One thing I have desired of the LORD, That will I seek: That I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, To behold the beauty of the LORD, And to inquire in His temple. (Psalm 27:4)

Where do you find peace in the midst of the financial storm?

Our nation in under the judgment of God. We are seeing the consequences of years of greed, selfishness, immorality, etc. The potential ramifications of the current financial storm are much worse than the terrorist attacks of 9-11 or Hurricane Katrina.

Two weeks ago, we witnessed our federal government scramble to come up with a $700 billion bailout plan for some of our major banks despite three fourths of Americans being opposed to that.

According to an article at Forbes.com yesterday evening, “The stock market finished mixed on Friday (Oct 10), capping off a gruesome week that wiped out $2.4 trillion from the stock market as investors grew fearful about stubbornly tight credit and the prospect of a severe recession. The Dow Jones industrial average, after eight consecutive daily losses, finished at its lowest level since April 2003, and suffered its worst weekly percentage loss ever.”

For the week, the Dow, S&P, and Nasdaq are down 18%, 15%, and 15% respectively. For the year, the Dow, S&P, and Nasdaq are down 36%, 39%, and 39% respectively.

If we add this up, that’s a loss of more than $3 trillion for Americans in two weeks. If we divide this large amount by 100+ million households in America, that’s $30,000 per household. But the loss around the world is much greater than that because the U.S. crisis has shaken the stock markets in Europe and Asia as well. The Forex (Foreign Exchange) is the largest market in the world and trades daily about five times what the U.S. stock and bond markets do combined.

If you research the underlying factors in the current U.S. financial crisis, you will discover that our foundations are much worse than they were before the Great Depression in 1929. Now superimpose all the greed, selfishness, immorality, etc so prevalent in our nation and we have a recipe for disaster. In just one day, each of us can lose everything financially that we have saved for so long.

Our government doesn’t have a clue to what it’s purpose is anymore. It’s grown to the point where it’s trying to be all things to all people. We have hundreds of thousands of laws that erode away at personal freedoms instead of building our foundation on the Ten Commandments which God gave us. One of those Commandments is “Thou shalt not covet!” Covetousness is a big reason why we are experience such a financial crisis.

OK, so where do you find PEACE in the midst of this financial storm? It’s in the house of the LORD as Psalm 27:4 describes above. It’s in prayer – communion with God. And praise is the prayer that changes everything. God inhabits His praises.

Yesterday evening after riding my bicycle 18 miles, I spent about 2 hours watching various “Jesus” and “praise” videos on GodTube first and then YouTube. Finally, I found one that I knew was the right one for this message. Watch it at today’s Link of the Day.

Prayer Power
LORD Jesus, we praise You as the God who offers peace in the midst of any storm. Barack Obama doesn’t have the answers. John McCain doesn’t have the answers. Our government doesn’t have the answers. Only You do. May each of us keep our eyes focused on You, Jesus. May we be bold and step out of the boat to walk on water and do what You have called us to do. May we live our lives on purpose – for You and not ourselves. May we prepare the way for Your soon coming. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Chris Tomlin – How great is our God – YouTube video with more than 2.3 million views

Blessings to find peace with Jesus in the midst of this storm!

Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” (Genesis 22:9)

Are you frustrated by your circumstances?
Do you feel ready to throw in the towel?
What can you do today to stay in the race for Jesus?

Rev. Mark Jarvis has been my top spiritual mentor. He’s also my barber. In his early 20′s, Mark cut hair for several years before being saved and going off to seminary. I like having Mark cut my hair because he does a good job and we always have great spiritual conversations.

When I called Mark this morning to schedule an appointment to have my hair cut today, he asked me what’s been going on. I told him each day I take another swing of the ax against the mighty oak.

Mark then told me it’s great what’s happening in China – with the explosion of Christianity there. I told him the Body of Christ always grows the fastest in the midst of persecution. We talked about the necessity for Christians in America to experience persecution before a great Awakening and Revival will take place.

After sharing my story of getting connected to Dan Stratton through the daily Provision Network prayer calls, Mark told me that Jerry Falwell said nothing of significance is accomplished without prayer. Jerry accomplished so much through prayer and persistence. Mark told me he just finished reading Jerry Falwell’s autobiography and recommended I read that.

