Dr. Ed,
I believe Dr. Monroe was right you are a spiritual educator. You teach young and old to believe in God and that we can be anything we desire. I desire to live a comfortable lifestyle..nothing lavish. I sat in your church many Sundays when the world was saying we were in a recession and I listen to you tell us that we the church were not in a recession, you told us of many stories in the bible where there were examples of lack in the world. I have told all of my friends of this saying “My Pastor said we are not in a recession at ALC” and I have believed your words and examples and even when times have seem hard I just think of those words. He fed the birds why would he let me go hungry. I have witnessed many lay off and heard all the packages they offer. However, I feel the world needs to know that the medical insurance crisis is also affecting the millions of americans that are being laid off from there jobs . Our unemployed are being cheated they offer them to keep the insurance at these ridiculos prices that even if they had a job they couldn’t afford it at the rate being offered. A lot of people that are laid off have health issues and now faced with unemployment another stressful issue or now refered to as the silent killer. Yes unemployment my compensate a portion of there income however there is no medical insurance compensation offered with the unemployment package. So if the world were my audience now I would suggest not only an affordable insurance for the elder, disabled, children, but the now unemployed man or woman who now can not afford health insurance for himself or the family had insured while employed.

Thank Pastor for being my friend the word from you come’s at the right time.Dr monroe is a man of wisdom you are a spiritual educater.Your word’s of wisdom you send to my E mail is a blessing.

I would just really want to say that I love the whole new time system where we get out of church way earlier. For someone that has to work on sunday I would have to come to church and leave almost in the middle of the message to get to work on time. Now the entire service is over by the time that I have to leave. Thats really Awesome to me. So keep doing what you do. And I love how you’ve cut the time of the service but not the quality of the service. Good Job!

Sam

Thanks for the comment about the shorter worship services. We were VERY concerned about the quality of the service. We never want people to feel like they’re being treated like it’s a “drive-through at McDonald’s”.

Thank tou for the encouragement. We’ll work even harder to get the message across about the unlimited power of God!

Ed Montgomery

What do you desire in life?
I desire the life that God wants for me, but that is easier thought than acted out. I want to be able to know that my failures and successes add up to something at the end of the day, and that my giving back is not only focused on the needs that I see, but focused on the needs I may not be aware of.

What would you ask for in a church?
I am glad you asked. A church that focuses on teaching the world on how to have a relationship with God. That teaches the Bible as the Word of God, but understands that practical application is hard, so breaking it down to real life scenarios, a church that does judge you whether you wear ripped jeans or a pin striped suit. Where superficial things aren’t as important as the relationships you re developing with other people and God. Especially a place you can go when you have messed up, that will not condemn you, but encourage you and help you turn around in a support network, not bashing or whispering.

How do you see worship of God?
Worship is communication. Whether it is singing or talking, I think worship is all communication that is meant to present our Creator as the best and deserving of that title. I think we worship with our clothes, our hair, our lifestyles and our words. Worship is daily and I think churches should focus on that.

What’s on your mind concerning our economy?
I am concerned about those who do see this economy as the only way to gain wealth or to be productive. I am concerned that so many people invested in a system that at some point robs us of the purposes of our finances, which I believe is to do many things but to mostly give to others who need it more than we do. People in America are hurting financially, but pain is relative, and the economic crisis that is affecting other countries, should make us more grateful for our present circumstances

What are you praying for?
I am praying for hope. I believe that so many people have no idea, what to hope for, or believe in so they believe in nothing or everything or themselves. I pray that people see Jesus. I think that is the heart of all my prayers.

What would you REALLY like to say if you could be heard by the world?
The world is watching us all. No matter how small we think our impact our influence is, they are watching and waiting for the real thing. You are not the real thing, but we know who is. Instead of placing your yourself as the prime example of a great lifestyle, learn to look up ward and next to you, He is the great example, we are just trying really hard to be good imitators.

Okay,you said feel free to ask,will you do a
teaching on the rapture of the church,a lot
of members don,t know what that is,and are not prepared,I believe the return of Jesus is soon,especially what,s going on in Isreal,its not doom and gloom,for believers,
we should be ready to lead others,too Jesus.

Pastor remember what Dr Myles said to you. Stop seeing yourself as a Pastor, or Preacher but to see yourself as a spiritual Educater and Life Builder. Let’s take a look at what God is saying. Mr.Montgomery(your name has been change) No longer a Pastor or Preacher, God call you Teaher(spiritual educater)! you are getting ready to experince the word like you never have before, People are going to think you are crazy. because it will go against what they have been hearding. Mr.Montgomery it’s been there all the time but your eyes has been close to it, But God is getting ready to reveal what’s already been. You ask a question (what would you ask for in a church?)God is no talking about building a phyical church remember you already have that. God said you’re a Life builder! where is that life? It’s in me, in you, in people. You’re getting ready to Teach and build lives in a way you never experience! Forget the old and allow God to bring you into the New. Don’t be afraid, because it will go against the Old Way! Be Bless

If I could be heard by the world I would say…. watch, look around and help those who are hurting and wanting for something you have to give. So many just walk on by and only think of themselves when in reality they could do so much for so many. Even if it is only for one … it still means much. Like the widow with the miter, it wasn’t much but she gave all she had!

