This week we are dwelling in the Word and exploring the seven “I Am” statements of Jesus. Today’s reading is John 11:1-37, the story of Jesus bringing Lazarus back from the dead. It’s in this story that Jesus declares he is the resurrection and the life.Jesus was very close with Mary, Martha, and their brother Lazarus. When Lazarus died, Jesus went to comfort the two sisters and weep with them. Hi...  Read More

This week we are dwelling in the Word and exploring the seven “I Am” statements of Jesus. Today’s reading is John 10:11-19, where Jesus tells us that he is our good shepherd. This is a continuation of the metaphor he began earlier in the chapter. Israel had a lot of leaders, but hardly any of them were being good shepherds of the flock of Israel.Instead of caring for the sheep, they were exploitin...  Read More

This week we are dwelling in the Word and exploring the seven “I Am” statements of Jesus. Today’s reading is John 10:1-10, where Jesus declares that he is gate for the sheep.Here’s a few thoughts to guide your reading of the Word. It’s a relatively unflattering reality that the Bible often compares human beings to sheep—who are not necessarily the sharpest tools in the shed. People need protection...  Read More

This week we are dwelling in the Word and exploring the seven “I Am” statements of Jesus. Today’s reading is John 8:12, where Jesus declares that he is the Light of the World.John begins his Gospel by saying of Jesus, “The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world” (John 1:9). But what does it mean that Jesus is our light?Jesus made this claim this during a Jewish Celebrati...  Read More

Yesterday we challenged our church to spend seven days reading through the "I Am" statements of Jesus in the Gospel of John. In each of these sayings, Jesus reveals something about who is he and the blessings he is offering us through our relationship with him.

Today's reading is John 6:25-59, where Jesus says that he is the Bread of Life. Here's a few key points to consider as you read this pass...  Read More

“Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth” -Matthew 5:5 (NIV) To be meek is to exhibit a calm and soothing disposition. When we are faced with a crisis or a threat, our bodies react with the flight or fight response. Our nervous system floods our bodies with chemicals that make us ready to attack the threat or run away.Meekness represents an alternative to fighting or hiding. The Gree...  Read More