At The Bus Stop

I Corinthians 3:
[7] So then neither is he that plants any thing, neither he that waters ; but God that gives the increase.
[8] Now he that plants and he that waters are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
[9] For we are labourers together with God: you are God's husbandry, you are God's building.
[10] According to the grace of God which is given to me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon.
[11] For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
[12] Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
[13] Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
[14] If any man's work abide which he has built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.

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A friend I spoke last week. I mentioned to him that I noticed that God had blessed him with a car. There was a period of some years when he rode the bus back and forth to work. He agreed concerning the blessings of God, and then told me about his "adventures" at the bus stop, and during the bus ride.

It is one thing to ride the bus every once in a while. But, it is a different experience to ride it everyday. You begin to see the same people everyday, who too rely on the bus for transportation back and forth to work. Some will talk to you and are very friendly. Others act like you don't even exist, though they see you every weekday. You begin to form relationships with the other travelers. Life stories are exchanged while at the bus stop. Friendships are formed. It gets to where you expect to see those people at the bus stop, or during the bus ride. You know where they get on and where they get off. Even the bus driver gets to know your patterns. It gets to where you notice when others are not in their normal pattern, and they know when you are not. "Where have you been? I have not seen you in a few weeks. Is everything okay? What's been going on in your life?" You notice when a person is not themselves. You notice when they may be a bit down, or even happier than normal.

The reason I speak of this is because it reminds me of the Christian life. We all have "bus stops" of life. We all have patterns that we follow. We all a network of people that we see regularly and talk to regularly. We are creatures of habit. Take work for instance. We go to work the same way everyday. We probably follow the same routine once we get to work. We speak to the same people. Over time, we begin to develop relationships, and begin to share our stories of life with one another.

Our "bus stops" are great opportunities for each of us to deposit the love of Christ into the lives of those there with us. We can develop relationships that allow us to minister to the lives of those that God places in our path. We also have those that can lift us up when we need it. My question to you today is, are you taking advantage of your "bus stop"? Do you see what God is doing? Do you recognize the fact that God is placing certain people in your life for a reason?...Look around. Check it out. See what God is doing. Then use it. Minister to others. Let your fellow "riders" know that God loves them, and sacrificed His Son Jesus for them. Listen to their stories and minister to their life. That is how you show the love of God.

You may not be a preacher, or evangelist in the pulpits of any church. But, you are a preacher, evanglist, and minister in the pulpits of the "bus stop". We ALL have work to do. We ALL need to be about our Father's business. Take the stage. Minister the Word. Now go forth and deliver God's message of His grace and mercy.

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Will you recognize your "bus stops" in life?

Who Is In Control?

Colossians 1:

[9] For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;
[10] That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God;
[11] Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;
[12] Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
[13] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
[14] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:
[15] Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:
[16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:
[17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.
[18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.
[19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;
[20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven.
[21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled
[22] In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight:

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Have you ever thought about how much control over the events of life that you really have? I believe if you sit, and think about it you would actually find it interesting. I have done that, and typed some things that came to my mind.

Some things we do NOT control:
If we wake up in the morning.
If our boss is in a good mood.
If we get a promotion today
If we get laid off from work
The weather
If the guy on the freeway next to us gets distracted and slams into us
Your spouse’s mood
If someone cuts us off while driving
If our close friends move far away
If your spouse wakes up one day and decides to leave, when you did not sense any problems (or even if you did)
If your spouse cheats on you
If our paychecks actually get direct deposited into our account
If you will meet the love of your life today
If our children will take our advise on life matters
Our height
If the sun rises
Who smiles at us today
Who talks about us behind our back
When we get sick (if we did we would never get sick)
When we get well (if we did we would get well right away)
The way others treat us
Others who decide to physically hurt us
If the kids act up in school today
Who we are attracted to
If we are left handed or right handed
Our nationality
The day we were born
The day we die
Where we were born
Our height
Our parents
The weather
If we get a flat tire
The price of groceries
The price of gas
When the kids need new clothes


Think of some things that come to your mind that we can’t control, and send them to me please. I will put together a big list. I think it is pretty interesting to read through, contemplate, and just look at some of the things. It is pretty amazing how much in life we really DO NOT CONTROL. And if we don’t control it, then who does? Is it just out of control? Are we just victims of circumstance?

