Lilongwe, Malawi

This is my good friend and 'spiritual son in the faith", Salima McOnly and his precious wife Promise.

They have been friends and partners for the past 11 or 12 years now. They are planting a Enoch House church in Lilongwe, Malawi and already have +/- 30 attendees. Salima also oversees a small church in a village called Migowi, which is in the border of Mozambique and Malawi, and an orphanage for AIDS orphans of approximately 100 children.

I have ministered on two occasions with them in Blantyre and Migowi to do leadership conferences, which was a life-altering experience.
The hunger of the pastors was both inspiring and humbling. They would travel 2-3 days on their bicycles, non stop, to sit all day, for 3 days, to listen to the Word of the Lord. After the conference they will ride their bicycles back to their villages and then they begin a process of traveling from church to church to discuss and pray about how they can implement what they have learnt.
As a young man from the village of Migowi, Salima met Christ in a powerful way and began, practically immediately, to preach the gospel all over the region. He would travel into Mozambique even during their civil war, putting his life at risk to encourage the rural pastors, sometimes even traveling through minefields to get to them.
I obtained a letter from someone in which Salima was requesting someone to come and minister in his village. As I prayed I felt a strong leading of the Lord to go. Not knowing what to expect, a friend from our church in Melkbos and I went to their village to bring a message of encouragement to the leaders.
We soon discovered that we were not prepared for what lay ahead. We did not have enough money to pay for everything. Salima and his wife did their best to feed us and the elders that would visit at night to spend time with me. We did not have any linen or sleeping bags or such like and had to put up with whatever could be acquired.
But we endured and experienced so much joy from being there.
We discovered, we were the first "white" people in the village and so the chief gave us a gift of a plump chicken. The children would cry and run away from us because we were 'alien' to them.
To some up our 'investment" there, I tell the story of the young man who on our last night brought us each, my friend and I, a coin wrapped in a piece of newspaper. he had 'bunked' school for 3 days to attend the conference and was so blessed and joyed by what he had learnt, he wanted to show his gratitude. He was a little embarrassed to enter the room, but upon my encouragement, he came and gave us the 'gifts'.
I, even now, weep as I think of this meager little offering, but how rich it was before the Lord. All the hardship we had endured was nothing in the light of this offering given with the whole heart. The coin was not even equal to a South African cent, but its worth to the Lord was more than can be counted here on earth. I think 6 or so months later he was found dead in his bed.
What a privilege we had of sharing the word of God with this young man.

We still support Salima in his ministry there in Malawi on a monthly basis.

You are going down,man!

Five choice stones.
That's all he took. That's all, he felt, he needed. It was his weapon of choice. It was the weapon he felt 'comfortable' with, to defeat the champion of the opposing army. The stones, he knew, that came from the brook, were smooth and round and, therefore, could travel streamlined to their target.
Although the armies had been facing up to each other for months now, no headway could be found on either side. Now, the Israelites were facing an accomplished champion. He had championed many a battle for the enemy and had defeated many armies as their champion. Scarred and hardy, Goliath was a formidable foe, ready and skilled to face any opposing champion.
At this stage of the strategy of these armies, it seemed that champions facing each other could end this stand-off. But, the Israelis had not one champion to handle this decisive show-down. Well, they did, but King Saul was hiding and very willing to surrender his place to another by giving them his armor.
David,,however, had learned how to keep intended focus in battle while defending seemingly insignificant livestock.
David knew this strategy well, take down the main giant and see the host fall. Don't try and be the whole army, stay focused on your strength and your choice weapon. He was carrying a staff and maybe a sword, either way he was out to defeat this obstacle and reach the objective of the battle to defeat the enemy. He was going out with what he knew best - the sling.
The sling with 5 stones. If one doesn't work, there are 4 others that can and will do the job.

Even though mocked by the overwhelming odds against him in this battle, and by the foe himself, David went out with focused intention to bring this battle to an end. No hesitation. No half-hearted swinging of the sling-shot. David dug deep into his faith in the covenant they as a people had with the Almighty God and ran with surety and confidence toward the champion of the Philistine army.
This wasn't even a match in their minds. Like vultures ready to tear the flesh from the carcass, the Philistines hovered in the background, sure they were about to devour Israel and plunder their treasures of the battle field and who knows what else they intended.

