KNIGHTROUS~Pastor Jeff Knight

www.jeffknight.com

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 23:48:00 +0000

For updates, go to www.jeffknight.com

Thanks,

JEFFKNIGHT.COM

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 22:54:00 +0000

I am super excited about a big announcement. After 16 years of trying, we obtained www.jeffknight.com. From now on I will be updating there, but I will keep www.knightrous.com open, and eventually link it to the other site.

We will be working on a variety of additions to the website, so check back often. Make sure to change your RSS feed to keep getting updates.

Jeff

PUT GOD FIRST THIS SUMMER

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:08:00 +0000

This weekend we are launching a series, At the Movies. A friend approached me and said, “I’d rather you preach Jeff, why do you do these movie messages.” My answer was simple, because they win people to Jesus and allow us to have a cultural conversation. In addition, they are easy to invite friends to!!! At the Movies is in the wheelhouse of what this church stands for, Connecting People to Life.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of Jesus impacting lives through your church. Don’t do it! Allow your summer schedule and plans to rearrange so you can be a part of reaching people of no/damaged faith each weekend. Your involvement saves lives!!!

Frankly, I really don’t think church culture understands the principle of First Fruits in times like these. God will blow your mind, but HE MUST BE FIRST. First in your life, first in your money, time and summer!

Out of 7 days, which one is the first I give God? It’s obviously, day one, the first day. This is why church is on Sunday! Some people think Monday is the first day of the week because to them work is number one, they have to make money. Others think Friday is the first day of the week because they believe having a good time on the weekend is priority number one.

If we want to have God blow our mind with outpouring, blessing, provision and answer what we earnestly pray for then we MUST PUT GOD FIRST!

1 Corinthians 16:2, "On the first day of the week let each one of you lay something aside…"

The above scripture is not a suggestion, it is a command. GOD MUST BE FIRST! He must be.

It begins this weekend, the 4^th of July, a great day of celebrating our nation’s independence. How about celebrating our independence in Christ by being at service and worshiping God with everything? I think it will be one of the best days of the summer. After church you can head out to friends and family for the big party or your camping destination.

The movie will be Saving Private Ryan. Check out some of the pictures from the film shoot. It will be amazing. If you know a Veteran invite them to service. If you are Active Duty then come in your uniform and be a part of this amazing 4^th of July at The Rock Church.

Pressing the Mark,

Pastor Jeff

Race 8 - 1st

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 13:57:00 +0000

June 19th, Father's Day weekend, nearly two years to the day since my last victory, and it happened. We led a lot of laps and put the car up front to take the checkers in first. I was pumped as it was a perfect day. We qualified 1st, won the heat race and the main, and closed up the points chase for the championship.

As I stood on the stage with Melinda getting some photos I said to her, "I don't know if I am excited or relieved." Being candid, it's been a long time since putting the car in the winners circle, and with the awful breaks I've had over the past two years of racing I felt like the monkey was finally off my back!

Winning legitimizes the efforts of the entire team. This win was not only great for me, but our whole team as well. The crew work so hard to give me an awesome car, and this year it seems I can drive a 5th place car to 2nd, but the winning car to 2nd also, LOL! I was so pumped to get them a win, the first for a couple of them.

Well, now we set sail for the remainder of the season. I will miss today's race as I made some very important plans back in March, the first miss in 48 or so races. The promoters changed the program a bit this year allowing us Late Model drivers to throw out our two lowest point weekends. This will be one of my throwaways.

Have a great week and we'll see ya on the 5/8's July 3rd. We are one adjustment away from putting the #70 in the winners circle on the big track!

Race 5 - 2nd; Race 6-2nd; Race 7-4th

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 05:22:00 +0000

Race 5
Race 5 was two weeks ago. We qualified 4th, had an awesome battle with Naima Lang and ended up 2nd on the night. We went green to checkers with no cautions, and I would have needed a late caution to give Naima a run for it.

Race 6
This race was the first of two on the night. After qualifying 2nd we started the first race 3rd row inside. The race was green and we were pretty good. I had an loose condition that worsened as the night went on. We battled pretty good, and ended up 2nd.

Race 7
Race 7 was the second race in the double header. We started inside row 2. Ran in 3rd most of the race. We were single file for most of the race. A late caution came out with about 4 laps to go. I started inside, directly behind the leader, the 2. After a caution and on the restart the 2 got huge loose and made contact with the 12. I was in the perfect seat to see the whole incident. Because they were banging I had a massive run, and as they were crashing going into turn 3 I put it to the bottom. The 12 was in the dirt with the 2 slamming into him, so I figured there was plenty of room. I didn't even see their race cars out the windshield as I was entering turn 3.

Next thing I know the 2 is turning off my nose. I hit him, and rolled out to the high side of the track. I was sent to the back of the field and told I caused wreck, which I didn't understand, and hardly agreed with. The officials told me after the race, "The 2 caused the crash, but you were involved." I ended up 4th.

