Daily Devotional for November 20, 2022 – Checking facts and listening to the Holy Spirit…do you know the rest of the story?

Luke 1:1-4
Dear friend who loves God:

Several biographies of Christ have already been written using as their source material the reports circulating among us from the early disciples and other eyewitnesses. However, it occurred to me that it would be well to recheck all these accounts from first to last and after thorough investigation to pass this summary on to you, to reassure you of the truth of all you were taught.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

When we were in college, Greg and I would often sit in the car and have a sack lunch of sandwiches and chips while listening to the late Paul Harvey on the radio. If you don’t know about Paul Harvey, he was a well-known broadcaster for ABC Radio whose hallmark was little-known, but true backstories about people and events. He would finish these broadcasts with the comment, “…and now you know…(dramatic pause)…the rest of the story. Good day!” Regardless of whether you agreed with Harvey’s politics and viewpoints, there was a compelling “folksiness” to his delivery that kept you listening. And he made a compelling point…sometimes we need to know the backstory to develop a fully informed opinion about certain situations. This is what Luke is telling us in this scripture passage.

We know that Luke was a physician…so it seems to follow that he was interested in research and tended to be methodical. It would follow that he would want to investigate thoroughly the written and oral histories and accounts of past events – and share his findings with his peers and future generations. Too often, we all accept what we read and hear as “fact” without doing the work to determine whether such declarations are indeed truthful. Sometimes, just a simple search online at one of many fact-checking websites could save us the embarrassment of “sharing” a falsehood or forming a skewed opinion. And for the record, I have failed on more than one occasion to double-check my own “facts.” We can all do better!

Additionally, we need to be careful who we listen to as Christians. There is no substitute for doing your own research – and again, there are plenty of online tools to help you make sense of scripture and determine what God is telling us. Many times each week, I have to go in search of help – both online, and through prayer. I read commentaries, various translations of scripture, and even a few sermons. Then I ask a simple question, “Lord, what does this all mean…and what do You want me to say about it?”

My point today is that before we form – and share – opinions or “facts” with others, we need to know “the rest of the story.” We need to prayerfully consider what is being presented to us, and make our decisions based on the guidance and interpretation that the Holy Spirit gives us. If we are going to “follow the leader,” we need to be sure this Leader is Jesus Christ! My prayer is that you and I would seek His word and will in all things…and go forward to share His Good News with certainty that we have done our homework – just like Dr. Luke. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for May 25, 2022 – Sticking with Jesus and finding His truths…where do we go from here?

John 8:31-32
Then Jesus turned to the Jews who had claimed to believe in him. “If you stick with this, living out what I tell you, you are my disciples for sure. Then you will experience for yourselves the truth, and the truth will free you.”

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

As I took my walk yesterday morning, I listened to Contemporary Christian music and prayed. I thanked God for all the many blessings in my life – specific people, good health, safety and freedom – and much more. I asked God to care for my family, friends, and those who are sick and grieving, to be near to the brokenhearted, and for His will to prevail. Nearly an hour later, I came home feeling the peaceful-yet-powerful presence of God…confident that I had left everything securely in His hands, where He would handle everything perfectly.

Just a few hours later, the world changed forever. News reporters began to tell us of another horrific shooting…this time in Uvalde, Texas, at an elementary school for 2nd, 3rd, and 4th graders. The reports were ugly, hurtful, and frightening. Ultimately, 19 school children and 2 adults were dead – including the 4th-grade teacher of the children who were murdered. Approximately 15 more people were treated for injuries and released from area hospitals.

Sadly, we’ve been here before. As a former first-grade teacher, I remember the horror of the shooting at Sandy Hook ten years ago, where 28 people (mostly first-graders) died – and 2 more were injured. I remember thinking about my own “babies” (which is how I thought of my students) – and what I would have done to protect them in such a situation if I had a chance. I thought of six years ago when Timothy was in 2nd grade, and I volunteered a few days a week in his classroom. One of the first things the teacher did was show me a bar that fit into the entry door of the classroom to lock it from intruders. This was a shocking thought to me…never in my 9 years of public school teaching did I think I would have to secure my classroom and protect my students from an active shooter!

I thought all afternoon about our own children…especially our nieces and nephews. One of our great-nieces celebrated her 8th birthday yesterday. She will enter 3rd grade this fall. One of our nephews will be in 4th grade, and we have numerous family members – and children who are like family – that will enter these elementary grades in the fall. I thought of the 2nd and 3rd-graders I taught in Sunday school until the pandemic struck…and of the dozens of children that have crossed my path in recent years through VBS, Sunday school, children’s choir and more. And I could not wrap my brain around the concept of something terrible happening to any of them, let alone being shot by an 18-year-old boy.

