Weekend Music links on iTunes: God is with Us by Michael Olson; All Because of Jesus by Fee; Strong Tower by Kutless; Come Thou Fount arranged by Canvas.

Read: Gen. 3:10; James 1:5-8

Think: While “fake it ‘til you make it” may be sound advice in some circumstances where you need to portray confidence until you master a skill, it is deadly to one’s spiritual life. If you are struggling with belief in God or another aspect of faith you may find that you are wearing a mask of what you think a “real” believer would look like or act like.  The longer you wear that mask, the more you are alienated from God, who by the way, isn’t fooled, and from others who may be able to help you.

If you are asking questions, you can be assured that you are not the first person who wondered about whatever the issue may be. There are answers. Pastor reminded us on Sunday that our small groups are a great place to work out whatever we may be dealing with. God says in Proverbs 13:20, “he who walks with the wise grows wise”. Talk openly with those whose faith you admire, ask the questions that you have. If they don’t have the answers, they may be able to direct you to an author, or other resources. Or, talk with a pastor. Just don’t continue in the world’s advice to “fake it ‘til you make it”.

Do: Deal with your doubts. Seek answers.  In James 1:6&8, the Bible says that “one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind”. “He is double-minded, and unstable in all he does.” Feeling unstable and tossed about is no way to live. Remember, God desires authenticity in our relationship with Him. A real relationship with God is exciting and rewarding. Well worth pursuing.

Pray: God, thank you that your shoulders are big enough to handle my doubts and fears. Help me to be courageous enough to take off the mask I’ve been hiding behind. As I seek answers, please reveal yourself to me. I desire an authentic relationship with you and I know that’s what you want from me. Amen

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.

4505 236th Ave. NE • Redmond, WA 98053 • 425-869-4400 • info@timberlakeonline.org

Weekend Music links on iTunes: God is with Us by Michael Olson; All Because of Jesus by Fee; Strong Tower by Kutless; Come Thou Fount arranged by Canvas.

Read:  Psalm 51:16-17; Gen. 3:10

Think:  No matter how confident we are, I think we’ve all experienced the feeling of wanting to hide our true self from other people. But what about this idea we have that we can somehow hide from God?  Ever since Adam and Eve tried that in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:10) people have been trying to hide from God.

Out of our own pride or shame and our mistaken ideas of who God is, we may try to fake who we are, even with this God who created us. On Sunday, Pastor Ben said “God would rather hear something authentic from a sinner than something fake from a saint”. It made me think of the song I’ve heard on the radio by Amy Grant called “Better than a Hallelujah”. The lyrics say, “the honest cries of a breaking heart are better than a hallelujah sometimes” and “silence when the words won’t come is better than a church bell ringing, better than a choir singing out”…in other words, God loves authenticity. He says this over and over in the Bible. In Psalm 51 the psalmist says, “the sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise”.

Do: Let the fact that God loves you sink deep into your spirit. Seek to be honest with him. If you are hiding any part of yourself, come to him with it and trust his love for you. Just as honesty between people can deepen a relationship, honesty with God will result in a deeper and more satisfying relationship with him. 

Pray: Dear God, I really desire an honest relationship with you. I am coming to you today trusting your love for me. As I am honest before you, I know that you will not despise me or turn me away. (Spend some time revealing some hidden places in your heart if necessary). Thank you for your incredible love. Amen

The eDevotional is written each week by a team of volunteers from Timberlake Church.

4505 236th Ave. NE • Redmond, WA 98053 • 425-869-4400 • info@timberlakeonline.org