Comfort of Belief

Comfort of Belief

Galatians 3: ⁶ Consider the experience of Abraham; as the scripture says, “He believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous.” ⁷ You should realize, then, that the real descendants of Abraham are the people who have faith. ⁸ The scripture predicted that God would put the Gentiles right with himself through faith. And so the scripture announced the Good News to Abraham: “Through you God will bless all people.” ⁹ Abraham believed and was blessed; so all who believe are blessed as he was.

 

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“Would you like to have a position leading a small team?” was the question that seemed too good to be true and I could not believe. In fact, I wanted to know the catch. Was I being set up for failure? “It’s not a hoax. Take the position” were the words of a boss that I, and many, did not like. I was suspicious, but took the position and it worked out well.

 

• Sometimes I want to protect myself so I withhold my belief.
• Sometimes I want evidence so I research until I feel comfortable.
• Sometimes I want a crowd or logical thinkers who have proven themselves time and time again, to provide answers so I will not make a mistake.

 

Abraham is known as the Father of faith. When GOD told him, he would be blessed because of his faith, he believed. This belief was simple. Abraham did not have to do anything but believe and GOD would do the rest. Abraham acted on this belief in ways that baffled many, but it worked out well.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to obey HIM, even when many doubt HIS path for me.
• GOD wants me to believe in HIS SON as the answer, even when the crowd has agreed on another way.
• GOD wants me to know HE has the entire situation, all I have to do is believe.

 

Feeling blessed and being blessed seem to be two very different things. The world would have a definition of “blessed” that is vastly different than the way GOD sees it. HE is seeking the lot and wants HIS kingdom to flourish. The world wants humans to focus on self-indulgence, self—preservation and selfish behaviors.

 

Belief in JESUS breaks the chain of “self.” When I believed in JESUS, my life became HIS. It may not look successful to the world, but all of heaven rejoiced when I said “JESUS is my Savior.” I am glad GOD’s blessings for me can never be stolen.

 

Challenge

• What does the writer say about Abraham’s belief?
• Have you ever believed in something that is counterintuitive and it worked out?
• Will you be comforted that GOD sees your belief and will reward you greatly?

I Don’t Know That But I Know This

I Don’t Know That But I Know This

Acts 18: ²⁴ Meanwhile a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was a learned man, with a thorough knowledge of the Scriptures. ²⁵ He had been instructed in the way of the Lord, and he spoke with great fervor and taught about Jesus accurately, though he knew only the baptism of John. ²⁶ He began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they invited him to their home and explained to him the way of God more adequately.

²⁷ When Apollos wanted to go to Achaia, the brothers and sisters encouraged him and wrote to the disciples there to welcome him. When he arrived, he was a great help to those who by grace had believed. ²⁸ For he vigorously refuted his Jewish opponents in public debate, proving from the Scriptures that Jesus was the Messiah.

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When a question was asked that I did not know, I got nervous and tried to think of an answer. I was presenting in front of a few hundred people and felt I needed to have all the answers. The audience quickly lost interest as I gave an opinion versus fact.

• There was a time when I thought I could have all the answers.
• There was a time when I thought I could handle any problem thrown at me.
• There was a time when I presented information that I was not fully aware of.

Apollos knew the Scriptures very well, but was only taught a little about JESUS. He spoke as accurately as he could about JESUS with “fervor.” Priscilla and Aquila heard him. They had spent a lot of time with Paul and learned a lot about JESUS. They volunteered to help Apollos learn more about the Messiah.

• GOD wants me to speak what I know about HIM with fervor.
• GOD wants me to be brave enough to say “I don’t know, but this is what I believe.”
• GOD wants me to say “I believe JESUS died for my sins and HE was raised from the dead, giving me eternal life.”

Some people are gifted at arguing about JESUS, others simply say “I just believe.” GOD wants me to open my mouth and tell people about my belief in HIM. The HOLY SPIRIT will give me the right words at the right time. I may not be able to answer questions thrown at me about life, but I know JESUS is the answer to everything.