I look forward to your responses.

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Do we control anything in this life?

Pocket Calendars

We all lead busy lives these days. We really need something to keep up with it all. Amsterdam recognizes that fact. That is why they supply many people with pocket calendars to stay on top of things as we go.

They have many different styles of calendars for each individual need. They even off a great way to adertise your business with the calendars. You can put you business information on the cover, and hand them out. And the great thing is that you will have an advertising tool at a very affordable cost.

You can give your customers and clients a little "thank you" for their business, and spread the word about your services, all at the same time.

Called Unto Good Works (part 2)

Matt.5 (red = Jesus speaking)
[1] And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
[2] And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
[3] Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[4] Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
[5] Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
[6] Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
[7] Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
[8] Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
[9] Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
[10] Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
[11] Blessed are you, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
[12] Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
[13] You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men.[14] You are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.
[15] Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it gives light unto all that are in the house.
[16] Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
[17] Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.
[18] For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

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It is a good thing for ALL to do good. But, it is especially important for those who are saved and call themselves by the name of Christ. The very love of God is resident within the spirit of good works. The very love of God is manifestly shown to others through our good works. They are like big, bright, flashing, pointing arrows that show the way to God though Christ. It is interesting that the older I get, the more reading of the bible I do, and the more experience I gain just by being present in life, the more I see that IT IS ALL ABOUT CHRIST. We must carry that very fact with us wherever we go, and in whatever we do. I know, often that is easier said than done. There are situations that will test us, for sure.

It is a good work for us to feed the poor and hungry. It is a good work for us to be nice to people, and speak kindly to them. It is good to slow down a little and let people move into our lane when we see them trying to get over, instead of speeding up so they can’t get over. Those are good works. But, there is more to be added. The more is the harder part. It is the shining of the light to show the True Light - Jesus.

The difference for us is that we do good works, even to those whom we deem do not deserve any works of goodness to be shown them. You all know people at work that cast your name out as evil. They make your private business public, without your consent. And then they can’t even get that right, because they often lie about you. They feel, for some reason, that it is in their job description to let others know what they think you do. Guess what? Gotta be good to them. Gotta love them. Gotta pray for them. When they need help, if you can; gotta help them. With THAT is God well pleased. With THAT is the light shining. Why? Well, anyone can be good to only those who are good to them. It takes a lot more inner strength to be good to someone who is contrary to us. That inner strength comes from Christ in us.

It is no coincidence that Jesus speaks of the fact that we are blessed when we are “persecuted for righteousness’ sake”, and “when men shall persecute us, and speak all manner of evil against us falsely, for His sake”. And He follows that up with the fact that we are the light of the world. And then says to let our light shine BEFORE MEN, that they might see our GOOD WORKS. Why? Again, to glorify God.

We must do good through persecution. We must do good when lied on. We must do good when we are wronged. We must do good when we feel like it, and when we don’t. We must do good when it is inconvenient to do so. We must do good when the only thing we want to do is retaliate. Even when that retaliation, by man’s standards, is very understandable. But guess what? When asked, “Why didn’t you retaliate when you were wronged? I know I would have!” Guess what you have?.....That’s right. A chance to share the reason for the love within. A chance to share Christ! Now, you are not only a witness/light to the person who wronged you, but also to those who witnessed the wrong, and then witnessed your godly/goodly reaction. All about Christ.

(more to come concerning the subject of works)

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Do You Walk In Good Works?

