Pastor Ed's Blog

Football Friday

Pastor Ed Castro — Thu, 27 May 2010 23:56:00 GMT

It's not a secret to people who know me that I love football. Today in Football Friday I want to submit

3 reasons the N.Y. Jets are going to the Super Bowl

Confidence- This team is extremely confident and they got reasons to be as well.

They were 32 minutes away from the big game last year.
They were the number 1 defense and rushing which is generally a surefire formula for success in the NFL
They are being featured in the H.B.O. 'Hard Knocks' show and will play many prime time which will give them a constant reminder that with team success comes individual attention that can be leveraged to post-career success and will get the team used to pressure.
The front office was extremely aggressive in picking up same great off-season acquisitions and got a A- in my book in the draft
Rex Ryan is a great coach, great recruiter and retainer of coaching talent..how he kept the Off. Coordinator ,Special Teams and previous defensive coordinator who all interviewed for the head coaching job was a great sign of leadership and how recruited Coach Callahan a former Super Bowl coach to join his staff without providing a coordinator position means he can recruit.
Swagger is often the intangible factor that helps teams go to another level

The emergence of Mark Sanchez, this will allow the team

To open the playbook. The Jets run a fairly complicated Quick huddle/Shifting/motion offensive that forces the defensive to 'show their hand' . This offense work when you have a QB who can call audible, a pass catching tight end who is a B- blocker and a running game that makes the defense honest.

The Defense got even stronger

With the addition of some great defensive backs via draft and free agency allows the Jets to blitz even more.
With another year of experience the defensive players understanding of the scheme will allow the defensive coaching staff to open their playbook even more.
A healthy Kris Jenkins means that offensive guards will have double team which leaves lanes open for the blitzers

But before we order our 'Super Bowl' T-shirts I do also have 3 concerns this year

Overconfidence- The Bibles says Pride comes before a fall and the Jets need to learn to ride the line between Swagger and conceit.
When a overconfident team hits bumps in the road it often leads to implosion and considering you have so many free-agents from successful teams with plenty of individual success the team chemistry will be tested.

Burn-out- With all the free agents, NY draft parties, Lobbying to host the 2014 Super Bowl, Reality show, extra dose a prime time games and a big bulls eye on their back, one has to be concerned about burn out. Its important the team leverages all those factors to build them rather than burn them out.

Mark Sanchez and the possibility of a sophomore slump- The sophomore slump has afflicted many QB's and considering he is recovering from a knee surgery one has to be concerned about 'Sanchize' progress.

I would love to see the Jets win the big game
Here is my AFC/NFC championship match-up
Jets vs Indy N.O. vs Dallas
sleepers- Green Bay and Baltimore

Helping People Discover The Difference Jesus Makes,
Pastor Ed

P.S Tonight I will be speaking a message 'Armed and Dangerous 202.... learning to have a G.R.E.A.T. Mindset'

Thorough Borough Thursday

Pastor Ed Castro — Thu, 27 May 2010 00:18:00 GMT

It's Thorough Borough Thursday and I'm going to share with you Things to do when your in Brooklyn

Brooklyn Museum- Located in central Brooklyn, the second-largest art museum
in New York City, and one of the largest in the United States, houses a
prestigious collection of work from ancient Egyptian masterpieces to
contemporary art covering almost every culture an art lover could dream of
and first sat is a cool free hang out night spot. Google it

Brooklyn Academy of Music- Cultural hang out spot where you can go for concerts, independent films and Gospel Brunch. http://www.bam.org/

Brooklyn Heights Promenade- Best place to take pics for that city backdrop
look.http://www.yelp.com/biz/brooklyn-heights-promenade-brooklyn
while your there go check out a great Chinese restaurant called Fortune House-
great food but sometimes the little waitress can be a little rude and order the Basil Delight…don’t tell the waitress Pastor Ed sent you because we got beef LOL
http://www.yelp.com/biz/fortune-house-brooklyn

Transit Museum- While you are in Brooklyn heights check out this museum
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mccarren-park-track-brooklyn...alo this museum is
walking distance from Macys

Mccareen park track- if you like to jog, work out or watch a great game of
soccer (Mexican league or Polish league)
http://www.yelp.com/biz/mccarren-park-track-brooklyn

Sea Thai bistro- Cool restaurant with great decor and fair prices http://www.seathainyc.com/sea/brooklyn/index.html

I must say Ana and I prefer Pagoda Thai Restaurant...Less crowds, kid friendly and better lunch specials (the Pad See Yu is dope) http://www.pagodathaifood.com/

Victory Outreach North Brooklyn Church- We can’t forget about your spirit life. V.O.N.B meets at 108 Manhattan ave on Sundays @ 11am and Friday @ 7:30pm and starting June 6 we will be having our Sunday services at P.S. 250 located at 108 Montrose ave (Can you say A.C.). Our services are generally 90 minutes with inspirational music and Biblical teaching that is relevant to your life. Come and Discover the Difference Jesus Makes! http://www.vonorthbrooklyn.org/

Helping people live in Victory

Pastor Ed

Victory Outreach North Brooklyn

Friday Night Live service teaching going to be 'Armed & Dangerous 202'@ 108 Manhattan ave btwn Boerum ave & Johnson ave in Brooklyn @ 7:30pm
hope to see you there

Wednesday Wisdom

Pastor Ed Castro — Wed, 26 May 2010 02:00:00 GMT

Wisdom is not just reserved for old man with canes and white hair. Anyone can learn to operate with wisdom regardless of age, how many teeth you have in the back of your mouth and hair color.

