In today’s world there are so many different voices calling out to be followed. We are constantly bombarded by advertisers trying to convince us we need the “newest, most improved” model of whatever it is they are trying to sell. Television constantly exposes us to lewd images and promiscuous behavior and peddles it to us as normal and acceptable. The print media glorifies “alternative lifestyles” and runs down marriage and family values. We live in a fallen world. Sin abounds. The world has an agenda to draw you away from the voice of truth that is God’s Word. Satan wins when we start to accept as normal the behaviors that God views as aberration.

There is a popular song on Christian radio today that says “I will choose to listen and believe the voice of truth.” Amen. God speaks to us all through His Holy Spirit and through His Holy Bible. We have to choose to listen and believe what He says. We need to throw out the garbage the world is speaking in our ear and listen, believe, and be changed by the voice of truth. In computer lingo there is an axiom that states “garbage in, garbage out” and it refers to the programming of a computer. If you have bad programming, you have bad results, errors. It is the same with the human mind. Garbage in, garbage out. What you watch on T.V., what you read, what you listen to, who you hang out with all affects who you are becoming. In Romans 12, Paul says “do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” God doesn’t want you smelling like garbage. He doesn’t want you living in the pig pen. He has a more excellent way. He loves you and wants only the best for you. Paul gives us some great advice in his letter to the church at Phillipi. In chapter 4 verse 8 he says “finally brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, anything praiseworthy, meditate on these things.” Yes Paul, I see what you mean. Being conformed into the image of Christ means choosing the right things to put into my mind. When I ask myself what is the truest, most noble and just, pure and lovely, virtuous and praiseworthy “thing” in the universe I get back but one response to my search query. The Holy Bible. The Word of God. The power of God unto salvation.

It is truth, it is life, it is the light unto my path. When I put God’s word in me, good things come out of me. I am changed. No longer do I lust after the desires of the flesh but I hunger and thirst for righteousness. I no longer smell like garbage, but I begin to take on the sweet aroma of Jesus Christ. That is the cry of my heart, to be more like you Jesus. If that is the cry of your heart as well, then let these words be an encouragement to you to devote yourself to the study of God’s word. His word is alive and powerful. Let it come alive in you. Amen? Amen!

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Jim