Month: May 2021

What is truth?

This is the question of the ages. It has been asked by every generation and sought after in every corner of the mind. It has been pursued in others, in governments, in teachers, in books, in science, and it has become relative. “My understanding of the word does not agree with yours.” This quote was taken from the dictionary definition, and it is perfectly fitting.

When i was in the 2nd grade, my teacher and i did not see eye to eye, not just because i was four feet shorter than her. She tried to get me to see her truth, but i just wasn’t able to understand. my brain wasn’t clicking on all cylinders at the time. In fact, my brain really didn’t turn on until halfway through my freshman year of high school. i was reading at a 3rd grade level at that point. It was then that some very caring educators took me under their wing and helped expand my ability to learn.

Through some very clever tactics, i was sent to “help out” at an elementary school. Much like the movie with Adam Sandler, called Billy Madison, they started me out in kindergarten. By the end of the year, i was helping out in the 5th grade, and my reading comprehension was on par with my peers. Now the movie came out in 1995, and i was a freshman in 1988, so it is fair to assume, although i wasn’t seeking the family fortune, this movie was based loosely on me . . . just kidding, but true story as i see it. And just like the dictionary definition, my truth here isn’t reality at all regarding the movie. We must get past perceived truth to know Him who is Truth.

This was the error the Pharisees and Sadducees had in the time that Jesus, The Truth, walked humbly and taught strategically. Their perceived truth trumped actual truth, and that misunderstanding lead to a prideful heart. We must learn in humility and beware of deep-rooted leaven. Jesus, in teaching His disciples, again and again, emphasized the need to beware of the teachings of the “religious.” Specifically, here in Matthew 16:5-12, we read:

“When the disciples reached the other side, they had forgotten to bring any bread. Jesus said to them, ‘Watch and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ And they began discussing it among themselves, saying, ‘We brought no bread.’ But Jesus, aware of this, said, ‘O you of little faith, why are you discussing among yourselves the fact that you have no bread? DO you not yet perceive? DO you not remember the five loaves for the five thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? Of the seven loaves for the four thousand, and how many baskets you gathered? How is it that you fail to understand that I did not speak about bread? Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.’ Then they understood that He did not tell them to beware of the leaven of bread, but of the teaching of the Pharisees and Sadducees.”

Because of my personal experiences, i am drawn to the word, understanding, more perhaps than others. And when Jesus asks, “How is it that you fail to understand . . .?” It causes me to sit up and take notice. The majority of these men were not formally educated; they were simple, blue color fishermen. Yet, even they had to be emptied of perceived truth to be filled with The Truth. And in a day in which we see many turning to false truths as Pual warned Timothy.

“For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears, they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4

We must do our best to seek The Truth, as in “I Am the Way, The Truth, and The Life (John 14:6). We can’t stop at the question itself as Pilate did, “Pilate said to Him, ‘What is truth?’” After he had said this, he went back outside . . .” (John 18:38)

We must be Bereans when it comes to the Scriptures, to seeking truth and The Truth. We must be eager to learn, yes, but we must also be keen to search the Scriptures daily to see whether we are being taught truth. The world is an uncertain place, and as we get closer to the return of our Lord Jesus, there will be more and more false teachers and doctrines of demons. Therefore we must be diligent in our pursuit of The Truth.

“Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.” Acts 17:11

Why is it so important to seek the truth?

”For false christs and false prophets will arise and perform great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the elect. See, I have told you beforehand.” Matthew 24:24-25

You are loved,

cj

Canyon Kids

When i was a kid growing up, from 12 to 18, i lived in a place known simply as the canyon. The canyon consisted of several campgrounds and homesteads; Follows Camp, where i lived, Camp Williams, was just up the road. Between the two was Whispering Rivers, which was more of a homestead. These were located up East Fork Rd. West Folk had Crystal Lake Campground as well as a State Park with camping sites. Throughout the canyon were trails, old abandoned gold mines, seasonal waterfalls, and swimming holes dotted the East Fork headwaters of the San Gabriel River. To this day, i am friends with many of those who made up my extended childhood crew, the canyon kids, as we were known.

