Pastor Marc Bertrand

  Accepting the Truth about Ourselves. Speaking Your Truth Can Hurt, but Don’t Let That Stop You. I hear people in conflict about wanting to tell someone something that is true for them, but worrying about hurting the other person’s feelings. This arises regarding needs in romantic relationships, differing opinions with coworkers, and obligation-inducing invitations from acquaintances—from the mos t intimate to the most impersonal interactions. We withhold relevant truths about ourselves and our preferences from people we are in relationship with for a litany of reasons: to shield them from pain, to avoid disappointing, to prevent angry reactions and conflict, out of fear of being vulnerable, or out of concern for other potential consequences. There are an infinite number of rationales as to why it may not be easy or enjoyable to speak your truth. Considering the feelings and well-being of others is crucial. It is the foundation of a democratic, civil, and just society. However, humans

  Speaking a Truth that Hurts Mustering the Courage to Give Direct Feedback. Whether you are typically cautious or assertive when it comes to stating your opinions without being asked, it is likely you shy away from telling a friend, colleague or family member something that you fear could hurt. The feedback could be as simple as letting a presenter know he has lettuce stuck between his teeth. It c ould be as beneficial as telling your co-workers their inability to collaborate with others is not only affecting the work flow but could come back to bite them in their performance reviews. Or it could be as helpful as sharing with your friend that people keep refusing her company because her negativity is a downer. You want to let these people know the truth. You rehearse the words in your mind. You know your intent is good. Yet you still stay silent. Or maybe you share subtle hints, hoping they will understand and fix their appearance or behavior without you having to be bluntly honest. W

  Seal. A seal, in biblical times as today, is used to guarantee security or indicate ownership. Ancient seals were often made of wax, embedded with the personalized imprint of their guarantor. The Roman authorities used such a seal to secure Jesus' tomb ( Matt 27:66 ). A signet ring was also called a seal. It was valued among Israel's booty ( Num 31:50 ). The significance of the act of sealing is  dependent on the importance of the one doing the sealing. This is why Jezebel falsely authenticated letters she wrote in Ahab's name by affixing them with his seal ( 1 Kings 21:8 ). Ahasuerus's solemn decree to annihilate the Jews ( Es 3:12 ) and then to bless them (8:8, 10) was sealed with his signet ring. The word "seal" often is used figuratively in the Bible. The divine origin of prophet "books" solemnizes the opening of the seals with which they are securely fastened. They are opened at God's discretion, often announcing doom ( Isa 29:11-12 ; Dan

  Proof That You Love God (or Don't): Keeping His Commandments. Most Christians find it easy to say, “I love God.” But do we really? Do we pass a simple but all-important Scriptural test of that love for God? Come see. Matthew 22:36-38 “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. ’ This is the first and greatest commandment.” Jesus said that to love the Lord our God fully, devotedly, with all that is in us, is the greatest commandment. Do you love God? The Bible gives a very simple test to see if you do. Please come take the test. 1 John 5:3 In fact, this is love for God: to keep his commands. And his commands are not burdensome. To repeat, the question is: do you love God? The answer is: are you keeping his commands? If you preached that message in some churches today, some of the hearers would be thinking, “That preacher is trying to get us into a ‘works trip’.”

  Do You Love God? Prove It! When Jesus was asked, “Which is the first (or greatest) commandment of all?”, He responded that it is to “love the Lord your God with all your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength.” (Mark 12:29-34) This love that Jesus is talking about is an all-encompassing love, not merely a verbal expression of love. Many people today will say that they love God, but their lives in no way reflect this. Is it enough simply to say that you love God, or do you need to prove your words by your actions? Vine’s Complete Expository Dictionary pp. 381-382 states that “Love can be known only from the actions it prompts. God’s love is seen in the gift of His Son, 1 John 4:9,10. But obviously this is not the love of complacency, or affection, that is, it was not drawn out by any excellency in its objects, Romans 5:8.” Let us examine this love by looking at two conversations that Jesus had with Peter, one prior to His death and one after His resurrection. Prior to His