Share Your 21 Days of Elevation Stories

Share your stories of how your life was elevated during the fast

Share Your 21 Days of Elevation Stories

DAY 21- Easter Series: RISE

21 Days of Elevation – DAY 21 Easter Series: RISE

John 14:5-6 “Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You are going, and how can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Like Thomas, the world is asking the same question some 2000 years later “…and how can we know the way?” Centuries after Jesus walked the earth, men are still seeking truth, love, relevance, meaning, purpose and acceptance in all the wrong places and for all the wrong reasons.

Jesus declared emphatically in the preceding text that He is “…THE Way, THE Truth, and THE Life. When we discover Jesus we discover the answers to life’s toughest questions, fears and concerns. Jesus ALONE is THE Source of all lasting joy and fulfillment.
AS we conclude our 21 Days of Elevation Fast, my prayer for everyone who will experience the RISE series is that they will come to KNOW Jesus so they can KNOW true Peace. Because when we say NO to Jesus we’re actually saying NO to His Peace…

HOW TO PRAY
1. Pray for Pastor Keith for:
· Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Divine Insight and Revelation as he studies and prepares for the series – Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 13:11; 1 Corinthians 4:1
2. Pray that God would draw non-believers and seekers to CCC during the RISE series – Isaiah 43:5-6; Psalm 2:8
3. Pray that their hearts that will be receptive to the message of Redemption – Romans 1:16; Isaiah 55:11
4. Pray for transformation in the lives of seekers, the unchurched/dechurched and believers – Psalm 138:8; Philippians 1:6
5. Creativity and innovation in every aspect of the series i.e. Drama, Media, Worship, etc. – Proverbs 8:12; Isaiah 43:19; Matthew 13:52 (MESSAGE BIBLE)

Following Hard After God,

Keith A. Craft

DAY 21- Easter Series: RISE

Day 20 - MISSIONARIES

Day 20 - MISSIONARIES

6:8 “Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

Pastor Sheila and I honored to announce that this month Faith Celebration Bible College in India will graduate its inaugural class. Your faithful giving to Missions allowed us to participate in the funding for the construction of the school as well as training and materials. We also support Global University and their ministry efforts in Iran, a nation that is still resistant to the gospel.
Keeping in mind the great sacrifice our missionaries are making daily around the world, let us turn our hearts, thoughts and prayers to them as they answer the call to go to the nations and proclaim Christ’s message of redemption to every tribe, tongue and kindred. Today, let us earnestly and intentionally pray for our global missions partners, many of whom are serving in hostile, life threatening conditions and opposition.

Let us never forget…
HOW TO PRAY
1. Pray for missionaries and missionary organizations worldwide

2. Pray specifically for missionaries and charitable organizations we (CCC) support both domestically and internationally:
· Larry Myers – Mexico
· M. Samuelkutty – India
· David Plymire – China Matthew Barnett – L.A. Dream Center
· Gary & Marilyn Skinner – Africa
· Global University – Iran
· Rich Wilkerson/Peacemakers – Miami, FL
· Frisco Family Services – Frisco, TX
· Samaritan Inn – McKinney, TX

3. Pray for Divine PROTECTION – Psalm 91;
4. Pray for Abundant PROVISION – Philippians 4:14-20; Psalm 84:11; Exodus 3:21
5. Divine Favor and Open Doors of Opportunity to minister the gospel – 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3
6. Pray for LABORERS – Matthew 9:37-38; Mark 16:20; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9
7. Pray for Fruitful Ministry and Harvest of Souls i.e. salvation, healing, discipleship, equipping, empowerment and training – Psalm 2:8; Isaiah 43:5-6; Habakkuk 2:14; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16: 15-18; Ephesians 4:11-16

Following Hard After God,

Keith A. Craft

Day 20 - MISSIONARIES

Day 19 - FAMILY OF ORIGIN

Proverbs 18:24 “A man who has friends must himself be friendly (ALIGNMENT), but there is a friend (FAMILY OF CHOICE) who sticks closer than a brother (FAMILY OF ORIGIN).”

“Who I choose to align with will determine my next level; up or down.” – Keith Craft on Leadershipology.com

One of the most beautiful examples of the power of Alignment that we find in Scripture is recorded in 1 Samuel 18:3-4. In these two verses we see Jonathan – the heir apparent – willingly relinquish his right to the throne of Israel to David, a lowly shepherd boy. The basis of their friendship was covenant love (v3 – ALIGNMENT), which transcended Jonathan’s relationship and allegiance to his biological father King Saul (FAMILY OF ORIGIN).

To seal their covenant relationship, Jonathan initiated two things in 1 Samuel 18:4 that are vital to the health of every successful alignment:

By giving David his armor Jonathan was saying, “I’m DEFENSELESS against you.”
By giving David his sword Jonathan was saying, “I’m POWERLESS to harm you.”

David’s alignment with Jonathan determined his next level UP.

