Daily Companion  | 4 September

YOUR BELIEF OR YOUR FAITH?

Bible Reading: John 1:43-51

  And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see. -  John 1:46

Beliefs people hold have a very strong influence on them. Cultural or traditional beliefs, superstitions and personal scepticism can becloud people's minds from the faith in God's word and His ability. This could be a 'curse' some need to break before they can experience the wonders of Christ in their lives.

 "Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth?", Nathaniel in disbelief asked Philip.  Nathanael was a man who would "not just believe everything that people said" and very hard to be deceived. Nathanael was from Cana, which is close to Nazareth, so he was well-versed in the city. He was never aware of 'any positive outcomes' from that location. Being a pragmatist, he called the "blind faith" stuff off. Nathanael was not impressed by the mere assertion that the Messiah had arrived. He must be convinced beyond the belief he once held about Nazareth. 

Like Nathanael, people generally often choose whom and what to believe. Your attitude, way of life and practice are products of the beliefs you hold. What you believe in has a strong influence on your personality, your perspective, and your progress in life. They either make, mar or stagnate you and affect your relationship with God and people. “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “LORD, who has believed our report?” (Romans 10:16). 

However, after passing through a series of hard times and disappointments with false prophets and fake pastors, choosing to believe the true Gospel or anyone else may also prove hard. If you only believe God exists, then you are not better than demons who believe God exists too and even tremble (James 2:19). God is more than existing; He is a Life Maker and Miracle Worker to those who have unwavering faith in Him. 

Therefore, you need to break forth from all beliefs that hold back your faith in God today. Paul said …for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day (2 Timothy 1:12). 

Beloved, if you will succeed in life, enjoy daily miracles from the Lord, and have a smooth and strong relationship with God and peace with man, you will need to cast out all negative beliefs you hold. To increase your faith in God, listen more to Him, open up your heart, and you will see yourself obey Him and prosper (2 Chronicles 20:20). God is your Maker, He knows your past, present, future and what’s best for You. You have to start listening to God. The easiest and unambiguous way He speaks is through the Scripture, the Bible, and His Word. So, then faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the word of God (Romans 10:16-17).  

 Today’s Recite: And Jesus said to them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” - Matthew 9:28)..   

Today’s Morning Prayer: O Lord I confess and renounce all negative cultural or personal beliefs I once held against You and people. I ask that You purge my heart of them all. Give me a new heart to have unwavering faith in Your ability and power. I receive my miracle today in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen!   

Today’s Hymn: Have Faith in God

Today’s ReadMe:  Daniel 4 - 6