the teaching for followers.”  God would love nothing more than to “grab” us each morning and have us listen to His Word.

The conclusion of the reading, verse 17, especially captured my attention, “I will wait for the Lord… I will put my trust in him.”  My pledge for the remainder of this month of thankfulness is to work on listening when God wants my full attention.  Even in the midst of a busy day, I will heed his call and put my trust in Him.

Father, grab me by the shoulders and speak strongly to me, that I may hear your Word and give thanks for your incredible wisdom.  I place my trust in You, knowing you will use me as you see fit.  Amen

Better Than Fiction

Revelation 21:1-5

Fiction writers have a great job.  They create new characters all the time and if they don’t like the way things are going, they can rewrite a scene and change direction.  If only life were like that – that we could rewrite our history and make everything new again.  

While fiction may be fun to read and write, we live in the real world, one that relies on truth (though nowadays, the “truth” seems harder and harder to find.)  So, what are the facts Christians know to be true?  When we accept Jesus into our lives, we are made new like never before.  We aren’t just some character in a fictional drama, with some comedy thrown in, but a true child of God.  By faith we know for a fact that when we die to self, a new life awaits.  A glorious life beyond anything even the greatest writers could dream up.

Let’s not get lost in a book full of fictional characters and places, but one filled with words that are “trustworthy and true.”  And it has a fantastic ending!  Normally I wouldn’t want to give anything away and spoil it for the reader, but this is something everyone should know… a new Jerusalem will come down from heaven and God will dwell among his people. He’ll wipe away every tear and make everything new (v. 2-4).

WOW!  That's an ending I can’t wait to be a part of; because, while I may try to be the author of my own life, ultimately, I need to give that job to Him and sit back and watch what happens.

Lost Friendship - Found Truth

Setting the scene for today's devotion, verse 29 of John 8 is this: "And he who sent me is with me. He has not left me alone, for I always do the things that are pleasing to Him." Jesus's words always get my attention, and these words coming as Jesus is teaching about His being the Light of the World. I know that when then light came on for me, everything changed. Can you relate? Do you know what I am talking about?

I didn't even know I was in darkness, until the Light entered in. Many of us can tell about a time when everything was bleak, life was hard and some days we questioned, "Why am I hear? What is the point?"

John 8:31-32 (ESV)
31 So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, 32 and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
I can't remember for certain the incident that started the process for me. I know it had something to do with losing a friendship over something silly, that started with a lie and grew. The lie was meant to save someone's feelings, and if truth be told I was probably trying to save myself some uncomfortable moments. But, isn't that how is goes?

Galatians 5:1 (NIV)
It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.

The Truth became real to me in that season. Jesus began doing a new thing in my heart and my life. It took many years, but finally that friendship was healed. That is a story for another time, or blog post. The point is, Jesus is Grace and Truth and once we discover Him and become His disciples, nothing will ever be the same again, and that is a very good thing.

John 8:31-38

This Is Just A Test!

Reading: I John 4: 1-6

How many times have we heard people share the “facts of a news story” as if every word were true, because they heard it on CNN, FOX, ABC, or better yet, saw it on the internet?! Many of us have the tendency to believe as “gospel” what we hear on the news or read in the newspaper.  Others of us are skeptical of almost everything as being “Fake news.”  How are we to know what is true and what is false?  This is a dilemma we face often in our world.

The Apostle John was concerned about a similar issue in the spiritual realm: How do we know if what a preacher or prophet says is from God or some other spirit?  He warns, “Don’t believe every spirit,” but put it to the test to see if it is the Spirit of God who speaks. Here is how we know: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; those who do not confess Jesus are not from God.  As Christians, we have the Holy Spirit living in us, helping us overcome the false in our world, because He is greater than he who is behind all the lies, deception, and corruption (ie, Satan).

John is joined by Paul in helping believers discern true from false prophets. He tells the Corinthians that no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit [I Cor 12:3]. Interestingly, even Paul was scrutinized by the Berean believers, as they “…examined the scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true (Acts 17: 11).” 

