Yesterday, in week 3 of Backseat Jesus we talked about priorities. We camped out in Matthew 6:33 where Jesus said “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
When it comes to seeking first the Kingdom of God one area of my life I’ve been failing is simply time with God.
We live in a day of unprecedented opportunities to stimulate our minds. We have blogs, television, and 24-hour news. We have ipods, dvd players, and radios in our cars. Everywhere we go there is some kind of message trying to bombard our minds. And honestly, I’ve allowed all the noise to keep me from seeking God as I should.
Francis Chan said,
We think He’s a great Savior, but not a great role model. The American church has abandoned the most simple and obvious truth of what it means to follow Jesus: You actually follow His pattern of life.
One of the the obvious patterns of Jesus’s life was time with God. Over and over again in the Gospels we see where Jesus would “withdraw” to be alone with his Father. And this pattern while repeated over and over by Jesus has been missing in my life as of late.
I bet I’m not alone. So here comes the 28 day challenge. I noticed there just happens to be 28 days between now and Easter. There also happens to be 28 chapters in the book of Matthew. What if we committed together to just read one chapter a day?
This is our opportunity to “seek first the Kingdom of God” together. I’ve never tried anything like this here on Without Wax, but I thought it would be a great way to hold each other accountable. I’ll try to periodically blog about certain observations from the texts we’re reading through.
Will it make a difference? You’ll never know unless you try.
You in?
Chapter one starts today!
OK, I’m in.
Tommy Sircy’s last blog post..Study Nook
most definitely
Linnae Hoppe’s last blog post..Webcast
I’m in. I’ve been struggling with my alone time with God lately. I can use this.
jenn’s last blog post..Single Moms: part 2
I need to find the quiet in the noise of my life. This is a great challenge!
Mary’s last blog post..Flip Flops Make Me Smile
I’m in! I must say the genealogy of chapter 1 is always tough for me to get through though. reading anyway…
Stephanie’s last blog post..slow down
@Mary, Tommy, Linnae and Jenn, AWESOME! I’m so excited about doing this with you guys!
Awesome Idea!! I’m all about it!!
T. Rousey’s last blog post..Returning Back To God…
Nothing to lose and everything to gain: I’m in!
Jan Connair’s last blog post..Poof!
I’m in.
I’m always reading this book anyway because I LOVE to see how Jeus interacted with the religious people and sinners.
sherri’s last blog post..Our Irish Shindig
I need to rest and know he is God.
As you know, I’m not much on “Christian challenges” but I’m going to forgo my feelings and join in. Is this similar to the All-Bran 7-day cereal challenge?
mpt
mpt’s last blog post..spring break week (elias stays home with daddy!)
In and excited!!!
Heidi’s last blog post..Community
I’m with ya….Jackson, Tn
If Circy’s in, count me in too.
I’ll do that with you!
Debra’s last blog post..A Slice of Inspiration …
I’m getting more and more excited! I can’t believe MPT just accepted a “christian challenge”.
Count me in!
Sarah Valente’s last blog post..So Then, What is a Christian?
I’m in. This is my number 4.
I accept your challenge. Let’s do it… do it… do it.
DubHow’s last blog post..Just something about…
Word Up! I’m in.
I love it!! I’m IN!! (BTW: Crazy Love is an AWESOME book!!)
Susanne’s last blog post..I Didn’t Mean To!
I’m in!
Lindsey Nobles’s last blog post..32 and Single – Don’t Judge Me Too Quickly
I’m in bro. Just started Matthew this morning because I felt like I needed to read through the Gospels. Great timing.
adam herod’s last blog post..My Big Unleash Take-Away
I’m in, and I am going to use the opportunity to blog about what I’m learning everyday as well. It will help me be disciplined with my reading AND my writing…Thanks.
What a great idea; I’m so in, Pastor Pete.
Eva Miller’s last blog post..Adventures with Zoe, chapter 2
Count me in! Count me excited!
I’m in.
I was studying through Matthew anyway, so the next 18 days will serve as a great review for where I’ve already been.
