Pastor Joby's Blog

What is success?

2010-03-24T15:19:00.000-07:00

Thought for the week-

Andy Stanley wrote this in his book Visioneering- "Success is remaining faithful to the process God has laid out for you..."

Almost everyone I know wants to be successful in life including myself.

However, success is not measured by a degree, the number of digits in your paycheck or even what side of town you live in.

I agree with Andy that success is measured by your faithfulness to God.

If you're doing what God has asked you to do then you are a successful person.

In other words if God asks you to lead to bible study for three people and you remain faithful to this then you are a success.

Discover what God wants you to do with your life and work at it with a passion!

Notes from Detour: Bartender to Builder - the story of Nehemiah

2010-03-13T18:32:00.000-08:00

Nehemiah heard enough.

His city was in ruin and his people were suffering.

Nehemiah wanted to do something but he realized he couldn’t do it alone.

He found himself in a place where he needed God’s help.

What do you do when you hear news about loved ones in a bad situation?

It may not be about a city but it could be a family member or a friend.

Are you concerned enough to want to do something?

Nehemiah went to God with his burden to see change take place.

As much as he was frustrated, and felt desperate; Nehemiah knew that situations change when God is part of the picture.

So he prayed.

This was the beginning of his journey to see restoration take place.

Chapter one of Nehemiah teaches us five principles on personal prayer: - You should be honest with God

- You should acknowledge your fallen condition as a sinner

- You should remember what God’s Word says about his love for you

- You should remember what God has done for you in the past

- You should be bold with your request

Getting into shape

2009-07-06T06:36:00.000-07:00

I was playing football a weekend ago with some old friends and it was apparent to all of us that we were out of shape. There's nothing like a physical game that reveals how much more fit you need to be in order to play well. Nevertheless there is hope for us because every summer it seems as if there's a new program available for people who want to get into shape. Even our own church is trying to organize people to run in order to improve their health! In addition to all this, eating things that are organic seems to be the new trend. With so much emphasis on the human body, I wonder if people consider taking care of other areas in their life as well. Think about it. How often do you hear someone say they need to get their "inner man" into shape? When was the last time you saw someone evaluating the “spiritual food" they were eating? I believe that we can easily be spiritually out of shape just as we can be physically unfit. And just as being physically healthy is important, we also need to in top form spiritually. I believe there is no substitute for spending consistent time with God to grow spiritually. The more I'm with him the more fit I become. Consider for a moment how much of our time is spent watching reality TV or surfing the web when that time could be spent growing relationally with the Creator of the universe. Don't get me wrong, sometimes we need a break but what would it look like if someone asked you to go watch a movie with them and you told them you couldn't because you had a prior commitment to spend time in prayer that night. Too many times we settle for less than the best. The best is God Himself. This is something that God is dealing with me in my own heart. I don't know about you but I need to be in communion with God in order to handle the challenges I face every day in my life. This walk with God is like a race and I need to be in shape to run in it all the way to the end.

Acts 20:24 However, I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.

Know Jesus Know Suffering

2009-06-05T15:37:00.000-07:00

In the community I grew up in, we were always informed of what NOT to do. We were told not to go to movie theaters, not to dress a certain way, and not to hang out with the wrong crowd. Some of the advice was helpful and some was not. In the book of Acts chapter 21, Paul was informed by credible people about the suffering that awaited him in Jerusalem and was told not to go there. Suffering is a word that few people discuss, let alone write about. Who wants to hear about suffering? Just the very thought of it makes me uncomfortable. I'm not even going to pretend that I fully understand it.

Paul, however, was a man who endured much suffering in his ministry. He was put in prison, kicked out of almost every town and was even stoned to near death among other things. This was nothing unexpected as God told Ananias when Paul was saved, "how much Paul would have to suffer for His name's sake." If I was Ananias, I'd be wondering how much suffering is enough. Why should any believer in the God of the universe have to go through this ordeal?

