what is the purpose of your struggles? why has God allowed it?

Ask and reflect on that.

Ephesians 4:12-32 spoke to me and I wanted to share that with you.

12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:

14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:

16 From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

17 This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind,

18 Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart:

19 Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

20 But ye have not so learned Christ;

21 If so be that ye have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus:

22 That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

23 And be renewed in the spirit of your mind;

24 And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.

25 Wherefore putting away lying, speak every man truth with his neighbour: for we are members one of another.

26 Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

27 Neither give place to the devil.

28 Let him that stole steal no more: but rather let him labour, working with his hands the thing which is good, that he may have to give to him that needeth.

29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.

30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

31 Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:

32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.

Happy Mothers Day to all the mothers on this feed and in my life. "Blessed are you among women..."

Psalm 107:

1- O give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.

Thank you Lord.

If I speak with the eloquence of men and of angels, but have no love, I become no more than blaring brass or crashing cymbal. If I have the gift of foretelling the future and hold in my mind not only all human knowledge but the very secrets of God, and if I also have that absolute faith which can move mountains, but have no love, I amount to nothing at all. If I dispose of all that I possess, yes, even if I give my own body to be burned, but have no love, I achieve precisely nothing. Or gratitude for you I am nothing.

2 Thessalonians 2:11-12:

"And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness."

The verse from 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12 addresses the concept of rejecting truth and embracing lies, which has profound relevance in modern life. In today's world, we're often inundated with information, some of which may be misleading or false. This passage serves as a cautionary reminder of the dangers of choosing convenience, comfort, or personal biases over truth and righteousness.

In practical terms, it challenges us to critically evaluate the information we consume, stand firm in ethical values, and resist the temptation to accept falsehoods that align with our desires or justify harmful actions. It also underscores the importance of discernment and humility, encouraging us to seek the truth with open minds and hearts rather than being swayed by strong delusions or manipulative influences.

The question "What is truth?" is famously posed by Pontius Pilate in **John 18:38** during his interrogation of Jesus. This moment highlights a profound philosophical and spiritual inquiry that resonates throughout the Bible and human history.

In the Bible, truth is often associated with God's word and character. For example:

- **John 14:6**: Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life," emphasizing that truth is found in Him.

- **Psalm 119:160**: "The entirety of Your word is truth," pointing to the reliability and divine nature of Scripture.

- **John 8:32**: "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free," illustrating the liberating power of truth in one's life.

Truth in the biblical sense is not just factual accuracy but a deeper alignment with God's will, love, and purpose. It challenges us to live authentically and seek righteousness in our actions and beliefs.

live your truth

In modern usage, "Your Truth" often refers to an individual's personal experience, perspective, or understanding of the world. It emphasizes the subjective and personal nature of truth—what feels authentic to someone's life and beliefs, even if it doesn't align with others' views or objective facts.

In contrast, biblical truth is portrayed as universal, unchanging, and grounded in God's nature and word. It is not subjective or personal but rather a reflection of divine will and absolute morality. The Bible teaches that truth is something external to oneself, revealed through Scripture and embodied in Jesus Christ, who declared Himself as "the way, the truth, and the life."

While "Your Truth" celebrates individuality and personal authenticity, biblical truth calls for alignment with a higher, overarching standard that transcends personal feelings or perspectives. The difference lies in the source—one is internal and subjective, while the other is external and divine.

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Yes, the concept of "Your Truth" often aligns with the idea of a personal worldview. A worldview encompasses the lens through which an individual interprets life, reality, and their place in the world—it's shaped by personal experiences, beliefs, values, and cultural influences.

"Your Truth" emphasizes the subjective side of this worldview, focusing on personal authenticity and the individual journey. However, worldviews also encompass broader philosophies and frameworks that may be shared by communities or cultures. While "Your Truth" highlights individuality, a worldview might include both personal perspectives and shared ideologies, making it more comprehensive in scope.

7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.

9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.

10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.

12 No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us.

13 Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit.

14 And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world.

15 Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

16 And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him.

17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.

18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love.

19 We love him, because he first loved us.

20 If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

21 And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.

32 And as they came out, they found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name: him they compelled to bear his cross.

33 And when they were come unto a place called Golgotha, that is to say, a place of a skull,

34 They gave him vinegar to drink mingled with gall: and when he had tasted thereof, he would not drink.

35 And they crucified him, and parted his garments, casting lots: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, They parted my garments among them, and upon my vesture did they cast lots.

36 And sitting down they watched him there;

37 And set up over his head his accusation written, This Is Jesus The King Of The Jews.

38 Then were there two thieves crucified with him, one on the right hand, and another on the left.

39 And they that passed by reviled him, wagging their heads,

40 And saying, Thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, save thyself. If thou be the Son of God, come down from the cross.

41 Likewise also the chief priests mocking him, with the scribes and elders, said,

42 He saved others; himself he cannot save. If he be the King of Israel, let him now come down from the cross, and we will believe him.

43 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God.

44 The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth.

45 Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour.

46 And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?

47 Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias.

48 And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink.

49 The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him.

50 Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost.

51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

52 And the graves were opened; and many bodies of the saints which slept arose,

53 And came out of the graves after his resurrection, and went into the holy city, and appeared unto many.

54 Now when the centurion, and they that were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake, and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, Truly this was the Son of God.

55 And many women were there beholding afar off, which followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering unto him:

56 Among which was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joses, and the mother of Zebedees children.

Trusting God involves placing faith and reliance in God's character, promises, and wisdom, even when circumstances are difficult or unclear. It's about choosing to believe that God is good, loving, and ultimately has a plan for your life, even when you don't understand.

Psalm 105:

4 Seek the Lord, and his strength: seek his face evermore.

New King James Version

psalm 31: 14

But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord;
I say, “You are my God.”

15

My times are in Your hand;
Deliver me from the hand of my enemies,
And from those who persecute me.

In a Biblical context, hope is a confident expectation and desire for future good, rooted in faith in God's promises and His redemptive acts, rather than a mere wish for something good to happen.

Faith is a strong belief or trust in God, often without complete proof or evidence.

Doubt will hinder your prayers.

Beware of wishful thinking.

Kenn

kenn.blanchard@gmail.com

Youtube @revkennblanchard