Belief

Belief is a powerful thing.  Belief changes the direction of our
lives.  It carries our conversations and develops our destinies.  The
lack of belief leaves us hopeless, purposeless, and directionless.
Authentic belief is always followed by authentic action.  If we truly
believe, our lives will back up that belief.

“…faith without deeds is dead.”  James 2:26

However, it is interesting to me, even in my personal life, how
often I struggle with living out what I believe.  Obviously there are
other variables that play into that struggle.  Other people, the
nagging of other options, a sin nature that constantly tears at us.
Even in the struggle, I insist that we should make forward progress in
our belief.  If our forward motion towards our belief ceases than so
does the worth of our faith.  Faith without works is dead.

I believe Jesus is Savior.  I believe He is the Christ, the Son of
the living God.  That belief not only changes my world, it changes the
whole world, and even more than that it changes eternity. 

Belief leads us to where we are going as well as who we lead.

Where are you going?

Who are you leading?

One Step Forward

Matthew 14 (The Message)

²⁷But Jesus was quick to comfort them. “Courage, it’s me. Don’t be afraid.”

²⁸Peter, suddenly bold, said, “Master, if it’s really you, call me to come to you on the water.”

^29-30He said, “Come ahead.”

Jumping out of the boat, Peter walked on the water to Jesus. But when he looked down at the waves churning beneath his feet, he lost his nerve and started to sink. He cried, “Master, save me!”

³¹Jesus didn’t hesitate. He reached down and grabbed his hand. Then he said, “Faint-heart, what got into you?”

^32-33The two of them climbed into the boat, and the wind died down. The disciples in the boat, having watched the whole thing, worshiped Jesus, saying, “This is it! You are God’s Son for sure!”

It’s amazing to me that Peter got out of the boat in the first place.  Faith followed by a step.  When we take just one step forward toward Jesus amazing things happen.  Sometimes we fall, sometimes we get picked up by the master, sometimes we experience amazing things.  Every single time we take that step towards Jesus it helps us recognize better who Jesus is.  “This is it!  You are God’s Son for sure!”

What step do you need to take?

Faithful: in good times and bad

Storms beat up on great people and wretched people alike.  What a great response in a gut-wrenching moment!

What has tested your resolve recently?

How did you respond?

How are you responding?