And Jesus Himself gives evidence of good and bad (true and false) prophets, that we might be on the alert for them [Read Matthew 7: 15-20]. He describes those who would lead us down the wrong path as “wolves in sheep’s clothing.” He likens them to a bad tree which is not capable of producing good fruit, and in time, will be cut down. The true prophets or spirits, in contrast, produce only good fruit. Of both groups, Jesus states, “by their fruit you will recognize them.”

We need to take these warnings seriously, so we do not find ourselves chasing after, and spreading, “fake news” regarding who Jesus is. Let’s keep testing what we hear from pastors and teachers, so that we may ourselves pass the test of living in, and sharing, the truth of the gospel.

Great God, we pray you would keep us ever-vigilant for your truth, that we may remain strong in our resolve to follow that truth that sets, and keeps, us free. Thank you for your Spirit living within us, helping us to discern true from false. Amen

It's all in the Book

Romans 10:8-11 (NIV) 

⁸  But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming: ⁹  That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. ¹⁰  For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. ¹¹  As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame." 

For those of us who have ever wondered if we are saved, or have been asked by someone new to the faith if they are saved, Romans 10:8-11 are the answer. Concentrate on verse 9 and you can remove all doubt. Learning this fact, early on in our Christian walk is wise. How do we learn these things you ask? By reading and studying God's Word regularly.

Early in my journey with Jesus I was sharing short messages at local nursing homes. I would find a scripture to read to them and then would do just a little bit of studying up on the verses. Often I would gravitate to Psalms. Oh, how I discovered a wonderful way to read and learn God's heart. The beauty in so many different lines from this book took my breath away.

Often, God would use the Psalm I was preparing, to speak to my heart and help me discover things I never considered before. For instance, Psalm 139: I read this during a season when I was wondering if God had a clue about what my life was like. Then I had my answer, immediately in verse one. "You have searched me Lord, and you know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar."  These words, while intimidating to some extent, were comforting.

And that is how Scripture is; it speaks to us and meets us right where we are. Words we need to hear have already been spoken/written and can be found on the pages of our Bibles. When seeking truth or direction, or answers to questions which stump us, we need only look as far as our own Bibles. 

Romans 10:8-15

It's Personal

He was a sharp, young man—a “millennial,” by chronology, and a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. So, I was eager to hear his thoughts on his contemporaries’ openness to the gospel. “With my generation,” he said, “you cannot begin with truth. We value beauty, love, and community, so you have to start there. Ultimately, everyone will have to deal with truth, of course, but you cannot lead into the conversation with it.” While the message was disappointing in a way, his insight provided helpful guidance for one wanting to connect with people raised in a postmodern age.

Like it or not, we live in an era that is, in part, defined by a deep mistrust of truth. We’ve been taught that truth doesn’t exist at all or that it is elusive and largely unknowable, difficult to ascertain at best. Constrained by skepticism, we find ourselves with little more than personal experience to define reality, and “truth” becomes arbitrary, ours to define by fickle feelings as unique as the shifting shadows we cast.

But even cloudy thinking cannot block out “the Father of heavenly lights,” for His truth still breaks through the fogs of uncertainty and illumines even the soul of the skeptic. And if there is a silver lining to the prevailing worldview of doubt, it might be this—people who do search today for what is real do so more cautiously, and when we discover the One who is “faithful and true,”¹ we are willing to pay a greater cultural cost to accept Him.

What do we find, then, when we step into the invisible kingdom of God through the unseen doors of faith? Beauty is personal; it has an Artist. “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.”² Love is personal; it has an Origin. “God is love. This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.”³ Community is personal; it has a Home. “In Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”⁴

Greater even than the beauty we behold, the love we savor, and the community we embrace is the God in whom they exist, whose image they portray. Regardless of era, irrespective of age, we can trust him, “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”⁵

Lord, lead us out of doubt and distrust, that we might rest in the reality of Jesus, who loves us with an everlasting love. Amen.

