Live and Uncivilized

Funny Words

2012-02-14T15:54:00.001-06:00

We have all seen the funny stuffy on our cell phones that auto-correct does, so let me add to your list.

I was going to TWEET (which would automaticaly go to my FACEBOOK) my sweet wife a message early this morning since I am away from her until the early evening of this VALENTINES DAY. Here is how it looked before I caught it and changed.

"I love being martyred to you for the rest of my life."

Luckily I caught it and corrected it so it would say,

"I love being married to you for the rest of my life."

Shortly after this TWEET I was going to send another one out to be encouraging to all the students that follow me on TWITTER AND FACEBOOK. Here is how it read, "To all my perps out there remember LOVE IS NOT SEX & SEX IS NOT LOVE." Thankfully I was able to catch this mistake and correct it as well, "To all my peeps out there remember LOVE IS NOT SEX AND SEX IS NOT LOVE."

If we could only have auto correct in our brain before we speak and it worked all the time. The only thing I know to tell you is to check our hearts and know the power of our words.

Prov 4:23
23 Keep your heart with all diligence,
For out of it spring the issues of life.
NKJV

Prov 18:21
21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit.
NKJV

Seek and Save

2012-02-14T15:38:00.001-06:00

Luke 19:10 tells us that Jesus came to seek and save the lost.

I just finished a time of ministry at a great church in El Paso, TX by the name of Word of Life Church. It was pioneered by Pastors Tom and Sonia Brown over 25 yrs ago. They are great leaders who have just refused to quit. They are infuencers over the spiritual climate of their city and region.

They invited me to come speak on purity in their two Sunday morning services. My title was "THE VALUE OF VIRGINITY." In both services there were those who committed to VIRGINITY AND SECONDARY VIRGINITY. I was so blessed to see young people and adults respond in both services. In the first service I did not make a call for salvation or getting the doubt out. In the second service I did make that kind of altar call at the very end.

Here is where the grace and goodness of my God just overwhelmed me. As I normally do I asked those who came forward for this altar call if this was there first time to receive Christ into their life. There were six people who received Christ for the first time in their life and about 20 others who were wanting to get the doubt out so they could know that they are His children (John 1:12). In the six who received Christ for the first time there were two men whom God touched in a marvelous way because one seemed to be in his forties and the other seemed to be in his fifties.

WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL? According to most of the research that I read today 85% of all people that receive Christ for the first time do so before they are 18, so to see these two middle aged men accept Jesus in their hearts for the first time in their lives caused me to REJOICE IN A LOUD VOICE before the congregation.

Another amazing fact about this event is the fact that these were men among several hundred in the congregation - COURAGEOUS MEN I MIGHT ADD. You see many of those that came forward were already in the altar for the PURITY CALL, but these two men came forward from the audience.

GOD IS UP TO SOMETHING BIG IN THESE DAYS. Lets occupy until HE COMES AGAIN!!

Luke 19:13

He Knew you would fail . . .

2012-02-09T16:38:00.000-06:00

He also knows that you will come back and He has an assignment for you when you do come back.

Luke 22:31-32
31 And the Lord said, "Simon, Simon! Indeed, Satan has asked for you, that he may sift you as wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail; and when you have returned to Me, strengthen your brethren." NKJV

Everyone of us has failed the Lord at some point in our history of being FOLLOWERS OF CHRIST. Just like Peter's failure did not catch Jesus by surprise yours does not either, so the key is to know that when you come back you have an ASSIGNMENT (see John 21).

When Jesus showed up in the middle of Peter's backsliding (he went back to fishing) I believe that He killed Peter's CROWING ROOSTER. I can hear you now, "Where is that in the Bible?" It is not there except the rooster crowed after Peter denied Jesus three times just like Jesus said it would happen.

If it were me every time I heard a ROOSTER CROW it would remind me of my past and that is what the ENEMY DOES best (Revelation 12:10-12). In ancient Israel CROWING ROOSTERS were a very common occurance as they are today. Which means Peter had a constant agonizing reminder of his FAILURE multiple times per day.

When Jesus asked Peter, "DO YOU LOVE ME," and Peter answered, "LORD YOU KNOW I DO." Then Jesus proceeded to give Peter these words, "THEN FEED MY SHEEP."

It is my deepest CONVICTION that by doing this Jesus KILLED PETER'S CROWING ROOSTER and let Peter know that he had a future with Jesus and His Kingdom. The rest is history!! Who preached on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2)? Who led the Gentiles into the fullness of the Spirit (Acts 10)?

Your past is going crop up but hear JESUS GIVE YOU YOUR ASSIGNMENT AND KILL YOUR CROWING ROOSTER AT THE SAME TIME.

Amen!!!!

Day 21 AWAKENING 2012

2012-02-04T19:45:00.000-06:00

Well here we are the last day of our prayre and fasting. It has really gone by fast (no pun intended). Last night at Generations Church we had our AWAKENING CELEBRATION & TESTIMONY service. Oh my!!!! The testimonies were off the charts amazing! People got direct revelation from God, healings, rent paid for 8 months, deliverance, and that is just a sampling.

Did we pray and fast to move God's hand? NO! Did we pray and fast to get miracles? NO! WE PRAYED AND FASTED TO RECEIVE HIS HEART FOR US AND TO CLEAR OUR SPACE SO THAT HE COULD FILL IT. He did that and so much more.

Matt 7:9-11
9 "Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! NIV

My final AWAKE 21 challenge for you is for you to know that our God is the God of HOW MUCH MORE. I have learned during this time of prayer and fasting to take the limitations off of all that God wants to do inside of me HIS CHURCH.

Please take some or your valuable time and reasearh the places in the Bible were you can find Him as the God of HOW MUCH MORE. I will help you with one in the O. T. that is found in Genesis 22.

I promise you the God of the Bible wants so much more for us than we could even thnk or ask if we would just be AWAKENED TO A SURRENDERED LIFESTYLE. That in a nut shell is what this time of prayer and fasting has been all about.

Be Blessed,

Day 20 AWAKENING 2012

2012-02-03T16:04:00.000-06:00

Phil 3:12
12 I don't mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. NLT

My AWAKE 21 has brought me to the realization that I am a "possessed man!" This dedicated time of prayer and fasting has caused such a spiritual OVERTHROW in my life. As I have cleared space for HIM in so many areas of my life He has come right on in and POSSESSED that free space. I DECLARE IN JESUS NAME THAT I WILL NOT GO BACK OR GIVE IN TO MY FLESH OR THE EVIL ONE IN ANY OF THOSE AREAS.

Would you consider allowing Him to POSSESS more of you than He already does. I am sure that there are areas in all of our lives that we hold back thinking it will be okay. I promise you this GOD IS NOT A TAKER HE IS A FILLER.

Let Him POSSESS YOU so that you can do what you do and be the in the PURPOSE FOR WHICH YOU HAVE BEEN POSSESSED.

Eph 2:10
10 For we are God's masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. NLT

Standing With You

Day 18 AWAKENING 2012

2012-02-01T18:27:00.001-06:00

I heard or read somewhere that "WORRY IS THE HIGHEST FORM OF SPIRITUAL ARROGANCE." I thought to myself WOW! that is a strong statement. Then I began to meditate on this in the light of scripture.

Matt 6:34
34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. NKJV

When we waste time, energy, and effort in worry we are really telling God, "I GOT THIS." When in reality we do not because we should be praying for the answer to our circumstance to a God who is ready willing and able to bring us the answers that we need (not necessarily want). We have chosen the path of pride and arrogance that says, "I CAN DO THIS, I CAN HANDLE THIS, I HAVE THE ANSWER TO THIS." When there is really no way that we do or we would not be worried. The "what ifs" and the "if onlys" are signs that we have not been praying enough.

AWAKE 21 has given God the space for us to focus our energy and faith on God's truth and answers for the dramas of life. Take it to God as quickly as possible.

^{Philippians 4}

^6-7Don't fret or worry. Instead of worrying, pray. Let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers, letting God know your concerns. Before you know it, a sense of God's wholeness, everything coming together for good, will come and settle you down. It's wonderful what happens when Christ displaces worry at the center of your life. MESSAGE

We have to pray with our eyes on God, not on the difficulties.

Oswald Chambers

Lets repent of our arrogance and be bold and quick to take all our drama to Jesus.

Loving God - Loving People

Day 17 AWAKENING 2012

2012-02-01T14:15:00.003-06:00

THIS IS BREAK THROUGH WEEK FOR AWAKE 21!!

I have three observations for you that I believe will encourage to finish strong.

1. The devil only attacks us if we are on the right track. Opposition is usually a sign that you have made head way and you are doing damage to the devil's kingdom. (See Luke 4 how Jesus fasted and prayed for 40 days before entering public ministry - the enemy attacked)

2. It really is true that with out prayer and fasting some things just will not happen.(see Matthew 9:20,21) Prayer and fasting is that SMART BOMB that zeroes in on the exact poiint that change needs to happen. That change is usually in us and not others: our thinking, our words, living out of our feelings rather than our faith. Just to name a few.

3. Jesus said that we would fast so we should. (see Matthew 9:14-17) Please consider making prayer and fasting a part of your regular spiritual disciplines. Many of us will move into worry and complaining rather than going into a brief time of prayer and fasting that will help us hit the RESET BUTTON on all drama and decisions that we wrestle with.

Finally, I have noticed that my perspectives on people, places, and circumstances has totally changed during these days of AWAKENING 2012. They have definitely changed for the better! That does not mean that there are not still challenges out there but it does mean I look at them differently now.

BREAK THROUGH TODAY!!!
Ed

Day 14 AWAKENING 2012

2012-01-28T17:59:00.000-06:00

Matt 11:28-30

28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

NKJV

Many of us need to "come apart" before we COME APART. Do you know what I mean? We have all been there!! Come be honest with the mirror. These days of prayer and fasting have been working these truths in me as I DRAW NEAR. My prayer for you is that you will experience this rest.

The Lord uses the word REST twice in three verses. I believe that they are two distinctly different kinds of REST.

1. The REST that the weary heavy laden sinner ( does not know Jesus ) needs is available if they will COME TO HIM.

The overburdened person who carries unnecessarily the shame and guilt of a life that at best can be described as "HEAVY LADEN." Hear Him inviting them to COME AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST that only a SAVIOR CAN GIVE. Lay your life down at His nail pierced feet and SURRENDER.

2. The REST that comes to the BELIEVER as they 100% SURRENDER to Christ.

They learn from Him and yes they become the D word - DISCIPLE (a learner under discipline). This Christ following business cannot be double minded nor can be enticed away by the world to just be content to live our lives however we want and just add Jesus like an additional accessory that we want to add to a new car. TRUE REST ONLY COMES FROM TRUE SURRENDER.

Matt 6:10

10 Your kingdom come.

Your will be done

On earth as it is in heaven.

NKJV

It does not matter which REST that you need they are both readily available to those who will TOTALLY SURRENDER TO HIM. If you need Jesus as your SAVIOR just ask Him to be your LORD AND SAVIOR. If you have lost your FIRST LOVE go back to that place on the mountain top and just SURRENDER YOUR WILL FOR HIS.

COMING TO JESUS DAILY

Day 12 AWAKENING 2012

2012-01-26T12:44:00.000-06:00

We are more than half way - BE STRENGTHEN IN THE POWER OF HIS MIGHT!!

Luke 24:30-32
30 Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. 31 Then their eyes were opened and they knew Him; and He vanished from their sight. 32 And they said to one another, "Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?" NKJV

The resurrected Lord Jesus had revealed Himself to some followers but they did not recognized Him. How often do we not recognize His presence among us. This AWAKENING time has cause me to be acutely aware of when I am in His presence and when I am not. Of course He is always there for me but I have been the one to drift off into other arenas.

They finally recognized Him once He broke bread with them. One translation said that their eyes were "INSTANTLY OPENED" and they were able to recognize with whom they had been walking and talking with. Like us we cruise through life not knowing that He is right there with us and it usually takes broken bread (the Bible) to open up our ears and hearts (Matt 4:4).

They knew that something was different about this man as He walked and talked with them along the Emmaus road. They recalled how "our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road" which is just like us because we know that He is speaking and our hearts are on fire yet we choose to ignore it. AT WHAT COST DO WE DO THIS?

Lets carry over our awareness of Him from this 21 days of AWAKENING. I pray that our hearts will continue to burn with the power of His WORDS.

Be Blessed,
Ed

Day 11 AWAKENING 2012

2012-01-25T16:16:00.000-06:00

PRAYING AGAIN AND AGAIN AND AGAIN . . . .

Have you ever felt that way? Like when is God going to give me an answer?

1 Kings 18:43-44

43 Then he said to his servant, "Go and look out toward the sea."
The servant went and looked, then returned to Elijah and said, "I didn't see anything."
Seven times Elijah told him to go and look. 44 Finally the seventh time, his servant told him, "I saw a little cloud about the size of a man's hand rising from the sea." NLT

In many instances it is in the process of waiting for the Lord to answer our prayers that we find Him doing His work in us. I have written about the before, but if we ABORT THE PROCESS WE ABORT THE MISSION (see archives). Many times the answer to prayer is about the preparation for the answer to come as much as it is about the answer itself. Sometimes we may think that it is cruel of Him to make us wait for the answer but in reality if we do not work through the process and the answer came we probably would not be ready to walk in it.

James 1:4
4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
NKJV

Stay engaged and persist until the answer comes. When it is over you will be better for it!!

Loving my Lord

Day 10 AWAKENING 2012

2012-01-25T14:02:00.000-06:00

James 5:16 . . .The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. NKJV

The word "fervent" in Webster's dictionary means bring to boil or white hot. To pray fervently it takes constant and consistent prayer which translates into PERSISTENCE. The original language of the N. T. indicates that this word means to intiate action with purpose and intentional actions.

At this point of our 21 days of prayer and fasting this is where I find myself. Actively in fervent, persistent pursuit of our Lord and Savior. I am not PURSING something from Him. I am PURSUING Him. I am finding out that He has been PERSISTENTLY PURSUING ME.

The end result is that our prayers "avail much." Spoken another way our prayers change circumstances, change hearts, and invades hell which brings in the King and His Kingdom.

Persistently Blessed

Day 9 Awakening 2012

2012-01-23T16:11:00.001-06:00

I am so encouraged by the church that I serve. To be honest they AMAZE me!! You can tell that many of them want a MOVEMENT and not just a meeting. When we came together for service Sunday the atmosphere was electric. I cannot wait to hear how God has invaded lives during AWAKE 21 OF 2012.

Mark your calendars now Friday February 3rd at 7:00 PM we will have a PRAYER AND TESTIMONY service to conclude our 21 days of prayer and fasting.

A note of encouragement for you today

Matt 4:1-4
4 Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 Now when the tempter came to Him, he said, "If You are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread."
4 But He answered and said, "It is written, 'Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.'
NKJV

I have always focused on the part about how we should feed ourselves on the Word when I have spoke on this verse in the past. In meditating on this verse I saw a connection to Jesus and His fast for the first time. You see Jesus was hungry when He said these words. He told the tempter (Satan) that He had FUEL that he (Satan) knew nothing about.

What is fueling your life today? Press in, Plug in to the Word, to do that you may have to unplug from some other stuff. For more encouragement check out the message at Generations Church it will strengthen you greatly.

Having a Great Day!!

Day 6 AWAKENING 2012

2012-01-20T15:29:00.000-06:00

Today has been fresh. Did a memorial service this morning for family who chose to cremate their loved one. I saw Jesus touch hearts and lives.

Luke 19:42
"If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. NKJV

Lord give us eyes to see your grand plans for us. The purpose of fasting is to clear out / reset our VISION so that we can see and hear clearly the plans that the Lord has for us. Uncluttered VISION in our culture today could be as big a miracle as healing cancer for some.

Pray with me today: Lord give us eyes to see your GREATNESS AND THE GRAND PLAN that you have for our future. Lord do not let anything be hidden from me by ________________. You fill in the blank: PRIDE, FEAR, ANGER, POSSESSIONS, MONEY, JOBS, DISOBEDIENCE etc.

He desires PEACE for us and the only way it can come is not by more accumulation. True PEACE comes by ELEVATION over the circumstance which happens when we DEMOTE ourselves (or empty out).

Have Blessed Day,

Day 5 AWAKE 21

2012-01-19T12:37:00.000-06:00

Found myself wide awake at 4:45 AM today. I feel better and more in tune with the Lord.

John 10:27
My sheep hear my voice,, and I know them and they follow me.

Hearing God is difficult only because we do not deny our flesh. We must empty ourselves of ourselves and disconnect from the world around us (especially during a fast).

"Enoch walked with God three hundred years." Genesis 5:22 WOW!! What a testimony. When we can walk in AGREEMENT & ALIGNMENT with God. It is one thing to know God's will for our lives; it is another to live in AGREEMENT with His will.