What a surprise it must have been to them to see this young, small in stature shepherd boy, so skilled and intentional, deliver such a accurate, hard and well-timed blow to the head of this enormous warrior that it must have fractured his skull, after finding its way past his helmet armor. Needles to say, it brought the battle scarred and -experienced warrior to the ground and long enough for David to use the warriors own sword to sever his head from his body.
That day, that incident, that one strategic action defeated the hordes of Philisti. It also began a career for the young, now warrior David, as a soldier of note, general and noted champion. The Philistines continued to suffer casualties at his hand and experience the ever lingering reminder of their defeat that historic day on the battlefield.
One weapon of choice; one stone; one focused, intentional, passionate, young man; who could not be intimidated by the odds against him.

Moving along

Our first call is to FOLLOW Jesus . His first invitation to the disciples was "Follow Me!".
And they did. Not all, but the 12 did. Against all odds and with much persecution they followed, even to the death.
Many say "I will follow You, Jesus. Where ever You lead, I will follow." But many do not understand what that entails.

What does Jesus mean when He invites us to follow?
To follow is the Greek word: Akoloutheo
From 2 words: a - together + keleuthos - a way
(Coming from the root word: kello - to move quickly and euthos - straight).

This word is so deep in meaning. This follow-ing is not the occasional and temporary following of the crowds, who hung with Jesus for the "works" He did for them. Nothing wrong with that. But Jesus requires more from His disciples.
This follow-ing involved an abiding fellowship with Him, not just for learning, but also for Salvation.
Discipleship is about us being"transformed into His likeness" and "conformed into His image".
Basically, to become more like Him and manifest or show that likeness in the world we live. To have that, though, requires a certain price, one of abiding fellowship.

What does that mean?
What is the price?
What is needed?

Mat 8:21 Another man, who was a disciple, said, "Sir, first let me go back and bury my father."
Mat 8:22 "Follow me," Jesus answered, "and let the dead bury their own dead."

1. A closeness fostered through absolute trust and obedience. Trusting He knows and has our futures and purpose really worked out for us. There can be no "Let me first"'s. Any delay in obedience is 'no' obedience. And only when we trust will we obey. "If you love Me you will obey My commands" Jesus said. This trust is a relinquishing of my own rights, even though you do have rights in His Kingdom, for trusting His choice for your life. Leaving all your design for your life to cleave to Him for your life.
2. An unquestioning following of His leading, every day. If I trust Him and I am willing to obey Him, then His leading is what I will always choose above my own 'common sense', many times. "My sheep follow My voice" Jesus said. As true sheep we will be absolutely committed to following the Master in all things. He leads to green pastures and beside still waters.
3. A commitment from the heart to always act according to His example. "Whoever follows Me will have the light of life". Jesus wants His disciples to learn of Him and become like Him, not just become aware of a bunch of regulations and rules. He doesn't want us just transferred from one culture to another. No! He wants us to be like Him; to represent Him in the earth. "Hang with Me. Closely". Is His admonishment. "Then you will more and more be like I am and show the world what I am about. Not just in what I say, but in who I am." Says the Lord.

So. from now on, when we boldly declare "I will follow you, because I have decided", let us be very aware what Jesus means when He says
"Follow Me!"

If we look at the definition of this word again, we can see the word means by definition to follow together with straight and closely. No deviations or distractions. No delays. Just full out following.
For many this may be hard to swallow. But this is what it means to follow Him. No agendas, no "self".
Let us be swift and quick to follow Him and straight in the path that He leads us on.

Starry-Big

Help! I'm on earth

Its such a vital aspect of Christianity that we are "servants" to one another. We all need each other to 'minister' life and encouragement to one another.
Ministry is not just about pulpits and great words and gifts, but the everyday concern for His Body and the availability to do the little things that can count so much.

It's the phone call when we think of someone; the prayer; the text message with some encouraging word. With the seemingly insignificant investments into the 'family' of God we can and will make such a significant difference to the environment of faith.
Someone said that if we spent more time encouraging one another we would have far less counseling in the church.

