Until You Arose - Here on Purpose

"Warriors were scarce, they were scarce in Israel, until you arose, Deborah." Judges 5:7

Who might you inspire today?  There are times, and in my opinion way too often, where people lack hope.  They have lost the will to fight.  They give up on their kid.  They give up on their spouse.  They give up on their career.  They give up on themselves.  

But then they met you!  Now slow down...You ain't that great.  What is great is He who is in you.  You are in Christ!  You have the great opportunity and responsibility to be the hands, feet, and voice of Jesus.  Allow the Lord to chance to complete his work in you.  When you do...When he goes to work through you...You will see warriors arise.

Let's pray.

Wow! - Brag on God.

Now... - Tell God about your life.

How? - Stop talking and start listening as God speaks by his Holy Spirit and his Word.

Judges chapter 4 and 5

Proverbs chapter 26

Utmost for His Highest

Have a blessed day...And be a blessing,
Pastor Matt

Choose this Day - Here on Purpose

As I read through the book of Joshua and into the following books Judges, it is amazing to me how easily and quickly the people of God forget that they are the people of God.  But the truth is, it's really not that amazing at all.  Me.  You.  All of us are just like them.  

That's why today's key scripture might be so impactful.  It's a fairly famous speech Joshua gave.  You can find in in Joshua 24:12-15.

Within these verses we read,
"Now obey the Lord and worship him with integrity and loyalty.  Put aside the gods your ancestors worshiped beyond the Euphrates and in Egypt and worship the Lord.  
If you have no desire to worship the Lord, choose today whom you will worship...But I and my family will worship the Lord!"

Everyday we get to choose who we will worship.  Every single day.  Today is no different.  Today you will say "Yes, Lord." or you won't.  Here's a guarantee...you will say "Yes" to something.  Choose this day who you will follow.

Let's Pray:

Wow! - Brag on God.

Now... - Tell God what is stealing your affection...be honest with God, he already knows.  He wants you to tell him so that he will know that you are starting to see it too.

How? - Stop talking and start listening to God speak by his Holy Spirit and his Word.

Today's Scripture:
Joshua chapter 24

Judges chapter 2:16-23

Proverbs chapter 25

Utmost for His Highest

What did God say to you?  What will you do about it?

Blessings,
Pastor Matt

Asking God for Advice - Here on Purpose

"The men examined some of their provisions, but they failed to ask the Lord's advice."

Is this scripture true of you?  How easy it is for us to go about our day striving to do the will of the Lord but yet in our zeal and effort neglect the most important thing...Hearing from the Lord himself.  Think about the things you are aspiring to achieve.  Did you seek the Lord's advice concerning these matters?  

May this thought be the foundation for us today as we pray and listen to God.

Wow! - Brag on God.

Now... - Tell God about your day.

How? - Stop talking and start listening as you read God's Word.

Joshua chapters 7-9
Specifically chapter 9.

Proverbs chapter 24

Utmost for His Highest

Blessings,
Pastor Matt

Be Still and Know - Here on Purpose

"let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes." Ephesians 4:23 (NLT)

You responsibility is to "be still and know that (he) is God."  It's not up to you to make you better. Jesus is working in you to accomplish much more than you might ask or think.  

Thanks for joining me this Monday morning.  If you're new to this devotion, let me offer a quick frame work.  We pray first and then read our Bible.  Why?  
Prayer = You Talking.  
Reading the Bible = God Speaking to You.

Here is our process, I call it Here on Purpose.
1). Wow! - Brag on God.
2). Now... - Tell God about your life, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
3). How? - Stop talking and start listening as God speaks to you by his Holy Spirit and his Word.
4). KaBoom!! - Experience God's power as you live in obedience.

Here is today's reading:
Ephesians chapter 4:17-32  
You heard me speak on these scriptures, now is a good time to read them and digest them yourself.  What is God saying to you and how might you respond?

Proverbs chapter 23

Joshua chapter 6
What is the Lord asking you to walk circles around?  What areas of your life do you need to add more intentional focused prayer?

