Life Action Blog

True Woman '10 Conference Update

2010-04-08T11:25:42Z

Thanks for your prayers for the True Woman '10 conference in Chattanooga. God was very present, and women were profoundly touched—so much so that many of them hope to bring their friends to Indianapolis and Fort Worth for the September and October conferences! Here’s what the women had to say:

"I went kicking and screaming, positive I wouldn’t get anything out of it. Praise God, I was wrong!"

"The conference was like heaven on earth. Unlike any experience I have ever had. I am back in the battle with renewed vigor."

"I realized this weekend that not only do I need Christ when I die, I need Him to live my life."

"What a fabulous, heart-rending, soul-convicting, inspiring weekend. Thank you. At 67 it isn't too late to learn how to love my husband as the Lord instructs."

"I was really challenged to get out of my comfort zone, impact the younger generation, and fight the culture war we are in."

Moody Church Responds to THIRST Conference

2010-04-07T12:12:33Z

Is there a church anywhere in the world more widely known or more historically rooted in revival than Moody Church? This church has a rich history of periodic revivals and prolonged fruitfulness, and their pastor has carried a burden for revival for many years.

Dr. Erwin Lutzer recently celebrated 30 years as lead pastor. His own roots include vivid recollections of revival in Canada four decades ago:

I had experienced revival in the early '70s up in Canada, and once you've seen God work in people's lives, something inside you says, "We need to see this again." I'm talking about failing marriages, seemingly without hope; people with addictions; families estranged. I have seen God bring about in several hours what months of counseling sometimes has not accomplished. So ever since I came to Moody Church, I've had the vision at some point to have a group come in and help us define what revival is, and to trust God to do something deeper in the lives of our congregation.

"It was a bold step," acknowledged Dr. Luzter, "but at the very heart of revival is sacrifice." The call to invite the team was unanimous. "Our entire leadership wants a Life Action THIRST conference. We just wish we didn't have to wait until 2011 for you to come."

They didn't have to wait! The Lord rearranged our schedule, and with little time for planning, the third week of March became like no other in recent history at Moody Church. Over 1,000 adults attended Sunday evening, and on weeknights up to 700 returned to hear and respond obediently to core revival truths.

God's work was fresh and deep. Shallow substitutes for passionate love of Jesus were confessed. People experienced repentance, reconciliation, joy, fullness, freedom, and fruitfulness. Though a widespread outpouring of God's Spirit did not occur, a widespread thirst for God to move in revival escalated dramatically. And thousands of hearts gained a wonderful vision for what God might do in the future.

God has begun a powerful work of fulfilling His promise to "pour water on him that is thirsty"—even in a well established church in downtown Chicago.

April 2010

2010-04-01T00:00:00Z

"The coming revival must begin with a great revival of prayer. It is in the closet, with the door shut, that the sound of abundance of rain will first be heard. An increase of secret prayer with ministers will be the sure harbinger of blessing."
- Andrew Murray

1 Pray that unsaved people will no longer foolishly ignore Jesus Christ, the one true lover of their souls. May God open their spiritually darkened hearts to the wonder of His grace and love!

2 As you remember Christ's crucifixion this Good Friday, ask God what specific sins you need to crucify so that you may better represent Christ and lead people to Him.

3 Laurie Klein, our Children's Ministry Coordinator, has served with Life Action for eight years. Praise the Lord for her spirit of excellence and joy and for her positive impact on children's ministers and children throughout the years. Please pray for wisdom and guidance as she prepares for her upcoming marriage in May.

4 Praise God that Jesus conquered death for us and still lives, loves, and intercedes for us today! May you live wholeheartedly for His glory.

5 While the Revive Our Hearts team gets resituated from the True Woman conference in Chattanooga March 25-27, ask the Lord to refresh them in a mighty way.

6 Please pray for the Collegiate Impact staff—Dave Warn, Sunu Thomas, and Wesley Bullard-as they seek to see students and campuses transformed for the glory of God.

7 Pray for our nation's children, as many live in spiritually and emotionally broken homes. Pray that God, their loving heavenly Father, would protect them from the Evil One and create within them a desperate longing for Him.

8 Ask God to instill within His people a desire for simplicity in our materialistic culture. "But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it" (1 Tim. 6:6-7).

9 Intercede for God's people to have a deepening burden to pray, so that church prayer meetings will be reestablished and overflowing. May people be dissatisfied with life as it is and long for much more—God's glorious presence and transformation in our midst!

10 This weekend Lane Gordon will be conducting pre-summit meetings at Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Glasgow, Kentucky. Pray for safety as he travels and for God's guidance as he speaks. Pray also that God will burn within the people's hearts a vision and passion for God visiting them.

11 Today the Blue Team begins a 15-day summit at East White Oak Bible Church in Carlock, Illinois. Intercede for Steve Canfield and Jeremiah Canfield as they lead, and for the people as they seek God for revival. May God be pleased to show them His beauty and power!

12 Paula Hendricks has served with Revive Our Hearts for almost five years. Please pray that God will strengthen her to do her job as a staff writer well, and that He will daily satisfy her with His unfailing love.

13 Ask God to powerfully intervene in the crumbling marriages in and outside of the church today. Pray that husbands and wives will learn to humbly serve and give, no longer trying to manipulate and control.

14 As the Revival Conference Team finishes a THIRST conference at First Baptist Church in Enid, Oklahoma, pray that God will give them energy and passion to minister effectively.

15 The Red Team is in the midst of an 8-day summit at First Baptist Church in Gentry, Arkansas. Pray that God would especially move hearts that are reluctant to obey His Word.

16 As the Life Action Camp hosts a MoMENtum men's retreat this weekend, please pray that the men will come with hearts hungry for God. Also, pray for divine wisdom as Tom Harmon encourages the men to "rev up" their progress in their journey with God.

17 Charles Archer, our Business and Finance Director, lost his wife to ALS a little over a year ago. Pray that God will continue giving him comfort, strength, and encouragement as he misses her.

18 Today the Revival Conference Team begins a THIRST conference at Concord Baptist Church in Jefferson City, Missouri. Pray that Ryan Loveing will speak boldly and accurately as he shares God's Word, and that God's Spirit would bring conviction and repentance to the congregation.

19 Phillip and Michele Wilson have faithfully served with Life Action for 15 years. Phillip currently works on special projects for our Executive Director. Pray for wisdom as they seek to raise their four young children to love God and others.

20 Collegiate Impact is believing God for campus-wide transformation at Montana State University through their Jericho Partnership. They also desire to partner with a second university. Pray that God will reveal the campus He wants them to minister to, and ask God to pour out His Spirit at MSU.

21 Life Action's Service Ministries Division consists of the following departments: Accounting, Staff Services, Information Technology, Resources, and Facilities and Maintenance. These represent many people who faithfully work "behind the scenes" to support various other divisions. Ask God to meet with them in a special way and reward them as they diligently continue in the ministry He has given them. Also, pray that the Lord would equip and encourage Allen Mazelin as he leads and oversees this division.

22 Today through Saturday, a Times of Refreshing retreat for Women's Ministry Directors is taking place at The Lodge. Pray that as these women step away from the demands of ministry, they will be encouraged, refreshed, and renewed.

23 About a month ago, the True Woman conference in Chattanooga began. Thank the Lord for the women He brought to the conference, and ask Him to continue and multiply the work He started in their hearts.

24 Please uphold Byron Paulus in prayer as he continues to lead Life Action as Executive Director and President. Pray that the Lord would refresh him with renewed energy and grant him wisdom, discernment, and creativity.

25 The Red Team is at Marshall Road Baptist Church in Jacksonville, Arkansas. Ask for God's hand to be on the team and congregation, accomplishing the permanent change only His Spirit can do.

26 A Pastors' Retreat begins today and goes through Friday at The Lodge. Pray that God would greatly minister to these couples during this time.

27 The Revival Conference Team is in the midst of a 4-day THIRST conference at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Muncie, Indiana. Ask God to do a lasting, mighty work in the people's hearts.

28 Wilson and Laura Green have served with Life Action since 1999, currently as Family Revivalist on the Red Team. Please ask God to give them wisdom and grace as they minister to families across the country.

29 Ask God to bless and encourage the many crisis pregnancy centers that seek to point girls to Jesus and toward choosing life for their unborn child. Pray that many with unwanted pregnancies will see life's value and beauty, and not give in to Satan's lies.

30 Praise the Lord for the gift of the Holy Spirit indwelling each believer. Without His help, we could do nothing of eternal value.

Download pdf of the April prayer calendar.

Praying For Another Divine Moment

2010-03-19T12:59:38Z

Thank you for praying last week for our annual Vision Gathering in Austin! God worked powerfully in hearts. As someone remarked, there were a few moments where God was there with a great measure of His presence. Nothing sensational. Just the acute awareness of Him. Perhaps even a "divine" moment. Divine moments are movement-making moments.

One Divine Moment

Robert Coleman's classic book on the Asbury Revival is entitled One Divine Moment. In it he describes an amazing but true summary of what God did:

One cold wintry day, students at a small Kentucky college went to their weekly chapel service. 185 hours later they emerged, changed beyond their wildest dreams.

Right now, beginning this Sunday, and every day for the following eleven days, we must seek the Lord for some divine moments, or hours, or days. Why? Because every day until Wednesday (March 31), thousands of people are going to a major revival event, and if God shows up with His manifest presence, they can emerge changed beyond their wildest dreams! And since movements of revival often spread on the wings of testimonies, there is no limit to what God can do through these gatherings:

THIRST Conference - Begins Sunday morning at Moody Church - 2500+
True Woman '10 - Launches in Chattanooga Thursday - 2200+
Heartcry Southeast (TN) - Next Sunday through Wednesday 5000+

Right now . . .

There are several reasons I believe there has never been a more opportune time to be investing in the message and mission of revival. I shared these at the Vision Gathering retreat and, without significant commentary, here they are:

Right now . . . people are turning . . . somewhere.
Right now . . . people are listening . . . intently.
Right now . . . people are responding . . . deeply.
Right now . . . the window is open and opening . . . widely.
Right now . . . Life Action is one of the strongest voices calling for revival . . . by His grace alone.

Whether Chicago or Southeast TN, people are turning to government, tea parties, Glenn Beck, entertainment (record box office sales this past year), and a host of other substitutes. But they are turning! They are turning because they are looking for answers. We need to pray, "Turn us again unto You, O Lord."

Our Message Team is noting that the percentage of people coming out night after night to services is escalating. And they are hanging onto every word. They are listening and looking for insight into how they can find hope and help.

The depth of response can often be measured by the eagerness to verbalize what God has done. The level of being H.O.T. (Honest, Open, and Transparent) is growing. And even though it is not always best to tell the whole world what God has done, the very fact that people don't care if the whole world knows is indicative of lowering pride and elevating humility. Depth can even be measured by willingness to sacrifice. A church of 315 attendance gave the largest love offering (not just to Life Action) of any church in the history of our ministry. Quite remarkable.

The window of opportunities for LAM is opening widely. Our teams are scheduled further out into the future than any time in recent history ... and seemingly in more strategic locations. There are radio stations wanting to air ROH (for a cost), and The Camp is experiencing fresh opportunities to touch the hearts of families. Revive magazine is having renewed impact, and someone in India has proposed a strategic plan for its distribution as a major training tool.

By God's grace alone Life Action has one of the strongest voices for revival in our nation, if not the world. That is a privilege. BUT it is not nearly as LOUD as is needed to meet the NEED of the hour. Volume is controlled by amplification ... and the Word of God accompanied by the Spirit of God produces divine amplification ... the kind that results in divine moments ... movement-making moments.

Would you join me in praying between now and March 31 for another Divine Moment? A movement-making moment?

Revival Stirrings in Haiti?

2010-02-24T08:05:36Z

The following letter is primarily an abbreviated report I received from a dear friend who leads a ministry in Pennsylvania. He sent me an e-mail that he received from a missionary in Haiti on Saturday, February 13. I honestly do not know how representative this account is in the nation or how widespread the movement is. I have no reason to question its accuracy. And subsequent reports from another Haiti missionary confirmed the work of God taking place.

But, regardless, it sure sounds like some measure of wind is blowing, and the president of Haiti helped by setting some sails to catch the breath of God. I hope you read the following with the same sense of enthusiasm that I did. I've put some of the words in bold so we don't miss what the Lord may have for us as we consider the mission of revival.

Dear Ministry Friends,

I think that I will remember this day as one of the most significant in my life, not because of what I did, but for its meaning. In fact, what I did today was insignificant, and may have even distracted from me fully engaging in the day.

Today was the one-month anniversary of the great Haitian earthquake.

About three days ago, the Haitian president announced that there would be three days of no work for the purpose of fasting and prayer. This is absolutely historic. If you have ever been to Haiti as a visitor or missionary, could you ever have imagined this pronouncement? Could you imagine such an announcement from the U.S. president?

This morning I saw a young Haitian-American woman, the leader of a work team, crying because the Americans could not understand the incredible importance of this day. They wanted to go about business as usual. Remember, it was only about six years ago that a former Haitian president called the nation to come together to rededicate the nation to Satan (which didn't happen, by the way, as the Christian churches and Radio Lumiere set aside several days to fast and pray for their country at that time, also).

Whatever the president might have intended, this [call] became a real commitment for the Haitian people. As I sit here this evening, I can hear the preaching coming from a nearby church. Services have been going on all day.

I just read a news story that was forwarded to us about an official service with President Preval outside of the broken-down palace. The author may have accurately reported the story as he saw it, but he only saw the surface. His highly biased hatch job totally missed the significant story of what was happening in Haiti today.

Peniel and I had planned an inspection trip up to the Artibonite Valley today. Right or wrong, we went ahead with the trip since it was the only opportunity we'd have. As we left the guest house about 7:30 a.m., we were met by throngs of dressed-up people headed to various churches. The sounds of Christian music and worship filled the air everywhere.

The next observation was that there was NO traffic. Port-au-Prince streets are always clogged, overflowing with bumper-to-bumper traffic. This morning there were only a few vehicles on the roads, a few small buses, some UN and military vehicles, and a few private cars. We had clear sailing through town. The same was true of foot traffic. Usually the streets are full of people walking. Today there were only a few, and many of them dressed for church. The only places we encountered traffic blocks were in front of several churches where the congregations had overflowed the buildings, the yards, and out into the streets.

The next observation was that EVERYTHING was closed! We could not find even one business or gas station open. There were no inter-city buses running. Whereas the sidewalks are usually shoulder-bumping full of street vendors, we only saw a few here and there. The huge outdoor market near the wharf, where thousands work each day and spread out to cover most of the street, was EMPTY.

Where were all the people? They were in churches and makeshift meeting sites. I didn't see any Voodoo, Islamic, or Buddhist services, but every Christian church ... had services going on, almost all of them overflowing into the streets. Beside broken-down churches, services were taking place outside. In homeless camps, there were services. Everywhere, the nation was gathered to worship and pray. This scene was repeated in every town and hamlet we passed during the day.

Tonight, Pastor Ignace, who is sharing the room with me, asked this question: "Can people still say that Haiti is a voodoo country?" What has been happening and is continuing to happen in Haiti did not happen because of the earthquake. It has been happening because Haitian Christians know how to pray. This is a tremendous outpouring of God's power as the result of prayer. Twenty years ago, I started praying for the Gospel to change the Haitian culture. I think that I am seeing God do that work.

The only sadness that I feel today is for our nation. While a nation that has long been under Satan's domination is turning to God with commitment and power, our nation, founded on godly values, has rejected God and is rapidly trying to forget He even exists. Let us pray for revival in America.

Someone asked me if it will take a similar catastrophe in America for us to genuinely seek the Lord. I like what this missionary stated: It was the prayers of God's people that caused God to come in their midst more than the tragedy. Paul said that the goodness of God should lead us to repentance. I pray we won't have to face the suffering, but we also need to be willing to face it for the greater good of His glory!

The big question is whether or not we are willing to pray. "Whatever it takes, Lord, whatever it takes; send Your presence and glory to this nation once again."

Ignite Newsletter, February 2010

2010-02-24T00:00:00Z

Read the most recent issue of Life Action's newsletter, Ignite. This issue includes practical encouragement for experiencing a revived life, stories about real people changed by revival, and timely updates on Life Action's ministry outreaches.

(Read Update)

February 2010

2010-02-01T00:00:00Z

"Prayer and praise are to the Christian as the two wings are to the bird. Don't expect the bird to fly if one wing is broken. Even so the Christian needs both prayer and praise."
- J. Wesley Adcock

1 Praise the Lord for His great faithfulness and everlasting love. May God open our spiritual eyes to our incredible value so that we'll live to please Him alone.

2 Unbelief forfeits God's presence. Pray that God will break, change, and fill His people's hearts with His limitless power, abiding presence, and living Word. May we become praying, faith-filled, powerful Christians!

3 Nancy Leigh DeMoss will be speaking today at Moody Bible Institute's Founder's Week in Chicago. She would greatly appreciate your prayers as she prepares and delivers the message the Lord has laid on her heart.

4 Intercede for our nation today, that God would mercifully intervene and pour out His Spirit among His people. Fully surrendered, Spirit-empowered followers of "The Way" are desperately needed to show this world the way to Jesus, our only hope and joy.

5 Please pray for Joy Lehman, a graphic designer who has served with Life Action for ten years. Pray that God will strengthen and bless her personally and continue giving her creative, effective ideas.

6 Our revivalists' families are constantly busy, with many people wanting their attention. Pray that God will help the fathers regularly gather their families to spend time with each other and with the Lord Jesus.

7 The Revival Conference Team begins a 4-day THIRST conference at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Waycross, Georgia, today. Pray that God will create a deep hunger and thirst for His presence and purity in their midst.

8 Yesterday the Red Team began an 11-day summit at Southside Baptist Church in Princeton, Kentucky. Please ask God to bring a powerful season of revival and spiritual awakening to this church and community during these days and beyond.

9 Pray that God would raise up true women across our nation and world who fear and obey the Lord. "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised" (Prov. 31:30).

10 Henry and Toni Rademaker have sacrificially served with Life Action for 23 years. Pray that God will strengthen their relationship with Him and each other, and ask Him to direct their three teenage children and protect them from the world.

11 Collegiate Impact staff Dave Warn and Sunu Thomas will return to minister at Montana State University this month. Pray that God will ignite the students' hearts and transform this campus for His kingdom.

12 Today through Sunday is a couples' retreat at Life Action Camp. Pray that the speakers and attendees will be sensitive and obedient to the Holy Spirit and that they will be encouraged in the Lord.

13 Byron and Sue Paulus are hosting a couples' retreat at The Lodge this weekend. Ask the Lord to strengthen, encourage, and challenge the marriages of those attending.

14 Pray that God will fill His people with a passionate desire and love for Him and His kingdom, especially at First Baptist Church of Columbus, Mississippi, as the Revival Conference Team conducts a 4-day conference there, and at Longview Heights Baptist Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi, as the Blue Team finishes a 15-day summit there.

15 As many observe Presidents' Day today, pray that God would make our president a man of morality and truth who will justly and honorably lead those under him.

16 Pray for our Road Team Services Department as they schedule summits and conferences with churches for the coming travel year. Pray that God would greatly burden many pastors' hearts for revival so that they will eagerly sacrifice time and finances for a team to come.

17 Many Christians and non-Christians alike need the gift of repentance, not just for a season but long-term. Pray that they would seek and find God's sorrow that leads to a complete turning from sin toward righteousness.

18 Praise and thank the Lord for our country's great beauty and freedoms! We are blessed beyond measure. May we not take for granted all that God has given us.

19 B. G. and Angela Allen have faithfully served the Lord with Life Action for eight years. Pray that He would continue providing for them financially and that He would grant B. G. wisdom and direction as he serves as Chief of Staff.

20 Praise the Lord for our great country, founded in pursuit of religious freedom, and for the men and women who gave us a godly heritage. May we do all we can to preserve it!

21 Today Byron Paulus is conducting pre-summit meetings at East White Oak Bible Church in Carlock, Illinois, while John Myers is at First Baptist Church in Gentry, Arkansas. Please pray that God will anoint these men's words and prepare the people's hearts for revival.

22 Please intercede for our military men and women who willingly serve for our protection. Pray that God will draw these precious souls to Jesus through the Bible, radio, chaplains, friends, and others.

23 Two days ago the Red Team began an 11-day summit at Pathway Baptist Church in Calvert City, Kentucky, while the Blue Team began a 15-day summit at Broadway Baptist Church in Southhaven, Mississippi. Earnestly pray that these days will be divine appointments blessed by God's presence and power.

24 The Revival Conference Team finishes a 4-day THIRST conference tonight at First Baptist Church of Gonzales, Louisiana. Pray that everything God longs for will be accomplished during this time.

25 Many brothers and sisters in Christ around the world are persecuted for their faith. Ask God to give them strength, courage, and hope in their suffering, and ask Him how you might minister to them.

26 Jimmy and Christi Finch have traveled with the Revival Conference Team for two years now. Pray for Jimmy as he leads God's people into Christ-centered worship, and for Christi as she cares for their three young children.

27 Today through March 2 is the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville, Tennessee. Pray for the Revive Our Hearts staff attending, that their time would be profitable and that their lives would point people to Jesus Christ.

28 As Byron Paulus conducts another pre-summit this weekend at Berean Baptist Church in Mansfield, Ohio, ask God to give him divine strength, insight, and boldness as he prepares the people for an upcoming summit. Please also pray that God would be pleased to send revival to this congregation.

Download pdf of the February prayer calendar.

Is There Any Explanation For Haiti?

2010-01-20T11:21:38Z

153,000 Deaths (Daily) and Counting . . .

Humanly speaking, some of life's experiences are so far beyond our understanding that we simply want to avoid the subject. One eyewitness in Haiti reported, "I don't think a word has been invented to describe how horrific this really is." Even words fail.

That's how I feel regarding any attempt to provide biblical perspective or explanation regarding the human suffering associated with mid-January's earthquakes. Yet without doubt, God's Word is not silent about His ways. And we learn most about His perspective in the midst of real-life experiences, especially crises. So we don't want to fail to learn from events such as this one. God doesn't want to waste events of this nature.

Explanations Should Not Precede Compassion

We all know that our first response to tragedy should almost always be grieving, caring, praying, and reaching out in practical ways. Right now, millions of Americans, as well as our government, are modeling compassion. It is amazing to see the response.

Was there a single church in our nation that weekend that did not urge giving to relief efforts?
Don't all of us know someone who is headed to Haiti to help? Or those who desperately want to? Even some of our own staff are asking if they can go help.
Has there ever been such a rush of resources to a single calamity?

Many of you, along with Life Action as a ministry, are modeling giving right now to those in dire need. What a blessing to live in the midst of millions of people who care.

For me, the most gripping coverage thus far was when CNN played footage from a video camera that was rolling in someone's home during the quake. After the first shock, the video went dark as the house collapsed, but the audio continued to record. The sounds of crashing concrete gave way to the shrilling cries and screams of people in shock and unfathomable physical and emotional pain. My first thought was that this must be a glimpse of what the blackness and torture of hell is like. It is still ringing in my ears.

Someone I Know . . . Died on Tuesday

I recently went to the funeral visitation of a Mrs. Conrad. She lived a full life, leaving behind four daughters, all of whom are walking with the Lord. For the most part, her life has been filled with outward blessing ... material provision, stable culture, and plenty of food and clothing. No major hardships apart from the expected, such as living through a few wars and a few years of economic challenge. The death of her husband preceded her. But on the whole, her life was free of dramatic tragedy.

Her family were together in the comfort of each other and close friends, and the funeral took place in a nicely furnished funeral home. It was a stark contrast to the burying of the dead in mass graves in Haiti.

Yet, a second after she died, the playing field was level and still is. And it is important to note that since "a thousand years is as a single day in the eyes of the Lord," she only lived one hour in light of how God counts time. Virtually everyone in the world lives less than an hour. Actually, even less than that ... however long a vapor lasts.

What Does God See?

Mrs. Conrad died along with 153,000 others who were not in Haiti that same day. That's right--apart from any major disaster, 153,000 people die every single day. That's 6,390 per hour. On January 12th it increased to about 9,000 per hour and then dropped again to the normal 6,390 per hour.

I am overwhelmed by the vivid pictures of death coming out of Haiti. It may be the only time that I ever see something this catastrophic. BUT it is not the only time God sees something this dramatic. God sees 153,000 people die every day. If we experienced what He sees daily, it would be so commonplace that it would never make the news.

And that's what has happened on a daily basis in my life. I just accept death as a stat until it hits close to home, or the cause is dramatic, or the numbers escalate by 30% as they did on January 12. Then I take note.

I'm glad death never becomes commonplace or old news to God. I believe the sounds of hell are heard by our Lord every day. In fact, more than 10,000 people died while I was writing this brief article. God saw them all. To Him, every one of them had a body, soul, and spirit. They are all His "loved ones." And He is always more concerned about the soul and spirit than He is about the body, for good reason: The body is a vapor, but the spirit and soul live forever ... somewhere.

If you think about it, are the deaths in Haiti really much different than the deaths experienced by others every day around the world? In God's eyes, are they any more traumatic than those Galileans who died at the hands of Pilate when he proceeded to mingle their blood as a part of the sacrifice they set out to make at the temple? Very gruesome. Or of those eighteen who died when concrete from the Tower of Siloam fell on them (Luke 13:1-5)?

Jesus' answer to those who suggested that the victims encountered tragedy because they failed to repent was simply, "No, I tell you; but unless you repent, you will all likewise perish." In other words, Jesus used the example of both, an evil criminal causing death and a natural disaster causing death, to declare, Don't waste this disaster! Everyone everywhere needs to repent.

John Piper said it this way:

The point of every deadly calamity is this: Repent. Let our hearts be broken that God means so little to us. Grieve that He is a whipping boy to be blamed for pain, but not praised for pleasure. Lament that He makes headlines only when man mocks His power, but no headlines for ten thousand days of wrath withheld. Let us rend our hearts that we love life more than we love Jesus Christ. Let us cast ourselves on the mercy of our Maker. He offers it through the death and resurrection of His Son.

Don't Waste This Experience

There are two things I cannot escape in my own heart and do not want to waste:

1. People (153,000 of them daily) are dying physically in our neighborhood called the world. (Due to technology, our neighbors are the entire world.) Some are dying in a seemingly nice way, others in a more tragic way. All are dying. BUT all are dying spiritually as well, if they did not claim Jesus as their Savior and Lord; and there is something I can do about informing them of what happens after they die, that makes their manner of physical death totally irrelevant to them when they are in heaven or hell.

2. This exposure is to such a dramatic form of death. Paul makes it clear that everything is for the purpose of conforming me to Christ. If I am not more like Jesus, and if I do not see things more closely to what He sees, then I am missing an opportunity to join Him in His redemptive plan.

Desiring God's perspective,

Byron

Helping Our Neighbors in Haiti

2010-01-15T12:50:38Z

Many of you, like me, have experienced a return to your first love for Jesus through personal revival. That's why I have something on my heart for you, because I know that you truly care about one of the things that breaks Jesus' heart right now—the horrendous pain, suffering, and loss caused by the earthquake in Haiti.

Perhaps you are already familiar with Christ-exalting organizations that are ready to provide compassionate aid in Jesus' name; if so, by all means, support them. However, I did want you to know about one organization in Haiti that has a long history of providing relief efforts coupled with the gospel of Jesus. The founder and president of World Help, Vernon Brewer, is a former Life Action staff member.

Many of the staff in our ministry are directing their contributions through World Help. If you would like to contribute to help get immediate aid to those most desperate, Vernon and his team will:

Ship and distribute much-needed medical, food, and clothing supplies
Set up temporary hospitals and emergency food centers
Purchase survival kits, water, and food for those who have been devastated

You can contribute directly to World Help here.

PS: By God's providence, World Help had $2.5 million worth of medical supplies in containers that arrived three days prior to the earthquake, waiting to be unloaded.

Triviality

2010-01-05T18:36:16Z

Is this it? Is this really all there is?

This is not about football. It's about starting out the new year with resolute purpose.

Man can bear great physical or spiritual hardship, but what he cannot bear is the sense of meaninglessness. Our greatest foe is what we most often seek—unencumbered lives and unbroken leisure, lives free from any care or concern. Our ultimate enemy is not pain, or disease, or physical hardship, evil as these may be, but triviality. If a man begins each day as just another unit of time in which he wonders what to do with himself, he is already as good as dead. - Elton Trueblood

One of my favorite authors, Gary Thomas, acknowledged, "I have tried to overcome triviality with sports, but even as a fan, I have to admit that following the latest sporting achievement is still too small of an aim to nurture my soul."

Both Tom Brady and Tim Tebow are superb quarterbacks. Some argue Brady is the best in the NFL. Few disagree that Tebow might be the best ever in collegiate ranks. These athletes not only follow record-breaking sporting achievements, they make them.

Yet the two photos tell it all.

Is this it? Is this really all there is?

After winning the U.S. Open, one of the world's most prestigious golf tournaments, Johnny Miller found himself asking the question a few days later, "Is this it? Is this really all there is?"

Tom Brady was quoted saying something similar following one of his numerous Super Bowl championships. He knows there are only so many fingers on which to place Super Bowl rings.

Tim Tebow? Well, he has not allowed fame, fortune (to come), or his remarkable gifts and abilities to thwart his AIM in life.

I believe the Scripture passage Tim chose to put on display during his final collegiate game is where every viewer's attention ought to have gone. And for sure, it is where our attention as Christians ought to go. We cannot afford to let this all too familiar and often "trivialized" passage escape us. It must be our AIM this coming year.

For by grace you have been saved, through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is a gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. (Eph. 2:8-10, emphasis mine)

Tebow's life personifies this verse. And with millions watching, he did not cower to political correctness or lose his authenticity as a home-schooled son of a missionary who happens to be athletically gifted and enjoys football.

What were his first words (to no one's surprise) following perhaps his best performance ever this past week? "First of all, I want to thank my Savior the Lord Jesus Christ who has made everything possible."

Let's logically unpack the apostle Paul's statement in Ephesians:

Purpose begins with faith-based saving and sustaining grace.
Faith is a gift from God. It is not self-generated.
Therefore, God alone should get credit for my salvation.
He saved me for one purpose ... His good works.
That assignment has been waiting for me forever.
My walk should be characterized by doing this assignment.
Doing so will fulfill His purpose for my life and bring glory to Christ.

