Where to Find Truth?

Scams, deception, and counterfeits are part of our modern-day vernacular, and finding truth has become harder than ever.

Although false practices have existed since the beginning of time, the rise of AI and other means of making things look authentic when they are not has made it very difficult to distinguish what is fake and what is real.

The prophet Jeremiah had the tough job of warning God’s people against the convincing deceptions of his day and leading them to the truth. The deceptions he fought against took place in the form of idols.  The worship of these false deities gave the illusion that something else was better for the people than the God they were currently following.

But illusions are just that, illusions.

So, God used Jeremiah to question the people about their unfaithfulness and the direction they were inwardly traveling.

One question He asked was, “What injustice have your fathers found in Me, that they have gone far from Me, followed idols, and have become idolaters?” (Jer. 2:5, NKJV). In other words, what has God done wrong that caused them to turn away to these false ways? And the answer is, nothing at all.

At another point, God charged them of “Saying to a tree, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You gave birth to me.’ But in the time of trouble they will say, ‘Arise and save us.’” (Jer. 2:27), giving accolades to “resources” and images that had no bearing on any part of their lives.

And that’s not far from what we see in our world today. The items of idolization and undue attention some look to may not be stones and trees, but there are still illusions and falsehoods receiving undeserved homage.

But the good news is that when truth is found, it destroys the illusion!

Jesus spoke this promise, saying, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

Jesus’ life is the only life that was perfectly lived without sin (Hebrews 4:15; 1 Peter 1:19), and the only one who fulfilled hundreds of prophecies, not missing a beat, hundreds of years after they were originally spoken (Luke 24:44; John 1:45; Acts 26:22, 23). (Without getting too complicated, for reference sake, at the very least compare Psalm 22 with the events surrounding the crucifixion of Christ.)

He was born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:18, 22, 23) to save mankind from sin (Mark 10:45; John 3:16). Sin is that ugly three-lettered word that separates us from God. Holiness is God’s standard. Sin steps in and taints the relationship God wants with His people, causing a division He never desired.

Jesus willingly succumbed to death to be the atonement (the means of removing the sin from wayward people and restoring our relationship with God). He became the way for us to escape the judgment that should have been ours to bear (2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24; Romans 5:8), saying, “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11).

And He rose from the dead, not only gaining victory over death, but showing us the promise of new life we have through Him: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:20-22).

Fulfilling all, He ascended to heaven (Acts 1:9-11), and now we are awaiting His return.

The Gospel presents a clear claim: that Jesus is the way to salvation and to have everlasting life (John 3:16; 6:47; 10:28). According to Scripture, there is no other source of lasting salvation and peace.

While many voices and influences can project illusion, seeking to draw our attention away from God, God is still calling us all, in love, toward His Truth.

As He did with Jeremiah, the call is still going out for people to repent and turn to the God who desires this unbroken relationship with them.

“Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord.” Acts 3:19

Note: True repentance means more than saying or feeling sorry. It is more than being remorseful. It is turning away from sin and its ways in mind, body, and soul, and turning to God, giving Him your life from the inside out.

Blessings~

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“Busy, Busy, Busy”

All busyness is not good. Any productivity expert will tell you that if your busyness pulls you away from your goal instead of toward it, then it is just that—busyness. In the end, it amounts to nothing when it works against the results we desire.

So let me ask you: What are your desired results for this season?
Is your busyness bringing you closer to them?

This time of year is always full—and often too full. As Christmas approaches, our schedules tend to get thrown off balance. There are extras of everything: extra celebrations, extra events (especially if you have children performing in pageants, plays, or musicals), extra shopping with extra thought given to meals and gifts, and extra planning for all the details surrounding this special season.

These “extras” have become synonymous with Christmas. And while celebrations are wonderful, it’s worth asking: If all these extras distract us from our main reason for celebrating, then what is their purpose?
Have they drained the joy from the very reason we should be joyful?

Everyone carries their own expectations for this season, but perhaps it’s time to realign our hearts. Maybe we should adjust our perspective until we can look beyond all the preparations and remember the true Reason for the season: the birth of Christ.

