First Worship Service

• Let it Rise by Holland Davis
  • Hear it on Big Daddy Weave’s album “Every Time I Breathe”
• Open the Eyes of My Heart by Paul Baloche
  • Hear it on WOW Worship Yellow
  • En Español: Danilo Montero’s “Muéstrame Tu Gloria”
• Brethren, We Have Met to Worship: Words by George Atkins, Music by William Moore
  • Coming soon on KCBT’s Worship Album
• The Solid Rock: Words by Edward Mote, Music by John B. Dykes
  • Coming soon on KCBT’s Worship Album
• King of Wonders by Paul Baloche, Steven Curtis Chapman, Stuart Garrard, Israel Houghton, Tim Hughes, Graham Kendrick, Andy Park, Matt Redman, Martin Smith, Michael W. Smith, and Chris Tomlin
  • Hear it on “CompassionArt: Creating Freedom from Poverty”
• Desert Song by Brooke Fraser
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “This is Our God”
• How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, and Jesse Reeves
  • Hear it on Chris Tomlin’s album “Arriving”

Second Worship Service

• Your Name High by Joel Houston
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “This is Our God”
• Look to You by Marty Sampson
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “Look to You”
• This is Our God by Reuben Morgan
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “This is Our God”
• The Doxology by David Crowder
  • Hear it on Passion’s album “Hymns – Ancient and Modern”
• We Won’t Be Quiet by David Crowder, Jack Parker, and Mike Hogan
  • Hear it on the David Crowder Band’s album “Remedy”

MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER

Chronological Reading: Job 16-18 + Acts 12
Monday, June 29, 2009
Leviticus 13:13 Then the priest shall consider: and, behold, if the leprosy have covered all his flesh, he shall pronounce him clean that hath the plague: it is all turned white: he is clean.
Jesus, My Helper and Healer::
I am the leper! When I read your law I see how these strange regulations apply to my spiritual condition. This is what led me to Christ.
Help __________ and __________ see themselves as entirely lost, altogether ruined, covered completely with the defilement of sin. Until they get saved no part of them is free from pollution. Make them disclaim all righteousness of their own so they can plead guilty before the cross and get cleansing through the blood of Jesus Christ!
The true leprosy is hidden, unfelt (and therefore unconfessed) iniquity. It eats away at all of us. But once it is seen and felt its cure is ready because you, Lord, look with eyes of mercy on each such soul that is so afflicted.
Nothing is more deadly than prideful self-righteousness. Nothing is more healthy than humble contrition. Help them confess they are “nothing else but sin,” because any confession short of that is not the whole truth.
Holy Spirit, do your work (John 16:8-11), convicting men and women of sin. Give them an acknowledgement of their true, lost condition. I cannot afford to comfort them in the sleep of death.
Sin mourned and confessed will never keep a soul out of heaven. Whoever comes you will for no reason be cast out (John 6:37). Though dishonest, unclean, cruel or rebellious, your great heart will be able to look on them with pity, as long as they look on themselves as someone with no soundness inside. Grant them grace to repent and confess Christ, for then (and only then) you will pronounce them clean. Bring them to trust in the crucified Jesus. Amen.

TUESDAY— CORPORATE PRAYER MINISTRY

Chronological Reading: Job 19-21 + Acts 13
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
1 John 3:21-22 Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God. And whatsoever we ask, we receive of him, because we keep his commandments, and do those things that are pleasing in his sight.
Lord, We Lift Up Our Cry:
Childlike confidence makes us want to pray like nothing else can. We do not need guilt manipulation, programs, methods or lists. It causes us to pray for great things that we would never ask for had you not taught us this confidence and given us childlike faith.
It also prompts us to pray for little things so we can see you providentially in all the details. Sometimes it requires more faith on our part to pray for a small item then for a big one. We ask you today for all the little things that we need to be able to glorify your name.
Father, what is very important to your children is very small to you. Yet, because God was in Christ, you measure things not from your point of view but from ours. You hear us crying bitterly. The cause may only be a splinter. And while you do not send us a surgeon to extract it, you do view us with pity, act toward us in mercy, and give us grace to endure. For this we give you thanks.
† Psalm 103:13 Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.
Our eyes often brim with tears, but we never experience a pain too small for you to care about, for you desire this involvement in our lives. You count the stars and call them by name, but you also bind up our wounds and heal our broken hearts. For this we give you praise.
Help us put our confidence totally in you, for then you will take your great things and our little ones, and weave them together to work your will. Amen.

WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING

Chronological Reading: Job 22-24 + Acts 14
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Job 23:3 Oh that I knew where I might find him! that I might come even to his seat!
My Father and My God:
The worst of all losses is to lose your smile on my life. I see the ancient, original saints thought a great deal more about your favor, and praying for it, than we do today. Teach me how to behave myself in your presence as I pray. Even in normal times I do not want to come before you with an unprepared spirit.
Help me to actually meditate on your goodness, because that will give me the spirit of prayer. Bring me the assistance of the Holy Ghost to help me open my mouth for revival.
Abraham is the pattern for claiming revival. In Genesis 22 he rose up early (there was his willingness), he went three days’ journey (there was his earnestness), he left his servants at the foot of Mt. Moriah (there was his privacy), he carried the wood and the fire with him (there was his preparation), and finally he built the alter, laid the wood out in order, and took up the knife (there was his devotion to worshipping you). He aimed his activity like an arrow. He knew you demanded obedience because he expected you to answer his prayer.
WHAT ORDER SHOULD I OBSERVE IN PRAYING FOR REVIVAL? First, I have to feel like I am doing something that is real. I am actually addressing God. I cannot see you, but you are really present. My senses cannot perceive you, yet you are really with me and hear me.
Feeling in my spirit the reality of your presence, lead my mind by divine grace. Make me feel like Abraham did when he said,
Genesis 18:27 Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:
Deliver me from perfunctory prayer and prompt me to seek revival. Amen.

