Acting Like You Believe

I would go so far as to change the title from "Acting Like You Believe" to "Believing in Faith". As Steve (the guy who writes these devotionals) points out, "even demons believe in God." Faith is so much more than just belief in God. In order to be saved and to accept the free gift of salvation that Christ offers, we not only have to believe, but also accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Hebrews defines faith as "the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen" (Heb 11:1) and 2 Corinthians tells us that we, as Christians "walk by faith, not by sight" (2 Cor 5:7). We believe and accept Jesus, not because we saw him, but because of what he has done for us. God did not have to send Jesus to die for our sins, but "without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness" (Heb 9:22). Even though none of us, being sinners, are worthy of his grace, he loved us so much that he provided a way out of the darkness (Jn 3:16).

How awesome is that? That was reason enough in my eyes to confess my sins and accept Jesus as my Savior. That's not to say that my faith never wavers, but rather that I desire to draw closer to God, and that I'm willing to do what it takes to return to him when I fall.

-AMR

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The Daily Devo
by Pastor Steve Baney

James 2:19 "You believe that there is one God.
Good! Even the demons believe that - and
shudder." (NIV)

Some people place spiritual security in their belief in God. Some may think, I'm a good person and I believe in God. But James brings up an interesting point: even the demons believe in God, yet their future doesn't look so good. To simply believe in God isn't enough. It's how we react to that belief that makes the difference. Are you acting like you believe?

Lord, help me to trust in you more through obedience.
Holy Bible, New International Version. Wheaton: Tyndale House, 1988.