We have been seeking factual reasons to trust Jesus' presence and power in the midst of fear and pain. 

So far this week we've reviewed the evidence which proves that Jesus Christ existed and that he was crucified by Pontius Pilate and worshiped by the first Christians as their risen Lord.  How do we know they were right?

I hope this brief review will help you when you need to know the fact of God's presence in your life.

What do we do when the roof caves in?  How do we know with certainty that our God is real, that his power is sufficient, that his promises are true? 

Jesus sees past your surroundings to your heart this morning. Whether you won or lost your last game, you can count on his compassion and grace.

Historians don't like to trust reports of past events which are apparently not repeated today. If people don't walk on water this week, many don't believe Jesus did. If people don't feed a crowd with a tiny lunch, or raise the dead, skeptics doubt that Jesus did.

The truth is that you and I will be tempted all day long to "be like God" (Genesis 3:5). The world will offer us excitement and information, progress and power if we will only bend a rule or two.

Tough times may come your way today, but don't think that your Father doesn't know or care. Temptations may find your mind or heart this morning, but don't think that your Father isn't watching and waiting to help.

The Lord of the universe is not as troubled as we are. He sees Friday better than we can see Thursday. His holiness requires him to redeem all that he permits or causes. So pick your most perplexing problem this morning. Put it in words, then put it in your Father's hands.

When we consider all that humans can do today, we're amazed with ourselves. For instance, yesterday's news reported a breakthrough which will enable silicon-based chips to produce laser beams, enabling higher speed in data communications than has ever been possible before. I'm impressed. But then I look outside my window at a tree no human can make from scratch, and up at a universe we cannot begin to measure, and I'm less impressed with us.