Champions Network

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Tue, 18 May 2010 13:30:00 +0000

I got away with Melinda for a couple days this week. We flew out on Sunday PM heading for Houston to meet at Lakewood Church and Joel and Victoria Osteen; about the Champions Network.

To our surprise some of our favorite people were on our plane, Judah and Chelsea Smith. As you know Judah's parents, Wendell and Gini, have been our pastors since mom and dad went home with the Lord. We love the Smith's huge, and it was cool to catch up on the plane. Seriously, if you live anywhere around the Eastside or downtown and don't drive out to The Rock Church go to The City Church. These guys are the real deal, and hitting home runs for Jesus.

Landing in Houston well after midnight we checked into our hotel right next to Lakewood Church, got some rest and prepared for the morning.

Walking downstairs we ran into so many people we knew from all over the country. Friends like, Kevin and Beth Green from The Living Room and Eli and Teresa Moreno from Changing Pointe, greeted us as we waited in line at Starbucks. Well, Melinda waited in line, ya all know I only like coffee as long as it's not in my mouth!

The gathering would begin after meeting dozens of movers and shakers from around the nation. I'd say there were about 85-100 leaders representing about 300,000 folks! That's pretty awesome.

Joel Osteen is the real deal. He told us how humbled he was to receive the church at the time of his father's death. He was talking about what God had done, and he was talking through the emotion of it all. It is always great to see Christian leaders who are completely vulnerable in front, Joel was that way on this trip. As he was sharing I was reflecting about the loss of my dad. My story resonates with Joel a lot because I never asked to be a lead pastor. I was completely content doing what I was doing, but the graduation of my father and mother meant it was time to step up.

We heard stories of how God is using Joel and Victoria to build the local church, not just their church, but churches like The Rock. With 20 million people watching their program every month they have a lot to say about building the church. Research has taught them that nearly 50%, or half, of those watching, 10,000,000, are un-churched or de-churched. Meaning, they are not connected anywhere. Champions Network exists to help those 10 MIL people find the churches represented in the room I was sitting in. I was completely stoked at the possibilities.

Imagine what could be possible if 500 people were added to The Rock Church this year? It would be epic! Well, that's what we are doing. By partnering with Joel and Victoria we will be offering The Rock as a local church opportunity for all those people connected with Joel's books, television show and teaching. I am pumped about this.

At the end of the day I was talking with Victoria about a phone call I made the summer after my parents died. Back then, I knew of Joel taking over for his dad, so I called Lakewood Church and left a message for Joel, telling of my story. You know what? He called me back in the summer of 2000. We talked for a brief moment about our dad's, church and filling big shoes. It wasn't a long conversation, but I've never forgotten it. Victoria remembered Joel telling her about that phone call 10 years ago this summer.

She led me to the front to speak with Joel about it. Guess what? He remember it also. A guy who speaks to 20 million people per month on TV nationally, and most likely billions world-wide. He pastors Lakewood Church which is so big it meets where the Houston Rockets used to play. Not only that, but he's written best selling books and keeps a schedule rivaling a President. And after all that he remembered talking with a 29-year old pastor who'd just lost his parents. That's the real deal friends. I am honored to be included in the Champions Network.

Race 4 - 3rd

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Tue, 18 May 2010 04:00:00 +0000

It was our first race on the big 5/8's mile track. This track is awesome. It's fast, it takes courage and for the record my crew chief, Steve, has always delivered a bullet at this place. I really feel like I can win on the 5/8's. Saturday night proved I only need to make small changes to my driving style to keep the car under me the whole race. We were close, real close.

Practice.
Awesome car. I have to admit, I love the new "two tire rule" at Evergreen Speedway. It saves us money on race tires, but not only that it saves us from having to buy practice tires too often.

However, like most people I'd rather role a new set of 4 skins on the car for the 5/8's. For those who've only had the opportunity in life to spectate, racing tires are a HUGE deal. When you get a chance to drive one of these things ask for fresh tires. We put on fresh doughnuts for practice and it was hooked up! I could hold it to the floor board the whole exit off the corner, "Yeah buddy, that's what I'm talking about!!"

Qualifying.
The 2008 and 2009 champ, Naima Lang, came out to race the big track. He is super fast on this track, so I was aiming to beat him in qualifying. I know without a doubt it was the best qualifying effort I have ever had on the big track. I was pumped. Naima went out and got me by like .035 seconds. I qualified 2nd.

Main Event.
I started outside row 3 in the 6th position. The car was awesome. We made a few passes early and settled in behind the 12 and 11. I found some grip off of turn four and the 11 seemed to be getting tight in the center. We got him and set sail for the leader. I pulled up on Tom after a few laps. He's a cagey veteran so he may have been saving his car a bit, but when I got to him we were racing. I challenged him for quite a few laps.