Here are 23 scriptures about Wisdom

Psa 90:12 NKJV - So teach [us] to number our days, That we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psa 111:10 NKJV - The fear of the LORD [is] the beginning of wisdom; A good understanding have all those who do [His commandments]. His praise endures forever.
Pro 1:2 NKJV - To know wisdom and instruction, To perceive the words of understanding,
Pro 2:2 NKJV - So that you incline your ear to wisdom, [And] apply your heart to understanding;
Pro 2:10 NKJV - When wisdom enters your heart, And knowledge is pleasant to your soul,
Pro 3:13 NKJV - Happy [is] the man [who] finds wisdom, And the man [who] gains understanding;
Pro 4:5 NKJV - Get wisdom! Get understanding! Do not forget, nor turn away from the words of my mouth.
Pro 4:7 NKJV - Wisdom [is] the principal thing; [Therefore] get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.
Pro 4:11 NKJV - I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths.
Pro 7:4 NKJV - Say to wisdom, "You [are] my sister," And call understanding [your] nearest kin,
Pro 8:1 NKJV - Does not wisdom cry out, And understanding lift up her voice?
Pro 9:1 NKJV - Wisdom has built her house, She has hewn out her seven pillars;
Pro 16:16 NKJV - How much better to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver.
Pro 19:8 NKJV - He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; He who keeps understanding will find good.
Pro 24:3 NKJV - Through wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established;
Ecc 7:12 NKJV - For wisdom [is] a defense [as] money [is] a defense, But the excellence of knowledge [is that] wisdom gives life to those who have it.
Ecc 7:19 NKJV - Wisdom strengthens the wise More than ten rulers of the city.
Ecc 9:18 NKJV - Wisdom [is] better than weapons of war; But one sinner destroys much good."
Ecc 10:10 NKJV - If the ax is dull, And one does not sharpen the edge, Then he must use more strength; But wisdom brings success.
Isa 11:2 NKJV - The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD.
Isa 33:6 NKJV - Wisdom and knowledge will be the stability of your times, [And] the strength of salvation; The fear of the LORD [is] His treasure.
Col 4:5 NKJV - Walk in wisdom toward those [who are] outside, redeeming the time.
Jam 1:5 NKJV - If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

I pray these scriptures bless you.
here are some thought that may help be a wiser person

Stay aware and don't sleepwalk through life.
Always meditate on how you can do things better and constantly make incremental improvements in your life
Learn to associate pain with living unwise and associate pleasure with living with wisdom. The price behind living with intentionality must be interpreted as pleasure not pain
Evaluate your experiences, the fruit of your expertise and continually stay exposed to wise people.
Get away and gain perspective and stop constantly operating in the 'fog of war' in daily life...learn to live strategic.
Learn to operate with internal driven discipline as oppose to always relying on external conditions to bring awareness to whats needed.
Humble yourself before God and ask the Lord daily for wisdom.

Helping people live in Victory,
Pastor Ed
Victory Outreach North Brooklyn

Friday Night Live service teaching going to be 'Armed & Dangerous 202'@ 108 Manhattan ave btwn Boerum ave & Johnson ave in Brooklyn @ 7:30pm
hope to see you there

Tuesday Toys

Pastor Ed Castro — Tue, 25 May 2010 01:39:00 GMT

In today's Tuesday Toys post and I want to show you three cool things that I'm looking foward to get in my house one day that are pretty cool that will probably be cool additions to your office/house as well

Barcelona Chair

This chair is a classic and will look great in any office or living room http://shrinkalink.com/35433

Keep Calm and Stay Strong Poster
These posters were used in the U.K. during WWII and I think will be a great addition to any person involved in ministry or any other stressful jobs. I think I'm going to put one in my office and one in my sons room http://shrinkalink.com/35436

Sous- Vide vacuum cooker-
This a new en vogue equipment used by the best chefs. This piece equipment will help you make the best steaks and chicken ever.
http://shrinkalink.com/35437

Live in Victory,
Pastor Ed
Victory Outreach North Brooklyn

P.S. This upcoming June Victory Outreach North Brooklyn will be putting on a 'Victory in Marriage' Workshop and our Annual 'Wall Wars' Handball tournament...more info coming later this week

Monday Motivation

Pastor Ed Castro — Sun, 23 May 2010 23:07:22 GMT

Today I want to motivate you to become an avid reader. Every year you should try to read at least 15 books. I want to recommend that you read

A book to focus on your spiritual growth- I recommend the book 'So, you want to be like Christ' http://urlm.in/eqfl
A book to focus on personal development- I recommend the book 'The Success Journey' http://urlm.in/eqfm
A book on finance- I recommend the book 'Rich Dad, Poor Dad' http://urlm.in/eqfn
An inspiring fiction book- I recommend 'The Alchemist' http://urlm.in/eqfo
Read magazines on culture and current events- I read the 'Economist' , "Time' and"Travel and Leisure" among others http://urlm.in/eqfq

Remember...
"You are the same to

"You are the same today that you are going to be in five years from now except for two things: the people with whom you associate and the books you read.” Charles Jones

As you read these books (or any books that help you stay motivated)

find out the big ideas from wikipedia,amazon reviews or similar website as well as read the end first so as you read the book you will understand the contents with more clarity when you get the big picture of the context
remember to savor the book
read the intro because my friend Caryn from South Africa told me most authors write the intro upon the completion of the book so you are getting the writer's clearest 'voice' before the book starts
question the author ...drink from the well of knowledge but beware of the kool-aid
highlight the big ideas
write on the margins using keywords so you know how to go back and find certain ideas
create a checklist in the back of the book
consider how you will implement what you have learned within the next 72 hours upon the completion of the book
try to read on book form the bibliography
remember you are often reading the culmination of years of experience and/or research so value and utilize the knowledge your reading