HOW TO PRAY

1. ORIGIN – Pray for specific family members by name i.e. spouse, children, parents, in-laws, etc. Pray for:
· Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding – Proverbs 3:5-6; Proverbs 8; James 1:5-8
· Divine Favor – Psalm 5:12; Proverbs 3:3-4
· Prosperity – Deuteronomy 8:18; Psalm 35:27; Job 36:11
· Health and Healing – Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 4:24; 12:15; Luke 6:19; 3 John 2
· Strong Healthy Marriages & Families – Proverbs 18:22; Proverbs 31:10-31; Ephesians 5:21-28; Colossians 3:18-21; 2 Timothy 5:8; 1 Peter 3:1-7

2. CHOICE – Pray for our CCC family for:
· Xceleration, Favor and Breakthrough – Psalm 1:1-3; Psalm 112; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
· Transformation – Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; 4:16-18;
· Elevation – Psalm 75:6-7; 2 Samuel 9:1-11; Revelation 4:1

Following Hard After God,

Keith A Craft

Day 19 - FAMILY OF ORIGIN

Day 18 - REPENTANCE/PERSONAL NEEDS III

Day 18 - Repentance/Personal Needs III

Psalm 19:12-14 “Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O LORD, my strength and my Redeemer.”

1. Recognize that it is God’s power at work in us that empowers us sin and toxic behavioral patterns – vv12 -13 “Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be blameless, and I shall be innocent of great transgression.
2. Ask God to transform you heart (BLIND SPOTS) and guard the words of you mouth (LIFE SENTENCES) so that what you think (INTERNAL) and say (EXTERNAL) are acceptable to Him.

HOW TO PRAY
REPENTANCE

1. Acknowledge God's unfailing love and His willingness to forgive you - Psalm 51

2. Confess your sin and things in your life that have become distractions and hindrances to fulfilling your God given potential and purpose - Hebrews 12:1
* Sins of the Heart - Unforgiveness, Offense, Bitterness &Resentment, Pride, Doubt and Unbelief, etc.
* Sins of the Flesh - All sexual sin i.e. adultery, fornication, pornography, alternate lifestyles, etc.
* Sins of the Tongue - Negativity, Gossip, Slander, Lying, Coarse Jesting, Backbiting, Bearing False Witness, etc

3. Honestly confront the toxic patterns in your life and allow God's wisdom to permeate the deepest recesses of your being* Insecurity, Jealousy, Co-Dependency, Fear, etc.
Allow God to restore your heart and soul with the peace, joy and comfort of the Holy Spirit
Allow your story of restoration to become a testimony of God's love and mercy to those who do not believe

PERSONAL NEEDS
“Let them shout for joy and be glad, who favor my righteous cause; and let them say continually, “Let the LORD be magnified, WHO HAS PLEASURE IN THE PROSPERITY OF HIS SERVANT.”
1. Confidently present yourself AND your requests to God - Hebrews4:14-16; Matthew 7:7; Isaiah 1:19; Numbers 23:19
Pray according to what He has promised in His Word - Isaiah 55:11;Jeremiah 1:12; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Psalm 35:27; Job 36:11; Joshua 21:45(AMPLIFIED)
He will hear and answer - Jeremiah 33:3; Psalm 40:1; Psalm 116:2; 2
Receive the answer with thanksgiving - Luke 17:11-18; Philippians4:6-7

Following hard after God,

Keith A. Craft

Day 18 - REPENTANCE/PERSONAL NEEDS III

Day 17 - THE CHURCH

Day 17 - THE CHURCH

Matthew 16:18 “…and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.”

Matthew 16:18 The Message Bible “This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church SO EXPANSIVE WITH ENERGY that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.”

Jesus is building His Church and His Church is forcefully advancing; not merely holding the fort, but strategically on the offensive. As faithful Christ followers we have been called to RE-present a bold, victorious and triumphant Church to every skeptic and critic. In so doing, we become Christ’s hands extended in mercy and love to a lost and dying world.

As Bill Hybels, Lead Pastor of Willow Creek Community Church rightly said, “Without question, the local church is the hope of the world.”


HOW TO PRAY

Pastors Keith & Sheila, CCC pastoral staff & all pastors and church/ministry leaders
· A Shepherd’s Heart – Jeremiah 3:15, 23:4,
· Integrity and Skill – Psalm 78:70-72; Psalm 77:20; Jeremiah 9:23-24;
· Wisdom, Foresight & Clearly Articulated Vision – 1 Chronicles 12:32; Proverbs 29:18; Habakkuk 2:2-3; Joel 2:28

Marriage & Family – Ephesians 5:22-30; 1 Timothy 3:4-5; 1 Timothy 5:8; Colossians 3:18-21

Unity in the Church at large (The Body of Christ) – Psalm 133:1; John 17:9-11; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:3

Power & Influence to Effectively Engage Culture – Luke 4:18-19; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-8; Nehemiah 8:8; Mark 4:33-34; Acts 2:47; 6:8-10; 9:31; 16:5

Faithful, T-Rated Servant Leaders – Colossians 3:22-25; 4:17; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Hebrews 6:10-12

Phase 2 – The Frisco Cathedral
Provision – 1 Chronicles 29:1-9; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
A House of Prayer, Worship & Transformation - 2 Chronicles 7:15-16; Mark 11:17

Alignments – Amos 3:3; 1 Samuel 18:1-4

Blessings, Breakthrough & Elevation
· Spiritual/Emotional – Ephesians 1:3; Romans 12:1-2
· Physical – 3 John 2; 1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:4-5;
· Material/Financial – Deuteronomy 1:11 (CEV); Job 36:11; Psalm 35:27; 65:11; 66:12; Philippians 4:15-19;

Following hard after God,


Keith A Craft

Day 17 - THE CHURCH

Day 16 - GOOD GOVERNMENT

Day 16 - GOOD GOVERNMENT

2 Chronicles 7:14 "If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

1. God's promise of national healing and forgiveness is CONDITIONAL - "IF My people..."
2. It is predicated upon our humility and contrition before Him - "...will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways..."
3. Ultimately, there is a God side and a man side to everything in life. If we are faithful in the discharge of our responsibilities, God is ALWAYS FAITHFUL to do His part and He will HEAL OUR LAND - "...I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land."

