relationships (Mark 1:29-31) Loving and Serving

(Mark 1:29-31)

29 And immediately after they left the synagogue, they entered the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 Now Simon’s mother-in-law was lying sick with a fever; and they immediately spoke to Jesus about her. 31 And He came to her and raised her up, taking her by the hand, and the fever left her, and she served them.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

I love the fact that Simon (Peter) cared about and loved his mother-in-law.  When believers are dating, and then married, consider God's love for everyone, not just for the loveable, but for the unlovable.  And I'm NOT saying that all in-laws are unlovable, but we can go into family dynamics and with a selfish, self-centered attitude that will start a chain of responses, which will deeply impact the way we get along with others.  And this is will deeply hurt our significant other.

If God's commandment about loving all people doesn't change our behavior, consider this... If we say we love someone, we should be loving those whom they love!  If we start some sort of "war" or exacerbate tensions with the in-laws, I promise you, you are setting yourself up for misery.  And think of it this way, when we love the in-laws, we gain yet another loving, supportive family!

I also really love the disciples' trust in Jesus and their response time.  They "immediately" went to Him ".  How often is this our last resort - to go, talk to God about our issues, and ask Him for help, wisdom and guidance, no matter how big or small the issue?!  God wants to be involved with our lives, 100% of the time.  That's how much He cares!  And He is able!

Now, I really love the mother-in-law's response time and her love for Jesus.  A fever is never good, especially when one is older.  It most likely indicates that there is an infection, and without antibiotics, it can be weeks before one is fully recovered.  So, after being healed, the mother-in-law might have said, "I was just really very sick, and I need some recovery time...get my bearings..."  Instead, she immediately gets to serving.

I'm now thinking the topic of gender-specific-roles needs to be addressed here.  This verse is NOT saying that men should not be in the kitchen.  Throughout the Bible, we see men cook and serve!  Just to name a few:  Abraham, Esau, Jacob... Those men all knew their way around "the kitchen".  

In my marriage, we discussed how much work we were doing outside of the home, and divided up the housework accordingly.  Then, when and if it changed, we went back to the drawing board.  And at my insistence of being a stay-at-home-mom, no matter how poor we got, which came at a point in time when my husband's job had him working long, long hours, I tried to pick up the slack wherever and however I was able.  I don't mind taking out the garbage or mowing the lawn... my husband is working really hard, long hours in order to provide for us!!!  

Even then, after a difficult day, when my husband would come home, and if he saw that I was struggling to get supper ready, he stepped in and helped.  As well, he NEVER saw it as a "chore" to spend time with the kids.  He knew our children needed their father's attention!  He knew that it was necessary to nurture a loving relationship with them, as well as with me.  And by now, as empty-nesters, my husband has claimed the kitchen!  He finds cooking cathartic, which is the opposite for me.  So I will gladly pick up the slack somewhere else!  So, never look at it as a 50-50 kind-of-thing.  When we choose to serve one another 100%, then we both are served 100%.  And don't look at it selfishly, as if and how we are being served.  Look at it as - how can I be serving?!

In God's economy of finances, time and energy, we are to be generous in our loving and serving the Lord, and one another.  Life is work!  Not just to survive with a roof over one's head, clothes on one's back, and food in one's stomach... relationships require work.  A relationship that works - is the one where both parties are working at it, always.  And putting our personal relationship with the Lord first in our lives, will help us in all other relationships.  The closer we all get to the Lord, the closer we will get to each other.  The Lord God is there to help us with everything!

relationships (Mark 1:16-28) Our Response

(Mark 1:16-28)

16 As He was going along the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon, casting a net in the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will have you become fishers of people.” 18 Immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 19 And going on a little farther, He saw James the son of Zebedee, and his brother John, who were also in the boat mending the nets. 20 Immediately He called them; and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, and went away to follow Him.