Maybe it’s time to set the busyness aside and carve out quiet moments of reflection. We might reread the biblical account of our Lord’s birth slowly and meditatively. We could spend time with writings that highlight the true story of Christmas, or watch films and performances that tell the narrative of the nativity. Immersing ourselves in these stories can reawaken the wonder we often lose amid the rush.

Celebrations are good, but the reason for celebrating is greater, and it should never be overshadowed by our agendas. Let us remember where our true joy comes from:

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
—Isaiah 9:6

May He be the desire of our hearts—not only in this season, but all year long.

Blessings~

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Matthew 1:18-23 “Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy Ghost.
Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily.
But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name Jesus: for he shall save his people from their sins.
Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying,
Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

Luke 1:30-35 – “And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God.
And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus.
He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:
And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.
Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?
And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

Luke 2:7-14 – “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

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“Growing In the Unseen”

Recently, I have been asked to stretch beyond my comfort zone in dealing with a certain matter. To step into something that I don’t know how it’s going to turn out. But also, recently, I have been trying my best to do more than just quote the words of faith; I have been working on deliberately applying them and practicing them even more than before.

Sometimes life calls us to take challenging and uncomfortable steps. Often, those steps do not come with full disclosure about the results, making those initial moves even more uneasy. As humans, we like to know or at least get some kind of inkling about how things will turn out. Thomas, who, historically, is referred to as the doubter in the group of the original disciples, had a hard time believing in the resurrection of Jesus Christ without visible, physical proof. As a matter of fact, he said, “Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe” (John 20:25).

The tragedy of the cross dampened all he had previously witnessed during his term as a disciple of Christ. In fact, Thomas, if we’re honest, only verbally spoke the same reaction of disbelief as the other disciples, who had only come to believe after seeing evidence for themselves.

But Jesus said, “Blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed” (John 20:29).

Those who have come to faith through the word of the testimony of these founding apostles and the Holy Scriptures were not, are not, ones who visibly and physically laid eyes or hands on our Lord. But by faith, we believe.

Our evidence is only in accepting what Scripture provides as truth – and that’s enough. Our hearts have been opened to receive this truth through the Holy Spirit – and we are glad.

Our salvation is the greatest thing we can believe and hope for, but faith does not stop at the door. Throughout our Christian journey, we will encounter many times of not knowing the result of the next step.

Thomas’s experience can help you filter your response when encountering these unknown moments. Many of our Christian decisions will be by faith, not by sight (2 Cor. 5:7). And we can go forth believing without having all the answers laid out for us in detail or wrapped in a pretty package.

The cross was not beautiful, but by faith we believe in the beauty of salvation that it produces. If we can believe for that, that all our sins have been washed away and taken care of, everything else is little in comparison.

Even if you can’t see it, just believe. Our eyes, our knowing, can get in the way of something greater that God may want to do. Don’t let what you see or don’t see be a limiting factor in your life. Instead, let it be an area of expansion for your faith. As a seed grows to be a fruitful plant unseen in the soil, your faith will grow best in the times of the unseen.

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” Hebrews 11:1

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DECEMBER: The Rhythm of Reflection and Rest

Days upon us turn cold with
Embers in the fireplace aglow.
Calling us to the calm of winter’s sleep,
Evoking its own seasonal peace.
Many hearts at rest, and tucking in,
Beautifully enjoying the slow rhythm within.
Embracing the quiet of this flow,
Reflecting on the year past, anticipating new tomorrows.
©WordforLifeSays

While December comes with much celebrating of the season leading up to Christmas (and rightly so), and although there seems to be a lot of hustle and bustle surrounding it, may we take the time to truly enjoy this season with the beauty God gives us within. May our hearts tuck into the quietness of the days and reflect. Reflect on all the days of this year that are passing, and may we look forward with hope and expectation to the new that’s coming ahead.

Blessings ~
Word for Life Says

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven”
Ecclesiastes 3:1.
“Thou hast set all the borders of the earth: thou hast made summer and winter” Psalm 74:17.
“Be still, and know that I am God…” Psalm 46:10

Jesus, We Look to You!

