Born Into the Dark
“As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth.” John 9:1 (NIV) Some burdens began before you did. The man in John 9 did not lose his sight in an accident. He was not careless with something he…
The Sign That Points Beyond Itself
“After the people saw the sign Jesus performed, they began to say, ‘Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.’” John 6:14 (NIV) The crowd saw the miracle and still missed the point. They watched Jesus…
Let Nothing Be Wasted
“‘Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.’ So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.” John 6:12-13 (NIV) Jesus fed thousands…
He Blessed It Before He Broke It
“Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish.” John 6:11 (NIV) Jesus gave thanks before anyone had eaten a single bite. The…
Bring Your Imperfect Offering
“‘Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?’” John 6:9 (NIV) Andrew brought something and apologized for it in the same breath. He went looking when…
The Math Is Not Mathing
“Philip answered him, ‘It would take more than half a year’s wages to buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!’” John 6:7 (NIV) Your math is not the problem. Philip was not being foolish or faithless when…
Still Walking and Still Trusting
“While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living.” John 4:51 (NIV) The hardest part of faith is the road between. The official did not know his son was already…
What He Said Over You Still Stands
“Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, ‘Your son will live.’” John 4:53a (NIV) What God spoke over you has not changed. The father discovered this when his servants named…
He Spoke and That Was Enough
“‘Go,’ Jesus replied, ‘your son will live.’ The man took Jesus at his word and departed.” John 4:50 (NIV) Five words changed everything in that sickroom that day. Jesus did not travel to Capernaum to heal the boy. He did…
The Prayer That Doesn’t Sound Religious
“The royal official said, ‘Sir, come down before my child dies.’” John 4:49 (NIV) Your most honest prayer is your most powerful one. We have been taught that prayer requires the right words. We rehearse it, refine it, and sometimes…