A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING

Chronological Reading: Job 25-27 + Acts 15
Thursday, July 2, 2009
2 Samuel 6:13 And it was so, that when they that bare the ark of the LORD had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fatlings.
I’VE wandered far away from God, now I’m coming home;
The paths of sin too long I’ve trod, Lord, I’m coming home.
I’ve wasted many precious years, now I’m coming home;
I now repent with bitter tears, Lord, I’m coming home.

I’m tired of sin and straying, Lord, now I’m coming home;
I’ll trust Thy love, believe Thy Word, Lord, I’m coming home.
My soul is sick, my heart is sore, now I’m coming home;
My strength renew, my hope restore, Lord, I’m coming home.

My only hope, my only plea, now I’m coming home;
That Jesus died, and died for me. Lord, I’m coming home.
I need His cleansing blood, I know, now I’m coming home;
O wash me whiter than the snow, Lord, I’m coming home.

Coming home, coming home, nevermore to roam,
Open wide Thine arms of love, Lord, I’m coming home.

—William J. Kirkpatrick, 1892

FRIDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S LIFE

Chronological Reading: Job 28-30 + Acts 16
Friday, July 3, 2009
John 15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Holy Father:
Help me! I need to be careful to abide in Christ when I am being cut back, weeded, trimmed of wasteful growth and pruned. You will remove all that is diseased, unproductive, or otherwise unwanted. But if I am not focused on abiding in you, then I will not recognize the process of your providence.
The drawback of a vine is its inherent lack of structural strength. I will only trust you to direct my growth to give me that strength if I am abiding in you.
It seems like since I became a Christian I have had nothing but trouble. The Devil tempts me, people disrespect me, my family won’t listen to me, and my job takes advantage of me. Just so! The power of prayer allows me to bring those cares to Christ and acknowledge the pruning process. Make me abide, even when it seems like the knife is snipping everything away.
Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.
I will endure my trials. I will never dream of giving up my faith. I will not rebel because of anything I have to suffer. To whom shall I go but the Vinedresser? Only you have the words of life.
Help me! I need to keep clinging after the pruning is carried out. Help me abide after cleansing in the same place I was before the cutting (John 15:3-4). I can watch the work of the Spirit in me. Let me not respond to the Devil’s temptation to boast “now I am somebody and do not need any more pruning.”
Only if I abide am I any better than the wasted wood that is burned. My hope lies in you, Lord, at my best times as well as my worst. Amen.

SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS

Chronological Reading: Job 31-33 + Acts 17
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Psalm 119:17 GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word.
Lord and Master:
Deal bountifully with me, because the obstacles to spirituality are obvious in my way. Without your mercy I could not keep your word, and without keeping your word I am not truly living. It takes great grace to keep this saint alive, and I trust you for it right now.
Life is a gift from you. I am undeserving of it, and only you can sustain it. Preserve the life I forfeited through sin, and make abundant the life I have gained by grace. Let me live to give glory to you. This I will do because I have found favor through faith.
Natural life is just existence; spiritual life is real living. I seek this as your richest blessing because it is your noblest work. Oh the rich bounties of divine grace! Help me gloriously experience them today at your hand.
Why do I plead for this? Because I cannot serve you acceptably in my own strength or willpower. I cannot even live unless your grace abounds.
Make keeping your word the rule, the goal, and the joy of my life. I don’t want to walk in the flesh and serve sin. I pray to be able to walk in the spirit, keep your word, live in righteousness, and bear fruit by reaching others. There is no life in the highest sense apart from this kind of holiness. I prize it greatly; therefore I am driven to my knees to seek to the Strong One for my strength.
If I give you my service it is only because you have granted me your grace. I can only work for you because you work in me (Eph. 3:20; Phil. 2:13; Col. 1:20; 1 Thes. 2:13). Faith always works, and it works by love (Gal. 5:6). If you deal bountifully with me, then I can both live and keep your word. Amen.

Happy Father’s Day!

First Worship Service

• The Solid Rock: Text by Edward Mote; Music by John B. Dykes
  • Coming soon on KCBT’s Worship album
• Everlasting God by Brenton Brown and Ken Riley
  • Hear it on Lincoln Brewster’s album “Let the Praises Ring – The Best of Lincoln Brewster”
• You Are Good by Israel Houghton
  • Hear it on Israel and New Breed’s album “Live From Another Level”
• How Great Thou Art by Stuart Wesley Keene Hine
  • Hear it on Paul Baloche’s album “Our God Saves”
• I Give You My Heart by Reuben Morgan
  • Hear it on Reuben Morgan’s album “World Through Your Eyes”
• Mighty to Save by Ben Fielding and Reuben Morgan
  • Hear it on Laura Story’s album “Great God Who Saves” – Special guest artist in concert on July 19th!
• How Great is Our God by Chris Tomlin, Ed Cash, and Jesse Reeves
  • Hear it on Chris Tomlin’s album “Arriving”