I prayed through tears…and I asked God to bring peace and resolution where I have none. I asked Him to fix whatever is so wrong with us that we think guns solve our problems and represent the answer – to anything. I basically walked around in stunned, tearful silence and simply asked, “Come, Lord Jesus.”

This situation is far beyond my “pay grade.” Yes, there are things I can do. I can participate in efforts to support these grieving families. I can advocate for tougher gun laws, “red flag” legislation, and more mental health support in this country. I realize that you may completely disagree with me about how to handle the gun issue in our nation. But there is one thing that I hope you and I can agree on…we must keep seeking Jesus’ truth and living in it. We cannot give up on God…not even now when we have so many questions and feel so hollow – and maybe even a little deserted. We have to throw back our shoulders and work even harder to share the light and love of Christ Jesus with this dark world.

I heard an interview yesterday with the parent of a victim of the Parkland shooting in Florida, just four years ago. The reporter asked him what advice he would offer for the days ahead. One of the things he said was to get up today and get going. LITERALLY, he said to get out of bed and face the day. His point was that even though we feel despondent and heartbroken – even angry – we cannot be defeated by this. God is still with us. The love of Jesus is still freely offered to any and all who will embrace Him. We still have missions and ministries to complete. They just took an ugly and heartbreaking detour yesterday. All the same, we followers of Jesus have a lot of work to do…and we don’t have a minute to waste.

Today, as you ponder all that has happened – and the ugly news that will surely continue to unfold, ask Jesus to remind you of His truths. Call on Him to show you how to proceed. Ask Him for strength and courage to put one foot in front of the other and do the hard things that may be asked of you. Pray for peace and comfort as you seek purpose and direction. And take a little time to thank Jesus for His unending love and care. His heart is broken, and His arms are open to embrace anyone who will run to Him and seek His solace and assurance – now, and in the days ahead. I know that’s where I will be…won’t you join me?

Daily Devotional for May 23, 2022 – Earthly “kings” or the King of Kings…who will you choose to serve?

John 18:36-37
Then Jesus answered, “I am not an earthly king. If I were, my followers would have fought when I was arrested by the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of the world.”

Pilate replied, “But you are a king then?”

“Yes,” Jesus said. “I was born for that purpose. And I came to bring truth to the world. All who love the truth are my followers.”

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

Primary Election Day happens this week in our state. For months now, we’ve been inundated with television ads, mailbox flyers, and road signs galore promoting this candidate or that one. All are promising to “change the world” – or at least the district, county, or jurisdiction they represent. We humans tend to put a lot of stock in these leaders and their promises. Some people all but elevate a few of these folks to the stature of “king” – and a few of the candidates have become so deluded as to believe the hype!

We would do well to remember who our One True King really is. Jesus could step down to earth today and change everything. He could appear and declare that He is King of all – and literally turn our world on its head. But Jesus doesn’t operate like that! We have free will, and the choice to follow Him is completely ours.

Jesus doesn’t want us to follow Him out of obligation. He is not a dictator. He wants us to seek His truths – and to ask ourselves, “Is this the path Jesus wants me to take? Does Jesus endorse this decision or that mandate?” I am not suggesting we break the law. But a lot of decisions and claims are being made by “Christians” that, at best, should send us scrambling to ask God what He thinks. We should be asking if these positions are truly rooted in the truth…or whether they are the notions of would-be “kings” who twist things to suit their own agendas.

I find that almost every day lately, something arises in the news, on social media – or in a private conversation with someone – that requires I spend some time talking to God for clarification. A lot of it doesn’t pass the “smell test” – much less ring right in my heart. I ask, “What would Jesus do?” a lot these days…and often, the answer is counter to what I am being told by others.

Following Jesus’ truths will seldom make us popular with the masses. It may even cost us a few friends. But I still serve at the pleasure of the One True King, Jesus Christ. I am proud to be a follower of His truths, to love others as He loves me, and to share His teachings at every turn. I know that my true home is secured in His presence for all Eternity. What about you?

Daily Devotional for January 11, 2022 – Speaking wise words with grace and truth…it’s time to check our Source!

Ecclesiastes 10:12
The words of a wise person are gracious.
The talk of a fool self-destructs—
He starts out talking nonsense
And ends up spouting insanity and evil.

