Bill Kirkpatrick

Experience a Genesis

2011-01-27T14:17:00.000-08:00

Do you ever experience spiritual dryness?

Has your life ever been in a spiritual rut?

Routine is good, but it can lead to a sense of familiarity. Familiarity breeds contempt.

What would life be like if we experienced a Genesis on a regular basis?

When I think of the word Genesis in this context...I think of newness, fresh, and alive. Also, I think of life experiencing a new beginning and fresh start.

We all struggle at times with spiritual dryness and keeping our spiritual life fresh and new. The Bible says, "his mercies begin a fresh each morning." God wants us to realize we can experience a sense of destiny each day. How do we fuel this desire? PURPOSE. Purpose fuels desire. If we will live our life on purpose each day, week, and year. It will increase our desire.

"There is no great attainment without desire"

Proverbs 13:9 "A desire fulfilled is sweet to the soul"; Proverbs 18:1 "Whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire"; Proverbs 19:2 "Desire without knowledge is not good".

Prayer: "Lord, what do you want me to do today? Week? Year?"

But, once we kick into desire, we have to move in courage. It will take courage sometimes to move out into the instruction God gives us. Courage is not the absence of fear, but an action of leadership in taking action when faced with fear. When we have courage to do what other people won't, we are empowered to do what other people can't. We are going to have to learn to overcome fear and doubt if we are going to experience the freshness of God and the hand of God.

After we have the courage to move, we need to have faith, God can. "Everything is Possible with God" "Now all Glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think". (Eph 3:20) God wants to move mightily through us, we just have to believe God can and He wants too. Just because we have faith does not mean there is no obstacle, challenge, or times of suffering. Jesus had faith and he suffered in the garden and on the cross for you and me. And thank the Lord he did. Many times we think because we have desire, courage, and faith, we will be free from suffering and pain. The enemy is going to fight hard to get us to quit and stop going after purpose.

As we move out in faith, we must all realize, we have our own original plan. God has a specific plan that fits our gifts, talents, and abilities. We must not waist time with our life, time is short, let's figure out our strengths, passions, and assignments; and run this race of life with endurance. Discover what you do best at, and do more of it, and less of what you are horrible at. We need to all find our individual plan and place we fit in the Kingdom and move in it. You are an original and have your own DNA. WOW...Very Exciting!

The Lord wants us to live out a Genesis day, week, and year. "...God's mercies are new every morning"...as it says in Lamentations. He wants our walk with him to stay fresh and a new, let's fight against apathy, normality, and just getting by. You are the one the Lord loves. Don't let circumstances and culture paralyze your view of what God wants to do through you.

This message of Genesis is so real in me, God is challenging me to keep my relationship with him fresh. Getting out there in radical faith and trust in Christ alone.

5 Things To Know While Praying

2010-12-10T14:05:00.000-08:00

Prayer is simply communicating to God.

Have you ever wondered why some prayers do not get answered? Have you ever wondered why there appears to be a lack of response or delay in some prayers? Did you know there are some conditions in answered prayers? Did you know there are some answers we may never get or understand? I have been in full time ministry for almost 25 years. I have asked the Lord for many things in my life, and have waited on him many moments. I have felt his presence, seen him answer prayers in my life, and in the lives of those I have prayed for. I have also experienced persevering prayer, were I am still looking for answers. It is through prayer we get to know Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Prayer is about a relationship more than about petitions. But, it is an amazing thing to put our life in the palm of His Hands.

God’s response to our prayers is YES, NO, and NOT YET. 50% God’s Will and 50% God’s Timing.

5 things to consider while praying:

When You Pray First Forgive

Mark 11:24-25 "I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours. 25 But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too."

We need to always ask ourselves the question: Is there anyone I have a grudge or an offense against? Offenses and Bitterness hinders all progress in prayer. We need to keep short accounts in our marriages, family, work associates, neighbors. “That neighbor that still has your shovel…forgive…just go ahead and give it to them.” “That child or friend who you have felt rejection from…let it go” I want to encourage you, if while you are praying the Lord brings to your mind a person you have an offense with. Begin to pray for them....pray blessing, peace, and hope in their life.

Keep On Asking

Luke 11:9-10 “And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened."

Delay does not mean denial.

We need to learn to Ask, Seek, Knock. Just because you have prayed about a situation once, does not mean you are done. We need to continue to lift our requests before the Lord, until we get an answer. Persevering prayer is vital lesson for all believers to grow in, never give up praying for someone.

The Way We Live Matters

James 5:16 "Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results."

It is a righteous persons prayer, that produces results. It does matter if you are in right standing with God. It does matter how you live.

Psalm 34:15 "The eyes of the Lord watch over those who do right; his ears are open to their cries for help."

Our Faith Matters

James 1:6-7 “But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

As we grow and mature in our relationship with God, it is crucial we discipline our lives to be more consistent in faith. It takes discipline to keep the faith in the requests we have presented to the Lord. Our feelings change, but our faith needs to remain. Let’s learn how to stop listening to our feelings. Feelings lie. If we want an answer to our prayers, our faith in God has everything to do with it. We need to believe He can and He is able. We trust His plan for the situation, and we stand on His Word for the answer. Don’t waver like the wave of the sea. I grew up near an ocean, and loved swimming and fishing in the ocean. The one thing you could not predict was the waves and the undercurrent. Our belief/faith level in the prayers that we pray need to be predictable. We need to trust His Word and stand on His promises regardless of what we see, hear, and feel.

