Speak Truth

In chapter four Jennifer shares about Speaking Truth to Your Issues. Join us at Lelia's for more insights.

As soon as Jennifer spoke of this woman and referenced her endurance of twelve years, I knew. I knew this woman. I speak of this woman often. I've shared the faith of this woman with others. I admire her faith and I love Jesus' reaction to her. If you are familiar with her, she is the unnamed woman who bled twelve years, touched the hem of Jesus' garment, and was healed by Him. "There comes a time when you must speak a word to your soul that prompts action resulting in healing." Read that again.

Speak. a. Word.
Prompts. Actions
Results. Healing.

The woman with an issue of blood took action with big risks:
1) touching a man
2) touching a rabi
3) appearing publically while unclean
4) being a social outcast
Desperation. She acted in desperation.

If only I touch His cloat, I will get well. If only. IF only.
She believed. She told herself to do it. She spoke truth because His touch does heal.

In all the time I've read this biblical story, I always examined it from the perspective of faith. This woman had such great faith and determination. Yet, Jennifer shows us she also had great soul talk. She didn't just pump herself up with courage to do this but with wisdom and truth. "Her soul talk turned feelings of fear into actions of faith. Her desperate act impressed Jesus so much that He responded to her."

"Jesus never said her soul talk made her well. He said it was her faith. Her faith invited healing. Her soul talk contributed to her faith, but it didn't replace her faith."

"By faith we receive truth. By faith we believe truth. And by faith we act on that truth."

Negative self talk followed by prayer can lead to truthful soul talk.

Jennifer shares how the Holy Spirit has four roles as: Counselor, Christ Representative, Teacher, and Truth Speaker.

God's Spirit Counsels Us
"Hear truth, admit truth, and receive truth."
When I read Jennifer's question of "why is His voice so quiet?", I thought oh hear it is--what I always question. I have to admit though I wish He would scream at me but her answer is so true. "He will not shout down the noise of our busy world. He won't try to overwhelm our distractions. To hear Him, we have to quiet ourselves, step away from the frenzy, and truly listen." That is so God. That is the beauty of His character. He won't fight for our time and attention. Rather, He wants us to come to Him--to show we need Him...we have time for Him... we come attentive and willing to listen to Him.

God's Spirit Represents Christ
The Holy Spirit represents God. So, He will never guide us where God doesn't want us. The Holy Spirit will lead us exactly as God would and does. The Spirit will never lead us anywhere the Word does not take us.

God's Spirit Teaches Us
We need mentors. We need instructors. We need teachers. "When you allow God's Spirit to teach you, your mind is being mentored by none other than the God of eternity."

God's Spirit Speaks Truth to Us
Jennifer described a time on an airplane with an hour delay. She felt herself complaining and focusing on ill-fitting thoughts. Overhearing a small child and father, she had an opportunity to change her thoughts and focus. As she said, "delays and inconveniences were just some of the bumps along the road." That reminded me of something I heard years ago. Basically, we should look at these inconveniences as God's intervention. Instead of complaining about a slow driver causing us to be late, we should consider God very well may be delaying us to prevent us being in an accident. Every time I'm in a rush and try to overcompensate for delays or even fight them by speeding, passing, rushing, I stop and ponder it. I need to adhere to God's delays.

I love this: "When I chose to place 'praiseworthy' thoughts in my closet, the motionless airplane became a sanctuary of peace." Chose. Praiseworthy. Became. Peace.

God's Spirit can always be trusted to lead us to truth. Very often, our own leading will derail us.

Jennifer asks which role we need most. How can I choose one? I would say His counsel or reminder of His truth. It seems these two go hand in hand. When He counsels us He also speaks truth to us whether it's through His word, other people, or the Holy Spirit. I probably need to be more open to opportunities where my thoughts can transition from negative to positive such as when Jennifer was on the airplane. What a time to turn pouting into praising!

The Lord knows how I desire His counsel and seek His way in my life. I so want to follow His way as my blog is titled. For five days straight I've been asking and even begging Him to show me His path. I've meditated on one specific scripture. Show me Your ways, O Lord, teach me Your paths; guide me in Your truth and teach me, for You are God my savior and my hope is in you all day long. Psalm 25:4-5

Seeking Him,