Its not the champions that make up the marathons, but all the 'normal' people who compete for the prize of just finishing. We do need the champions, but we need the 'field' to be made up as well. Jesus handed out 10, 5 and 1 talents. Many are envious of the 10 talented or 5 talented or many are feeling inferior to them, but Jesus did give 1 talents and we should be content and excited about it. The Body of Christ needs those 1 talented persons because they make up a channel for the Lord to bless His church that the 10 and 5 talented will never be able to.

This 'ministry' of encouragement and blessings is what Jesus meant with washing each others feet. Peter wanted all to be washed, Jesus said it was not necessary.
As we walk through this world we find we pick up contamination from the 'world' and find ourselves dirtied and needing washing. This is where each one of us comes in-wash one another's feet with those seemingly insignificant gestures of love and servant hood.

A total wash is not necessary because we are washed and cleansed in the blood of the Lamb who forgives and cleanses us from all our sin(s). What we do need here and now on this earth is someone to care and be used by the Lord to minister to me, walk with me through the difficulties and temptations and earthly things that could distress my walk in the Lord.

Jesus says as He did it to them so they should do it to one another. As they traveled their feet got dirty and needed washing. My focus here is not so much , do you have someone to wash? But rather, are we prepared to wash? Are you willing today to believe that the Lord wants to use you, not only after 10 courses and hands laid 50 times and the prophet prophesies, to minister encouragement to those around you in your church and community?

Did you wake up thinking about someone?
Did you suddenly 'see' someone's face before you?
Have you been feeling burdened for a brother or sister?
Do you feel a need to write a letter?
Do you feel a need to call and utter a simple prayer?
Do you sense an urge to invite someone to coffee after work? It could save their marriage.

It's never insignificant!
Wash someone's feet today, big or small, significant or not. Put on that servants garment and minister encouragement and see them be cleansed from earthiness.

Joh 13:4 So he rose from the table, took off his outer garment, and tied a towel around his waist.
Joh 13:5 Then he poured some water into a washbasin and began to wash the disciples' feet and dry them with the towel around his waist.
Joh 13:6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, "Are you going to wash my feet, Lord?"
Joh 13:7 Jesus answered him, "You do not understand now what I am doing, but you will understand later."
Joh 13:8 Peter declared, "Never at any time will you wash my feet!" "If I do not wash your feet," Jesus answered, "you will no longer be my disciple."
Joh 13:9 Simon Peter answered, "Lord, do not wash only my feet, then! Wash my hands and head, too!"
Joh 13:10 Jesus said, "Those who have taken a bath are completely clean and do not have to wash themselves, except for their feet. All of you are clean---all except one."

The voyage of discovery

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking
new landscapes, but in having new eyes."
— Marcel Proust: Was a French novelist and essayis

A key to upliftment

Joshua 1:8
Be sure that the book of the Law is always read in your worship. Study it day and night, and make sure that you obey everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Social upliftment is something we should definitely be involved in. Being in touch with the people in our world is vital to not only meet the needs of others around us, but also to see our 'christianity' lived out in practical ways.

James 1:27
What God the Father considers to be pure and genuine religion is this: to take care of orphans and widows in their suffering and to keep oneself from being corrupted by the world.

But what we must never neglect to see is how vital the Word of God is to people's upliftment. All our 'action' without the Word of God will leave people fed, but with no future. When we give people the Word, it gives them the answer to every need in life. Regardless of our situation, when we believe, we can overcome all. To believe, requires the Word of God being found richly in our hearts.

Col 3:16
Christ's message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom.

Admittedly, people often need a helping hand to get started and get them on their feet, but nothing replaces the power of God's word to increase and prosper us in every situation.
It's a known fact that where the Bible is preached and believed in all its fulness the people begin to prosper and increase. Faith comes by hearing the word and by faith, the bible says we overcome. Jesus said, all things are possible to those who believe.

Not only for our own lives, but for those in a less position than ourselves, need the Word of God. God told Joshua, if you would study, think about and talk about the Word, the message of God, all the time, it will make you prosperous and successful in your endeavors.
So, make a decision to not only be actionable in your social upliftment programs, but also to be a sharer of the Word to those that need it. Who needs it? Everyone.

The best way to become a sharer is to fill your own heart with the Word daily. Let it dwell in you richly. Just the overflow will the blessing people need. please go take a look at Deut 28, and see what happens when we believe and obey the word of God in our lives.
We are blessed!

