Keeping Christ In CHRISTmas - A Heart for ONE

(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.

 

Ed

ALL IN THE FAMILY

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

Ed

Lets ALL have LAUGH

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

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

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

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!!!

Ed

A REAL DISCIPLESHIP MOVEMENT

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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!

Ed 

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

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 . . .??

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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,

Ed

Matching Up

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

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

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

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

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 . . .

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

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

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.