HOW TO PRAY
1. Pray that our leaders (Executive, Legislative, Judicial, federal, state, municipal) will both seek and heed godly counsel (Exodus 18:19; Proverbs 11:14; 15:22; 24:6; Isaiah 1:26)
Pray specifically for:
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden;
United States Supreme Court i.e. Chief Justice John Roberts, John Paul Stevens, Antonin Scalia, Anthony Kennedy, David Souter, Clarence Thomas, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Stephen Breyer and Samuel Alito
U.S. Congress
TX Governor Rick Perry and for local & state officials
Law Enforcement and U.S. Armed Forces serving both at home and abroad

2. Pray that God will strategically place men and women of faith in positions of influence (i.e. Sons of Issachar, Joseph, Esther, Deborah; Nehemiah, Daniel, etc). Pray that these leaders will do their part to uphold a Biblical worldview in legislation and the formation of policy; both foreign (Proverbs 25:25) and domestic (Proverbs 14:34); Genesis 39:4-6, 22-23; 1 Chronicles 12:32; Esther 4:14; Judges 4:4-5, 8-9 & 5:6-7; Daniel 2:19-21)

3. Pray for the protection of our leaders at home and abroad – Isaiah 54:17; 59:19b; Psalm 91

4. A resilient and vibrant economy and private sector – Deuteronomy 8:18; 28:1-14; Psalm 65:11, 66:12; 3 John 2

5. Integrity in Government & Corporate America – Job 4:6; 27:5; 31:6; Psalm 7:8; 25:21; 78:72; Proverbs 10:9; 11:3; 19:1; 20:7; 28:6; Titus 2:6-8




Following Hard After God,


Keith A. Craft

Day 16 - GOOD GOVERNMENT

Day 15 - PRACTICE GRATITUDE

Day 15 - PRACTICE GRATITUDE

1 Bless the LORD, O my soul; And all that is within me, bless His holy name! 2 Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget not all His benefits: 3 Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, 4 Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies, 5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

1. Gratitude inspires us to kick PASSivitiy. It causes us to fully engage our heart – v 1 “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and ALL THAT IS WITHIN ME, bless His holy name!”

2. Gratitude causes us to REMEMBER God’s unfailing promises and His faithfulness to us – v2 “…and FORGET NOT all His benefits…”
· He FORGIVES and HEALS – v3
· He REDEEMS and CROWNS us with HONOR and DIGNITY – v4
· He SATISFIES [fulfils needs and expectations; solves, dispels, discharges fully,] us with GOOD THINGS and RENEWS our youth –v5

Gratitude always gives us a God-centered perspective instead of a self-centered focus, which is an indispensible attribute of true happiness and fulfillment.


THINGS TO DO AS YOU PRACTICE GRATITUDE –
1. As you pray, acknowledge God’s goodness, blessing and favor in every area of your life – for His grace, mercy, love, blessing, favor, good health, relationships, job, home, etc.

2. Take a moment to send a note, text or email to your spouse, parents, a friend, a pastor, a mentor, coach, etc for something positive they have done to make you the person you are today.

3. And remember to include those who might be classified as your enemies. Jesus said, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven…”





Following Hard After God,


Keith A. Craft

Day 15 - PRACTICE GRATITUDE

Day 14 - EASTER SERIES: RISE II

Day 14 - EASTER SERIES: RISE II

John 12:32 “And I, if I be LIFTED UP from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”

In this singular statement Jesus was communicating to His disciples’ the kind of death He would experience. It would be a macabre and grotesque display of human wickedness. Yet Jesus assured His disciples that out of this cruel act would come great good: the redemption of mankind. Jesus’ death on the cross nearly 2000 years ago reminds us all that we have an opportunity to RISE to new levels if we will simply accept what He did for us through His sacrificial death.

Beginning Easter Weekend - April 11 & 12 - we will launch a new sermon series at Celebration Centre called RISE: Reach for the Impossible. For 4 weeks we will creatively present this timeless message of redemption and God’s unfailing love with a culturally relevant twist. Our prayer is that people will come and personally experience Christ’s great love; and as they do we pray that they too will RISE to new levels in every area of their life…personally, professionally and relationally.

HOW TO PRAY
1. Pray for Pastor Keith for:
Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Divine Insight and Revelation as he studies and prepares for the series – Jeremiah 33:3; Matthew 13:11; 1 Corinthians 4:1
2. Pray that God would draw non-believers and seekers to CCC during the RISE series – Isaiah 43:5-6; Psalm 2:8
3. Pray that their hearts that will be receptive to the message of Redemption – Romans 1:16; Isaiah 55:11
4. Pray for transformation in the lives of seekers, the unchurched/dechurched and believers – Psalm 138:8; Philippians 1:6
5. Creativity and innovation in every aspect of the series i.e. Drama, Media, Worship, etc. – Proverbs 8:12; Isaiah 43:19; Matthew 13:52 (MESSAGE BIBLE)

Following Hard After God,

Keith A. Craft

Day 14 - EASTER SERIES: RISE II

Day 13 - Pray For Missionaries II

Psalm 2:8 "Ask of me and I will give the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession."

