“It’s All About Jesus!”The Story of Lazarus (John 11)So he told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And for your sakes, I’m glad I wasn’t there, for now you will really believe. Come, let’s go see him.” Thomas, nicknamed the Twin, said to his fellow disciples, “Let’s go, too—and die with Jesus.” – John 11:14-16 (NLT)“The Naysayers” Some people see the glass as half empty. Some see the glass half full....

“It’s All About Jesus!”The Story of Lazarus (John 11)Then he said, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep, but now I will go and wake him up.” – John 11:11 (NLT)“Wake Up!” The expression Jesus uses here to describe going to see Lazarus jumped out at me today. “I will go and wake him up.” It reminded me of the phrase we often use when someone has an event or an epiphany that shakes them up and cause...

“It’s All About Jesus!”The Story of Lazarus (John 11)Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” But his disciples objected. “Rabbi,” they said, “only a few days ago the people in Judea were trying to stone you. Are you going there again?” Jesus replied, “There are twelve hours of daylight every day. During the day people can walk safely. They can see because they have the light o...

“It’s All About Jesus!”The Story of Lazarus (John 11)So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days. Finally, he said to his disciples, “Let’s go back to Judea.” – John 11:5-7 (NLT)“Timing Is Everything” Timing is everything. Have you noticed that? In sports you learn it’s not just about knowing what moves to make, but WHEN to make them. When you’re...

“It’s All About Jesus!”The Story of Lazarus (John 11)“But when Jesus heard about it, he said, ‘Lazarus’s sickness will not end in death. No, it happened for the glory of God so that the Son of God will receive glory from this.’ So although Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus, he stayed where he was for the next two days.” – John 11:4-6 (NLT)“Tough Love” I heard a story about a grandmother who wa...

“It’s All About Jesus!”The Story of Lazarus (John 11)So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” – John 11:3 (NIV)“Great Expectations” Think honestly with me for a moment. When you pray, do you REALLY expect God to answer? Do you believe that He listens carefully to you and truly wants to give you what you ask for? Or do you go through the motions of praying with a “what c...

“It’s All About Jesus!”The Story of Lazarus (John 11)"A man named Lazarus was sick. He lived in Bethany with his sisters, Mary and Martha. This is the Mary who later poured the expensive perfume on the Lord’s feet and wiped them with her hair." – John 11:1-2 (NLT)“How Will They Remember Me?” How do you want to be known? Have you ever thought about that? That idea hit me when I read our passage tod...

“It’s All About Jesus!”Jesus Walks on the Water (Matthew 14)They landed at Gennesaret. The news of their arrival spread quickly throughout the city, and soon people were rushing around, telling everyone to bring in their sick to be healed. The sick begged him to let them touch even the tassel of his robe, and all who did were healed. – Matthew 14:34-36 (NLT)“A Piece of Jesus” When I read our passa...

“It’s All About Jesus!”Jesus Walks on the Water (Matthew 14)“When they climbed back into the boat, the wind stopped. Then the disciples worshiped him. ‘You really are the Son of God!’ they exclaimed.” – Matthew 14:32-33 (NLT)“Celebrate the Moments of Awe” This past Tuesday, I got to speak at chapel at Mid-America Christian University. I had sent them my notes for the message a week before. But on ...

“It’s All About Jesus!”Jesus Walks on the Water (Matthew 14)“But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” – Matthew 14:30-31 (NLT)“Digging Up the Roots” Jesus has a way of asking questions that ca...

“It’s All About Jesus!”Jesus Walks on the Water (Matthew 14)“But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. “Save me, Lord!” he shouted. Jesus immediately reached out and grabbed him. “You have so little faith,” Jesus said. “Why did you doubt me?” – Matthew 14:30-31 (NLT)“He Is Faithful!” Faithful. Is there any better word we could use to describe our God? The o...

“It’s All About Jesus!”Jesus Walks on the Water (Matthew 14)“But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink. ‘Save me, Lord!’ he shouted” – Matthew 14:29-30 (NLT)“Save Me, Lord!” Isn’t it funny how, as a parent, your ears get trained to hear the cry of your child? You could be fully engaged in a TV show and hear your kid cry in their room. You could be in a crowd...

“It’s All About Jesus!”Jesus Walks on the Water (Matthew 14)“So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. But when he saw the strong wind and the waves, he was terrified and began to sink.” – Matthew 14:29-30 (NLT)“What You See Is What You Get!” It’s a simple, but profound truth we often forget. “What you see, is what you get!” Our passage today is a profound examp...

“It’s All About Jesus!”Jesus Walks on Water (Matt 14:22-33)Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. So Peter went over the side of the boat and walked on the water toward Jesus. – Matthew 14:28-29 (NLT)“Get Out of Your Boat!” Comfort zones. We all have them. They are the safe spaces we like to stay in. The places w...

“It’s All About Jesus!”Jesus Walks on Water (Matt 14:22-33)Then Peter called to him, “Lord, if it’s really you, tell me to come to you, walking on the water.” “Yes, come,” Jesus said. – Matthew 14:28-29 (NLT)“When God Calls Your Bluff” I was playing golf with a few pastor friends several years ago when I lived in Arizona. Pastors can be sweet and kind in church on Sunday, but many of us are a bit ...

“It’s All About Jesus!”Jesus Walks on Water (Matt 14:22-33)But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” he said. “Take courage. I am here!” – Matthew 14:27 (NLT)“All Is Well” “Don’t be afraid.” “Take courage. I am here!” What unbelievably powerful and comforting words. The disciples had been fighting the wind and waves for hours. No doubt they were exhausted—drained by their fear as much as...

“It’s All About Jesus!”Jesus Walks on Water (Matt 14:22-33)About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. When the disciples saw him walking on the water, they were terrified. In their fear, they cried out, “It’s a ghost!” – Matthew 14:25-26 (NLT)“When You Don’t Recognize God” This past Sunday, some friends at church were showing us some pictures from forty years ...

“It’s All About Jesus!”Jesus Walks on Water (Matt 14:22-33)About three o’clock in the morning Jesus came toward them, walking on the water. – Matthew 14:25 (NLT)“In Your Darkest Night” Is there anything more terrifying than being in a storm? Yes, there is. Being in a storm out on the open sea in the middle of the night. When there are no lights nearby and thick clouds block the starry sky, the sea...

“It’s All About Jesus!”Jesus Walks on Water (Matt 14:22-33)Meanwhile, the disciples were in trouble far away from land, for a strong wind had risen, and they were fighting heavy waves. – Matthew 14:24 (NLT)“Jesus Is on His Way” Have you ever found yourself sometimes saying, “God, where ARE you?” Especially in those times when you feel as if you’ve been doing everything He wants you to do. You’ve b...

“It’s All About Jesus!”Jesus Walks on Water (Matt 14:22-33)Immediately after this, Jesus insisted that his disciples get back into the boat and cross to the other side of the lake, while he sent the people home. After sending them home, he went up into the hills by himself to pray. Night fell while he was there alone. – Matthew 14:22:23 (NLT)“Hit the Pause Button” I was meeting with a couple of ou...