Do You Believe?

Scripture: John 20:31 NKJ - … but these are written that you may “believe” that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing – you may have life in His name.

Far too often during the course of ones’ day; you hear people say “you have to believe in yourself.”  Too often it is said to our young population. That is the worse advice one could give to another ” flawed”  human being. (Gen. 3: ) Scripture never supports finding strength in yourself. Self is weak and self is sinful.  God says, I’ll be your strength. You are not saved by your goodness, doing good things or the good you have done. Apart from Christ, you can do nothing. Believing in self leads to failure and a life of sin.

The word “believe” in the Bible means more than simply agreeing in our minds that something might be true. It means “trust” -- that I believe so strongly in God, that I am willing to commit my life to Him and live the way I know he wants me to live.

The book of John chapter 10 focuses on the image of the sheep, sheepfold, and shepherds.  But you do not believe because you are not My sheep - (John 10:26) Who wants to be referred to as sheep or shepherd.  This symbol that Jesus used, help us to understand in simple language, who He is and what He wants to do for us.  Jesus made some daunting statements about Himself in the book of John. (John 1:1) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John’s purpose was to set forth Christ in His deity – while guided by the Holy Spirit, wrote to speak believing faith in His readers. There is one thread that runs throughout John’s gospel. Jesus Christ is Son of God and if you believe and commit yourself to Him, He will give you eternal life (John 20:31).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, I put my trust in Your Son, whom You raised from the grave with all power in His hand. There is so much I believe in my heart about the One true God, the risen Savior; the sent One; the anointed One; the morning star; my healer, protector, shield, forgiver of sins and so much more. In You Lord I shall never die. Lord, how can I put trust in me and believe in myself and fail. All that I am and have comes from You. In Jesus’ name. Amen                                                                                                    
(by Novella D. Carpenter)