Resolutions of the Heart

All those who had knowledge and understanding, are joining with their kinsmen, their nobles, and are taking on themselves a curse and an oath to walk in God’s law, which was given through Moses, God’s servant, and to keep and to observe all the commandments of God our Lord, and His ordinances and His statutes. Nehemiah 10:29 (New American Standard Bible)

I will admit I have already decided on some New Year resolutions but they all involve outward behavior.

As I read today’s verse from Nehemiah I was struck by the seriousness and extent of the decision made. How many of us would attach a blessing and curse to our resolutions? How many of us would proclaim absolute obedience to God’s Word, will, and way as our New Year resolution? That is when it occurred to me that most of us do not make New Year resolutions that have to do with attitudes of the heart

So today I am asking myself what it would be like if my resolutions included such things as speaking kindly and graciously to others, extending forgiveness, relinquishing past hurts and failures, looking to God to meet my needs instead of people, aligning my thoughts with Philippians 4:8, and living with a daily realization that God loves me and wants me to extend that love to others. These things are based on my cooperation with God (a choice) and my dependency upon God (a reality). My flesh, my will, and my thoughts are not up to the challenge but God’s Spirit, Who lives in me, IS!

If I make the decision to live this way it must not be with perfection in mind or dependency upon my flesh. Both will set me up for failure. It is not so much a New Year resolution as a daily decision for cooperation with and dependency on God. Transformation of my heart and life will come as I renew my mind and walk in the Spirit. I am not on my own. The God of the universe will be my enabler, coach, cheerleader, and encourager. He will extend grace and mercy when I fail and reassurances that I will succeed at times. As with any journey it will be one step at a time in His presence.

I am hearing God’s invitation for me to join Him on a different way to live my Christian life. His Spirit stirs within me a longing to link up with Himself. His desire and willingness to supply all I need is evident. He now waits for me (and you) to accept His offer.

Father, with timid hands I reach for You. Birth in me the trust to follow You in every area to which You invite me. May I feel Your hand on me and arms around me. Fill me, free me, and change me at the very center of my being! Amen.

Potter's Hand - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6beNoG0H0E0

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Spoken to Me as Well

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (New King James Version)

When I find myself reading Scripture and failing to see that the words are meant for me, today’s passage redirects and corrects my thinking. I lived too many years as a Christian seeing certain passages written only to the people in Bible times and felt left out of the promises and words of encouragement. Lately, that mindset found its way back into my thought life and began to shake me at my core.

This morning as I read from Haggai I found myself struggling to see God’s words through Haggai as not just meant for the people of Israel. The words of Haggai 2:19, “Is the seed still in the barn? Even including the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate and the olive tree, it has not borne fruit. Yet from this day on I will bless you” were seen as God’s promise to His people. How I longed for those words of blessing to be directed toward me as well! As I read Haggai 2:23 where God tells Zerubbabel, that He would make him like a signet ring, because He had chosen him, I once again could not imagine that I too would be made a signet ring. I somehow had lost the ability to hear God speaking His words to me.

Yet when I read passages from the New Testament or Psalms it was relatively easy to embrace the words. My first thought was, “Why even read the passages that seem to be only for Israel?” Why not just read the New Testament and a few books from the Old Testament? Today’s passage gave me my answer. All Scripture was inspired by God with profit and purpose for me! God’s words were not limited to just the present audience centuries ago. Practically speaking, this means when I read of His promised blessings on Israel I can delight that He has promised to bless me as well. When others are told they will be made a signet ring I can rest in the fact that God will also make me into a signet ring as well. What that looks like I don’t know but my lack of complete knowledge is no reason to doubt!

God’s dealings with me and workings in my life may vary from those who lived in Bible times but as His child, I am free to perk up my ears to the sound of His voice in His written word. The messages are not meant to feel like I am reading someone else’s mail….they are meant for me!

Father, may Your Word never fail to be personally directed toward me and accepted by me. Amen.