I believe firmly, that the moment our hearts are emptied

of pride and selfishness and ambition and self seeking, and everything that is

contrary to God's law, the Holy Ghost will come and fill every corner of our

hearts; but if we are full of pride and conceit, and ambition

and self seeking, and pleasure and the world, there is no room for

the Spirit of God; and I believe many a man is praying to God

to fill him when he is full already with something else.

Before we pray that God would fill us, I believe we ought to pray

Him to empty us.

D. L. Moody

Day 4 of AWAKE 21

2012-01-18T18:20:00.001-06:00

I am going to be a little transparent. Today was a little difficult because we went to the mall with my Mother in Denver. As we passed the Starbucks I had a coffee craving deluxe. As part of my Daniel Fast the Lord asked me to fast coffee since it is one of my comforts in life. I HAVE OVERCOME!!

Joel 2:12 New Living Translation (NLT)

That is why the LORD says,
“Turn to me now, while there is time.
Give me your hearts.
Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning.

Fasting is not a way to obtain God's favor or forgiveness. This thought is only found in relation to fasting in the OT. Under the new covenant, every wrong we have ever done or ever will do was handled with favor and forgiveness on the cross of Calvary.

NT fasting is about drawing close to God and surrendering to His plans and purposes. Which makes Joel's words ring so strong in my spirit. . . "Turn to me now, while there is time. Give me your hearts."

As I let the comforts of life go by for the single purpose of drawing nearer to Him I find Him waiting on me there.

I believe the power of fasting as it relates to prayer is the spiritual

atomic bomb that our Lord has given us to destroy the

strongholds of evil and usher in a great revival and spiritual

harvest around the world.

Bill Bright

Day 3 of AWAKE 21

2012-01-17T08:37:00.001-06:00

During these days of prayer and reflection I have been reading through some of my past journals. I have come across many written prayers that have been answered and some not and some others that are in the process of being answered.

My thought for you today is that He does this Psalm 37:4 DELIGHT YOURSELF IN THE LORD AND HE WILL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEAR.

I would also strongly encourage you to read "The Circle Maker" by Mark Batterson. This book has deeply challenged me about my prayer life.

Keep going!!

Will You Get Up After You Mess Up

2011-11-09T14:55:00.000-06:00

Most of us have been in a strange town and made a wrong turn, then we had to turn around so that we could go get on the right path. When this happens we generally do not think much of it unless we are in a time crunch because all it cost us was a little time, a little gas, and maybe some humility if someone was with us.

We have all made MISTAKES in life! Maybe I am being to nice - we have all sinned and probably will again. The question is CAN YOU GET UP AFTER YOU MESS UP?

In Josuha 7 which is after Joshua 6 (obviously) but I point this out because the walls of Jericho falling was such a huge victory. Then in ch 7 we see that Joshua sent the JV army to fight the little battle of Ai and they got their face bashed in due to HIDDEN SIN. Which really there is not such a thing as HIDDEN SIN because it will always catch up with you.

Joshus 7:8-10

God told Joshua to get up and quit groveling!

Ok, you may have made a MISTAKE. . . . REPENT (face it) then get up and go on to great victories.

Joshua (as a leader) and the nation of Israel had to face their mess up, then deal with it. When you get up you qualify for more miracles in your life. Check out the SUN STANDING STILL in Joshua 10:8-14. WOW!! Now that is a MIRACLE.

We are only disqualified if we quit. NEVER GIVE UP! NEVER STOP! GIVE UP THAT WHICH IS STOPPING YOU THEN GET ON WITH & GO FORWARD TO YOUR NEXT MIRACLE.

You can listen this message at www.generationslubbock.com

Blessings
Ed

Three Things I see for Generations Church

2011-03-29T16:39:00.001-05:00

Since the first of the year it seems to me that the fresh touch of the Holy Spirit has been moving among us like a river flowing and moving to it's destination. We all know that a river is usually flowing and moving to a larger body of water. In the light of those thoughts I want to put you in remembrance some of the directives the Lord has given us.

#1 MIRACLES ARE IN MOTION - No matter where you have been, No matter what you have been doing, & No matter who you have been doing it with God is not mad at you. He is more concerned about where you are going. Your setback has just set you up for your come back. EXPECTANCY IS THE ATMOSPHERE FOR MIRACLES. Do more than get your hopes up - ACTIVATE YOUR FAITH AND EXPECT MIRACLES AS YOU PUT YOUR TRUST AND CONFIDENCE IN GOD AND THE PRINCIPLES OF HIS WORD.

#2 SUN STAND STILL - As we studied the concept of praying the kind of AUDACIOUS prayers that cause the SUN TO STAND STILL I hope it has set you in a place of praying BOLD AUDACIOUS prayers that will advance the purposes of God in the earth today. Yes, some of us have been struck down by PTFD (Post Traumatic Faith Disorder) which just means we must get up again and trust God. Be encouraged and go back and listen to the series via www.generationslubbock.com

#3. Last Sunday (March 27) we had a guest speaker Matt Poole who just absolutely heard the Lord as he preached God's Word to us. I would like to say it was more like a prophetic message to Generations Church. The Word of the Lord boiled down to MOVING TOWARD YOUR DREAM even when you cannot see it. The amazing part of Sunday was that there was a prophetic word from the the congregation about the Lord bringing quantum leaps in marriages, finances, and especially in Generations Church then Matt preached from 1 Kings 18 about Elijah's confrontation with Baal at Mt. Carmel. That was just so he could get to 1 Kings 18:41-46 where Elijah tells Ahab that he hears "the sound of abundance of rain." RAIN USUALLY = BLESSING in life and in scripture. Put the message together with the prophetic word and it all adds up to a MAJOR PROPHETIC DAY.

Putting the last few months together means that our MIRACLES ARE IN MOTION AS WE PRAY SUN STAND STILL PRAYERS AND GOD IS GOING TO RESPOND with THE ABUNDANCE OF RAIN.

Let's all start moving toward his purpose in our lives. He is getting us ready and I AM READY TO RECEIVE IT. My spirit and my heart are open for you Lord.

SUN STAND STILL DECLARATION

Your Sun Stand Still prayer,

based on your I do not play / I do not care vision,

activated by audacious faith,

will mark your life by the miraculous,

empower you to achieve the impossible,

and put you in the middle of a move of God.

Five Things Generations Should Know From Their Pastor

2011-02-14T17:48:00.001-06:00

Sunday at Generations was EPIC! We have started on a journey that will take each of us on a journey that we never dreamed of before. I know that you are ready for this EPIC journey. Faith and audacity will take our lives to new heights that only God dreamed we could attain.

FIVE THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW:

1. YOUR CITY NEEDS YOU - There are people in your neighborhood, on your job, in your family, and virtually everywhere you look that are DESPERATELY looking for love. YOU are the delivery mechanism for the love of God to be delivered to them. He (GOD) is pulling the trigger on HIS mechanism (YOU).

2. MIRACLES ARE IN MOTION - This is more than a slogan or the title to a cute sermon series. This is a BEDROCK conviction that Jesus is the same YESTERDAY, TODAY, & FOREVER (Hebrews 13:8). Jesus is positioning you in a MIRACLE PLACE of favor so that you can influence as many people as possible for the CAUSE of His Kingdom. This includes how your marriage and family functions to how that He is changing your position in the work force.

3. ARE YOU AS PREGNANT AS I AM? - By this I mean are you as full of VISION as I am? If you are you will begin to pray SUN STAND STILL prayers that will enable you and Generations to TOUCH THE CITY - TEACH THE NATIONS - TRAIN THE WORLD. Our VISION will give birth to thousands of people from all walks of life becoming Christ followers.

4. WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER - I am going to ask you to put aside anything in your life that is self exalting. YEAH! I know, where do I get off asking you to do this? WE can accomplish so much more together if we will focus on doing everything as a TEAM. If you are not a part of ministry team NOW is the time to get involved and serve. If you have a MINISTRY IDEA that you have been sitting on and wait for the go ahead DO NOT LET MONEY OR ANYTHING SMALL LIKE THAT HOLD YOU BACK. As long as it flows with our VISION to TOUCH - TEACH - TRAIN go for it. The only thing that I ask is that you refuse the mentality of a LONE RANGER Get a group of people to do it with you because WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER.

5. OUR GREATEST NEED - Is not money, a building, or even more people. OUR GREATEST NEED is more of Jesus in our hearts, lives, homes, & work place. Will you seek to involve Jesus in every area of your life? More money, more buildings, & more people will come if we have our priorities straight. Get so close to Jesus that you can hear Him give you a directive that can only be accomplished with HIM working through you by praying SUN STAND STILL prayers in FAITH.

Finally I pray that you are realizing that we are capturing some AMAZING MOMENTS each Sunday morning and turning them into MAJOR MOMENTUM which will eventually turn into a MONSTER MOVEMENT that will change lives for all eternity.

MFAS and BIMD

2011-01-28T17:08:00.001-06:00

What? My Father Always Said and Back In My Day. I was the guy that would say to myself when I would hear someone else telling their old stories about their dad or the old days, "I WILL NEVER DO THAT."

First and foremost I do not feel like and old guy, but I guess I am because I quote my Dad all the time.
Just the other day I was speaking at a High School to about 300 seniors and I told them that there are three ways to learn things.

THE EASY WAY - listen to those around you who have a better and more experience.

THE HARD WAY - ignoring those around you and going it on your own & then you find the hard lessons of reality. In some ways I think some people only learn things this way. SAD :-(

THE TRAGIC WAY - this is where someone gets hurt severely or dies & nobody wants this but it happens all the time.

The above is a direct quote from a conversation I had with my father when I was in Junior High. This is classic MFAS stuff and more than likely most of us have some great stuff our Fathers have taught us.

Prov 4:1-4
4 Hear, my children, the instruction of a father,
And give attention to know understanding;
2 For I give you good doctrine:
Do not forsake my law.
3 When I was my father's son,
Tender and the only one in the sight of my mother,
4 He also taught me, and said to me:
"Let your heart retain my words;
Keep my commands, and live.
NKJV

Wise words from Solomon.

BIMD Back In My Day. These are usually stories of greatness about ourselves or others that are stuck in our memory banks and usually get a little larger than life the older we get. I can remember telling someone many years ago that I would never tell BIMD STORIES. Well I lied!!!! I do it all the time, but I try to cloak them in some other cool way and not say BACK IN MY DAY.

I was waiting for a table in a restaurant recently and while I waited I stood at the bar to watch ESPN. Well ESPN had a replay of the the 1985 or 1986 (not sure which year) NBA SLAM DUNK CONTEST going. As I stood there watching it brought back such cool memories that I was enjoying. Dominque Wilkins & Dr. J lost to a really young Michael Jordan on the famous take off from the free throw line dunk. Right after one of Dominque Wilkins powerful dunks some young guy standing next to me said to know one in particular, "Who the heck was that guy?" Of course I knew the answer so I offered up my expertise with the following comment: "Back in my day Dominque Wilkins was probably as good as Michael Jordan but he never had the supporting cast or coaching that Michael had." Of course I said it like I had lived it which of course I had only vicariously through TV and the comment was just one mans opinion.Which some would vehemently disagree with. After my meal I got in my car and I was driving away when it struck me that I had just said a BIMD comment and oh did it make me feel old.

Prov 22:28
28 Do not remove the ancient landmark
Which your fathers have set.
NKJV

I hope there are more important lessons that I learned from BIMD and I hope that I will share them freely when I have the opportunity. I pray that they are as quick to my mind and heart as the memory of a SLAM DUNK CONTEST and even quicker off of my tongue and into those whom I lead.

BIMD & MFAS THOUGHTS ARE VALUABLE FOR THE LESSONS LEARNED BUT WE CANNOT LIVE THERE OR GET BOXED IN BY THEM. LEARN THE PRINCIPLE AND MOVE ON.

“The past is behind, learn from it.
The future is ahead, prepare for it.
The present is here, live it.”

by Thomas S. Monson

Praying that you are encouraged today.

Ok I am piggy backing . . .

2011-01-18T17:50:00.001-06:00

I read Pastor Steven Furtick's blog yesterday and I cannot get these thoughts out of my head. So after you read this or before you may want to read it at: http://www.stevenfurtick.com/personal-development/stop-the-hop/ Awesome Pastor with some very helpful thoughts.

Ok I understand there are not any perfect churches out there. We all have short comings and downfalls. Why? Churches are full of human beings which includes the Pastor.

A little background. I pastor in a city of just under 250,000 people that has one major university (Texas Tech) and three smaller colleges (South Plains College, Lubbock Christian University, & Wayland Baptist). As you can see two of them have Christianity as their foundation. Which adds to my point. We also have more than 350 churches in our city. Lubbock is a lot like Charlotte, NC which has 720 churches for a population of just over a million which is where Pastor Steven Furtick pastors.

Could we all just stop dating the church:

1. The prettiest or most handsome.

2. The most popular.

3. The one that will get us noticed.

4. The one that is the most fun.

If we could all just find a place to put down some roots and go M. A. D. (make a difference) not get mad. Lord knows there is enough of that going around.

Why plug into one local church?

1. Jesus said that is what He was going to build.

2. We are better together.

3. Unity (not sameness) is where the blessings are.

4. Isolation is dangerous.

5. That church needs you and you need them. (community)

Church hopping is just going to stunt your growth. Get in one place and get F. A. T. (FAITHFUL AVAILABLE TEACHABLE). That is why I believe that church hopping is a form of rebellion. I know that may be radical for some of you, but why else would people continually go from one place to the next?

Consumers
Celebrity search
Needs not met
Hurt
It is too big

GET IN ONE PLACE AND USE THE THOSE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM THAT HE HAS GIVEN YOU!! Fall in love with Jesus and His family.

The simple thoughts of :

SHUT UP ACCUSER!!!!!

2011-01-04T11:46:00.001-06:00

You may be familiar with this Bible verse. If so let it be a reminder of something you know. If not I think you will be encouraged today.

Rev 12:10

10 Then I heard a loud voice shouting across the heavens,

"It has come at last—

salvation and power

and the Kingdom of our God,

and the authority of his Christ.

For the accuser of our brothers and sisters
has been thrown down to earth—
the one who accuses them
before our God day and night. NLT

FOUR KINDS OF ACCUSATION:

1. INHERITED - We have all sinned because we are descendants of Adam. Rom.3:23

2. IMPOSED - This put on us by others choices and actions that we are connected with.

3. ACTUAL - Yes, we did we are guilty. REPENT 1 John 1:9

4. INTERNAL - We refuse to forgive ourselves.

Look at this picture of how Jesus would take care of the ACCUSER.

Zech 3:1-2

3 Then the angel showed me Jeshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord. The Accuser, Satan, was there at the angel's right hand, making accusations against Jeshua. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, "I, the Lord, reject your accusations, Satan. Yes, the Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebukes you. This man is like a burning stick that has been snatched from the fire." NLT

Then Jesus actually did it in the New Testament:

John 8:10-11

10 Then Jesus stood up again and said to the woman, "Where are your accusers? Didn't even one of them condemn you?" 11 "No, Lord," she said. And Jesus said, "Neither do I. Go and sin no more." NLT

TELL THE ACCUSER IN YOUR LIFE TO SHUT UP AND THE LORD REBUKE YOU!!!

Be Blessed,

Keeping Christ In CHRISTmas - A Heart for ONE

2010-12-21T15:25:00.001-06:00

(Pictures are from Generations Church 12/19/2010)

And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus,t for he will save his people from their sins.”

http://read.ly/Matt1.21.NLT

Jesus came to SAVE US from our sins! WOW!! I know this is no heavy revy for most of us, but it is worth reminding us why He came. Guess what? It was not so that we could receive gifts because HE IS THE GIFT. Do not get me wrong I love to receive gifts at CHRISTmas but the point of CHRISTmas is way beyond gift giving.

The FATHER'S HEART WAS ON DISPLAY in the CHRISTmas story. I preached about it on Sunday (you can listen at www.generationslubbock.com). Just click on the sermon player on the home page or go to Generations Church in itunes and you can listen to the podcast.

A HEART FOR ONE LOST SHEEP:

owner left 99 and went after one
how much time, energy, and money do we spend on the 99 versus the one that is lost
more joy in heaven over ONE lost - found.

A HEART FOR ONE LOST COIN:

of what value was it???
she moved furniture and swept
until she found it (determination)
called, texted, emailed all her friends about the joy of what was lost is now found

A HEART FOR ONE LOST SON (daughter)

he thought it was about "ME" (we do this)
wasted it on PRODIGAL LIVING (use your imagination)
humbled
confessed - WHEN WE MESS UP WE NEED TO FESS UP
Dad was waiting (so is God)
cut covenant "here" v. 23 (significant because he did not have to clean up) God does not care where you have been, what you have been doing, nor does He care who you have been doing it with. All He cares about is where you are going which is why he sent us a SAVIOR, MESSIAH, KING.

