​Faith can only come from a new heart, regenerated by God; consequently, faith is a gift from God. It is the unique way that God uses to bring salvation to his people. We strengthen our faith by reading the Bible and hearing the gospel. The more we immerse ourselves in truth, the more our confidence grows. Everyone who is saved has been gifted faith. It is the ability to believe God is who He says He is, trusting Him in all things for all things. Faith also helps to combat unbelief and motivates us to do what God desires us to do. Not only do we grow our faith by reading Scripture and praying in our own time, but also by hearing the message in church with other believers.

​Like so many of the stories in the Bible, we tend to read them flippantly and then just move on. I have treated the story of blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) in much the same fashion. It dawned on me recently while reading it that it provides some prominent lessons in those few short verses.

​Many of us long for the freedom of breaking an unhealthy coping mechanism or secret pattern of sin. When we are honest about it, most of our “bad habits” are more than quirky quirks. They are sins like gluttony, gossip, covetousness, and greed.

Be like Jesus! Great statement, but it is so hard. Change is not always fun. We want to, but something always gets in the way. Spiritual development resembles physical development – as a Christian matures and grows, the stronger their faith becomes and the more they develop into who God made them to be. We are to become like Jesus, who models!

Some people do not like change. But being a true Christian requires change. These days, the idea of ‘necessary change’ is not popular. There are many who want to claim Christianity without having to live a Christ-like lifestyle. 

It is not enough to just claim to believe or say that you are a Christian. There must be a change. There should be evidence in your life that you truly follow Jesus. You must be transformed.
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Jesus transforms (changes) our minds. Romans 12:2 makes it clear that transformation (change) is necessary. And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

Whether we like it or not, our thoughts are shaped by the world we live in. Our cultures and communities influence the way we think. Now, that is not always a terrible thing, but there is a risk of being influenced by attitudes and societal ‘norms’ that have no place in a Christian’s life.

Jesus transforms (changes) our desires. Most people know and love Psalm 37:4, “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart.”

We all want God to grant us the desires of our hearts. However, when we follow Jesus, He has a way of transforming our desires. Somehow the things we thought we wanted, we do not want anymore. Material things become less important. Recognition, status, position, fame, and fortune… they are not important considering the Kingdom of God and eternity.

Jesus transforms (changes) our relationships. Have you ever noticed that without Jesus, there is a lot more drama in our relationships? Jesus has a way of transforming the way we interact with others, from our family members to total strangers.

Throughout the Gospels, Jesus commands us to love one another the way He loves us. In Matthew 26:37-38, He tells us that loving our neighbor is the second great commandment.

Jesus transforms (changes) our purpose. One of the amazing things about being a follower of Jesus is that the purpose of living is transformed into something so fulfilling! No longer are we just working to make ends meet or climb a social/economic ladder. No longer are we seeking our worth and purpose in empty places or relationships.

Instead, we know that we are called to be a part of something bigger. We are working in His Kingdom. We are living in a way to bring God glory. We are serving others. We are making disciples.

My challenge to you is this: If you call yourself a Christian, then take a close look at your thoughts, desires, relationships, and purpose. Have you allowed Him to change you? The process might be a bit painful, but it is worth it!

Let Jesus transform (change) your life!

Make Every Day Count!