Movements of Belief

June 04, 2023

Movements of Belief

Choices made and their accompanying movements reveal something of what has been going on inside. People choose to do many different things with their lives based on so many different factors that are forming deep-rooted beliefs. Words of encouragement from parents, teachers, and friends allow for a confident self-image and diligence to master areas of productivity. Ridiculing and demeanor, however, can crush the greatest of potentials with doubt and disbelief. Perception of experiences and circumstances in life can be part of a conviction to pursue a specific path and direction. Fear is often a very debilitating factor as belief in failure or pain of some kind disables movement toward a potential accomplishment. The daily and even moment-by-moment chosen reaction to life is a display of how the heart’s belief has been affected by life’s perceptions, whether true or even severely fractured.

When we come to faith in Christ, we encounter a heart experience that can begin to influence every other movement in life with the effect of His presence. Those things that once were a great influence on our movements - emotional, circumstantial, and challenging perceptions – no longer have to determine movement decisions. As a new creation in Christ, all the old things that we followed after have fallen away, while every movement can now reflect what’s been going on inside. We no longer have to conform to the ways of the world, but our movements can now come from the still, small voice of the Spirit. Believing in Him is letting go of belief in motivation apart from Him. Encouragement and strength may come from other sources, but the movements that reflect our new-found belief will come from Him alone. Such stability and security come from faith in the Rock and not the many other elements that may shift and shake. Knowing and following after that Voice, though, will come from continual communication with Him spirit to Spirit. With every step will then be the pleasing of Him with faith.

Notes

Movements from belief

Acts 20:22-24 (NKJV) 22 And see, now I go bound in the spirit to Jerusalem, not knowing the things that will happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit testifies in every city, saying that chains and tribulations await me. 24 But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.

Seen vs Eternal

2 Corinthians 4:16-18 (NKJV) 16 Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.

Differences of belief – faith vs sight

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NLT) 7 For we live by believing and not by seeing.

In Christ – old directives die/every movement comes alive to Him/His purpose

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NKJV) 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

So what do we go by for direction if not things that are seen?

Prophets of Baal vs God/Elijah

1 Kings 18:21 (NKJV) 21 And Elijah came to all the people, and said, “How long will you falter between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.” But the people answered him not a word.

Evidence of God is not God

1 Kings 19:11-12 (NKJV) 11 Then He said, “Go out, and stand on the mountain before the LORD.” And behold, the LORD passed by, and a great and strong wind tore into the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the LORD, but the LORD was not in the wind; and after the wind an earthquake, but the LORD was not in the earthquake; 12 and after the earthquake a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire; and after the fire a still small voice.

When you have Him, why need anything else?

Mark 8:12 (NLT) 12 When he heard this, he sighed deeply in his spirit and said, “Why do these people keep demanding a miraculous sign? I tell you the truth, I will not give this generation any such sign.”

Truth comes not from outside voices, but from inside

1 John 2:27 (NLT) 27 But you have received the Holy Spirit, and he lives within you, so you don’t need anyone to teach you what is true. For the Spirit teaches you everything you need to know, and what he teaches is true—it is not a lie. So just as he has taught you, remain in fellowship with Christ.

Guide on the Inside

John 16:13 (NKJV) 13 However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He will speak; and He will tell you things to come.

In the middle of outside voices – the Lord’s voice will guide

Isaiah 30:20-22 (NLT) 20 Though the Lord gave you adversity for food and suffering for drink, he will still be with you to teach you. You will see your teacher with your own eyes. 21 Your own ears will hear him. Right behind you a voice will say, “This is the way you should go,” whether to the right or to the left. 22 Then you will destroy all your silver idols and your precious gold images. You will throw them out like filthy rags, saying to them, “Good riddance!”

Movements from belief in Jesus lead to freedom

John 8:31-32 (NLT) 31 Jesus said to the people who believed in him, “You are truly my disciples if you remain faithful to my teachings. 32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

Overview:

  • Where there is belief, there is accompanying movement.
  • By believing in Christ, we get a new source for our movements.
  • It’s no longer what is seen that moves us, but belief in the unseen.
  • Rather than coming from outside influence, our direction comes from inside.
  • By the Spirit, we have a voice continually guiding into the freedom and purpose of truth.

Prayer:

It’s in You, Father, that I have found that settled knowing I can respond to with confidence. I am waiting and listening now to respond with joy to the direction of Your voice. Guide me ever more into a life of sharing Your goodness.

Declarations:

  • All the old voices that I used to move to have passed away as I now respond only to the voice of the Spirit.
  • I no longer walk according to what I hear or see from the outside, but am moved only when it bears witness with the Spirit’s voice inside.
  • As my movements are faithful to the One I believe in, I am led to a life of freedom with eternal purpose.