Category Archives: Jesus

Love First: Obedience

Posted on February 15, 2016 by Jason

To put love first is to love God with all one’s heart, soul, mind, and strength while also striving to love your neighbor as yourself. This means that Love First is a word about obedience. Obedience is definitely not a … Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Devotional, Discipleship, Faith, God, Gospel, Jesus, Kingdom Values, Love First, Love God, Love Others, Mark 12, Obedience, Scripture | Leave a comment

A New Command

Posted on February 11, 2016 by Jason

It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, Discipleship, Faith, God, Jesus, Kingdom Values, Leviticus 19, Love First, Love God, Love of Christ, Love Others, Scripture, Sermon on the Mount | Leave a comment

The Call is Constant: The Symmetry of Grace

Posted on February 6, 2016 by Jason

Jesus calls us to a deeply devoted, transformative type of following, one that is ultimately expressed in agape love for God and others. Of course, that doesn’t mean there won’t be bumps along the way. Simon Peter knows this well. … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, Discipleship, Faith, God, Jesus, Kingdom Values, Love First, Repentance, Scripture, Theology | Leave a comment

Every Step An Arrival: Going Without Knowing

Posted on February 5, 2016 by Jason

In his book The Pastor, Eugene Peterson cites a Denise Levertov poem that closes with this line: “every step an arrival.” Levertov uses the phrase as a description of her development as a poet but her words fire my imagination … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, Discipleship, Faith, God, Jesus, Love First, Scripture, Theology | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Following Comes First

Posted on February 3, 2016 by Jason

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, Discipleship, Faith, Jesus, Leadership, Love First, Scripture | Leave a comment

The Culture Wars and Engaged Alienation

Posted on January 20, 2016 by Jason

(Note: this is part of a series of posts based on some of the things I’m currently reading and reflecting on. Click here for part one.) For most of our nation’s history, a Judeo-Christian worldview could simply be assumed. You … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 13, 2 Corinthians 5, Books, Church, Devotional, Faith, God, Gospel, Jesus, Kingdom Values, Love First, Scripture, Social Issues, Theology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

It Must Be Love

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Jason

I am blessed to serve as a part of the ministry staff for a great church. The shepherds of our church have spent the past several months in deep prayer and reflection. They have been earnestly seeking God’s will for … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Corinthians 13, Church, Devotional, God, Jesus, Kingdom Values, Love First, Love God, Love of Christ, Love Others, Scripture, Theology | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

When Hope and History Rhyme: A Christmas Eve Meditation

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Jason

“Peace on Earth” has been called U2’s most agnostic song. Recorded as part of the 2000 release, All That You Can’t Leave Behind, the song’s lyrics were inspired by the Real IRA Omagh bombing in Northern Ireland in August 1998. … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, Disappointment, Eschatology, Faith, Gospel, Hope, Jesus, Music, Social Issues, Video | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Palpable

Posted on November 3, 2015 by Jason

This piece was written by an old friend of mine. He recently shared this as a reflection prior to the observance of the Lord’s Supper at the church he attends in Tennessee. I hope it blesses you as much as … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotional, Faith, Friends, Jesus | Leave a comment

The Ruin of Joseph

Posted on February 22, 2015 by Jason

Tonight, the 87th annual Academy Awards will be held in Hollywood. Expected viewership in this country will be in the tens of millions. Meanwhile, half a world away, ISIL / ISIS continues to slaughter Christians at an alarming rate. The … Continue reading →

Posted in Faith, Kingdom Values, Movies, Prayer, Scripture, Sermon on the Mount, Social Issues | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment