When the Blind See

When the Blind See

Jesus said, “For judgment, I came into this world, so that those who do not see may see, and that those who see may become blind.” – John 9:39

John 9:35-41

When Jesus heard what had happened, he found the man and asked, “Do you believe in the Son of Man?” The man answered, “Who is he, sir? I want to believe in him.” “You have seen him,” Jesus said, “and he is speaking to you!” “Yes, Lord, I believe!” the man said. And he worshiped Jesus.

Then Jesus told him, “I entered this world to render judgment, to give sight to the blind and to show those who think they see that they are blind.”

Some Pharisees who were standing nearby heard him and asked, “Are you saying we’re blind?” “If you were blind, you wouldn’t be guilty,” Jesus replied. “But you remain guilty because you claim you can see.”

 

Fanny Crosby: A Life of Trial and Triumph

 

Fanny Crosby, born in 1820 in Brewster, New York, lived a life shaped by both suffering and grace. Shortly after her birth, she became seriously ill. Because the family physician was unavailable, her care was entrusted to an untrained man posing as a doctor. He treated her with hot mustard poultices placed on her eyes. Although she recovered from the illness itself, the treatment left her permanently blind.

Yet the loss of her physical sight did not diminish her life. In the Father’s providence, what appeared to be a tragedy became the setting for an unexpected kind of blessing. Her blindness did not limit her usefulness; rather, it deepened her spiritual insight. She perceived with a clarity that reached beyond natural sight, and from that inner vision came more than 9,000 hymns that have encouraged and strengthened believers across generations and denominations.

Early Joy and Unshaken Contentment

Fanny Crosby’s love for poetry emerged at an early age. By the time she was eight, she was already writing verses that reflected unusual peace, resilience, and gratitude:

“Oh, what a happy soul I am, although I cannot see!
I am resolved that in this world contented I will be.

How many blessings I enjoy that other people don’t.
To weep and sigh because I’m blind I cannot, and I won’t!”

These lines reveal a child grounded in contentment rather than self-pity. Even in youth, she refused to let her blindness define her life or overshadow the blessings she had received.

A Mind Saturated With Scripture

Alongside her poetic talent, Fanny possessed an extraordinary memory. By her teenage years, she had memorized extensive portions of the Scriptures, including the Pentateuch, the Gospels, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, and many of the Psalms. The Bible was not simply familiar to her; it was deeply embedded in her mind and heart. This rich store of Scripture profoundly shaped both her spiritual life and her writing.

Her own words capture this influence well: “The Holy Book has nurtured my entire life.” That testimony helps explain the spiritual depth and enduring strength of her hymns. What she wrote was not merely poetic expression, but the overflow of a life rooted in biblical truth.

A Lasting Hymn Legacy

Throughout her life, Fanny Crosby wrote hymns that comforted, instructed, and inspired countless people. Among her best-loved works are “Blessed Assurance,” “To God Be the Glory,” “Safe in the Arms of Jesus,” “Draw Me Nearer,” “All the Way My Savior Leads Me,” “The Bright Forever,” “Savior, More Than Life to Me,” and “Pass Me Not, O Gentle Savior.”

Her legacy endures because her hymns express deep faith, joyful devotion, and a heart steadfastly centered on the Lord. Through these songs, generations of believers have found words for worship, hope, trust, and surrender.

REFLECT & PRAY

In the absence of physical sight, spiritual insight may become remarkably more powerful. Fanny’s blindness served as a foundation for extraordinary fruitfulness. Her life shows that human weaknesses do not hinder God’s grace from working. Instead, they serve as a conduit for His strength. Rather than removing them, the Father often uses them to show how powerful He is.

Father, thinking of Fanny fills me with hope. What some might view as a great loss was transformed by You into a blessing for many. Help me to trust Your plans more fully and to dedicate my life to You, even when Your ways unfold through hardship.

INSIGHT

Spiritual Blindness and True Sight

 

The account of the man born blind is filled with irony and spiritual paradox. It reveals that those who assume they see clearly may, in fact, be deeply blind, while those who recognize their blindness are the very ones who may be led into true sight. Physical vision alone is not enough. Without spiritual discernment, a person may see the world and yet remain unable to perceive what matters most. True spiritual understanding begins not with confidence in one’s own perception, but with humility and an awareness of one’s need.

The Tragedy of False Vision

 

The religious leaders in this passage stand as a sobering warning. Convinced of their own insight and moral superiority, they were unable to recognize their actual spiritual condition. Their pride kept them from admitting need, and their self-assurance prevented them from receiving truth. Standing before the Light of the World did not awaken them; it exposed the depth of their darkness. The issue was not a lack of light, but the resistance of their hearts.

Their condition illustrates a timeless spiritual danger: a person may possess knowledge, authority, and outward religiosity, yet remain blind to the presence of God. The refusal to acknowledge one’s need can become the very thing that prevents healing.

The Blind Beggar’s Greater Healing

 

In sharp contrast, the blind beggar recognized his need. At first, he knew his physical condition; then he came to understand his deeper spiritual need as well. Because of his openness, dependence, and responsiveness, he received far more than restored eyesight. He came to “see” and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. His healing reached beyond the body to the soul.

