As Long as I'm Breathing

After a good prayer and worship gathering last night - preceded by my personal time with the Lord - I know that I have a reason to praise the Lord, oh my soul!! I'll praise in the valley, on the mountain, when I'm sure or when I'm doubting, when I'm feeling thankful, and when I'm not.

There is nobody greater than you!!

Unworthy and Loved Anyway

Scripture: Jesus went with them. When he was still quite far from the house, the captain sent friends to tell him, "Master, you don’t have to go to all this trouble. I’m not that good a person, you know. I’d be embarrassed for you to come to my house, even embarrassed to come to you in person. Just give the order and my servant will get well." Luke 7:6-7

Observation: A Roman Centurian is hoping Jesus can heal his servant and asks Jesus for this healing. However, before Jesus arrives, he sends a second message that Jesus should not come to his house because ... he is not a good person, and thus unworthy for Jesus to come to him.

The Jews in Capernaum have actually given a different report about the Roman officer, stating he is a good man who has even aided their village. However, the Centurian thinks differently of himself. He knows the issues of his heart. He knows his actions in the past and present. And he has true faith that Jesus is someone special sent from the Lord. In this context, the Roman believes himself to be unworthy to have Jesus enter his house and meet him face to face.

This is a common conflict when it comes to understanding the Lord and Jesus as Messiah. The conflict is that, when we understand the holiness of Jesus and of Yahweh, we also recognize our own unholiness, and how much everything about ourselves - from our past actions, to our daily thoughts - fall short of the mark of 'holy'. In that context, we are ashamed, and likely want to keep God at a distance, lest he become fully convinced of our unworthiness and decide to turn away and reject us.

Application: Of course, I am using the wrong pronoun here ... this isn't a 'we/our' matter, but an 'I/my' matter. I desire nearness to the Lord, and actively seek more and more influence of the Holy Spirit in my daily life, knowing I have placed my faith in Jesus Christ. Then I recognize that I am a total failure as a person, with sinful thoughts, wicked and angry ideas, and a past that no good being could ever accept. And I hope that perhaps the Lord can love me anyway, if he stays far enough away to not look too closely at who I really am and at all my failures.

This is the real good news. Jesus brought me - everyone - salvation, not because we are good or even can be good, but because the Lord simply loves us so much that, in the full knowledge of our once and future evil and failures, he wants to give us good blessings and eternal love anyway.

Am I faithful because I understands both side of this narrative ... that Jesus is Messiah and by that faith and the Lord's love I am saved, yet I am so helplessly evil that I am totally unworthy of that salvation and love, which makes the giving of it by the Lord all the more amazing? I don't know. I am unworthy and loved anyway. This I do know.

Prayer: Lord, yes I know all of this, including the fact that I am so ashamed of who I am that I am embarrassed for you to ever come close to me. But I need you, and I need the Holy Spirit's strength, to have any hope of ever straightening out my many flaws. Please heal my wicked soul. Amen.

The Most Difficult Lesson

Scripture: To you who are ready for the truth, I say this: Love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the supple moves of prayer for that person. If someone slaps you in the face, stand there and take it. If someone grabs your shirt, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it. If someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more payback. Live generously. Luke 6:27-30

Observation: Jesus gives very clear instructions in this version of the sermon on the mount ... Love your enemies. This is the "turn the other cheek" lesson. When people mistreat us, as believers, we are not to respond with anger. We are not to repay hostility with hostility. We are not even to simply turn and walk away. We are supposed to love these people who hate and attack us, giving to them what they would try to take and even more.

Application: Even after five and a half years, I struggle with this lesson. I tried to live it out at the time, and I still try today, but ... wow, is this hard. In my heart, I find it nearly impossible to 'love' those that have mistreated me. I can avoid taking action (no payback), but it is hard to imagine how I should give to them in the midst of their hatred and attacks against me.

I see so much general angst in the world, and much is directed at people "like" me. I want to give love in return, but I struggle to passively absorb such vitriol, even when it isn't specific to me personally. My only hope is really to trust Jesus, and further trust in every promise of joy, hope, love, peace, and blessing.

Yes, I have received all those things, and I don't deserve any of them. I have also received hate, abuse, deceit, accusations, and lies when I didn't deserve them. That is certainly Jesus' point ... absorb the evil that humans dish out, because you will receive the love the Lord dishes out. This remains my comfort.

