Do you have to see it to believe it, or do you trust your eyes? Is hearing about it enough to make you believe it? Do you think it would require you touching or experiencing it personally? Believe it or not, people have different opinions and views on what it will take.
Believe it? Can you discern the truth?
Ever watched the show seen the book on Ripley’s Believe it or Not? Did you believe or were you doubtful? Have you ever gone to one of their attractions to experience it? Did you believe or were you still doubtful? What does it take for you to go from doubtful and unbelief to believing?
Believe it – How that connects to faith:
In a biblical context, believing and faith are closely related concepts. Believing involves accepting or acknowledging the truth of something, while faith goes beyond mere acknowledgment to a deeper trust and reliance on that truth.
Faith
In the Bible, faith is often described as the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). It involves trusting in God’s promises and character, even when circumstances may not immediately support that trust. Faith is not just intellectual assent but a heart-deep conviction that leads to action.
Believe
Believing, in a biblical sense, is part of the process of developing faith. Believing in God, His Word, and the message of salvation through Jesus Christ is the foundation of faith. It’s not just about acknowledging these truths but embracing them with trust and commitment.
To summarize, believing is the initial step of accepting the truth, and faith is the ongoing, active trust and reliance on that truth, especially in the context of a relationship with God. Both are crucial components of a Christian’s journey and relationship with God.
How can our role as dads play into this? Believe!
To be the dads their wives, kids, and the world need them to be, men can draw guidance from biblical principles. Here are some key aspects that align with biblical teachings:
Spiritual Leadership:
Ephesians 6:4 encourages fathers to bring up their children in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
Application: Dads can prioritize spiritual growth in their families by leading in prayer, studying the Bible together, and setting an example of faith.
Love and Sacrifice:
Ephesians 5:25 exemplifies the sacrificial love husbands should have for their wives, akin to Christ’s love for the church.
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her
Application: Dads can demonstrate love through self-sacrifice, putting the needs of their families before their own.
Discipline with Love:
Proverbs 13:24 advises on disciplining with love, not neglecting correction.
Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.
Application: Dads can discipline their children with a balance of firmness and love, emphasizing teaching and guidance.
Modeling Integrity:
Proverbs 20:7 highlights the righteous who walks in his integrity.
The righteous lead blameless lives; blessed are their children after them.
Application: Dads can model integrity in their actions, teaching their children the importance of honesty and moral character.
Time and Presence:
Colossians 3:21 emphasizes not provoking children but encouraging and nurturing them.
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
Application: Dads can spend quality time with their families, being present in their lives, and providing emotional support.
Humility and Repentance:
James 4:10 encourages humility before the Lord.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
Application: Dads can admit their mistakes, seek forgiveness, and demonstrate humility, teaching their children the importance of repentance.
Teaching Work Ethic:
Colossians 3:23 encourages working heartily for the Lord.
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
Application: Dads can instill a strong work ethic in their children, emphasizing the value of diligence and responsibility.
Reflection:
By incorporating these principles into their lives, dads can strive to be the loving, nurturing, and godly figures that their families and the world need them to be. Seeking God’s wisdom through prayer and relying on His guidance is fundamental in fulfilling this important role.
Topic: DO YOU BELIEVE IT NOW?
Verse: Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.
Firstly, let’s be the dads who are choosing to walk with integrity and in alignment with God’s calling and will for our lives because we know He cannot be mocked. Additionally, let’s avoid the snare of the devil and be deceived into not believing what God’s Word has to tell us. Therefore, let’s be the dads who choose to sow good seeds in alignment with God because we know that a man reaps what he sows.
Today’s Devotional brings up a case where someone was sharing and another person stood up and yelled, “I don’t believe it!”, how do you think you might respond? More specifically, the story shared in Today’s Devotional was about the evangelist D.L. Moody who had just started a sermon. How do you think he handled that? Let’s dig in and find out.
Believe it or not, facts are facts:
Today’s Devotional shares this retelling of the story:
Moody replied, “My friend that doesn’t change the fact. Truth is truth whether you believe it or not.” When the meeting broke up, a police officer was at the door to arrest the man on an outstanding warrant. He was convicted of theft and sent to prison for twelve months. Moody observed, “I really believe that when he got to the cell, he believed that he had to reap what he sowed.”
Today’s Devotional – Day January 19th
Believe it – We reap what we sow no matter if our actions are harmful or helpful:
Harmful Actions:
- Scenario 1: Deception in Relationships
- Actions Taken: A person consistently engages in deceit, lying to friends and family to achieve personal gain or avoid consequences.
- Consequence (Reaping): Over time, trust is eroded, relationships break down, and the individual finds themselves isolated and without a support network.
- Scenario 2: Dishonest Business Practices
- Actions Taken: A business owner engages in unethical and dishonest practices, taking advantage of customers and employees for financial gain.
- Consequence (Reaping): The business may face legal consequences, damage to its reputation, and ultimately financial loss as customers and employees withdraw their support.
Helpful Actions:
- Scenario 3: Acts of Kindness and Generosity
- Actions Taken: A person consistently practices kindness, generosity, and compassion towards others, helping those in need without expecting anything in return.
- Consequence (Reaping): Over time, this individual builds strong, meaningful relationships, experiences a sense of fulfillment, and often receives support and assistance when facing challenges.
- Scenario 4: Investing in Personal Growth and Education
- Actions Taken: Someone dedicates time and effort to personal growth, education, and skill development, seeking to improve themselves and contribute positively to society.
- Consequence (Reaping): This person is likely to enjoy increased opportunities, career advancement, and personal satisfaction as the result of their commitment to self-improvement.
Consider this, believe or not, truth is truth:
The biblical principle of “reaping what you sow” underscores the idea that our actions have consequences, whether harmful or helpful. It encourages individuals to be mindful of their choices and to align their actions with values that promote well-being and positive outcomes.
Today’s Devotional closes with this point and challenge:
A wrong word, an immoral activity, an angry look – all these will likely bring negative results.
On the other hand, a wise word, a spiritual activity, a smile, a word of witness, a gift, a gospel tract will produce good fruit.
God’s promises that His Word will not return voice in Isaiah 55:11 which says:
so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.Today’s Devotional – Day January 19th
So knowing the truth, the real truth that will set you free, let’s grab a hold of God’s Word and promises because as Today’s Devotional concludes it shares how “the principle of the harvest is true in every aspect of our lives — we reap according to what we have sown.”
The evil harvest of sin and the good harvest of righteousness are as sure to follow the sowing as the harvest of wheat and barley. “Life is not casual, but causal.”
D. L. MOODY