After some time my car started changing. It was getting a tick tight in the center. Naima caught me and we had an awesome battle. With the 12 right ahead of us Naima and I went door to door for several laps. It's awesome to race against super fast guys who drive clean because you know they won't wreck or mirror drive you. They test every ounce of your cars setup and talent. Naima and I were having a fun battle that would have lasted at least another dozen laps if the 16 hadn't pulled in front of me when he was getting lapped. Naima set the pick, I had to check up and fall in line behind the 00.

As Naima caught Tom they began to battle. My car had struggled a bit in the center, but I changed my line up a little and found some bite. With the 12 and 00 going at it I started to catch them both. Coming to the white flag, one lap to go, I got a huge run off of turn four and knew I had a head of steam going down the front stretch. Without hesitating I threw it to the outside and rolled up to Naima's door, racing for second. We went side by side down the back stretch, but my car wouldn't hold for turn 3. I finished third.

I was a great night as all three of us were close at the finish. For me, going 75 laps green-to-checkers, without a single caution and be nose to tail at the finish with two of the best drivers at Evergreen, and arguably in the Northwest, I was pumped. It was a great night.

I spent some time debriefing my line. I learned a little "somethin-somethin" that we will try next week. I can hardly wait.

Remember, go eat some pie and lunch at Snohomish Pie company. You eat pie, I get new tires! Thank you.

Race 3 - 5th

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Tue, 18 May 2010 03:40:00 +0000

I am writing this post a week and a couple days removed from race three. You can read about the race here. For the record I think Tom Moriarty is a fantastic champion, eight times. He and I will race hard all season, and I think it will be a great battle this year.

Practice.
Our car is good, really good. The guys are preparing an awesome piece. It is solid through the center of the corner and hooks up on exit real well. It's a blast to drive. The biggest thing about practice this particular week is that we tried some small tweaks looking for a big peak.

Qualifying.
For the 3rd week in a row we put it on the pole. It was a solid effort, and I am really proud of the team for giving me a fast car week in and week out.

Heat Race.
I started on the pole again this week. I beat Tom to the 1st turn and for the first time held him off as we exited turn 2, an accomplishment compared to the last two heat races. We had tried some small changes that worked in qualifying, but didn't work as well in the heat race. Car was not really finding much grip and Tom got by me. He rolled out to a decent lead, and all I could do was watch. We had a bit of work to do before the main.

Main Event.
I started row 3 outside in the 6th position behind Dan Moore. We had changed the car back to the previous weeks setup after the heat and things were looking good. The field was rolling off and we were racing close. Dan had some trouble on the front stretch and stacked up the field, thankfully I didn't turn him. Problem was I was stuck behind him as cars got to the inside and cleared us both.

I found it hard to clear the 16. He races me really hard week in and week out, which is fine, but I was got frustrated. From my perspective he was checker-boarding pretty good, covering my every move with the help of a spotter or mirror. Either way it was jacking up my progress to catch the leaders who now got away by a straightaway.

I passed the 16 about lap 20 and set sail for the leaders. I was gaining ground on 4th, passed him. The battle for 2nd was ensuing as the laps were winding down, and the 12 had picked a line that opened the door wide for the 70. Laps were ticking away and I was gaining huge ground, sometimes a car length or more per lap.

Finally, I reached the 12 and 20 battle and threw Ole Red up in the fight. We would get alongside the 12, then he would clear me getting into the turn and slide up the track. We would get under him and be door to door. Each lap I'd gain more ground. Coming off of turn four I saw the white flag, one lap to go. I knew if I could just get my car a little deeper into turn one and roll the center without sliding up, I could get him. It worked as I'd planned, and I got a huge run.

I didn't see Tom in my peripheral vision as I had the previous few laps, so I thought I had the move clean. Problem was, he was there. We touched. My car shook a little. I hit the accelerator and down the back stretch I went. I'd made the move with a half a lap to go and set sail to finish 3rd...

I ended up 5th for the night.

Weekend Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Sun, 02 May 2010 22:53:00 +0000

Awesome day today at church...some high points.

I looked out before 1st service. There were so many people gearing up
to serve. Ushers, greeters, presenters, baristas-- all happy people
were getting it done. It really is an amazing blessing to pastor The
Rock Church. Note to self: if I find myself sitting around before
church I better find someone to serve unless I look out of place.

Mark Ramsey's message was epic, there is treasure in the house. I
loved reading so many peoples thoughts on Facebook afterward. I
really appreciate Mark's ministry.

Enjoyed the worship team passion today. It's awesome to watch these
instruments serve the Lord with their everything.

It is so cool for me to see race car drivers at church every weekend,
even when they get home so late from the track.

I got to hear a story about a catholic who became atheist and found
Jesus at The Rock Church! Those stories never get old. The church works.

Did you see my daughter? Yes, she had caffeine for the 1st time
yesterday. I think it will be the last time! She was running fast.

I am really pumped about the next series, Raising Royalty. If you are
a parent/grandparent or a single person who's ready to impact the
world this series could be the most important for your purpose.