Do you know one who is LOST but needs to be FOUND? Our assignment from heaven this CHRISTmas is to go after ONE and that will KEEP THE CHRIST IN CHRISTmas.

ALL IN THE FAMILY

2010-12-18T06:43:00.007-06:00

I AM LIVING A BLESSED LIFE!! Thanking God for the greatest gift of all HIS SON JESUS CHRIST.

Matthew 1:21 And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus,t for he will save his people from their sins.”

Along the way I have been blessed, and continue to be blessed.

March 4, 1976 I came to know Jesus
June 1977 Called to ministry - continuing in the present
July 15, 1978 Married a great gift of God - Connie Cassell
July 7, 1979 My first born Jeff (strong with a sense of justice about him)
May 6, 1982 My first and only daughter Denae (most like me)
September 15, 1984 Lance (the sneaky one in a good way)
Son in law (Chris) and Daughter in laws (Lacey & Olivia) the greatest!!
Grand Kids . . . the best!!

I could write so many more dates down here of significant times in my life but I will refrain. Let me ask you a question. What are your numbers? No, not the lotto! Recall your significant dates and count your blessings from the Lord. This verse was mine and Connie's memory verse for the year. WOW!! What a year!

Psalms 40

5 O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,
I would never come to the end of them.NLT

I get the privilege of pastoring a GREAT church Generations Church (www.generationslubbock.com). We are young and we are not what we were and we are not what we are going to be.

I am still amazed at how God has opened doors for me to travel the country and the world to share His love. Regardless whether I am standing in front of a group of 20 or 2000 I am still very humbled by the opportunity I have in schools and churches across the country and around the world. Humbling!!

I was in Barnes Noble reading yesterday when a lady asked if she could sit opposite me? Of course I said yes and I just continued to read in my NOOK and drink my tea. She had a stack of books that I guess she was trying to decide what to buy. In a moment she struck up a conversation about the NOOK. It was obvious that she was an avid reader, so I shared with her all about my NOOK.

Our conversation continued and I found out that she was a retired English teacher at Monterey High School (I graduated from there). I knew of her but I never took one of her classes. We had shared wonderful memories of common friends. She (Joann Corbett) is still so full of passion for teaching that in her retired state she now oversees 12 student teachers out of the Texas Tech school of Education. It fired me up to see her passion at her age.There was nothing dramatic that happened in our conversation except her PASSION FOR LIFE and her continued sense of MISSION influenced me greatly.

Check your numbers and see who has influenced you and who you are influencing.

Have a BLESSED CHRISTmas SEASON

Lets ALL have LAUGH

2010-12-16T08:13:00.000-06:00

Prov 17:22

22 A cheerful heart is good medicine,
but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.NLT

Laughter is such a powerful key that unlocks and opens the door to our hearts.

There is always a lot of laughter in my house. My wife is known for her laugh and her sense of humor. Here are some thoughts about laughter. I HOPE THEY ENCOURAGE YOU TODAY! The picture here is in our house.

Laughter is contagious
Laughing with others is a release
Laughing at yourself keeps you humble
Laughing at someone can be dangerous
Laughing at others expense is rude
Laughing in adversity can bring you hope

Ps 126:5-6
5 Those who plant in tears
will harvest with shouts of joy.
6 They weep as they go to plant their seed,
but they sing as they return with the harvest. NLT

Who Are We Fighting

2010-12-14T06:30:00.000-06:00

Culture wars - Generation gaps, speak of some kind of difference we have in relation to others.

WHY DO WE FIGHT EACH OTHER?

We should fight the destructive evil forces of:

addiction (drugs, alcohol, porn)
dissoulution of the home (divorce)
demon of debt (bondage)
violence (anger)
cancer (often caused by unforgiveness)
disunity (not sameness)
apathy (medocrity)

http://read.ly/Matt11.12.NLT

http://read.ly/Eph6.12.NLT

DO NOT FIGHT EACH OTHER . . . C'MON MAN!!!

Ed

Finding Faith in IMPOSSIBLE Circumstances

2010-12-11T06:53:00.001-06:00

Faced with impossible news, impossible trouble, impossible health issues, or impossible relationship drama, or impossible finances. THERE IS A WORD OF HOPE FOR YOU!!

Luke 1:37-38
37 For with God nothing will be impossible." 38 Then Mary said, "Behold the maidservant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. NKJV

We are truly blessed beyond measure when we take the promises of HIS WORD at face value. We put our hope, trust, & confidence in Him rather than a system, money, or a person.

Luke 1:45
45 Blessed is she who believed, for there will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord." NKJV

I want to spend this CHRISTmas season living like Elizabeth's description of Mary. Which for me would be translated this way. . .

LETS BE FILLED WITH THE ALREADY WHILE WE ARE LIVING IN THE NOT YET.

My marriage
My Church (building)
My family
My ministry vision

Find the CHRIST in Christmas and put your FAITH there . . so your impossible circumstance will turn to a miracle life full of answers.

But let me warn you there is not an EASY button in life only in the fantasy world of advertising is there and EASY button that will instantly solve your crisis.

Follow Faith
Ed

My 3rd Trip to Transniestria Thoughts

2010-12-08T15:33:00.001-06:00

http://read.ly/Phil2.20.NIV

Paul wrote these words because he trusted Timothy to minister in his place. I am TOTALLY humbled by the fact that Pastor Yuri Semenyuk of Christ Our Savior's Church in Tiraspol, Transniestria allowed me and three others to minister in services and speak to all of his Pastors, Leaders, & Deacons. IT WAS AMAZING!!

WITH THAT AS A BACK DROP I MAKE THE FOLLOWING OBSERVATIONS:

1. NO WONDER THEY ARE GROWING: The key leader is totally secure and delegates well.

2. NO WONDER THEY ARE GROWING: The Alpha Course evangelism project is going great and winning souls.

3. NO WONDER THEY ARE GROWING: The key leader trusts young men and women to function in key roles.

4. NO WONDER THEY ARE GROWING: The key leader understands and knows that it is all about leadership at every level.

The entire ministry understands this concept: PEOPLE WILL FORGET WHAT YOU SAID, PEOPLE WILL FORGET WHAT YOU DID. PEOPLE WILL NEVER FORGET HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

I left feeling encouraged and enriched even though I had preached eleven times in four days which is so humbling and amazing when you consider all that they are doing. What a joy to be a small part in helping them.

THANK YOU PASTOR YURI AND TEAM!!!

A REAL DISCIPLESHIP MOVEMENT

2010-12-06T15:29:00.000-06:00

http://read.ly/2Tim2.2.NKJV

I have been so inspired at Christ Our Saviors Church here in Tiraspol, Transniestria. THEY ARE A REAL DISCIPLE MAKING CHURCH.

THE BEST I HAVE EVER SEEN. I pray and believe that I can take what I have learned and do it at home.I was asked to impart to them but they in turn imparted more and better to me.

THANK YOU!!! Pastor Yuri and the team for a great week.

Christians in Transniestria

2010-12-05T14:24:00.000-06:00

These people here remind of the passage of scripture in Hebrews 10:32-39.

WHEN THE LIGHT GOES ON THE FIGHT GOES ON: vs. 32
They are truly evangelizing their city and nation.
They are truly discipling new believers

THE LIGHT IS ON AND THEY ARE SLUGGING IT OUT.

v.33,34 They have been and are suffering with some demonic attack that is coming from other humans.

IT TAKES COURAGE TO KEEP ON GOING.

v. 35,36 They are staying faithful and walking in great endurance because their confidence is in God.

ENDURANCE IS A MUST.

V.37-39 They have a since of destiny like Jesus could come back tomorrow.

URGENCY IS A MUST.

The picture is Pastor Yuri their fearless (literally) leader.

Note from the FOREIGN FIELDS

2010-12-02T13:38:00.000-06:00

VISION IS VISION NO MATTER WHERE YOU LIVE IN THE WORLD.

As a church in America we are being passed up by Pastors and ministries on in foreign lands. Yes, you heard me right!!

They have such big faith for big projects that are genuinely reaching the lost. Did you heart that? They are not talking about the lost they are talking to the lost and winning them to Christ.

http://read.ly/Prov29.18.NIV

We serve the same BIG GOD!!! I am inspired. The picture here is of the new BETHEL FAMILY CENTER in the middle of Tiraspol, Transniestria.

When Things Do Not Go As Planned Pt 7

2010-11-03T16:31:00.001-05:00

http://read.ly/Gen43.23.NKJV

Joseph has found that his faithfulness has produced extreme favor with God and man (Luke 2:52). Now his family has not been so fortunate. They are stuck in famine, but it is not because of their unfaithfulness. We will now see how God has set them up to see his hand of provision when they thought all was lost.

Gen.43:1,2 We usually turn to the last place that we got help. Good or bad. JACOB = DAD = CEO = LEADER = PASTOR said "Go back and buy us a little more food."

Jacob complained - so do we.
Jacob planned a bribe - so do we.
Finally v.14 Jacob decides to trust in God for himself, his boys (Simeon & Benjamin), and his whole starving family.

WHEN THINGS GO WRONG LOOK TO THE SOURCE NOT ANOTHER RESOURCE.
We start thinking the worst when we can be sure God has our best interests at heart and He is planning all along to reveal them to us. (see vs. 15-23)

NOTICE HOW THAT EVEN JOSEPH HAD TO EAT ALONE BECAUSE HE DID NOT FIT IN. THERE ARE TIMES THAT WE JUST HAVE TO KNOW THAT GOD IS ON OUR SIDE A GO FOR IT.

Joseph as an instrument in the hands of God is setting his family up for the big REVEAL.
Our heavenly Father is doing the same for us!! We just get anxious WHEN THINGS DO NOT GO AS PLANNED.

Thoughts from a VACATION well spent.

2010-10-26T16:08:00.000-05:00

Grand Case Beach Club on the French side of St. Marteen in the Caribbean is so peaceful and restful.
Some observations:
1. DOING NOTHING IS OK SOMETIMES.
2. VACATION WITH YOUR SPOUSE IS AN INVESTMENT NO MATTER HOW MUCH IT COSTS.
3. SOLITUDE IS GOOD FOR THE SPIRIT AND THE SOUL.
4. TOO MANY VOICES EQUALS TOO MANY CHOICES.
Psalms 46:10
10 “Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”

5. I AM TOTALLY SERIOUS . . . I SHOULD DO THIS TWICE A YEAR RATHER THAN EVERY OTHER YEAR. I WOULD BE HEALTHIER BOTH SPIRITUALLY AND PHYSICALLY.

If you want to see all the pictures we took then go to my Facebook and they will be posted there.

Ed

When Things Do Not Go As Planned pt 6

2010-10-26T15:09:00.001-05:00

I am so sorry that there has been a delay in the continuation of these thoughts. Here are my excuses: 1) A big event that I had to participate in that lasted ten days. 2) A vacation that lasted 11 days including the travel days. I know those are not good enough - like you have been waiting with baited breath HA HA!! Oh well, we continue on . . .

Genesis 41:1-5 Jacob sends his sons to Egypt to get grain so that they will not starve. EVEN WHEN BAD THINGS ARE HAPPENING ALL AROUND God can turn them around for your good. I can promise you that God is at work in your situation and you do not even see it and many times He has been at work for many years preparing you for such a time as this.

Joseph could only hold on to the dream which was taking years to come to pass.
Jacob, his dad was just dealing with a broken heart and he could not really see God at work in this crisis.
The brothers were just existing and they really could not see God at work in this crisis.

GOD IS AT WORK BEHIND THE SCENES IN YOUR LIFE. YOU CAN COUNT ON IT.

Genesis 41:6-9 Dreams really do come true and Joseph found that out. (Genesis 37)
To me the great thing about this chapter is how Joseph handled himself in front of his brothers. NOTE: When your dreams come true be classy and not arrogant so God can continue to use you. He could have really let the hammer down in revenge and hurt them for hurting him. Instead he had a plan to redeem his entire family plus he blessed his brothers. Check out Genesis 41:35.

Harboring bitterness and unforgiveness is like taking poison and expecting it to kill the other guy who hurt you.
Let's all commit to taking the high road like Joseph and God can trust us to make a difference and save many form destruction.

When Things Do Not Go As Planned Pt 5 THE PROCESS

2010-09-30T07:29:00.001-05:00

Genesis 41:1 NLT - YouVersion.com: "Two full years later, Pharaoh dreamed that he was standing on the bank of the Nile River"

The cup-bearer's dream was fulfilled as Joseph spoke it. In his restored position in Pharoah's court he forgot about Joseph. Two full years had passed and Joseph was stuck and forgotten . . . are you sure?

HAVE YOU EVER FELT STUCK AND FORGOTTEN?

Here we are back at this same principle: FAITHFULNESS PRODUCES FAVOR.

Joseph for those two years was stuck in prison wondering if he would ever be remembered. What if he decided to blow it? quit, fight, stumble, steal, and some how was caught and the warden demoted or even worse had him killed. HE STAYED FAITHFUL so that when the call came from Pharaoh he was ready.

The cup-bearer gave testimony of how God was with Joseph in the interpreting of dreams (Gen. 41:1-13).

v.14 Pharaoh sent for Joseph at once . . . When we stay faithful to God's revealed plans for us PROMOTION CAN COME IN AN INSTANT.

Here is a new thought for us all to remember, "IF WE ABORT THE PROCESS WE ABORT THE MISSION." At so many points across this journey Joseph could have aborted the PROCESS of who he was becoming and he would have aborted the MISSION. God's plans and purposes are so much bigger than ours! We see in tunnel vision. His vision is panoramic.

Some thoughts on when we finally get there:

1. v.15 Pharaoh had exhausted the worlds methods and they had failed (this will always happen). For some reason God is last on the list for a lot of people, so be ready with your answer when called on and wait till God's time.

2. v.16 Stay DEPENDENT. . . . Joseph knew his limits and confessed them.

3. vs. 33-37 Once He speaks declare it with confidence and boldness.

4. vs. 39-45 "so Joseph took charge of the entire land of Egypt." Staying faithful produced the FAVOR OF GOD.

Pharaoh may have thought that he put Joseph in this position of power and authority or you may have thought your money, education, or skill has placed you where you are. COME ON NOW . . . IT WAS ALL PART OF THE PROCESS BUT IT IS GOD WHO PLACES US WHERE WE ARE.

Psalms 75:6,7
For exaltation comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, and exalts another.

IF WE ABORT THE PROCESS WE ABORT THE MISSION.

Ed

WHEN THINGS DO NOT GO AS PLANNED Pt 4 - Keep Dreaming

2010-09-23T12:36:00.001-05:00

Genesis 40 is the chapter in Joseph's story where he interprets the cup-bearer's dream and the baker's dream. The cup-bearer's dream has a happy ending and the baker's dream ends in his death. Joseph's interpretation of these dreams comes true just like he said because God is with him (see previous blog presence vs. power).

NOTE: GOD'S PURPOSES INCLUDE POSITIONING THE RIGHT PEOPLE AROUND US.

Take special note of Joseph's confidence in the following verses. Note his powerful confidence in his statement to the cup-bearer. In my estimation this confidence must come from the fact that his dreams and visions are still alive in him despite what the circumstances are that surround him.

Genesis 40
14 And please remember me and do me a favor when things go well for you. Mention me to Pharaoh, so he might let me out of this place.15 For I was kidnapped from my homeland, the land of the Hebrews, and now I'm here in prison, but I did nothing to deserve it."

Why was Joseph not bitter or angry? He had every human right to have this reaction because he was thrown away by his brothers and falsely accused by Potiphar's wife. Basically he was in prison on false charges.

He expected God's purposes and promises to prevail.

This is where his boldness came from to ask the cup-bearer to remember him when he was restored. Remember nothing had happened yet. I would imagine that the cup-bearer looked at Joseph like, "DUDE WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN SMOKING?" Without a doubt Joseph was full of faith and confidence in the God of the dream and not just his dream. There is a difference!!

The cup-bearer gets restored but forgets Joseph. How many times do we feel lost and forgotten?

Genesis 40
23 Pharaoh's chief cup-bearer, however, forgot all about Joseph, never giving him another thought.

Man may not remember but God never forgets!!!

Keep looking up for your answers. Man does not have them but He does.

I hope that these posts are blessing you. Let me know if they are. Part 5 (again faithfulness produces the favor of God) coming soon . . .

Ed

When Things Do Not Go As Planned Pt. 3 Prescence vs. Power

2010-09-21T08:59:00.001-05:00

Genesis 39
3 Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did.