During our Christmas break, I read most of Gary Thomas' new release entitled Holy Available, which has the subtitle What If Holiness Is About More Than What We Don't Do? It now tops my 2009 favorite book list. (I recommend it to every serious believer.)

Working WITH God and Not FOR God

Chapter nine focuses on allowing our hands and feet to become available to God for His service. Everyone knows that football is only a means to an end for Tim Tebow. His heart is simply to be available to live out (i.e. walk) the gospel. He sees God's grace gifting him and placing him where he is, and that his job then is to work with God and not for God.

Isn't that our goal as Christians? Don't we need to work with God to fulfill His purpose for us as individuals and collectively as a church? We have nothing to offer this year except what He has given to us by His grace alone. In fact, our limitations become platforms for God to do something that has no explanation apart from Him.

His purpose and calling is an incredible gift ... whether easy or hard. I believe when we see His calling as a gift, He equips us and shapes us to fulfill it in ways that exceed our greatest dreams.

Resolution for 2010 and Time Compression

There is nothing I can think of that I would rather do on New Year's Eve than listen to a great sermon by one of my favorite preachers, Tom Harmon. Thanks to the Camp scheduling our first annual Resolution retreat, this was made possible.

Tom is a great example of someone who speaks fully out of the power of a life's message. He challenged a packed tabernacle to only select one goal for 2010. But he was explicit about making it a goal that, when achieved, will have multiplying effect. It will change numerous other areas of your life. I call that the great "time compressing" goal.

So what is it for you?

What one thing can you do this next year that would have the greatest positive impact on many other areas of your life?

It may be learning to genuinely love Jesus.
It may be learning to receive love from Jesus.
It may be memorizing Scripture, even one verse per week.
It may be reading the Bible from cover to cover.
It may be learning to listen.
It may be obeying in just one debilitating area.
It may be getting victory over one addiction.
It may be faithfully exercising your body.

For me, it is simply using my evenings in ways that are more disciplined and fruitful. I tend to get lazy at night ... going beyond just needed relaxation to sorely wasting time. I can do without Beck, Hannity, O'Reilly, and Greta ... especially all in one night. That can often be my triviality.

Instead, I want to do one thing each evening that will outlive me and last for eternity. And it could be that one thing I do that will impact all of my other aspirations.

This year, 2010, could be a watershed year—a year when we see God work in us and through us in ways we never dreamed possible. I am glad to be pursuing Him together.

Thank You to Our Ministry Partners

2010-01-02T10:15:39Z

Dear Ministry Partners,

Many of you prayed and participated in our annual year-end giving campaign to help Life Action continue its ministry for another year. The year-end match of $150,000 was met and we thank the Lord for His gracious provision through you. We are genuinely enthused about the opportunities before us in 2010. This summer we begin our 40th year of calling God’s people back to the Lord in repentance and revival. How blessed and grateful we are for His grace as we venture into this special season of ministry. On behalf of all the staff here at Life Action, thank you for being a generous partner as we ignite movements of authentic Christianity together. We pray God’s richest blessings on you and your family this new year.

Grateful for you!

Byron Paulus
Executive Director
Life Action Ministries

January 2010

2010-01-01T00:00:00Z

"Whether we like it or not, asking is the rule of the Kingdom. If you may have everything by asking in His Name, and nothing without asking, I beg you to see how absolutely vital prayer is."
- C. H. Spurgeon

1 As we launch into 2010, please make it your goal to persevere in faith and earnest prayer for heaven-sent revival and spiritual awakening in our nation and world this year. As the darkness deepens, Christ's light can shine even more brilliantly!

2 With many making New Year's resolutions, pray that God would direct your mind and theirs to His priorities and kingdom purposes more than ever before. May we all be sensitive and obedient to His Spirit's voice.

3 Pray for our nation's pastors today. Ask God to convict them of any known or secret sins. Pray that they would be broken—humble, transparent, obedient men of God before their congregations and families so God can bless with His presence and power.

4 As our staff returns to work from the holidays, pray that God will give them fresh focus, fervency, and faithfulness in whatever tasks He has called them to. Without Him, truly we can do nothing (John 15:5).

5 During these perilous times for our country's freedoms, pray that Christians would courageously stand and fight for righteousness and truth, not giving in to the fear of man.

6 Praise God that Christ came to save not only the Jews but also the Gentiles. What an undeserved and marvelous honor to be a part of His eternal family!

7 As our road teams return to ministry from their Christmas breaks, pray that they will clothe themselves with Christ's humility as they minister to thousands in churches across our country this winter and spring.

8 Byron Paulus, Life Action's executive director, leaves today to get away to seek the Lord's wisdom and direction and to visit close ministry friends and partners. Please pray that God will guide his steps and refresh him as he spends time with others and with Jesus.

9 Jeff Garr has served in various roles with Life Action for 14 years, and he currently serves as The Lodge's assistant director. Pray that God will richly bless him and his wife, Cheryl, as they strive to be servant leaders to those they come in contact with. Please also pray that God will greatly use The Lodge this year to help leaders rest and renew their passion for Spirit-empowered ministry.

10 Today there are three pre-summits taking place: JR Rohrman at Pathway Baptist Church in Calvert, Kentucky; Mike Lee at Central Baptist Church in Magnolia, Arkansas; and Lane Gordon at First Baptist Church in Sylvester, Georgia. Pray that God will encourage these churches with the hope of revival and give them a desperate longing for Jesus.

11 The Blue Team, with Steve Canfield and Jeremiah Canfield, began a 15-day summit yesterday at Heritage Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia. Pray that God's Spirit will move powerfully and renew these people for His honor and glory.

12 Today the Revival Conference Team begins their third day of a 4-day THIRST conference at Wayside Baptist Church in Miami, Florida. Pray that God will ignite the congregation to believe Him for amazing things in their midst as they consecrate themselves to Him (Joshua 3:5).

13 About 30 of our home-based staff usually meet on Wednesday mornings before the workday begins for leadership training. Please ask the Lord to guide and speak through those leading the sessions.

14 Ask the Lord to begin giving women a hunger and thirst to know Him more, a longing for the beauty and wonder of true womanhood, and a desire to join a counter-cultural movement of reformation and revival among Christian women.

15 As this new year begins, please pray that our country's leaders will humble themselves before the Lord and seek Him for the many important decisions they have to make.

16 Intercede today for America's young people, from children to teenagers to college students. Ask God to grip their hearts with the reality of eternity, the brevity of life, and a longing for Jesus to redeem them from sin.

17 As the Revival Conference Team begins a 4-day THIRST conference today at Living Word Church in New Port Richey, Florida, pray that God's hand will be on the team as they speak, sing, and minister to His people during this time.

18 While our country honors Martin Luther King, Jr., today for leading the civil rights movement, pray that God will raise up men and women of strong, godly character who will lead our country in justice and peace for the glory of God.

19 Pray that the Lord would continue giving wisdom and guidance to Life Action's division directors as they coordinate their departments' operations.

20 Today the Red Team finishes an 11-day summit at Indiana Avenue Baptist Church in La Follette, Tennessee. Pray that the Lord's work in the people's hearts would be long-lasting and that they will faithfully apply and share the revival truths learned.

21 Pray for True Woman's marketing and promotions team as they strive to contact many churches within driving distance of the various conference locations. They would love to see these churches bring large groups to the conferences.

22 The Collegiate Impact team will be speaking and ministering at the Virginia Military Academy's Sacred Assembly tomorrow through Monday. Pray that God will anoint Dave Warn and Sunu Thomas with His words, and pray that the Holy Spirit will convict and bring a godly sorrow leading to repentance among many of this prestigious academy's cadets.

23 Today is Life Action Camp's first Father/Daughter Day, which includes an afternoon session and activities in addition to their traditional banquet. Pray that God will use this time to draw the hearts of fathers and daughters closer to each other and to their heavenly Father.

24 John Myers is speaking today during pre-summit meetings at Hampton Road Baptist Church in Desoto, Texas. Pray that God will begin reviving the hearts of His people there.

25 For over 25 years, Sandra Hawkins has faithfully served as Byron Paulus's executive secretary. Please ask the Lord to refresh and encourage her as she seeks to glorify Him.

26 The Red Team began a summit on Sunday at Hernando Baptist Church in Hernando, Mississippi. As they continue through February 3, pray that God will strongly use Laine Johnson and Wilson Green to lead this congregation in seeking Him.

27 As the Revival Conference Team concludes a THIRST conference today at Spring Hill Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Florida, pray that the people will not leave unchanged.

28 Pray for the Revive Our Hearts staff as they oversee all the administrative planning and preparation for the three True Woman '10 conferences, while also carrying other significant responsibilities.

29 Wesley and Gina Bullard are a sweet couple who have served with Life Action for almost 9 years. Pray that God would give them abundant grace, strength, and wisdom in rearing their five young children.

30 Please intercede for the True Woman conference speakers as they study and prepare messages, that the Lord will anoint each one.

31 Today the Blue Team begins a 15-day summit at Longview Heights Baptist Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi. Pray that God will give them strength, humility, and joy as they speak His truth into the lives of His people.

Download pdf of the January prayer calendar.

Invest in Spiritual Revival Today

2009-12-30T12:31:39Z

We are entering these final hours of 2009 with a great sense of anticipation, as well as some of the most significant financial needs we have known in our nearly four decades of ministry. The gap between our ministry outreach budget and our available funding is nearly $500,000, as of yesterday's donations. We have no reserve to turn to.

That is a great place to be as we turn to the Lord, once again, in total dependence on Him! Isn't that the way it is with revival in our nation? Apart from God, there is no hope. But with God, hope abounds!

Based on conservative projections, we anticipate 2010 to be a record-setting year in terms of outreach opportunities:

More people will attend our summits and conferences than in any previous year.
We expect to break this year's record attendance at our family camps.
We look forward to the most ever pastors and leaders attending retreats at our Lodge.
We anticipate more Revive Our Hearts conference registrants and radio listeners than ever.
Users of our message content by way of Internet will likely double.

These primary areas of ministry by which we will be proclaiming the message of revival will only be as impacting as God chooses to empower them with His presence. So before we turn the calendar to a new decade, would you stop and pray for God's Holy Spirit to accompany everything we do this next year? We need His power!!

And if the Lord has blessed you financially, would you prayerfully consider investing in spiritual revival by giving to Life Action this week? I believe bridging the gap between Life Action's available resources and its expanding ministry opportunities will help close the gaping hole in the spiritual, moral, and economic fabric of our culture. If not revival, then what else will?

Thank you for standing with us in prayer and giving. God continues to splash us with amazing reminders of His grace through changed lives. May His spiritual riches be yours in abundance this coming year.

Del's Legacy

2009-12-02T15:23:28Z

Recently, Sue and I prayed together at the gravesite of LAM's founder. We took time to thank the Lord for the spiritual heritage of Del Jr., and then we prayed for the Lord to multiply the vision and mission of the ministry he birthed under God's leadership.

Not to be overly mystical, but the sun was shining brightly on the words inscribed on the gravestone. It was as if a spotlight from heaven did not want us to miss a single word of his legacy:

He knew God
He loved God
He walked with God
He believed God
He lived and died for the Glory of God
2 Chronicles 16:9

Del's legacy is broad in scope. It extends to every outreach and every heart that has been touched since 1971.

A couple of weeks ago at The Lodge, a pastor's wife shared how she came to Christ in 1976 in Buffalo, New York, when Del was leading a summit. How often could that story be told?

For those of us who came to Christ through his ministry, it can never be told enough. Even yesterday, in St. Cloud, Florida, numerous others came to Christ. They are now extending the legacy to others. It never stops.

Quips and Quotes

I have thought much about how I want this 20th anniversary occasion to impact my life. There were numerous "quips and quotes" of Del's that percolated in my heart and, to this day, serve as philosophical underpinnings of our DNA. Some of my favorite are as follows:

If knowledge is not accompanied with brokenness and obedience and the power of His Spirit, then it destroys more than it builds and helps.

We're looking for better methods, and God's looking for better men, and once He gets them, He may touch down.

If revival depended on me—my prayers, my faith, my obedience—would America ever experience revival?

As long as God is on His throne, revival is as possible as the sun rising tomorrow morning.

The only thing that is going to stop the onslaught of God's judgment in America is a genuine revival in the Church.

It is the simple step of obedience in the things your flesh doesn't want to do that smashes pride, opens the door for grace, brings cleansing, and fills with the Spirit.

Every little compromise that you are justifying in your life today will end up being your destruction tomorrow.

The moment you start neglecting Jesus, everything else in your life will fall apart.

A Final Charge

Perhaps Del's most fervent plea to those of us who remained behind came at a banquet in South Bend in 1989 where many local friends and supporters gathered. We have put together a nice media version of that moving charge. Here are some excerpts that inspire me to pick up the torch:

Our desperate cry [as a ministry], for the last 18 years, is that God will spark that divine flame that will sweep across this nation like a prairie fire, consuming everything in its way, until God's glory is once again lifted up and this nation becomes a nation under God.

It's possible that, though we are already experiencing God's judgment, and greater judgment could come, God wants to avert judgment, and He's simply looking for one person who will pay the price in prayer and in faith and in commitment, whatever it takes to get a hold of God and not let loose.

God is looking and calling for a man or a woman who will be that intercessor, that agonizer in prayer, that exerciser in faith to believe God for the revival we need in America. Would you say, "Lord, use me; I will pray, Lord; I will believe You; I will lay hold of You and not stop until You have poured out Your Spirit, revived Your Church, awakened this nation, and turned it back to God"?

A Final Prayer . . . for Revival

Within a couple of days of Del's home-going, with a burst of remarkable energy and surprising clarity, Del sat up and issued his final prayer. Since our prayers outlast us, I have every reason to believe this prayer is still echoing, not just in our hearts as those who are carrying on the message of revival, but in the heart of God:

"Lord God, send Your glory back to Your church. Send Your fire, God; turn the hearts of Your people back to You, that they may know that You alone are God."

I wonder what my final audible prayer will be? What is in my heart so abundantly, that out of it my mouth will speak? When I only have enough energy to cry out one final burden on my heart, what will it be? Will it be self-centered? Or is the passion for God's glory burning deeply enough in my heart that when I have only one prayer left, it will be for His fame to be on display in the world?

Our answers to those questions may well determine whether America experiences another great move of His Spirit in revival.

December 2009

2009-12-01T00:00:00Z

"O holy Child of Bethlehem,
Descend to us, we pray.
Cast out our sin and enter in;
Be born in us today."
- Phillips Brooks, 1867

1 With the year quickly drawing to a close, please pray that the Lord will prompt hearts to give financially toward our year-end ministry needs for spreading the cause of revival and spiritual awakening.

2 The road teams are on Christmas break this month. Ask God to give them an enjoyable, restful time with their families and friends, and to prepare their hearts for the coming months of ministry.

3 The Road Team leadership are meeting this month to encourage each other, review the previous months' ministries, and seek the Lord for the spring travel season. Pray for joy, unity, wisdom, and guidance.

4 Revive Our Hearts earnestly desires to see God's Spirit move worldwide, transforming women's minds and hearts, enabling them to discern cultural lies and live out God's truth so they can confront and change our culture. Pray that the three True Woman '10 conferences will be a great means toward this end.

5 The Revival Conference Team returns today from their mission trip to El Salvador. Pray that their ministry there will bear much fruit and that the team will have a safe journey home.

6 Jim and Linda Bever have faithfully and diligently served with Life Action for seven years. Praise the Lord for their excellent work and hospitable spirits, and ask Him to richly bless them with continued health and strength for the days ahead.

7 Please pray that God will awaken His people this Christmas season to the amazing wonder of His love and forgiveness, empowering them to actively share it with others.

8 Collegiate Impact has just completed the first semester of their Jericho Partnership with Montana State University. Please continue to pray for God's reviving presence as they minister at MSU throughout the spring semester.

9 Ken and Jane Oswald have served at The Lodge for the last five years, ministering to pastors and their wives through their superb cooking. Pray that God will continue to give them good health and strength, and pray specifically that God will heal Ken's knee, which has given him continual problems.

10 Please pray that as Nancy Leigh DeMoss continually sows God's Word into her mind and heart, specific messages for the True Woman '10 conferences will take shape through the faithful work of God's Spirit.

11 Fervently pray for the Lord to begin working in the hearts and lives of the women planning to attend True Woman '10. Pray that the seeds planted will bear fruit that will change lives and nations for God's glory until Christ returns.

12 The Heart-Cry for Revival conference ended a month ago. Pray that the Christian leaders who attended are now actively and effectively sharing and applying revival truths with others who will share and apply them as well.

13 Byron Paulus is speaking today at Longview Heights Baptist Church in Olive Branch, Mississippi, in pre-summit meetings. Pray that the Lord will mightily prepare and ignite the people's hearts for revival.

14 Ted Kadow, a member of our Staff Services Department, and his wife, Sandy, plan to retire soon. They would covet your prayers for their home to sell quickly, in God's perfect timing.

15 Today is Life Action's annual staff Christmas dinner. Please pray that it would be an encouraging time of coming together as a community to celebrate and worship Jesus.

16 Please lift up the financial needs of many of our staff families, asking God to enable and quicken the hearts of those He would have give to help meet those needs.

17 Sandy Bixel is the ever cheerful and hardworking Executive Assistant to Nancy Leigh DeMoss. She requests prayer that she would daily desire, above all else, time in God's Word.

18 Intercede for the women attending the True Woman '10 conferences in Chattanooga, Indianapolis, and Ft. Worth next year. Ask God to reveal to them the work He wants to accomplish in their hearts. Pray that they will not make excuses or ignore His promptings, and that they will determine to listen and obey Him no matter the cost.

19 Pray for the poor, hurting, and lonely in your community today. Ask God how you might share His love with them this Christmas. It could be anything from a phone call or note to a meal or gift.

20 "O come, O come, Emmanuel" and be "God with us" not in name only but also in our daily lives. May God ransom His church from this world and ransom Israel, the apple of His eye, from all false messiahs.

21 Lauren Davis, who works in our Graphic Design Department, has served with Life Action for five years. Please pray that God will grant her strength and wisdom in her daily life and peace and joy in her relationship with Him.

22 Ask God to give our Pastoral Services Department insight into our staff's needs and concerns, and wisdom as they counsel and teach.

23 This past year, our quarterly magazine Revive was well received, impacting many. Pray that God will give the publishing and design staff insight and wisdom for future issues.

24 On this holy Christmas Eve, pray that God will give His people around the world tender hearts that will savor His redeeming grace and truly allow Him to be Lord over their lives.

25 "Joy to the world, the Lord is come!" Rejoice and praise God that Jesus not only came and removed sin's curse but that He now reigns with truth and grace. May we, His redeemed, joyfully resound this most glorious news to all who have not yet heard.

26 Pray for your unsaved family and friends today. Ask God to graciously and mightily work in their lives so that they become desperate for Him and His gift of salvation.

27 During this last critical week of the year, pray that God would direct those He would have give to Revive Our Hearts' and Life Action's year-end financial needs.

28 Please thank God with us for the changed lives in this past fall's revival summits, THIRST conferences, pastors' retreats, family camps, radio programs, and more.

29 Sunu Thomas, a member of Collegiate Impact, will be in Portland, Oregon, today through January 1 to minister at Campus Crusade's annual year-end regional conference. Pray for the Spirit to work through him to reach these campus leaders in the Northwest.

30 Tonight, Life Action Camp will begin its first Resolution retreat, held New Year's weekend. Pray for the families as they travel, and pray for Tom Harmon as he challenges them with "strapping on" God's priorities in the New Year.

31 As 2009 ends, thank God for His unfailing faithfulness. Ask that we will be more faithful than ever to be still, behold, and adore Christ our Lord in 2010. Only as we steadfastly look to Christ can we be changed into His likeness and positively impact our world for eternity.

Download pdf of the December prayer calendar.

Ignite Newsletter, October 2009

2009-11-04T09:31:40Z

(Read Update)

November 2009

2009-11-01T00:00:00Z

Now thank we all our God with heart and hands and voices;
Who wondrous things hath done, in whom his world rejoices;
Who, from our mother's arms, hath led us on our way with countless gifts of love, and still is ours today.
- German pastor Martin Rinkart, 1636, during the Thirty Years' War

1 Today, the Blue Team concludes their summit at Heritage Baptist Church in Johnson City, Tennessee. Pray that the people will faithfully live out the truths learned, creating a far-reaching impact in their community and beyond.

2 The Red Team just began a 15-day summit at Fellowship Baptist Church in Portland, Indiana. Pray that the team and congregation will humbly seek the Lord, responding quickly to His Spirit's leading.

3 Cover the Revival Conference Team in prayer as they minister at Church at the Cross in Grapevine, Texas, through Sunday. Pray that God will give them strength and joy as they speak His truth into the lives of His people.

4 Today, cry out for our nation's leaders, from our city officials to the president. Pray that God will open their eyes to the light and beauty of His Word and give them hearts that are submissive to His will and ways.

5 Nancy DeMoss will record her first radio program today since the Revive Our Hearts studio relocated from FamilyLife Today in Arkansas to Life Action's headquarters in Michigan. Pray for a smooth transition, and ask God to give her peace, accuracy, and clarity as she speaks.

6 A couples' weekend retreat begins today at Life Action Camp. Pray for the leaders to speak the truth in love, and for the attendees to receive the truth in humility and obedience.

7 Hugh Duncan from FamilyLife Today is Revive Our Hearts radio's writer and producer. When the studio recently relocated to Michigan, Hugh and Renae and their two young daughters also moved to this area. Pray that they will adjust well and find strong friendships within our ministry family and community.

8 The four-day Heart-Cry for Revival Conference, which Life Action co-sponsors, takes place tomorrow through Thursday at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina. Please pray that those gathering today for a pre-conference prayer session will be encouraged and strengthened in their faith.

9 Byron Paulus speaks at the Heart-Cry Conference today. Pray that the Lord will speak through him, leading others to urgently seek God for revival so that our nation may once again see God's glory.

10 In years past, God has used the Heart-Cry Conference to spark revival in hearts, churches, and entire communities. Pray for God to give those attending a fresh vision and passion for the Giver of revival.

11 The Heart-Cry Conference is designed, in part, to equip Christian leaders to effectively communicate revival truths to others. Pray for each attendee to know how to apply revival truths in their ministry context and to believe God for a heaven-sent revival across our land.

12 Revive Our Hearts begins a Times of Refreshing retreat for women's ministry directors today at The Lodge. Please ask God to give these influential women renewed passion for Him and greater vision for those they lead.

13 As Collegiate Impact finishes participating in a Spiritual Emphasis Week at Montana State University today, pray that transformed students will be used to ignite authentic movements of revival on their campus for God's glory.

14 Please intercede for our nation's precious 7-12-year-old girls. Pray especially for those attending Revive Our Hearts' second Pure in Heart conference today at Compass Christian Church in Colleyville, Texas. Pray that everyone attending will become passionate for moral purity and for living in their real identity in Christ.

15 Today, Byron Paulus is conducting pre-summit meetings at Heritage Baptist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia, while JR Rohrman is at Indiana Avenue Baptist Church in La Follette, Tennessee. Please pray that God will use these men to prepare these congregations for future summits.

16 The Lodge is hosting a Pastors' Retreat today through Friday. Pray that God's Spirit will anoint the facilitators to deeply minister to the couples attending.

17 The Revival Conference Team finishes a THIRST conference at Sale Street Baptist Church in Lake Charles, Louisiana, tomorrow night. Pray that God's Spirit will develop within the congregation an intense hunger and thirst for righteousness.

18 Several of our camp staff have significant financial needs. Please pray that God will raise up new ministry partners to help provide for these families, so they can continue ministering to other families here in Michigan.

19 The Collegiate Impact staff is continuing to develop their Community Alive discipleship series. Pray that this material, designed to challenge campus students and leaders to practically experience God's reviving presence, will be anointed by the Lord and yield much fruit.

20 The Revival Conference Team hosts a three-day family weekend event at First Baptist Church in Sulphur, Louisiana, today through Sunday. Pray that the families attending will grow in love and unity.

21 Intercede today for the Blue Team as they conclude a summit at Cornerstone Church in St. Cloud, Florida. Pray that brokenness and openness will prevail so that God's Spirit may do mighty things there for His glory.

22 "What other nation is so great as to have their gods near them the way the Lord our God is near us whenever we pray to him?" (Deut. 4:7). As we enter this Thanksgiving week, thank God that He is near, and pray that many others will call on Him so His presence may fill our land.

23 "And what other nation is so great as to have such righteous decrees and laws?" (Deut. 4:8). Thank the Lord that His commandments are good, and pray that America will return to our spiritual heritage by seeking God's righteousness.

24 "There is no god besides me. I put to death and I bring to life, I have wounded and I will heal, and no one can deliver out of my hand" (Deut. 32:39). Praise the Lord that He alone is God, sovereign ruler of heaven and earth.

25 Thank the Lord with us for John and Mary Myers and their 38 years of faithful service with Life Action. They have greatly blessed us and our ministry partners. Please pray especially for John's health, as he has faced several difficulties this past year.

26 Thank the Lord for everything, whether it seems good or bad, because "everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving" (1 Tim. 4:4).

27 Pray that God's people will develop grateful, contented hearts, so that we may become "blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation" (Phil. 2:15).

28 As many begin focusing on the busyness of the Christmas season, pray that they will remember the real meaning of the season. Pray that God's children will take advantage of the extra opportunities to share Jesus with others.

29 The Revival Conference Team leaves for El Salvador today on their second annual missions trip. Pray that God will protect and greatly use them as they minister to local church members and orphans as well as drill fresh water wells.

30 In September, Stan and Olive Jackson, an elderly couple who lovingly served Life Action in Michigan the last few years, moved back to California for health reasons and to be closer to their family. Pray that God will encourage and bless them and sell their house in Michigan soon.

Download pdf of the November prayer calendar.

Watch a Summit Live Online

2009-10-21T09:10:58Z

Join us online November 15-22, 2009, for a live Life Action revival summit, from the Orlando, FL, area. Together, we'll hear biblical principles that will awaken and revive our hearts. You'll be able to watch the live video feed, participate in live blogs, download the resources, and more. Sign up, and we'll email you reminders when the live feed is taking place. We hope you'll choose to join the pursuit and take the next step in awakening your heart.

Watch the video promo.

Seven Characteristics of an Authentic Move of God (part 1)

2009-10-05T11:39:17Z

Recently, I have been diving deeply into the early chapters of Acts. I feel I have been plunged into the journey, not by some external force or by mere internal discipline, but by a sense of desperation I feel in my heart ... desperation both for the nation in which we live and for the church that holds the key to God’s deliverance.

Authentic moves of God originate in hearts that are desperate for God and His glory. That was true of the early disciples as they gathered in a secluded room.

Surely they contemplated the dramatic absence of Jesus’ physical presence. They had heard the promise that a great season of effective ministry was ahead, but increased resistance by religious leaders and government officials must have created a spirit of doubt and despair.

In that context, Pentecost burst forth with a most glorious display of God’s power ... power that not only birthed the church but established and propelled it into the most fruitful season of dramatic transformation ever witnessed.

Echoes of that visitation have occurred throughout the centuries since that extraordinary launch. The characteristics of the explosion are many, but seven of them seem vital for us, in the midst of the doubt and despair of our day. I want to share those in a series of blogs, beginning with this one, because understanding characteristics of an authentic move of God turns doubt into hope.

1. Movements begin . . . by not moving.

“All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers” (Acts 1:12-14).

We live in an amazing time of church activity. The proliferation of programmatic options can easily paralyze the average pastor who wonders what God’s plan is for an accelerated work of God.

Daunting challenges exist even in the best of economic times, but those same challenges can be demoralizing or even debilitating when the resources are scarce or absent. Programs cost money ... except for the program modeled by those gathered in the upper room preceding the model move of God!

Our own ministry is in the final stages of completing a ministry-wide directional plan; each major outreach division has developed an integrated strategic plan for the purpose of igniting a movement of authentic Christianity. While knowing that such a movement is totally dependent on God, and knowing that we are to be stewards of information and gifts graced to us by Him, we feel it is important to seek the Lord and ask Him to lead us forward with intentionality and specificity on our part.

However, our tendency, especially staff like me who are driven to get things done, is to see how quickly we can implement an appropriate plan. Let’s get out of the gate quickly. Let’s get going! Let’s see if it will ignite something really viral!! This was not God’s way in the early church.

The group in the upper room ... some must have wondered how could they “just pray.” I am full of curiosity as I contemplate what the environment and subsequent conversations must have been like between the time of Christ's ascension and the Holy Spirit's divine visitation.

Every angle to counter the ferocious opposition and to multiply the story of Christ and His glorious redemptive plan must have been deliberated. Tactical plans on how to innovatively market and then sufficiently fund the strategy were surely a central component of the agenda.

Yet, instead of a rush to get things done, there was a hush to get done the one thing that could spawn more than what human effort could ever attain. The one thing that created an unprecedented movement ... was “not moving.”

Three quotes have stirred my heart recently regarding the value of praying before moving ... if we want to see a widespread movement:

“When the Church sets itself to pray with the same seriousness and strength of purpose that it has devoted to other forms of Christian effort, it will see the Kingdom of God come with power.” – The Edinburgh Missionary Conference

“When the prayer life of the people of God comes to be the dominant feature of Christian experience, the power of God will sweep the earth with the victories of grace.” – Howard Agnew Johnston

“The power of prayer has never been tried to its full capacity in any church.” – James Hudson Taylor

Rev. Bill McLeod, in whose church the Canadian Revival of the early ’70s was birthed, told me that he began a mid-week prayer meeting in his church. He informed his people of his belief that when more people attended prayer meeting than Sunday morning worship, then God would send revival to their church.

Sure enough, that day came. Shortly thereafter, the Lord broke loose throughout their congregation, community, and ultimately, the nation. It was genuine. It was Spirit-empowered and Spirit-led. And it accelerated and multiplied as much as any revival in Canada in the past century.