Jerry’s father was an entrepreneur and one-time bootlegger who was agnostic until 2 weeks before he died. Jerry’s grandfather was a staunch atheist. We marveled at what God did through one man sold out to Jesus and firmly grounded in the Word of God. At his memorial service in May 2007, Jerry was acknowledged as a “man of every day.” Every day, he spent long morning quiet time, reading and praying the Bible. Every day, he …

Mark said, “God loves buzzer beating victories.” For example, Abraham was ready to kill Isaac; Joseph was taken to Egypt when his brothers were ready to kill him in the pit; God parted the Red Sea just before the Egyptian army arrived to slaughter the Israelites; Ester’s role and boldness to save all the Jewish people. Mark went on to say, “It’s always too soon to quit on the LORD.” God loves to see our faith. Without faith, it’s impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).”

DON’T QUIT ON GOD!!! God won’t quit on you.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for Rev. Mark Jarvis, who continues to instruct and inspire me spiritually. Thank You for the way he models prayer and persistence. Bless him, his family, his work, and his ministry with a banner year in 2008. LORD, someone who is reading this message is ready to throw in the towel, perhaps in their marriage. Encourage that person right now. Don’t let them quit on You. Inspire those who read this message be people of prayer and persistence, growing daily in their faith. We bless You Jesus. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
Don’t Quit on God, God Won’t Quit on You – see Jan 6, 2008 entry to listen to this encouraging and enlightening audio file 

Blessings to never quit on God!

Falwell strongly advocated beliefs and practices he believed were taught by the Bible. He believed in the quintessential patriarchal family in which, ideally, the father is the primary bread-winner and the wife takes care of the home and raises the children until they’re old enough to leave the home. The entire family was expected to play an active role in their local church. Falwell’s company “The Moral Majority” was founded on four basic tenets, 1) pro-family, 2) pro-life, 3) pro-defense and 4) pro-Israel.

The church, Falwell asserted, was the cornerstone of a successful family. Not only was it a place for spiritual learning and guidance, but also a gathering place for fellowship and socializing with like-minded individuals. The dialogs started one-on-one after service among parishioners would often build into more focused speeches or organized goals Falwell could then present to a larger audience via his various media outlets.

Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. (Psalm 126:5)

What is the prayer that changes everything?
What happens when I praise God in tough times?
How I can develop the habit of praising God when things seem to fall apart?

We’ve heard it said, “When it rains it pours.” But what about when the sun is shining? Can it still flood? Well it did in my house on Monday January 21. I had a good start to my day, getting up before 5 AM. Shortly after 10 AM, I went to exercise on my home treadmill. Afterwards, I went to take a shower and discovered we had no water. So I ran to the basement to check out why. To my horror, water was spouting out from our water filter system like a fountain in a pond. There was about an inch of water already on the floor in that tiny room seeping into the carpets in adjacent rooms.

I turned off the main water knob and called Jon Monroe, who was working in my home, for help. My wife was out and I ended up spending the rest of that work day in damage control mode. Fortunately, I was able to find a carpet expert to come over in less than 2 hours to save our carpets. Jon was surprised that I didn’t get more upset. But what could I do? What would Jesus do (WWJD)?

I remembered Stormie Omartian’s book titled “The Prayer That Changes Everything!” In that, she teaches that praise is the prayer that changes everything. I knew that God wanted me to still praise Him. Instead of focusing on my problem, I began thanking God for His goodness. I thanked Him that I was home to discover the problem before our entire basement flooded. I thanked Him that Jon was there to help. I thanked Him for the quick help from the carpet expert. Somehow, I knew God was going to use this to reveal His glory.

By 4 PM, I was exhausted and laid down for a 2 hour nap. When I got up at 6:05 PM, I told God I needed encouragement. When I came downstairs, Julia was not home yet, so I went to my desk intending to journal. For some reason, I decided to check if I had any voice messages. To my surprise, I had two very encouraging voice messages from friends left while I was sleeping.

The first voice message from Tim Shields was a double blessing – a referral to a significant web prospect along with an invitation to soon start webinars (online seminars) to teach Internet marketing to a large network of churches. The other call from Jack Stagman invited me to participate in conference call at 6:30 PM which I did. I gleaned several valuable lessons about network marketing from that.