Verse 8a "Ask of me..."

God's plan is that all nations, tribes and people come into relationship with His Son Jesus. But believers have a vital role to play in this great endtime harvest of souls. We must PRAY. In fact, it was John Wesley, the great revivalist, who once observed, "It seems God does nothing unless men pray."

Verse 8b "...and I will give the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession."

Prayer activates the power of God on behalf of humanity. As we pray for the lost, God supernaturally turns the hearts of unbelievers to faith in Jesus Christ. Prayer tills the fallow ground of the human heart so that the Word of God can be planted, cultivated and nurtured into an abundant spiritual harvest.


HOW TO PRAY

1. Pray for missionaries and missionary organizations worldwide

2. Pray specifically for missionaries and charitable organizations we (CCC) support both domestically and internationally:
Larry Myers – Mexico
M. Samuel kutty – India
David Plymire – China
Matthew Barnett – L.A. Dream Center
Gary & Marilyn Skinner – Africa
Global University – Iran
Rich Wilkerson/Peacemakers – Miami, FL
Frisco Family Services – Frisco, TX
Samaritan Inn – McKinney, TX

3. Pray for Divine PROTECTION – Psalm 91;

4. Pray for Abundant PROVISION – Philippians 4:14-20; Psalm 84:11; Exodus 3:21

5. Divine Favor and Open Doors of Opportunity to minister the gospel – 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3

6. Pray for LABORERS – Matthew 9:37-38; Mark 16:20; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

7. Pray for Fruitful Ministry and Harvest of Souls i.e. salvation, healing, discipleship, equipping, empowerment and training – Psalm 2:8; Isaiah 43:5-6; Habakkuk 2:14; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16: 15-18; Ephesians 4:11-16

Following Hard After God


Keith A Craft

Day 13 - Pray For Missionaries II

Day 12 - FAMILY OF ORIGIN/FAMILY OF CHOICE II

DAY 12 - FAMILY OF ORIGIN/FAMILY OF CHOICE II

Luke 8:18-24 19 "Then His mother and brothers came to Him, and could notapproach Him because of the crowd. 20 And it was told Him by some, whosaid, "Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, desiring tosee You (FAMILY OF ORIGIN)." 21 But He answered and said to them, "My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it."(FAMILY OF CHOICE)

Jesus' response to his disciples communicates that alignments andrelationships should be motivated by a shared belief system and commonvalues more so than heredity and/or biological ties.

HOW TO PRAY

1. ORIGIN - Pray for specific family members by name i.e. spouse,children, parents, in-laws, etc. Pray for:

• Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding - Proverbs 3:5-6; Proverbs 8;James 1:5-8
• Divine Favor - Psalm 5:12; Proverbs 3:3-4
• Prosperity - Deuteronomy 8:18; Psalm 35:27; Job 36:11
• Health and Healing - Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 4:24; 12:15; Luke 6:19; 3John 2
• Strong Healthy Marriages & Families - Proverbs 18:22; Proverbs31:10-31; Ephesians 5:21-28; Colossians 3:18-21; 2 Timothy 5:8; 1 Peter3:1-7

2. CHOICE - Pray for our CCC family for:

• Xceleration, Favor and Breakthrough - Psalm 1:1-3; Psalm 112;Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
• Transformation - Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; 4:16-18;
• Elevation - Psalm 75:6-7; 2 Samuel 9:1-11; Revelation 4:1

Following Hard After God


Keith A Craft

Day 12 - FAMILY OF ORIGIN/FAMILY OF CHOICE II

Day 11 - REPENTANCE AND PERSONAL NEEDS II

DAY 11 - REPENTANCE AND PERSONAL NEEDS II
Luke 18:9-14
"Also He spoke this parable to some who trusted inthemselves that they were righteous, and despised others: 10 "Two menwent up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a taxcollector. 11 The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, Ithank You that I am not like other men-extortioners, unjust, adulterers,or even as this tax collector. 12 I fast twice a week; I give tithes ofall that I possess.' 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, wouldnot so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying,'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' 14 I tell you, this man went down tohis house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exaltshimself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted."

