Knowing Jesus

Zechariah 7; Zechariah 8; Zechariah 9; Luke 13

Scripture:
Luke 13:25 When once the Master of the house has risen up and shut the door, and you begin to stand outside and knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open for us,’ and He will answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you, where you are from,’ 26 then you will begin to say, ‘We ate and drank in Your presence, and You taught in our streets.’ 27 But He will say, ‘I tell you I do not know you, where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniquity.’

Observation:
Jesus speaks of many who will try to get onto heaven and not make it. They will speak of all the things they have done for Jesus, all the prophecies, teachings, missions trips, all good things, but yet Jesus will tell them to depart for He does not know them.

Application:
This passages always reminds me to watch my relationship with Jesus. I is not about how much I do for Him, but rather how much I know Him. God wants a relationship with me. He wants me to be His son, not only a servant. I never want to take the presence of God lightly or abuse His presence in my life. Yet it is so easy to do. It is so easy to get wrapped up in myself and forget my Jesus. I remember a speaker once saying that God does not have favorites, He has intimates. David was not a favorite, he was close to God and knew Him because he spent lots of time in His presence. I must guard my time with God. I must guard my time in His word and prayer. It is so easy to get busy, lazy, selfish and put God on the back burner. I want to get closer to God, I want to know Him, I want to be His son.

Prayer:
Jesus thank You for making a way to the Father. Thank You for the price You paid for my sins and adoption. I am s blessed to be a child of God. I ask You Father to forgive me of the times where I neglect to spend time with You. Forgive me for laziness, disobedience, selfishness and pride. Thank You that You never leave me not forsake me. You are always faithful and ready to speak to me. Your love is so amazing and I am so blessed to be Your son. Thank You for this new day. I ask You to bless all those coming to Jubilee this morning. Bless Pastor Dick and main church. Bless Urgency and the Children’s Ministry. Bless all our leaders and refresh them. Thank You for the relationship that I can have with You. Thank You for making the way.
Amen

The Greatest Giver

Zechariah 1; Zechariah 2; Zechariah 3; Luke 11

Scripture:
Luke 11: 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”

Observation:
This is such a great passage that points out the Father heart of God. All of mankind has compassion, even though the worst of people still have a soft side, a giving side to them. I this passage Jesus shows us the Father’s heart in the terms of His compassion and provision. Jesus declares that God will give us the greatest gift, ever the Holy Spirit. God is generous and knows our needs, but Jesus reminds us to ask, to seek and to knock. We need to come in faith to God and God will take care of us because He loves us.

Application:
Our natural human nature is to work hard and earn all we get. To often the last place we turn to is God. Yet God is eager to get involved in our lives because He loves us. He desires to give us the best and lead us into His perfect will. The problem is that we have become so independent in our lifestyle and thinking. I know there are many times in my life where I try and make it happen instead of leaning on God. Today is a great reminder that I have a Father that cares about me, Jesus Who is praying for me, and the Holy Spirit in my life to lead me. I need not do life independently anymore. God knows what is ahead, He knows where He wants to take me, He knows how He is going to provide for me. ‘The steps of a righteous man are ordered of the Lord.’ Each day is a choice; ‘will I lead my own life, or will I let the Holy Spirit lead me?’ Today I choose to be led by the Holy Spirit into all God has for me.

Prayer:
Father thank You for Your love for me. Thank You for Your consistent goodness to me. Thank You for Your provision and direction. Thank You for the precious Holy Spirit. Lord I surrender my life to You today and ask You to lead me. Not my will be done but Yours in and through me. Lord guide my steps in this season. I ask for wisdom, favor, discernment, vision and leadership skills beyond my ability. I pray that I would sense and see Your direction so clearly. Bless our church this morning. Bless every person. I pray for a release in our finances. I pray for breakthrough’s. Give our pastors wisdom and direction. Bless Pastor Dick and Adam this morning. Refresh them with Your love and joy. Bless my wife and refresh her. Speak a fresh word to her. Thank You for the incredible team I serve with. I pray You speak powerfully to them through their journals, raise them up to be mighty men and woman of God. Now lead me I pray into Your plans and will for this day.
Amen

Social Justice

Haggai 1; Haggai 2; Psalm 129; Luke 10

Scripture:
Luke 10: 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion. 34 So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 On the next day, when he departed,[j] he took out two denarii, gave them to the innkeeper, and said to him, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I come again, I will repay you.’ 36 So which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”

Observation:
An innocent man was robbed, beaten up and left for dead. Two influential men passed by and did nothing, instead they crossed over to the other side of the road so that they did not have to face the dying man. A Samaritan comes by ad sees the dying man. He goes out of his way to help this man. Samaritan’s were seen as dogs to the Jews. They were hated and forced to live together as a community. This Samaritan man should have also just walked by and did nothing. He has experienced hurt and rejection all his life by this dying man’s people. He should have simply turned a blind eye, instead he helps the man and even pays for his hotel and recovery. This is the kind of love God expects from His children.