Don't give up

"Most of the important things in the world have been
accomplished by people who have kept on trying
when there seemed to be no hope at all."
— Dale Carnegie: Was an American writer and lecturer

Where are the Fathers?

“And ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.” Ephesians 6:4

"As I watched my firstborn son, at 7 years old, sleeping so peacefully, this warm fuzzy feeling came all over me. I was such a proud father. To be able to see the creative power of God at work and what is more, allowing me to partake with Him in creating my son was somehow overwhelming.

While I was leaving his room, I sensed the Father speak to me:

“Son (Shaun), I don’t want you to raise a son, but rather raise a father.”

That one statement got my attention! What did that really mean?

Deep down I knew what it meant, I could sense the Fathers will and hearts cry.

“Where are the fathers?”

As I pondered on the revelation of my Heavenly Father’s heart, I knew that I was now on a mission, a quest, not only for my firstborn, but also for my two other sons to follow. The mission would also continue to other sons and their fathers, who I would have the privilege of influencing."

Get the first edition of my my book "Where are the fathers?"

at

http://www.lulu.com/strategy4life

Amish country

Knowing His will

Knowing the will of God for our lives is about wanting what He wants.

Joh 6:38 because I have come down from heaven to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me.

Jesus said we should pray that the Fathers will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Our citizenship is heavenly, and the will of Him that sends us is heavenly, not earthly.
To do His will, we need to remove ourselves from our own will. We need to reckon ourselves already dead to our wills, our own opinions, our own desires, our own personalities and our own interpretations of the will.
Many times what we do is interpret the will of God through our filter of personality or demeanor. So, just because we are shy does not mean that God's will will always be 'shy' through us. Or visa versa. He may require us to be aggressive at times, or bold, or gentle , or hold back.
What we do need to do is remove how we want to interpret His will because that is how we want it to be.
And definitely, beware of interpreting the will of God for others because of how we view them.
I have seen very shy and reserved people roar with boldness in meetings. I have seen very bold individuals become very quiet and sensitive in certain settings.

How can you know the will of God?
Well, there are many things we need that can assist and 'lead' us into the will of God, but I would like to deal with just one.
Worship.
True worship. Not of "self", but of the the One whose will we desire.

Luk 4:5 Then the Devil took him up and showed him in a second all the kingdoms of the world.
Luk 4:6 "I will give you all this power and all this wealth," the Devil told him. "It has all been handed over to me, and I can give it to anyone I choose.
Luk 4:7 All this will be yours, then, if you worship me."
Luk 4:8 Jesus answered, "The scripture says, 'Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!' "

Who you worship has the control of your life, has the control of your will.
As you worship the Lord you will more and more become aware of His will and how He wants it be manifest in the earth.
Worship self it has the control. Worship God and you begin to remove the 'filters' that cause you to interpret the will of God the way 'you' want.

Eph 5:10 Try to learn what pleases the Lord.

The Right One's

Our growth as individuals requires relationships, but we absolutely need the right one's.
The circle of relationships that forms our world that influences us can either be our increase or decrease. If we are the strongest individual in our group, we are in trouble and need to change the circle of relationships. The danger here is that we will never be stretched or challenged, therefore we could become comfortable with our status quo. Of course, it means that if we have character quirks, nobody feels the strength to confront us. This is very dangerous for the leadership of our lives because God adds relationships to our lives to keep us focused and with the right depth of character. Accountability is necessary up and down. In other words, we need to accountability to "leaders" who are 'over' us and we need accountability to individuals we are over.
My children have always had the liberty to correct or hold me accountable to godly and sensible behavior. But if they are all the accountability I have that will be to my detriment, but they do have the liberty.
We need to be influencing relationships and we need to be influenced, constantly.
Another danger is only surrounding ourselves with those who agree with us. I have made that mistake in the past and had it cost me. Ask yourself whether the relationships around you stretch you or if you are moving without challenges.
We need change in our lives, but the only the right relationships can bring about the right change.

