If you knew there was something better out there, would you want it? Of course you would. From barbeque to gummy bears to the meaning of life itself, we have a built-in longing to find the best. While most of our longings are clouded with uncertainty and subjectivity, there is one search that is settled once and for all--and it's not even close. There is a search that is paramount, and God has made it crystal clear where the supremacy lies. 

Alien, Mar Attacks, Men in Black, Independence Day....why are imaginations of alien invasions often terrifying scorched-earth scenarios? Would it possible to imagine someone beyond this world, far superior in mind and power, who invades our world with peace and kindness? Not only is it possible, it's already happened--and it's better than you think. 

If we could communicate with another civilization beyond our own, what would we say? How would we say it? What would we want to convey about ourselves and our little world? This is exactly what scientists and astronomers did in 1974, using the Arecibo Telescope. But the more important questions are: If God could communicate to us, what would He say? How would he say it? And what would He want to convey to about Himself and His Kingdom? The answers to these questions are where you will find clarity for 2023.  For more information about the Arecibo Telescope and the 1974 message click HERE. 

In 1974, Phillipe Petit wowed the world the day he walked a high-wire between the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in New York City. His show in the sky was inspiring, albeit illegal, because of the freedom and joy he expressed in the midst of possible death and certain detainment. It's not a perfect example, but his story is in some way (not in every way) a picture of a life of faith in Jesus. In this world, we are surrounded by danger and troubles of all kinds. Yet, the apostle Peter shares words with a suffering church that reveal a secret to enduring joy in the midst of trials (1 Peter 1). 

Part 3 of 3 of a series on the story from Mark 6 and Matthew 14. The only thing scarier than being on a boat in a storm is being OUT of the boat in a storm. Yet, this is where we find power in the name of Jesus to walk forward even in the midst of trouble. Fix your eyes on Him. 

Boat life is pretty awesome--until it's not. Thankfully Jesus can walk on water, and not just literally. Enjoy Part 2 of 3 on Matthew 14 and Mark 6!

Being alone is often thought of as a bad thing, and for good reason. But Jesus shows us why it can be really, really good to be alone. Matthew 14:23

Do you got spirit? Better yet, do you have THE Spirit? (Romans 8:9-11; John 16:13-15)

Have you ever heard it said? Maybe you've said it before: the picture just doesn't do it justice. How true it is when we experience something too marvelous for words--or pictures. And while pictures don't capture the fullness of an experience, they are helpful tools enticing us to experience the fullness for ourselves. In some sense, this is what it means to be the light of the world, to represent something greater than yourself. Jesus is the fullness of Life that everyone should come to know. ( Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Peter 3:15 )

A quick recap of the vision of Pretty Much Jesus + what it means to "be an Andrew."