What do you believe?

Have you ever noticed that when life gets hard, your beliefs suddenly matter a lot more?

When you’re anxious… when you’re hurting… when there’s more month than money… when someone lets you down… you quickly discover what you’re really standing on.

So let me ask you a simple question: What do you believe?

Because what you believe about God shapes everything about you.

It shapes how you see yourself.
It shapes how you treat people.
It shapes how you handle disappointment.
It even shapes the direction of your life.

That’s why we’ve started a new series at Amberlea called The Creed. We’re taking a look at the Apostles’ Creed — an ancient declaration of faith that Christians have been speaking for centuries.

Now I know what some people might be thinking: Why study something ancient when we’re dealing with very modern problems?

Fair question.

But here’s the truth: in a world full of confusion, shifting opinions, and whatever-the-latest-social-media-trend-is, we need something solid to stand on. The Creed reminds us of the unchanging truth about who God is.

It begins with these powerful words:

“I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.”

Those few words say so much.

They remind us that God is Father — personal, loving, close.
But He is also Almighty — powerful, sovereign, able to do what we cannot.

A God who is only powerful might feel distant.
A God who is only loving might feel limited.

But our God is both.

He is the God who holds the galaxies in place… and the Father who knows your name.

That means when life feels overwhelming, you can pray:
“Father.”
Because He cares.

And you can pray:
“Almighty.”
Because nothing is too big for Him.

The early Christians declared these words even when it could cost them their lives. Their faith wasn’t just a ritual — it was their foundation.

And that raises the same question for us today:

What do you believe?

Do you believe in a God who sees you?
A God who walks with you?
A God who can make a way when there seems to be no way?

I know what I believe.

I believe in God, the Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.
I believe in the God who keeps His promises.
I believe in the God who restores what is broken.
I believe in the God who sent His Son, Jesus, so we could truly know Him.

And I believe that when we build our lives on that truth, everything changes.

Because in the end, what you believe about God shapes everything about you.

Don’t Forget to Remember… God Is in Charge

Sometimes we forget the simplest truths.

Last week in worship we talked about the disciples forgetting the bread—even though Jesus is the Bread of Life. This week we remembered something else we often forget: God is in charge.

In Mark 5 we see two desperate people whose lives collide at the feet of Jesus: Jairus, a synagogue leader with a dying daughter, and a woman who had been suffering for twelve long years. On the surface they couldn’t be more different. One is respected and named. The other is anonymous and marginalized. One likely has resources and influence. The other has spent everything she had on doctors.

But life has a way of evening the playing field.

Sometimes life hits us with things our money can’t fix, our friends can’t fix, and our strength can’t fix. Moments when all we can do is throw up our hands and say, “God, I don’t know what to do… but surely you do.”

Both Jairus and this woman pushed through the crowd to get to Jesus. They were desperate. And desperation has a way of opening doors that complacency keeps shut.

But one moment in the story really stands out.

When Jesus arrives at Jairus’ house, people are already mourning. They laugh when Jesus says the girl is not dead but sleeping. The atmosphere is thick with doubt and disbelief.

And what does Jesus do?

He puts them out.

Before the miracle happens, Jesus clears the room.

It makes you wonder if sometimes the miracle isn’t just about what God wants to bring in, but also about what needs to be pushed out.

Maybe this is a season not just to tell your miracle to “get up,” but to tell some things in your life to get out.

Fear — get out.
Anxiety — get out.
The lie that God has abandoned you — get out.
The voice that says nothing will ever change — get out.

Because the truth is this: God has authority.

In the middle of chaos, in the middle of waiting, in the middle of watching other people receive miracles while you’re still praying for yours—God is still in charge.

And when your faith is connected to His authority, something powerful happens.

So today, whatever you are facing, don’t forget to remember:
God has the final say.

And that is very good news.

Don't forget to remember (not to forget!)

Have you ever had one of those inside jokes with dear friends — just a sentence that, when spoken, sends everyone into laughter without another word? One of ours is this: “Don’t forget to remember not to forget.”

It sounds ridiculous… until you realize how often we do exactly that.

In Mark 8, the disciples are in a boat with Jesus. They’ve just witnessed Him feed 4,000 people — miraculously. And yet, as they climb into the boat, they panic because they forgot to bring enough bread.

Bread.

They are worried about bread… while sitting next to the Bread of Life.

Before we judge them too quickly, let’s be honest — aren’t we the same? God answers a prayer. God provides. God heals. God opens a door. And a few months later we’re wringing our hands again, wondering if there will be “enough.”

Jesus gently reminds them:
“When I fed the 5,000… how many baskets were left?”
“When I fed the 4,000… how many baskets were left?”

In other words: Have you forgotten already?

Here’s the good news — the miracle of the loaves didn’t just happen once. It happened twice. That means if God did it once, God can do it again. The same God who carried you through before has not changed.

And I love this: Jesus doesn’t ask, “Why don’t you have more?”
He asks, “How many loaves do you have?”

That question changes everything.

Instead of obsessing over what we lack, Jesus invites us to take inventory of what we’ve been given. A little faith. A little strength. A little creativity. A little compassion. In our hands, it may not feel like enough. But once placed in His hands? That’s where multiplication begins.

And here’s something else that moves me deeply: Jesus cared about their souls — and their stomachs. He preached truth, yes.

But He also fed hungry bodies. Our God cares about your salvation and your circumstances. Your faith and your bills. Your eternity and your Tuesday afternoon.

If it matters to you, it matters to Him.

So today, whatever boat you find yourself in — whatever “not enough” you’re staring at — don’t forget to remember not to forget:

• God has provided before.

• God is with you now.

• God will do it again.

Take what you have.
Place it in His hands.
Trust Him — even in the breaking.

Because our God still multiplies. And there will be leftovers.