“Foot-in-mouth Disease” seems to be running rampant. We all say something inappropriate or incorrect at some point (hopefully this is inadvertent!). But foolish talk has become so mainstream that many are struggling these days to figure out what is truth and what is nonsense. Somewhere along the line, “conspiracy theories” became the norm for many…an understood (and somewhat accepted) component of our daily lives. The talk of fools has been woven into the fabric of our conscience in such a way that many times, we don’t even think about it. We’re losing our ability to say, “Wait! What?!” And yes, insanity and evil are often the result.

I won’t enumerate my list of such claims for you, but I would assume that you have a list, too. And sadly, many of these horrible thoughts and ideas are being shared among people who claim the name of Jesus as they speak foolishness, insanity and pure evil.

We need to take a pause and really consider what we are hearing each day. What are our “leaders” telling us…in every arena? What is the message and ministry of fellow believers? Have our brothers and sisters bought into some of the lies and hatred that are circulating? You may be listening to the nonsense of others without even realizing what they are telling you. Just yesterday, I was telling Greg about something that “they are saying” about the Omicron variant, and he stopped me. “WHO is saying this? What are the sources?” This is a good question for all of us to ask – about everything!

Don’t rely on others for your information and ideas…trust God for these. Listen to what you are being told, then ask God, “Is this real and true?” Seek His answers in scripture, prayer, and science. Don’t perpetuate lies and hatred – even inadvertently. Make sure that you know who “they” are…and that what you say and represent is God’s truth as given to you through constant communication and study.

The Kingdom of Heaven is not glorified by misinformation and unkind/evil speak. We disciples of Christ are duty-bound to make sure that what we are saying and sharing is loving, kind, truthful, and God-ordained. Christ is counting on us to be His Light! Let’s renew our efforts to check our words – and always speak in truth and wisdom. Alleluia!

Daily Devotional for October 27, 2021 – Are you living in God’s truth – or will you have some ‘splainin’ to do?

Galatians 1:10-12
Do you think I speak this strongly in order to manipulate crowds? Or court favor with God? Or get popular applause? If my goal was popularity, I wouldn’t bother being Christ’s slave. Know this—I am most emphatic here, friends—this great Message I delivered to you is not mere human optimism. I didn’t receive it through the traditions, and I wasn’t taught it in some school. I got it straight from God, received the Message directly from Jesus Christ.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

One of my all-time favorite television shows is “I Love Lucy,” starring Lucille Ball (a.k.a. Lucy) and Desi Arnaz (known on the show as “Ricky”). One of the tag lines for the show belongs to “Ricky,” who often says, “Lucy…you’ve got some ‘splainin’ to do!” Indeed many among us are going to have some ‘splainin’ of our own to do someday, when God asks, “Why did you perpetuate that falsehood? Worse yet, why did you do this while claiming my name or that of my son, Jesus?”

I honestly don’t know the motives of others. Is it a desire to be popular or fit in with the mainstream crowd? Is it genuine ignorance that causes someone to share unfounded theories and absolute nonsense? Is it selfishness or wishful thinking? Regardless of the reasons, too many people are twisting the facts (at best) – and flat-out telling lies at times – while claiming to love and serve Jesus Christ. And I am here to say, there will be some ‘splainin’ to do someday!

Author John Pavlovitz talks about this in his new book, If God is Love, Don’t be a Jerk*. He offers the example of a man who was judged, ridiculed and ostracized from his church because of his sexual orientation. Pavlovitz suggests that this man is like many “walking wounded” around us who constantly encounter people who claim to know and love Jesus while thumbing their noses at His commands and living in a way that is in no way representative of His teachings. Someday, these people will surely have some ‘splainin’ to do.

There are several “fact-checking” websites that will help you decide if Amazon really does coat their boxes with an anti-rodent chemical that is toxic to cats (they don’t!) or the COVID-19 vaccine puts octopus-like creatures into our children (it doesn’t!). The ultimate fact checker is our Holy Bible and God Almighty. It is time for us to go before God and ask, “What is the truth? Where will I find dependable answers?” I am not saying that God will literally tell you in scripture who to vote for or which person is being honest and which ones are lying. But He will offer you direction. He will point you toward the facts, and you will know beyond the shadow of a doubt that you are hearing from Him.

Stop listening to the noise around you. Pay attention to God’s word and directives. Go back to the basic commands of Jesus Christ, which actually are anything but basic. Love one another. Treat others as you wish to be treated. Love all others with the love of Christ. Study the examples of Jesus throughout the New Testament – and incorporate His methods and attitudes in your daily living. Be someone whose only aim in life is to live and love like Jesus…and to genuinely serve others in His name. Otherwise, the day will come when you’re gonna have some serious ‘splainin’ to do!