Hope this inspires you to read more

Peace to the saints,
Pastor Ed Castro
Victory Outreach North Brooklyn

Weekend Wrap up

Pastor Ed Castro — Sun, 23 May 2010 21:14:00 GMT

Here is a quick recap of Victory Outreach North Brooklyn Church's weekend
Saturday

Yesterday we had a great regional discipleship with a great street rally afterward
Pastor Wayne for V.O. Newark and Pastor Tony spoke great sermons
Pastor Wayne challenged people to become loyal people similar to the Armor bearers and cup bearers in the bible
Pastor Tony challenged all the churches to back up their pastors
The VONB church helped in worship, kids, finances, testimonies and music at the rally

Sunday

Today's service started a little rough (A/V issues)
We showed two slide shows (Mighty Men of Valor & yesterday's regional event)
We heard two new testimonies that were authentic and from the heart
The choir sang a great song
We had some of college kids home from school
It was nice to see my Grand mother and great aunt (even though they really can't speak English)
I started a new series entitled 'The way of a spiritual warrior'
Today's big ideas was having discipline in the areas of our personal faith, personal lives and church participation
Ana went to visit our dear friend Cathy Mcclendon after service to pray for her
I'm challenging the church to step up their prayer lives this week alone we had 5 people from our church visit the hospital, it's time to pray for our brother's and sister's
We are challenging all our young people to attend the UTC's upcoming weekend get away

5 Lessons I learned at 2010 Mighty Men of Valor Convention....part 1

Pastor Ed Castro — Wed, 19 May 2010 00:26:00 GMT

I just recently came back from The Victory Outreach International Mighty Men Of Valor Convention at Ontario California. I was blessed to bring some great guys who were exposed to the presence of God and heard principles that will take their lives to a new dimension.
I want to share 5 lessons I learned at the convention

The Importance of being a Trail-Blazer- Victory Outreach is a Trial-Blazing ministry that is the first of its kind. Trail-blazers have passion..Trail-blazers take risk....Trail-blazers have faith...Trail-Blazers are not easily intimidated......Trail-Blazers reap the rewards!
The Value of Hardwork and Planting Seeds Diligently- Ministry takes hard work and often times the work of ministry is often repetitious and ministers have to always stay mindful in not just the 'What' we do but also the 'Why' and the 'Who' we are doing it for (vertically and horizontally). I immediately was inspired to work for God with the right intention, integrity and intensity. I was also reminded to not lose heart my harvest will soon come.
I was reminded to led God lead my 'steps' and 'stops'- Pastor Paul Lloyd ministered to me when he shared about hearing the voice of the Lord during a trial and how God's plan was different from his plan but once he yielded to God's way he saw a great victory, I was reminded that my good is nowhere better than God's best.
The Value of Team Ministry- I was blessed to hear all week of the conference the great success Victory Outreach Capetown is now experiencing largley due to the effectiveness of the team ministry model and I'm excited to implement the team model here at Victory Outreach North Brooklyn.
Pastors need to dream big and help their people dream big as well.- Pastor Al Valdez really inspired me to dream big again and to value the responsibility and privilege to become a catalyst to help the members of V.O. North Brooklyn dream big for their lives.

These were just 5 of many lessons I learned from this awesome convention. Here is the link if you want to see some off the sermons http://www.victoryoutreach.org/media/default.asp

next week I will post 3 more lessons and some pics

God Bless,

36 Life Lessons

Pastor Ed Castro — Sat, 08 May 2010 18:56:00 GMT

Hey Guys,
2 Weeks ago I celebrated my 36th birthday. So I figured to post an entry about 36 lessons I learned in Life. Please understand they are not necessarily in order of importance and they may not completely apply to you or your current situations.

