This Year: Above All
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What does it mean to hold something above all? Does our mind wander back to it constantly throughout the day? Do we spend time and energy in pursuit of it?
This past year has been quite a journey for my family and me. The journey was filled with God speaking and moving. When we received the call to join you here at Kensington Church, I began to ask God, “Where should we begin?”
God brought this specific scripture from Philippians 2 to mind: above all is Jesus. Jesus is Lord – there is no name higher, there is nothing more important, there is no one close to the greatness of Jesus.
Therefore, God elevated him to the place of highest honor and gave him the name ABOVE ALL other names, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:9-10
My hope for all of us is that we would place Jesus above all, allowing Him to be Lord over:
· our decisions
· our time
· our relationships
· our hurts, habits, and hang ups
· over everything
As we give Jesus the rightful place in our lives, our faith will deepen and we will experience growth and peace and freedom.
With any journey, the start is dictated by the destination. And a journey without a clear destination can be exhausting. I recently asked a friend for the address to where we were meeting. He began to give me detailed directions, “Take a left out of your driveway – travel about 10 miles – you are going to see a yellow house – take a right at the yellow house – go about another 5 miles – at the big oak tree take a left – keep going you will see an old gas station – I think it was a mobile station – don’t turn at the gas station…”
Instead, what if he had just given me the address? Sometimes we over complicate the journey. This can happen in life and in our walk with Jesus. This year let’s commit to fighting off unnecessary distractions and with laser like focus, keep Jesus ABOVE ALL else. With that in mind, I’d like to share with you where we are going together in the coming year.
This is Kensington’s destination and three landmarks along the journey as we focus on Jesus ABOVE ALL:
1. Knowing the One | September – December
I truly believe this year will be one of exponential growth – as we choose to grow in our relationship with Jesus as never before. Jesus wants you to know Him – not just about Him!
Personal Challenge:
· Gather for worship each week.
· Spend one-on-one time with Jesus each day.
2. Reaching the [one] | January – April
I love this bible story: Jesus walks into Jericho and stops under the tree in which Zaccheaus is perched. Zaccheaus is trying to catch a glimpse of Jesus, but as a hated tax collector, he lives his life on the fringes of society. Jesus calls him down from the tree and they have a meal together.
I’m challenged by Jesus’ radical pursuit to reach every person. Likewise, let’s get to know the heart of Jesus for every[one]; let’s learn to see and respond to those who need Jesus. Let’s boldly step out in faith to reach people for Jesus.
Personal Challenge:
· Pray for three people by name to encounter Jesus for the first time (i.e. Who is your Zacchaeus?).
· Join a Kensington Move Out Team and show the love of Jesus in your community with your specific gifts/interests.
3. Becoming one | April – June
I believe this is a year in which our church will grow together as a family – more than ever before. We have different experiences, different perspectives, different personalities, and different gifts, but our mutual love for Jesus and one another transcends everything else.
We read this about the heart of Jesus for unity in John:
I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me. John 17:20-21
Personal Challenge:
· Join a group – jump into a community group, a Bible study, a course, or Care Initiative.
· Serve! Volunteer your time and talent at your own campus or find a way for your small group to move out together. When we serve together we grow together.
I’m praying that each of us would grow deeper in our relationship with Jesus than ever before. This will be a strengthening year – a year where Jesus prepares and equips us to take ground together in the years to come. Many great adventures are ahead!