The Gathering Q&A with Costi Hinn

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First, it is so awesome to see the Joy of the Lord is Costi's strength, as he is back and well, yea. Good to see you brother, remember at the beginning of the day, Jesus loves you, at the end of the day, Jesus loves you. No matter what you do, Jesus always loves you!

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Now - as Jethro Bodine of the Beverly Hillbillies would say, woooo wheee - for not preaching a sermon - there is so much to unpack here in dropping in to see a Q & A for the Next Gen group. Kids (if you are under 60 - you are a kid to me, but I was 16 like yesterday) ... you are so blessed to have such a great leader and teacher like Costi. I like how he addressed the (1st) concern - why do we exist? You know, it's never a bad thing to ponder and reflect. The Holy Spirit can be and is at work whenever you have such thoughts and questions. The thing you have to ask yourself in such a rut or trap is - are my thoughts drawing me closer to God and joy, or further away and depressed. I used to be a high school counselor, and it never ceases to amaze me all the "grown-up" way before your time type of questions, realities and circumstances that young people go thru today. Now what was great here, is when you are lost, as Costi so aptly pointed out, Go back to the beginning. God made you. No one like you. No mistakes. Each for a unique purpose. And the wonderful thing here is even as Costi demonstrates in prayer, he identifies with this one, saying I don't feel fine, and is with him in and thru the struggle. Having someone you look up to, who can put their arm around you, who can keep you accountable and confront you, is a great big head start that they didn't have in my youth groups of the 60s and 70s. I am so glad God directed Costi to this church to help these kids, at this time. You Rock Costi.

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Finally, he closes out with CHECK the BOX accountability. If you are going to take my daughter, are you ready yet young man? Son are you saving up money? Do you plan to learn a skill? Are you willing to work hard? Where was Costi in our youth group in Albuquerque back in the day, you are the most blessed young ones. The more you prepare yourself for the gift in being a gift, the more ready you will be when the time comes. When we were young we all wanted to be older too fast. I'm 14 and a half, etc. Now when you are nearing 65 or 70 you look back and say, maybe we should have slowed down a bit to enjoy the smell of the roses and the coffee a bit. The most SAGE advice we did not have from our youth pastors of the day, was (a) if you are going to hang out, don't break your relationship by going too much, too fast. (b) be accountable in a group - preferably not all the same interests or age (c) and to SAVE ENOUGH SPACE for JESUS to be between the 2 of you. I can tell you, if Jesus is not at the center of your relationship, no matter how pretty she is, how handsome and muscular he looks, whether he pinned you or gave you his varsity jacket or school ring, it won't last. There is such a world of wisdom here, all in less than an hour, truly an amazing session. We are blessed to have such strong leadership and direction here at Redeemer, you are in much better hands than Allstate could ever insure you to be in.

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Part 2 of that is when you are bored and have little to do, like Costi says, get busy, get your eyes off yourself, and see how you can help others out. If we have a mission, we have a purpose. Which turns to the next concern >>> and it is INTENSE - great saying Costi - BE NICE TO MEAN PEOPLE, that is a good title for the Sunday services at well, especially in recent happenings in our country. Costi is so good at working with these kids - Share the Gospel, tells them what to read, where to start, how to pray, a good model - The Romans Road - and hallmarks of being saved and being a Christian, conviction, and confession. If you can go on la tee dah and feel no remorse, that is not a good sign. This type of session allows for good interaction and accountability. Especially for the 27 yr old who's mom still has their IPAD, lol.

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I also like how Costi puts it right out there, honest about Bethel - the music, his own rearing, and that weird things can happen in cult-like conditions. Fear and Control may be from the government or an evil leadership that is insecure or willfully ignorant, but it is not of the Lord. Bullies never prosper for long, all things come to the light. The hook can be enticing, so remember even the devil can appear as an angel of light, and trip you up, or can walk by and with a wink seduce your weakness, that is their goal and mission, your goal is to seek a way of escape which the Lord provides. Not easy when you are young, or old, it's a matter of the heart to be obedient and willing, so are you? I love when Costi says - "when people know you love them, it keeps the door open, for you to continue to minister" - a relationship is far more important than a religious service, a bulletin, or an address.

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What was the old adage for car repair, you can see me now, or you can see me later, never ignore the engine light is on. Again brilliantly pointed out by Costi - "Scripture FILTERS what you DWELL on" as a man thinks he becomes and reflects the company he surrounds himself with. I wish I had learned that at a young age and was held more accountable for it.

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The pinnacle of womanhood - read Proverbs 31 - that is who you want. A woman who is willing to water the camels (hard work) is a lot better than one who sits on the sofa, eats Haagen Daaz, and watches endless hours of TV.