Next: God Rewards

This is where we separate the men from the boys or the true believers from the (demons?). Yikes! We believe God is; now we have to prove it.

We look back at Hebrews 11:6

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

We prove our faith by seeking God. For me, the first part is easy. Of course I believe God is. I believe He rewards and blesses those who diligently seek Him, too. But I have room for improvement on the "diligently seek Him" part. Yes I seek God by reading the scriptures and by praying, but my actions aren't up to the level of faith where I think they should be because I don't seek Him as much as I should.

¹⁹ You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. ²⁰ How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? James 2:19-20

The smart aleck Denise version would be: You say you have faith because you believe in God. Big deal! That puts you right up there with the demons. But they tremble in fear and awe of God (do you even do that?) If you really believed, your life would prove it or what's the point?

Wow! That was kind of painful to write. It was like slapping myself upside the head.  In James, the scriptures talk about good deeds as in charitable acts and helping those in need. Good deeds include seeking God and obeying Him.

This is the fruit I expect as a result of planting seed in my heart about who God is. I expect my desire to spend more time with Him to increase.

¹² Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. ¹³ You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. ¹⁴ I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. Jeremiah 29:12-14a NIV

First: God Is

No excuses! You have to know that God exists. Creation is not a coincidence. Here's what God's word says about it.

¹⁹ since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. ²⁰ For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. Romans 1:19-20 NIV

When we look at the beauty of creation, it is God's hint to us that He exists.  You would have to work too hard to deny it. That's the first step of faith—knowing/believing that God exists.

But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. Hebrews 11:6 NKJV

Those who acknowledge God's existence are on the right path. Think about the most beautiful thing you've ever seen in nature. Does it make your mouth drop open with awe? For me it's stars. When I look at the night sky, sometimes I just have to sing How Great Thou Art.

Step one accomplished. I believe God is.