Having Not Seen

Having Not Seen

I believe that a man named Jesus Christ was sent from Father God to live on the earth about 2000 years ago. I believe that he was conceived and born of a virgin by a divine work of the Holy Spirit of God. I believe that He was fully human. I believe that He was fully God (God in the flesh/the Son of God). I believe that He performed countless miracles during His life. I believe he never sinned. I believe that the Jewish leaders convinced the Roman and other authorities in Palestine to kill Him. I believe that Jesus died a on a cross to pay the debt for my sin. I believe He rose from the dead three days after He died. I believe that He spent time with many of His disciples after He rose from the dead. I believe that, before He ascended into heaven, He commissioned His followers to share the truth about Him with the entire world. I believe He is now seated at the right hand of Father God in heaven. I believe that He will come again to gather and take to heaven those who have trusted in Him. I believe I will spend eternity in heaven with Him.

Having not seen Him, I believe all these things about Him. And because of what I believe about Jesus, most of the world believes that I am foolish, simple-minded, irrational, deceived, hypocritical, etc. Why? Because the world says that, ‘Seeing is believing.’

But the Christian Bible (the Word of God) teaches us that followers of Jesus believe in Him without seeing Him.

• 2 Corinthians 5:7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.

The Bible also teaches us that without this kind of faith, we cannot please God.

• Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

After rising from the dead, Jesus told one of His disciples that those who believe (that He rose from the dead) without seeing are blessed.

• John 20:29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”

My beliefs about Jesus are by faith. My faith comes through hearing the Word of God.

• Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

My faith in who Jesus is and what He has done is how I am reconciled to Father God (saved from his wrath).

• Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

My faith in Jesus is a precious gift from Father God. Through faith, He assures me that the unseen things I learn about in the Bible are real.

• Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Though I have not seen Jesus, I love Him. My trust in Him brings me glorious, unspeakable joy!

• 1 Peter 1:8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory,

Do you have faith in Jesus?

If not, diligently seek Him!

Prayer

Father in Heaven, my Lord, my God, my King, I pray in the name of Jesus Christ that you will give the gift of saving faith to those who will believe it and receive it. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Amen.

A Beggar’s Dozen

A Beggar’s Dozen

Perhaps you’ve heard of ‘a baker’s dozen’? This is generally accepted to mean thirteen. This expression can be used to advertise a sale (get 13 items for the price of 12). A generous vendor may include a 13th doughnut in the order for a dozen from a regular customer. A shopper may ask for a baker’s dozen hoping to get a little extra included with their purchase.

So, what does a baker’s dozen have to do with being a Christian? Consider the following.

• Matthew 5:3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
• Recognizing that God is completely righteous, and that in our humanity we are spiritually bankrupt, is an essential part of turning to Him for salvation. As beggars, drowning in our sin, we see the need for Him to forgive us.
• Luke 18:13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’
• Amazed by His glory, power, and perfection, we surrender all that we are to Him. Knowing we don’t deserve His love and blessings, we beg for His mercy.
• Psalm 42:1 As the deer pants for the water brooks, So pants my soul for You, O God.
• Sins forgiven and saved from His wrath, through Jesus we have the promise of eternity in heaven with Him. Now we long for His presence; we beg Him to help us live a life worthy of who He is and what He has done for us!

We Are All Beggars!

Yes, as followers of Jesus Christ we are fully reconciled to Father God – now we are His children. Yes, the righteousness of Jesus Christ has been credited to us. And yes, we should and can confidently approach His throne of grace with our praises and prayers. Yet we still appeal, plead and sometimes even beg Him to guide us, empower us and help us grow into the person that Jesus Christ died for us to become.

Why don’t we offer up a little extra to God? Instead of a dozen prayers, let’s make it 13. Let’s come to Him with ‘a beggar’s dozen’ of prayers asking for His sanctifying work to be done in our lives.

     1. When I am proud, make me humble.

     2. When I rebel, help me to be submissive.

     3. When I doubt, increase my faith.

     4. When I am afraid, give me assurance.

     5. When I worry, grant me Your peace.

     6. When I complain, help me to be appreciative.

     7. When I am selfish, teach me to be selfless.

     8. When I am lazy, teach me obedience.

     9. When I criticize, help me to encourage.

    10. When I am discouraged, help me find Your joy.

    11. When I am weak, give me Your strength.

    12. When I wrong, help me to admit it.

    13. When I hate, help me to love like You do.

I will be praying these prayers often – will you join me?

Prayer

Father, please hear and answer our prayers to be more like You. Give us victory over the sins and shortcomings that plague us. Fortify us against the weakness of our flesh, the evil influence of the world, and the devious attacks of Satan. We love You and praise You and pray to You in the name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. Amen.