Prayer: Lord, I struggle with many things in life, and this is one of them. Please, dear Lord, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and through Jesus Christ as my redeemer and master, may my heart truly soften, truly be at peace, and truly live as you would teach. I want to love my enemies, and simply be generous even when they hate. In your great name, I desire to do your will on earth, and bring your kingdom near. Amen.

For Want of Simple Kindness

Scripture: “Will you give us permission to cut across your land? We won’t trespass through your fields or orchards and we won’t drink out of your wells; we’ll keep to the main road, the King’s Road, straying neither right nor left until we’ve crossed your border.” The king of Edom answered, “Not on your life. If you so much as set a foot on my land, I’ll kill you.” Numbers 20:17-18

Observation: Israel and Edom are kin, the two people descended from twin brothers Jacob and Esau. After all this time wandering, Israel makes a simple request ... to take a shorter route northward to their destination but cutting through Edom along the defined trade highway, a route used by many strangers daily. Not only does the King of Edom deny them passage, but he threatens them with war if they try.

Jacob and Esau - though they had major differences growing up - had departed from each other on good terms. In fact, when they last met in Genesis, Esau was heading toward this land southeast of the Dead Sea along with thousands of people to found their people-group, and asked Jacob to join him. Now, his descendants refuse to even just allow Jacob's people to cross the land. It is this rejection and refusal to simply be kind to Israel, that will set the two nations at odds for centuries to come. Edom will always be the lesser of the nations and will eventually be removed from existence, because they would rather make effort to create a hardship for Israel than do nothing in a manner that would seem kind.

Application: I do this. I will sometimes make an effort to be rude to someone because I believe I have some right that is being imposed upon, when the truth of the matter is that if I simply smiled and ignore the situation, it would be consider kind by that person, and much easier for me.

Why I do this, I don't know. I want to be kinder to others ... can I learn that sometimes kindness is as simple as not making the extra effort to be unkind?

Prayer: Lord, I do in fact wish to be kinder and gentler toward others, and to love others more and more. I see this can begin as simply as not being mean, rude, or angry toward others, and taking the time and energy to act on those negative feelings. May I not be Edom anymore. Amen.

Content with the Lord's Provision

Scripture: The crowd asked him, “Then what are we supposed to do?” “If you have two coats, give one away,” he said. “Do the same with your food.” Tax men also came to be baptized and said, “Teacher, what should we do?” He told them, “No more extortion—collect only what is required by law.” Soldiers asked him, “And what should we do?” He told them, “No harassment, no blackmail—and be content with your rations.” Luke 3:10-14

Observation: John is baptizing many, and he is very direct with his words. He rebukes those who are getting baptized simply because it is 'trendy' to do so, clarifying they need to be pursuing a new, cleansed life. When they ask what that life looks like, he answers, and his instructions sound like ... simply living a good and humble life ... a life content with the Lord's provision. Share your excess blessings with others, don't cheat and swindle others in order to get more, and don't be mean to others simply because you can be due to your position in life.

This is the cleansed, changed life ... receiving your 'daily bread' from the Lord, and being humble about it.

Application: I have so very, very much in life, more than I need for sure. And yes, I enjoy it, but I do try to give much of it away as well. I should consider doing more of that.

At the same time, I still try to "get away" with things in life. I sin when I know I shouldn't and I am lazy in my work instead of giving my full effort. These are not humble acts, but rather the acts of a person who simply thinks I can get away with certain things. As I do these things, I suffer, and I fail to live the full life the Lord would have for me.

May I be content with the Lord's provision, and also live in a humble manner, seeking and doing his will.

Prayer: Lord, again I say this morning, please forgive me for my sins. In my mind and actions, I fail to behave and think as you would have me do. May I repent of these things, and turn toward these better instructions, to live a life of generosity, giving away from the abundance you have given me, and being honest and kind in all dealings. Amen.

In the Age of Wisdom

Scripture: God spoke to Moses: “These are your instructions regarding the Levites: At the age of twenty-five they will join the workforce in the Tent of Meeting; at the age of fifty they must retire from the work. They can assist their brothers in the tasks in the Tent of Meeting, but they are not permitted to do the actual work themselves. These are the ground rules for the work of the Levites.” Numbers 8:23-26

Observation: As part of the structure the Lord gives Moses for the service of the Levites, he defines the age of work and retirements. Those Levites 25-50 are to actively do the work. Those younger are still learning. Those older are retired. They may advise and assist, but they are not to do the work.

