TRUTH

"What is truth?" asked Pilate of Jesus. Illinoisans are probably asking the same question in light of Sen. Roland Burris’ ever changing story surrounding his appointment to the senate by former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich.

The world’s version of truth is based on whatever it chooses to be true, in order to achieve a desired goal or purpose. Even religious folks have its form of truth; it’s rooted in self-righteousness and pride. The practice of these types of truths enslaves us to our sin nature because it is based on the cravings of the flesh.

Jesus said, "If you abide in my word, you are my disciples indeed. And you will know the truth and the truth shall make you free."(John 8:31, 32)

The truth Jesus spoke of comes from Him and it is realized only in those who have saturated their heart and mind with the Word of God. The truth is no matter how high we’ve climbed the ladder of success; no matter what office or title we hold in the world or in the church----we are not exempt from sin and its entrapment. We are swayed to overlook our sin to protect our reputation or to gain power and position over others, and we’re all subject to being duped, and misled by Satan through close friends, associates and family.

The only person who is free from sin is Jesus, and we experience His freedom from our sin when we acknowledge it, repent, and align our will with His.

Most Gracious and Heavenly Father,
Create in me a fervent desire for Your Word to burn brightly in my heart and mind.
Continue to expose sin areas in my life, so I may experience freedom from my sin through repentance and forgiveness.
In Jesus’ name, Amen

GLORY in Poverty

If my revisiting poverty results in one soul coming to Jesus, it is more than worth the trip.

As an eligibility requirement to receive General Assistance, I have to give one day a week working in the Township’s Food Pantry Warehouse packing food boxes for needy families. Today during lunch a young man asked me what I was reading. I told him, I was reading my Bible. Ten minutes later he came and sat near me and asked, "What are you reading now?

"The Screwtape Letters by C. S. Lewis"

"What’s it about?"

After explaining to him what the book was about, he opened his heart to hear the gospel and conversation began centered around a personal relationship with Christ.

To GOD is the GLORY!

The Lifter Up of My Head

I heard a song on the Worship Net channel by Jocelyn Brown that has refreshed my soul these past few weeks. The artist combined an old hymn (Leaning on the Everlasting Arms) with the song, "Praise the Mighty Name of Jesus."

The chorus of the song says –

Praise the mighty name of Jesus,
Praise the Lord the lifter up of my head –
Praise the Rock of my Salvation,
All my days are in His faithful hands.

Leaning, leaning, leaning on the Everlasting Arms –
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the Everlasting Arms.

I’ve been unemployed for 14 months. My unemployment benefits ran out in December. My life from a human viewpoint looks quite bleak. But from the standpoint of the scriptures presented in the song, I, even now; dwell in a place of blessedness. How? My life is in the Faithful Hands of Jesus. Because I trust Him to care for, and protect me I can lift my head above my troubles and worship Him. By His love for me He has touched the heart of people around me to share their substance with me. The Lord has given me favor with my landlord, allowing me to keep my apartment for less than what he’s due. He has even sent people to encourage me and stand in prayer with me. And most important-----just as He had taught me the blessedness in graciously giving to others; He has now taught me how to graciously receive from others as receiving from Him.