Before I go on a mini-blogging break for the holidays, I wanted to let our Elevation friends and family know the good news:

Over 6000 people showed up for our Christmas Eve worship experiences, and over 400 people indicated that they received Christ.

Glory to God in the highest!

Thanks for a phenomenal year Elevation.  The best is yet to come.  Merry Christmas

Very proud of our Creative Department for putting together this video.
Check it out on Wes’ blog.
Countless children were doubtlessly scarred by this video in our services Sunday.

Join me in praying that many people will receive Christ tonight in our Christmas Eve services.
If you were fortunate enough to score a ticket, or you’re planning on breaking in the back door (not a bad idea), I’ll see you there.

Gonna be the best Christmas ever…

[QUICKTIME http://www.stevenfurtick.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/22.mov 460 259]

I get so frustrated with the older brother in the story of the prodigal son.
Here he is, pitching a temper tantrum because of something his father never gave him (a goat, for crying out loud).

We can learn a valuable lesson at the expense his ignorance:
Your Father can’t give you what’s already yours!

This brother had access to as many fat cows as his little heart desired.
They were his for the taking.  So what was he waiting for?

Many times we pray for God to give us things that we already possess.
We ask God to give us joy.  Joy doesn’t come from out-there-somewhere.
It’s a fruit of the Spirit…and it’s already ours….waiting to be activated.

I’ve begged God before to give me peace about certain situations.  When He doesn’t rain down peace, I become irritated and impatient.
But He’s already given me peace through Jesus…a peace that passes understanding.
He’s waiting for me to walk in what He’s already provided.

Don’t wait for God to give you victory when He’s already won the battle.
Don’t wait for God to give you hope when He’s already poured out His hope in abundance into your heart through the Holy Spirit.

Stop waiting for God to give you what’s already yours.