Category: Truth - Jethro TOOLS

A God Centered Life

5/10/2026

Proverbs 31
There is wisdom in the saying used by many in various trades; “Measure twice cut once.” This simple truth is the reminder to take a second look and reaffirm that the irreversible action you are about to take is correct. That simple wisdom is the truth that guides a repeated practice leading to success, not failure or frustration. Repeating that kind of practice leads to a lifelong perspective that carefully evaluates every situation. That is a worldview based on an experienced truth. Worldview is like a pair of glasses through which we see the world. It is a consistent filter that guides our action. A biblical worldview is the lens through which we understand all that we experience, and guides the action that we take. In Proverbs 31we see the God centered life, or worldview, illustrated and exemplified, in the description and measurement of a God fearing mother (10-31). This book provides the repeated and contrasting examples of applying or rejecting God’s wisdom in all situations. The closing chapter of Proverbs contains a summary of living by God’s wisdom that has been presented in the first 30 chapters. The woman described in Proverbs 30 has taken and applied the key factor of honoring God in every situation (see Proverbs 1:7). In the end she has consistently lived a life to honor God and she is worthy of praise (30). Her life is credible and she will be rewarded (31). Like the example of this Godly woman our beliefs will direct how we think. What we think will affect how we live, and how we live will impact our world. Do you believe that God is worthy of your honor and obedience in every situation? Wisdom is not knowing the right answer. Wisdom is understanding and believing what is right and doing what is right. A God centered life is not just knowing about God, but honoring Him by applying His wisdom to every area of life.

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Identity

4/26/2026

Genesis 4
Upon hearing a report that some owls were moving into the area, a local bird watcher decided to try and identify them by communicating with them. So, promptly at 8pm each evening, the man would walk out his back door and begin hooting like an owl. After a couple days he heard an owl hoot back. Excitedly, the man began keeping notes about his nightly interactions with the owl. This hooting conversation with the owl went on for quite some time. One day the man’s wife was having a conversation with one of the neighborhood women. She told about her husband having a regular conversation with the owls each night beginning at eight. “That is interesting,” said the neighbor, “My husband does the same thing at the same time.” Just because you sound like an owl does not make you an owl. In much the same way, we can go through the religious motions of worship, but not be a genuine worshiper of God. In Genesis 4, we read the infamous events surrounding the first murder, as Cain killed his brother Abel. The problem began in the preparation for worship. Cain brought some of the fruits (3), while Abel brought fat portions (4). Cain had a religious heart that only brought a selection to God. Abel, on the other hand, had a right heart that brought God the best of what he had. The spiritual direction of these two men shows their spiritual identity and their true motive for worship. Cain was self-centered, while Abel was God-centered. Like these two men, who took approached worship differently, we are also identified by who, and how, we worship. We can worship the God who made us or we can worship what we make of ourselves. True worship declares that God is deserving of our honor and service through the activity of our lives, the words of our mouths and the dedication of our hearts. Your life is defined by who you worship.

For More See GENESIS

Belief in One

4/13/2025

Luke 23:26-48
Good news and bad news are on the opposite spectrum. The doctor calls and says the health report is not good, or you get a call about the birth of a grandchild. We enjoy the good, but our life is build around the bad. Our brain has a way of paying attention to what is bad and looking for a solution out of the predicament. Very simply we become people that want to find the good in the midst of the bad. God has intentionally created us to be searchers. Why are we like that? We are born into a broken world as people needing answers to life and we spend a lifetime working to provide those answers. We think, read, and search for God’s good in the bad. In the crucifixion of Jesus we see the bad news play out. Some mourned (27-28) while rulers and soldiers mocked Jesus (35-37) as he was placed on a cross between two thieves (32-33). The bad news and the reality of death seemed hopeless. Yet Luke records the change that occurred in one of the thieves , the centurion and even the crowd. God was at work bringing His good out of the worst bad that could ever happen. 1 Peter 3:18 states that, “Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous to bring you to God.” The broken world of Jesus day contained people looking for something better. The centurion found a righteous man in the midst of corruption and death (47). The thief found new life at the end of his own life (42-43). God even worked in the crowd to change their thinking (48). The good news is that Jesus has taken the bad news of our sin for us. Our broken world can only show us more brokenness and death, yet Jesus came to be the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). Belief in Jesus is good news for a broken world.