Application:
Social Justice has been a theme on my heart. This is a great picture of this. A Samaritan man that experienced social injustice himself, reaches out to a man that was robbed, beaten and left for dead. He did not have to help this man. He could have just walked by. Instead he sees the injustice and does something about it. Two other men, both influential walked by and did nothing. In fact they ignored the problem. They saw the injustice but simply did not care. I do not want to be like one of these guys. I want to be one that takes a stand and does something for those hurting in the world. I want to be one that brings the good news to the hurting, broken and captive. I want to tell them about Jesus and serve them in whatever way. This is what made Mother Teresa a great woman. She saw injustice and did something about it. I want his heart in our youth. I want them to care about their friends that are hurting, broken and bound. May it start in my heart today. May I see the hurting and do something.

Prayer:
Father thank You for this word today. My faith is not just words, it should be action too. Forgive me for the times where I have walked by the hurting and done nothing. Forgive me for the selfishness in my life. I pray that my love for my neighbor would increase. I pray for a heart of compassion, a greater discernment of the needs around me. I pray that I would be one that does something and uses the power that is inside of me. Father change my heart. Lord thank You for last night. Thank You for the favor You gave us. Thank You for working the buses out. Thank You for OutCry and for opening doors for them. Thank You for our students and opening their eyes. Thank You for my team that serve so excellently. Bless our students, leaders and staff. Keep them close to You. Change their hearts.
Father refresh my wife today. Touch her voice. Father lead me today into the plans and purposes You have for me. I live for You. amen

It Is God Who Builds

Ezra 4; Psalm 113; Psalm 127; Luke 9

Scripture:
Psalm 127: 1 Unless the LORD builds the house,
They labor in vain who build it;
Unless the LORD guards the city,
The watchman stays awake in vain.

Observation:
This passage is always a reminder to me that it is God Who gives the increase. God builds His house and appoints His leaders.

Application:
This morning I am reminded that God is building Urgency. I am called to shepherd His people, but it is He who gives the increase, not me. As I reflect on this I am blessed and excited because I believe the harvest is great and as we at Urgency pursue the heart of God we will see the Urgency built the way He wants to build it. Sometimes I get frustrated and work hard and do not see increase, but this passage reminds me that God brings the increase when things in His house are ready. My job is to faithfully lay brick upon brick and build as He brings revelation. There are so many good things happening at Urgency and it is a blessing. We are moving forward and God is building His house. Today the fruit I see are students and leaders changing, a core team being built and a staff emerging as leaders, all this blesses me. I am reminded to stop and give thanks to God for the fruit we have. As Pastor Wayne states, “ it takes time for a cruise ship to turn.” This is so true of Urgency and I must be patient.

Prayer:
Father thank You for this reminder today. I know that You are building something that will last. I know that You are laying a foundation at Urgency. I believe that You are about to do amazing things in the lives of our youth. Father, I ask You for wisdom to lead this generation. Give me discernment and revelation of how You want o build this ministry. I ask You for favor with all men. Father bless every volunteer today and draw them close to You. Thank You this morning for the call on my life. Thank You this morning for the team I serve with. Thank You this morning for all the plans You have for the future. Bless Pastor Dick and Adam this day. Refresh them and give them wisdom and revelation for the future of Jubilee. Bless the staff this morning and refresh them by Your Holy Spirit. Father I pray for OutCry tonight and ask You to use them for Your glory. Keep them humble and obedient to Your will. May they be used by You to touch many. Bless them and give them favor. I pray for the whole event tonight and ask for tremendous favor. May everything run smooth. I bind every plan of the enemy, every demonic stronghold and resistance. Lord place Your angels around that place. I pray for every Christian student on campus today, refresh them, encourage them and give them boldness to live for You. I pray today for a move of God at our schools.
Father bless my wife this day. Anoint her for tonight and use her for Your glory.
Amen

Pressing In

Ezra 2; Ezra 3; Luke 8

Scripture:
Luke 8: 45 And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” When all denied it, Peter and those with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” 46 But Jesus said, “Somebody touched Me, for I perceived power going out from Me.”