My friend Rev. McLeod believed and lived as if true movements are birthed by not moving. Authentic movements mirror the original. That is why Rev. McLeod and theologians today can define revivals as merely echoes of Pentecost.

Recently, I have reflected on several college campus revival movements in my lifetime. Whether at Asbury, Wheaton, Liberty, or more recently at Taylor, they all began with students who decided that quiet moments in prayer are where true movements begin.

I just returned from a church that is located in the middle of the mega-church world. This pastor’s congregants know that the area churches have the latest and the best of techniques, humanly speaking.

But this pastor has chosen to set aside extended time doing the opposite ... just seeking the Lord as a congregation, with much faith and vision, expecting God to move through the hard but effectual work of praying and fasting.

He is expecting great things. So am I.

My next blog is entitled, “Movements are experienced before they are exported.”

October 2009

2009-10-01T00:00:00Z

“Intercession is mentioned over 80 times in Scripture. Intercession is pouring out your heart for another . . . taking on the burden of those going through the trial.” – John Bornschein, Director, National Day of Prayer Task Force

1 Steve Canfield, Jeremiah Canfield, and the Blue Team are 5 days into their 15-day summit at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Boone, North Carolina. Pray that God’s Spirit would be pleased to empower every aspect of this time.

2 The Life Action Camp hosts an Ignite retreat for junior-high young people this weekend. Pray that God will open their eyes to His power and that they will respond in love and obedience.

3 A Partner Appreciation Weekend is taking place at The Lodge. Pray that the couples attending will be refreshed physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

4 Ryan Loveing, Ben Slenk, and the Revival Conference Team begin a THIRST conference at Indian Springs Baptist Church in Laurel, Mississippi, continuing through Wednesday. Pray that all involved will develop a deeper thirst for God, His Word, and His purity.

5 Yesterday Laine Johnson, Wilson Green, and the Red Team began an 11-day summit at Ira Baptist Church in Rutland, Vermont. Pray for Spirit-led insight for the church and team leaders as they challenge the congregation to greater passion for Christ.

6 Dave Warn, director of Collegiate Impact, has the opportunity to address the student body of Bethel College in Mishawaka, Indiana. Pray for God to use Dave powerfully to move the cause of revival forward on this campus.

7 Praise God for the successful launch of Collegiate Impact’s Jericho Partnership last month at Montana State University. Continue to pray as this partnership with MSU’s ministries continues throughout the academic year.

8 Revive Our Hearts hosts a retreat for Women’s Ministry Directors at The Lodge today through Saturday. Pray for Sarah, Carrie, Andrea, and Sarah as they lead the women in times of deep reflection and fervent worship, and for Kim as she provides music.

9 Lift up in prayer our Staff Services Department. Mike Harris, Ted Kadow, Steve Shunkwiler, Vicci Puckett, Louise Thompson, and Alicia Sauers serve our staff in many areas, from the time each applies to join us throughout their season of ministry with us.

10 Steve Hammack speaks at Fall Family camp this week. Thank you for praying for him and Donna as they minister to the families.

11 The Revival Conference Team ministers at First Baptist Church in Pearland, Texas, today through Wednesday. Pray that God would be pleased to accomplish a deep and lasting work there.

12 The Lodge hosts a group of pastors and their wives this week. Pray that this retreat will give them the opportunity to rest, refresh, and renew their relationship with Christ and each other.

13 Scott Salzman leads the IT Department at our National Ministry Center, overseeing the smooth operation of all computers at our home base, The Lodge, Camp, and three teams. Pray for Scott and Andrea and their two sons (and baby on the way).

14 Cindy Wood is a tremendous asset to our Accounting Department, helping us keep current with procedures in today’s business community. Pray today that God will continue to give her daily insight, grace, and the power of His Spirit.

15 Intercede today for God’s powerful hand to rest on Life Action’s Board of Directors: Dr. David Cooke, Dr. Bill Elliff, Dr. Chuck Halford, Richard Magnussen, Byron Paulus, Dr. Walter Price, Paul Redmon, John Shelford, and Ron Whiteford.

16 Revive Our Hearts hosts a women’s conference today and tomorrow at Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield, Virginia. Intercede for Nancy and her team as they seek to teach all that God would have for these women at this time.

17 Adam Toledo serves faithfully at our camp, helping to plan, prepare, and serve delicious meals to our family camp guests and other groups. Cover Adam, Karen, and their three children in prayer today.

18 The Revival Conference Team ministers for the next week at Waller Baptist Church in Waller, Texas. Cover the team and leadership in prayer, as they desire to be used of God to influence many to walk in obedience to Him.

19 Intercede for the Blue Team as they continue their summit through November 1 at Heritage Baptist Church in Johnson City, Tennessee. Ask God to do a work of grace clearly from His Spirit, having far-reaching effects for the kingdom of Christ.

20 A Romantic Reflections retreat began yesterday at The Lodge and will conclude tomorrow. Pray for Ken and Jane Oswald as they serve these couples, and pray for those who will lead them in times of refreshing and renewing their love for each other.

21 A scholarship fund has been set up at Life Action in memory of Stephen Maines. The fund will specifically help young men who travel with our teams, serving behind the scenes as Stephen did. Pray for God to direct the wise use of these funds and to raise up young men who will benefit from them.

22 We ask you today to cover the 11 men on our Advisory Council with your prayers. Ask God to give them great wisdom and creativity as they counsel us.

23 Fathers and sons join at the Camp today through Sunday for a father/son retreat. Pray that God will work deeply during these times of fun, fellowship, and heart-searching to build godly legacies.

24 The Lodge is hosting some of our ministry friends for a Partner Appreciation Weekend. Pray that Byron and Sue Paulus will encourage and challenge the couples who attend.

25 Liz Lockwood, from Louisville, Kentucky, is developing her ministry partner base in order to join the Revive Our Hearts staff. Ask God to speed her on her way, supporting her with those who will join her team to pray and give financially.

26 Dan Jarvis is Managing Editor for Life Action’s Revive magazine. Pray for Dan and Melissa as they minister to young children and teens by being foster and adoptive parents.

27 Many in our nation are experiencing the downsizing or loss of their jobs. Pray that people will diligently seek God in these times and not turn to things that give only false security.

28 The Revive Our Hearts staff gathers at The Lodge tomorrow and Friday for a recording session. Pray that God’s hand would cover this time, accomplishing the desires of His Spirit.

29 Fathers and sons meet again this weekend for a retreat designed to build intimacy between their Lord and themselves, while also providing them with great adventures and great food. Pray that God’s Spirit would work powerfully and that hearts would be responsive.

30 The Revival Conference Team assists our leadership as they meet in Fort Worth, Texas, tomorrow for a one-day Vision Gathering designed to serve our ministry partners. Pray that the Lord will prepare His people to grow in their passion and desire to see the Holy Spirit send revival to individual hearts and our entire nation.

31 The Red Team begins an 11-day summit tomorrow at Fellowship Baptist Church in Portland, Indiana. Pray for a mighty work of God’s Spirit there.

Download pdf of the October prayer calendar.

One Changed Life

2009-09-23T10:39:48Z

The following testimonies are from a wife, her husband, and their three teenage daughters. They all share their side of the story of one changed life that will now change others.

"I am a mother of five children, and in my heart I was preparing to separate from my husband. As we came each night throughout the week, my hope in our reconciliation waned. I didn't think the Lord was getting through the high, thick walls my husband had built around his heart. I was losing hope that his anger would ever end. On the last day of our summit, I discovered I had been wrong. My husband poured out his heart of repentance to us. He was able to share with our children how God had used the family revivalist to help break down those walls, through his counsel to us. My three teenage daughters wept for joy! My littlest daughter got to witness the first kiss my husband had given me in over a year. My son had a time to talk to Dad, man to man. We now have hope in what has been a long and weary battle for our marriage. Praise God for using all of the preparation, service, and prayers of Life Action Ministries." (wife)

"You have been a godsend! My marriage and my family were falling apart. The "S" word (separation) and the "D" word (divorce) were being thrown around for the last 6 months or longer. I have five children that are all saved, and they don't deserve this at all. God has for the last 8 days been chipping away at my hardened heart, and He has succeeded to open my heart and eyes. Today, after the first service, I took my wife to an empty room and poured out my heart; and it didn't stop there. When we got home, we sat at the dining table and asked each child what the revival has done. Then I asked forgiveness for how I have treated their mother and them. They forgave me, and now the work begins, but I was looking forward to total restoration. Thank you very much, Life Action revivalists, for a real awakening. May God bless both of you and your entire team." (husband)

"Since I was five, my parents have always argued. These past few years I had given up hope that my dad would ever change. He was constantly staying away from my family, and I began to wonder if he even loved us anymore. Then this revival happened, and it has radically changed my family. My dad confessed to us some of the things he has been struggling with and asked for our forgiveness. This was incredible because he used to make excuses for his anger and for yelling at us. He explained to my family that God had just been chipping at his heart this week, convicting my dad and prompting him to change. Words cannot describe my joy right now, because I have been praying for him for many years. Knowing that my dad wants to have a relationship with me, the fact that he exposed his faults is a testimony that he does care about us. I saw my parents hug and kiss for the first time in over a year. He has revived my family." (teen)

"God used this revival to show me that I was really bitter toward my dad. He has not had a good relationship with my mom. They argued about everything. This last year it was getting worse as they never hugged or kissed. My dad slept on the couch. My dad was very angry, harboring bitterness from his childhood. During the Thursday sermons, God really convicted me. (I would always say I was okay. My relationship with God was not great, and I was not reading my Bible, although I hope to do that now.) The revivalist was talking about how we really need to forgive, and the youth leader had been talking about respecting your parents. And I was definitely not doing that, not obeying him, making sarcastic remarks, not respecting him. God showed me that I need to forgive him, and I did. What is also really awesome was that today, our family sat down at the table, and my dad told us he was really sorry and asked us to forgive him. It was neat because I already had. He even told us he is getting an accountability partner. I thank God that my dad finally, after 7 years, has decided to change." (teen)

"Before Life Action came to our church, I was bitter, angry and wasn't respecting my dad. I didn't want to because he was mean to my mom and my family. I didn't want to be around him, and I was mean back. He didn't listen when we tried to tell him he had an anger problem, but I kept praying for 14 years. Just tonight my family and I, along with my dad, had a heart-to-heart talk. He told me that he was sorry for how he had been and that he wanted to stop doing what he was doing and be with me and my family. I had waited and waited so long to hear those words. Thank you, thank you, and thank you for coming here. This week was awesome. I'm closer to God than I have ever been." (teen)

September 2009

2009-08-28T00:00:00Z

“There is a direct connection between the degree to which our minds are shaped by Scripture and the degree to which our prayers are answered.” – John Piper

1 Our three road teams begin their 39th year of traveling the United States with the message that the church needs to return to her first love, Jesus Christ. Pray for them as they preach, teach, sing, minister to children, and serve God’s people in numerous ways. May this be the year God sends a powerful, sweeping revival among His people and a spiritual awakening among the lost!

2 Our files are filled with first-hand accounts of how God has radically changed individual lives, families, and church communities this past year. Thank and glorify Him with us that He was gracious and used our summits, camp programs, publications, campus ministry outreaches, and retreats at The Lodge to bring about eternal results.

3 Revive Our Hearts celebrates their eighth anniversary as a radio ministry today! Thank God for His faithful direction and abundant provision to grow this outreach, which now broadcasts on at least 274 stations.

4 This month, Revive Our Hearts is moving its recording operations from Little Rock, Arkansas, to our National Ministry Center in Buchanan, Michigan. Keep praying that the move would go well and that all important details will be considered and covered.

5 Throughout the fall, Collegiate Impact will be serving campus ministers at Montana State University. Please pray that “streams of living water” will go out to the driest, darkest parts of this campus.

6 Today, Steve Canfield, Jeremiah Canfield, and the Blue Team open a two-week summit at Highland Baptist Church in Grove City, Ohio. Pray for a work of genuine revival and spiritual awakening in this community.

7 Life Action’s one-week and two-week summits first emphasize church members’ relationship with God and then their relationships with each other. Pray that God will keep the messengers’ words fresh, spoken with humility and love, and their lives powerful and genuine with all.

8 Pray that God will expand the influence of Revive Our Hearts’ radio program and ministries this year, using them to powerfully turn even more hearts to Christ and His kingdom.

9 Life Action Camp is hosting several retreats for private groups this month. Pray that exposure to the camp facilities and staff will open the door for continued ministry.

10 The Chuck Deinum family is very close to raising their entire support and being able to join us full-time at the camp. Also, Jeff and Jeannie Bryant plan to join the Road Team Services Department at our National Ministry Center when their home sells. Please ask God to speed these families on their way.

11 Pray for Collegiate Impact staff members Dave Warn and Sunu Thomas as they lead tonight’s opening Jericho Partnership meeting with campus ministry leaders and hundreds of Montana State University students.

12 Del Fehsenfeld serves as the pre-summit speaker at Cornerstone Church in St. Cloud, Florida, today. Pray that God would help him as he prepares the congregation for the team’s arrival in a few weeks.

13 Ryan Loveing, Ben Slenk, and the Revival Conference Team are ministering in a THIRST conference through Wednesday at First Baptist Church in Troy, Tennessee. Pray that God’s presence and power will be evident and will saturate this time.

14 Life Action will host its annual Vision Gathering October 30–31 for those interested in supporting our ministry. Pray that God will clearly direct as plans are made and carried out during the next several weeks.

15 The Heart-Cry for Revival conference, which is for Christian leaders burdened for revival, will take place November 9–12 at The Cove in Asheville, North Carolina. Begin praying that God will do a deep work that will spill over into many lives in many places.

16 Collegiate Impact staff members Dave Warn, Sunu Thomas, and Wesley Bullard are writing a discipleship series on personal and campus transformation. Please pray that God will mightily use these scriptural materials on campuses throughout our nation.

17 Sarah Stevenson, who leads Revive Our Hearts retreats for women’s ministry directors, will speak this Saturday at a retreat at Evangelical Free Church in Atlantic, Iowa. Pray that her words will be Scripture-centered, powerful, and eternally impacting for Christ’s kingdom.

18 Pray for Dave Warn and Sunu Thomas as they speak at Montana State’s Chi Alpha fall retreat. Pray for sensitive, obedient hearts and for God’s kingdom purposes for this campus to be fulfilled.

19 Two months ago today, God called Stephen Maines to His eternal home. Stephen grew up in Life Action as a staff child, and last year served as a semi-truck driver and Children’s Minister on the Revival Conference Team. He planned to travel this summit year also. As the result of a traffic collision, he is now in the presence of Jesus. Please pray for John and Sheila, his nine siblings, and his fellow team members, as they grieve yet rejoice.

20 Laine Johnson, Wilson Green, and the Red Team are ministering in a week-long summit at First Baptist Church in Duxbury, Massachusetts. Pray for hearts to submit to Christ’s lordship, and that individuals will reflect His glory to their community through humble, joyful, peace-filled lives.

21 A four-day THIRST conference is taking place through Wednesday at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Pray that the Holy Spirit will do a genuine, refreshing work that will open doors to greater future ministry.

22 Revive Our Hearts retreats for women’s ministry directors are being planned for October and November at The Lodge. Pray that God would direct every aspect so that we may wisely and effectively minister to these influential women leaders.

23 John Wreford has served with Life Action for the past 24 years. Cover him and Tammy and their teenage son in prayer today as they look forward to many more years of ministry.

24 Pray for the Collegiate Impact staff as they continue developing materials that focus on streams of living water, revival, and campus transformation. Pray that they will be anointed by the Holy Spirit.

25 As Byron Paulus leads pre-summit meetings this weekend at Church at the Cross in Grapevine, Texas, pray that the Lord will begin reviving the hearts of His people.

26 Cover the Revival Conference Team with your prayers as they open a four-day THIRST conference tomorrow at Fortified Hills Baptist Church in Dallas, Georgia.

27 Today, the Blue Team begins a two-week summit at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Boone, North Carolina. Pray for an outpouring of conviction, repentance, and grace during these days.

28 Tammy Zebell serves with Revive Our Hearts. Please pray for her and her husband, Bill, today, for God’s blessing and protection on their family, work, and ministry.

29 Revive Our Hearts sponsors a Pure in Heart conference for tween girls and their mothers and grandmothers. Pray for the planning of a November conference in Colleyville, Texas, that God’s clear direction would be given and fully followed.

30 Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield, Virginia, is the site of a Revive Our Hearts conference in two weeks. Ask God to minister through Nancy Leigh DeMoss and her team in a powerful way during these two days.

Download pdf of the September prayer calendar.

Ignite Newsletter, August 2009

2009-08-26T10:04:01Z

(Read Update)

Impacting Lives Through Integrative Ministries

2009-08-12T17:05:28Z

I was in Boone, NC, when I began drafting this update, having spoken five times in a church where we have never done a Summit, but the integrative ministries of LAM have had a significant impact. In just one day (Sunday), I heard stories from the impact of LAM through:

Revive Our Hearts broadcasts – a man who listens every morning at 5:30
Seeking Him – an entire church that went through the study
THIRST conference – two youth were called to vocational ministry as a result of attending
Heart-Cry for Revival Conference – a pastor whose burden for revival was deepened
Revive magazine (formerly Spirit of Revival) – a pastor has been receiving our magazine for 25 years and loves it!
America, You’re Too Young to Die! – a Christian leader asked when we are doing a new version
Summit in Ft. Worth – a church’s senior pastor who heard about the move of God in 1988
Summit in Savannah – a family who heard of LAM at their former church and is now applying to come on staff
Ministry Partner Development ministry – a couple on vacation who supports one of our staff
Lies Women Believe – a lady who just started using it with her college friends
Revive Our Hearts conference – four ladies who are planning on hearing Nancy next month
LAM – parents of alumnus shared the impact on their daughter and son-in-law
Pre-summit testimony – numerous individuals shared the impact of Jim and Connie Smith’s testimony of a reconciled marriage

In addition, on Sunday afternoon I listened to an audio clip of Jordan Clark (a team member two years ago) who was interviewed on Crown Financial Ministries' broadcast last week. I don’t know the size of the listening audience, but many thousands.

All this in one day! So if you ever wonder if a difference is being made by your faithful service, just remember ... the trail we are blazing is being traveled by others who are, in turn, blazing their own trail. It’s accelerating and multiplying.

God Moves During Our Ministry-Wide Revival Week

Many of you prayed and sought the Lord (and are still seeking) for God to work in our hearts last week during Revival Week and beyond. Del Fehsenfeld shared that both point and process are critical components of the spiritual growth journey.

During Revival Week (The Point):

At last count, at least six individuals prayed to receive Christ.
Numerous individuals asked to be baptized.
A new spirit of thankfulness is prominent.
I hear expressions of joy in the Lord (even laughing).
I am hearing stories of more expressions of love than previously.
Intimacy with Christ has become a goal for numerous individuals.
Financial giving by our staff has been abundant, with $29,000 given thus far toward expenses and the special project of refurbishing our camp auditorium.

Since Revival Week (The Process):

People are meeting for accountability and nurturing.
There’s a fresh priority of pursuing intimacy with Jesus during our quiet times.
Gratefulness notes are being written, e-mailed, and spoken.
Financial gifts are still coming in toward the “extreme makeover” of the camp auditorium.
An ongoing burden for the hurting is more evident.
Overflow to evangelism is happening.

Regarding evangelism, several Road Team members went to the mall last Saturday evening to share Christ. They served first by helping the janitors clean up the food court after the mall closed. This led to them sharing the gospel, and the hopeful conversion of two individuals who prayed to received Christ.

Annual Meetings Are Here!

Starting tonight, the Revive Our Hearts Advisory Board will begin their annual meeting. Please be praying for our guests who serve on this group, including:

Bob Lepine – FamilyLife Today
Greg Thornton – Moody Publishing
John Shelford – Finance Committee Chair for LAM’s Board of Directors

Also, pray for the Revive Our Hearts leadership team as they join us in seeking the Lord regarding important decisions as we move forward in this critical mission.

Then next week, the Board of Directors and Advisory Council of Life Action will be in town. Busy days, but always full of enormous blessing and deep gratitude for the leadership God has given to us.

NOTE: This Revival Link is an edited version of a weekly communiqué to the Life Action staff from President and Director Byron Paulus.

August 2009

2009-08-01T00:00:00Z

“Often during the meetings, great waves of prayer would sweep the congregation. So many were moved to prayer that I barely had time to give my addresses. Innumerable wrongs were righted during those days.” – Jonathan Goforth describing a revival in China, 1907

1 Tomorrow our entire staff begins meeting for our annual Revival Week. Pray that we will seek the Lord together, trusting Him to ignite a fresh passion in our hearts to live as authentic Christians.

2 Intercede for our staff Revival Week’s opening tonight, that hearts will be soft, open, and obedient to God’s voice.

3 Ask God to give wisdom to our speakers, worship leaders, and ministry leaders regarding direction and focus during this week’s revival messages.

4 During this Revival Week, pray that our staff and team members would quickly resolve any conflict or tension among themselves through the power of the cross, so that the Holy Spirit’s work will not be hindered.

5 As our staff’s children and teens meet separately this week, please pray for a great move of God’s Spirit in the lives of these precious young people.

6 Please cover our staff revivalists in prayer today: Steve Canfield, Laine Johnson, and Ryan Loveing. Intercede for them and their families as they prepare for the upcoming year of summits across the United States.

7 Please pray for our team worship leaders and family revivalists as they prepare for the new summit year, which begins next month: Ben Canfield, Jeremiah Canfield, Jimmy Finch, Wilson Green, Nate Kingsley, and Ben Slenk.

8 Many families spent a week this summer at a Life Action family camp. Ask God to continue working in their lives, keeping their hearts and homes close to Him and reminding them of the principles learned during their time here.

9 Byron Paulus ministers today at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Boone, North Carolina, preparing the church for a Life Action summit later this fall. Pray that God will use his words effectively and powerfully.

10 Collegiate Impact staff members Dave Warn, Sunu Thomas, and Wesley Bullard are writing a discipleship series that focuses on personal and campus transformation. Pray that God will mightily use these materials on campuses throughout our nation.

11 Singers, children’s ministers, technical staff, financial clerks, school teachers, vehicle drivers, and all other road team members are training right now at our camp. Pray that they will be effectively prepared for a year of fruitful ministry.

12 Pray for the Revive Our Hearts Advisory Board, meeting today through Saturday, as they pray and plan for current and future ministry. The meetings include Bob Lepine, Byron Paulus, John Shelford, Greg Thornton, and Nancy Leigh DeMoss.

13 Revive Our Hearts radio is relocating their recording process from Little Rock, Arkansas, to our National Ministry Center in Buchanan, Michigan. Please pray for the team as they prepare this new infrastructure.

14 Registration opened this month for three True Woman ’10 conferences. Pray that many women will plan now to attend so they can experience the life-changing messages on biblical womanhood.

15 We thank God for the new family-sized cabin recently finished at our camp. Pray that it will be used frequently and powerfully to encourage families in their walk with the Lord.

16 Pre-summit ministry is taking place today at Heritage Baptist Church in Johnson City, Tennessee, and Ira Baptist Church in West Rutland, Vermont. Ask God to prepare these congregations for a deep, far-reaching work of His Spirit in the days ahead.

17 Our iMedia team presents Life Action Ministries’ outreaches to individuals worldwide through our website and print. Pray that they will communicate accurately and that many will read and be moved by the revival principles and accounts of the Holy Spirit’s movement in our day.

18 Sandy Bixel serves with Revive Our Hearts as Executive Assistant to Nancy Leigh DeMoss. Pray that God will anoint her with His grace and power to meet the exciting opportunities and challenges she and her staff anticipate in the upcoming days.

19 Cover Life Action’s Board of Directors in prayer today: David Cooke, Bill Eliff, Chuck Halford, Richard Magnussen, Byron Paulus, Paul Redmon, John Shelford, Walter Price, and Ron Whiteford. How grateful we are for their willingness to serve and lead!

20 The Board of Directors will be meeting with Life Action’s leadership this week for our annual board meetings. Pray for wisdom as they seek to provide godly counsel and direction.

21 Collegiate Impact is serving campus ministers at Montana State University this month and throughout the fall. Pray that streams of living water will flow from these ministers to the driest, darkest parts of their campus.

22 This month is extremely busy for Dan Puckett as he prepares drivers and equipment for the summit year beginning in September. Please cover Dan and his wife, Vicci, with your prayers.

23 John Myers is the pre-summit speaker today at Waller Baptist Church in Waller, Texas. Pray for God’s hand to cover this time and prepare hearts for our team’s ministry there this fall.

24 When our summit teams start traveling soon, they will be driving various vans, people movers, semi-trucks, and a bus. Pray for their safety as well as for those driving near them this year.

25 Podcasts are a ministry provided through our websites (www.ReviveOurHearts.com and www.LifeAction.org). Pray that many will not only find and listen to them but also respond to God’s Word.

26 The Seeking Him study is designed for individuals and groups, leading them through the key scriptural principles our teams cover in church summits. Pray that God will continue to powerfully use this written tool to instruct hearts and minds in His ways.

27 JR Rohrman represents Life Action Ministries to those interested in helping us through prayer and finances. Pray for JR and Kathy and their four sons as they serve to bring the message of Christ’s kingdom to many.

28 This weekend, several Christian leaders from the National Revival Network will join two of Life Action’s leaders at The Lodge for a prayer and planning retreat.

29 True Woman ’10 conferences will take place in three locations: Chattanooga, Tennessee (March); Indianapolis, Indiana (September); and Ft. Worth, Texas (October). Please begin praying that God’s Spirit will be free to work mightily, even during these early days of preparation.

30 Revive Our Hearts is offering new help for moms and grandmothers and their “tween” daughters and granddaughters through the Pure in Heart conferences. Please pray for these strategic events scheduled in several cities across America, designed to plant seeds of purity in the next generation of young women.

31 More than 18 states—including Georgia, Vermont, Massachusetts, Alabama and Ohio—comprise the destinations of our Life Action teams this year. Pray with us that God would be pleased and free to send an outpouring of revival among His people and spiritual awakening among the lost, bringing glory and honor to His holy name.

Download pdf of the August prayer calendar.

There Is a Time to Grieve

2009-07-31T16:21:40Z

In Ecclesiastes 3:4 Solomon declared, "There is a time to weep . . . a time to mourn."

Grief is a love word. We cannot grieve if we do not or did not love. God grieves over people and their lifestyles because He loves them.

Grief is like being plunged into a pit. We fight for air; we plunge the depths until we find the bottom. When we find the bottom, we realize that God is there with His everlasting arms.

David the Psalmist found God was with him as he traversed through the valley of the shadow of death in Psalm 23.

When God was allowing Job to be tested, all of Job's children were killed. Job's response was profound grief. We read that "at this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship" (Job 1:20).

Grief rips, strips, and reduces us to a crumpled heap on the ground. From his posture on the ground, Job concluded, "May the name of the LORD be praised" (Job 1:21).

The New Testament exhorts us to let the hard times work on us for our good. James said, "The testing of your faith develops perseverance" (James 1:3). He continues in verse 4, "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature." Grief is a process that we must not cut short. Let it take us as deep as God wants to go with us.

Psalm 88 is a song of the Sons of Korah. Korah opposed Moses during the wilderness journey from Egypt to Canaan, and he was destroyed by God. The Sons of Korah grieved deeply for their loss. In verse 18, they exclaimed, "You have taken my companions and loved ones from me; the darkness is my closest friend."

Darkness is not something we generally seek out, but there, in the absence of light, our other senses are increased. In the silence, in the dark night, is when we sense the presence of God most strongly.

The Psalmist David was walking a low road in Psalm 139, but his conclusions lift all of us. He discovered God's power, God's presence, God's love, and God's plan. Then he implored God, "Search me, O God . . . test me . . . lead me" (Psalm 139:23-24).

There is a time to grieve. We read in Psalm 30:5, "Weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning."

Accident Takes Life of Team Member

2009-07-20T14:10:03Z

Remembering Stephen Maines

Stephen Maines, born August 22, 1987, was killed on Sunday morning, July 19, 2009, while riding his motorcycle to a church service and charity ride for burn victims. Stephen, a second-year team member, is the son of John and Sheila Maines, who have served with Life Action for the past 26 years. Please pray for the entire Maines family. The following is a letter from our Director to the staff and close ministry friends of our Life Action family.

"For I am sure that neither death nor life ... nor things present nor things to come ... nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord" (Romans 8:38-39).

We Grieve . . . Together

I began this communiqué on Sunday morning just moments before getting a call about a Maines family member having been in an accident. In fact, I had just completed making a list of major July events that have taken place within Life Action Ministries over these past 38 years ... all pointing to the goodness of God.

Like you, my heart broke when it was confirmed that Stephen had been killed. He was headed for a morning church service preceding a charity drive for burn victims, partially motivated because his younger brother had been burned a few years ago.

As Sue and I went to be with John and Sheila, we could only weep and hold their children tightly as they poured out deep tears of pain. Words seemed shallow. So we just hugged and grieved together.

This morning, not much has changed; every word still seems thin in light of the thickness of such loss. There is a stinging reality that hits hard when waking up the morning after life takes a horrific turn. The reality of knowing nothing will ever be the same again.

John and Sheila, all we can say is that we hurt deeply with you. We grieve with you.

Deborah is doing well. She returned home yesterday evening in a lot of pain, but miraculously she was not seriously injured. We rejoice with John and Sheila over the protection on Deborah.

In addition to a tenured staff couple losing a godly son, Life Action lost its first team member ever. I have always dreaded that day. Ryan, Ben, Jimmy, and all the White Team, we grieve together with you, along with the other road team members that served closely with Stephen this past year. He was an exceptional team member in every way. So pray for the White Team as these young people walk a journey of trying to comprehend the ways of God.

I was with John and Sheila all day yesterday until last evening. They are still in disbelief, as you can imagine. However, I am amazed at the power of God's Word at times like these. I watched them draw from a reservoir of Scriptures to find hope, help, and perspective. As I listened to them, I heard a high view of God.

Or, perhaps better stated, I heard a view of a high God. And a view of a low God. High enough to be trusted. Low enough to cling to.

Please pray for the Word of God to continue to shepherd them through this long season.

