Yesterday I spoke on Recovering Romance. What a topic! Especially if you are like me and you’re romantically challenged. It would have been hopeless if it were not for the wisdom of the Scriptures and the help of my wonderful wife. Although she wouldn’t take credit for the message, not by a long shot, but she offered pre-message critiques over a cup of coffee at Starbucks.
So Sunday morning found me waking up with jitters and why do I do this and why didn’t I employ a renowned authors or speakers like Doctors Les and Leslie Parrot, a husband and wife team who do very well on the subject of relationships. The reason is I’m the pastor to Woodland Church and I know them and love them in Christ. I’m responsible to preach the Word to them. Not the good doctors but me.
Still makes me nervous though. Why? Well read this and maybe you will pray for me. “I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus,{that gets my attention} who is to judge the living and the dead, {I’m wide awake and my ears are really open} and by his appearing and his kingdom {Jesus is coming and he wants me to do what!}: preach the Word:” 2 Timothy 4:1 (ESV)
Most of those attending are people I know and love. There are others attending that this is their second or maybe third visit. Then there are those who are not quite sure why but they made a decision to attend Woodland Church. They are either asking questions about who Jesus Christ is or they are looking for a home church. One thing I do know about all of us. We need a message from God’s Word that speaks His reality into our lives, especially our marriages. We made vows before God and to one another in the presence of family and friends. God will help us keep those vows with joy and greater love than we ever thought possible if we accept His help. I am fully persuaded that preaching God’s Word is a positive and reassuring way to build up the body of Christ!
Gotta go, Sunday’s coming!
Peace and Joy in Christ!
Coram Deo 
Pastor, as you well know. Romance is something that a husband and wife share quite intimately between each other. That being said, I applaud your “bravery” to even speak on the subject. I can’t immagine how many shades of red I would turn reading a passage from the song of soloman to the congregation :-). I am always so proud of the you for the way that you always apply scripture to the many delicate subjects that you preach. The Lord is number first in our lives, and your sermons always reflect that. Oh, and I especially like listening to your sermon on romance sitting next to the one I love. We are constantly nudging each other at different points of your message.
You did a great job.I felt refreshed after service.
AJW