Mosaic - Erwin McManus

- Erwin McManus

Originally broadcasted January 8, 2017

As we navigate our way through life, we are informed about different religions and ways to God. But how do we know which path really is the way? Pastor Erwin references John 14:6 when Jesus says “No one comes to the Father except through me.” He explains that Jesus came to us and did not force us to believe. Rather, our own souls call us to believe in something more, and that Jesus is the only God that is searching for us, rather than us searching for God.

When we have only a mathematical view of the world, we simply become a part of the falling domino effect. Our lives are a passive happening that we do not have freedom of choice inside of. But we know there must be more intention and meaning to our lives than this. We know deep down there is purpose and that our choices make a powerful impact on the future. Jesus’ life is the perfect example of a God who meets us right where we are and opens us up to the wonder of life all around us.

“Jesus came to show us what God would do to get to us.”

-Erwin McManus

As you step into 2024, begin with this mental framework:

Your life matters. You are here on purpose. Your life has intention, and you need to step into that intention this year.

Pastor Erwin challenges you to live 2024 with the kind of focus and intentionality that reflects the depth of your calling.

In Colossians 1, Paul writes how he strenuously contends with the energy Christ works in him.

For anyone who struggles with a lethargic approach to living in their day to day, make this the year that you reclaim your energy through aligning yourself with God’s intention for your life.

"I had the beautiful privilege of running into Robin Williams years ago. He was gracious and kind and warm and deeply human. He was also the funniest person I have ever encountered in my life. He was funnier in a spontaneous 10 minutes on the way to the men's room than most are on stage delivering their best material. What struck me most was how generous he was with his time and how he genuinely enjoyed bringing people happiness. If you can love a person you don't know I have always loved Robin Williams. He made my life better. He made me better. His roles inspired me and elevated me. How tragic that a person would chose to end a life that the all of us treasured as a gift. Robin, if you could have only known how you made us feel... How you made us better. How your laughter healed us. You are a great loss to us. Everyone should know they matter more than they know. Everyone should know that life is worth the struggle. Everyone should have someone to remind them how much we need them here with us. Too many beautiful people have come to tragic endings. May every space where humans dwell be drenched in hope and love. Captain, My Captain."

"Early in the morning Joshua and all the Israelites set out from Shittim and went to the Jordan, where they camped before crossing over. After three days the officers went throughout the camp, giving orders to the people: “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the Levitical priests carrying it, you are to move out from your positions and follow it. Then you will know which way to go, since you have never been this way before. But keep a distance of about two thousand cubits between you and the ark; do not go near it.” Joshua told the people, “Consecrate yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do amazing things among you.” Joshua said to the priests, “Take up the ark of the covenant and pass on ahead of the people.” So they took it up and went ahead of them. And the Lord said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the eyes of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you as I was with Moses. Tell the priests who carry the ark of the covenant: ‘When you reach the edge of the Jordan’s waters, go and stand in the river.’ ” Joshua said to the Israelites, “Come here and listen to the words of the Lord your God. This is how you will know that the living God is among you and that he will certainly drive out before you the Canaanites, Hittites, Hivites, Perizzites, Girgashites, Amorites and Jebusites. See, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth will go into the Jordan ahead of you. Now then, choose twelve men from the tribes of Israel, one from each tribe. And as soon as the priests who carry the ark of the Lord —the Lord of all the earth—set foot in the Jordan, its waters flowing downstream will be cut off and stand up in a heap.” So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan, the priests carrying the ark of the covenant went ahead of them. Now the Jordan is at flood stage all during harvest. Yet as soon as the priests who carried the ark reached the Jordan and their feet touched the water’s edge, the water from upstream stopped flowing. It piled up in a heap a great distance away, at a town called Adam in the vicinity of Zarethan, while the water flowing down to the Sea of the Arabah (that is, the Dead Sea) was completely cut off. So the people crossed over opposite Jericho. The priests who carried the ark of the covenant of the Lord stopped in the middle of the Jordan and stood on dry ground, while all Israel passed by until the whole nation had completed the crossing on dry ground."