Hi my people
It’s a beautiful day! The Son is risen and ascended, and if you are reading this, you’re still amongst the living! Another reason to pray and praise. Many are afflicted, many are worried, and my prayers are for God’s healing deliverance on body, mind and spirit of us all in this season. Today’s Holy Nougat invites us to think carefully about what we entertain in our thought lives.
““Watch out!” Jesus warned them. “Beware of the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”” Matthew 16:6 NLT
Yesterday, I reflected that yeast was used as a spiritual metaphor (dare I say symbol?) for sin. That being said, this warning is against the erroneous teachings of the teachers of the Law. Or, beware fake news! Most, rather all of us, should relate to that!
Fake news and conspiracy theories seem to be the order of the day in these times. And, it is somewhat understandable. For, in an effort to overcome that which is unknown, and which poses a threat to our wellbeing, it is understandable that we seek information far and wide. But, like any good researcher, we ought to check our sources.
Paul admonishes us in Philippians 4, to overcome worry by focusing on that which is true, pure, right, honorable, admirable, excellent and of good report. Sounds like a nice way to say pray and discern what is worth taking as gospel truth. Jesus admonished that His Physical departure would usher in the Advocate (our personal representative!, yeah) Who will guide us into ALL truth! Is this not a great time to consult with our Advocate!
Of course, many – and I mean several – prophetic voices have emerged, each with a Word from the Lord. So we may be skeptical of hearing from God’s Spirit just so. As well we should. But we can line up whatever we hear with Scripture, AND we can ask God for clarity. I think that God’s response is usually clear and definite for those kinds of requests. Recognize however, that there are others competing for our loyalty, who may use a little leaven in the dough to get our attention.
So where does that leave us now?
In the absolutely wonderful place of The Word. Yup, we have to buckle down and study up. For the Word of God is like a two-edged sword, sharper and more precise actually, and it helps us separate the truth from fake news, in determining the Truth of a matter (see Hebrews 4).
My peeps, before spreading the news, before getting political, let’s align the facts. Prayerfully and judiciously. I believe that’s what we need right now.
In Christ’s love and grace . . .