Observation:
Jesus is ministering to many and the crowd is large. While walking in the midst of the crowd a woman with an issue of blood touches His cloak and Jesus immediately feels the power activated and released in Him. He calls for this person and Peter remarks that many have touched or bumped into Him as the place is crowded. Jesus state that this was different, this was a touch of faith.

Application:
This is a well known passage of scripture. The faith of this woman caused her to press through the crowd and touch the hem of His garment. Her faith activate the power of God and produced a miracle. I have heard of many great leaders who experienced revival and declared that this came through much trial, tribulation, prayer and fasting. They were desperate to see a miracle and touch the power of God. I see in front of me a big calling, the vision is crystal clear and I know that my talents and gifts cannot take me where He wants me to go. I will only get there through the power of the Holy Spirit. Just like this woman I too have to press into the presence of God through faith. I feel a desperation for a generation building inside of me. I feel like I have gotten so comfortable. I know I work hard, but there needs to be more, there must be a touch, a touch of His presence and power. I pray that I would press through the crowd, through all the noise, distractions (good or bad), opinions and tap into the will and power of God for my life.

Prayer:
Father today I stand before You knowing that a youth revival will not start through my might, nor my power, but it will only happen through the Holy Spirit. Lord it must start in me. Today I pray for a heart after You. I pray for a touch of the Holy Spirit in my life. I pray for the anointing to break the yoke of the youth of this city. I pray for favor, power, wisdom, leadership gifts, discernment, prophecy and rhema revelations. Father I do not know why you choose me, but here I am standing before You ready to do Your will. Father pour out Your spirit on Urgency. Bring a youth revival. Set students free from addiction, religion, sexual perversions, lusts and pride. I pray for every student this morning and ask You to work deep into their lives. Pray for every student leader and ask You to bless them and refresh them. I pray for the see you at the pole event and ask for Your hand to move mightily on that event. Defuse any plan of the enemy, may it be an incredible time. Bless my wife this morning and our house. Thank You for Your favor on our lives. I pray that You would go before me today and lead me.
Amen

Righteousness

Ezra 1; Psalm 84; Psalm 85; Luke 7

Scripture:
Psalm 84: 11 For the LORD God is a sun and shield;
The LORD will give grace and glory;
No good thing will He withhold
From those who walk uprightly.

Psalm 85: 13 Righteousness will go before Him,
And shall make His footsteps our pathway.

Observation:
Righteousness is a theme that I say today. Righteousness through the blood of Jesus brings us into alignment with God’s plans for our lives and His goodness. No good thing will God withhold from those who are pursuing righteousness.

Application:
As I look on this passage I am blessed to think that God has made me righteous. I can never attain this in my life through good works. Godly righteousness come through faith in Jesus Christ and the work of the cross. Pastor Mike Hayes spoke at our church yesterday and he spoke on an extravagant offering. This blessed me so much as I realized this morning that the most extravagant offering I could ever give God is my life. I have heard this over and over, but this morning for some reason it just sunk in. That’s why Romans says resent your bodies a living sacrifice, a sweet aroma to God. Just like the woman who washed Jesus feet with the expensive perfume and her hair, so giving my life to God can be a sweet aroma.
This morning I realize that God wants all of me. My attitudes, my thoughts, my hearts, my emotions, my physical body, my mouth and the things I say and my eyes, what I look at. He wants it all. I want god’s footsteps for my life. I want His will for my life. I want His goodness to flow in my life, because without I will never attain to all God has for me.

Prayer:
Father God I come to You this morning in humility. I come asking for the blood of Jesus to wash me clean and make me righteous. I present my body to You a living sacrifice. My life is Yours Lord. Use it as You will. Father I ask You to mold me into the man of God You have called me to be. I pray for Your wisdom to lead well. I pray for Your favor to increase and open the right doors. I know that I cannot do anything without You. Holy Spirit lead me. I pray for Your voice and conviction to increase in my life. Father I see the vision in front of me and know that I have to become the man for that vision. Only You can make me like that. Only You can change my heart. Thank You for what You are about to do in and through me. My life is for Your glory. Bless my wife this day. Thank You for her and bless her, refresh her today. May we enjoy this day of rest. Refresh my body Father. Lord be with my family back home and bless them. Raw them close to You.
Amen

Being Led by the Holy Spirit

Daniel 7; Daniel 8; Psalm 137; Luke 4

Scripture:
Luke 4: 1 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 being tempted for forty days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing, and afterward, when they had ended, He was hungry.