Nick’s last blog post..UNLEASH Live Blogging Session 2
I’m in. Let’s go!!!
In the words of a wise man, he, Tone Loc, once exclaimed…
“Let’s do it.”
Jonathan’s last blog post..Evidence
I’m in.
I’m in. Thank you for this, Pete.
I love that you are are doing this. I actually just finished reading through Matthew, yesterday as it was, but I will be with you in spirit!!
What a great suggestion! Count me in too!
Jennifer’s last blog post..She’s Not a Baby Anymore
I’m in… and I’ll make Kevin do it too… wow – maybe the simmons and the parkers will bring their bibles camping and we’ll all read together!
Great challenge Pete! I’m in as well. Thanks for always encouraging us to grow.
@Melody, I’ll give you 20 bucks if you can get them to all take the challenge and actually read while on the camping trip.
That’s funny…on my run this a.m. I was talking to God about how I’ve been skipping out on my reading lately and asking Him to remind me to use my free time more wisely. Sounds like I’m not the only one He’s speaking this to!!
I’m in.
Excellent! And Pete you’re paying us to do it?
ally’s last blog post..Really really wanna zigazig ha.
I’m in! I think I’ll bring my 5 kids along for the ride too:) Awesome idea.
kelly chorley’s last blog post..Don’t agonize, organize?!
i.am.in.
yes please
i’m in. this is a direct answer to what i was praying about in the night. thank you!
sheryl’s last blog post..There is no Proper Title
Sooo since I cried through the entire message this morning (and that snyde little comment on wedding planning in the sermon really got to me
haha) I’m in. I started this morning with Psalms…determined to put my tennis balls first each and every day, but only one day at a time, so tonight, the Matthew adventure begins! Thank you for being real and honest Pete, we all need God’s truth spoken into our lives! I’m in!
Sounds good to me. Better yet…lets go 28 days with no internet or blogging!!! Imagine that. No media stimulation for 28 days. Wow!!
Corey Franklin’s last blog post..Recent Reflections
Ok Sure…think you’re on to something here!
yep the Gardiners are in
I am in. Matthew and Acts have been on my mind and in my studies the last few months. Thanks Pete.
Justin Deweese’s last blog post..How to Start a Church
I am in……
I am in. After yesterdays message, which was great, I journaled today about starting with a clean slate and my answer to #4 was committing to finding the alone time to spend with God.
What a better way to commit then announcing it to everyone. It helped me quit smoking – by making myself accountable
Thanks Pete
Thanks! Count me in…
the laundry list of relatives in the first chapter is much more entertaining when you do your sermon about why all the colorful characters were included.
I’m brand new to Cross Point and loved yesterday’s message. I’m in!
Yeah, I am all about community. Thank you for this!
kristiapplesauce’s last blog post.."It’s like my brain is on fire"
The Bergstrom family is in! So..that means 6 chapters a day…it might take Mercy a long time…but we are all in!
Blake Bergstrom’s last blog post..praying for a house and wrestling with God..
Wow, I saw this post earlier in the day and it’s awesome to come back and see the response. I’m totally in and added a shout out in my last post.
Jenean’s last blog post..The 15-Minute Quiet Time ~ Crazy, Busy Spiritual Moms
I will jump in too..thanks for the encouragement..will add it to my youversion and daily Proverbs reading..cool!..lookin forward to the tennis ball analogy Priorities podacst being up too..blessings!
steveharrison’s last blog post..steveharrison: @jbrame wanna join me n this adding 2 our #youversion09? am jumpin n w/ @pwilson & @crosspoint_tv 4 the 28 Day Challenge http://39qt4.th8.us
I can do that! I’m in!
Amy’s last blog post..Wilmington Report and How Awesome God Is
Dang! I started last week, I’m on Chapter 4. Do I need to go back and start over?
Faye’s last blog post..What I did last Sunday…
FYI
http://www.biblegateway.com/
Is a helpful way to read on line
Thank you for the challenge. I’m in.