1) Appreciate the gift of Life and the Great Gift-giver- Life is too precious to lived sleep walking and ignoring your Creator. Jesus came to our place(earth) to take our place (The purpose of His substitutionary death on our behalf was to redeem us and set us free) so we can live forever in his place(eternity in heaven).
2) Live by the greatest commandment- Love God with your whole being,love yourself and love others.
3) Learn to follow the counsel of the great companion- The holy Spirit will guide if you yield. My personal mantra is 'God what are trying to show me?'
4)Growing old and growing up are not the same- Make a conscious choice to cultivate your life around Christ's principles and learn to do what you have to do before you do what you want to do.
5)Study, learn and apply the principles from the sermon on the mount-Read and meditate on Matthew 5-7 it will change your life. After a Christ-follower accepts Jesus (the experience that changes our eternal destiny) into their lives they must commit to live by his principles (the expertise that changes our life on earth.)
6) Learn to Endure and adapt without settling for less than you have to-Balance toughness,contentment with a passion for progression.
7) Learn from expertise, experience and exposure so you can elevate your taste, sophistication and refinement without losing your zeal for God- study with the best,try your best and go to the best places and you'll grow. God uses the foolish things I know but how long are we going to stay foolish.
8)Know what you enjoy and make sure it adds and not subtracts from your life- Schedule joy don't wait for it to happen by chance.
9) Readers are leaders- Reading the right stuff can exponentially enrich your life but don't let reading become an avoidance activity
10) Embrace the power of prayer- God truly answers prayer. Prayer was a integral part of Jesus life, Like the VO pastor in Dallas once tweeted 'The ANGEL fetched PETER out of PRISON, but it was PRAYER that fetched the ANGEL.'
11) Continually enlarge your internal and external capacity in order increase your eternal impact- build up or burn out. Remember your appearance is the platform for your presentation
12) Sometimes life bites but don't let the venom of bitterness creep in
13) Intentionally transmit the family values and vision to your kids- If you don't tell your kid 'Tel a vision' will tell your kids their vision. There are two importance principles of learning to remember recognition (recognize the importance) and Repetition (the mother of learning...the builder of neural pathways)
14) Supplements are not substitutes- Reading blogs does not replace your devotion time. Twittering does not replace spending discipleship time with people. Buying your kids gifts in quantity does not replace the gift of quality time.
15) Mindfully keep your vows- To your wife, family, job etc even when your not getting recognized or rewarded in the long run you will avoid much heart break
16) Reward loyalty, because if its not valued it may become extinct- Remember loyalty is a two way street
17)Practice what you preach- There is power in integrity and congruence
18) Learn to measure,manage and multiply your finances and focus
19) Don't share your weaknesses or all the details of your storms to people who can't make a difference-Share your problems and setback with people who can make a difference because some people are vision firelighters and some people are vision fire fighters
20) Try not rush in making a permanent decision during a temporary setback
21) Practice being more pro active than just being reactive- Sometimes its better to ask for forgiveness for being proactive than it is to ask for permission and complaining as a reaction (does that makes sense to you...maybe that explanation is not that great)
22) Hold duel membership to the Plan Clan and the Action Faction- Become a planner and doer, average people are only members to just one of these teams but great people plan & act as well innovate,generate and elevate
23) You reap what you sow- The law of the harvest is timeless
24) Learn to appreciate great things without lusting for them- Learn to look at great homes without creating a disdain for the one your in or own
25) Read and become a student of the Bible- Let the word of God transform your thinking and living. B.I.B.L.E Basic instruction before leaving earth
26) Make daily deposits into your thank account- an attitude of gratitude is magnetic for favor.
27) Honor the covering (Spiritual leadership) in our life- When certain items are left uncovered they dry out. Don't be so quick to leave your spiritual covering (i.e. church). Note to leaders always strive to be a covering and not a Lid.
28) Sometimes faith is spelled r-i-s-k- inaction is often riskier than action when it comes to progressing to your dream
29) Don't always overestimate others and underestimate yourself- Pray, plan,prepare and push towards a better life, develop confidence without arrogance.
30 ) Learn and apply the pareto and parkinson's principles - I have written and spoken on these 'laws' many times in my blog and leadership training
31) Aim to own quality and not just quantity- Beware of greed. Own good things but don't let things own you
32) Seek production more than position- Many great leaders never had a official title
33) Try to journal the journey- I'm trying to keep a journal so I can see the progression of my journey to the fulfillment of my vision
34)Don't stare of the cup of the prohibited while ignoring the sea of the permissible and possible- God's word does advice us not to do certain things and there are requirements but they don't compare to the benefits of being a Christ follower.
35) Your attitude determines your altitude and your aptitude determine your longitude and travel thru life God's way is the High(er)Way
36) Humility and confidence is vital- Humility is the attractor factor for God's favor and confidence is the attractor factor for favor with people. It is written in the gospels the John the Baptist said 'He must increase (Jesus as a priority and aligning the intention in our lives) and I must decrease (re-align my spirit and keep ego in check) don't fall the trap of decreasing your confidence before increasing your spiritual growth, practicing humility and constantly be in a position to be publicly humiliated unnecessarily is not fruitful....I know its kind of confusing but I'm sick of Christian always living in lack and defeat. John10:10

I hope you enjoyed these little axioms I learned through out my life.
After I come back from the Victory Outreach Might Men of Valor conference I will be Blogging more frequently (I promise)
If you enjoyed this blog or maybe you learned something let me know by leaving a comment and by subscribing to this blog.
Peace
Pastor Ed

P.S. Join us for our Mother's day service at P.S. 250 located at 108 Montrose ave in Brooklyn NY service starts at 10:56am and we will be taking free portraits for the first 25 families.

The 3 'Takes'

Pastor Ed Castro — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 01:38:00 GMT

I preached a message last year entitled 'The 3 Takes of Jesus', the principles from the sermons can help turn a good Christian to a great one.

1) 'Take' up your Cross-Luke 9:23 KJV - And he said to [them] all, If any [man] will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me . Jesus desires for his followers to live a life of self-denial, The cross is a symbol and signal of Christianity and a person who dedicated himself to carrying his cross is a person who lives a simple and devoted life (which the older I get the more profound a simple and devoted life seems). We must remember that there will be no Crown wearers in heaven who were not first Cross carriers on earth.

2) 'Take' Jesus yoke-Mat 11:29 KJV - Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Mat 11:30 KJV - For my yoke [is] easy, and my burden is light.
Taking Jesus yoke simple means being connected to God in all our life's endeavors, When we do this we will receive the divine guidance and capacity to not just 'Row' to our goals but also to 'Sail' to our goals.

3) 'Take' Heed to Jesus's teaching and to your life-Mar 13:23 KJV - But take ye heed: behold, I have foretold you all things.
Mar 13:33 KJV - Take ye heed, watch and pray: for ye know not when the time is.
Luk 11:35 KJV - Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darkness.
We must take Heed (pay attention) that we are applying and integrating Jesus words, teachings and commands to our lives and also take stock of our lives by constantly evaluating and meditating on the condition of our lives in a sober 'no excuse' manner then we can pray earnestly about our situations and receive the wisdom from God's word and spirit to continue to grow in the wisdom and grace of God which in time will be imparted 'inside' of us and eventually 'manifested' on the outside.

I believe if we take the 3 'Takes' of Jesus seriously and personally we will eventually leave the 'Good' Zone and possible enter the 'Great' zone.

Remember if you live in New York come and check us out at our Victory Outreach North Brooklyn Easter Service at 108 Manhattan ave (btwn Boerum ave & Johnson ave) first service starts at 10am and the next service starts at 11:30am..join us and bring a friend!

