A message from Ted
I hope my website 'Rings True' for you. "Rings True" comes from an ancient method of testing coins. Coins of pure silver 'ring true' when dropped onto a hard surface while gilded counterfeits made of base metal land with a dull 'thud.'
I am on a quest for authenticity. I'm a man who needs a Savior. I'm not afraid to let my weaknesses show because I understand that God's strength is magnified through weakness. I have no real power inside to become what God wants. But when I trust God to show up in my life, my weakness becomes a platform to display His power. Like you, I can spot 'phonies' a mile away. The Pharisee comes to mind. These religious men tried to be good. Many began with the purest intentions, and then ran into a flaw in their beliefs. They believed they could be good but were only "good on the outside while inside they were full of everything unclean." Not understanding that we lost the power to be good in the Garden of Eden, they had two choices. Number one was give up. Number two was pretend.
I was a Pharisee. I took option #2… "Put on an act." I wish I could say it was well intentioned, but it was really a prideful and self-driven attempt to look 'spiritual.' I was, after all, a pastor and leader. I needed to be good as God's representative. Eventually frustrated, I took option #1… "give up in despair." I was mad at God for putting me where I could not succeed. It took purifying heat in my life as God refined me to pour me into a coin that 'rings true'. Admitting my weakness, God empowers and transforms my character. I can live the good life He desires. I'm embarrassed that it took me so long to understand this Biblical truth, but I'll gladly put myself on display to show off His power and His way.
What option have you taken? Are you trying to live by your own strength? God wants to transform you from the inside out. Christ died for you because you have neither the power to save yourself nor the ability to live His life. Why not just give up all the self-effort? Ask for His transforming power so you can live by His grace. It's a free gift.
If these words are ringing true with you and you feel a need to see a change in your life, I would be honored to pray for you and encourage you. Just complete the form below. God bless you!