21 They went into Capernaum; and immediately on the Sabbath Jesus entered the synagogue and began to teach. 22 And they were amazed at His teaching; for He was teaching them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. 23 Just then there was a man in their synagogue with an unclean spirit; and he cried out, 24 saying, “What business do You have with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are: the Holy One of God!” 25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet, and come out of him!” 26 After throwing him into convulsions and crying out with a loud voice, the unclean spirit came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so they debated among themselves, saying, “What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him.” 28 Immediately the news about Him spread everywhere into all the surrounding region of Galilee.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

A quick point-out to the fact that Satan and his demons know who God is, and can recognize Him.  They simply fear and HATE the Lord God, and so, they do whatever they can to keep people away from Him.  They will take the beautiful things of God and then distort, deceive, divide and destroy.  They want everyone to fear and hate God as much as they do, because this will prevent people from recognizing God and His love, and prevent them from responding to His calling.  Now, how do we respond?

The Lord already knows who is going to become a believer and follow Him.  And because He is love, and desires that all come to know Him personally, He gives everyone fair opportunity to make this decision.  Also, because He is love, He will never force anyone to love Him back, or be obedient.  So when the Lord calls us, do we respond as quickly as these fishermen?  If we don't, what is holding us back?

These four fishermen could have already heard some rumors that Jesus was in the area, and were either curious to meet Him, or eager to meet Him.  We don't know if these men were already believers or not.  Let's say they were not.  Maybe they were the types that doubted if there was any God at all, or maybe they believed that there is a God, but they didn't know Him personally.  They could have been just going through life, trying to be good and stay out of trouble, while wondering what was missing; and saying to themselves, "Is this all there is in life, just going through the motions?  There must be more to life than this."  And then they hear Jesus calling them, asking them to follow Him, because in Him and with Him, there was a greater purpose.  Done!  They immediately recognized that Jesus was not just some guy, and they made their decision to follow Him.  

Now let's say that these fishermen were already believers.  There is nothing wrong with being a fisherman.  One can still serve the Lord as a fisherman!  But then here, Jesus calls them to join Him in doing the next thing.  For us, it might not be an entirely, seemingly "next thing", it might be a different thing, or an extra thing.  But whatever it is, there's the opportunity to grow closer to Jesus in one's relationship with Him, and be personally taught by Him, and serve alongside Him.  Done!  Even though there will be struggles and sacrifices along the way, God will not ask us to do something, unless He's going to be right there to help.  And even if we are not aware of what's to come, just know that it will serve the greater purpose.  And notice that besides God being right there with us, we also have brothers and sisters in Christ.

Notice that in calling these four men, Jesus called two sets of brothers.  We already know that John of Zebedee was very young.  Being a young teenager, and being able to serve alongside a brother, would be like an extra human-comfort-thing.  While we can know that "God's got this", and Christianity is all about having a relationship with Him... God knows!  He created us as social beings, looking to have others in our lives.  This is just one of the reasons why God tells us to not neglect the meeting of the saints!  Iron sharpens iron.  We are to be mentoring, disciplining and encouraging one another to be putting the Lord God first in our lives, in a personal relationship with Him.  

Now, in our relationship with the Lord... when He calls us to do something, do we respond this quickly?  There are times that I do, and times that I don't.  When I do respond, there are no regrets.  Serving the Lord is always a great blessing!  Why then would I hesitate other times?  Definitely there can be self-centeredness and selfishness involved!  And definitely there are times of worry and fear.  Like, am I really suited for this?  But often that fear is so unreasonable because, yes, God has actually equipped me for exactly that task!  Everything that I've gone through in life has led up to this opportunity!  Once I get past the fear, with God's help, I then can experience God working for me, in me, and through me, and it is amazing!

Okay, so I JUST heard a pastor speak on the following, and it made me think, and do my analyzing-thing.  FYI: "worry" is just another way to fear.  And while God tells us that we do not have to worry or fear about anyone or anything, fear is not a sin.  Fear is an emotional response which alerts us to something, and tells us that we need to urgently do something.  The question becomes, do we continue to think and do things in our own efforts, even though we are doing such a bad job of it, because, well... we're probably still worrying and fearing... or do we go to God?

