Huddle Up! - ETMM Dec 2009
Subject: Huddle Up! - ETMM Dec 2009
Send date: 2009-12-16 06:32:04
Issue #: 10
Content:

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"The Father Who Runs Toward You
Vol: 2 | Issue: 12

In This Issue:

  • Playbook
  • Coaching Tips
  • My Prayer For You
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Be a Booster for ETMM

  • Make a year-end gift: A year end gift to ETMM may be tax deductible....we are a 501(c)3. Please check with your accountant and, if possible, include ETMM in your year-end giving!
  • Become a Monthly Donor and Prayer Partner and help ETMM spread the "Blessing of the Father"
  • Book a “Night of Blessing” or “Huddle” conference in your town
  • Buy Ed's books, DVD's, etc. and send to a family member or friend for Christmas.
  • Contribute to the Blessing Book Fund for Challenged Teens, Orphans, and Prisoners
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Replay

How to have a right heart toward your kids when they are breaking yours.

Watch Now >
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“'When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him. The son started his speech: ‘Father, I’ve sinned against God, I’ve sinned before you; I don’t deserve to be called your son ever again.’”

Luke 15:20-21 MESSAGE

The Father Who Runs Toward You

One of my favorite stories in the Bible is the parable of the Prodigal son. I think a better title should be the parable of the Running Father. This story is not as much about the son who was lost; but about the heart the Father has toward us when we have lost our way. Can you imagine watching your own dad running toward you to throw a party before you are able to repeat the speech you have prepared to give him?

As a Dad, it is much easier for me to say, “I told you so” than to say, “Where does it hurt?” It is even harder to stay present and not push my kids away when they disappoint me. What my heart needed was an encounter with the same Father that was sitting on the porch waiting for me to come home.

My encounter with Jesus led me right to His Father. Before I could start vowing that I would never do it again, the tender voice of the Heavenly Father says, “Hush child, it is not about your perfect prayer; it is not about you returning home; it is not about you losing all the inheritance that I have given you. It is about me choosing to love you and making a way for you to come home and be healed.”

“For unto you this day, is born, in the city of David, a Savior, Christ the Lord.” That is the true message of Christmas. Every Christmas symbol, song and light is a constant reminder of our Heavenly Father who ran toward us, on our worst day, to introduce to His Son and bring us home to His Party.

Do you see Him? He picked up His robes, jumped off the stoop, and is running toward you. Not only will His love fill your heart with gratitude, but you will be become addicted to throwing parties like the Father for the rest of your life. Merry Christmas!
          

Coaching Tips

Know: There are a number of things that cause kids to run away from who God has called them to be. One of the worst things I have seen parents do is draw a line in the sand by throwing them out on their own. Their mantra becomes, “They will have to learn the hard way”. That might toughen them up, but it isolates them from the most important connection they need… You! I have concluded that it is far better to love and stay present than to push them away to broken friends who become their counselors.
Learn: 1 Corinthians 13:4 says, “Love never gives up. Love cares more for others than for self. Love doesn’t want what it doesn’t have. Love doesn’t strut, doesn’t have a swelled head,” (MESSAGE)
Do: Make a commitment to pursue your kids, not isolate them. When your kids make serious mistakes, don’t threaten to throw them out. Sometimes they are testing you to see if you care and often do not know how to put words to what they feel.
Ask: “How can I help you right now?” “Can you help me understand what you are going through?” “How can I pray for you?” Asking good questions and staying present is a powerful way of saying, “There is one thing you can count on from me, I will never stop loving you or being there for you.”

    

My Prayer For You

“Father, as we remember all you have done for us this Christmas, I pray you would center our hearts on gratitude and all you have given us in your Son. Father, I pray our hearts would stay soft when hurt, that we would stay present when pushed way, and give the strength to love when we are wounded. Give us the grace to love our families and run towards the one who are heading home. In Jesus name I pray, Amen. “

 

taxtimeP.S. — As we come to the end of 2009, please consider a one time gift to our ministry to help us as we spread "The Father's Blessing" to the nation in the New Year. Check with your tax consultant. A gift to our ministry, before December 31st, might lower your tax bill next April. Thanks so much—in advance—for your support. Be loved.

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