For More See LUKE

Renewed

3/23/2025

Colossians 3:1-11
Understanding the difference between truth and falsehood has been a problem for humanity since the beginning of time, as seen in Genesis 3 with Adam and Eve. Even today, we struggle determining what is true as we watch the news. Yet, the truth will always be made clear. For example, how can you tell a real diamond from one that is fake? One simple test is to place the stone on a newspaper. If you can see through the stone and read the words it is fake. A real diamond will intensely reflect light not allowing you to see the words. A real diamond reflects the truth where a fake diamond lacks the reflective quality. As in life, you will be able to see through what is false. So what does true spirituality look like? How can we determine a genuine spiritual life in contrast to a fake? In our study of Colossians, Paul challenges his readers regarding their following of others and their false ideas about a spiritual life rather than following Christ. In Colossians chapter 3 Paul changes the focus of his letter from what to know about Christ to how to walk with Christ. With this shift, the audience is challenged to live a daily spiritual life not based on the false reality of false teaching, but on the reality of what Christ has done for them. Their focus, like ours, should be on a God pleasing lifestyle not on a life of sin and self pleasure. If Christ is truly supreme in our life then our consistent desire will be to reflect God’s purity through our lives. So, set your mind and heart to live for Christ and encourage others to do the same. If we truly believe that Christ is supreme then we will allow Him to be supreme in us and reflected through our life, like a diamond. That is genuine spiritual life.

For More See COLOSSIANS or SHEBA

Ministry of the Word

9/29/2024

1 Timothy 4
Do you remember the children’s story about The Little Engine That Could who had to work extra hard to keep up with the big trains? One day he had to pull a heavy load up a big mountain. The little train tried to remember all that he had learned from the old wise trains and then put it into practice. As he worked hard and strained to pull the load he kept saying to himself “I think I can, I think I can.” In 1 Timothy 4 Paul is challenging, Timothy, the young pastor, to remember what he has learned and continue practicing his faith in God by being a spiritual example for others by. Paul and Timothy realize that it is only faith in God and His salvation that will save them and the people of the church. Paul encourages Timothy to do three things. First, he is to preach God’s Word because spiritual life is found in Jesus Christ and the truth of Scripture (1-5). Others have wandered from the faith, but Timothy is to remain faithful. Second, lead in the practice of the Word because spiritual life is found in the truths of God’s Word (6-10). Timothy was given a check list in a way to keep the practice of his faith focused. Finally, Paul challenged Timothy to grow in the Word because the church needs a Godly example to follow (11-16). The young pastor was to be the example for all in the church to follow. How is your faith? Have you wandered from the truth or are you practicing the truth? What you believe about God and His Word, the Bible, will affect your life and the life of others. Unlike The Little Engine That Could, faith is not what we can do or think we can do on our own. The practice of our faith is God at work through us as we faithfully follow Him and His Word.

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

The Song of the Church

9/22/2024

1 Timothy 3:14-16
In the days before internet there were mail order catalogs from companies like Sears or JC Penny. It was from these catalogs that you could order almost anything from jackets to jewelry or jeans, they had it all. On those long winter nights my father would pull out the catalog and tell us a story. He was a man of many talents, including an educated imagination. Dad would open the catalog to men’s section and pick a character, then flip through the catalog telling a story about this one man and his escapades. For example, the man would go to town to get a washing machine as a Christmas present for his wife. However, the story would have a problematic plot twist, like lots of snow that caused the man’s car to get stuck. So, he would buy snow boots and sled to pull the washing machine home and have Christmas with the family. Through the turning pages of the catalog, my father would point out different people and items that would visually make his story leap off the pages and into our imaginations. Catalog stories were a household activity that built the relational bonds within our family. In much the same way Paul tells Timothy that the church is to be a place of relationships in a household, and a pillar of strength and foundational support (14-15). Believers in Jesus, and the local church body that they form, need to be intentionally relational in their commitment to each other. Together their lives are built on the truth of scripture. Together they have a story to tell of Jesus who has saved them that will be remembered for generations. Just as my father made our relationship come alive through his stories, believers belonging to the local church also have a story of truth and songs of faith reminding them of their relationship with Jesus. Are you connected to a church family for support and strength?

