Beyond BeliefSample

DAY ONE: Beyond belief. How have you been doing since you trusted Christ as your Lord and Savior? How is your heart? Do your attitudes, affections, and convictions reflect the character of Christ? You may believe that Jesus is the Christ and look to Him for your salvation, but has the Lordship of your heart made a complete transfer? The handing over of position, power, and responsibility from one lord to the next isn't without tremendous change and cost.

If asked what we believe, most of us would likely respond with a solid and heartfelt answer, but what is the state of our belief? Are there any underlying conditions? When put to the test, what do we really believe? And why do we believe what we believe? When our faith is securely grounded in God's Word, our words, attitudes, and actions will reflect what we believe.

When was the last time you considered the foundation of your home? Our son and daughter-in-law recently discovered that their basement walls were bulging due to moisture. The forces of time, soil erosion, and water drainage weakened the structure. According to several experts, it will cost $25,000 to repair the problem. This adorable house, built in the 1920s in a charming, older neighborhood, is a perfect place for their family. A pretty wreath hangs on their front door; sidewalks and trees line both sides of the street. All looks fine from the outside, yet there is a hidden problem that must be fixed! Left unaddressed, it will lead to the collapse of a wall. Disaster isn't imminent, but they must care for the problem soon.

Just as a house needs a firm foundation to support its frame securely, our hearts need a solid foundation to remain devoted amid the storms of life—through trial, temptation, and tragedy. We don't want to wait until disaster hits. Is our faith built upon sound, biblical teaching? Do we believe God's Word in our heads, embrace it in our hearts and obey it in our lives? Will our belief stand the test of time, trial, temptation, and tribulation? Will our lives draw others to Christ?

Exploring these questions is what this reading plan is all about. It is for those who want to know where their beliefs are rooted, not just to know the correct answer, but to know Jesus, love Him, and follow Him fully.