It doesn't make any sense until you look at the life of Jesus. The bible tells us that he was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. I believe that He endured more hardships than anyone else in this world. He was falsely accused, given an unfair trial, beaten, mocked and finally killed on a cross like a criminal when all along HE WAS THE KING. Theologians tell us that suffering exists because of sin. In other words, it was my sin that nailed him to the cross. He suffered and died so that I might live and have new life.

If my Savior suffered and overcame then why would it be any different for me? Jesus said “if anyone desire to come after me then he must take up his cross and follow me.” The cross can be a symbol of love and sacrifice but it was also a symbol of suffering and shame. The cross is something that Jesus said we have to carry if we want to be his follower. If you're weary because of persecution, grief, sorrow or difficulties in your life know that Jesus went through it all and He overcame victoriously. Because He lives, you too can live. Paul was ready to embrace the suffering that awaited him. In Acts 21 Paul told those who were concerned about his future “I am ready not only to be bound, but also die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus."

Loving the right thing

2009-05-13T16:57:00.000-07:00

Growing up as a kid in junior high school, there was always someone famous that you wanted to be like. For me, it was to be like Mike J. on the basketball court. My goal was to model my game after him so that I could become a better basketball player. Many years later when I accepted Jesus into my life, I wanted to be more like Him and pursue this thing called Christ-likeness. The goal for me and for every believer is to be more like Jesus every day so that we can live up to the name of being a Christian. Being more like Jesus though can sometimes be a hard thing because it involves loving like Jesus did. In the book of Ephesians, Paul writes that husbands ought to love their wives like Christ loved the church. This means that husbands should love their wives sacrificially and unconditionally. Last night my wife asked me to do something that I didnt feel like doing because it was late and I didnt think it was important. Suddenly, I was reminded that Christ- likeness relates to how I treat my wife! Instead of thinking about her, I acted out selfishly. Jesus loved his bride (the church) so much that he chose to die for her. Jesus said that He is the Good Shepherd that gives His life for the sheep. For me, desiring to be more like Jesus starts with me loving my wife better. If youre married or engaged, know that God requires you to demonstrate your love by having a selfless attitude. I believe no career advancement, financial gain, educational degree, and yes even ministry opportunity is worth me being an inconsiderate and unloving husband. Help me Lord to love you and to love like you.

Faith in Uncertain Times

2009-04-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

I cant believe the month of May is just around the corner. In this year alone I've experienced God's grace so abundantly in my life. Its because of this that yesterday was a bit of a surprise for me. While trying to juggle work, school, church and home, I've always been confident that God will help me manage my responsibilities. Last night, after a long day at work and at home, I sat down to write my paper for school. I was tired but my expectation was that God was going to assist me through this in the same way He's always done for me. Minutes went by but nothing was making its way on to the computer screen. Nothing was working and then for some strange reason, I felt a sense of abandonment from God as if He didn't care that I need His help. Not being able to write magnified all the other struggles I was facing at the time. Fear crept into my heart and I wanted to rebel to show my frustration. Nevertheless, I went to bed but even after waking up in the morning my mind was still restless. Why were things going the wrong way when it didn't seem like I was not doing anything wrong? I was looking to blame something or someone but none of it made any sense. Not having anywhere else to turn I asked God to simply help me. From there I read a devotional and it brought me to a verse in the Bible. Isaiah 50 verse 10 says, "Who among you fears the Lord? Who obeys the voice of His Servant? Who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely upon His God." Reading this, I felt as if I was walking in darkness in some areas of my life where nothing was making any sense and I realized that I needed more faith. Its faith in God that will carry me through the â€œdark daysâ€ when things don't go the way they're supposed to go. Maybe you're like me and you've allowed fear to creep into your life when faith was needed. Instead of fearing God you feared that God would not be there. Be strengthened today knowing that God's love has the power to remove all fears. Be encouraged that God does not abandon his children like orphans but instead has given us the best help we need in the person of the Holy Spirit. As I read today, sometimes walking through these difficult areas in life is necessary so that our faith in God can grow. I echo the words of the apostles â€“ Lord, increase our faith.

Psalm 112:4 - Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.