Let's go back to what God tells us.  As believers, who fear God (which means to awesomely respect Him), we are not to fear anyone or anything... Why?  Only because our response has been to ask God to help us, and ask God to equip and guide us with whatever it is that we need in that moment!  And maybe what we need in that moment, is to rest in the Lord and trust Him and let Him fight our battle.  Every situation will be different.  But every response should be that we run to the Lord!  That we IMMEDIATELY go to Him, follow Him - remain with Him - wherever and in whatever we should be doing in that moment.

relationships (Mark 1:14-45) With Perfect Timing

(Mark 1:14-45)

14 Now after John was taken into custody, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent and believe in the gospel.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

In knowing all things, past, present and future, God always knew that John would be arrested.  And since God had called John the Baptist as His prophet from the womb, in order to prepare the way for Jesus, this timing was "perfect".  John introduced Jesus to the world, and now it was time for the Lord Jesus in flesh, to proceed, and do what He came to do.

God, in His sovereignty, also knew the exact timing regarding Jesus' ministry and crucifixion.  Throughout the Old Testament, He gave us prophecies, which were all worked into the covenants He had made with Israel.  The most poignant prophecy regarding the timing is in Daniel 9, where God lays out His overall plan.  

The kingdom of God is when the Israelites, as a nation, all become believers, and have all of their promises fulfilled.  The promises are that they will have all of their promised land, seed and blessings, with their perfect King sitting on the throne, bringing peace to the entire earth.  They were given a specific amount of time.  BUT, it is also prophesied that, with seven years remaining in the Jewish Age, there is a break.  This is when the Israelites reject Jesus as their King.

Of course, being sovereign, the Lord God knew that the Jews would reject Him, and knew that they would want to crucify Him.  As God does throughout history, what man intends for evil, God uses to bring about good!  So - this rejection - He uses in His plan to bring about the way to be saved, once for all, for all people of all times.  

Listen, never accuse the Jews of being "evil" because they "killed" Jesus.  It is a very arrogant thing to think that we would "never".  We are all guilty of sin, and it is as if we ourselves all helped put the nails into His body.  It is because of sin that Jesus knew He had to come to earth in flesh, to die in our place, and take on the punishment that we all deserve.

Now, during the Church Age, at a time that no one knows about, the Lord will "rapture" (Greek word meaning "catch up") all those who have become believers, and then the last seven years of the Jewish Age will continue.  At the end of those seven years, Jesus will return, to fulfill all remaining prophecies.  All evil and unbelievers will be removed from the earth, with all of those who became believers during these seven years will remain.

Had Israel accepted Jesus the first time Jesus came, they would have gone straight into the kingdom of heaven (the Millennial kingdom).  But then the Lord would not have been able to fulfill the last part of the Abrahamic covenant that says (of Abraham's seed), that "all nations will be blessed".  As well, at that time, for Israel to have accepted Jesus as their King, they all needed to be in perfect obedience.  Well, since all of us are born with a sinful behavior, this is impossible.

THE GOSPEL OF GOD IS - THE GOOD NEWS:  Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin and death, so that anyone who repents AND believes is eternally forgiven and saved.  In that moment, we receive the indwelling Holy Spirit, who changes us from the inside out, and we are covered by the Lord's righteousness - being seen as obedient in God's eyes, as He chooses to remember our sins no more.  In this, we are then able to enjoy a close, personal relationship with God!  As God intended right from the start.  This is why He created us.  This is why He came to die for us!  To make salvation, and receiving all of His blessings, possible!

relationships (Mark 1:4-11) Pleasing the One We Love

(Mark 1:4-11)

4 John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 5 And all the country of Judea was going out to him, and all the people of Jerusalem; and they were being baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 6 John was clothed with camel’s hair and wore a leather belt around his waist, and his diet was locusts and wild honey. 7 And he was preaching, saying, “After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to bend down and untie the straps of His sandals. 8 I baptized you with water; but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

9 In those days Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And immediately coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opening, and the Spirit, like a dove, descending upon Him; 11 and a voice came from the heavens: “You are My beloved Son; in You I am well pleased.”

