#TruthMatters

Yesterday's message on the story of blind Bartimaeus was a powerful... to say the least. But one element stood out; as it usually does. The message, by the way, came from a high-energy man who happens to be the Under Sheriff for the county! So, it was a pretty cool service, indeed.

There's much that is amazing about his story, but this was the capturing moment. Christ' own disciples tried to silence him when he called out to Jesus. But Bartimaeus called out louder.

As we've talked many times before, we see just how hard of a time people are having with the truth. Hearing it, receiving it, responding to it. And sharing it.

Bartimaeus calls out, yells out... screams out. Without conviction. Refusing to be silenced. Sure, he needed something from Jesus. But more importantly, something resonated in his spirit, that he knew He needed to respond. And of course, Christ responds to him.

Truth matters. If for no other reason, as once shared in an episode of the West Wing, it's the easiest thing to remember.

But more importantly, we're dealing in spiritual matters. Lives hang in the balance, here on Earth, certainly. Even more so, they hang in the balance for the sake of eternity as well.

My schedule in writing these posts has been thrown off late, and while I knew this was the topic for the day, writing this later in the day has it's advantage... for before doing so, a link appeared in my social media newsfeed.

A megachurch Baptist Pastor in Harlem, whose congregation has grown from 350 to over 10,000 in the past 14 years now speaks that it's "insanity" to believe Jesus is the only way.

What are we doing, if we are not speaking the truth?

With conviction. Beyond the voice of the critics and those who attempt to silence those who speak it... even those within the church. Our pastors need prayer. Our churches need help. And a lost and dying world is crying out... and we if we are not responding with the cries of truth; then why respond at all?

On this #seniorPastorMonday, pray that pastors would speak and declare truth. Pray that they would know, understand and preach the WHOLE counsel of God. Not the part that is loving and accepting, not the emotionally comforting, not the pleasant, politically correct; but the WHOLE TRUTH of God's Word. Pray for a spirit of wisdom and discernment in all circumstances and conversations. May the word be revealed anew and afresh as they study, pray and devote themselves to God.

For His Word is truth.
A lamp to our feet;
A light to our path.
That leads us to the cross of Christ.
For the glory of God.

- PNC