Tag: belief

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Faith or Facts?

Luke 1 Many echo the sentiment that they would believe if only they could see. They want facts before their faith. Yet Jesus said to Thomas,  “Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are the people who have not seen and yet have believed.” [Jn 20:29] Thus, with those thoughts in mind, Dr. Luke, as a researcher, begins his account with these words: “So that you may know for certain” that which was spoken by the prophets is true and fulfilled just as God said.” [Luke 1:4] And was true in Revelation, so it is as true today: “Blessed [are those] who believed that what was spoken… by the Lord would be fulfilled.” [Luke 1:45]

God’s words are true and will be fulfilled just as He said it regardless of our belief but so that we may believe with certainty that God, who is trustworthy and faithful, and “every one of God’s promises are “Yes” in him;….[ 2Co 1:20] has chosen to give us an account by those who were eyewitnesses and servants of the word and now recorded for us by Dr. Luke.

And what is it that we are to believe? “Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” [John 20:31] This is the message of the book of Luke.

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Your Name is Written…

Your name is engraved on the palm of God's hand

Is 49 Engraven or Inscribed

Isaiah quotes the words of the Lord to those who feel God has abandoned them: “Look, I have inscribed your name on my palms;” [Is 49:16] Inscribing or engraving is done with a tool that makes it permanent, much like a tattoo. God is saying to Israel, no matter where I send you or what your life will be like, I am there and will not abandon you. This visual illustration had to be comforting to them in this time of discipline by the hand of God.

Remember Thomas as he stood before the risen Christ? He had said, “Unless I see the wounds from the nails in his hands, and put my finger into the wounds from the nails, and put my hand into his side, I will never believe it! [Jn 20:25] Jesus lovingly came to Thomas and said: “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.” [Jn 20:27]

Sometimes the trials of life are challenging, and they seem to be long and arduous, but God’s engraving tool has etched your name on His palm, and the nail holes of Jesus are a reminder that He has us on His mind daily, moment by moment. He has not forgotten you.

Take a moment and look at your palms and envision God’s palm and your name written there.

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Be Confident of this very thing…

Believe means to trust or be persuaded

1John 5 Do you have any doubts? Do you worry?  Take heart dear reader, for John shares the secret to quiet assurance. It is the belief that Jesus is the Son of God. The Greek word for believe is [pist-yoo’-o], meaning to be persuaded of, to credit, to place confidence in. Did you grasp that last word? Confidence is the foundation of assurance.

Further, John says it is because we are assured we have the confidence to come boldly before the throne of God. We can ask anything according to his will, and God hears what we have longed to share with Him trusting Him who hears and answers. He may not answer how we think it should be answered because our motives may be selfish or improper, but He will answer. We must always remember these wise words from Isaiah: Indeed, my plans are not like your plans. Thus God will answer according to His plan, which is superior to ours.

Will we trust Him? Will we have confidence in Him who knows the end from the beginning?

E.M. Bounds noted: Only God can move mountains but faith and prayer move God

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