Truth Over Lies
Romans 1:18, 22-25 (AMP) For [God does not overlook sin and] the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who in their wickedness suppress and stifle the truth. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory and majesty and excellence of the immortal God for an image [worthless idols] in the shape of mortal man and birds and four-footed animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the lusts of their own hearts to [sexual] impurity, so that their bodies would be dishonored among them [abandoning them to the degrading power of sin], because [by choice] they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator.
The Truth of God is absolutely invaluable. It is life changing, everlasting and constant. The above verses may sound dark and harsh but let's look at them from today's point of view. Verse 25 says they exchanged the truth of God for a lie - what scriptures call sin (missing the mark), the world says "it's okay, we are all human, God knows my heart." Well that's true, God does know our heart and He knows when we desire to stop the sin and be free from the chains of sin and He knows when we could really care less about pleasing Him and we just want to live life how we "feel" is right at that moment.
God is a loving God - He knows what is going to hurt us in the long run. Just as any good parent would urge their growing teens not to hang out with certain crowds and not to do certain things, it's not out of a hatred for their kids, like the parents are trying to stop them from having fun, it's out of pure and genuine love for their kids because they have been in similar situations before and have had to learn things the hard way in life many times and it would break the parent's heart's to see their own children suffer the same consequences they once did. They urge us not to do some things because they know it sounds fun and inviting in that moment but down the road you may be filled with regret and shame.
The second half of that verse says they worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator. Instead of worshiping God, many of us decide to create our own idol to worship. This may not be a creature, but it's anything taking priority over your relationship with Christ. This could mean your job is what you worship. Your spouse is who you worship. Your material items or your bank balance could be your god. Who do you serve? We all serve somebody… is it Jesus? The one who paid the penalty for our sins - who gave us a way out of death and condemnation? Or do you by choice, decide to exchange the truth, that God loves you and has amazing things planned for you and wants you to be blessed, exceedingly and abundantly… for a lie - that you will never amount to anything, that you will always be stuck in the past, that you have done too many things to be forgiven by God now, that you are your mistakes… is this what you choose to believe? Beloved, these are lies. All of them.
No matter what has been spoken over your life in the past, today I declare and decree that you are a child of the Most High God and you are blessed and highly favored, you are forgiven and free, you are adored and fearfully and wonderfully made. You are dead to sin and alive in Christ. You have a Savior that is interceding for you at the right hand of our Heavenly Father. You are made brand new! Nothing can stop you - no weapon - because you are serving the almighty, all-powerful, King of kings and Lord of lords. You have favor everywhere you go and all who know you will be amazed at the transforming power of Jesus Christ. May you walk out in the blessings of God and continually seek His face. For His provision comes from above and His will for your life is better than you could have ever imagined or asked for. May your rise to the call and be the hands and feet of Jesus and choose Truth over the lies.
Proverbs 3:34 (AMP) Though He scoffs at the scoffers and scorns the scorners, yet He gives His grace [His undeserved favor] to the humble [those who give up self-importance].
2 Corinthians 9:8 (AMP) And God is able to make all grace [every favor and earthly blessing] come in abundance to you, so that you may always [under all circumstances, regardless of the need] have complete sufficiency in everything [being completely self-sufficient in Him], and have an abundance for every good work and act of charity.