Love is the biggest issue we should focus on. Treating others as better than ourselves. If you can pay for someones groceries, do it. If you can only give them a gift of your time by watching kids for an hour so a mother can go do shopping, then do it. What can you do with what you got????
LOVE GOD AND LOVE OTHERS

I would like to see more activity with the young adults. I feel out of place and would like to see the opportunity of young adults fellow-shipping. In life I desire to love one another as our own brothers and sisters and not be judgmental. My ultimate prayer is get into medical school as well as my destiny being fulfilled.

I am praying for a total recorvering of a heavy Brain Infection.
Dear ED The Ecouragement Words you send me every week are greats support for me.
Thank you.
Sevi.

Spiritual Educator that exactly what you are. I love the way you teach us to apply the word of god to our lives. The services are to the point the fact that you do sermons in series is absoultey awsome it gives mr the opportunity to study what you taught and know there will be a continuation the following Sunday. I work full time a full time parent and a single mother of three;therefore I am praying for the strength to keep going everyday. Your teaching keeps me grounded and focused

THANK YOU

I am what christians would refer to as saved, meaning I have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I believe this , but I am struggling with much of what I have been taught and what I have been teaching quite effectively for a number of years until this year when I began to question the role of the church in my life and in the lives of others. The church is supposed to be an inclusive fellowship not an excliusive club, but ask yourself this is the church that you attend open to all or just those who look like you? The church is supposed to unite but the church is the most segrated institution remaining in our society.The Church should serve as a safe haven , but all to often the doors of the church are closed and the gates are locked. What are your thoughts and experiences?

Posted by saynsomething

What would you ask for in a church?
I can only ask what I would like for ALC.
As a active member for many years I can only ask for my church what I AM willing to give. And that is a “stick to it ability’. ALC seems to be on any roads and in my personal observation I am not sure in which direction we are going from month to month. One month we are going on one path and then another not sticking to none long enough to see results. Pastor, when we built the Cathedral one of things that propelled me in serving was that I was leaving an inheritance. A place or a people were after I am gone my children and grandchildren would remember where I served the Lords with gladness. I believed the words then and want to believe them again. I was never interested before in what other churches were doing because I was always busy doing in my church on what I think is the vineyard God placed me to labor in. But you have awakened my curiousity when you speak from the pulpit about what other churches have and are doing, even when you took your staff years ago so they could dream. I don’t want to dream anymore I honesly want to see the work of God’s hands in ALC, starting now. forgive me, but I talk as a daughter, mother, wife, sister and member who loves her church. That is what I want for my church. Let us stick to something

What do you desire in life?

When I first visited Abundant Life years ago, I was amazed at how the people knew and recited scripture responding to your sermons Pastor Ed. I also remember you saying “just stick with me (or this church) and I will help you reach your destiny. Ever since that day, all I have been able to say about Abundant Life is that there is a LOT of transcending power in the church.

My desire or the destiny I wanted was to be able to see people healed by equipping them them with health information. I wanted to conduct research to see if health programs in the faith community were “doing what they are designed to do” especially in the African American community. So, through the power received from the Word received at Abundant Life and through my own personal relationship with God, I was able to perform the research last year while earning a Doctorate in Community Health. I believe that the church can be instrumental in providing health information to prevent some of the diseases that affect our community. With the help of 3 churches in Houston, my research was successful and I hope to continue provided the service in the community. Completing the program and the research was very difficult but God always sent a Word through you Pastor that would build me up and give me the strenght to continue. At some of my most critical moments, you seemed to have been affected by some kind of crisis making me feel that the Word you were delivering would be cut off which meant that I would be cut off.

What would you ask for in a church?
A church that not only focuses on the spiritual needs of people but also on the environmental factors that prevent people from focusing on their spiritual needs.

How do you see worship of God?
Worship should start out on a personal level and be ready to blossom once a person enters into the sanctuary. I remember attending a session at the church and most of the people did not know what a personal relationship with God was and wanted to know.

What’s on your mind concerning our economy?
My concern is how fear is being placed into people and what they are going to do with that fear.

What are you praying for?
I am praying that all people be empowered with enough information to live successful lives.

What would you REALLY like to say if you could be heard by the world?
I think this one has been answered. I spent year before last praying for black men. Sending out mass prayer request for agreement with this request. I never knew that God would raise up a black man to be President.

Stay strong Pastor Ed because you are making a difference!

Love Dr. G.

“Church” is more than a building-more than any particular ministry. Church is ‘people’ – flawed, cracked people who are healed by God and decide to make a difference in the world.

The church we seek to build must go beyond structures.Church is not an organization-it is what we’re doing right here, right now. And I believe the structure part comes from the natural spiritual flow of people’s hearts.

