Really Good News

I have discovered that many people experience a sense of both joy and relief when they come to understand that authentic faith in God is not fundamentally about the legalistic observance and oppressive practice of religious rituals.

At a basic level knowing God is about an actual relationship with a being who knows us, loves us and is alive. And what is even more extraordinary is that this being happens to be the almighty creator and Lord of all things!

(I know this almost sounds too good to be true. That’s why it is referred to as good news! Really good news.)

These realities are what make it possible for us to enter into something much more than the routine exercise of rituals. Rather we can enter into the knowledge, truth and presence of God, himself, through the Lord Jesus Christ.

So… rejoice and be glad!

Terrorism, Fear and God

Terrorism has a certain measure of effectiveness because fear is such a potent emotion. A terrorist group knows if they create enough fear they can exert control over people. Sometimes people will even surrender values they hold dear, such as freedom, in order to avoid the incredible discomfort of fear.

Sadly, surrendering these values—in the long run—will not stop the fear because no matter how many values we surrender it will never be enough for the people who advance their agenda through fear. So they will never actually discontinue their fear tactics. Why would they stop doing something which gives them power over others?

Why would they stop using a tactic which, from their perspective, works?

I do not want to live with fear. More importantly, God does not want us to live with fear. A genuine sense of God’s presence in our lives is one of the most certain ways to experience true freedom from fear.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me…”  Psalm 23:4

Why is it possible to walk through this valley with no fear? Because “thou art with me.” God’s presence matters.

It is one thing to pretend, when it comes to God. It is another matter to cultivate a genuine relationship with God in which there is true assurance of His presence. Pretending provides no relief from fear. A genuine relationship opens a whole new way of living with confidence and power.

The Power of Authenticity

One of the factors that can have the most significant positive influence for God is when our unbelieving friends, relatives, co-workers and neighbors see in our lives that God is real.  When a person has an authentic relationship with God—a relationship with God that genuinely impacts his or her everyday life—that is a very persuasive truth to encounter.

How We Live Our Lives Tells People Something

We cannot make anyone believe in God or the truths of His word.  However, if people see the reality of God in our lives—if they see that we have a genuine relationship with God that makes a significant difference in how we live—that can be extraordinarily profound and persuasive.  What is “how you live your life” telling people?

An Important Way of Understanding God Is To Walk With God

Laughter can be defined in a fairly accurate way by describing the action of air moving across our vocal cords and detailing other physical processes.  But that type of explanation does not help a person to know or appreciate the truth and reality of laughing.  The best way to know what laughter is, is to laugh.

   

In a similar sense, a relationship with God can be described with theological terms and accurate doctrinal statements.  But the best way to understand what it means to have a relationship with God is to enter into the reality of intentionally walking with Him every day.

Turning To God All The Time

Occasionally we turn back to God when things get tough. That’s okay. But we will find a fuller and richer relationship with God can be had when we turn to him all the time, everyday, in the tough times and the good times, as well.

Is God Enough?

Sometimes instead of being content with an authentic relationship with God, we have an “itch for novelty.”  I understand this “itch for novelty” because I feel this inclination present in me.  The question it forces me to wrestle with is this:  Isn’t God enough?

A Life That Speaks Volumes

Sometimes I think, “How can a person make any kind of significant impact for God in this world in which we live?”  The answer that comes back to me is:  Don’t worry about making an impact, that’s not your concern.  Do this:  Cultivate a vital, genuine, relationship with God that truly makes a difference in your own life.  That will speak volumes.

What We Can't Do For Ourselves

There are things that we can’t do for ourselves in our relationship with God. For example, we can’t forgive our own sins; or we can’t make ourselves holy.  Fortunately, when it comes to those things we can’t do for ourselves, we have a kind and loving God who will graciously do them for us.  That’s pretty nice of Him, huh?