Utmost for His Highest

Have a blessed Monday,
Pastor Matt

It's Been a Day - Here on Purpose

Not every day is a Wow! kinda day.  Yesterday (for me anyway) was just a day.  A normal day.  No highs.  No lows.  Just a day.

But these types of days are good of our spiritual development.  Will I, will you, still follow Jesus on just the normal hum-drum days?  Or, must we experience the amazing, super spiritual feeling days to walk close with God?

Yesterday, (before I knew it would be blah) I made a decision.  I said, "Lord, I'm gonna abide all day."  What I meant was, I'm gonna think and talk about you as much as possible.  And, I think I did.  

Here's what I know to be true and why I'm sharing this with you today.  "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever!" Hebrews 13:8.  On the days when you don't feel it, you can still trust in Jesus.  On the days when your spiritual mojo isn't there, you can still trust in Jesus.  Jesus is faithful in every way.  

So, when's its been "just another day" know those are the days when we can grow emotionally.  Fatih is not a feeling.  Faith is built on facts.  The facts are found in the Word.  And, "the Word became flesh and took up residence among us." John 1:14.

Let's pray.

Wow! - Brag on God.
Now... - Tell God about your life, the good, the bad, and the ugly.
How? - Stop talking and start listening to God speak to you by his Holy Spirit and his Word.

Joshua chapter 5

Proverbs chapter 20

Ephesians chapter 4
Notice the section on stealing.  Is God trying to speak to you about your choices?

Utmost for His Highest

Have a blessed day,
Pastor Matt

Keep Your Distance - Here on Purpose

If I may, I want to share a thought I had from yesterday's scripture from Joshua 3.  Here we find Joshua telling the people to "Keep your distance so you can see which way you should go, for you have not traveled this way before."  

How often in my own life have I gotten out in front of God and found myself asking him to hurry and catch up so he can bless what I'm doing.  Here's the truth, no matter how long or how brief you have been following Jesus it is a great idea to let him stay out in front.  

But you know what happens, to both those who are experienced travelers or the newbies, we think we know the way.  How easy it is for us to forget that we are called to follow...not to lead.  

As you start your day, let me remind you, as God has reminded me, "you have not traveled this way before."  

Let's go to the Lord in prayer.

Wow! - Brag on God.
Now... - Tell God if you've lost your way.  Tell God if you think He's lost his.  Just talk to God about life...don't keep it from Him (you don't really think you can do you?).
How? - Stop talking and start listening to God speak to you by his Holy Spirit and his Word.

Proverbs chapter 19

Joshua chapter 4

Ephesians chapter 4
Notice what Paul says about our choice of words.  How might this influence your word choice?

Utmost for His Highest

What is God saying to you?
What will you do about it?

In Whose Image? - Here on Purpose

Let's start today by doing a little self reflection by answering this question, "Who do you most look like, Jesus or culture?"  

I said "a little reflection" on purpose because the question is not to defeat you or to puff you up.  Paul says in Romans 12:3, "I say to every one of you not to think more highly of yourself than you ought to think, but to think with sober discernment..."  It is also important that you don't think to lowly of yourself.  

Do you look more like Jesus?  Why?  What are you noticing about you that reminds you of Him?

In Genesis 1:26 God says, "Let us make humankind in our image, after our likeness..." (just a side note, notice the plural of "us" and "our"...Jesus and the Holy Spirit were with the Father from the start).  But back to the point...you were created to look just like Jesus!  And the great news is, the more time you spend in God's Word, hearing and obeying, the more and more you will naturally look like Jesus. 

What I'm striving to get across is, if you want to look like Jesus...spend time with Jesus.  If you want to look like culture...spend time with culture.  But trust in this fact, you were created to look like Jesus.  Therefore, I think it wise to walk in that direction.  

With all that being said...Let's begin todays prayer and reading.
Wow! - Brag on God!
Now... - Tell God about your life.
How? - Stop talking and start listening to God speak by his Holy Spirit and his Word.  

Ephesians 4:22-32
What do you need to lay aside?