The Plastic Store

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Called Unto Good Works

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Eph.2
[1] And you has he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;
[2] Wherein in time past you walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now works in the children of disobedience:
[3] Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
[4] But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us,
[5] Even when we were dead in sins, has quickened us together with Christ, (by grace you are saved;)
[6] And has raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:
[7] That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
[8] For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
[9] Not of works, lest any man should boast.
[10] For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.

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No man is saved by works that he personally has done. God does not search the earth for “good” men and women that He might use to show off His power. He does not look down and say, “Man, he/she sure does do some great work. I should join with him/her. Imagine what great things he could do My Kingdom because he is such a great worker.” God does not have a draft like the NBA or NFL where he selects the best of the best.

God instead takes the lowest of the low. He calls from a life of sin. He calls us from a life of destruction, and a path that would take us straight to hell. He does this, not according to any works of goodness that we perform. No…God calls us out of darkness, and into light according to His great love and mercy. He takes people who are enemies to good works, and begins a work in them. He begins a transformation in His people. That is why we are called His “workmanship”. He takes us and shapes us. He does a work from the inside out. He awakens our spirit so that we might be able to see the things that He has offered to us; such as salvation only through His Son Jesus. But, God does not stop there. He begins a work in us to transform us into the image of His Son. It is out of that transforming work that we can then carry on the work of God. NOT WORK TO GET SAVED, BUT RATHER WORK BECAUSE WE ARE SAVED.

Notice that we are not just saved, and then called to a life of silent salvation until we die, and then go to heaven. No, we are saved, and then begin a journey to learn to model Christ and join in the fellowship of His good works. Good works are those that demonstrate to others the love of God. Good works will often cause the question to be asked, “Why do you do that?” The question is asked that we who do good works through the power of God would then be able to preach Christ and say, “God is doing a good work in me. He sent His only Son Jesus to die for me when I was yet in my sin. And then He sent His Spirit to reside in me, that I might be able walk in good works and glorify His name. Be it known that there is NO OTHER NAME under heaven and earth whereby man can be saved, except by the name of Jesus our Christ.” What I am saying is that our works of goodness show forth to others the love, mercy, kindness, and grace that God has shown to us. By our demonstration of good works we are able to show others the love of God, and preach Christ.

There is a common theme that I am learning. IT IS ALL ABOUT CHRIST. Good works alone are good. But that is not the main goal. The main goal is to show the love of God. He is the focus. There are many people outside of Christ (don’t believe in Him) that have and do good things. That is good. But, the only problem is that when they are asked about it, they do not point to Christ. They ultimately give the glory to someone other than God. The kingdom of God is not preached. They point to themselves, their parents, and teachers. Give honor to whom it is due. But, when the end of the line is reached it should always point to God, through Christ.

(more to come concerning the subject of works)

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Do You Walk In Good Works?

Online Car Search

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More Than Others

Matthew 5:
(Jesus Speaking)
[38] You have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth:
[39] But I say unto you, That you resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also.
[40] And if any man will sue you at the law, and take away your coat, let him have your cloke also.
[41] And whosoever shall compel you to go a mile, go with him twain.
[42] Give to him that asks you, and from him that would borrow of you turn not away.
[43] You have heard that it hath been said, You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.
[44] But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
[45] That you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.
[46] For if you love them which love you, what reward have you? do not even the publicans the same?
[47] And if you salute your brethren only, what do you more than others? do not even the publicans so?
[48] Be you therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.


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We are taking a brief detour from the study of works. The scriptures above were part of the lesson that I received on Sunday. My thoughts turned to answer the question posed in verse 47, which is the focus of this message. I had to ask myself, “What do you more than others?”. And, it also made me think of all of you. I thought it would be a great topic of discussion today.

The “others” spoken of in verse 47 are those that do not proclaim the name of Christ. It refers to those that do associate themselves with the Gospel message. The question could also be asked, “What do you Christians do more than those who do not believe that Jesus is the Christ who died on the cross for the sins of the world?” I must admit, this is a humbling question. I think we will find that we have work to do. We don’t have time to point fingers at others, in light of the question posed. Shoot; I have to work on my own self. I have reconstruction going on with my body, soul, spirit, and mind.