12 And immediately the Spirit brought Him out into the wilderness. 13 And He was in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by Satan; and He was with the wild animals, and the angels were serving Him.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

I could easily get distracted here by all the interesting theology and details, but let's stay on topic.  The Holy Lord God humbled Himself by coming to earth in flesh, not to be served but to serve.  Jesus lived a perfect life, without any sin, being our example of how to live.  As our perfect example, He was baptized.  And to be our perfect example in all things, He allowed Satan to tempt Him in all things...

(Hebrews 4:15-16)  For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.

As well, Jesus came to accomplish His work on the cross, demonstrating His agape, selfless, sacrificial and unconditional love, by paying the price for all sins, for all people, of all time.  All of this, so that we would have a way to Him, to have a personal relationship with Him!  With His example, and most importantly with His help, through His indwelling Holy Spirit, we will love the Lord with all our heart, mind and soul, and then love others the way we should.  

As well, in the Lord's example of sympathizing... understanding our weaknesses and struggles, we, too, should extend God's grace, love and understanding to others, not to excuse their sinful behaviors, but to guide them toward God and His salvation and guidance, through a personal relationship with Him.

John the Baptist is a human example for us.  He was not perfect, but he humbly, fully understood that.  Having Jesus approach him to be baptized, John felt the weight of comparison, understanding that he was not fit to untie His sandals.  Back then, a disciple would serve their teacher in many ways, but it would be slaves and/or lowly servants who were relegated to the tasks of taking off people's footwear and washing their feet as they entered households.  And even there, we see Jesus as our humble example, as to how we are to love others, considering others more important than ourselves...

(John 13:6-10)  So He came to Simon Peter. He said to Him, “Lord, You are washing my feet?” 7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I am doing, you do not realize right now, but you will understand later.” 8 Peter said to Him, “Never shall You wash my feet!” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no place with Me.” 9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, then wash not only my feet, but also my hands and my head!” 10 Jesus said to him, “He who has bathed needs only to wash his feet; otherwise he is completely clean. And you are clean—but not all of you.”

God is holy and cannot have a relationship with sin.  Yet the Lord desires to have a personal relationship with everyone.  For that to happen, we must be completely clean (forgiven of all our sins).  When a person repents and receives the Lord's forgiveness and eternal salvation, He chooses to remember our sins no more.  This is where we receive His indwelling Holy Spirit.  This is where we are baptized by the Holy Spirit!  Physical baptism with water doesn't save anyone, it is just an outward, public testimony, demonstrating what the Lord has done for us.

Meanwhile, because we are not yet in heaven with glorified bodies, we will continue struggling with sin.  It is not a sin to be tempted, but it is a sin to act on it, or let the temptations become obsessions (which is lust).  We won't lose our salvation, but we will suffer consequences.  Therefore, we are to confess our sins, as we go, as we realize we have sinned, or have fallen into a sinful behavior.

Repentance is the initial turning away from sin, and turning to the Lord God, when we become believers.  Then, in a personal relationship with Him, if and when we get distracted and look towards sinning, we are then looking away from the Lord.  Then we have the audacity to wonder where He is and why we aren't feeling close to Him.  Don't blame the Lord!  We are to turn back to Him, over and over again.  The Lord is ALWAYS there, and so very amazingly patient, loving, caring and gracious... He will never disown those who have become His children.

Like with any close relationship and with anyone we admire, we naturally desire to please those people.  So, just like Jesus, should we not have that desire to please God?  Even more so!  As evidenced above, we are unable to please God in our own efforts and in our own way.  We are only able to please the Lord, through the Lord God, Himself, in His salvation, with His love, strength, wisdom and help, all to His glory!

relationships (Mark 1:1-3) Staying the Course

(Mark 1:1-3)

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God,

2 just as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

     “Behold, I am sending My messenger before You,
     Who will prepare Your way;
3   The voice of one calling out in the wilderness,
     ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,
     Make His paths straight!’”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

While the book of Matthew was and is written with a detailed focus for Jews, the book of Mark has a focus more for "the Romans", for gentiles who tend to be people of action.  Notice, we don't see Christ's genealogy here.  People of action tend to be those who say, "Just get to the point.  Tell me what to do, and I'll do it."  While I like action, I'm very cerebral.  I love analyzing things, because I prefer to know and understand something in detail, and THEN if it sounds right, I'm all in!  And after doing a deep dive, going back to read these few verses again, my mind is blown by the great depth within them.

