Today there are two Monday musings, due to the fact that we had Cowboy Church in the evening.  It is always a pleasure to see the ranchers and mountain folk getting together.  Our topic last evening was on the power of words.  It was one of those practical messages, just a few points to help us be better at reflecting the light of Christ.  Perhaps these message types are the “Wick Trimmers”.  As I reflect on both services I have a sense, a feeling if you would that we are about to see a move of God in our midst.  

God’s Word seems to be pushing me (He does that once in awhile) to get back to the simplicity of the Gospel message.  To teach that which men and women can be certain about.  To lay out before them the sure foundation of Christ’s message.  I’m tired of hearing sin called sickness or disease.  Nowadays  a liar is just an extrovert with a lively imagination.  A murderer is just a victim of a traumatic experience.  I’m tired of experts who know all the answers when they don’t even know what the question is.  We have lengthened our lives, but do not know how to deepen them. …. Sorry I got carried away…. If’n you have a mind to, please pray for me.

Well here we are with yet another opportunity to “Muse”.  Sunday morning like most Sunday morning’s was encouraging… not just the gathering together, but the gathering together in the presence of God, our God.  I pray that I never take my congregation for granted… their friendship and guidance towards us is very important.  In reality it is vital to our spiritual wholeness. 

As much as I try to be on track each week - my trying in itself is flirting with disaster.  These dear saints don’t need Ed’s trying they need as do I the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

A number of folk came with burdens placed on them by the prior week’s activities…. I can always tell (somehow it is a different “quietness”.   However, I trust that the Word of God will not return void, but that it will accomplish what God intended it to do.

Psalms 5:11 let all those that put their trust in God rejoice: let them ever shout for joy, let them also that love His name be joyful in Him. 

Psalms 32:11 ... the righteous should be glad in the LORD!

Let the things that bring JOY to our Lord, bring JOY to our hearts as well!

A Note About Sunday....

Although this blog is usually my "musings" regarding my teaching sessions, every once in awhile you need a word of encouragement.  It is difficult to be in that "Always Critiquing" mode.... so I took the liberty of posting this e-mail regarding Sunday morning's sermon.

Hi Pastor Ed and Judy,

Just a note to say that your message today was faith building and encouraging and inspirational.... building and strengthen in Faith, those who have ears to hear with the intention of doing. Great job Ed

...... AND JUDY. We love your God given gift and ability to take us into His presence with praise and worship in our hearts.

You Guys are a great team.

God Bless you both in your work for Him,

"What's Up Doc?"

Great practice at Greenwood FD.  We did a study on FBI (Fire Behavior Indicators).  The firefighters that attended were shown a few seconds of residential fire video clips.  They were then asked to write down their observations regarding the building (B) the smoke (S) air movement or tracking (A) heat (H) and flame (F).
The model of B-SAHF (be safe) was helpful in providing a guideline.

We then watched the rest of the video and commented on what our predictions for that fire were and if they developed the way each one thought they would.

Great educational practice - great FD!

At The Cross

Due to an appointment in Kelowna I missed Monday's musings.  So here we are a day late and a dollar short (so the saying goes).  As we looked at the cross of our Lord Jesus -we were humbled - broken and left in a state of renewed awe.   There were lots of our folk away but the Lord did send us two visitors - they both commented later that the message hit home.... I stopped trying to figure out God's way of doing things years ago so I wasn't surprised by the fact tat he had these folk come on this particular Sunday...

I will cling to the old rugged cross.....

My Easter

No distracting bunnies hip-pity hopping, no multi colored hidden or otherwise eggs, no chocolate shaped objects ...no musical instruments, no electronics, no power point, no pulpit, no pews, no ushers ushering or deacons deacking - just a simple back to basics celebration of communion.  We set the tables up with linen cloth coverings, homemade candle holders (thanks Casey and Liz) baskets of bread, and grapes.  Bowls of  Mediterranean olives and dipping oil with balsamic vinegar,  Old fashioned wine jars with the very best grape juice money can buy. (Welch's - check out their history)  ..... this was to be a bit of a feast  - not your typical corner piece of a stale saltine with a thimble full of of grape juice.   As the Lord prompted us we set the table believing for His presence... each chair we set was filled... now looking back perhaps we should have set up more chairs in faith... lol.  It took a bit (because we don't do well with change) but soon we began share verses regarding Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday!  What a wonderful time of fellowship... there were tears, there was a sense of awe, there was confession and testimony... there was freedom to express ourselves.   To hear people who are normally very quiet and private share something from their hearts is so invigorating.

One of the best communion celebrations I have experienced.... When it concluded people congregated in small groups and spoke quietly or prayed with one another - true Koinonia...  

Dealing With Toxic People

I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler….

With such a man do not even eat. I Corinthians 5:11

Yesterday's message was an eye opener... perhaps not one of those foot stomping - hand clapping types - but one I now we needed.  There is so much going on in the darkness of this old world - we need to have our spiritual wits about us.

The message was probably too long, but I didn't know how to shorten it effectively.  I sure pray that we will be smart enough to learn how to deal with Toxic people.  


Looking back I hope everyone understood that this was not a "Get these people out of your life!" message... some of these folk are in desperate need of people to see them through these issues.  


Remember although some people may be successful in dealing with Toxic people - if you are vulnerable in certain areas of your character you may be hurt or worse yet crushed in your spirit and self worth.  It is paramount that our strength be in Christ and that we KNOW who we are in Him!


Jesus loved the sinners He hated the sin.  He knew how to separate the two, something we are still learning.