Josh Ott's Podcast

Let’s dig into the first of seven signs in the book of John that prove who Jesus is. John wastes no time and delves right into the incredible truth about Jesus. Not a prophet, a teacher, or a fake, but God in the flesh.

This is the tenth and final of our foundational principles. Through our services, our groups, our communications—how we treat people—we will be known for something. But the X factor is: for

what? In everything we do, the relationships we prioritize and tend to, we will be known for what we are for.

We’ve all experienced times or circumstances where we don’t feel good enough. Feeling like a failure can even be something we battle daily. When viewed through the wrong lens, it’s easy to want to give up. But if we grasp perfection is unrealistic and seek God’s strength in our weakness, we find hope that sustains the journey ahead.

This is the eighth of our ten guiding principles because we know just maintaining is the platform for

decline. But when we seek growth, personally and spiritually, we thrive. The approach doesn’t require obtaining a degree or memorizing the right scripture. It’s simple. When we earnestly seek God, the excitement of what He’s doing in us speaks for itself.

More sounds good. Today’s consumer culture endorses it. More space, more money, more stuff

— yes, please! But more is immeasurable; when is it enough? Buying lands us in a

never-ending pursuit that drains and dissatisfies us. Though packaged as a one-size-fits-all

solution more is seldom the answer. Thankfully, there is another way. This alternate route

results in fulfillment, peace, and purpose.

Amidst all the pursuits people get caught up in, the real stuff often falls to the wayside. It’s never the

intention, but it’s too easy to lose sight of what is most important in the world's hustle. Our kids don’t deserve just a wing and a prayer. They need our intentional efforts now. And, in raising them well, we could learn a few things from them.

Wisdom is one of those things we could always use more of. Getting it begins with wanting it and ends with asking God for more of it. Wisdom protects us, elevates us and helps us go further and longer in life.

There are places in life that seem to hold the anticipation for something next… something new. For the disciples that space was this beach where Jesus met them after his resurrection. Peter was dragging way more into it than God had required. We do that, too. We drag around stuff that we don’t need to do. Maybe you are even dragging some of this stuff into the new year. Thank God for the blessings in your life, and also thank him for the unbroken nets. He got you through. He will take you forward, but first, the invitation is just to come with Him. Before you do anything or change anything, spend some time with the creator of the universe. Guard that space. Then, walk in grace as you move forward.

We elevate the journey with catchy lines and good intentions, but the strategy isn’t foolproof. The journey can be as painful, challenging, and lonely as the destination. It’s uncertain. Our experiences and what we anticipate about our destination make up the journey. But our best efforts can’t compare with the wonder-working power of journeying with Jesus.