Proverbs chapter 18

Joshua chapter 3

Utmost for His Highest

Praying that you look more like Jesus,
Pastor Matt

 

Here On Purpose

Good Monday.  If you're joining us for the first time, let me welcome you to this devotional blog.  I call this Here on Purpose because there are lots of other things you could be doing rather than reading your Bible.  But, you have chosen to give this specific time to Jesus.  Here is how we typically use this time.

We pray first and read our Bible last.  Why?  Because the Bible will speak to the things you prayed about.  Here is our framework for prayer:

1. Wow! - Brag on God.  Take some time and tell God why you think he's awesome.

2. Now... - Tell God about your life.  Here you share it all, the good, the bad, and the ugly.  

3. How? - Stop talking and start listening as God speaks to you by his Holy Spirit and by His Word.  

Today's Reading (read as much or as little as you like):  As you read, ask and answer these 2 questions, 1)What is God saying to me?  an What will I do about it?

Proverbs chapter 16

Joshua chapter 1

Ephesians chapter 4

Utmost for His Highest 

4. KaBoom!! - Experience God's power as you walk in obedience.  

Enjoy your time with the Lord. 
Blessings,
Pastor Matt

Strong and Brave - Here on Purpose

Today I want to share with you some scriptures from the Old Testament that deal with faith.  As you read them I want you to ask yourself, "What was Joshua's faith to be based on?"

The texts are:
Deuteronomy 31:1-8
Joshua 1:1-9

Did you discover the source of Joshua's faith?  Notice it wasn't wishful thinking or a personal desire but rather the promises of God.  So, let us use this as our bases for prayer today, "Is your faith based upon anything other than God's promises that are found in scripture?"

Let's go to the Lord in prayer and talk to him about our faith.

Wow! - Brag on God.
Now... - Tell God what you have faith in.
How? - Stop talking and look to His Word to see if your faith is a promise he has made to you.

Other Readings for Today (if needed):
Proverbs chapter 13
Utmost for His Highest

Have a blessed day,
Pastor Matt

Self-Feeder - Here on Purpose

Wow! - Brag on God.
Now... - Tell God about life.  The good, the bad, and the ugly.
How? - Stop talking and start listening as God speaks to you by his Holy Spirit and his Word.

Proverbs chapter 12

Utmost for His Highest

Ephesians chapter 3
Specifically 3:16-21 (this is the primary text for Sunday's message)

KaBoom!! - What you experience when you are obedient to God's ways.

Below is what I wanted to share for the day.  I have added it below as it is my personal thoughts and you reading God's Word has priority over my thoughts.  So, start with the Holy Scriptures and if you still have time you can venture on to what I was thinking about.

Blessings,
Pastor Matt

Last Spring I asked the people of New City Church to take a survey concerning many areas of their physical and spiritual life (see yesterday's blog for insight). 

What we discovered, based on the responses, was that 50% of the adults of New City Church never or hardly every read their Bible!  When I saw this data I realized something, half of New City Church were infants in their faith.  Here's the good news, everyone starts in this stage of spiritual maturity.  The question that must be answered is, "How long will one remain a spiritual infant?"

As a parent of an infant, if you want to drive yourself crazy and stay in a state of complete frustration do the following...Place the jar of baby food in front of your child and then tell him to eat.  You can tell him all day.  You can even have other parents come over and tell him to eat.  But, to your dismay, you will discover, he will not eat until you personally feed him.  

What I realized is this, it does little good for me to stand on the stage and say, "Read your Bible."  50% can't, they have yet to developed the skills necessary to read the Bible on their own.  In this first stage of spiritual infancy I discovered - a parent is required to feed the infant.  

Now it's cute to feed a baby and laugh as he makes funny faces when he taste something new.  It's even cute when he spits it out.  When he's a baby it's cute.  When he's 4 it's not cute...It's annoying.  There comes a time when the transition happens from being fed to becoming a self-feeder.  

Here's the second phase of spiritual infancy - a parent helps the infant feed themselves.  This part is messy but necessary.  You have to place the spoon in their hand and then help guide it to their mouth.  This doesn't happen once but rather over and over and over.  Until...They get it.

Before long, the baby can pick up his spoon, plunge it in to some food, and cram it into his mouth.  It's a beautiful thing.  And this is the final stage of being a spiritual infant - the person is able to feed themselves.  