Ed Montgomery

…by the way, you’re having a good discussion. Share this with you friends online. And yes, this is Ed Montgomery talking to you:)

elm

Why? Churches don’t do anything but minister to the people inside the four walls.I grew up in church & now look at my life. What life? I’m moments away from ending it all. I’ve made my list. I’m ready to go. You can’t save me but I’m going to leave you this message so maybe you can reach someone else before its too late. Until the church steps outside of its 4 walls and what we know as church and begins to minister to the needs of damaged, broken, hurting people then nothing is going to change. How can you spend 30 years in church and never be free from the pain of a past? Pastor tells a mother not to leave her husband(the man who rapes his daughter every night). No one ever stops to think this girl is going to grow up with some major issues if we don’t begin to speak into her life and speak to her situation and show her how to pick up the pieces. Yeah that’s what I got from church a life of pain and now I’m laying here in the middle of the floor preparing to end it all because the church FAILED. Pastors need to stop being wimps afraid to preach about issues that are relevant. They have to know that Sunday after Sunday they’re preaching to people hurting lost damaged confused people and they need to speak a word that will mend the broken and transform damaged lives. My life is in shambles I don’t need a prosperity message. Don’t tell me about a house and car, and wealth when I’m dying inside.

Why? Churches don’t do anything but minister to the people inside the four walls.I grew up in church & now look at my life. What life? I’m moments away from ending it all. I’ve made my list. I’m ready to go. You can’t save me but I’m going to leave you this message so maybe you can reach someone else before its too late. Until the church steps outside of its 4 walls and what we know as church and begins to minister to the needs of damaged, broken, hurting people then nothing is going to change. How can you spend 30 years in church and never be free from the pain of a past? Pastor tells a mother not to leave her husband(the man who rapes his daughter every night). No one ever stops to think this girl is going to grow up with some major issues if we don’t begin to speak into her life and speak to her situation and show her how to pick up the pieces. Yeah that’s what I got from church a life of pain and now I’m laying here in the middle of the floor preparing to end it all because the church FAILED. Pastors need to stop being wimps afraid to preach about issues that are relevant. They have to know that Sunday after Sunday they’re preaching to people hurting lost damaged confused people and they need to speak a word that will mend the broken and transform damaged lives. My life is in shambles I don’t need a prosperity message. Don’t tell me about a house and car, and wealth when I’m dying inside. The church is supposed to be a safe haven but I’ve never known it to be that. I hope that the church you are building will be different.
K

I would like to say: to all of the people Christian and Non-Christian that you are somebody. Believe in yourselves. Just as Jesus believes in us and is constantly asking his father God to give us another chance. I was told by some Christians that I was nothing, am nothing, and never would be anything. If I had listened to them I would have killed myself. Put your trust in God!!! Not man!! REMEMBER!! JESUS IS COMING BACK SOON!!!!! So get ready, Be ready, and Stay ready. GOD BLESS THE WORLD!!!

To “K’

I recently got a cut on my leg. I was walking around in the dark-not really sure what happened. The cut left a scab.I picked at it-it wouldn’t heal.

We pick at wounds and don’t always realize we are doing it.

It took awhile to heal. But I do remember the healing started the day I stopped picking at it and realizing it was what it was – I couldn’t fix it by reopening it. I just had to leave it alone and focuse on something else.

30 years is a long time to wait on the ‘church’ to fix it.But then again maybe tomorrow is the day God starts the healing because we let Him.

Maybe we start today by leaving the scab alone.

What do you think…”K”?

elm

To K:
By the mere fact that you are online lets me know that God is sending you a life line. Hold on to it this day. I don’t feel that it’s coincidence that I did my first blog today and you are on it. People fail us,systems fail us but God NEVER fails. I don’t believe that you had 30 years of no hope. Sit on that floor and grab on to HOPE. I command your spirit to rise up and recognize that the voices that are screaming to you to let go must be silent. Jesus spoke to the storm and told it “Peace be still” and it obeyed. You do as I will be doing the same for you. Tell the voices to shup. I hope you can feel the presence of God all around you. You have a story to tell, don’t let us miss out.

First and foremost I think ALC is truly amazing! For a very long time I could not connect with a church, but I immediately connected with ALC and to this day it keeps me coming back for more! While I think our church is progressive and just about perfect, I would really love to see more community outreach and new volunteer programs. One of our many duties as Christians is to give back and support those around us that need help. When I speak of community outreach/volunteer programs I think branching out of the norm would really be great and maybe even challenge other churches to do the same for example focusing on health and potentially having health fairs or screenings for diabetes and high blood pressure. These are just some suggestions and maybe a bit far-fetched, but I know personally I would join this type of committee in a heartbeat and be truly dedicated and I feel others would do the same. I feel as though our congregation has so many resources that can help people and our church and often times these resources are underutilized.