Observation:
Jesus went into the desert prepared. He went in filled with the Holy Spirit. Jesus responded to every temptation of the devil with the Word of God (Old Testament scripture) and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Application:
Yesterday I watched a video teaching by Pastor Wayne Corderio. He taught on the Holy Spirit and the need to be permeated or saturated with by the Holy Spirit. He taught on how easy it is to grieve the Holy Spirit and how the lessons He is trying to teach us stop when we turn away from Him and do our own thing. Jesus could face the challenges of the devil because He was filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. This challenges me today because to often I face the challenges of the world and devil in my own power. To often in my life I lead versus being led by the Holy Spirit. The bible declares that the Holy Spirit is a Teacher, Counselor, Comforter and Guide. He brings revelation of God’s will for my life and knows the things God wants to do in and through me. As I think about the Holy Spirit this morning it seems foolish to not want Him to lead my life. Yet my flesh has a mind of it’s own and often tries to lead me in a direction opposite to His. I am reminded this morning that each new day brings a new opportunity to be led by the Holy Spirit. Each day is a new choice. Will I lead or will I follow. Today I choose to be led by the Holy Spirit, I know I need Him for I desire the God’s will for my life.

Prayer:
Father thank You for sending the Holy Spirit. Thank You Holy Spirit that You never condemn, You always invite me to follow. I surrender my will to Yours today. Lead me, use me, speak to or through me. I need Your guidance Lord. Thank You for the invitation to follow You. Father thank You for forgiving me of the times where I take the lead and do things my way. I know it is by grace that I have been saved. Thank You for the blood of Jesus that cleanses my sins and makes me righteous and clean before You. I pray that I would never forget the rice paid for my salvation. Father bless this day. Bless my wife and refresh her for tonight. Use her for Your glory. I ask You to give me wisdom to lead my home, my marriage, my friendships and the ministry You have placed me in. Be with Pastor Dick today and speak a fresh word of encouragement to him. Bless Miss Carla too. Thank You for them.
Amen

Supernatural God of Wonders

Ezekiel 45; Ezekiel 46; Luke 1

Scripture:
Luke 1: 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you; therefore, also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 Now indeed, Elizabeth your relative has also conceived a son in her old age; and this is now the sixth month for her who was called barren. 37 For with God nothing will be impossible.”

Observation:
The angle came to give Mary a word that she would Father the promised Messiah. She was confused as she was not married and therefore she could not get pregnant. The angel explained to her that the Holy Spirit would touch her woman and she would become pregnant.

Application:
Mary’s response is so typical of every believer. God wants to do great things in and through us, but as we look at our life’s we believe it is impossible. The reality is that in the natural it is impossible. But with God, as the book of Philippians declares, ‘All things are possible.’ By the power of the Holy Spirit one has the ability to create and see the supernatural power of God in action. How often do I move in this supernatural power? How often do I expect to see a miracle? Sad to say I am to often like Mary looking at my life and not enough through the eyes of faith. In her book ‘Stop Acting Like A Christian, Just Be One,’ Christine Caine challenges me to renew my thinking. She challenges her readers to get off the train of limitation and fear, and to jump onto the train of faith and expectation. Hebrews 11:6 declares that as we come in faith, believing Who God is, that He will reward us. More and more I am realizing that I do not always come to God declaring Who He is. He is Great, Good, Excellent and Faithful! I need to come to Him with this in mind and start to come to Him with greater expectation and faith. Isaiah 55 declares that God has big dreams and thoughts for my life. He wants to do supernatural things in and through me. I must renew my mind and start to believe for great things. Jesus taught that a man’s heart is like soil, and when the word falls on good soil it produces an incredible result. I must stir up faith in my heart and remove the weeds of fear and inability. With God all things are possible. With God I can run and not grow weary.

