True Belief vs. Lip Service

If you have any comments, questions or suggestions for future topics send us an email: [email protected]   ************************************* The Story of Blondin https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9H-yrfmqmGc https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Blondin I thought that was a great story to start the podcast with as I wanted to talk about what it means to believe in God.  A gallop poll last year found that 89% of American say they believe in God, but what does that truly mean?  To believe in the mere existence of God does not mean anything if you do not know, understand or believe who God is. When we truly believe something our actions should correspond with our beliefs  In the story of Blondin despite the people witnessing him successfully walking 1100 feet across and 160 feet above Niagara falls numerous times and saying they believed with their lips showed they really didn’t believe because of their actions by not willing to get inside the wheelbarrow  If we truly believe in God then our actions will correspond with our supposed belief Knowing God Knowing God’s qualities and most importantly that God is doing everything God is doing everything   What does that mean: God is doing everything  [10:61] You do not get into any situation, nor do you recite any Quran, nor do you do anything, without us being witnesses thereof as you do it. Not even an atom's weight is out of your Lord's control, be it in the heavens or the earth. Nor is there anything smaller than an atom, or larger, that is not recorded in a profound record. How would you behave if you truly believed God is doing everything? Would you have any fear? Would you ever worry? Would you ever get angry or get frustrated? The Battle of the Parties (33:9 – 33:20) O you who believe, remember GOD's blessing upon you; when soldiers attacked you, we sent upon them violent wind and invisible soldiers. GOD is Seer of everything you do.  When they came from above you, and from beneath you, your eyes were terrified, your hearts ran out of patience, and you harbored unbefitting thoughts about GOD. [33:11] That is when the believers were truly tested; they were severely shaken up. [33:12] The hypocrites and those with doubts in their hearts said, "What GOD and His messenger promised us was no more than an illusion!" [33:13] A group of them said, "O people of Yathrib, you cannot attain victory; go back." Others made up excuses to the prophet: "Our homes are vulnerable," when they were not vulnerable. They just wanted to flee. [33:14] Had the enemy invaded and asked them to join, they would have joined the enemy without hesitation. [33:15] They had pledged to GOD in the past that they would not turn around and flee; making a pledge with GOD involves a great responsibility. Say, "If you flee, you can never flee from death or from being killed. No matter what happens, you only live a short while longer."  Say, "Who would protect you from GOD if He willed any adversity, or willed any blessing for you?" They can never find, beside GOD, any other Lord and Master. [33:18] GOD is fully aware of the hinderers among you, and those who say to their comrades, "Let us all stay behind." Rarely do they mobilize for defense. [33:19] Also, they are too stingy when dealing with you. If anything threatens the community, you see their eyes rolling with fear, as if death had already come to them. Once the crisis is over, they whip you with sharp tongues. They are too stingy with their wealth. These are not believers, and, consequently, GOD has nullified their works. This is easy for GOD to do. [33:20] They thought that the parties might come back. In that case, they would wish that they were lost in the desert, asking about your news from afar. Had the parties attacked you while they were with you, they would rarely support you. [33:21] The messenger of GOD has set up a good example for those among you who seek GOD and the Last Day, and constantly think about GOD. Footnote [33:22] When