What I am praying for? While there are so many things at the top of my “prayer list,” I pray for a really good man – honestly a really good husband. I am young and really on my way and it just seems so extremely difficult to meet someone worthy and willing to date and/or marry. Also being surrounded by a society with so much divorce and heart ache, I do admit many time I simply feel hopeless. So I pray for hope and that I will soon meet a good man and/or the right man.

To K,
Hold on…help is on the way. God has heard you. He loves you. Do NOT give up. You are right on the cusp of something great. He is sending words to you that shall revitalize your soul. You have too much to live for. Don’t die yet. Make the choice to live. Choice is one of the most powerful tools God gives to us. Use your tool. Even if you think you can’t…know that you can. The greater one lives inside of you. Look within. Find God. He is there. He is there to help you, my friend. He will never leave you. He will never forsake you.

I would to begin by saying this is the first time interacting with the ACL blog. I was a regular visitor in the 80′s until my family moved several times around.

What do you desire in life?
I desire peace. I desire the peace we can only obtain through an uncompromising relationship with God. I desire peace in my family, in my profession, and in my heart.

What would you ask for in a church?
I would ask that church provide be the center of our communities to ignite the fire needed to encourage our members to become participants rather than spectators.

How do you see worship of God?
I see worship of God as an educating, energizing and ensuring of God’s word. It is an opportunity to celebrate what God did, is doing, and has planned for all in his word.

What’s on your mind concerning our economy?
I am not sure. I know that our economy has press some hard times on our nation. At the same time, I believe through hard times come strenght, wisdom, courage, and connection. As people, we have all face an obstical or a concern in our lives. The economy will provide us with the opportunity to lean on our ROCK and not our finances.

What are you praying for?
I am praying for my children. I am praying for my strenght. I am praying for my profession as a whole. I am praying for strenght of my marriage. I am praying!!!!

What would you REALLY like to say if you could be heard by the world?
EMBRACE, EDUCATE, ENSURE, ENTRUST, EVOLVE, ENHANCE, and ENJOY the EMBRACE!!!!!

to K:
I have been looking to se if you are still logged on.
Praying for since yesterday. Hoping that youhave made the decision to hold on till the morning. Because I can remember a song saying “that touble don’t last always”. K my hope is that you hear a that still small voice inside of you. God is speaking and he has his arms stretched out to you. Will you please take his hand

What I look for in church, an Honest Pastor,

I am concerned about the lack of accountability in many churches today. Yes, God wants us to prosper; but He also wants us to be obedient doers of His Word. And by the way that scripture in 3rd John is a greeting at the beginning of a letter from John to Gaius, his friend. It’s not God talking to us.

For every promise of “I will” God states in the Bible, there is an “If you.” And we very seldom hear that part. Where are the watchmen on the wall?

What am I praying for? I’m praying that the Whole Council of God is preached. So that we will be well grounded in the Word. I’m praying that more accountability is preached and less prosperity. I’m praying that the body of Christ studies the Word for themselves, and hold everyone accountable who pollute the Word whether for selfish gain or lack of integrity. I’m praying that America will get back on her knees and stop compromising with the devil. I’m praying that Christians WAKE UP, CONFESS UP AND LOOK UP! Jesus is coming back for a church without spot, wrinkle, or any such thing. It is written: “Seek ye FIRST the kingdom of God, AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS, and all these things shall be added unto you.” It will be a sad day when Christ comes back and for whatever reason Christians who thought they were heaven bound, find themselves still on earth after the rapture. There will be three surprises in heaven: 1) Someone you thought would be there – isn’t there. 2) Someone you thought would not be there – is there. 3) You’ll be there yourself. Let’s watch and pray.

To ELM, SHERYL MAYERS, & KAREN CARTER
Thank you for your responses.

When it comes to God I’m like a little girl desperately trying to get my daddy to see me. Hungry for his acceptance and approval. I pray. I beg. I cry. I hurt. He doesn’t respond. I’m tired. I’ve tried to accept that though He didn’t cause the pain in my life He allowed it for a purpose. I don’t understand how you let a childs life get turned upside down and then expect them to trust you, and if I make the choice not to trust & serve him my destination is hell. Doesn’t seem fair. I keep telling myself to just try to get through the day. I’ve written out my last wishes, I’ve ground up the pills, I’ve planned it down to the smallest detail. I just keep hoping He’s going to finally see me, rescue me. I’m running out of hope.
Thoughts racing through my head tell me to just do it already. Wishing I hadn’t been raised in the church raised in the knowledge that if I carry this out I’m surely going to hell. I look at my life and see that hell is where I am now; so what would be the difference? I think about my niece and how this will affect her. I’ve tried to keep that at the front of my mind hoping it will help me hold on just another day but even now it just doesn’t seem to matter. I’m tired. I’m so tired. He doesn’t see me. He doesn’t want me. I want the pain to stop. I need the pain to stop. I’m tired of band-aids and temporary fixes.
I’m sleeping with the pills guarding them with my life because its my only out. I feel selfish because there are people who will be hurt by my doing this but they can’t help me.
I’m not picking at the scab I’ve really tried hard to let it go. I called my father I told him I forgive him and that I release him. Same with my mother. I thought by releasing them somehow it would release me but I’m still locked in the nightmare.Afraid of everything. Unable to lead a normal life.
What’s the point? It really doesn’t matter anymore. 30 years wasted. I look at disasters (9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Tsunami, etc.) and I cry not because of the devestation but because I wasn’t one of the lives lost.