23 The warden had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed.

Faithfulness most certainly produces the favor of God as I stated in my previous post. Take a look with me at what got Joseph noticed.

PRESENCE VS POWER

As we attempt to make a difference in the world around us we must determine our best tact. I personally am convinced that it will not happen through power in the natural but through spiritual power (force). Let me explain.

POWER IS RESENTED

PRESENCE IS NOTICED

POWER REPELS

PRESENCE ATTRACTS

POWER CREATES COMPETITION

PRESENCE CREATES FAVOR

I know that these are generalizations but you get the point.

Joseph was noticed because of presence.

Joseph attracted people to him because of presence.

Joseph received favor because of presence.

Presence of what? An excellent spirit, the Holy Spirit, wisdom, loyalty, integrity, convictions, work ethic, etc. You know I could go on and on.

In Him we live move and have our being.

Christ in us the hope of glory.

It is not I that live but Christ lives in me.

We can and should carry a presence with us that when we walk in the room people notice. When we speak people notice.

One conversation, one phone call, one relationship could make a major difference in the next season of our lives. It might even propel us into that next season.

Do you have the presence to pull it off. Joseph kept His eye on the prize and kept his heart right even though things were not going well.

The power of HIS PRESENCE is probably proportionate to the degree we keep our hearts true when things are not going that well.

Jesus told us power was not the way up. Matt 20:20-28 As a matter of a fact Jesus taught us that the way up is down. It is interesting to me the presence we create around ourselves when we serve. PEOPLE NOTICE A SERVANTS HEART TODAY BECAUSE IT IS SO RARE IN THIS ME FIRST CULTURE.

When we get noticed we get promoted or we get the chance to influence lives and circumstances for the glory of God.

Which is exactly what happened in Joseph's life.

Meditating on this!

When Life Does Not Go As Planned . . . Pt 2

2010-09-16T07:35:00.000-05:00

Genesis 39 . . . Teaches that when life gives you lemons - make lemon juice. I am sorry! Over used and out dated but it fits here.

When life throw us a bunch of curve balls we must learn to STAY FAITHFUL TO WHAT WE KNOW IS RIGHT. We know the story of Joseph being falsely accused and subsequently thrown in prison. BEFORE that he had found great FAVOR in Potiphar's house. AFTER that he found great FAVOR with the warden of the prison. Both men in positions of power and influence gave Joseph complete control over their affairs. WHY?

FAITHFULNESS WILL PRODUCE THE FAVOR OF GOD IN OUR LIVES!! Check out the words of Jesus in Luke 16:10-12.

Genesis 39:3,4 NLT - YouVersion.com: "Potiphar noticed this and realized that the Lord was with Joseph, giving him success in everything he did. 4 This pleased Potiphar, so he soon made Joseph his personal attendant. He put him in charge of his entire household and everything he owned"

Also read Genesis 39:21-23.

May His Favor be upon you.
Ed

WHEN LIFE DOES NOT GO AS PLANNED . . .??

2010-09-13T15:53:00.001-05:00

Joseph being 17 years old (Gen37:2) was dreamer and God gave him two amazing dreams. Joseph shared his dreams with his family but his family did not his enthusiasm for his dreams. "So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words"(Gen 37:8). Except his father Jacob "kept the matter in mind" (Gen.37:11) kind like Mary the mother of Jesus did when she found Jesus in the temple holding court with the priests (Luke 2:51).

This all created some real problems in his family life. It was so bad that it completely altered the course of his life.

Gen 37:28
28 Then Midianite traders passed by; so the brothers pulled Joseph up and lifted him out of the pit, and sold him to the Ishmaelites for twenty shekels of silver. And they took Joseph to Egypt. NKJV

We must believe that God has us in his hands and He is working out every detail that concerns us.

Gen 50:19,20
19 Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.
NKJV

If you are struggling with where you at today and life has not gone as planned TAKE COURAGE MY FRIEND THERE ARE GREATER FORCES AT WORK THAT ARE FOR YOU AND NOT AGAINST YOU.

He has a plan!
Ed

Great Coaching Article

2010-08-27T11:01:00.000-05:00

http://leadershipprocess.tumblr.com/rss

My friend Dennis McIntee wrote this article on questions we should ask our team. The method he describes here is really good.

I have used it in counseling but I never thought about it in COACHING my leaders.

Coaching Questions for your Team
Friday, August 27, 2010 7:28 AM

The Pull Model is a coaching mindset of high performance leaders that makes all the difference in the world. Instead of basing your leadership on having to push your team for performance, you can actually use attraction to empower them to fulfill their potential. Instead of trying to force them for certain outcomes using fear, consequences or threats try tapping into their personal vision, goals and talents. In fact, if you haven’t realized it already…you can’t make people do anything, people do things for their own reasons!

Here are some questions for tapping into people’s internal drivers:

1. What do you want to be doing that you aren’t currently doing?

2. What areas do you want to improve?

3. What is most important to you in your life/career?

4. How can I best hold you accountable for achieving the results you want to achieve?

5. How do you want me to approach you if you don’t follow through with the commitments that you make?

Questions help people uncover their personal “Why’s”. When people understand their Why’s they will use their own energy to achieve the goals. This definitely beats using your energy to try to drive them.

Keep Leading, Keeping Growing! The culture you’re creating is determining the results you enjoy!

Moments, Momentum, & Movements

2010-08-19T06:37:00.000-05:00

Capture the MOMENT - there are moments in our lives, ministries, business, that we would like to capture them and build on them. Slow down long enough to recognize them and see the what, where, when, and how of that moment so we can learn from them.

Sustain the MOMENTUM - a captured moment repeated will create momentum in us and through us which propels us forward into our destiny and purpose. (these things can and should happen individually and corporately)

See a MOVEMENT begin - life is made up of thousands of little moments, the question is can we capture the good ones and repeat them? Can we take the bad ones and forget them except for the lesson we learned? Can we roll with the momentum that is created by repeating the good moments? Our answers will tell us if we will ever see a MOVEMENT created in us and through us.

My personal desire is to see God use me and those whom I serve with to create a MOVEMENT that will change the world we live in by TOUCHing THE CITY - TEACHing THE NATION - TRAINing THE WORLD.

I know that it is BIG but I serve a BIG GOD. These are just some thoughts that are not set in stone but maybe they are a way to wrap my head around our VISION so I can daily capture moments that move us toward the prize. LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!

Plus these thoughts coincide with : Luke 16:10-12

10 "If you are faithful in little things, you will be faithful in large ones. But if you are dishonest in little things, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities.11 And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven?12 And if you are not faithful with other people's things, why should you be trusted with things of your own?

As a public speaker I never know when the words I speak might help a person capture their MOMENT which propels them forward with MOMENTUM into a new helpful direction that may begin a whole new MOVEMENT that may change the course of their personal history or even the lives of others whom they will touch. MAYBE JUST MAYBE I AM SPEAKING TO WORLD CHANGERS.

Let's be FAITHFUL!!
Ed

FINAL : VOICES THAT SUDENTS HEAR

2010-07-28T17:36:00.000-05:00

CYNICISM - the disposition to reject any human enterprise as being unselfishly motivated.
It was Sunday morning after a moving time of testimonies from a group of students who had just returned from an epic youth camp experience. I was standing in the foyer of this church waiting for a ride for lunch when I overheard the following conversation between two adults.(My reason for being there was that I had been the guest speaker for camp.)

Adult #1 (male - over 50) - "We will see how long this lasts. It will probably be all gone once tough times hit."

Adult #2 (male over 50) - "They probably just committed because their friends were in on it or maybe they came forward to see if they were going to get anything out of it."

This little snip it of a conversation made me so upset that I had to move on so that I did not insert myself into the conversation and say something that I might have deeply regretted. However it does show that once again one of the major VOICES that the MILLENIALS are hearing is that of a total CYNIC. Parents and grandparents of this generation expressing total disbelief that the YOUTH CULTURE OF TODAY is intelligent enough to make a selfless decision that is in their best interests. The keyword being SELFLESS.

A true CYNIC believes that nobody can make decisions that result in actions where the total motivation is to make things better for themselves and others. To me this is the ultimate ANGST because this line of thinking leads to words like never, always, impossible, & no way becoming a regular part of our vocabulary due to our CYNICISM.

As a youth communicator with more than 30yrs of experience with students I hear those words way to often when listening to others describe what they see in them.

I want MY VOICE TO BE HEARD about this generation: I categorically disagree with the one sided assault by the elder generations before them that declare the youth culture of today to be total consumers, with a bent toward violence, laziness, greed, and apathy. To be sure there is that element with this youth culture but that has been there since James Dean.

I have found that they shield their eyes behind their Oakleys, cover their ears with ipods, wear their ballcaps any way but straight, busting a sag in $100 jeans, and (girls) revealing way to much skin all in a cry for help. IT IS A TEST TO SEE IF ANYBODY CARES ENOUGH TO GO BEHIND THE SMOKE SCREEN OF FALSE BRAVADO TO TELL THEM, "HEY, I REALLY DO CARE ENOUGH ABOUT YOU TO OVER LOOK SOME OF YOUR JUNK." They are trying to be shocking on the outside and unknowable on the inside. We must care enough to penetrate this armor they flash at us rather than taking on the VOICE of a total CYNIC who discounts everything coming from them as being totally selfishly motivated.

BELIEVE ME when I tell you that they are the hope of our country. They are the ones who will reach the others like them in ways that the ELDER generation cannot.

WHEN WILL WE STOP DOUBTING THEM AND RELEASE THEM TO REACH THE 3 BILLION PEOPLE ON THE PLANET WHO ARE 25 & UNDER?

Judg 6:14-15
14 Then the Lord turned to him and said, "Go in this might of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?" 15 So he said to Him, "O my Lord, how can I save Israel? Indeed my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house." NKJV

Who told Gideon all those negative things about his family and his station in life? Who made Him believe that he was not capable just because of his family lineage? A NEGATIVE, CRITICAL, SKEPTICAL, CYNICAL INDIVIDUAL WHO DID NOT BELIEVE IN HIS GENERATION.

Mark 5:35
35 While He was still speaking, some came from the ruler of the synagogue's house who said, "Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?" NKJV

Jesus was on the way to Jairus' house to minister to his daughter who was at the point of death. Jesus get interrupted by the woman with the issue of blood. The above verse appears right after the woman is healed and is the commentary of the observers of the situation at Jairus' house. "she is dead and not worth the trip." Well we know how well Jesus listened to them don't we? He totally ignored their commentary and went to her house and raised her from the dead.

Just like the commentators of old our commentators on today's generation (CNN, Newsweek, Coaches, Parents, Principals - yes, I know not all feel this way)tell us "they are dead and not worth the trip" which is their assessment of the MILLENNIALS. Well I for one refuse to believe that commentary and I am going to show up in their bedroom and see Jesus raise them from the dead if necessary.

How about you? Will you just give up on them or will you step into the situation and make a difference?

BELIEVING IN A GENERATION,
Ed

CONTINUED: VOICES STUDENTS HEAR

2010-07-14T17:33:00.001-05:00

SKEPTICISM - the disposition that is determined to always question and never commit.

In my 32+ years of working with students I have never known of a time where a generation needed someone to be committed to their success like there is now. Everywhere they turn today people are either doubting them or quitting on them. From government to parents and all in between.

This voice of SKEPTICISM yells at them about how bad and lazy they are but never COMMITS THEMSELVES to be an answer to the problem by getting involved. They just sit on the side lines and BRING EVERYTHING INTO QUESTION - even the good stuff this generation brings to the table (gifts, abilities, ideas).

So SKEPTICAL are the previous generations that they almost delight when something this generation attempts does not work, or they get angry and mean when their plans are taking longer to work because times are more complicated (which is not their fault) or people are to stubborn to adopt change (look in the mirror here).

The SKEPTIC takes on a "watch dog" mentality that constantly questions everything from method to motivation of the MILLENNNIALS. They have forgotten how tough it is to live in changing times, so when life requires new methods to conquer new problems they get stuck complaining about the ways of the new generation.

As far as THE MESSAGE (Gospel) it is timeless and will never change but the METHOD of delivery most certainly will change. Words cannot always fix every persons problems (sitting and listening to a teaching). Plus they will not just walk in off the street to hear it so we take the MESSAGE to their problem. Sometimes this world needs to feel it and see it before they believe it. That is the way this generation of youth feel so they are good at responding to the call that way but the generations before seem SKEPTICAL of them for being SKEPTICS of OUR MESSAGE.

Far greater to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure. Than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither endure much or suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory or defeat. Sir Winston Churchill

SKEPTICS have been around a long time: John 6:30 They waffled: “Why don’t you give us a clue about who you are, just a hint of what’s going on? When we see what’s up, we’ll commit ourselves. Show us what you can do. The Message Bible (emphasis added)

The real answer to a SKEPTICS HEART no matter how old or young they may be is found in the verse before that one. John 6:29 Jesus said, “Throw your lot in with the One that God has sent. That kind of a commitment gets you in on God’s works. The Message Bible (emphasis added)

Let's all say it to them together: I BELIEVE IN YOU!!
Ed

Sex Education and Kindergarten

2010-07-12T16:15:00.007-05:00

I am departing from my series on THE VOICES THAT STUDENTS HEAR to bring you into a fight that I have been on the front lines of for nearly 17 years.

In my preparation for the my ABSTINENCE PROGRAMS in the upcoming school year I found this link (click on the title SEX EDUCATION AND KINDERGARTEN or cut and past the following http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/07/09/montana-school-proposes-controversial-sex-education-program/ )that I have enclosed with this writing. At first I was incensed with anger and frustration that this is where our world is but then I calmed down. I began to realize that we are closer to the return of Jesus than we have ever been. I realized that the devil is still doing his thing John 10:10 and Jesus is still doing His.

I no longer have children in a school of any kind but I have 3 grand children. So I asked myself where our school system will be when they hit school age. My answer to that question fueled my life with the need to pray and act.

It is such a privilege and honor to be able to continue to teach "ABSTINENCE ONLY" assemblies in public & private schools all over America (and around the world for that matter - see previous blogs). This will be my 17th year that I have had this privilege and I will never take it for granted. Already I have scheduled three new schools that I have never been to for 2010-11 school year.

It is amazing to me that people want to put the tools and knowledge into a students hands that could destroy them and at the very least scar them for life.

We must consider more than the physical act of sex because of the mental, emotional, & spiritual consequences that accompany sex. Why would we allow someone to teach our children that a "casual sexual encounter" is nothing but natural behavior by two people (which it is if you are married & not the same sex) and it could be normal with two people of the same sex?

WE ARE SIMPLY ALLOWING PEOPLE TO DEBASE SEX TO THE LOWEST COMMON DENOMINATOR WHICH IS THAT SEX IS JUST AN ANIMAL URGE, THEREFORE IT MUST BE NORMAL. Note: Playboy did not invent sex - God did, so I think we should consult the manufacturer on the proper use of this medium of communication . . . . pause MMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!

Helena, Montana is not the first place that this is going on nor will it be the last but as long as I have breath and especially since I have many invitations in schools and churches across America I will continue to declare the TRUTH OF SEXUAL PURITY AND IT'S VALUE TO US AS HUMANS.

Kids and sex is so much more than a CONDOM OR STD ISSUE and those that want to focus on these issues only really do not care about kids at all if they are not looking at the emotional & spiritual damage that is done when students engage in casual sex.

In the picture above I am in a Middle School Assembly in Columbus, GA in 2009.

I hope that you will make your voice heard on this issue in your community.

Feel free to comment!
Ed

Continued: VOICES STUDENTS HEAR

2010-07-02T14:36:00.001-05:00

CRITICISM - the disposition that is preoccupied with the incomplete or imperfect.

In the words of James (name changed to protect the guilty) a 16 yr. old, "they want us to come to Christ but when we do, but do not look, act, and sound like they do they complain."

From a Youth Pastor in Georgia: "There are those who complain and criticize this youth culture but they do not want to be part of the solution."

Jesus has always valued life over lifestyle. To know this all we have to do is look at who He chose as leaders or who He would go after (Luke 19 Zacchaeus).Yes, this generation of youth culture is totally different than any other that has come before them.

Traditionalists born prior to 1946
Baby Boomers born 1946-1964
Gen Xers born 1965-81
Millennials born 1982 - 2005

The traditionalists believed that you work your way up the ladder and earn respect then you find meaning to life.Millennials start out looking for the meaning in a job, a relationship, a church, and even the big picture of life rather than quote "earning their spot." The traditionalists criticize them for skipping steps.

The boomers who quite frankly are not at all sure of their own identity yet are critical because the Millennials are always looking for the big "meaning to life" behind every project or relationship. I have heard the boomers say of this generation, "they ask to many questions instead of just falling in line." Since when did the boomers just fall in line? Check out the 70's!

