When I was a kid, all I wanted was an original NES. I wanted to play Mario Bros and Duck Hunt and all of the games my friends had. My parents said no. Year after year, after year it was #1 on my Christmas list.

Finally, one Fall I said to my mom, “I’m not going to ask for a Nintendo this year. I know you don’t want me to play it too much, so I’m ok just playing at my friends’ houses. I’ll ask for something else.”

You can see where this is going.

Yep. The last present to open…and the biggest. Totally got me and my brother. I wish I knew where the photo is, but my mom got the best shot of us with total excitement and thrill with our fists pumping in the air. It was amazing. It was all I ever wanted.

Then 18 months later…Sega released the Genesis system. This was 16 BITS OF GOODNESS! Not that blocky 8-bit, crummy NES. So, we sold the NES and upgraded as fast as we could.

It didn’t satisfy. It didn’t last.

As an adult, I get caught in the same feedback loop of desires and thrills and disappointments. Even tragedies. It’s mostly in those moments when I realize no quippy Tweet with an insightful quote or best-selling book will get me to the place I need to be. Not even a wonderful conversation with my wise, loving wife will fully heal or set me right.

All I need is Jesus.

LYRICS

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I love that line “You can have all this world, just give me Jesus.”

I think that says it all. When your life finally hits a point where you break it all down. The stuff, the places, the accomplishments, the desires, the relationships, the dreams… they all hit a failing point. They all have an end. Our God doesn’t end. We need more of that forever, unchangeable kind of love and presence in our lives. We need Jesus first. If you’re in a place right now where you want more Jesus, but you’re not sure how. Please leave a comment below. Even just your email without a note. I’ll be overjoyed to reach out and chat more with you about specific things you can do to connect more with your gracious Savior.

Listen, sing, worship, pray. All you need is Jesus.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. He is all I need. In any situation, Jesus is everything. No matter what happens to me, give me Jesus. Let my eyes be focused on Jesus. Above all. Amen.

Jesus, guide me to You. Today. Everyday. When I rise, be on my heart and be the center of my life. Remind me that I live a life which is forgiven and restored by You. My Savior and Redeemer. It’s all about You, Jesus. Amen.

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 I hope this time of worship gets your Monday going in the right direction and helps keep your focus on the source of all hope : Jesus. Click the follow link so that you’ll never miss a Monday and feel free to request a song or leave a comment. Thanks! Seth