May 2011
1 post
JASON: The Art of People (Part 1) →
Honestly, I hate that title. The ART of people? Really? I would much rather say “The Science of People” or the “Completely Predictable World of Humanity.” But alas (apologies to my thirst for having a logical explanation for EVERYTHING), I cannot.
It’s because people are messy. They are unpredictable. They love you. Then they hate you. Then they love you...
April 2011
5 posts
JASON: Looking Good VERSE Doing Good →
I once lied to my mom (sorry mom). When I was seven years old, I got into my mom’s jewelry cabinet, and in an attempt to test the strength of sterling silver, I snapped one of her necklaces … actually, it was her favorite necklace that had a locket on it with a picture of my family in it. I felt terrible, not because I’d actually broken my mom’s favorite necklace, but because it meant...
Jace: Helicopter Easter Egg Drop Recap →
JASON: The History of My Church →
Last week, R2 premiered THIS VIDEO, a retrospective of where we’ve been as a church. You really should check it out. Our Design Team outdid itself.
Following is the script:
We came out of the wilderness, wandering through life, wondering if this is life. We are sons and daughters, husbands and wives, divorced, sinners, has-beens, could-have-beens, and vagabonds. We came out of the...
JASON: Roots (Part 3) - The Imperative of the... →
“Jesus said, “Go into all the world making disciples, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost.”
Last words are important. These are some of Jesus’ last words.
Jesus did not say, “Stay and build big buildings that are more of a monument to YOU than they are to me.” He did not say, “Stay and argue about the coolest way to...
JASON: What Dreams May Come →
Dream a dream big enough to be a dream. For God’s sake, do not dream in human proportions; human proportions can be “achieved.” Dream something that is beyond your means to accomplish. Believe something that requires God to step in.
And this is the trick: God will not step in where dreams are shortsighted and dim. God has given you the capacity to dream for a reason - for in your...
March 2011
7 posts
JASON: Roots (Part 2): Community and a Lady... →
It’s confession time again: I sometimes (okay, a lot of the times) don’t necessarily like to talk to people. I end phone conversations abruptly. I rush through the crowd on a Sunday morning at church. I zone out in the middle of counseling (sorry to those of you that I counsel).
But I love people. I really, really do. I’m a pastor (more importantly, a Christian)....
Jace: My Wife's A Jehovah's Witness... →
…or at least that’s what my Grandma believed.
___________
On March 13, 2011, my grandmother, Margaret Vaughn, left Earth for her Heavenly dwelling. I had the privilege to speak at her home going.
What follows is the text from my message. ___________
My grandmother, Margaret Vaughn lived by faith. It never failed. Every single time I saw my grandmother, Margaret Vaughn, she...
JASON: Roots (Part 1) - Worship →
John 4:23 says that “God is looking for worshippers who will worship him in spirit and truth.” Not just emotion (spirit), but authenticity (truth) is how God takes his worship. That means God is looking for, hunting down real worshippers. Authentic worship attracts God.
Have you ever felt like God has gone missing? Maybe you’re there. Your Godscape is like the desert without an...
Our prayer for Japan
Dear Father —- God of heaven and earth and all things unfathomable,
We come to you this morning as a people who are awestruck by your presence and grateful for everything you have orchestrated since time began, and we want your will to be first and foremost in our lives. We also pray for your will to be wrought in the lives of our dear brothers and sisters in Japan. We mourn for them this...
JASON: What if You Got Double? →
“When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?” “Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied. (2 Kings 2:9 NIV)
Here’s the story. Elisha is about to take over for Elijah. Elisha is about to become THE man, THE prophet. He is about to do miracles that the world will only see once. His one request … double.
...
JASON: What If We Wanted to Advance the Kingdom...
MIAMI – Kobe Bryant had come back into the empty arena, his gray Lakers T-shirt soaked with sweat as the shots kept arcing into the night. The clock lurched toward midnight, the clean-up crew stuffed popcorn boxes and wrappers into trash bags and the NBA’s most maniacal talent wouldn’t leave the gym. He had returned to shoot for an hour and a half on the Heat’s floor, to go back to work,...
Jace: Who Was Most Influential When You Were... →
When you were younger (elementary through high school age), who were some of the most influential adults (outside of your parent(s) ) in your life?