Reflections

2009-01-09T13:49:00.000-08:00

2008 is a year that will be remembered as the year of change that impacted every sector of American society. 2008 is also a year where I saw many changes in my own life. Some changes came unexpectedly while others were highly anticipated. I remember the change in the economic climate when I went through a crisis at work wondering if we would be extended a bailout and have a job the next day. I remember the challenge of taking extra classes for school and changing an entire schedule around. I remember the thrill of starting a new morning service with church and moving forward on a long uphill climb. Throughout the year there were moments of both anxiety and exhilaration. There were new opportunities of ministry and old ones that went by. There were engagements, weddings, birthday parties and numerous family gatherings. There were short trips to Chicago and one long trip to the local pharmacy. In the midst of all the changes taking place around me, there was one constant in my life. His name is Jesus. I thank God that He was there through it all. There was never a time where I did not find comfort being in His presence. Not a day passed where I was not blessed by His Word. What can I say but that God is good and He never changes. I also thank God for my wonderful wife whos always supportive and stands by my side through all the changes we face together. I echo the words of Chris Tomlin “great is your faithfulness, true are your promises, you never change, you never fail, O God.” I say all this now because there was a day at the end of the year where discouragement crept in. Some things didnt work as I expected and doubts flooded my mind. It was then when God reminded me of His steady presence in my life throughout the entire year. Even when there were setbacks, He was still there. God is truly amazing and we will keep pressing on till this race is done!

Finding God in an unlikely place

2008-12-09T18:26:00.000-08:00

I believe that all of us have been in an environment where we thought for sure God could not be in this place. There is ungodly behavior evident, and it is easy to assume that God cannot be present in this. This situation could exist at work, school or even in your own family. As difficult as it is to imagine God being in unlikely places, He nevertheless can be there. Abraham learned this in Genesis chapter twenty when he wandered into a foreign place. Because Abraham thought the true God was not feared in the land, he lied about his wife. He informed the people that Sarah was his sister because he was scared that these foreigners would kill him if they found out she was his wife. If he lied and said a half-truth, he figured that his life would be spared on account of her.What Abraham did not realize was that even though the people around him did not fear God, God was still there. It didn't matter how far away he was from home, God was still there. This is what I love about God! Even when we end up in unlikely places, He is still there. Even when we make a mess of things like Abraham did, He is still there. Have you walked into a place in your life where you are surrounded by ungodliness? Are you trying to figure your own way out not knowing if God is there with you? I hope you find comfort today in God's Word which reminds us to trust in Him with all of our heart and lean not on our own understanding (Prov. 3:5).

Genesis 20: 11 Abraham replied, "I said to myself, 'There is surely no fear of God in this place, and they will kill me because of my wife.'

Picture Perfect

2008-10-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

Someone once said image is everything. Wanting another person to look at you favorably can be a very desirable thing. I think we all fall victim to this need at some time or another. For me, this was working long hours to convince my boss that I was a dedicated employee. In the business world there are many companies now that want to present a good image to the general public because of the negative attention they have received in the media. As much as we want to have a good personal image, many times we fall short and mess it up. We try and try to fix it not ever knowing if we have done enough to make it better. The bible tells us something very unique about our image in that we have been created in the image of God. Sadly, sin has marred this once perfect image. Because of this, God sent his Son who is the very image of God to die for our sins. Only through a relationship with Jesus are we reconciled back to God. I believe many Christians work overtime to have God look at them favorably. If you're like me perhaps you thought that working harder for God will help make up for past mistakes and clean up your image. Let me inform you that no matter how many church services you attend, social activities you engage in, even prayers you recite; you will not be able to earn God's favor. The bible says in Romans there is none righteous, no not one. The good news though is that even as sin has deformed us, Christ has the power to transform us. The bible also says in Romans where sin abounds, grace abounds much more. If you have made Jesus Lord over your life then God views you as His own. In other words you don't need to keep working for the right image with God because He has restored it when you accept Jesus by faith. How awesome and liberating it is to know that God sees you differently because of Christ and nothing can change that! Yes, we involve ourselves in religious activities but its not to satisfy God but rather its to serve Him in love. Sprite once had a commercial that said "'image is nothing thirst is everything obey your thirst." I would say that your image is one thing but Christs image is everything. Obey Him.