Second Worship Service

• Freedom is Here by Scott Ligertwood and Reuben Morgan
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “A_CROSS // The_Earth: Tear Down the Walls”
• Grace Like Rain by Chris Collins, Edwin O. Excell, John Newton, and Todd Agnew
  • Hear it on Todd Agnew’s album “Grace Like Rain”
• Deeper by Marty Sampson
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “Look to You”
• How He Loves by John Mark McMillan
  • Hear it on Eddie Kirkland’s album “Orthodoxy”
• Came To My Rescue by Joel Davies, Marty Sampson, and Dylan Thomas
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “The I Heart Revolution: With Hearts as One”

First Worship Service

• How Firm A Foundation: From Caldwell’s Union Harmony, 1837; “K” – in Rippon’s Selection of Hymns
  • Coming soon on KCBT’s Worship album…
• Floodgate by Paul Colman and Michael Neale
  • Hear it on The People’s Church’s album “Shine Out – Live from the People’s Church”
• Nothing But the Blood by Robert Lowry
  • Coming soon on KCBT’s Worship album…
• Power of the Cross by Dayna Caddell, Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey, and Ricardo Sanchez
  • Hear it on Free Chapel’s album “Jentezen Franklin Presents Power of the Cross Live At Free Chapel With Ricardo Sanchez”
• Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus by Helen H. Lemmel
  • Hear it on Jadon Lavik’s album “Roots Run Deep”
• Full Attention by Jeremy Riddle
  • Hear it on Jeremy Riddle’s album “Full Attention”
• God Will Make A Way by Don Moen
  • Hear it on Don Moen’s album “Arise – A Celebration of Worship”

Second Worship Service

• Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing: Text By Robert Robinson; Music: Traditional American Melody; John Wyeth’s Repository of Sacred Music  
  • Hear it on Passion’s album “Our Love Is Loud – Live from the Passion Experience Tour”
• Freedom is Here by Scott Ligertwood and Reuben Morgan
  • Here it on Hillsong United’s album “A_CROSS // The_Earth: Tear Down the Walls”
• Worthy King by Diego Chi
• Second Chance by Grace Hawthorne and Gregg Sewell
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “In a Valley By the Sea”
• Neverending by David Crowder, Jeremy Bush, Jack Parker, and Mike Hogan
  • Here it on David Crowder’s album “Remedy”

MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER

Chronological Reading: Esther 9-10 + Acts 6
Monday, June 22, 2009

Song of Solomon 3:4 It was but a little that I passed from them, but I found him whom my soul loveth: I held him, and would not let him go, until I had brought him into my mother’s house, and into the chamber of her that conceived me.

Beloved God:
I thank you for receiving me, despite my past sinfulness. I thank you for accepting me, in spite of how I tried everything and everyone else before you. You are the best of the good, and the fairest of the beautiful. Oh, I praise you!
Let me say to __________ and __________, and anyone else who will listen: Down with your idols and up with the Lord Jesus! Let the flags of pride and ambition be trampled under foot, but lift the cross of Jesus high. The world frowns and scoffs, but my soul loves you.
Oh for a throne of ivory in my heart! Let me set you on high, and like Mary, sit at your feet, and wash them with my tears, and kiss them. How precious is Christ! How can it be that I have thought so little about him? Why do think I have to go out on the town for joy or comfort or to be entertained, when he is so rich and satisfying?
Today I pray and make a covenant with my heart. Lord, I will never depart from you. Ratify this decision. Set me as a signet on your finger, and a bracelet on your arm. Make my life your ornament!
Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
I want to live in Christ’s heart as he lives in mine. Place my soul in the clefts of the rock. Let this place of prayer be my altar. I consecrate myself as your living sacrifice. Hold, and do not let me go, in Jesus’ name, and to his power and glory and honor. Amen.

TUESDAY— CORPORATE PRAYER MINISTRY

Chronological Reading: Job 1-3 + Acts 7
Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Colossians 3:3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.

Merciful Father:
Here are the steps by which we can climb to power with God. First, help us simply abide in Christ, our Lord. We are already in him as believers. Help us remain desperately dependent and tenaciously clinging to Jesus. Knit us together with Jesus.
We abide in him by trusting him—and only him. The faith that joined us to Christ at the first has to be constant in the present. Help us never admit any other person or thing into our church’s confidence as our hope.
Second, help us yield ourselves to him. We need to receive his life, and let it work out its results in us—both personally and as a body. We live in him, live by him, live for him, and live to him, because we are hid in him.
We have no reason for existence except for what we find in Christ. Isn’t that a wonderful concept to the soul? No vine ever bore any fruit except through its branches. That’s why Jesus needs us for fulfillment of his design. The saints are needed to their Savior, because we are the church,
Ephesians 1:23 Which is his body, the fulness of him that filleth all in all.
Help us recognize that blessed responsibility. Our practical duty is to bring forth fruit by abiding so that Jesus can be glorified in us. Let us never remove our consecration to his glory and honor. Let us never dream of being our own master. We refuse to be the servant of men, but we abide in Christ.
Help us get there, and stop there, in continual communion with Christ. That is what will give us joy, delight, power, satisfaction, and that sense of fulfillment we crave. Oh that you would let us attain to this by the Holy Ghost! Hide us in Christ, for we are dead in him, but alive by his life. Amen.

WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING

Chronological Reading: Job 4-6 + Acts 8
Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Philippians 4:6-7 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

God of Peace:
Why do I let worry keep gnawing at my heart? Panic attacks me, and anxiety is killing me. It weakens my power to think straight, to help myself, to have revival, and especially to glorify God. A heart full of care keeps me from seeing anything clearly and without confusion.
Here I am, taking a telescope, breathing on the lens with the hot breath of anxious care, and then sticking it to my eye only to complain I can’t see what to do! Give me that calm, quiet, self-possessed spirit that conquers all, and quenches every fiery dart of the Enemy. Make me “all there” in the time of trial. Give me a presence of mind based on acknowledging the presence of God.
If I forget to pray, no wonder I worry. Nothing is given to you if I do not pray about it. If I do not pray, then I do the first thing that comes to mind—which is usually the wrong thing. Help me wait to see from you what should be done, and then act trustingly, believingly and from a powerful position of faith.
Worry is harmful, even though my cares are complicated. Once I get anxious and fretful, I am hardly able to stop. One care compounds another until I am totally overwhelmed.
Help me refuse to indulge the habit of giving into anxiety, because then it will get dominion over my life. Life won’t be worth living because of worry. If my cares are multiplied, make my prayers multiplied. Let me turn everything that is a care into a prayer right now. I will baptize every anxiety in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, and thereby convert it into a blessing. Amen!

A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING

Chronological Reading: Job 7-9 + Acts 9
Thursday, June 25, 2009

Titus 3:8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable unto men.

CHANGE your church, O God to be more the church you long to see,
More the people you have claimed, more the children you have named!
Change your Church! Renew us, Lord, till we all reflect your Word!
Make of us a shining light ever pleasing in your sight!

God, revive us by your love; send your Spirit to reprove!
Take away sin’s awful blight, help us all to do the right!
Cultivate us, God, so we, grafted to your vine, may be,
Thriving best, within your care, blossoming, your love to share.

God, review our urgent schemes! Guide our vision, mold our dreams!
As we, toward your future move, all our being, God, improve!
May we, by Christ’s love, be warmed! Bless your church, by faith reformed;
Hastened by your Spirit’s pace: God renew us by your grace.

—John A. Dalles, 1992

FRIDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S CROSS

Chronological Reading: Job 10-12 + Acts 10
Friday, June 26, 2009

2 Corinthians 5:21 For he hath made [Christ] to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.

Crucified Savior:
What must my sins have deserved, for the curse of God to have fallen on Christ? Forsaken by the Father, you made him a curse because he carried my sin.
I have sinned willfully, against light and knowledge. I have sinned knowingly, against love and mercy. I smite my breast as I watch Jesus willingly suffer and die. I confess I have intentionally offended.
If sin itself is rebellion, then let its sight bring tears to my eyes. I have slighted the Savior in not considering the implications of the cross. You hung on the tree in unutterable groans and griefs for me. Have I ever investigated that?
If I do not sense myself being forgiven much, I will not love much. I do not love much if I do not pray much. For if I do not pray, it shows I place no confidence in you. And if I have no confidence in you I will not serve you from my heart.
Oh, shame upon you, my hard heart! Well should you be smitten. May God smite you now with the hammer of his Spirit, to break you to pieces. For it is only brokenness that God blesses. Oh, you stony heart! Oh, you cold granite soul! You flinty spirit of mine!
Well might the sun in darkness hide and shut his glories in,
When Christ, the mighty Maker died, for man the creature’s sin.
And might I hide my blushing face while His dear cross appears,
Dissolve my heart in thankfulness, and melt my eyes to tears.
Love so amazing! So divine! Death is not the victor and evil not the master. The cross has conquered all. Sin is bound, chained and led captive. Glory! Amen.

SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS

Chronological Reading: Job 13-15 + Acts 11
Saturday, June 27, 2009

Psalm 119:11 Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Holy Lord:
I am full of passion, weak in wisdom and wounded by experience. How can I get right and keep right so I will be right and stay right? There is no more important question I can ask.
It is a noble ambition. It is your high but certain calling. But nothing is harder than for me to stay straight. I cannot shirk from the responsibility or shrink in the face of difficulty. The way of wisdom is to live a pure life by grace.
Make the Bible my chart and help me watch unto prayer. Nothing prohibits that, and nothing eliminates the need for that. I have to be like you, Lord—and this is exactly what you did, even though you were all the fullness of the godhead bodily.
Make my daily life match my study of the Bible. Make my study of your word mold and shape my daily activity. Let me take heed to the Holy Spirit, because no one is holy without him. I have such an accurate roadmap to your will, I need never go astray. Help me follow the hard but right way.
I want to be holy, for you are holy (1 Pet 1:15-16). So let me set a holy watch in my heart. Let me keep a holy Bible before my eye. Meditating on your word is the best preventive medicine, and I need it so. It tells me your mind, empowers my spirit by the Holy Spirit, and brings my character into conformity to Christ.
No gimmick against sinning is equal to simply storing your word in my heart. There is no hiding from temptation unless scripture is hidden in my soul. Lead me not into temptation but deliver me from evil in Jesus’ same, Amen.

This is the year our campus expansion becomes a reality. The expansion is scheduled to be completed by the Summer of 2010.

