A community of believers seeking to know the truths of God and holding tightly onto them - one truth at a time. "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things." -Colossians 3:1-2
"But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. 'Get behind me, Satan!' he said. 'You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.'" -Mark 8:33
There are people, words, and thoughts that aren't from God and can deter me from God's will. We encounter these each day, perhaps even numerous times a day.
"Great crowds came to him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at his feet; and he healed them." -Matthew 15:30
Many people came to Jesus, all with different needs. If I was in this situation, I'm not sure I would be as patient or accommodating as Jesus - caring for them one by one.
"This is the bread that came down from heaven. Your forefathers ate manna and died, but he who feeds on this bread will live forever." -John 6:58
Jesus is something new. He brings new life and a new way of living. But I can't just admire this Bread or have a little taste; I must eat it.
"After he had dismissed them, he went up on a mountainside by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone" -Matthew 14:23
Ministry revolves around people. And sometimes I feel obliged to stay even though my heart is yearning for time with God.
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." -Matthew 6:33
What is the first thing I think of and do when I wake up? And of the things I did yesterday, how many were done after consulting God? God wants first and foremost my heart, soul, and mind.
"Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, 'Teacher, don't you care if we drown?'" -Mark 4:38
Jesus did not go to the other side by himself;
He crossed the sea with his disciples.
Jesus did not wake to the furious squall or the waves swamping the boat,
But he woke to the disciples' desperate cry for help.
Jesus does care and he is invariably present with me in storms.
"Then all the people of the region of the Gerasenes asked Jesus to leave them, because they were overcome with fear. So he got into the boat and left." -Luke 8:37
It's so natural to choose what appears to be likable. Confrontation to the people's comfortable lifestyle was scary. But God offers a changed life - one beyond what we can immediately see and comprehend as favourable.
Jesus may leave if I ask him to,
he has no obligation to stay.