Fooling nobody but yourself

2008-10-16T13:59:00.000-07:00

When I was younger, I was notorious for lying to get things that I wanted. My reasoning was that it was ok as long as no one got hurt. Lies can be very harmful and one day God will confront us about it. In Acts chapter 5 we read about a husband and wife who were confronted by God sooner rather than later. Ananias and Sapphira sold their land and gave the proceeds to the apostles to disperse to anyone who was in need. Unfortunately, they lied about the amount it was sold for and kept some of the money from the sale. What would compel them to do such a thing? Maybe they thought it was a small matter. For sure they thought they could get away with it. Because they were lying to God, He confronted them in a very serious way. Make no mistake about it; lying, however small it may be is sin, and the bible is very clear that the wages of sin is death. Galatians 6:7 says do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows this he will also reap. The good news is that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us. Only Jesus has the power to forgive our sins and only He can give us the ability to overcome sin. I believe Ananias was deceiving himself by wanting to be part of the group but not counting the cost of what it meant to be a follower of Christ. To everyone on the outside he might have seemed to be religious with his commitment, but God saw right through him. We only deceive ourselves if we think that God does not care about everything we do. As believers we should be committed to God with every part of our life especially our private life. The things we do when we're alone can be very revealing about our commitment to God. I don't know about you but I want my private life to be a public testimony. Have you counted the cost of what it means to be a follower of Christ? Are you honoring God in every area of your life?

Acts 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?

In God we trust

2008-10-07T09:29:00.000-07:00

With so much going on in the economy today its easy for us to be distracted and worry about the future. There might be people that we know who have been affected by what's taking place with the current market conditions. Losing a job and not having steady income are legitimate concerns. As scary as this situation may look, there is still hope. In the book of Acts chapter 3, Peter and John were going to pray when a lame man by the temple spotted them on their way inside. From what we read, this man was lame for all his life. Instead of begging for physical restoration though, he was begging for money perhaps to support himself. As much as this man was in need of an economic stimulus package, Peter and John realized that he needed much more. These disciples may not have had much money with them but they did offer him something else - it was Jesus. Through the power of the living Savior, they gave this man the ability to stand on his two feet. The lame man was so overjoyed that he went from begging for money to praising God for his miracle. You might be in need of a miracle also today. Perhaps fear and anxiety has left you feeling helpless and crippled. Maybe you're like this man in Acts debilitated by a dire situation hoping just to get by for the next day. God knows our financial concerns but he is able to do so much more than put an extra dollar in our pockets. In Luke chapter 12 Jesus informed his disciples not to worry about their life in terms of what they will eat and wear. He tells them that the same God who feeds the animals has the capacity to provide for them also. Not only that, but in verse 32 Jesus said that it is the Father's good pleasure to give them the kingdom. I believe the kingdom of God is more than just financial security. There's so much more that God can do and has done that we need not despair. Instead of seeking after solutions he asks that we seek after the kingdom of God. Only Jesus can offer us real security. He has conquered sin and death and offers the gift of eternal life. Who are you putting your trust in today?

Acts 3:6 Then Peter said, Silver or gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.

Where are you?

