I Believe In God

Isaiah 9:6
For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called  Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Aliens.....
U.F.O.'s.....
Jesus......
Sasquatch....
Loch Ness Monster....
The Messiah.....
Roswell, New Mexico....
The Christ.....
Ghosts.....
King of Kings...
Lord of Lords...
Elvis Presley Sightings

Sometimes I think that Jesus is lumped into this group of other things that people claim to believe. You'll hear people say, "Oh, I do believe in Ghosts!", or "I did see a UFO. I do believe in them!". You'll even hear a proclamation of, "Yes! I do believe in God!".
But it is the word "believe" that I think we have a misunderstanding about.

The very first words of the Apostles Creed are..."I Believe In God".
According to J.I. Packer, in his book I Want To Be A Christian, the translation of "I believe in God"...actually should read "I am believing into God." That is to say, over and above believing certain truths about God, I am living in relation of commitment to God in trust and obedience. I am professing verbally the truth that God has invited me to this relationship with Him. I am declaring that I have accepted His invitation.

To enter into a relationship of this type requires me to live daily by my faith, that God is who He claims to be, and will do what He has promised to do for those who have turned will and life over to His care.
II Corinthians 5:7 - For we walk by faith, not by sight.
I guess I could include that we walk by faith, not by feelings (which have a tendency to take the train off the tracks when we use them to direct our daily choices.)  So when I make the statement "I Believe in God"...it is much more than a mental ascent to an idea. It is a heart commitment to God Himself. Such an action, stance, or belief, if you will, is done so in faith. I am placing my whole being...my future...my life in the hands of God because I believe He is who He says He is. Such belief is fueled by my faith in God. 
Hebrews 11:1 (Amplified Bible)
Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of things we hope for, being the proof of things (we) do not see and the conviction of their reality. (Faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses).

Here's the same verse taken from the MESSAGE BIBLE.
The fundamental fact of our existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It is our handle on what we can't see.

So next time you feel the need to say, "Yes, I believe in God".....Remember exactly what you are proclaiming to those around you....

Do you really believe?
Does your life reflect this statement of belief?

Food for thought.

God on you...

mbb