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

Preserve Solid Faith

9/1/2024

1 Timothy 1:18-20
Broken windows, holes in the hull, plus a tilting deck. That is a simple description of various boats I have seen abandoned on the beach. I often wonder what they were like before they were left to rot in the sun and surf. What did they do or not do that led to their undesirable defeated demise? I can recall one boat that is a faded green and a dirty white laying unmoved, at an angle, in the tidal mud for years. A boat that was once valuable and useful is now nothing but wasted junk that clutters the beach. Lighthouses, maps and guides are all available to prevent shipwrecks. The same is true in our spiritual life. We need direction and guidance to navigate the often treacherous waters in our daily life. In 1 Timothy 1:18-20 Paul addresses Timothy regarding the issue of spiritual shipwrecks. He closes out this chapter by naming two men who wrecked their faith because they focused on other things rather than the Biblical truth of the gospel message (20). They rejected personal faith in God and thus blasphemed God through their life. These men were removed from positions of teaching and influence to be taught a lesson. The spiritual shipwreck was public and a visible warning for all. The collapse of faith is evident still today. What do we need to do to combat it? First, we need to be servants, like Timothy, who are committed to serving only God’s agenda in our personal life and church life. Second, we need to be like soldiers who fight for the truth of the gospel not personal preferences and legalistic concepts (19). Finally, we need to be like sailors and use the word of God to navigate life correctly, living as helpful examples of faith not harmful misdirectors. Only by faithfully following Jesus can we find purpose, power and direction to combat the treacherous waters of life.

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

Present The Truth

8/18/2024

1 Timothy 1:1-11
In the winter of 1924 - 1925, the growing diphtheria epidemic descended on the city of Nome, Alaska. Isolation and quarantines became the standard operating procedure as officials desperately tried to figure out how to combat the growing problem that infected one and then another and another. Finally, by the end of January plans were finalized and a life saving serum was carefully placed in a dogsled to be carried to Nome. Over the course of five and a half days, a series of dog sled teams were entrusted with transporting the life saving diphtheria antitoxin to the isolated community. Racing through terrible cold and treacherous conditions 20 mushers and about 150 dogs relayed the special package of serum safely to Nome on February 2, 1925. The delivery saved lives. In 1 Timothy, Paul writes his young ministry partner, Timothy, who is now in the city of Ephesus (3). His instruction to Timothy was to deal with the false teachers that were infecting the church (4-5). The apostle Paul was one who had been commissioned to carry the life saving message of the gospel to those who did not know Jesus (1). His concern was that the message of salvation through Jesus alone be clearly communicated to transform lives (9-10) and build the church (5). He had been entrusted with this life giving message and he did not want to see it distorted in any way (11). Paul challenged the young pastor, Timothy, to be faithful and discerning in his ministry. Even today, false teachers and their ideas will seek to distort the gospel message. Like Paul, those who have trusted Christ for salvation, are entrusted with the truth that Jesus alone saves. Do we truly understand that we have a life saving message that others are dying to receive? Are we delivering it faithfully and accurately? May God guide us as we depend on Him and carry His life saving message of Jesus to others.

For More See 1 TIMOTHY

Participate in the Word

7/21/2024

Psalm 119:105-112
How often do you read directions? When I much younger I remember being at a meeting with my father. The speaker gave each attender a test with a page full of questions. The instructions were to read everything before beginning the test. I still remember that day. I turned the page and began frantically trying to answer questions before the allotted time ran out. As my time ran out I looked at my Dad sitting calmly, looking around the room. He was done, and I was not. The test was actually a test to see if you would listen to and obey the instructions. I did not listen, and I did not read everything first before beginning. The final line at the bottom of the page said this, “Now that you have read this entire page please write your name at top right corner of the page and wait for further instructions.” In life directions are important, but it also important to have reliable instructions from a reliable source. In Acts 2:41-42 the early church had a devotion and dedication to the Word of God. The apostles taught the Word of God and the new converts were faithful in listening and acting on what it said. Psalm 119:105 teaches us that the Bible contains the words of God that provide clarity in the present and direction for the future. Like a lamp the Bible allows us to see what is at our feet and guides us as we take another step of faith. The problem is that we as people do not listen carefully to instructions. We will often search everywhere else for answers without examining the truth in the Bible and God’s words recorded for us. Like the early church in Acts 2, we need to love the Lord, love His Word, and live His Word. That only happens by listening to His directions.