His Will Matters

1 John 5:14-15 “And this isthe confidence that we have toward him, thatif we ask anything according to his will he hears us. 15And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him."

According to His Will is the key phrase in that passage. If what we are asking for is contrary to scripture we are asking amiss. The Lord is never going to violate His Word. Therefore, the confident prayers are those that come in alignment with His Word. For example, physical healing, salvation, deliverance, peace, friendships, wisdom, etc.... When you know it is in agreement with the word, you can pray with boldness and leave the results to God. He is Sovereign and In Control.

3 Things I am Thankful for

2010-11-23T09:24:00.000-08:00

As I enter this Thanksgiving week, there are many things that I feel grateful for. The Bible says, “Give Thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever.” The scriptures instructs us, it is the Lord that deserves the thanks, not the company, person, or circumstance. Jesus deserves thanks, because He is good. Many times we want to shower our thanks on the situation at hand, but the Lord deserves the first thanks from our heart. In when we look at His Love; it is faithful, it endures, and it is forever. I know that thought alone, is overwhelming, I realize my inconsistencies, but the Lord is not like man, He is God. He remains true to His word, and he does not fluctuate.

I could think of many things to be thankful for, but here are 3:

I am thankful for God’s amazing grace to my family. God’s grace can be defined as God’s riches at Christ Expense or His unmerited favor. I am so thankful for my wife who loves Jesus, walks in forgiveness (especially living with me...Haha), and hopes for a better tomorrow. I have 2 kids that love the Lord, and our pursuing His Will for their life. There is nothing more exciting than to see your kids buy into the Word of God, and walk it out. WOW...I am so proud of both of them, as they Stand for Truth!
I am thankful for the 74 adult Life Group leaders at Antioch Church. They are sacrificing for the Kingdom of God, by helping others grow in Jesus Christ. Amazing servants of the Lord. Giving, Living, and Sacrificing...
I am so thankful for how God has watched over our house situation in the last few months. As many know, it is challenging times, and the Lord graciously worked out our deal. Yesterday, we went to the closing of our house, and afterwards, my wife and I gave thanks. He answered so many detailed prayers, and we stand in awe. We downsized into a condo, and the Lord worked out all the transitional pieces that were involved. God is good!

I could have thought of more thankful items, but that was the three I chose today. I want to encourage you, take time this week and list 3 items you are thankful for, and write them down. It will produce a better heart and launch you into your next miracle. I believe we underestimate the power of thankfulness. Before the feeding of the 5000, Jesus took the 5 loaves and 2 fish and "Gave Thanks". After he gave thanks, they witnessed one of the most amazing miracles.

Take time this week, and write out what you are thankful for...

Strong Faith

2010-10-06T12:19:00.000-07:00

The key to a believers walk is their faith level. Our faith can be no, little, much, great, or strong. If you are anything like me, you have to work hard at keeping your faith strong. But, it can be done, and it is the best life. God has assigned each believer a measure of faith, and it is our responsibility to watch over that faith and cause it to grow. Faith is something that can leak out of our lives, and it takes constant awareness to make sure we do all we can to make it grow.

Life's circumstances and pressures we face can create doubt and unbelief, we all face financial struggles, sickness, strife, and sorrow. The only way to combat these enemies is strong faith. When our faith remains strong there is no enemy we can not face. We must do what Paul did, and fight the good fight of faith.

Paul shows us in his letter to the church in Colosse, specifically Colossians 2:6-7. "...just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then YOUR FAITH will GROW STRONG in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness."

4 Ingredients to Strong Faith:

We see that after we accept Christ as Lord we need to go to work on our faith. Faith is crucial to a believers walk. Faith moves, and we must make sure it moves in the right direction.

Faith must be rooted in Christ. When a plant starts to take root in a ground, you notice that it becomes more stable and grounded. It takes time to get rooted. You have to encounter all seasons of life. Time causes faith to get stronger if you will remain IN CHRIST. The more struggles, joys, and circumstances you walk through with Christ, the stronger your faith will become.
Our lives must be built on Christ. It is so easy to build our lives around getting houses, making money, education, sports, what we will eat, and raising a family. It is not that those things are all bad, it is when they are out of step with building your life on Christ, it becomes wrong. Our words, time, and money should communicate our life is built on Christ.
We must learn, follow, and walk out the teachings of Christ. Our passion should be learning the teachings and ways of Christ. If we would take the time and learn the Word of God, we can avoid alot of counseling appointments. we could avoid bad decisions. The scriptures offers practical words of wisdom for the life we live, we just need to take the time and know it. If you know his word, you will get to know Him! His Word is Truth! I would encourage anyone to get with a group of believers and study His word, seek His face, and ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you. When you discover a truth for life, apply it...NOW.
Our words must OVERFLOW with THANKFULNESS. The world we live in is negative. It is easy to get sucked in to that negative world, we must intentionally speak and think grateful thoughts. If we focus our thoughts and language on what is going wrong our faith will get weak. If we focus OUR thoughts and words on what is right, good, and true our faith will get strong.

As we look at this passage of scripture we see strong faith is developed through time with Christ, realizing all decisions flow through Christ, learning and walking out the teachings of Christ and His Word, and maintaining a Thankful Spirit.