Finally, Josh 24:15, "As for me and my house we will serve the Lord."
Join the Heart for the House revolution at TRC where hundreds are
taking it up to a new level.

Sent from my iPhone

Week 2-3rd by .011

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 06:06:00 +0000

Pretty awesome car the team is giving me so far this season. This car is so strong it's been a blast to race. I am learning a ton right now running up front every week, starting on the pole. As with all learning curves I am making some mistakes, more to come on that later.

Ole Red, as we have affectionately named the car, is a beast. It seems whatever combination we throw at it the thing is strong. I am looking forward to an awesome season at Evergreen Speedway. Let's get to this weeks review.

Practice.
We unloaded and the car was fast, fastest in practice for the second week in a row. We made a minor change, but nothing overly drastic. It's all about fine tuning right now, just making small tweaks for big peaks!

Qualifying.
Qualified first for the second week in a row. Awesome .3 seconds quicker than the field. Two poles in a row is not only a first, but that make 3 poles in my racing career. I am pumped about the pole position and it feels great.

Heat Race.
Here is where the night got a little frustrating, only for a moment. For the second weekend in a row Tom schooled me on the start, I got second. The HIGH Point of the heat race was driving the car back to his bumper and wearing him out. I got to race in really close quarters with Tom. We've done that a few times now and I am learning a lot about proximity. For instance, I thought my left front fender was rubbing on his right rear corner, but not so. I'm pretty sure I was as close as I could be without touching, if we had a few more laps in the Heat Race chances are I could have made the pass.

I am learning a lot right now, especially starts. I've been told by drivers whom I really respect that Tom is the best at starts. I am encouraged, even though I'm getting a whooping right now, because WHEN I beat him it will be a BIG day!!!

Race.
We started outside row 2 in a four car invert. After getting schooled on the start in the heat I was determined not to let Tom get the jump. I started strong, but there was an early caution. I restarted again in 4th, behind my buddy and TRC'er Fred Hall #6. We got a good jump, but mayhem ensued and I turned Fred. We both slid off the track.

I was picking my way through the grass off turn one onto the 5/8's and whamo, I got hit in the right rear, or better yet, landed on. Seems the #15 got some air off the banking and landed on me tearing up the right rear quarter panel. Ole Red was angry, a good angry.

We went back green and I got the lead, but an oiled down track relinquished me to 2nd before the caution flew to clean stuff up. I restarted 2nd, but the track was super slick. I couldn't get any bite and dropped to 4th. A late red flag left me thinking about what was going on with the night, and with only 5-7 laps or so remaining I determined to set my sights on getting to the front. Sitting in the car I was a little disappointed that this one had gotten away, but with what we had left I knew Ole Red could get me to the front.

I passed for 3rd on the restart. Ole Red started eating up the track like a fat kid on Cherry Pie, I gained on 2nd. With the laps winding down I made some moves to the outside of the #16, eventually getting there, but it was a little too late. I crossed the finish line in 3rd outside of the #16, by .011 seconds. That's pretty close.

Reality was if I had another lap I'd have passed for 2nd, and if we had the total laps run of 40, instead of 25, I think I could have worked my way to racing with Tom for the win. But hey, the car was in good condition, just some cosmetic fixes; the night was full of cautions and reds, the reason the race was cut short; my team gave me another fast race car, fastest at the track for 2 weeks in a row; and I am hungry for some W's, like a fat kid wanting Cherry Pie!

Where's my Cherry pie from Snohomish Pie Company?

Weekend Reflections

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 13:46:00 +0000

Here are some high points from our weekend at The Rock Church!

The best "weekend after Easter" service in our history!

75+ water baptisms.
The place was jammed.
The worship was slammin.
It was an amazing day.

My Lifesaver.
A few weeks ago we handed out a white Lifesaver as a representation to all those we were believing to be saved! My Lifesaver was John. Well, John came to church the week before Easter for the first time. On Easter he gave his life to Jesus during the altar call and let us know by filling out a Connect Card. Then today, he went "public" in the waters of baptism. I cannot even put into words how amazing this day was! Can you say, Crowd, Cause, Community!!!

All of you who faithfully give to The Rock Church do great things. You set the tone for every ministry. The gospel takes generosity to present at the level you are presenting. Thank you, I think of you daily, and pray for your continued success!
Those who have chosen to step up their game and volunteer in all areas of the ministries are taking us to another level. Your efforts are world class and making Jesus famous!!!
The Connect Card. This very simple tool is showing us that our church can be "Big enough to Serve you, small enough to know you." Keep working with it every single week!!!
The passion. The passion at TRC is breathtaking! There is nothing more powerful than passion!!!! I see it every week in the lives of people from the parking lot to the pulpit. Keep the passion alive!!!
The SERVE. It's grassroots, epic, and ANYONE can do it. Get on board with the Serve!!!

