2009.  For some it's a new start, a "do-over" if you will,  whatever it is, there's just something refreshing about starting a new year.  Many of us look forward to putting our mistakes and failures of last year behind us and move on to bigger and better things.  It's true, a new year is in some ways, a new beginning, but as you start yours, think about what God has to say about it.

With Him you don't have to wait for a new year to start over, God promises that His mercy is new EVERY MORNING.  What an amazing promise, everyday that we are allowed to take another breath, He allows His mercy to cover us and our mistakes of the previous day.  As bad as your yesterday was, even your last year for that matter, as sure as the sun will rise, so will His mercy for you.

Many of us don't like to revisit the past, or even struggle to look forward to the future due to insecurities and fear of failure, but that's okay because God has given us clear instruction to focus on either.  God declares that, "THIS is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it."  In other words, don't stress over what you did yesterday, or even worry about tomorrow because today is a gift.  You can't go back and re-do the past and you have no control over what's to come.  What you do have is the power to choose how you live your today.  That is what matters. 

How will worrying about anything add one second to your life?

You sense a theme here?  Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and ALL things will be added unto you.  Many have read that incredible promise from God in Matthew, but sadly, most choose not to live it.  That scripture goes on to say, why worry about tomorrow when today has enough trouble of it's own.  Seeking God's kingdom and His righteousness is just simply seeking out time with the Lord and His way of doing things.  You want to make 2009 a stand-out year in your life?  Then get closer to God by spending time with Him.  You can do that through rrayer, reading His word, spending time in worship and just spending time listening to Him. 

Each day of 2009 is a gift, choose to treat it that way and you'll be a step ahead of so many people.  I declare over your life, that this year will be the best year of your life! 

Happy New Year!

jp

The theme of The Crest 08 was 'Fire on the Mountain' and anyone who attended experienced exactly that...fire!  Over 300 men attended and God did what God does and that's change lives for the better after spending time in His presence.  With a line-up that included Pastor Glen Berteau and three more amazing speakers, the messages that were delivered were powerful and life-changing.  The Crest leadership team is taking a few well-deserved weeks off for the holidays, but are already making plans to make the next event the best one to date.

I'd like to answer a few questions that keep coming in...

Q: How can I get a copy of the main sessions?

A: Soon every session will be available on this website as a free download.  Check back for the first ever Crest Podcasts soon.

Q:  When will pictures of The Crest 08 be on-line?

A:  Before the end of the month. (December 08)

Q:  When are the dates of The Crest 09?

A: It will once again be in November and the specific weekend is TBD.

Q: Can I register now for The Crest 09?

A: Absolutely.  Just click the 'Register Now' link on the homepage.

If you have any other questions about this past Crest event, or The Crest 09, feel free to send an e-mail jackpaper95@gmail.com.  As we approach a new year, we hope you will join with The Crest leaders and stand in agreement that 2009 will be a break-through year for all of us and will see more men's lives changed than ever before. 

Never forget you are a part of The Fellowship of the Unashamed and we need you to continue to help grow The Crest into the event that God has planned.

Happy New Year and here's to the 'Fire on the Mountain' spreading in your life.

Jack

MEN OF THE CREST:

Here’s your monthly Crest Challenge…

GOD SAID IT.  I BELIEVE IT.  THAT SETTLES IT.

Do you remember seeing that bumper sticker in the late 80’s/early 90’s?  I always thought it was so corny, but now looking at it, I’m convicted of my lack of faith.  Do we really believe what God says?  When God says in Matthew 6:33, “Don’t worry about anything,” do you still worry about things?  When God says in 2 Timothy 1:7 that, “I have not given you a spirit of fear,” do certain things still scare you?  When God tell us in Philippians 4:8 to “think upon what is true, noble, just, pure, lovely, of good report and praiseworthy,” do you still focus on the negative?  Why do we find out so hard to believe what God says?

For to long we have allowed the devil to get into our heads and start focusing on the mountain (life’s circumstances) instead of placing all of our attention on the mountain-mover which is Jesus.  When you read the word and come across one of God’s many promises to you that is “Money in the Bank.”  If He speaks, you will see the evidence of His word come to pass in your life.  He will NEVER break a promise! 

“For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us.”  2 Corinthians 1:20. 

Men of God let your faith arise and begin to take God at His word.  See you at The Crest.

Toby Bowker

MEN OF THE CREST:

The Crest 08’ will be here in less than 30 days!  Early-bird registration has come and gone but there are still plenty of spots available for this year’s event.  If you haven’t registered yet you can by clicking the 'register now' link on the homepage.  There is already a spirit of anticipation in the air and in the history of The Crest, we have never seen so many men get sign-up before the early-bird date.

If you haven’t heard, Pastor Glen Berteau will be sharing on opening night and it will be explosive.  You can read his profile by clicking on the speakers section.  I can tell you through experience, this man is anointed and has changed my life dramatically.  Our entire line-up this year is exceptional and promises to be life-changing.  If you haven’t registered yet, don’t wait much longer, this will change your life for the good.

If you have already secured your spot at The Crest, it’s time to start finding other men that could use a touch from God.  Don’t keep The Crest a secret!  There are men in your life that need to experience that personal encounter with the God who loves them so much He sent His only son to die for them.  That same God who loves you, loves them too and wants to use you to get them closer to Him.  That's exciting.

The Crest leadership team is praying for you and are in agreement that November 21^st through the 23^rd is going to be a 100% supernatural moment in your life.

See you on the mountain.

Toby Bowker

CREST FACTS:

GOAL - To remind the regular men of the church of the power and authority they have through Jesus Christ to overcome any and all circumstances.

WHO - Men age thirteen and up.

WHAT - Multi-denomination Men's event/conference designed to give men the information and skills they will need to become a better man of integrity through an experience with Jesus Christ.

WHEN - Friday, November 21st - Sunday, November 23rd.

WHERE - Jenness Park, Pinecrest, CA.

HOW MUCH - $155 per person.

REGISTRATION - On-line at Kingdommen.net or mail in form.

SPEAKERS - Glen Berteau, Michael Williams, Dr. Franklin Santagate and Jeremy Johnson.

Detailed information on speakers can be found on the homepage.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Official website- Kingdommen.net

Promotional material - Will send out upon request.

Crest presentation - We can speak to any men's group or church service upon request.  Please e-mail Rich Villifana to book one of our Crest representatives.

Crest e-blasts - Once a month an e-mail update goes out to the entire Crest database.  If you and your church would like to be included, e-mail Jen Vennard and ask her to place you on the list. 

If you need any additional information about this year's event, or just want to talk to someone about The Crest, e-mail Jack Paper.  We hope to see you on the mountain.

This year we have added two Crest prayer nights.  We will be gathering in the prayer chapel of Calvary Temple Worship Center in Modesto, CA for two different nights.  The first one will be Friday, September 26th and the second is Friday, October 24th.  Both will start at 7:00 PM.  We are going to stand in agreement and believe for the lives of men to be radically changed.  See you there.  If you cannot make it please be in prayer for this year's event.

Let's go to war in prayer!

jp