Matt 14:13: When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place. Hearing of this, the crowds followed him on foot from the towns. (NIV).
I've been reading the book of Matthew lately and I've come to this familiar portion of the Bible that I bet we all have heard before. Jesus fed 5,000 people with just five loaves and two fish. But for some reason, verse 13 really stuck out at me, especially because of the beginning. Why did Jesus withdraw himself to be alone? If you get a chance to read the chapter, you can see that the verses before this whole miracle occurs is the story of how John the Baptist was killed. In case you don't know, that was Jesus' cousin.
Now think about this for a second. You just hear the news about a tragedy in your family. Not just any family member, but a very close friend. What do you do? How would you react? Often times in our lives, we deal with problems, heartache, frustration, and sadness in so many different ways. Jesus Himself just wanted to go away and be by Himself as we read in the verse. The crowds on the other hand, didn't really cooperate with this plan; so they followed him anyways.
Put yourself in Jesus' shoes at that moment. All you want to do is be alone, but thousands of people still crowd around you, not leaving you alone for one second, bringing their problems, frustrations, and burdens to your feet almost without any regard to what you are personally going through. Doing youth ministry for about 5 years now, that would drive me nuts. Not that I am some big expert on helping others, but I try to be there for my friends whenever they need me. But if I was going through a low point in my life, I would find it EXTREMELY hard to forget about my current circumstances and just focus on others. We are human after all.
But look at how the heart of Jesus is so different from ours. He was moved with compassion so much that when His people would come to Him, He couldn't even stand to send them off without eating. He didn't think about Himself but took the time to heal the sick who came to Him. Even in the time of despair, He still showed compassion, mercy, and love to 5,000 people.
At a time where most of the world is celebrating Easter weekend, and this might be the only time you might see some friends, family, and coworkers actually attend church, this story symbolizes what Jesus was sent to Earth to do. Having a selfless attitude, He constantly gave Himself for others, never once thinking about His own benefit. By being an example for us and showing us that even in the times of trouble and despair, compassion and love should overcome everything. To me, that is the biggest miracle of all.
God bless,
Jobbin
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
Time
I'm feeling very down. Maybe it was meant for me to be late on the blog this week, so I can write about something that has been hitting my heart for awhile now, and has once again hit my heart today...
In a world so busy and filled with the chaos of our busy work/school schedules, our study habits, and the need for chilling with our friends... we have become soo conformed to the act of "pencil-ing Jesus in"... we say, "Oh... prayer? We'll see." OR "I'm not sure if I have something else going on, but I'll let you know..." OR (in my opinion, the worst response) needing to make up some other excuse to cover-up our "not wanting to actually come into the presence of God together, and just pray"...
Our ministry has begun on prayer, and I commend the efforts thus far of those that gather together "just to pray"... (and no, I'm not bragging at all, but I AM speaking truthfully) because in all honesty, it's not "just to pray". It's about coming into the throne room of God, seeking His grace, feeling His comfort and warm embrace. It's about getting to know who He is, so that we too can become like Him. It's about meeting with Him, and possibly, just possibly, seeing Him face-to-face - the thought of it just brings a chill to my spine.
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." - Romans 12:12 (NIV)
We may not look at this verse and consider the possibility of conforming to "pencil-ing Jesus into our schedule," but it's evident in our lives, and it is, in fact, conforming. How often do we pencil things into our schedule that we are not sure we can commit to? That is what the phrase is used for, isn't it? For events or things in our lives taht we can't exactly commit to, just yet? But then we pray to God - "change our Lives, change our City, change our Hearts" - ever realize that most of the time we pray for things from God that would essentially fill-up our schedules more and deter us from spending time in His presence? LOL, it's actually pretty funny - it's a responsibility - it's our duty to pay our due regards to Him.
He gave us soo much!! He's worth our time - (that sentence in itself is ridiculous to say, as though our time is something that's even of worth in comparison to Him!)
This isn't a shot at anyone in particular. This is that truth that each of us that claim to be committed to God, that claim to be Christ-followers should acknowledge and apply in our lives. God knows our hearts, and He sees our devotion - Let's give to Him what we can, not just our tithes/offerings, not just our services, but also our time. He wants to use you, He wants you to experience what it means to be at his threshing floor, He wants to meet you at that well and converse with you... I suggest it's about time we go out and meet with Him, as well.
God Bless!
PS. here's a link to a video a friend of mine made (randomly!) at the same time I was writing this blog... I must say, it's funny how God works so amazingly sometimes to inspire people's hearts with the same message.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2fmRAQnjIQ
In a world so busy and filled with the chaos of our busy work/school schedules, our study habits, and the need for chilling with our friends... we have become soo conformed to the act of "pencil-ing Jesus in"... we say, "Oh... prayer? We'll see." OR "I'm not sure if I have something else going on, but I'll let you know..." OR (in my opinion, the worst response) needing to make up some other excuse to cover-up our "not wanting to actually come into the presence of God together, and just pray"...