Many of the Xers are still so steeped in skepticism (which we will be the next voice I blog about) because of the their deep disappointment they feel about all that was promised them that never came to pass. They are critical of anyone who is looking for meaning to life like the Millennials because they just think it is all hopeless. Including the next group of teens to come down the pipe.

This group of students we have on our hands now are the ones that if properly challenged rather than criticized will be the ones to find the solutions we are looking for in our world. Why do I believe this? Because that are connected to each other via social networking in a way that creates collaboration with people they have never even met face to face and they will work out a solution to a problem. None of the other generations to come before them would ever dream of doing this because of trust issues, knowledge issues, and belief system issues. This generation called Millennials, Gen Y, Gen Next, Google Generation, and even the Tech Generation is totally unafraid of finding solutions to the issues of life in a form and a place that others will not look. Why? The are truly purpose driven, solution driven, or big picture fanatics.

Rather than criticizing them lets turn them loose and see what they can do. Rather than tethering them to a style or a method that they do not get nor are they energized by; lets turn them loose with a message and some new methods that light their fire. Maybe just maybe they can reach the largest youth culture to ever exist (half of the six billion people on the planet are under 25) in way none of us ever dreamed.

Lets stop criticizing and start releasing and challenging.

In His Grace,
Ed

4 VOICES STUDENTS HEAR TODAY

2010-06-29T14:44:00.002-05:00

The students of Generations Church have just returned from a life changing YOUTH CAMP (all of them are). As a career youth worker (been involved with students in some form or fashion for 32 yrs,) I am convinced that one of the reasons students do not keep what they received at camp is because of the voices they hear when they get home.

I am going to talk about these different VOICES for the next several blogs, so keep coming back.

#1 NEGATIVISM

#2 CRITICISM

#3 SKEPTICISM

#4 CYNICISM

Physical and sexual abuse are rampant in the culture of today's family but I believe that the most long lasting form of abuse today is VERBAL ABUSE. In my 30+ years of working with students I have seen more of them overcome physical and sexual abuse, but I have seen so so many come short of God's best for them because of some verbal curse that was spoken over them by parents or someone in authority over them. WE ALL KNOW THIS . . . WORDS CUT LIKE A KNIFE AND OPEN UP A WOUND IN THE SPIRIT OF THE PERSON.

Which is why I want to address this topic of THE VOICES students hear today.

NEGATIVISM - the disposition that always projects the worst case scenario.

"They think that we are not good because we do not get up with the chickens at the crack of dawn and we do not walk 15 miles to school like they did." This was a recent quote from an 18 yr. old senior with whom I was talking with on Facebook. Sure he was stereotyping all older people but there is an element of truth in his words. Many older folk from before the "baby boomers" think nothing but negativity about the youth in today's culture. There is this thunderous negative voice coming from our culture toward the youth culture of today that says: LAZY, ENTITLED, TROUBLE MAKERS, RUDE, EVEN IRRELEVANT. They respond by being even lazier, ruder, even hiding (ipods, video games, sun glasses etc.) so that they can show us who is really in charge. Which in turn just re-enforces what the world believes about them and many just write them ALL off as being that way.

WE MUST EXPRESS HOW MUCH WE BELIEVE IN THEM!!! Even if they fall short of our expectations we must express with our words how valuable they are and how they are the hope of our nation.

LETS ALL PRACTICE: "I believe in you . . . " come on lets do it again "I believe in you . . ."

In His Grace,

Matching Up

2010-06-24T14:15:00.003-05:00

I was sent this link on my Facebook page and it made me think . . . . mmmmmmmmm!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgsKxOuhMSc&feature=player_embedded

As an ABSTINENCE EDUCATOR (since 1994) and a Pastor since 1978 (which is also an ABSTINENCE EDUCATOR or should be) I have taken a strong stand on sexual purity. Sometime at great peril to my reputation and relationships. If you have never heard I am known around the world and across the nation as "SEX ED."

In March of 2008 I was asked to take this conviction on to the Dr. Phil Show, so this is no small matter to me.

It is a matter of personal conviction since it is not just something I teach because I lived it as well. My wife and I both were virgins when we got married.

Which brings me to the point of my blog: IF WE ARE GOING TO TAKE A STAND AGAINST SOMETHING OR STAND FOR SOMETHING SHOULDN'T OUR STAND MATCH OUR LIFESTYLE.

The above link should be a wake up to all Christians in America. Our children are being lied to and set up for failure. If we are to make a difference in the culture by standing against the tide of public opinion and public policy then we MUST MAKE OUR LIFESTYLE MATCH UP WITH OUR WORDS OR WE ARE POWERLESS TO INFLUENCE CHANGE.

I welcome your thoughts.
Ed

Sorry . . . It has been awhile

2010-06-16T15:05:00.003-05:00

SO LETS CATCH UP!!!

It took me an unusual amount of time to get back to normal from my trip to Mongolia. By the way thanks to all of you who prayed and gave so that I could have a successful trip.

God granted me the privilege of speaking 21 times in 9 days.
5 Abstinence assemblies in schools (1 in a private school)
2 Sunday AM service in churches
1 Youth Pastors meeting
10 Sessions on Youth Ministry @ the Bible School.
1 VET NET - animal doctors who go to the country side and train other vets (they are all believers).
1 Youth Service
1 Youth Rally

What am I reading?
Servolution by Dino Rizzo
Building Successful Teams by Bill Butterworth

What am I listening to?
Awakening by Passion
Kenny G

What am I enjoying?
I have had two grand children born in the last 8 weeks
Reed David Hutson (Denae's)
Allie Hope Ainsworth (Jeff's)
NBA PLAYOFFS

What am I preaching about at Generations Church?
A great series called "GRACE TO YOU" from the book of Galations. Check it out on the www.generationslubbock.com home page. You can stream, podcast, or download the mp3.

More thoughts to come. I am back in the the blog world.
Ed

Standing At the Gate

2010-05-11T21:37:00.003-05:00

Revelation 3
20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.
I was up early this morning here in Ulanbaatar, Mongolia and decided to just spend some time in prayer to be ready for my day. As I paced back and forth in front of my window I noticed several people started just standing at the locked gate to the property where I am staying. They would every once in a while glance toward the front door to see if someone was coming to unlock the gate. Just to the left and behind this scene is a Buddhist Temple that they have been putting a fresh coat of paint on all week. I even saw the Monk for this temple standing in front it the other day. It struck me as I stood there looking at this scene that so many people do not know that the Lord of creation is standing at the door of their heart and knocking. All they need is an invitation to open up the door of their heart. They do not need to clean up or be put on probation before they really come to relationship with the Lord Jesus. (re-read Luke 15 the story of Prodigal Son). Jesus takes us right where we are at. This picture captured my heart this morning and motivated me to pray for a harvest of souls in the world today. Ed

Cross Cultural Evangelism

2010-05-10T08:59:00.003-05:00

I am sitting in my room in Mongolia just praying . . . find my my faith increasing. Seeing another culture who loves and believes in the same Jesus that I do is so refreshing. Understanding and knowing that Biblical principles and truths are timeless and with out borders.

Rom 1:16 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. NKJV

I know that it is definitely not my style of preaching, my American way, or anything about me. My effectiveness here in this culture is strictly a direct result of POWER OF THE GOSPEL.

Let's just challenge people with the simple truths of scripture and let them fight in the war of the soul.

I preached on the prodigal son on Sunday here in Mongolia. What I thought was the simplest message ever. The harvest was so strong that I just sat back amazed at how God works as His Word is confirmed.

I am so stoked to teach YOUTH MINISTRY in the Mongolia Assemblies of God Bible School.

More to come.

Schools out (almost) & Mongolia

2010-05-04T07:44:00.002-05:00

I spoke at my last school for the 2009-10 school year yesterday. At this school it was the 11th year in a row for me to be on their campus. The High School students have heard the message of sexual purity from me since they were in the 5th grade. Many came up to me to give me their thanks for the years of encouragement. Still others hearts were cold and hard to the this message. I spent and unusual amount of time talking about SECONDARY VIRGINITY (basically forgiveness). I got as close to giving and altar call in public school as I think I ever have. I am believing for GRACE AND HOPE to come to these students.

NOW OFF TO MONGOLIA - Where I will speak 21 times in 14 days. PLEASE PRAY!!

- Bible School Youth Ministry Intensive
- 6 different Public School - yes you heard me right I will carry the message of VIRGINITY to - - - Mongolia.
- Three Church services
- 2 Youth Rallies

What will you do today? Use your time - energy - talent - wisdom to encourage others and extend His Kingdom. That is what I am going to do.

Ed

Students breaking free from generational sins . . .

2010-04-27T08:18:00.005-05:00

Ezekiel 18:19 MSG - YouVersion.com: Online Bible: "20 The soul that sins is the soul that dies. The child does not share the guilt of the parent, nor the parent the guilt of the child. If you live upright and well, you get the credit; if you live a wicked life, you’re guilty as charged."

STUDENTS BREAKING FREE FROM THE GENERATIONAL SINS OF THEIR PARENTS TO BECOME WORLD CHANGERS.

I have heard so many excuses of why students will not sell out to the Lord so that He can connect them to their destiny and chief among them is that

"I CAN'T GET PAST WHAT IS GOING ON AT HOME." Well I heard a very young youth pastor this weekend declare prophetically over a group of students that "Everyone has a past but everyone must choose their future."

Our excuse for living for God or not living for God cannot be wrapped up in the choices of others. God will not judge us based on the choices of those closest to us. (i.e. parents or family members).

Stand up - Stand out!

Decide to serve God with all your heart and become a WORLD CHANGER! As you sell out completely He will honor your decision and give you the grace to overcome all the obstacles in your path. Who knows? He may use your life to speak to those around you how good life can be.

Yes, I know family is the toughest group of people to share your faith with, but they are the ones that need you the most.

The world that needs changing the most is right there in your HOME.

As the verse says if you are living sideways and your parents are living right the judgement is yours and not your parents. Parents break free from the burden of guilt and shame. You have lived uprightly before the Lord and your children have chosen their future.

READ THE REST OF THIS CHAPTER IN EZEKIEL. GOD WILL FORGIVE! HE WILL TURN IT AROUND FOR YOU IF YOU WANT TO TURN AROUND! PARENT OR CHILD.

North Carolina Is Good

2010-04-16T11:39:00.004-05:00

In the month of April I have spoken in 11 services and one TV show in the state of North Carolina. I had the privilege of speaking to leaders, parents, youth, and whole church services. This was all done in four different churches in either Raleigh or Goldsboro.

I am a blessed man to share my gifts with these wonderful people and be trusted to speak to students and parents of students alike.

It always seems to me there is reverse impartation. I go and speak to impart truths and challenge to the hearers so they can become better, bigger, and go higher but without fail I come away with the same done for me. I think it is the law of sowing and reaping that is working. IT REALLY IS FUN!!

One afternoon we ( Pastor Tammy, Aaron Brown, & myself) drove over to the Duke University campus. This was done at my request as I had never been there before. I had one request and that was to see where Duke (the NCAA BASKETBALL NATIONAL CHAMPS OF 2010) plays basketball. The name of the place is Cameron Indoor Stadium it looks like a glorified High School gym.

I wondered how they could recruit the caliber of player that wins national championships to play in a place like this. Then it struck me: THEY HAVE CREATED A CULTURE OF WINNING.

What would happen in church if we created a culture where everybody goes home feeling like they won. I mean everybody!! From the cradle to the altar. If we could become successful at creating this kind of atmosphere it would not make a bit of difference what kind of building we played (preached) in people would come because when they left they knew they had been a part of the winning team.

The cool part is we have won according to what Jesus did on the cross. Lets elevate our thinking to that level.

Be Blessed,
Ed

Pastor ENVY . . . . MMMMMMMMMMM

2010-04-09T23:44:00.002-05:00

I just had to write this. Easter was the largest ever attendance in the three year existence of the Church that I pastor. GENERATIONS CHURCH of Lubbock, TX. We had the whopping huge number of around 140 (my ushers said, that the drama people were moving around and people were coming in late) which is close enough.

I have been reading tweets from my Pastor friends from Seattle, Las Vegas, and Australia just to name a few. They were all tweeting about Easter attendance and salvation (8800 at one 43,000 at another). Even one church in my own town had over 4500 and they are only one year older than us.

Those numbers are so huge and amazing that I cannot do anything but sit there and stare a the screen and be numb but happy for them.

On some level though I compare myself to them and ask myself . . . What do you think you are doing? Do you even know what you are doing?

HENCE THE PASTOR ENVY!! PLUS FEELING LIKE A TOTAL FAILURE. Comforted with the words I say all the time to my church. "WE ARE NOT WHAT WE USED TO BE AND WE ARE NOT WHAT WE ARE GOING TO BE."

Jesus said, "that He would build His church ". , , ok Lord what is going wrong with ours?

I am getting healed in my mind and my heart. We will take another step in our destiny today. We will not quit. We will not stop. ENVY & ENMITY ARE BOTH NEGATIVE TERMS SO I DECIDE TONIGHT THAT I WILL FORGIVE MYSELF AND AGREE WITH GOD THAT HE IS BUILDING HIS CHURCH.

I know where my heart is tonight and it is healed probably just because I confessed my sin of Pastor envy.

Feeling Better w/ a renewed mind.

Good Friday - Silent Saturday - Resurrection Day

2010-04-02T11:09:00.004-05:00

Yes, today is Good Friday. The day that Jesus was brutally crucified. History records many people were crucified as a form of the death penalty for their crime.

It struck me! Then what was the big deal about Jesus being crucified, beaten, and abused beyond physical recognition. Like one of those scary moments in a movie that catches you totally off guard and you kind of jump in your seat and your heart momentarily races; it hit me. It was not just the crucifixion of Jesus that was so bad (it was worse than we even imagine).

It was the simple fact that they crucified and INNOCENT MAN.

Pilate said it, Matt 27:23 "Why?" Pilate demanded. "What crime has he committed?"

Thief on the cross, Luke 23:41 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds; but this Man has done nothing wrong."

Roman officer, Luke 23:47 47 When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, "Surely this man was innocent."

Heb 4:15 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin.

The spotless and perfect LAMB OF GOD was wrongfully murdered.

How depressing this must have been to His followers who had such high hopes of cultural change. SILENT SATURDAY . . . . we do not have much information about what went down on Saturday.

Yes, the saying is true, "IT IS FRIDAY BUT SUNDAY IS COMING." We win on RESURRECTION DAY!!

Satan must have come unglued to realize that actually in all of his plotting and scheming he was outsmarted and totally defeated forever. He even used the religious people of the day as the ring leaders. Matt 26:57 Then the people who had arrested Jesus led him to the home of Caiaphas, the high priest, where the teachers of religious law and the elders had gathered.

But he could not make his trumped up charges stick in the courts of heaven because this was God the Fathers plan to rescue the world from sin and separation. In the final analysis of the whole event nobody even killed Jesus . . . John 19:30 "It is finished!" Then he bowed his head and released his spirit. He literally laid His life down. It was not taken from Him by some religious leader, Roman Soldier, or even Satan.

John 3:16 16 "For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

This is the point of Easter!!! We can not comprehend this kind of love but we can receive it and live in it and enjoy the benefits of it.

Jesus Loves You!!
Ed

She will not get out of my head.

2010-03-28T07:35:00.005-05:00

I just did a purity service in Goldsboro, NC where there were about 4 or 5 different church youth ministries represented. They showed up big so HE showed up big. Human videos and dance routines to some great Christian music. SO CREATIVE.

Started my message with a word about SECONDARY VIRGINITY then went on to the call of God to have a conviction about SEXUAL PURITY. Nearly all the students came forward to make a stand and start a REVOLUTION OF PURITY.

It hit me like a slap up side the head. A young lady whom we will call Sheryl (not her real name) came up to talk after the altar call ( 1 saved for the first time, many prodigals came home). Before she could even speak I heard these words coming out of my mouth.

THE LOOPED VIDEO GOING ON IN YOUR HEAD ABOUT YESTERDAYS FAILURES AND TOMORROWS FEARS IS GOING TO CRUSHED RIGHT THIS MINUTE SO THAT IT WILL NEVER PLAY AGAIN.

She just broke. WOW!! What a miracle God did in her life at that moment. I woke this morning praying for her again.

Maybe you need to hear that healing word for your life. Take it and make yours today.

Love Ed

YOU HAVE NO EQUAL

2010-03-19T14:01:00.004-05:00

Ps 40:5
5 O Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us.
Your plans for us are too numerous to list.
You have no equal.
If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds,
I would never come to the end of them. NLT

Connie (my wife) and I have been quoting this verse to each other all of 2010. It has been really amazing to be reminded of "the wonders" that He has done for us over the last 32 years.

