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The Search for Truth

The Search for Truth

When Jesus spoke the memorable words, “you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free,” He was speaking to people searching for truth. The people of His day were searching for truth. The religious teachers of the day had elevated traditions over truth (Matthew 15.7-9). People wanted to know the truth. They did not want a variety of truth, but the only truth of God.

Do we want truth, or a variety of truth? We live in a time of variety. For instance, right before the pandemic, the average US food store stocked 33,000 different items. This was four times the choices offered in 1975. In the automotive industry, there were 605,000 different ways to configure or customize your vehicle and that does not include the varieties of color choices.

However, tough times changed due to supply chain turmoil, and we all adapted. Despite the frustration of not being able to get everything we wanted; consumers found greater contentment win fewer choices. In the Wall Street Journal, Ann Gasparro said, “The lesson that many companies are drawing from not being able to please everyone in the pandemic is that maybe they didn’t need to try so hard in the first place.” 

As Christians, we should focus on the simplicity of truth in the Bible over the varieties of what the world offers. Just as Jesus says, the “truth will set us free.” This truth of the Bible is the Word of God. (John 17.17) God gave us His Word to show us the right way to we can be complete and ready for every good work. (2 Timothy 3.16-17).

Are you seeking the truth?

Just a thought,

Who Do You Want to Become?

Who Do You Want to Become?

When you were growing up, you wanted to become something. It might have been a firefighter, a superhero, a princess, a nurse, a doctor, etc. Being younger, our eyes were open to a world of possibilities with no limitations. As we have grown older, those limitations become a reality. While we might reflect on our childhood dreams, we mark those up to childish thinking.

However, as adults, what do we want to become? Author James Clear, in his book “Atomic Habits”, says, “every action you take is a vote for the type of person you wish to become.” What actions are we taking, as adults, to be the person we want to become?

As 2023 begins, we make resolutions, we set goals, plans are being made for a significant year. When we make those resolutions, goals, and plans, are we making our spiritual lives a priority? Living a memorable life is a great goal, but living for the next life is a better goal.

Here are some things to consider as you take actions to live a

  • Who do you want to become?
  • Who do you want to become spiritually?
  • What actions are you taking to be the person you want to become?
  • Are you taking steps to grow spiritually? (ex. Reading your Bible, attending services, reviewing your sermon/Bible class notes, etc.)
  • Are you surrounding yourself with people who want to grow?
  • How can your spiritual family help you grow?

As you seek to grow to be the person you want to become, what progress are you making today? Every day, we can take a step in the right direction. What steps are you taking today?

Just a thought,

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Preacher's Pen Podcast

Have you listened to the Preacher’s Pen Podcast?

 

The Preacher’s Pen Podcast provides a weekly look at various topics on Christian living and Bible passages. You can subscribe on your latest podcast player and always stay up to date with all the latest releases.

Find the Preacher’s Pen Podcast by clicking here. 

Maybe We Could All Smile More

Maybe We Could All Smile More

On February 23, 2020, Chitetsu Watanabe did in Nigate, Japan as the oldest man on Earth. Mr. Watanabe was ten days short of being 113 years old. He was born on March 5, 1907.

After the Guinness World Records recognized him as the World’s Oldest Living Man, Mr. Watanabe become known for his response to the question regarding the secret to longevity. His answer was, “…not to get angry and keep a smile on your face.” 1

The Bible speaks to removing anger and not focusing on anger. Consider these passages,

“Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil.”  (Psalms 37:8)

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” (James 1:19-20)

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.”  (Ephesians 4:31)

For Christians, anger can be a fire which consumes our thoughts and our soul. Focusing on anger causes individuals to lose their focus on God and His ability to take care of His people. (Romans 8)

When you get angry, where do your thoughts go? God wants to hear from His people. He wants us to share our thoughts with Him. He cares for us and wants us to go to Him. (1 Peter 5.7)

When you get angry, do you remember that God is in control?

Take time to consider why you get angry and remember that God is in control. Since God is always in control, we can smile. We know he cares for us. Remember Psalm 55.22.

Just some thoughts,

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1 – SmithsonianMag.com, 2/26/20

Give Satan a Nail and It Will Not Be Pretty

Give Satan a Nail and It Will Not Be Pretty

While visiting in Haiti, Dale A. Hayes heard a Haitian minister illustrate to his congregation the need for total commitment to Christ.

The minister told of a man who wanted to sell his house for $2,000. Another man badly wanted the house but couldn’t afford the full price.

After much haggling, the owner agreed to sell the house for half the asking price with just one stipulation: he would retain ownership of one small nail protruding from just over the door.

After several years, the original owner wanted the house back, but the new owner was unwilling to sell. So, the first owner went out, found the carcass of a dead dog, and hung it from the single nail he still owned.

Soon the house became uninhabitable, and the family was forced to sell the house to the owner of the nail.

The Haitian minister’s conclusion: “If we leave the devil with even one small peg in our life, he will return to hang his rotting garbage on it, making it unfit for Christ’s habitation.”[1]

Question – How much have you given the devil?

Paul tells the Ephesians 4.27 to “give no opportunity to the devil.”

Have you given a place, no matter how small to the devil?

Even one small nail can make a difference.

Just a thought,

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Living for Christ is Intentional

Living for Christ is Intentional

When Christ said, “Follow Me” He was intentional.  Jesus had a purpose behind calling those fishermen in Matthew 4.19.

He saw something in them and called them from their profession to life of service. He saw something in them they did not see in themselves. I am sure it took many adjustments to go from a fishing career to walking with Jesus every day. No matter how hard it was, the apostles lived an intentional life.

Their purpose was different, their thoughts were challenged and most of all, their purpose grew greater. Remember the words of Christ, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men”? Jesus was transforming their life to one of intentionally living for Him.

As Christians, I don’t think it is necessary to leave your job, but I do believe it is necessary to live intentionally for Christ. Because of Christ we are a changed people, let us live for Him.

How to Live Intentionally!

Start living intentionally today – Many people plan on following Christ tomorrow. If you know the great news of the gospel (1 Corinthians 15.1-8) and you know you needed Jesus (Acts 2.29-37, then it is time to do something about it (Acts 2.38).

Create a Plan – The old saying is, “Fail to plan and you plan to fail.” It takes some planning to live intentionally. Plan to read your Bible. Plan to take notes. Plan to talk with some about coming to services.

Start Small – Begin your intentional life by starting small. Get plugged in to the activities of the congregation and spend time with others who are living intentionally. Having a supportive and caring family is a powerful key to spiritual growth. (1 Corinthians 12.26)

Just a thought,