Who is God? What is Faith?

Hebrews 11:6 says that without faith it is impossible to please God, then it goes on to say that Faith is believing that God is...(which for many is the easy part, I just went for a bike ride on the shore of Lake Okeechobee this morning, and watched the sun rise....I cannot deny God exists.) However the next part of the verse explains a vital part of what faith is...."and that God is a REWARDER, of those who sincerely seek Him." This latter part of Faith's definition has more to do with WHO we believe God is. For many God is a punish-er, or a distant divinity, or an object of their own failed parents projection. How many times have you heard fiery sermons on God's desire to reward you. Maybe only if you first send the preacher an offering.

I am reminded when Christ was Baptized and God the father's voice was heard from Heaven saying. This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.Now surely this was not news to Christ. I don't believe he needed to hear this affirmation in order to fulfill His role in our Salvation. However Christ came to reveal to us the heart of God. This day God revealed, his love for his children and his desire to show himself as a loving parent who delights in his children. Christ many times compared God to us as parents and he said over and over, "if you do this for your children, How much more will God the father......" My prayer is that you would allow the Voice of the Father to speak to your heart this morning, " You are my beloved child I am pleased with you."

Now you are probably like me and would think, well I know there are things in my life that surely do not please God. However as a Dad myself of two wonderful teens, that I love and delight in very much, I still recognize that are not fully who they will grow up to be. But that does not stop my love and delight for who they are now. God desires to walk with us as we grow into the men and women he has created us to be. We haven't arrived, but the journey is much better when we can delight in the love and delight of our Heavenly Father who is committed to giving us everything we need for life.

GOD IS FOR US NOT AGAINST US!

Peace!