“I tell you the truth”

As I finish the book “Soul Cravings” by McManus, the word “truth” is mentioned several times.

I searched www.biblegateway.com for the word truth and realized that the phrase, “I tell you the truth,” is found 78 times in the NIV.

Jesus is all about the truth.  In fact, in John 14:6 says, “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life…..”

Check out some of the lines from “Soul Cravings.”

“Jesus didn’t come advocating a better idea.”

“Jesus’ claim was nothing less than “I am the truth.”

“He moved from rational to relational. He was tell the disciples the truth is not an answer, it is a PERSON………..No matter how many true things you come to know, they will never leave you satisfied until you find your way to the ONE who is the very source of truth.”

“Jesus invites us to know him as the One who is the way, the truth and the life.”

 Our search for truth in this world is a natural and internal desire for Jesus.  He is the cool water that quenches our thirst.  He is the calm in the storm.   He is that still small voice in the quiet and that same still small voice in the chaos of our lives.

McManus finishes a section with this: “When we are drowning in the counterfeit, our souls become sick. When we are immersed in what is true, we begin to experience wholeness and health.  Even when you feel like you’re driving blind, full spead ahead in the middle of the night, you have to keep going; you have to continue searching for truth; you have to keep looking for meaning; you have to keep trying to make sense of life. When life doesn’t make sense, it becomes all about trust.  Sometimes you’re driving full spead down a very dark road.  All you can do is trust the driver and let him take you home.”

Jesus is with us as we enter the storms.  Trust the driver!

John 8:32   “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

That truth is Jesus. 

“Then you will know Jesus and Jesus will set you free!!”

My search in this life is ultimately about truth.  It’s a natural craving to find truth.  It’s tough to find because this world is full of deception.   Deception is easy to find and the truth seems to be a challenge.   It’s  only a challenge to me because I take my eyes off of the TRUTH.

Jesus says, “I am the way, the TRUTH and the life…”

I tell you the truth…….I make it harder than it should be!

Stand Fast In It….

1 Peter 4:12-13 says…..”Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.”

Later in Chapter 5, Peter urges us to “Cast all your anxiety  on Him, because he cares for you.”

Chapters 4 and 5 can be summarized very simply….

When the trials of life sneak up on us, do not be surprised, REJOICE!   When Christ’s glory is revealed, He promises that we will be OVERJOYED.

Be humble and cast your anxieties on Him.  Be self-controlled and “stand fast in” God’s true grace.

The absence of surprises and anxiety can only happen when we depend on Jesus to provide his incredible grace.

Imagine, no surprises and no anxiety……sounds like PEACE to me…peace of mind, peace in our hearts and peace in our soul.

Thank you Father for revealing your truth and your glory this morning!!