THE BEGINNING:  what is the origin?  where does this gospel come from?

GOSPEL:  means good news, and this good news comes from the Lord God!

JUST AS IT IS WRITTEN:  in God's word, to us, so that we may know that He has always had a plan.  He wants us to know about it; and He wants us to know that He keeps His word.

"BEHOLD, I AM SENDING a messenger before YOU..." JESUS CHRIST,  the Son of God, THE LORD GOD:  this is not the first time we see the interactions of the Trinity.  Genesis 1:26 is the first time we see this, which is when God created mankind.  Now we see the Father speaking to the Son, which demonstrates to us just how relational God is.  And because we see these interactions when it has to do with us, we can be confident in knowing that God wants a personal relationship with us.  That is why He created us in the first place, but then mankind rejected Him and brought sin and death into the world, which separated us from God.  So then, because we needed a way back to God, that is why He came in flesh to accomplish His work on the cross...

(John 17:1-5)  Jesus spoke these things; and raising His eyes to heaven, He said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify Your Son, so that the Son may glorify You, 2 just as You gave Him authority over all mankind, so that to all whom You have given Him, He may give eternal life. 3 And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I glorified You on the earth by accomplishing the work which You have given Me to do. 5 And now You, Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world existed..."

MESSENGER:  this being John the Baptist who preached the gospel message and baptized all of those who repented and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ.  And we know from our last portion of scripture in Matthew, Jesus gives all believers the great commission - to make disciples and baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.  So we have been given the great honor to serve the Lord by being His messengers, as well enjoying a personal relationship with Him, for all eternity!

.    
THE WAY:  is all about how one becomes a believer - a saint - a Christian, and it is only through the Lord Jesus Christ.  And it's all about having a personal relationship with Him, who then helps equip, strengthen and guide us on our path... with Him.

THE PATH: is a figurative road which leads us somewhere.  A road becomes well worn, because it will be the course of direction and action that we habitually take.  In this, we can see that our relationship with the Lord is, by implication, a progress and a journey.  How we conduct ourselves in how we think, feel and decide things, will determine how well we stay the course.  Not that we can lose our salvation, but that we will cause ourselves a lot of consequences and messes to clean up.  

MAKE STRAIGHT:  our fleshly desires will want to distract us and take us off this path, and onto dangerous detours, which is not what God wants for us.  He has much a better way.  And His way is easier, because it involves Him helping us, and fighting our battles.  But He will not force us to stay the course, so we must choose constantly to put Him first in our lives.  Like, the address of the desired destination has already been entered in our soul's GPS (which is the indwelling Holy Spirit).  

In the Lord's help and guidance, and through His word (the Bible), and through His other messengers (fellow believers), we will receive directions... if we are focused on our destination (experiencing God's blessings and purpose for our lives), He will lead us on the right path, which is the path of His righteousness, straight-forward, level and true.  The more we stay on this path, the more obvious and "manageable" it becomes, because we will be learning to trust and rely on the Lord in all things. 

relationships (Matthew 28:16-20) Spreading the Love

(Matthew 28:16-20)

16 But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated to them. 17 And when they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. 18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to follow all that I commanded you; and behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

To all believers, the Lord asks us to spread the gospel message, and baptize those who become believers.  

Baptism doesn't save, it's an outward testimony, as well as a visual demonstration of what the Lord has done for us so that we can have a personal relationship with Him.  Being placed under the water references Christ's death to pay for our sins - as well as representing - our dying to sins (because the Lord has forgiven all our sins: past, present and future).  Coming up from the water references Christ's resurrection and conquering death - as well as representing - our eternal life that we have in the Lord.  