“Every good and perfect gift is from heaven above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruits of all he created. (James 1:17, 18)”

¹ Revelation 19:11
² Isaiah 6:3
³ 1 John 4:8b, 9
⁴ Romans 12:5
⁵ Psalm 110:5

Trust or Bust

"Now is the day of salvation.  Put no obstacle in anyone's way." (2 Corinthians 6:1-3)

We can't have genuine relationships without trust. If trust is broken, the relationship suffers and often crumbles. When we find someone we respect and can trust with our pain and troubles, a valuable friendship is established. If I can trust you, I will listen to you and value your opinion.

Do you have many friends? There are lots of people in my life, but not all of them would I consider a friend. A friend is someone I trust. Trust is a very big one syllable word, and no true or real relationship can exist without it.

As we learn to Walk Around the Block with someone, as we get ready to help them accept Jesus into their life, there must be trust. To even get someone to the point of being willing to listen to us, we must have developed a relationship of trust. Trust is a two-way street, as we have to trust them as well.  Truth arises out of trust.

Many of us have issues with trust. We have been disappointed and let down by folks we expected would have been there for us. Spouses, parents, siblings and even best friends are often the culprits. Parents divorce, spouses lie or cheat, siblings turn their backs on each other and best friends betray. That is a reality in this world. We can't expect perfect behavior from people who don't know Jesus.

In fact, we are all capable of doing things untrustworthy. That is why we need Jesus, why we need to be careful and to always be on guard. We need prayer and we need relationships which help us keep in touch with our sinful nature while we embrace righteousness from God. While we are helping someone else recognize Jesus as redeemer we need someone who is coming alongside us too. We all need a mentor - an accountability partner you can trust to speak truth into your life.

2 Corinthians 6:2-11

Lamp to my Feet

“At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. ² Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 

I have a tattoo on my right foot.  It is Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”  It was a Mother’s Day present.  It’s a reminder to me on what keeps my faith strong.  God’s word.  I love God’s word.  I have spent years studying the reliability of his word. There are so many outside sources that corroborate the truth found in the pages of scripture, that I get giddy when I read them. 

God’s word is perfectly true and as hard as it is to read a rebuke meant to pull me back on the path, it is equally wonderful when I read words such as the ones in Daniel 12.  “But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. ² Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life…”

I just love that! The promise of everlasting life.  This was actually the first time the reference to everlasting life was used in scripture.  How comforting it is to read that things are going to get hard, real hard.  A time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations hard, but there is hope.

Everlasting life. It is promised for God’s people.  This world is not the end.  All the trouble, disease, evil, and deception are not the end.  God has a plan.  It was rolled up in a scroll and saved for the exact right time, but it will come to pass.  His word says it will, so I believe it.

Ephesians 6:10-20 Life on Mission – Pray

The Armor of God

As we envision the Knights in Shining Armor of the past, we might be reminded of how courageous they appeared as the swordsmen raced toward one another upon the backs of  bold and determined steads. They were relentless until one or the other had fallen to his death.

There was a living, breathing human being inside each set of armor. Focusing on one in particular, let's speculate how this jousting match came to be: 

Likely as a young man, the knight began preparing for the day his competition would take place long before it happened. When the helmet was first placed upon his head, it strained his neck and put pressure on his temple. The breastplate made him uncomfortable as it dug into his ribs and made it difficult to breathe. As his belt was tightened, he groaned and wondered how he was going to manage. Placed in one hand was a gold plated shield he could barely lift, and in the other an ornate silver sword that made his arm and wrist ache as he raised it pridefully into the air. He was told that his feet should be at the ready at all times. Though excited about the challenge, he doubted himself and had no idea how he was going to find the strength to do the will of the king.

