D.A. Horton (Azriel) currently serves as the Lead Pastor at Truth Bible Fellowship, an inner-city church plant in the Historic Northeast community of KC, MO.  D.A.’s Podcast, Didactics with D.A. Horton, receives thousands of downloads a month internationally and is hosted by Holy Culture Radio.  D.A’s new Urban Apologetics vlog; “B.R.A.C.E. yo’ Self” has built a solid following within a few months of its inception.  D.A. also uses the medium of Gospel Rap as a tool to help educate the people of God on the precepts of Scripture in addition to reaching out the lost by presenting them with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  D.A. is also an Adjunct Professor at Calvary Bible College teaching Systematic Theology and Urban Studies in the Non-Traditional program.

Matthew 26:37:

“Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.” And taking with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

These five steps in Matthew 26:37 and following help us to fight unbelief like Christ did.

What it is that threatens your peace most? What is it that causes depression or disheartened feelings to rise most often in your own life? What’s the shell that Satan drops most frequently into your life? 

As we look at these five steps that the Lord Jesus took when the bomb dropped in his life, translate them immediately into your experience, because they're all relevant. There five of them.

I remember when 55 seemed really old. Right now it feels like the prime of life.  

What does a 55 year old worship leader think about? Here’s a sample…

1. The years I have left for fruitful ministry are dwindling.


Used to be I never thought much about death. Now I think about it at least weekly. Life is short, and it keeps getting shorter. I estimate I have between 10-20 more years of fruitful ministry, Lord willing. Then again, I may not live to see 2011. A lot to accomplish before I’m done, though. Songs to write, messages to preach, albums to produce. Maybe another book or two. And then I get to see the face of my Redeemer. So I keep running the race.

2. Now’s the time to influence the next generation.


These years aren’t about me (were they ever?). I want to spend more time helping younger musicians and leaders grow in their godliness, gifts, and influence. I’m hoping to offer an study/internship next fall for a few guys, and in the mean time trying to spend more regular time with twenty-something potential leaders. I don’t want to act like I have nothing to learn from the next generation, and I want to do everything I can to help them avoid some of the mistakes I’ve made. So I mentor.

People are used to thinking about prayer as a means to get their personal needs met. However we should understand prayer as a means to praise and adore God, to know Him, to come into his presence and be changed by Him. We need to better learn how to pray, repent and petition God as a people.

Biblically and historically, the one non-negotiable, universal ingredient in times of spiritual renewal is corporate, prevailing, intensive and kingdom-centered prayer. What is that?

It's hard to admit your need of help. It's hard to admit that there are things you do not know and do not understand. It's hard to admit that there are things that you cannot do. It's hard to reach out and cry out for help. It's hard to confess to weakness and ignorance.

It's hard to have to depend on another for what you think you should be able to supply for yourself. It's hard to talk about what you do not know and what you cannot do. It's difficult to admit to poor judgment and wrong responses. It's hard to receive correction and to confess to sin.