Buy and Believe the Truth

“Such things were written in the Scriptures long ago to teach us.  And the Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God’s promises to be fulfilled.”
Romans 15:4 (NLT) 

We are all children of the one and true living God.  A God who is ever present and at work no matter what we may think, see, feel or experience.  Our God truly is awesome and yet intimate.  He is in the middle of our various daily activities with us:  while we are in our periods of relaxation and meditation He remains present; during our leisure and pleasure time He watches over us.

The truth of the above scripture means we are lavishly blessed with Heavens riches far beyond our imagination and ability to comprehend including love, grace, wisdom and faith.  Because of His faithfulness to us we know we have hope, talents and a definite call to service.  Sometimes it is hard to believe but, thankfully, God never gives up on us and re-enforces His truthful and positive message in personal and meaningful ways.

However, there is a deceiver, liar and trickster who works frequently on our minds with manipulative slogans, outright lies, half truths, innuendo and fanciful speculation to shift our focus from the truth and simplicity we have in Christ Jesus.  He appears as an angel of light counterfeiting the Spirit of Truth.

This devious foe, Satan, wants to rob us of joy, confidence and relationship.  In exchange he offers a temporary high, anxiety and isolation masquerading as success, fame and fortune.  Instead of us enjoying our Feast with the Lamb, he wants us to wallow in our own little private pity party, saying, “Woe is me!”

Scripture tells us to be content and reminds us that Jesus dwells in us.  At this very moment Jesus is interceding on our behalf in heaven, therefore we have great joy. The Bible reminds us to put our confidence in God and then do whatever we do in faith.  He has won the battle and prepared the good works for us to do.

The basic theme of both Old and New Testaments is the inclusive nature of God.  We are redeemed, forgiven and above all, loved.  He has called us into His divine community.  So let us not buy into the subliminal negative advertising of the Devil which is all around us.  Firmly reject him when he makes his unwanted and unsolicited cold calls, trying to peddle his wares.  Instead, buy the truth of/from God and sell it not (Proverbs 23:23), but be forever willing to share the wonderful, miracle-working, good news with all and sundry.  A good place to start is sharing the gospel with oneself today.

Prayer
Loving Father, thank you for the gifts of joy, confidence and relationship that you give and share with us.  Help us today to believe your word and share your transforming truth.  In Jesus’ name.
Amen

Study by David Gibbs

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About the Author:
David Gibbs in an Elder and on the Pastoral Council in the Birmingham Congregation of the Worldwide Church of God UK.

Local Congregation:
Worldwide Church of God Birmingham
All Saints Church
George Road
BIRMINGHAM
B23 7QB

Meeting Time:
Saturday 1:00pm

Local Congregational Contact:
David Gibbs
Phone: 01213420609 (answer phone)
Mobile: 07974440580
Email: david_gibbs@wcg.org.uk