(ACT) this weekend

About six months ago God really began speaking this series into me. I was at a Gap store when I noticed their (RED) line of clothing. The concept is that these clothes are made in Africa, and that a portion of the proceeds from the sales go back to help people affected by AIDS in this continent.

It got me to thinking about how people want to be a part of a cause. We are a part of the greatest cause on earth, building the Kingdom of God, the work Jesus gave us. Yet I was also thinking about how many people who call themselves Christ-followers aren’t doing anything with their faith. The book of James tells us that faith without action is dead; it’s not faith at all.

So I’m pumped about the (ACT) series beginning this weekend at Palm Valley. We’re going to talk about how to (ACT)ivate our faith and live out what Jesus called us to! If you’re a Palm Valley’er, make sure you get there early as I’ll be teaching right from the beginning of the service. I truly believe this is going to be one life-changing series!

weekend reflections

 It was a long and weird weekend given the holidays and the fact that I decided to stay home with the family on Sunday.  It was odd to wake up and not head to church.  Instead we went to Bill Johnson’s Big Apple for some awesome chicken-fried steak.  Here are a few of the thoughts that come to mind when I reflect on the weekend:

1. It was so nice to be home with the family and just hang out.  The kids were out of school so we had a blast. Since I generally work weekends while my kids are home, I have to be very intentional about connecting with them and giving them quality and quantity time.
2. I ate way too much over the weekend, which means I have to get back to the gym.
3. I didn’t realize how many Palm Valley’ers  go to Bill Johnson’s for brunch
4. I heard that Ryan did an excellent job of teaching this weekend.  I can’t wait to watch the video.
5. I also heard that worship rocked.  Derrick is growing in confidence and ability which is benefiting PVC
   more-and-more.  I’m excited to see what he has planned for Christmas.
6. Christmas is coming, and so too the new teaching series entitled “ACT”.  You won’t want to miss it.
7. Be sure to make plans for Christmas Eve services and invite, invite, invite people to join you!
8. Volunteers make all the difference at PVC.  If you’re one of them, thank you.  If not, and you’re sitting
   on the sidelines, you can sign up and get involved.  Just go here:  http://www.palmvalley.org/GetConnected/VolunteerOpportunities/ApplytoVolunteer/tabid/126/Default.aspx
9. The Raiders finally won!  Now it’s about time to start Jamarcus Russell and let him take his hits and learn the game!

As we look to the coming weekend, please come ready to worship, and ready to grow, knowing that we’re all going to be stretched in this new series.

weekend reflections

This was one of the most incredible weekends ever at Palm Valley Church. To be honest, I was a little nervous about it going in. I wasn’t sure how seriously people would take the “vow renewal” service, or if they would participate. In addition, it had to be a different kind of service, including staff in suits, reception on the patio with cake and pictures, etc… I was nervous about how it would come together, especially for people visiting PVC for the first time.

However, the vow renewal/affirmation turned out to be one of the most significant things we’ve ever done. I could tell it was important to the hundreds of families who participated. People dressed up, invited friends, and went all out. Many thanked me (through tears) for the difference this was making in their marriage. It was so cool for me to know that we helped people bring God into their marriage in a greater way, and to affirm that their marriage was valuable. Matt wrote a review of his experience here.

Another cool thing was that many Home Teams did this together. They took pictures and had receptions together after the service. I love watching people do life together!

Some other observations…

• Derrick did a great job with worship. I see growing confidence within him, and it’s making a difference. “I want to grow old with you” was a blast
• The pastors all wore suits, pictures to come.
• Jason Moorehead, from NewSpring was in town to do some consulting for us. He had some great observations and critique as well as action points for us. It’s always great to get another set of eyes on what we’re doing. Had a blast hanging out with Jason!
• Adrienne Nunez, our pre-school director, and her team are hitting it out of the park every week at Palm Valley. The quality of ministry happening in her area is off the charts! Thanks to the whole team for your heart for showing Jesus’ love to young hearts!
• It was so wierd to preach in a suit, I felt like I’d gone back 10 years.
• I’m pumped about the next few series I’m teaching. I feel like God is really teaching me some things that I can’t wait to pass on
• I love our church family. I feel like we’re the healthiest we’ve ever been as a church, and poised to really prevail in reaching our community for Christ!

That’s all folks.

Vow Renewal Service

I’m pumped for the “vow renewal service” this weekend at Palm Valley Church. This teaching series has been huge for our church, I can tell God’s really bringing couples closer to Himself, and closer to each other. I’ve loved teaching this series and feel like our Creative Team really helped craft a very applicable message each week.

We”re wrapping up the series this weekend by offering couples the chance to renew their vows in each of our four services. It’s going to be a blast. We’ve got cake on the patio, pictures and certificates for every couple, and I’m even wearing a suit to make it special.

I’ve loved hearing from so many couples how this is going to be very meaningful to them, and I’m grateful to be able to provide this. If we can help Jesus’ light shine a little brighter in and through the marriages of our church family, it’s a win! I know I’ll probably cry a lot this weekend, I’m a big softy. I just love when the power of God is changing lives!

If you attend Palm Valley, remember to invite friends and family to join you for this very special event. And guys, if you haven’t done it yet, make sure you ask your spouse to renew vows with you before this weekend. Don’t lean over and ask her in the middle of service, it won’t go well for you

Can’t wait to see you this weekend!

Marriage Helps

I came across a great book recently by Ed Young Sr., of 2nd Baptist in Houston. He’s an awesome pastor and everything I know about him tells me he’s the real deal. I’ve heard him speak a few times in person, and he blows me away with how simply he is able to apply the Bible to every day life.

Anyways, here’s his “10 Commandments of Marriage“, a great tool for discussion and growth in your marriage…

1. Thou shalt not be a selfish pit.
2. Thou shalt cut the apron strings.
3. Thou shalt continually communicate.
4. Thou shalt make conflict thy ally.
5. Thou shalt avoid the quicksand of debt.
6. Thou shalt flee sexual temptation–online and otherwise.
7. Thou shald forgive thy mate—490 times and more.
8. Thou shalt keep the home fires burning.
9. Thou shalt begin again and again.
10. Thou shalt build a winning team.