¹⁷ “We have here only five loaves of bread and two fish,” they answered.

¹⁸ “Bring them here to me,” he said. ¹⁹ And he directed the people to sit down on the grass. Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the people. ²⁰ They all ate and were satisfied, and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces that were left over. ²¹ The number of those who ate was about five thousand men, besides women and children

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The story of Christ feeding five thousand people is one of the most well known miracles from the Gospels. It is, by all accounts, an incredible story of Christ doing something that all of us would think was impossible. But it is more than just a miracle. In John, the story begins with Christ asking his disciples how they planned to feed such the multitudes, though he already knew the answer. What Christ wanted, however, was for his disciples to bring forth the offering. When they mentioned the boy who was willing to give up the bread and fish, Christ instructed them to bring it to him. Taking it, he broke the bread, blessed it, and then had it distributed.

Christ's will for us is not all that different. Undoubtedly, he has a plan and future for us. He knows of a need that each believer's experience, skills, and knowledge can fulfill. However, he wants us to offer ourselves. He wants us to be his willing workers and come forward to him. Then he breaks us. As individuals, we are not ready to serve God. Like the five loaves of bread, our own strengths and willpower can only be spread so far. Christ takes each person, just as he received the bread, and must first break him/her open so that he/she can be used. But he never leaves us broken. Instead, he blesses us, strengthens us, makes us greater than we were, and ultimately distributes us to those in need.

The potential of being broken isn't always the most comforting of thoughts. It stops many from offering themselves to Christ in fear that they will no longer have control over their own life or future. It can in many cases mean great trial and tribulation. But the end result is blessing and distribution. The end result is being poured out by God for those in need. Christ will never break something without a greater purpose to result. Like the young boy and the disciples, offer what little you have, and Christ will show you how to benefit the world through it.

Zombie Post

Trying to reanimate this blog. But i will need some help. Anyway I dont want to dwell on the undead for too long so here we go.

The quote below is something that any Christian should keep in mind. And we must ask ourselves the following questions. How much do we actually love Christ? How committed are we to truly following him?

From "The Imitation of Christ" By Thomas Kempis. Year 1420ish:

"For a pittance men will travel a great distance, but for eternal life many will scarcely take a single step. They look ahead to puny gains and sometimes shamefully wrangle over a single penny; neither do they hesitate to wear themselves out working day and night for some foolish promise or trifling object.

But for the good that never changes, for the prize beyond all prizes, for the highest honor and the glory that never ends, men, alas, are too lazy to put forth the slightest effort. You should be ashamed, lazy and evergrumbling servant, when you see other men more eager to lose their souls than you are to gain life!(emphasis mine). They find greater joy in chasing after empty dreams than you have in pursuing the truth.

The desires of men often end in disappointment but My promises never deceive anyone. The man who trusts in Me I never send away empty. When I make a promise I keep it, and I fulfill whatever I have pledged - if only you remain faithful to My love unto the end. I reward all good men and I heartily acclaim all who are devout."