I was listening to Reggie Joiner share on the Catalyst Podcast some thoughts from his latest book “Parenting Beyond Your Capacity”. In the interview Joiner states two key principles:
1) No one has the potential to influence a child like a...
February 2011
6 posts
JASON: When God Moves →
“The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was MOVING over the surface of the waters.” (-Genesis 1:2 NASB)
God was about to move. Darkness would shortly meet its match. Light was being birthed. All because God MOVED.
Whenever God moves, something is coming. God moved over the waters … and light was coming....
JASON: Man Up →
Most men detest dealing with emotion. But the Bible talks about life in the Spirit being a life of pure emotion, love, joy, peace, patience … you get the picture.
Men, here are some tips for experiencing emotion God’s way. Tip One is to back up and pray about it. If she ticks you off, if that friend hurts your feelings, do not bottle it in and do not do the opposite of that and let it all...
Jace: I Am Overwhelmed... →
by the power of God.
by the love of God.
by His willingness and desire to use a nobody from nowheresville for His glory.
To say, “I am overwhelmed” by Him
is simply a gross understatement.
JASON: Yes, Affirmative, Absolutely →
“The wine supply ran out during the festivities … Jesus told the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water.’” (John 2:3,7 NLT)
Saying “yes” to God will often require you to give up something that you think is valuable. Jesus asks for WATER. Read the passage. He has them fill six 30 gallon waterpots with WATER. That’s a lot of WATER. 180 gallons of WATER. And it’s not like they...
Jace: How Do Good People Respond When Bad Things... →
Why do bad things happen to good people? That’s an incredibly tough question to answer. But maybe an even tougher question to ask is this: How do good people respond when bad things happen to them? Check out THESE TWO VIDEOS about Mandy and Erik that were showed at NewSpring Church this past Sunday during their message series entitled “Make War: Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People.” Each of...
JASON: No, Nunca, Not Happening →
In John 11, Jesus says “no” when Mary and Martha ask him to drop everything and save their dying brother, Lazerus. Shortly thereafter, Lazerus dies. Shortly thereafter, Jesus shows up, and Lazerus is resurrected. All because Jesus said “no!”
Do you want to know why we can’t say “no” like Jesus did? It’s because we want to control it all. Listen to me, you cannot control your life. But what...
January 2011
7 posts
JASON: Grow Up →
This week, Renaissance Road Church begins sign-ups for growth groups. And you’ll be able to find a group for just about anything, from women’s self defense to serious, deep Bible study. I’ve said this before, and I say it here, growth groups or small groups or lunches with your Christian friends are the best way for you to grow up in God. Here’s why:
1. Sunday morning...
Paula: Growth Group →
A group you grow in? Grow in what? friends, weight, money, memories, fun; the list goes on…I want to be in a group that I can grow. Opposite of grow, decrease.
We choose groups all week long. We go the movies, lunch, vacations, meetings, and church. Some groups fulfill their purpose. Others don’t. Unless you are going to weight watchers, decreasing is NOT the ultimate purpose for your...
JASON: R2 Will Do Anything . . . →
ANYTHING short of sin to reach them. To love them. To bring them in. To show them. To introduce them to the One. Jesus. The life-changer.
ANYTHING because they’re in pain. Hurting. Crying at night. Beaten. Forgotten. Not loved. In need of the One. Jesus. The love-bringer.
ANYTHING to change them. Misdirected. Underachieving. Sinning. Running. Needing direction. Empty of...
Jace: From Being In Your Community, To Being In... →
This morning I was afforded an extra two hours (because inclement weather) to sit in my classroom and reflect and pray. I decided to look over some seminar notes I took exactly one year ago today. It was a Worship Planning Seminar directed by Nelson Searcy. The first part of the seminar identifies the 5C’s from Rick Warren’s book “The Purpose Driven Church.”...
JASON: The Pit (Part 2) →
I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the Lord.
Blessed is the man
who makes the Lord his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who...
Paula: Persist →
People achieve great things not through strenght, but through perserverance. I’m not sure which is harder? Strong-arming-it or perservering. Both involve hard work and discipline. However, someone will always be stronger but NOBODY has to stick it out longer than me. Right? Therefore, I am assured completion if I stick it out.