The devil will do his best to get you to drift from any of those 4 ingredients to strong faith. We must disallow him from accomplishing that, and move forward no matter the cost. I pray your faith becomes strong this very day!!!!

Stay Ready

2010-09-08T11:40:00.000-07:00

Have you ever thought you were ready for your first day of school, and realized later you were not? Have you ever prepared to go on a trip, thinking you had everything ready, and when you arrived at your destination, you realized you forgot something? Like a drivers license, passport, maybe money, etc.... When you read the Parable of the Tens Bridesmaids in Matthew 25:1-13, you realize there were 5 Bridesmaids ready and prepared, and there were 5 Bridesmaids who thought they were ready and prepared and discovered they were NOT. What a moment for those 5 unprepared Bridesmaids. Jesus was speaking to His Disciples about the last days and the position the church needs to be in as these days approach us. This parable instructs the position of the church to Get ready, Be ready, and Stay ready.

The Bible says, "The five who were foolish, didn't take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep." The oil represents the Holy Spirit and The Word of God. As these last days approach we need to keep our connection with God "On Fire". We need to make sure the oil of the Holy Spirit is running over. This is OUR RESPONSIBILITY! Someone else can not do this for us. Our passion for Jesus needs to continue to grow stronger not weaker. The only way to STAY READY is In His Presence, In His Word, and In His Work. To stay ready in His Presence is to live with the understanding that God is always near. We should ask the Lord, "What would you have me do in this moment?" To Stay Ready in His Word, is to take time daily to allow His Word to give us a fresh revelation. The Bible says, "the Word of God is alive and powerful..." As many know, I love the one year Bible, it gives a balance approach with a Old and New Testament read, as well as a Psalm and Proverb. It takes only 15 minutes a day. Of course it does not matter what your plan is for reading the scriptures, just get some plan. The key is asking the Lord to give you a fresh revelation of His Word for your life this day. The Lord will do that if you will ask. To stay ready in His Work, is to be active spreading the gospel wherever you are. We need to find out where the Lord is moving and get involved in that work. God is blessing works all over the city, find a work of the Lord, and get involved. If you live in Kansas City, I want to encourage you to get involved in a Life Group. In a Life Group you will get involved in knowing other people, share His Word, Pray, and serve somewhere. As we believers we need to make sure we are known and getting to know others. Isolation is not good!

The Bible says, "we need to be able to interpret the times in which we live" (Luke 12:54-56) The times in which we live really demonstrates that prophecy is being fulfilled right before our eyes. With that being said, we need to make sure our lives Stay In Ready Position. Let's allow the Oil of Joy and His Presence continually run over our lives. Matter of fact let's go ahead and get a little extra....

Don't Neglect Meeting Together

2010-07-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

Summer time, as we know it, is about ready to come to an end. For those who have kids on summer break, know that the summer time has many opportunities to gather as a family. This can be good and bad, depending on where you are in life. My family was blessed to experience a family vacation, where we were able to experience a lot of laughter. My prayer is that this season has been filled with wonderful memories that can be cherished for a long time. For some, you have faced many trials and hardships. It seems to me, on any given day, life can be filled with so many different emotions. We have to learn to be spirit led not emotion led. No matter where you are in the journey, one thing I know for sure. We need to be connected. Life’s circumstances and the devil will do all he can to disconnect you from the body of Christ. Whatever it takes, STAY CONNECTED, for the devil is a liar. The devil will continue to tell you- “you are too busy, too messed up, too confused, or TOO LAZY to get with other believers or go to church. Even though this is the very thing you need. We need to run to church, not from it…we need to run to group, not from it. Being with other believers is what keeps us strong and on track. You need other believers in YOUR life to keep you sharp.

The apostle Paul in the book of Hebrews said it like this, “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:23-25) In this passage we learn to Hold Tight…God can be trusted. No matter where you find yourself; “Hold On”. The other thing we learn is we need to motivate one another to do good things for others. This works best in a Life Group with people you know.

If you are going to church and do not know anyone, than how can you motivate someone, Motivation is best expressed out of relationship, you need to get connected to be known and to know. We need to STOP isolating ourselves from the very people that can strengthen our faith and keep us moving in the right direction with the HOLY SPIRIT! We also learn in this passage, to NOT NEGLECT MEETING TOGETHER, church and Life Group are vital to a believer’s life. Whatever it takes, we need to stay connected to church and our Life Group. It is through Life Group we feel accountability, a sense of belonging, and cared for. As well as challenged to read and study the scriptures, discuss the word, and influence others for Christ. Apostle Paul ends this passage with the most amazing thought; we should stay and meet together until Christ returns. This fall Antioch Church will be doing a church wide study in Life Groups on the book, “What in the World is Going On?” by Dr. David Jeremiah. You will not want to miss out on this study. It promises to be a very challenging and encouraging time in Life Group. If you are not in a Life Group, please take time and go by the Life Group booth, pick up a card, fill it out, and turn it in. I would encourage all to read this book.

How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a Pagan Land?

2010-06-18T11:02:00.000-07:00

It has been too long since I last updated my blog. There has been much life experienced since then; went on a missions trip to Mexico, my kids have completed a grade, we went on vacation, and we have ended another semester in Life Groups @ Antioch Church, our life group has seen the TBones ball game, Celtics lost, etc... God is faithful through all times!