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Learning the Word

6/30/2024

2 Timothy 3:14-17
Our days can be busy, seemingly impossible, and at times we might even be disoriented and in need of direction. Through all of life directions are given to us in order to guide us. Drivers follow road signs and road maps. Carpenters follow blueprints for building a house. Pilots are trained to follow the instruments in their plane. Even if we are lost in the woods we know that moss grows on the North side of trees in the northern hemisphere, water always flows down hill, and the sun rises in the East and sets in the West. In life we have resources that provide direction and keep us from being disoriented. In much the same way God has given us His word to keep us from being spiritually disoriented. As Paul writes to Timothy in 2 Timothy 3, he reminds this young pastor that his life has been influenced by Scripture (14). Previously he reminded Timothy that his mother and grandmother faithfully instilled Scriptural truth through their teaching and example (2 Timothy 1:5) leading him to salvation in Christ (15). Like Timothy, we can see that God has given His word to equip us with a spiritual roadmap. It comes down to believing that God is God and His word carries His authority. He, as the true supreme authority, inspired and directed the Biblical authors in their writing (16) to write His exact words. When we value God and His word we will allow it to teach us and equip us for His service (17). Our life and service will only have substance and direction when we base our lives on God and His word. Reading the word of God daily, pondering its truth and doing what it says will strengthen our faith and keep us from being disoriented as we focus on Christ.

For More See 2 TIMOTHY

Living the Word

6/23/2024

2 Timothy 2:14-18
Have you tried walking on mud? The other day I was walking on mud while trying to prepare a garden. It was a slippery mess. I did not have a good stable base on which to stand. Beside sliding my shoes gradually picked up more and more mud. Now along with lacking proper footing my walking became uneven, almost stumbling from the uneven mud built up on my shoes. Just as mud on the shoes lead to instability in walking, so also does false teaching and adopting of its falsehood lead to a spiritual life that is not stable. As Paul writes his second letter to Timothy, he seeks to communicate how he can be a leader who faithfully follows the truth found in God’s word the Bible. However, in chapter 2, there were some men who turned from the truth and ruined their faith (16-17). Paul writes to challenge Timothy to warn and thus protect his audience from false teaching (14) by promoting spiritual health in the church through his teaching of God’s truth. Timothy was to be a man who sought his approval from God and taught what God approved from the word of God (15). He was to be like a workman who labors in his study to understand the Bible and then labors in his persistent teaching of accurate truth to his audience. Timothy was to avoid what is not true and teach only what is true. For us today we need to look for ways to bring God’s truth and the message of salvation through Jesus into every conversation. Like Timothy, we need to be diligent in the truth by spending time reading and absorbing the truth of Scripture to bring spiritual stability to our lives and spiritual help to others who have lost their way.

For More See 2 TIMOTHY

Truth That Changes You

12/31/2023

Isaiah 61:1-2
Today, a common statement is, “My truth is my truth and your truth is your truth.” The problem is that does not provide for a consistent standard or measurement of truth. It also does not line up with what we see in nature. For example, we know when water freezes. Water does not freeze at one temperature for you and 20 degrees different for me. Gravity does not hold one person down and push another up. What we know to be true impacts our beliefs and lifestyle. We wear shoes because gravity hurts our feet and we take a canoe to the lake in the summer not ice skates. However, beyond the daily activities of life what we know to be true will impact our faith. How do we know what to base our faith on? Hebrews 11:1-2 tells us that faith believes even if the outcome is not seen. The problem is that we as people have developed a personal view that we know it all and any changes or challenges to that view are rejected as not true or real. That was the problem that Jesus faced from the people in His home town. Luke 4:16 records that it started as Jesus entered the temple and read a passage from Isaiah 61. As he finished he stated that the words He read had been fulfilled that day (21). This passage in Isaiah was understood to look forward to God’s promised coming savior. Yet as Jesus continued to teach, the audience could not accept the truth that He was presenting. In short they became so angry that they tried to kill him (29). Jesus was challenging his home town audience to see Him for who he really is as savior and God. I leave you with this challenge. Do not dismiss Jesus but instead examine His claims. He came as God to be your savior. Faith in Him alone will change your measurement of truth and your life.