During the construction phase of our campus expansion the majority of our main parking lot will be torn up or filled with construction equipment.  Click here to find out how you can help during construction. The following PDF’s are designed to help you get your family dropped off, car parked, and you into the auditorium with a minimal amount of inconvenience.

• English Parking Instructions
• Español Instrucciones del estacionamiento

The expansion will consist of a 46,188 square foot addition to our current facility. It is important to remember that this expansion is not about a building – it’s about people. The new facility provides more opportunities to minister to children, equip adults for the work of the ministry, and train leaders to fulfill the Great Commission.

• Balance as of 12.31.2008 – $4,495,219.80
• Income through 5.31.2009 – $278,908.07
• Expenses through 5.31.2009 – $300,014.61
• Balance as of 5.31.2009 – $4,474,113.26

This expansion will house our children’s ministry (nursery through fifth grade) and includes a new foyer, café area, and upgraded resource center. By targeting specific learning styles and implementing stimulating and interactive teaching techniques, we will more effectively reach the next generation with the truth of God’s Word. Correct doctrine will be emphasized as we create a fun learning environment. This additional space gives us the opportunity to minister to twice the number of children on a current Sunday morning.

Relocating our children’s ministry frees approximately 15,000 square feet for adult ministries and education. Incorporating multiple services, this space allows us to minister to an additional 1,000 adults on Sunday mornings. We foresee new adult classes to break down our large congregation into smaller fellowships.  Additional classes will also provide more opportunities for leadership development and small group community.

The total cost of this project is estimated at $11,000,000. Because KCBT has been debt free for nearly five years, we have been able to save and budget for this expansion. We anticipate the need to finance approximately $5,000,000. Our 2009 budget contains an   allocation for the mortgage payment necessary to finance the expansion, even though we won’t need to make payments until 2010.

MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER

Chronological Reading: Nehemiah 7-9 + John 21
Monday, June 15, 2009

Psalm 66:2 Sing forth the honour of his name: make his praise glorious.

Blessed God:
It is not really left to my option whether I will praise you or not. Praise is your most righteous due, and since every Christian is a recipient of your grace, I am bound to praise you daily.
I have no authoritative liturgical ceremony for praise. I have no command prescribing certain hours or songs of thanksgiving. But the law written on my heart teaches me how right it is to praise.
The blessing is this: sinners are confronted with the gospel and converted to God when they see me praise you. Oh, let me witness to __________ and __________ by my praise!
This is not only a pleasurable exercise, but an absolute obligation. If I go around always mourning and murmuring, then I am not guiltless. I cannot discharge all my duty if I do not praise, no matter what the obstacles are this week. I am bound by the bonds of love to bless your name as long as I live.
Heb. 13:15 By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.
Put your praise continually in my mouth, because I am blessed in order to bless you. Do I need a “life purpose” verse? Then let it be this:
Isa. 43:21 This people have I formed for myself; they shall shew forth my praise.
If I do not praise you, I am not bringing forth the fruit that you have a right to expect from my life. I must not let my harp hang on the willows. I will take it down, arise, and shout your praises! Let me surround my sorrows with an atmosphere of melody in my heart. God, hearken from heaven and accept my music today in Jesus’ name. Amen.

TUESDAY— CORPORATE PRAYER MINISTRY

Chronological Reading: Nehemiah 10-13 + Acts 1
Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Hebrews 2:18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Eternally Able God:
When we put together all we have ever asked for as a congregation, heap it high, and then pile on top everything any one of us has ever thought of wanting—you are able to do even above. High as our pyramid of prayer might be, your ability to succor (help in a difficult situation) is higher still. You are able to deliver and to deliver us. Father, help us understand that. Give us faith to grip this, because then we will magnify and adore you as you are worthy.
Sometimes prayer and fasting are prescribed as the way we get joined to greater power than we would otherwise possess. I know the church of God would be far stronger to wrestle with this ungodly age if we were more given to using these spiritual disciplines.
Prayer hooks us to heaven; fasting separates us from earth. Prayer takes us into the feast of God; fasting delivers our soul from being bloated with bread that perishes. When we give ourselves up to the uttermost possibilities of your ability, then we will be enabled by your Spirit working in us to cast out devils in our community that would otherwise laugh us to scorn.
Jesus, you are still alive. As simple as that truth is, we need reminded of it. Very often we estimate the power of our church by looking at our pastors and parishioners. It does not lie there, but in the Holy Spirit and an ever-able Savior.
We have the power to work neither physical nor spiritual miracles. But you are able to work wonders, and you are still willing to work those in our church. All hell confesses the majesty of your authority. You are the master of heart and conscience, so no case is too hard for you. Work, Oh Able One! Amen.

WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING

Chronological Reading: Esther 1-2 + Acts 2
Wednesday, June 17, 2009

James 4:2-3 Ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may
consume it upon your lusts.
Glorious God of Might:
By prayer I am enabled to do, but before all attempts to do, I need to ask. Prayerfulness must prevail before I can prevail. Revival prayer means I need to pray like smart people eat—when the hunger and desire is there!
Habitual asking will come out of my abiding. No one needs to beg me to pray if I am abiding in Christ, because my communion with him prompts my communication. It’s natural. It is when I am most conscious of the life of Christ that I am most convinced of my own death without him.
John 1:16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.
There is the key to revival! It is in proportion as I am hooked-up to Christ’s own fullness that I feel the necessity to draw on it by continual prayer. That is why I cannot live, Lord, without asking for your favor.
Psa. 27:8 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, LORD, will I seek.
Sometimes I want to pray, but the waters seem frozen and will not flow. I want to bear fruit. Let me claim the simple promise of your word,
John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.
The purpose for my being, the one aim and object of life, is to bring forth fruit to the glory of the Father. I will prevail with men and women after I have prevailed with you in prayer. What can ultimately baffle me if I take everything to you in prayer? Lord, lead me into revival by your Holy Spirit leading me into your word and leading me into abiding in Christ Jesus. Amen.

A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING

Chronological Reading: Esther 3-4 + Acts 3
Thursday, June 18, 2009

Titus 3:1 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work,

I WANT to be ready when Jesus comes.
I want to be ready when Jesus comes.
One day the Lord’s gonna crack the sky,
And the dead in Christ shall rise;
I want to be ready when Jesus comes.

No man knows the day or the hour
When the Lord will surely come,
That’s why you need to get your house in order,
Don’t let Him catch you with your work undone;
You’ve got to get ready, oh yes, when Jesus comes.

—Dottie Peoples

FRIDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S CROSS

Chronological Reading: Esther 5-6 + Acts 4
Friday, June 19, 2009

Luke 23:48 And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.

Crowned and Crucified Lord:
All who watched the cross smote their breasts, but not all for the same reason. They all feared, but not all for the same cause. The outward manifestations of your passion and death looked the same to everybody, but the differences in response were as many as the people who responded.
Indefinite fear, grounded on a lack of intelligent reasoning often alarms me. We are in the season of storms and tornadoes, and sometimes the sky acts like you are angry. This event happened when you closed the eye of day on those who gawked at the cross.
Maybe before the next morning they had forgotten it all. No doubt the next day they were greedy for another bloody spectacle. Like a shadow, emotion crossed their minds but did not leave a mark. Why? Because their beating of the breast was not a breaking of the heart!
How often has this been the result of my own witness to others about Jesus? Many more have shed tears than have been saved. Many more have wiped away tears than have had sins wiped away. A handkerchief dried their emotions.
They felt sorry they oppressed the innocent. But all they saw in you, Lord, was maltreated virtue, suffering manhood, and honor disrespected by injustice. In the moral and spiritual result of their regret there was no redemptive value.
Others among the crowd exhibited emotion based on thoughtful reflection. They saw they shared in the murder of your innocent Son, so later they got saved. Help me look beyond your sufferings to your sacrifice for me, because
Mark 15:39 Truly this man was the Son of God.

SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS

Chronological Reading: Esther 7-8 + Acts 5
Saturday, June 20, 2009

Psalm 119:1 ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.

Almighty Father:
Here in the longest Psalm I find food for my deepest thoughts on you and your word. It challenges me to wider breadth of thought and higher fervor. It is a song like the celestial city, which lays foursquare (Rev 21:16). The more I study your word, and pray as I study, the fresher it becomes. The more I look into this mirror, the more I see my own heart becoming gracious.
Lord, the Psalmist sets your word in many lights and treats it in different ways, but he almost never fails to mention the word of God in each and every verse, under one of the ten names that he knows it. Here:
Cause me to follow you sincerely, intensely and completely so I will be preserved from defilement (1). I seek you with the whole heart so you can enable me to keep your testimonies (2). You have commanded a holy walk, so keep me back from iniquity (3). Bless and give me a practical holiness (4). Give me more direction toward keeping your statutes (5). My comfort and courage depends on respecting your commands, because only then will I stand unashamed at your appearing (6). Even while I am learning your word, my heart will be full of thanksgiving (7). Give me enabling grace so I will not miss your blessing (8).
I am enraptured with the word of the Lord. I regard being conformed to it in my daily living as the highest form of blessing. Holy Father, help me along in this walk to progressive sanctification. Even though it will not be complete in this life, let me compete in this life to make it grow greater every day, every week, every month that I breathe. Holiness only comes by my alliance to your Holy Bible and the operation of your Holy Spirit. Help me now by these. Amen.

Congratulations, Jeff and Cheryl for 25 years of faithful service!

First Worship Service

• All Creatures of Our God and King: Text by St. Francis of Assisi; translated by William H. Draper; Music from Geistliche Kirchengesänge, Cologne, 1623
  • Hear Slater Armstrong’s version on “Hymns 4 Worship”
• All The Earth Will Sing Your Praises by Paul Baloche
  • Hear it on Lincoln Brewster’s album “Let the Praises Ring – The Best of Lincoln Brewster”
• Nothing But the Blood by Robert Lowry
  • Hear it on Juju Song’s album “Jazz Meets Hymns”
• Floodgate by Paul Colman and Michael Neale
  • Hear it on The People’s Church album “Shine Out – Live from the People’s Church”
• Power of the Cross by Dayna Caddell, Israel Houghton, Aaron Lindsey, and Ricardo Sanchez
  • Hear it on Free Chapel’s album “Jentezen Franklin Presents Power of the Cross Live At Free Chapel With Ricardo Sanchez”
• How Great Thou Art by Stuart Wesley Keene Hine
  • Hear it on Paul Baloche’s album “Our God Saves”

Second Worship Service

• Marvelous Light by Charlie Hall
  • Hear it on Charlie Hall’s album “Flying Into Daybreak”
• You Deserve by Matt Crocker and James Dunlop
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “In A Valley By the Sea”
• ‘Til I See You by Joel Houston and Jadwin Gillies
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “The I Heart Revolution: With Hearts as One”
• Where We Belong by Joel Davies and Reuben Morgan
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “This is Our God”
• Neverending by David Crowder, Jack Parker, Jeremy Bush, and Mike Hogan
  • Hear it on David Crowder’s album “Remedy”

MONDAY—EVANGELISTIC PRAYER

Chronological Reading: 2Chronicles 34-36 + John 16
Monday, June 8, 2009

Ecclesiastes 9:4 For to him that is joined to all the living there is hope: for a living dog is better than a dead lion.

