Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. (1 Timothy 2:1-2)

How will you support President-elect Barack Obama?

First and foremost today, I want to congratulate President-elect Barack Obama for his decisive victory in the Presidential election on November 4. Regardless of our political views, most of us would agree that he did a masterful job campaigning over the past 20 months.

Barack mobilized the youth of our nation in unprecedented numbers using social media. He served as a catalyst to wipe out voter apathy. Americans hit the polls Tuesday in numbers that officials across the country believed would shatter election turnout records.

According to CNN, “Barack Obama’s victory Tuesday over John McCain capped an unprecedented rise in American politics. The obscure state legislator with, as he put it, “a funny name” propelled himself onto the national stage at the Democratic National Convention four years ago with a speech so electrifying that commentators declared he would become America’s first black president.”

While watching news reports yesterday, what impressed me the most was the hope that Barack offered to blacks and black families across America. Parents were saying they feel they can now tell their children that anything is possible. I was particularly touched by Oprah Winfrey’s reaction. I deeply sensed the pain of discrimination and hatred that blacks have experienced for centuries.

While some of us may disagree with Barack on a variety of political issues, 1 Timothy 2-1-2 exhorts us to pray for those in positions of authority, be it the President of the United States, our governors, or our mayors. Why? So “we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.”

After the election, God birthed a desire in my heart to intercede (not just pray) for Barack on a daily basis. I will be praying for blessings, not curses, regardless of the decisions he makes. Blessings always trump curses and change the spiritual climate for the better.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You that the long Presidential election campaign is finally over. Thank You that we can trust You and Your plans because the Bible says it’s You who puts leaders in positions of authority. Bless Barack Obama with favor with You and with man. Bless him with godly wisdom and guidance as he chooses his closest counselors. Thank You for Your reassurance in Proverbs 21:1 – The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.” In Jesus name, we pray. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
Video: Election Night Speech in Grant Park

Blessings to see God’s children lift up President-elect Obama in prayer!

How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? Consider and hear me, O LORD my God; Enlighten my eyes, Lest I sleep the sleep of death; (Psalm 13:1-3)

What is the high road for our nation from God’s perspective?

This morning I did a google search using “prayer for election,” which helped shape today’s message and led me to today’s Link of the Day.

In his book “God’s Big Idea,” Dr. Myles Munroe writes “whoever controls the minds of the people creates and controls the culture… The most effective way to change a culture is to control its laws, because whatever is instated into law eventually will become accepted as “normal” by most citizens, regardless of how they might have felt at the beginning.”

In his October 27, 2008 letter titled “The Stakes Couldn’t be Higher, Dutch Sheets” wrote the following:

With the upcoming elections 8 days away, satan has worked hard to deflect attention off of the real issue. This has been relatively easy through the economic meltdown and an unpopular war. Many Americans, including Christians, will vote based on these two issues. While these things are obviously important, they pale in light of the real issue—the Supreme Court.

The cover story of USA Today, on Thursday of last week, spelled this out quite clearly. It stated that the real legacy of the next president won’t be the economy or the war, but the Supreme Court. The next president of the United States will appoint at least 2, and maybe 3, Justices in his first term. If he serves 2 terms, it could be 5 Justices—there are 5 of the 9 on the Court 70 years old or older! Since the trend is to appoint younger and younger Justices, the next president will most likely shape the court for the next 30-40 years! This means we are not voting only for a president, we are voting for the Court we want for the next generation! The vote we cast on November 4th will do more to shape the culture we give our children and grandchildren than any other vote of our lifetime! Perhaps some succinct bullet points will help us see this clearly:

Without question, no institution, organization, or agency has shaped the current culture of America in the last 50 years more than the Supreme Court. You don’t need millions of people, the majority in Congress, or the President to shape the culture of America. You only need 5 people—the majority of the Supreme Court. Five people can kill 50 million babies (the number aborted since Roe vs. Wade), legalize homosexual marriage, remove parental rights, put God out of schools and government, rob from us our godly heritage, etc.

It is now split—sometimes 5-4 toward life, family, morality, our godly heritage, the intent of our forefathers when they wrote the Constitution; sometimes 5-4 toward death, immorality, legislating their beliefs from the bench (though not their constitutional role or right, this is easy—they simply say the Constitution is a fluid, living document and therefore must be changed to accommodate the times), removing God from our nation, etc.

