Just learned that a student coming to Passion 2010 from Utah has just transferred to The University of Idaho at Moscow…so Idaho is in on the wave!  Now we just need Vermont and Alaska to have students from schools in all 50 states! 

Day 11.  Furious rest.

On our last sabbath before 2010 (Sunday is the most widely accepted day of rest among Believers around the world) it is good to remember that He is the Originator and Sustainer of all things.  Our God made all that we see from nothing, creating our world and everything in it by the Word of His mouth.  To forget the sabbath is to fall prey to the lie that says it’s all up to us to control the outcomes of our lives and the world around us.  Without sabbath rest, pausing to remember that He is God and we are not, we find ourselves crushed under the weight of managing our days alone.

So together we pray…

Father, today, we pause as You have instructed us to do…and we remember that You are the author of all that exists.  You formed us and our world without asking for input, advice or assistance.  You are self-sufficient in every way to do everything You desire to do.  You do not tire, sleep, stress or quit.  Your power is unending, Your wisdom unfathomable, Your purposes unstoppable.

Thank You for inviting us into Your story.  Though You don’t need anything, You have chosen to include us in Your plans.  We will give You all we’ve got, resting in the truth that as we work You are accomplishing things that last forever.

We pray especially for the Passion Staff today, knowing they are overwhelmed with all that has to be done before Passion 2010 begins.  Fill them with the awareness of Your powerful Spirit within, a dependence on the life of Jesus to do what they cannot do, and the knowledge that their efforts in Your name are like precious gold that will never fade away.  Cover and protect each one and their families…In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Now I rejoice in what was suffered for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions, for the sake of his body, which is the church. I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness—the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.

We proclaim him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ. To this end I labor, struggling with all his energy, which so powerfully works in me.
Colossians 1:24-29

Day 10.  Source.

Together.  Glory.  Yes.  Expectant.  Global.  Continually.  Movement.  Eve.  Perfect.  Source.

I lift up my eyes to the hills—
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1-2

In one short week, many of us will be coming through the doors of Passion 2010.  And when we do (and as we do), it’s imperative that our eyes are on Jesus.  He is the source of everything we need.

Today we are praying for those who are facing (and will face) challenges in the last days leading up to Passion 2010.  For some, the finances are falling apart.  For others, their family is falling apart.  For some their friend’s plans have changed, leaving them in a bind as they plan their trip to Atlanta.  For others, work schedules, illness, car troubles, relationship issues, anxiety, uncertainty and other obstacles will stand in their way.  But, in every case, God is sovereign…He is more than enough to meet every need and supply what is necessary to get us all to Passion 2010.  Don’t give up.  Look up!

So together we pray…

Father, everything we need is found in You.  People and things are gifts from You, but they will always let us down and cannot meet our deepest needs.  I lift my eyes to You today.  You are all I need.

I believe You want me to be a part of this gathering, but it seems every day a new obstacle is standing in the way.  Will You crush all fear, anxiety, doubt and opposition…and bring me to Atlanta with my gaze firmly set on You.  As well, I am praying for anyone struggling in these last days to make it to Passion 2010.  Give them grace to press through every barrier, believing what You are going to do in their lives during these days is worth the fight.  You are a provider.  Provide for us in unmistakable ways that cause us all to stand in awe of You before we even arrive at 2010.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen

It looks like some of you were good this year and found Passion 2010 in your Christmas stockings!

Registering today so far:
Lindsay from Auburn University
Christina from Tallahassee
Daniel from the University of Memphis
Andrew from Appalachian State University
James from Kissimmee, FL
Donna from Pennsylvania (Liberty University)
James from Pensacola, FL
Melanie from The University of Georgia
Matthew from Fernadina Beach, FL
Mills from Furman
Jake from UGA
Ashley from North Georgia College and State University
Kyeon from Urbana, IL
Stephanie from Kennesaw State University
Suzanne from UNC-Chapel Hill
Candice from Southeast Missouri State
Tim from East Peoria, IL
Justin from Wheaton College
Katie from University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Caitlyn from Louisville
Stephen from UGA
Megan from New York and Liberty University
Suzanne from Hofstra University
Stacey from Baylor University
Neal from Dahlonega, GA
Christin from Auburn University
Cynthia from Kennesaw State University
Eliezer from Port St. Lucie, FL
David from Urbana, IL

Welcome and Merry Christmas everyone.  We are closing in on 21,000 people registered and there is still room for YOU!