Ancient Words - Michael W. Smith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vmTkXNpwzs&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

That Which Sets Us Free

The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, so I will not be thirsty nor come all the way here to draw." He said to her, "Go, call your husband and come here." The woman answered and said, "I have no husband." Jesus said to her, "You have correctly said, 'I have no husband'; for you have had five husbands, and the one whom you now have is not your husband; this you have said truly." John 4:15-18 (New American Standard Bible)

Jesus pinpointed the area of struggle and shame in this unnamed woman’s story. It was the turning point of the conversation as well as her life. What she may have had no intention of sharing with a “stranger” was exactly what she opened up about to Him. What was hidden in the well of her heart flowed out with her words. Her sense of freedom, forgiveness, and wholeness was only possible with her honesty. When a person has no more to hide, it is then that they stop hiding and start living. It was true of this Samaritan woman and it is true of us as well.

So knowing this, what makes it so difficult for us to be honest and open with the people in our life? I am pondering that question in the early hours of this morning. One year ago today was my “woman at the well” experience with a trusted friend. The one thing I vowed I would NEVER discuss with her became part of our conversation and I sat in disbelief at what was coming out of my mouth. I was sharing not only a very personal aspect of myself but one that housed me in a robe of guilt, shame, disgust, and cringing. It was my personal demon of struggle and admitting it put me in a place of vulnerability and fear. I felt exposed, weak, defenseless, and susceptible admitting my well guarded secret and I was gripped with fear that sharing it would cause this person to walk away and sever the ties of our friendship. I was prepared for the worst but it never transpired. Instead of rejection I received acceptance. Instead of a lost relationship I received the assurance that we would walk through this issue together with God in the center. Instead of seeing my expectations played out I was given the hope of friendship, freedom, and a fresh start. I feared the worst but got the best and my mind desperately tried to wrap itself around the preciousness of it all. I am not the same person I was a year ago. The friendship has continued and slowly but surely more victories are coming. Neither is possible without honesty.

I learned that fear is my greatest hindrance to living the full life. It hinders me in my relationships, in taking risks, in being adventurous, and in living the life out of each moment. To be ruled by all the “what ifs” that I can think of is imprisonment of the worst kind because it places me behind walls of distrust and lies. Last year, Jesus gave me the key to my own freedom and I used it. Each time I choose to take continual steps forward the result is always best! May I never go back again!

Father, quiet any voices in me that would seek to recapture and imprison me. May Your love continue to cast out any and all fear. Amen.

Who Am I? - Casting Crowns
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VU_rTX23V7Q

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Gaining Control

Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me respond, even because of my inward agitation. Job 20:2 (New American Standard Bible)

Zophar’s words to Job speak volumes to me this morning, for I, too, can find myself responding to my own disquieting thoughts and inward agitations. I am amazed how frequently I can allow those very things to control me, my outlook on life, my view of others, and my opinion of myself. The odd thing about it is that it usually has to do with things I don’t really know for sure but perceive to be true none the less. Case in point, what another people might or might not be thinking of me. Due to my own weaknesses, internal wounds, and inconsistent emotions, I can often decide that others think the worst of me, yet the truth of the matter is that I don’t really know what they are thinking. The enemy loves to see me play mental gymnastics that lead no where but down. He loves for me to draw the conclusion that I am not loved, wanted, or even liked by others, and then proceed to withdraw into my own little world of self loathing, fear, and abandonment. Unmet needs, expectations, and longings become the fodder that I can mentally feed upon and the scene plays out like a tragedy.

A conversation with a friend via the internet last night helped me to see the dangers of this tendency as well as a way to get myself back on the right track spiritually and emotionally. I was reminded of the necessity to let go of past hurts and disappointments, to think on what I know to be true, and by the grace of God, to live out the things God has been teaching me. For me, each of those things become decisions I have to make regarding where I allow my mind to dwell. I cannot afford to review unchangeable history. The whys and what ifs are too numerous and unproductive at best. When I presume to know what another person is thinking I must see that as a form of judging on my part and take myself off the throne upon which only God has the ability to sit. I have to choose to meditate on what God says and thinks about me, which is ultimately where my true identity is based. Freedom and growth will come for me as I implement these things into my life the NEXT time the battle of my mind is raging, I am faced with unfounded perceptions, or I am tempted to withdraw into my own emotional cocoon.