This is the greater miracle in the passage. The restoration of sight was extraordinary, but the awakening of faith was greater still. He did not merely gain the ability to look at the world; he gained the grace to behold and acknowledge the Savior.

Christ Reveals The Human Heart

 

It is essential to recognize that Jesus came into the world not to condemn, but to save. However, His presence inevitably exposes the true state of each heart. How individuals respond to Christ reveals what already exists within them. Therefore, the judgment simply uncovers what is inside.

Like a viewer standing before a masterpiece, one either recognizes beauty or remains unmoved by it. The masterpiece is unchanged. Their response reveals the observer’s condition. So it is with Christ. Those who fail to recognize His glory, love, and worth reveal the darkness within themselves, while those who are drawn to Him begin to step into light. The Lord Jesus Christ explains in John 3:17-19:

“God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. ‘There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son.

And the judgment is based on this fact: God’s light came into the world, but people loved the darkness more than the light, for their actions were evil.’”

The Gift of Knowing Our Need

 

Accurate self-awareness is a profound mercy. Those who admit their blindness and genuinely long to see are in the very position where grace may meet them. By contrast, those who consider themselves complete in understanding often remain closed to transformation. Humility creates the conditions for growth, clarity, and forgiveness. Spiritual maturity begins when a person stops clinging to self-sufficiency and begins asking God for light.

The Unseen World Is Real

 

Human sight is limited to the visible world. Yet the Scriptures teach that another realm exists beyond ordinary perception. The spiritual world is no less real because it is unseen. The account of Elisha and Gehazi in 2 Kings 6 vividly demonstrates this truth.

Elisha and his servant found themselves surrounded by a hostile army. Gehazi was overwhelmed with fear, but Elisha remained calm because he saw a reality hidden from ordinary sight. The Lord’s heavenly host was present, surrounding the enemy forces. Elisha prayed that Gehazi’s eyes would be opened, and in that moment the veil was lifted.

2 Kings 6:17: “Then Elisha prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes and let him see!’ The Lord opened the young man’s eyes, and when he looked up, he saw that the hillside around Elisha was filled with horses and chariots of fire.”

This scene serves as a compelling reminder that the unseen realm is not only active and present but also far more significant than our human perception typically recognizes.

Fanny Crosby and the Eyes of Faith

 

Fanny Crosby’s life offers a striking example of this kind of spiritual sight. She possessed a profound awareness of divine realities. God’s presence illuminated her inner life, and this spiritual vision influenced the hymns she composed for the church. Songs like “Blessed Assurance” and “To God Be the Glory” showcase not only her literary talent but also a soul captivated by eternal truths.

Her physical blindness enabled her to perceive what truly mattered. It amplified her awareness of the unseen. Through her hymns, she invites others to share in that vision and to turn their hearts toward the Father she cherished.

True Sight Belongs To The Heart

 

Fanny Crosby’s life shows us that true sight isn’t just about eyes, but about the heart. Someone can have perfect vision yet be spiritually blind, while another without sight might see eternal truths clearly. The apostle Paul recognized this need for spiritual insight and prayed that believers would receive divine illumination and understanding.

Ephesians 1:18: “I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you . . ..”

Blessed Assurance

 

“Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine! O what a foretaste of glory divine!
Heir of salvation, purchase of God, born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior, all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song, Praising my Savior, all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight, visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending bring from above echoes of mercy, whispers of love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest I in my Savior am happy and blest,
Watching and waiting, looking above, filled with His goodness, lost in His love.”

Psalms 119:18: “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in your instructions.”

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

© Dr. H 2026

Soul on Fire

Soul on Fire

But if I say I’ll never mention the LORD or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it! – Jeremiah 20:9

Jeremiah 20:8-12

So these messages from the LORD have made me a household joke.

But the LORD stands beside me like a great warrior. Before him my persecutors will stumble. They cannot defeat me. They will fail and be thoroughly humiliated. Their dishonor will never be forgotten.

O LORD of Heaven’s Armies, you test those who are righteous, and you examine the deepest thoughts and secrets . . . I have committed my cause to you.

Soul on Fire

Soul on Fire is a 2025 American biographical drama based on John O’Leary’s true story, a St. Louis native who survived burns covering nearly 99% of his body after a childhood accident. Adapted from his memoir, On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life, the film chronicles his traumatic recovery and the remarkable life that followed. More than just a survival story, it is a compelling portrayal of resilience, faith, and the resolve to endure overwhelming pain.

A Childhood Tragedy That Changed Everything

The story starts in 1987, when 9-year-old John imitates older boys playing with matches and gasoline, causing a severe explosion. During the chaos, his sister Amy shields his face by running into the house three times to fill a glass with water and splash it on his face, helping protect it from even greater injury. His brother Jim helps save his life by smothering the flames. John is rushed to the hospital with only a 1% chance of survival.

Facing death, John asks his mother, “Will I die?” She answers with striking honesty and courage: “John, do you want to die? It’s your choice, not mine.” In that moment, John chooses to fight for life, beginning a long and painful five-month battle for survival in the hospital.