PS-Seems it’s been a busy day for St. Nick.  Don’t want to leave out…

Veronica from The University of Toledo
Lindsay from Kennesaw State University
Allison from Lenoir City, TN
Rachel from Texas A&M Commerce
Audrey from Norcross, GA
Caleb from Mississippi State
Timothy from Penn State
Loretta from FL registering students from Valdosta State, Truett McConnel, University of Georgia, University of South Florida
Christy from Moody Bible Institute
Colton from UGA
Wes from University of South Alabama
Kayla from Pearland, TX
Holly from Kennesaw State University

Day 9.  Perfect.

But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law,  to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.  Galatians 4:4-5.

The circumstances were crazy and chaotic that first Christmas, but the baby was perfect.

He still is…and always will be.

Praise You, God, for Your unspeakable gift!  We love you Jesus!

Day 8.  Eve.

The “day before Christmas” is settling in around the globe…and in nine days many of us will be arriving in Atlanta.  None of us fully knows what’s ahead, but expectation is building for 2010 in hearts all over the world.

In the words of David Crowder,

I think I’m on the brink of something large
Maybe like the breaking of the dawn
Maybe like a match being lit
Or a the sinking of a ship, letting go gives a better grip.
Forever and Ever Etc.

Today we are praying for the main session speakers:  Andy Stanley, Beth Moore, Francis Chan, John Piper and Louie Giglio.

So together we pray…

Father, we believe we are on the brink of something amazing.  Make our hearts sensitive to Your Spirit.  Prepare us for what is ahead.  Heighten our expectation as we are on the eve of Christmas and now days away from 2010.  We are lifting these servants to You in Jesus name.  We know they are being used by You in incredible ways, yet they are people just like us with the same struggles and needs.  Cover them in Your care, protect them on every side, preserve their life and works, shield their families with Your might, strengthen their bodies, pour out Your mercy, birth in them Your message for these days and cause them to know how much You love them in these days.  We ask this for Your fame!  Amen.

O Lord, be gracious to us; we long for you.
Be our strength every morning,
our salvation in time of distress.  Isaiah 33:2

Day 7.  Movement.

Jesus is a movement.  He is not about monuments, systems or external structures.  He is a river of life, “And everywhere the river flows, everything lives.”  Movements are fluid.  Movements move.  Movements are not on a schedule and are not always predictable.

Passion began with a desire to spark a movement among the university-aged young people of the world.  Yet this does not happen by huge conferences alone.  Our brand must be more than catchy phrases and packed-out events.  Passion will only be a movement when one altered life shines His light in the darkness for all to see…one light soon joined by another, and another, and another.

We are working hard today on the details of Passion 2010, and are so honored so many are headed our way.  Yet, the external stuff of this gathering is not what we need.  Some will be fooled because we fill an arena and sing the songs.  But, unless we bring our hearts to Him–open, honest and bare, no Spirit-birthed movement can flow.

I don’t know about you, but I am coming needy to Passion 2010.  I want Jesus to break, heal and reshape every part of my heart…of our hearts.  We, as Passion, can’t make that happen, yet I am convinced it’s what we need more than anything.  And why together we pray…

Father, we desperately need You.  Help us.  Come to us.  Breathe on us.  We desire to move beyond the outward layers that impress, but do not change the heart.  Today, I am raising my hope to You.  I believe in Your power to heal, awaken and restore.  Wind of the Spirit, come.  Blow on me again.  Blow me onward.  Wildly forward.  Powerfully alive.  Godward forever.  For Jesus sake, Amen.

“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.” John 3:8

Day 6.  Continually.

With a global reach, it’s quite possible someone is reading this post every hour of the day, around the clock.  While we are sleeping in the US, someone wide awake is praying along with this journey in Asia or Australia, making for an unbroken chain of faith and expectation that is leading us from here to Passion 2010.

So, wherever you are today, let’s make it our goal to pray without stopping, covering every little part of Passion 2010 in Jesus’ name.  We know our adversary is trying to wreck it all before we even arrive in Atlanta, so let’s look up to the One who is above and over all, trusting to Him our lives and the days ahead!