Random for March

Pastor Ed Castro — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 21:25:00 GMT

Here are some random thoughts and stuff I'm up to

This past Saturday my church leadership team went to a great regional training for the Victory Outreach Northeast region (or what I like to call the Tri-state). we had V.O. NYC (My friend Pastor Tony's church...he is hilarious), V.O. Bklyn (regional Pastor Eddie's church), V.O. North Brooklyn (That's us), V.O. Newark (That's my friend Pastor Wayne's church), V.O. Bridgeport (my friend Patrick's church). Pastor Eddie taught a great seminar on 'Team ministry for a dynamic service'.
A few men in my church are preparing to go to the V.O. Mighty Men of Valor convention.
We have some really cool and hip new couples in our church (like people, like priest)
My son Ethan made the Honor roll (I don't remember having a report card in Kindergarten..I probably got an A+ in Nap-ology)
and Ed's report card showed much improvements (His 1st grade H.W. is no joke...school is not the same anymore) and both kids got promoted to yellow belt in Karate school.
My NY Jets have made some good moves (even though they should have kept Thomas Jones...Loyalty is a two way street). Cromartie and Revis means its 'Blitzing' time. They still need a Pass rushing DT (Like Richard Seymour) and Ed Reed type of safety.
Ana had a great time at the V.O. Women's convention a few weeks ago and she had a good time with her homegirl Stacey from London. Stace blessed Ana with a laptop and Lil Eddie spend some time with his Godmother
Today at church we had 14 first time guest at church
We have been hosting Caryn a PHD student (a real PHD not playa hating degree) from South Africa who is interning at the U.N. and she is super cool and smart. I can't wait to visit South Africa
VONB has people from Staten Island, Bronx, Queens and Brooklyn (we are praying for some people from Long Island, Manhattan and Jersey Shore so can they fist pump praise dance J/k)
The church has new volunteers in the finance, A/V, Kids Church, ushering and music ministry.
Things at the 9-5 are pretty cool and officiating the wedding of a cool co-worker on my B-day (4/24)
My family is having a family reunion/vacation in Orlando this summer.
I learned great leader protect their focus more passionately than they protect their pride.
The Knicks are still bad...Hopefully 'Bron comes to NY and pick up all that money Tiger left on the table.
I learned its better to use pain to get better than to get bitter.
I'm starting to have a greater appreciation for soccer (but football still rules)
Shout out to all my haters.
never cry about what you repeatedly allow.
The Health Care debate is more about politics than productivity...I have hope eventually all sides will get it right.
Parents need to not only Love our kids but also train them and not only punish them but diligently discipline them because if we don't do it future circumstances will do it for us.
I got a photographic memory but sometimes I run out of film.
My favorite new dish is the Thai dish Pad See Yu (it's amazing)
the Church we rent space from did some upgrading construction (just on time for Easter)
I'm trying to follow the show '24' but it has so many twist it almost makes no sense, like for example there was this villain he was disguised as a cop who I thought was Italian then he spoke like he was from the middle east when it was revealed he was a bad guy but upon the review from his tattoos during his autopsy he turns out to be a Russian mobster (huh?) and Jack never has to use the bathroom or eat (not even a snack from the vending machine)
VONB advertised this week in 2 local newspapers (14,500 circulation) Facebook and Google as well as giving out thousands of flyers
Please pray for us as we try to pack out two services this Easter Sunday (more info coming soon). So if you live in New York Come and Check us out at our Victory Outreach North Brooklyn Easter Service at 108 Manhattan ave (btwn Boerum ave & Johnson ave) first service starts at 10am and the next service starts at 11:30am..join us and bring a friend
VONB is starting the Purpose Driven life campaign kicking off at Easter

Ok enough randomness

Peace and stay thirsty for God my friends

Habits

Pastor Ed Castro — Sun, 28 Mar 2010 21:03:00 GMT

Hey guys,
Today I spoke a message and one of my points was about the need for discipline in a Christ-followers life so I wanted to leave you with some thoughts and scriptures about and discipline and importance of establishing Good Spiritual habits.

“Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.”    1Tim. 4:7 (NASB)
“Spend your time and energyin the exercise of keeping spiritually fit.”   1 Tim. 4:7b (L
    “Letus strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily hinders ourprogress.”        Heb. 12:1b (NLT)
What a person does daily often is an indicator to their future
Character is revealed by what we habitually do
We often either serve our habits or our habits serve us
When you discover your God given vision and destiny then your mind must design a map & your body must be willing as well as trained to endure and enjoy the journey

I would like to suggest you develop the daily habits

here are three to start you off

Prayer- Talk to God for a few minutes a day http://pastoredsblog.vonorthbrooklyn.org/2009/10/03/establishing-your-prayer-life.aspx
Read your bible- I would read the sermon on the mount (Matthew 5-7) and the Chapter in Proverbs that coiencides with the current date and the scriptures from the past Sunday sermon that resonated with you (or if your church does memory scriptures)
Do something kind without any expectation of a return- Someone is asking and looking for God for help and God is asking for us to be his vessels and look for someone to help.

