The Truth About A.I.D.S.

Today we had Nancy Valnes come and speak to our church. Nancy is a Global Aids Partnership Educator. She travels to churches and places where there is very little knowledge about A.I.D.S. She has a passion to explain to people that A.I.D.S. is not a curse from God, but is rather a consequence from making sinful lifestyle choices. These choices could be men having sex with other men, or prostituted women who have contracted the disease from one or more of the "clients" that pays for her service. The devastating thing about A.I.D.S. is that it is a reality that we all must face. I realize that is a big statement. But here is a statement that the church needs to hear.

The church needs to confront this disease (and those who are affected) with the proper knowledge of the transmission of the disease, and with the love of Jesus. It is not enough to condemn their lifestyle choices, we must be willing to love them and walk with them through the pain and eventual death that this disease brings.

The truth about A.I.D.S. is that this is not a curse from God, but an opportunity for the church to share the love of Jesus with those who need it most.

Love Dare

It is been six days since my wife and I took the challenge to follow "The Love Dare", and we have been amazed at how we were doing little things that did not show appreciation to each other. Things that just don't seem that big of a deal. But when you want your marriage to be great, you must focus on weeding out these things. These are the things that will keep you from enjoying the fruit of a great marriage.

Here is the point of my post. I challenge take the Love Dare, you will not be sorry you started on the journey. The book makes you think about how you treat your spouse. So men start dating your wife, and women put down that romance novel; and realize that the greatest romance story is the one that you can write.

Planting Time

One of my favorite times of the year is planting time. Here in Warden you see the onions being hauled out of the storage sheds, and you can definitely smell onions as you pass the fields. There is something about this time of year that adds so much promise. Things are starting to dry out, and the sun is coming out more often, and oh yeah the tumbleweeds are blowing through town. My thoughts also go towards planting of a different kind. It is the planting of the imperishable seed.

This planting happens whenever we live our lives for Christ in front of others. We are not charged with getting results we are to plant seed everywhere we go. The Bible talks a lot about planting, and the principle of the condition of the soil is crucial to the success of the one planting. However; we must make sure the condition of our heart (soil) is conducive for growth.

So the next time you see a field of wheat or corn or something else, remember it took more than one seed. Are you discouraged that you are seeing results for your labor, remember that it is not harvest time yet. Keep planting!

Daylight Savings Time

Nothing makes the year go by faster than knowing that Daylight Savings Time is this weekend. I thought it was in April, not this year.

It is always interesting to see people come to church and wonder why people are leaving, it is because they forgot to set their clock to the right time.

This is just another sign that spring is right around the corner. I for one am ready for spring, and it is about time to go to the driving range. Hard to believe isn't it. Here is another thing to think about.

Time is moving rapidly towards the soon return of Christ. Things are happen at such a rapid pace that the imminent return of Christ is a reality. That is a day that you hope your clock is set right.

I Dare You

I'm sure many of you have seen the movie "Fireproof" by now. If you have not, rent it tonight. It is a great film with a great story and a great message. In the movie there is a book entitled "The Love Dare" and the characters interact with this book and each other. In the movie the book causes them to look at love in a whole new way.
Love is an action, not a feeling. It has been said "it is easier to act your way into a feeling than to feel your way into an action." This is a true statement, because sometimes we won't feel like loving, but we must be loving towards our spouse. The challenge in the movie is to take the "Love Dare". The challenge is to take 40 days and follow the reading for that day and follow the expression of love for your spouse. My wife and I started the challenge today.
Today is "easy" because our assignment is to be patient with one another, and not lose our cool. So far so good. Then factor in 4 children who are impatient, the ante has gone up considerably. We have a good mariage, but we will not settle for anything less than a great marriage.
So I dare you to take the challenge, and strengthen your marriage, but be warned it is not easy. The challenge is just that a challenge, but the results (from others who have gone through it) are so worth it!

Sending Philip

Today it was my joy to Commission Philip Reed to the ministry from our church. Most of you know that Philip has assisted me at this church, and has done this for about a year now. There is no doubt that he will be missed, but we are thrilled that he is taking advantage of a ministry opportunity that is placed before him.

Philip will be traveling along with David Woods as his personal assistant, this is a role that he is fitted for. Philip is such a servant, and will be a great help to David Woods. I have seen Philip so much in the year since we began meeting weekly. I have grown and have been mentored as well in areas of technology and general cultural awareness. So, Philip if you are reading this; thank you for all that you have been doing. I wish you well in the journey you are undertaking. You will do a great job, I know it.

It has been said that a church should be known for its sending capacity and not its seating capacity. I hope that our church is able to send young men and women out to embrace the call of God on their lives. This calling may not be ministry as a vocation, but whatever we put our hand to in the name of the Lord;that is our calling.

Let me challenge you to encourage those around you to be filled with the purpose and plans of God. Your town will never be the same.

We All Have Our Gifts

Saturday my son and I went to Lowes to a "Build and Grow Clinic" This is where other Dads, Moms, sons and daughters go to build something. Lowes provides the kit , the work apron and the goggles for the child. We built a race car yesterday. Okay, maybe build is too ambitious of a word; we "assembled" a pre-made car kit. But, guess what my son thought I was a hero.

If you know me , you know I am not mechanically inclined. I am wired to think, write, and speak in a public setting, but I will never be accused of "building" anything. You know what I am okay with that. I realize that my talents are different than the next guy.

Let us embrace our strengths in the body of Christ, and accept our differences. What a difference that would make. I may not be able to build things, or fix things but there are others that are willing to show me how.

Here it is. Know your limitations, ask for help and share your talents. This is really how a family works. Let's "build" something together for the Kingdom of God.