What do we want to be known for - Devotion to God’s Word. Pt3
Truth is taking a back seat to opinion in our world today. There are so many platforms for information to be shared, and so many people sharing their truth that, if I am honest, I find it hard to know what is true and what isn't.
I get it, we all have our trusted sources where we gather information. But how do I know it is accurate and precise? We are living in a world where the "rise of self [is] the ultimate arbiter of truth." So, can I trust my self or someone else's self? If I am sincere, there are so many times I don't trust my own opinion. I doubt it so much that at times I have to convince myself of what I am thinking. There has to be somewhere we can find absolute truth.
Here is the exciting thing about the real truth, it engages real freedom. John 8:32 says, "and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Freedom is found in the truth.
This resonates with my soul. When I know I have the truth, it really does bring freedom. I am not in bondage of doubt, second-guessing, or the consequences of decisions made with wrong information.
This is why we must live devoted to God's Word. Psalm 119:160 says, "The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever." If we believe that God is good and in Him, there is no wrong, then what He says has to be true. If we trust that the Bible is God's Word, then it must become our standard of truth, the truth by which we gauge all other facts.
Carey Nieuwhof says, "In a world that values opinion over facts and defines truth in terms of self, we must anchor ourselves to the objectivity of God's truth." In other words, we must live devoted to God's Word because it becomes our "lamp to guide [our] feet and a light for [our] path." (Psalm 119:105)
The fact is, we have an enemy that is full of lies and deception. He is charming our minds and thinking with lies that are coming at us so fast we don't have time to process or investigate them. Without a steady diet of God's Word, we will become susceptible to lies that we thought would be impossible to believe. Lies that impact us at the core of who we believe we are. Lies that push us to addiction, bondage, and brokenness.
But it is in God's Word that we find freedom. Freedom in discovering who God declares us to be. Freedom that connects us to belonging, purpose, and mission. Freedom that breaths life into our soul and points us toward eternity.
So, let me ask you a question, "What is your relationship like with God's Word?"
Is it an obligatory relationship?
Is it a distant relationship?
Is it a complicated relationship?
Is it a devoted relationship?
At True Hope, we want to be known for our freedom, a freedom that is based, and lived in truth. We want to be known for the life that is anchored in the soul-satisfying, life-giving, joy-experiencing, relationship-building truth of Jesus Christ.
John 6:63 says, " It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life." When we lived immersed in the truth of God's Word, it reveals the lies that are hurtling our way and breaths life into our every day.
If you are interested in engaging God's Word try one of these tools:
The You Version Bible App - You can pick a reading plan the interests you.
The Reading Scripture Bible App - You can read God's Word with help from Videos that explain what you are reading.
The Bible Reap with Tara-Leigh Cobble - A Bible Plan and Podcast found on the You Version Bible App.
If you decide to try one of these tools, please let me know. This way, I can add you to my prayer list as you engage on this incredible journey of discovering God's absolute truth.