Believe

No, I'm not a Macy's spokesperson, but I do identify with their ad slogan.

What do you believe?  There are several definitions of the word:  to accept as true or real; to credit with veracity; have confidence in; trust; to expect or suppose; think; to hold a religious belief.

At this time of the year, those of us who believe in the Christmas story, hold it as fact and try to tailor our celebrations around the Reason for the Season--Jesus.  We truly believe that He, the Son of God, was born to a virgin and her husband, and laid in a manger.  That's only the beginning of the story.  You have to add the Cross and the Resurrection to complete the message.

But what do you believe?  It is said that if you don't believe in anything, you'll fall for everything.  We all have the free will to choose what we will believe, accept as true or real, or credit with veracity.  But do you have confidence in, trust in, and think that what you believe is true?  Has it proven itself to you in some tangible way?  If not, why not?  Maybe it's time to do an evaluation.

I can't help wondering about those who say they don't believe in God, but they freely use His name as a swear word.  Why is the world, especially here in America, becoming so anti-God, anti-Jesus, and anti-faith?  If there is nothing valid in any of them, then why the uproar?  Just let us have our beliefs and leave us alone.  Could it possibly be due to the fact that Jesus is coming soon, and consciences are being pricked?  That's at least one possibility.  Other religions are more or less left alone.  Only Christianity is getting the hits.  Makes you wonder, doesn't it?

The Bible has  a multitude of verses about believing.    Here are just a few:

Genesis 15:6  And he (Abraham) believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.

 

Psalm 27:13  I would have lost heart, unless I had believed That I would see the goodness of the Lord In the land of the living.

 

Matthew 8:13  Then Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way; and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed that same hour.

 

Mark 9:23-24  Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”  Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!”

 

Mark 11:24  Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.

 

Luke 1:45  Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

 

John 3:15  that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16  For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

 

John 5:24 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

 

John 11:25  Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.

 

Acts 16:31  So they said, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”

 

It looks to me that believing is a key element in our Christian walk.  We either believe, or we don't.  It's as simple as that.  But if we do believe, we will benefit from that belief.  Do you benefit from yours?  I trust you do.

 

Book update:  "Green Glass" is at the galley proof-review stage.  I've been extremely busy, out of town, preparing for an early Christmas, and catching up.  Now I have to go over every detail, carefully, and submit my findings back to the publisher.  So, it looks like January or early February for publication.  I'll keep you posted.

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!