Life is too short and the opportunities to live an abundant life in Christ are too many to continue living in a defeated mode. It is time once again to put on the armor of truth, righteousness, peace, and faith so that I can move forward in my Christian life, enjoy and love the people in my life, and be productive in the kingdom work of my Heavenly Father.

Father, help me to now live what I have just written in this devotional. Help me to make the right choices. The wise choices. The necessary choices. Amen.

JESUS,Lover of my soul (it's all about You)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD-ZdMOx_HY&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Letting it Show

And Mary said, “My soul exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.” Luke 1:46,47 (New American Standard Bible)

Mary is not waiting until she holds her promised child in her hands to start rejoicing…..she is expressing her praise now! She knows the importance and necessity of giving voice to the truth. Her very words are the expression of the praise already felt in her soul and spirit….the very essence of who she is. I am trying to picture in my mind her body language and facial expressions as she speaks such words of and to her heavenly Father. I picture her to be much like David in the Old Testament who had very lively moments of praise to God.

When we are passionate, excited, and intense about something or someone it shows on our faces. It is seen in the way we walk and talk. It affects our whole demeanor. I often wonder how the same people who are so animated and expressive at sporting events, get togethers, and special activities can be so passive and stoic in a worship service. I realize personality plays a lot into this, but even an introvert will laugh at a good joke, smile at the greeting of a dear friend, and reveal the joy of their heart by the expression on their face.

When you go to church, look around at others. What do their faces tell you? Is there a look of celebration over the goodness of God? Is the joy evident? Is there a hint of a smile? Most of the time? Some of the time? Any of the time? Or does it more resemble a funeral? I don’t say any of this to be harsh or judgmental. I actually say it with sadness and confusion. I really wonder why many worship services have been reduced to such somber and solemn assemblies. If our eyes are truly windows to our souls than our whole face (expressions and all) must be wide open doors!

Each day we should ask God to give us the outward expression that denotes a passionate, excited, and lively internal world that is consumed with Him. I am not talking about a fake, plastered on smile. I am talking about authentic joy spilling out of us in an evident, noticeable way. Take my word for it, people will not only notice it but they will comment on it as well. Why? Because it is so rare out in the world as well as in the house of God. May God help us to change!

Father, may You ignite such a passion in us today that there is a noticeable difference in our expression, words, and countenance. Amen.

Come, Now is the Time to Worship
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELdQ66LK5Qw&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Fulfilling His Word

And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what had been spoken to her by the Lord. Luke 1:45 (New American Standard Bible)

We have many promises made to us in Scripture. Our hope of salvation and spending eternity in Heaven is one such promise. Many are the moments in our life when we remember God’s promises to protect us, never forsake us, carry us, deliver us, work in us, glorify Himself in us, and direct our paths. We are assured that His will and purpose are definitely going to come about in our life. As nice as these are and as much as I rely on them to settle my heart, there is a part of me that envies the people in the Bible who got direct words spoken to them from angels. They were told specific things that would come about and they lived to see the fulfillment of those promises. What a blessing that would be!

While I have never had an angel interrupt my day or my life I did have an experience with God’s Word that I love to revisit from time to time. I went to a ladies’ event in the spring of 2005 which required an overnight stay in a motel room. I had been on my journey with God for about a year and was learning truths that astounded me! When I got to my room that night I knelt by my bed, opened my Bible at random, and without looking at the page I simply rested my head on my Bible and began praying over a number of things. I was hungry to hear something specific for me! I wasn’t in the practice of opening my Bible at random and I was so grateful for the many things God had already been doing in my life. When I did finally look at my Bible I was surprised to see that I had opened it to a part in 2 Chronicles.

My eyes fell on the last phrase of 2 Chronicles 25:9 which says, “The LORD has much more to give you than this.” Although I didn’t know the full ramifications of that phrase for me personally, I took it as a promise none the less. It was my assurance that God would continue to stretch my faith, teach me more about Himself, open up knew opportunities to serve Him, and keep me going on an incredible journey with Him that would only get better. This was over four years ago and I can’t wait to see what the “much more” is for me!