As time went on, the young knight to be was gaining strength. He listened to the other knights. He read up on the laws and rules of knighthood. He hung out with others who were in the same situation as he was, as well as those with more experience and asked questions that helped him grow as a knight. When he was alone, he worked with each piece of armor individually until he was comfortable with it and then added one after another until he was in full armor. Day after day the heart and soul of this knight grew stronger until he knew he was ready. Did he have a few twinges of doubt from time to time, sure, but overall he had the faith he needed to do the job . 

As we forge ahead with God's promise in hand, we too will be protected by armor, but this armor of the Lord is all housed within us.  

"Be strong in the Lord and his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the devil's schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God,.....Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take the helmet of salvation and sword of the Spirit which is the work of God. And PRAY in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests...." Ephesians 6:10-18

Our armor will feel heavy and awkward at first as well, yet continued prayer and faith will lighten the burden and make this "Life on Mission" well worth the challenge. How are you doing on your checklist?

Ephesians 6:10-20

The truth and grace of a matter

Then leaving her water jar, the woman went back to the town and said to the people, “Come, see a man who told me everything I ever did.  Could this be the Christ?”  They came out of the town and made their way toward him.  John 4:28-30

Most forms of pretense likely had failed her by now; there wasn’t much face left to save.  Yet when Jesus told the woman to call her husband and come back to the well, she hid behind a partial truth, “I have no husband.”  “The fact is,” Jesus replied, “you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband.”  And with that, her tenuous grip on pride gave way; there was nothing more to hide.

We ache for her.  She had reached that point we all dread, where the public image we portray no longer conceals the private realities we disguise.  But have you ever noticed that “truth” was always Jesus’ starting point with people?  Whether confronting the greed of the young ruler or affirming the belief of the scribe who embraced the two greatest commandments, Jesus always went to the heart of an issue, exposing falsehoods and affirming truth.  And he still does!

When we conceal sin in our lives, we limit God’s grace in our lives.  But once we confront the full truth of a matter, then we are able to appreciate the full grace in the matter.  And we live freely in the acceptance of the one who knows us entirely, yet loves us completely.

Jesus once said, “unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit. (John 12:24)”  That midday at the well, the Samaritan woman’s last vestige of pride withered under the bright light of truth and fell to the ground.  In its place sprouted grace, and it bore much fruit.

So to what point of truth is Jesus bringing you?  Is it the gentle conviction of a certain sin pattern from which he wants you to be free?  Is he leading you to the truth of who you are in him – a highly treasured child of God, being carefully formed into the likeness of Christ? 

Wherever it is, go with him to that place … that place of truth and grace.  There you will find freedom.  And there you will bear much fruit.

[To see the daily reading in John 4:25-30, click here.]

Genesis 3:1-11

We all know the story of Adam and Eve with the serpent. It’s difficult to imagine how Eve could possibly have found credibility in a slithering snake.  The Lord had offered them the most beautiful gift they could ever receive, but they didn't know what they didn't know.

God is our ultimate source of life and fulfillment. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God’s command, they demonstrated a lack of trust that brought separation from God and therefore, death.

Verse 4-5: “You will surely not die,” the serpent said to the woman.” 

         For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.”

Though the couple did not physically die, they lost the blessing of paradise, recognized their nakedness in shame, and ultimately hid from the Source of Life, who sustained them. This is the spiritual death that sin brings.

Verses 9-10: Then the man and his wife heard the sound of the Lord

God as he was walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and they hid

          from the Lord God among the trees of the garden. But the Lord God called to the man, “Where are you?” He answered, “I heard you in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid.”

Though Adam and Eve disobeyed and mistrusted the Lord, He wasn't content to let them be lost to Him forever. He sought them out, calling Adam’s name. “Where are you?” God knew, of course. But Adam and his wife were being held accountable. How had it come to this? Where did they stand with the Lord? What would happen next?

We too, must ask the question. Where do we stand in the eyes of The Great I AM?