2-3 Justices will retire over the next 4 years, their replacements chosen by the next president; possibly a couple more will step down 5 to 8 years from now, making it 5 potential Justices that could be appointed by the next president if he serves 2 terms. This will determine how the Court rules for a generation.

The first two Justices to go will almost certainly be Stevens who is 88 years old and Ginsberg who is 75 and ill. They are the two most liberal and are no doubt waiting to retire, hoping for a president that will replace them with 2 more liberals. These two replacements alone, if they are good, conservative judges could shift the Court toward righteousness for many years.

Conclusion: our vote this November 4th will be not for a president, not for the economy, not for ending our involvement in Iraq. Our vote will be for what we want America to look like 40 years from now!

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, we praise You as the God of light, life, and truth. May Your light shine forth today to illuminate the minds of men and women as they vote. May our next president be one who nominates Supreme Court justices who exalt life and truth in America for the next 40 years. May darkness tremble at Your name Jesus! Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
Battle Hymn of the Republic – beautiful song sung by Kraus

Blessings to vote for life and truth!

As in water face reflects face, So a man’s heart reveals the man. (Proverbs 27:19)

What issues do you think are most important from God’s perspective in the Nov 4 Presidential election?

David Barton is the Founder and President of WallBuilders, a national pro-family organization that presents America’s forgotten history and heroes, with an emphasis on our moral, religious and constitutional heritage.

WallBuilders is a name taken from the Old Testament writings of Nehemiah, who led a grassroots movement to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and restore its strength and honor. In the same way, WallBuilders seeks to energize the grassroots today to become involved in strengthening their communities, states, and nation.

David is the author of numerous best-selling books, with the subjects being drawn largely from his massive library of tens of thousands of original writings from the Founding Era. He also addresses well over 400 groups each year.

His exhaustive research has rendered him an expert in historical and constitutional issues and he serves as a consultant to state and federal legislators, has participated in several cases at the Supreme Court, was involved in the development of the History/Social Studies standards for states such as Texas and California, and has helped produce history textbooks now used in schools across the nation.

David was named by Time magazine as one of America’s 25 most influential evangelicals, and he has received numerous national and international awards, including Who’s Who in Education and DAR’s highest award, the George Washington Honor Medal. His work in media has merited several Angel Awards, Telly Awards, and the Dove Foundation Seal of Approval.

I am extremely impressed with David after hearing him speak in person on three different occasions, including a visit to Culpeper in 2001 and a private tour of the U.S. Capitol later that year.

To help cut through the noise and the haze of the campaigns, WallBuilders has prepared a Presidential Voters’ Guide that reviews fourteen positions held by the candidates. See today’s Link of the Day.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for David Barton and Wallbuilders. Thank You for their Voter’s Guide. We pray for Holy Spirit discernment and guidance for Christian voters. We pray for Your mercy in the upcoming election. May You bless America’s selection of our next President and Vice President. In Jesus name, we pray! Amen!

Link of the Day
Presidential Voters’ Guide by Wallbuilders

Blessings for Holy Spirit guidance and discernment in how you vote!

And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her. ( Esther 2:15b)

Will you set aside 7 minutes today to read Pastor Mark Arnold’s complete God story?

I didn’t plan to send any message today, but after just reading an email my father forwarded to me titled “Sarah is an Esther!!!” and researching this more online, I knew with absolute certainty that this message must go out TODAY!

After spending 30 minutes reading the Bible this morning in my secret place and then praying through my written prayer list for an hour, I went for a mile walk with my wife on this gorgeous Fall morning.

When we got back home, I retrieved the Culpeper Star Exponent (daily newspaper) in my mailbox. What caught my attention was the front page article about a record number of registered voters for the November 4 election.

Like many other people, I have never been more passionate about an election than this one. And what made me most passionate was John McCain’s vice presidential nomination of Governor Sarah Palin. When I watched Sarah’s Republican National Convention speech on YouTube that lit a fire within me.

Pastor Mark Arnold’s testimony of his encounter with Senator John McCain and Sarah Palin is by far the most riveting one I have heard during the entire presidential campaign. Here is just an excerpt of what he wrote:

When McCain came to hug her… he immediately shook my hand and following his moment with her, I shook his hand as he grabbed my hand, now for the second time, and I said, “God wants you to know that I’m praying for you, Sir!” He thanked me and kept smiling.  I repeated that phrase to him five times.  He grabbed my hands and looked right into my eyes and said, “I won’t make it without prayer.  Sir, Thank You for praying for me, and don’t let one day go by that you don’t pray for me.  I need all the prayers that I can get. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!”