* If God Is Love, Don’t Be a Jerk by John Pavlovitz

Daily Devotional for October 14, 2020 – Watch and pray…and stay on guard!

Luke 12:1-3
As thousands of people crowded around Jesus and were stepping on each other, he told his disciples:

Be sure to guard against the dishonest teaching of the Pharisees! It is their way of fooling people. Everything that is hidden will be found out, and every secret will be known. Whatever you say in the dark will be heard when it is day. Whatever you whisper in a closed room will be shouted from the housetops.

Scripture taken from the Contemporary English Version © 1991,1992, 1995 by American Bible Society, Used by Permission.

I can remember my grandmother making declarations about her health that seemed questionable. When we would ask, “What makes you think this?”, she would reply…”Because my doctor said so!” What her doctor told her was gospel. She also told my mother once that a physician she visited was not a “real doctor” because he was not wearing a white coat!

You and I have to stay awake and alert. Just because someone has “M.D.” after their name – or wears a white coat – does not mean that every diagnosis and prescription this person offers is absolute or right for us. Our leaders – local, state, federal, and even church related – are not God. They will not always get it right…and their words and actions are not always perfect. Just the other day, a couple of dear cousins gently reminded me to trust my gut and listen for God’s nudging as I make decisions about my health and safety during this pandemic.

At every turn, people are looking us straight in the eye and telling us things that simply are not true. Some of them seem so confident – or calm – and it is easy to think, “He/she must be right.” Some gesture wildly, shout, and all but grab us by the shoulders to shake us and say, “BELIEVE ME!” We must not be fooled. We must prayerfully consider each and every decision. We must know when we are truly hearing from God – not mere mortals. The stakes are too high…for many of us, this is literally a matter of life and death.

There is another component to this scripture lesson in Luke 1. You and I must be careful about what we convey to others. We must guard our thoughts, words and deeds. This is bigger than the little snide remark you made about someone behind his/her back that was shared by an eavesdropper. If you buy into false information and share it with others, your reckless behavior could have serious consequences for many. People are watching. When you go out in public without a mask, some will assume this is safe behavior. When you share something you heard at the hair salon or coffee shop as factual, there will be those who believe this and even act on it. When you look someone dead in the eye, smile sweetly and lie to them, understand that you may not be fooling this person for a single second – and the damage this does to your relationship and your witness can be permanent!

The bottom line is to that we must continually watch and pray. Run everything by God, and when you have that “feeling” that you shouldn’t say or do something – or believe someone – trust that He is speaking to you. Stop and ask, “What are You telling me? How should I proceed?” Guard your heart, your words, and your actions. Never be responsible for the missteps of others because of something you have said, shared, or done. Operate with honesty, fairness, love, and integrity – and ask God to help you discern this in others.

People ARE watching. More importantly, God sees and hears all that we think, say and do. Let’s be sure that we are serving and acting with faithful obedience, and that our agenda always perpetuates the truths of our Heavenly Father.

Daily Devotional for June 6, 2019 – Seeking God’s purpose for your life…and sharing His truth with others

Titus 1:1-2
From: Paul, the slave of God and the messenger of Jesus Christ.

I have been sent to bring faith to those God has chosen and to teach them to know God’s truth—the kind of truth that changes lives—so that they can have eternal life, which God promised them before the world began—and he cannot lie.

The Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

This morning, Timmy, Zola, and 52 other children – plus 16 counselors – left for church camp. This will be Zola’s first experience…and Timmy’s second. Both were beyond excited to go. In an environment jam-packed with fun and exciting activities, these children will also be taught God’s truth. There will be daily Bible studies and worship services…and faithful servants will lead these children into a deeper relationship with God. I know from past summers that all campers will return forever changed – and in the best possible way.

To say that I have prayed for this week would be an understatement. I have prayed for this specific camp for weeks…and in general, I have prayed since our children were babies that they would someday have the opportunity to attend. This day is physical proof that God answers prayers…because they are there! And I thank God for such an incredible opportunity. I also thank Him for the amazing counselors and leaders who sacrificed their own time and money to attend this camp and nurture our children. They are present-day disciples, obediently heeding God’s call and presenting His truth to the next generation.

