Pastor's Blog

The Chicken Fish Pond

In February 2007 we took a group of ten people to Uganda on a mission trip. Our purpose was two fold. One was to work in the clinic there and the other was to build a chicken fish pond. I know, you are asking "What is that?" It is a structure that houses chickens over a fish pond. The thought is, you feed the chickens and bits of the food fall through the floor into the pond. The fish eat the food and grow. You also pump the fertilized water out of the pond into the vegetable garden as you pump fresh water into the pond.The fertilizer is all natural, from the fish and chickens(need I say more?) From this one project  the ministry there has three hundred chickens ready to start laying eggs in less than a month, Mud fish in the pond ready to be sold for meat. Vegetables already being harvested and mango trees with too much fruit. This project is producing all this plus an income for the ministry, Income that comes from their own country and stays in their own country. Thank you Lord for a great opportunity.

You guys are awesome!

Yes, you guys are awesome! Why? Valley Word Church has given to four different missions projects in September. First, you gave to the ongoing ministry of Faith Community Churches International, which is the fellowship that we belong to. Secondly, you gave enough (along with Louise Brock's church) to buy a generator that will provide power for a school in far east India. Then you gave for the work that is going on in Leipzig, Germany. Finally, you have given to the work in Kampala, Uganda.We sent Pastor Solomon (from Uganda) off today with soccer balls, toothbrushes, Children's church curriculum, and a very good offering.  Hey guys, looking at these four projects, that is a lot of seed in the ground. Agree with me for a great harvest. It is truly a great blessing to know that God is using Valley Word Church to touch nations. Thanks and you are the best!

Being Productive part 4

If you want to be more productive, realize activity does not mean productivity. Before I went into the ministry I used to work production work. That means my work was assessed on how many pieces I produced. That thought process carried right over into the ministry. I felt good about my day if I could say I got a lot done. I am finding out that being busy is not always the best use of my time. I am finding out that my time must be spent on things like dreaming. Now that will mess with your head if you are use to production type work. I use to feel guilty if I took part of a day to "dream big with God". I felt like I wasn't holding up my end of the work load, but, here is the deal! I had to redefine what my "work load" was. That brings us back to, Do only what only you can do! So, take some time and define what your work load is and carry that!  more to come...

Being productive part 3

How about another word about scheduling your day. You know, I've been in the ministry twenty years in November and I have had to work through the process. Here are some thoughts that should help. Before you get busy and your calendar fills up, schedule your down time. My down time includes a day off (this is very important), my quiet time for the Lord to speak to me, time with my wife that we do not discuss work, time to do something other than work, and vacations.  Let me comment on one here. I like to work in the yard or on a construction project. This seems to clear my mind and give me a sense of accomplishment. After scheduling my down time, I let my schedule fill with the most important things. By the way, someone else does most of my scheduling. This helps me to not over schedule. This is very important, don't let your schedule fill up too much. We can never do as much as we think.  Leave enough room for emercengies and the unforeseen in your day. You will be glad you did! Work your calendar, don't let it work you, and you'll be more productive. More to come...

Being Productive part 2

When people want to be more productive, they usually start a to-do list. If you really want to be productive, how about starting a "Don't do List". You see, the way to be really productive is to weed out the time stealers, the distractions, and the things you hate to do and are not good at.Let's start with time stealers. Identify those things that take a lot of time but produce little or no fruit. Some people document an entire day or week to do this. I, personally am not good at lists so I just make a mental note of these things. Either way, start looking for these low yield activities and eliminate them or at least pass them on to someone else. Have you heard the statement, "Do only what only you can do"?  There are people who just love to do those little tasks that will free you up for other things. We all have twenty four hours in a day. Make sure your day is filled with the right things. "Don't let the good things steal time that can be used for God things".

Honor is the missing Link to Success

I will be continuing a series called "Honor, the missing link" tomorrow. I have already talked about honoring Father God and honoring the ministry gift in your life. In studying this word honor I found it means to prize or esteem. I thought "To the degree you honor someone that will determine the amount of sacrifice". If you honor Father God, you will sacrifice by getting up and going to church. Tomorrow I will talk about honoring our civic leaders. This list includes our government leaders and our Health and Safety leaders. Don't miss it!

Financial miracles

Last Wednesday night we had a tremendous service. After the Word was preached, there was an anointing released for financial turnaround and miracles. I have had two people already tell me of their miracle in the financial realm. I declare to you there is turnaround in this time of uncertainty. You don't have to live in fear over this uncertainty. The peace of God will protect your mind, so you can speak over you seed and your circumstances and see "your" turnaround come. The peace of God comes when you refuse to worry but rather pray and make your supplication know to God. Once you have done this meditate on the good of the Word, and thank Him for His goodness in your life. God's peace will build a fortified wall around your heart and mind. Step out and receive all God has for you. You are blessed!

Let's be productive

Have you noticed that more things are screaming for our time. It is becoming very clear that if we are going to be productive some things have to change.Here's one I must work on. I realize I have to say no to some things in order to do the things I must do. I must, and you must focus on what will make the largest impact in your organization. These thoughts will help - What are you good at? You will be more productive at something you are good at. What do you enjoy doing? You will do more if you enjoy it. We all have to do things that we don't like to do, but don't make a whole day of stuff you don't like. What are some of the things you do that someone else could do and to be honest are better at than you? Some of us need to learn to let go of activity that could be done by others. If you are doing everything, two things are happening. First you are robbing someone else of what makes them feel fulfilled. Secondly, Your job performance is lacking because NO ONE can do everything! Put your Schedule on a Diet. You will feel better, those around you will feel better, and more will get done.

The Unpardonable Sin

I had someone ask "What is the unpardonable Sin?" I thought I would take this opportunity to answer the question. When answering this question it is necessary to ask another question. How powerful is the blood of Jesus? Are there some sins that the blood of Jesus cannot wipe away. If so, then there is something more powerful than Jesus' blood. No, the blood of Jesus is the most powerful force in the universe, so, the unpardonable sin is to refuse the work of the cross. That is the only sin there is no forgiveness for.