The Truth

"And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
John 8:32, NLT

The only truth is Jesus Christ! That's not to say you can't find other things to be true, but all truth lives in and through him. That is why it says, "and the truth will set you free."
You might ask me, "free from what?" Free from the law of sin and death. Free from the guilt of all the crap you're carrying around with you. I may not be able to put it into the proper words to make you understand, but let me tell you this, the last 3 years I was in prison I felt more free and alive than I ever had up to that point.
Normally I just expound on the "Daily Scripture," but today I feel like I should tell you a little about who I am and where I've been in my life. It might be easier to understand and even believe the things I write, if you understood how I came to these truthes.
This is not my complete testimony. If you would like to read that, you can find it at http://www.shoutlife.com/Ron_L_Whitener
THE TRUTH
When I was 14 years old, I ran away from home. I hitch hiked from Oklahoma City, to the Los Angeles area. I got involved in drugs, immoralilty, and criminal behavior. There isn't much I haven't done. If you can imagine it, I did it.
I pretty much lived my whole life this way. There was a short period where I started going to church, got married & became a father to 2 boys. That period didn't last long though. I couldn't stay away from the drugs and ended up in Federal prison for bank robbery. After I was released, I went right back "to the life."
I was a little smarter and a lot slicker when I got out. I ran for a little over 10 years before I caught my next case. During the time I was on the street, I lived with prostitutes, dealt drugs, and basically broke about every law there is. I ended up living with the "madam," who was running escort services in Okc. We were together for over 5 years. I began manufactoring methamphetamine. We were both severely strung out. I ended up with a 50 year prison sentence. Two 20's and a 10.
Due to my life style, I found out in March of 1989 that I am HIV+. In 2006 I discovered that I also have HCV(hepatitis C).
The Bible teaches that "sin is pleasurable for a season." It also says, "that the wages of sin are death." That's a pretty high price to pay for an irresponsible and rebellious life style.
Here is the best part of the story, in 2007 while I was still in prison, neck deep in gambling and drugs, Jesus revealed himself to me in an undeniable way. He pulled me out of the miry pit and placed me upon the solid rock that is Himself. He set me free from myself! He delivered me from drugs, healed me of my diseases, and best of all He forgave me of all my sin and transgressions. I am now a respectable citizen, with true friends and family that not only love me, but also respect me.
Jesus is the Truth that can and will set you free.
I know that many of you don't like going to church because you feel like everyone is judging you. In many church's, sad but true, they probably are. It took me quite a while to find a church I felt comfortable in, but by allowing The Holy Spirit to lead the way, I found a real church full of real people, that I can call home & the people my family.
If you aren't a Christian, I'm begging you to click on one of the church links on this page. If you are saved but not in church, find one! Read your Bible everyday and pray for guidance and wisdom. If you need help, want someone to talk with or just want someone to pray with you, email me: rlwhitener@gmail.com
God Bless