The most difficult and the most rewarding

From the time we are born we have this built in need for the physical touch of our moms and others. We were born for relationships. As a teenager I had this cynical philosophy about how weak the human race is because, just look at how babies are compared with animals, but as I have seen my own children grow and grown in my own relationship with my Heavenly Father, I have seen that we are totally unable to help ourselves due to God wanting us from get-go to know and experience the relationships around us. Our dependence on others becomes very evident and this dependence is what solidifies our need for people in our lives and our bonding to them.

Have you noticed that God sent His Son to the earth, as a gift, but that He didn't send 'a gift' as a ministry gift like a prophet or a pastor. Now, we know, Jesus did and was those gifts to human kind, but He is revealed as a Son . The Son reveals God as Father. Not as some foreign entity who is unrelated. Then, we are told, that we are brought into the relationship with the Father as sons and daughters. This is all relational. We understand that God is the Master of and deeply concerned and therefore provides relationships for us.

I personally believe if the 'world' - those who don't believe in Him- really could see how and why God is God and how He wants to relate to us, it would change their whole cynical view of Him. But since we as the church are more concerned in making members than sons unto God, we have lost the most powerful testimony of all; that God wants to be a Father to us and adopts us as his children.

Relationships are challenging and probably will be in any area of life, the most challenging issue you will face. Parents and children; husband and wife; leaders and followers; work place; social; extended family; it seems that these areas are constantly offering the need for certain ingredients that will make a successful environment for our relationships. If we would take the time to discover these essential ingredients and actually exercise them we would fin ourselves enjoying the most rewarding thing on the earth given to man, our relationships.

Hope you have a wonderful mothers day.

Running

2Ti 4:7 (ASV) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: (GNB) I have done my best in the race, I have run the full distance, and I have kept the faith. (ISV) I have fought the good fight. I have completed the race. I have kept the faith. (KJV+) I have foughtG75 a goodG2570 fight,G73 I have finishedG5055 my course,G1408 I have keptG5083 theG3588 faith:G4102

• You, like Paul, have a race, a course, a distance for your life;
• This path requires fulfillment;
• Fulfillment means to complete, execute, conclude, accomplish;
• We need to do our 'best' in running this 'career' that is the path of our destiny;
• What race will you have run, when you reach the end of it;
• Paul says he has finished, accomplished, executed the race, the full distance;
• There is a race, a career,a course for you to accomplish and execute;
• On the course we are able to observe, preserve, reserve and serve the faith;
• Staying on track allows us to fulfill the faith walk;
• Allows us to fulfill the command of faithful living;
• On our course is the grace to live by faith and maintain its cause.

I remember the first marathon I had to run, or rather chose to run. It was a whole 42 km's. The race was before me and I chose to run it. I wanted the medal, at all costs. This was to be my first full marathon. my father-in-law and I had run a few shorter distances and we had helped Michelle's uncles run a few hundred-miler's ( That is 100 miles of running. From 7pm until finished, normally the next day some time). Of course, helping is not the race itself.

The starters gun fired and we took off. From experience on the very long runs and shorter ones that we had completed, I had learnt to start slow and pace myself, especially since i was known as a "plodder". But then I would rather plod and finish than try and win the race in the first 30 minutes and not make even half the distance.

I remember on one occasion we were helping on a 100 mile race and this novice took off bouncing down the road. Freddy and Eric, Michelle's 2 uncles, said,"We will see him soon". Sure enough, a few hours later an ambulance went past and, as we discovered the next day, ( he was laying in the medical tent) it was our bouncing athlete.

So, here I was running my first official full marathon. It probably was the worst on the circuit I could have chosen. From the beginning, we had to double back and run past each other. It wasn't the best organised, but I was determined. After running about 28 km's, my legs decided that it was the end of the road for them, but I was determined...

I walked the rest of the way. 14 km's!
I wasn't stone last. I was only second last. Everybody wanted to go home, so they kept asking me if I wanted a ride. No. I could see that jolly medal, even though it was only bronze, sitting there waiting for me. I had to finish this race. Well I did and I did get my medal. The whole time I was walking, I could see that medal and I knew that if I gave up - no medal. Of course, what would the rest of the guys say?
No, I persevered and accomplished and completed, the race, the path that was chosen.
I still have the medal today and the race was....well, I'm not sure if I should tell you; what the heck,... about 19 years ago!

