I have a family member who I know beyond a shadow of a doubt accepted Christ at a young age, was in church, went on mission trips and yet as an adult FOR NOW really doesn’t want anything to do with the Lord (I blame the Marine Corps, but that’s just me)! I am praying for and believe with all of my heart that he will return to the Lord and his wife will be saved (another clue!). Pray for them with me, would you? I received this devotional from Pastor Andy Anderson.
According to research, there is an increasing number of people leaving the Christian faith, and the public proclamation of faith, and are joining the ranks of atheism. Now there is also a twist here. An increasing number of those still desire to believe in heaven, even though they don’t, they want to. What I see here are those who do not have the Spirit of Christ within them, and want to have, but don’t know how to get Him there. It’s like, ‘If there is a God, then He would have to show me proof that heaven exists, before I believe.” I find it sad! Perhaps you, who read this today might be one that feels that way, or thinks that way. But let me share some Scripture and explain: “But as it is written: What eye did not see and ear did not hear, and what never entered the human mind – God prepared this for those who love Him. Now God has revealed these things to us by the Spirit, for the Spirit searches every thing, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man that is in him? In the same way, no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.” 1 Corinthians 2:9-11 God does not have to prove anything to any of us. Through belief, we accept that He exists, and that He gave His Son to pay the penalty for all of us. When we accept and believe, we are given the Holy Spirit, who reveals His truth, and let’s us know beyond doubt that eternity exists, and it now has placed hope within us. God does not make deals, and He is God, and therefore does not need to prove Himself to any man. He wants us to come to Him of our own free will, and believe through faith that He is God. For that person, God has prepared the formula for faith. He has given us enlightenment. We literally have been changed by Him, and the old way has passed. Do you know someone that has left the faith? If so, have they ever really believed to begin with? For if they believed, they would still have the Spirit burning within them. (Read Hebrews 6:4-9) For God gives graciously to those who believe, and He continues to walk with those who believe. Perhaps you have been feeling like He is not longer there for you. I want to assure you today: He has not left, but it is us who have wandered from the hope that still burns within us. Come back to that which He has given us, and surrender once again to Him, and He will renew your heart, and will show you what you already have, through the Spirit of Christ.
Barnabas Man 