Peace to the saints

Remember if you live in New York Come and Check us out at our Victory Outreach North Brooklyn Easter Service Sunday April 4 2010 at 108 Manhattan ave (btwn Boerum ave & Johnson ave) first service starts at 10am and the next service starts at 11:30am..join us and bring a friend

Movie tips

Pastor Ed Castro — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 00:45:00 GMT

Hey guys,

My friend's know that my movie 'game' (or selections) is pretty strong so I'm going to hook you guys up with some good movie suggestions.
Today's theme is going to be Asian movies (There are no Bruce Lee films because I want to focus on movies you probably never seen before)

Battle of the Warriors- this could be possible the best film in regards to military/leadership principles I ever seen...here is the netflix description-Tension swirls in ancient China as the evil Zhao commander Xiang Yan-zhong (Sung-kee Ahn) sets his sights on conquering the small city-state of Liang, where the residents would be otherwise defenseless if it weren't for the valiant warrior Ge Li (Andy Lau). Jacob C.L. Cheung (Hero) directs this epic action-drama based on the popular Japanese manga, based in turn on a Japanese novel about China's Warring States Period.
Ong Bak 2- This film is a little confusing (imagine a Tarratino film to the 3x power) but the fight scenes may be the best you ever seen..trust me. Tony Jaa is going the next big thing....here is the netflix description-Tien (Tony Jaa), the son of Lord Sihadecho -- a tragically murdered nobleman -- goes under the wing of Chernang (Sorapong Chatree), a renowned warrior and leader of the Pha Beek Krut who teaches Tien a variety of deadly fighting styles. Now a master of weapons and combat, Tien seeks out those who slayed his family. Jaa also directs and Sarunyu Wongkrachang co-stars in this martial arts thriller set in 15th-century Thailand.
Please Vote for Me- I already spoke about this awesome documentary in the past. Its a great film about a 3rd grade class elections in China.
Master of the Flying Guillotine- Probably the best 'kung-fu' flick of all time , this movie has inspired video games and other films. some of the production quirks are kind of funny and you can even spot the film makers views about other Asian countries in you look closely and the villain weapon maybe the craziest 'bad guy' weapon of all time....here is the netflix description-A man called the Master of the Flying Guillotine (Kam Kang) is hired by the government to singlehandedly crush an uprising from an opposition led by a one-armed boxer (Wang Yu). Mind-bending action (and hilarity) ensues in this Hong Kong martial arts classic. Yu directs this favorite of grind house connoisseurs like Quentin Tarantino that features a retro electronic soundtrack and arguably the most notorious weapon ever seen on film.
Take Out- This movie is so realistic you often think you are watching a documentary. Its an eye opening experience to see what Take-out workers go through...Here is the nextflix description-When an illegal immigrant (Charles Jang) finds himself behind on a large debt due to crooks who smuggled him into the country, he must come up with the payment in one day by hustling tips as he delivers Chinese food around New York City. Shot in vérité style, this provocative and grimly humorous look at a day in the life of the working poor also stars Jeng-Hua Yu and Justin Wan and was nominated for the John Cassavetes Independent Spirit Award.

I have to finish up so I don't have time to tell you about the Triad Elections (Chinese mafia flick), The Forbidden Kingdom (Jackie Chan/ Jet Li), 5 Deadly Venoms (Classic), Curse of the Golden Flower (Beautiful cinematography) and the Yun Chow-Fat films.

Peace,
Pastor Ed
Matt. 6:33

Good questions give birth to good answers

Pastor Ed Castro — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 23:54:00 GMT

I once read that good question leads to good answers and I agree with that statement so I wanted to pose 21 questions to help you think about making this year the 'blessed' year of your life.

What are your goals for 2010?
What books are you looking forward to read in 2010?
How are you going to improve your health in 2010?
Where are going for vacation in 2010?
What are your strategies and personal systems to meet your spiritual, physical, financial and relationship goals?
What new significant things will you learn in 2010?
What things do plan to eliminate in 2010 to lighten your load so you can accomplish more?
Do you have a spending and giving plan for your finances?
How are you going create more value and a greater impact in you vocation and ministry?
Do you have an intentional bible reading plan?
Are you being mentored by anyone (directly or indirectly)
Do you know what makes you happy and positive? Do you schedule it often?
What great new places in your own city will you visit this year?
How can you help your church grow this year?
What quality product or thing do you want to own and what sacrifices will you make to buy it?
How am I going to intentionally grow as a parent or spouse this year?
When are going to create a daily routine to help live more efficiently and elegantly?
Do I have a soundtrack for my morning and commute (try the Bible audiobook or learn a new language)?
Do you have a plan to increase my energy in a safe and natural way (take it easy on the Rockstar drinks)?
Have you planned to go on a 'vision-cation' to increase your faith and focus (i.e conference)?
Do you have plan to arrange your environment to serve you as oppose to you always serving it?

O.K. that's enough, I hope these questions make you think and also hope they help you come up with some great answers to make 2010 a great year!

If you live in the NYC and you don't have a home church join us this Sunday at 108 Manhattan ave (btwn Boreum and Johnson ave) in East Williamsburg Brooklyn service starts @11am.

9 lessons I learned in 2009

Pastor Ed Castro — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 05:26:00 GMT

Ok 2010 is in the building
so before I go on talking about 2010 I wanted to post 9 lessons I learned in 2009

Having faith while being faithful is a great combo- Believe your destined for great things while doing the little things in a great manner consistently is a great combo.
Practicing spirituality is more important than just knowing spirituality- While your discussing the theological debates I rather help people discover the difference Jesus makes or While your fighting over Bible translations I'm letting God transform me or while people pondering if your the light bulb carrying the light or the light living in the bulb I'm glowing and growing.
It's better to focus your intentions in ministry that we work with God instead of just thinking we work for God- Reading John 15 over and over revealed that to me
Train your eye to focus on the opportunities more than the obstacles- Don't stare at the cup of obstacles while ignoring the ocean of possibility my friend, then you will be a person who passes over many opportunities which will make you p.o.o.r (passed over opportunities repeatedly)
We have to discipline and train our kids not just Love them- The earlier the better.... its better to diligently discipline them than to occasionally 'wild out' and punish them.
Take important things seriously but don't always take yourself so seriously
Discover and continuously fine tune your vision, Prioritize your values, Find your voice and Schedule monthly victories- if you can have synchronization in these four areas you can make quantum leaps in your life.
It's easy to make decision its a challenge to manage them
Live ready to leave- We must understand that we often tie God's hands from blessing us because God can't bless a mess, we must organize or agonize. We must set up our settings, systems, schedules, situations and our spirits to help position us for our purpose, prosperity and posterity so we can stop generational curses and begin to release generational blessings, we cannot expect others to do it for us. The bible says trust (and LOVE) God not necessarily men (we must love them as we LOVE OURSELVES).

