Change Requires Learning the Truth
By Rick Warren
“Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God — truly righteous and holy” (Ephesians 4:21-24 NLT).
You will never change the things in your life that you know are unhealthy unless you learn the truth. Change requires learning the truth.
Jesus said, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32 NLT). You’re not going to be free until you know the truth. The secret to personal change is not a pill, program, or process. It’s not therapy, a book, or a seminar. It’s not positive thinking or psychology. The proof of personal change is found in the truth. You have to know and face the truth about yourself, God, and your relationships before you can change.
Behind every self-defeating behavior in your life is a lie you’re believing. If you’re deeply in debt right now, it’s because you believed some lies. You thought, “I can just keep charging things forever and get away with it.” Oh really? “I have to have this house.” Oh really? Do you really have to have it? Is it true? Can you prove it?
We lie to ourselves all the time. But you have to know and face the truth if you’re going to change.
Jesus said the truth will set you free. But first it makes you miserable! It makes you miserable as long as you deny it. The moment that you are honest with the truth about yourself and everything else in life, then it starts to set you free.
Who is the truth? Jesus said, “I am the truth.”Not “I have it.” Not “I point the way.” Not “I teach it.” He said, “I’m it. I am the truth.”
You can trust his Word. His Word is the Bible.
The Bible helps us grow and change in a number of ways: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,so that the servant of Godmay be thoroughly equipped for every good work”(2 Timothy 3:16-17 NIV).
The Bible is like a map. It shows us where to walk and how to stay on the path. It shows us when we get off the path and how to get back on the path. When you rely on God’s Word to show you where and how you should walk, it will give you the instruction and knowledge you need to change your life.
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Talk About It
What in your life are you pretending isn’t a problem but you know needs to change?
How well are you equipping yourself through study of the Bible?
How and where have you seen God’s truth set you free?
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Gain confidence in your prayer life
Prayer is a simple concept. It’s just a conversation with God.
But at the same time, prayer can be intimidating. After all, you’re talking to the Almighty! It can be hard to know how to ask for your requests, and anticipate how God will answer.
That’s why Rick Warren’s just-released resource called Experience God’s Power Through Prayer is so powerful. It’s not a passive book to simply read, but an interactive, guided experience to help you gain confidence in your prayer life.
Experience God’s Power Through Prayer shows you how to…
• Develop a daily habit of prayer
• Pray expectantly for yourself and others
• Trust God to answer your prayers
• Understand the benefits of memorizing Scripture
• Express your gratitude to God
• Cultivate a courageous faith
Experience God’s Power Through Prayer is our gift to thank you for your donation to help more people learn, love, and live the Word through Daily Hope. So request your copy when you give below.
Thank you for making an eternal investment!
This devotional © 2017 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
