What is a Lie? What is Truth?

After my journey 'out of the pit' with Beth Moore's book, I have begun a new devotional study. This book is entitled "Lies Young Women Believe...and the Truth that Sets Them Free" by Nancy DeMoss and Dannah Gresham. Young ladies, this book is incredible. I wish I could give every girl a copy of it. Guys, even though this book is directed to girls, the many truths found within its pages apply to you as well.

Origin of Lies
Lie = false statement with deliberate intent to deceive;
an inaccurate or false statement;
an impostor of the Truth

The Scriptures tell us that satan "has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him...he is a liar and the father of lies." (John 8:44) There is no truth in him...that reminds me of the many times the Bible tells us that out of the overflow of the heart, the mouth speaks. We have control of what comes out of our mouths because we control what goes in. A friend of mine told me to "Feed what you want to live...starve what you want to die."

The Progression of Eve's Lie

• Eve listened to a lie
• She got close to the serpent and thought about his words
  
• Even dwelled on the lie
• She talked to the serpent and considered his ideas
  
• Eve believed the lie
• She believed the serpent's words more than God's words
  
• Eve acted on the lie
• She ate the fruit

This is how many of us react to lies. We listen, dwell, begin to believe, and then act on our belief. Whether it takes us five seconds or five days, we usually go through this progression for every lie that crosses our minds. The Bible tells us to "Flee youthful passions and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace, along with those who call on the Lord with a pure heart. Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies..." (2 Timothy 2:22-23a)

The Origin of Truth
Truth = agreement with a standard or original;
Jesus Christ

Jesus defines truth for us in John 14:6, "I am the way, and the Truth, and the life. Not only is He truth, but the Word of God is as well (John 1:14). We have to be so familiar with the truth of Jesus and His Word that when lies appear, we recognize them. Like those people on the Antique Roadshow...they know if something is real or fake. How? Because they have studied the real deal. How much time do we spend studying Jesus...The Truth?

Set Free
You will be in the minority. You will be laughed at for your beliefs.
You will have to make a conscious choice to stand firm.
But know that "The truth will set you free..." (John 8:32)

"Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve...
But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."
(Joshua 24:15)