How Has God Surprised You?

Back Story,

Jesus had fed the 5000 and then the disciples crossed over the river on the boat. Jesus stayed behind to pray. When Jesus had finished praying he went to his disciples who were on the boat in fear because a big storm had come upon them on the water.

We pick up the story the next day starting in vs. 22

Read John 6:22-40

Can you imagine the confusion on the peoples faces when they saw Jesus. They knew he didn't get on the boat with his disciples because they saw the disciples take the only boat that was on the dock. And then ships land after the disciples are gone. They did their search and now see Jesus. Their surprise, "Rabbi, when did you get here?"

Do you not love a good God surprise?

This week I have had a few God surprises. I have had a couple of personal breakthroughs. I have been extended grace by a wonderful group of ladies. I was reintroduced to a lady that I gave a drive to camp one year. Friday was a day of learning. And as an extension of Friday, I would like to invite you all to stay for lunch today. We will be having .....

God surprises.

Jesus is so bold. I love the way Jesus speaks truth in love. This is one of those places in scripture. I tell you the truth

Jesus acknowledged the behavior. He called them on it, in a bold loving way, I tell you the truth you want to be with me because I fed you not because you understood the miraculous signs.

The plural, The back story is important in this story because of this plural word signs. It was not only the big wow ones of the feeding of the 5000 and the walking on the water but also included the perfect lining up of events for the miracle to happen.

When our focus is on the result, the perishable, like food. The result becomes our reward. The result becomes our success measure. When the truth is the results our not in our control, as much we like to think they are they are not.

So Jesus identified the behavior that needed to be addressed because it is not wrong to want to be with Jesus but the motive wasn't pure. But he didn't just stop there, he took it a step further and gave them the solution. Isn't it amazing when someone comes to you with a problem and a solution. Or at least willing to sit down and talk through what is in front of them.

Jesus taught them a life truth, spend your energy chasing after the eternal things. Spend your energy focused on the one who has the seal of approval. Chase after him, seek him. Seek after the miracles. look for the heavenly movings. Look for Jesus lining things up for things to happen or happening in your life.

When Pastor Rosemary shares God sightings each week, I hope you see the miraclous in them. God is lining things up. God is setting things up. God is moving people in to place. He is moving organizations into place.

These are confirmations that we moving on the right path. God is stripping away what Freedom Centre will not focus on but will partner with other proffessional to offer these services. In knowing the focus of the Freedom Centre, we know the focus of the church.

Now their focus shifts to we don't want to watch, we want to do. We want to do what you do. What should we do.

I love the answer, "This is the only work God wants from you: Believe in the one he has sent."

Thats it. Believe in the one he has sent. That seems to simple doesn't it. To partake in the work of God is simply to believe in the one he has sent.

Let me share this simple little truth that carries big impact, when we believe in the one God has sent, Jesus, it changes our whole perspective. The more we look for the lining ups, the more we see them. Some call these linings up the sovereignty of God.

There are some people that believe in the sovereignty of God but can not see it in their own personal experiences and some simply give up before they see the event happen.

I want to encourage you this morning, if you are going through hell. Don't give up. Things are still lining up. Don't give up before you see the miracle happen.

So then they challenged him, show us a sign if you want us to believe in you. They brought up their ancestors saying, "you know Mosses gave our ancestors bread from heaven."

Jesus, again, in his kindness, I tell you the truth, Moses didn't give you bread from heaven. My Father did and now he offers you the true bread from heaven. The true bread comes down to heaven to give life to the world.

Sir give us that bread every day.

We don't want that just once but everyday.

I love this promise that Jesus gives to those who believe.

Talk about PEI and these verses.

Go Into Communion.