Oh dear friend, how often are we like Jairus and his loved ones, desperately afraid of the challenges in our life, demanding Jesus to show up NOW, to fix the problem, and to fit into our finite expectations? And yet, Jesus meets our chaos, fear, and demands with unbothered patience and gentleness. He reminds us to believe.

Sometimes, life throws us curve balls. We wind up like Peter, beginning to sink into all our doubts, problems, and circumstances. Are you allowing your emotions or circumstances to make you sink when you should be sinking into the arms of Jesus? Let me remind you that God is still the God of miracles.

If you're like me, you've got way more than enough challenges, issues, problems in your life right now to bring you to your knees in prayer every morning before Jesus. Where is God in your tragedy? Right smack dab in the middle of it! God is present in the darkness to bring help and healing and hope to His people.

Pam and I instruct every couple for whom we officiate their wedding ceremony, that if they will continually invite Jesus into their marriage, not only will it survive… it will thrive. As one person put it best, it takes three to make two become one.

When Jesus was on the earth, He was tempted. Would He submit to the devil (god) or God? You can read about His temptation in Matthew 4:1-11. He was tempted with food, after 40 days of fasting, and powerful wealth if He would only submit to the devil. Even in His humanity, Jesus kept His focus on God, who was at the center of His heart.

To call people to repentance and to follow Jesus requires spiritual power. And spiritual power is gained through obedience. Jesus obeyed His Heavenly Father's preparation, so when it came time to preach repentance, people repented. And when it came time to say, “Come, follow me,” people followed.

Jesus as the new symbol of peace has tangible, real meaning in your life today. Your sin and brokenness created chaos and division between you and God. But because of Jesus’ perfect life, painful death, and triumphant resurrection, your symbol of peace is here. You can be close to your perfect Creator because the blood of that final peace offering covers all. THAT is good news.

Why do we get baptized? Is it because our families want us to? Our spouse wants us to? Because our pastor wants us to? Listen, the only acceptable reason for getting baptized is because Jesus commands us to.

The bad news is: We're worse than we thought! The good news is: God loves us way more than we ever dreamed! So, put a magnifying glass on the intentions of your heart today and let your faults, your failings, your bad attitudes lead you to the cleansing soap of God's forgiveness and grace that flows down from Jesus on Calvary's cross. Just whisper, "Jesus, wash me clean!"

What a beautiful example for us. We, too, are called to prepare the way for those around us to come to know Jesus Christ. And it is never to be about us, but about elevating Jesus as the One worthy of glory, praise, and honor. We, too, must become less so that He can become greater.