There is so much more to come.

I am praying for all my friends and family that we will recognize that His good plans for us never come to and end. Jeremiah 29:11

Blessed to be a BLESSING

2010-03-17T17:07:00.003-05:00

Gal 3:13-14

13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree"), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
NKJV (emphasis added)

I have been teaching through the Biblical concept of COVENANT for several weeks in our Wednesday night ELEVATE service.

It has been so RICH and FRESH to re-visit some truth that I had not touched for many years.

We are the seed of Abraham therefore we enter into the same covenant that he had with Jehovah (Genesis 12-15).

In re-visiting Biblical principles; which by the way they are way to big to really lay out here in this venue, I realized that my MOUTH is the apparatus through which the COVENANT of God is triggered into reality today.

For example just PRAYING (my mouth) the Lord's Prayer out loud. KINGDOM OF GOD COME, WILL OF GOD BE DONE.

Then realizing that the WORD OF GOD & the WILL OF GOD are the same thing puts a whole new perspective on the power of our words. When we speak or even pray that which is not in the WORD then we are actually making a covenant with the other side.

My MINDSET is changing to the place that I am doing my very best to THINK and SAY those things that are in agreement with God. Check out these verses: John 5:19; 5:30; 8:28; 12:49; 14:10.

To get our mind right we have to shut out those VOICES that lead to CHOICES that lead to being out of the will of God; which is precisely why God called Abraham out from among his people.

Gen 12:1

12 Now the Lord had said to Abram:

"Get out of your country,
From your family
And from your father's house,
To a land that I will show you.
NKJV

To keep our MIND SET we have to be around people with the same MIND SET. Wrong voices equal wrong choices!!

The PERFECT ONE hung on tree (the cross) and thereby took our curse for us so that we could receive ALL THAT THE COVENANT provided for us (i.e. Galations 3:14 that the blessing).

Before you think "Oh no, here comes another prosperity preacher" hear this . "That the blessing" is so much bigger than a new car. The blessing that should define us is:

HIS DIVINE ENABLMENT
HIS WISDOM
HIS ANOINTING
HIS HEALTH
HIS FAVOR
WE COULD GO ON FOREVER HERE . . . .

This kind of blessing serves as a Kingdom advertisement for those around us
to see who we are connected to.

Ps 107:2
2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,
Whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy,
NKJV

Notice the COVENANT language (an exchange is going on) in the above verse. COME ON FRIENDS LETS ALL SAY IT TOGETHER, "I AM BLESSED TO BE A BLESSING."

Ed

INVESTING . . . NO NOT MONEY

2010-03-15T13:46:00.002-05:00

After 30 + years of ministry I am finally figuring it out. BELONGING comes before BELIEVING. Can we love people where they are so they will want what we have? Muslims, Homosexuals, Alcoholics, Divorced, or any other group you can think of are people who need acceptance before they will even consider what you believe.

So here is my plan:

Inspiring others to INVEST in the hopes and dreams of others. It will require an INVESTMENT of our time, talent, and resources. In Mk 2:1-12 four friends INVESTED in another persons future. THE RESULT WAS AMAZING TO ALL.

Maybe as you read this you are asking the question, "WHO WILL INVEST IN ME?" Well the best way to remedy your need is to give your time, talent, & resources to someone who is in need . . . INVEST.

We have been breaking this down in our VISION 2010 series at GENERATIONS CHURCH. Check it out at www.generationslubbock.com where you can connect to the podcast, mp3, or just listen to it right there on your computer.

Blessed to be a Blessing
Ed

What is your VIBE?

2010-03-12T18:29:00.003-06:00

^{Luke 9:54-56
54}When His disciples ^E)">(E)James and John saw this, they said, "Lord, do You want us to ^F)">(F)command fire to come down from heaven and consume them? ⁵⁵But He turned and rebuked them, [and said, "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of; ⁵⁶for the Son of Man did not come to destroy men's lives, but to save them."] And they went on to another village.

We can have all the right beliefs, our doctrine can be all lined out, say all the right things, and even have good quality ministry but if we have the wrong spirit nobody will hear or see all our right stuff.

We push more people away from the church because of our spirit (vibe) that we put out, even though we have all the right stuff to help them.

MAYBE A REBUKE IS IN ORDER??

Jesus came to heal not harm. Jesus came to deliver hope not despair.

Religious people with the wrong spirit got Him more upset than rank pagan sinners. Lets all check what spirit we are of so that we can bring healing and hope to the lost. People find more love and acceptance at their local bar than they do at church. Why? We have the wrong spirit!!

Accepting them does mean we approve of their behavior or choices it just says we want a voice in your life because we care.

Thinking out loud,
Ed

VISION 2010

2010-03-08T11:38:00.004-06:00

Casting VISION is something that we church leaders talk a lot about and preach about a lot but I think it is one of most challenging concepts to really put into application. It becomes easy to layout big grandiose plans, dreams, and goals but it becomes quite another thing to really live it out.

CASTING VISION IS A LOT LIKE SCATTERING DREAM SEEDS. SOME WILL TAKE ROOT AND MAKE IT AND SOME WILL NOT.

As the LEADER though you must still THINK IT - SAY IT - SEE IT - BELIEVE IT every day of your life and others will eventually get the VISION.

A GOD SIZE VISION is a must. If we can pay for it, If we can figure it out, If we are not just a little bit scared then our VISION probably is not GOD SIZE.

When the VISION comes to pass (either in part or in fulfillment) it will be because it took the hand of God to make the VISION happen and He gets all the glory.

I have a conviction that our VISIONS come to pass as ordinary everyday people in ordinary everyday life do EXTRA-ORDINARY acts of kindness for others. Sort of a FREE MARKET MINISTRY CONCEPT where ministry is taking place anytime, anywhere, by anyone. Let's break the mold and take the ministry to the MARKET PLACE and put ministry in the hands of non-professionals.

This will require a major SHIFT in our thinking. I am convinced that we must go from always thinking SUCCESS (nickels and noses) to thinking SIGNIFICANCE (changed lives). Then as we ENVISION free market ministry taking place anywhere, any place, any time, we will find that the numbers increase along with the ministry.

With the above thoughts in mind GENERATIONS CHURCH is making the SHIFT to advance the King and His Kingdom through SIGNIFICANCE (changed lives) by TOUCHING the city - TEACHING the nation - TRAINING the world. Keep up with how we are doing by checking out www.generationslubbock.com.

I would love to hear your thoughts.
Ed

The really BIG GOD

2010-02-27T00:34:00.002-06:00

I JUST WANT TO GO ON RECORD AS SAYING, "GOD HAS BEEN REALLY REALLY GOOD TO ME AND MY FAMILY.

I WILL SERVE HIM ALL THE REST OF THE DAYS OF MY LIFE. I KNOW THAT THE FRUIT OF DOING SO WILL BE BEYOND MY WILDEST DREAMS.

I DESIRE TO SPEND AND BE SPENT SERVING THE KING AND HIS KINGDOM.

I HAVE NEVER BEEN MORE CONVINCED THAN I AM RIGHT THIS MOMENT THAT JESUS IS THE ANSWER TO EVERY SINGLE HUMAN DILEMNA.

IF YOU ARE READING THIS AND YOU ARE LOOKING FOR ANSWERS . . . . THEY ARE FOUND IN JESUS AND NOT IN WHAT YOU THINK IS RIGHT IN WHAT JESUS SAYS IS RIGHT.

Ps 40:5 Lord my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal.If I tried to recite all your wonderful deeds, I would never come to the end of them. NLT

SURRENDER TO HIM AND LET HIM BEGIN TO WORK ON YOUR BEHALF.

Blessings,
Ed

The POWER of CHOICES.

2010-02-20T11:57:00.002-06:00

"The FUEL of our choices CONNECTS us to inexhaustible POWER of our God which in turn IGNITES the fire of our destiny." Just a thought while meditating, praying, and just in general being quiet before the Lord.

Our destiny is not a destination! Our destiny is to become like Jesus Romans 8:29. This life is just a journey along the way.

The man or woman that we are becoming is a direct result of the CHOICES that we make on a daily basis. For some reason we have been trained to think that one BIG choice will lead to all our problems being solved and we will have arrived. (lottery, marriage, job) No my friend it is the things that we do daily and we do them over and over and over. The Bible calls it being FAITHFUL IN THE SMALL THINGS.

My Pastor and mentor MORRIS SHEATS taught me that "DETAILS DETERMINE DESTINY." This principle teaches me to take care of all the small things because they add up to big things.

1. LOVE BETTER TODAY

2. READ SOMETHING THAT WILL MAKE YOU BETTER TODAY. Including the Bible but not excluding other resources.

3. DREAM TODAY.

4. ACT ON YOUR DREAM TODAY.

5. BE FAITHFUL TODAY. To your God, spouse, family, job, promises you have made, and financially.

7. OBEY THE HOLY SPIRIT TODAY - Random acts of kindness will take you far.

This is not meant to be a check off list but those are the first things that came to my mind.

I am encouraged . . . I hope you are.

Ed

Platforms . . . . MMMMMMM?

2010-02-11T15:45:00.006-06:00

I got invited to speak at the Texas Tech University FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) this past week. It was a fun and exciting time to speak to influencers on a university campus. Some of these athletes were on scholarship and some were not but they all by virtue of being visible athletes on campus have been given a platform to lead from.

So I spoke to them about their God given platform from which they lead in a positive or negative way.

Kinds of platforms:

Oil platform - Diving platform - Political platform - Platform shoes - Train platform

Platform - elevated places, safe places, belief systems. (simple definitions since dictionary.com had 14 of them)

No one owes you a platform. Platforms are usually earned and then given for us to use in a negative or positive manner.

Platforms are established over time and lost in an instant. Tiger Woods Tiger Woods Tiger Woods - need I say more. Men have made mistakes and failed all throughout history and we as a human race have been gracious and forgiving. We usually open up and allow them back, but do they ever attain the place of influence that their original platform afforded them? Side note about those who have failed - treat others the way you want to be treated Luke 6:37,38.

If it is just about you, you do not have a platform. All you have is selfish ambition. Your platform must be bigger than you (your personal vision for your life). Your platform must be connected to something so big we have to call it a cause (Susan G. Koman) or how about the Kingdom of God. Matt. 3:2

Relationships are the foundation of a platform. If you can't build relationships, you can't have a platform. This goes with the one above. Your platform must be about others. Making them better. Moving them higher. Leading them into their destiny. We cannot help people unless we get involved with people and a platform is given to influence people.

You're more likely to keep your platform if you ask questions. Get around people that do what you are doing but they are doing it better than you. Proverbs 27:17

Lots of people want a platform , but very few are gifted to have a platform and even fewer are humble enough to keep it. This hit me between the eyes. Having a national platform as an "ABSTINENCE EDUCATOR" and being known as "SEX ED" has always been a little scary for me. Yes, I want to extend my influence as far as I can but how do you do that and not be prideful and a little arrogant? James 4:6

The person who yells the loudest doesn't necessarily get the platform. I confess this used to be me. God does the promotion! 1 Peter 5:6

I'm Thinking,
Ed

NUMBNESS, LEPERS, AND LOST PEOPLE

2010-02-01T17:09:00.004-06:00

I recently read that one of the symptoms of leprosy is numbness in the extremities (hands and feet).

Sometimes we as Christians become numb to the world around us. After all we are better off than they are right? (wink - wink)

NUMB - to the depravity of man.

NUMB - to sin in our own lives.

NUMB - to the need of others around us.

NUMB - to the prompting of the Holy Spirit.

I am convinced that in many ways the church has lost her sensitivity to what God wants us to do in our world. We can touch hurting humanity and make a difference in their lives. I am not a church cynic rather I am a church optimist that believes we can all make a difference. We have a slogan in our church "won by one." I am thinking we can do this.

I pray that you will feel the pain around you and be motivated to do something about it.

DEPRAVITY OF THE WORLD + BREVITY OF TIME (JESUS IS COMING BACK) = BOLDNESS TO DO

One last thought on numbness. Have you ever sat in such a way that your foot became numb because of a lack of blood flow to the extremities of your foot? Well of course you have . . . this is what leprosy does.

Christians are way to numb because they have been sitting on their hands and feet and they cannot feel the flow of the blood of Jesus through their bodies. I pray that we realize that we have become spiritual lepers. If we do . . . Lord heal us (Mark 1:40,41). LORD FLOW THROUGH ME TODAY.

Ed

At PEACE with my life.

2010-01-28T11:40:00.003-06:00

I am sitting in my living room with coffee, a fire going, instrumental music playing, it is snowing outside, and my dog is asleep at my feet.

I AM AT PEACE WITH MY LIFE . . . All my life I have strived, pushed, competed, worked and what ever other word you want to use to be the best, fastest, first, at the top, or biggest (for all of us church people).

I realized this morning that I am at PEACE with all that is around me. I have 3 children serving the Lord and they are all married to people who love God, I have one grandson and 2 more grand children on the way. I am married to an AMAZING women. The ministry opportunities I get are totally beyond any scope that I had ever thought or dreamed and I am not done yet.

Yes, sometimes I sit around think how I can I compete (like an athlete) and improve everything around me. MORE PEOPLE IN OUR CHURCH, PREACH IN MORE CHURCHES AND YOUTH MINISTRIES, SPEAK IN MORE PUBLIC SCHOOLS, SPEAK TO MORE LEADERS IN OTHER NATIONS.

Then there comes days like today when I understand if anything good happens I usually have absolutely ZERO to do with it. Yes, I understand I must be obedient but I know God by his GRACE is using a flawed vessel to do HIS work.

So I am deciding to live at peace with all God is doing. Now, do not get me wrong I do want to be better, go farther, get bigger, train more leaders, touch more students, and grow a great church. NOW I know that all I can do is all I can do and I am just going to do it every day.

We usually over estimate

what we can do in one year and

we usually under estimate

what we can do in five years.

I am in it for the long haul. I will not stop. I will not quit. I will not turn around. But I know it is not in self that we find succes.

A self made man has

seriously limitied his life.

Self cannot take you where God

intends for you to go.

Brian Houston

To GOD be the glory!!

Engaged mind = A Changed Life

2010-01-24T18:18:00.002-06:00

Don't copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2 NLT

I have really been challenged by the Lord in the area of memorizng scripture for 2010.

Which has led me to really spend a lot of time thinking about the benefits of memorizing scripture.

1. When you are waiting, waiting, and more waiting which we do a lot of in our lives. You can engage your mind in the will of God for your life by memorizing scripture.

2. Scriptue memory engages our minds when temptation comes our way. Often times the scripture comes flying into our minds as the way of escape. 1 Cor. 10:13

3, Memorizing the scripture is memorizing God's will for your life since God's will and God's Word are the same thing.

Take up the challenge it will CHANGE YOUR LIFE.

Ed

It is fun getting older.

2010-01-18T15:08:00.005-06:00

Exactly one month from today I will be 52 years old. I have been married to an awesome woman for nearly 32 of that and I have been in ministry for 31 of that time as well. WHAT A RIDE IT HAS ALL BEEN.

Just this past week I was in Dallas, TX for a Youth Pastor Roundtable. Where the older reached back to the younger and the younger reached forward to the older. The picture is me with Bob Weiner of Maranatha Ministries. Brother Bob is one of the pioneers of Jesus movement of the late 60's and 70's. I am no longer a Youth Pastor but I have been one for a long time and I still speak to thousands of youth in churches and public schools all over America and the world for that matter. I believe that this was a God ordained time for me. I was able to see the influence that God has allowed me to have over the years right up to the present time. Which by the way was very encouraging to me. There were so many great thoughts shared but I want to pass a few of them along to you my readers.

What ever the spiritual norm they (new converts - youth) are born into is what they will generally live at for the rest of their spiritual journey. So as spiritual fathers what kind of climate are we creating.

Ron Luce made the statement that he prays the following for himself . . . God, however you wrecked my life so that I would never go back would you do the same for those that I preach to?" This stirred my soul!

Start fathering, leading, mentoring, coaching then sons will begin to locate you. Another words quit asking God to send you sons just start doing it.

To touch the next generation, I have to be touched by Him.

The CROSS for youth represents both paths of life. The horizontal and the vertical. The path of righteousness which is vertical and the path of social justice which is horizontal. Apply Mark 8:34-38.

I am chewing on so much more. I pray that these remarks have stirred you up as well.
Ed

Looking forward to twenty ten

2010-01-06T17:48:00.002-06:00

Just some random thoughts in my head about 2010.

#1 I will have two more grand children this time next year.

#2 I have big big faith for what God will do in Generations Church this year. Something tells me that it will be a quantum leap year for us. If not we will take another step in the blue print that God has for us.