Application: I know I have reached an age where I should be more valuable in an advisory role than in actual labor. The question I need to ask myself, however, is whether or not I am actually giving the advise and wisdom as I should. As I do less work, I seem to engage less with others, and that serves the opposite outcome.

Prayer: Lord, I desire to stand beside the younger generation. I have talked about how I am moving beyond hard labor within the church, but may I find the proper avenues to assist others. Amen.

I am For Israel

Scripture:
God, you can now release your servant;
release me in peace as you promised.
With my own eyes I’ve seen your salvation;
it’s now out in the open for everyone to see:
A God-revealing light to the non-Jewish nations,
and of glory for your people Israel.
Luke 2:29-32

Observation: Simeon, the old man who has been promised that he will live to see Messiah, beholds a two-month-old Jesus, and makes this joyful declaration. Messiah is the promised coming of salvation from the Lord. Jesus will bring these two elements to the people of the earth; To gentiles he will be a light that reveals God to everyone, and to Jews he will bring glory upon them as a nation.

The good news of salvation through belief in Jesus has certainly been a light to the world. It is by the gospel message that most of the world now believes in Yahweh, and even those who do not believe often have some context about the God of Israel we know to be the creator of the universe.

That said, it is interesting to declare the Jesus is the "glory" to Israel, knowing that many in Israel would reject him. Even still this is a point of contention for the Jews, many stating that belief in Jesus actually makes someone non-Jewish. However, the point is likely the fact that the Jewish people are forever now tied to the fate of all mankind. Yes, Jews have always had a level of importance beyond their size, in good and bad ways. In ancient times, their existence on the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea was contested by many. More currently, they are at the heart of news and conflicts, despite the fact their nation didn't even exist for 1,900 years.

It is by the gospel that the world understands the importance of Israel, even for those who don't believe the gospel, and this should seem like another indicator of Jesus' truth.

Application: I will and do continue to pray for Israel. And I pray our nation will both as a formal body, and as individuals, declare ourselves firmly aligned to Israel. It may be difficult to comprehend and understand God's plan for mankind, but it is easy to understand the fact he works through Israel for much of it. I am for God, and I am for Jesus, so I am for Israel.

Prayer: Lord, may you be with Israel and the Jewish people today and every day. Turn away the hate that comes at them from others with both your forceful might and your amazing love. May your Shalom prevail. Amen.

Serving in the Large Community

Scripture: Kohath was ancestor to the clans of the Amramites, Izharites, Hebronites, and Uzzielites. These were known as the Kohathite clans. All the males who were one month and older numbered 8,600. The Kohathites were in charge of the Sanctuary. Numbers 3:27-28

Observation: The Levites are organized by three clans - by the three sons of Levi - and each clan is given responsibilities for the care of the Tabernacle and all the items of worship. In each case, this results in a large number of men assigned to care for a limited number of things ... literally tens of thousands of men who might need to take care of a few dozen pieces of fabric, or a handful of gold utensils, or a few valuable pieces of ornamental furniture, or a couple large chests.

Application: In truth, God doesn't give us hard work to do. When he asks us to serve him, the work itself is often light and easy, and includes a community to participate in it together.

For a few months now, I have been resistant from doing too much. I am attributing this to age. For several years, I have been jumping into work that involves labor - mowing lawns, lifting large elements of the light show, climbing ladders to hang heavy decor - but I am feeling this in my body now. However, I haven't found the 'fallback' role for myself yet. Instead, I'm withdrawing from some activities, without the next area of service to enter.

God certainly isn't asking a lot of me. I'm just part of a large clan, and so even the big-ish and important tasks have many hands to help. I need to be aware that I should be a couple of those hands and not withdraw from service entirely. At the same time, I can trust that God is not asking me to do some undoable tasks.

Prayer: Lord, as I consider my role within the body of Christ, please provide me with your wisdom. May I serve you as you have positioned and gifted me, but also in ways that advance your kingdom and contribute to your people. Amen.

Doing the Assigned Tasks

Scripture: From Judah: Nahshon son of Amminadab. Numbers 1:7

Observation: The Lord tells Moses which individuals will help with the census of the fighting men of Israel, and thus become their tribe's military leader. For Judah, it is Nahshon. This is a name of note, as Nahshon is actually in the lineage of David, and thus also Jesus. He was also the first person to present an offering during the dedication of the Tabernacle. Some 'traditions' about him not in the bible are that he was Moses' brother in-law (thus maybe married to Mariam), he was the first person to enter the Red Sea at its parting, and that later he would be the father in-law of Rahab the prostitute who aided in the defeat of Jerico.

