Jesus gives his disciples an impossible task that cannot be done apart from His work in their lives. Jesus now gives them the task of feeding over 5,000 people which they cannot do. He uses this event to demonstrate to them their inability to provide and His ability to provide, and to provide even MORE than we could ever imagine or need. 

Jesus Feeds and Eats with 5,000

Jesus boldly invited Levi to follow Him. Levi left it all to answer that call. He then invited Jesus to share a meal with him and his tax collector friends and sinners. Jesus infuriates the Pharisees as he eats with these people. Jesus is trying to say to those there, and to the Pharisees, that God’s grace is extended to everyone. 

Jesus Eats with Tax Collectors and Sinners at Levi's House

Help is here. Our temptation can be to think that we’re alone in our wait for help, but the truth of Christmas is that help is already here. Simeon waited many years for the “consolation of Israel,” and when he met Jesus, he was finally ready to rest.

Simeon: With Us While We Wait

There is a big difference between God for us and God with us. The birth story is a perfect example of that. A bunch of shepherds and a couple poor kids gather at a barn in some backwater Roman province. Yes, God was with us there and any other “place on earth where you might find yourself tonight.” God is with us here, too. God is with you wherever you are tonight, all you have to do is turn to Him. 

God With Us Now

Christmas Choir Performance

The Christmas story of Jesus’ birth begins with a dilemma. Mary’s pregnancy creates a real issue for Joseph. He was a righteous man and knows that he is not the father; this situation not only creates personal pain; it also could cause a public scandal. Joseph chooses not to disgrace Mary, but instead he will divorce her, the best that could be hoped for in this situation. The Spirit of God meets Joseph in His confusion and guides him in ways that he could not have planned. He even redefines his view of righteousness in the process. 

Joseph: With us in Our Confusion

God calls us into unknown places that we wouldn’t foresee for ourselves. And even in the midst of fear and uncertainty, God is with us. God meets Mary and it frightens her but His presence and promises to her gives her the faith to follow His will. 

Mary: With us in Our Fear

Need a little more peace in your life right now? I know a lot of us do. Paul gives us an incredible recipe for getting more of God's peace in our lives, and some of the ingredients just might surprise you.

Guarded by Peace

Why does God keep must here on this earth and not take us to be with Him when we come to know Him? What is it that we can only do here that we will not be able to do when we leave this world? The only answer as to why we are still here and why he has not returned is simply we are here to continue to share the good news of Christ by the way we live and the words we share. We must be in it for the long haul.

In It For the Long Haul