Recovery, Support, And Courage

Despite the severity of his injuries, including major damage to his fingers and permanent physical loss, John refuses to surrender to despair. With the steady support of his family, neighbors, and medical team, he learns to walk again, recover function in his hands, and adjust to his radically damaged body. The film highlights the people whose presence helped carry him through this ordeal, especially his parents, his future wife, and Jack Buck, the legendary voice of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Jack Buck, whose visit to John’s hospital room marked a turning point. Buck’s support, compassion, and faith were instrumental in redirecting John’s life’s trajectory, reminding him that his story would not end in suffering.

A Life Transformed Into Service

In the years that follow, John O’Leary transforms his pain into a life of service. He becomes a motivational speaker and author, calling others to live with gratitude, courage, and purpose. Soul on Fire presents a compelling picture of how tragedy can become the starting point for hope, healing, and a lifelong commitment to helping others.

John’s life demonstrates that suffering doesn’t have the final say. What might have shattered him instead becomes the foundation for motivating, uplifting, and inspiring others.

The Meaning of A Soul On Fire

The film’s title is enriched by the words of Ferdinand Foch, the French Marshal who served as Supreme Allied Commander of the Allied forces on the Western Front during World War I. Foch understood military force, strategy, and the devastating power of modern warfare – artillery, cavalry, infantry, and strategy. Yet after witnessing it all, he reached this unforgettable, compelling conclusion: “The most powerful weapon on earth is the human soul on fire.” This wasn’t about literal flames but about the enduring strength of conviction, courage, and purpose, inner qualities that hardship cannot easily break.

That truth is powerfully embodied in John O’Leary’s life. Near the end of the film, he refers to Foch and repeats this phrase. Though his body bears deep scars, his spirit remained resilient, unbroken. His life shows that physical suffering does not define a person’s final outcome. His soul is on fire, and from that inner fire he turns suffering into purpose, pain into compassion, and survival into service.

John lives the truth that hope, faith, and determination can forge strength beyond physical limits. Instead of just enduring tragedy, he transformed it into a purpose. Through speaking and writing, he dedicated his life to supporting those who feel broken, disheartened, or defeated.

Themes of suffering, pain, perseverance, and purpose drive the stories of John O’Leary and the prophet Jeremiah. Jeremiah, called by God early in life, faced rejection, loneliness, persecution, and deep sorrow while faithfully delivering God’s message to a resistant people.

Although one is a contemporary biography and the other a biblical story, both showcase an inner fire that suffering cannot quench. In both cases, the individuals are characterized not by their wounds and hardships but by the faith and sense of purpose that arise from them.

REFLECT & PRAY

Psalms 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”

Psalms 71:20: “You have allowed me to suffer much hardship, but you will restore me to life again and lift me up from the depths of the earth.”

Father, ignite my heart on fire with love for You. Fill me with passion, clarity, and courage. Strengthen me to let go of what needs to be released and empower me to live passionately in service to You.

INSIGHT

When Faithfulness Feels Too Heavy to Carry

There is something powerfully alive about a human soul on fire. For the child of the King, this fire is not mere human passion or ambition. It is the holy, consuming fire of God Himself, ignited by the Holy Spirit’s abiding presence in our lives and fueled by His Word. Jeremiah felt a deep inner burning that refused to be quenched by discouragement, opposition, or apathy.

The prophet Jeremiah faced immense hardships, including rejection, humiliation, betrayal, and disapproval, all while staying loyal to God’s commands. Though he obeyed God, it came at a heavy price. He was placed in stocks, often mocked, and felt abandoned and alone. The message God entrusted him to proclaim was true, but it brought ridicule rather than reward. It was a sobering reminder that doing right is not automatically met with approval and affirmation.

In Jeremiah 20:8, he lamented, “So these messages from the Lord have made me a household joke. Everyone mocks me.” His unwavering faithfulness caused pain rather than praise. However, his story does not end in despair.

The Pain of Obedience

There are seasons in the life of faith when obeying feels more like a burden than a blessing. Jeremiah understood this struggle deeply. In Jeremiah 20:7-13, he is a man caught between despair and steadfastness, openly wrestling with God yet unable to forsake his divine calling. His words highlight the suffering inherent in faithful service. The Father consistently stands by those He sends into challenging situations.

Jeremiah’s suffering resulted not from his mistakes, but from his obedience to God’s command. In Jeremiah 20:8, he lamented, “But when I speak, the words burst out. ‘Violence and destruction!’ I shout. So these messages from the Lord have made me a household joke.”

His faithfulness led to his imprisonment and public shame caused by Pashhur the priest. Despite delivering a truthful message, he was met with ridicule instead of praise. Doing what is right doesn’t always lead to acceptance. Difficulties do not necessarily indicate failure or disobedience.

The Fire That Will Not Go Out   

Exhausted and pushed to his breaking point, Jeremiah once considered quitting. He felt like giving up, staying silent, and abandoning his calling, which caused him pain. However, something inside him refused to let him be silent. In Jeremiah 20:9, he confesses, “But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!”

Our ability to fulfill our calling relies not on feelings, but on God’s living word burning within us. The word of God is an unstoppable fire that motivates, encourages, sustains, and empowers His servants. Even as emotions fade, this fire continues to burn, quietly yet surely showing that God’s work through us is ongoing.

