A couple of years ago, I was introduced to David Perkins. Since that meeting, I have yet to find many people that I can have such an immediate connection with. Not only that, when I am around David, I get the feeling, "yep, I want to be like that guy." One such way is what he calls The Vow. This is an integral part of the ministry he leads, Desperation. The Vow has had a greater impact on my walk with Jesus over the last year than few other things. It consists of the following:

1. Desperate Pursuit (Passion) - Daily time with God reading the Scriptures and praying.
2. Diligent Prayer (Intercession) - Being a part of a weekly prayer meeting.
3. Consecrated Heart (Consecration) - Fast one day a week
4. Focused Life - Live your mission on the planet

As I've attended Desperation Conferences in the past, each year you are given new opportunity to live The Vow. When it comes to disciplining my life, I can't help but get those negative feelings of "I know I should do this, but I really don't want to have to do what it requires." Thanks Richard Foster. This past year, I decided I was going to do so in order to intensify my daily journey with Jesus. Let me tell you, IT HAS BEEN UNBELIEVABLE!

The sense of accomplishment last year that I felt when I can say I did what I set out to do was one thing. The proximity with which I feel I am growing closer to Jesus is something completely different. Discipline truly being the way in which you "train" yourself, has proved to be true. I desire to be in the Scriptures more. I desire to pray more, whether personally or corporately. I desire to fast more, strange as it may sound. I have new intention and focus, not only daily but for my life as a whole.

My friend David will undoubtedly read this, so to him I offer thanks. For faithfulness. For friendship. For being a Moses for little Joshua's like me (I want to stay in the tent more because of you friend). To those of you who have read through this: the resurrected Christ who is the Savior of the world is ready in the here and now to encounter you daily, call you intentionally to your planet and redefine how you measure success here on the planet. ENCOUNTER HIM! Live the Vow!