I ask you, not to answer me but your own self, “What do you do more than others?” Now, you ask yourself that question. “What do I do more than others?”
What do I do when others speak evil of me?
What do I do when people ask something of me?
What do I do when it comes time to love the unlovely, and those who don’t love me back?
What do I do when it comes time to do for my enemy?
What do I do when I am cursed by another?
What do I do when I do not get my way?
What do I do when I see someone in need, and I know I could help?
What do I do when I am mocked, and mistreated?

Those are some tough and thought provoking questions. They call for mirror, so we each can take a look at our own self. I don’t know if you have ever really thought about it, but this Christian walk calls for a different attitude, and different reactions to life’s curveballs. We who call ourselves by the name of Christ often receive the same treatment as those who do not believe in God. The difference is that our reactions must be different. We are held at a higher standard. I realize, to many, it make no sense to love your enemy. It makes no sense to pray for those who despitefully use you, or to not reward evil for evil. Instead to reward evil with good. But, it does not have to make sense. It makes Christ. In those things we show forth the love of God. We show the truth of Christ going to that cross for our sins. A people who certainly do not love Him back all the time for what He has done, is doing, and will do for us.

So we must ask ourselves, “What more do we do than others”? Even better, we must answer that question. We must then get in line with Christ. He is our ultimate example.

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What are you doing more than others?

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The Eyes of Faith (part 7)

(The Doing of It)

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James 2:

[14] What does it profit, my brethren, though a man say he has faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
[15] If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
[16] And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding you give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
[17] Even so faith, if it has not works, is dead, being alone.
[18] Yea, a man may say, You have faith, and I have works: shew me your faith without your works, and I will shew you my faith by my works.
[19] You believe that there is one God; You do well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
[20] But wilt you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
[21] Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
[22] See you how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
[23] And the scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
[24] You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
[25] Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
[26] For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

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We are saved by faith alone. We are saved by faith in the work of Christ.

However, James, is not talking about saving faith. James is talking about our conduct towards God and others, BECAUSE WE ARE SAVED. See, the things James knew, is the same thing we know. It is the same thing that we have witnessed in our own self, as well as others around us. We often have good intentions. We INTEND to do a certain thing. It looks good "on paper". BUT, when it comes to the actual Doing of the thing that we had good intentions to do, something gets lost. Usually that something is the action; the actual doing of the thing.

We are also great talkers. We can talk a thing to death. We can talk ourselves into believing that our good intentions are enough. "Well, I meant to do...." or "I would have done done it, but...." or "It's a good idea for me to......"

James is talking about taking the next step. James is talking about taking those "good intentions", those "good ideas about what we should/could do", and taking the plan "on paper" and put some muscle behind it.....And DO it. That's why James says, "shew me your faith without your works, and I will shew you my faith by my works." My friends, the evidence of a man's faith is often shown by the action that a man does in regards to that which he says he believes in. Talk must become performance. Performance, not to "get saved", but performance because we are saved. We who say we believe in Christ, should LIVE like we believe in Christ. The LIVING would be the act of faith concerning what we profess to believe. Others should be able to see a lot of that LIVING.

For instance; if I were to ask you if you love God, let's assume you would say "Yes, of course". Well, God says that if we love Him, keep His commandments. The actual keeping of God's commandments would be the faith in action that James speaks about concerning showing faith by works. James is saying that his works will point to his faith. It does no good to say, "God I love you" and then not keep His commandments. Those two would be contrary to one another. Our works/actions would not be lining up with our words.