Loving your idea..I am so in, and I so needed this! And I have never though of it but that Francis Chan is so right…we do treat him like a savior but not a role model. Too hard we tell ourselves, wow, great comment for a Monday morning. Thanks!
Sarah B’s last blog post..My Community Helper
I’m in! I’m doing a bunch of flipping back and forth with Esther now anyway…adding one more bookmark today!
I’m in – great idea!! Really enjoyed the message yesterday, and good luck with the buttons on your shirts
Brittany’s last blog post..My babies (but not MINE)
I’ll do it.
Mary’s last blog post..Daisy Chain Giveaway Winners
@Brittany, that was low!
I was hoping the world wouldn’t find out about my wardrobe malfunction.
I’m doing my own study right now, which is slapping me up side of the face, but I think it’s an awesome idea. Hope it goes well!
On another note, I find it interesting how some people I’ve heard tend to use Matt. 6:33 and kind of forget what Jesus was referring to. They use it for almost anything they want (kind of like how they use Phil. 4:13 to justify them doing whatever they want.) As you say, he was referring to modeling his life. Verse 32 talks about them worrying about what to eat, drink or wear, and it’s these things that are given “as well” in verse 33.
Blessings
Philippa’s last blog post..What’s up with money?
I’m so in.
I had a blogger ask me what my favorite book in the bible is… and I have no idea. Guess I might as well start with Matthew and go from there
gitz’s last blog post..Lazy Days of Golf…
Definitely in, gives me something definitive to do each day.
I am in…..Erin and the boys will be in too….I will call them now and tell them.
Pete, I loved your message yesterday..I have to agree that I also find myself not spending enough alone time with GOD. This challenge sounds awesome, and I think it will help prepare me for my return to Canada and to have my main focus set on him alone. Thanks Pete, Im in!
I’ve been reading your blog for a while – a wonderful read and very encouraging! My husband and I are in!
I’m in. This is what I need…someone telling me to do my homework. I’m not kidding!
I’m up for it!
Julie’s last blog post..Boys, Boys, Boys
My friend even though I dont go to church @ Crosspoint. I heard the message last night & Im in. So maybe I can get oasis Worship Centre included. Wouldnt it be neat to get entire city of nashville involved.
Pete I just challenage oasis to do it 7 the city of Nashville. I am gojng to meet your challenage my friend
Andy Depuy’s last blog post..Why I Left Twitter
I’m in.
Jeremy’s last blog post..Lesson in Accountability
This is a wonderful idea and I’m joining in! I also mentioned your challenge on my blog today. Thanks for reminding us where our priorities should be.
Brenda’s last blog post..In Training and A Challenge
Sounds like a great idea to me. 28 days with Jesus sounds great.
David Knapp’s last blog post..Culturally Schocked Yet Again
@David knapp, when you put it that way how could we refuse!
I’m in!!!
Mare’s last blog post..Valentine’s Day
I’m in
Chris Sullivan’s last blog post..Worship Remixed
I’m in!!!
bluegoose’s last blog post..I Saw Something Awesome
I’m in. Read your blog daily and am blessed often by it. Along these lines, my challenge for the lenten season has been to spend alone time with God daily – no specific study, just being still and listening. I’ve found it very challenging but also very worth it. Thanks again for the blog.
I’m in!
Marlen’s last blog post..Not Me Monday Sick Edition
Thanks for the challenge. I know it’s true but yet I don’t take time out. I’m in!
I’m in. Uk did’t make the big dance so it looks like I got extra time on my hands….
Totally in on this! A member of our Life Group I lead suggested this and I think it’s an awesome Idea! Thanks for being an inspiration to many.
Danny Youngers’s last blog post..I’m no doctor but I know when I need a Check-up
Sounds like a plan….i’m all for it
ZacharyThomas’s last blog post..How valuable is your purity?
Sure, I’m up for it!
Pokinatcha’s last blog post..Sunday Stats Stink
Oh yea, loving me some Matthew! I’m in! Really need this right now. Just finished your latest “Backseat Jesus” podcast, and feeling convicted, blessed, and really fired up. Thanks, Pete!