How many people have given up right before achievement? I know I...
JASON: The Pit (Part 1) →
“So when Joseph arrived, his brothers pulled off his beautiful robe and threw him into the pit.” (-Genesis 37:33-34 NLT)
Ouch. Finding yourself like that in a Pit unexpectedly can be the worst. Sudden disaster, sudden betrayal, or sudden disappointment can take the wind out of you and leave you feeling buried alive. The Pit is the pits. And the problem with the Pit is its...
December 2010
7 posts
Jace: When Church Becomes A Tourist Attraction →
It was Thanksgiving of 2005 and I had just flown red-eye from Atlanta to London for a week’s stay and to visit my bride-to-be at Queen Mary University. Because I was so excited to see Jade and visit London I could not squeak out an ounce of sleep on the flight over. However, Jade was kind enough to allow me an hour long nap before we began our adventures through one of the most magnificent...
JASON: The Top 10 Things of 2010 →
Every year, my wife and I sit down to put together a list of the top 10 things that have happened in the last 365 days. LEGAL DISCLAIMER: my wife, Kelley would like for me to emphasize that she does not endorse and, in fact, rejects several of the comments made herein. That being said, here you go in no particular order (did I mention that these are in NO particular order):
1. I finally...
Mary and me had a baby on Christmas!!! →
To ponder, ’ means to weigh things out…and we tend to use that verb to denote thinking rather than speaking….
Basically, I think it’s safe to say Mary was speechless when she “pondered these things in her heart after the birth of Jesus.” (Luke 2:19).
Being a new mother on Christmas day is familiar to me….my son was born on Christmas day….every memory of that day is clear….Best...
Paula: Baby dod..... →
My friends 2 year old was holding baby Jesus from their manger and saying I love you Baby Dod….her mother tried to convince her it was baby Jesus and where in the world did she hear that it was baby dod? I mean how do you get the word dod from Jesus?
naive me still didn’t get it when I read the post! Oh now cute, and what a teachable moment for this 2 yr. old. Jesus came to earth as...
Jace: Have You Ever Had A "Price Is Right" Moment? →
One of my all-time favorite television game shows is “The Price Is Right.” From the announcement of the show contestants, to the Showcase Showdown, “The Price Is Right” is chock full of fabulous prizes and magical memories. Like this one (fast forward to the 6:00 minute mark!) The expression on contestant’s faces is PRICELESS!!! Especially when their name is called! For that moment, this...
JASON: "Ain't No Mountain High Enough . . . " →
Recently, I was enlightened.
I’ve realized that my life has been a series of mountains, one goal, one climb after another after another: Give the graduation speech for your high school. Check. Dual majors in college. Check. Law school. For some God-forsaken reason, check. Partner in a prestigious law firm. Check. Pursue, date, and somehow marry the way-too-hot-for-you girl of your...
What do you REALLY need? →
you don’t need more STUFF! False sense of security. Enjoyment for the moment! Instant gratification. You need something that will bring true joy that scratches that inch so deep inside of you NOTHING else can touch!
Search for Joy…When you discover it…you will scream…leap…whatever you do…but trust me…when you find it….NOTHING...
November 2010
12 posts
Jace: Waiting On My Wife With Anticipation And... →
At about half past four every day Jade comes home from a long day of school. (Jade is a student at Wake Forest University in the School of Medicine studying to be a Physician Assistant.) She parks her car in the lot in front of our condo and walks, with a large bookbag in tow with books on Pathophysiology, Psychopharmacology (and other 14 syllable words that only the Ancient Greeks can...
Jace: 5 Reasons To Be Thankful This Thanksgiving →
Today, millions of people across this great land will celebrate Thanksgiving with their friends and family. So as you celebrate, consider these 5 reasons to be thankful.
Be thankful because…
of the joy Jesus has set in your heart. (Psalm 95:1-6)
of the strength He provides. (Psalm 28:7)
of the love He so freely gives is unending. (1 Chronicles 16:34)
He hears us. (Philippians 4:6)
of...
Thankful for Love... →
I just love love. I love being loved. I loved loving. I love people who love. I love love. Is it easy? HECK NO! But…worth it!