I want to take some time to share what the Lord is showing me through His Word. Sometimes, God's tangible presence seems absent, sometimes we feel our life is walking through a strange time, and we are waiting for his revelation, and his power. We have to learn to be faithful to his word and our devotion to Him. It is a walk of faith! The children of Israel found themselves in one of those seasons. They could not even sing a song of the Lord. I imagine they had to sing in faith, not feeling, they had to sing out of obedience, not Holy Spirit goose bumps!

Psalm 137 Beside the rivers of Babylon, we sat and wept as we thought of Jerusalem.^* We put away our harps, hanging them on the branches of poplar trees. For our captors demanded a song from us. Our tormentors insisted on a joyful hymn: “Sing us one of those songs of Jerusalem!” But how can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a pagan land?

The children of Israel where in Babylon at the time, they were in a strange land, and they felt abandoned, lost, and hurt. The enemy was taunting and throwing sarcastic comments at them. Yes, the children of Israel committed sin and were being judged by God. But, they still found themselves at this place in life. They were asking a very relevant and all important question. How can we sing the songs of the Lord while in a Pagan Land? Basically, they were asking; How can we sing worship songs, while we are in a strange and challenging place in life? I think as believers, we need to learn and discipline ourselves, to sing songs of deliverance and healing while in a difficult place. Life is not always going to be comfortable. Life will sometimes embrace suffering. When it does, will you sing a song of the Lord?

Let's look at the next couple of verses:

Psalm 137:4-5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget how to play the harp. May my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth if I fail to remember you, if I don’t make Jerusalem my greatest joy.

Jerusalem represented hope, a place of God's favor, and salvation. We can not ever lose hope, no matter how difficult it gets. We must choose to walk in faith, we must choose to speak faith, we must choose to obey God's Word and Worship the Lord through all life's experiences. When you walk through a challenge or season of suffering, remember that God is with you and for you. Sing a song of the Lord out of obedience to his word, not the circumstance you find yourself. The word will remain faithful, it has through all generations.

We must sing a song of the Lord, even in a strange land! Hope is coming. By the way, the children of Israel found themselves back in Jerusalem a few years later.

All Scripture Is Inspired

2010-02-24T16:15:00.000-08:00

Paul wrote to Timothy, His son in the Lord. "But you must remain faithful to the things you have been taught. You know they are true, for you know you can trust those who taught you. You have been taught the holy scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes from trusting in Christ Jesus. All scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work." Second Letter of Paul to Timothy, chapter 3 Verses 14 through 17.

My heart desires more understanding and revelation from the Holy Scriptures. The church needs to awaken to a passion to get back to the basics. A discipline to read the word on a daily basis, a passion to spend time in prayer, a desire to share salvation to those in need, and a heart to walk it out in a hurting world no matter the cost. You won't live and die for something that you are not fully committed too.

Oh, how we need a reformation of reading, studying, and understanding of the whole Bible! My prayer: "Holy Spirit, we ask you to illuminate the words in scripture in our hearts that we might live it out!"

Confusion and disillusionment has set in on some believers. They quote and say beliefs of scriptures and Christianity with little understanding themselves. They have never taken the time to read the whole Bible through; cover to cover-Genesis to Revelations, etc...

They speak opinion with little understanding and knowledge of ALL the scriptures. The believers in the day of Christ, took time from childhood to be taught the scriptures. They took years to read and study the scriptures themselves. What would happen if we spent more of our daily time in the Bible? Instead of every night turning on the TV or some other entertainment, we would take time and read and discuss the Bible in our homes. Wow! Would an awakening happen in homes? Wisdom and Understanding would be deposited in homes and workplaces.

When you read the whole Bible, you see a balanced gospel; Grace and Judgment, Tender Love and Tough Love, Obedience and Sin, Prosperity and Suffering, Heaven and Hell, Blessing and Cursing. You see the story of a Loving God reaching to redeem man back to himself for all eternity!

God has done and is doing His part, but we need to do our part.

We must realize and understand All Scripture is inspired by God. It is time to study the Old and New Testament. It is time to sit in His Presence for a lengthy period of time as the scriptures speak to your inner man. It is time to look for a need you have in your capacity to meet with the people he has put in your path.

"Lord, Your Word is changing my life! Let me understand it more so I can share it more!" Bill

Believers Pray for Courage

2010-01-30T11:25:00.000-08:00

As I think about all that is going on in our world, my heart breaks. There has never been a more desperate time to pray for courage than NOW. Believers all over, need to ask God to give them courage. Courage to face the economy, how to help the situation in Haiti, defending the right of Biblical Marriage (One Man and One Woman), issues of abortion, and sharing the love of Christ to those around us. It is going to require more courage as the day approaches. No backing down or falling back, it is time for boldness and courage.

In Acts 4, Peter and John were speaking in front of the religious council about a man they healed in the name of Jesus. This counsel asked them to stop using the name of Jesus and sharing that he had rose from dead. With the potential threat of death on their life, they did not back down, they courageously shared, "Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We can can not stop telling about everything we have seen and heard." The members of this council were amazed at the boldness and courage of these two men, and said, "...recognized them as men who had been with Jesus." What a powerful testimonial. The council threatened them and dismissed them because they were afraid of a riot breaking out.

When Peter and John left they joined other believers and shared all that God did through them in front of this council. The believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God. After they prayed in an united front together giving thanks and asking for more courage and boldness. The Bible says, "the meeting place shook, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. Then they preached the word of God with boldness." It is time for believers to ask, pray, receive, and act.

