Step 1: Say YES to Jesus’ Kingdom

Welcome to the YES encouragement blog where we’ll explore what it means to say YES to Jesus in every aspect of life. This is an extension of the Mid-Atlantic Nazarene Youth Equipped to Serve Retreat.

Let’s start at the very beginning…

Say YES to Jesus’ Kingdom

“From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” Matthew 4:17


“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.” Matthew 4:19-20

‭‬‬https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.4.17-20.NIV 


Brief Observation

At the start of a new year, there’s no better place than to look at the start of Jesus’ ministry and the start of the new life of a disciple. Repentance is embracing the newness that is available in Jesus! To repent is to turn to Jesus as King and turn away from the kingdom of this world. It is to say “No” to what “wars against your soul” (1 Peter) and to say “Yes” to the One who won the war for your soul. 


When Peter and Andrew left their nets, they didn’t fully understand what Jesus had in store for them. I am still discovering what my “Yes” means. So are you. Their “Yes” to Jesus in that moment led to a lifetime of discovery.


As Jesus came directly to Andrew and Peter, He comes to directly you and says, “Come, follow me.” Peter and Andrew could have stayed that day, but they didn’t. They chose the King and His Kingdom.


As we turn into 2024, what do you need to turn away from and leave behind to give a full YES to Jesus?


Prayer: Jesus, at the start of this year, I thank you that Your Kingdom has come near. Help me to live a life of repentance, to turn from my ways to your ways. Because you are good, I will follow you wherever you lead.


Joyfully saying YES with you!

Josh


PS…I’ve chosen daily scriptures that go around the ideas explored in the encouragement above. Here they are…


Daily Texts: 

Monday: Matthew 3:13-17

Tuesday: Matthew 4:1-11

Wednesday: Matthew 4:12-17

Thursday: Matthew 4:18-22

Friday: Matthew 4:23-25

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