Hope you enjoyed this post!

Peace

P.S. here is the link from My 8 lessons from 2008 http://shrunklink.com/dwtt

Thoughts from a great book

Pastor Ed Castro — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 02:28:00 GMT

I love to read so I decided to give my blog readers some thoughts and tips from some of the books I have read
I hope it helps

Today's book is The Power of Full Engagement by Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz
Here are some stuff I gleaned from the book:

Its better to manage energy rather than time
Energy diminishes from both with overuse and UNDERuse, its better to balance energy usage with intermittent energy renewal.
We must train our capacity like athlete does (preferably a sprinter) with systematic pushing beyond our limits then resting.
We must create specific routines fro managing and increasing energy.
There are 4 primary sources of energy- physical, emotional, mental and spiritual.
Drink more water..if you dehydrate a muscle by 3% it can lose 10% of its strength and 8% of its speed.
Eat a good breakfast ..it's call 'break the fast' for a reason.
The book schools you on the importance of understanding slow and fast glycemic foods)
It indicates that research shows that prolonged TV watching is actually correlated with increased anxiety and low-level depression.
To become a fully engaged corporate athlete (or ministerial athlete) we must learn to begin to periodically disengage.
We must develop positive rituals that will help us develop our energy (diet, exercise routine, sleep schedule etc)

there is so much more but that's enough for today I hope you learned something.

If your serious about enlarging your capacity to be/do/have in 2010 then click on the book link on the right sidebar and get it today!

Merry Christmas!

P.S. if you enjoyed this post and would like me to present more thoughts and tools from other books I have read please leave a comment and let me know.

Goal Setting Thoughts

Pastor Ed Castro — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 23:32:00 GMT

Yesterday I taught our second annual Goal Setting Workshop. Last year we entitled it 'resolution Revolution' this year I called it 'Life is Beautiful' (the movie with that same title is great ..rent it...how many time are you going to see 'Mall Cop')
So here are some thoughts from yesterday

When you discover your God given vision (picture of the future implanted by God that excites/scares you) and Destiny (internal/external/eternal destination) then your mind must design a map and your body must be willing to be trained to endure the journey.

Don't watch too much T.V. because that often results in you stopping from pursuing your vision to hear those crazy kids from the 'Jersey Shore' (poor Snooky) tell you their vision (get it Tel-a-vision).

Write down your Goals. Remember 'think it and Ink it' & 'put it (goals) on paper or it will be a vapor'

Here is a thought write down 5 BAG (Big Audacious Goals) and write down 5 BAS (Big Action Steps) to complete every 5 weeks (without a deadline the dream dies) then by the end of the ear you will accomplish 50 action steps that will lead you to your (Birkin) BAG...So the 'Math' looks like 5X5X5X10 or 50
5 (BAGS)X5 (BAS)X5 (5 week time constraint) x 10 or 50 (Done 10 times...take the last 2 weeks to celebrate and prep for next years goals or 50 BAS completed)

'Big Goals get big results. No goals get no results or somebody else's results'- Mark Victor Hansen

Peace to the saints!
Ed

Fasting 101

Pastor Ed Castro — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 02:03:00 GMT

I know the members of my church may be getting tired of me always reminding them to develop and grow in their spiritual disciplines (hey repetition is the mother of learning..right).
One of the most difficult spiritual discipline for any Christ-Follower to embrace is Fasting.
Fasting is when you abstain from something physical (mostly eating) to focus on the spiritual.
You can learn more about fasting here www.gotquestions.org/fasting-Christian.html

Jesus said Matt. 6 when(denotes we are expected to fast) we fast with right intentions and secretly God will reward us openly
Jesus also said that there are certain 'breakthroughs' and realm of authority that only comes from Prayer and Fasting (Mark 9:29)

I want to give you 12 steps to help you make fasting a regular part of your Christian experience

Choose a date or day you will fast. Systematic and Simple is better than erratic and emotional. I suggest you can pick the date of your birthday or loved one's birthday or pick the same weekday every week.
Choose your fast (Daniel, Absolute, TV/Internet) and Duration (half day, 1 meal or 1 day)... ask God for strength
Try to keep the fast a secret.
The time you usually eat is the perfect time to spend in prayer and bible reading. If you eat at 12:30pm instead of eating lunch go for a walk and pray during that time.
Drink water
When you do pray understand that you are intentionally recharging and realigning your spirit.
If your fasting on a weekday take your lunch money and either add it to your weekly giving to your church or get a gift certificate to a restaurant and give it to someone in need with a church invite card and a small devotional booklet
Write a scripture on a index card and challenge yourself to read X40 during a fast.
Intentionally keep your joy, don't act weird and hyper-spiritual like God sowed you Brett Favre was coming back in May and don't walk around like you have Vitamin K Shortage either
Break your fast with a small and healthy meal.
Journal your experience.
Invite a friend or family members to fast with you.

There you go now your on your way to spiritual growth and then you will be known as a 'fast-a-nista' ....well maybe not.
try it like all those Preachers on TBN and BET (early in the A.M.) say 'if you want something you never had you have to what you never done'

Peace

Join us this Sunday as we have a super guest speaker Life Coach Randal Smalls http://www.vonorthbrooklyn.org/

Establishing your prayer life

Pastor Ed Castro — Sun, 04 Oct 2009 01:33:00 GMT

I'm always stressing to my church the importance of developing our own personal spiritual system. We must let our prayer life progress from a desire to a discipline then eventually to a internal source of delight.
I would like to suggest 12 simple steps to take to begin your journey as a man or women of prayer.