Not on this world, Lord,
May our eyes rest,
But on Your Son,
In Whom, we are truly blessed.

Saved, redeemed,
Loved, and set free,
Because holy blood
Was shed on Calvary.

He, lifted up,
Now, new life we live,
All our sins, vanquished,
‘Cause He now, forgives.

In the Sea, they’re forgotten,
With pierced hands He throws,
No longer to remember,
Or cause our hearts woes.

Why would we look
To the heart of another,
When Jesus is better,
Than father, mother, lover.

Dear eyes, follow the heart,
To Him, let them be raised,
In adoration to the One,
In Whom, we are saved.

“And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.” John 12:32

 He will turn again, he will have compassion upon us; he will subdue our iniquities; and thou wilt cast all their sins into the depths of the sea.” Micah 7:19

©WordforLifeSays.com

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“Walk on Your Unique Path”

I don’t pray anymore for faith like Abraham’s or courage like David’s, or for any other qualities modeled by someone else.

Their lives are significant, and we can learn from them—but God is writing something personal in each of us. Every one of us carries aspects of ourselves that God wants to shape, refine, and bring to life. When we yield to His molding process, we become the version of ourselves that He intended from the beginning.

I want to become the best version of me that God desires. I’ve realized He has placed a unique beauty and originality within every person. Together, we each bring a distinct “flavor” to the larger story of humanity.

The stories of others can inspire us and offer guidance, but trying to replicate someone else’s journey can leave us discouraged when our path doesn’t look like theirs. And that’s because it was their story—not ours.

God sees the beauty in who you are and in the path you walk with Him.

We honor the footsteps of those who have gone before us, but we also embrace the truth that our road may look different. The beauty of your life rests in who God designed you to be.

The best version of you isn’t found in imitation—it’s found in His intention.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

Blessings ~

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From Temple to Temple

1 Kings 5; 2 Chronicles 5-6

So much work was poured therein. It’s beauty – unsurpassed. Its fame – spread like wildfire. Its design – intricate and lavish. Gold, along with untold amounts of precious metals, materials, and gems, adorned its inside and outside. Precise planning and devoted hearts worked in building what would become known as Solomon’s Temple. That sacred place where people would centralize their worship. That holy place that would house the Ark of the Covenant.

After the ark was placed in its new home, praise among the people erupted in joyful adoration. Instruments sounded their melodious tunes. Voices raised with glorious praise and humble thanksgiving to the Lord, saying, “For he is good; for his mercy endureth forever!” (2 Chronicles 5:13).

Then, the extraordinary happened! God filled the house with the cloud symbolizing His mighty presence, and the priest could not minister there “for the glory of the LORD had filled the house of God” (2 Chronicles 5:14).

Through the years, this Temple would go through many changes due to leadership, the waning of people’s hearts, and the destruction it endured due to enemies (twice).

And yet, for all the catastrophe that building went through, God still had a place designed to rest His presence, His Holy Spirit: “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?” (1 Corinthians 6:19).

God promised Jeremiah that a new covenant was coming, which was going to be heart-focused (Jeremiah 31:33) due to being Spirit-filled (Ezekiel 36:26, 27; Joel 2:28, 29).

At the birth of the church in Acts 2, on the day of Pentecost, God fulfilled those prophecies when the manifestation of the Holy Spirit took over the upper room and the one hundred and twenty persons therein. This experience fulfills the very words of Jesus Christ Himself: “Woman, believe me, the hour cometh, when ye shall neither in this mountain, nor in Jerusalem worship the Father… But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him” (John 4:21, 23).

The Father wants to fill the temple of our hearts!

While we gather in our local churches and assemblies of worship, may we remember that our worship is not predicated on the building, no matter how grand or humble. Our true worship is all about honoring Him who resides in our hearts. For that’s the temple God wants His glory to fill the most. In His sight, you are the lavishly beautiful one.

We are instructed in the Holy Scriptures not to forsake “the assembling of ourselves” (that’s a command found in Hebrews 10:25), but always remember that real worship is not about the music or experience. Real worship is seated in our hearts.

