One word can entirely change the meaning of a sentence.  Let me illustrate:

Do you believe in God?

Do you believe God?

Huge, don’t you think?

Be Relevant
Reggie McNeal opened the Faith Lift conference yesterday reminding church leaders that we need to be the Church instead of just doing church; to bring more people to faith, the Church needs to become more relevant to the world today and break out of its tradition and ritual. I couldn’t agree more.

Be a Blessing
Last night, McNeal focused on how we can bless people by asking one simple question: “How can I ask God to bless you”? Servers at restaurants seem to be his favorite people to ask, and he has several stories of how those people saw his prayers answered.

Believe God
Foundational to McNeal’s blessing approach is that we believe God, not just believe in Him. We need to believe the promises he’s laid out in scripture. We need to believe in his ability to change any circumstances. We need to believe that he wants to fulfill dreams and bless people. We need to believe his promises for protection and provision. And, mostly, we need to remember that his promises are not just for Christians. None of us is worthy of his mercy and grace, so we all equally deserve that which he promises.

I have a Bible Promise Book that I pull out from time to time (usually bad times). When I’m struggling with circumstances in my life and I can’t figure out why I’m in those situations or what I’m suppose to learn, I’ll turn to God’s promises to help restore my faith. The book lays out scriptures that point to God’s faithfulness and love, his guidance and will for our lives. If I’m feeling depressed or fearful, there are verses set aside to combat those emotions. The book reminds me that God is not distant but in the midst of my situation. He sees every emotion, every tear, every yet-unfulfilled longing. And it reminds me that he is true to his word, he can be trusted. I can believe him.

We need to hold fast to God’s promises for ourselves and others. Then, and only then, can we confidently pray bold prayers for healing, dreams to be fulfilled, marriages to be reconciled and blessing. God wants to do these things. We just need to believe him. When we believe God’s promises, doing something radical, as suggested in yesterday’s post, will become everyday. We will move in faith, knowing that with God all things are possible.

So, I have two questions for you:

1. What promises of God are you clinging to today?
2. How can I ask God to bless you today?

Psalm 84:11 (NLT): For the Lord God is our sun and our shield.
      He gives us grace and glory.
   The Lord will withhold no good thing
      from those who do what is right.

2 Timothy 2:13 (NLT): If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is.

For another perspective, check out this BeDeviant blog post.