Our ministry has begun on prayer, and I commend the efforts thus far of those that gather together "just to pray"... (and no, I'm not bragging at all, but I AM speaking truthfully) because in all honesty, it's not "just to pray". It's about coming into the throne room of God, seeking His grace, feeling His comfort and warm embrace. It's about getting to know who He is, so that we too can become like Him. It's about meeting with Him, and possibly, just possibly, seeing Him face-to-face - the thought of it just brings a chill to my spine.
"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind." - Romans 12:12 (NIV)
We may not look at this verse and consider the possibility of conforming to "pencil-ing Jesus into our schedule," but it's evident in our lives, and it is, in fact, conforming. How often do we pencil things into our schedule that we are not sure we can commit to? That is what the phrase is used for, isn't it? For events or things in our lives taht we can't exactly commit to, just yet? But then we pray to God - "change our Lives, change our City, change our Hearts" - ever realize that most of the time we pray for things from God that would essentially fill-up our schedules more and deter us from spending time in His presence? LOL, it's actually pretty funny - it's a responsibility - it's our duty to pay our due regards to Him.
He gave us soo much!! He's worth our time - (that sentence in itself is ridiculous to say, as though our time is something that's even of worth in comparison to Him!)
This isn't a shot at anyone in particular. This is that truth that each of us that claim to be committed to God, that claim to be Christ-followers should acknowledge and apply in our lives. God knows our hearts, and He sees our devotion - Let's give to Him what we can, not just our tithes/offerings, not just our services, but also our time. He wants to use you, He wants you to experience what it means to be at his threshing floor, He wants to meet you at that well and converse with you... I suggest it's about time we go out and meet with Him, as well.
God Bless!
PS. here's a link to a video a friend of mine made (randomly!) at the same time I was writing this blog... I must say, it's funny how God works so amazingly sometimes to inspire people's hearts with the same message.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l2fmRAQnjIQ
Friday, March 19, 2010
This is our God
I was about to fail and go on my old ways of addiction but I didn't want to. I want to fight on and charge through the tempation. I went to you tube and randomly clicked on a song by Hill song called " This is our God". Basically, the song talks about how Jesus who gave up his own life for us. This was an act of love for us and forever he is glorified. This song reminded me Jesus died on the cross for my sins and that I shouldn't go my old ways. It touched me and gave me strength and I hope it reminds you that we're here by no accident but because he loved us so much.
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Thursday, February 25, 2010
Planning
So I went to Florida for a week to visit family and just to relax. But of course the moment we leave freezing Chicago to go somewhere nice and sunny....the cold weather followed us all the way down South. Months of planning for a nice trip with friends and family started to unravel and things didn't work out to how we planned. And one by one, different situations started to pile on me during the only time I planned to have a real life vacation. Work was getting hectic, school was getting busier, family concerns, problems with friends, stress about church....you name it and it hit me during my vacation.
But all I could help think about was that I am not in control of this. If I really did trust in God, He would be faithful to get me through this. I had this feeling that right when I got back from vacation, everything would be just fine. It wasn't.
Right when I landed into O'Hare airport, I felt the weight of the world lie on my shoulders. Literally the next week was so overwhelming that I felt I needed a vacation again. When all my conflicts were too much to handle, and things weren't going according to my expectations, my friends and I got together for our usual Thursday Night Prayer. That night I felt the burden I was carrying around, lifted right off my shoulders. Just getting into God's presence and casting your cares upon Him helped relieve some of the tension.
Is my life still hectic. Yes. But I learned a lesson through all of this. No matter how much we plan, or expect things to work out in a certain way, God has a better plan. My thoughts are not Your thoughts, my ways are not Your ways. As long as we trust in Him, completely, He will see us through till the end. So keep that chin up...spring is just around the corner.
-Jobbin
But all I could help think about was that I am not in control of this. If I really did trust in God, He would be faithful to get me through this. I had this feeling that right when I got back from vacation, everything would be just fine. It wasn't.
Right when I landed into O'Hare airport, I felt the weight of the world lie on my shoulders. Literally the next week was so overwhelming that I felt I needed a vacation again. When all my conflicts were too much to handle, and things weren't going according to my expectations, my friends and I got together for our usual Thursday Night Prayer. That night I felt the burden I was carrying around, lifted right off my shoulders. Just getting into God's presence and casting your cares upon Him helped relieve some of the tension.
Is my life still hectic. Yes. But I learned a lesson through all of this. No matter how much we plan, or expect things to work out in a certain way, God has a better plan. My thoughts are not Your thoughts, my ways are not Your ways. As long as we trust in Him, completely, He will see us through till the end. So keep that chin up...spring is just around the corner.