Easter.
I am still marveling in our biggest weekend ever at The Rock Church. 1,739 people, 114 commitments to Christ, and 36 first time salvations.

The coolest part is that for the first time in our history we are able to connect with everyone of those people after the service is over. Thank you Connect Card.
Also the media team produced the first song and it is epic. I've watched it 939 times!!!
The parking crew! Awesome strategy!
The data entry team from First Impressions. Watching the hundreds of Connect Cards getting inputted for follow up is a dream come true. Awesome team.
The give-aways!!! So many awesome businesses contributed to our dream. Thank you.

A Heart for The House.
If you have A Heart for The House at TRC I'd ask you to continue seeking the Lord about what he would have you do for A Heart for The House!!!!

Opening Night 2010 at Evergreen Speedway

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 05:10:00 +0000

It feels great to post this update. Knightrous.com has been pretty dormant over the winter. Not to worry, in a few weeks we will have a brand new look and with the race season upon us it's time to get to some racing recaps, reviews, discipleship and of course the local church!

Preparation.
We took both cars apart after the Fall Classic run. The open motor car is a work in progress as we focused our attention to the crate car. First off, we stripped it down to the chassis for brand new powdercoat. Production Plating Inc hooked us up with a gloss white for the chassis. After getting the chassis back Steve, Tony, Toby and Myself, along with the help of Will, Roger, Tony S. and some others started the reassembly process. We cleaned parts, components, changed a couple minor things, but most importantly turned it from purple to red! Brent from Firedown helped out the finishing effort and the car was ready for the track. Awesome off season.

Side note: Getting the hauler ready was not such an easy chore. Thursday night, while charging the batteries one of them blew up in my face. Seriously, at an arms length a deep cycle marine battery exploded by my left hand. I had no safety glasses or protection from the explosion. Miraculously I was unhurt, no acid in my eyes, or on my face. I am a blessed man!!! However, I had the "Call of Duty" flash grenade syndrome when my ears were ringing and my vision disoriented. Thankfully God watched out for me.

Race Day.
Snohomish Pie Company got us to the track with some race tires, fuel and pit passes! I appreciate the help very much, and anyone rooting for the 70 needs to go buy a piece of pie and tell them, "Jeff sent you from the track." Your effort will put more fresh Goodyears under my race car!!! Fresh pie = Fresh Tires!!!

Practice.
We unloaded at the track on Saturday. Usually we test a bit in the off season, but this year funding is tight, so we elected to make the car perfect in the shop and show up ready to be fast. The knowledge we've gained as a team the last two seasons paid off big time as we set the fastest lap in practice.

Qualifying.
With minimal laps on the car I was confident in the setup. the car was "in the track" meaning it was turning good and getting the power to the ground. We qualified on the pole! That's my second pole!

Heat Race.
Starting from P-1 was great. On the first start I went a bit early. I didn't think it was "huge" early, but the officials didn't agree, and I got the nasty black flag warning to "not do that again." On the next restart the car outside of me jumped! I spun the tires and gave up the lead right away. The car was hooked up pretty good after the start and we turned the fastest lap in the race, but didn't win the heat. I asked someone why I got the caution for jumping the start and he didn't? The answer, "Because he's a 8 time track champion." Well, Okay then.

The Main.
After the invert I started outside row two in 4th position. I got to the lead after a few laps, and checked out by about 15 lengths, turning the fastest lap of the main. Things were going pretty smooth until another car got backwards and the caution came out. Again I was P-1, and on the restart I got a good jump, but so did the 12 car outside of me. We went down the back stretch side by side. It was tight tight racing. As I went into turn 3 the car pushed really bad because the left front tire locked up. It was all I could do to not wreck Tom, but the worst part was I fell to second place, argh.

It wasn't over though. Tom got a way from me a bit, but as the race went on my focus was laser like. I reeled him back in and was banging on his bumper when a small distraction caused me to overdrive the car with 9 laps to go. I went from racing to "savin it" down the backstretch! Once I gathered it up I was back about 6 lengths. We got to his bumper again with 2 to go, but didn't have the time to try and pass him. If only we had another couple laps. I ended up 2nd.

Summary.
I was stoked about the day. Of course I wanted to win. I always want to win, but to have the car in one piece, the fastest laps in practice, qualifying, heat and race were high points for sure. The truth of the matter is I have to work on my restarts. I haven't been in the P-1 for restarts very often, and with a cagey veteran like Tom Moriarty I stand to learn a lot.

I am so proud and thankful for Steve, Tony, Toby, Stevie and the whole team. We got a great race car and it's going to be a great season. See ya next race at Evergreen Speedway.

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 10:04:00 +0000

WOW, ten years! Who knew it could go by so quickly. I've got some big stuff going on this year; 10 years as Lead Pastor of The Rock Church and I turn forty on July 8th!!!! Holy Smokes.