Father, You were so gracious to give me such a special verse. I follow You with abandon and anticipate Your good intentions toward me! Amen.

God Will Make a Way - Don Moen
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1zo3fJYtS-o

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

　

From Within the Womb

For behold, when the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby leaped in my womb for joy. Luke 1:44 (New American Standard Bible)

I find this verse to be interesting because it shows me a precious womb experience. In her sixth month of pregnancy, Elizabeth knows that the baby in her womb responds with joy to the sound of Mary’s voice. The greeting that reached her ears reached her baby as well.

I have read how much is being discovered about the experiences of infants in their mother’s womb. There is much that affects them. They react differently to soothing music as opposed to harsh, loud, heavy beat music. The stress or peace of a mother affects them. Just like the food a mother eats, the drugs she takes, the alcohol she consumes, the cigarettes she smokes affects her unborn child so do the emotional environments. It is said that even the feelings the mother has toward her own pregnancy are felt by the infant.

As I study Scripture I see the preciousness of God’s involvement with us when we were still in our mother’s womb. There are numerous verses that tell me that while I was in the womb God called me, held me, carried me, formed me, covered me, guided me, and made mention of my name! This tells me that God has a special message for me to embrace about my own conception and womb experience. I was planned for, wanted, desired, and willed into existence by a loving heavenly Father! That is meant to over ride any negative messages I may have taken in before I took my first breath. In other words, God’s re-parenting skills can even go back to the womb.

While all of this is precious to know I was reminded this morning of how quickly Satan can counterfeit this teaching. I decided to see if the internet had sites pertaining to womb experiences. I had the option of two sites. While they said some interesting things I quickly saw some danger. One site led me to the idea that we don’t need to search for God because we are God. The other wasted no time in introducing the concept of reincarnation. My knowledge of Scripture showed me the error of both schools of thought. I must always compare what I hear and read with the Word of God. Then and only then am I safe.

Father, Your Word remains the litmus test for truth. May I be quick to see the counterfeits that are out there and embrace what You say. Amen.

He Knows My Name - Tommy Walker
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkw3a4raWfg

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

The Certainty of Departures

And Mary said, “Behold, the bond slave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38 (New American Standard Bible)

Mary’s questions have been asked, her heart has been settled and the next six words have a profound effect on me. I am not sure how long it took Gabriel to deliver his message, walk through the process of Mary digesting his message, and then depart. It may have just been a few minutes. No longer than it took me to read the thirteen verses that cover the event. But his visit was life changing and life defining for Mary. I wonder how often she replayed this day in her mind and delighted in the uniqueness of it all.

People come and go in our life. For some it is a brief encounter. For others it may span many years. I am one who enjoys relationships! I love to recall how God allowed my path to cross with particular people. My memories of them are sweet and I revel in the times we have shared. I marvel at the many friendships that have come my way. Some have blown my mind! But all are marked with the words found in this verse. Eventually they depart. Whether it is through death, a move, or a change in the relationship our involvement in each other’s life is diminished, altered, or discontinued all together.

As I learn to analyze these moments in my life, I begin to see the patterns each relationship goes through. I am convinced God has specific purposes for the individuals He brings into my life. Many times I may not fully realize the purpose until I look back over the time frame of the relationship. It is then that I can see specific messages they were meant to deliver to me about God, myself, or life in general. I also begin to see the intensity of the relationship is usually for a certain amount of time. I must be as willing to release this person as I was to embrace them. I must come to the place when I can fully accept God’s time frame for their involvement in my life and vice versa. Then they become a gift to be treasured instead of a loss to be grieved. It is a process I have to work on and I don’t always walk in victory, but it is worth it when I embrace the truth of it all.

Each change also reminds me of the constant presence of God. He never departs. As I cultivate my relationship with Him I am more able to fully appreciate the relationships with others in the ways He meant them to be.

Father, thank you for the dear people you have brought into my life. May I see them as Your messengers and hear their messages clearly. Amen.