As he moved to my right, Sarah Palin, came over to my left side…standing over the crowd and  then looking at the little lady who had lost the son.  It took a moment for her to shake some hands and people were pushing in all around.  Sarah came and got on her hands and knees on that side of the stage and hugged that little Mom, telling her, “…it was not in vain.”  She promised her support. 

It was at this moment Sarah Palin, reached out for me to help her up and as I was assisting her to stand was now face to face with her and GOD said, “Open up your Mouth and I will fill it.”

Here is what came out…
 
[She immediately began to cry]!
“God wants to tell you that you are Chosen for such a time as this!”
“You are called, and chosen to be a leader.”
“Don’t lose heart and don’t fear man.”

I encourage each and every one of you to read Pastor Mark Arnold’s entire message at today’s Link of the Day. Read it with an open mind and open spirit. Then pass the message along to others as the Holy Spirit guides you.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your great favor that is upon Governor Sarah Palin. May You use her to rescue our nation from the utter chaos that besets us just as You used Esther to save the Jewish people from being completely exterminated thousands of years ago. May You grace this message to spread like wild fire through the social networks. Thank You Jesus! It’s in Your holy and precious name, we humble ourselves and pray believing! Amen and Hallelujah!

Link of the Day
Pastor Gives Message To John McCain, Todd & Sarah Palin  [www.agreeinprayer.com]

Blessings to Governor Sarah Palin from the great Commonwealth of Virginia!

Historic speech by Governor Sarah Palin at RNC on September 3

Then Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. (John 6:10)

Whose game plan are you following in your life?
What would God think about the direction you are heading?

Yesterday evening I walked 4 miles fast on our home treadmill. When I came back to the main living area of our home,  I decided to sit down in our family room, drink lots of water, and watch part of the Republican National Convention on TV. I’m not a big TV fan. In fact, I typically watch for  less than 2 hours per week.

Boy was I inspired – by every one of the speeches I heard. The first speaker I heard at 8:50 pm was Bryan Clay. He was introduced as an athlete who exemplified the strength rigor and humility of the American spirit. He recently won the gold medal in the decathlon at the Beijing Olympics.

Bryan greeted the crowd with an “aloha.” He went on to say, “I can tell you that without faith in God and my support of my family and friends and my strong work ethic I would not be standing before you today wearing this gold medal around my neck.”

The next speaker was Joe Gibbs, former head coach for the Washington Redskins and NASCAR race car owner. He said John McCain and Sarah Palin’s election “would be a return to God’s word” and bring the U.S. “back to a spiritual revival.” In the most religious-themed primetime speech of the four-day convention, Gibbs, a grandfather of eight, compared a spiritual life to football. To win in football, he said, one must have a game plan, and God’s game plan is the Bible.

“If you follow God’s plan, his Bible, his word, it leads to success. When I followed that game plan, I was able to have some of the greatest experiences in the world. Bad game plan leads to disaster. I can attest to that.”

Gibbs closed his remarks with one piece of advice: When tackling the big issues, “Wouldn’t it be great for someone to say, ‘I wonder how God would think about this?”

Next I listened to U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina share many of the success stories and progress in Iraq. This was followed by an outstanding video about Gov. Sarah Palin. Next, former Pennsylvania governor Tom Ridge spoke. Mrs. Cindy McCain then gave a rousing speech after that. After his wife spoke, Sen. John McCain shared his heart – passion, dedication, and love for America and Americans. And finally, the convention was officially closed with a wonderful prayer by a pastor.

I was so thankful for the overall positive spiritual tone of the evening, the frequent mention of God, and the values shared that are consistent with my own personal conservative Christian world view.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for all the leaders who publically acknowledged You and exalted Your name at yesterday’s final night of the Republican National Convention. We praise You as the Master Coach with the Master plan and humbly submit our will to Yours. On behalf of our children and grandchildren, we pray for an abundance of godly leaders at all levels of government who will choose to follow Your game plan – the Bible. In Jesus name, I pray. Amen.

Links of the Day
Historic speech by Governor Sarah Palin at RNC on September 3 – YouTube video [scroll down to the bottom]

McCain Tops Obama in Speeches’ TV Ratings
http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/09/05/mccain-tops-obama-in-speeches-tv-ratings/

Blessings to follow God’s game plan for your life!

“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (Matthew 7:24)

What does Christ-enabled living look like?

