Being Honest

Featured ~ servantone1 ~ Leave a comment

JESUS SPEAKS

While speaking with a group of men, Jesus said, “If you were Abraham’s children you would do the works of Abraham. But now you seek to kill me, a Man who has told you the truth which I heard from God. Abraham did not do this. You do the deeds of your father.” Then they said to Him “We were not born of fornication; we have one Father—God.” Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me for I proceeded forth and came from God; nor have I come of Myself but He sent Me. Why do you not understand My speech? Because you are not able to listen to My word. You are of your father the devil, and the desires of your father you want to do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own resources, for he is a liar and the father of it.” (John 8: 29 – 34)

FAITHFUL THOUGHTS

Lying and dishonesty are sinful behaviors that originate from Satan; these dreadful lies produce confusion, hardship and suffering. The truth however, which is pure, unchanging, and reliable, emanates from God the Father. He sent His only Son Jesus Christ to preach the truth, and for that purpose He was hated. Many today remain frightened of the gospel message because they yearn to continue in their sin without guilt or remorse. Thus honesty creates great animosity. Speaking the truth can be quite costly; which constitutes one of the reasons Jesus Christ is rejected more often than He is accepted.

In 2004, a high school golfer named Chelsee Richard, of Bloomingdale Florida, lost her chance to win the state championship by being honest. In the qualifier for the state finals, Chelsee hit her tee shot on the second hole into the rough. She then unkowingly played another golfer’s ball out of the rough and finished the hole. However, on the third hole she realized what she had done. The rules stated that a golfer must declare on that hole, that they hit the wrong ball before putting the ball into the cup, or they are disqualified. Chelsee drew strength from her favorite bible verse, Philippians 4: 13; “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” She promptly reported her error, ending her senior season and her dream of going to the state finals. Concerning the incident, she said, “With my faith and with God, being honest was the most important thing to me, and that’s what is going to advance on through my life; being honest.”

Like Chelsee, many Christians have committed themselves to walking in the truth. We must always speak what is right and avoid dishonesty, no matter the cost. For those who have been called according to God’s purpose, lying of any sort is entirely unacceptable. We will undoubtedly encounter hatred, disdain, and derision, but our hearts will overflow with gladness. As we avoid Satan’s lies, those who are walking in darkness will see a great light and be drawn to God.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we love You and are committed to Your cause of salvation. May we speak only those things that are true and never fall victim to the lies that tempt others to sin. Sanctify us by the power of Your Holy Spirit, that we might be bold messengers of the Gospel. We love you Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

“What is Truth?”

May 13, 2024 ~ servantone1 ~ Leave a comment

JESUS SPEAKING

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews, but now My kingdom is not from here.” “Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus said, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” (John 18: 36 – 38)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

After being arrested, Jesus was interrogated by Pontius Pilate (the Roman Governor.) (Since being conquered, the Jews were forbidden from adopting the title of ‘king.’) During their conversation, Jesus identified Himself as the leader (king) of a kingdom that would one day rule over the Earth; thus putting an end to Satan’s reign. He continued, revealing the primary purpose for His arrival. He came to “bear witness to the truth,” adding that all who were of the truth would hear His voice. Being a seasoned and cynical politician, Pilate scoffed at the prospect of the existence of genuine truth before leaving the room.

The one immutable characteristic of genuine truth is its unchanging nature. Something is true if it remains constant and devoid of fluctuation over time. For example, 2 + 2 = 4. Every generation throughout history has known this to be a fact. Without question, all real truth proceeds from God, who is the embodiment of truth. In Him there is no deceit. Therefore, we should expect the Bible to be the world’s most accurate history book. And indeed it is. As archaeologists continue to unearth the past, every detail from the Bible is corroborated with astonishing accuracy. Although secular scientists have attempted to disprove the biblical accounts of history and creation in Genesis, they have utterly failed. As Godless men seek to discover truth beyond the boundaries of their creator, they err in all things. For example, supposedly learned men from every generation have estimated what they believe to be the age of the Earth; but every new estimate contradicts the previously accepted date. And as we have discussed, something that is constantly changing is by nature, untrue. God’s truth however has never changed; He created everything in 7 days. His account remains steadfast. Thus God’s word is the only pure source of truth.

This world is corrupt and those who are faithless are given over to lies and deceit. Many are being led astray by supposed learned men. And yet in the midst of the deception the word of God is being preached, and Jesus Christ is saving souls. Many are turning to the truth and becoming members of God’s eternal kingdom; a dominion that will one day reign over the entire earth. May we continue in Christ’s truth and place our trust in God rather than man.

“Lord Heavenly Father, we know that Your truth is unchanging and eternal. May we embrace Your scriptures and faithfully follow Your Son. You are the only source of genuine truth; and so we trust everything that You have revealed to us. Increase our faith and help us to proclaim these truths to all those we meet. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.” God bless all of you!

Spiritual Discernment

January 22, 2024 ~ servantone1 ~ Leave a comment

JESUS SPEAKING

He asked his disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” So they said, “Some say John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” Simon Peter answered and said, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 16: 13 – 17)

INSPIRED THOUGHTS

Despite observing His numerous miracles, the disciples remained uncertain as to which biblical figure Jesus represented (some believed He was a prophet.) And yet God instantly accomplished a work in Peter’s heart; initiating a revelation of truth. Jesus was in fact, the Christ; the promised Messiah and the Son of God. This account represents what is commonly referred to in Christian tradition as ‘spiritual discernment;’ a supernatural understanding of right and wrong, as it applies to the truth, or any given circumstance.

I once heard an elderly Pastor explain an experience he’d encountered during the early days of his growing Church. As more congregants arrived, the size of the facility became inadequate. Taking a leap of faith, he purchased a large piece of property on credit; supposing that God would provide for their financial needs. As it happened, a very wealthy congregant offered to pay off the entire loan immediately. Those bound by human wisdom would’ve accepted the offer. The Pastor however, carefully considered the proposition. In turn, God gave him spiritual discernment. Sensing that something wasn’t right, he rejected the man’s offer. Shortly thereafter, he was approached by a gas company that wanted to put a station in the area; they offered to buy a tiny sliver of land. The purchase was approved, and the money received was enough to pay off the entire loan. God eventually confirmed the correctness of his earlier decision, when he began having problems with the man who had offered to pay for the Church’s loan.

’Spiritual discernment’ is a precious gift from the Lord. The indwelling of His Holy Spirit provides those who believe with knowledge and understanding that transcends human wisdom. In this way, the faithful are often protected from the repercussions of sinful calamity and foolish decision m making. May we always hear the voice of God, and rightly discern our steps; that we may bring glory and honor to the one who saved us from death.

”Lord Heavenly Father, we understand the dangerous nature of human wisdom. We concede that You alone are the provider of all truth. Fill our hearts with Your Holy Spirit, that we might practice genuine discernment. In turn, may we avoid sin and accomplish your good works. We love You Father, we praise You, and we thank You, and we ask and pray all of these things, according to Your will, in Jesus Christ’s name, amen.” God bless all of you!