As I read this amazing story, I am challenged to ask God for more courage and boldness. To gather with my Life Group and pray for boldness and courage. Then look for opportunities to be bold for Christ. Right now there are 2 major issues we need to ask God for courage: to send the right people and right aide to Haiti. As many people know this beautiful country needs the right help. Second, there is a court case going on in California: Perry vs. Schwarzenegger. This case is a huge case that is being fought for the institution of Biblical marriage. ADF (Alliance Defense Fund) has amazing lawyers that are defending Biblical Marriage in America. Let's pray for courage and boldness for these lawyers. Their closing arguments will be in less than 2 weeks.

Let believers huddle together: ask, pray, receive, and then act in the Holy Name of Jesus.

Fasting

2009-12-16T11:01:00.000-08:00

A wonderful time to fast is at the beginning of each year. For the past 4 years, I have chosen to start the year off with a 21 day fast. It has been revolutionary. I believe my whole life has been impacted by this Spiritual discipline. It has been amazing to watch and see my son get a hold of this discipline, and his life take off for the glory of God. My whole family has been impacted as well. I challenge you to consider it as you begin 2010.

Fasting is the voluntary act of abstaining from something for the purpose of growing in self-discipline, which is the essence of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. The most common is food. Fasting accompanied with prayer brings the anointing and blessing of God.

Jesus said, "And when you fast, don’t make it obvious, as the hypocrites do, for they try to look miserable and disheveled so people will admire them for their fasting. I tell you the truth, that is the only reward they will ever get. ¹⁷ But when you fast, comb your hair and wash your face. ¹⁸ Then no one will notice that you are fasting, except your Father, who knows what you do in private. And your Father, who sees everything, will reward you." Matt 6:16-18

This passage comes right in the middle of Jesus teaching on prayer and giving. In this sermon, Jesus uses phrases like: "When you give" (v.2) "When you pray" (v.5), and "When you fast" (v.16). Jesus assumes his audience will give, will pray, and will fast. Fasting is not an option. It is natural part of a believers walk. We also see in this passage of scripture, your motive is vitally important to your fast. You can not manipulate God, fasting must come from the heart. One last truth you see in this passage, when you fast, you will be rewarded.

There are so many benefits to fasting. It draws you closer to the presence of God and His word. It promotes a breakthrough in your life. Jehoshaphat was overwhelmed by an incoming army from Edom. He was filled with fear, and called a nationwide fast in Judah. This produced a breathrough for the nation of Judah. (2 Chronicles 20) Moses fasted for 40 days and 40 nights and received the 10 commandments. (Exodus 34) Revelation comes through fasting. Direction comes through fasting, as we see with Nehemiah when he fasted about rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. (Nehemiah 1) A time of Repentance for your nation comes in the midst of fasting according to Daniel. (Daniel 9) Wisdom with decisions comes as a result of fasting, the disciples fasted as they prepared for ministry. (Acts 13)

The length of the fast is totally up to what you feel God is calling you to do. I have heard of 1, 3, 7, 21, and 40 days.

There are many kinds of fast:
Water Fast- Means to abstain from all food and juices.
Partial Fast (Daniel Fast) - Eliminate certain foods and meals. (Maybe Vegetables and Fruit Only)
Juice Fast - Drink only vegetable and fruit juices.
Interest Fast - Abstain from an interest or hobby for a period of time.

Preparation for the fast has been critical for me. I have found if I would start preparing my mind, body, and spirit a few days before beginning, it will make a considerable difference. I will start eliminating sugar and caffeine a few days before I begin the fast, and helps my body get ready. I will also prepare my heart for the fast as well.

Fasting is not so much about food as it is about focus. It is not so much about saying no to the body as it is about saying yes to the Spirit. Fasting is not about doing without, as it is about looking within. Fasting is an outward response to an inward attitude of the cry of the soul.

As you consider this spiritual discipline for 2010. Remember to have a purpose and focus to your fast, so you can see what God does. It will set the tone for the entire year, and you will reap the benefits the whole year as well.

Living in the Moment

2009-12-04T10:57:00.000-08:00

Recently, I heard someone say, "I am not sure about this whole end times thing, 'Jesus is coming back', people have been talking about that for years." When I heard him say this, I could not help but think about what Jesus said, "As it was in the days of Noah, so it will be at the coming of the son of man" During the time of Noah, people did not believe the prophetic message. They lived like it did not matter, and nothing would ever happen. They were cold and deaf to the voice of God. They would not commit to following God wholeheartedly.

1 Peter 4:7 "The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those in need a meal, or a place to stay. God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another."

Peter gives us amazing instructions on how to live our lives in these times.
1. We must have a earnest and disciplined prayer life.

Prayer is about a relationship with God, it is about listening to the heart of God. Prayer produces power, prayer brings brokenness, and prayer opens the door to the Holy Spirit.

2. We need to have deep love for people.

We can't give up on people. With that being said, we need to love people out of their sin, not just in their sin. When we pursue people with deep love, they feel it, and it has the potential to change lives.

3. We need to open our homes.

This speaks of community and service to people; Our homes should be a microcosm of the modern day church house, a place for the healing and hurting. It should not be about privacy but about openness.

4. We need to discover and use the gifts God has given us.

Our gifts can best be displayed in a small group. Each of us have a gift and we can not allow that gift to go dormant.