Precious Lord My Savior:
Life in its simplest form is superior to death. That is as certain in the spiritual realm as the physical. It is better for me to be the least in the kingdom of God than the greatest one standing outside of it. That means the lowest degree of grace is superior to the noblest development of unregenerate human nature.
Holy Ghost, wherever you conceive eternal life into a soul there is a generous deposit. Not even the refinement of education and academics can equal its potential. The thief on the cross excelled Caesar on his throne! Lazarus lying among the dogs was better than Cicero among his Senators. The most ignorant Christian is, in your sight, superior to Einstein.
Spiritual life is the only true badge of nobility. Help me to today take the message of life to __________ and __________. Because without it, all people are only smoother or rougher specimens of the same lifeless clay, needing to be quickened because they are dead in trespasses and sins (Eph 2:2).
Living, illuminating, lucid gospel preaching—however uneducated in technique or unrefined in style—is better than the most eloquent sermon delivered devoid of your anointing. A living dog keeps watch better than a dead lion, so the worst spiritual preacher is much to be preferred to the elegant orator who has words but no wisdom, and sound with no spiritual power.
Give me that anointing today to witness to others! Quicken my prayers by your Spirit in them! Make me truly alive to all spiritual life. Let my earnestness answer to your urgency! Do not let me die in a grand performance in which your presence was absent. Make me not a dead lion in the sight of a living God. Amen.

TUESDAY— CORPORATE PRAYER MINISTRY

Chronological Reading: Ezra 1-3 + John 17
Tuesday, June 9, 2009

2 Timothy 1:12 For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

Able Lord and Redeemer:
In certain times of holy boldness and sacred access we have asked great things from you, our God. Yet we have never reached the bottom of your ability. Even at its best and boldest, our prayers have many boundaries that your heart does not.
We are limited by our sense of need. We barely know what we want. Oh, teach us what to pray for, or else we will never ask correctly!
We mistake our spiritual condition. Our soul’s hunger is not keen enough, our thirst not sharp enough. Sin has taken the edge off our spiritual appetite. So we crimp and cramp our prayers.
Thank you Father, that the Holy Spirit prays for us (Rom 8:26-27) and our magnificent Jesus prays with us (Rom 8:34). That way we are not limited by our limited sense of need and make no mistakes because of our mistaken condition. We only ask for bread and water—you prepare a table in the wilderness in the midst of our enemies.
Is there a single promise of yours that we perfectly understand? There is a breadth, length, height and depth we have not yet comprehended. Yet you condescend to use our language. To us the words mean silver, but you use them in a golden sense.
Thank you Lord, that you never mean less than you say, and always far more than we think. For this we magnify your name—that your power to bless is not bounded by our ability to understand the blessing. Amen.

WEDNESDAY—REVIVAL PRAYING

Chronological Reading: Ezra 4-6 + John 18
Wednesday, June 10, 2009

John 15:7 If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you.

Gracious God and Father:
Your gifts of grace are not enjoyed all at once. Like a baby who is growing into an adult, my ability to apprehend, appropriate and apply increases with my appetite and experience. I thank you today that I am saved by a true union with Christ. But it is only by abiding in that union that I receive the further purity that changes my personality, and adjustments that change my joy, and power that changes my weakness. This is the way to revival and the full blessedness stored up in Christ for his people. How do I know this viewpoint is correct? Because here is what you said:
John 8:31-32 Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
I do not know all truth at once. And even if I read it, I do not learn it without abiding in Jesus. I must continue in the word to be abiding. Persevering in grace is always an educational process. Steadfastness in faith always results in growth. The emancipating power of truth is a blessing that takes daily abiding, because it is gradually received and enjoyed.
You who are beginning in seeking revival take heart! There is something better for us still. No one has yet received the full reward of their faith, otherwise the warning of 2 John 8 means nothing.
Help me climb the hill of spiritual experience today. As I abide in Christ give me firmer confidence, richer joy, greater stability, closer communion, and greater delight in God. Make me an abider so I can see revival. Amen.

A DAILY PATTERN FOR PRAYER & BIBLE READING

Chronological Reading: Ezra 7-10 + John 19:1-21
Thursday, June 11, 2009

Titus 2:15 These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority.

STAND up, stand up for Jesus, ye soldiers of the cross;
Lift high His royal banner, it must not suffer loss.
From victory unto victory His army shall He lead,
Till every foe is vanquished, and Christ is Lord indeed.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the trumpet call obey;
Forth to the mighty conflict, in this His glorious day.
Ye that are brave now serve Him against unnumbered foes;
Let courage rise with danger, and strength to strength oppose.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, stand in His strength alone;
The arm of flesh will fail you, ye dare not trust your own.
Put on the Gospel armor, each piece put on with prayer;
Where duty calls or danger, be never wanting there.