You Are Not Standing Alone

Jeremiah’s turning point in his lament isn’t a shift in external circumstances but a change in perspective. His problems had not disappeared. Danger persisted. His enemies still surrounded him. The key change was his focus; he looked upward and remembered Who was with him.

Jeremiah 20:11 says, “But the Lord stands beside me like a great warrior. Before him, my persecutors will fall. They cannot overcome me.”

Keep that picture in mind. When you’re exhausted, the Lord stands with you as a mighty warrior. Our feelings of discouragement haven’t driven Him away, and our tears haven’t gone unnoticed.

From Lament to Song 

Here is the most beautiful part of Jeremiah’s journey. The man who started with complaints ends in praise. Jeremiah 20:13: “Sing to the Lord! Praise the Lord! For though I was poor and needy, he rescued me from my oppressors.”

Despite ongoing mockery and persistent threats, Jeremiah’s focus on God’s presence transforms his fear into faith. His praise didn’t come because his pain had disappeared. It came because he remembered his God. He changed his focus from the size of his trials to the greatness of his God. Praise is not a denial of pain but a declaration of trust. He presented his pain to God.

He Sees You

Faithfulness isn’t wasted, even when it seems unnoticed. God sees every silent effort, every quiet sacrifice, and every time we choose to persevere rather than give up. The fire He has ignited within us will never be extinguished. The warrior beside us will remain. Eventually, our tears will turn to praise. We are recognized. We are cared for. We are never alone.

A Familiar Pattern

Jeremiah’s journey mirrors a common pattern: beginning with the pain of obedience, then discovering strength in God’s word, and ultimately reaching God’s presence, which reignites praise. The Lord did not remove all obstacles for Jeremiah, but He upheld him through them.

This struggle is all too familiar. We grow tired and want to quit, yet something within us resists. It is the fire of God’s living word, sustained by His guiding hand. When faithfulness feels unbearable, His word acts as the sustaining fire, and His presence is the anchor that keeps us firm.

2 Corinthians 4:8-9:

“We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed but not driven to despair. We are hunted down but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed.”

Like Jeremiah, when faithfulness feels heavy, may we honestly bring our struggles before the Father and allow His word to ignite in us an unquenchable fire. May He transform our fear into faith and our complaints into praise.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

© Dr. H 2026

Who Do You Say He Is?

Who Do You Say He Is?

I and the Father are one. – John 10:30

John 10:33 You, being a man, make Yourself out to be God.

The Lord Jesus Christ Declares His Deity

The Lord Jesus Christ often made statements that were difficult to absorb and accept. He did not offer comfortable, safe alternatives or merely suggest opinions for consideration. He spoke with absolute clarity and authority. We either believe what He said is the Truth, or we reject it.

C.S. Lewis, in Mere Christianity, wrote,“I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept his claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic – on the level with the man who says he is a poached egg – or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice.”

“Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him and kill him as a demon, or you can fall at his feet and call him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about his being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.”

The Question Behind the Conflict

The religious leaders in first-century Judea became increasingly obsessed with determining His true identity. His public ministry could not be ignored. He performed many miraculous signs, and news of His actions quickly spread among the people. At the same time, He spoke with an authority that challenged the established religious traditions. His words were direct, impactful, and often deeply unsettling.

Again and again, the Lord Jesus Christ challenged the assumptions, customs, and spiritual complacency of those who considered themselves guardians of religious truth. He exposed hypocrisy, confronted unbelief, and showed the inadequacy of superficial righteousness. Much of what He said went against accepted beliefs and refused to fit within the theological framework of the religious elite. He did not speak merely to offer an alternative opinion but as One possessing authority.

As a result, He was impossible to disregard. His miracles drew attention, but His bold claims intensified the controversy. He was provocative not to seek conflict but because truth naturally disturbed those committed to error. His presence demanded a response. Few could remain neutral, especially the religious leaders, who saw His words and deeds as a direct challenge to their authority, beliefs, and understanding of God.

No doubt they were thinking things like:

  • Who do You think You are?
  • What right do You have to tell us what to do?
  • Why do You always think You are right?
  • Why should we listen to You?
  • Why do You think Your way is better than ours?

This type of resistance is natural to the human heart and, regrettably, can sometimes be seen even among those who claim to belong to Him. He responded directly to the unspoken question in their minds: “Who are You?” Essentially, He declared, “I am God.”

John 10:30: “The Father and I are one.”

He made that statement intentionally to shock and provoke the religious leaders who opposed Him. They didn’t need to look for reasons to accuse Him, as His own words provided all the justification they required. What He said angered them, fueled their hostility, and, in their view, gave them more grounds to oppose Him.

The plain meaning of His declaration was unmistakable: “I and the Father are one.” It was a clear statement of His deity.

Wiersbe explains, “The word One does not suggest that the Father and the Son are identical persons. Rather, it means that they are one in essence: the Father is God, and the Son is God, but the Father is not the Son, and the Son is not the Father. He is speaking about unity, not identity.”

The Reaction of His Enemies

Those who heard His words clearly understood exactly what He meant. Their reaction makes that plain. If He were not God, then His words would have been outright blasphemy. According to the Law, blasphemy should be punished by death (Leviticus 24:16, Numbers 15:30ff, Deuteronomy 21:22). The religious leaders then picked up stones, ready to kill Him immediately.

John 10:31-33:

“Once again the people picked up stones to kill him. Jesus said, ‘At my Father’s direction I have done many good works. For which one are you going to stone me?’

They replied, ‘We’re stoning you not for any good work, but for blasphemy! You, a mere man, claim to be God.’”

Their response is significant. They did not misunderstand Him. They clearly understood very well that He was claiming equality with God.

The Charge at His Trial

At His trial, the Lord Jesus Christ was convicted and sentenced. What was He guilty of? The reason was His claim to be the Messiah, the Son of God. The tragic part is that this claim they dismissed was entirely accurate. He was the long-anticipated and foretold Messiah of Israel.

Mark 14:61-64:

“But Jesus was silent and made no reply. Then the high priest asked him, ‘Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?’ Jesus said, ‘I AM. And you will see the Son of Man seated in the place of power at God’s right hand and coming on the clouds of heaven.’

Then the high priest tore his clothing to show his horror and said, ‘Why do we need other witnesses? You have all heard his blasphemy. What is your verdict?’ ‘Guilty!’ they all cried. ‘He deserves to die!’”

What His accusers regarded as outrageous blasphemy was, in fact, the Truth. Tragedy of tragedies.

REFLECT & PRAY

If the Lord Jesus Christ were not God as He claimed, then He would be either a liar or a lunatic. However, He is neither. He is the Lord of lords and King of kings.

Father, how often I struggle against You and resist what You say. At times I question Your will and hesitate before Your authority. My resistance is not only futile but also unreasonable and sinful. Teach me to bow gladly before Your authority and to trust fully all that You have spoken.

INSIGHT

The Lord Jesus Christ Is Fully Known By His Own

Who is The Lord Jesus Christ? Every child of the King knows the answer with certainty. He is not a distant figure to be analyzed merely as a historical personality or admired simply as a moral teacher. He is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

Matthew 16:15-17:

“Then he asked them, ‘But who do you say I am?’ Simon Peter answered, ‘You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.’

Jesus replied, ‘You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being.’”

Peter’s confession did not arise from human reasoning, instinct, or religious speculation. It came through divine revelation. This is what distinguishes a true knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ from opinions that are merely academic or cultural. He is rightly known only when the Father opens blind eyes and enables people to see Him for who He truly is.

The Lord Jesus Christ Is The Truth

But there is more. The Lord Jesus Christ is not merely one who speaks truth or points people toward truth. He is the Truth.

John 14:6: “Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’”

When the Lord Jesus Christ declared Himself to be the Truth, He was not speaking merely of correct religious knowledge or the accumulation of theological facts. Neither was He presenting truth as something abstract, impersonal, or limited to a set of propositions. In this context, truth is personal. It is found in a real and living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

As Krause notes, this is not simply a matter of knowing facts about Him. Borchert similarly explains that it is “instead a statement about a living relationship with the Son of God, ‘the truth,’ who gives freedom to human beings (John 8:36).”

The Word of God is True Truth

The Word of God offers what cannot be found anywhere else: True Truth. As Francis Schaeffer so memorably expressed it, the world is filled with personal opinions, temporary convictions, political messaging, shifting public sentiment, and endless debate. Philosophy pursues truth, education examines truth, and culture continually attempts to redefine it. Yet apart from divine revelation, that search never reaches firm ground.

The Scriptures do not present truth as unstable, evolving, or open to negotiation. Rather, it reveals truth as fixed in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and made known through the Word of God. For this reason, biblical truth does not bend to the spirit of the age or yield to the pressure of majority opinion.

The Truth Produces Freedom

But there is more still. Knowing the Truth does not merely inform the mind. It liberates the soul.

John 8:32: “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

This freedom is the release that comes through deliverance from deception, guilt, bondage, and sin. Knowing the Lord Jesus Christ means being brought out of darkness into light, from falsehood into truth, and from slavery into genuine spiritual freedom. His truth extends beyond merely exposing errors intellectually; it penetrates the heart, awakens the conscience, and destroys the power of sin. Christ’s truth not only reveals what is false but also destroys its hold, allowing the soul to walk in righteousness, peace, and fellowship with God.

But Who Do You Say He Is?

The question echoes down through the centuries. Is it too much to say that it is the most important question any person will ever answer?

Jesus asked the apostle Peter in Matthew 16:15: “But who do you say that I am?”

Understanding the Lord Jesus Christ correctly means recognizing that He is the Christ, the Son of the living God, the embodiment of true Truth and the only one who can set sinners free. In Him, truth is consistent, eternal, and absolute, unlike other claims to ultimate truth, which are ultimately insufficient.  

Because of Who He is, the Lord Jesus Christ demands more than simple admiration or casual acknowledgment. He is not merely a moral teacher to be respected or a religious figure to admire from afar. He is the eternal Son of God; He must be believed, obeyed, and worshiped. Encountering Him involves confronting a truth that leaves no room for neutrality.

After spending quality time with the Lord Jesus Christ, the apostle Peter came to know the right answer. Jesus affirmed his response and declared that the Father had revealed it to Peter.

Matthew 16:16-17

“Simon Peter replied, ‘You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.’”

