"Real or Not Real"

Saturday, May 28, 2011 (8:17 a.m.)

Buffalo Bill’s Resort and Casino #117A

Primm, NV

Loving Lord,

Incredibly, wonderfully, loving Lord. Thank You! You’ve done it again. And I am grateful.

Much earlier this morning, there was an anticipated conversation going on in my head. An interchange I expect will happen. One for which I want to be positively prepared. And right there in the midst of some idea that may or may not come to pass, something I can use to my benefit came to mind.

I liked it when I read it in a book the other day. A game devised by one friend to help another distinguish between things that are true and those that are not. A tool used to help overcome cleverly conceived deceptions.

Not only do I need that tool Lord. I HAVE that tool! In the form of Your Word. You provided us the ultimate version of “Real or Not Real” long before the written word became commonplace. Thank You Lord.

Thank You that this morning in looking up ‘real’ in the concordance, I only had two choices. Thank You that the second of these two hit Your Truth right out of the park for me! A full on bases loaded, Grand Slam! Thank You Lord!

In the apostle John’s first letter to the Christians throughout the world, he was writing to caution Your followers of the false teachers that could quite possibly lead them astray. He wrote to remind believers that You are the Word of Life, that we are to walk in Your Light. We are not to love the world, but each other. He warned against antichrists, encouraging us all as ‘Children of God’. He told of the importance of testing the spirits, of living in Your perfect love and believing that You ARE the Son of God.

These are the things that are Real! I came to this letter because of verse 27 of chapter two. I stayed for its entirety. I kept backing myself up verse by verse, all the way to verse one of chapter one. This book is TRUTH! It is “Real”! Thank You Lord.

I come to You this morning asking [seeking, knocking] that You would ever remind me to search You and Your Word every single time that fear, guilt and shame start to inch there evil into my being. You are REAL Lord! Your Word is REAL. Your faith, hope and love? REAL! Help me become ever mindful of Your reality!

When writing of the physical existence of Your personal opponents, John spoke truth concerning ‘the world’ (Not Real) and its inhabitants. They will pass away (Real!).

“But you [I J] have an anointing from the Holy One and all of you know the truth.” (1John 2:20) Real.

He continues, speaking Your truth through his words. Quoting him again, beginning with verse 26, “I am writing these things to you about those who are trying to lead you astray.” Sad for me that I tend to be so easily led!

Ah, but Your truth! The ultimate “Real”! Verse 27, “As for you, the anointing you received from Him remains in you, and you do not need anyone to teach you. But as His anointing teaches you about all things and as that anointing is real, not counterfeit – just as He taught you, remain in Him.”

When it comes to keeping things simple Lord and learning to take care of first things first, I ask You to ever remind me to seek You before making ANY decision, “Real or not real?”

I love You Lord. Thank You that You, Your love, Your Word, Your forgiveness of sins, Your life, Your death, Your resurrection, Your teachings… all Real! Guide me in living this life as if I truly believe You. Thank You Lord. I love You. Amen.

(641 words ~ 9:42 a.m.)