Category Archives: Kingdom Values

Following Comes First

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

(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

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

“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

Best Books of 2015

Time for my annual list of best books I’ve read this year. Each year I set out with a goal to read 52 books — one per week. Admittedly, that’s an ambitious goal and I usually fall short (with the … Continue reading

Posted in Baseball, Books, Church, Eschatology, Faith, Kingdom Values, Politics, Race, Social Issues, Sports, Theology | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The Question That Has Changed My Life This Year

Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. — Eph. 5:16, KJV This year, our church has been studying Paul’s letter to the Ephesians with an emphasis on spiritual maturity. We’ve been seeking a more thoroughly grounded walk with Jesus, … Continue reading

Posted in Blessings, Devotional, Faith, Gospel, Kingdom Values, Poverty, Race, Scripture | 3 Comments

God’s Own Heart: Anointed

Saul’s disobedience prompts YHWH to reject him as Israel’s king. Despite the fact that he “looks the part,” Saul’s ineptitude as Israel’s spiritual, political, and military leader is demonstrated through a series of tactical blunders and moral failures. Tasked with … Continue reading

Posted in Devotional, Faith, God, Obedience, Scripture | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

The Ruin of Joseph

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

Boundaries

So a certain polarizing film was released this weekend. Plenty of articles have been circulating on social media telling you why you shouldn’t see Fifty Shades of Grey. I agree with what I’ve read; based on what I know, I … Continue reading

Posted in Books, Faith, Jesus, Kingdom Values, Movies, Theology | Tagged , | 9 Comments

Outpouring of Love

The past few weeks have been a whirlwind for me. I first spent a week in Honduras visiting with the mission team of Mission UpReach, a church planting organization located in Santa Rosa in western Honduras. Mission UpReach has a … Continue reading

Posted in Blessings, Church, Devotional, Family, Friends, Kingdom Values, Love Others | Leave a comment