And Jesus answered him, ‘Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.’”

The Father longs to make known the Son’s true identity to all who seek to know Him.

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

© Dr. H 2026

What Can You Expect From Dirt? ∙∙∙

What Can You Expect From Dirt? ∙∙∙

For you are dust, and to dust you shall return. – Genesis 3:19

All flesh would perish together, and man would return to dust. – Job 34:15

Psalms 103:13-22

The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.

For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.

Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die.

The wind blows, and we are gone – as though we had never been here.

But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children.

The LORD has made the heavens his throne; from there he rules over everything.

Praise the LORD, everything he has created, everything in all his kingdom. Let all that I am praise the LORD.

The “Teflon President”

The term “Teflon President” was coined in 1983 by Representative. I remember her saying it. Remember what, a Democrat from Colorado, to describe President Ronald Reagan. The phrase reportedly came to her while she was cooking eggs in a Teflon nonstick pan. Her point was simple yet memorable: no matter what controversies surrounded Reagan’s administration, very little seemed to stick to him personally. He had a remarkable ability to avoid lasting blame, much like a Teflon-coated pan keeps food from sticking to its surface. His warm, affable, ever-smiling demeanor projected a “grandpa” image.

Even during major controversies, such as the Iran-Contra Scandal, Reagan remained broadly popular. People continued to forgive and adore him.

A Picture of the Father’s Unfailing Mercy

That image offers a helpful, though limited, illustration of our relationship with our Heavenly Father. Despite our shortcomings, the Father’s love and forgiveness for the children of the King remain unwavering. In Christ, our failures do not define our standing before God. It’s like being covered in a Teflon coating; our sins, trespasses, and wrongdoings don’t cling to us. They just slide off and disappear. We are cleansed, becoming whiter than snow.

Psalms 103: A Celebration of God’s Compassion

Psalms 103 is a beautifully crafted song of praise and heartfelt thanksgiving, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the profound love and grace of the Father. It illuminates the boundless goodness and compassion that He extends to His children, emphasizing His unwavering loyalty and steadfast love. It encourages believers to pause and reflect on the multitude of blessings in their lives, prompting a sincere and joyful response of wholehearted gratitude.

Psalms 103:1-2:

“Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.”

REFLECT & PRAY

Our Heavenly Father interacts with us with wisdom, tenderness, and mercy. He is aware of our vulnerabilities and consistently provides what we need during every hardship. The apostle Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 10:13: “The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

Father, thank You for adopting me into Your Forever Family just as I am. You are great and magnificent, while I am nothing more than living dirt. I stand in awe and am truly amazed.

INSIGHT

Our Human Frailty and God’s Tender Understanding

Before you get down on yourself, ask yourself, what can I possibly expect from dirt? We are made out of the dust, the dirt of the Earth. Dust is tiny fragments of other things that have disintegrated and become worthless. On our own, apart from God’s life-giving power, we are ordinary, fragile dust.

Genesis 2:7: “Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.”

The Hebrew word for “dust” or “dirt” is ‘aphar. ‘Aphar refers to “dirt, that is, plain old dirt, dry loose earth.” The Scriptures do not indulge human pride; they speak honestly about our origin. We are simply repurposed dirt.

What Makes Human Life Distinct?

What separates us from the rest of the dirt on Earth? We are alive because of the life God has given us. Dirt without God is inert, inanimate, and lifeless. As living dirt, we tend to get, well, rather dirty. That is precisely what the Father expects. He is not disappointed when we act like dirt because He knows we are dirt.

But we are His dirt!

That truth changes everything. We remain fragile and prone to failure. We are morally stained, emotionally limited, and spiritually vulnerable. The Father isn’t surprised; He knows us fully and loves us as we are. Our limitations don’t disillusion him because He fully understands what He has made.

David writes in Psalms 103:14: “For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust.”

The Compassion of A Father

A loving father understands his children’s vulnerability and dependence and responds with compassion, especially when they are at their weakest. In a far greater way, our Heavenly Father deals with us mercifully because He formed us and knows we are merely dust. He remembers our limitations.

Psalms 78:39: “He remembered that they were made of flesh [merely mortal], gone like a breath of wind that never returns.”

Even though humanity may seem small and fleeting, seemingly insignificant, the Father does not treat us with contempt. He surrounds His children with mercy and love.

Psalms 103:4: “He crowns me with love and tender mercies.”

The Brevity of Human Life

The Scriptures also remind us that our time on earth is brief. Human life, though beautiful, is fragile and temporary. We flourish for a season, then fade. This sobering truth is not meant to stir despair but to give us perspective. Our lives here are not lasting, so our sense of security should not rest in earthly strength, achievement, or the length of our days.  

Psalms 103:15-17:

“Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone, as though we had never been here. But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children.”

In contrast to our fleeting lives, the Father is eternal. His love is neither temporary nor unstable, nor does it depend on changing circumstances. While human life quickly fades, His loyal love endures.

The Everlasting Love of The Father

David emphasizes the greatness of God’s character by pointing to His compassion, patience, mercy, and grace. The Father does not treat His children as their sins deserve. He is not harsh, accusatory, or vindictive. Instead, He is slow to anger, rich in mercy, and overflowing with faithful love. He does not retaliate but removes guilt and restores those who belong to Him.

