Daily Devotion: The Trustworthy Word

Scripture:
Titus 1: 5-16

Main Verse:
Titus 1: 9
He must hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound[g] doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.

Observation:
The term "fake news" is all over the web these days, but it's nothing new. Politicians in the past have used propaganda--"information, ideas, or rumors deliberately spread widely to help or harm a person, group, movement, institution, nation, etc." Both propaganda and fake news are similar because they distort the truth as a way to appeal to their audience's emotion.

In his letter to Titus, the apostle Paul urged him to "hold firm to the trustworthy word," the doctrines of the Gospel. It is the one true source of Good News, it contains the truth about our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and its promises are eternal. It is the only source of information in which we can read about God's faithfulness, His holiness, His laws, and His covenants. Many would argue that the Word of God was written by many different men, but we can argue back that it has only one author: GOD. Unlike fake news whose source is almost always unreliable, the Word of God is always trustworthy because its source and author is the one true God who will never contradict Himself.

Application:
"Think before you click" was a campaign statement by one of the media stations in the Philippines, urging netizens to use social media responsibly. When need to be careful when sharing information we see on the Internet, and when it sounds fishy or fantastical or when its source cannot be verified for its authenticity, then it is better not to share it on social media. 

Many people have tried to search for evidence about the accuracy of the Bible from other sources, but the only way we can trust its content is by searching the truth ourselves, and that is by studying the Bible. And as we do that, we should also listen to trustworthy sources like our pastors, reliable preachers, and ask the Holy Spirit's guidance so we can understand the Scriptures. God wants to reveal Himself to us because He wants to reestablish the broken connection we once had with Him, and the only way to do that is to seek Him through his Holy Word. His Word was, is, and will always be true till eternity.

Prayer:
Dear Father, thank you for revealing yourself through your Word, and for reconnecting with me so I can enjoy this relationship with you again. I did not deserve your lovingkindness, but because of your mercy and grace, you have revealed Yourself and continue to reveal Yourself through your Holy Scripture. Lord, I long to know more about you, grow deeper in my relationship with you, and seek your Holy Face everyday. Thank you for giving me this great opportunity to feel your presence. All honor and praises, and glory to your Mighty Name forever and ever. AMEN.