i believe

Open blank journal on a table with a cup of coffe

Instead of telling you where I’m coming from, I’m going to share with you where I am going. The following is list of 21 beliefs that come from hours of conversations with my husband, Bruce, and with many friends. I’m not looking for agreement, this is simply where I find myself in the process of spiritual growth.

  1. I believe God is good. He is unfolding certain purposes in the world.
  2. Life works best when we align our life with His purposes.
  3. Common to every person is the assignment to reflect God’s love and nature to the world.
  4. God interacts with people in modern times like He did in ancient times. However, not in a predictable manner.
  5. Evil that happens in the world doesn’t represent God.
  6. Spiritual growth is a flexible, life-long process. In other words, not everyone goes through the same stages in the same order or in the same time frame.
  7. Humans are designed to be in relationships with one another and God; that is when life is most satisfying.
  8. Relationships are best when they go deep. Not everyone is comfortable with this but we thrive in vulnerable relationships. Love happens when we are vulnerable. People stay where they feel loved.
  9. Relationships are built on connection not agreement. In other words, I can stay connected with you even if our beliefs differ. It’s a matter of honor and respect.
  10. Our first task is to open our heart to God and enter a loving relationship with Him.
  11. Heavenly Father exists in relationship with Jesus Christ and Holy Spirit.
  12. I believe in miracles. Jesus came to the earth to heal broken hearts and broken bodies. He came to set the captives free, release people from darkness and release God’s favor. Common to every Christian is the assignment to complete Jesus’ mission in the world.
  13. Jesus didn’t come to the world to condemn the world but to save it. Salvation is available to every person regardless of their sexual orientation.
  14. The spiritual realm is real.
  15. The human spirit is radiant and can be nurtured and developed or ignored and neglected. The Holy Spirit connects to our human spirit, if not our spirit grieves.
  16. The Holy Spirit moves in the world to comfort, convict, advocate, guide, and teach.
  17. The Bible is a collection of stories of people who have gone before us and had encounters with God. The Bible is useful for correction and instruction and is best read with the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
  18. People want to know truth but organized religion has lost its role in society as a credible source of truth. A chief contribution to this is the practice of making assumptions and proclaiming them as truth.
  19. Satan and his dark forces steal, kill and destroy life on earth. The Bible is a weapon to contend against his dark forces not against people.
  20. A Christian community can be healthy or toxic despite excellent theology. And is best when it is a learning community designed to help people on a spiritual journey.
  21. Christianity is not for the faint of heart. In the Christian faith, you will grow and be stretched beyond what you think is possible. You will be humbled progressively and loved lavishly. In the process, you will develop a magnificent strength of heart.

©2017 Belinda McDanel