97% Truthful

A little bending of the truth here and a little hiding of there isn't wrong, is it? A few little white lies here and some complete fabrications there won't hurt anyone will they? It's so sad to realize that honesty, integrity, truthfulness and accuracy of facts are not very common. We not only live in a culture where lying and dishonesty take place, but where it's encouraged and seen as being right to do when necessary, especially to protect self. If only we'd take heed to Proverbs 19:5 which says, "A false witness will not go unpunished, And he who speaks lies will not escape." As I meditate on this warning, why would I let anything that's not 100% truth come out of my mouth? Great question! Sometimes lying, deceiving and not being completely truthful can get us out of a jam, eliminate consequences or sway someone to take your side in some matter, but is it really worth it? I'm a firm believer in the truth. The truth will always win out. When lying and falsehood are part of who you are, at times it can be difficult to separate the truth from lies or reality from make believe. Living life above board where truth, accuracy and honesty are the norm, will bring a liberty and freedom that some only dream of having. The challenge for today is to be completely honest in everything you say and do. No lies, exaggerations, deception, hiding some of the truth, falsehood, or misleadings. I know this may seem like a challenge, but allow verses like Proverbs 19:5 stir us to live this way :)

Walking Through Challenges

Life has its challenges. Life can sometimes throw you curveballs that were unforeseen and not planned for. Unfortunately too many give up, or at least contemplate giving up. Challenges are just as much a part of life as are victories. Life will always contain both victories and challenges. But as we know, it's easy to walk through a victory, yet walking through a challenge may require more from us. Perhaps your challenge involves a relationship, finances, job, family or something else. Regardless, it can sometimes take everything we have just to make it through the day. One thing I've found is that whatever my challenge, God's with me as I go through it. He leads me, guides me, strengthens me, uplifts me, encourages me and sometimes even carries me. My focus must be on Him as I walk it out. I may not have answers or solutions, but He does. Your challenge may be much bigger than you, but it's never too big for God. In times of challenge will you trust Him and follow His leading? Letting someone else take the lead through a challenge takes a lot, but if we'd only see His love for us as we walk through our challenge. His love for us is immense and powerful. I can't help but be encouraged by the promises found in Psalm 34:6-7, "This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, And saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, And delivers them." As I walk through challenges in life, I can do it with confidence knowing that God is with me :)
⁷ 

Who Are You In Private?

A quote we often hear goes along the lines of, "Who you are in private is the real you." I believe this couldn't be more true. We can be easily fooled into thinking who someone is in public is how they are all the time. I think everyone would agree that people can be very different in private, when noone else is around, than the person they are in front of others. As I think about this I can't help but ask the question, "Why?" Some of the most incredible people I know are the same person, whether surrounded by others, a few, or even noone. But this can be such a challenge. I think not wanting others to see who we really are is a big part of the problem. We can be afraid of what they'll think, say or see. The best example I have to follow with this is that of Jesus. He wasn't two different people depending on who was around Him. Whether it was a multitude, a solitary person, or noone, He was consistent. He didn't need the approval of others, His goal was to please His Father. It allowed who He really was to always be who was seen. Today, when noone else is around or looking, will I be the same person as if I'm surrounded by others? That's my goal :)