We Grieve Differently . . . Together

The Maines family are very aware of Stephen now being with a Person he absolutely loves. Death is painful, yet for those who know and love Christ, we grieve differently. It is a celebration of a home-coming, not just a home-going. For those of you who do not know Stephen, he was the "real deal" in his walk with the Lord. Authentic. A servant. As the television reported, "He loved the Lord."

Stephen was also an admirer of the cross. He loved the cross and the power it represented in his own life and the hope it offered to others. This past March, he built a wooden cross to be used at our Vision Gathering in San Antonio. I will never forget the sense of joy he had on his face when he finished it and was able to see it used to inspire others to embrace the cross.

Stephen was a man of the cross, and that was no better illustrated than through the way he served others. He laid down his desires and dreams to be a servant. Many of us were recipients of that service, on the road, at the NMC, at The Lodge, and at the Camp. We benefited from his servant's heart. Authentic servanthood may be Stephen's great legacy.

Ironically, the cross is a picture of redemption. God uses even the hard things for redemptive purposes, so pray that even during these dark days, Stephen's witness would continue in powerful ways.

So as we knit our hearts with John and Sheila and the remaining nine children to grieve, let us also celebrate a life lived for Jesus and a life living with Jesus and a life that will continue to be redemptive in the lives of others.

We Commune . . . Together

One of the joys of being a part of Life Action Ministries is the mutually supportive community that transpires as we share dreams, responsibilities, possessions, and losses together.

Yesterday, I watched the Life Action family respond as a huge community of love, care, and concern. (The hospital finally asked us to clear a path in their emergency room hallway). On behalf of John and Sheila, thank you for showing up, both physically and in your heart through prayer and burden bearing. True community is priceless.

Two Triumphant Truths: God Is Sovereign, and God Is Good

On two occasions last week, I heard the phrase, "When trials come, it is not the why but the Who that really matters." God knew I needed those reminders. In times like these, there are many attributes of God we call on for help. His love. His compassion. His grace. His strength.

But the two attributes that protect from bitterness and allow me to go forward with biblical perspective and confidence in Him are simply His sovereignty and His goodness.

These two triumphant truths take away the sting of death, because for the believer the grave is never victorious. They remind us that death is really a doorway to heaven and a pathway to seeing God's ultimate redemptive purposes fulfilled.

These two unchanging truths triumph over everything we experience, whether the seemingly wonderful July events I started to list, or the dreadful July 19, 2009, event that we humanly wish had never happened. God is sovereign. God is good.

We love you, John and Sheila and family. And we are here for you. We cling to Him ... together.

Heart-Cry for Revival Conference

2009-07-14T15:41:48Z

The Heart-Cry for Revival Conference as been used by God to spark movements of revival in hearts, churches, and even entire communities. Now more than ever, we invite you to gather with other like-hearted leaders who long to hear from heaven. Together, let’s ask the Giver of revival to burn within our hearts a clear vision and passion for His supernatural power and presence. Join us November 9-12, 2009 at The Cove.

Visit the Heart-Cry for Revival website to learn more!

Remembering . . . from Independence Hall

2009-07-01T09:37:00Z

I am standing outside Independence Hall, where the famous Liberty Bell resides. Of course, the bell has been cracked for years. And because of the damage it has sustained, it can no longer give a distinct sound. It cannot celebrate victories, warn of danger, or call people to action.

Similarly, the bells of freedom in America have been greatly damaged. In recent decades, many of the liberties we have enjoyed in this grand nation have been systematically eroded away. When we sing, "From every mountainside let freedom ring," it doesn't sound the same as it once did.

A few days ago, I spoke at "Camp at the Old Mill" (Brandamore, PA). Two people whom I did not know came up to me and said, "Where have you guys [Life Action] been? We remember America, You're Too Young to Die! from twenty years ago. Our high school gym was packed and overflowing for that program. We need it now! Where is it?"

Those comments make me want to stop everything ... to do whatever I can to halt the erosion and to protect the freedoms our forefathers sacrificed to obtain.

Others Stopped Everything

I came to Philadelphia to reflect on the price of freedom. The price tag for liberty is exorbitant. It necessitates faith, courage, and sacrifice. Sometimes it requires major sacrifice.

Forty Years Ago Today, My Brother Paid the Price for Freedom

My time here coincides with the exact day forty years ago when my brother, Lt. Robert D. Paulus, paid the ultimate price in Vietnam. He wasn't alone. Our nation was founded with that kind of sacrifice.

The 56 men who signed the Declaration of Independence at this very location were not wild-eyed pirates. They were successful men. They had homes, families, and occupations ... just like we do. They enjoyed the beach. They liked sports and entertainment. They enjoyed quiet sunsets and morning walks. Yet they counted freedom of such importance that they pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor for it. And that is how our freedom was born.

I know the following account may seem long. But this week we celebrate our nation's liberty. And since these men paid such a huge price, the least we can do is express our gratitude by taking time to remember their investment.* Of the 56 signers ...

Five were captured by the British as traitors and tortured before they died.
Eighteen had their homes looted and burned.
Two lost their sons in the Revolutionary War.
Nine died from wounds or hardships of the war.
Carter Braxton, a wealthy planter and trader, saw his ships swept from the seas by the British Navy. He sold his home and properties to pay his debts, and he died in rags.
Thomas McKean was so hounded by the British that he was forced to move his family five times in five months. He served in Congress without pay, and his family was kept in hiding.
Lewis Morris lost his entire estate, ravaged and destroyed by the British, sending his family fleeing with nowhere to go.
Thomas Nelson's price for freedom was $2 million in 1776. He died bankrupt and was buried in an unmarked grave.
John Hart was driven from the bedside of his dying wife. Their children fled for their lives. For more than a year, he lived in forests and caves, returning home to find his wife dead and his children vanished.

*Sources: Fox News; Huntington News; Ring All the Bells of Freedom by Derric Johnson (Copyright 1976 by Dimension Music).

While you enjoy this 4th of July holiday, why don't you take some time to thank the Lord for the patriots who invested everything they had for the freedom we will be celebrating?

Sadly, Others Value Freedom More Than I

As I looked around Independence Mall, I noticed that 90% of those visiting this memorial are of foreign descent. It could appear that others value our freedom more than we do. As I wrote this sentence, a Chinese woman handed me a newspaper disclosing how 38 million people are abandoning the Chinese Communist Party in her homeland. Many will suffer because of their subversive acts in a land of "no choice." Here was a lady who truly values liberty ... around the world.

I want to value freedom more.

A few moments ago, I called my friend in Lubbock, TX, who knew my brother in Vietnam and has been wearing a bracelet with my brother's name on it ever since. He said he did not want a single day to pass without remembering the price my brother paid for his freedom. How many days do I remember the price others have paid for my freedom?

I urge you to always remember that liberty is not free. As someone said, "To be born free is a privilege, but to die free is a responsibility."

Sitting here right now, admiring the courage and faith of those who signed the Declaration, I know I am glad they assumed responsibility, and I am glad my brother was willing to assume responsibility. Will I be equally responsible?

Finally, I believe the greatest investment for true freedom that I can make is to proclaim spiritual revival. It is the road to true liberty.

Right Here, 20 Years Ago Last Month

En route downtown, I passed the hospital where our founder was told he had just six months to live. That was twenty years ago. I passed the place where I was asked by a ministry friend, "What now? What will happen to Life Action?" I simply replied, "I don't know what will happen, but I will be the last one to lock the front door behind me if it does not continue." In other words, I will do whatever it takes to keep Life Action going.

Perhaps I was naïve. But on the other hand, by God's grace, it is that kind of commitment that many of you have embraced. And, as a result, millions of American's have discovered true freedom in Jesus Christ--the one liberty that can never be lost!

Thank you for being "freedom fighters" with me.

Help Equip Our Teams

2009-07-01T09:33:45Z

I have never written at a time when I felt greater urgency.

Life Action is not an alarmist ministry. But there is no doubt we live in a season unparalleled in America’s past—and that is alarming. The prophet Jeremiah would be shouting urgently from the rooftops!

How unusual are the times in which we live? The economic outlook is certainly bleak. The rapidity of moral and social descent is almost surreal. Perhaps most startling are the claims that Christianity is inherently evil. Popular secularists now declare evangelicals to be the primary cause of the problems our nation faces.

Sadly, each day brings disturbing new evidence of this moral decadence. Most recently, President Obama declared the month of June to be “National Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month.”

Did you ever think this onslaught would occur in our generation?

But even more disconcerting is the complacency among God’s people. Where is the outrage? Where are the sustained movements of fasting, mourning, and prayer? Where are the Elijahs and John the Baptists of our day?

A few weeks ago, Life Action concluded its 38th season of ministry in local churches. Our teams finished summits in Kentucky, Missouri, and Pennsylvania, concluding what has perhaps been our most fruitful year of ministry ever.

Fifty-three communities experienced a measure of revival and an awakening to authentic Christianity. Souls were saved. Marriages were rescued. Families were restored. Whole churches were reconciled and transformed. In many lives and homes, a downward spiral was halted and reversed. The Lord has been wonderfully faithful! (Visit www.LifeAction.org/testimonies to read some amazing stories.)

Our beloved nation has fallen a long way, but just think how much further toward destruction we would be if it weren’t for the believers in thousands of churches across America who really care. Awakening this spiritual remnant is the hope of our nation, and our strongest deterrent to total disaster. This is the mission you have been a part of, and one our staff is deeply passionate about.

Right now, we are preparing to send our three teams back out for another year of impacting local communities with the life-changing truths of revival. We will be retooling them with necessary equipment and ministry resources, and we will once again be taking truth to the most grassroots level ... individual hearts.

Would you please pray and see if the Lord would allow you to be a part of this annual summer “equipping” project? The total need is $130,000. These funds will be used for vehicle repairs and replacement, as well as A/V equipment, print resources, and more. It will also help us get through the summer months, when giving generally slows down.

Your investment in the revival mission will help us impact thousands of lives as we ask God to ignite movements of Christ-centered revival across America. I believe this is our only hope, and that perhaps it is now or never.

    Igniting movements, together!

    Byron Paulus
    Executive Director

>> Give Now Online . . . Help Equip Our Teams!

>> Read Some Amazing Stories of Changed Lives!

Amazing Stories of Transformation

2009-07-01T09:33:43Z

Fifty-three communities this year experienced a measure of revival and a renewal of authentic Christianity. Souls were saved. Marriages were rescued. Families were restored. Whole churches were reconciled and transformed. In many lives and homes, the downward spiral was halted and reversed. The Lord has been wonderfully faithful! Following are a few of the amazing stories from this past year.

I prepared for revival like a bachelor prepares an evening meal: "Oh, it's time. I guess I'd better do something." But my lack of preparing didn't slow or stifle God. He showed up in a big way. He found me wretched and cleansed me. Sin that I had dabbled in for years was taken away, leaving not even a wisp of desire in my heart for sinning against God. Sin that was so secret my closest friends and even my wife were unaware of is removed, leaving a vacuum that God easily fills. I have been saved for nearly 20 years now, but it's as though, through these last ten days, I have learned how to be a Christian. My reconnection with God has been so intense that I don't want it to stop. I could sing of his love forever, I could pray without ceasing, and I will never be the same. Praise God!

When the Life Action team arrived, God found me holding on tightly to my thorn in the flesh as if it was my security blanket. I have wrestled with this lust for over 20 years and basically surrendered to the fact that it was not going away; I quit fighting and just lived with it. The Spirit wouldn't allow that to go unchecked, and He broke me. As I talked to the revivalists, their counsel was to confess this to my wife. I did at the very next service, and it was a sweet, sweet moment of forgiveness and renewal for my wife and me. As I confessed, she forgave, and the freedom we experienced was a great time of "tasting to see that the Lord is good" (Psalm 34:8).

God found me unforgiving and bitter. He showed me I had never truly forgiven this man who wronged my dad. Since then, my dad hasn't had a single job. I forgave that man. I also gave everything back to God; I wasn't living for Him, and I had let my busyness affect my relationship with Him and didn't truly read His Word. God found me very bitter toward a friend. I gossiped about her and distanced myself from her. It was over a dumb thing--she took my varsity spot in track. I went up to her and told her how I was mean to her. She forgave me, and God gave me a sense of peace and happiness. He restored our friendship, and I am so joyful and happy, which I have not been for a long time. I want to start going deeper in my quiet times, along with memorizing verses, and to be bolder in my faith and to trust in God, for He is almighty.

The Lord convicted me of harboring so much bitterness, anger, judgment, pride ... against my husband. I had been unwilling to surrender it out of fear of disappointment and more pain. He moved me to confess these sins to my husband and seek forgiveness. The Lord convicted our home of doing the same thing--harboring grudges. Apologies were never spoken, forgiveness was never given! There was such a mountain of pain in our home. Since then we have had some family conversations about change ... about how we are going to love one another, how we are going to think of Jesus when we talk to each other and no longer let sin be shoved under the rug and blown over. Praise God!

I was found lonely, "in charge," and desperate. However, I did not realize this to be so. I had tried so hard to keep it all together that I had neglected my first love, Christ. I've been raped, I have a son in and out of prison, my daughter was molested, my work has brought many legal challenges (due to my faith), and I have a son who was close to death for a year and continues to struggle, to name just a few. Yet I managed to believe God had a plan. As believers fell by the wayside, my loneliness and self-reliance increased. The Lord has brought me to a place of realizing that I have nothing and am nothing, and nothing has happened without Christ. I hurt, yet am thankful for this process.

I have been dealing with incredible grief and sorrow for a little over two years now, since my mom was tragically killed in a car accident. I have found it so hard to pray since then. This summit has convicted me (even though I knew before) that I can't push God away. Instead I need to embrace Him and get on my knees before Him and allow Him to heal me and my incredible pain from all of this. I'm not there all the way, but I know He is still working on me. Thank you for your sacrifice in this ministry and for your incredible heart for Jesus! May He richly bless the entire team!

Six weeks ago, my husband and I were heading into hard times with our marriage. I came across an old school friend. We began talking and hanging out. My husband didn't like my being friends with another man. Within a few weeks, after meeting with our pastor and having you come to our church, I realized I was having what you called a "social affair." The timing was perfect; we were at a make-it-or-break-it point in our relationship. The talk on roles of husbands and wives was what we needed. I thought I was a Christian before, but I truly have now given myself to the Lord. Our marriage is much better, and I have my daily reminders to get me through. The scariest part about my "affair" was that I wasn't looking for it or even trying to, but I realized later that's what it was. My husband has forgiven me. Most of all, God has forgiven me.

This has been the journey of a lifetime for me. I am 17 and was at a point in my life where I was starting to give up on God. He wasn't real to me anymore, and I thought that this was as good as it gets as far as having a relationship with Christ. I didn't want to come to the revival, but I decided to give it a chance. I gave up all the distractions that would hinder me in the next two weeks and said, "God, take my life," and He did. He flipped it upside down. I found myself fake and empty, but He changed that. I dedicated my life to Christ on the second Sunday, and by obeying God was able to purge myself of all the sins and issues that had kept me from getting close to my Father, Lord and Savior. I have NEVER felt this alive and free and on fire for God! Thank you, Life Action, you helped save my faith.

Three weeks ago, my wife told me that she no longer loved me because I wasn't the man she married. She agreed to stay with me under one condition, that I become a better person. Not having any idea how to do that, I attended the first Life Action service, and I felt like the message was written specifically for me. Because of the power of Jesus Christ in my life, I am well on my way to being the man that I want to become, and my wife and I have shared the happiest three weeks of our 15-year relationship. Thank you for being the message of Christ in a fresh and amazing way. Sometimes it takes a spiritual slap in the face to keep me on the right track, and I believe that Life Action was exactly what I needed.

This has been the most life-changing experience of my 35-year Christian life. The Life Action revivalist is such an example of a godly man. It meant so much, from the example of his humor to his commitment to family life and willingness to be open and honest and confront sin. My sole purpose for change is to please God. During these weeks, I have been given more courage to deal with sin, clear my conscience in relationships, and get closer to God. Thanks, I love you all. You are the real deal!

God has really convicted me about an addiction to pornography and for cheating on my wife. Yesterday, I confessed my sin of adultery to my wife. Even though she has not been coming to the Life Action meetings, God had been preparing her heart. She has decided to stick with me and help me to get the help I need. At this point, I really don't know what is going to happen, but I have hope for a real change.

I was recently sexually abused by someone continuously. I was too scared to do anything about it. I finally told my parents and my guidance counselors at school. But as time went by, I was still scared. Whenever a guy would even accidently brush my arm in passing in the school hallway, I would flinch and withdraw. I was mad at God this whole time. I was mad that He let this happen. I was mad He was allowing me to be scared. But Life Action helped me realize that He wasn't the one to blame. The reason I was scared was because I hadn't talked to God, and I desperately needed to. When I prayed, God told me to forgive the guy who did this to me. So the next day at school, I went up to him and told him he was forgiven. I still have bad memories of this, but now I know God is with me.

Two weeks ago, I was angry and bitter against God and myself. Several years ago I was watching my nephew when he died of SIDS. I could not forgive myself. One night you said, if you can't forgive, then you are putting yourself above God. I never realized this. I even had prayed, "Show me, God, that I did not do anything to cause this," and He sent me several signs. I ignored them, continuing to blame Him and myself. I never thought I would put myself above God, but that is what I was doing. I was able to, through these services, forgive myself and commit to continue working with children.

When I heard about your team coming to our church, I honestly thought, "Yeah, just what I need, another 'thing' to put on the calendar." I was feeling tired and overwhelmed with church-related activities. The night before I heard your first talk, we were hanging out with other couples from our church, talking about how ridiculous this "revival" was. How did they expect us to clear our calendars for two weeks? Now, tonight, my eyes well with tears of joy! What a blessing you have been in my life! I now see how full of pride my life was/is. I feel so ashamed for not thinking I could dedicate two weeks to God. I'm so thirsty for more. I feel forgiveness of my sins and I have a true (for the first time in years) relationship with Jesus Christ. Thank you, thank you, thank you! May God bless you and keep you!

A few nights ago, the revivalist talked about a clear conscience. Five years ago, before I was a Christian, I did thousands of dollars of vandalism. God was working on my heart that night, so I asked the revivalist for advice and prayer. The following day I went and asked for forgiveness and wanted to make restitution. They didn't give me jail time or make me pay them back, but instead they are allowing me to do community service to pay back the damage I caused. I hadn't gone and asked forgiveness because of the possibility of jail time and owing tons of money. I decided that if it was God's will for me to do prison ministry from the inside, that would be way more fulfilling than being on the outside with guilt and outside of God's will. I can't thank you guys enough for being such obedient vessels of God!

First, thank you for reviving the hearts of our children. Our son, age 5, has been in a rut, saying "I don't like church" or "Church is boring." Happy Heart City shook that right out of him! He is genuinely interested in the Ten Commandments, obedience, and prayer, thanks to the Holy Spirit leading your staff to be loving, kind, and fun! We've prayed for an openness in his heart, and we praise God He has used your delightful team to accomplish His work in our son. We will continue to pray and teach him. We also appreciate you reminding us of the biblical family model to forsake pride and live in obedience, putting God first every day. We needed it!

God found me thinking I was leading a pretty good life. I have had Jesus as my Lord and Savior since I was five. I am now 22 years old, and up until about five days ago, I had never really prayed, and I hadn't ever opened the Word of God. Since then, I have read and prayed every night, as well as meeting with Him in the morning and throughout the day. I have always given people my money and time, but I've learned God wants more of me; He wants me to become intimate with Him. Then I can lead the Christlike life and be the husband, father, son, neighbor, and friend He wants me to become. I love the Lord Jesus Christ with all my heart, and I give Him everything in my life. I've said the words, "Not my will but Yours be done." Instant freedom and load off my shoulders! I can finally say I have a burning desire for the Lord and the Word of God that I have never had before. I pray that I continue to live in Him and that people see Christ in me.

I am an elder in this church. The Lord found me two weeks ago a prideful, prayerless, lazy, powerless Christian. I had lost my first love in the midst of working, service, evangelism, and going to church. But I really was not spending time with the Lord. He was not the center of my life. I had conscience issues that I have resolved or am in process of resolving. I was so convicted by my sin that I was horrified! I confessed as many as I knew and received forgiveness. The Lord is dealing daily with me in many areas. I have accepted the challenge to meet with the Lord each morning again, and I love that time. I have learned that I have to give Jesus everything, because I cannot do it alone. With God's help, I will continue to grow. I have begun to pray each day for my wife and take steps to be the spiritual leader of my family. Thank you for these two weeks.

Two weeks ago, God found me comfortably angry and bitter. Comfortable is the key word. The Life Action team didn't use empty words or just brush me off as some attention seeker. I got prayed with and prayed for. I have been encouraged as a man, a father, and a husband. I have stepped way outside of my comfort zone, because I no longer want to enjoy my "comfortabilty." I was told my anger was a sin, as it kept me from totally surrendering to God, and I was told my anger and bitterness was/is my choice. I didn't want this to be my choice; it was easier being angry. Now I have to make the choice, to stay angry or get in the will of God. I choose to get in His will. My family deserves better than what I have provided. Last night, I cried myself to sleep, knowing how broken I am. I woke up after only a few hours, fully refreshed. I didn't wake up; God woke me up and prepared me to get into His Word.

Two weeks ago God found me angry, frustrated, sarcastic, and struggling in my heart and mind with profanity. As a single mom and the spiritual head of my home, I had grabbed up my kids, my work, and everything else to try to "fix it." The first Tuesday evening was my turning point. God said to me, "If you will raise your hands in surrender, I will take your kids." My children were given to me by the Lord, adopted through DCFS. They have all accepted Christ, and truly they are not mine! I raised my hands in surrender that night and have had to raise them many times since then. The anger, frustration, sarcasm, and profanity are, by God's grace, gone. I have peace again that God is in control. I can't stop praising Him. I do give God the glory, but I am so thankful for Life Action being here and loving my family. Perhaps even better than all of the above is that my 8-year-old heard the Holy Spirit speaking to her, and she responded. What an amazing happening! These things only scratch the surface of what I have learned through this revival.

God showed me how lacking my heart was in loving others. Knowledge was puffing me up; God wants me to be building others up in love. As a result of these two weeks, God has shown me the following:

1. Become a member of the local church body and submit to biblical leadership.

2. Unconditional love for my wife. The revivalist asked us to repeat our marriage vows. I did so, but my wife could not say them or look me in the eye. She is still in love with an adulterous relationship right now and struggles with bitterness toward me. God is showing me how big His love is for me and her, and He is calling me to love her right where she is. I thank God He is setting me free from bitterness.

3. God invited me to "adopt" a girl whose father committed suicide three years ago. She called me Daddy last night. He sets the solitary in families. God is so good.

Thank you, team, for all your love and prayers. Thank you for your faithful service to the Lord. Having people prioritize their relationship to Christ over so many other good things in favor of the best was refreshing and humbling.

God found me a very self-centered, pride-filled teenager. I was content with my walk with God, and I didn't really realize how prideful I had become. It was affecting everyone around me, especially my family. My brother took the worst of it, and God finally opened my eyes to how horrible I was to him. I knew we had issues, but in my head I blamed my brother for the fighting. On the night the revivalist taught on having a clear conscience, I realized I didn't have one. My brother and I met halfway, and both of us asked for forgiveness. He let me cry on his shoulder, and we hugged for like five minutes. I realized that our relationship was more meaningful and much more important than my pride. I know we won't be best friends, and we still fight, but God opened my eyes and got me wanting to love my brother. I have also realized that I can always be growing in my walk with God. God will never stop loving me, and with His help I can love my brother.

God restored my marriage. He broke down a wall of lying and showed me the hold pride had on my life. God is having me obey Him in many "small" things as a test, because I was disobedient and going my own way for so long. I thought I was a Christian, but the way I lived my life in the past begged to differ. Although I had recommitted my life before this revival, I doubt I was a Christian when I first walked down the church aisle. God, in His graciousness, has been there loving me, urging me back, leading me to repentance, and I thank Him for the cross and praise His name.

Two weeks ago I was a person of pride, bitter and angry. Now I find myself somewhere I could not imagine! I still have a long way to go, but I pray my life is heading in the right direction. The first Thursday when we wrote down our sins and the word "Guilty" on a piece of paper and put it at the base of the cross, it reduced a burden I had carried for many years. After I did that, I knew Jesus died for my sins, and because of that I was forgiven. I felt finally felt free because of what Jesus did for me.

Thank you so much for bringing revival to my life over the past couple of weeks. Two weeks ago I was still struggling with anger and bitterness from my dad's suicide 2 ½ years ago. The revivalist talked about losing your axe head, yet still swinging away at the tree with just the axe handle. This described my life perfectly. I lost the axe head 2 ½ years ago. Asking and receiving God's forgiveness for my anger and bitterness toward Him was truly life-changing. Through your team, God also showed me areas of my life that I had not surrendered to Him. I thought I was completely trusting God to care for my life. Thank you for showing me that I need to surrender all.

I am 17 years old. When I heard there was going to be a summit for two weeks, I was not that happy about it. But I thought it was the Christian thing to do, so I did go. I can't imagine what would have happened if I didn't attend. I felt like I was a good Christian, but now I know it was all pride that made me feel that way. I found out that I was a failure as a Christian. I checked almost every sin. I know what needs to change, so I must let go of my pride and change it. When I get squeezed, I want Jesus to come out. When I get mad, I want to praise the Lord instead of blaming Him. And no matter how bad the weather is, it is the day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and be glad in it! God made me to love Him and bring glory to Him. I will serve Him my short life on this small earth. There is no better place to be than in the center of God's will.

I was bitter at God and my wife. A few years ago, I felt God calling me to full-time ministry of some sort. I mentioned it to my wife, who promptly threatened to divorce me. I became angry at her and God; how could this be? I was a child from a divorced home and swore it wouldn't happen to me. We never divorced, but I have held onto bitterness and turned my back to God; I felt He let me down.

This week, God showed me that it wasn't my wife or Him who kept me from becoming a full-time minister ... it was me who refused to fully give ALL my life to Him. I was holding to my job for security and blaming God and my wife. I have asked both God and my wife for forgiveness and given all my life to God and been forgiven. I will see where God wants me to be.

Back in December, my marriage fell apart. My husband repented for his actions, but I couldn't forgive him. I was so mad at him. He had hurt me, and I wanted to see him hurt as well. After all, it was his sin that brought us to this place. My hurt turned to anger and then to bitterness. I couldn't believe God would take me to this place. The weekend this summit started, we went to a marriage conference. I told my husband I forgave him, even though I didn't "feel" like it. I knew God wanted me in this marriage. When we got back, we went to the summit meeting. Man! How horrible am I? I filled out the inventory, and I saw my sin as well. While my marriage is still far from perfect, we are praying together, and I have been able to really forgive him. I am free from the hurt, anger, and bitterness. I am better, my husband is better, my family is better, and my church is better. Praise God for Life Action. You DO have an impact in changed lives. Thank you!

Two weeks ago, I was five years into bitterness and hatred toward my former business partner. He took our business and my 30-year career away from my family in a very mean way. I could not forgive him! EVERY DAY, I could not and would not forgive him. I lived in the dungeon of life with log chains around me.

When the revivalist spoke on, the Lord grabbed my heart and ripped it out of my body. He dissected it and said, "Where am I?" I truly could not find Him in it. He yanked me out of my seat and sent me to the prayer room. I confessed my sin to a friend and came to know Jesus Christ in His fullness that day. I have forgiven my ex-business partner and now pray for him daily. I now feel close to the Lord and pray every day to get to know Him even more until that day I enter heaven. Thank you for your ministry! Praise God!

God found me struggling with issues of forgiving people who abused me. God showed me I was mad at Him. I asked His forgiveness and trusted Him, that I am where He needs me to be, now and in the past. All the bitterness melted away, and it was easy to forgive. I found my first love again. After telling Him I would go wherever He led my husband and me, He told me He wanted me to give Him an hour a day in prayer. He told me He wanted to build our relationship. Wow! The God of the universe! I realized it was in those dark days that He first cemented our relationship and that I came to depend on Him and love Him. I may have had the theology wrong, but my bond with Him was forged then. Now He wants to teach me more about who He is.

Before the revival, I just went through the motions. I do not even consider myself a Christian during that time. But during the revival, I accepted Christ. Before, I knew the "rules" to Christianity but not how to practically put my faith into action. I also struggled with self-worth and how to be a truly modest young woman. All the talks on modesty tend to focus on how wrong girls are. But the lady that gave the talk showed us why we need to be modest; she even explained how the human mind works and how that plays into being modest. Now I actually want to be a modest young woman. Please thank her for me. I view her as my hero, even though she has to go. I thank God for her and will always look up to her.

The Lord found me desiring to know Him more intimately. I was feeling like my walk had become routine. I needed to surrender many areas of my life back to the Lord.

For many years I have been trying to be the spiritual leader because my husband stepped aside. I've been praying that he'd take that role and start to pray with me. God answered that prayer this week. Praise the Lord! I'm excited about the prayer outline, because my prayer life was more like a list of what I wanted God to do for me, and that was wrong. I plan to review the revival notes and saturate my mind and soul with the truth and be obedient to them with the Lord's help. I have looked forward to each service, and I am excited about the changes that have taken place in me and in this church body. To God be the glory!

I am the woman that, fifteen days ago, God found being "PERFECT." According to my standards, I was the "perfect" wife, daughter, sister, friend, aunt, counselor, Christian, church member, and any other thing you can name. Of course, in God's sight I was only being a perfect liar and the most proud woman on this earth. The pride has taken me to a very sinful point. I was wearing masks every day to be "perfect and wonderful" in front of others, not letting anybody see my real self. God had used me to help others. I was serving at my church. My husband and family would do anything out of love for me because I was so good.

The second day of the revival showed me how wrong I was. God confronted me with my sin and told me to do something about it. I talked to my husband, confessed my sin, and asked forgiveness. My husband listened to me, forgave me, and prayed with me. The next day when we came to church, I thought, "I'm perfect again." But I realized one more time how far I am from that. That night, for the first time in my life, I opened my worst, deepest secret to my husband; I heard him say, "I forgive you; everything is changing now, and I love you the same!" Then confessing before God through prayer and feeling once again His forgiveness and love, I finally experienced the perfect freedom only He can give. I'm not perfect now, and I'm sure I won't be until I'm with Him in heaven, but I'm certainly committed to honor Him and all the people around me. Praise the Lord for His patience and for making my path clean again. I certainly experienced revival in my life and marriage.