K, First I want to state that though you do not realize it, YOU ARE BLESSED beyond measures! For whatever reason YOU ARE STILL HERE! AND I THANK GOD FOR THAT! I am glad to see that you are taking a lot of things into consideration. You assessed your timing, provided a cause, and stated the effects of what you contemplate doing. But more importantly you have searched within your knowledge of God and realized it is NOT his will that we end our lives because of the pain that we currently feel.

K, I cannot begin to imagine what you feel. No different than the pain of parents who lost their son to a car accident last week-end as he was returning from his freshman orientation. Your situation may seem as tragic as 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, Tsunami, and my student, but what gives light in this darkness is that despite what you have experienced you are still here! My student is gone, but his brother who was in the car with him survived. The brother stated at the funeral that there was a reason why he lived and his brother died. He promised to spend the rest of his days finding out why God allowed him to live. He faces a tough battle since he was the driver of the car.

I realized it’s been a 30 year battle for you, but have you tried helping other women who have had similar experiences? K.— Dr. Ed shared a few weeks ago that THE WORLD IS WAITING ON US! It is not about what the church can do for us, BUT WHAT CAN WE DO FOR THE WORLD? K, there are women who have NOT had 30 years to deal with an issue. You have to let the healing begin, so that the body (others) can experience YOUR healing. There is a purpose for your life, and I pray you will not leave this earth until that mission has been fulfilled.

To: AnnWms
I appreciate your words.

I don’t have anything to offer these women. I’m broken. I can’t help mend someone else. I’m not healed, how can I direct someone else to healing? I’m sorry about your student. Its a terrible thing that I’m sitting here wishing I was in his place. I was in a car accident last year that no one who’s seen the pictures can believe I walked away from. I’ve tried to find the reason He keeps me here. I’ve longed to know my purpose. Now I don’t care.I’m tired of feeling like Gods punching bag. I’m tired of feeling.

To K:

I am so glad you are still communicating with us. Yes, it hurts. Yes, I don’t think it’s fair. And I cannot begin to think nor I can’t part my lips to say I understand your frustration or even anger at God. As I read your words I dear to believe that you consider yourself his child. Because you are constantly callling him your FATHER. And as his children, we are entitled to be upset with what he allows to happen in and to our lives. If I was in your situation I think I would feel the same way too. Many of times I have been very, very upset with God. But this is not about me, this is about YOU. That wonderfully created human been God created and the devil tried to derail by creating situations that potentially could have made you not believe that this GOD is really interested in what happens to us. But as we speak have you considered how strong you really are? You may not think by expressing these deep routed feelings you are not helping anyone. Because continue to speak you make the devil a liar, when he says you cannot make it one more day. Well let me tell you. YOU ARE. And you cannot do this by yourself, Whatever THIS is. I believe God will not fall of his thrown if you tell Him what you really feel. I wish you could find a open field somewhere near your home. And out there SCREAM!!!!SCREAM!!! on the top of your lungs. Until you get exausted. Tell GOD what hurts, how it hurts and what you want Him to do for you. Because I guarantee, if you look at grass and trees while you are there, they will speak to you. I dare you to try this. What is there to lose? Come on K, you have more fight in you. Fight so those that did you wrong don’t get to WIN. YOU WIN, YOU WIN. You are a overcomer. So far you said you don’t find any purpose for this life you are living. What about thinking that you purpose in life is ‘MAKE THE DEVIL A LIAR, IN THINKING THAT YOUR BEST DAYS ARE AHEAD OF YOU. AND THAT THE WORLD IS HONORED TO HAVE YOU IN IT. I don’t know you in the natural, but I feel as a child of God I know my SISTER, in the spirit. And you WILL live to declare the works of the Lord.

To K

I can understand what you were feeling I am glad you made it through I have been where you are and I made it.. It will be hard but listen to Montgomey, get the daily devotionals sometimes wnen I get his personal notes that goes to everyone seems like he wrote them with me in mind and those things kept me from ending it all. Always rememeber the night has to end visualize the yourself making it through. I will keep you in my prayers.

You’ve all been so kind. I’m sorry to have interrupted the flow of the blog with my issues. Thank you for tolerating me.

To K:
Thanks for responding to me. You don’t realize through your struggle you are helping us all to see. You are far from being “Gods punching bag.”I often share with my colleagues how important it is to check our vantage point when we feel locked into life situations.