Anyway, the point is, there is path, it has to be run and it must be run with cause, with determination, with our best effort. Finish. Arrive at the destination of your life. Arrive honorably, having "kept" the faith. Forget the distractions to get you off the track. Persevere, even when you feel like quitting. Keep seeing the end goal:

2Ti 4:8 And now there is waiting for me the victory prize of being put right with God, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day---and not only to me, but to all those who wait with love for him to appear.

Rest

(New York skyscrapers from Central Park)

It's critical to find "rest" in the midst of your crazy world.
John 16:33
(ASV) These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Peace is that undisturbed sense of well-being, that only Jesus can give through His word. Its the weapon we have within, to withstand to pressure without.
Isa 26:3 You, LORD, give perfect peace to those who keep their purpose firm and put their trust in you.

Peace is what keeps us restful in the middle of a storm or when facing a tribunal, conviction and condemnation to death. Its our spiritual immunity to face anything and everything in this crazy world, because w know that He has overcome. perfect peace is not some nice mushy feeling of tranquility temporarily found in a exquisite sunset or something, as wonderful as these are.

No! This peace is only found in our sure, secure, firm-footed focus on our purpose and His word.

Ambitious

While taking a friend to the airport we got to spend some time in New York City yesterday. Nice to visit, but I wouldn't want to spend too much time there in the city. Too busy.
To me it looked like there are 3 kinds of people, generally:

• those that make it;
• those that fake it &
• those that can't take it!

Those that make it are of the "lottery" of life. Everybody wishes they were them, but never get there. Mostly others fake it, hoping they can make it, but if not, they'll feel better just looking like it. And unfortunately, there is a whole bunch that can not take anymore. They fall through the cracks of life, giving up on any dreams or aspirations.

Luke 4:5 Then the Devil took him up and showed him in a second all the kingdoms of the world.
Luke 4:6 "I will give you all this power and all this wealth," the Devil told him. "It has all been handed over to me, and I can give it to anyone I choose.
Luke 4:7 All this will be yours, then, if you worship me."
Luke 4:8 Jesus answered, "The scripture says, 'Worship the Lord your God and serve only him!' "

There is a constant draw to pursue the power and wealth. There is no mistaking it is there, otherwise it would not have been a temptation to Jesus.

But the price is.....Worship!
Worship gives us intimacy with what is worshiped and makes us its devotee.

Only the worship of God is liberating. Worship always costs us, but one will liberate you; the other will be bondage. You see the devil wanted worship, but the focus was to get the power and the wealth.
Whereas, God requires worship as Him being the focus. Its personal, intimate and fufilling. You see, in Him is all that we need and that's why Jesus did not need anything other than to worship God. We don't need anything else, except to worship God. He is so devoted to me, to us. We can never out-devote Him. We have no need of false dreams and aspirations. We do not need to "fake it" or even get to the place of "can't take it". Worship God, and allow Him to position you and guide you and equip you and see Him bring to pass every good plan He has for you.

Discipleship

Mat 28:18 Jesus drew near and said to them, "I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth.
Mat 28:19 Go, then, to all peoples everywhere and make them my disciples: baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,
Mat 28:20 and teach them to obey everything I have commanded you. And I will be with you always, to the end of the age."

"In "going" make disciples" is what Jesus said was our commission. "On the same road you have been travelling, carry on going", "What you have learnt and been shown, this is what you need to keep doing", is the greeting Jesus gave the twelve on His departure from the earth. This was His final and official commission given for them to carry out and pass on to His church.

GO; MAKE DISCIPLES; BAPTIZE; TEACH: "Go" was His greeting; "Make Disciples" was the activity.
Jesus promise was that He would never abandon or leave them while they carried out this directive of the His.

Now, we have seen that He had crowds with Him, and that He had had compassion on them and ministered to them and he also had a bunch of other disciples whom He instructed and sent out to minister on His behalf, but that He invested and imparted into and focused on the 12.

But why?
Joh 2:23 While Jesus was in Jerusalem during the Passover Festival, many believed in him as they saw the miracles he performed.
Joh 2:24 But Jesus did not trust himself to them, because he knew them all.
Joh 2:25 There was no need for anyone to tell him about them, because he himself knew what was in their hearts.
Whom did he entrust Himself to? The 12 disciples, whom He had chosen after prayer.