In the book of John, Jesus reminds us:

John 6:35  I AM the bread of life…    
John 8:12  I AM the light of the world… 
John 10:7  I AM the gate for the sheep…   
John 10:11 I AM the good shepherd…  
John 11:25 I AM the resurrection and the life…      
John 14:6   I AM the way and the truth and the life...
John 15:5   I AM the vine; you are the branches...                                                                                                                                                                        

Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, God has made a way for our relationship with Him to be reconciled and restored. Are you going to work on that? I AM!

Read/Listen to Genesis 3:1-11

Together we Worship

John 4:19-24

                                      “I who speak to you am he.”

Can you imagine floundering through life, (as we do) experiencing one failed relationship after another, and being outcast by your community yet still having the ultimate privilege of meeting Jesus in person?

We have heard the story of the woman at the well, how Jesus acknowledged her lifestyle, and likely blew her away with his tender compassion and supernatural insight. He shared with this nameless woman what he wants us all to understand.

John 4:23-24 “Yet the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the father seeks. God is spirit and his worshipers must worship in spirit and truth.”

What is worshiping in spirit and truth? View this website for an explanation:

In Spirit and Truth

We are called by God to gather and worship him, for there is strength in numbers, and the relational God he is, knows that being in community is what bonds our hearts to his and to each other.

As the song taken from Matthew 18 goes: "For wherever two or more of you are gathered in his name, there is love."  God is the spirit of love and truth.

Matthew 18:20 (NIV)  “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”

Coming Before Our God

Psalm 95:1-7

What does coming before God mean and what does it look like?

At times it may be on your knees, head in your hands and tears in your sorrow filled heart.

Another time it could look more like grateful hands raised upward for all God has offered you.

Possibly the first thing in the morning in the quiet of your favorite room, you engage in silent conversation with the Savior.

We present ourselves before the Lord in many ways and for numerous reasons, but let us be reminded that regardless of our location or stance, we are to preface our prayer and petitions with praise.  

Psalm 95:1-7 reminds us;

“Let us come before Him with thanksgiving.”

“”Come let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for He is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under His care.”

No matter what our prayer may be addressing, when we go to Him, we are acknowledging God as our Maker and caretaker.

Throughout the Bible, references are made to the importance of worshiping in spirit and truth.

Hebrews 12:28-29 “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.”

Lord, we praise and worship you for all that you are and always will be. We honor your unconditional love for us, and unending faith in this world. Glory to you, oh great and mighty one!

Read/Listen to Psalm 95:1-7 

Opportunities and Roadblocks

Paul finds himself in court once again, but this time he was prepared to show his actions were legal; he wasn't teaching contrary to law.  This was an opportunity for him to share important, salvational information, but Gallio, the proconsul (governor) of Achaia shut him down.

Paul was charged with persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law. We learn further (Acts 18:12-17) that the chance for him to speak truth in his own defense was denied by Gallio. The Jews were furious that Paul was released and took their anger out on Sosthenes the leader of the synagogue, for losing the case.

This may seem like a 'win' for Paul, having been released from custody like this, but Paul was looking forward to telling the Jews in that court room about Jesus.  This was an important judicial decision for the spread of the Good News in the Roman Empire. Judaism was a recognized religion under Roman law. As long as Christians were seen as part of Judaism, the court refused to hear cases brought against them. - Life Application Study Bible.

Think of the many times we look back and regret having missed golden opportunity to do or say something. Those times when we were verbally assaulted and just stood there speechless, and only moments later, when the moments has already passed, we think of the words we might have said.

Had Gallio allowed Paul to defend his actions, the gospel message might have spread quicker. It makes me wonder what Gallio was afraid of.  Did he fear hearing the truth?  Was the Holy Spirit convicting him as a Jew, for his role in the death of the Savior? It is hard to tell, but we do know that Satan prowls and does his best to impede the spread of the Good News.

It is our duty to identify those satanic roadblocks and jump over them. We can do this with prayer.  God, give us eyes to see truth when it is before us.  Help us recognize the wiles of evil and shut it down. Amen.