Conviction: March 12, 2014

TODAYS WORD FOR WEDNESDAY MARCH 12, 2014.

CONVICTION

DEFINITION:

A firm belief; an act of convincing.

SCRIPTURE:

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.  Jeremiah 17:7.

But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:6.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

An acorn needs nutrients and time to grow into a tall, sturdy tree. Likewise believers need to nourish and grow their Christian belief system through a commitment to sincere Bible study and prayer. The result will be men and women with deep conviction concerning Godly truths and a firm belief system.

One may need to consider on what basis they have formed their convictions. Here are a few questions that may get you started. Do you consider the Bible to be true and trustworthy? Do you think that believing in Jesus Christ is the only way to be saved?

What is the Holy Spirit’s role in the lives of the believers and the unbelievers? Are we to forgive others in every situation? How should Christians approach their finances? What is your purpose in life? How should you think and act regarding social issues like abortion and racism.

These all are very key questions that one must answer in order to develop a true biblical based personal philosophy and a firm belief (convictions) system. If you struggle to answer any of these questions you need to study the Bible and make God’s Word the foundation of your thinking.

Each one of us needs to reevaluate our personal beliefs. We need to evaluate what the Bible says about each issue rather than looking at an issue through the lens of personal preference. Ask yourself on each question: “What does God say?” rather than, “What does this mean to me?”

Once you know what God says, you have a choice to make. You can believe Him and make a commitment to live according to His Word, or continue being tossed by waves of doubt and indecision, as James wrote in the verse we put above. Root your conviction in the Word of God and you will be able to stand tall like a mighty oak tree before the world. 

In Jeremiah 17:7 Jeremiah says that the “man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord” is blessed. In the following verse he describes him “as being like a tree planted by water that sends out its roots by a stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.” What a wonderful promise this is for all who stand firm in their conviction that God is the one true God and He alone is worthy of their trust.

LEARNING:

Our memory verse for this week is found in John 14:3-4.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know.

PRAYER:

Help me to reevaluate my belief system by answering carefully the questions above as they relate to me and my family. Keep me faithful to my convictions and take away any doubts I might have concerning my faith. Thank You that You are a Holy and just God worthy of my trust. Thank You for Your promise to bless those who trust in You.