Think about it along these lines. Let's say you have a spouse, or significant other (opposite sex of course). That person always says "I love you" before leaving the house. Then one day you find out that person leaves the house and goes to visit another woman/man to be intimate with. How much does their words, "I love you" then mean to you at that point? What about the person who leaves the house, but never really says I love you. But, they do the things everyday that show you that they truly love you. You don't have do wonder if they love you. Sure, you would like to hear the words from time to time, but I believe that you must admit that given the choice you would take the action over the words any day of the week. One story of no works, and the other of works.

Basically, James is simply saying that you should generally be able to see a person's faith, or lack thereof, by the works/actions of their everyday life. James is instructing the readers to stop with all the talk only, and add the second half to that. The second half is the doing of what was talked about. The second half makes the first half complete, or perfect.

Does that make sense?

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Do you show your faith by your works?

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The Eyes of Faith (part 6)

(Faith Requires No Signs)

Matthew 12:

[34] O generation of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
[35] A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things.
[36] But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.
[37] For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.
[38] Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from you.
[39] But He answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
[40] For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.
[41] The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: because they repented at the preaching of Jonas; and, behold, a greater than Jonas is here.
[42] The queen of the south shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for she came from the uttermost parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; and, behold, a greater than Solomon is here.
[43] When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none.
[44] Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished.
[45] Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it be also unto this wicked generation.

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We live in a world were proof is king. If I tell you that I can jump 20 feet in the air, you are most definitely going to want to see it with your own eyes, before you believe it. If someone tells you that they can pick up a building with their bear hands you are going to want to see that. Even if I tell you that I actually saw it with my own two eyes, that still will not no be enough for most. You will still want to see it for your own self. Therein lies the saying, "Seeing is believing".

That saying, nor the spirit behind it, is new. And the principle applies to all aspects of life that we think are extraordinary, or just different from the norm. This was the case in the days of Jesus. It had been taught for many generations that there was a need that One come on the scene to die for the sins of the people. It was prophesied that One would come on the scene in Jerusalem and restore the kingdom. (Though they thought it was a physical kingdom, but it turns out to be a spiritual kingdom)

My point is that they had God in the flesh right before their very eyes preaching the good news of the kingdom with authority that they had never heard from any other. He healed the sick, gave sight to the blind, forgave sins, and fed thousands with very little. And yet, they still said, "we would see a sign from You." What does a Brotha have to do?!!!...Many of us turn our noses up at them, and the thought of them needing more proof that Jesus is the very Son of God sent to deliver His people from their sins.....And yet, we do the same thing.

We say:
"I could believe it, IF ONLY some physical evidence were available."
"I could believe it, IF ONLY they could find the tomb where Jesus was laid."
"I could believe it, IF ONLY they could find Noah's ark. I could believe it, IF ONLY the stories in the Bible made sense to me."
"I could believe it, IF ONLY God had written the Bible His own self, and not used men to pen it (The Bible says in Exodus 31:18 that God wrote the 10 commandments with His finger and then gave them to Moses, but that still is not enough proof) ."
"I could believe it, IF ONLY God would do what I tell Him to do (because we are so smart; sarcasm)."
"I could believe it, IF (fading) ONLY ONLy ONly Only only............................".

We, who do believe, still do it in certain instances in our life. We seek "confirmation" from God that what we asked for will come to pass. Then we need a confirmation about our confirmation...Yes, we are a funny group sometimes. I have done it myself, I must admit.

The moral to this story is the fact that we have what we need to believe. We have His Word. God has given us faith. Of course we need to exercise it, and strengthen that faith.

Hebrews 11:
[1] Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
[2] For by it the elders obtained a good report.
[3] Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.

We have all that we are going to get to believe; faith. If faith is not enough for you and me, then we are in trouble. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by God...
Faith requires no signs. Faith believes God, at His word. Faith sees spiritual things, without always having physical evidence to back it up. Faith is the tangible proof that salvation is only through Jesus. Faith is the tangible proof that God will deliver to us what He has promised. We don't need any other "sign" to believe our great God. If God says it, then it shall be done.

Blessed is the man who believes without needing a physical sign.

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Do you believe without needing a sign?