Follows Camp was host to many significant camping events each year; my favorites were the Blue Grass Festival, hosted twice a year, once in the Spring and again in the Fall. The Renaissance weekend was another favorite, and of course, as a teenage boy who wouldn’t like a weekend packed full of other teens? That weekend was known as the fishbowl; among my friends, to everyone else, it was PWP, Parents without Partners.

Each weekend brought new people, new stories, and cherished memories. Yet, all of this pales in comparison to the family that was the canyon. i could tell countless stories of how families’ needs were met; people came to the support of others as they could; for the most part, people knew and would do anything for each other. Of course, we had our gossipers, our trouble makers, and the like, but even they had their place . . . good and evil.

This leads me to the idea of community and what the Body of Christ should look like; with all of its imperfections, Follows Camp was a greater community than that of the modern Church. That is a sad statement and even a more tragic reality. In Acts, we read about the early church; it definitely wasn’t perfect either. In fact, after reading about how great it was, we read about its flaws as well. So looking for a utopian society on earth isn’t what i am talking about . . . it is, however the target we should all be aiming for and then relying on the Word of God for governance and justice.

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.” Acts 2:42-47 ESV

And from Colossians . . .

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, just as you were taught, abounding in thanksgiving.” (2:6,7)

“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” (3:1,2)

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” (3:23,24)

Finally, from Revelation 3:8-11,

“I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them come and bow down before your feet, and they will learn that I have loved you. Because you have kept my word about patient endurance, I will keep you from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world, to try those who dwell on the earth. I am coming soon. Hold fast what you have, so that no one may seize your crown.”

The remnant of the church needs to come together. i don’t know what that looks like but it needs to start in homes, with like-minded people, and soon!

You are loved,

cj

We made it!

my writing has grown more sporadic. i have been finding it difficult to think of what to write, and then when i do have a topic, it doesn’t flow as easily to the keys. i start and then delete and then stop. i am determined this time to sit here until i have written something, anything, and then post it. Why? i don’t know other than i feel compelled to write and beat the distraction and the lack of self-confidence that are my biggest detractors or deterrents.

i was inspired yesterday through a very sad encounter. She was an elderly woman, in her seventies, i would guess but with early onset of dementia or Alzheimers. She was frail, slow, with thinning hair. i picked her up from the cancer clinic, so i can only assume she was or is or had been dealing with that as well. She was, at this moment, very alone. i wondered as i realized more and more of her condition; where was her family, her friends, anyone?

But there i was and although the situation was frustrating, it was so, not because of her, but because i desired to help. Yet, i was limited and didn’t precisely understand fully what she was dealing with, which made helping a shot in the dark. i had some help that i sought from a couple of receptionists from the clinic. Who in the midst of it were as heartbroken and frustraited as i was.

i tried to imagine from her perspective, you know, walk in her shoes, what would i be thinking, and having never experienced such a thing it made it nearly impossible, however, as all turned out to be good in the end. i was able to help her, and now reflecting on it, i can see some spiritual application.

The spiritual relm is a mystery to us, in fact, God in large part is a mystery to us. We have some understanding through the fully man and also fully God, Jesus, even still we don’t fully understand. Paul writes it this way; “For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I now in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” (1 Corinthians 13:12) Earlier Paul wrote:

“Yet among the mature, we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” 1 Corinthians 2:6-8

As i helped this woman get home, you could see her mind coming back; she began to recognize her surroundings and her confidence returning. Bit by bit and mile by mile, she knew more, recognized more until we pulled into her building. She exclaimed, “We made it!” i feel this way as i walk with Jesus, bit by bit and mile by mile, i know more and understand more, and i look forward to one day pulling into heaven and exclaiming, “i made it! by the grace of God, i made it!”

You are loved,

cj