When I came to the revival services, God had been dealing with me in many different areas of my life. I was focusing on the external things, thinking they were the problem, but there was a much deeper issue: my heart. I had for so many years told people how important being in the Word was, yet I would speak of obedience to God and have a heart full of guilt. I would ask God to forgive me, but there wasn't true repentance. My heart was full of rebellion. I have been overweight for as long as I can remember. Food became my idol when I was about 9 years old. (I just realized that was the same year I told the world I was a follower of God by being baptized!) It became my secret sin, and even though it's no secret that I struggle with gluttony, I still feed myself secretly.

God has brought my heart into the light and has shown me what true repentance is, and that includes true obedience. I was hit hard when the revivalist said, "If you see your child be disobedient, look at your own heart." Wow! I had been expecting her to be perfect in obedience, but here I sat, disobedient to God in my own faith, placing food as my idol, and not submitting to my husband. Thank God for your message of hope that has shown me the path to true freedom! God keeps telling me over and over, "It is for freedom that you have been set free." I can see the light now. Praise and glory to Him!

Two weeks ago, God found me full of pride, selfish, and doing everything on my own. I've been married about 25 years. I have never been submissive. I believed I was always right, knew more, cared about the kids more, made better decisions, blah, blah, blah. I didn't give my husband a chance to lead; I didn't even usually give him enough information to make decisions. I was angry and bitter that I had to work so much away from home.

I love books. I sat in my car one night last week and mourned my books. I used them to escape. I compared the adventures and excitement with my life and was so unsatisfied. My family and life could never measure up. God has spoken to me. I gave away the books that I obsessed over. I began again a daily time with God. I surrender all to God. If I never get to read a book again or see a movie or socialize, I praise God that He still loves me, and all I need is in Him. I will be submissive because God will help me. I talk to people at work about my faith, and I asked forgiveness for not being obedient to God.

This morning I followed the 12 steps of one hour with God. When I asked about what God wanted me to do with my days, He told me: Make my husband breakfast before I go to work, and don't go back to sleep. I did. I also met with some women from church (our game group), and we talked about God and about changes. My husband and I have talked about our devotions for the first time. It was good! My daughter asked me for a daily devotional and a new Bible. She's begun the devotional, and she wanted the Bible to give to a friend at school she was telling about God. God is great! Thank you for reminding me.

Two weeks ago I was morbidly obese and severely depressed. God told me that if I would faithfully attend the sessions, I would find help. On Thursday night of the second week, I was bloated with indigestion, and God told me, "This is what sin feels like." It almost buckled my knees. I remember the revivalist saying his road to heaven is only as wide as his Bible. I now realize I was committing the sin of gluttony. I was using food as a coping mechanism to lift me up instead of turning to God. I now see that my "road to health" is only as wide as my medically prescribed food plan. I have never known such peace with food. All of God's blessing on the Life Action team!

One week before Life Action arrived, I was struggling with leaving youth ministry for awhile. During the time of the summit, God breathed life back into my weary heart. Every day God spoke through the revivalists right into the very things I was wrestling with. They were both an affirmation of God's calling on me and an admonition of my falling. Thank you, Life Action Ministries, for the encouragement, rest, and challenges you brought before me.

I anticipated your arrival with excitement and had already begun seeking God in a more intimate way. That was nothing compared to the shock of the early sessions, which revealed so many areas where I needed revival. I soon realized that I needed God to be in control and that nothing in my life met God's holy standard. At the same time, God allowed my part-time job to consume all available time and become very stressful. He was allowing me to be squeezed until I could see the dark slime come out rather than sweet juice. My temper was flaring.

By the night on forgiveness, it became clear that I needed to deal with the root of my bitterness. God showed me that I had never forgiven my mother for verbally abusing me. She has been dead 23 years. I chose to forgive her and received clear relief from my burden. I still struggle with old feelings of rejection, but I know God is healing me.

We have six children, ages 6-15, who participated in the revival summit. Each night when we told the kids it was time to leave for Base Camp and Happy Heart City, they literally yelled, cheered, and jumped up and down. Wow! Thank you for ministering to them! They felt loved, had fun, and learned about how much God loves them and wants a relationship with them.

My husband and I have been encouraged and reminded that our first love is Jesus, and obeying Him shows our love for Him. It was time to lay aside anger and reach out to others (certain others!) in love and service. My husband was renewed in his desire and commitment to be purposeful in his responsibility and privilege of teaching his children and being a spiritual leader in the home.

Three weeks before this revival, I was speaking to someone about my marital issues. My husband and I have been emotionally pushed apart, mainly by me. I was tired of always dealing with everything myself and not knowing what to do. I was looking into a separation. I had already told him I might be moving out.

Since this revival, my eyes, heart, and soul have completely opened. God has helped me see things in a whole new way. I have never prayed on my face before. Now that I have, I see how powerful it can be. Turning my life to Christ instead of fighting everything myself, there is so much more peace in my heart. Since I have closed myself off, it is going to take a lot of praying to get my heart to reopen to my husband. Thank you, Life Action.

God found me angry when you first came here. He has changed my heart drastically from where it was. Now I look forward to meeting with Him in the morning. I can't seem to get enough of Him. He has changed me and the way I treat others, especially my family. My daughter said to me one morning, "Dad, you are weird." I said, "What do you mean?" She said, "Ever since the summit, you have really changed. You don't get mad at us like you used to and yell at us for little things. Dad, I love you. Please don't change, and please keep reading God's Word so we can continue to be a happy family. Dad, I love you." That broke my heart. I will never turn from God again, and I will worship Him always. I give all the glory to God.

These past two weeks, God has confirmed in my heart what He has been doing in my life over the past few years involving fear issues and broken family relationships. Through biblical counseling a few years ago, God set me free from bondage in my childhood and brought healing and wholeness to me. Praise God!

However, my adult son, who endured an angry mom, has issues from childhood which I've asked forgiveness for several times. But over a year ago, he chose to cut himself off from his family. I have grieved over and over his loss and the loss of our four grandsons who live right here in town. The Lord told me to let him go and trust God to work in his life to bring conviction, repentance, and forgiveness to his heart so that he will choose to forgive and also be reconciled. Your ministry has encouraged me to be still and wait on God. I long to be restored as a family. I miss them terribly. I am willing as God gives me opportunity to once again ask my son for forgiveness. Thank you for bringing me through the steps once again. I trust my God that in His time, He will bring healing.

During these last two weeks, the Lord has been at work freeing me from self-imposed fears. When I had two children in 15 months, I had become very self- and baby-focused. Two very rough pregnancies left me struggling to trust God. I wondered why, after waiting faithfully for six years to finally have a child, God would make me so sick and then do it again when the first one was only six months old? I was mad and distrusting. While I continued to pray and tried to study, there was an "unresolved grudge" in my heart. I also found myself focusing on the children way too much and even putting them before my relationship with God.

These two weeks were literally a wrestling match between my heart and the Holy Spirit, but I am happy to say the Lord has pried my fingers loose. The grudge is gone, and I have a renewed perspective of my role as a steward of the children God gave us. I am looking forward to continuing to draw close again to my Father and trusting Him with everything.

God found me sitting in the pew a broken woman. I have experienced much in the last year, and even more before that. As the team shared their music and as the revivalist preached and shared, I thought, "Ah, this is what God has been preparing me for!" It makes sense now, this working up of sin and me being forced out of my box. Then, as I absorbed the message, God revealed in me a love of things. I have begun the process of de-cluttering and simplifying my life. I am learning to let it all go.

I have felt the urge to seek forgiveness from my ex-husband. I am learning to get my life organized so that I may better focus on God and the calling He has placed in my heart. In praying and searching, I feel God calling me out of my comfort zone, pushing me to work for Him, to glorify Him in all I do. My attitude about prayer has changed; my desire to seek the Lord has been reinforced. God has reinforced in me many decisions I had already been making. This includes minimizing my budget, abstaining from dating, reading Scripture, and being involved in Bible study. I praise God for brokenness.

I had been praying for months for a revival but had no intention of coming to the THIRST Conference. I thought it was something I had to go away for. I didn't realize it was exactly what I was asking Him for until Sunday morning. I didn't know Bible study was cancelled; that's why I was here for the first part. It wasn't by accident. I don't believe in coincidence, I believe in God.

Today I prayed to let the anger go toward a neighbor who had been frustrating me and even causing fights between my husband and me. When I saw him today, I prayed for God to help me let it go. He gave me an opportunity to help the man. Thank you for revival. I pray for your team.

I am 47 years old and have been a Christian for 8 years. I accepted Jesus in my life, but have never been taught about revival by anyone. My relationship with God has been slowly in decline for the last couple of years. Now I have revival. It is a great start back to Jesus. I could use two or three weeks of this message. I pray to be more like Jesus.

I praise God for these last 8 days. On day one, I came to church looking for God to help me get my foot out of the world. He answered. Day two, my unsaved middle child was saved and will be baptized on April 29. God answered another prayer. On day three, my unsaved husband gave his heart to the Lord. God answered a wife's prayer. On day four, I brought my other two children who had willfully resisted; God answered. Today, the eighth day, my 15-year-old daughter walked to the front of the church by herself and gave testimony that she has asked forgiveness. Praise His name, God has taken my family and changed us from day one of this week! I praise God; He never leaves us, always listens to our prayers, and answers at His will and in His time. My Father is faithful!

You have helped bring me close to my Lord. God has seriously worked a miracle in my life this week. He has shown me that not everything is about me; I'm not the center of the world, not even close. He taught me to be thankful for the little things that we all take for granted. He showed me, as hard as it is, that I need to forgive the people who have hurt me. Most of all, I need Him. I can't do everything on my own. He's the only one who will never bail on me. He has gotten me through so many trials and temptations that I never would have gotten through without Him. He really does care about me. I've grown up without a dad or a mom, but I've learned to not take advantage of the people who do take care of me. They might not be blood, but they are family. Thank you, Life Action, for being a blessing in my life.

This week, the entire foundation of my life has been changed. Through the GRACE of Christ, I have been shaken. What I place all my time, effort, money, and thoughts in has been so unimportant. My relationship to Jesus, my wife and son, and my fellow believers should be the forefront of who I am. At 26 years old and with whatever talent God has given me, I can finally say yes, I will go. I have always known I was called to do something full-time for God. Due to this revival (and above all, Christ), I can for the first time say, I will go.

When Life Action came, I was a suicidal alcoholic living in a crisis center, parted from my family due to my binges and violence while drinking. To add to my despair, I have a 21-year-old who dances nude in Dallas and is constantly beat up by her boyfriend; and the morning of the first day of the Life Action revival, my 16-year-old son was pistol-whipped, left for dead on the side of the highway, and sent to the trauma unit. In one short week, I have given all of these satanic blows to Christ and have become a believer and no longer a beggar! I claim victory over all of this and am now reunited with my family, joyfully serving my husband. I am no longer in bondage. Thank you for the eye-opening experience. Praise Him!

I came on Sunday as a very sad, confused, angry person. My relationship with my mom was horrible and full of rage. The relationship with my only sister was nonexistent. God showed me how to bring ALL of that to Him to fix, and He did. My relationship with my mom, after 20 years of hell, was RESTORED as if there was never any hurt. I wrote a precious, loving note to my sister, whom I had completely rejected for 18 years. I have the most amazing peace from "the lover of my soul" because of the way forgiveness was presented Friday night. This was possible in 24 hours, and "I" had been trying for years.

I was saved when I was ten years old. I was brought up in a broken home. My mom married three times by the time I was five years old. My dad chose to be unfaithful and left. My next stepdad chose to steal most of my mom's money, and that marriage ended in annulment. Around a year later my mom married my stepdad that I've grown up with. He was an emotionally abusive alcoholic. I have been an adult since I was a kid. My mom is a Christian that made bad choices, but she was faithful in prayer for my stepdad. He has been sober for ten years now, and they are still married. I say all of that to say, He has sent me a neat Christian man to spend my life with. He has spared me, but I am not naive to think the devil cannot get his foot into my marriage. I learned that my prayer life needs to be more specific for my husband and my children. There are things I need to work on as a wife. I felt honored that my husband came with me to every day of this revival. My spirit has been renewed.

I want to be a "woman of grace." God said, "I have to break your pride and independence, and remove relational idols first." I am a single mom, and I had a bad habit of saying, "It's just me" (meaning my independence). It's truly me and God! He had to take me to brokenness first. I have selfishly not used the God-given gift of singing for 1 ½ years. My disobedience allowed Satan to steal that joy. I am joining the praise team, and I have asked daily since Thursday night for God's grace. My thanks to the revivalist for your heart for God and obedience in changing that sermon to "Grace." That was for me! Thank You, Jesus, for loving me enough to get me back on track!

I am a very busy man. My job is very demanding. I run my family's ranch as well as many other things. I work very hard to give my family "things." I spend as much time with them as possible. Many days they go to work with me so they can see me. Your team spoke God's Word and told me that it is not all about me. I am not as good a father or husband as I need to be. I have been told to begin putting God and family before my work. I have the best wife and two little girls in this world. I appreciate Life Action and what you stand for. I need to be more of a witness for the Lord.

I've been married 52 years, and God has opened a line of communication between us that has never been there, as well as forgiveness because my mouth is very accusing to him. (He's wonderful.) Also I have had to ask forgiveness from my boys (my mouth again) and my alcoholic son. So I thank God for the freedom to just be me and not have to put on a front (goody-two shoes) before them. Thank You, Lord, and I praise You!

As I entered the week eight days ago, I knew for certain that I personally was in a very dark, dangerous place spiritually. In fact my marriage was more a convenient arrangement than a covenant, and I credit this to my evil, sinful thought life. Eight days later, I have never felt more free! Once again, only God could orchestrate such an incredible change of heart.

All praise and honor to God. He has shown me my selfishness. He has broken me and caused me to really look at my life. He has shown me how to love my wife in a way I've never done in 37 years. He has shown me how to forgive myself and others. Thank you, God, for loving me and never turning Your back on me.

When the meetings started, I had been in a major battle for quite some time. I had let sin take hold in my life and was living in spiritual darkness and hopelessness. I'm a former teacher, a deacon, a disciple, and a minister in jails. I knew the answers but was not living like Jesus wanted, in victory. I was in darkness. I had my masks. This week God removed the masks. He started healing and equipping me to continue the battle and more. He gave me back my hope and steps to take for victory. Amazing! Thank you!

Wow, where do I begin? Earlier this week I told someone our church was having an eleven-day revival. I really couldn't say I was enjoying it, but I was going back that night. With all the trials my family has faced during this time, I'm truly thankful I have been here.

On Tuesday night last week, my wife and daughter were not going to be here. I was at home before my wife and son got home, and when they walked in the door, I got very angry at my son. It was over something so trivial, but it kept him from coming that night. I made one last angry attempt to see if he was going, and then left him behind. I fumed all the way to church. I knew my son would be at home alone. I sat through the family revivalist's lesson, but all I could think about was what a jerk I had been. By the time the musicians started, I couldn't even begin to worship. I quickly filled out a prayer card. God told me to go home. I wasn't welcome here, as I needed to take care of the mess I'd created. I left my Bible, since I was hoping my son would want to come back. When I got home, I asked if we could talk. He said no and then proceeded to take his shower. I broke down and cried uncontrollably. When he got out, I asked again if we could talk, and he agreed. This was the first time we sat down together and communicated. I told him I was sorry, and for the first time, I looked him in the eye and asked him to forgive me. What a weight lifted when he said he would! Since that moment, our family has started to draw closer. Pray that God will make me the godly father, husband, and friend He has called me to be. Thank you for being here.

I am at somewhat of a loss for words to describe the impact Life Action has had on my life this week. Words can't express the impact the Lord is having on me as a result! It's been a time of personal impact and realization that I am of no value without God in my life. I am putting down the pride associated with things being all about me. I am placing myself in God's hands entirely. These words are easy, but I know the pathway is narrow. I will continue to seek God's will for my life. I have a new peace in my life, and I know how to get to it anytime, praise God. I am a musician here, and your team has allowed me to be a part of the revival as just a member without a "job." This has been very special. Thank you so much.

God found me struggling in a marriage I wasn't sure I wanted to be in anymore. My husband doesn't go to church. He believes in God, but it stops there. I have prayed for him for many years and just couldn't figure out why God wasn't answering my prayers. This week, God had me evaluate my marriage--my needs and my husband's needs. This made me realize that I knew what my needs were that weren't being met, but I'd never thought about my husband's needs. I'd had this vision of what I wanted my marriage to be, not what God wanted it to be. So my home seemed to be a war zone. I couldn't figure out why my husband didn't want what I wanted ... until this week. God brought me to my knees. My husband didn't want what I had because it wasn't very appealing. I asked for forgiveness that night, and two days later, I spoke with husband. I told him what a great experience this week has been; then I told him I was very sorry for not being the wife I should have been. I thanked him for loving me and told him I was going to do my best to be a better wife and mother. I thank God for opening my eyes and bringing me to my knees. I look forward to what God has in store for my marriage and what being obedient to God's plan and will bring. I will faithfully pray for my husband, that God will soften his heart and that he will seek a relationship with God. I will pray for my children as well (17 and 20), that they will not seek God, not the way of the world.

I was convicted of not dealing with past transgressions toward my ex-wife. I did ask for forgiveness in an appropriate manner after prayer. There has been no response, but I have been submissive. In that submission and because of it, I have experienced peace. I have experienced peace before, but this is different.

My prayer these last eleven days was that God would break my heart wide open. I didn't think this would really happen, since I haven't been close to God in so long. I was so wrong. He broke my heart open, and He found me filled with bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness. I have now let go of some things from my past, and also have forgiven those who hurt me along the way. My anger and bitterness are gone. Now that I have asked those I hurt to forgive me, and they have, I feel as though the weight I have been carrying on my shoulders is gone. I feel so refreshed and clean. I am closer to God again, and I am very thirsty for His Word. This last week my husband of 15 years and our 12-year-old son told me they have seen a difference in me for the better. Thank you, Life Action team, for your prayers and for all you have done through God to help me and many others get on track.

For some time my husband and I had been in quite a rut (anger, not sleeping together, miserable, not fulfilling our roles biblically). Before Life Action, I had committed to pray and fast just to see what God would do, because I was expecting Him to do something to my heart or my husband's or both. (It was suggested that we have a "holy separation." I knew that would be out of the question, because we made a commitment, and it seemed to me that would give Satan a toehold.) I had been going to counseling approximately two months before, to seek a godly point of view on the mess we had made. I desperately wanted a change. My husband had not taken his part of the marriage or fatherhood seriously. I felt angry and bitter. I wanted to make sure there was nothing else I could do. Me being a controlling person and a fixer, I thought God may need a hand. Well, He told me in my prayer time that I should just quit all I was doing except pray, fast, and rejoice. I needed to continue to read His Word and fight my flesh. I began to relax, and a big burden was lifted. Then that morning, my husband blew up at me and gave me direction of what he wanted me to do. That night, after a day of prayer, we actually communicated, and I knew God was in it. The first night of revival his ears were open, and his eyes could see his sin that he harbored; I was broken and could see my sin. What sweet repentance and forgiveness, we shared with our Lord and Savior. What blessed peace He has given us. He actually turned our marriage around. Nothing is too big for my God.

This week I have learned about my sin, especially when it comes to the words that come out of my mouth, and also about being a "helper" wife. I so often want to control every situation. I have had to apologize to a lot of people and ask forgiveness. I still have some things I need to address and forgiveness to give and seek. I have started daily devotions and prayer, and I have opened the line of communication with my husband in a loving way. Thanks for all you do for the glory, love, and encouragement of God!

Two weeks ago, I was spiritually dead. I agreed to come with my sister to this revival. The first night was wonderful. I cried most of the night because I was so burdened about my life and my husband and children. I knew I had to make changes, once and for all, in my life. I kept coming, and I have found myself hungry for the Lord and His Word. I have learned so much. Usually you are told what you need to do but not how to achieve it. Now I know how to pray and truly have holy time with the Lord. I find myself at peace now, and I feel closer to God than I have ever felt before. I am ashamed of my previous actions, after all He gave for me. My desire now is to serve and please Him daily. Thank you for everything. You are all in my prayers every day!

Since you have come and I attended the revival, I started a few new habits. I haven't used tobacco in 11 days. I pray with my wife (besides at meals), which I never did before. I read my Bible daily. I pray daily. I am such a better person (attitude and personality), I hardly recognize myself. I prayed for brokenness, and that's what the Lord gave me. The economy has hurt the construction industry, and I don't know how much longer I will have a job. I have to rely on God and praise Him for that. I appreciate you and your time, and my family thanks you.

You found me withdrawn and depressed. I was holding onto a lot of anger and bitterness toward God for my suffering. My marriage was on the rocks. I had forgiven my wife but was still holding onto hurt, which was causing me to hurt others. Through your ministry, I was able to ask for and receive forgiveness, and also truly forgive the way God teaches. I am now closer to God because of this and am now able to witness to the lost again. My marriage is probably stronger now than it was in the beginning. My wife has also come closer to God through seeing me give my testimony and walk with God. I have also learned to pray with a righteous heart for and with my wife. Thanks for everything. You guys are worth millions; money cannot buy what you preach!

Two weeks ago God found me afraid--afraid of a room full of women. When I first got saved (as an adult) 16 years ago, the women of my church would give bad advice about my husband, saying things like, "I wouldn't put up with that," and "You should tell him [this and that]." As I have grown in Christ, I have realized this was not how God wants wives to be toward their husbands. I have felt bitterness towards those situations and have even had slight panic attacks when having to be in a group of women. Something the revivalist said helped me to see that I played a part in that sin with my attitude, too! I have now been released from my fear because I confessed my sin and asked God to forgive me. The revivalist's wife also helped by pointing out her attitude toward her husband, and learning to see the privilege of picking up his clothes. That tea with the revivalist's wife is the first time I have been in a room full of women in years! I look forward to the next opportunity!

The Lord found me two weeks ago with a great deal of unconfessed sin in my life. He found me out of practice and out of touch with Him. He found me in a nearly loveless marriage. The Lord broke me. He broke down my walls of pride and opened the doors of confession and forgiveness to both Him and my wife. The results have been overwhelming, first in my relationship with Him, and second in my marriage, which has become more than I ever thought it could be. It's better now than when it started over ten years ago. I could go on and on about how these times have altered my family life, my relationships, my morals, my ethics, and so much more, but there just isn't enough room on this paper. Thank you, Life Action!

God found me dry and apathetic. My walk with the Lord and my wife had become stale and routine. He confronted me and guided me through a process of repentance and renewal. My walk with the Lord and my daily devotions have become meaningful and intimate. I have gained a greater awareness of the needs of my wife and how to meet them. My children have been challenged and stretched to embrace the nurture they are receiving at home. Our church families have been encouraged and equipped with tools to succeed in their relationship with God. There has been a fresh wind of God's grace blow through us these last weeks. I trust that I, my family, and our church will never be the same.

Two weeks ago God found me wanting more of Him, wanting revival. There was one thing in my life that He revealed to me that was keeping me from going any farther. I had allowed myself to become addicted to online video games. It consumed my time, my thoughts, and even my dreams. Through the prompting of the Holy Spirit, I was able to delete all of my games and claim victory over them. This was only the start, literally the first day!

I then prayed every day about giving. I did some computer work for someone, and he gave me some money, a lot more than I expected. Again, through His prompting, I gave all of that money to Life Action. We received an e-mail from another ministry about a need they had. They needed a computer exactly like mine. I was able to joyfully and freely give the computer to them to meet their need. I have also committed to pray with my wife nightly and to become the priest of my home. Daily, God is at work in my life.

Two weeks ago I found myself in a bad situation. I was in a failing relationship, bitter, and angry. I wasn't reading the Word, and I was looking for answers in the wrong places. My family had told me to come to the revival a month ago, and I angrily said yes. I came, and it was what I needed to hear. It seemed I was trying to change my life without God's help, and doing it that way got me nowhere. But listening to the revivalist and putting what he said into action helped me realize I needed God more than I ever knew, so I committed my life to Christ, and I've never felt better. Thank you, Life Action for doing the Lord's work and coming to this church.

Two weeks ago I thought that I had been broken and cornered the market on it. I am a single mom, divorced ten years. What I found during this summit is that no human can break your heart like God can. I felt lonely, overwhelmed, and tired most days prior to the revival, but I made a commitment in the days leading up to it that no matter how busy or tired, I would attend every service. I stuck to my word and even made it to Home Life Café (that I thought I could get out of since I am not married). Through this time, I found renewed strength and endurance physically, mentally, and spiritually. I found that I was keeping myself lonely by holding my heart hostage from possible hurts. My 16-year-old daughter and I have grown closer and have started having deep "God talks" at home. In all of this, God broke me into a billion tiny pieces but then rebuilt me His way. He rebuilt me whole, loved, awake and alive again. I prayed about giving a love gift. Money is tight. I don't receive child support, and teenage girls are expensive. God blessed me with a promotion (during week one of the revival) that I had been passed up for a year ago, enabling me to give more than I thought was possible. God has been so wonderful to me. Thank you, Life Action!

Two weeks ago I felt like I was on a pretty good road, with God as my pilot. After many years of being selfish and self-centered, I decided that I had nothing to lose by giving God a chance to lead my life, because I had lost everything. I was lost and broken-hearted. God has made a huge difference. Actually, He has made all the difference.

As I prepare for marriage at the end of this month, this revival was in God's perfect timing for me and my soon-to-be wife. I have learned so many things that are necessary for a godly life between two people. I especially like that we will be praying together, and I will ask God to bless my bride. The revivalist made me commit to that by standing and committing the same to God. I also like the fifth alternative to a successful marriage, and that is, "Change me!" Thanks, team.

Two weeks ago I was feeling pretty good about my spiritual life. I was up every morning for one or two hours of prayer, Bible study, and devotions, and I was praying all day for family, friends, co-workers, and hurting people. Then God showed me I was covered in sin, a mess: addicted to TV, impure, failed relationships, selfish, filled with pride.

I've gone to the people I've wronged and asked for forgiveness. I'm trying to work on my ex-wife relationship, confessing my selfishness and inattention, and forgiving her for all the wrongs against me. A lot of change; turning off the TV, spending more quality time in prayer, returning items I stole from my company. I'm so thankful for these two weeks. I didn't apply the principles ten years ago, but this time I am. I will make the changes God has shown me and will show me.

Two weeks ago, I was on the fence in terms of being a believer or not. Now I can say that God is in my heart. I am a believer now. It has changed my life completely. I never had a bad marriage, but this has made us much closer. I know now what my role is as a husband. We are so changed now. Thank you very much.

Two weeks ago I was a 15-year-old lost girl. I've been baptized and saved, but I wasn't living my life for Christ. I lost my father at the age of 12, six days after my birthday, and I held on to so much anger. I have been bitter, disrespectful at times, and had regrets; but in the last two weeks, God has really given relief to my soul, and my past is history. I plan to continue to follow Jesus Christ for the rest of my days and do as the Bible says. I want to thank the team for making this happen. My life will never be the same.

Two weeks ago God found me as a person who lived a religion, not having a personal relationship with God. I have learned and grown and surrendered so much in the last two weeks. I know I need to be the kind of wife God wants me to be. When I do that, then my husband is the kind of man I want him to be. I have also watched my four children grow and surrender both from attending the services and from watching me change. I can't thank you enough for what you have done for me and my family while you have been here.

The Lord met me lost, with despair, distrust, and unfaithfulness, untrustworthy and disillusioned in a sinful fantasy life. He has touched my heart and mind, and your teachings are opening my eyes and heart. I thought I needed to rebuild my relationship with my ex-wife, or at least that is all I was hearing her nag me about; but really I was being pulled into this revival to rebuild my relationship with God! I need to prioritize God first right now, and He will help me heal spiritually. Then I will be able to rebuild the important relationships I've destroyed, dishonored, shamed, and betrayed. I don't know what direction my life is going or where I need to be or who I need to be with, but I know I want God in my life. I want Him to lead me and help me be a more pure man so that my loved ones will want me around them. Then I can do my part as God wants me to.

Two weeks ago, God found me desperately wanting to feel a touch from Him, to feel totally forgiven and assured that I could still be used by Him for good. I needed healing from past hurts, disappointment over never hearing "I love you" from my dad (who is now gone), losing my mother at 48, guilt over a failed marriage after 24 years, and all the insecurities and fear that came along with that. I had to admit that I had been looking to my husband (a great blessing, a great man of God) to meet all of my needs, when I should have been trusting God. This week, our family has been ministered to in a mighty way: bitterness and anger removed, a new love for the Lord and His ways, and a unity and love that is so beautiful! I realized my selfishness and my need for a disciplined time with my Lord and Savior every day. My husband and I had been praying together, but now he is committed to pray for me! May our Lord be glorified in my life.

July 2009

2009-07-01T09:33:19Z

“About three in the morning, as we [more than 65 men] were continuing instant in prayer, the power of God came mightily upon us. . . . We broke out with one voice, ‘We praise thee, O God; we acknowledge thee to be the Lord!’” – John Wesley describing Fetter Lane prayer meeting, January 1, 1739

1 Pray for the wives and mothers on our road team staff as they help their families transition from summer ministry and family time to the Staff Training schedule and then a new year of summit meetings.

2 Dave Warn believes that God’s clear direction this spring was to cancel this year’s Institute of Campus Revival and Awakening at Yale University. Pray for God’s further direction as the Collegiate Impact staff seeks Him.

3 Steve Canfield is teaching at this week’s Family Camp. Pray for him and Debby as they make themselves available to the guests for instruction, counsel, and encouragement from God’s Word.

4 We long for our nation’s citizens to have a premier regard for God’s truth, whatever the cost, and to see people choose what is morally right over what is popular. Pray for God to work in hearts, shaping private lives and public decisions by the true freedom which comes from His Spirit.

5 Byron Paulus is speaking today at Bay Harbor Church, a ministry with an outreach to summer resort guests. Pray that God’s Word would deeply impact those listening.

