Reflections and Expectation

It seems so weird that it is now the year 2009.  It is crazy how quickly time flies by.  I wanted to take a minute and share a few personal thoughts with you.  Reflecting back on 2008, Tawana and I have learned so much... In 2008 we partnered with so many great people and ministries.  From Jeff Deyo and his team to Sam Hinn and Kent Henry... It’s funny, we were just trying to facilitate Jeff Deyo’s passion to train worship leaders and we ended up being blessed!  How cool is that?  We saw a lot of changes in 2008.  We added Kimberly and Roger Wallace to our leadership team as our creative arts pastor.  We felt God directing us to stream-line the finances of the church (geez, that was soooo much fun :) We have moved toward new relational ministries that will launch February 1 (I’m really looking forward to that)  and in 2008 God has radically changed our church.  Our at least our paradigm.  Rev. Eddie Turner has always told me, as well as my father, that a healthy church is not built by programs or church growth models but through prayer and fasting.  So, late in 2008, after we had experienced incredible moves of the holy Spirit,  we planned an all night prayer meeting.  WOW! It changed everything, including me!  God called us to be a house of prayer and intercession and a place of healing.  So here it is the call has been made and 2009 is the year to give the call its feet.  One of the things that I know God is requiring of me is to step up my prayer and fasting.  God really laid it on me that if I wanted things to stay the same then I should continue with the same amount of prayer and fasting but if I wanted to see more..... I am required to give more.  All of us, as leaders, have an expectation that we desire to see God do in 2009.  My question is this.... (thanks for the idea Pastor Jory)  What price are you willing to pay for it?  Are you battling sexual addictions? Porn?  How about those sins that just keep coming back and causing you to stumble?  Are you cheating on your spouse?  Do you long for intimacy with God but just can’t seem to get to that place where you FEEL him that way?  It’s time to lay down our children’s toys and pick our sword of faith and boldly move forward.  It’s gonna take a commitment from you to do what you’ve never done.... I’m talking about prayer and fasting. IT’S TIME!  It’s gonna be a great year for the Kingdom of God and for Living To Go.  I’m challenging you all.... Are you able to make time for your favorite TV show but can’t seem to find the extra time to pray or to go to a prayer meeting?  Come on!!!   It’s time to get real in 2009 and embrace the spirit of God!!  It’s gonna be awesome.  Happy New Year Everyone