Truth is simple.

In the midst of continual progression, we as a society have often forgot how insanely simple truth is. 

(bless & declare will follow)

In an era where it seems like our inventions get more and more complex, where our societal problems seem to compound upon each other, and where the ideologies of the day seem to praise the "new" thought ... it is truth that will keep us anchored.

Lately, there has been a change in the atmosphere. It is almost as if the spiritual barometric pressure dropped. I feel like there is a storm on the horizon. I can't see it, but I feel the difference in the atmosphere. There seems to be chaos all over the news and even in our weather patterns. The morality that once was pervasive in our culture is seemingly taking a hit, and the battle for a biblical worldview is raging hotter than it ever has.

The pressure to be politically correct and to refrain from offending others for the sake of tolerance and "love" seems to mount with each case the courts take and with each riot that hits the streets. And I am left wondering, where do I stand to make my voice heard? How do I make a difference to the world, and even more importantly, how do I divide what is a battle worthy of my attention, and what is a battle that is a distraction?

This may sound ideological, but I don't feel that it is. I want to be a force to be reckoned with, a powerful person under the restraint of the gospel. I want this inviting Savior, this extremely-personal Jesus to be released in what I do upon a world that seems confused about everything. But how do I do it ... not just shouting from the social media rooftops only to be dismissed as a fundamentalist. See, if I want my voice to have an echo that touches hearts and reaches into eternity, than my voice, even here, has to be filled to the brim with love. Otherwise I'm just a clanging symbol, creating more noise in an era where information and opinions multiply faster than ever before. 

As I have examined the intentions of my voice and the attitudes of my writings and speakings, I have realized that ... 1)Truth is simple. 2)Truth is loving. 3)Truth is necessary. 4)Truth is bold.

1)Truth is simple. It really is. It is a loving God that made way for your connection to Him through the sacrifice of Jesus. It is holding on to the principles that Jesus taught, submitting to the Holy Spirit, and truly loving people. It is taking a stand where you see hard lines that should not ever be crossed. It is looking at the original intention for marriage. It is standing for life in the unborn and in our elderly. It is standing with the nation of Israel and the Jewish people. It is releasing the Holy Spirit into atmospheres around you, and partnering with Jesus to bring heaven to earth.

2)Truth is loving. For me to know that there is one who binds up your wounds, one who heals your broken heart, and not introduce you to Him is unloving. Speaking truth, even in awkward moments is loving. Jesus says that we can know the truth and the truth shall set us free. (Jn 8) I have been set free by knowing the person Jesus and letting him reveal truth. But I have also found freedom from truth being proclaimed and it knocking deceptions off of my spirit. See truth was made to resonate with your inner core, your spirit. Be one who is faithful to speak truth, because in doing so, you may be helping break the chains of those around you. And that is loving.

3)Truth is necessary. In a world where absolutes seem to be shifting, the truth never does. It is necessary to speak of the Cornerstone, the Rock, and the Way. He is the one who is unmoving, the same yesterday, today and forever. Truth brings peace, and our world needs peace. Most of us are wanting to live life well. But to do so with ease and blessing, truth needs to be defined. It was in the valley of decision that the Israelites heard of what would bring the Lord's favor and what would not. It was there that Joshua said the famous words, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." See truth separates. It is the sword of truth that separates bone/marrow, soul/spirit, and thoughts/intentions of the heart. Truth calls you to the point of a decision. It calls for action and for faith. Truth is necessary. 

4)Truth is bold. It doesn't bend the knee to the philosophies of the day. It holds its stance unwaveringly. It isn't politically correct, and it isn't naive. It is consistent. It is filled with grace, but truth is bold. Look at Jesus with the woman at the well. Jesus was bold with the way that he addressed her. He did not shy back from her sin, but neither did he condemn her. He boldly spoke the truth of her situation, and that truth set her free. 

What it all comes down to is that Truth is not complex. Truth is a person. His name is Jesus. 

I am renewing my commitment to seek out Truth. To encounter Truth. To let it bring me freedom. To let it be the strange simplicity that I remember as a child. To let it bring love into my heart and for love to be my motive. And to let it embolden me to release Truth in whatever way Jesus lays on my heart. I challenge you to do the same. 

Don't forget to like and share if you enjoy this post. We need all of our voices to be heard if we are going to love the world into the Kingdom.

Bless

___________, I bless you in the name of Jesus. I bless you to know the Truth that will set you free. I bless you to let the Holy Spirit lead you into ALL truth. I bless you to walk in confidence, boldness, and grace. 

Declare

I declare that I will use my voice. I will submit it to Jesus and I will make sure my voice is filled with love. I will let Love and Truth mold me into the person I was created to be. I declare that Truth is simple, loving, necessary and bold.  I will embrace Truth, Jesus, and I will take a stand where He does.