John 6:11-12,21,41,60,66

Thanksgiving is over; so what do we do now as we return to the challenges of life? Phil Ware reminds us that Jesus gave us a great example on how to deal with the challenges we face after a great thanksgiving feast.

"From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him."

Inspirational illustration of John 6:66 -- From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him.

One story that shows God’s desire to empower us is when Jesus took five small loaves of bread and two fish to feed a large crowd. This is what constantly amazes me about the efficiency with which God is able to solve our problems. It's not that I have any doubt concerning his power to create solutions; it's just amazing that he completes His plans using us! God is a master at solv

"[Jesus] said to them, "It is I; don't be afraid." Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were....."

"After everyone [in the crowd of more than 5,000 people] was full, Jesus told his disciples, "Now gather the leftovers, so that nothing is wasted." So...."

"Then the people began to murmur in disagreement because [Jesus] had said, "I am the bread that came down from heaven." They said, "Isn't this Jesus,....."

""Tell everyone to sit down," Jesus said [after being told that a boy in the crowd had five barley loaves and two fish]. So they all sat down on the..."

Inspirational illustration of John 6:20-21 they were frightened. But he said to them, “It is I; don’t be afraid.” Then they were willing to take him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

Where can you go when there's no place left to go? Tom Norvell reminds us that we have a person to go to, when we have no place to go, and his name is Jesus, our Lord.

"[The disciples] had rowed three or four miles when suddenly they saw Jesus walking on the water toward the boat. They were terrified, but he called..."

"Many of [Jesus'] disciples said, "This is very hard to understand. How can anyone accept it?" Jesus was aware that his disciples were..."

"Dear Child of God, Don't miss the heartbreak of the events described in the Scripture below. Despite all I had said and had done, people turned away...."

You know the paralyzing fear that surfaces when the information is too much to learn, the change is too great to make, the grief is too deep to survive, or the crowd is too numerous to feed. Max Lucado reminds us with Jesus' feeding of the crowd with five barley loaves and two fish that it is his job to make what we have sufficient for the moment.

How in the world do I obey that command? Phil Ware continues his series on I AM from the Gospel of John and focuses on Jesus' statement that he is I AM and so we should not fear.

"[Jesus said,] "The Spirit alone gives eternal life. Human effort accomplishes nothing. And the very words I have spoken to you are spirit and life...."

God knows how to use broken things God gathers broken things and puts them back together, including broken people.

What are you going to hang onto during these storms? If Jesus isn't made the center of our marriages and families, our failure is assured.

"Dear Beloved, There are times when life is very hard. Remember when I fed 5,000 people out of five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21)? The people..."

Maybe the goal in life is not to arrive at our goals, but to invite Jesus into the journey and let him get us where we need to be. Phil Ware continues his series called "I Doubt It" and this week focuses on Jesus coming to his closest followers through the storm when they were exhausted, afraid, and uncertain.

Sometimes we get to touch what Jesus has done and it is breathtaking! Phil Ware writes about Compassion international and seeing the incredible things God is doing through the projects in Fortaleza, Brazil using the help of sponsors and ground personnel to free children from poverty in Jesus' name.

Will we hold a miracle in our hands? My experience says, “Yes!” Phil Ware continues his series on 'I Doubt it' focusing this week on Jesus' challenge to the apostles to feed the five thousand.

"Dear Beloved, There are times when life is very hard. Remember when I fed 5,000 people out of five loaves and two fish (Matthew 14:13-21)? The people..."

What rock are you striking? Learning to make arrowheads is a lesson in perseverance and how we must keep trying!

"Dear Friend, There are many voices that call out to you and seek to win your heart. There are many distractions in your busy and high-tech culture..."

The question the Holy Spirit left on my heart after reading this whole chapter was as convicting as it was clear. Phil Ware discovers a verse in Luke 19 that the Holy Spirit uses to confront him about an important question.

Just how hungry are you? Phil Ware continues his series on the I AM statements in the Gospel of John focusing on Jesus being the bread of life.