The same is true for the 50% of adults at New City Church.  Here's how you know if you're still in the infant stage, "Do you feed yourself or do you expect someone to feed you?"  If you want to spiritually grow up you have to feed yourself.  (If you're reading this you've probably moved out of the infant stage:)

I don't consider this blog as me feeding you.  If I had to stand over your shoulder and read it for you...well that would be different, and a little weird.  This blog is a tool.  I do this so that we can 1.)Walk towards Jesus together and 2.)Share it with others who are joining the journey.  

So...If you've read this far I'd appreciate some feedback.  Would you find the time to email me at matt@newcitychurch.com and let me know if this tool (the blog) is affective?  If yes, how might you help share it with others within our church body our even within our local community?

 

On Purpose -Here on Purpose

Each follower of Jesus lives in two worlds, the physical and the spiritual.  I will give a simple definition for these two.  The physical is what you do that is seen by those in your life (family, friends, co-workers).  The spiritual is what you do that only God sees.  Here, we find a Biblical principal that often gets overlooked within our culture - The follower of Jesus is expected to spend specific and intentional time with God that is unseen by the world in which we live. 

What typically happens, however, is we merge the spiritual and physical into one life.  Now, before I go on, let me explain.  Yes, in your physical life you should live like Jesus (live spiritually).  In no way am I saying we are to live two lives.  However, these spiritual acts, that are seen by all, should not be the full expression of your spiritual life.

Does this thought align with how Jesus lived?  Let's look within our Bible to answer this.

Matthew 14:23
Mark 1:35
Luke 5:16
Luke 22:32 (past tense verb "prayed")
Luke 22:41-44
John 11:41-42

Of course Jesus also prayed in public but one can't overlook the fact that Jesus was very intentional about a unseen spiritual life. 

So...how intentional are you with your spiritual life?  What do you do spiritually that no one knows about EXCEPT God?  Jesus even told us, concerning prayer, "But whenever you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret."  Jesus - Matthew 6:6.

This is why Here on Purpose is so important for your life.  How in the world are you supposed to know what God wants when you never sit alone with him.  Here's the truth.  If you only talk to God in your physical spaces you will have a difficult time hearing him. Because,  it's hard to hear God's voice over the screaming of our culture. 

So...Find the time to pray.  (when I say "pray" I'm also referring to and including your Bible reading...it makes little sense to talk to God and then ignore the primary way he speaks to us.)

Here's a way to pray...

Wow! - Brag on God.
Now... - Tell God want's going on in your life.
How? - Stop talking and allow God to speak to you by his Holy Spirit and his Word.
KaBoom!! - Experience God's power as you obey and commit your life to his purposes.

This is the foundation of knowing God's will, sitting with Jesus every day.  For more, read John chapter 15.

Blessings,
Pastor Matt

One Thing We Do... - Here On Purpose

Followers of Jesus should live different from those who are following the cultural norms.  One way this is present is how a person who follows Jesus responds to hurt.  Last night, during our Ephesians Bible study, we talked about forgiveness and how we move towards forgiving those who caused pain.  

The simple truth is this, Jesus expects his followers to forgive, just as we have been forgiven.  Jesus even includes this in his example for prayer in Matthew 6:12.  However, there is another simple truth, you are hurt because someone hurt you.  Yet, this truth doesn't negate Jesus' expectation for you and I to forgive.  

CAUTION: While reading these first two paragraphs, if your mind went to a specific person or situation...This may be a painful area that Jesus is ready to help you walk through.  Yes, Jesus goes with you in your obedience.  Why?  Because if he doesn't you won't do it.  The hurt is real.  The only way you will be obedient is because Jesus is helping you to do so.  It's really, really hard to forgive.  

But we do.  Why?   Because Jesus did and we, as his followers, are called to live like Jesus...even when we don't want to.  Remember what Jesus said on the cross?  "Father, forgive them..."  In his greatest pain, Jesus chose to forgive.  

Will you?

Wow! - Brag on God, thanking him for forgiving you.  In Christ you have been forgiven!  