6 Trent Griffith is this week’s Family Camp speaker. Ask God to use him and Andrea as catalysts for lasting spiritual growth as they personally minister to each family’s needs.

7 Please cover the Revive Our Hearts radio ministry in your prayers today. Ask for wisdom and power as the programs are planned and produced, that they would effectively influence many women to choose God’s priorities for their lives.

8 A recent feature on LifeAction.org is the Revive Media Channel. Pray that many will access these videos by various speakers on key revival topics and gain a deeper relationship with Christ as a result.

9 Several of our staff post Scripture-based thoughts and comments on web logs (blogs) with the intent of influencing readers to think from God’s point of view. Pray for wisdom as they write.

10 This weekend, several ministry supporters are meeting at The Lodge for a Partner Appreciation Weekend. Pray that these couples will be refreshed physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

11 Ernie Toledo, Guest Services Manager at the Life Action Camp, is available to meet the practical needs of our Family Camp guests. Pray for him and Diana Jo as they seek to mirror Christ in all they do.

12 Jeff Mann, Program Activities Coordinator at the Life Action Camp, finds very creative and memorable ways to illustrate God’s principles to our Family Camp guests. Pray for him and Maria as they serve and raise their own family also.

13 Murrill Boitnott is our Family Camp speaker this week. Lift up Murrill and Debra in prayer as they draw on God’s wisdom and their life experiences to influence our guests in eternal ways.

14 Please pray for Mark and Amy Bearden as they launch a Prayer Conference ministry, a new Life Action outreach to the local church, based out of Ft. Worth, Texas.

15 The Life Action Camp staff is literally available 24/7 for our Family Camp guests this summer. Ask God to supply His grace, energy, and wisdom to thoroughly meet each need that arises.

16 Byron Paulus, our Executive Director, is taking a few days to seek the Lord for wisdom and direction. Pray that God will guide his thoughts and prepare his heart for upcoming strategic events, and pray that he will truly hear from heaven as he seeks God’s face.

17 Life Action often requests guest writers and speakers to minister to our staff or to address our constituents on specific revival topics. Pray for God’s clear guidance regarding invitations to these individuals.

18 Lift up our Scheduling Department in prayer as they seek God’s clear direction in building the schedule for our three road teams. Our desire is to see God direct our teams’ itinerary, and for Him to produce “Revival Movements Everywhere.”

19 New singers and audio technicians arrive a few days early so they can learn this year’s music before the official opening of Staff Training. Pray that rehearsals will go well and that all involved will promote a spirit of Christ-centered unity.

20 Murrill and Debra Boitnott teach and minister to the Family Camp guests this week. Intercede for them as they apply God’s Word to the lives of their hearers.

21 Pastors and their wives gather at The Lodge this week for a Pastors’ Retreat. Please ask God to greatly refresh and bless these dear couples as our staff ministers to them.

22 Pray that as our ministry leaders gather for Leadership Development meetings, they would grow in their responsibilities and skills for God’s glory.

23 Jimmy Herdklotz serves as the Director of Life Action Camp. Pray for him and Lori today as they coordinate all the aspects of this summer’s Family Camps as well as prepare for Staff Training.

24 Jeff Herdklotz helps provide delicious meals to our Family Camp guests and all those who visit the camp year-round for special events. Pray for him and Judith today, for God’s provision and wisdom as they serve and raise their five children.

25 Life Action’s 39th Staff Training officially opens today. Cover our new and returning team members in prayer as they gather to prepare for a year of Spirit-led ministry.

26 Intercede for our road team revivalists, families, singers, children’s ministers, technicians, vehicle drivers, and schoolteachers as they intently prepare for this fall’s summit meetings over the next few weeks.

27 A Romantic Reflections retreat is in progress at The Lodge. Pray for refreshing times of Christ-centered growing and bonding for the guest couples.

28 Road team members in training are taking an Old Testament Survey class this week, provided by North Greenville University. Pray for a rich time of learning and growing as they study.

29 Please pray for Nancy DeMoss today as she willingly carries many responsibilities for Revive Our Hearts. Pray that God will equip her and her staff for the opportunities and challenges of the days ahead.

30 Revival Week begins Sunday for our entire ministry staff. Pray that as we seek the Lord together, hearing from speakers brought in to minister to us, our hearts will be sensitive and instantly obedient to whatever God shows us.

31 In any ministry, there is always the possibility that some, while serving outwardly, have never been changed inwardly through Christ’s transforming power. Pray especially during this upcoming Revival Week that any who are not truly born again will yield to our wonderful Savior and Lord.

Download pdf of the July prayer calendar.

Are We Successful?

2009-06-17T08:30:26Z

May 30th marked the end of our fiscal year. Number 38.

We are about to engage in our annual audit. Upon completion, a public accounting firm will let us know how successful they feel our year has been--not just in terms of an income statement and balance sheet but also in integrity of process, systems, people, and governance policies. I expect their report to be more favorable than in any previous year of LAM. Thanks, accounting team. And thank You, Jesus!

But does that mean we have been successful? How do you measure the success of a ministry? a family? a church? a nation?

Two years ago, our Board and Advisory Council conducted a workshop on this very topic. The question was, "What should be the metrics of success for LAM?" The outcome was not what I expected, coming from a board comprised mostly of businessmen.

Much discussion was given to the importance of evaluating hard data--numbers and ratios. Then someone mentioned changed lives. Were lives genuinely transformed? And were they changed in proportionate quantity to the resources invested?

Someone quoted Paul in 1 Thess. 2:20, "You are our glory and joy," which seemed to be excellent criteria for measuring success. I quickly agreed, thinking, "If lives are not changed, then what's the use?"

Then two of those godly businessmen went deeper, to the real measurement of success. They proposed the question, "What if there is no outward evidence of success of any kind, but inwardly you know you have been obedient? Then isn't God glorified, and shouldn't that be our ultimate metric?"

Four Traits of Those Who Wield Lasting Influence

Last week during our Senior Leadership Team retreat, we asked Crawford Loritts to lead a share-and-prayer time. When he did, he included the outline to his new book, Leadership as an Identity. (I believe this is the best book published on leadership since Oswald Sanders' classic Spiritual Leadership.)

He cited these four traits of someone with lasting influence:

   1. Brokenness . . . many of us are cracked, but are we really broken?
   2. Uncommon communion with the Lord . . . do we hear from Him?
3. Servanthood as an identity . . . vs. perfunctory and mechanical
4. Immediate and radical obedience . . . vs. delayed and controlled

Don't miss that last one. Immediate and radical obedience. Since we want a ministry of lasting influence, we must fully embrace obedience, regardless of the cost. That is success!

As a ministry this month, we've been focusing on our cutting-edge commitment of Living/Giving. Living means being obedient--obeying the truth of giving, not just knowing it or teaching it or being familiar with it from the past--even if it is radical giving.

Last week, at least six individuals came to faith in Christ at Family Camp. This week, another 23 families are attending. The Lodge is hosting a Pastors' Retreat. Our newest edition of Revive magazine is being printed. Nancy Leigh DeMoss is preparing for another recording session. And much more is happening simultaneously. Even if all of these come off without a hitch, the question remains: Were we obedient?

I want to be part of a ministry that witnesses the power of obedience for His glory. Let's ask ourselves three basic questions:

   1. Is there anything God has already asked of me that I have not fully obeyed?
   2. Have I asked God to show me a step of fresh obedience that I need to take?
   3. What would radical and immediate obedience look like in my life right now?

Passion and Purity

2009-06-08T16:28:32Z

Who Do You Want Sitting Next to You . . . A Robber or a Ruler? August 20, 2007 I am leaving town in a few hours for Florida to speak at a Presbyterian church this weekend, in preparation for our team’s summit in October. It’s a cool 60 degrees and I am sitting by the fire on my porch, spending time with the Lord, knowing I will be wringing wet in several hours as I step into the mid 90’s. But, I would rather choose to be hot and sweaty serving my Lord than cool and comfy and disobedient to the will of my Father. At least in my head . . . but is that the way I always live? John 18 was my “contemplation” passage this morning . . . the segment of my “quiet time reading” where I try to go deeper in understanding and reflection . . . where I get serious and say, “Lord, what are You trying to tell me?” When Pilate asked the religious folk of his day if they wanted a robber in their midst or a ruler hanging out with them, they chose Barabbas, a thief. Why? Could it be because the alternative was an authority . . . someone to whom they would need to submit 24/7? We don’t mind coaches. Counselors. Clergy. Or even companions, such as husbands. But to have someone to whom we need to entrust our entire lives, is acknowledging surrender of our will. It means loss of control. It means loss of rights. It means loss of comfort. It hit me . . . Why in God’s sovereignty was it a robber that was being offered as an alternative? Why not a murderer? A sex offender? Or a prostitute? Maybe God knew that down through the ages, the choice would be the same for all of us . . . Jesus as Lord or that which robs me of Jesus. A robber doesn’t look that bad in light of giving up my choice to make the final decisions in my life. I was convicted this morning that I choose a robber all too often in my daily walk. Those things which rob me of time with God, of my affections, of my focus, my purpose, my mission, and most importantly, of intimacy. Internet surfing. Channel hopping. House projects. Success climbing. Shopping. Playing. Even good books. Good church activities. And good family time. And since I am a numbers guy . . . even Sudoku. But they all are volitional choices I make. I don’t know about you, but I am getting tired of choosing Barabbas. I want a ruler. A ruler who has never yet failed to rob me of bad things for great things!

Camp David and Family Camp

2009-06-02T13:26:09Z

(an in-house communiqué to the Life Action Staff)

Dear Staff,

Last week I had the privilege of hearing former President George W. Bush give his first major domestic speech since he left office. I have heard him speak on previous occasions, but for some reason his comments Thursday evening impacted me deeply.

During Q & A, someone asked, "What did you enjoy most about being president?" He jokingly quipped, "Eight years of never having to stop at a traffic light!"

On the more serious side, he mentioned Air Force One and Marine One, but then also added Camp David. I can only imagine how refreshing and strategic it must be, in facing the unique pressures associated with that office, to take time to retreat and refocus. He made 149 trips to Camp David and spent all or part of 487 days at the property. What was so special about going to Camp David?

Don't Miss the Connection

The answer may lie in his answer to another question, from a ten-year-old boy in the audience. "When did you decide you wanted to become president?" he asked. His reply has major ramifications for you and for me. "I love my dad, and I watched my dad go into politics and never lose the priority of his family."

We can safely assume that had former President Bush Sr. decided to put being leader of the most powerful nation on earth ahead of his family, his son would have had little interest to follow in his footsteps.

An appropriate name for Camp David might be Family Camp David, because President Bush valued this place of retreat for his family. (Interestingly, it was named "David" by President Eisenhower, not after some great political leader but after his grandson David.)

I really wonder how many kids don't want to go into their father's vocation because they watch their dad place his career ahead of family.

Think about it. Why relive the hurt? Why engender more hurt?

(By the way, I was impressed that President Obama spent time and money to take his wife out for a date night, which he does not want to eliminate just because he now has more responsibility. I don't mind him spending my taxpayer money to model the family as a priority. The picture of their two daughters on the White House balcony waving goodbye on date night is a picture, to me, of what it takes to be a successful parent.)

Family Camp Begins!

This week begins our family camp season. For the next eight weeks, over 1,200 individuals will be exposed to truths that can transform the most influential institution in our culture, the home. I am convinced that this is a powerful time for these families.

As I stood on our camp property yesterday, I imagined hearing voices of campers in my mind, and I began to pray for the Lord to move powerfully in the hearts of each one who steps foot onto the property this summer. Please join me in praying for:

1. Our speaker team, for children, youth, and adult sessions.

2. Our staff, that prayer and intercession will be their high priority.

3. The families, to come prepared to obey the truth of God's Word.

The inquiry concerning what our former president enjoyed most didn't stop with the privileges of motorcades, elaborate travel, or even Camp David, but also serving as the Commander-in-Chief. "That is what I will miss the most, because I was inspired the most by the courage, sacrifice, and nobility of those who wear the uniform," he declared.

I realize that the price our soldiers pay is tangibly greater than what most of us will pay by serving in the various ministries of Life Action. But in my role as a leader in Life Action, I can honestly say that what I enjoy most is the courage, sacrifice, and nobility of our staff.

We are in a heavenly battle. The attacks of Satan are strong. The forces of the world, flesh, and devil are becoming deadlier. Yet you as a staff member are standing courageously in the battle. You are sacrificing time and resources to be in the army of God. You are seeking to be noble in your walk with God through the power of Christ and His gospel.

And I am inspired by you. Thank you.

Byron Paulus

June 2009

2009-06-01T00:00:00Z

In the conflict between believers and the powers of darkness, the inner chamber is the place where decisive victory is obtained.” – Andrew Murray

1 Tom and Joyce Harmon open the first week of Family Camp today. Pray that God will use their lives and words effectively, anointing their time as they minister to our guests.

2 Tomorrow, Ryan Loveing, Ben Slenk, and the Revival Conference Team finish their meetings at Calvary Baptist Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Pray that God’s power and presence would be very evident during these final two days.

3 The Red Team, with Murrill Boitnott and Mike Tullos, finishes their summit today at Calvary Baptist Church in Hannibal, Missouri. Pray that even as the team leaves, God’s Spirit will continue working mightily in this church and community.

4 Please intercede for wisdom as our Pastoral Services Council meets today. Their areas of responsibility are the mission of revival, our message, and the shepherding of our staff.

5 As the Revive Our Hearts Executive Leadership Team meets today, ask God to guide every discussion and decision as they seek His leading for the coming year’s ministry opportunities.

6 Before the next summit year begins, our staff revivalists and their families have a few weeks to refresh, restore, and spend some concentrated time together. Ask God to make their days spiritually, relationally, and physically productive as they seek Him.

7 Life Action’s Senior Leadership Team (Byron Paulus, Nancy DeMoss, Del Fehsenfeld, B. G. Allen, Steve Canfield) and their spouses are meeting at MasterPeace Retreats in Auburn, Indiana. Intercede for wisdom
as they work on the ministry’s strategic plan and direction.

8 Tom and Joyce Harmon lead a second Family Camp this week. Ask God to powerfully use Tom’s speaking and counseling, and Joyce’s opportunities with the women, to influence the families to grow in their relationship with Christ and each other.

9 Please cover the families attending Family Camp this summer with your prayers, asking God to do a new and deep work in each life, which will ripple out to affect many others for His kingdom.

10 The Institute of Campus Revival and Awakening begins two weeks from today at Yale University. Pray for all last-minute details and responsibilities to be completed well and covered by the Holy Spirit’s power.

11 Please pray for our Road Team Ministries leadership staff as they meet today and tomorrow to review this past year and seek God’s guidance for the 2009–2010 summit year.

12 Ask God today to use the Revive Our Hearts radio programs to bring His powerful conviction, salvation, and healing to the lives of many who do not yet know Him.

13 René Hanebutt, from Texas, joined Revive Our Hearts last year. Ask God to multiply her ministry to women many times over as she serves here.

14 Pastors and their wives gather tomorrow at The Lodge for a 5-day retreat. Intercede for these dear couples, that they would experience refreshing growth in their lives and relationships.

15 Mark and Sarah Vroegop lead Family Camp this week. Please lift up this pastor and his wife in prayer as they seek to minister effectively for God’s glory.

16 Cover in prayer the Life Action Camp staff as they serve around the clock to meet the needs and desires of our Family Camp guests, with the intent of showing them Christ’s love.

17 Peter Pappas, our Road Team Services Director, would appreciate your prayers as he and his wife, Rachel, open their home to foster children while caring for their three adopted children.

18 Ask God to anoint Life Action’s leadership staff with His presence and power, giving them foresight, insight, and continual gratitude for His daily provision.

19 Ask God to cover the Collegiate Impact families—the Warns, Thomases, and Bullards—with His protection and care as the husbands prepare for intense days of ministry at the institute at Yale. They are all very grateful for your intercession.

20 This year at The Lodge, Revive Our Hearts has hosted two retreats for Women’s Ministry Directors. Pray for Sarah Stevenson and her team as they review the spring retreats and prepare for two fall retreats.

21 God has given clear direction to Collegiate Impact’s leadership to cancel this year’s Institute of Campus Revival and Awakening at Yale. Please pray as the staff concentrates their energies on strategic campus outreaches God is initiating, especially for this fall.

22 Del and Debra Fehsenfeld teach at this week’s Family Camp. Ask God to give them insight into the families’ needs, and wisdom as they address these needs.

23 Byron Paulus serves as emcee for the annual Forum on Revival luncheon at the Southern Baptist Convention in Louisville, Kentucky. Ask God to deepen passion and vision for revival in His people, bringing hope for individuals, communities, and even nations.

24 Please cover the Collegiate Impact staff with your prayers today. Dave Warn, Sunu Thomas, and Wesley Bullard desire to reach university campuses and campus ministry leaders in the most effective ways possible with God’s principles of revival and spiritual awakening.

25 “Revival movements everywhere” is one of our current ministry themes. We long to see genuine, intense works of God’s Spirit springing up all over our country, led by those who have a heart for God and His ways. Please join with us in calling on Him for a great work in our day.

26 As Byron and Sue Paulus lead a Partner Appreciation Weekend at The Lodge for Life Action Ministries, pray that the couples attending will be encouraged and refreshed.

27 Henry Rademaker takes care of Life Action’s construction needs, and his wife, Toni, helps part-time at our National Ministry Center. Please lift their family of five up in prayer today, that all of their needs will be abundantly met.

28 A Pure in Heart conference, for young girls and their mothers, is being planned by the Revive Our Hearts staff for November in Colleyville, Texas. Ask God to clearly direct during this preparation phase.

29 Steve and Debby Canfield teach at Family Camp this week. Pray that God would use the life experiences and wisdom of this staff revivalist couple to deeply impact the families they serve.

30 Today, Nancy DeMoss is recording programs for Revive Our Hearts radio in Little Rock, Arkansas. Pray that God’s anointing will be evident in every aspect of her sessions.

Download pdf of the June prayer calendar.

Risking Prison for a Clear Conscience

2009-05-22T11:11:24Z

I attended the Life Action summit these past few weeks at my church, and God got a hold of my heart. A few months before I became a Christian (4 1/2 years ago), a few of my friends and I did several thousand dollars worth of vandalism at my school just weeks before graduation. I remember the school saying that they were going to find who did it and prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law. This has been haunting me for the past five years—not that I would get caught, but I had a guilty conscious and knew that God wanted me to come clean.

Then you spoke on having a clear conscience, and God's conviction was so great that I couldn't ignore it. After the service I found a close friend, and in tears we prayed together, knowing that I could ultimately end up in jail, owe a bunch of money, and cause a lot of stress at home.

I woke up the next morning after not sleeping well and said, "God, if it is Your will that I am to do prison ministry from the inside, then let it be done." I got to the school and sat down with the principle. I told him that I had become a Christian since graduation, and I had a few things to confess. Then I confessed that I had stolen some tools from the shop room. I asked his forgiveness for that, and I returned the tools following day.

Next I confessed that I had taken part in the vandalism with my friends, and I begged him for mercy and asked for forgiveness. After he said he forgave me, I told him that I didn't have enough money to pay for all the vandalism we had done, but that I was willing take full responsibility for all the damage and pay the school monthly until every penny was paid. He told me that wouldn't be necessary. He knew I have my own handyman business, and he said he would find a project at the school that I could do for free to pay off my debt.

As we were getting up to leave, he turned to me and shook my hand and said, "I have a lot of respect for you for coming in here today. It's nice to finally have closure."

This went way better than I could ever have imagined, and now I don't have that weighing me down anymore. Thank you so much for your words of encouragement and prayer before I had this talk with my former principle. It meant a lot to me. Words cannot express my gratitude for you and this ministry. Thanks again for being a bright light in this dark world.

Air Force One, Presidential Motorcade, and “Fighting” Irish

2009-05-19T10:46:43Z

I have been debating whether or not to comment on the controversial visit of President Obama to Notre Dame last Sunday. But I concluded it was no coincidence that I walked out of a restaurant as Air Force One was making its final approach; and then, with no knowledge of the routing from the airport to the campus, I saw the presidential motorcade.

My comment on the decision won't take much space. It is simple and forthright:

For a major Catholic University to bestow an honorary Doctorate of Law degree on a pro-choice president is tantamount to a major Planned Parenthood agency honoring Randall Terry for his achievements--totally inconsistent with its stated purposes.

The long-term damage this does to the pro-life movement could be monumental. A huge message has been sent forth to Catholics everywhere, and that message extends beyond the issue of abortion. It's a statement that says, "prestige over principles, and popularity over morality."

Somewhere along the line, the administration of the Fighting Irish quit fighting for principle and morality.

Two Life-Shaping Experiences at Notre Dame
Yet I want to explore much deeper than one commencement exercise at one university. I was compelled yesterday to ask myself two questions: "How do institutions depart from their biblical worldview moorings of operating based on principles and morality? And how does this apply to our own ministry here at Life Action?" Ironically, I reflected on two life-shaping experiences I had on campus at Notre Dame more than two decades ago, and how they both influenced my worldview in a positive way.

Life-Shaping Experience #1: Truth is truth regardless of how it affects me.
I remember going to Washington Hall on campus to hear a debate on abortion. It was the mid-1980s. The debate was between a liberal professor from Marquette University and a conservative law professor from Notre Dame.

The contrast was sharp and compelling in favor of the conservative professor. His closing argument concluded that to be truly and consistently biblical, a pregnant woman, even if her life is at stake, should choose to die to save the life of her unborn child.

His rationale was based on the example of Christ's ultimate sacrifice on the cross. He contended that if Christ modeled giving up His life so that others could live, how could we not do the same? Even in the case of rape or life-threatening danger to the mother!

In the pro-life battle, many evangelicals would draw the abortion line short of these two conditions. I don't. Truth is truth. In other words, truth does not cease to be truth just because it does not benefit me.

Movements and organizations will begin to falter whenever the one who is serving esteems himself better than the one he is serving. When we quit laying down our lives for others, at any cost, we are in trouble.

Life-Shaping Experience #2: Doing what is morally right is more important than doing what is popular.
This past week was the 25th anniversary of the death of Francis Schaeffer. I had the privilege of being invited to the campus of Notre Dame in 1982 for a special gathering of lawyers and educators. Their assignment was to address the cultural issues facing our nation, how to combat moral deterioration, and how the outcome would affect our religious liberties. Undoubtedly, the highlight for me was an address by the late Dr. Schaeffer.

Francis Schaeffer, as he regularly did, commended Moral Majority (a conservative evangelical activist group) for their initiatives to mobilize Christians in opposing legislation that tolerated immorality, though he privately expressed concerns to Dr. Falwell over his style. Style was important to Dr. Schaeffer but secondary to substance.

Today, I fear that style has become more important than substance--a dangerous equation. Inevitably, this leads to elevating popularity over morality. That's where we are in our land, both politically and in our brand of Christianity.

Conclusion: The ministry of the Holy Spirit is an essential ingredient to maintain principles over prestige, and morality over popularity.
This is where I want to borrow from Lane Dennis, president of Crossway Books, as he reflected this past Friday on the impact of Dr. Schaeffer, addressing the role of methods (style) in Christian ministry. The following is worth digesting carefully and prayerfully:

L.D. - The tendency is for Christians to fail to understand the utter lostness of the world, and instead, they embrace the world's methods for doing the work of the Lord.

F.S. - The real problem is this: the church of the Lord Jesus Christ, individually or corporately, tending to do the Lord's work in the power of the flesh rather than the Spirit. The central problem is always in the midst of the people of God, not in the circumstances surrounding them. If we do not want to waste our lives, then we must understand the importance of having a humble, quiet heart and the power of the Holy Spirit. Though we know the power of the Holy Spirit can be ours, we still ape the world's wisdom, trust its form of publicity, its noise, and imitate its ways in manipulating men! If we try to influence the world by using its methods, we are doing the Lord's work in the flesh. The key question is this: as we work for God in this fallen world, what are we trusting in? To trust in particular methods is to copy the world and to remove ourselves from the tremendous promise that we have something different to offer. [Click here to view source.)

In Life Action, we can easily be drawn into desiring popularity within our own spectrum of evangelical culture, and begin to operate pragmatically in the power of the flesh. But each time we do, we lose another moral fiber of character and Holy Spirit influence on the world that surrounds us.

Conversely, each time we depend solely on the power of the Spirit to enable us, we counter immorality, and prestige becomes unnecessary and even distasteful as we carry forth His principles for living.

The bottom line? Principles and morality are worth fighting for even if it means we lose prestige and popularity. "Not by might, but by My Spirit!"

Summer Ministry Update

2009-05-19T06:00:00Z

Read Life Action's summer newsletter, Ignite. This issue includes practical encouragement for experiencing a revived life, stories about real people changed by revival, and timely updates on Life Action's ministry outreaches.

(Read Update)

Spirit of Conviction Followed by Obedience

2009-05-18T13:11:01Z

One of our staff revivalists, who has experienced more than 30 years of seeing God work mightily in churches across our nation, recently wrote the following:

Sunday was one of the most incredible mornings I have ever seen. We preached four separate services, attended by a total of 1200 adults and teens. In every service there was a spirit of conviction and receptivity that was followed by obedience. Over 100 people asked for prayer concerning genuine salvation, and over 80 of them went to the prayer room to meet with God. Many of those were hopefully converted.

We have never done an invitation this way before, but rather than have them get with a counselor immediately, we let them get alone with God and write out what was on their heart; then we were available to pray with them if they wanted. It was such a blessing to read these simple yet profound prayers of repentance. Here are just a few excerpts from prayers that people jotted down that morning:

I have felt guilty about my sin, but I have put off repenting. Today I felt convicted and asked God for the gift of repentance. I feel free because I now care more about how God sees me than how anyone else sees me.

He opened my eyes to my sin; it was an incredible feeling unknown to what I've ever felt. I know I'm a sinner; I want to follow Christ. I want to see the glory of God.

I've put earthly things above God. I have problems with addiction. I don't truly repent from them, and I know they are wrong to do. I hear and read the words, but I don’t put them in my heart. I found out today that I was lost.

I believe I have not been saved. I do and say the right things, but I have never known true repentance and conviction in my heart. I have prayed for true repentance. I want to know Jesus intimately and have Him be my Lord and Savior in everything.

God found me today lost. I have let the distractions of this world blind my path, and I have lost my sight. My pride has blinded me. I pray to You, God, for guidance to break the bonds of sin and walk in Your path, to know You.

What Would Abraham Lincoln Do?

2009-05-05T16:10:40Z

What will President Obama do this Thursday? What would Abraham Lincoln do?

This Thursday is the annual National Day of Prayer.

The new administration will issue a NDOP proclamation, which every president has done since 1952 in accordance with a bill President Harry Truman signed into law.

But, for the first time in many years, our current president has decided not to host a prayer event at the White House or to personally participate in any National Day of Prayer scheduled activities. He is not the only president who has refused to engage with the solidly Christian (mostly evangelical) events scheduled in our nation's capital. However, most presidents have chosen to participate.

While President Obama was in Turkey, he made the point that America is not a Christian nation. But now he is on the verge of proclaiming a National Day of Prayer.

Contradiction? Not really.

President Obama has made it clear that he believes America should not elevate one religion over another, or religion over no religion, for that matter. He has stated that we can unify and rally behind a higher cause: our nation's values.

Thus all can pray on the National Day of Prayer, including Buddhists, Hindus, and even unbelievers. By the way, this Thursday is also being promoted as a National Day of Reason, so the atheists are not being left out.

President Obama has been an avid student of President Lincoln. So my question is . . .

What would Abraham Lincoln do?

I personally don't believe President Lincoln would promote a National Day of Prayer. If he were alive and witness to the events happening in our nation today, I believe he would go beyond and re-issue the speech he delivered on March 30,1863, which accompanied the call for a day of national humiliation, fasting and prayer.

His was a proclamation which leaves no room for pluralistic thinking. Nor does it leave room for appeal to any god except the One true God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Following is a key excerpt. Don't race through it because you may have heard it previously; reflect deeply on it. After all, "It is the duty both of nations and of men."

And whereas it is the duty of nations as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the Lord.

We have been the recipients of the choicest bounties of Heaven. We have been preserved, these many years, in peace and prosperity. We have grown in numbers, wealth and power, as no other nation has ever grown. But we have forgotten God. We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace, and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, in the deceitfulness of our hearts, that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us!

It behooves us then, to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.

President Lincoln had it right. It takes more than just prayer; it takes a heart that is honest, humble, broken, repentant, and dependent on God for deliverance. My heart resonates with what A. W. Tozer declared: "Revival will come, when even prayer is no longer used as a substitute for obedience."

The great need for the 2009 National Day of Prayer, as we gather together to seek the Lord, is not to intercede for the nation as much as it is to intercede for the church, that we would repent. "The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working" (James 5:16).

May 2009

2009-05-01T00:00:00Z

“We have become too proud to pray to the God that made us! It behooves us, then to humble ourselves before the offended Power, to confess our national sins, and to pray for clemency and forgiveness.” – President Abraham Lincoln, National Day of Prayer 1863

1 During Life Action summit meetings in churches across America, much prayer and deliberate preparation is put into Base Camp and Happy Heart City, the nightly children’s clubs. Pray with us that God would move deeply on the children’s hearts during this time, giving them a biblical perspective of Himself.

2 Steve Canfield, Steven Canfield, and the Blue Team begin a 2-week summit tomorrow at Friendship Church in Prior Lake, Minnesota. Pray for a moving of God’s Spirit that results in changed lives for His glory.

3 Today through Wednesday, Ryan Loveing, Ben Slenk, and the Revival Conference Team hold a THIRST conference at Riverdale Baptist Church in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Ask God to use this time to create deeper thirst for His presence in this congregation.

4 Laine Johnson, Wilson Green, and the Red Team began a 2-week summit yesterday at First Presbyterian Church in Aurora, Illinois. Intercede for them and the congregation, for a powerful moving of God’s Spirit in this church and town.

5 A retreat for pastors and their wives began yesterday at The Lodge. Pray for these dear couples, that God would grant them times of honest introspection, spiritual growth, and physical refreshing.