It’s just dag on worth it! The pain of love. The rejection. The loneliness. The fear. The moments of love I’ve experienced FAR surpass the moments of pain. I know. I am very blessed to be able to say that. That’s why I’m thankful for love...
JASON: For the Sake of the Call →
CALLING - (noun) (1) That place in life that fits you like a glove; (2) The sweet spot of life.
Confession time. Just the other day, my wife asks me if I ever think about quitting. At the time, the church problem of the day had risen, and it had gotten to her. My answer was, “Yeah, I think about quitting - sometimes.” The truth is that in this line of work - church planting -...
Paula: what if God asks you??? →
What do you want me to do for you?” Two blind men were screaming at Jesus as he walked by…HAVE MERCY ON US! The crowd was very annoyed and told them to be quiet. But Jesus, having compassion of course, heals their eyes and they can see!
But, before he heals them he asks them to tell him what they want him to do? Why? I mean i’m sure he knew they were blind and would like to see...
Jace: Delicious Links →
Click Here!
JASON: "Hi Fivs" →
A couple of Saturdays ago, I’d finally run out of semi-good excuses to not do yard work. At about 2:00 o’clock in the afternoon, just after my weekly post-lunch couch crash, I go to a spot just outside of my five-year-old, Jackson’s, bedroom. And I’m getting frustrated because I’m digging in red clay, the enemy of every red-blooded American male - especially...
Paula: Churchy... →
Last week someone called me churchy. I really didn’t take that as a compliment and that is sad because the church is the body of Christ. I want to be a part of the body of Christ because the bible says he is coming to take the church out of the world one day to avoid the world’s destruction!
But I don’t want to be churchy! Why? Because people see that as going to a fancy...
Jace: Same Old Song →
CLICK HERE to read the post.
JASON: They Called Me the Anti-Christ (Part 2) →
I sat there that night knuckles white, choking back the tears, holding back the anger. I was at church. A place I loved. In a meeting. With people I loved. And a group of them had just called me the Anti-Christ. Truthfully, on the way out that night, I loved the church and the people there a little less.
...
paula: Simplicity...reduce your problem →
It has been said that the key to success is to reduce every problem or issue to it’s simpliest terms and therein your answer. Of course, the more complicated something sounds, the more impressive you sound. So, maybe you don’t want to do this but if you do, think about it. “Genius is the ability to reduce the complicated to the simple.” (C.W. Ceram). Simplify your thoughts...
Jace: The Blessing of Discomfort
Warning: this is completely counter-cultural to the feel-good, prosperity spirituality that is so popular today.
May God bless you with discomfort At easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships, So that you may live deep within your heart. May God bless you with anger At injustice, oppression and exploitation of people, So that you may work for justice, freedom and peace. May...
October 2010
12 posts
JASON: They Called Me the Anti-Christ →
*Someday I’ll write a book. When I do, some of what follows will be in it.
I sat there that night knuckles white, choking back the tears, holding back the anger. I was at church. A place I loved. In a meeting. With people I loved. And a group of them had just called me the Anti-Christ. Truthfully, on the way out that night, I loved the church and the people there a little less.
The...
Paula: Oceans 14 →
I just CAN’T get away from spiritual significances oceanfront. Two weeks ago, the expansiveness of the ocean reminded me of what big things God wants to do and can do! Last week, I was reminded of how participating in this expansiveness can knock me off my feet if I can’t take it! This week, in my Growth Group at church, which by the way is the bomb.com! We are doing “Forgotten...
Jace: The Odd Couple →
This past weekend I attended my 10 year high school reunion. I made an observation. CLICK HERE to listen!
JASON: Acceptable Risk →
At my church, I am in the middle of a series all about the perils of irrational FEAR. You know, we’re saying things like, “FEAR is a destiny killer. FEAR points you to an enemy that doesn’t even really exist. FEAR, sorry ‘fear,’ doesn’t deserve capital letters when you type it.” Great stuff, I know.
But over and over, I’ve been asked this...
Jace: Connector To The Current →
CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE AUDIO
Have you ever read something in a book, or heard someone say something that you have been trying to verbalize for a some specific amount of time, but it never came out with such clarity as what you have just read, or what you just heard? That same scenario played itself over again for me this morning. I was reading Steven Furtick’s new book “Sun Stand...