EdYoungBlog

Waiting on God

It all started with a smiley face. And now, my close friend and fellow pastor, John Cross, is getting married.

                                        

Over the last several years, my family has grown extremely close to John. And as our friendship has strengthened, I've prayed that God would provide him with someone who would be more than a friend, a confidant, a helper in ministry. Lisa and I have prayed for him to find a wife. We even went as far as setting him up on a few blind dates!

But, as with everything else in life, God's timing is what really matters. And, as John says, God has provided "more than I would have prayed for." And, "It's worth it when you wait on God."

Congratulations, John and Dawn!

A story of surrender

This is an amazing story of surrender to our God, who is greater than anything we will ever face.

Ted Blair is the Senior Pastor of Livingway Church in Garland, TX. Please join Lisa and I in prayer for Ted, his wife and daughters, and their entire church. Check it out...

Purity for Politicians...

...and purity for pastors, priests, poets and all people.

By now you've probably heard the sad and disappointing news of South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford's affair. It's a story that is sure to be in the headlines for the next several days. But after the hype of the news channels and tabloids, newspapers and magazines, the reality is that a marriage, and a family, hangs in the balance. And this story has caused me to think about my own marriage and the marriages of the people I meet every day.

Over the years, Lisa and I have been asked countless questions by thousands of people about our marriage. But one of the most important questions we've been asked is how we keep our marriage pure. So years ago I wrote out: 

The 10 Commandments of Purity

        1.     I shall have no other human relationship before Lisa, including our children.
        2.     I shall remember our date night and keep it holy. 
        3.     I shall honor Lisa on anniversaries and special days so that I may live long in the land the  Lord has given me.
        4.     I shall not take the covenant of marriage in vain.
        5.     I shall not ride in a car or eat in a restaurant alone with a member of the opposite sex.
        6.     I shall not travel alone. 
        7.     I shall not counsel a woman with the doors closed.
        8.     I shall not share the details of our marriage with others.
        9.     I shall not watch, read or expose myself to sexually explicit shows, books, websites, etc.
        10.   I shall remember the implications of committing adultery.

No matter who you are, I challenge you to make these your own. Follow them in your marriage every day. They may seem extreme. But something that has extreme consequences calls for extreme action.

Remember, everyone deals with temptation. It's what you do before facing temptation to stay pure that determines what happens in the face of it. You have to protect your marriage. So do I. Because failing to do so can result in heartache - for ourselves, our families and most importantly, our God.

This issue is bigger than only calling for purity for politicians. We need to call for purity as politicians, pastors, priests, poets and as all people.

Workout with Shaun Kelley

Recently, my brother Ben and I had the opportunity to work out with Shaun Kelley. Check it out...

Happy Muzzards Day!

My favorite post

Yes, this is the second time I've put this video up on the blog.  But this is my favorite post so far. It's vintage footage of my daughter Landra catching an unofficial world record sized gar in the Trinity River. Had to put it up here again. Enjoy!

Meet Elva

 

This is my mother-in-law, Elva. I've known this sweet lady since I was 15 years old. She knows me just about as well as anyone does. 83 years old, and she hasn't had a bit of cosmetic surgery. Amazing! Most of us can only hope to look half as good if we make it to 83.

By the time Lisa is this age, I'll probably be gone. She'll be onto her 2nd husband. And she'll look back and think, "Who was that loud mouth preacher I was married to?" (You know I'm kidding, Lisa...)

Elva - it was great to see you over the past week!

Two Amazing Churches. One unforgettable trip.

My family and I had the opportunity to travel to two churches on the other side of the globe that are definitely reaching the next generation. The first was Hillsong London. The energy and youth there were phenomenal! Here's just a glimpse of that amazing church. Check it out.

On the second leg of the trip, we traveled to Johannesburg, South Africa to speak at Rivers Church. Talk about a church on a 'hole 'nutha level!

The Biggest Losers?

For the past few years, The Biggest Loser has been a national phenomenon. And this season, it reached a 'hole 'nutha level for so many of us at Fellowship Church. 

Each Tuesday night, our very own Renee Wilson and Michelle Aguilar, her daughter, were cheered on by millions of people. And last night, Michelle won it all! Congratulations, Michelle.    



When they got to "the ranch," Renee and Michelle had a long way to go - not just a lot of weight to lose. They knew the road would be difficult. But because of their relationship with Jesus and their hard work together, their relationship as mother and daughter has been restored. And along the way, the weight has vanished.

But Michelle won more than a contest or cash prize. And these two women gained more in life together than they lost on the scale. The true life change that they have experienced is a powerful testimony to their love and devotion for Jesus Christ. And the country had a front row seat to it all.

Lisa and I, along with the entire Fellowship family are so proud of you, Renee and Michelle. And, as Renee said last night, you've truly gone to a 'hole 'nutha level! 

The Challenge Continues

There's no doubt this challenge has been, well, challenging. With the pace of life, the rush of our schedules, we've all had barriers to negotiate. I have to admit, my schedule has gone to a hole 'nutha level this week! But it's great to hear that so many couples are finding ways to overcome those barriers.

God is doing some amazing work in the lives of so many people - not only married, but single as well. Keep sharing those stories here.

And make sure you're at church this weekend. Because this is going to be one message you do not want to miss!