We tend to remember exactly where we were and what we were doing whenever a tragic event occurred. I clearly recall reddish dust on my hands and knees from the elementary school playground where my world forever changed. I was seven years old and lost a tooth. Literally, my tooth fell out then I lost it on the playground. I recruited my fellow second graders to join my search so I would not miss a visit from the tooth fairy. That’s when Angela showed up. She always was the smartest one in the class. She casually broke the news to us, “It’s just your parents anyway.” It didn’t take me long to extrapolate this truth to Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.
Truth is truth.
John 17:17, “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” HCSB
Just because you believe something does not mean it is true, even if you are surrounded by like-minded believers. The converse is true as well, whether or not you believe, truth is truth.
John 8:32, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” ESV
How do we know truth? In Acts 17, the Bereans examined the scriptures daily to see if what Paul was saying was true. We would be so very wise to do the same. Just because it sounds good doesn’t mean it is right. Being in God’s word daily is the best way to filter out facts.
My word focus for this year is BELIEVE.
It is essential to know what I believe, then believe what I know.
A pre-requisite is to be certain my beliefs align with God’s truth. Then my own words will be true, because we all speak what we believe.
2 Corinthians 4:13, “It is written: ‘I believed; therefore I have spoken.’” NIV
Last year every single one of my beliefs were tested when I was diagnosed with a life-altering disease. After examining my personal beliefs, I wrote out a list of truths I believed.
- God is sufficient
- His word sustains
- He is able
- He has a plan
- I trust Him completely
Our beliefs affect our thoughts and our thoughts affect our beliefs. What do you believe? Are your beliefs consistent with the word of God?
Be diligent to build your beliefs on the truth of God’s word. Then talk what you know.
Psalm 116:10, “I believed, therefore I have spoken: I was greatly afflicted.” KJV
CHALLENGE
- Read all of Psalm 116 and note the context.
- Write a creed of what you believe