Blessings~

For more inspiration, I have included these articles for your reading pleasure:

“Beautifying the Temple”

There is a place for drawing near the presence of God, within and without. Solomon did everything in his power to beautify the sacred space of the ancient temple. Are we doing the same for the temple within?

“Handle the Body of Jesus With Care”

Joseph of Arimathea made sure Jesus’ body was wrapped in “clean linen.” Through the brokenness of His body, we have been healed. Through His shed blood, we have been washed. We carry the Savior and His new covenant on the inside of us. Have we wrapped Him in “clean” vessels?

“Your Heart, God’s Temple”

A lot of people are living for a showy outside life, but it’s the treasury of your heart that God values the most because it is in this place He wants to reign, rule, and abide through His Spirit. The lavish, ornamental details of a physical building cannot compare to a heart that has been made a ready place for God to dwell.

Text Free Image by Tep Ro from Pixabay

When the Lights Flicker

It never fails. If there is time, I try my best to properly prepare.

I make every effort to stay abreast of the latest forecasts. And at the thought of an impending storm, I go through my house to make sure certain things, especially those regarding the possible absence of power, are in place.

I plug in my computer, phones, tablets, and portable chargers in the event of an extended power outage.

Nobody likes to be without the things they depend on for day-to-day functioning. When disruptions occur with no ability to plug in, we can feel incapacitated and at a loss. We often don’t realize how important our power source is until it’s no longer available.

Thankfully, there is one power source we can always plug into. We can connect, without interruption, to the Word of God. And whenever we feel at a loss in life, unsure of which way to go, God’s Word will always be there to supply the illumination we need.

Even if you do not understand all that you are reading, we are invited to ask God in faith for wisdom, and He will happily supply (James 1:5-6).

Many circumstances can cause our lights to flicker, but we never have to be without light or the power source that supplies it: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105).

Power lines can get severed by winds and branches falling on them, but God’s Word will never fall or be disconnected. It will always be relevant and the “right-now” source to turn to at all times, for all things.

“Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word,” (Psalm 119:114).

If you enjoyed this morsel of motivation, feel free to click on the articles below for more inspiration.

Many blessings to you~

Where you plug in, where you get your resources and information, your inspiration for life, matters more than most people realize. Fill your life and thoughts with useless fillers, and you remain empty. But if you get connected to true power, you can run this race and fulfill the destiny God has ordered for you. Jesus said, “The words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63). In God’s Word, there is truth, revelation, and power! Get connected!

If there was ever a time when we needed to drown out the world’s noise and build ourselves even more in the Word of God, that time is now! When fear tries to speak, make God’s Word louder! Magnify what the Lord says in your life and declare His truth.

God’s Word will illuminate your life. God’s Word is the answer to all. Every question, every choice, every pondering of the spirit finds an answer covered in the “inspiration of God.”

In many dark times, the Word is what shines a light brighter than any sun.  In the Word, we find comfort, solace, and peace no matter the prisons that try to hold us.

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promises of God, God's promises are still true, inspirational picture for the promises of God, inspirational pictures for For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us, 2 Corinthians 1:20

Promises That Are Still True!

Promises. Oh, my dear ones, the Bible is full of them. Each one is a God-breathed word to His people: “For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (2 Corinthians 1:20). And let me reassure you, not one of them will ever fail or fall to the ground as a non-existent thing.

Today, as you face this day, you may encounter things, situations, or even people who speak against those God-breathed promises for your life. You may even wrestle with thoughts regarding His promises for yourself. Nevertheless, as true as they were when He originally inspired them. As true as they were when those heavenly assurances were written by the Spirit into the heart and by the hand of the one whom He spoke through, they are still true today.

Not only are they still true today, but they are still true today for you!

Don’t get comfortable with the idea of believing that somehow God’s promises are more for others, disqualifying yourself from accepting His holy offers.

No, my friend. As His child, those promises are just as much for you as if your very name were written in the Holy Book next to them. As He spoke for all of His children, so He speaks His promises to you.