Candace Steele’s last blog post..My Quest to Ban the Remote
I’m in – in Michigan!
Paula L’s last blog post..Biblical Worldview – For Real?
Sure- I’ll do it! What a great way to prepare for leaving for South Africa for a year on April 15…to be reminded what Christ did for ME! W-O-W!
sounds like a plan!
brandiandboys’s last blog post..I Got To Buy A Tutu!
i’m in!!
Going to give it my best Pete! I am so afraid of not finishing stuff like this but what you preached on yesterday WON’T LEAVE ME ALONG so I have a feeling the good Lord is pushing me to go at it!
Fran’s last blog post..No words…just pix…all I can do! Lovin’ Nashville!
I am so in!
Christy’s last blog post..Making A Difference Monday
I’m in
Great challenge, Pete! I’m sort of in… Our church is already doing a “Listen To The Whole New Testament” during Lent… you can do it in approx. 28 minutes a day. We helped each other get tapes/CD’s, MP3′s etc. Got free dramatized MP3 CD’s from Faith Comes by Hearing, too. Sometimes it’s good to listen instead of read, because your ears can catch things your eyes missed. Blessings on everyone’s next 28 days! ~Shalom~
I am in.
If I complete the challenge Pete, will you guarantee that I will be able to fit the tennis balls, and ALL of the rice in a vase?
I am soooooo IN!! I went for a run today & every step of the 4 miles I prayed “Help me seek YOU first”…thanks for doing this Pete!
Pete – I commit to the 28 day challenge. I have been studying in Matthew in my personal study time anyway, but I am going back to Chapter 1 and starting again – tonight. Thanks for mentioning the accountability factor too. Way too many (I am included) have abandoned the concept of holding ourselves accountable to our Christian brothers and sisters, even in the simplest of things like reading a chapter a day. If we cannot even engage in that level of accountability, we are sunk where it really becomes critical, like confronting sin in each others lives. We want to pick and choose what parts of scripture we actually put into practice. I look forward to checking here for the next 28 days. Thanks!
@Richard, No guarantees!
I am IN!! I don’t want to be left at the station!!!
Can you do me a favor…Pray for my 16 year old son that hasn’t accepted Jesus as his savior. He has just started to read 23 minutes in hell….I am praying that God speaks to him through it. Thank you!!!
Theresa’s last blog post..Monday Meditations
I’m in too. Going to read chapter one in a minute.
Scot Justice’s last blog post..Why Small Business Owners Need to Understand Finance and Accounting
pete- i’m in.
thanks again for backseat jesus wk 2. (God is still rocking my face off through that, and challenging my ministry.)
peace
I am SO in! Love this and happy to join the 28 day gang!
Lisa Martin’s last blog post..Squirrel Stuff
Pete, if we all conquer this challenge, will you go up on the roof to read the last chapter on video?
Faye’s last blog post..What’s wrong with a mega-church?
Yes!
Count me in, too!
The Lord is teaching me to be flexible in my time with Him this year and not just go throught the motions. I want so much to truly develop that “relationship” thing with Him. I can’t think of a better way to do that than to focus on the life He lived here in the flesh with us.
Thanks for the challenge!
Pearl’s last blog post..We Esteemed Him Not
I’m in!
Susan Hart’s last blog post..Family Pics!
I’m in, Pete.
I’m in Pete Wilson!!! I’m all about it!
Count me in!
Rich and I are in!
In
Im in and so excited!
Jessica Esch’s last blog post..P2: The New Prologue
While I won’t be joining you in this challenge, I am excited for each of you. And I encourage each of you not to skip or skim over the lineage section of Chapter 1.. there are so many blessings in reading who is in that lineage and what God used in His sovereign will to accomplish His Son coming to this world.
I love the fact that Bathsheba is not mentioned by name, instead she is called out as Uriah’s wife. Like I said, I am super excited for you all… it will be interesting to see which sections Pete comments on.
