Branded With Love

“You can have a ‘successful’ church without loving God or People.”
- Francis Chan

“Successful” meaning large, growing and popular. Do you think the church in America (or around the world for that matter) is leaning more towards this type of success? Is it truly success? I would say no, because this isn’t a popularity contest. It’s about eternity. What do you think? And just to clarify, Francis Chan’s quote is popped out of something bigger and He wouldn’t label that true ‘success’ either.

Jason *over and out*
[ht: catalyst space]

Did you know you have an inheritance? In my reading today in Galatians 4, we’re told that those of us who have given our lives to Jesus are “heirs.” When God sent His son to die for you, me, and everyone through history… He changed the game. We at one time were slaves of our own demise leading to death & separation from God (not an inheritance I would look forward to). But, accepting God and His Son’s sacrifice brings us into His family. We’re now His sons and daughters. “So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.” – Gal. 4:7 And the inheritance you receive is unlike any other.

Man I look forward to Heaven. Words cannot describe it. So in reading this it prompts me to ask the question:

“Are you a slave leading to death and separation- or -are you a son with an inheritance?”

On today’s ride in I had a listen to some old favorites of mine, 90′s pop-punk/alternative:

Welcome to Paradise by Green Day
There Is by Box Car Racer
Adam’s Song by Blink 182
Dumb Reminders by No Use For A Name
Don’t Call Me White by NOFX
Infected by Bad Religion
Tiny Voices by Bad Religion
A-OK by Face to Face
Disconnected by Face to Face

Now I don’t agree as much now, with some of the angst and anger these groups had then… but, they had one thing going for them. Passion. A rally cry of passion that brought teenagers and 20 somethings out by the hundreds to shows. It was amazing to watch. Imagine what God’s people could do if we took His message out with that kind of passion and rallying cry?! Live it and watch how God moves. You’ll be left standing in awe.

Jason *over and out*

…wow. Listening to God is tough. As a leadership & staff we’ve searched after God and heard Him loud a clear, “It’s time for the body to come back together.” When God speaks, we listen and obey. This past Sunday was bitter sweet for many of us who have been a part of the multi-site journey. We watched 30+ people come into a saving relationship with Jesus and at the same time saw the strain and hurt it put on the body being spread so thin.

Through it all, God has been honored and lives have been changed. When you act on God’s prompting, it a scary and amazing place to be. Looking forward to see how God continues to move in the body here at Forefront. And, to see how he will bless Forefront for following His leading. The announcement was done live at Chesapeake, and everyone at the Beach saw this…

Jason *over and out*

I’ll be the first one to tell you I am not a big fan of Jon & Kate Plus Eight, but last night broke my heart. Not just for them, but for families all over the country who go through the very same thing. My friend Aaron had some great thoughts from a post on what should come first. Check it out here.

When you have some time, pray. Pray for your family and others who are dealing with difficult times and need to put a focus on God. When He is the glue that keeps a marriage secure, it’s an amazing thing.

Jason *over and out*

So, we had some fun with James and DaveTheIntern. In this series, “Commercial Genius” we’ve be creating spoofs of different commercials we’re talking about. This week was Sonic. The premise was these guys were hanging out but every time a song would come on, DaveTheIntern would screw up the lyrics. They brought the place down during service. It was great.

Hopefully it will inspire you. Enjoy.

Today is a jumpstart to a more disciplined life. I want to be a man who stands before God and can say, “I gave you my all. I listened and obeyed. I honored my wife, and I presented your truth to people.” Unfortunately, presenting the truth and honoring my wife means I have to open my eyes to something I didn’t want to think about… I’m 35 lbs over what my doc says I should be for my age/height/body type. Ugh.

So, it cannot be a diet or an exercise routine- it has to be a lifestyle change. I care about God too much to live with my self-indulgence. I care about my wife too much to have her look at my overweight tail. And, I care too much about my daughter to die early because I didn’t live healthy.

And today it begins. No more sodas. No more junk. Just water, juice & milk. Healthier foods and smaller portions. Also, I will be riding my bike to and from work. Almost 12 miles one way. This morning’s ride was refreshing and I needed it. I connected with God in a way I hadn’t felt in awhile. Stronger, deeper, just praying, listening, hearing his voice. It was great.

Here was this morning’s playlist on the ride in:

Disguising Mistakes With Goodbyes by Emery
Promise by Spoken
Say This Sooner by The Almost
Instead of A Show by Jon Foreman
God of This City by Chris Tomlin
With My Own Two Hands by Ben Harper
Death And His Grave by John Mark McMillan
Deliver Me by David Crowder

God definitely speaks to me through music and this morning’s playlist was a good one. Until next time people…

Jason *over and out*

Now this is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon (video below). Respass Family, I am so excited for you. You are such an encouragement. Keep following Him.

We’ve been having fun during our series, “Commercial Genius.” Shot a few spoofs for the Mac vs PC week on Spiritual Gifts. Here ya go-