That's a lot to attribute to one pretty obscure individual.

Application: I am again reminded today about how one person's basic work can play a part in God's plan. Ignoring even the non-biblical accounts of Nahshon, the fact he served in the original organization of Judah, and that he stepped forward with the first sacrifice for the Tabernacle, are significant in how the narrative of the wilderness transpires. This period was key for how the Lord would work through Israel for centuries to come, and Nahshon simply ... showed up and did the tasks he was asked to do.

How am I just showing up and doing my tasks? I work, but what other tasks should I be engaging with? It doesn't have to be work ... it could be just stepping forward for worship, or being humble when asked to do something.

I should have my eye open for something soon, some request of my time and effort to be made. And I should simply show up and humbly do it.

Prayer: Lord, in your wise words about Israel, you have given us so many examples of how we are to live. May I consider Nahshon's willingness to simply do the tasks assigned to him. Amen.

Hanging Out with the Holy Spirit

Scripture:
Talk to Wisdom as to a sister.
Treat Insight as your companion.
Proverbs 7:4

Observation: As a new section of Proverbs begins, the writer again makes the point about how valuable God's wisdom is in our lives. It is something to embrace every day, always. It is a treasure, and just as valuable as our very eyesight.

Wisdom is also something - someone - to be interacted with. We can "talk" to wisdom. And we should do so with familiarity. Wisdom is just like a sibling or family member, someone we are around regularly and in fact share our lives with. Insight is a friend who we can casually converse with.

Application: I have been praying recently about my desire to do a better job meditating on God's word ... on his wisdom. However, I never just casually talk to "wisdom". I never say "Hi, wisdom, what do you think about this, buddy?" I instead interact with wisdom as if it is some vague concept that extends from the Lord, and as such I can only approach the ideas of wisdom as a tangential component of my prayers and reverence toward the Lord.

Wisdom - the wisdom that can guide my life because it is that extension of the Lord - is the Holy Spirit itself. And the Holy Spirit can be a companion who I simply interact with. It can be a sibling who is just in my home, sharing my life with me, and effectively experiencing and witnessing all that I do. So we can just ... chat! When we do, wisdom can then just chat back and give me the insights I seek, advice I desire, and direction I so desperately need.

Prayer: Lord, you know I feel lost, as I have struggles recently with just my life in general. May I find a way, in my heart and mind and body and soul, to simply be a companion with your spirit. Holy Spirit, I wish to hang out with you and just listen to your wisdom. Amen.

Yes, I Need to Pray More

Scripture:
These things add up. Every one of us needs to pray;
when all hell breaks loose and the dam bursts
we’ll be on high ground, untouched.
Psalm 32:6

Observation: This psalm is all about prayer, and the fact we simply need to be praying to God, laying out our lives before him. When we do this, we will remain in his grace. When hardships come, he will be by our side. We will find joy daily. Every day - every time we pray - we get a fresh start, with our lives wiped clean of all problems and sorrows and guilt and mistakes. In Yahweh, and by prayer to him and relationship with him, we find all the remedies for the ailments of life.

Application: I have said this many times, including yesterday, that my prayer life is terrible. I do not pray enough, and I actively turn away from the Lord in my mind and commit sins and struggle with life. And yes, these two things are very related.

I need to pray more, and I need a better overall relationship with the Lord. I must stop holding back, for of course he knows my heart and mind anyway. I hold back from everyone, and it's a lonely existence. I must at the very least be open with the Lord, speaking to him regularly, sharing my life with him, and finding the peace, joy, hope, forgiveness, understanding, and love that he provides. It is always great when I do turn to him, and I need to do it more and more often.

Prayer: Yes, Lord, I desire to be closer to you, and I know you are not the one who ever pulls away. I will seek you. I desire to move toward you in both word and action, beginning with a better prayer life. Again I say, please forgive my sins, and help me expel evil from my life and my mind and my heart, so I can hear your spirit within me. Amen.

A Curse upon Lying Preachers

Scripture: Fake Messiahs and lying preachers are going to pop up everywhere. Their impressive credentials and bewitching performances will pull the wool over the eyes of even those who ought to know better. Mark 13:22

Observation: Once again, as Jesus is asked about the signs of the end-times, he deflects a bit and isn't direct in his response. However, along with the list of all the general issues that have always occurred throughout history, he includes this about false teaching. He calls them "fake Messiahs" and "lying preachers", and elsewhere the term "false prophets" is also applied. These are people who are lying to believers, making false pronouncements, and the truly bad news is that ... believers will believe them.

