Never thought I'd be where I am now No way through and no way out Oh it's hard, but I'm still holding on Even here, nothing's too far gone I believe Every promise that You've spoken I believe You are faithful every moment It may look impossible But You're the God of miracles You have always made a way for me You can still split the sea With a word, the waves will separate Who You were, You are, You'll never change Hearts will heal and mountains move There is nothing that You cannot do I believe Every promise that You've spoken I believe You are faithful every moment It may look impossible But You're the God of miracles You have always made a way for me You can still split the sea You can still split the sea As I wait upon the shore Lift my hands up to You, Lord I believe I still believe As I wait upon the shore Lift my hands up to You, Lord I believe I still believe I believe I believe Every promise that You've spoken I believe You are faithful every moment It may look impossible But You're the God of miracles You have always made a way for me You can still split the sea You can still split the sea
Tudo começou quando Ryo Yamazaki notou um pedaço de pêlo no chão e, em vez de atirá-lo fora, ele transformou-o num pequeno chapéu pontiagudo e colocou-o na cabeça de um gato como uma piada. # It all started when Ryo Yamazaki noticed a clump of fur on his floor and rather than throw it out, he molded it into a small pointy hat and placed it on one of his cat’s head as a joke.
Jesus foi muito claro que segui-Lo não promete uma vida livre de problemas. Em vez disso, os verdadeiros crentes frequentemente enfrentam perseguição. Ao falar sobre a Sua segunda vinda, Jesus comparou as dificuldades e perseguições que os crentes enfrentarão às dores do parto, que aumentarão em frequência e intensidade ao longo do tempo.
Agora entende isto sobre perseguição e martírio: não devemos procurá-la, MAS devemos ser tão devotados a Cristo que O seguiremos, não importa o custo. Isto significa verbalizar a nossa fé em Cristo, mesmo que nos digam para não o fazer. Se nunca enfrentaste rejeição, discriminação ou perseguição por causa da tua fé, faz uma pergunta a ti mesmo: As pessoas sabem que és Cristão? Eles podem pensar que és uma pessoa boa moralmente, mas já deste glória a Deus verbalizando a tua fé encontrada em Jesus Cristo? Quando o fizeres, encontrarás respeito de alguns e oposição de outros. Espera isso.
A boa notícia, no entanto, é que Deus pode usar para o bem o que o homem deseja para o mal. Afinal, Deus transformou a morte de Cristo na cruz em salvação para ti e para mim. O Cristianismo pode não garantir uma vida perfeita e sem problemas, mas uma coisa é certa: Deus promete uma vitória perfeita no final. Ele promete um Novo Céu e Nova Terra sem problemas com Jesus (Apocalipse 21-22).
~ Mateus 24:9
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Jesus was very clear that to follow Him doesn’t promise a problem-free life. Rather, true believers will often face persecution. As Jesus spoke about His second coming, He compared the hardships and persecution believers will face to birth pains which will increase in frequency and intensity over time.
Now understand this about persecution and martyrdom: we are not to seek it, BUT we are to be so devoted to Christ that we will follow Him no matter the cost. That means verbalizing our faith in Christ even if we are told not to. If you’ve never faced rejection, discrimination, or persecution for your faith, then ask yourself a question: Do people know that you’re a Christian? They may think that you’re a nice moral person, but have you ever given glory to God by verbalizing your faith found in Jesus Christ? When you do, you’ll encounter respect from some and opposition from others. Expect it.
The good news, however, is that God can use for good what man desires for evil. After all, God turned the death of Christ on the cross into salvation for you and for me. Christianity may not guarantee a perfect, problem-free life, but one thing is certain: God promises perfect victory in the end. He promises a problem-free New Heaven and New Earth with Jesus (Revelation 21-22).
Do you feel the world is broken? We do Do you feel the shadows deepen? We do But do you know that all the dark won't stop the light from getting through? We do Do you wish that you could see it all made new? We do Is all creation groaning? It is Is a new creation coming? It is Is the glory of the Lord to be the light within our midst? It is Is it good that we remind ourselves of this? It is Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole? Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll? The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave He is David's root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave Is He worthy? Is He worthy? Of all blessing and honor and glory? Is He worthy of this? He is Does the Father truly love us? He does Does the Spirit move among us? He does And does Jesus our Messiah hold forever those He loves? He does Does our God intend to dwell again with us? He does Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole? Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll? The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave He is David's root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave From ev'ry people and tribe Ev'ry nation and tongue He has made us a kingdom and priests to God to reign with the Son Is He worthy? Is He worthy? Of all blessing and honor and glory? Is He worthy? Is He worthy? Is He worthy of this? He is Is He worthy? Is He worthy? He is He is He is worthy He is worthy He is