Think Life Change

2009-11-24T12:42:00.000-08:00

As I walk through this journey of life, one thing is becoming apparent to me, life is evolving. Change is seldom neutral. We talk of "change for the better" or "change for the worse." I love this quote, "Make friends with change." But, for whatever reason people resist change, because it seems to require of us to leave what is comfortable and move to the unknown. (side bar: Takes Faith!)

Since we do not like to change very much; we need someone to push us, make us better, tell us what we do not want to hear, for the betterment of personal growth. At the heart of all life is growth and development, positive or negative.

The apostle Paul was writing to the Galatian church, and he was addressing the issue of false teachers trying to influence believers. These false teachers were trying to win them over with soft teaching that would tickle their ears. They were trying to keep them away from Paul with false motives of loving action. But, Paul was trying to tell them challenging truth that would effect their behavior and life, truth that was difficult for them to hear. It was challenging their core doctrine and beliefs. He was concerned they would not stay strong in the faith. He gave the most interesting analogy in this book to convey his passion to see change in their life, "...I am going through labor pains for you again...they will continue until Christ is fully developed in your lives." Galatian 4:19 I am not sure how you receive Paul's heart here, but I know how I receive it. Here is a man that is passionate about this church receiving the truth of Christ. He is a man on a God assigned mission. He knows he is birthing something great through this church, and the enemy will do anything to stop the progress.

I am challenged to ask myself, "Do I have someone in my life that would be that controversial to ask me the hard questions?", "Do I have someone in my life that will speak the truth in love, until Christ is fully developed in me?", "Am I open for hard truth". "Am I open to be used of God to approach someone?" Ouch this hurts!

We need to approach the relationships that God has put in our lives as opportunities for Life Change. Let's not get so comfortable that we can not challenge one another to see Christ fully developed in the one's we truly care about. Let's be obedient to the call, even if it requires sacrifice. Let's move and live by the spirit. Obedience is crucial, especially when He is speaking for you to reach out, make the call, take the initiative. Experience the moment were you knew your life was making a difference in someone else. Nothing like that feeling!!!

By the way, I am thankful for my Loving Lord and Savior, I am thankful for my wonderful wife of 19 years and my 2 kids (Austin and Alexis). As I am writing, Austin is sick, he needs Gods touch of grace. I am thankful for Antioch Church and all the amazing life group leaders.

Happy Thanksgiving 2009

Covenant "What does it take to have successful Life Group"

2009-11-20T13:37:00.000-08:00

The old saying, "What you don't know can't hurt you, " proves untrue in life and in small groups. Hidden agendas undermine a group and keep it from functioning effectively. Groups need to have a mutual understanding and commitment to one another to function at the top level.
It is so crucial that groups create a shared agreement of purpose, responsibilities, and understanding. Such a statement lets everyone know what they are getting into. This group may not be for everyone, but if you join in, it will be life changing as you make that covenant with the other group members. Covenant is a Biblical word that means serious expression of commitment with those under God's love.

Here are some suggestions of successful commitments to groups:
1. Attendance: You need everyone in the group in order to grow.
2. Affirmation: There is nothing you have done or will do that will make me stop loving you. We will sometimes "Agree to Disagree" This is OK!
3. Confidentiality: What's said here stays here!
4. Openness: I will strive to reveal who I am
5. Honesty: I will try to mirror back what I see others saying and doing, you can help me in the same way.
6. Sensitivity: I will try to put myself in your shoes and understand what it is like to be you.
7. Accountability: I am responsible for my own growth.
8. Prayer: During the course of covenant, I will pray for my other group members.

1 Samuel 18:3 "And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself."

A Brand New Season

2009-04-27T11:51:00.001-07:00

This past weekend my ministry transitioned into a new season of life. After 21 amazing years of full time student ministry I am stepping into adult ministry. We announced that we will be transitioning out of Student Ministry Pastor to Life Group Pastor at Antioch Church.

Student Ministry has been so incredibly fulfilling. I could not express the joy and excitement into words of what it has meant to fulfill that call. I have so many amazing memories of changed lives and relationships I built through this avenue. I have loved it and I was 100% devoted to it! But, life is filled with seasons and I am entering into a brand new era.

My family is excited as we answer Gods call in Pastoring people through small groups. Our small groups here at Antioch Church will be called Life Groups. There is no question that life change will happen in Life Groups. Through life groups we will experience Authentic Relationships and Spiritual Growth. As I consider the time in which our nation and church are in, there is no question believers must have true relationships and discipleship going on in their life. Discipleship needs to take on a high priority for the church as it did in the book of Acts. I believe discipleship is best fulfilled in a small group setting. At Antioch Church we are taking a step forward in making this the highest priority, that is why I will be giving it my full attention.

In the coming days there will be an amazing harvest of souls into the Kingdom of God. The church must be ready for this harvest, and we must be ready to care and disciple them. Life Groups will be that vehicle of discipleship for Antioch Church.

I want to thank everyone who has been so supportive to my family during this transition season. God is at work in our land and it is important to have our Spirits in tune with what God is doing.

Waiting

2009-02-16T08:40:00.000-08:00

As I sit here in Black Dog coffee house, I can't help but feel a time of waiting on God. Have you ever been at a place in your life, you knew no answers and you had alot of questions? I find myself there! Questions and Circumstances can sometimes bug you, and the funny thing, they could just be normal questions and circumstances. All I know to do, is read his word, seek his face, and love people.