Most people proudly brag on having 20/20 vision especially if they are past the age of 40. However when it comes doing inventory about our present condition, 20/20 is not enough. There is a saying that one cannot always trust their sight as things are not as they always appear (2 Corinthians 5:7 Contemporary English Version). When an individual stands at ground level it is easy to see the cars in front of the building. The person living in a high-rise can see several city blocks. But it is the person who obtains the corner office on the forty-fifth floor who has the ability to see the outskirts of the city even on a cloudy day.

K, I challenge you to change your vantage point. No one has ever been a punching bag for God but instrument for His glory. I am sure at some points in your life you have been able to see beyond your cloudy days. Your purpose was been revealed when Dr. Ed asked what we desire, and what we want out of a church, you responded back. Your comments implied that the church should go out of its’ four walls and we have. You have made it apparent that this means of communicating (through the BLOG) to the hurting is necessary. The reason you are here is to let us know that we have to continue to find unique ways to address the needs of the hurting. We have to care…more importantly we have to listen. Your purpose has been to make us ALL listen when the others did not.

Finding your purpose is more important than the flow of the blog… We care and will continue to pray for you.

Hi Dr. Ed,

I was just thinking about your message from this past Sunday (7/26), and you said something about we may be on our jobs to witness to people. I recently got married last month, and one of my coworkers was looking at our photos from the wedding. He asked why I started to cry during the ceremony, and I told him that the vows became real to me. Our pastor that my husband and I grew up under married us, and he doesn’t let couples write their own vows. He taught us during our premarital classes that God has instructed wives to honor and obey their husbands and husbands to love their wives. We read the scriptures, and those words were incorporated in the vows we spoke to one another. Those made me emotional during the ceremony.

My coworker, after listening to my explanation, said, “who said those are God’s words?” I explained that they were in the Bible, and the Bible is God’s word. He said, “well, you are an auditor, and you should know better. Were you there when it was written? How do you know it is true, and who said whoever wrote that was capturing ‘God’s words’?”

So, I began to explain and witness to him, and he responded with, “Blah, blah, blah. Have faith…yeah yeah yeah.” We continued to talk about it, right before he just ended up sitting down at his desk and ending our conversation, but it made me think about your words this past Sunday.

I’m praying for my co-worker, and I hope that my words to him spark a change of faith within him.

Thanks for being a great minister.

To K:

This may be your calling. Your problem just may be your purpose. It may be time to shame the devil and help other young children avoid the same situation. There are so many children going through this situation now with no real system to help them. Maybe you can volunteer and be an advocate for them and help improve laws to help children. One that I would like to see is that children be required to submit annual physical exam reports to the schools just as they do with immunizations.

Go get um!

Your message this past Sunday was so on point. I like the way you “introduced” how the enemy is counting on people believing that the devil and demons do not exist. As long as they don’t believe that they exist, they have no reason to realize that there is a need to fight, to believe that there is a war going on in the heavens, and we and our families are a part of it. That is why He says in his word, “Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles (schemes) of the devil…”

Good word!

Pastor Ed,

You posed the question on this blog “What would you ask for in a church?” I replied on July 25th that, while the church is great, I would really love to see the church do more community service. On July 26th in your Sunday sermon you spoke against ALC doing more community service and having more ministries and then when I tried to approach you, immediately after church, to be clear in my understanding of your message you were unavailable. I am confused as it seems, coincidentally, that you spoke against mere suggestions written on this blogged – questions that were asked by you.

Hi Afrancis
I really thought that blogging was an area where topics were being discussed back and forth. And it would be place were candid discussion on certain subjects would be dissected. Are you asking for ALC as a church body to do more community service? What kind of community service are you refering to? Because I saw an opportunity for us to talk to “K” and I think and hope she was encouraged. That is one type of community service. Does this fall in the category of community service?

Hi Pastor:

I just want to say thank you for allowing the Lord to use you. My mother and I and my 4 year old son have been attending ALC since around Thanksgiving of 2008. This is the body in which the Lord himself has lead us to. Even though we don’t get to come every sunday (I am a manager at Target and I only get every other sunday off), every time we are there the Lord has a word of encouragement from him to us through you. The Lord has done a tremendous healing in our lives and even more so since we have been attending ALC. We truly do love you and your wife and we Thank God for you. I was a Prodigal Daughter until Feb 24, 2008 when the Lord Himself saved me and brought be back to him. It has been a long hard road but I am happy to say I am finally back with my father where I belong. He has given my a desire help others in their walk with him and to know that God indeed loves us and his plan for our lives will prevail. Thank you again Pastor and I look forward to seeing you in church next Sunday. God Bless you….

Pastor Ed,

Thanks so much for your outreach and support within our community. While you expressed what we were doing for our youth supporting their bottled water and car wash and skipping on selling chicken dinners (I am happy to hear), I have to state a few of the things I know that ALC is known for within the Alief community. Recently ALC along with UWIN charitable organizations was recognized by Alief ISD for support throughout the school year through hosting support groups within the alternative programs, mentoring young ladies within the middle schools and collaborating with HCC to guide students toward entering college. I am honored to sit under your teaching –you have shown your sincerity to build the people who shape the world.