Prayer:
Father as I come to You today, I believe that You are a supernatural working God. I believe that You are Great, and You want to do Great things in my life. I believe You are Good, and You want Your Goodness to flow in my life. I believe that You are Excellent, and You want to do Excellent things in my life for Your Glory. I believe You are Faithful, and every vision, word and prophecy spoken over me will come to pass. Thank You that You dream and think big things for my life. I repent of fear and unbelief that has held me back. I believe that You can do mighty things through my life. Father I am Yours, thank You for choosing me and for calling me. I pray for supernatural power and miracles to flow today. I call them forth. I come with expectation, believing that You will open big doors for me to do Your will and work. Lord You Great, there is none like You. This day I ask You Holy Spirit to lead me, to guide me and to give me wisdom, discernment and most of all love for those around me.
Bless my wife today, give her favor, wisdom to work with high productivity, discernment and supernatural energy. Thank You for her, she is a blessing to my life. Anoint her.
I pray all this in the Name of Jesus, my King.
Amen

Humility and Righteousness

Ezekiel 42; Ezekiel 43; Ezekiel 44; Revelation 22

Scripture:
Revelations 22: 14"Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.

Observation:
This passages stands out for me because it speaks of righteousness and humility. I see these saints washing themselves for they know their lives are covered with the dirt of sin. They wash themselves with the grace, mercy and forgiveness of God brought to us through the shed blood of Jesus.

Application:
I sense in this passage so much humility and appreciation for Jesus. These saints know the value of the cross and desire to live righteous in order to please their King, Jesus. As I read this is spoke to my heart. I want to be one of these. I want to have an attitude like they do. I want to be righteous, humble and so hungry to please my King Jesus. As I look on my life I still see a lot of pride, fear and insecurity. I know God is exposing these as He wants t take me to a new level of leadership. As I taught on Saturday at the Youth Groups leadership day; leadership all starts with your relationship with Him, Jesus. I am learning this a new this week. My most important focus is my walk with god, then all flows out of that. So simple, yet so easy to forget.
This morning I am blessed, simple because Jesus loves me! He died for me and has made the way for me to become a child of God again. He has made me righteous, and I will spend eternity with Him in paradise. For now I live with a new passion, I am a disciple, a Christ follower, one called to imitate Him so that the world might see His love and goodness for them. I choose to live this with integrity, humility, compassion and a servants heart, I choose to live this way, because I choose to live for Him.

Prayer:
Jesus thank You once again for making me righteous. Through the shedding of Your blood I have become righteous before my Father. I know that there is no other way, only You. Forgive me for taking that so lightly and forgive me for the times where I do not live for You but rather for myself. I thank You this day for a new day. I am proud to Your disciple. Lead me Holy Spirit, lead me into the steps the Father has ordered for my life. Father thank You for the calling You placed in front of me. I know that it will come from You and You alone. I pray today for wisdom to lead Your people, favor in leading them and compassion to love them like You do. May I always call out the good in them and see Your plans for their lives. Father guard my mouth, may it only speak what You want it to speak. Pour out Your glory on Jubilee and Urgency. May we experience You like never before. May we see a revival of youth like never before. Thank You Jesus that You do not have favorites, just intimates. I want to be one of those.

Bless my wife today, refresh her, protect her from the enemies traps. May Your angels lift her feet from every rock in her path.
Amen

God is Great

Ezekiel 38; Ezekiel 39; Psalm 145; Revelation 20

Scripture:
Psalm 145: 3 Great is the LORD and most worthy of praise;
his greatness no one can fathom.

Psalm 145: 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
and your dominion endures through all generations.
The LORD is faithful to all his promises
and loving toward all he has made.

Observation:
David declares the goodness, greatness and dominion of God. There is none like Him and never will be. He is the Almighty and the One True God. I will declare His praises to all nations.

Application:
God desires that all men should see His glory and love for them. God is great and I am called to declare His greatness and majesty. I am called to build His everlasting kingdom. What an honor to be a child of God, a son of God and a royal priest. I am so blessed and thankful for all God has done, is about to do and will do in years to come in and through me. I want my life to be a sweet aroma for God. I give my life to honor Him, to honor His love for me, and most of all to honor my Savior King, Jesus. There is none like Jesus and never will be. He is the Lamb and the Lion of Judah, He is simply my King, my Lord! I lvie for Him.