-Jobbin
Friday, February 19, 2010
Just a story? I think not...
So as important as it is to look into worship, pray, and think about events, etc... it's very important to be focused on the Word. Why? Well... because "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word WAS God" - John 1:1 (NIV) so basically since God is the Word, (meaning He can be held to His own words and still remain as the utmost righteous, powerful, and amazing God that He is without being justifiably discredited or thought of as a hypocrite), it's important.
That being said, a friend of mine had showed me this excerpt by Chuck Missler, which offers great insight and unravels the mysteries of the Word itself. I thought it was pretty cool to share this with you guys, so here is the link:
All in all, what is revealed is that hidden within some of the first few names introduced in the Bible (10 altogether) is found the Gospel itself.. a love story unraveled within the first few chapters/books of God's Word. Just goes to show that this isn't JUST a story, it was His love being shown all throughout His word, both creatively planned, and unraveled by God.
Check it out!!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
God is good all the time and all the time God is good
God is good all the time and all the time God is good. I'm sure you all have heard this saying before and yes it is true even if things don't go your way. I studied for a test that I had recently and I put in so much time studying. I never studied so much in my life and I was expecting to get a B but instead I got a D. I was so pissed off because I put so much time but yet received such a bad grade. WHY???? I was confident that God was going to help and it clearly seems he didn't. I was pissed off but then I recognized that everything happens for a reason. I guess I need to study harder or find another strategy because obviously the one I have isn't working that well. Here's my point. It could be alot worse than it is. I have rotations at the hospitals and I see so many sick people who can do barely anything for themselves. I have the ability to breath, to walk, to use my fingers, to praise him with my mouth. No matter what happens, good or bad, we have to give God all the glory and praise. As for my grade? It sucks but I have three more exams and I need to study harder.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
The Reason I'm In ROC 3:22
Hey readers of this blog,
I hope all is well and life is being nice to you, because I know God has made life a blessing for me since He started this ministry within our hearts. Even as the problems of everyday life flew by, what with school, family life, work; God made sure I knew He was there showing me the way to walk and talk. I've had my fair share of shortcomings and so I ask for your forgiveness as I try to become a better Christ follower. The reason I'm writing this is to open up myself to you and because I can throw my feelings and experiences onto the keyboard and hopefully they would find their way to those who need uplifting. To start, I felt the reason I call myself a ROC 3:22 leader, is because ever since we started this group, I wanted to see souls won for the Kingdom through ROC 3:22 and so far I have not seen that with my own eyes. And I'm not even saying we have not succeeded either because I see it as a work in progress. I believe we've succeeded in other ways like bringing those who are in Christ even closer to Him through small groups and our weekly Thursday Night Prayers and our events. Thats why I think I'm in this Ministry; to see God's work in progress; to witness the birth of new Christ followers, and to share with them the experiences of my life as a Christ follower. To be perfectly honest and with a little shame, I say that before this Ministry came to be, I did very little to further my relationship with Christ, but with the help of my Brothers in Christ and the drive to see souls saved, I can now say that I want nothing more than to help build a community for Christ and to exercise my own relationship with Christ and I hope this inspires someone out there to start their walk with God and help in the mission to save others too.. thanks for reading and opening your hearts!
-Jonathan-
I hope all is well and life is being nice to you, because I know God has made life a blessing for me since He started this ministry within our hearts. Even as the problems of everyday life flew by, what with school, family life, work; God made sure I knew He was there showing me the way to walk and talk. I've had my fair share of shortcomings and so I ask for your forgiveness as I try to become a better Christ follower. The reason I'm writing this is to open up myself to you and because I can throw my feelings and experiences onto the keyboard and hopefully they would find their way to those who need uplifting. To start, I felt the reason I call myself a ROC 3:22 leader, is because ever since we started this group, I wanted to see souls won for the Kingdom through ROC 3:22 and so far I have not seen that with my own eyes. And I'm not even saying we have not succeeded either because I see it as a work in progress. I believe we've succeeded in other ways like bringing those who are in Christ even closer to Him through small groups and our weekly Thursday Night Prayers and our events. Thats why I think I'm in this Ministry; to see God's work in progress; to witness the birth of new Christ followers, and to share with them the experiences of my life as a Christ follower. To be perfectly honest and with a little shame, I say that before this Ministry came to be, I did very little to further my relationship with Christ, but with the help of my Brothers in Christ and the drive to see souls saved, I can now say that I want nothing more than to help build a community for Christ and to exercise my own relationship with Christ and I hope this inspires someone out there to start their walk with God and help in the mission to save others too.. thanks for reading and opening your hearts!
-Jonathan-
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