#3 I have an increased desire to do the following this year: be a home owner again, write the books that are inside me, extend my influence in my city, become a leader of leaders.

#4 Become more disciplined in being than doing.

#5 I will turn 52 this year and I am aware of the time factor. I find myself like Caleb saying, "give me my mountain." To be honest I am getting a little insecure about building something at this age. To late to turn back plus see #6.

#6 I am more at peace with who I am and what I am about than I ever have been. I know that I am running in my lane.

#7 The awareness that He is building His church is acute.

#8 A firm belief that money will follow ministry.

#9 Wondering how to fix the fact that Generations Church is the best kept secret in Lubbock, TX.

#10 Strong, strong, strong desire to see thousands of lost people come to Jesus. Lord help us build the infrastructure to handle this.

What are you dreaming of in 2010?

Christmas reflections and memories

2009-12-24T10:42:00.004-06:00

Where am I?
I am at home with coffee, chex mix, a fire, my wife is cooking, my dog is next to me, there is about 3 inches of snow outside.

What am I listening to?
Kenny G. "FAITH" Christmas cd

Reflections:
For some reason this Christmas seems more centered around Christ and less harassing than others before it. Part of it maybe that our children Jeff (30), Denae (27), & Lance (25) are all married and doing really well. We have one grandson Will who is two and he has a little brother on the way (Reed David). Denae and Lacey (Jeff's wife) are both pregnant and doing well. I think that all of this adds up to some great peace in our lives. We have never had more fun in our lives than we are now as parents, grand parents, & pastors. Marriage is more fun than ever since we do so much together. Ministry is more fun than I could have ever dreamed. Building and growing a church is a challenge and lots of work but the kind that is extremely rewarding. The church we Pastor (Generations Church) is only 3 years old and Connie reminded me the other day in moment where I was actually complaining about where we are in the life of our church that we are still just a toddler church. No, we have not had explosive growth but slow and steady growth. THANK YOU JESUS FOR COMING TO EARTH AS A MAN THUS MAKING A WAY FOR ALL HUMANITY TO KNOW THEIR CREATOR IN A RELATIONSHIP OF LOVE AND DESTINY.

Memories:
Will spent two nightS in a row with us (Tues. & Wed.). This brought back a flood of memories for me since my last living grandparent passed away in October. I can remember so many nights of staying with Pop and Jenny. These times were filled with games, tv shows, and travels. Oh, I almost forgot this is where I got my love for dogs from as well. My dog Maggie of the last 12 years is laying right next to as I type this.

The picture is Will hiding in the dirty clothes hamper in our bathroom after he had pulled all of the dirty clothes out in the floor.

On Tues. Connie had a ladies lunch in our home so I picked Will up from the house and took him to eat and then on an outing to the mall. Of course his favorite thing at the mall is the kids playground where he made friends and played hard. When it came time to go Pop made Will cry because we had to go and man did this hurt Pop's heart. As we left the mall we passed the candy store and Pop had the great idea to stop in and get some candy to soothe the pain. Will loved this idea especially since he got some Sprite in the deal as well. When I took him to his house for his nap all was good in his world until he woke up from his nap with tummy ache. I think Denae knew Pop had spoiled him a little to much. Oops!!

Later Tuesday night all the kids, their wives, (except Lance & Olivia) and Bobby & Chrissy, plus their children all went to the Texas Tech Basketball game against Stanford. There was 13 of us in all and we could afford this since there was a promotion of $3 for General Admission ticket. This just flooded my mind with memories of going to Texas Tech sporting events with my parents since most of my childhood we went to most of the football and basketball games for Texas Tech. What really made this special was that Will wanted to sit in Pop's lap nearly the entire came. We got our guns up. We cheered and clapped the Red Raiders to victory. I am pretty sure no body saw it but several times the moment brought tears to my eyes. I am a blessed man to see all my kids serving the Lord and now having grand children that will grow up in the ways of the Lord. Plus at the end of the game Will told Lolli, "I want to stay at Lolli's house." Now that is a great end to a perfect evening.

Merry Christmas To All,
Ed

Travels, Persecution, & An Unfinished sentence . . .

2009-12-17T13:28:00.005-06:00

TRAVELS

I have concluded my church and school travel schedule for 2009. I went out with a bang one church and ten schools from Dec. 6 -12 in eastern Wisconsin. On one day I was completely snowed in and everything was canceled so I stayed one extra day and got those schools in. In my way of thinking it was a very successful week. Hundreds of students were touched and some were changed.

Here is a quote from one male student: Hey my name is xxxxxx, I was the kid from xxxxxxx (I always leave out names and schools) High who came up to you in the hall and shook your hand. The pretty tall kid. lol but i just wanted to thank you in that, yes i have had sex.. I'll admit it, but I can assure you that after your presentation i will not again until I am married. Like you said I am starting over.

Here is another story that will gift of Jesus at Christmas really special:She approached me with extreme timidity that seemed so unnatural for the way she was dressed. In looking at her from the outside she appeared to be as confident as she was flamboyant. Dressed with red and purple streaks in her hair and jeans that were hand painted plus the long sleeves showing under a hoodie that had the holes cut in the sleeves for her thumbs. I was not prepared for what happened next.

As soon as she began to speak tears began to flow from her eyes. At an almost imperceptible volume she said, “I was raped by my best friend.” The entire story is to long to tell in the space allotted me here but I can tell you that I was able to lead her to conversion in Christ. She had actually never been to a church in her life and had never heard of His saving grace. I talked with her in the gym of her school for nearly and hour. The Holy Spirit enabled me to speak healing words to her soul and connect her with a strong adult believer in her school so that she could continue to walk in her healing.

PERSECUTION

Recently I was criticized rather soundly for being intolerant. I guess I am in good company.

John 14:6
6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. NKJV
Acts 4:12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."NKJV

Jesus, and the Apostles were pretty narrow minded about a lot of subjects. At first I was offended that they were offended. Then I just stopped and considered it a compliment that I must be doing something right. Matt 5:11 "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake.NKJV

THE UNFINISHED SENTENCE

The childhood event that taught me my most valuable lesson . . . .

Please complete the sentence and send them to me in a comment. In a few days I will complete the sentence as well with my own story and maybe post some of your responses (of course leaving out all names).

Tis' The Season to Worship

2009-12-02T14:06:00.003-06:00

Worship is whatever we put value on is what we worship. WOW! That makes me really think. Worship is so much more than singing a few songs at church although it includes that. When we put value on someone or something we are worshiping. It could be a car, a job, a person (even a family member), or a position. The list could go on and on.

My thought here is that if we would place so much value and worth on God the one true living God we would be in so much better shape as a person, city, state, and a nation. Our value system is all messed up. If we placed proper worth and value on our relationship with God all our other relationships would line up.

Alignment is the key! We could observe each others lives on daily basis and know who or what we worship by our alignment in life. What are we throwing our energy, time, talent, and finances behind?

Christmas is about God (Jesus) becoming a man and this event was accompanied by so much worship that I have chosen it as my preaching theme for the entire Christmas season. LET'S ALIGN (worship) OURSELVES WITH JESUS IN ALL THAT WE DO THIS SEASON.

Why Don't we get this?

2009-11-20T08:36:00.004-06:00

Penn from Penn and Teller said this in a You Tube video (i guess you could check it out yourself.) This below is the transcript. COME ON CHURCH LET'S GET GOING!! Won by One we can all do it. I know it is a long post but read it anyway. This guys is an atheist, so if he gets it why don't we?

“I’ve always said that I don’t respect people who don’t proselytize. I don’t respect that at all. If you believe that there’s a heaven and a hell, and people could be going to hell or not getting eternal life, and you think that it’s not really worth telling them this because it would make it socially awkward—and atheists who think people shouldn’t proselytize and who say just leave me alone and keep your religion to yourself—how much do you have to hate somebody to not proselytize? How much do you have to hate somebody to believe everlasting life is possible and not tell them that? “I mean, if I believed, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that a truck was coming at you, and you didn’t believe that truck was bearing down on you, there is a certain point where I tackle you. And this is more important than that.” Click on the title for this post and it will take you to the actual video.

my challenge to you is WON BY ONE that is all it will take.
Ed

7 Observations from SIN CITY (Las Vegas)

2009-11-16T17:05:00.006-06:00

First let me apologize for being absent from the blogosphere.
Number 1 - What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. The only thing that stays in Vegas is your money.
Number 2 - Image is everything. You talk about putting on a front and man is it impressive.
Number 3 - New Vegas vs. Old Vegas. Bigger really is better. All the buildings and shows and everything is bigger in the New Vegas and I happen to think it is better.
Number 4 - Vegas is all about people. Every nationality, rich and poor, and lots and lots of LOST PEOPLE if you know what I mean. As in people who really need Jesus and not religion.
Number 5 - Fantasy = Hope. If the church (people of God) could ever really understand that this is all people are really looking for is some hope and we have the real thing in Jesus. We could change the world. Vegas offers false hope. Get rich quick! Medicate your pain and it will not be there later! Live a fantasy life and sin awhile because what happens here stays here. All are fantasies.
Number 6 - The CHURCH is behind. Vegas offers hope wrapped in a package. We have not figured out how to package hope yet.
Number 7 - You can go to SIN CITY and NOT SIN.

Just one man's observations.
Much Love,
Ed

Honor the past . . . but look the the future.

2009-10-22T10:09:00.006-05:00

Prov 22:28 Do not remove the ancient

landmark Which your fathers have set. NKJV

Part of my spiritual heritage is at Christ For The Nations http://www.cfni.org/ where I went to Bible school. CFNI is celebrating 40 years of training leaders and we just had our Alumni Conference. This conference has "worship" as it's theme, so they brought back 13 of it's former worship leaders. WOW!! What a time of worship we had.

Reminded me of all of the great times of worship and life changing moments that I had right there in that auditorium. As I stood there in the God moments of our worship time last night I heard the Lord very clearly. "HONOR THE PAST BUT I AM NOT FINISHED YET." No big startling revelation there because Jesus has not returned yet and there is so much to be done. JUST A GENTLE NUDGE FORWARD IS ALL IT WAS BUT VERY ENCOURAGING THAT SO MANY OF THE PROMISES I HEARD FROM GOD IN THOSE DAYS HAVE REALLY HAPPENED IN MY LIFE.

I honor the past by living my dream but I am not finished yet. ACTUALLY JUST GETTING STARTED.

Come on friends let's continue to move forward!!

Leadership Quote . . . .

2009-10-17T17:10:00.002-05:00

Let's be the kind of leaders that help people overcome in life. Let's not be the kind of leaders that people have to overcome to live life.

I cannot remember where I read that at but it has really been speaking to me lately. Trying to concentrate on preaching, teaching, leading, planning, and having vision to make people better.

Living Strong,
Ed

A SUCCESSFUL FAIR

2009-10-10T10:06:00.006-05:00

Generations Church partnered with Ronald McDonald House of Lubbock, TX to raise money the South Plains Fair (check out the link). This was the second year for this partnership and it once again proved very successful.

This was my 15th year Corn Dogging at the South Plains Fair. It is some of the hardest work I have ever done in my life but it is also very rewarding.

I am very grateful to the Generations Church team who worked so hard to make this happen. From putting 19,000 wienes on sticks in just 1:15. It was amazing!! To all the shift work we did out the Fair each day. THANKS BUNCHES!!

I am super thankful to my wife for working so hard along side me in this endeavor. CONNIE IS A SUPER TROOPER. Not only did she work very hard but she put up with a crazy and cranky husband. YOU DESERVE A MEDAL OR SOMETHING.

Here are some pictures. . . .

With MIXED EMOTIONS WE MUST

2009-10-03T12:35:00.002-05:00

1. Decide to live out of our spirit and not our emotions. Live out of our inner man. Galatons 5:25; Romans 8:14

2. Renew our mind (our inner man), so that we can prove the will of God. Romans 12:2

3. Choose the Word of God above all else.

Simple but true!
Ed

MIXED EMOTIONS . . .

2009-09-28T15:52:00.003-05:00

Have you ever heard anyone use this phrase? "I have mixed emotions about that." This is a phrase many people use when they are conflicted in their heart over issues of life. All people are conflicted internally from time to time. It is a war within. It is a war between flesh and spirit, good and evil. WE ALL MUST DECIDE WHAT WE WILL DO! Some even live a conflicted lifestyle which produces the ups and downs of life. Let's do this: Prov 4:23 Above all else, guard your heart,for it is the wellspring of life. NIV

Even men and women of God struggle here with this issue. What must we do?

Thinking on It,
Ed

TODAY IT BEGINS . . . 10 DAYS OF %^$# (i mean heaven)

2009-09-24T08:08:00.003-05:00

Starting today I will be working 12-16 hour days for the next ten days at the South Plains Fair as we (Generations Church) run a Corn Dog stand for Ronald McDonald House. This will literally raise thousands of dollars for the ministry. So if you cannot find me . . . come check out the fair.
http://www.southplainsfair.com/

Pray for :
- strength for Pastor Ed & Connie(mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually)
- church team who volunteers
- great weather so we can make the most money
- favor, favor, favor,

PRAY FOR KATHY GLEASON'S FAMILY - She is a charter member of GC and she is on life support which the family decided yesterday to release her to the Lord.

PRAY FOR MY 95 YEAR OLD GRANDFATHER - My family has decided to release him to hospice care and allow the Lord to keep him here as long as He thinks is best.

Rom 8:31
31 What then shall we say to [all] this? If God is for us, who [can be] against us? [Who can be our foe, if God is on our side?]AMP

Thanks for praying,

Heal My HEART LORD

2009-09-20T07:04:00.006-05:00

For 3 weeks the altar has been full of men, women, and students receiving healing for their broken and orphaned hearts. The ministry of the Holy Spirit has been EXTREMELY STRONG AND FORCEFUL. We are hearing reports like, "I will never be the same. . . .," "I've never heard God speak to me like this . . .," "I feel whole on the inside for the first time in my life."

This Sunday (9/20) the Lord had me give me this specific exhortation for our church and now I release it to you:
The territory where we refuse to let God come in and heal us, will become a territory where satan will come in to destroy us. This is the vulnerable spot that satan will have easy access to our hearts (the inner man). Our refusal of the Lord’s healing our broken and orphaned hearts will be satan’s open door for our destruction. God will protect us ONLY if we open this territory for our hearts and repent and confess our desire to play God. SATAN WILL NEVER GIVE UP ON THIS VULNERABLE SPOT UNTIL IT IS HEALED.

As you are healed from your bondage of the broken and orphaned heart I will give you joy for mourning like I did for the children of Israel when they returned from captivity.

Jer 31:13
13 "Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance,And the young men and the old, together;For I will turn their mourning to joy,Will comfort them,And make them rejoice rather than sorrow. NKJV

Be WHOLE,

2009-09-16T18:13:00.005-05:00

I taught on the broken and orphan heart for the first time in Transniestria. It amazed me the response of men and women in leadership who were dealing with the issues of a broken heart and and orphan heart. God moved and healed many as we spoke the healing restoring Word of Life over them.

Luke 4:18
18 "The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me,Because He has anointed MeTo preach the gospel to the poor;He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, NKJV

This was the priority of the mission of Jesus. Broken hearted people seem to always have the spirit of a victime swirling around them. LET JESUS HEAL YOUR BROKEN HEART.

John 14:18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.NKJV

Jesus said these words to men that he knew that they were not true orphans. These were men who had laid down their lives to follow Him but He knew their hearts were like orphans. You see even though we are not true orphans we may carry around issues in our heart because we were abandoned, abused, or alone.

The human drama is always right there in our face. What makes the difference is what we do with it. Lets allow Jesus to do what he does best - HEAL US!! BRING ALL THE FEARS, HURTS, ABANDONMENT, ABUSE, ANGER, AND ALONENESS TO HIM HE KNOWS WHAT TO DO.

Healing to your hearts,
Ed

The HEART

2009-09-14T17:44:00.004-05:00

Has anyone ever died of a broken heart? Disappointment . . . Fear . . . Disillusioned . . . Distraught . . . Discouraged

Prov 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick,But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. NKJV

Matters of the HEART

2009-09-06T15:56:00.002-05:00

Love the Lord your God with all your heart.
Guard your heart.
Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart . . .
A evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart. . . .

The heart is our inner man made up of mind, will, emotions, and spirit. This where dreams are conceived. The condition of our biblical heart determines where we go in life. Another words what is on the inside of us determines how high and how far we go. The Kingdom of God is in not outside us. We must look to God the heal our broken and orphaned hearts. Our answers do not come from the government, education, or a religious system. Our answers come from what we put on the inside of us. Check out John 14:16-18. Luke 4:18

Heal our messed up hearts God.