With the possibility of facing many ups and downs in the day, the foundation of God’s Word doesn’t change, and in that Word live these promises we hold so dear. For they are our light even in the dark days.

Is there a word you need spoken over your life today? Is there an area where you feel depleted of strength? Is there an encouragement of hope you need to anchor yourself in during these moments? Search for it in His promises. Whatever issue, wisdom, encouragement, or guidance you seek, the answer is in His Book. It’s in the Holy Bible.

Lean upon His Word today. Let His promises fill the crevices that may need extra support. He won’t fail you. His promises will always remain true and in effect.

My Friends, there are sooooooo many promises of God that still remain true to this day, and they always will be. I chose these few to share with you from my heart to yours. I pray that each one will speak life into your life today, and you will feel the embrace of the Father through His written word. May your heart be strengthened as you click on each one and read the encouragement they offer. Blessings~

PROMISES THAT ARE STILL TRUE!

You Are Held: “By thee have I been holden up from the womb: thou art he that took me out of my mother’s bowels: my praise shall be continually of thee.” Psalm 71:6

You Are Special: “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.Psalm 139:14

You Are Not Alone: “Lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world,” Matthew 28:20b

You Are Important: “How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them!” Psalm 139:17.

And, You Make a Difference to God: “I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.” Luke 15:7

Top Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

the miracle of the ear, inspirational photo about hearing with your heart, photo of Luke 22:51,

The Miracle of the Ear | Don’t Miss the Message

“He touched his ear, and healed him.” Luke 22:51

What a last-hour testimony! The crowds consisting of His betrayer, Judas Iscariot, captains of the temple, and elders – accusers of innocence – came with such hardness in their hearts that they missed this last-hour message.

In the commotion, in the heat of the moment, Peter drew his sword to defend his Lord. The plot twist of the enemy began to unravel before their very eyes, and this assertive and bold disciple was determined to do his part in preventing the following course of action.

Yet, seeing what was done, and possibly hearing the screams of the one who had lost his ear, Jesus spoke, saying, “Permit even this” (NKJV).

As the sword was sheathed, our Lord, even in His own hour of distress and grief, had compassion on Malchus who had suffered the injury, and He healed him (John 18:10, 11; Luke 22:51).

We are not privy to knowing the exact number in that crowd on that fateful night, but numbers do not negate the fact that a notable miracle was performed. Surely that evening, many witnessed this last-hour miracle, which should have compelled them to come to the conclusion that the Man they had come to arrest was no ordinary man.

Luke, the great physician, records in detail the literal hand of God at work in that garden. He would allow them to bind Him and take Him away. He spoke in these grievous moments, as He looked out at the angry faces with His heart mourning not for Himself, but for them, saying, “When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness,” (Luke 22:53).

But before they took Him away, they had one more opportunity to acknowledge the work of God in the person of Jesus. They had a visible witness that should have constrained hearts and changed minds. Yet, in their jealousy and anger, they refused this visible witness.

Their hard hearts made them turn a blind eye to the truth of the miracle of the ear. The angry mob had a chance to change and to refuse to follow through with this heinous plan. But they didn’t. Jesus would be led away, lied on, scourged, and eventually crucified.

The miracle of the ear was proof of His deity, and yet that proof was ignored, despite being performed right before their eyes.

How many would not be present in that garden on that night had their own ears really heard and understood all the words Jesus spoke and taught? How many hearts would not have been so sinisterly hard against our Lord?

“He that hath ears to hear, let him hear,” Jesus called out in Matthew 11:15 (and many more places). He knew that if people would let His teachings penetrate more than their eardrums, but go into their hearts, they would experience not only a radical transformation of how they hear, but how they live.

And instead of reattaching an ear that evening, Jesus could have been filling hearts with more of God’s Kingdom message. Rather, those who came and experienced no injury left with a great disservice to their heart. They missed the message of the miracle of the ear.

Are we missing the miracle of the ear? We sit in churches week after week, we listen and log into Bible studies, we take in the inspirational podcasts, and the Christian programming on television, but are our hearts missing the message our ears hear?

If the Word of God never reaches our hearts, our lives will never change. Do more than hear, listen.

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