Application: This week, a faithful Christian wanted a meeting with our church leaders and told them all about the fact that many, many "prophets" on ... YouTube ... are declaring that the entire world economy will collapse by the end of this week, and the church needed to pull its money out of one of the largest banks in the world - that bank is going to fail, and bank insurance protections are actually a scheme by the government - and urgently buy gold instead. So sayeth ALL these prophets.

These are the same prophets that have repeatedly wrongly predicted ... the outcomes of elections, other political actions, the beginnings of wars, the endings of plagues, the healing of people, the occurrences of earthquakes, the death of world leaders, etc. All these prophets have five major similarities identical to all of them:

1) They focus on pronouncing terrible events, many of which involve U.S. politics.

2) These pronouncements are mostly fear-filled and divisive.

3) They claim these are words given to them by God.

4) They are never, ever right.

5) Hundreds of thousands, sometimes millions, believe everything they say, despite #4.

And Jesus knew they would be here near the end-times, liars with impressive credentials and bewitching performances, popping up everywhere, and pulling the wool over the eyes of even those who ought to know better.

Prayer: Lord, in the name of Jesus, today I first ask this. May you protect your faithful believers from such lies. May we actually know better. I follow on with this second ask. These liars, these false teachers, fake Messiahs, and lying prophets, who misrepresent you and besmirch your name through their lies in order to advance their personal earthly glory, may they be under a curse. May your strong hand correct and punish them, not just removing their influence, but bringing about punishment for the wrong they are doing to believers who should know better, but who do not and have been deceived. Be a jealous God, desiring your believers to believe only your true words, and actually smite those who make lying declarations in your name. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Minor Cuts Destroy Lives

Scripture: Any person with a serious skin disease must wear torn clothes, leave his hair loose and unbrushed, cover his upper lip, and cry out, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ As long as anyone has the sores, that one continues to be ritually unclean. That person must live alone; he or she must live outside the camp. Leviticus 13:45-46

Observation: When a person has a persistent skin disease, this is their life from that moment on ... they must shroud their face, dress like a vagrant, live is isolation, and continually declare themselves out loud as an outcast. In the actuality of daily life, this is a worse punishment than almost any non-capital punishment for any crime. For the 'wrong' of having damage to the skin that became infected, this person is publicly shamed forever, barely able to survive, without friends or family.

This seems so harsh, and certainly contributes to the issues the Jews would develop around the significance of their washing practices. It must have been one of life's greatest fears, to get a minor cut while working in the field or walking in open shoes along rock-filled roads, and hoping no infection set in, as would almost be normal in such conditions. A minor cut could destroy their life.

Application: This is certainly a metaphor for "minor" sins. Doing little things wrong now days - telling a white lie, looking with lust at a person, muttering God's name in vain - seem minor in daily life. However, they could be destroying our lives, creating the little weakness where greater issues can enter the body and mind, placing distance between us and God.

It is clearly impossible to live a life without ever doing those little things, which is why my faith in Jesus is so important. I know I sin. I know I create these 'minor cuts' in my life daily. And I know some of them have become infected from time to time. Because of Jesus, I don't have to have my life destroyed and live in public shame forever. I am washed by his blood.

Prayer: Lord, I do seek your forgiveness for the sins I have committed these last days. Please wash me clean, and help me to repent of patterns in my life that continue to nick my heart and soul. I desire to be spotless, and I can only do that through your grace and the sacrifice of Jesus. I claim that, as I do firmly believe in Jesus as Messiah, and my Lord and savior. Thank you for your mercy, and for not leaving me as an unclean outcast forever. Amen.

Seeking Wisdom to Respond to Lies

Scripture: Jesus said, "You’re way off base, and here’s why: One, you don’t know what God said; two, you don’t know how God works." Mark 12:24

Observation: When the Sadducees attempt to trick Jesus with a question about resurrection, this is the response ... they are ignorant of even the context of their question. They base this question on the assumption of marriage in heaven, when there is none. Also, the context they assume is about how relationships work for eternity, ignoring the fact that, in heaven, relationships are focused upon the Lord and love he pours out.