At 10 AM the next morning, I had my weekly coaching call with Jerry Graham. He has been my greatest encourager for the past several months. Talking to this very experienced life coach often makes me feel like a space shuttle being launched into space. Well this time, Jerry told me he wanted me to participate in a webinar late that evening by Renegade University and social marketing. That was an incredible blessing. More about that tomorrow.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, I praise You as the God who changes everything. One day in Your courts is like a thousand elsewhere. I am so humbled to know You personally and to have the awesome privilege to dwell in Your presence. Thank You that we have running water in our home. Thank You that I have a home to flood. To You be all glory, honor, and praise, now and forever. Jesus, You rock as my Rock! Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
The Prayer That Changes Everything®: The Hidden Power of Praising God – be sure to read the reviews

Blessings to overcome adversity through praise!

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, (Ephesians 3:20)

How big is your thinking? Does it reflect a BIG God?
How abundant is“exceedingly abundantly” when God is the One promising it?

Today God is presenting you with the opportunity to connect your dream with the resources necessary to accomplish it. Visit today’s Link of the Day to watch the TBN interview of Kim Clement, Lance Wallnau, John Porter, and Dan Stratton.

As mentioned previously, the last week of October was quite stressful for me with our dog Ginger dying and also recovering from my hard drive crash. Therefore, I made the decision not to drive to Harrisburg Pennsylvania with Michael Stay on October 29 to attend the two-day “Take all 7 Mountains” conference in Harrisburg PA with Lance Wallnau. I knew it was more important to stay at home to comfort my wife and to catch up on much needed rest myself after an emotionally draining week.

Fortunately, Virginia Morton and Kay Dunkley did choose to go to that conference, representing Culpeper. On November 4, I received an email from Virginia sharing some highlights of the conference and referring me to a few key leaders. Here is part of what she wrote:

“There were several speakers that I feel should be on your radar screen. One is Dan Stratton, a former Wall Street trader, who pastors a church near Wall Street and has a passion to give Christians the resources they need to take their mountains and fulfill their dreams. Dan has founded the ProVision Network www.ProVisionnetwork.org to network Christian businessmen and investors with believers starting ministries or their own businesses. To date Dan has formed about 10 chapters across the country and 5 are in Texas – Newark, Fort Worth, Dallas, Victoria, and Texarkana. One of the chapters in Texas bought a bush plane to fly into Darfur to rescue children. I strongly encourage you to go to their website and listen to Dan’s videos plus his interview on the 700 Club. This man is so passionate and he takes action. I believe ProVision network might be a source of funding for the movie, but definitely a great place for you and Michael to network. I wonder if Joseph Umidi or the Grahams know Dan.”

On November 10, I was prompted to create a new separate WordPerfect file for prospects. When I was nearly finished with that, Virginia Morton stopped by our home around 2 PM to drop off the DVD “Warriors of Honor” about the faith and legacies of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. When I thanked her for her connection to Dan Stratton, she asked if I had watched his interview on TBN. When I said “No,” she advised me to do that right away when she left. I did.

First I visited and perused the website for the Provision Network [www.provisionnetwork.org]. Then I watched the online interview (archived from 2006) of Lance Wallnau, Kim Clement, John Porter, and Dan Stratton on TBN. That was awesome. I also watched the DVD “Warriors of Honor” about the faith and legacies of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. Wow! Double Wow!! Triple Wow!!! What a blessing! The purpose of the ProVision Network is to connect resources to dreams from God that people have so those dreams can be fulfilled.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for Dan Stratton and the Provision Network. Bless my relationship with that network. Encourage those who read this message to think big and join this great network. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Watch the TBN interview of Kim Clement, Lance Wallnau, John Porter, and Dan Stratton – In the second half of the 2 hour TV show (1:05:30 – 1:54), Matt and Laurie Crouch interviewed Lance Wallnau and Kim Clement first. After about 26 minutes (starting at 1:31), John Porter and Dan Stratton joined them.
[http://www.tbn.org/watch/files/index.php?file=2006_1_11_300k.wmv&show=85]
Blessings to live a life of exceeding abundance, sharing the resources you steward with others!

Though I walk in the midst of trouble, thou dost preserve my life; thou dost stretch out thy hand against the wrath of my enemies, and thy right hand delivers me. The LORD will fulfil his purpose for me; thy steadfast love, O LORD, endures for ever. Do not forsake the work of thy hands. (Psalm 138:7-8)

Do you believe you are a receiver of miracles?
What do you need to experience a miracle?

On November 1, I received a pre-recorded voice message from Dr. Mike Murdock strongly encouraging me to visit www.thewisdomcenter.tv right away to watch his video on the home page. Fortunately I chose to do that. His message spurred me to action and supernatural favor began flowing.