By the way, Pete, I have been studying the Holy Spirit lately and I was intrigued by the fact that Paul was STOPPED from witnessing by the Holy Spirit during parts of his Missionary journies. Very intrigued.
God Bless each of you during the next 28 days.
Tony York’s last blog post..On teaching Missions
@Tony York, Thanks man. Look forward to hearing more about the study you’re currently doing.
Brandi just twittered about this–glad she did. Count me in!
I’m in!
LeAnn’s last blog post..Who are these children and why are they calling me Mom?
I’m in Pete, looking forward to it.
Thank you so much for the series…Backseat Jesus…
Yesterday was intense…so much to chew on…constantly learning and growing and Needing to hear it!!!
I feel blessed to be a part of Crosspoint!
Great idea. I’m in
count me in. Pastor, I’ve downloaded all of your sermons from ITunes and am looking forward to listening to them. I’ve already listened to a few and I love them! Keep up the great work.
thanks Pete! I’ll join you! Here we go!
Jan Owen’s last blog post..Worship: The Fuel for Missions?
I’m in…….I have one day to catch up.
*~Michelle~*’s last blog post..I wish I had an extra two grand hanging around……
I’m in!!!
Steve Dunham’s last blog post..Monthly Weigh In
I’m in…two days down
I’m in mate
I just had to listen to Andrew Peterson’s “The Ballad of Matthew’s Begats” when I read chapter 1!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY8iu5ylOHk
ginger’s last blog post..Memory Monday: Proverbs 4:23
I’m in…read chapter 1 last night. As with Tony’s comment, verse 6 stuck out to me because of the mention of Bathsheba (NASB does mention her by name). How totally awe inspiring is it that God used what was meant for evil to further the lineage of Jesus Christ? What that means is God will use our brokenness to bring His healing to a world that doesn’t deserve it.
Terry Williamson’s last blog post..Do you hear me?
Very good challenge, I most definitely need this, I am in!
I’ve gotta get on this crazy train!
@Ashley, Come on girl. Get on! I think this is going to be a great ride for all of us.
I’m in. Read chapter 1 last night
I’m in, lets go
Chapter 1 in a nutshell. There was a whole lot of “begatting” going on, then we end with a virgin birth!? An interesting point is the fact that, had Jesus not been born of a virgin, He would NOT be qualified to reign on the throne of David in the Millenium. Jeconiah (shortened to Coniah), in verse 11 and his descendants were cursed from occupying the throne. Had Jesus been the natural son of Joseph rather than being of the Holy Spirit, this curse would have disqualified Him. In Luke, Jesus’ physical descent is traced back only through Mary’s lineage, bypassing Jeconiah’s line. Though the tracing of lineages may sometimes seem boring, it is always critical to the central point. Sometimes we just have to dig for it.
I’m in and looking forward to drawing closer to God at this very special time of year.
I need to step up to this challenge, I, in living alone, seem to find too many distractions even in the quietness.
Barbara’s last blog post..A Missed Tape
A little late start, but what a great week to get the boys started reading the bible after their show of faith last Sunday. I’m in.
It’s a late start, but I’m in!
I’m in.. “Good things Pete”
I forgot to sign up – but I’m in. Read Matthew 3 this morning
I’m in……though a few days late. Just saw this so I guess I have a bit of catching up to do.
Tracey’s last blog post..Pulmonologist Visit
Praise the Lord! It is so good to see Gods People, want to read his words…I’m in too!
I know we will all be blessed.
I’m in, and I tweeted it too.
mooney’s last blog post..Wake me up!
I just read about this today, but I am in. I’ll just have to read a little extra for a few days. Glad for the boost! Thanks, Pete!
Jenny’s last blog post..Unfortunate Event
Okay, I’m in
Pete, I am going to steal this idea and start a 21 day challenge at our church with the gospel of John… Thanks for the idea!
I am definitely in. What a great idea.
It’s great to see the idea spreading
Bernard McMahon’s last blog post..brmbds: @AnotherJulia
I’m in… late, but I’m in. Blogged about it for tomollow too!
Dedra Herod’s last blog post..in the midst of everything