Prayer:
Jesus I love You. You are my Lord and my King. I am Yours. I seek to do Your will, I seek to build Your kingdom and tell of Your greatness. Thank You for loving me. Thank You for dying on the cross for me. Thank You for the love, peace, joy, purpose, passion and calling You have placed in me. I pray that my life would be a sweet aroma to You. Keep me humble, for I know greatness and breakthrough is around the corner. Raise up a movement, Lord be magnified, build Your kingdom.
I pray for Urgency and ask You to bring a revival. Raise up the army like the passage in Ezekiel 37. Bless every volunteer at Urgency, every student, every parent. Bless Pastor Dick and Adam and use them mightily. Thank You for the calling in front of me. Thank You for using me today, bless all the youth groups and pastors of the valley. Father thank You for my wife. I ask You to bless her and use her in a powerful way tomorrow. Fill her life and touch her heart. I pray all this in the name of Jesus.
Amen

A Movement

Ezekiel 36; Ezekiel 37; Psalm 110; Revelation 19

Scripture:
Ezekiel 37: 4 Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD! 5 This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath [a] enter you, and you will come to life.

Ezekiel 37: 9 Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.' " 10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.

Observation:
God shows Ezekiel what He wants to raise up, an army, a kingdom, a nation. God calls Ezekiel to prophecy, to breathe upon the dry bones. As he obeys and does this, the bones rattle, muscle and tendons come upon the dry bones and flesh comes the muscles. An army emerges. God’s army, His kingdom, His nation, His people.

Application:
This is what I see at Urgency. I feel God called me here to start a movement. To raise up an army of young people called to build and declare the kingdom of God. Not a gentle army, not a quiet army, not a slack army, but an army of young people called to bring social justice, peace and love to a messed up world. An army called to declare the praises of God and the glory of the King, King Jesus. I resolve in my heart today to be the leader God has called me to be. To commit to the calling in front of me. To live at the level He expects me too. The cost is high and the call is now. Yes Lord I will.

Prayer:
Father as I breathe and confess Your plan and will for this generation I pray for Your power and anointing to flow. Father I do not know why Your called me, but I am run towards the calling. I say yes and will not run from it anymore. Lord raise up the army You have called. Bring a movement of young people committed to build Your kingdom and committed to declare the love of God. Father keep me humble and on my knees. Bless my wife, bless the team You have put together. Bless every volunteer leader and servant at Urgency. Bless every student, touch their lives and help them to live for You. Raise up Urgency, make us Urgent. Amen

Daniel's Commitment

Scripture:
Daniel 1: 8 But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. 9 Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel,

Observation:
Daniel is taking to Babylon a beautiful kingdom with lots of treasures, great delicacies and lots of knowledge. For a young man this would be so enticing, yet Daniel resolved not to defile himself. In his heart he had made a commitment to live for God. Daniel. God honors Daniels obedience with favor and promotes Daniel and his friends above all the other young men.

Application:
This passage always encourages me to put a stake in the ground in my commitment to live for God. Daniel made the decision not to defile himself long before he was put in this situation. He knew he could not and would not eat the food of this nation. Life will always through me situations that will call me back to my flesh. I like Daniel want to be a man of obedience, integrity and faithfulness. I want my heart to be as committed to God as Daniel was. Jesus said it is the little foxes that spoil the vine. I know in my life there are little attitudes and thoughts that creep in that do not honor God. I must put a stake in the ground and not allow these to cause disobedience in my life. I want the favor of God in my life, I want His blessings and promises. Today I am reminded through Daniel’s life that God is seeking greater obedience in my life. I am reminded that each day as I wake up, must commit afresh to live for Him. He must put a stake in the ground, and declare that I live for Him!

Prayer:
Father thank You for this word today. I know that as I lead the next generation I must guard my heart from the things of this world. The devil is not happy and he would love me to sell out to the things of this world. I declare today that I am Yours. I live for You. Father guard my mind and heart from fleshly thinking, attitudes and motives. May my heart be set like flint on You and Your ways. Father I pray for the spirit of Daniel in the hearts of our students. Raise up young men and young woman that live with this passion. Lord raise up difference makers. I pray for our staff this morning, bless each and every one of them. Give us wisdom to lead in this season. I pray for a revival at Jubilee, a new and fresh love and commitment to live and serve You. Bless the people of our church, may they sense Your presence so close to them. Father bless my wife today. Thank You for her and the blessing she is to me. Raise her to new heights. I ask for Your favor to be on both of us so that we may honor You. Amen

Worship Him

Lamentations 3; Lamentations 4; Lamentations 5; Revelation 15

Scripture:
Revelations 15: 3 They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying:
“ Great and marvelous are Your works,
Lord God Almighty!
Just and true are Your ways,
O King of the saints![b]
4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy.
For all nations shall come and worship before You,
For Your judgments have been manifested.”

Observation:
We are coming to the end of Revelations and the final judgment is coming. One thing that stands out for me over and over in Revelations is the worshipping of God. Here again we see the Lord being honored and worship. Verse 4 declares all the nations coming together to worship before Him.