Make a note.  Put a sticker on your watch.  Set the alarm on your phone.  Set up a prayer-text time with a friend.  Call somebody.  However works for you, prepare the way.

So together we pray…

Holy Spirit, awaken our hearts throughout the day and night, and lead us in the ways we should pray for Passion 2010.  You know every facet and need.  Link our hearts around the world and across the nation, and encourage us in the fact that someone else is praying at the same time we are somewhere on the other side of the globe.  Father, let Your Kingdom come and Your plans be done.  In Jesus’ name.  Amen.

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Day 5. Global.

At the beginning, Passion was intentionally about impacting the 17+million university students in the USA, 80% of whom say they are “not born-again” based on a UCLA Survey of over 250,000 incoming freshman and transfer students each year.

Those numbers are still staggering, and very much fuel the cause of the Passion Movement. But, in time, the Passion vision began to spread to students elsewhere, taking root in countries we would have never dreamed of at the start.  Our global expansion fully bloomed last year as Passion circled the world (a few times), gathering students in 17 world cities, highlighting their importance to the future Church and, in most cases, hosting the largest ever university gatherings for Christians those cities had ever witnessed. In 2010, God willing, we will return to eight of those cities as we continue to widen the wake of our movement and serve the students of the globe.

While the majority of the 21,500+ people headed to Atlanta for 2010 are from the US, many are coming from places far and wide. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 40-50 nations will be represented, many of those still praying for visas to attend.

Our world shrinks daily and our Body transcends borders. We are a part of a global wave and we are His!

So together we pray…..

Father, thank you that we are living in these days where it is possible to be so closely linked with the peoples of the earth.  Continue to expand our awareness of our global community, and our place in the tapestry that is humanity.  We want to see Your fame spread to all people and every nation.

Today we are praying with every student and leader still seeking a visa to attend Passion 2010.  Please give them favor with embassies and officials and open the way for them to be a part of this gathering.  Where some have been denied and have another chance to present their case, please change the hearts of those overseeing their case, allow them to travel to the US for these days and send them back to their communities and churches with renewed passion for Your fame where the live.

For Your name in all the earth, Jesus! Amen.

May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine upon us,
that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.
May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.
May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples justly and guide the nations of the earth.
May the peoples praise you, O God;
may all the peoples praise you.
Then the land will yield its harvest, and God, our God, will bless us.
God will bless us, and all the ends of the earth will fear him.
Psalm 67

Day 4. Expectant.

This year we have been carrying the idea that “expectation creates the atmosphere for the miraculous.”  Once again, we are not trying to push a catchy slogan, rather to appreciate the fact that in scripture Jesus always rewarded those who came to Him expecting something supernatural…and that is the case today.

So many of us cruise through life simply existing from day to day.  Yet to call ourselves by His name should cause us to face every circumstance with the expectation that everything is an option because He is God.  It’s not that we are creating a formula that forces God’s hand, but  that we are seeking to live with a growing awareness of His presence and power in all things.  We are fighting against the tide of “whatever,” and wanting to please Him with faith that matches all of who He is.

Just days from Christmas, as Advent is upon us, the spirit of expectation is what this season is about.  Charles Wesley nailed it in his classic hymn, Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus:

Come thou long-expected Jesus,
Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,
Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s strength and consolation,
Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation,
Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,
Born a Child and yet a King.
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit
Rule in all our hearts alone;
By Thine all-sufficient merit
Raise us to Thy glorious throne.

As we celebrate His birth, let it be a reminder that He is always on time and always delivers.  He may not come on our schedule, in the way that we would have planned.  But He always comes in glorious power and always keeps His word.

So, together we pray…

Father, fill our hearts with the hope of all You are.  Help us raise our expectation for this day and the days of Passion 2010.  We want to be the kind of kids that make You happy…the kind who live with confidence in You…not being surprised when You do the miraculous, but expectantly grateful…believing all along that You were going to come through.  You are God.  You can do what You say.  You will be all that You are.  Nothing is impossible.  Everything is an option.  Come, thou long expected Jesus.  We are waiting on You.  You’re the joy of our longing hearts.  Amen

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”  Hebrews 11:6