Tonight, 7pm we are getting our party on at TRC. There will be all kinds of cool stuff going on, but more importantly, I want to honor those people who have Served so faithfully with a special gift. You don't want to miss it, because if you do, you'll be bumming. So if you did something cool at The Rock Church in 2009, be here tonight to celebrate you, and the fact that ten years has come and gone. Pretty sweet.

Saturday night at 5pm, the Gala Event. This is where we are laying the smack down. I'm going to be talking vision for the future a bit, but mostly we are just going to have fun with what has been an amazing ten years. I would love to tell tons of stories, laugh a lot and pretty much say "hi" to every person that shows up. Tickets are required and as I write this, there are a few remaining, so give the office a call, you might get in last second.

Finally, I'm so proud, in a godly way of course, of The Rock Church, what these people have been able to do is incredible. Thanks for the memories trc'ers. It's a great adventure, and getting better every year.

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 13:10:00 +0000

By Awake21.org

Day 21-What's Your Assignment?
Luke 4;1-2, 14-15

Fasting and prayer are essential to receiving a clear vision of God’s specific path for our lives. Many times following a season of prayer and fasting we have a more defined understanding of the part that we play in the body of Christ and a greater sense of our particular spiritual giftings. (1 Corinthians 12)

This chapter in the Gospel of Luke describes the circumstances surrounding the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry. Notice that He went into the desert “full of the Holy Spirit.” However, He returned to Galilee, “in the power of the Holy Spirit.” Being full of the Spirit is knowing God and his character; walking in the power of the Spirit is when we know that we have the God-given strength and authority in our lives to walk out His will.

The power of the Spirit is essential for us to accomplish the assignment God has for our lives. God could be leading you to fast so that you can receive His specific instructions for your life. He will empower you, not just to know Him, but to walk in His power to accomplish what He has
called you to do.

Are there areas of your life that need more clarity? Are you walking in the power of the Spirit and living in God’s purpose for your life? Write down those things God is speaking to you. As you conclude your fast, pray that God continually reveals His purpose and gives you ever increasing clarity and strength to walk it out.

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:07:00 +0000

By Awake21.org

Day 20-A New Wineskin
Luke 5:37-38

Two things do not mix: new wine and old wineskins. The reason is simple: old wineskins cannot grow and stretch to hold the new wine. The new wine God wants to fill you with is expansive; it is a picture of God’s Spirit. It always brings an enlargement. A container that is dead, dry, stiff and shrinking back cannot be entrusted as a storehouse for God’s valued treasure. Our vessels must be prepared for the fresh, dynamic, living presence of God –everything we do will flow from it. This preparation comes through prayer and fasting, producing a container that is ready for the new thing God wants to do. God’s new wine always changes us – it expands our faith, enlarges our
purpose, and brings renewed vision.

Everything God does is expansive, He is not into shrinking wineskins – it is up to us to shed them. As we seek Him in this season, let’s shed the old wineskin and ask God to fully prepare our hearts for what’s to come.

What has caused you to shrink back in your expectation of what God wants to do in your life? Are you ready to be expanded beyond recognition? That’s what God’s new wine will do in and through you. Pray the Lord will expand your life to glorify Him, giving you boldness to step out and be.

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 13:04:00 +0000

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Day 19-Walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit
Luke 4:14

After praying and fasting for 40 days, Jesus returned to Galilee empowered to do all the Father had called Him to do. To accomplish the assignment God has for our lives, we also need the power of the Holy Spirit working in and through us. God does not expect us to go through the challenges of life without it.

Prayer and fasting brings us to the place where we can “power up”. Walking in the power of the Holy Spirit is living with a comprehension of the God-given strength and authority in our lives to walk out His will. Through prayer and fasting, God can prepare us for what lies ahead. We might not know what obstacles we’re going to face, but we can know that God will be faithful to us. He will never leave us and He will empower us to meet whatever challenges life may bring.

Today as you worship God in prayer, let Him know that you refuse to go into the future
without His power and that you want all that He has for you.

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:00:00 +0000

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Day 18-Don't Worry--Pray Instead
Philippians 4:6-7

Worry seems to be an inescapable fact of modern life. No doubt there is plenty to worry about: our kids, the economy, global warming, war, disease… the list could go on forever! Sometimes it might seem that worry has even replaced Jesus as the focal point of our lives. Jesus Himself admonished us several times not to worry. And the great apostle, Paul, tell us in the passage above that there is an antidote to worry…prayer.

When we worry about something, we are spending energy on it, wondering what might happen, rehearsing the “if only’s” and “what if’s” in our mind. Why not take that same energy and refocus it on prayer instead? When we worry, we are simply talking to ourselves about our fears, but when we pray, we are taking those fears to God. We can’t control the future, but in the words of Anne Graham Lotz, God is already there! He knows exactly what is going to happen and he promises to be with us every step of the journey.

As we are nearing a close to this season of prayer and fasting, let’s make an effort to convert our worry into prayer. As Paul says in the verse above, “let petitions and praises shape your worries into prayers,” and you will find that the peace of God will guard your heart.

