“The Art of Marriage”

We are looking forward to hosting the “Art of Marriage” retreat at Noland Road Baptist Church on Feb. 15-16. Please go to mynrbc.com for more information.

Art of Marriage Promo

Why is this retreat important to me? I have been in ministry for over 25 years and I have seen many marriages end in the tragedy of divorce. I have also witnessed many folks who do not live life as the One that Christ calls us to become in marriage, but as two individuals occupying the same space, not fully realizing the joy that comes from a Christ Centered and Christ Driven marriage. I know many who are considering not participating are doing so with the attitude that “my marriage is not in trouble, we are just fine!” How many of us are religious about changing the filter in our furnace or changing the oil in our car every 3,000 miles? We make sure our teeth are cleaned every six months and physicals are a part of our yearly routine. You see, we take care of things that we want to last. I believe that we, as Christians, need to be more intentional about our marriages. We could all use a little Marriage Maintenance, so I hope to see you at the “Art of Marriage” retreat at Noland Road Baptist Church on February 15th and 16th.

 

Peace,

Francis

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You are always on His Mind

This week in the news we were made aware of the tragic suicide of football great Junior Seau. One would think that a man bound for the Football Hall of Fame would have happiness, joy and purpose in life. For many people who find their worth in abilities, status, and career when the crowds stop cheering, what’s left? As a baseball coach of a 13 and under baseball team I see the pure joy and excitement of playing the game. But most importantly I see God’s creation playing and enjoying their abilities that have come from God. They don’t play for the money or the status; they play because it’s fun. My prayer is they will all be mindful of all the good gifts that come from above. Do you remember what it was like just to enjoy all that God has given us?

There is a phrase in Psalm 8:4.”What is man that you are mindful of him, the Son of Man that you care for Him?” Think about the implications of being on God’s mind…that He thinks about you and most importantly that He cares about! Be reminded that when we face the “dark nights of the soul” and you think you are alone that God is there! When you experience the joys of life, you are not alone. We have God who sent his Son, and gives us Spirit to guide in direct us through this life until the next. My prayer that is that you will enjoy and experience the playfulness of God as you do life this week!

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Easter and My First Blog…

Wow!  My first blog post ever and I now join the ranks of blogging Pastors.  I’m going to use this blog to talk about what God is teaching me.  As we enter into the Easter season I am reminded once again of the importance of what it means to come to the table with him and fellowship with other believers on Maundy Thursday.  I am also reminded of the great sacrifice and the pain that Christ suffered on the cross for you and me.  Then I get pumped up once again that Jesus rose from the dead and that we as believers from all over the world will celebrate that fact on Easter Sunday!  As I think of what Jesus means to me I love the “I am statements” from the Gospel of John as Jesus describes himself.

 

The 7 I AM statements of Jesus…

  • “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me will never go hungry, and he who believes in me will never be thirsty. John 6:35
  • “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”   John 8:12
  • “I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. He will come in and go out, and find pasture. John 10:9
  • “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:14
  • “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” John 11:25
  • “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”  John 14:6
  • “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” John 15:4

As you enter this Holy week, Who does Jesus need to be to you?

Francis

 

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