Forever live–Keri Jobe

Let there be light–Hillsong Worship

Mark 8:22-25 (NIV)

A Blind Man Healed at Bethsaida

22 Jesus and His disciples came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man and begged Jesus to touch him. 23 He took the blind man by the hand and led him outside the village. When He had spit on the man’s eyes and put His hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?”

24 He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.”

25 Once more Jesus put his hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes opened, his sight restored, and he saw everything clearly.

Good things happen when you trust God

To trust God takes more than lip service. It requires strong faith, dedication and confidence; and knowing within your heart that God loves you and He wants to help. And only He alone can help. Many Christians think one has to be a follower of Jesus Christ for God to help you. Wrong. Some people follow Jesus, yet they do not trust God.

Learning to trust God takes some form of transformation which could take years to develop. But it could also take a moment or an occurrence of some sort. For instance, from all accounts, neither the Centurion nor his dying trusted worker referenced in Luke 7:1-10 were followers of Jesus. Still yet the Centurion was confident that Jesus could heal his worker. So, he sent for Him.

But while Jesus was on His way, the Centurion exercised strong faith. He sent word telling Jesus to stay put, “I am not worthy to have you under my roof”. He then suggested Jesus just say the word, from where he was, and his servant would become whole again. Jesus then commented that He had never seen such strong faith.

And the woman with an issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48), proved once again that good things happen when you trust God. Perhaps she learned about Jesus through friends and relatives. Still, she believed that her age-old problem would get solved if she touched the hem of Jesus’ garment.

Friends, contrary to popular belief, extraordinary things happen when you trust God. And you need not be a follower of Jesus before tribulation comes. Like the Centurion, you can confess your unworthiness to Him in that dark moment, and life changing results will happen.

Of course, it is better to have an ongoing sincere relationship with God before trouble starts. That way you will be more confident that the God you serve and trust will deliver you.

The three Hebrew boys, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3), had a relationship with God. So, when Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon threatened to throw them in a furnace seven times hotter than usual for failure to worship his golden image, they never flinched.

The boys were trusted servants, so the king gave them the option to escape his wrath. But they refused. Instead, the group told the king that they would not worship his gods or bow to his golden image. And they were confident that their God would deliver them.

The Bible says Nebuchadnezzar commanded his mightiest soldiers to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, and to cast them into the burning fiery furnace. But something extraordinary happened. Instead of three men, the king saw four men walking in the midst of the fire unhurt. Those boys knew whom they serve. And they knew the God of their ancestors never fails.

Indeed! Good things happen when you trust God. Not just for your benefit. But also for the glory of God. Nebuchadnezzar would later embrace the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego

How Denominations Destroy Faith

There is a lot we can learn from each other as we share our differing perspectives and understandings of Jesus. That is, if we can dare to be a little vulnerable and admit that maybe we don’t have God all figured out.

Source: How Denominations Destroy Faith

Should Christians get involved in politics?

There is a growing number of people in the USA; Christians included who have made it evident that they want nothing to do with politics. In fact, many of these people get so exercised about corruption in the political system that they have declined to vote.

But, despite the widespread corruption in our political system, everyone who is eligible, should at least exercise their right to vote. Taking a hands-off approach will not help to make the system better. We live in a democratic society. The people who run the show are not self-appointed. We the people elected them to represent us. Therefore, the onus is on us to choose the right people to run our affairs.

Of course, Christians should get involved in politics and even seek elected offices. But it must be for good reasons. Many Religious organisations flirt with politics; because they want their selfish agendas brought to the fore. For example, evangelicals are lining up behind a particular nominee for president who has made an extensive list of innuendos, toxic rhetoric and critical commentary against women and the most marginalised minorities. Still yet, these Christians are willing to sell their souls to the devil in exchange for this person, who might even be an atheist.

As much as I’m eager to support a reputable Christian for elected office, I would shudder if that person attempts to push a theocratic agenda. There has to be a distinct line between politics and your religion. Our country is too diverse to have politicians pushing hot button issues that do not serve the interest of the country at large.