If you have an extra $1,300 you need to spend, you’re in luck! A high-end department store offers an item of clothing you can purchase for just that amount: a belt.
You’d think the buckle would be gold at that price. Nope, it’s brass. And it’s shaped in the logo of the company. So you get to pay them to advertise for their company on your midsection.
Now some might treasure such a purchase, but I’d choose a different belt as my treasure: the belt of truth the Apostle Paul referenced in Ephesians 6:14. No doubt he wanted us to understand:
Just as a belt holds clothing close to the body, a belt of truth holds the confidence of our faith close to our hearts.
And truth is a treasure, in spite of ethical relativists who would throw it away.
Why?
(www.quotefancy.com/John Owen)
Some will say, “That’s a very arrogant and exclusive thing to say, that we have to accept absolutes revealed by God in the Bible!”
But isn’t it just as arrogant to dismiss him–and his Son Jesus? Can we afford to ignore Jesus’ claim to be the [only] way [to God], and the [real] truth, and the [real] life (John 14:6 AMP)– without thorough investigation? And isn’t it being exclusive to exclude the Son of God from careful consideration?
Such truth as presented in John 14:6 and Acts 4:12 requires a response. We can’t afford to ignore even the possibility of truth about such a life-and-death matter.
But then there are those who do not find John Owen’s statement (above) offensive, and would agree: We find reliable guidance, strengthening confidence, and expectant hope in the truths of God’s Word.
Imagine that belt of truth Paul wrote about, woven with spirit-strengthening statements. What truths would you choose?
Try on this combination for size. Cinch them snug around your heart by speaking each truth out loud:
- God loves you and has your best interest at heart (Jeremiah 31:3; 29:11).
- With perfect wisdom and understanding, he has thoughtfully planned out your life (Psalm 139:16). Therefore,
“Never be afraid of giving up your best
and God will give you his better.”
–Unknown
- God is all-powerful and in control of all things, including your circumstances (Isaiah 14:24). How empowering to know…
…“There is no situation so chaotic that
God cannot from that situation,
create something surpassingly good.
He did it at the creation.
He did it at the cross.
He is doing it today.”
—Bishop Moule
- He faithfully leads you in the way you should go (Psalm 23:3). You can count on him because:
- All that God is, is always at work (John 5:17).
“If you are praying about it
God is working on it.”
–Unknown
- He is constantly by your side, ready to help in a myriad of ways (Psalm 145:18-19).
“God hath in Himself all power to defend you,
all wisdom to direct you, all mercy to pardon you,
all grace to enrich you, all righteousness to clothe you,
all goodness to supply you, and all happiness to crown you.”
–Thomas Brooks
- God’s peace, joy and hope are forever available (Psalm 29:11; John 15:11; Romans 5:5). And what is hope?
And his word is absolute truth.
The more I learn about archaeological evidence, ancient manuscript verification, fulfilled prophecy, historical substantiation, and creation science, the more astounded I am by the great volume of proof upholding the authenticity of God’s truth in the Bible.
His truth is the reliable confidence of our faith, a treasure worth cinching close to our hearts.
What scriptural truths do you treasure? Share your choice in the comment section below!
(Art & photo credits: http://www.pexels.com; http://www.canva.com; http://www.quotefancy.com; http://www.dailyverses.net; http://www.heartlight.org; http://www.canva.com; http://www.azquotes.com; http://www.canva.com.)
From the Inside Out 