Psalms 103:17: “But the love of the Lord remains forever with those who fear him.”

The Hebrew word often translated as “lovingkindness” or “steadfast love ” is hesed. Its meaning is so rich that no single English word can fully convey it. It includes “kindness, mercy, loyalty, faithfulness, reliability, and steadfastness.” One helpful way to conceive of hesed is as “loyal love,” unwavering in commitment and constant in every circumstance.

Hesed is one of the Old Testament’s most powerful expressions of the Father’s love for His people. It is neither shallow nor sentimental. Hesed is relational, enduring, and dependable. A love grounded in promise and sustained by God’s own faithful character.

A Better Response Than Self-Pity

In light of our weakness, brief lives, and recurring sin, the proper response is not to sink into self-pity or become preoccupied with our limitations. Instead, we are called to lift our eyes to the surpassing greatness of the Father, who loves, forgives, and faithfully sustains His children. David redirects our attention from human frailty to the splendor of divine mercy, where true hope is found.

Our weakness does not diminish the Father’s greatness; rather, He meets us in it. His compassion speaks to our need with tenderness. His mercy answers our sin without casting us aside. His faithful love remains constant long after the fleeting days of our earthly lives have passed. Where human strength fails, His steadfast care endures.

Because of this, every child of the King has abundant reason to praise and worship Him. He deserves honor for His holiness, gratitude for His kindness, and reverence for His unwavering faithfulness. Seeing the Father as He truly is should not lead to despair, but rather foster humility, strength, devotion, and a worshipful heart.

© Dr. H 2026

Objectivity, Absolutes, and Truth ∙∙

Objectivity, Absolutes, and Truth ∙∙

Your word is truth. – John 17:17

Psalms 119:142 Your righteousness is everlasting, and Your law is truth.

Psalms 119:160-162

The very essence of your words is truth; all your just regulations will stand forever.

I rejoice in your word like one who discovers a great treasure.

The Crisis of Objectivity in Culture and Faith

Political dishonesty, rhetorical evasion, and strategic ambiguity have long been recurring features of public life. What distinguishes the present era, however, is not merely the visibility of presidential falsehoods or moments of confusion, but the broader erosion of confidence in objective standards of truth. In the unstable political and cultural climate of the 21st century, the United States remains deeply fractured by partisan polarization, protest movements, and widening social divisions. College campuses have become especially contested spaces, where tensions surrounding antisemitic incidents and pro-Palestinian demonstrations have grown increasingly pronounced.

Confirmation Bias and the Fragmentation of Public Trust

In this environment, it is crucial to understand the power of confirmation bias. Confirmation bias is the psychological tendency to focus on, accept, and seek out information that supports one’s preexisting beliefs while ignoring or even suppressing evidence that contradicts them. Simply put, people often look for evidence that confirms their views instead of fairly considering all the facts. Consequently, individuals on the Left and Right often rely on different sources, interpret events based on their assumptions, and reach very different conclusions. Each side tends to see the other as misinformed or deceptive, which only increases distrust and exacerbates social and political divides.

Competing Claims of Media Bias

In November 1969, many conservative circles firmly believed that the news media favored liberalism. This view was partly fueled by Vice President Spiro Agnew’s speeches during President Nixon’s administration. He famously labeled some members of the media “Nattering nabobs of negativism” and “An effete corps of impudent snobs.” He portrayed them as out-of-touch gatekeepers who shaped public opinion through selective and slanted reporting.

Similarly, the political Left is convinced that the Right pushes its own biased narratives. In 1995, First Lady Hillary Clinton referred to a “Vast right-wing conspiracy” to describe the scandal involving President Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky. Critics on the Left frequently contend that right-leaning media claim neutrality but instead favor ideological viewpoints, particularly in reporting on politics, social issues, and science.

The Rise of Post-Objective Journalism

Many observers argue that we now live in an age of post-objective journalism. Rather than striving for neutrality, much contemporary reporting is more interpretive and influenced by the journalist’s or the institution’s perspective. In this context, the classic ideal of objective journalism has gradually been replaced by analysis, framing, and at times advocacy.

Defining Objectivity

Objectivity is the practice of maintaining neutrality and impartiality by avoiding personal feelings, biases, assumptions, or prejudices when presenting information and making judgments. When objectivity is upheld, conclusions are more grounded in factual evidence and careful reasoning rather than personal preferences, ideology, or cultural pressure.

So much for objective journalism.

Theological Drift and the Loss of Biblical Objectivity

More troubling still is the growing acceptance of a post-objective theology and post-objective biblical interpretation. In this approach, Scripture is no longer read primarily as authoritative revelation that confronts, instructs, and governs belief. Instead, it is often filtered through personal preferences, cultural assumptions, political commitments, or emotional reactions. Rather than allowing the biblical text to shape one’s convictions, many interpreters begin with conclusions already formed and then read the text selectively to support them.

This tendency shifts interpretation away from careful exegesis and toward personal preference and subjective application. The authority of Scripture is often undermined not by outright rejection but by subordinating it to the interpreter’s own values and sensitivities. As a result, biblical understanding and interpretation become increasingly unstable, determined less by the text’s intent and meaning and more by the reader’s assumptions and expectations. In such a framework, theology risks becoming an expression of the self rather than a disciplined effort to understand and submit to divine revelation.

