“What is it?” The Israelites asked this when they saw the flaky substance covering the ground as they began their wilderness journey. The answer is that it was God’s miraculous, daily provision of bread for His people for 40 years. “Who is it?” People want to know who Jesus is, what He offers, why we “need” Him. The answer is that Jesus is God’s miraculous, daily provision for life today and forever.

Your boss stops by and says, “You did a great job! I’m so glad you are on our team.” Your mom says, “I’m really proud of you. You used your gifts so well.” Most people love to hear words of affirmation. At the end of our lives it will be wonderful to hear God say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Our series “Good and Faithful” helps us understand what this means in relation to all of life and life’s resources.

“Rules were made to be broken.” So says the person who loves to break rules. But rules serve a valuable purpose and reveal an order that comes ultimately from God for our good.

There is no “I” in “team,” so the saying goes. There are so many ways to apply this concept to our lives. It is especially true when it comes to our faith and the mission God has given us. If we are going to “win” (last week’s message), it is going to happen as a team.

Our guest preacher for this morning is Dr. John Oberdeck. He begins our series “Play to Win,” focusing on the purpose for which we exist and the attitude with which we live.

Jesus tells Peter to “feed my sheep.” He refers to caring for people who were or would become followers of Jesus. This is our charge as well, and so we feed them the food that gives life and peace and joy…PIZZA! Just kidding, we feed them with the love, truth and hope of Jesus.

What proof do you need in order to believe that something is absolutely true? Thomas did not believe the words of the women and the other disciples; he wanted to see and touch Jesus for himself to believe that Jesus was alive. Jesus delivered BIG TIME! Do you believe it?

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love” (Jackie DeShannon). What the world needs now is true love, the sweet love of Jesus. And we are the ones who deliver it. Sweet love.

Why do we worship Jesus? Because He makes (AND KEEPS) promises that no one else can deliver. Jesus says He is the resurrection and the life and He proves it by raising a person who was dead. I don’t know anyone else who can do that. Do you?