Do you believe in God?

Have you ever been asked, "Do you believe in God"? Most of us have. What does this question mean to you? Is it His existence? 

IS HE REAL ENOUGH TO YOU TO OBEY HIM?

If you say you DO believe in God, is there PROOF in your life? Do you believe in Christ as you do in God? Is He seen in your lifestyle or do you look and act the same as those who don't? 

It's not enough to simply "believe" if there's NO evidence of our OBEDIENCE to Him.

"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble." James 2:19

If demons believe and tremble (which is to shudder in fear) yet serve Satan, how are we as humans any different? Is not our lives proof as to whom we serve?

Christ, the sin cure

WHAT IF people could see sin like Ebola, AIDS, Polio, or COVID? Difference here? Physical illnesses that lead to death verses spiritual death which is eternal... People fear sickness and disease yet not the God who grants life to the soul.

Jesus said, "And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28

Think of the many preventative measures taken for one who is transported with any of these ailments in effort to control or contain the spread... Yet sin is more catastrophic to the soul than any of these are to the human body.

What preventative measures are being taken against this destructive spiritual disease we are all born with, SIN?

Yes, we are all born with it.
"For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;" Romans 3:23

Knowing we are a fallen humanity, God Himself provided the sin cure. Christ is the antidote!

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil." John 3:16-19

While there are many who seek to cure or treat human viruses and disease, people try to fix themselves apart from God. This is no different than sweeping a dusty floor in an enclosed room. Sure, there will be evidence of efforts, but when the dust settles once again there's proof not all was cleaned up!

While these diseases are terrible and can be deadly, our sin nature does carry eternal consequences... separation from God for eternity. Our efforts only carry so far. Which do you fear, that which kills the body or the One who grants life to the soul?

Are you struggling in your own efforts to do what only Christ can?

Center of the Centurion

Center of the Centurion

"And Jesus said unto the centurion, Go thy way; and as thou hast believed, so be it done unto thee. And his servant was healed in the selfsame hour." Matthew 8:13

For the full story, read Matthew 8:5-13. I love this account. What was the at the center of the centurion? PURE FAITH!!!

He, being a military commander knew the power of authority... speak it and it's done! This man had no problem asking Jesus to speak healing over his servant. Jesus was amazed at his faith and granted his petition. Isnt that amazing!?

This story should resonate with every believer in Christ! Sure, we pray. We ask for deliverance and healing, for peace and protection. We ask even for the impossible! How often though are we asking in PURE FAITH? We need to take a serious look, not necessarily at what we are asking for, but more so at the level of our faith.

James reminds us, "But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord." James 1:6-7

Did you catch that KEY ingredient? "Nothing wavering"! What does that mean exactly? It means that we MUST cast away any doubt. Often times, we know God is able. We KNOW He can, but we 1/2 heartedly give it to Him.

In every petition, may we too have FAITH as the centurion. God knows, He sees. He knows the needs and He sees if we come to Him fully believing and trusting Him or if we kinda want to give it to Him, but allow doubts to excuse our holding on to the issue.

Heart check, can you see situations you've fully surrendered in faith? Now, consider the things you want to hold on to and in essence doubt God's ability, His timing and His authority. Can you see where doubt has won and where faith has had the victory?