Today we continue our series “When God Writes Your Life Story” about the art of living – Christ-enabled living, impossible living, heroic living.

I feel so fortunate to be living my dream – to be doing what God created me to do – to greet each day with child-like expectation and to live with passion. It’s been through extensive journaling and abiding in Jesus that my life purpose and assignment have crystallized. And it’s “when you get in alignment with your assignment, God’s provision will follow.”

August 16 was a day of supernatural convergence from my perspective. Rick Heeren flew into Virginia to officially launch Transformation Virginia. The Call DC took place from 10 am – 10 pm. And I had the privilege to meet in person with Debra Thompson Roedl from Noon – 2 pm at the Marriott Crystal City. Debra is regarded by some as the top internet marketing strategist in the world. She is also a world leader in planning large successful seminars. After meeting with Debra, I went into DC for a short while to witness part of The Call.

Before leaving home on Aug 16, I spent about 3-4 hours, basking in the presence of the Lord, while journaling and listening to iTunes (Bible, praise songs, etc). During my journal time, I spent more than 2 hours reviewing and reflecting on monthly highlights for 2008. Then I had another 90 minutes in the car while driving from Culpeper to Crystal City to pray and reflect even more.

It was during this intense time of abiding and reflecting that the Holy Spirit brought to mind my top five contacts for the past four years. I already knew Rick Heeren was my top new contact in 2006, and in 2007 it was Dr. Jerry Graham. In fact, over the past year, Jerry has been my greatest encourager, #1 mentor, and closest friend. And that’s with lots of stiff competition because God has connected me with lots of wonderful people.

In late 2007, Jerry connected me with Ben Stewart when he invited both of us to speak to some Master students at Regent University about our life coaching experiences. In January 2008, Ben helped launch our mastermind team called Team Destiny. Shortly after that, he began formal business coaching for me and my web team to help us develop systems to succeed and grow. Ben later began business coaching for Virginia Morton and her Marching Through Culpeper movie project.

What I didn’t know before three days ago were my top new contacts for 2006 and 2008. Now I realize that … (More tomorrow)

Prayer Power
Loving Father, thank You that I am living my dream. Thank You for all the mentors and encouragers You have in my life. Thank You for Your daily dose of grace and mercy that sustains me each and every day. May I be a good steward with all that You have entrusted to me and finish the race strong with my family. Bless my readers to spend ample time resting and reflecting to break through in key areas of their lives. Thank You Jesus. I love You so much. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
McCain and Obama at Saddleback — Transcripts

Blessings to dream the impossible dream (for God’s kingdom sake)!

But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit. But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. (Jude 1:17-21)

Who is Tim Gill?
How is he impacting you, your government, and America?

Today is Independence Day and marks the 232nd anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Americans enjoy more freedom than the people of any other nation. However, our basic freedoms in America are progressively being eroded as our government grows and politicians intrude on the rights of individuals and families.

As mentioned in my devotional on June 30, Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family, is a hero to me. For more than 30 years, he has defended the traditional family. It’s been said that “As the family goes, so goes the nation.” My journey to spiritual rebirth actually tracks through Focus on the Family.

Since the purpose of this devotional is to bless families, I sometimes share important news alerts that relate to preserving the traditional family. On June 26, I received a bulk email from Tom Minnery, Senior Vice President for Focus on the Family Action. Here is part of what Tom shared:

“Dear Friend,

This month, I need to share with you a true story. It’s stunning and highly motivating and shows in stark terms what you and I are up against.

Are you familiar with a man by the name of Tim Gill? For most Americans – even those who are well informed – the answer is no. You see, Tim Gill operates in virtual anonymity, yet he is transforming the politics of state after state with unrivaled success. He does it all to advance the cause to which he has dedicated his life – the homosexual agenda.

So, will you join me for a few moments as I pull back the curtain on Tim Gill?” [See today's Link of the Day to learn more]

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, our nation has gone so astray from your Word. As a result many people and many families are suffering greatly. Only You can save our nation. Only You can turn hearts back to You. The battle is yours, LORD. Have mercy on America. Have mercy on my readers and their families. Bless them LORD! In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

Link of the Day
CBN News Report on Wealthy Gay Activist Tim Gill

Blessings for godly wisdom to discern the truth!

When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. (Proverbs 29:2)

What did George Washington mean in his quote above?
What role does religion (or faith) play in politics?
What role does a politician’s religious views play in how he votes or acts?
In God’s eyes, who are the righteous and who are the wicked?