For more see ISAIAH or SONGS of CHRISTMAS

Why Evangelize?

3/12/2023

2 Corinthians 5:14-21
One day a man who had not been feeling well went to see the doctor. After an examination and tests the doctor sent the man home, promising to call him with the results. The next day the doctor called and said, “Well I have good news and bad news. Which do you want first?” The man thought for a moment and asked for the good news. The doctor replied, “Good news is that you have 24 hours to live.” Confused, the patient asked, “If that was the good news what is the bad news?” “Well,” the doctor said, “the bad news is that I should have called you yesterday.” In a similar manner we, as believers in Jesus, often have a problem when it comes to telling others about Him. Often we turn the truth of scripture into a hammer and try to beat people into belief in Jesus. Then, on the other extreme, we take grace too far and it turns into friendship with no message proclaiming Christ. John 1:14 & 17 record that Jesus was full of grace and truth. He did not back away from the truth and He did not neglect to use grace. Jesus came full of grace and truth, and we should be the same. We need to speak the truth with words of grace so others will see Jesus in our message of evangelism. We need to live the truth with actions of grace so others will see Jesus in our method of evangelism. In Acts 4:12, Peter is speaks of Jesus saying, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Christ’s love for us on the cross compels us to act on our belief of Him as savior, and serve as His messenger of good news (2 Corinthians 5:14-21) to those living with the bad news of sin.

For more see 2 CORINTHIANS or DISCIPLESHIP

The Disciple's Clarity

1/15/2023

Matthew 10:24-33
What makes a good job great? Many would answer by saying, higher wages, more time off, and improved benefits. However, the greatest single factor that will help an organization is leadership. Research consistently shows that good leadership will benefit an organization and help retain employees. We like a consistently organized boss that cares about us, and organizes our work by producing everything we need to do the job. We also like to have an orderly work place. None of us will tolerate continual chaos. We live with a desire to be in charge or follow good leaders. This all is the result of being created in God’s image. You see, we were created with an internal sense and desire for order by an orderly God. Our desire for order and clearly defined authority in work is a small redemptive glimpse of our deep desire for God to control our world and our life. The problem is, we may want God’s order and authority, but often do not submit to it. As we examine Matthew 10 we note that Jesus is preparing to send His disciples out on a ministry assignment. He describes to the twelve that they must clearly understand authority as they go (24-33). Why? Jesus makes it clear that when confronted with persecution the disciple must know the truth and imitate Christ (24-25). Secondly, when faced with fears the disciple will be confident in the authority and power of Christ (26-31). Third, the disciple who believes the authority of Christ will speak of Christ (32-33). It is interesting to note that Jesus began this training session by giving the disciples authority as mentioned in verse one. Do we clearly understand Christ’s authority? Do we live by His power and authority, confidently proclaiming His name and greatness? Has Christ truly transformed us?

For more see MATTHEW or DISCIPLESHIP

Jesus Role as Prophet

12/22/2022

John 1:1-18
I remember going off to college and my Mom telling me to write each week. Well… That never happened because it took too much time. I had to get paper, compose my thoughts, and then walk to the post office to mail it. A phone call was so much easier. However, it was funny how much there was to talk about when I went home for Christmas. Communication in person is always more personal, relatable and believable. Throughout the Old Testament God used various prophets to communicate with His people. The prophet is a messenger who delivers a message, a corrector who points out what is wrong, and a teacher who tells the right way to live. As savior, Jesus, fulfills the role of divine prophet. In the Gospel of John we see that God planned to send Jesus as the perfect way to communicate to people who God is, the need for Him and God’s solution of salvation. This Christmas message communicated through Jesus calls us to listen to God’s Word, believe God’s truth and accept God’s grace. Jesus was the messenger who communicated God’s message to man-kind. This Christmas I hope that you hear God’s message of love, truth and grace communicated through Jesus.