In his video message, Dr. Murdock states that the Spirit of the living God gave him a word that November 1 through December 31 will be a time for 61 days of miracles for the Wisdom Center family. His message particularly resonated with my spirt since these are the last 2 months of 2007, the 400th anniversary of English-speaking America and the spiritual tsunami year. Here is an outline of Dr. Murdock’s message.

The Bible has 2 parts – the person of Jesus and the principles of Jesus. The person of Jesus creates my peace, while the principles of Jesus create my prosperity. Miracles don’t come equally to everyone. God doesn’t plan every miracle. You get to plan some miracles. Proof = Jesus hanging between two thieves. One thief chose to ask for a miracle.

Seven things you must have (need) to experience a miracle

1) You’ve got to need a miracle. This is your point of desperation. One word, one sentence from God will change your life forever.

2) Make a dream list. It’s reaping time. It’s crop time. The dam is about to break. The river is about to flow again. Turn those words into pictures. 

3) You need a pleader – someone to intercede for you, who has tremendous faith.

4) You’ve got to believe you are worthy of one. You need a miracle worker. Say out louder 7 times each day for the next 2 months, “I am a receiver of miracles.” The Bible says, “Without faith, it’s impossible to please God.”

5) You have to confidence in the capability of a miracle. Have confidence in the nature of God -  the Miracle Worker.

6) You have to have an instruction. What has God told you to do that you have not done? The dominant difference between people is who they decide to trust.

7) Write out your vow to God. What will you do when He gives you your miracle?

Prayer Power
Holy Spirit, You’re going to finish what You start. Today is Day 3 of 61 days of miracles. There is nothing like this season. We thank You, thank You, thank You for Your presence today. May I believe in, expect, call forth, and recognize miracles in my life each day. In Jesus name, amen.

Link of the Day
The Wisdom Center – watch or listen to the video on the home page [www.thewisdomcenter.tv]

Blessings to believe in, expect, call forth, and recognize miracles in your life!
 

“The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10)

Am I frustrated with trying to change my life?
What are signs that I’m trying to change my life rather xthan allowing God to transform me?

In Session #1 of “The Life You’ve Always Wanted,” John Ortberg says, “The good news as Jesus preached it is that now it is possible for ordinary men and women to live in the presence and under the power of God … It is not about the minimal entrance requirements for getting into heaven when you die. It is about the glorious redemption of human life – your life. It’s morphing time.”

The following is an excerpt from a message preached by Pastor Matt Gregory on October 7, 2007.

Trying to change my life leads to failure and frustration! (Luke 11:24-26). Signs I’m trying to change, include:
1) Measuring spiritual success in superficial ways (Matt 23:27-28)
2) Needing to impress and compare
3) Judgmental, exclusive, proud
4) Getting weary of pursuing spiritual growth
5) Looking for the latest spiritual fad
6) Relying on feelings

In Galations 6:15 (NLT), God says, “What counts is whether we have been transformed into a new creation.” But what kind of “new creation” am I suppose to be transformed into? Romans 8:29 makes it clear that I am to become Christ-like – “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.”

Q: Is transformation instantaneous or a process? A: Both

Q: Whose responsibility is it to transform my life – God’s or mine? A: Both. As 2 Peter 3:18 states, “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” That’s a command.

Q: What do I do to be transformed? A: 1 Timothy 4:7 says “exercise (train) yourself toward godliness.” Spiritual disciplines are any activity or tool (e.g. prayer, Bible reading, confession) that can help me be transformed and life the life that Jesus intended for me.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, I praise You as a sovereign God. You have been at work in my life before I was born. I didn’t choose who my parents were, where I was born, where I was raised, or who crossed my path to influence me. You created me with unique gifts, talents, abilities, and experiences to solve a unique problem. Guide me to die daily to myself and rise to new life in You. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
“Transformation” by True Passion Media

Blessings to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!

“God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19)

Are you properly equipped to fight in the war going on in your own backyard?
Who are you going to recruit to help you fight this spiritual war?

During the 2002-2003 school year, I met nearly every Wednesday morning at Culpeper High School from 7-8 AM with a few students in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes for a devotional time, including prayer for people in the school. Andrea Kebede was the most faithful participant.