6 The Collegiate Impact staff is praying for God to raise up 70 campus leaders and faculty from across the nation to participate in their annual Institute of Campus Revival and Awakening at Yale University, June 24–July 1. Join them in their appeal to heaven.

7 Cry out to God on this National Day of Prayer to call together an army of prayer warriors across our land who will seek Him for a powerful, widespread movement of revival and spiritual awakening.

8 Nancy DeMoss is recording radio programs for Revive Our Hearts in Little Rock, Arkansas, today. Pray that God will empower her to share the specific truths He desires in a manner that will reach and change the hearts of many women worldwide for His kingdom.

9 Our camp staff has the privilege of hosting a father/daughter banquet this evening. Ask God to use the program and all the details to help fathers lead and love their daughters as Christ would.

10 The Revival Conference Team ministers today through Wednesday at Gettysburg Baptist Church in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Pray that this church and town would become known as places where many find abundant life in Christ.

11 Pray for those who write for our various websites and publications, that their printed words would genuinely reflect God’s principles and heart to all who read them.

12 Bryan Sutton serves as a Program and Activities Associate at the Life Action Camp. Pray for him and his wife, Karen, as they raise their young sons and make themselves available to this summer’s family camp guests.

13 The Ron and Tammy Koppelman family is raising prayer and financial support to join our staff. Please ask God to bring interested helpers their way so they can join our ministry family in a timely manner.

14 Pray for Sarah Stevenson, with Revive Our Hearts, as she helps lead the second Women’s Ministry Directors’ retreat at The Lodge this weekend. Pray that God would work deeply, preparing the ladies for days of even greater Christ-centered ministry in their spheres of influence.

15 Pray for Dave Warn as he directs Collegiate Impact. Ask God for protection and wisdom for him and his wife, Renae, as they raise their sons to love and serve Him.

16 Nancy DeMoss speaks today at the Women of Joy conference in Charleston, South Carolina. Ask God to help her minister powerfully and personally to the needs of the women attending.

17 For the next four days, the Revival Conference Team ministers at Antioch Baptist Church in Lumberton, North Carolina. Ask God for His hand of conviction and grace on these meetings.

18 Byron Paulus, Del Fehsenfeld, and other Life Action staff are at the Moody Pastors’ Conference in Chicago today through Tuesday, sharing revival principles through workshops and individual conversations with pastors. Ask God to lead them to those attendees who have a heart for this cause.

19 Scott Salzman serves as our IT Department manager, overseeing the smooth function of the computers in all our offices as well as on the road teams. Pray for him and his wife, Andrea, as they raise their young family to follow Christ.

20 The leaders and members of our camp staff are preparing for this year’s family camps, which begin June 1. Intercede with us for the staff and the families who will attend, that God would send unprecedented days of deep conviction and great spiritual growth and refreshing.

21 As Memorial Day approaches, ask God to do a work of revival and awakening in our armed forces, as well as refreshing our pastors and others who remain faithful in daily spiritual warfare.

22 Byron and Sue Paulus host a Partner Appreciation Weekend at The Lodge beginning today. Pray that God would refresh the guests’ hearts and deepen their vision for how He desires to use their lives for His glory.

23 The Blue Team ministers at Big Bone Baptist Church in Union, Kentucky, this coming week. Ask God to do a new and refreshing work of His Spirit among the congregation.

24 The Revival Conference Team begins an 11-day summit today at Calvary Baptist Church in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Pray for God’s presence and power.

25 The Red Team began an 11-day summit yesterday at Calvary Baptist Church in Hannibal, Missouri. They would appreciate your fervent intercession for them as they serve there.

26 Dave Warn and Sunu Thomas appreciate your prayers for them as they minister at Princeton University through the end of this month.

27 Please join Dave, Sunu, and Wesley, the Collegiate Impact staff, as they cry out to God for the next Great Awakening on college and university campuses.

28 Tomorrow, Byron and Sue Paulus host another Partner Appreciation Weekend at The Lodge. Pray for God’s hand to be very evident in every detail of this special time.

29 Nancy DeMoss records Revive Our Hearts radio programs in Little Rock, Arkansas, today. Each session is recorded before a live audience of area women. Pray that God’s Word will influence these ladies and extend across the airwaves in powerful ways.

30 The Red Team, Blue Team, and Revival Conference Team are finishing this summit year in the next few days. Pray that the leaders and team members will stay fervent and focused, concluding this season with the power of God on their lives.

31 Eight weeks of Life Action family camps start tomorrow. Ask God to give protection, direction, and power to the staff as they give themselves to meet the guests’ physical and spiritual needs this summer.

Download pdf of the May prayer calendar.

White Chalk and Hula Hoops

2009-04-22T10:49:17Z

For many years I have been challenging believers in churches across America to follow the example of Gypsy Smith.

Whenever the noted evangelist wanted to see God do His great work, he was known to draw a circle around himself with a piece of white chalk and pray, "Lord, send a revival, and let it begin inside this circle."

Rodney "Gypsy" Smith was born in a tent, raised in a Gypsy camp, and never attended a day of school; yet he influenced millions of people for God through his powerful preaching. Not exactly a recipe for success . . . unless we take our eyes off of everyone else (refuse to compare), step inside a chalk-drawn circle, and say, "Lord, I need revival!"

"But when they measure themselves by one another and compare themselves with one another, they are without understanding" (2 Cor. 10:12).

Did you know that Gypsy Smith spoke here?

I recently spoke in a church outside Chicago, and someone informed me that Gypsy Smith (1860-1947) had previously spoken there. I have shared the chalk story for more than a quarter of a century, and I couldn't help but reflect on the extended impact of that one life story. I estimate that over 200,000 people have heard me tell the Gypsy Smith illustration.

During the past decade, I have taken bags of chalk with me to every church where I have done prep work for Life Action summits. My invitation at the end of my Sunday morning message is simple but profoundly effective in heart preparation:

"Would you join me by taking a piece of chalk and placing it in a conspicuous place, perhaps on your nightstand or next to your mirror where you dress each morning, on your desk or in your purse or pocket? AND, each time you see it between now and the time our team arrives, would you stop long enough to ask God to 'send revival inside my circle, to my heart!'?"

Hundreds typically come to the altar to take a piece of chalk and begin praying that prayer.

The stories I've heard of what happens next are reminders to my own heart to take that challenge seriously.

New York: A family drew a circle on a piece of cardboard and put it in front of their fireplace. Every morning for five weeks leading up to the summit, each member of their family would step inside the circle and pray, "Lord, send revival inside this circle." They later reported the unexplainable work of God that took place in their home.

Pennsylvania: A lady drew a circle around her favorite rocking chair and prayed every day for six weeks for the Lord to work in her heart.

Texas: A man was building a home and decided to have a circle engraved in the final piece of tile at the back door where he would enter his home each evening, as a reminder that revival in his home began with him.

Michigan: One of our own staff families purchased a hula hoop and placed it in their living room, asking each member of the family to step inside it every day and pray the "circle prayer."

Florida #1: Following the final church service where I was preaching, I walked outside to discover white circles all over the parking lot and on the sidewalk leading up to the front door. These church members said they did not want anyone inside their church to miss the opportunity to pray the prayer! (Wouldn't that change church?)

Florida #2: I returned from speaking in Palm Bay to learn that a couple from there had placed a short video clip on YouTube. It depicts a discussion they at their kitchen table about the need to ask God to begin revival in them as a couple--except instead of a circle, they drew a heart on their kitchen floor! (There's some great theology in this simple kitchen conversation: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DJWTKabN-nw)

Bethlehem (PA, that is): Two weeks ago, I spoke in three worship services on Sunday morning. Between the second and third services, someone came up to me and inquired, "Did you know that some men are drawing a circle around the entire church building?" Sure enough, upon leaving the final service for lunch, there it was: a huge circle around the entire complex.

This past weekend, much amazing face-to-face ministry occurred:

Pure in Heart conference in the Quad Cities area
Men's conference here at the Life Action Camp
Blue Team summit near Washington, D.C.
Red Team summit in Bristol, TN
White Team summit in Wabash, IN
Women's conference with Nancy Leigh DeMoss at First Baptist Church of Dallas
Jericho Partnership with Dave Warn (Collegiate Impact) at Montana State University

We have a busy week ahead, as I'm sure you do; but don't forget to draw a circle. Can you imagine the difference that would make?

Got a piece of chalk?

Announcing a New Media Channel

2009-04-21T16:48:14Z

Welcome to Life Action’s new Revive Media Channel, your go-to place on the web for revival media content. Here you'll find free video messages, testimonies, historical accounts on the topic of revival, and more. Be sure to check back often for newly released videos!

Launch Media Player Now

Finding Freedom Through Forgiveness

2009-04-02T09:36:39Z

From 16 days ago to now, I have grown considerably. I have learned to truly forgive. I was not expecting to face bitterness and hurt from an issue with my husband. Sixteen days ago, my husband confessed moral impurity, looking at pornography. I forgave him when he told me, but I still felt shocked, hurt, and betrayed. I was having trouble completely reconciling with him and feeling completely open with him. I know that it is only the truths I have heard this week, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit that have helped me forgive my husband completely. I have a peace knowing that there is no bitterness in my heart, rather just a desire to encourage my wonderful husband in his pursuit of holiness. I feel like the Lord has used this situation to strengthen our marriage. Praise the Lord! ~Rocky Mount, NC

The Lord found me with guilt for breaking up my marriage and family. I needed forgiveness from my daughters, ages 14 and 17. This guilt has caused me not to let go of my past, even though I had asked God and my girls to forgive me. Last night, at the end of the service, you told each of us to write love letters to our immediate family members and to put it under their pillows when we get home. I wrote letters to both of my girls asking for forgiveness. I woke up this morning with letters from both of my girls, and they both stated they forgive me and how much they love me. I am set free of my guilt. I feel a heavy burden has been lifted from me. I praise God! ~Tonya

Two weeks ago, God found me lustful and prideful. I felt that I had to be right all of the time just to prove my point. I found myself wanting what others had instead of thanking God for all that He has blessed me with. God also found me bitter two weeks ago. A couple years ago, my parents separated, and I have held that bitterness toward them inside of me for so long. God touched me on the shoulder and said, “Brooke, let it all go. It will be okay. Just let it all go.” I trusted God and let everything go. I no longer have to be right all of the time. I no longer find myself wanting what others have, and instead I thank God for what I already have. I have forgiven my mom for the past situations in our life, and I now find myself in complete peace. I wake up now and know that it is going to be a good day. I feel as if a weight has been lifted from my shoulders, and my family is happier than we have ever been. I just want to say thank you for all that you have done and will continue to do. ~Brooke

I thought I had forgiven the deacons that ran my husband out (the church pastor). When the revivalist said we haven’t truly forgiven them if we didn’t want to spend time with them, I realized I had not. God gave me the desire to forgive and the ability to write letters to the very people that turned our home and church upside down. Today I can say thank You, Lord, for allowing that painful time in my life. I am not the same; my home is not the same. We are at peace. I have prayed for the deacons’ walk with the Lord. I’m not afraid to see them again. My lifelong goal will be to live in the Spirit and respond as Christ would have me to. ~Barbara

Thank you so much for all you’ve done. Two weeks ago, before Life Action came, God found me bitter and defensive. I couldn’t surrender everything I wanted to God. A couple years ago, a neighbor molested my younger sister, and I had never forgiven him. I would think I had forgiven him, but I would say hateful things and think bad things about him, and when you forgive someone, you shouldn’t have those thoughts. I have truly forgiven that neighbor as a result of the Life Action summit. Thank you, Life Action team. God bless you. ~Rachel

God found me in a really tight spot. I’ve been through a lot in my life, and I was holding a lot of bitterness toward my mom’s ex-husband. He has done a lot to hurt me and my mom. I always said I had a right to be angry and not to forgive, but God showed me that I was the one who put Jesus on the cross, and He forgave me even after what I did to Him, so I had no right to not forgive my mom’s ex-husband. When I finally let go of all that, I breathed like I haven’t breathed in 13 years. I finally can rest, knowing that God will deal with my mom’s ex-husband and I don’t have to. I am finally done watching over a jail cell. Praise the Lord! ~Mason

Before Life Action came, I was very bitter, and that’s where God found me this week. I had been hurt emotionally and physically by two men that were very close to me, and I was refusing to let go and forgive them. But this week, God has taught me to just give it all up to Him. I now have realized that God won’t make me go through something He knows I can’t handle. He carried me through the pain and has brought me away from the bitterness. Now I can truly say that I forgive them. Now I thank God for allowing what happened to me, because it has brought me closer to Him. He tore down those walls of bitterness I had around me, and I know now that there is nothing I can’t get through with Christ by my side. I thank you, Life Action! ~Christian

Thank you for the truths you reminded me of these past two weeks. Two weeks ago I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I knew that God wanted me and my family at every meeting . . . and amazingly, we were. I discovered that I had not been living in full obedience to the Lord. My husband made a business mistake two years ago that I have held so much anger and bitterness about. I have spent the best part of those two years wounded, fearful, and untrusting. I have blamed my husband and have been the contentious, nagging wife. There is so much more to my story, but in short I had to give it all up, surrender everything I have to the Lord. I have asked my husband for forgiveness, and I am determined to let God be Lord of my life, no matter what the future holds. Thank you for showing me my sin and my hope. I am eternally grateful to you all. ~Erika

I made a vow to the Lord before you guys came. Here is the vow: “Lord, if the doors open for a summit meeting, I will show up.” I am 26 years old, and this is the very first vow I have ever kept to the Lord. Praise God because He had me here for a reason. I was involved in pre-marital sex, got pregnant, and married the man. After two years of abuse, lying, and cheating, I met with my pastor here; and when my husband attempted to kill me, I took my daughter and left. I divorced him nine months later. You can imagine my hatred and bitterness. Praise God I am now praying salvation and blessings on him. Yes, even blessings! God has done so much in these ten days in me and my four-year-old daughter; all that for “showing up.” My cup overflows with joy and hope and God’s perfect love. ~Bree

God found me broken, prideful, judgmental, hypocritical, depressed, and angry. After hearing the revivalist teach on mercy, I broke down and wept and spent that night face down before God seeking forgiveness for specific sins from more than 28 years ago. I suffered physical, mental, and sexual abuse as a young boy and have been bitter ever since. God revealed Psalm 32, and as I prayed through my sins, God removed the guilt and set my paths straight. To God be the glory. May His mercy never cease. ~Rick

God found me angry and bitter about some events that had taken place at work. I felt anger at my boss and frustrated with work. Through the sermons of the last two weeks, I realized that by harboring my resentment, I was sinning against God. I felt that there were times my boss had lashed out at me and others and put scars on our hearts. I began praying for her daily last week, that God would heal the scars on her heart. It allowed me to deal with her in a more Christlike way. I have also become more aware of how my griping and complaining to other co-workers is gossip, and that I am sinning against God when I engage in this behavior. Thank you for providing the messages I needed to hear! ~Hartsville, SC

God challenged me this week to deal with unforgiveness in my heart toward my rapist, and He gave me hope that I can forgive. God also reminded me that it is all about Him, not me, which is a very humbling experience. God also challenged me to give up all aspects of my life to His control, which I’ve never really done before. God also awakened my heart to the deadness of my heart for the lost. He also showed me to have confidence in His presence. ~Britina

I am barren. I thought I was past all my anger. When I allowed myself to be smashed against the rock of Christ, I found angry little bits. I gave my dreams of motherhood over. I asked Him to take away the anger. Wow! He really did! Not only that, He opened doors to motherhood I never dreamed of. My husband and I now have a ministry calling to mentor foster children. God laid it on our hearts separately but at the same time. He is so amazing and wise! ~Denise

The Lord found me very angry and frustrated when you came to our church. Our son recently got into some trouble with the law, was arrested, and is now on probation. Our lives now center around his probation requirements, which have been numerous and expensive. I was angry at our son, the attorney we paid $1000 to, the judge who was extremely harsh in sentencing our son, and the probation officer who didn’t care. It’s been difficult to live with our son’s consequences of sin, since it affects the whole family. But God has taken away my anger and restored my joy through your coming to our church. I thank you for that. We have hope for our son and our family. ~Norma

Sixteen days ago, God found me bitter, angry, dissatisfied with my marriage, and angry with God because of our 21-year-old prodigal daughter that has turned our home upside down. These past two weeks, God has taught me to let go of pride and bitterness. I realized I’m not God, and He has a right to do what He sees as best. We have had to confess and forgive one another in our marriage. What a purging, cleansing release. I realize I can’t change my past. I can’t change my daughter; only God can do that. I can only change the way I respond to her. I want holiness to be squeezed out of me and represent Jesus. ~Susan

God has really worked in my life these past 11 days. I was very bitter and depressed about my life. My daughter was born with a birth injury that happened during delivery, and for the past four years, I have blamed the doctors and staff for the injury. God has opened my eyes, and I have realized that He does everything for a reason. Everything is done for a purpose that He has specifically for my life and for hers. I have realized that she is a blessing from Him no matter what. I have also learned to be a more submissive wife, not because my husband thinks I should be but because it is what God expects of me. Thank you, Life Action team, for believing His wonderful message. ~Haynesville, GA

April 2009

2009-04-01T00:00:00Z

Where cross the crowded ways of life,
Where sound the cries of race and clan
Above the noise of selfish strife,
We hear Thy voice, O Son of Man.

O Master, from the mountainside
Make haste to heal these hearts of pain;
Among these restless throngs abide;
Oh, tread the city’s streets again.

– Pastor Frank North, 1903

1 Laine Johnson, Wilson Green, and the Red Team are scheduled to finish their summit today at Friendship Baptist Church in Hudson, North Carolina. Pray that God would especially move the hearts of those reluctant to obey His Word.

2 Steve Canfield, Steven Canfield, and the Blue Team continue their summit through April 5 at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, Illinois. Ask God to do a great work of revival and spiritual awakening in the church and the surrounding community.

3 This weekend, the first Revive Our Hearts Women’s Ministry Directors’ Retreat begins at The Lodge. Pray for Sarah Stevenson and Carrie Gaul as they speak and lead, serving women who are active leaders of women’s ministries in their churches and communities.

4 Life Action’s Publications Department recently released a new newsletter titled Ignite. Pray that it will effectively communicate revival principles.

5 Ryan Loveing, Ben Slenk, and the Revival Conference Team begin a 4-day THIRST conference today at Harvest Time Bible Church in Rock Falls, Illinois. Ask God to create a thirst among the congregation to experience His power and glory in their lives.

6 The Red Team ministers through a summit at Providence Baptist Church in Pageland, South Carolina, until April 15. Pray that God’s anointing would be on the speakers, singers, and children’s ministers as they serve, accomplishing a deep work in the hearts of the congregation.

7 Last month, Life Action published the first edition of a new quarterly magazine titled Revive, (formerly Spirit of Revival magazine). Ask God to give the writers and editors insight into the heart needs of those who will be reached by the articles. Pray that people will absorb the material and respond to the truth.

8 “Over the last several months, I have had a powerful burden for revival in [my home town].” A layman from a southern city wrote this to us earlier this year, and outlined how he is planning to start daily noon prayer meetings for men to pray for God to work. Pray that God will raise up many others to lead prayer meetings for revival and spiritual awakening in their homes, churches, and towns.

9 Nancy DeMoss is teaching today in Little Rock, Arkansas, recording for Revive Our Hearts radio. Pray for physical stamina, spiritual insight, and the ability to communicate truth effectively.

10 Joann Archer, wife of Charles (our Business and Finance Director), entered the immediate presence of Christ on February 8, after enduring two-and-a-half years of ALS. She honored her Lord consistently throughout her physical battle and pointed many to Him. Please pray for Charles and their two daughters and families as they adjust to her absence.

11 Nick Johnson, an associate technician in our IT Department, helps maintain Life Action’s many computers used in various locations and helps answer technical questions from our staff. Pray for him and his wife, Rachel, especially as they raise prayer and financial support to work with HCJB Radio in Colorado. They are eager to fulfill this new calling on their lives.

12 The Revival Conference Team begins an 8-day summit this Resurrection Sunday at Emmanuel Free Will Baptist Church in Wabash, Indiana. Ask God to begin sending
refreshing revival and powerful spiritual awakening to the church and community as a result of these days.

13 The Blue Team began a 15-day summit yesterday at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Manassas, Virginia. Ask for God’s hand to be on the teams and their leaders, and on the church leaders and congregation,
accomplishing the permanent change only His Spirit can achieve.

14 Tom Jones serves as the Creative Design Manager at our National Ministry Center. Pray for him and his wife, Danna, for daily spiritual and physical resources and for stamina to meet the demands of their lives.

15 Our Business Services Department seeks to honor Christ in everything as they direct our ministry’s business affairs. Pray for wisdom and foresight for them as they serve.

16 As the Deinum and Reava families continue raising support to join our camp ministry, pray that God will provide interested partners who will give prayer and finances to speed them to their goal.

17 Nancy DeMoss is speaking at the women’s retreat of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas. Pray that her words will help accomplish God’s deepest desires for the women during this time.

18 Revive Our Hearts is hosting a Pure in Heart conference for moms and their tween daughters in Davenport, Iowa, today. Pray for Susan Henson as she leads and speaks at this event.

19 The Red Team begins an 8-day revival summit today at Calvary Baptist Church in Bristol, Tennessee. Pray that the congregation will respond in faith and obedience to God’s revealed will for this time.

20 Today, Nancy DeMoss participates in a Revive Our Hearts radio rally with Bott Radio Network in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Pray that God will change hearts for His glory and move people to partner with the radio ministry.

21 Pastors and their wives meet this week at The Lodge for a Pastors’ Retreat. Pray for days of deep reflection, intense challenge, and refreshing rest as the staff serves these dear couples.

22 Pray for Nancy DeMoss as she prepares to participate tomorrow at a Revive Our Hearts radio rally with Bott Radio Network in St. Louis, Missouri. Ask God to empower her for this task.

23 Tomorrow, Nancy DeMoss speaks at a Revive Our Hearts radio rally with Bott Radio Network in Kansas City, Missouri. Ask God to produce the results He desires through this outreach.

24 The Life Action Camp hosts a couples’ retreat this weekend. Pray that the couples will experience God’s presence in such a way that their families will be impacted for Him for years to come.

25 Please pray for additional ministry partners to help fund Collegiate Impact’s various outreaches, such as Jericho Partnerships and the institute held each summer at Yale University.

26 Joyce Cronin and Jessie Stoltzfus both joined the Revive Our Hearts team within the past year. Pray that God would empower them as they fill their positions, protecting and blessing them as they serve.

27 Pray that God would clearly direct our Scheduling Department today, ordering their plans to match His timetable as they arrange the teams’ summit and conference schedules for months to come.

28 Pray for the effective use of two tools Collegiate Impact uses to help reach campuses for Christ: The New Haven Call covenant and Jericho Partnerships, both designed to help students, faculty, and ministry leaders unite in effective outreach to colleges.

29 Pray for the Life Action Camp staff as they prepare to host several father/daughter banquets at the camp in May.

30 Please intercede today for Collegiate Impact’s fourth Institute of Campus Revival and Awakening at Yale University,

What Could Change with Revival?

2009-03-13T12:40:51Z

The list reads like a modern-day soap opera: a parent's adultery, haunting doubt, a spouse's string of affairs, addictions, womanizing, loneliness, depression, bitterness, spouse abuse, divorce, failing in leadership, mental and emotional abuse, failure to meet personal responsibilities, lust, temptation, unforgiving spirit, marriage and family out of control, victimization by murder . . .

The above isn't the product of some secular writer's keyboard; it's a list of genuine, specific concerns written down for one of our teams recently as they opened a summit . . . in a church that's probably a lot like many of ours.

Each night during the summit, this team hands out cards to the congregation that begin, "I would like the team to pray for the following requests." The cards are returned to the team members, who take the commitment to pray very seriously.

If our churches are having such deep problems, can we even begin to imagine the depth of despair for the average, everyday American who doesn't know God? Is there hope? What could change if God, through His Spirit, would be pleased to send sweeping revival and spiritual awakening to our lives, homes, and churches?

The following are excerpts from a letter sent by Pastor Jonathan Edwards to Rev. Thomas Prince in Boston, dated Dec. 12, 1743. They describe some things God did in what we call the First Great Awakening, which influenced the American colonies between 1730 and 1745. (The Mr. Whitefield that is mentioned is preacher George Whitefield from England.)

"The congregation was extraordinarily melted by every sermon [of Mr. Whitefield's in the meeting-house]; almost the whole assembly being in tears for a great part of sermon time. Mr. Whitefield's sermons were suitable to the circumstances of the town, containing just reproofs of our backslidings, and, in a most moving and affecting manner, making use of our great profession and great mercies as arguments with us to return to God, from whom we had departed. . . .

"The revival at first appeared chiefly among professors [of salvation] and those that had entertained the hope that they were in a state of grace, to whom Mr. Whitefield chiefly addressed himself. But in a very short time there appeared an awakening and deep concern among some young persons that looked upon themselves as in a Christless state; and there were some hopeful appearances of conversion; and some professors [of salvation] were greatly revived.

"In about a month or six weeks, there was a great alteration in the town, both as to the revivals of professors and awakenings of others. By the middle of December, a very considerable work of God appeared among those that were very young; . . . religious subjects almost wholly took up their conversation when they [the people in general] were together.

"Ever since the great work of God that was wrought here about nine years ago, there has been a great abiding alteration in this town in many respects. . . . There has remained a more general seriousness and decency in attending the public worship. There has been a very great alteration among the youth of the town with respect to reveling, frolicking, profane and unclean conversation, and lewd songs. Instances of fornication have been very rare. There has also been a great alteration among both old and young with respect to tavern haunting. I suppose the town has been in no measure so free of vice in these respects for any long time together for this sixty years as it has been this nine years past."

Could this happen again in our nation? Please join us in praying that God will do an even greater work! We need Him so desperately.

Testimonies of Forgiveness

2009-03-13T12:00:00Z

I was seeking the Lord, and Clint was occasionally visiting church on Sunday mornings. Clint hunted and worked, and I raised the kids. We communicated very little . . . just the bare minimum. I took the kids to church. Most attempts to reconnect our family quickly became arguments. We truly lived separate lives. He did his thing. The kids and I did ours. My heart was tough . . . not much tenderness toward Clint.

About two years before Life Action, the Lord revealed to me that I should meet Clint at his level, find a church of his choice. I resigned from my ten positions at that church after much prayer. For two months, we didn’t attend church. Clint came around, and we began to visit churches. As we began to visit Fairview, the Lord truly began to work in our marriage and home. Clint actually enjoyed the music and our pastor. Clint even started attending Sunday School class with me. I found a new tenderness inside that surprised me. We connected with a godly family. We began homeschooling our two children due to our son’s health.

The Lord used the time from Oct. ’07 to Apr. ’08 to reunite our family time. Homeschooling was only chosen because of our son’s health, but it revealed how controlled we were by other schedules, not God’s. Clint being self-employed had random days off. We now could enjoy Dad! We began fishing as a family! We even had a home-school fishing class. We began spending time together like never before.

Life Action came to Fairview Apr. ’08. God had big plans for our family! After a plea from the church, we opened our home for two staffers. We live 30 minutes from the church and thought we were too far away. However, God seems to know no limits! Praise Him!

Clint attended almost every night, missing only the two nights he taught class at a nearby college. He even attended the family seminar on Saturday! We received so much biblical information. Clint realized his place as the leader of his family. We cancelled programmed television, and out in the country we can’t even pick up news stations. PTL! Clint told our children that we would continue to home school because of the changes we can see God has brought through it. God totally transformed our home.

I still had a deep secret that I was suppressing. I couldn’t see myself as H.O.T. (Honest. Open. Transparent.) If I exposed myself, I was possibly destroying what I had been praying for the past two years. About seven years prior, I had an affair. Six weeks before the summit, Ryan visited our church, along with a man who shared his testimony of an affair . . . I missed that service. But, God made sure I had a magazine from Life Action—one that had so many stories of H.O.T. people! I actually stopped reading it and gave it to a friend because I was so convicted about my affair.

Into the second week of our revival, I knew I had to confess to Clint. I asked the revivalist and his wife (Ryan and Mal) for prayer. They offered prayer and seasoned advice. It was a night that Clint taught, and I knew it was time to talk. In our room that night, we sat talking, which is very unusual. I felt as though God set up the scene. He was saying, “Okay, it’s time.” I held Clint’s hand, and I confessed. I confessed more than the affair. I confessed darker secrets about the condition of my heart. He never let go of my hand! He even prayed over me and for the condition of my heart! He forgave me that night. Honestly, I expected a fight, anger, how could you’s, someone leaving in the night . . . anything other than forgiveness.

The very next night at service, Ryan offered a chance for all couples to participate in a renewal of wedding vows. Clint was the first to stand! I am crying now as I remember. It was such a precious moment for us. The affair was two years before I began walking with God, and at our original marriage vows, I didn’t view it as a covenant with the LORD. On April 8, 2008, Clint and I married each other as Christians with a Christ-centered covenant. Now, we tell people our anniversary is in April as opposed to November.

So many from our church commented on Clint’s change, not knowing of what we really had been through. Our pastor asked, “Can you believe it? The difference in Clint Gourley is incredible!” I said, “You don’t know half of it.”

The following summer we went on our first mission trip as a family. We visited orphans in Mexico. Our hearts were torn for the children. We fell in love with the Christian people tending to the fatherless. Not speaking fluent Spanish did not stop us! We have continued to visit the orphanages and minister to them.

In August of 2008, the Lord revealed to me that I needed to sacrifice my reputation and share how He transformed us. So, I did. I have told of the work God performed even through my faults. Being H.O.T. for the Lord has transformed me even more. I have stopped taking antidepressants that I took for years. Satan had me convinced I could never tell of the affair, and I needed that pill to help suppress what God wanted me to let go of. Praise God for all He is and always will be!

Spring Ministry Update

2009-03-11T17:13:31Z

Read Life Action's new quarterly report, Ignite. This issue includes practical encouragement for experiencing a revived life, stories about real people changed by revival, and timely updates on Life Action's ministry outreaches.

(Read Update)

Staying Focused

2009-03-10T11:36:00Z

Dear Ministry Friends,

For me, staying focused on the right things can be a battle. I struggle with distractions.