1. Where there is self-righteousness, judgment and fault finding,there can be NO true repentance - vv11 & 12 "The Pharisee stood andprayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank You that I am not like othermen-extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. 12I fast twice a week; I give tithes of all that I possess."
2. True repentance begins with a humble awareness of one's own sinand shortcomings - v13 "And the tax collector, standing afar off, wouldnot so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying,'God, be merciful to me a sinner!"
3. Humility BEFORE God always precedes Honor FROM God - v 14 "I tellyou, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other;for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbleshimself will be exalted." Prov.15:33

HOW TO PRAY -

REPENTANCE

1. Acknowledge God's unfailing love and His willingness to forgiveyou - Psalm 51
2. Confess your sin and things in your life that have becomedistractions and hindrances to fulfilling your God given potential andpurpose - Hebrews 12:1
   * Sins of the Heart - Unforgiveness, Offense, Bitterness &Resentment, Pride, Doubt and Unbelief, etc.
   * Sins of the Flesh - All sexual sin i.e. adultery, fornication,pornography, alternate lifestyles, etc.
   * Sins of the Tongue - Negativity, Gossip, Slander, Lying,Coarse Jesting, Backbiting, Bearing False Witness, etc
3. Honestly confront the toxic patterns in your life and allowGod's wisdom to permeate the deepest recesses of your being
   * Insecurity, Jealousy, Co-Dependency, Fear, etc.
4. Allow God to restore your heart and soul with the peace, joy andcomfort of the Holy Spirit
5. Allow your story of restoration to become a testimony of God'slove and mercy to those who do not believe

PERSONAL NEEDS

Matthew 7:7-10 "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you willfind; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asksreceives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will beopened. 9 Or what man is there among you who, if his son asks for bread,will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him aserpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to yourchildren, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give goodthings to those who ask Him!"

1. Confidently present yourself AND your requests to God - Hebrews4:14-16; Matthew 7:7; Isaiah 1:19; Numbers 23:19
2. Pray according to what He has promised in His Word - Isaiah 55:11;Jeremiah 1:12; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Psalm 35:27; Job 36:11; Joshua 21:45(AMPLIFIED)
3. He will hear and answer - Jeremiah 33:3; Psalm 40:1; Psalm 116:2; 2
4. Receive the answer with thanksgiving - Luke 17:11-18; Philippians4:6-7

Following hard after God,

Keith A. Craft

Day 11 - REPENTANCE AND PERSONAL NEEDS II

Day 10 - The Church

DAY 10 - THE CHURCH

1 Thessalonians 1:5-10
"For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. 8 For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. 9 For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come."

The Church at Thessalonica

1. Paul’s message to the church at Thessalonica was not mere words, but it was characterized by demonstrations of power and the comfort and life giving ministry of the Holy Spirit - v5 "…For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance…"
2. Paul’s message produced Christ followers who remained FAITHFUL and GRATEFUL in the spite of dire circumstances - v6 "…And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit…"
3. As a result of their steadfast, unwavering faith, the church at Thessalonica became a MODEL for other believers and churches in their region - v7 "…so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe."
4. Their faith became a testimony and benchmark for Kingdom service to the entire region - v8 "…For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything."
5. Ultimately, this produced TRANSFORMATION, ELEVATION and patient PERSISTENCE in the lives of all those who heard and heeded the gospel message in Thessalonica and beyond - v9 "…and how you turned TO GOD from IDOLS to serve the living and true God…"

HOW TO PRAY

1. Pastors Keith & Sheila, CCC pastoral staff & pastors and church/ministry leaders around the world · A Shepherd’s Heart – Jeremiah 3:15, 23:4, Matthew 9:36· Integrity and Skill – Psalm 78:70-72; Psalm 77:20; Jeremiah 9:23-24; · Wisdom, Foresight & Clearly Articulated Vision -1 Chronicles 12:32; Proverbs 29:18; Habakkuk 2:2-3; Joel 2:28;
2. Marriage & Family – Ephesians 5:22-30; 1 Timothy 3:4-5; 1 Timothy 5:8; Colossians 3:18-21
3. Unity in the Church at large (The Body of Christ) - Psalm 133:1; John 17:9-11; 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12; Ephesians 4:3
4. Power & Influence to Effectively Engage Culture - Luke 4:18-19; 1 Thessalonians 1:5-8; Nehemiah 8:8; Mark 4:33-34; Acts 2:47; 6:8-10; 9:31; 16:5
5. Faithful, T-Rated Servant Leaders - Colossians 3:22-25; 4:17; 1 Timothy 3:1-13; Hebrews 6:10-12
6. Phase 2 – The Frisco Cathedral · Provision – 1 Chronicles 29:1-9; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11 · A House of Prayer, Worship & Transformation - 2 Chronicles 7:15-16; Mark 11:17
7. Blessings, Breakthrough & Elevation · Spiritual/Emotional – Ephesians 1:3; Romans 12:1-2· Physical – 3 John 2; 1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:4-5; · Material/Financial – Deuteronomy 1:11 (CEV); Job 36:11; Psalm 35:27; 65:11; 66:12; Philippians 4:15-19;

Following hard after God,


Keith A. Craft

Day 10 - The Church

Day 9 - Good Government

DAY 9 - GOOD GOVERNMENT

1 Chronicles 12:32 "of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command…"

The sons of Issachar distinguished themselves from the other tribes of Israel because they had:

1. UNCOMMON INSIGHT - "… men who had UNDERSTANDING of the times…"
2. UNCOMMON INSTINCT (based on a Biblical worldview) - “…to KNOW what Israel out to do
3. UNCOMMON INFLUENCE in national and global affairs - and all their brethren were AT THEIR COMMAND