Church camp is unique…and only one “tool” for spreading the Good News of Jesus in a way that packs a permanent punch. God may be calling you to share His truth with others – and to be the hands and feet of Jesus – in a totally different, sometimes subtle way. But I assure you, He has a purpose for your life…and a plan for your discipleship! Maybe you are called to be a quiet, but stellar example of self-control, rational thinking, and compassion toward your fellow man. Maybe God wants you to reach out to those who are sick and suffering – and offer encouragement, comfort, and hope in Christ.

Maybe God has called you to a more active, “physical” discipleship that involves participation in church missions and ministries, civic outreach, or full-blown ministry of some kind. I cannot tell you what your purpose is…you must discern for yourself by listening to God. But I know that He has a plan not only for you to fully discover His truth in your own life – but also to internalize this and share your faith with others.

God did not call me to serve at church camp. In fact, I very clearly felt Him saying, “This is a time for those children to spread their wings and soar without you.” God is like that…He will tell you where and how He wants you to serve Him. And I hope you are listening! Where is God calling you to share His truth with others? How is he presenting you with opportunities to fulfill your mission and purpose? And are you listening for His voice? Don’t you think it’s time you were?

P.S. Please pray for our children and mentors who are attending church camp. Thanks!

Daily Devotional for January 8, 2019 – God’s truth – or pious nitpicking…Who do others believe you serve?

2 Timothy 2:14-17a
Repeat these basic essentials over and over to God’s people. Warn them before God against pious nitpicking, which chips away at the faith. It just wears everyone out. Concentrate on doing your best for God, work you won’t be ashamed of, laying out the truth plain and simple. Stay clear of pious talk that is only talk. Words are not mere words, you know. If they’re not backed by a godly life, they accumulate as poison in the soul.

Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.

Once again, I have seen comments on Facebook today that are vile and hateful – and came from fellow “Christians”. The ugly talk about what these people would do to some who are “different” in one way or another…how they would “make an example” that would deter others and other sickening statements not only make me angry – they break my heart. I cannot imagine how they must make God feel.

I looked at this scripture passage and asked myself, “What is wrong with these people? How can they fail to “connect the dots” between their ugly, hateful words and the poison of sin? How can they possibly justify speaking and thinking in such a manner while claiming to love Jesus Christ with all their heart, mind and soul? How can they desire to serve the One who loved unconditionally, while spewing venom and loathing toward another person or group of people?

These are not isolated incidents…the people to whom I’ve referred do this over and over – and seem to almost delight in doing so. I have to imagine that God is greatly grieved by their misdeeds…and the arrogance that accompanies them. And yes, this behavior does wear everyone out and chip away at the faith of some. At the very least, it sends the wrong message to those in our midst…a notion that it is okay to claim the name of Jesus Christ AND practice “pious nitpicking” – and worse – at the same time.

Here we go again, but people.are.watching. Everything from your words to your actions – to even your body language – tells others who you are and Who you serve. You can claim all day long to serve Jesus and be a redeemed Believer. But if your minute-to-minute living does not reflect the love, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and inclusion of Jesus Christ, you’re just polluting the atmosphere and delighting the devil. Who among us wants this?

My prayer is that we would each take a pause to breathe deeply, check our behavior, and ask God to fill us with His Holy Spirit. Call on the Lord to equip you to do your best work, in plain truth, with no added agendas or an inflated sense of importance and an ability (and authority) to judge others. Humbly walk in the truths of Christ…and trust that He is more than able to multiply your efforts. It’s time to “walk the Walk and talk the Talk”…every single minute. Are you with me?

Daily Devotional for January 30, 2018 – Checking the facts…and sharing the truth

2 Corinthians 6:7
We have spoken the truth, and God’s power has worked in us. In all our struggles we have said and done only what is right.

30 Day Notice

Citizens of Allen County, Kansas, including the incorporated and unincorporated cities of: Bassett, Bayard, Carlyle, Elsmore, Gas, Geneva, Humboldt, Iola, La Harpe, Moran, Mildred, Petrolia, Savonburg

Due to the extensive and repeated misuse of Facebook
and other social media applications within this jurisdiction
we will be blocking all Allen County access to
Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, Instagram, Tumblr, and YouTube
between February 28 and March 1.

This information was shared by my friend Teresa, who works at our local Sheriff’s Department – and I don’t know when I have laughed so hard. Let’s just say…the country went wild. People started posting terrible, ugly comments to the Allen County Sheriff’s Department (many of which they have now retracted in embarrassment). Angry folks called Dispatch – and even a District Court clerk – and threatened lawsuits, public protests, and more. Four major news networks called to verify the post…only to be embarrassed that they had been duped. The Sheriff’s Department later noted that they were glad these news outlets discovered their mistake before they shared the information as fact and had to “walk back” their “story”.