Baptism also represents how we have been washed clean of all sin, becoming a new creation in Christ!  When we become believers, we receive the Lord's indwelling Holy Spirit, who changes us from the inside out.  And as we allow the Lord to continue working for us, in us and through us, we become more and more like Him.  In all of this, we identify ourselves with Christ, who came to earth in flesh, not to be served, but to humbly serve us.  Therefore, in our relationship with the Lord, we will serve Him, not because we have to, but because we want to.   

Christianity is not about do's and don'ts.  It is all about having a personal relationship with the Lord Jesus.  We cannot work towards earning our salvation, it is only through Jesus.  And we cannot even work towards keeping our salvation, it is only through the grace of Jesus!  Once a Christian - always a Christian.  When we put our faith and belief in the Lord, He gives us His indwelling Holy Spirit forever.  Nothing can undo that.  Not even ourselves.  So, no matter what we do or don't do, we cannot lose our salvation.  

Such freedom really goes against the world's view of what love is, and our flesh will still struggle, and we will periodically stray, and take the Lord for granted.  But in this relationship of AGAPE (selfless, sacrificial, unconditional love), Jesus wants us to keep putting Him first.  This is why, in our love for Him, we will want to read and study His word.  This is why we will not neglect the gathering of the saints (another term for Christians/believers).  It's all about our relationship with the Lord!  And then about us having healthy relationships with our brothers and sisters in Christ.  And then, as we go through life, with godly agape love, reaching out and inviting others to join the family of God!

The Lord God does use other believers to give us directions, to help us put Christ first in our lives.  A few verses back, Jesus had told Mary of Magdalen and Salome to go tell the disciples to come to this spot.  Notice that even though some disciples were doubting, they still went.  This is good.  In life, believers will have moments of doubt, even the most seasoned of believers.  The important thing, is that we continue going to God for our assurance, comfort, peace, strength, wisdom, joy and certain hope.  And in this, we can share the Lord and His good news with others!

relationships (Matthew 28:11-15) Get to the Truth

(Matthew 28:11-15)

11 Now while they were on their way, some of the men from the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests all that had happened. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and consulted together, they gave a large sum of money to the soldiers, 13 and said, “You are to say, ‘His disciples came at night and stole Him while we were asleep.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will appease him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 And they took the money and did as they had been instructed; and this story was widely spread among the Jews and is to this day.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAY:

Notice that only some of the men from the guard went to speak to the Jewish spiritual leaders.  Some of them could have become believers, and many of them would have valued their integrity as a Roman soldier and simply wanted to protect their image and jobs.  They had been assigned to make sure that Jesus' body stayed in that tomb, but because of circumstances beyond their control, they failed at their task.  Can you imagine?  You are a well-trained military personnel, part of the world's greatest military force, known for their discipline and prowess, and you are to tell the world that you fell asleep on the job!!!???  It must have been a good sum of money!

Now, what about the Jewish people hearing this false report coming from the Roman soldiers... who were still considered enemies and invaders to their country.  This just shows us how much they didn't want to believe in Jesus and the Truth.  And even today, so many people prefer to believe in lies, opposed to seeking and finding the Truth, the Way and the Life, which is only found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Lies, corruption and manipulation of the truth is nothing new in politics or in life.  That is why it is good to have checks and balances and methods of accountability everywhere, even in our churches, because no one is perfect.  And therefore, as we hear news and reports and information about life and spirituality, we should be diligent in seeking out God's truth.  A good church and pastor will encourage the congregation to - not just take their word for it - but read and study the Bible for ourselves to hold them accountable!

In our personal relationships with the Lord, we can pray and ask Him for His wisdom and guidance in all things, even in understanding His word clearly;  so that we can consider what we know to be true, and measure everything else according to the unwavering accountability and standards that are only found in the Lord God and His word!  As we seek out Truth, we will find it, and we will know the Way, and the Lord will be there to help us along the way, always!