Are there things that you consistently worry about? As you go through your day today, recapture each worried thought and send it up to God as a prayer. See how dramatically your outlook improves when the peace of God is activated through prayer!

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 13:57:00 +0000

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Day 17-Humility
Matthew 17:14-16

What a great example of humility – this man approached Jesus and knelt before Him in the midst of a crowd. As the father approached Jesus, he believed that Jesus would bring his son relief. But even in his belief, his approach was humble and submitted to what Christ would choose to do. Looking further into the story, we find the father was also persistent and resisted taking offense. Though the disciples were not able to help him, he set aside his temporary disappointment in their failure and continued to seek after Jesus – the solution to his circumstance, the source of relief through his trial.

Being humble before God is realizing our need of Him, submitting to His will, pursuing Him and being confident the outcome will occur in God’s perfect timing.

Be encouraged that approaching God with a heart of humility will always position you to find relief in Jesus. Don’t be ashamed to humble yourself before God, even in the midst of others looking on. Offenses and disappointment may come but continue in your pursuit of Jesus. You may not get relief right away but know that God is never late and His solution is always perfect.

Prayer is a posture of humility. Humble yourself before the Lord each day and bring your cares to Him. He wants to meet you where you are and answer your every need. Pray too, that God help you with the disappointment and discouragement that we each face along the way. Is there discouragement in your heart today? Write it down and release it to our perfect God.

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:54:00 +0000

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Day 16-Taking Off the Grave Clothes
John 11:44

When it comes to the transforming power of God working in someone’s life, God often uses people to bring about divine life-change. The story of Lazarus in John 11 illustrates it was the power of Jesus’ prayer and spoken word that resurrected Lazarus from the dead – but the disciples played a role in this miracle too.

Lazarus was bound hand and foot with grave clothes and his face had been wrapped with a cloth during his time in the tomb. When he arose from his death and came out of the tomb, Jesus called on the disciples to help in the transformation process. Jesus said to them, "Take off the grave clothes and let him go." The disciples needed to help Lazarus. Likewise, we all have a part to play in the lives of those around us.

God has done some incredible things around us during the fast. Could it be that someone around you is still walking around in grave clothes? What do you need to help them let go of?

Who in your world is still walking around in grave clothes? Think about friends and family or those around you who may not know God. What part has God called you to play in the life change He wants to bring?

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:50:00 +0000

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Day 15-Spoken Word
John 11:43

The story of Lazarus’ death and resurrection reflects the power of Jesus’ spoken Word. He already knew in His heart the miracle that was about to take place, but His words spoke the miracle into existence.

While prayer is our declaration of our dependence on God, our spoken words can be the manifestation of what’s happening in our hearts. There is power in our spoken words – whether they are used to build up or tear down. It is so important to keep our hearts filled with the truth from God’s Word so that our words will produce good fruit.

As you seek God in prayer ask Him for the words and discernment that may help someone today. Pray that your words would be encouraging, edifying and aligned with the truth of God’s word. Building others up around us with our words allows us to be God’s instrument -- a vessel for His good work.

As God continues to fill us through this season of prayer and fasting, He wants to take what is now in our hearts and share it with others. How can you use the power of your spoke words to speak God’s truth in the lives of others?

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 13:45:00 +0000

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Day 14-Alignment with Heaven
Matthew 6:10

We have all heard the phrase, “just like heaven on earth.” When Jesus taught his disciples how to pray, in Matthew 6:9-13, He provided some insight into what “heaven on earth” might look like. In reality, heaven is a place where God’s will reigns supreme. If we want to have a taste of heaven on earth, then our prayer should be like Jesus’: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done…” The purest motivation for our prayers is that God will be glorified and that His will would reign supreme in our lives, just like it does in heaven.

On a more personal level, we can pray that His will be unhindered in our own lives. Rather than imposing His will upon us, God gives us the choice to surrender to it with trust and gladness. As we yield to the Lordship of Christ over every area of our lives, we come into agreement with Him. We experience alignment with heaven and position ourselves to taste a little bit of heaven here on earth. His will then becomes what we desire and the thing we most seek after. We enter into the incredible adventure of participating in God’s plan to move His kingdom forward on the earth. This is where we find the most fulfilling and joyous life, but it all starts with one, personal “yes, Lord” on our part.

What does God’s will “on earth as it is in heaven” look like in your life? Do the desires of your heart line up with the will of God? As we seek God together, let’s pray as Jesus taught us, “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done.”

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 13:38:00 +0000

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Day 13-Cultivating Spiritual hunger
Mark 1:12-13

Even Jesus disconnected from the world to fast and pray. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke speak of Jesus in the wilderness for 40 days and 40 nights. They also describe other times Jesus pulled away from the demands of the crowds, His ministry and even His closest friends to pray.

