Prayer

“What is truth?” In our age of social media algorithms and A.I. generated images and videos, how can we know what is true? The way we answer this question is going to be crucial to how we live in an ever changing social setting. To help us, consider these thoughts I have found help me sort out the truth from the fake. We can start by deciding WHERE we can Find Truth. As a Christian, I start and end with Jesus. Jesus declares Himself to BE Truth. We can know Jesus and the truth He embodies as we experience relationship with Him through His Holy Spirit in Fellowship with other Christian believers. Jesus has promised us we can know Him and billions of people confirm this in their worship and lives. There are two other places we can find Truth: the Bible, and Creation. The Bible when read rightly and in the context of community reveals the truth and will of Jesus. Studying the whole of Scripture brings us into touch with truth and gives us resources for the Holy Spirit to help us know what is true. Creation also reveals the truth of the Lord. “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature.” — Romans 1:20 (NLT). Still, HOW do we know what is true? I’ve found the following guide helpful in our Q.U.E.S.T. for truth: Q: Question what I read, see, hear — Be critical (wanting to know the truth) not cynical (a rejection of learning and goodness). U: Understand my own blind spots — where am I prone to be deceived. We all have blind spots. Maintain a humble approach that says, “I think this is true but I could be wrong. E: Evaluate Sources — where or who is this information from? Not all sources are equal or even good. S: Seek Truth in Community — talk to others about what your are hearing, reading, seeing. We need each other to protect us from deception and false information. T: Trust the Jesus Way — truth should lead me to love God and others more, be filled with peace and not fear, encourage me to do good, build healthy relationships not hurt them. May you know the freedom the truth of Jesus brings to all who follow Him. — Pastor Lawrence

Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. They you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” — John 8:31-32 (NLT) Prayer — If you are in need of prayer, please let us know. You can send us an email or drop a note off at the church building. Your need will be kept confidential as we pray for you. 1. Pray for our community. May the Lord Jesus keep us safe and healthy. May His blessings fill our cups so we can share with others. 2. Pray for our country. May the Lord Jesus guide cultural, educational, political, and social leaders to make good decisions. 3. Pray for our world. May the Peace of Jesus spread to every country and bring an end to war and violence

Pastor Lawrence