for more see JOHN or PROPHET, PRIEST & KING

Control of Speech

9/4/2022

James 3:1-12
Have you ever said something you wish you could take back? One of the great social problems of our technological age is that anyone can make a comment online and be completely anonymous. It is all so convenient to hide behind a computer or smart phone screen and spill vile hate filled words toward some other person or even a local business. It is statistically proven that we are a very lonely people who long for connection, but we are failing at the basic element of relationships… communication. We all want good relations with the people around us. None of us really likes having an enemy. Yet in our twisted human minds we sometimes think that if we speak evil of someone that somehow it will make us even with them and change the situation. However, speaking evil pushes us farther apart while speaking good will draw us together. With evil words there is a wall of hurt and insult between people. With the good there is a bridge of trust and truth that is built. In chapter three, we see James begin to address the issue of speech as it relates to our faith. He notes that our speech may be such a small part of our overall being, yet it is very powerful in directing the course of our lives or others (1-4). James becomes even more pointed with his words as he addresses the common problems of our speech that are present even today (5-12). He sees that our speech is easily filled with the pride of self promotion. It can become the source of destruction, and easily be corrupted with impurities that do not honor God. The problem is that we are numb and perhaps unaware because our faith has been separated from what we say. So, who are you talking to and what are you saying? Is your speech clearly reflecting your faith in Christ?

For more see JAMES

Lost Love

2/20/2022

Revelation 2:1-7
Have you ever seen puppy love? It is often said that the first stage of human love is puppy love. So, what is puppy love? Think about it. You are asked by a friend if you want one of the puppies that their dog just recently gave birth to. As you look at the wriggling litter of fuzzy cuteness one puppy catches your eye. You pick up the little bundle to get a better look and then lose all control as the puppy wags its tail and licks your face. Your first love may be called puppy love because of the human attraction and bond of that attraction without the wagging of tails. But what about our spiritual first love? In Revelation 2:1-7 the church of Ephesus is commended for the way that they have stood for the truth of God’s word (2-3). They have worked hard and know the truth, but Jesus Christ points out that that they have left their first love (4). Literally they have looked at the face of Jesus, the one that loves them, and they have consciously walked away. They are given the command to remember what they have left, repent and turn around and return to loving the one that loves them (5-6). Losing the excitement of our first love is human but it should not be true of our spiritual lives. This church was doing all the right things because they knew all the right answers, but they had lost their passion for Jesus who loves them. You may have known Christ for years, sat through hundreds of church services and heard all the Bible stories. You just don’t feel in love anymore. We need to have a true devotion for God, not just go through the motions for God. If that is true of you remember Jesus has not turned away, you have.

For more see REVELATION

Walking Imitation

8/9/2020

Philippians 3:17-21
Imitation is not necessarily a good thing. The word very simply means a cheap copy of the real thing. We have imitation leather in shoes and chairs that has a way of peeling and falling apart. Then we have the cooking items like imitation vanilla which seems to have a watered down flavor of the real thing. An imitation is a poor copy of the real thing. However, God desires to shape our lives into a perfect copy of His. In Philippians 3:17 Paul exhorts his audience to imitate him as he copies Christ. As we have seen from Philippians 3:12-13 Paul realized that he had not gained the perfection of his spiritual walk and the practice of his faith. He knew that he was an imperfect imitation of Christ. That is good news for us today. We are not walking this life alone as we follow Christ. Others are with us, as together, we seek to imitate Christ and live the reality of our relationship with Him. Come, let’s go for a walk, as we follow the perfect example of Jesus Christ.

Confidence in Christ

8/9/2020

Philippians 3:1-16
The political season is upon us and we see people trying hard to get our vote this fall. Just this week I have seen several instances in the news where certain political figures made reference to their church attendance or their beliefs that were supposedly guided by the Bible. For some reason the Bible was not agreeing with the way they lived. Their desire was for another vote and their confidence was in their supposed religious practice. As believers in Jesus Christ we are to live differently. Our confidence is to be in Christ alone and His work to make us righteous. In Philippians 3:7-8 Paul emphatically states that all his past supposed righteous acts were nothing more than garbage compared to knowing Christ. Today, we still face the struggle of trying to gain our own righteousness. Paul says it can’t be done apart from Christ. When our righteousness becomes a ritual we have settled for religion and not a relationship with Jesus. Personal confidence kills true spiritual life. Religion can never transform your life, only a relationship with Jesus can transform your life.