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