In a follow-up post, the Sheriff’s Department said…”Our post today, Monday, January 29, 2018, about “shutting off social media” was another successful demonstration of the power of social media. It wasn’t intended to be that way. We want to remind everyone, read everything you see on the internet closely. Check the facts. Not everything is true no matter how good it may look.”

If you are still confused…check your calendar. You will see that as soon as February 28, 2018, ends…March 1st begins! This was a clever demonstration of how easily people are duped by false information – and how quickly they jump on the bandwagon to believe whatever they are told. Because this post came from a Sheriff’s Department, many obviously bought it “hook, line, and sinker”. This should be a wake-up call to a lot of us that anyone can be deceptive, confusing – or untruthful…whether intentional or not. So the sheriff’s admonition to read everything closely (not just what we see on the Internet) is great advice. His reminder to check the facts echoes what Paul tells us in the scriptures.

Even among our community and “religious leaders”, there are those who have a personal agenda and will lie to ensure its implementation. I know we don’t want to think this could be true…but the devil is not that discerning in his targets. In fact, he delights in nothing better than deceiving someone who claims to represent God Almighty – or those who appear to “wield power and influence” over a large group of people!

What does this mean for us as Christians? We must truly check the facts…about everything! We must listen carefully to what is being said, and at least whisper to the Holy Spirit and ask, “Can this be right?” We must do our homework and choose our words – and our associates – wisely. We must be careful not to get caught up in the cacophony of “mob mentality” over a perceived injustice – especially without first investigating to make sure that all who are involved are on firm footing.

There is nothing more damaging to the furthering of God’s Kingdom than “Christians” who “go off half-cocked”. Make sure that you aren’t one of these. Prayerfully consider whether what you are sharing and demonstrating is truthful. Check – and double-check – your facts. Carefully choose your words and actions…as well as your “circle of influence”. Don’t be “guilty by association” of sharing untruths.

Make every effort to operate in confidence that your words are powered only by God’s truth – and that in all your struggles, you say and do only what He shows you to be right. And consider at least curtailing your activities on social media. February 28th – March 1st might be a good time to start!

Daily Devotional for September 17, 2017 – Operating in “just the facts”…

Proverbs 2:6-15
For the Lord grants wisdom! His every word is a treasure of knowledge and understanding. He grants good sense to the godly—his saints. He is their shield, protecting them and guarding their pathway. He shows how to distinguish right from wrong, how to find the right decision every time. For wisdom and truth will enter the very center of your being, filling your life with joy. You will be given the sense to stay away from evil men who want you to be their partners in crime—men who turn from God’s ways to walk down dark and evil paths and exult in doing wrong, for they thoroughly enjoy their sins. Everything they do is crooked and wrong.

If you grew up in the 1950s-60s, you probably watched a television show called Dragnet. It featured two detectives, Sgt. Joe Friday (played by Jack Webb), and his partner, Officer Bill Gannon (played by Harry Morgan). At some point in your life, you have probably quoted what you thought was a line from the program…”Just the facts, ma’am!” The truth is…this line was never uttered in the actual series. What Webb’s character frequently said was actually, “All we want (or know) are the facts, Ma’am.”

This is nothing new. A lot of the phrases we associate with television programs or movies are at least a little bit inaccurate. But over time, we have come to accept them as “truth”. So I suspect that more than a few people will now Google my “Dragnet” claim to make sure I am correct!

I share this to point out how careful we must be about the “truth”. We cannot play fast and loose with facts…or operate in hearsay and assumptions. God wants us to do our homework and discover the truth for ourselves…about everything from politics to current events to matters of Christian faith. Too often, we let others tell us what is the truth…and we “buy in” hook, line and sinker. Sadly, we are duped much of the time.

God wants us to do our research…to seek the truth…to ask questions and pray, and make informed, Spirit-led choices and decisions. It takes more time and effort to do this than to just take the word of others…but these are critical steps in the life of a committed Christian. I’m not saying that those to whom you may be listening are evil…or even that they mean to do any harm. But these people may have gotten their “truths” from someone else…and perpetuated the cycle…and God is calling on us to break this chain and operate only in the actual facts.

In other words, God is saying, “All you should want or know are the facts, Ma’am.” Anything else should be considered suspect and given careful scrutiny – if not “the boot”! Are you ready to seek the truth in all situations and circumstances? Will this be the day you begin to operate in “just the facts?”

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