Defining Absolute Truth

Absolute Truth is universally constant, unaffected by time, location, or personal opinion. It comprises unchanging facts. Absolute truth is always valid and applies everywhere.

REFLECT & PRAY

Lutzer astutely asserted, “Everyone is entitled to their opinion but not their own truth.”

Father, thank You for intervening in my life and opening the eyes of my heart to the absolute truth of the Word of God. Indeed, Your Word is truth, life-changing truth.

INSIGHT

Absolute Truth in a Postmodern Age

One of the most consequential decisions a person can make is whether absolute Truth exists. If it does, the next question is unavoidable: what is that truth, and where is it to be found?

In the postmodern age, the very idea of absolute truth is often dismissed and replaced with notions of “truth” that are treated as relative, subjective, and continually shifting. As a result, interpretation is frequently shaped more by personal opinion, cultural influence, or emotional preference than by disciplined biblical hermeneutics. Truth is no longer regarded as fixed, universal, and binding, but as something fluid, individualized, and open to constant revision.

Scripture, however, presents a radically different claim. The Bible does not speak of truth as a human construction or a matter of private interpretation. It presents truth as objective, divine, and grounded in God’s character and revelation. For that reason, Scripture is not merely a source that contains helpful insights about truth. The Bible presents itself as absolute Truth, “the truth about God.”

This is expressed clearly by the Lord Jesus Christ in John 17:17: “Your word is truth.”

Jesus did not say, as many do today, that God’s Word merely contains truth. He declared that God’s Word is truth. This statement is clear and unambiguous. The difference is important because it means Scripture is not just one of many sources or a somewhat trustworthy guide needing human input. Rather, it is the authoritative revelation of God and the ultimate standard for belief, interpretation, and behavior.

The Meaning of Truth in John 17:17

The Greek word translated as “truth” in John 17:17 is alētheia. It conveys the idea of “being true, genuine, reliable, and in accordance with reality. It refers not merely to factual accuracy, but to truth as something revealed and dependable.” Alētheia refers to what is true in itself and what comes from the true God.

Significantly, alētheia in this verse is not an adjective, as if Jesus were saying, “Your word is true.” It is a noun: truth. This means God’s Word is not being measured against some external standard. Instead, it is itself the standard by which all things are measured, evaluated, and judged.

The Enduring Reliability of God’s Word

Psalms 119:142: “Your justice is eternal, and your instructions are perfectly true.”

The Hebrew word for “truth” in this verse is emeth. This word “conveys the ideas of reliability, stability, trustworthiness, permanence, and security.” What is true is also dependable. It can be believed because it stands firm.

The Word of God conveys absolute truth in all it covers. Central to that truth are both the trustworthiness of the Scriptures and the unchanging nature of God Himself. The Father is not variable or inconsistent. He remains constant in His character, faithful in His actions, and unwavering in all His ways. Because He is entirely reliable, His Word is entirely dependable across every age, circumstance, and season of life.

Why Absolute Truth is Essential for Faith

The faith of every child of the King rests on the certainty that the Word of God is truth and that every promise He has spoken is utterly trustworthy. Because God does not change, His Word is unchanging. It is absolute Truth, and that Truth possesses the power to transform human life at the deepest level.

In John 8:32, the Lord Jesus Christ proclaimed, “And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

This freedom is not abstract or merely intellectual. It is spiritual, moral, and deeply personal. Truth frees people from falsehood, deception, and the bondage of sin. It corrects disordered thinking, reshapes the conscience, and grounds life in the reality of Who God is. It reorients and anchors their lives in what is real.

Truth That Transforms: Robinson Crusoe

Daniel Defoe’s Robinson Crusoe offers a vivid illustration of this transforming power. After discovering a Bible among the debris of his shipwreck, Crusoe does not open it immediately. He begins to read it, but only after becoming ill. That moment becomes a major turning point in his life.

As he reads the Scriptures, his perspective begins to change. He kneels and prays for the first time since the shipwreck. A man who was once indifferent to religion undergoes a profound spiritual awakening. He begins a relationship with the Father and recognizes that the shipwreck was part of the Father’s providential plan to lead him toward repentance.

From then on, the Bible becomes his primary source of comfort, wisdom, and guidance. It helps him cope with solitude, informs his decisions, and transforms his character. Through the Word, he develops greater trust, dependence, and satisfaction.

Delight in the Word of God

Do we merely read God’s Word out of duty, or do we delight in it? David writes in Psalms 119:77, “Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live, for your instructions are my delight.”

Psalms 119:77 highlights two core truths: God’s mercy and God’s Word. David offers a sincere, humble plea for spiritual renewal, strength, and continued fellowship with God. God’s Word does more than just inform the mind; it calms the heart, builds faith, and deepens our connection with the Father. David’s love for God’s Word stems from knowing that His commands are good, wise, and life-affirming. He sees God’s law not as a burden, but as a source of joy. Loving God’s Word reflects a heart shaped by grace. A sincere love for God is inseparable from a love for His Word.

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© Dr. H 2026