Lately I taught on being a Man of God, and one of the points was Lead Courageously. The Lord challenged Joshua to lead courageously without fear when Joshua was faced with the transition from Moses to him. Can you imagine being next in line for leadership, and the leader before you was Moses. Here is the guy, who lead a ton of people out of Egypt, saw Gods back side, and wrote the ten commandments. Now, God was calling Joshua to step up to the plate and lead. Do, you think he felt inadequate or weird?

I think when you are at a place of waiting, God is molding you for your next step. He wants you to be totally dependent on Him. He wants all of you and none of yourself. He is waiting for YOU to die. I think John the Baptist found himself there out in the wilderness. I think David found himself there out with the sheep, before Samuel came and got him. I think Moses found himself there, when he was taking care of his father n laws sheep. It seems like the Bible is filled with waiting stages when you think about it.

So, why don't we like it?

Just Put Another Piece of Wood on the Fire

2009-01-09T14:02:00.000-08:00

It has been a long time since I have updated my blog. So much has happened, for starters, it was an amazing holiday season as Antioch gave tremendously to the community. What a great way to spend the Christmas season, helping people.

The whole Kirkpatrick family spent Christmas time in Tucson, Arizona. We had such a wonderful time. We played golf, cards, dominoes, Madden 09, and just kicked back and relaxed.

As we begin the new year, I think the word of the year is change. Revolution means radical change, and we all want to see certain things change in our life. It will take a radical Spirit to see certain things change. I think the foundation of change begins with DESIRE. You have to want to change before you will ever change.
Paul said an encouraging word to Timothy in his letter to him. He knew Timothy probably struggled with discouragement and a lack of confrontation in his life. So, he wrote to him and said,

2 Timothy 1:5 I remember your genuine faith, for you share the faith that first filled your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice. And I know that same faith continues strong in you. 6 This is why I remind you to fan into flames the spiritual gift God gave you when I laid my hands on you.

Paul was telling Timothy, keep the flame going, don't let the Spiritual fire go out. The way you do this is fan it. Another way of looking at it, he had to keep the wood on the fire. If you do not keep wood on the fire, it will eventually go out. It is the same way in our Spiritual lives, you have to keep wood on your Spiritual lives. You do that through prayer, word, obedience to scripture, and worship. There are times it is hard, but you have to make yourself go get the Spiritual wood. You have to keep the desire alive for God, "the want to", begins with us. If you have no desire, your fire will eventually go out for God.

Lets make 2009 a year of Radical Change! It starts by fueling the desire for God and letting that flame grow Big for Jesus!

Faith and Obedience

2008-11-09T17:37:00.000-08:00

Faith is the key to our Christian Walk. We must learn to walk by faith not by feelings/circumstances/thoughts. Training your soul to live by faith is a challenge. When things do not go as planned, your soul wants to slip into negativity and doubt. But, you must discipline your thoughts to live by faith.
In Genesis 22:1 "God tested Abraham's faith and obedience" Sometimes trials and disappointments come in life and we must learn to continue in this race with passion. It is one thing to have faith and another to have faith AND obedience. It takes both to see Gods provision and supply. We want the miracle and the power but we don't want the uphill climb of the mountain in Moriah. God loves taking us through seasons that do not make sense. It is in these seasons we build character and trust.
I am learning to decree the word and not my feelings in the area of finances. God is showing me through prayer and action that He is my supply. I must work, but He is in control. It does not always work out like we think. We draw everything up in our mind, but He has it all under control. Our job is to decree the word and trust He has the promise. Don't allow satan to decree his lies in your thoughts and feelings, learn to pray and speak the word. Satan is trying to put fear and discouragement into you, so you will stop moving and believing God.

Run with Endurance

2008-10-02T10:48:00.000-07:00

God is working more and more in my life through the Word of God and Prayer. I am sensing the Holy Spirit speak to me about sacrifice. My life is not my own it was bought by the blood of Jesus Christ. It is not about what I want or what I want to accomplish. It is really about what does God want and what does God want to accomplish through me. I know I am a selfish person by nature and I have to constantly talk to myself about dying to my will. I have an agenda but then God has an agenda.

Just the other day, my computer crashed. I lost everything! I lost every message I have preached, song I have saved, I lost every document I wrote, every illustration and article I have saved. It crushed me! It is requiring me to live in the moment and create in the moment. God has a way, of making us learn to rely in HIM. I am learning to do that. God loves to humble his people.

The other day I had the privilege of spending time with Joel Stockstill. He showed me what it means to live by Faith and Endurance. God is challenging me through Joel to get Faith Goals. Goals that make you hear from God and rely on God. When I was down there in Baton Rouge, I saw first hand there leadership team having Bible Studies in Public High Schools. It was amazing. Joel was so gracious toward me as He poured into my life. My life was better after being around him.

God wants believers to realize that life is going to experience setbacks and challenges. We must learn to run, not walk or sit with endurance. Run speaks of passion and focus. I desire to be that kind of person.

"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. 2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith.^[a] Because of the joy^[b] awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne." Hebrews 12:1-2

What a Week

2008-09-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

Last week was amazing!

Spent Monday at the springs pool with my family, it was cool but refreshing. I was also able to preach a fresh word from 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:2 Remove the Veil and Reflect the Glory of Christ. God wants all believers to embrace the new way in Christ by understanding Spirt of Christ lives in all believers. We are not like Moses! We can all be filled with Spiritual Boldness if we will just remove the mask of SELF. It is SELF that stops believers from walking in Spiritual Boldness. God is on a mission to get rid of the Veil of SELF, when he does you will experience a NEW WAY.