I am looking forward to your back school rally August 23…

yes, I am listening…

I don’k like to break into my blog after I pose a question or forum for discussion. I’m sure many of you wouldn’t mind me entering into the dialogue with you-I enjoy talking with you. Many pastors don’t get the opportunity to interact like this. I think it’s important for spiritual leaders to come down from the proverbial ‘mountain top’ and get down to the valley where people are.

I chose to break into the blog because of what sounded like a potential suicide. I noticed the blog was answering the questins I opened up. That’s good. But much more than that – you began to talk to each other -that’s what this blog is about as one of our bloggers said.

In the weeks to come I intend to dive into more issues-issues you bring up. But isn’t that what you want, a voice to be heard?

Many of you know my position on community service. I’ve taught this position for 28 years – “Build the people who shape the world”.

For example, instead of creating a program from the church to change school and educational coditions…why not encourage parents to become a part of the PTO or PTA and work directly with their local school. Seek positions on commities or run for office.

ALC has many programs, they are just formed differently to be as effective as possible.

We fix what we can fix. My grandmothe had a saying, “don’t be a Jack-of-all-trades and a master of none.

This blog is a place to discuss anything. We don’t sensor your blogs unless the is vulgar speech or something like that.

You can disagree with me, however because of time constraints, I can’t discuss the finer points of blog issues on Sunday morning.

Please, everyone, Don’t feel like you are being beat up from the pulpit. Many of the other bloggers will tell you I’ve been talking about “church programs” for months now -long before the blogs.

But I will also say, if a GOOD topic comes up on our blog, I may use it!

If you think this stirred the pot, Wait until you read my next subject:)

Thank you for every comment. I appreciate ALL of you. Don’t stop voicing your thoughts.

ELM

WOW!!!!!!!!!!

I am so happy to see that people are blogging now lol

I’ve read some of the earlier blogs but none have been quite like this one. This blog is an encouragement to me as I read the comments and messages that have been left and I am praying for you all.

Lastly, I use the online giving to do my tithes and offerings and I would like to suggest if possible having something like paypal where you can create an account and save your card information and just type in an amount instead of having to type in my card number and stuff every single time that i want to give. Thanks sooo much.

Sam

Pastor Ed,

I want to let you know that the message “TOL” was a life changing experience to me. I will never be the same because of the revelation that I received after that message. I equate it second, only to my receiving my salvation. After THAT message, I have found that my life has not been the same. Thank you for your obedience to our Father.

dr ed montgomery i dont know if you remember me from many years ago , i was in houston about 20 years ago me and my wife . i was so turn on at that time . me and my wife joined and later she got sick and we moved back to memphis tn, i had a scar on my face from an accident,and i learned so much from you ,it was the turning point in my life and i have never looked back, thanks.i became a member of breath of life cc church and served for about 11yrs and now God call me to start a church from ground up which is a hard thing ,but not to hard for God. the name of the ministry is the mind of christ ministry . we are dedicated to phil.2-5 let this mind be in you ,we have 12 members right now but are growing thanks to you and your wife. i hope one day to see you soon . you should feel great that you sowed a life in the future that remember his beginning , i thank
God for i am spirtually right now, and the future thanks to you i have caught the same spirit you have one of excellence and love . pray for our church as we pray for yours. this letter can never do justice for how much you and your ministry has done for me .

Dr. Ed Montgomery,

Your ministry is/has been a blessing to my life. I live in North Carolina and I have delayed and delayed this however this is the season because it is unfinished work for me. Five years ago in October I was diagnosed with kidney cancer. The doctors gave me up right after they received my medical scan back and told me I was going to die. They told me the cancer was over eighty two percent of my body and they could only give a few months of quality life after the surgery. The cancer was contained in the one kidney. I have a sister in Christ that belongs to your member ship there Sister Jacqueline Williams. She prayed with me often and ended up sending me your CD-Healing: God’s Medicine. This was a turning point in my healing process. I took the daily mediations and repeated them daily, I removed every CD from my car and over and over listened to your CD, I played the CD every night as I slept (it played over and over). One of the kidneys was cancerous and removed however by the time I got to this stage that word in the daily mediations had saturated every thing in me. I was told I was going to die but I am very much alive and supposingly the dead woman is up ministering about the same God that healed two thousand years and how He is still healing today. We do not have to except the goods that the enemy tries to deliver however we have to live on the promises of God. God has already paid the price.I did not have any chemo. I did six weeks of radiation and walked away and has been walking every since. I thank Pastor Myles Monroe for speaking into your life and for you being obedient unto the Lord and stepping out to educate. I never laughed much through my trial until it saturated my spirit that laughter was medicine from the CD. I learned to laugh as you taught in the CD. I want to thank you and praise my Father for bringing me through. Three months later my sister had her breast removed due to breast cancer. In three months my family had two people that the enemy wanted to take out. I traveled to the state where she lived and packed your CD in my personal carry on and started the process with the CD with her. She is now the Praise and Worship leader at her church and cancer free. I am the Single’s Minister at my church, active in alter ministry and cancer free. Thank you so much and I want you to know that I recommend often at the altar your CD because it seems all that stands in need of healing ends up in my line. Again, thank you for ministering into my life and I pray that your blessings overflow you! I am healed and you were one of the vessels used by God in this process. Praise my mighty God.

