Genuine Faith
"But the Lord said to Samuel, 'Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart."- 1 Samuel 16:7
Genuine faith is about getting closer to God. It's about spiritual intimacy with God and being honest with ourselves. When we focus too much on the outward aspects of our faith, we can distort what it means to have an authentic relationship with God.
Years ago, I had the opportunity to tour Universal Studios in Los Angeles. As we walked through the sets of some of TV's most popular shows, I noticed something interesting. When I stepped inside the houses on the various sets, they were just a facade. From the outside, they looked like real homes.”beautifully crafted, with all the details you'd expect. But when you walked around or peeked behind them, you realized there was nothing there. They were just big pictures painted to look like real houses, with no substance behind them.
This experience made me think about how easy it is to fall into the trap of living a faith that's all about appearances. It's tempting to focus on doing all the right things”going to church, reading the Bible, saying the right words”without paying attention to what's happening in our hearts. We can look good on the outside, but if there's no real connection with God behind it, then what's the point?
Jesus warns against this kind of empty faith. He didn't come to create a religion of surface-level believers who follow rules and rituals without experiencing true transformation. He came to invite us into a relationship where we can be real—where we don't have to pretend we've got it all together.
Don't let your faith become a facade. Don't settle for just looking good on the outside. Take the time to build an authentic relationship with God, one that goes beyond appearances and touches the deepest parts of who you are. Real faith isn't about perfection; it's about honesty, vulnerability, and letting God work in your life in a genuine way. When we do that, we're not just painting a pretty picture”we''re building something real that lasts.
Genuine faith is about getting closer to God. It's about spiritual intimacy with God and being honest with ourselves. When we focus too much on the outward aspects of our faith, we can distort what it means to have an authentic relationship with God.
Years ago, I had the opportunity to tour Universal Studios in Los Angeles. As we walked through the sets of some of TV's most popular shows, I noticed something interesting. When I stepped inside the houses on the various sets, they were just a facade. From the outside, they looked like real homes.”beautifully crafted, with all the details you'd expect. But when you walked around or peeked behind them, you realized there was nothing there. They were just big pictures painted to look like real houses, with no substance behind them.
This experience made me think about how easy it is to fall into the trap of living a faith that's all about appearances. It's tempting to focus on doing all the right things”going to church, reading the Bible, saying the right words”without paying attention to what's happening in our hearts. We can look good on the outside, but if there's no real connection with God behind it, then what's the point?
Jesus warns against this kind of empty faith. He didn't come to create a religion of surface-level believers who follow rules and rituals without experiencing true transformation. He came to invite us into a relationship where we can be real—where we don't have to pretend we've got it all together.
Don't let your faith become a facade. Don't settle for just looking good on the outside. Take the time to build an authentic relationship with God, one that goes beyond appearances and touches the deepest parts of who you are. Real faith isn't about perfection; it's about honesty, vulnerability, and letting God work in your life in a genuine way. When we do that, we're not just painting a pretty picture”we''re building something real that lasts.
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January
Let it GoA Prayer for RestorationThe Power of Self-ForgivenessEmbracing FreedomFrom Transgression to RedemptionRelease and FreedomWisdom in ReflectionBlessed Assurance in ForgivenessEmbracing Divine RestTrusting in the WaitingEmbracing Peace in Unresolved MomentsMoving Forward Without ClosureA New Chapter AwaitsRefocusing for a New ChapterThe Danger of Looking BackLet God Be Your DefenseGod's Victory, Not OursThe Author of Your New ChapterThe Faithful Promise KeeperA Promise UnveiledThe Urgency of ObedienceThe University of AdversityThriving in AdversityForging the Future YouTransformative Power of AdversityThe Role of ResilienceThe Gift of EmpathyChanging PerspectiveGod's Purpose in Your AdversityThe Anchoring Power of TrustConsistent in Prayer, Unwavering in Praise
February
Navigating Life's JourneyLessons from the Prodigal SonStaying on TrackA Lesson in PatienceTrusting in God's TimingAvoiding the DriftChoosing Your Company WiselyThe Impact of Your Inner CircleThe Call to Responsible StewardshipFrom Rock Bottom to RedemptionGetting My Life Back On TrackWholeness Beyond Rock BottomWaking Up to ResponsibilityFacing the FactsOnly God Can Make Life Worth Living You Can Do ItYour Transformation MattersBreaking Free from ShameGod's Unwavering CareThe Good ShepherdThe Shepherd Who ProvidesFinding Refuge in God's ProtectionGod's Omnipotent ProtectionGod's Unseen ProtectionOverflowing BlessingsA Unique LoveA Divine ExchangeThe Power in His Precious BloodFrom Trials to Praise
March
Cleansing Body, Mind, and SpiritDetoxifying the MindDetoxifying for Spiritual EmpowermentThe Promise of God's PresenceWalking Purely Under God's ProtectionEmbracing God's Promise of RedemptionEmbracing God's Promise of ReconciliationThe Blessing of God's Adoption and ProvisionGod Desires RelationshipGod's Unconditional LoveGod's Gift of GraceNot OptionalPromises for the ChosenVIP Status in the KingdomThe Necessity of Cleansing for Kingdom CitizensThe Power WithinFinding Peace Beyond the PastHealing WoundsCleansing the TempleUnpacking the Trauma WithinHealing from WithinThe Promise of HealingBeyond the MindFinding Safety in Your BodyThe Power of a WishThe Ultimate WishBeyond Religious PerformanceBeyond Personal AchievementTrue Gain in Knowing ChristKnowing Christ DeeplyThe Power of His Resurrection
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