It was also exciting to see the beginning of the Focused Prayer Service at Antioch Church on Thursday Night. Experiencing 75 believers focusing on praying the Word of God on given situations was powerful. God is at work at Antioch Church. Praise The Lord!

Dealing with Rumors and Negativity

2008-08-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

Conference is over and what a time we had with Jesus. I believe we experienced the best conference ever. Gods word was spoken, lives were changed, and students responded to the voice of God. It never gets old to see students respond to the altar of God telling Him that they Need Him. Don't we all need the Lord. I know I do! I do not want to live one day without the word of God speaking into my life.

I just came back from vacation with my family and it was so refreshing. God has blessed me with such amazing kids and a loyal and beautiful wife. We have so much fun together, we went to Dallas for a few days, then we went on to San Antonio. Great Fun!

Have you ever had someone start a rumor or speak negative about you? It happens. What do you do? Your flesh wants to react, say something back, get even, try defend yourself, etc... It is so hard! You see satan wants to get you off track, get you off center with God! He wants all your thoughts and time to be focused on the negative. If he can get you distracted from the will of God for that day or week, he can get Gods plan delayed in your life.
I was reading in Nehemiah 6:2-9 Sanballat was trying to distract Nehemiah from rebuilding the wall in Jerusalem. This was a God's will for Nehemiah to get this project done and restore Jerusalem. But, satan did not want this to happen, so he used sanballat to try to distract this plan by starting rumors about Nehemiah. He also tried to get Nehemiah off the wall and come down and meet him. Nehemiah knew this was not right, so he told the people this was all untrue and the rumor was all made up and he refused to go and meet him. I love also what Nehemiah said, "Sanballat is trying to intimidate us, imagining that they could discourage us and stop the work. So I (Nehemiah) continued the work with even greater determination." Nehemiah developed the attitude that I will stay focused not on the negative but on the vision that God had given him, he even became more determined. He allowed the negative voices to actually fuel the vision of the Lord.
This is what we must do when rumors or negative comes our way. We must not rehearse it, replay it, or repeat it. Just move forward in Gods word and plan for our lives.
The key to the Christian walk is to keep your heart clean and move forward in the word of God for your life. God is so good!

Fame

2008-07-23T18:18:00.000-07:00

Girls crying at the Jonas Brothers concert...hmmm. This sounds hilarious. Should we be so emotionally involved that we cry and worship the ground someone walks on? The answer absolutely NOT!

This issue has been on my heart for some time. The internet has made it so easy for people to feed this fame issue. You have facebook, Myspace, and Youtube. People getting on the internet hoping that someone will discover them. Don't get me wrong I am not saying that everyone on these social networks are trying to be famous. For many, it is about staying connected with friends and the ability to post pics about you. But, it can get out of control if we are not careful. Our motives must always stay in check. We also need to truly be careful of setting ourselves and people up as idols. It is so easy to lose humility in this culture. God is looking for a broken and contrite heart after HIM!

Question: Do you seem to have a lot of time for updating your facebook, myspace, or youtube; but you have no time for reading your Bible or praying. How do you think God views this? Could it be this fame issue is getting in you and you do not even realize it? Priorities tell alot about what is important to us. I hope your calendar dictates that God is important to you. If you are spending all your time updating your social networks and spending no time in prayer and Bible Reading you are out of balance.

God is looking for a generation that is hungry for his presence.
Romans 13:11 This is all the more urgent, for you know how late it is; time is running out. Wake up, for our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is almost gone; the day of salvation will soon be here. So remove your dark deeds like dirty clothes, and put on the shining armor of right living. 13 Because we belong to the day, we must live decent lives for all to see. Don’t participate in the darkness of wild parties and drunkenness, or in sexual promiscuity and immoral living, or in quarreling and jealousy. 14 Instead, clothe yourself with the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ. And don’t let yourself think about ways to indulge your evil desires.

The time is now to take off our worldly dirty clothes and put on the clothes of Gods Presence!

Unleash You Are Gods Spokesperson

2008-07-17T12:09:00.000-07:00

Our 25th Annual Student Conference is coming up (July 29th - August 1) and I am so excited about it. I have personally hosted this conference for 13 years. It is an amazing adventure and I love it! I am believing God will speak a specific word to students that come about the direction of their life. God desires to release people all over the world to declare His truths. There is a specific unique destiny for each person, we must be broken so we can hear that still small voice.

Jeremiah 1:5 "God has appointed you as my prophet to the nations." Just as God appointed Jeremiah to be a prophet in that time in history, so God is raising up spokes persons for Him in this generation. God uses people to declare his word not things.

God knows you
He is calling you
He will be with you

I am learning more and more to allow God to work through me to declare His truth to this culture!

Eyes Wide Open

2008-02-12T07:54:00.001-08:00

Relationships are fun, if we keep it light hearted. It is when we get serious to soon, that it can get messy. The Bible says, "...not to awaken love before its time" This is a great thought for many students. We need to enter relationships with our eyes and ears wide open. Lets not put our mind in the sand and ignore our future. Every student has amazing potential, lets keep God first and not let culture overtake our decisions. You are the best Paradigm and YOU ARE LOVED!