Application:
In the book of John chapter 4, Jesus declares that God the Father is seeking those who will worship Him in spirit and in truth. He is looking for worshippers that worship with their whole being. More and more I am hearing the call to worship. God is seeking my worship, God is seeking my whole life. He wants to be the center of my life, and He wants me to live out of Him. Scripture tells me that when God is lifted up, that He will then draw all men unto Himself. I believe as the climate of worship raises at Urgency, as the hearts of the students turn to God and they live for Him, I believe that’s when we will see a massive amount of young people being drawn to salvation.

Prayer:
Father thank You for a new day. Thank You for life today. Thank You that this is another day in which I can serve and live for You. You are high and lifted up, You are the glory of the nations. I thank You that You are Great, Good, Excellent and Faithful. That is Who You are! I am blessed to be Your son. Lord fill me today with Your wisdom, discernment and will. I want to please You today with obedience. I ask You to guide me in the steps You have planned for me. Father bless every student of Urgency today. Guide them, speak to them, may they feel Your love in a new way. I pray for a hedge of protection to be around them. May Your angels watch over them and lift them up from the plans of the enemy. Father bless my wife today. Refresh her and speak a fresh word to her today. I pray for all the covenant blessings to flow in my life. May I live out all the blessings that You have given to me. Thank You for choosing me and for calling me to serve You full time. It truly is an honor. Bless this day and every meeting that I have, I pray all this in Your name. Amen

God is Great

Jeremiah 42; Jeremiah 43; Jeremiah 44; Psalm 48; Revelation 13

Scripture:
Psalm 48: 1 Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised
In the city of our God,
In His holy mountain.

Observation:
‘Great is the Lord,’ this is one of the scriptures I used in the ‘Knowing Who Is Series.’ God is great not because of what He does, but because of Who He is. God does great things because He is Great!

Application:
God is great, even if I fail Him or I am on fire for Him. He has been great is great and will always be great, because that is Who He is. As I think on this I am excited that God desires to do great things in my life because He is great. How often I think that God loves me, believes in me and the best thing I can do is please Him. All that is good, but I feel there is so much more. The more is simply allowing God to do great things in my life. He wants to be great in my life and show His greatness to all those around me. Today I am reminded that when I pray, I pray to the Great God, when I talk to Him, I talk to the Great God, when I read His word, I read the Word of the Great God. God is Great and He wants to do great things in my life. I realize today that my expectation level of God doing great things in my life needs to increase. I must get rid of simple thinking and believe that God wants to do great things in and through me. May my heart increase in faith and may I see the greatness of God in my life.

Prayer:
Thank You Father that You want to do great things in my life. You truly are great. I am honored to serve the Great God, I am honored to be a child of Yours. Father place in me a greater expectation for the things You want to do in and through me. Thank You that I can be a part of Your Greatness. Father forgive me for fear, sin and things that do not please You. I pray for Your Spirit to renew and revive me according to Your will. Father refresh me in this season. Give me wisdom to lead well in this season. I want to do Your will and need Your guidance. Thank You for all You are doing at Urgency. It truly is al because of You and Your presence. Bring a Revival. Father bless tomorrow’s meeting and the Life Journaling teaching. May this capture the hearts of our students. Father bless the youth pastors, volunteers and students. Lead us into greatness for Your Glory. Amen

What A Day It Will Be

Ezekiel 29; Ezekiel 30; Ezekiel 31; Ezekiel 32; Revelation 11

Scripture:
Revelation 11: 15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”

Observation:
What a day this will be when the kingdom of God has taken over here on earth and the kingdom of darkness has been bound. Jesus will reign with his followers and there will be a great revival.

Application:
As I think on this passage this morning I am reminded of how blessed I am to be a child of God. My life is committed to building His kingdom and calling others to join it too. Last night
I spoke at Urgency on ‘Imagine A Movement’. I challenged students to sell out to the cause of Christ. To live for a higher purpose. Jesus said in John 18 that His kingdom was not of this world. We are called to build His kingdom here on earth ad tell people about it until He comes back. I am so blessed to be a child of God this morning. One day I will be with my Jesus. I shall rule and reign with Him. I will walk and talk with Him and get to worship at His feet. What a day that will be, but until that day I am committed to build His kingdom here on earth.

