Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: HONEST (05/31/18)
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TITLE: A Yellow Highlighter | Previous Challenge Entry
By Virgil Youngblood
06/07/18 -
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I thought that was the dumbest thing I had ever heard. Tell me something I don’t know.
He continued. “If God tells one lie, only one, just one -- think about it, then he is not righteous. If he is not righteous he is not holy. If he is not holy by definition he is not God.”
That rationalization makes sense.
The preacher lifted his Bible high. “You can search this book and claim the promises and you will never find yourself on the wrong end of a limb that gets sawed off. He is alive today and he keeps his promises.”
“Some are just to be claimed,” he said, like 1 John 4:8: God is love. Some have conditions like John 3:16 and Romans 10:9. If you do your part – sincerely believe in your heart and confess with your mouth, God will forgive your sins and grant you eternal life. If he didn’t he would be a liar.”
He held the Bible aloft. “Search the scriptures. Claim the promises. The first time God fails to keep his word, throw this book away and forget him.”
That Sunday after lunch and putting the kids down for a nap, I grabbed my Bible and a yellow highlighter pen and started searching for promises. I guess I was challenging God to put up or shut up. I don’t think I thought about it in those terms then, but time gives perspective. That’s exactly what I was doing – putting God to the test.
Do you know what? Almost fifty years have slipped by since that sermon tickled my ears. Although I searched diligently for some time, I never caught God in a lie. Today Psalm 119:103 says it all: How sweet are your words to my taste, Sweeter than honey to my mouth! God is alive! His word is as advertised, sharper and more powerful than a two edged sword.
As a writer I claim Proverbs 16:3: Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established. Any way you slice it, right thinking and write thinking hinge on obedience.
And how about this promise found in Philippians 4: 5-6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
Did you catch the key to God fulfilling his promise to answer prayer? Thanking God in advance. We may not know how or when but we can rest assured, God’s got your back. God never hurries but he’s never late. Be anxious for nothing.
Years ago another young evangelist also got my undivided attention when he asked, “Who is driving the car of your life, determining where you are going down life’s highway? Is it God? Or do you keep him in the trunk like a spare tire and only get him out when you have a flat?
He nailed me. When he hammered home that message I realized my miserable condition. I was teaching a boy’s Sunday school class, faithfully attending services, and watching my language around church folks. But, during the week, around others in the business world my language was more salt than light. I was definitely steering my car and flats were frequent.
The following Thursday I went to the church to go visiting prospects with the pastor and some other men from the church. That sermon had been festering in my soul. Although I believed myself to be a Christian, I realized I had never fully committed myself to him. For once, I was honest with myself.
Kneeling at the front of the sanctuary, silently praying I told God I would do anything he wanted me to do. To attest my sincerity, I said, “I will even go to Japan as a missionary if you want me to.” That was the last thing in the world I wanted to do!
Immediately, a peace flooded into my heart that has never left. And God let me grow in his love blooming where I was planted in the business world.
How about you? Are you in the market to put God to the test with a highlighter pen?
Scripture quotes are from the NKJ
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
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I love the flow of this piece. The authentic honesty of your MC shines through, even as you're talking about the honesty of God keeping His promises.
Thanks for sharing!