Ultimately, Jesus doesn't answer the question because the question itself is nonsense. It appears like a good question when taken as-is, but given the fact it is based on factual inaccuracies and bad assumptions, responding to it would only re-enforce (intentionally?) inaccurate logic.

Every day, people challenge the Lord by first, completely misstating his word or the historical facts surrounding his and Jesus' words and deeds, then misunderstanding his nature and purpose in the first place. The fact this same model is used to create all kinds of fights and division in our world today is evidence that this model is inspired by the originator of all lies, who used this exact same model in the garden of Eden. Satan deceived mankind by first eliciting a misunderstanding of what God even said in the first place, then outlining a faulty assumption about God's reasons.

Application: I have been through this issue several times in just the last couple days, and see it so very, very often on social media ... arguments that begin with a "Since X is true, then ..." type of statement, when X is absolutely untrue. Just yesterday, I was asked in a game board "Why doesn't God due miracles anymore?" Obviously, the answer to 'why' is moot, because God DOES do miracles every day. They further wanted to know why he didn't do "big" miracles to impress the world, and of course God has never needed to "impress" anyone and that has never been the purpose of any miracle, and thus their understanding of even the nature and definition and context of miracles is flawed.

This is just one example of this in daily life today. We see this on almost every thread on every social media platform, on every topic ... heck, this happened yesterday on a thread about a new luau in Maui. This is a dangerous model, and especially for us Christians sometimes asked to address questions about faith, we need to be prepared to respond like Jesus. Specifically, we need to examine and correct the question first, avoiding the trap of responding to flawed logic, inaccurate assumptions, and inaccurate bible quotes.

Prayer: Lord, you have shown us a model for wisdom, and how to avoid the trap the evil one creates with his lies. May we seek your wisdom in our conversations every day. Amen.

When Faced with Our Own Truth

Scripture: “Listen to me carefully. We’re on our way up to Jerusalem. When we get there, the Son of Man will be betrayed to the religious leaders and scholars. They will sentence him to death. Then they will hand him over to the Romans, who will mock and spit on him, give him the third degree, and kill him. After three days he will rise alive.” Mark 10:33-34

Observation: The truth is, Jesus could not have been more clear about what was about to happen to him. What he outlines here is exactly what transpires ... the Jewish leaders will accuse him of violating the law and sentence him to death, then the Romans will carry out that sentence and kill him, after which he will rise from the dead three days later. Even if you don't believe that would or can happen, there's really no way of not understanding that is what Jesus says will happen. Yet, the disciples just don't understand.

It seems this lack of understanding must be rooted in the idea that this is all just unthinkable. In their context, they see two completely unchallengeable facts. First, once people are dead, they are dead and cannot "rise". Yes, they have seen Jesus perform miracles that seemingly contradict that, but not upon himself, and no well after the person is buried. Second, Jesus is the Messiah, so it cannot be that the Jewish leaders themselves - the ones most studied about prophesy and who teach others about this very topic - will be the ones who reject and accuse and condemn Messiah.

The second of these facts - Jesus is Messiah - was clearly true. However, the conclusion that educated humans won't reject that fact, substitute their own version of truth, and then act upon their own conclusions, was wrong.

The first of these facts - the dead cannot be resurrected - was clearly false. Jesus had already done it, and would do it again soon with Lazarus. God can do whatever he wants, and the disciples assuming it couldn't be done was them rejecting that fact, substituting their own truth. Their conclusion was wrong.

Application: I was talking to my wife the other night about the modern phrase "living (or speaking) my truth". This is what someone says when they justify declaring their own thoughts on a topic ... that the declaration is "my truth". The issue is that this is often done when two or more people are in wild disagreement about the facts of a situation. The implication is that, by naming their version "truth", it is now unassailable fact. Since "truth" by definition cannot be false, "my truth" cannot be false.

This is all a concept I hate, and it is a concept that permeates mankind today ... and apparently has done so for thousands of years. Yes, it goes back to original sin. However, we at least used to leave room for the idea that such stances were still personal opinions or decisions or conclusions, and that they could be wrong.

There are many things about which I believe I know the truth, and I'm sure I'm wrong about many of them. But I do know there is only one source for truth, and that is the Lord. I must not have my own truth.

Prayer: Lord, the evil one has declared war on you, and his tactic has been to confuse in the hearts of men those things that best define you. You are love. You are truth. You are justice. You are mercy. At least three of these four now have completely corrupted definitions in the minds of billions of people. May we all return to your truth, and not cling to our own. Amen.