Now... - Tell God about your hurts.  He cares for you.  Ask God to speak to you through his scripture as you process the grace of forgiveness.  

How? - Stop talking and start listening as you hear from God by his Holy Spirit and his Word.

Today, focus on the Lord's prayer found in Matthew chapter 6.  
What is God saying to you?
What will you do about it?

Blessings,
Pastor Matt

 

I Just Don't Get It - Here on Purpose

About this time every year, I'm reminded of how out of touch I am with our current culture.  What reminds me of this?  The Grammy Awards.  I just don't get it.  Maybe I'm too old...but I'm not.  I just don't get it.  

Here's what I think is happening.  The more time I devote to following Jesus the more I struggle relating to our culture.  Please don't confuse me saying "I just don't get it" with I hate the current culture.  I don't hate culture, I just don't relate to it.  

However, I think this is okay.  I would even say to the person who is a follower of Jesus and also feels at ease and at home within our current culture to pause and ask if that even makes sense.  How does one keep both feet following Jesus and following culture?  I believe this type of stride would rip a person right down the middle.  

You and I, as followers of Jesus, should live very different than our culture. (Yet, not with a pointed finger or a up turned nose!)  I say this because God's Word does not change.  Culture changes but God's Word does not.  Now someone might say, "I can follow Jesus and not agree with the Bible."  I would say false, you can not and here's why.  The Gospel of John starts by saying, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was fully God."  Then, just a few verses later John writes (John 1:14), "Now the Word became flesh and took up residence among us."  

If you're a little confused let me help.  The Bible is God's Word to us.  It does not change it is forever.  And, Jesus was/is/will continue to be, the perfect reflection of God's Word.  That's why John wrote, "And the Word became flesh and took up residence among us."  Jesus was the living Word.  

When you and I follow Jesus our lives will look different.  There is no maybe to this.  When you and I follow Jesus we will walk in the opposite direction of culture.  This will be so until Jesus' prayer is answered, "Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven."  

For our Bible reading today I thought I'd provide some scriptures that speak to what I've written.  Here's why, you may disagree with what I've wrote.  That's okay.  But as you read the following scriptures ask yourself these questions: What is God saying to me? and What will I do about it?"

How? - Let God speak to you by his Word and his Holy Spirit.
1 John 2:15-17
What do you love?  
Here's a simple test to answer this with great, and maybe painful, honesty.
3 questions:
1) Look at your calendar, where do you spend your time?
2) Look at your bank statement, where do you spend your money?
3) Look at your Bible, is it worn from use or is it like new?

These three areas do not lie and are clear.  Is what you found different from how you answered this question?

John 15:18-21
This is hard because we want to be liked.  But the hard truth is this, it's hard to be the most popular person when you are committed to following Jesus.  His commitment got him nailed to a cross.  Where will your commitment get you?

Matthew 7:13-14
How does this verse impact your life?
What path are you walking.  Notice that this is not about what a person says (or what they believe) but rather how a person lives out (or walks) what they say they believe.  

The rest of this week we will look at our culture.  This is great timing as I just returned from our nations capital and had the opportunity to visit many of the historic sights.  I will offer some of my insight and prayers as we journey together.  

Blessings,
Pastor Matt

National Prayer Breakfast

This week my wife and I have the opportunity to attend the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC.  I really don't know what to expect but I'm excited to be a part of his gathering. 

I never use my platform to speak my political views but I do feel it is important to use this platform to invite you to pray for our country and those who have leadership over us. This is a key thought...you don't have to agree/like/support prior to prayer. And be careful how you pray. Pray for God's will to be done, period. Too often we pray what we think God's will is.

I've never done well with those who complain about how things are.  I've read some history and I've noticed something, people have always complained about the way things are.  This is the great value the people of God (the church) provide. When we are following God we will represent him in all areas of our lives. Christians shouldn't complain. Christians should pray and live like Jesus.  Be mindful to live the way you pray. It makes little sense to pray for God's will and then accomplish yours. 

Join me in prayer...

Wow! - Brag on God and give him thanks for the spiritual freedoms we have.  

