The story goes that bank tellers were once trained to detect counterfeit bills by sorting through stacks and stacks of the real thing. After many days, a counterfeit bill would be introduced to one of the piles. As they made their way through, one piece of paper would feel ‘off.’ When pulled out, it was verified to be counterfeit. Heightened familiarity with the real thing made discerning the fake an easy task.
Truth has always been assailed by counterfeit, too, so just like those tellers, we require a high degree of familiarity with Truth to make falsehoods stand out more clearly. This is the case whether it’s in what we are reading or in what we’re hearing. It’s so important, in our day, to be vigilant because much of what passes as truth is anything but. God’s word to us (Truth) brings clarity, peace, and assurance. The other ‘word’ brings fear, confusion, and discouragement. As we listen to what comes out of our mouths or become aware of the thoughts in our heads as we settle into sleep, we can recognize the ‘word’ we are agreeing with. Consider this truth: “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” Isaiah 26:3, NLT. Imagine! We do the trusting and fixing of our thoughts and God does all the keeping – in perfect peace!
James 1:17, TPT, says: “Every gift God freely gives us is good and perfect, streaming down from the Father of lights, who shines from the heavens with no hidden shadow or darkness, and is never subject to change.” Such impeccable trustworthiness! James continues: “God was delighted to give us birth by the truth of His infallible Word so that we could fulfill his chosen destiny for us and become the favorite ones out of all his creation!” (In other words, it’s all Plan ‘A.’) Do you want to fulfill His chosen destiny for you, too? Do you want to be one of His favorite ones out of all Creation, too? (I think we could all wear a t-shirt like the one I once owned that said, ‘Jesus loves you but I’m his favorite.’) God’s plan for us has always been just that – for us! “Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all for his miraculous power constantly energizes you.” Ephesians 3:20, TPT. I ask you, what’s not to love?? Looking forward to seeing y’all tomorrow, 10 AM, 4 PM. PD