• Are you trying to be the “answer person?”
• Do you judge people based on their knowledge?
• Will you open your mouth to your belief in JESUS, even though you may not know the Scriptures to support your belief?

Gladly Received

Gladly Received

Acts 2: ⁴⁰ And with many other words he testified and exhorted them, saying, “Be saved from this perverse generation.” ⁴¹ Then those who gladly received his word were baptized; and that day about three thousand souls were added to them. ⁴² And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. ⁴³ Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. ⁴⁴ Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, ⁴⁵ and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.

⁴⁶ So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, ⁴⁷ praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

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“Finally!” I said to myself. After this particular leadership class, I got it. I didn’t know if it was the right mix of instructors, or the information or whether I could simply hear the information, but something clicked that I took to heart. Afterwards I was promoted five times.

• When I hear good news I get excited.
• When I hear good news I take it to heart.
• When I hear good news I gladly receive it and take action.

Peter preached to church goers who were led astray by leaders who had their heart set on greed and power. He urged them to “Be saved from this perverse generation” turning them to eh One who truly saves, namely JESUS. They gladly received his message and acted on it.

• GOD wants me to gladly receive HIS message.
• GOD wants me to desire HIS ways.
• GOD wants me to accept the need for salvation so I can tell others about the great news of JESUS.

Heartfelt words are gladly received. Unfortunately some words can come from places opposing GOD. A heart that needs attention or wants something that GOD says “No” to, may choose to go their own way. BUT GOD loves hearts that gladly receive HIS message. HE enables true power and enables gladness and simplicity  of the heart. I am grateful GOD give me joy.

• Are you seeking happiness and think you will find it with superficial relationships?
• Do you think the void in your life can be filled with various philosophies?
• Will you remove yourself out of your own way and accept GOD’s love so HE can fill your heart today?

Just Make it Plain

Luke 18: ³¹ Jesus took the Twelve aside and told them, ‘We are going up to Jerusalem, and everything that is written by the prophets about the Son of Man will be fulfilled. ³² He will be handed over to the Gentiles. They will mock him, insult him and spit on him; ³³ they will flog him and kill him. On the third day he will rise again.’

³⁴ The disciples did not understand any of this. Its meaning was hidden from them, and they did not know what he was talking about.

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Confused, I went to see a tutor for the Differential Equations class.  I sat there willing to understand, but when the person spoke it was still beyond my grasp at the time.

• There have been many things spoken to me plainly that I did not understand.
• There have been many things said to me that went over my head.
• There have been many lessons taught to me that I could not grasp until I experienced it.

JESUS tried to speak as plainly as HE could when HE spoke to HIS disciples. HE told them HE would be blamed, murdered and would rise from the dead. No one had ever made claims like these, especially rising from the dead. They had seen JESUS in action and HE seemed invincible. How was all this to take place?

• GOD says to me “MY ways are not your ways, MY thought are not your thoughts.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the one who has great plans for you.”
• GOD says to me “Life will have trouble for you, but no one can pluck you out of MY hand.”

It all makes sense now that JESUS has risen, just as HE said. But now the baffling statement of HIS return still lingers. I, like HIS disciples, just don’t understand exactly what is going to happen. Even though JESUS clearly states “I will return and rule with an iron fist and then destroy this cursed earth to provide a new heaven for MY believers to live eternally” I still don’t know what will happen.

All I can do is believe that someday, I will be with my GOD and HE will wipe away all my tears. HE will judge me for my sins and point to JESUS and ask me “Did you believe that HE took your blame?” and my answer will be “YES, Thank YOU LORD!” HE is my forgiver.

• Are you confused about GOD?
• Do you wrestle with HIS ways?
• Will you continue to seek HIM, asking HIM to provide you with clarity to HIS wonderful plan for you?
• Will you diminish your skepticism and start living your purpose today?