On Sep 13, 2007 Laura Kebede called to invite me to a prayer gathering on Sep 17 at 7 PM at St. Stephen’s parish hall. She asked those with a heart for seeing teens come to Christ in Culpeper to come and ask the Lord’s blessing on this school year and dedicate it to Him. Laura is a high school senior and Andrea’s younger sister.

While driving to St. Stephens last night by myself, I suddenly felt led to pray for God to usher in His spiritual tsunami. I haven’t prayed like that in months. I reminded God that He was the one who told me a year ago that a spiritual tsunami was coming to Virginia in 2007 unlike the world had ever seen before. I told God, “You are not a man that You can lie.” Then I received a clear leading to keep pressing into God to call forth the spiritual tsunami. I thought about Elijah praying for God to shut up the heavens with no rain for 3.5 years (James 5:17) and God did that.

For a while this year it seemed we were seeing larger and larger spiritual earthquakes in Culpeper and then a few months ago things seemed to quiet down. I didn’t understand why it seemed we were losing ground to the enemy.

What happened at last night’s prayer meeting blew me away. We started with only 5-7 people, but by the end twelve people had come. Three of those (Laura, Felecia, and Devon) are students at Culpeper High School. Their prayers touched the deep recesses of my heart bringing tears to my eyes on several occasions.

Just before we began praying, Laura handed out a short list of student prayer requests. The first item on the prayer list was the “Heaven’s Gates and Hell’s Flames” drama in Culpeper on Sep 23-25. That is near and dear to my heart because my daughter and wife both invited Jesus into their hearts at that drama six years ago in Sep 2001. I’ll share more about that tomorrow. In addition to praying for that, I also prayed for God to provide a new place for the high school Rize Up students to gather to pray each morning since they lost use of the band room they used last school year.

Another item on Laura’s written prayer list was the annual “See U at the Pole” event on Sep 26. While another person prayed, the idea came to my mind for students to gather around the flag pole at the high school every morning before school starts. I remembered what an impact it had on me uniting hands in a prayer circle around the school flagpole as buses drove up to drop kids off at the school. I prayed for God to make that happen in Culpeper.

About 5-10 minutes later, Devon prayed thanking God for my confirmation of the same idea that God had given him independently about praying each morning around the flag pole. Devon committed to do that. Wow! What an uncommon, yet simple idea. Wouldn’t it be powerful if students at schools across America did that each morning? Publically crying out to God every morning to intervene and stop the destruction and poor choices. I sensed that what was happening in Culpeper last night was similar to the Fulton Street revival that started in New York City 150 years ago.

At the end of our prayer time, Erick Kalenga shared that he had listened over and over to the song mentioned in my Sep 16 devotional titled “If I die before you wake.” As he did so, he became acutely aware that “We are at war” – not just in Iraq, but right here in Culpeper and America. We are in a huge spiritual battle with the enemy for the minds, hearts, and souls of our young people. God wants us to press in with corporate prayer.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for what You birthed in the hearts of those at last night’s prayer gathering in Culpeper. Bless Laura, Felecia, and Devon to go back to Culpeper High School to start a fire of revival through prayer. Take this idea of students praying around the flag pole every morning and multiply it across America. Touch the hearts of our young people, O God. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Laura Kebede’s list of things to pray for this school year

Blessings to become a daily prayer warrior!

“But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be.” (Matthew 24:37-39)

What is God leading you to do with today’s news?

When I woke up on September 9 and sat down to prepare today’s devotional, I had every intention to write a completely different and optimistic message. But God redirected my steps. I sensed something very strong in my spirit and felt compelled to share that with you. I send these devotionals to bless you and your family. I try to be real (authentic), not hiding behind a mask. My focus generally is very positive. Today’s message is not meant to scare you, but rather prepare you for what is coming. It’s not a mater of if, but rather when.

I am an eternal optimist, in God that is, not in the U.S. economy or government. I have absolutely no doubt that America will reap the consequences of its massive debt problems through an unprecedented financial collapse. That’s the law of sowing and reaping, one of the surest laws in the universe. Based on reliable sources, I also believe a major nuclear terrorist strike of multiple U.S. cities on the same day is pending.