HOW TO PRAY

1. Pray that our leaders (Executive, Legislative, Judicial, federal, state, municipal) will both seek and heed godly counsel (Exodus 18:19; Proverbs 11:14; 15:22; 24:6; Isaiah 1:26)
2. Pray that God will strategically place men and women of faith in positions of influence (i.e. Sons of Issachar, Joseph, Esther, Deborah; Nehemiah, Daniel, etc). Pray that these leaders will do their part to uphold a Biblical worldview in legislation and the formation of policy; both foreign (Proverbs 25:25) and domestic (Proverbs 14:34); Genesis 39:4-6, 22-23; 1 Chronicles 12:32; Esther 4:14; Judges 4:4-5, 8-9 & 5:6-7; Daniel 2:19-21
3. Pray for the protection of our leaders at home and abroad – Isaiah 54:17; 59:19b; Psalm 91
4. A resilient and vibrant economy and private sector – Deuteronomy 8:18; 28:1-14; Psalm 65:11, 66:12; 3 John 2
5. Integrity in Government & Corporate America – Job 4:6; 27:5; 31:6; Psalm 7:8; 25:21; 78:72; Proverbs 10:9; 11:3; 19:1; 20:7; 28:6; Titus 2:6-8
   

Following hard after God,


Keith A Craft

Day 9 - Good Government

Day 8 - Practice Gratitude

DAY 8 - PRACTICE GRATITUDE

"4 Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." PHILLIPIANS 4:4-7

1. Make gratitude a LIFESTYLE NOT AN EVENT - v4 "Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS. AGAIN I will say, rejoice!"
   
2. Be gentle (kind, forgiving, merciful) to everyone; even the ones who have been unkind to you. God SEES and KNOWS your heart and He will HONOR you for it - v5 "Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand."


3. Do NOT be afraid; only BELIEVE - v6 "Be anxious for nothing..."


4. The proper response in every season and circumstance of life is PRAYER and THANKSGIVING - v6 "...but in EVERYTHING by PRAYER and supplication, with THANKSGIVING..."


5. Be specific as you pray. God cares about the details - v6 "...let your REQUESTS BE MADE KNOWN to God"


6. Receive the peace of God which will sustain you until the answer to your prayer manifests - v7 "and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
   

THINGS TO DO AS YOU PRACTICE GRATITUDE

1. Acknowledge God's goodness, blessing and favor in your life as you pray - for His grace, mercy, love, blessing, favor, good health, relationships, job, home, etc.


2. Take a moment to send a note, text or email to your spouse, parents, a friend, a pastor, a mentor, coach, etc for something positive they have done to make you the person you are today.


3. And remember to include those who might be classified as your enemies. Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven..." Matthew 5:44-45

Following hard after God,

Keith A. Craft

Day 8 - Practice Gratitude

Day 7 - A Message from Pastor Keith

As we end Day 7, I am grateful to God for the people who gave their hearts to Christ today at Celebration. My favorite part of every week is when we come together and worship God as Family of Origin and Family of Choice.

Our Dream Team Awards were held on Friday night to honor our Servant-Leaders. My only regret is that we cannot honor everyone on the level of those who were nominated by their teams and team leaders to receive awards. The awards we give are made by the same company that makes the Oscars! We are so honored to have so many wonderful people who have committed their Time, Talent and Treasure to advance God’s purpose in the earth and Build His Dream. Thank you to all of our Dream Team Servant-Leaders! A special Congratulations is in order for our MVP who was nominated overwhelmingly by the Dream Team Directors who lead teams that total over 1000 thousand people.

Mark Renfro is our 2009 Dream Team Awards MVP!

Thanks be to God for a GREAT weekend of ministry at Celebration Covenant Church! Pastor Sheila and I love you very much! I am believing God that your life will be ten times better in the next ten days!!!!

Following Hard After God,

Pastor Keith

Day 7 - A Message from Pastor Keith

Day 6: Pray for Missionaries

DAY 6: MISSIONARIES

14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written:

“ How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace, who bring glad tidings of good things!”

1. The people must BELIEVE in God before they CALL on God
2. The people must HEAR before they can BELIEVE
3. There must be a PREACHER who proclaims the Good News for the people to HEAR
4. And there must be someone to SEND the PREACHER

HOW TO PRAY

1. Pray for missionaries and missionary organizations worldwide

2. Pray specifically for missionaries and charitable organizations we (CCC) support both domestically and internationally:

· Larry Myers – Mexico

· M. Samuelkutty – India

· David Plymire – China Matthew Barnett – L.A. Dream Center

· Gary & Marilyn Skinner – Africa

· Global University – Iran

· Rich Wilkerson/Peacemakers – Miami, FL

· Frisco Family Services – Frisco, TX

· Samaritan Inn – McKinney, TX

3. Pray for Divine PROTECTION – Psalm 91

4. Pray for Abundant PROVISION – Philippians 4:14-20; Psalm 84:11; Exodus 3:21

5. Divine Favor and Open Doors of Opportunity to minister the gospel – 1 Corinthians 16:9; 2 Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3

6. Pray for LABORERS – Matthew 9:37-38; Mark 16:20; 1 Corinthians 3:6-9

7. Pray for Fruitful Ministry and Harvest of Souls i.e. salvation, healing, discipleship, equipping, empowerment and training – Psalm 2:8; Isaiah 43:5-6; Habakkuk 2:14; Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16: 15-18; Ephesians 4:11-16

Following Hard After God,

Pastor Keith

Day 6: Pray for Missionaries

Day 5 - Family of Orgin/Family of Choice

FAMILY OF ORGIN/FAMILY OF CHOICE

Ephesians 3:14-21” For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven (FAMILY OF CHOICE) and earth(FAMILY OF ORIGIN) is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height - to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”

