Today’s Podcast

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2017-01-18-devotional-

1. Thanks for joining me today for “A Little Walk with God.” I’m your host Richard Agee.
2. Do people know you as a truth-teller? How can they tell? And do you know who is looking? Is it just your boss? Your family? Your pastor? Who might be looking that you don’t know about?
3. Scripture
   1. John 1:47-51
   2. Jesus: Look closely, and you will see an Israelite who is a truth-teller.

Nathanael (overhearing Jesus):  How would You know this about me? We have never met.

Jesus: I have been watching you before Philip invited you here. Earlier in the day, you were enjoying the shade and fruit of the fig tree. I saw you then.

Nathanael:  Teacher, You are the One—God’s own Son and Israel’s King.

Jesus:  Nathanael, if all it takes for you to believe is My telling you I saw you under the fig tree, then what you will see later will astound you.  I tell you the truth: before our journey is complete, you will see the heavens standing open while heavenly messengers ascend and descend, swirling around the Son of Man.

1. Devotional
   1. Do people know you as a truth teller?
      1. Jesus saw Nathanael from a distance and told those around Him that he was a truth-teller.
      2. Announcement sounded like truth-tellers were rare.
      3. Something about Nathanael made him different than others around him.
      4. Can you  tell the difference when you see truthers versus liars? Can they see the difference in you?
   2. Jesus saw Nathanael under the fig tree enjoying its shade and eating its fruit.
      1. Truthers enjoy the simple things in life
      2. Recognize the beauty of creation in and of itself
      3. Find pleasure outside the norms of society, within the norms of nature
   3. Watched him interact with others while sitting under the tree
      1. Shade at a premium so a gathering place for discussion
      2. Others seek out people who speak the truth in love
         1. When they need real answers to problems
         2. When they need help
         3. When they want to know God
      3. Others avoid those who are not truth-tellers
         1. Flat out liars
         2. Half truths
         3. Truths that only help themselves and not the asker
         4. Speak truth, but in condemnation and judgment
      4. Expect Nathanael provided truth from scripture, experience, wisdom freely but with love
      1. Can others see you as a truth-teller?
         1. Provide wisdom from life experience
         2. Provide support from God’s word
         3. Share truth with love and grace
   1. If you want to learn more about my church, you can find us at SAF.church. If you like the devotional, share it with someone. If you don’t, tell me. I hope you’ll join me again tomorrow for “A Little Walk with God.”

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