Couture

No one athlete has inspired me like Randy Couture. Couture is a Greco-Roman wrestler and a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter. As well as being a member of the UFC Hall of Fame, Couture is the only athlete to have held championship titles in both the heavyweight an light heavy weight divisions of the UFC. What impresses me the most about Couture is his HUMILITY, his kind-heartedness combined with a fierce, rugged competitivness. Because of the way he conducts himself both in and out of the cage he has drawn millions of fans his way as well as brought credibility to the controversial sport of MMA.

This Christmas I was given his book, Becoming The Natural-My Life In And Out of the Cage. In the final paragraph of chapter one he wrote this: "Years later, as an Ultimate Fighting Championship icon entering the last fight of my career, it felt like I had the entire world's attention. But, as a young boy, I would have traded that all to have one particular man notice me." That one man was his dad. WOW!

How easily dad's (me included) forget the HUGE IMPACT we have on our kids, both good and bad. A gentle reminder for all us dads. Fathers, do not aggravate your children, or they will become discouraged (Col. 3:21). Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord (Eph. 6:4)

Wayward Children

Abraham Piper is the son of Pastor John Piper. Recently, I read a post from him regarding his rebellion from his parents and God. It spoke volumes to me so I to want share it.

Many parents are brokenhearted and completely baffled by their unbelieving son or daughter. They have no clue why the child they raised well is making such awful, destructive decisions. I’ve never been one of these parents, but I have been one of these sons. Reflecting back on that experience, I offer these suggestions to help you reach out to your wayward child. For the full article click HERE.

Money

Mike Bullmore was a professor of mine while I was in Seminary.  He now serves a church as the Senior pastor.  Recently, he preached a message from 1 Corinthians 16.  Here are the highlights.  Warning:  What you are about to read may be detrimental to how you think about giving.

1. Our giving should be a planned priority.
2. Our giving should be proportional to our income. Give obediently, generously, and sacrificially. Cf. C. S. Lewis: “I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusement, etc., is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away too little. If our giving does not at all pinch or hamper us, I should say it is too small. There ought to be things we should like to do and cannot because our commitment to giving excludes them.”
3. Our giving should be marked by prudence. It should be transparent, above board, and marked by integrity. For example, a church’s giving should have public accountability.
4. Our giving and our teaching about giving should be simple and straightforward. No pressure, no gimmicks, no excessive emotion. Simply put: don’t waste your money; rather, use it for God’s purposes and for his glory.

World AIDS Day

The 1st of December is  World AIDS Day.  It is the day when individuals and organizations from around the world come together to bring attention to the global AIDS epidemic. 2008 marks the 20th anniversary of World AIDS Day.  For a multi-media presenatation of what it is like to have AIDS as a child in Africa, click here.