HOW TO PRAY – FAMILY OF ORIGIN/FAMILY OF CHOICE
1. ORIGIN – Pray for specific family members by name i.e. spouse, children, parents, in-laws, etc. Pray for:
· Wisdom, Knowledge and Understanding – Proverbs 3:5-6; Proverbs 8; James 1:5-8
· Divine Favor – Psalm 5:12; Proverbs 3:3-4
· Prosperity – Deuteronomy 8:18; Psalm 35:27; Job 36:11
· Health and Healing – Isaiah 53:4-5; Matthew 4:24; 12:15; Luke 6:19; 3 John 2
· Strong Healthy Marriages & Families – Proverbs 18:22; Proverbs 31:10-31; Ephesians 5:21-28; Colossians 3:18-21; 2 Timothy 5:8; 1 Peter 3:1-7

2. CHOICE – Pray for our CCC family for:
· Xceleration, Favor and Breakthrough – Psalm 1:1-3; Psalm 112; Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Philippians 4:19; 2 Corinthians 9:6-11
· Transformation – Romans 12:1-2; 2 Corinthians 3:17-18; 4:16-18;
· Elevation – Psalm 75:6-7; 2 Samuel 9:1-11; Revelation 4:1

Following hard after God

Pastor Keith

Day 5 - Family of Orgin/Family of Choice

Day 5 - A Message from Pastor Keith

Today is Day 5 of our fast!!! God, we thank You for the privilege of making Your name Famous in the earth!!

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled.”

This morning was a momentous occasion as the Mighty Men of CCC met at the Gate for prayer. We had a great time of prayer and worship for one hour together. It was one of the GREAT days in my life personally to be able to come together with such a group a AWESOME men. We prayed the 7 Specifics of the 21 Days of Elevation Fast. From Practicing Gratitude or prayer for Good Government. We prayed for our new President and named each name of the Supreme Court Justices before the throne of God.

We then prayed for the Church…CCC and the church-at-large in the earth. We prayed that men would step up and become the Kings, Priests and Warriors God has called them to be.

Then, we gathered in groups and prayed for each other and each man shared the One Need he was believing God for. Then, for Family of Origin and Family of Choice…we prayed for our Missionaries and finally, for our Easter Weekend…that God would draw people from the North, South, East and West.

I want to say on a personal note how inspired I was to be in the presence of God and His WARRIORS! Tonight, we celebrate our Dream Teams at our Dream Team Awards

Thank you Mighty Men of CCC for touching heaven and changing earth today!!!

Walk FAST!

Pastor Keith

Day 5 - A Message from Pastor Keith

Day 4 - Repentance & Personal Needs

Welcome to Day 4 of our 21 Days of Elevation Fast. Please note that we have made updates to the 21 Days webpage with additional information about the purpose of the fast, dietary recommendations as well as some amazing RECIPES!!!

To access these updates, simply log onto www.celebrationcovenant.com/21days . Click on the GUIDELINES & RECIPES tab to download the pdf document.

Remember, today is specifically and strategically set aside for us to focus our prayers, reflections and journaling on Repentance & Personal Needs. Here are a few thoughts from Pastor Keith to guide as you pray.



REPENTANCE
Psalm 51:1-13 “1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.

2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge. 5 Surely I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

6 Surely you desire truth in the inner parts; you teach me wisdom in the inmost place.

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. 8 Let me hear joy and gladness; let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

9 Hide your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquity.

10 Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

11 Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

13 Then I will teach transgressors your ways, and sinners will turn back to you.

HOW TO PRAY
Acknowledge God’s mercy, unfailing love and His willingness to forgive you – v 1

Confess your sin and things in your life that have become distractions and hindrances to fulfilling your God given potential and purpose – vv2-5

· Sins of the Heart – Unforgiveness, Offense, Bitterness & Resentment, Pride, Doubt and Unbelief, etc.
· Sins of the Flesh – All sexual sin i.e. adultery, fornication, pornography, alternate lifestyles, etc.
· Sins of the Tongue – Negativity, Gossip, Slander, Lying, Coarse Jesting, Backbiting, Bearing False Witness, etc

Honestly confront the toxic patterns in your life and allow God’s wisdom to permeate the deepest recesses of your being – v6
Insecurity, Jealousy, Co-Dependency, Fear, etc.

Allow God to restore your heart and soul with the peace, joy and comfort of the Holy Spirit – vv 10-12

Allow your story of restoration to become a testimony of God’s love and mercy to those who do not believe – v13



PERSONAL NEEDS
1 John 5:14-15 “This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him.”

HOW TO PRAY
1. Confidently present yourself AND your requests to God – Hebrews 4:14-16; Matthew 7:7; Isaiah 1:19; Numbers 23:19

2. Pray according to what He has promised in His Word – Isaiah 55:11; Jeremiah 1:12; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Psalm 35:27; Job 36:11; Joshua 21:45 (AMPLIFIED)

3. He will hear and answer – Jeremiah 33:3; Psalm 40:1; Psalm 116:2

4. Receive the answer with thanksgiving – Luke 17:11-18; Philippians 4:6-7

CLICK HERE to download the document "Gods Promises For Tough Times"

Believing the best,
Pastor Ray

Day 4 - Repentance & Personal Needs

Day 3 - A Message From Pastor Keith

It is Day 3 of our 21 Days of Elevation Fast! Congratulations to all of you who are participating in this life “altaring” event! I am in Sacramento, California today participating in the Get Motivated Seminar. The time here is 11:20 am. I conducted an on stage interview with gold medalist and world champion swimmer Michael Phelps. I felt like I was talking to my son Joshua!! It is amazing to meet a person with the same temperament as my son! When I greeted him this morning in the green room before we went on stage, he was yawning and had his head down…I thought, “this is Josh!”