2008-09-30T10:45:00.000-07:00

As a kid growing up I always wanted to know what God sounded like. Was his voice loud and thunderous or was it calm and soothing? Small things about God really fascinated me. In the book of Genesis, Adam had the opportunity to hear the voice of God. Just imagine what that mustve been like! As much as I want to hear the voice of God, there is one thing I dont want to hear God say – Where are you? This is exactly the question that God asks Adam. It seems like a strange question to ask if you were God but I dont believe hes asking about Adams physical location. The question is more like Where are you in terms of your relationship with Me? God wanted Adam to explain why he was hiding. Adam responded back by saying that he was hiding among the trees of the garden because he was afraid. Adam had the awesome privilege of hearing the voice of God yet he’s hiding from it. Adam had just sinned by disobeying God, but instead of confessing his sin and repenting, he ran away. I wonder how many of us are like Adam. We have an awesome opportunity to walk and talk with God but we let sin get in the way. Make no mistake about it, God hates sin and brings judgment just like he did with Adam and Eve in this chapter. But what I love about this passage is that the story doesnt end there. In verse 21 it says that The LORD God made garments of skin for Adam and his wife, and clothed them. Even when Adam was running away and wanted to clothe himself because of his sin, God said I have something better for you. Sin separates us from God but through a relationship with Jesus we have the chance to be reconciled back with God. The book of 2 Corinthians chapter 5 tells us that when we enter into a relationship with Jesus he imputes his righteousness on us so that we are longer clothed with sin but rather we are clothed with His righteousness. How awesome is that! If God were to ask Where are you? how will you respond? So many of us hide behind our jobs, the pursuit of empty goals and sometimes even in self-pity. God wants us to come back to Him- He is ready and able to forgive all our sins. Psalm 139 reminds us that no matter where we are in life, we are never too far from His reach.

Genesis 3:9 Then the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, Where are you?

No Turning Back

2008-06-02T11:35:00.000-07:00

When I was younger, there was a song we used in sing in church called I have decided to follow Jesus. In it were the lyrics "I have decided to follow Jesus; no turning back, no turning back." I understood the song to mean that a commitment to Jesus meant complete obedience to him without compromise. It seemed simple enough at the time, but I did not fully understand it until I had to make a very difficult choice. One day while I was contemplating my future plans for higher education and advancement up the corporate ladder, God reminded me about His agenda. I reasoned that some time in the future I would be laboring full time for His kingdom but I never figured that day could come so quickly. His timing can be unpredictable but I should always be ready to go whenever and wherever He wants me to go. There is no turning back to my own plans and ways of doing things. Letting go of my agenda is hard but He requires it so that I can follow Him wholeheartedly. In Luke chapter 17, Jesus informs His disciples about His second coming. He says "On that day no one who is on the roof of his house, with his goods inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything." Through this passage I am reminded that Jesus wants me to follow His lead and do things His way without turning back and holding on to things that have no eternal value in my life.

New Perspective

2008-04-30T13:49:00.000-07:00

God is always communicating something new. While I was finalizing my work for school, God began to deal with my heart on how I view Him. Through my seminary class, I learned that God cannot be limited to do only certain things. True, God must be consistent with His nature but His nature is so majestic that it extends beyond understanding. What I've come to realize is that God can bring glory to His name through different means. I don't think God operates in only one way. God's universe is very diverse and sometimes His methods can be diverse as well. I believe diversity is at the very heart of God. I also believe that part of God's diversity involves His creativity. The apostle Peter understood this well when God revealed the diversity of His love for humanity through an imagery with animals (Acts 10:10). This shows me how unique God is when he operates. My friend Peter (not the apostle) always says that the gospel is so stinkin' awesome. To that I would add; God is so stinkin' awesome!

God's way

2008-04-22T09:03:00.000-07:00

God has been dealing with me about obedience. He wants me to do things his way. Sometimes his ways are very unpopular and doing it requires more faith. Sometimes it may seem that doing things God's way is much harder, but the truth is it's not. God knows my limitations and He gives me the ability to carry out his instructions. God values obedience and I want to make sure that I do everything the way he wants me to do it. He knows things that I don't and I feel more secure knowing that I was aiming to please God with my actions.

God is good

2008-04-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

Things happen for a reason. I've been struggling with this statement when I look at what's taking place in my life now. More often than not I plan ahead, but sometimes unexpected things happen. I'm come to realize that I can't control everything. This job would be too much for me. God, however, can handle anything. When questions about God's purpose flood my mind, I'm comforted by his Word which tells me that he daily bears my burdens (Psalms 68:19). When I place things into his hands, he takes the weight of uncertainty off my shoulders. My job is to simply trust in him and know that he has my best interest in mind. What a great God we serve.