Internet Cafe: Whatever is True

Today. I wrote. And deleted. Wrote...and deleted. I gazed out the window, watching the leaves flutter. Shook my head and focused again. Wrote. And deleted.

And so my husband, watching this sluggish scenario, shared with me a story.

Several years ago, while preparing his sermon, our minister-friend, Daniel, found himself searching for something profound to say. Something that would knock the socks off of the congregation.

But nothing came.

He tried to wring it out. He wrote. And deleted. Wrote...and deleted. And then…

What can you say that is true?

A still small voice.

The only words worthy of speaking, the most profound revelation of all, comes in the truth from Scripture.

So today. I’ve wrung it out. I’ve written and re-written, both mentally and on this computer. Yet nothing comes. Nothing, that is, except a whisper of pure, precious truth.

At one time we, too, were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of His mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs, having the hope of eternal life. This is a trustworthy saying. And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good. These things are excellent and profitable for everyone. (Titus 3:3-8, emphasis mine)

The story of God’s great love for us, poured out in the sacrifice of His own Son, set into motion so long ago when the agony of being separated from His creation was too great, is simply too wonderful not to share. Too marvelous to add to with any of my own words today.

Read those precious words, again and again, for they are as silver tried in the furnace, and purified. Hide them in your heart, but do not leave them there, speak of His faithfulness and salvation. Repeat them to yourselves throughout the day, when you wake, rise before dawn to cry for help; when you sleep, rise at midnight to give thanks. Repeat them to others whose souls thirst for it, for it is like cold water to a weary soul.

These things are trustworthy, these things are beneficial. To everyone. Salt and Light.

Speak the truth. It stands forever.

Much longer than anything else I might have shared today.