The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
Psalm 14:1a
Today we are going to wrestle with question, “Does God exist?” No doubt our movie this weekend will passionately argue that “God’s Not Dead.” Perhaps you want to dig deeper on this subject for yourself or someone you know. One of my favorite apologists who argues for the existence of God is William Lane Craig. Dr. Craig is famous for his writings and public debates. In fact, he’s so good that many of the leading atheists refuse to debate him.
On Craig’s website, www.reasonablefaith.org, he offers a plethora of help to those who wish to investigate or defend the faith. Here is a quote from the entry “Does God Exist?”
Does God exist? C. S. Lewis once remarked that God is not the sort of thing one can be moderately interested in. After all, if God does not exist, there's no reason to be interested in God at all. On the other hand, if God does exist, then this is of paramount interest, and our ultimate concern ought to be how to be properly related to this being upon whom we depend moment by moment for our very existence.
William Lane Criag goes on to give three reasons why God’s existence makes a difference in our lives.
- If God does not exist, life is ultimately meaningless.
- If God does not exist, then we must ultimately live without hope.
- On the other hand, if God does exist, then not only is there meaning and hope, but there is also the possibility of coming to know God and His love personally.
To read more and see how he develops these thoughts in depth I encourage you to visit http://www.reasonablefaith.org/does-god-exist-1 today and grow in your faith and understanding.
And he said: "Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:3
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Luke 6:38
Jesus cares about giving. He preached about it A LOT. He watched what people gave at the temple and commended the widow who gave all she had. (Luke 21:1-4) Jesus cares about our giving because He cares about our heart. “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21
Recently, I’ve learned a lot about giving from my children. Each one has a job this summer that provides them with some spending money. Leslie and I have taught them about tithing (giving 10%) to God first. They have all caught on but something interesting has happened. When it comes time to give they always want to give more than 10% of what they have made. They WANT to go above and beyond. I’ve also seen their growing concern to help people in need. While most adults keep what they give a secret, in a recent offering my youngest was waving around his $5 bill so proud of what he was giving to God.
Giving has made my kids better. If I follow their example I’m sure it will do the same in me. I’m not saying we should start waiving our offering around before we put it in the plate, but our hearts should rejoice for the opportunity to give, putting God first and advancing His Kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven.
Click here to give to Christian Life online.
My life verse is… “Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NLT)
Do you have a life verse?
At this point you may be asking, “What is a life verse?” A “life verse” is a verse or short passage from the Bible that speaks to your heart, almost as though it was written for just you.
There is nothing that requires you to have a life verse but I have found it extremely valuable in my walk with God. It is something the Holy Spirit can and does use to guide, comfort, or strengthen me during each season of life. My life verse seems to be my “go to” verse no matter what I’m facing. In the good times and bad God uses this passage to direct me toward His will and way for my life. I am truly thankful for my “life verse.”
This week I asked my friends what their life verses were and here are a few of their responses you can check out and highlight during your next quiet time: Jeremiah 29:11, Revelation 12:11, Philippians 4:6, Isaiah 58:6-11, Philippians 1:21, Psalm 46:10, Luke 7:47, Philippians 4:13, Romans 8:1, Proverbs 3:5-6, Galatians 2:20, John 3:16, John 10:10, Philippians 1:6, Matthew 6:33, Romans 12:2, John 15:5, 2 Corinthians 5:13, Romans 10:11, John 6:27, Mark 12:30-31.
Is there a trick to finding your life verse in the Bible? Not really. God’s Word is so deep that there are literally thousands of verses and passages to choose from. Keep your heart open when reading or hearing the Word of God. Be listening for God to speak His specific words to you.
Click here to listen to my message on my life verse.
