Will you chew on this?

The word for “meditate” in the Bible is a word used to describe a cow chewing its cud. This is the process of a cow chewing grass, spitting it up and chewing it again and again. Gross right? Well, don’t miss the point.

Meditation is not about EMPTYING ourselves, but it’s about FILLING ourselves with God’s Word. As you read and something really jumps out at you. Take it with you all day. Write it down and take a picture of it with your phone. Keep bringing it up throughout the day.

By letting God’s Word bubble up to the surface over and over, you’ll see different ways it applies to your life. Maybe it’s a promise or a challenge. Keep your eyes open to ways it can impact your different situations.

Tip #2: Take it with you! When you’re done reading, don’t just close your Bible and move on. Take that one thought or verse with you and watch for God to continue to speak to you throughout the day.

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT)

Will you try this?

When it comes to reading the Bible, it can be overwhelming. Where do I start? What if I don’t understand it? How can I learn something that will help me in the “real world”?

These are all great questions, and they’re all from real people. So this week I want to take a little time and give you a few tips on getting the most out of your time with Jesus in His Word (Every Day With Jesus).

While there are some things that are hard to understand, there is PLENTY that is clear and easy to understand. If you’re new to the Bible, start with Matthew (the first book in the New Testament). The first several verses are a bunch of names. So, when you come to something like that, don’t worry about pronouncing everything correctly. Just keep reading until you get to the point of all those names. By the way, JESUS is the point in Matthew 1.

If you heard this weekend’s message, you know I said to find ONE verse that really jumps out to you.

So here’s TIP #1: Start with Prayer! Ask God to guide you and speak to you. Tell Him you want to spend time with Him and learn. As you read, watch for God to get your attention with one particular verse. When you’re done reading, go back to that verse and ask these questions:

Is there a…

• Sin to CONFESS?
• Promise to CLAIM?
• Attitude to CHANGE?
• Command to OBEY?
• Example to FOLLOW?
• Prayer to PRAY?
• Error to AVOID?
• Truth to BELIEVE?
• Something to THANK GOD FOR?

“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” (Hebrews 4:12 NLT)

Is this happening in your life?

I can’t quit thinking about all the NEW LIFE we got to celebrate on Easter. However, our baptism is the starting point, not the finish line. It’s now time for God to do His work in us. We were never intended to stay the same person when God calls us a NEW CREATION.

So what does this transformation look like?

First of all, next week on the blog, I’ll be sharing some tips for you as you read your Bible. Remember, we don’t just read for information, we want TRANSFORMATION!

So, Colossians 3 gives us this encouragement and challenge as we walk into this new relationship with Jesus. What if we began to seriously view life with some NEW glasses!?

“Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.” (Colossians 3:1-4 NLT)

Are you ready for this?

There’s no doubt…what’s next is critical!

After so many decisions for Christ this past Easter weekend, this upcoming weekend is really important. We’ll be walking through practical steps on how to follow Jesus. Our next two weeks will be a huge help to anyone who is new and a great reminder to all of us who’ve been around for a while.

It would be a great help, if you’re able, to go to our Thursday night at 6:30 or our Sunday morning at 8:00 service. This continues to allow some space in our later, more crowded, services. Thank you!

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 4:16-17 NIV)

Did you hear what happened?

God was moving and doing HIS thing in all five of our Easter services. Here’s a few of my take-a-ways from the incredible Easter weekend:

1-God continues to do IMMEASURABLY MORE (even though that was our theme from 2024)!!

2-God does some of His best work when His people work together. Which is at the heart of this year’s theme…TOGETHER WE THRIVE!!

3-Our Change Makers are absolutely amazing! I’m so proud when I walk around between services and seeing all the smiling faces. From the Cafe to the Children’s Ministry…all of you are so special! Thank you, thank you, thank you!

4-I knew of four baptisms going into the weekend, but God had other plans. We ended up with 84 total for Easter weekend!!!!! That brings our 2025 total to 135! WOW!

5-I’m not sorry for using so many exclamations points. How else would you write this!?!? Ha

6-We did set another ON CAMPUS RECORD with 2,973 in attendance!!! This is seriously insane. You INVITED and THEY SHOWED UP! Thank you all for bringing your friends and family to meet Jesus.

We’re not done! This weekend showed me even more of what God wants to do more of in our midst!!!!!!!

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20 NIV)