Taking care of His business

2009-08-31T03:01:00.002-05:00

We (Generations Church) had a block party last night over at the Waterside Apartments. We cookd 150 hamburgers and many more hot dogs. We had a blow up jumper. We gave away an ipod shuffle a bicycle and much more. We had one of our talented guys rap and give his testimony. Then our youth did a human video. The best was last we had 8 children come to Christ. I love to live out loud for God. We are making a difference in the spiritual climate of our city. Pictures to follow.

Peace 2 You,
Ed

Inspired in Transniestria

2009-08-26T03:24:00.003-05:00

Sorry, I will not have any pictures to post until my friend Gary gets back. I went into the Black Sea with my camera in my swimming suit pocket the very first day, so I have zero pictures.

I just returned from a 10 missions trip to Transniestria (Eastern Europe). I always come home so challenged and changed from trips like this. We go as Americans to encourage and serve but somehow I always end up receiving as much as I give. Here is a short list of what I came home with this year.
- More VISION
- Importance of FELLOWSHIP & ACCOUNTABILITY
- The power of FAITH
- EVANGELISM is still the main thing

I saw all of these in action and they inspired me!

The church we ministered with has a ministry of personal visitation going on that is bringing in a harvest of souls daily. Lord send us your passion for souls.

P. S.
The camp that I did just outside Odessa, Ukraine was amazing. The seaside was the highlight for me as I look back at it.

More later
Ed

Do The Obvious

2009-08-15T03:14:00.002-05:00

How many times have we wondered or even asked someone: WHAT IS THE ONE KEY? WHAT IS THE ONE THING TO DO TO MAKE IT GROW?

There is not a magic formula for success, growth, and prosperity. It is that we do many many things and we do them over and over and over again. Like having done all to stand, stand . . . Eph 6:10-14. .

We make it way to hard. GREAT LEADERS DO THE OBVIOUS!! Too many people are looking for short cuts.

1. Plan to grow - have a vision, purpose, goal, bulls-eye. (Prov 29:18)

2. Develop diligence - work hard, SLACK = LACK (Prov 10:4)

3. Be holy - live right, be right, talk right, think right (Heb. 12:14)

4. Be generous - we live to give and we love to give (Prov 11:25)

5. Receive the Win - learn how to close the deal by receiving. (Luke 6:38)

Tools, , , Let use them.

2009-07-29T09:40:00.002-05:00

If we use a hammer on a screw rather than a screw driver we are perverting the hammer and it does not work right. It is the same for our gifts that God has given us. Our gift gets perverted if we use it in the wrong position or in the wrong way. Perverted gifts have really caused a lot of people to get frustrated and hurt. As a leader I want to work hard at getting people in the right position to succeed.

Let me know your thoughts.
Ed

BEAUTY . . . COMES IN ALL FORMS

2009-07-06T08:38:00.004-05:00

The saying that beauty is in the eyes of the beholder must be all too true. BEAUTY - the quality present in a thing or person that gives intense pleasure or deep satisfaction to the mind, whether arising from sensory manifestations (as shape, color, sound, etc.), a meaningful design or pattern, or something else (as a personality in which high spiritual qualities are manifest).

Connie and I have been in Colorado visiting my parents, grandfather, brother and sister (families). It just occurred to me as we are staying at my parents house which is on the far west side of Denver where you can literally be in the mountains in 5 minutes that yes the mountains are very beautiful, but there are many other beautiful things in life.

- My grandfather is 95 and it is tough to see him go down hill after such a full life. The beauty of it is I do not think that I personally know anyone who has overcome as much adversity as he has and still has got joy and a sense of humor at 95. God has been good to Pop.

- My parents are so great! The beauty of it is that they have been married for 52 years. They love God, each other, and have been and still are great parents.

- My kids (2 of 3 are with us) and their spouses are so beautiful. Yes, they are as different as night and day but it is beautiful to see their passions and passion come out in their lives. I am praying that it increases all the more.

- My grandson Will is so amazing as all grand children are. The beauty of making him belly laugh over the simplest things.

-My sister and brother (and their spouses) have awesome families with 6 children between them ranging in ages from almost 3 -11. The beauty of watching these children interact is amazing.

- The Rocky Mountains as always are beautiful beyond description.

- My wife (Connie) is so beautiful because I have never met another human being that is as giving as she is. She will give time, energy, and emotion until she humanly does not know she is empty. Money is always seen as a tool to bless others as far as she is concerned.

Peace - Isaiah 52:7
Ed

Dad put it there.

2009-06-30T09:29:00.002-05:00

"Always By My Side" is an autobiography by Jim Nantz. In this book he relates a story about a really big decision in his life. ABC had made him an incredible offer to jump from CBS and become part of ABC's GMA show. Jim was struggling with what he should do. He could not consult with his father as he had done so many times before because Alzheimers had attacked his father. In the middle of this monumental decision Jim has to go to Augusta, GA to broadcast the Masters for CBS. It just so happened that this was the last year that the great Arnold Palmer would play in the Masters. As Arnold was preparing to go hit the ceremonial first tee shot he spotted Jim in the crowd and yelled, "Hey, Jimmy walk over here with me to the practice putting green." Jim did as he was asked and Arnold proceeded to tell him that he had heard through the grapevine about the ABC offer. Arnold reached out and began to pat Jim on the chest and said, "I know that you wish you could talk to your father about this decision but Jim (as he continued to pat him on the chest) your father put the answer in you a long time ago . . . follow your heart." By the way Arnold never hit one single practice putt he just wanted to impart some wisdom to a young man.

You know Father's day has come and gone and we all celebrated it as usual. We called our fathers, ate meals, gave cards and gifts. Some how I am not sure that this does justice to all that our fathers have done for us. I know that Arnold was right. My earthly father has put so much in me that if I could be just half the man of character and integrity that he is I would be so much further down the road. THANKS A MILLION DAD!!

Thanks to all my spiritual fathers along the road. Morris Sheats, Jackie White, Bob Godwin. Your impartation is still living in me as your wisdom continually guides me in my heart.

1 Corinthians 4:15 (The Message Bible)
There are a lot of people around who can't wait to tell you what you've done wrong, but there aren't many fathers willing to take the time and effort to help you grow up. It was as Jesus helped me proclaim God's Message to you that I became your father. I'm not, you know, asking you to do anything I'm not already doing myself.

Our heavenly father has also put the answer inside us.

Romans 8:14,15
14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. 15 For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.”

Your spirit connects with His and we know that we have the answer. The answer is in us.

Reflecting,
Ed

STOP AND THINK

2009-06-08T11:53:00.004-05:00

"To move man through God by prayer alone" Hudson Taylor, Missionary to China. As stated before I am reading his biography and this statement is in it many times as it is one of the foundational spiritual concepts of this life of faith. It has really made me think. How do we move people today?

MEDIA (print, voice, visual), COERCION, GUILT, SHAME, FEAR . . . we probably could go on and on here.

As a communicator I run the risk every time I stand up to speak that I am crossing that invisible line of manipulation that nobody can see with their naked eye and sometimes cannot even feel it in their heart.

I know that I have to speak and preach that is my calling. Lord, let my words and motives be yours. ALL OF YOU AND NONE OF ME.

I would enjoy some feed back if you feel like you would not be trying to twist my arm. LOL

Ed

Biography Kick

2009-06-04T18:07:00.002-05:00

All of the I have had the urge to read biographies. I can remember as an elementary school kid I loved to read true stories about others. Back then I mostly read stories about athletes because I dreamed of being a professional athlete. Those stories were fun and inspiring.

Now I love reading the stories of heroes who are living their dream or have lived their dream. Like right now I am reading "The Spiritual Secret of Hudson Taylor" which is a biography about this great missionary to China. It is really building my faith.

I have also started two other biographies. One is called "Always By My Side" by Jim Nantz the sportscaster and "Red and Me" by Bill Russell. These last two are not very spiritual but they are still inspiring me to go for my dreams.

How about you are you going for your dream? If you are not going for it . . . why not? God has a destiny and purpose for you and it is a good one. Jeremiah 29:11 It is NEVER TOO LATE!! j

1. DO NOT DECIDE EVERYTHING IS OVER. GET SOME HOPE! Hebrews 11:1

2. WALK IN THE PEACE OF GOD.

3. LET GO OF ANY NEED TO GOOD.

4. THANK GOD FOR IT

An Inspired Christ Follower,
Ed

Making a meal out of FAITHFULNESS

2009-05-11T10:53:00.002-05:00

Ps 37:3 Trust in the Lord, and do good;Dwell in the land, and feed on His faithfulness.NKJV

I found this little nugget at early morning prayer today. I decided to feast on God's faithfulness. There is so much to say here . . . He does not lie (Num. 23:19), He is faithful when we are faithless (2 Tim. 2:11). This meal left me satisfied to know that the one I put my trust and confidence in is totally trustworthy.

God just totally showed off last Wed. night at CFC/NXL SOUTH. 600 in attendance and 27 salvations. A total revolution is taking place where students are moving from belief (head stuff) into conviction (refusal to negotiate). Parental support was amazing.

Thanks to Pastor Zac, Anna, and all the interns for making it so easy to minister. If you want to check this link cuz "Sex Ain't Free" http://tinyurl.com/d2s2sm

New Converts

2009-05-06T10:59:00.003-05:00

Out of the service that you see in this picture there where 11 first time conversions and 2 or 3 prodigals who came home. It was amazing to me how great our God is since I preached about moving beyond belief to conviction in the area of sexual purity. Then gave them hope of God's call and will for their lives and the Holy Spirit did the rest. God continually amazes me. This all happened at NXL the youth Ministry of Christian Faith Center North where Jeremy Carpenter is the youth pastor and Casey Treat is the Senior leader.

Believe with as tonight Pastor Zac Gandara is believing for 50 first time salvations and 450 in attendance at the south CFC / NXL campus. I am call it done!

My faith is at such a high level right now. When you hang around people that are doing it right before your very eyes, which has been the case for me the last 3 weeks (LWFC / 24-7 in Raleigh and CFC / NXL in Seattle) it helps to believe and know that it can happen for you. No single answer as to how to do it but just be faithful and grow everyday and the Lord gives the increase.

I am excited because I have a great wife to work with me. I have a great team around me that will only get better with time. I live in a place where there are still a lot of people going to hell and I want to rescue them.

Loving God and Loving People,

The MESSAGE . . . is where?

2009-05-02T23:51:00.004-05:00

I saw this sign and it made me really think . . . maybe it will do the same for you.
Matt 5:13-16
13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.
14 "You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. NKJV
I am pretty sure that our message is supposed to be outside the building. Maybe this is what is wrong with the "church" as we know it. We have thought that the only place to find the message is inside a church building. I seem to recall that someone pretty central to our faith told us to "Go into all the world . . ." Oh that was Jesus that said that,(sorry for the sarcasm) but I just do not get it. Yes, I am a preacher but would it not just be the most awesome thing in the world to know that the people you were preaching to got it. Got what? The message that we are to be a living epistle (message) read by all men (2 Corinthians 3:2).
In defense of the church sign above let me say that I know we must preach and teach the message inside the church. Come on church let's all get fired up about taking the Gospel to the world.
1. How much money do we spend on the 99 that we have instead of going after the one that is lost?
2. How much time, energy, and effort do spend to go after the lost?
3. What about all the prodigals that will not come to a church?
The answer to all these questions can be found in Luke 15.
The message is take the MESSAGE outside the four walls and then we will not be able to contain the harvest.
So much more could be said about the message of this sign, but I will allow you to fill that part in yourself.
I hope I stirred up your pure mind.

A Stirred up BELIEVER

Loving the MINISTRY

2009-04-23T06:47:00.003-05:00

A shout out to Pastor Steve and Connie Caronna!! Thirteen yrs. at Living Word Family Church and they have seen it grow from 116 at his first service to the place where they average over 1000 every weekend. Lives are being changed. I love hanging out with these people. They challenge me, charge me and in general just make me want to be better in the ministry. Amazingly enough I am allowed the privilege of ministering to their flock and their leaders. This is humbling and I am grateful. I pray that I encouraged them as much as they encourage me. www.lwfc.org

More in Love with Jesus today?
Ed

Renewing my MIND

2009-04-17T14:22:00.005-05:00

I know this is an old subject but always a worth while one to deal with. Why? We are ALL bombarded daily with images, messages, and agendas that are not good for us. Come on now admit it you struggle with your thought life just like I do . . . I know that I am not the only one that deals with this. I am not just talking about all the "evil" stuff (porn, drugs, etc.) but this includes stuff like "nobody likes me," "I am no good and the world would be a better place with out me," "I can't do this." You get the idea. So here goes, I have been meditating on these keys to thinking correctly.

1. Entertain It - hang out with it.

2. Examine It - This is always done underneath the bright lights of the Word of God.

3. Embrace or Embarrass It - which ever category it fits in depends on what you do with it. Embrace it so you can keep it. Embarrass it so it will run away.

4. Incorporate It - If your thought has survived this far then it must be a worthy thought so we must get it working and moving in our own life.

5. Express It - There is major power in your words to bring that thought to life.

Taken from my journal notes over the last two weeks. I am pretty sure that most of you can flesh out the Bible verses that go with these ideas. I have been writing them down but I felt for the purposes of this blog that you could have a little homework if you thought it was a worthy task.

But then again maybe this was just good spiritual therapy for me. I would be interested in your feedback.

Moving with Him,

Longevity . . . A GREAT QUESTION.

2009-04-04T07:24:00.006-05:00

I have been at Christ For The Nations (where I went to school) for an ALUMNI/FMC CONF. I was asked to speak for little bit in a third year class at Youth For The Nations. This was done along with Ron & Judy Radachy from the The Oasis in Hollywood. We talked and told our stories of youth ministry and then came the question and answer time. The teacher asked us how we have stayed in youth ministry so long. Hence the title. I cannot get this question off of my mind so I thought I would write out my answer.

1. Know that you know you are called by God. (not grandma, or even the need).
- The call of God does not guarantee ease of ministry it just guarantees that He will see you through all the tough times.
- NEVER LOSE YOUR FIRST LOVE. We were all Christians way before we were ever Pastors, lets think, love, and act like Christ followers.

2. Marry the right person.
- Can you do ministry single? of course. There are too many challenges in this to talk about here but know it is still possible.
- Since these thoughts are about longevity the comparison to marriage really works.
- The right person for a life partner makes or breaks a lot of ministry.
- It is tough to always be torn in ministry. Ministry or my wife (husband)?? It is not a questions of which one. The right answer is both.
- Marry the right one.

3. Decide to stay in the game.
- Quitting cannot be in your vocabulary. Notice I did not say in your mind.
- Make the decision to stay in the game daily and the decision will make you.

4. Get coached, mentored, discipled . . . which ever term floats your boat.
- This is the Jesus way.
- Learn from others mistakes
“Experience is the name every one gives to their mistakes.” Oscar Wilde
- This is more than just getting the latest and greatest idea from someone or even going to conferences.

5. Be followable. (I know that is not a word)
- Check out 1 Corinthians 11:1)
- Of course this is more than just getting people to follow you. (that is good)
- Have the kind of character that others would want to copy.

WE TEACH WHAT WE KNOW, BUT WE REPRODUCE WHO WE ARE.

6. Have the right kind of thinking about numbers. (COUNTING AND MONEY).
- Always look at growth in percentages. Think and speak percentages publicly and privately think and speak faith number.
- God is into numbers (whole book in the Bible) so know that growth is what He wants.
- Be comfortable with money and those who have it.
- INTEGRITY, INTEGRITY, INTEGRITY

Longevity is what makes the most impact.
Ed

Mentor??? responses

2009-03-23T14:07:00.002-05:00

WOW!! The responses were awesome and what great friends I have. It was very encouraging to hear from so many of you. I am convinced that we have to focus on discipleship (mentoring) more than ever before. Jesus discipled 12 guys and then left them in charge of the whole thing and just think they did such a good job that you and I became Christ followers.

New subject - I have just learned how to add Twitter to a bunch of things so check me out at weainsworth on twitter.com.

I remember Brian Houston preaching at VISION in 2005 and telling us that Pastoring is just not that hard. Just be a good leader and make disciples is basically what he taught. He is a living example of that thought. Hillsongs is all over the world.

Prayer is when earth kisses heaven and heaven kisses back. Prayer is always a two way street.

A fired up CHRIST FOLLOWER!!
Ed

Mentor????

2009-02-28T17:24:00.004-06:00

MENTOR - a deliberate transfer of wisdom from one person to another with an emphasis on credibility, integrity, authenticity and experience (ability) with the full knowledge that it will cost time, energy, and emotion in the process.

I think Jesus called this discipleship. QUESTION: Are we willing to enter this process with people? Or do we just want to give some psycho-babble sermon that says ABC, 123, or read this book - SHAZAM!!! You are all better now.

Let me know what you think . . . more to come.