Now...  - Tell God what concerns you about our country.  

How? - Stop talking and listen to God's voice through his Holy Spirit and his Word. 

Ephesians chapter 3

Proverbs chapter 4

And...maybe choose to fast tomorrow for our country. Instead of eating, use those spaces to pray and seek the Lord on behalf of those who lead us.  

Blessings, 

Pastor Matt

Full of Jesus - Here on Purpose

Today's devotion will focus on 2 verses, Mark 2:1-2.  I want to first offer some thoughts on these verses and then move into a time of prayer and deeper reflection.

Mark 2:1-2, "Now after some days, when Jesus returned to Capernaum, the new spread that he was at home.  So many gathered that there was no longer any room, not even by the door, and he preached the word to them."  

Let's chew on this for a bit.  What are some things you see in these scriptures?
1. We learn where Jesus called home.
2. We learn that he was very popular/famous. (In chapter 1 you can read about the miracle that caused his fame)
3. And we know Jesus taught the Word.  (this by the way wasn't the New Testament because it hadn't been written yet)

Let's see if we can apply some of this into our own life.
1. We learn in Ephesians chapter 1 and 2 that Jesus is currently with the Father.  However, we also know from Ephesians chapter 1 that the saints, the faith in Christ Jesus have been given his Holy Spirit, as a mark that we belong to him.  So, here's a question for you to consider.  Is your house in order?  What type of environment to you provide for the Holy Spirit to live?  Is he having to step around and over the clutter of your life or has your obedience to God's Word provided for him a pleasant place to reside?

2. I find it interesting that the house is crowed when Jesus is present.  People were and are attracted to Jesus!  (don't confuse Jesus with religion...most people don't crowd a house for religion)  So, what might your life look like when it has more Jesus in it?  John the Baptist said, in the Gospel of John, "He must become greater and I must become less."  Be warned...Big You and Big Jesus can't coexist.  Some one will be greater.  Some one will be less.  May our lives have some much Jesus that people are "crowed" to be around us.  And this leads us to my final observation, why would people crowd around you?

3. When you are full of Jesus AND you are preaching his Word...Look out!  God's gonna do something big through you.  We must be careful because the crowd may confuse your talents with Jesus' favor.  When there is a crowd...Don't talk about you.  Preach the Word!  Brag on God.  Tell of how he saved your sorry butt.  Inspire men and women to repent and be baptized into the family of God.  You want to clear a room...Start talking about you.  How I pray that we would be a people full of Jesus.  And, that we love to talk about what he has done for us.  

All of this is started when you take the time to abide (John 15:1-8).  Let's do this now.

Wow! - Brag on God.

Now... - Tell God what's on your mind.

How? - Stop talking and start listening to his Holy Spirit and his Word.  Ask and Answer, What is God saying and what will I do about it?

Proverbs chapter 29

Ephesians chapter 2

Mark chapter 1 and 2

Utmost for His Highest

Blessings,
Pastor Matt

Church People - Here on Purpose

When it comes to salvation, all you need is Jesus.  
When it comes to living like Jesus you need His Church.  

Now, before we go on we must have a clear meaning of the word "church."  
Church is not a place, church is a people.  Specifically, the people of God.  

When it comes to following Jesus you need His Church, his people.  So, who do you do life with?  Are you surround by the people of God OR by the people of this world? 

I've heard it said, "The direction of your friends will determine the direction of your life."  If this is true, where are you headed?  Some of our most difficult choices happen early in our walk with Jesus.  In the early seasons of your faith you are faced with living out this new life.  Living your new life in Jesus always requires leaving the old life behind.  Wow...is this hard.  I'm reminded of the Utmost for His Highest on Jan 11, 2015.  What comes to mind when you read that?  What areas of your life do you feel this pressure?

Just be aware, your friends are helping you get somewhere.  And, it's a safe bet that if your friends are walking towards Jesus...before long you may be walking in that direction too.  

Let's go to the Father in prayer.

Wow! - Brag on God.  Thank him for the salvation he has provided you in this Son Jesus.

Now... - Tell God what's going on in your life.

How? - Stop talking and start listening.  What is God saying to you by his Holy Spirit and by his Word?