Purchase some music that would set the atmospher for prayer. I suggest you go on Itunes and purchase songs from Eddie Zepeda, Israel Houghton, Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, Chris Tomlin albums
Create a worship playlist and a praise playlist that last 30 minutes each
Put on the worship playlist and spend the first 5 minutes reading a chapter from Psalms or chapter from proverbs (you can read the chapter that coincides with the date)
Then pray using the A.C.T.S model
Adoration-Spend 5 minutes praising and worshiping God...You can read lyrics from classic Christian hymns and songs to get you started
Confession- Spend 5 Minutes confessing your sins before God. This helps us realign our heart and prevent sin from hindering our relationship with God (remember relationship not religion is the key)
Thanksgiving- Spend 5 minutes Thanking God for blessing.You can list them on a journal if you choose.The attitude of gratitude raises our spiritual altitude
Supplication- Spend the next 5 minutes praying for the needs of your family, friends and yourself
Meditation- Spend 5 minutes in silence listening to your favorite Worship song and meditate on the words.
Preparation- Switch the song selection to your praise playlist and spend a few minutes writing your to-do, to-stop and to-be list and prepare for the rest of your day listening to praise music.
Occupation/Education- Go to work or school or whatever and 'be the light of the world'
Turbo prayer- Set your Cell phone to alarm you at 2:58pm and spend 3 minutes at 3pm for 3 people who need it.

I pray that you will decide right now to make prayer a major part of your life.
Let prayer be like your steering wheel as opposed to your spare wheel.

No frills blueprint to a good day off

Pastor Ed Castro — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 14:59:00 GMT

So you finally got a day off but you don't want to waste it.
Here is my two cents

Preparation- Live by design not default...By Intention not by accident..be proactive not reactive
Meditation- Devoted people have devotion....Casual Christ followers often face growth casualties
Impartation- Read or listen to people who are a level you want to attain...Growth often comes by mistakes, moments or mentors
Review the vision- Keep your goals and vision before you. It's better to run toward a goal than constantly back away from an unfavorable condition (more on that in the future).
Exercise- Divine healing is it a promise by faith but health is a responsibility
NEW- Try something New, Learn something new, Taste something New (If money is funny dress nice act like you have a time constraint share two appetizers and drink water) , Go somewhere New and take pictures to remind yourself which leads to..
Documentation- Take pics and journal the journey

Ok I would share more but I got to go it's time for me to do some exercises while I watch a Leadership DVD then the Castro family is going bowling (Lil Ed's first time) then have eat a Polish lunch (My first time)

Stay thirsty for God and greatness my friends.

Cool Movies for Cool People

Pastor Ed Castro — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 02:29:00 GMT

Hey Guys and Girls,

If your busy like me then you realize that you have to be really selective in regards to your time, especially your T.V. time. It's no secret I'm a DVR and Netflix fan. I believe that those are the two of the best avenues to invest your limited 'Box' time wisely.
Here are some cool DVD rental ideas that will be a good T.V. time Investment

Please Vote for Me- 4 Stars Awesome Doc' about a school election that takes place in a 3rd grade class in China. These kids are bright and charming. Great flick..Here is the Netflix description-Though China's government is Communist, the third grade election forthe prestigious position of Class Monitor at the Evergreen PrimarySchool in Wuhan is being decided by a democratic vote. In thisenlightening documentary, filmmaker Weijun Chencaptures all the action as the three candidates -- two boys and a girl-- go all out to win: performing in a talent show, debating each otherand delivering speeches to their classmates.

The International- 3 Stars Good action movie with an international twist...here is the netflix description- Interpol agent Louis Salinger (Clive Owen) and New York Asst. DA Eleanor Whitman (Naomi Watts)team up to expose a global financial institution's money laundering,arms dealing and other illegal rackets in this tense thriller fromdirector Tom Tykwer. Asthe pair race from New York to Milan and beyond to pursue their case,they soon discover that the ruthless bank will stop at nothing tocontinue its profitable activities.

Miracle at St. Anna- 4 Stars- Great movie with a cool twist in the end.Here is the netflix description-During World War II, four black American soldiers (Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonso and Omar Benson Miller)find themselves trapped in a Tuscan village behind enemy lines. As theyattempt to evade German forces and reunite with their comrades, thefour experience firsthand the tragedy and triumph of war. John Turturro co-stars in this epic war film from director Spike Lee, based on the acclaimed novel by James McBride.

Revolver- 4Stars- Deep movie about the frailty of the human ego. ...'I got it' you may need to watch it twice or read a quick wikipedia review after to watching.Not for kids though.. I'm a big Guy Ritching fan. Here is the netflix description-Guy Ritchie delivers another fast-paced crime thriller starring Jason Statham who this timeplays Jake, a gangster and ace gambler recently released from prison.Determined to hustle the crime boss (Ray Liotta)who killed his sister-in-law, Jake deliberately humiliates the kingpinin a private game. But when the mobster calls for Jake's head, amysterious duo steps in to save his skin.

O.K. guys I got to go. Don't forgot who hooked you up.
Have a great day.
Shout out to Pastor Al and V.O. San Diego ..There is a revival going on in S.D. http://www.sdvoc.org
Shout Out to Pastor Patrick Robbers and the future Urban Training Center Europe....That is going to be huge
Shout out to Rev. Ray G over in Spain
Shout to my friend in V.O. London and Manchester (I guess the Guy Ritchie review got me thinking about Eating at the Lahore restaurant and visiting the massive Man U stadium)
Peace