Before I went to bed on September 8, I had a very strong sense that something very ominous is about to happen to America. That is not common for me. The next morning (Sep 9) I found a new email from Dewey McDonnell titled “‘The big one’ is almost here.” Dewey is one of my closest friends. He loves Jesus deeply, and doesn’t hide Him in his back pocket. Over the past two years, Dewey has been one of the most faithful participants in our Pray Culpeper team. I have never known Dewey to gossip. He does not send spam emails. That’s why Dewey’s profound message in today’s Link of the Day is so significant.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, You don’t promise there will be no storms in our lives. Rather, You promise Your peace that passes all understanding to those who trust in You. Help the readers of today’s message to grasp the significance to today’s message and prepare for the tsunami coming to America. Jesus, I love You. Thank You for being my Rock. Amen.

Link of the Day
“The big one” is almost here – profound email alert by Dewey McDonnell
[see Dewey’s email in journal entry for 09-09-07]

Blessings to be prepared for the tsunami coming to America!

BREAKING NEWS
• Ohio congressman found dead in apartment
 http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/09/05/congressman.dead/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
• House Minority Leader John Boehner announces the death of Rep. Paul Gillmor (R-Ohio) – Video
 http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/09/05/congressman.dead/index.html#cnnSTCVideo
• In Error, B-52 Flew Over U.S. With Nuclear-Armed Missiles
 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/05/AR2007090500762.html?hpid=sec-nation
• CIA Director makes rare public address – Warns “AL-QAIDA planning high-impact attacks against U.S. homeland”
 http://www.halturnershow.com/index.html

Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body. (1 Corinthians 6:18)

What does God consider sexually immoral?

In chapter 24 of The Power of a Praying Parent titled “Rejecting Sexual Immorality,” Stormie Omartian says, “Next to catastrophic injury, death, and eternal hell, sexual immorality is the most dreaded possibility for our children’s lives. That’s because the results of sexual sin last a lifetime – often for the parents as well as the child. Words like “abortion,” “out-of-wedlock,” “infidelity,” “homosexuality,” “sexually transmitted disease,” and “AIDS” all make a parent shudder. And today, more than ever before, this is a life-and-death issue.”

Bill Clinton originally denied that he had any sexual relationship with Monica Lewinsky. When DNA proof uncovered his lie, he tried to explain his way out by saying that what he was doing with Monica was not sex. One lie often leads to another. That’s the way any type of sin is – a roller coaster ride.

What is sexual immorality?
What constitutes sex?
How far is too far?
What does it mean to flee sexual immorality?
What is God’s perspective on sex outside of marriage?

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, You know that sexual immorality is rampant in our nation. There’s little difference between Your children and the children of this world. The devastation this is having to the tradition family is overwhelming. You say, “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” I pray for a true spirit of repentance in the Body of Christ. Only You can turn the hearts of Your people back to You. We ask You to do that. In Jesus preciously and holy name we pray. Amen.

Blessings to flee sexual immorality and encourage others to do likewise!

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, (1 Peter 1:3-6)

How are we to respond to trying times in our lives, whatever they may be?

On Saturday evening August 4, I watched three consecutive, very inspiring, one hour TV shows on TBN. I already talked about two of those in three devotionals this week. Today, I’d like to share a wonderful message by Dr. Charles Stanley titled “Life’s Trials Explained.”

I highly recommend you visit today’s Link of the Day to read Dr. Stanley’s complete message outline and to listen to or watch all of his message. Even if you don’t have much time, it’s still effective to listen while doing other things at your computer. Here is a brief summary of Dr. Stanley’s outline:

In every person’s life there will be struggles, hard times and pain. While the purpose of these difficulties may not be immediately seen, God has a plan and purpose with every one.

We are promised that though we may have struggles and hardships in this life, we have an eternity free of all pain waiting for us.

What blurs our understanding of His purpose in our hardships?
Why does God allow bad things to happen to us?
What process is God using in our lives during our trials?

In times of trials and struggles, we have a choice to make. How will we respond to our hardships––by moping and whining or by saying, God, thank You that You love me enough to trust me with this situation? Remember: “God causes all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for the many trials in our lives. Thank You our pain that draws us closer to You. Thank You for always giving progressive warnings to allow us to correct the courses of our lives when we go astray. No matter what happens, may we choose to trust in You. Jesus, thank You for being my all-in-all. Amen.

Links of the Day
Life’s Trials Explained by Dr. Stanley – including sermon outline and link to audio and video message
[http://ww2.intouch.org/site/c.dhKHIXPKIuE/b.3074979/k.FB9/Lifes_Trials_Explained__Sermon_Outline.htm]

Blessings to walk in the Spirit, trusting in God!