How many times have you heard people say, “Don’t discuss religion or politics because people will disagree” or “Don’t mix religion and politics?” Given Proverbs 29:2 above and knowing the loving nature of Father God, how much sense do those statements make? Is it possible for any politician to separate his religious beliefs from how he votes or acts?

One of my greatest living heros is Dr. James Dobson, founder of Focus on the Family. For more than 30 years, Dr. Dobson has defended the traditional family. My journey to salvation (spiritual rebirth) actually leads through the Focus on the Family website, which led me to the Family Foundation (of Virginia) website, which led me to Rev. Mark Jarvis. Even though I had gone to church almost every week of my entire life, Mark shared the Gospel message in simple terms I could understand. That led me to invite Jesus to be LORD of my life, which dramatically changed the rest of my life.

On June 27, I shared a devotional message titled “Attention Grabbers.” Let me share a recent story of another attention grabber.

At 7:30 am on June 24, I left my car at Walmart to have the tires changed. While I was waiting, Rev. Mark Jarvis picked me up to cut my hair. When we got back to Walmart at 8:15 am, my car still had not been taken into a Walmart bay to be worked on, so Mark invited me into his car to listen to a radio special by Dr. James Dobson. Dr. Dobson was commenting on remarks made by Barack Obama in a public speech called “The Call to Renewal” in 2006.

While I’ve heard several conservative Christian leaders remark that Senator Obama is the most liberal senator in the entire U.S. Senate, I was shocked when I heard the actual statements made by Obama in 2006. It was hard for me to believe this was the same Senator Obama who professed to be a fervent Christian when he and Hillary Clinton were interviewed at the Compassion Forum at Messiah College on April 13, 2008 broadcast live on CNN. Visit today’s Links of the Day and judge for yourself.

The purpose of this devotional is to bless millions of families to be a blessing to millions more. With the Bible as the primary authority of my life, I believe God in Deuteronomy 28 when He says people (and a culture) will be blessed when they follow God’s laws and cursed when they don’t. Put another way, there are consequences to sin (disobedience to God). Just as a good parent disciplines his children for disobedience, so God disciplines His children when they disobey Him.

Prayer Power
Most gracious and merciful heavenly Father, thank You for the privilege of being an American. I didn’t choose that; rather it was a blessing from You. You say in Psalm 33:12, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the LORD.” Father, forgive Your children in America for turning away from You and the Bible to rightly govern our nation. LORD, have mercy on us. Draw us back to You. Heal our land. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

Links of the Day
Obama on Religion (Part 1)
Obama on Religion (Part 2)
Obama on Religion (Part 3)

Blessings for the wisdom to vote for the most righteous candidates in future elections!

as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. (1 Peter 2:16)

How can you help spread the word about the myth of “separation of church and state?”

Today is Religious Freedom Day. Two days ago I received an email from the Elijah List notifying me about President Bush’s recent Proclamation of Religious Freedom Day. This caught my attention immediately since Culpeper is the cradle of religious freedom for the world, where the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was birthed. Here is President Bush’s Proclamation:

A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America

White House/TN (Jan 14th, 2007)

On Religious Freedom Day, we commemorate the passage of the 1786 Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, authored by Thomas Jefferson, and we celebrate the First Amendment’s protection of religious freedom.

Across the centuries, people have come to America seeking to worship the Almighty freely. Today, our citizens profess many different faiths, and we welcome every religion. Yet people in many countries live without the freedom to worship as they choose and some face persecution for their beliefs. My Administration is working with our friends and allies around the globe to advance common values and spread the blessings of liberty to every corner of the world. Freedom is a gift from the Almighty, written in the heart and soul of every man, woman, and child, and we must continue to promote the importance of religious freedom at home and abroad.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United States of America , by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 16, 2007, as Religious Freedom Day. I call on all Americans to reflect on the great blessing of religious liberty, endeavor to preserve this freedom for future generations, and commemorate this day with appropriate events and activities in their schools, places of worship, neighborhoods, and homes.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this eleventh day of January, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-first.

GEORGE W. BUSH

Prayer Power
Father, thank You for this Proclamation by President Bush. We praise You as the God of truth. In this monumental 2007 year, expose the truth about the original intentions of our founding fathers regarding the First Amendment. Dispel the myth of “separation of church and state.” Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
The Separation of Church and State by David Barton [http://www.wallbuilders.com/resources/search/detail.php?ResourceID=9]

Blessings to see God open the eyes of understanding of our U.S. Supreme Court justices!