Love That Won't Walk Away - Kathy Troccoli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZioqjmmtK3U

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

God's Invitation to Trust

Trust in the LORD and do good; dwell in the land and cultivate faithfulness. Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it. Psalm 37:3-5 (New American Standard Bible)

Sandwiched between the double use of the word trust are the practical aspects of our trust. Dwelling in the place God has put us. Cultivating faithfulness to Him. Delighting ourselves in Him. Committing our journey to Him. When any of those things is missing from our daily relationship with Him we flounder and stumble.

I find myself struggling the most with the steps of my faith when confronted with my weaknesses and the reality of present heart issues. When the truth of where I am at on my journey is not as far as I would like to be. When my actions and reactions reveal flesh more than faith. Those are the times disappointment in myself becomes my foe and my focus. Those are the times when I need to once again review the heart and character of my heavenly Father.

Last night, one small (seemingly insignificant) item grabbed my attention and caused an aspect of my heart to be revealed. That exposure turned into a battle which played out like so many before it. Disheartened by the heart issue as well as my response to it, I quickly resumed the very attitude I want so badly to avoid. It became a test whereby I had no trouble seeing exactly where I was at spiritually and emotionally. Why? Because God requires truth in the inward parts and unless I see the truth of my internal world I will mistakenly live with a false sense of security and seeming victory. He was simply showing me what He knows to be the true state of my heart. In time, that revelation always brings me back to a fresh awareness of how much I need Him.

This morning, He is calling me to trust Him once again. Trust His unconditional love. Trust His compassions and mercies toward me. Trust His willingness to forgive. Trust His acceptance of me. Trust His ability to bring victory. Trust His promise to never leave me. Trust His readiness to welcome me back. Trust His patience. Trust His methods. Trust His timing. Trust His ability to satisfy. Trust His availability. Trust His heart.

Father, it hurts to see the truth and yet it is the doorway to freedom. Trust is the key that opens that door. Help me to trust You in ways that will bring about the freedom and healing I seek. Amen.

Warrior is a Child / Do I Trust You? - Twila Paris
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Pzu-jWpcdw

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.
　

The Power of Our Stories

And behold, even your relative Elizabeth has also conceived a son in her old age and she who was called barren is now in her sixth month. For nothing will be impossible with God. Luke 1:36,37 (New American Standard Bible)

I love the “she who was _______ is now _______” stories in the Bible! There were so many of them you know. Here are a few: He who was blind now sees. He who was lame now walks. He was deaf now hears. He who was mute now speaks. He who had leprosy is now clean. He who was demon possessed is now free. He who was lost is now found. He who was dead now lives. After a list like that we can truly proclaim with joy, “NOTHING is impossible with God!!!!

The stories of God’s redemptive touch are meant to re-ignite our faith. When I know someone has walked the road I presently travel and I see how God worked in their situation, my view of God is enlarged and my confidence in His ability to work in my situation is increased. That is one reason it is so necessary for us to share our stories! There is power in our stories that can impact lives far more than we ever thought possible.

There is a woman I know whose story continually encourages me in my walk with God. She doesn’t even resemble the person she use to be. What attracted me most to her story was that so much of what she use to be was what I was at the moment. It was like looking in a mirror. I could relate with everything she said about being empty, legalistic, needy, and frustrated. Her former view of God was a mirror of mine. To her, He use to seem harsh, unloving, tolerant, distant, and uninvolved. She too thought she had to somehow earn God’s love for her and acceptance of her. But her story did not end there. Now she is a woman who revels in God’s love, dances in her freedom, and lives her life passionately connected to His heart. So when I look at where I am in my Christian life and where I want to be, she becomes my personal reminder that this too is possible with God.

I want to encourage two different groups today. Some of you have stories that other people need to hear. You will be the one God uses to give them hope in their “hopeless” situation. They will see themselves in you and regain a belief that God can rewrite their story. Others of you need to hear some stories. Ask God to intersect you with just the right person.

Father, may we learn the value of sharing each other’s stories. They possess power far beyond our wildest imaginations. Amen.

With All I Am - Hillsong
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMrAafe7Mns

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

A Necessary Exercise

Zacharias said to the angel, “How will I know this for certain? For I am an old man and my wife is advanced in years.” Luke 1:18 (New American Standard Bible)

I am coming back to this verse today because I see an exercise Zacharias could have used to answer his own question. It is an exercise I am learning to incorporate into my own life and it is making a big impact on the way I face situations and difficulties that come my way.