Prayer:
Father thank You for saving my soul and for making me a child of God. Lord there are so many that still need to hear Your good news. I pray for our youth, I ask You to start a movement of young people that lived unashamed for You. Bless our students and place a fire in them. May live different, may live with a passion and zeal for You. Father thank You for last night again. I stand amazed at what You are doing. Father I pray for a revival at Urgency. A revival not brought on by man, but by Your Holy Spirit. Bless our leadership team today. Bless Pastor Dick and refresh him. I pray for a financial miracle for our church today. Open up the windows of heaven and pour out a blessing.
Thank you for my wife. Bless her today and refresh her in Jesus Name, amen

Sealed by the Holy Spirit

Ezekiel 22; Ezekiel 23; Ezekiel 24; Revelation 9

Scripture :
Revelations 9: 3 Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.

Observation:
This passage reminds me that those who have placed their faith in God will never be harmed, no matter what life throws there way.

Application:
This morning I am reminded that God is for me. He is my rock and my shield, I shall not fear. There are so many promises in the Bible of God’s protection, blessing and provision in the tough seasons. God is faithful! That is His character, that is who He is, Faithful. He ill take care of me and lead me in His will. This weekend Kim Clement reminded me that God has called me to stamp the arrow in the ground, and then He will bring the victory. I am learning more and more to live by faith. To talk by faith, to pray by faith, to live by faith, to have an expectation that God that God wants to do great and wonderful things in the heavens and the earth and that He wants to use me to be a part of these works. Pastor Dick spoke on transformation this weekend, I need transformation in my life. I need to allow the Holy Spirit to transform some of the fear in my life into faith. ‘God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind.’ God has called me to nations and I am sealed by the Holy Spirit. No ‘locust’, nothing the world has can stop the plans and purposes God has for my life, for greater is He that is in me, than he that is in the world.

Prayer:
Father thank You for sealing me with the Holy Spirit. I am marked as one that belongs to the King of Kings. Father I pray for a radical transformation in my life. Fill me with power from on high. Fill me with a greater faith and expectation for the things You want to do in and through me. Forgive me for fear and not stepping out. I pray that I would never be a comfortable Christian, but rather one that stamps the arrows in the ground, declaring the enemies defeated by the power and work of Jesus Christ. Father I pray for our church today, bless it, raise it up to be a mighty lighthouse to the world. I pray for all the pastors at Jubilee this morning, refresh us by the power of the Holy Spirit. Remind us that we have been sealed by the Holy Spirit. Stir up the gifts inside of us. Father bless our youth this morning. Protect them and raise up a warrior spirit in them. Bless my wife this day. Refresh her, anoint her and release new songs in her. I pray all this in Your Holy Name. Thank You for choosing me and making me Your son. Amen

Being Led brings Wisdom

Ezekiel 20; Ezekiel 21; Psalm 111; Revelation 8

Scripture:
Psalm 111: 10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
A good understanding have all those who do His commandments.
His praise endures forever.

Observation:
This verse is a well known one. Wisdom comes through reverence of the Spirit of the Lord in your life and through obedience to His word. Jesus said a wise man builds his house / his life on the rock, the revelation of Jesus as the King, Lord and Savior.

Application:
This passage encourages me to always be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit in my life. Wisdom comes as I develop greater sensitivity to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Fear in this passage is reverence. God gave me a guide the Holy Spirit and I am to follow as He leads me. It is so true that you are never a true leader unto you develop the skill of following. I pray that my sensitivity to the Holy Spirit would increase and my obedience the principles and truth of God’s Word would always guide my life. I want to be like the wise man that built his life on the rock. Jesus is my rock, He is my fortress and deliverer and King. I am so blessed to be a son of God. May my life shout His praises forever!

Prayer:
Jesus thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to guide my life. I desire the wisdom of God in my life. I want my heart to be full of wisdom so that I can be a blessing to all those around me. I pray that my heart would always obey when you speak to me. Forgive me for the times where I have ignored Your leading and done my own thing. I pray today for more wisdom and power of God in my life. I pray for an anointing to bind up the wounded and to set the captives free. Jesus lead me. I pray for this week and ask You to lead me and guide my every step. I pray for our Youth today and ask You for a Revival. May You be glorified at Urgency. Remove any pride, ego and fleshly motive from my heart. I wan to be one that does every for an Audience of One, Jesus! Father bless my wife and refresh her. Release new songs within her heart and her team. Thank You for the favor You gave them yesterday. Keep them all close to Your heart. In Your name I pray.
Amen