Exactly one month from today I will be 52 years old. I have been married to an awesome woman for nearly 32 of that and I have been in ministry for 31 of that time as well. WHAT A RIDE IT HAS ALL BEEN.
Just this past week I was in Dallas, TX for a Youth Pastor Roundtable. Where the older reached back to the younger and the younger reached forward to the older. The picture is me with Bob Weiner of Maranatha Ministries. Brother Bob is one of the pioneers of Jesus movement of the late 60's and 70's. I am no longer a Youth Pastor but I have been one for a long time and I still speak to thousands of youth in churches and public schools all over America and the world for that matter. I believe that this was a God ordained time for me. I was able to see the influence that God has allowed me to have over the years right up to the present time. Which by the way was very encouraging to me. There were so many great thoughts shared but I want to pass a few of them along to you my readers.
What ever the spiritual norm they (new converts - youth) are born into is what they will generally live at for the rest of their spiritual journey. So as spiritual fathers what kind of climate are we creating.
Ron Luce made the statement that he prays the following for himself . . . God, however you wrecked my life so that I would never go back would you do the same for those that I preach to?" This stirred my soul!
Start fathering, leading, mentoring, coaching then sons will begin to locate you. Another words quit asking God to send you sons just start doing it.
To touch the next generation, I have to be touched by Him.
The CROSS for youth represents both paths of life. The horizontal and the vertical. The path of righteousness which is vertical and the path of social justice which is horizontal. Apply Mark 8:34-38.
I am chewing on so much more. I pray that these remarks have stirred you up as well.
Ed
1 comment:
This really spoke to me today. Thanks for the post. Love you and Connie!
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