I find it interesting how the stories of Zacharias and Abraham are so similar. Back in Genesis 17, the Lord appeared to Abraham and told him that his wife would bare a son. His response? He falls on his face, laughs, and says to himself, “Will a child be born to a man one hundred years old? And will Sarah , who is ninety years old, bear a child?” God’s response was an emphatic, “it WILL happen” and it did. As a matter of fact, Genesis 17 is a chapter that is full of the “I WILLs” of God. His Word was fulfilled even though Abraham and Zacharias stood in more unbelief than belief.

So here is the exercise Zacharias could have implemented. He could have gone back and reviewed this story of his ancestor, Abraham. It would have reminded him of how nothing is too hard, impossible, or out of reach for God. The exact thing God is promising to do for Zacharias was already done for Abraham.

Scripture is full of countless stories of ordinary people whose lives were forever changed by an extraordinary God. No matter what my own situation is, I can always ask God to bring back to my mind a similar story in Scripture that will help flame the fires of hope in me once again. As I review the stories of my ancestors I am also reviewing the character, ability, power, presence, and involvement of God. These stories come to life for me, empower me to step out on faith, and remind me that God is who He says He is and God can do what He says He can do!

Some of my favorite individuals I look to for encouragement are Joseph, Ruth, Esther, David, Moses, Paul, Isaiah, and Jesus. Their stories serve as reminders to me that God graciously forgives, abundantly provides, faithfully protects, consistently leads, has His hands and eye on me, and is without a doubt IN CONTROL of my life!

Father, You have not changed since the time that You interacted with people in Bible times. I rest in the fact that You are involved in my life as well. Amen.

I Am - Mark Shultz
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hILaSh78yHQ

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.

Is It Really True?

So that you may know the exact truth about the things you have been taught. Luke 1:4 (New American Standard Bible)

There are many ideas and beliefs people hold to. In order to believe something you had to be told about it first. The "telling" is brought about in many ways. We hear it, see it, read about it, or experience it. Whether it has to do with people, places, things, or ideas they are all introduced to us in one way or another.

If something is believed it is only as real as the truth upon which it is based. Many people seem to start their belief in God on the premise that their belief is true because they believe it. Yet believing in something does not necessarily make it true. Just ask anyone who has been betrayed or deceived if their belief in another's honesty made that person honest. Or think about the last time you believed your were headed the right direction but later discovered you were wrong.

When it comes to our belief in God it cannot be based entirely on what we believe or on what others have told us. We have to go back to Scripture and see what God says. For some people that in itself is a stretch because they do not see the Bible as the unique book that it is. Sadly, they do not draw their conclusions because they have read it. They are simply going by what they have been told. A friend of mine is presently studying with a religious group that is teaching error. I have told her that when it comes to studying the Bible it is important that you are being told the truth. Unfortunately, she does not know what the Bible says about Jesus, salvation, Heaven, etc…. so she is not able to discern what is true and what is untrue in the study. I keep encouraging her to read the Bible for herself and see what it says. My prayer is that God would open her eyes to the truth.

God is not a God who enjoys playing a type of spiritual "hide and go seek." Giving us His Word and sending His Son were both ways to reveal Himself to us. God offers to make Himself known to anyone who really wants to know Him. The journey begins as we lay aside our preconceived ideas and beliefs and in simple faith ask Him to tell us the truth. Be brave enough to shine the light of truth on what you believe . Better to allow God to show you the exact truth about what you have been taught rather than continue to embrace what may be a lie. When I asked God to show me the truth about my beliefs it resulted in many walls coming down…..denominational walls, Bible version walls, music preference walls, and any other walls that presumed to dictate spirituality in myself or others. No matter what, the truth is worth it!

Father, You are Truth and Your Word is absolutely true. I have experienced deception but it has never been from You. Amen.

Ancient Words - Michael W. Smith
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3vmTkXNpwzs&feature=related

Getting into God's Word and letting God's Word get into me one truth at a time.