Christmas reflections and memories

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 . . .

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

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.

Ed

Why Don't we get this?

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)

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.

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!!

Ed

Leadership Quote . . . .

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

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

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 . . .

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)

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,

Ed

Heal My HEART LORD

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,

Ed

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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.

"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

"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

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

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

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,

Ed

The MESSAGE . . . is where?

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

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

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,

Ed

Longevity . . . A GREAT QUESTION.

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

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????

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.

Each ONE reach ONE

Where am I?
I just finished 3 days of school assemblies in the Columbus, GA/Phenix City, AL/Smith Station, AL area. (2 FCA meetings, 5 Middle School Assemblies, 4 High School Assemblies, and one GIANT True Love Waits Rally).

My favorite moment.
I had several of them this week. A 15 yr. old freshmen asked permission to speak to me after one of the assemblies. He seemed so meek and mild as he spoke but soon I realized that he was a very desperate young man. He revealed sexual abuse when he was 7 which in his words "sent me on a search for peace." He then revealed that he is openly homosexual. I was able to communicate many things to him at this point. The most important of them was that I am a Christ follower and like Jesus I loved him no matter what he had done, where he had been or who he had been doing it with. I asked if I could pray with him and he agreed. What a powerful moment.

At another High School I was allowed to have students stay after the Assembly if they wanted to talk. To my amazement over 40 kids hung around. The first one was a young man who had an STD. Because of the truth that I was able to teach he knew he had to change his ways. To the glory of God I was able to pray with him and he put his trust in Christ.

Next was the TLW Rally: Hundreds of students committing to sexual purity. And 16 students committing to Christ for the first time in their lives.

Least favorite moment.
American Airlines sent my luggage to Columbus, Ohio rather than Columbus, GA. My patience was tested. I believe that I passed.

Shout out.
Shane Conners and the whole ONE ACCORD TEAM.
Johnathan & Lisa you truly know how to lead us into the presence of God through worship.
My amazing wife for being such a good leader in my absence.

Each ONE REACH ONE.
Once again I am amazed by the way God uses us if we are truly available. I walked through so many open doors of ministry this week that it boggles my mind. The lifestyle of a Christ follower should be marked by the fact that we make it our goal to just reach one. WOW could we ever make a difference if we took this challenge.

Amazed by HIM,
Ed

Fresh moments. . .

The cool thing about blogs is that they do not always have to be so formal. Just some random thoughts here.

I am re-reading the Gospel of John. I am doing this very slowly and enjoying every last drop. The miracles that Jesus did in the Gospel of John have just affirmed more than ever that He is a 21st Century Jesus for me. How about you?

I love DVR. I had a CONNECT LEADERS meeting last night so I used my DVR to record the first show in the new season of BURN NOTICE. I know that I am weird but I enjoy that show. Not as much as 24 but I have to wait till the new season of it comes out on DVD since I just cannot watch it from week to week. Soon there will be another 24 marathon for Connie and I.

I am totally looking forward to our first service in our new building. Come see us if you can 3838 - 50th St. Lubbock, TX.

I am so proud of my children. All three of them Jeff (29), Denae (26), & Lance (24). They are all serving God and married to great spouses. They are all trying to live their dream.

I hope that you are living in the FOG (favor of God) Psalms 5:12

Blessings,
Ed

Now Faith Is . . .

Hebrews 11:13 (New King James Version)
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them,[a] embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

1. Faith can see the promise.

2. Faith is persuaded of the promise.

3. Faith embraces the promise.

4. Faith confesses the promise.

Let's possess the land!

Ed

Be encouraged today.

Criticism

Criticism is something we all experience. I just had this pop out of my mouth in a phone conversation that I was having with a pastor friend of mine who is going through some stuff. I know that I am not this smart so I give the Holy Spirit all the credit. We all have heard this thought before. When criticism comes eat the meat and throw away the bones. Keep that which makes us grow and throw away all that does not make us grow. Here is what I added. Sometimes we choose to eat the bones and that stuff will tear you up on the inside (bitterness, anger, unforgiveness). Let's just stick to the meat because if we can do that we will grow and the other stuff (bones / anger, etc.) stunts our growth.

Peace,
Ed