THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Tuesday, June 18, 2024

Lord, the psalmist made your Word a priority. He acknowledged your Word is truth. There is no deception with you, since you are God, and you cannot lie. Scripture declares, “All your words are true” (Psalm 119:160).

But before the psalmist knew your truths, did he fall for the lie you didn’t really love him? Perhaps he believed he’d done too much wrong to be forgiven? Maybe the devil whispered, “Why try—you’ll never be good enough to get to Heaven.” I’ve heard those same lies.

From the psalmist’s writings, we assume when he wrote about lying to himself he was asking for revelations of your truths.

“Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing your instructions” (Psalm 119:29)

Many lies sound religious.  “After working my tail off to do good, how can God not let me into Heaven?” “I’ve given so much money to the church, God will just throw open the Pearly Gates when I arrive.” “God will not heal me,” Our pride refuses to be ignored. “Look how good I am. No addictions, or harmful habits like so many sinners.” These lies sound righteous, but they are still lies.

But the self-righteous tell the biggest whopper of them all. “I will get into Heaven based on my goodness and my good works.” Their deeds may be noble and noteworthy but that’s not God’s way. Scripture says believing Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross is our ticket to eternal life.

“Whoever believes in him [Jesus] is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son” (John 3:18)

Keep my eyes open to your truths, Jesus. Amen.