Proverbs chapter 28

Ephesians chapter 2

Mark chapter 1 and 2

What is God saying?
What are you going to do about it?

Blessings,
Pastor Matt

WDJD? - Here on Purpose

Good Tuesday AM.  I think today's Bible study will be fun and possibly very engaging.  Today I want us to discover What Did Jesus Do? 

Before we begin our study let us get our heat and mind focused on Jesus.

Wow! - Brag on God.  

Now... - Tell God what's going on in your life.  This includes the good, the bad, and the ugly.

How? - Stop talking and start listening.  What is God saying to you by his Holy Spirit and his Word?

Today's Study:
Mark 1:9-17

Re-read these verses and list out exactly how Jesus started toward the "hope of his calling" (Paul's prayer in Ephesians chapter 1).
 Don't read ahead.  Don't let me chew this for you.  Dig into these verses and discover how Jesus started.

When you think you've got it continue reading.

1. Jesus came from Nazareth
2. Jesus was baptized
3. The Holy Spirit was sent upon him
4. The Father affirms Jesus
5. The Holy Spirit leads Jesus to a 40 day fast
6. Jesus starts his ministry
7. Jesus makes disciples

Did you notice all of those?  
How might you explain each of these or what do these mean to you? (Chew on this)

This is what I think.
1. Jesus came from Nazareth - this is the picture of salvation.  For each follower, there is a time when you came from somewhere and began following God.  As Paul writes in Ephesians, this is not because of your good works, if so, you could brag about it.  But rather, you were saved by faith when God opened your eyes to see the salvation he provides in his one and only son Jesus!
God revealing his salvation is where everyone starts.

2. Jesus was baptized - this is our first act of following Jesus.  Jesus died on the cross and resurrected from the grave.  Jesus' command for baptism is our way to show, that, like Jesus, we have put to death our old life and how been resurrected as a new creation in Christ Jesus.
(personal note...As a pastor I see way too many followers skip this step.  Baptism is the first thing a new follower should do.  It's impossible to live a new life in Jesus when you haven't buried the old.)    

3. The Holy Spirit came upon Jesus.  When did this happen?  As he was coming up out of the water.  When the old you is put to death (going under the water) and the new creation is given life (as you come up out of the water) you receive the very spirit of God, the Holy Spirit.  It is in the new you that the Holy Spirit resides.  Think on this...the very Spirit that lived in Jesus lives in you = mind blown!

4. The Father affirms Jesus.  Notice what the Father says, "You are my one dear Son; in you I take great delight."  Question, What has Jesus done up to this point?  He hasn't done one miracle yet.  Nothing. Nada.  Please get this...God's love for you have NOTHING to do with what you are able to do for God.  God loves you because you are "in Christ."  Your identity must be found in Christ and NOT in what you do for Christ.  Even if you stopped doing all your good, God would still love you and be pleased with you because you are "in Christ."  

5. The Holy Spirit leads Jesus to 40 days of fasting.  Salvation, baptism, receiving of the Holy Spirit, Identity in Jesus, and then comes the hard part...the time of preparation.  What other examples of "40" can you find in your Bible?  What you will find is each one is a time of preparing.  But preparing for what?  I would submit this...40 days to prepare you for the "hope of your calling."  The reason you might have skipped this part is because it is painful and very very hard...and we sometimes can't see how God could use pain or discomfort to prepare us.  But he does.  I see these 40 days as a time when God gets bigger and you get smaller (literally because you're not eating).  

6. Jesus starts his ministry.  Now Jesus is ready.  Here's what I bet you did.  You "came" from your past life and started in some sort of ministry.  Hmmm...you might have skipped some steps?

7. Jesus makes disciples.  Jesus invited people into his life to watch, listen, and do.  That's what discipleship is.  It's not a course you take but rather a life you watch being lived and then you mimic that life.  Paul says to the younger Timothy, "Follow me as I follow Christ."  

So...
What is God saying to you?  What step(s) did you skip?
What will you do about it?

Will you do what Jesus did?
Live like Jesus.

Blessings,
Pastor Matt