There are times that we, too, need to pull away from the things of the world and focus on God. “The things of the world” can certainly include more than just food. In fact, in our world, it is more likely to be television, movies, Facebook, Twitter, cell phones and internet that keep us “tuned in” to the world. None of these things are wrong in and of themselves, but they are avenues for a mental and spiritual “crowd” to gather around us and drown out the gentle voice of the Holy Spirit.

Fasting is a means of disconnecting from the distractions of daily life and consciously choosing to bring God into greater focus. Giving up physical nourishment is the first step in engaging that process. If you think about it, though, we nourish our souls as well as our bodies. We do so through reading, talking, socializing, playing and leisure. When we fill our souls up with all those things, we don’t feel a hunger for God.

During this time of fasting, we are sure to feel physical hunger, but let’s be intentional about cultivating spiritual hunger as well. Let’s draw away from the crowds, and lay aside for a season the activities we use to nourish our souls. Instead let’s allow ourselves to enter a state of spiritual hunger – a hunger for righteousness. Jesus said that being spiritually hungry is a blessed state, because we can be sure of being filled with food that truly satisfies our deepest needs. (Matthew 5:6)

During this time, you will find that being still before the Lord will set you in a place of increased strength, peace and hunger for God. Are you disconnected from the things that nourish your body and soul? What do you need to deny yourself so that this can be a powerful time in your life?

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:35:00 +0000

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Day 12-Praying Boldly
1 Kings 18:36

The sacrifice referenced above was a declaration that Elijah was a servant of the Most High God. Elijah belonged to God, and he represented God to the people. However, Elijah’s boldness was not a result of who he was; it was the result of knowing God!.

As children of God under the new covenant of Jesus, we don’t have to be timid or fearful when coming to God in prayer. We can approach God boldly. The Amplified Bible puts it like this:

Let us then fearlessly and confidently and boldly draw near to the throne of grace (the throne of God's unmerited favor to us sinners), that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find grace to help in good time for every need [appropriate help and welltimed help, coming just when we need it]. Hebrews 4:16 AMP

It’s hard to imagine taking a fearless, confident, bold attitude when coming before God in prayer. Yet this is exactly what we are admonished to do! God has already settled the issue of our access to Him, but we can be assured, our access is not because of our own righteousness. It’s because of what Jesus did on the cross. We can come to the throne in such outrageous boldness because Jesus was outrageously righteous! When we pray, we come to God in the authority of Jesus’ name, and we can be confident that we will find grace, mercy and perfectly-timed help.

Do you approach God with timidity of confidence? Seek God boldly today knowing you are fully forgiven and Jesus has made you righteous. When you approach God in prayer, seek a fresh revelation of who He is in your life.

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 13:31:00 +0000

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Day 11-Prayer and the Process
1 Kings 18:43-44

“How do I know God is going to say yes to my prayers?” This is a common question many people have as they seek to have a confident prayer life. However it’s important to recognize that prayer is not just about the answer, but it’s also about glorifying God in the process of waiting for the answer. It is our responsibility to check our motives and believe God hears us; it is through the process of prayer that God prepares us for the answer He brings.

We see an example of the process of prayer in the story of Elijah in I Kings 18. Elijah climbed to the top of the mountain to pray for rain to come. As he waited for the rain, he continued to pray, believing God would answer. When he finally saw a small cloud, he told Ahab to “get ready” because the rain was coming. Elijah knew what to pray for, and God heard him the first time he prayed, but there was preparation that needed to take place in order to receive the answer to his prayer.

It is no mistake that God waited until Elijah had prayed seven times before He answered. In the Bible, seven is the number of completion. In this account, seven represents the completion of God’s process in that time of prayer. God does not want merely to answer our prayers; He wants to spend time with us to prepare us for the answer that will come. Many times we want to skip over the process involved in engaging God in prayer as we wait for our answer. But it is this very process that works maturity in us and prepares us for the answers our prayers bring. (James 1:4)

What prayers in your life are still awaiting an answer? Throughout the remainder of the fast, thank God for His process at work in your life and trust Him.

AWAKENING 2010 FAST

noreply@blogger.com (Name: Jeff Knight) — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:28:00 +0000

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Day 10-Unwavering Faith
James 1:6

What do you expect when you pray? When we pray with earnest expectation, we are exercising our faith. The earnest prayer of righteous people produces powerful results, and the most earnest prayers come from us recognizing our need for God.

There can be a natural tendency to shrink back when praying for the seemingly impossible, but we must remember that nothing is impossible with God. If we know the promises that God has given us, and understand His character and the principles by which He works, we can pray with confidence and trust Him for the answer. What has caused you to waiver in your expectation with God? James reminds us that faith and wavering are actually contradictory – he says “nothing wavering”. Know that God never wavers in His love for you. You can trust Him completely.

What are you trusting God for in this season? How can you line up your expectations with the Word of God when you pray? Find promises in His Word that answer your need and write them down today.