Stand up, stand up for Jesus, the strife will not be long;
This day the noise of battle, the next the victor’s song.
To those who vanquish evil a crown of life shall be;
They with the King of Glory shall reign eternally.

—George Duffield, Jr., 1858

FRIDAY—FOCUS ON CHRIST’S CROSS

Chronological Reading: Nehemiah 1-3 + John 19:22-42
Friday, June 12, 2009

Luke 23:48 And all the people that came together to that sight, beholding the things which were done, smote their breasts, and returned.

Crowned and Crucified Christ:
Some passing by taunted you in words, others with signs. But every one, after they beheld the passion of your death, were struck with sudden awe and hit themselves on their chest. Jesus was dying for sinners.
I despair of no one’s possibility to get saved now that you have died, because even those who mocked you immediately changed as they observed the cross. With such a hammer as the cross, the hardest heart can be broken! Break hearts by the power of your Spirit and the availability of my witness this week.
Take heed you scoffers! Be changed this day by God’s grace or you will be changed later by God’s wrath. The heart that will not be bent by the love of Christ will be broken by the terror of his name. If Jesus dying on the cross does not save you, Christ reigning on the throne will condemn you. If Christ dying does not become your life, then Christ living will seal your eternal death. Make Christ on earth your heaven, or else Christ coming from heaven will be your hell!
By faith, help me put myself at the grassy knoll of Calvary. He who was worshipped by angels is now dying for the sons of men. All of Adam’s fallen race should smite their breasts as I see in him my own sins! They must be an infinite offense to God, seeing how they require an infinite person to lay down his life to remove them.
Suspended between earth and heaven—as though you were rejected by both. They mocked your prayers. They turned your dying cries into an occasion for cruel jesting. I see now how aggravated was my assault against the holiness of God. Father forgive me, and help me bring others by the gospel to the cross.

SATURDAY—IN THE PSALMS

Chronological Reading: Nehemiah 4-6 + John 20
Saturday, June 13, 2009

Psalm 118:24 This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.

God on High:
Psalm 118 was likely a song for David’s enthronement. That was the beginning of the best times for Israel, but nothing like the way that Christ’s resurrection is a new day of fresh blessing for all who are part of the kingdom of God. Thank you for bringing me into the dawn of a new era. It is the day of redemption, starting with my soul and spirit now, and proceeding to creation and all things at your second coming.
Having obtained so great salvation, having tasted of the eternal mercy of God, it is not fitting to mourn and murmur. Help me exhibit a double hand extension of joy! Let me rejoice in heart and be glad in face. Make me rejoice in secret so I can be happy in public, because I have more than double the reason to rejoice in the Lord!
In looking back on my past I can remember many happy occasions. With a full heart and unspeakable joy I bless you, my Savior and King, because all those memorable times are just foretastes and pledges of the time to come when we will all sing,
Revelation 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Bring into my darkness the light that springs from the redeeming work of my Champion and Lord. I have received light. You have led me to enlist under the banner of the cross. The once despised Nazarene is now my Prince and King. Help me do better to magnify your mercy, because it is from you that my blessings come down. Amen.

Sunday, May 31 2009

First Worship Service

…with special guest: Bob Weston – singing “When He Was On the Cross”

• Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing: Text by Robert Robinson; Music: Traditional American Melody; John Wyeth’s Repository of Sacred Music
  • Hear it on Jadon Lavik’s album “Roots Run Deep”
• You Are Good by Israel Houghton
  • Hear it on Israel and New Breed’s album “New Season”
• Bless That Wonderful Name: Traditional African American
  • Hear it on Jimmy Fisher and Contagious Praise’s album “Jimmy Fisher and Contagious Praise”
• No Greater Love by Tommy Walker
  • Hear it on Haven’s album “Something to Sing About”
• Oh How I Love Jesus by Frederick Whitfield
  • Hear it on Cindy Cruse Ratcliff, Israel Houghton & Lakewood Church’s album “Cover the Earth: Lakewood Live”
• What a Friend We Have in Jesus: Text by Joseph M. Scriven; Words by Charles C. Converse
  • Hear it on Kim Burrell’s album “No Ways Tired”
• O I Want to See Him by R. H. Cornelius
  • Hear it on The Brockington Ensemble’s album “Heaven…”
• Ode 30 – Fill Yourselves With Living Water: Duhan/Schreiner/ The Odes Project
  • Hear it on “The Odes Project”

Second Worship Service

…with special guest: Bob Weston – singing “When He Was On the Cross”

• The Time Has Come by Joel Houston
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “The I Heart Revolution: With Hearts as One”
• What the World Will Never Take by Matt Crocker, Scott Ligertwood, and Marty Sampson
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “The I Heart Revolution: With Hearts as One”
• Found by Dave George
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “All of The Above”
• Take My Life by Chris Tomlin, Frances Ridley Havergal, Henri Abraham Malan, and Louie Giglio
  • Hear it on Passion’s album “Hymns, Ancient & Modern”
• None But Jesus by Brooke Fraser
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “United We Stand”
• All Day by Marty Sampson
  • Hear it on Hillsong United’s album “The I Heart Revolution: With Hearts as One”