Joh 6:25 When the people found Jesus on the other side of the lake, they said to him, "Teacher, when did you get here?"
Joh 6:26 Jesus answered, "I am telling you the truth: you are looking for me because you ate the bread and had all you wanted, not because you understood my miracles.

Jesus knew the crowds were really there because of the 'fish sandwiches' and the miracles, but not because of who He really was, and is. Their focus was to get their needs met. Now, that is not particularly a bad thing, because Jesus met those needs, but Jesus does call us to a higher place.

Joh 6:28 So they asked him, "What can we do in order to do what God wants us to do?"
Joh 6:29 Jesus answered, "What God wants you to do is to believe in the one he sent."
Joh 6:30 They replied, "What miracle will you perform so that we may see it and believe you? "What will you do?"
Another translation says"What are the things God wants us to do?"
Jesus answer is that, God wants us to BELIEVE! What? In the One He sent.

This is what Peter 'saw' in Matthew chapter 16.
Mat 16:15 "What about you?" he asked them. "Who do you say I am?"
Mat 16:16 Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God."
Mat 16:17 "Good for you, Simon son of John!" answered Jesus. "For this truth did not come to you from any human being, but it was given to you directly by my Father in heaven.

After Jesus' answer they immediately ask for a sign again. "Give us a miracle", they say. "What will you do?"
You see, Jesus is wanting to take His disciples to a place of where if they never have another miracle, or another prayer answered, or have another sign or wonder, they will never be phased because they BELIEVE. They believe in who He is, not just what He does.

Joh 6:57 The living Father sent me, and because of him I live also. In the same way whoever eats me will live because of me.
Joh 6:58 This, then, is the bread that came down from heaven; it is not like the bread that your ancestors ate, but then later died. Those who eat this bread will live forever."
Joh 6:59 Jesus said this as he taught in the synagogue in Capernaum.
Joh 6:60 Many of his followers heard this and said, "This teaching is too hard. Who can listen to it?"
Joh 6:61 Without being told, Jesus knew that they were grumbling about this, so he said to them, "Does this make you want to give up?
Joh 6:62 Suppose, then, that you should see the Son of Man go back up to the place where he was before?
Joh 6:63 What gives life is God's Spirit; human power is of no use at all. The words I have spoken to you bring God's life-giving Spirit.
Joh 6:64 Yet some of you do not believe." (Jesus knew from the very beginning who were the ones that would not believe and which one would betray him.)
Joh 6:65 And he added, "This is the very reason I told you that no people can come to me unless the Father makes it possible for them to do so."
Joh 6:66 Because of this, many of Jesus' followers turned back and would not go with him any more.


Even the disciples (not the 12 ) had a problem what he required of them. It was too hard for them. Not the miracles, not the 'fish sandwiches', but the Son of the Living God Himself should be the focus of their life and faith. His very life and nature and character was to be reproduced in them. They had to eat His flesh and drink His blood, covenanted and committed until His life was their life.
But that was too hard for them and many turned away at this.

Joh 6:67 So he asked the twelve disciples, "And you---would you also like to leave?"
Joh 6:68 Simon Peter answered him, "Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life.
Joh 6:69 And now we believe and know that you are the Holy One who has come from God.

The 12 however, whom Jesus had invested in over the time He was here, stayed because they believed and knew. They had the revelation of Who He is.

When you move to that place where who Christ is, is being reproduced in you, the outward factors are something that happens, but don't move you. You are are a follower because you receive Him. Will you see signs and wonders and miracles? Most definitely. But they are not the reason or the motivation of your follower-ship. He become the centre of your life. Christ Jesus is the reason for your existence. You hunger for Him to reproduced in you and to be reproduced in others. As a "12" disciple you direct people to Christ the Lord and Savior, you 'show' Him, and do not try and draw attention to you or your giftings and ministry. Your one desire is Him and His words that produce Life.

Watchman Nee said," Only the foolish are proud of the words God gives, for has He not shown that He will speak, if need be, through an ass!"

Prayer:
Jesus forgive me for taking your Life and call so lightly. Forgive me for every time I have become offended because i felt You didn't answer or 'do' what i felt You should. Today, i set and committ my life to make You the Focus and be a disciple who believes and knows. Holy Spirit help me be a 12 disciple.