Since we are the church then outreach can be as simple as a smile or just the word thank you in world that hurting. Start where we are today. Acknowledge the manager or supervisor on our jobs by letting them know that you appreciate their leadership in keeping employed. Even in a layoff situation thank them for the opportunity to get the experiance you will have from the next job.
Think about it, what will that manager or supervisor think about that Believer that was just handed a pink-slip and was thanked for the opportunity to learn a skill for the next job. One suggestion, why do these Believers have a different approach this bad situation. What does this Believer know that this supervisor or manager should know?

I have been looking for a church like Abundant Life Cathedral in Houston, which I dearly love and tell everyone about. I am in the vicinity of Dr Myles Monroe, so that sounds like a recommen-dation to me. You used to wonder why people would come and listen to you, stay for a while and leave. After watching you go through this, I always wanted to let you know how much you gave to me as a church member. How long does someone have to walk with Jesus to feel His touch? To know His love? Some walked with Him for a short time, others walked ahead of Him preparing the way.
Rabbi, teacher, prophet, steward. I learned a lifetime of lessons from you and your wife that will last forever. You are truly blessed and called to something greater than we knew back in the 1980′s, but I left town for other reasons. I still have my “Building the People that shape the world” mug, tapes, CDs and notes. I clearly heard the Word of God from you and never had to filter your sermons. They were con-centrated, deep and real. You speak directly and honestly. Thank you. Your congregation is blessed to have you both.

Well, Dr Montgomery… I haven’t prayed for 3 months. I have purposely turned my back on God, I first noticed when my 4 year old son said ” Mommy, you forgot to say your prayer.” Inside I thought that I didn’t forget but just because how I feel about my life and God he shouldn’t know and be influenced. So, he said the prayer for us and as he prayed I rolled my eyes. Immature I know and embarrassing. I didn’t roll my eyes at my son but at the thought of him praying to God. Thats when I realized I have full strayed from God. My job is stressing me and b/c of the economy its not like I can get another job quickly especially with little experience. Because of the job pressure and high level stress its causing me to lose control. I am taking it out on my son at times and separating myself from friends and family. I think it has turned into depression now. I feel alone and no one understands. People try to help but I am so tired of hearing people say well pray about it or God won’t put nothing on your plate that you can’t handle. All of that is so cliche and it doesn’t help. Instead I get more upset. I feel like no one care to take the time out to actually examine what I am saying and to actually care about what I am going through. I feel with the cliche statements that are not speaking truthfully from the heart. (SIGH). But, thankfully when I felt that no one can understand the frustration of the stress I am facing b/c of my job goals and standard my coworker was facing the same issue. And she told me alot of things but one thing made me open my eye and ear to listen. She said, “stop the resentment toward God… RELEASE the pain, hurt, fear etc open my heart again for God to come in. Thats the only way that stress I am facing will go away… trust God again and have faith.” So after 3 months of turning my back on God b/c of several issues within my life today 12-12-2009 I fell on my knees and prayed and asked for forgiveness.” I feel relieved but depression is still there but I am looking for ways to improve my state of mind. So, I was thinking about going back to ALC church again. But, I need a support system but don’t know where to turn to but God. I wish I had more friends who are believers who can help me walk this journey.

Just wanted to use this opportunity to wish Dr Ed and lady minister Saundra Montgomery, Ed Jr and Simeon Montgomery and the entire members of the A.L.C family a merry Xmas…..May His grace and the joy that this season brings be yours in Jesus name(AMEN)……see you all at the top in 2010….Halleluyah to the King of Glory!!!

What are you praying for?
God’s Perfect Will for my life, I want the whole thing I don’t want to miss anything.
A commited relationship in 2010 (last year being single). I am waiting, I can hear people saying wait on God, I have for over 10 years and still I am praying for the drought to be over soon. (smile) I have sown good seeds in the last 4 years, thank you Lord for the seed and now the Harvest (I am only saying this because I heard God tell me I have sown over here and there and now harvest). I am working in God’s vineyard and loving it. I seen people run for the Word of God and sit down and read what it is saying what an awesome God we serve. I am praying for more souls to start reading God’s Word and giving their lives to Christ. God has shown me things I never thought I would, the Spirit of Obedience is a wonderful thing, if God says to go left go left, if He says go right I will go right. Wow Lord, amazing! Thank you Pastor Montgomery for this blog. I heard a Wise Man of God say this recently and all I could do is say Mmmm. Here it goes, “You can be laying prostrate before God and still be to tall.” I can almost here you say Hmmmm. (I got to keep this one in my spirit so I may ask God am I humble before Him, this one made me think.)