Today is a great day! So far, I have consumed 96 ounces of water and my goal is to get to 128…a gallon by 12pm…12 minutes from now. I woke up this morning Practicing Gratitude. I want to encourage you to follow the plan of prayer we have laid out in the 7 Specifics of our Fasting and Prayer.

I also want to remind you that you CAN eat FISH these first 7 days of the fast. Stay away from meats and sugar specifically and refer to the Eat this and Not that info during our fast. Please drink plenty of water…in fact only water during this fast unless you can find pure juice or have a juicer.

The first miracle of Elevation during this fast has happened for me today. Some of you know I had a car stolen last summer. The dynamics of what has been involved are to detailed to go into, however, no progress has been made until now! I just received notice that the insurance company is going to write me a check for the car!!! Thank YOU God!

Please keep us posted on your Elevation miracles!!!

Following Hard After God,
Pastor Keith

Day 3 - A Message From Pastor Keith

Day 1 - A Message from Pastor Keith

Welcome to my first blog!!

Today begins our 21 Days of Elevation Fast. Desperate times demand desperate measures. Jesus was clear that certain things only happen as a result of fasting and prayer. I want to thank our CCC family who are choosing to embark on this spiritual Elevation journey with me. I believe God is going to show up in a BIG way.

I am at DFW flying to San Francisco to help facilitate and speak at a Get Motivated Seminar along with Rudy Giuliani, Colin Powel, and Gold Medalist Michael Phelps. It should be a great event. Please be in prayer for not only this event, but the 7 Specifics of our Fast.

I started the fast with water only…today.

Praying for you all!!
Pastor Keith

Day 1 - A Message from Pastor Keith

21 Days Of Elevation Fast

http://www.celebrationcovenant.com/21days

The 21 Days to Elevation Fast

A Message From Pastor Keith:

Dear CCC Family,

I am very excited to announce our 21 Days of Elevation Fast! This will be a Daniel Fast from March 23rd to April 12th Easter Sunday!

"Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are case out; when you see the naked, that you cover him, and not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break like the morning, your healing shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you; the glory of the LORD shall be your rear guard."

That is a very important time in the history of our nation, but more importantly, in the history of the Kingdom! This is one of the worst hours for the world...but one of the best for the Kingdom of our God. We must answer the call to RISE up like never before.

This 21 Days of Elevation Fast is a call to Walk in the Spirit so that we are equipped like never before to Lead by the Spirit. Please note what the Daniel Fast is in terms of "Eat This and not That". Also, take note of the 7 Specifics to Fast and Pray for during this most strategic time. I also want to encourage you to keep a 21 Day Fast Journal based on the 7 Specifics and log your own personal journey.

I guarantee you...God is going to show UP like never before!!!

We are going to the top and we can't be stopped...Straight to the top!!!
Pastor Keith


Foods You May Eat:
Whole Grains:Brown Rice, Oats, Barley
Legumes:Dried Beans, Pinto Beans, Split Peas, Lentils, Black Eyed Peas
Fruits:Apples, Apricots, Bananas, Blackberries, Blueberries, Boysenberries, Cantaloupe, Cherries, Cranberries, Oats, Figs, Grapefruit, Grapes, Guava, Honeydew Melon, Kiwi, Lemons, Limes, Mangoes, Nectarines, Papayas, Peaches, Pears, Pineapples, Plums, Prunes, Raisins, Raspberries, Strawberries, Tangelos, Tangerines, Watermelon
Vegetables:Artichokes, Asparagus, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Chili Peppers, Corn, Cucumbers, Eggplant, Garlic, Gingerroot, Kale, Leeks, Lettuce, Mushrooms, Mustard Greens, Okra, Onions, Parsley, Potatoes, Radishes, Rutabagas, Scallions, Spinach, Sprouts, Squashes, Sweet Potatoes, Tomatoes, Turnips, Watercress, Yams, Zucchini, veggie burgers are an option if you not allergic to soy.
Liquids:Spring Water, Distilled Water, 100% All-Natural Fruit Juices, 100% All Natural Vegetable Juices. You may also drink protein drinks.
Others:Seeds, Nuts, Sprouts

Foods to Avoid:
Meat
White Rice
Fried Foods
Caffeine
Carbonated Beverages
Foods Containing Preservatives or Additives
Refined Sugar
Sugar Substitutes
White Flour and All Products Using It
Margarine, Shortening, High Fat Products

7 Specifics to Fast and Pray
I Tim. 2:1-4
1. Practice Gratitude
2. Good Government
3. The Church
4. Personal Repentance/Needs
5. Family of Origin/Choice
6. Missionaries
7. Easter Series – “Rise”

21 Days Of Elevation Fast