I list my priorities. I start my day. I stay busy. I get sidetracked. I end my day. I forgot I had a list.

Staying focused can be tough when life is pulling us in many different directions. Yet I do better staying focused in my daily work than in my daily perspective. In the midst of all that is happening in our nation, especially economically, don’t you find it tough to keep God’s perspective?

As I shared in chapel this past week, I have been convicted about an inordinate waste of mental and emotional energy by my focusing on current events with a wrong perspective. During my daily quiet time last week, I discovered how bad it had gotten when I asked myself the following questions:

Am I spending as much time talking to God about President Obama as I am to others?
Am I as upset over the consequences of our nation’s sin as I am the consequences of our nation’s economy?
Am I as disturbed over the lack of God’s presence as I am the lack of godly people in places of influence?
Am I spending as much time trying to understand the ways of God through the Good News as I am the ways of man through the media?
Am I as motivated to figure out how to meet the needs of others as I am in trying to figure out how to meet my own needs?
Am I content to live the rest of my life materially poor in order to make others spiritually rich?
Have my prayer life and spiritual walk been such that I can expect God to supernaturally protect me if our nation experiences severe anarchy, chaos, and lawlessness?
Do I spend as much time sharing what I learned from the Scriptures each day as I do sharing what I learned about current events that day?

The final question posed by the Lord was simply, “Is this crisis making you more like Me?” I had to acknowledge that it was drawing me away from focused time in His presence, from Scripture memory, and from fervent prayer. From Him!

What we focus on is what we become. I was being kept informed, but I was not being transformed into His likeness.

This is Lent season. A growing number of Christian technophiles are fasting . . . from Facebook, Twitter, and blogging. Maybe they're on to something . . . even good things can distract from the Best.

Focusing on Him together,

Byron
Executive Director
Life Action Ministries

Please join us in praying

A strategic week is upon us. Please join us in focused prayer for these wonderful ministry opportunities.

Wednesday . . . . . . . . . . ROH broadcast recording at our National Ministry Center

Thursday . . . . . . . . . . . Semi-annual Board of Directors meeting in Texas

Thursday – Sunday . . . . 19th annual Vision Gathering in San Antonio

Friday – Sunday . . . . . . . Living Intentionally . . . LAM ladies' retreat at camp

Sunday Evening . . . . . . . Senior Leadership Team meeting in San Antonio

Fifty Express Need for Genuine Salvation

2009-03-09T10:39:42Z

Why would a person who has never come to salvation through Christ bother to keep up the outward appearance of being a Christian? Why would such an individual serve as a Sunday school teacher, deacon, pastor, or pastor’s wife?

There could be many reasons: to impress others, to please someone else, to enjoy the benefits of a believing community without the spiritual cost, because they really don’t understand the gospel of salvation by faith in Jesus, because it’s a commitment they’ve put off so long that it’s now a false lifestyle, because it’s what their family always did . . .

Whatever the reason that leads to pseudo-Christianity, the good news is, when a person like this truly kneels in subjection to the Son of God, embracing Him as their Savior, the well of new life springing up and spilling out through God’s Spirit at work in them can transform a whole church!

One of our teams is currently in a summit where, in the Sunday morning church service, 50 people expressed their need for genuine salvation. We rejoice with those who were born into God’s family that day, and we look forward to seeing the evidence of this new life, as they are now what they only seemed to be previously.

Road Signs, GPS & Destiny

2009-02-25T12:18:30Z

Times have changed. I used to watch road signs when traveling. Now I use GPS. But I forgot mine this weekend, which took me back to the past. In more ways the one.

Saturday evening, en route to my motel here in suburbia Minneapolis, I noticed a road sign: “Mankato, straight ahead.” The last time I saw a sign for Mankato was 36 years ago.

Many of you know the story. Sue and I spent the second night of our honeymoon in Duluth, on the shores of Lake Superior. We were hoping to enjoy the water but discovered ice formations instead. It was bitterly cold that night. In fact, it was so cold the next morning we decided to go south ... all the way to southern Minnesota ... to the city of Mankato.

Actually, our primary motivation was to visit a dear friend who was unable to be in my wedding because he was traveling with a group called Life Action. They were in a church conducting a “crusade.” Jeff couldn’t come to us, so we went to him. That’s right--we went to church on the third night of our honeymoon.

That was my first real exposure to Life Action. BUT, more importantly, it was my first real exposure to a profound sense of God’s presence. A magnet to our thirsty souls. That is why Sue and I immediately became Life Action “groupies.” Deep down it was more like “God groupies.” We wanted more. And more. And more. Of Him.

Fast forward. Yesterday morning, after I finished preaching to several hundred people, there was, once again, a profound sense of God’s presence. Three-fourths of the congregation came to the altar in response to God’s conviction. I sat on the front row and began to weep (and I am not a weeper!).

Then it hit me. Here I am, in close proximity to where I was 36 years earlier, being exposed once again to an overwhelming sense of the presence of God.

But this time, I was not sitting in the pew. I was an instrument in helping to bring about the presence of God. This is when I began to lose it. From pew to pulpit. How could this be?

My life’s journey raced before me ... because this is where my spiritual destiny began.

You see, God knew where Sue and I would be on that honeymoon night in 1973. He knew what it would take to get us out of Duluth to encounter LAM in Mankato. So God orchestrated a weather system to ensure we would not stay in Duluth. He even timed our wedding so we would be in the same part of the country as Life Action. And He even, a couple of decades earlier, moved Sue’s family from Boston to Minneapolis and then on to Tomahawk, Wisconsin, where we were married. And of course, before all that, He even orchestrated our conception. And He did it all, before the earth was formed.

I am huge on the sovereignty of God and the free will of man. But thinking in terms of the “what ifs” only deepens my awareness of His amazing providence. What if I had not visited Mankato in 1973? Since my journey with Life Action has been nothing short of extraordinary, would I have missed it all? Only God knows.

But I know the joy I felt Sunday morning as I contemplated God’s goodness in bringing me in contact with this ministry ... which brought me in contact with Jesus in a personal way for the first time in my life. And that joy overwhelmed me yesterday. I hope it always does.

I guess I'd never thought of it quite like I did yesterday morning. Perhaps it was nostalgia? Perhaps just deja vu? Or perhaps it was more.

Perhaps it was God simply reminding me that “God’s Positioning System” leads us to a destination that is beyond our furthest dreams. Listening to His voice and following Him in the twists and turns of life will take us on the most thrilling adventure imaginable.

America is longing to experience what I did: God's presence. It determined my destiny. And it will be His presence that will determine the destiny of our nation.

God’s presence is the powerful magnetic force that will turn “world groupies” into “God groupies.” And just like me, those groupies will eventually become human conveyors of His presence to others, until “the whole earth is full of His glory!”

Amazed by Him!

Byron

Executive Director
Life Action Ministries

God at Work in Douglas

2009-02-25T11:03:15Z

"If I was disobedient, they'll be disobedient."

This was the realization of a husband and father when he heard his wife pray prior to the summit, and he acknowledged his impact as the spiritual leader of his home. For the first time in his marriage, he knelt beside his bed and prayed over his wife and family.

He shared with us how he has cleared his conscience in past and current relationships, and he admitted his great need for accountability from godly friends. Although the process of revival has been exhausting, he finished by rejoicing in the freedom and peace that has come with obedience.

Restored Love

Another man began the summit wanting things to be different in his family, wanting his marriage to be the way it was in the beginning. As God began to reveal areas of sin in his life, he repented and sought forgiveness from his wife for impure thoughts and for bitterness toward her.

She graciously forgave him, and he was astounded at the greatness of God. “I can’t get over how big God is. I’ve been treating him like a small God, not giving him credit for all he has given me and family.”

Better Than Disney

One young family planned to take their two children to Disney World the second weekend of the summit but realized they did not want to miss what God was doing. The wife told her husband, "I just won't have any fun knowing what we are missing!" So they canceled their trip.

Responses to God's Grace

2009-02-06T15:59:51Z

James 4:6 says, “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Our staff evangelists like to describe God’s grace like an ambulance. When we see ourselves as we really are without His power, humbled and grieved by our un-Christ-likeness, and cry out to Him for His sufficiency, His “grace ambulance” rushes to the scene, providing all we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3).

Following are several phrases used by various people in a recent Life Action summit, describing how God has revealed their need for Him and His grace:

“I have tried for years to fix the problem in my life and my children’s lives, and God has humbled me to know how much I need Him.”

“Full of pride, striving, struggling, trying harder yet always failing. I called the ambulance, and He came! THANK YOU, LORD!”

“Being independent, not needing God in the little things. Trying to do things in my own strength, not being sensitive to the Holy Spirit.”

“How truly I need Him--I have failed Him in so many ways, yet He still loves me. How I need to show respect to my husband and let him be the spiritual leader of our home.”

“Pride is so HUGE! I have been so blinded to my own failures. I need the Holy Spirit to show me what I truly am without God and grace--nothing. He is everything.”

“God has broken me because I have not been faithful as I should. And not loving my wife as I should. I thank Him for speaking to me.”

“God has found me in a state of bitterness due to circumstances in my life.”

“I have been so full of pride. I realize now that I can do nothing on my own. It is all through His grace and mercy that I live.”

“God has shown to me how much bitterness is in my heart toward my daughter-in-law (ex) and how He wants me to show mercy and forgiveness to her.”

“God has shown me I have been living for the approval of men. I have forsaken all that is good and godly for the sake of my job.”

“Opened my eyes to the bitterness in my life which has affected my whole family.”

“I’ve not had a pure heart. I’ve been very impatient with others and critical.”

“I get aggravated with one of my friends pretty quick sometimes. And I also get aggravated with my mom too sometimes.”

“Mainly my reactions to others when wronged.”

Basketball and Obama . . . and How to Pray for Our President

2009-02-01T14:25:15Z

Are you wanting President Obama to be a success? This seems to be the question everyone is asking.

My answer is simple and emphatic: It depends.

"A victory without honor is a great loss."

Earlier this year, a high school girls' basketball team blew out their opponent with a victory of 100-0. The following day, the school was seeking a forfeit and apologizing for the margin of victory. The head of the school wisely issued his explanation: "A victory without honor is a great loss." In the final quarter, the winning team pressed the opposing team and shot 3's in their attempt to get 100 points. But the victory quickly turned into defeat as the players and coaches concluded that there were greater issues at stake.

It's simple: Success must have a qualitative basis for measurement.

Success is something that requires a standard. And all standards should be derived from an authoritative and higher source. It may be Congress. The U.S. Supreme Court. Citizen popularity. Personal beliefs. Or it can be (should be) Scripture.

I have no problem stating that government policy should adhere to Scripture. That is not religious intrusion into governmental affairs. It is recognizing the intent of our Founders to place government "under God." It means America is a republic under a higher authority rather than a democracy subject to the mere majority opinion of its citizenry.

I DO NOT wish President Obama to be a success if he promotes ungodliness, like murdering the unborn with taxpayers' dollars. (Does it upset you that your tax dollars are being used to murder babies?) Like promoting sodomy as a valid and equal form of marriage. Or even turning our nation into a socialistic form of government, which is edging closer. These are not all the issues, but they are vital ones.

I DO wish President Obama to be a success if he promotes and portrays godliness and honesty. Paul teaches us what to pray for in relation to our government authorities:

I exhort, therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour (1 Timothy 2:1-3).

This passage makes it clear how God measures success for all who are in authority. If godliness and honesty are chief characteristics of Obama's presidency, then he will have been a success. If not, then he will have failed.

So the answer is simple . . . we wish President Obama to be a success by God's standards. Regardless if he wins or loses by 100 points by man's calculations.

So don't jump on the bandwagon of wishing success without qualifying it--the same qualifications (and more) should hold true for all of us as leaders. But do jump on the bandwagon of those praying for our president.

The following prayer guide is designed to help us pray for our president in light of what God teaches us in His Word. The opportunity to shape the future of our nation through prayer is both real and exciting. Would you pray daily for our new president? Would you pray fervently for him? Would you cry out to the Lord to use him to further His kingdom purposes?

Download our prayer guide: Praying for President Obama

http://www.lifeaction.org/static/uploads/media/pdf/praying_for_president_obama.pdf

"Send the Rain" Tops Best Stories of Year

2009-01-27T14:22:32Z

DOUGLAS — Let us begin 2009 with a brief look back at 2008. The year was filled with important news stories, several of which could be considered Story of the Year.

South Georgia College welcomed a new president. An armed robbery epidemic has plagued the community all year. Related to that, community leaders gathered at the Weir Center during the summer and discussed what many believed to be an increasing crime rate — a meeting that resulted in little, if any, meaningful change.

Additionally, the November election sparked historic local turnout, Vince Dooley visited Douglas in October, Fleetwood announced the closing of local facilities, a budget crisis caused panic within the school system and, under the auspices of a new head football coach, the Coffee High Trojans football team advanced to the quarterfinals of the state playoffs and the SGC Lady Tigers softball team won the state championship and moved on to the national tournament in Plant City, Fla.

As big as those stories are, they aren't quite big enough.

This year's Story of the Year is a little bit different, and maybe one that too many people simply missed. For four nights beginning in late September, over 60 local churches and pastors came together for a community-wide series of revival meetings at Central Square Complex called Send the Rain, which was hosted by Life Action Ministries.

Sure, Coffee County has hosted a number of so-called "community revivals" over the years. But none have been a truly community effort.

As unfortunate as it is, the Christian community in Coffee County has been divided. The most obvious division is, of course, racial. While there are probably more multi-racial congregations in Douglas and Coffee County than ever before, those remain in the minority. Far greater than the racial division in the Christian community is the denominational differences that exist. For much too long, churches and pastors have argued over the differences among the various denominations instead of focusing on what each body of believers has in common. The result has been a history of distrust and, at times, outright animosity among the different congregations. In Matthew 12:25, Jesus said, "Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand." Those are words that the local Christian community has done a poor job of heeding over the years.

Until the last 18 months.

The idea for Send the Rain was hatched over 18 months ago after several pastors realized they felt burdened for the same outcome — a community-wide revival to reach Coffee County for Christ. The vision was too big for one church. That's when local pastors realized that they needed to put personal, denominational and racial differences aside and come together to spark a revival.

Over 18 months of planning went into the meetings. After countless meetings, hundreds of hours in prayer and an extensive local public relations campaign, the day of the revival finally arrived.

The first night of the revival — Sunday, Sept. 28 — over 60 churches moved their evening night services to Central Square. An estimated 1,900 people attended that first meeting, which was led by Rev. Byron Paulus, one of the nation's foremost revivalists.

That first meeting focused on the 10 absolutes about revival, as taken from Hosea 10:12:

Revival begins with God’s people.
Revival begins with me.
Right living precedes revival.
Right relationships precede revival.
Right obedience precedes revival.
The time for revival is now.
Revival must be sought.
The Lord does the sending.
Revival is the presence of God.
The fruit of revival is righteousness.

Throughout the four-day revival, around 6,700 people from all racial, ethnic and denominational backgrounds attended. “It was kinda like just a grand family reunion there with all our local brothers and sisters in Christ,” said First Baptist Church pastor Rev. Shep Johnson.

The Life Action team isn't through with Douglas, either. Later this month, two Life Action teams are returning to Douglas for revival meetings at Eastside Baptist Church and First Baptist Church. The meetings will overlap each other on a few dates, and will last until early February.

The significance of Send the Rain cannot be underestimated. Each of the problems facing this community — crime, the drug epidemic, racial distrust, etc. — are all inherently spiritual in nature. The most direct pathway to true positive change comes from when a person's heart is transformed. Nothing does that more completely than a commitment to Christ.

The best way — in fact, it may be the only way — Coffee County's problems will truly be solved is for people of faith to come together and be obedient to God's plan. That cannot happen when congregations argue over petty denominational and racial differences. Send the Rain was a giant step in the right direction, one that could go a long way in making an enormous difference in the future of Coffee County.

For that reason, the Send the Rain revival meetings are the Story of the Year for 2008.

This article was taken from the Douglas News.

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March 2009

2009-01-23T15:56:01Z

“This nation cannot be saved unless the Church is first revived. Renewing the Church is the key to saving America.” – Chuck Colson

1 Laine Johnson, Chuck Halford, and the Red Team finish a summit today at Bethel Baptist Church in Moody, Alabama. Cover them in prayer as they seek God’s presence and power.

2 Ryan Loveing, Ben Slenk, and the White Team began a 4-day revival conference yesterday at First Church of the Nazarene in Lubbock, Texas. Pray that God increases thirst for Him, His Word, and His ways in this body of believers.

3 Collegiate Impact is seeking to partner with campus ministry leaders to see widespread transformation take place among students and faculty at universities across our nation. Pray that God would be pleased to use these Jericho Partnerships as an effective tool toward this end, and pray for sufficient funds to be provided.

4 Challenging economic times have influenced the giving ability of some of our full-time staff’s support teams. In spite of this, pray that God would continue to provide for every need experienced by our staff and their families.

5 The Revive Our Hearts staff continues developing new materials for the True Woman movement. Pray that these resources will further the message of biblical womanhood, building on God’s work in the women who attended the True Woman ’08 conference.

6 Pray that God would greatly use video reproductions of the True Woman ’08 speakers’ sessions to continue instructing and discipling women from many walks of life in His truth.

7 John and Mary Myers were single team members on two of the original Life Action teams. Today John serves in our Ministry Development Department. Please cover them and their family of grown children and young grandchildren in prayer.

8 Brent and Maggie Paulus serve in Life Action’s Accounting Department and with Revive Our Hearts, respectively. Pray for them as they welcome their first child this month.

9 The White Team will be traveling to serve at this year’s Vision Gathering, which begins Thursday. Cover them in prayer as they set up, manage logistics, and pray for God’s power. Several of our leadership will also attend the gathering.

10 Life Action Ministries’ leadership teams desire to handle the Word of God with integrity, applying it with grace and boldness to contemporary situations faced by our constituents, staff, and teams. Ask for God’s empowering in this important aspect of their calling.

11 As Nancy DeMoss records radio programs for Revive Our Hearts today, ask God to direct her every word, enabling her to communicate His Word with accuracy and power.

12 This year’s Vision Gathering in San Antonio, Texas, begins today and continues through Sunday. Pray that God’s hand would be on this time, as we minister to those who give sacrificially to help accomplish the vision God has given us.

13 Pray today for Stan and Olive, Paulette, and Helen, who assist in our prayer ministry. They make sure that all correspondents asking for prayer receive a response from us.

14 Pray for our Staff Services Department today, asking God to help Mike, Ted, Vicci, Louise, Alicia, and Stephani to serve wisely and well.

15 Al Whittinghill, Nate Kingsley, and the Red Team begin a 4-day follow-up summit today at Dawson Street Baptist Church in Thomasville, Georgia. Pray that God would be pleased to work deeply in this short time.

16 Lauren Davis serves faithfully as a designer in our iMedia Department. Pray today for wisdom and strength in her job and for provision of her practical needs.

17 The Revive Our Hearts staff is burdened to effectively minister to women who disciple other women in their local churches. To that end, four Women’s Ministry Directors’ retreats are planned at The Lodge this year. Ask God to guide and provide in every detail of these gatherings.

18 Dennis Gaul oversees the Facilities and Equipment Department at Life Action’s National Ministry Center. His wife, Carrie, serves as an associate with Revive Our Hearts. As they invest many hours in kingdom work, please pray for them today.

19 Patty Hamilton joined us nearly three years ago as the manager of our Data Processing Department. Ask God for protection and provision for her as she fulfills this vital role.

20 Cover our maintenance staff in prayer today, asking for God’s protection as they labor.

21 Tomorrow Steve Canfield, Steven Canfield, and the Blue Team open a 2-week summit at Grace Presbyterian Church in Peoria, Illinois. Ask God to do a deep work that will influence many in the surrounding community, as well as in the church body.

22 The White Team opens an 8-day summit today at Oak Street Baptist Church in Graham, Texas. Pray for an outpouring of God’s tangible presence and power as the participants obey Him.

23 Laine Johnson, Wilson Green, and the Red Team began an 11-day summit yesterday at Friendship Baptist Church in Hudson, North Carolina. Ask God to help them and the church leadership wisely address the needs He reveals during these days.

24 Sandra Hawkins, Executive Secretary to our Executive Director, will soon mark her 28th year serving with Life Action. Thank God with us for such faithfulness, and ask Him to bless Sandra.

25 The leadership of Life Action Ministries believes God has directed our ministry to focus on five specific demographic groups, with the intent of encouraging revival and spiritual awakening. (Each group will be mentioned individually in the next five days.) Pray that our staff, teams, and volunteers will be Spirit-led and empowered for the tasks at hand.

26 Pray for the Life Action Camp as they offer family camps, father/son retreats, father/daughter banquets, and couples’ retreats, with the goal of encouraging revival in families.

27 Pray for Life Action’s road teams as they travel thousands of miles each year, impacting local church congregations to seek Christ for refreshing revival and to examine every aspect of their church and personal lives in light of God’s truth.

28 Life Action provides The Lodge facilities and programs to encourage those in positions of spiritual leadership: pastors, their wives, and others. Pray that God’s intimate, refreshing presence will confront, restore, and equip all who come here for retreats.

29 In a culture where women are often encouraged to act in ways that oppose God’s desires, Revive Our Hearts stands ready to assist and disciple those focused on God’s kingdom. Pray that God will help them influence
women of all generations for His glory.

30 The Collegiate Impact staff carries a deep burden for revival and spiritual awakening on college campuses across our nation. Pray that God will help them effectively influence educators and students in such a way that foundations for godliness and scriptural integrity will be established for present and future generations.

31 Several of our staff men have opportunity to minister at the Moody Pastors’ Conference in Chicago, May 18-21. Ask God to direct them as they prepare to present revival-related material to the pastors.

February 2009

2009-01-23T15:36:26Z

Thank you for your prayers as we continue to seek the Lord for Him to revive His people! The following is a list of prayer needs for the month of February. Feel free to print the following prayer calendar.

Special Prayer Request: The Archer Family

Family of Friends,

For the past 18 years, Charles and Joann Archer have served in key leadership roles. On Sunday, February 8th, after an extended time of battling with ALS, Joann went home to be with her personal savior, Jesus Christ. Charles has lost a godly wife, best earthly friend, and partner in ministry. Please be praying for Charles, their daughters Catherine and Mary Alice, along with their son-in-laws Dan and Joshua, and their 4 grandchildren. The funeral will be on Friday, February 13th, here in the Niles area.

Life Action Ministries

February 2009 Ministry Prayer Calendar

“I feel it is far better to begin with God, to see His face first, to get my soul near Him before it is near another.” – E. M. Bounds

1 Ryan Loveing, Ben Slenk, and the White Team began a 4-day revival conference at First Baptist Church in Duncan, Oklahoma, yesterday. Pray that the focus of these days will be Christ, and that His Spirit will do a deep work in hearts.

2 Laine Johnson, Wilson Green, and the Red Team are drawing near the close of their summit at Eastside Baptist Church in Douglas, Georgia. Pray for a strong finish and for God to produce genuine revival and spiritual awakening.

3 Steve Canfield, Steven Canfield, and the Blue Team minister at First Baptist Church in Douglas, Georgia, through the 15th of this month. Ask God to guide the team and church leaders as they discern the heart needs of this congregation.

4 Lane Gordon travels to Graham, Texas, this weekend to prepare the congregation of Oak Street Baptist Church for a White Team summit. Ask God to help Lane communicate a burden to see God’s power at work in the individuals, the church, and the community.

5 Mike Lee would appreciate your prayers as he fulfills pre-summit responsibilities this weekend at Providence Baptist Church in Pageland, South Carolina.

6 Nancy DeMoss speaks today at the Ladies’ Tea, a part of the National Religious Broadcasters annual convention. Ask God to anoint her lips as she addresses the wives of the NRB board and radio station managers—women who influence the leaders’ decisions.

7 The White Team opens a 4-day revival conference tomorrow at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Ennis, Texas. Ask God to powerfully minister through the team and speakers during this time.

8 The Revive Our Hearts Advisory Board members—Bob Lepine, Byron Paulus, John Shelford, and Greg Thornton—meet today to pray, evaluate, and plan for future days of ministry. Please ask God to clearly and powerfully direct their thoughts and conversations.

9 When one of our speakers travels to a church to prepare the congregation and leadership for a team’s arrival, they often minister for at least 3 days. As John Myers finishes this important task today at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Manassas, Virginia, please ask God to grant him wisdom and grace.

10 On Sunday the Red Team began an 11-day summit at Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Waycross, Georgia. Intercede for the team and for the congregation and its leaders, that these days would be spiritually and eternally profitable.

11 Invitations have gone out for Collegiate Impact’s 2009 Institute of Campus Revival and Awakening at Yale University. Pray that many will respond and make plans to join this fourth annual institute.

12 Angela Temples is currently raising her financial and prayer support in order to join Revive Our Hearts. Ask God to lead her to those who would be interested in helping her fulfill this mission.

13 The Life Action Camp staff hosts a couples’ retreat this weekend. Pray that this will be a refreshing and spiritually revitalizing time for all those involved.

14 This weekend, JR Rohrman prepares Emmanuel Free Will Baptist Church in Wabash, Indiana, for the White Team’s arrival later in the year. Pray that God will powerfully use JR’s words and encouragement for His glory.

15 The White Team begins a 4-day revival conference today at First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas. Please pray that both the team and the congregation would quickly obey what God says, keeping nothing back regarding all He requests.

16 “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice” (Prov. 29:2). We thank God on this President’s Day for righteous leaders our nation has known. Join us in praying that He will raise up more who care deeply about His holiness and priorities, to fill federal, state, and local offices.

17 Several weeks ago, our iMedia Team released our redesigned website (www.LifeAction.org) filled with ministry information, schedules, first-hand reports from the teams, audio bytes, streaming video, and other useful material. Pray that many people will find this site and grow in Christ as a result.

18 Ray and Wanda Canfield, “retired” volunteers, graciously give of their time to serve at our camp and National Ministry Center. Pray that God would bless and encourage them today.

19 We gladly welcome back B. G. and Angela Allen, who left us for a year to attend family responsibilities and other pressing tasks. As B. G. resumes leadership responsibilities with our administrative staff and his family settles in, please cover them in prayer.

20 Stacey Battenburg serves as the Inventory and Resource Manager for Revive Our Hearts, providing women around the world with helpful books, CDs, DVDs, and other vital publications. Please ask for God’s blessing and provision for her as she faithfully fulfills her responsibilities at work and at home.

21 John Myers ministers in pre-summit meetings this weekend at Calvary Baptist Church in Bristol, Tennessee, preparing the congregation for the Red Team’s visit later this year. Pray that God will stir hearts to obey His directives for the days ahead.

22 The White Team begins a revival conference today at First Baptist Church in San Saba, Texas. Ask God to do such a deep work during this short time that even the surrounding community would be greatly impacted by His Spirit at work in His people.

23 The Red Team began an 8-day summit yesterday at Bethel Baptist Church in Moody, Alabama. The team and its leaders would greatly appreciate your prayers for genuine, Spirit-empowered ministry and results during this time.

24 The Blue Team opened a 2-week summit this past Sunday at Northcliffe Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Florida. Please lift them and the congregation up in prayer, that all would listen intently to God’s Word and quickly obey whatever He reveals.

25 Mike and Trina Crescenzi both serve at our National Ministry Center. Mike works full time in our Scheduling Department, and Trina works part time in Resource Management. One of their daughters is a children’s minister with the Red Team. Please pray that God will keep His hand on this couple and their three grown children.

26 Cover with prayer the husbands and fathers in our ministry, asking God to help them faithfully lead their families in His Word and remain true to their marriage vows, portraying Christ’s covenant love for His church.

27 Ask God to provide for all of our buildings and facilities, giving vision and encouragement to the crew that maintains and upgrades them. Pray that we will make the best possible use of all He provides.

28 Please pray for safety as our teams travel thousands of miles across the country to serve many churches. Also pray for grace for our home staff, as they faithfully work at our National Ministry Center, The Lodge, and the camp. Thank you for standing with us, and may God richly bless you

Church Members Get Honest

2009-01-22T15:15:39Z

When God's Spirit is at work in a congregation, He not only speaks to corporate issues, but He also deals very personally, specifically, and lovingly in individual hearts. One of the evidences of this work is people's willingness to be honest, to tell others what God is confronting and how He has found us out.

Following are phrases shared in current Life Action summits, written by church members who are being truthful, repentant, and willing for God's power change them. Can you identify with any of these?

"I need to be a mother who models God's grace to her children."

"Christ was not the center of every area in my life."

"[I need to] allow people to be a joy instead of a job."

"I've been doing things on my own. I realize I am a proud man. God has shown me that I need to return to my first love. I surrender!"

"I have great anger and impatience with my six-year-old son. I become so bitter towards him that I pull away my affection."

"God found me in deep hypocrisy, jealousy, and lying."

"God has shown me . . . I have worshiped people, music, self, and not Him. I surrender. I need Him."

"I have been trying to manage the stress [of my spouse's illness] on my own."

"I am reaping the harvest of rebellion and disobedience."

"I am very self-sufficient."

"I am praying now for [God's] forgiveness of my pride and arrogance."

"God [revealed] to me through this revival my weakness, my stubbornness, my pride."

"The fruit sin of my life is frustration--the root sin of my life is vanity. I have been more concerned about measuring up to the expectations of others and not fully cooperating with God."

"He is showing me that I need Him to make the changes I am seeking with finances and relationships. His grace is sufficient, but I have not availed myself of it because of pride that says, 'I'm okay; it will all work out eventually.'"

2008 Matching Gift Update

2009-01-05T14:46:28Z

Many of you have been praying for God's provision at the end of 2008. Thank you! In addition, hundreds of you have partnered with us by giving a financial contribution. As of Friday afternoon, December 31, the $250,000 was matched, and an additional several thousand dollars has been contributed.

Beyond the $250,000 matching gift campaign total, our prayer goal for all December donations was another $420,000, or a total of $920,000. As of Friday afternoon, we had received just over $607,000 of that total. We realize that some gifts are still en route, and we are rejoicing in His supply, whatever the final amount.

We thank the Lord for His faithfulness and for you who gave so generously. We know that some of you are going through much financial difficulty, yet you did not allow that to keep you from giving to the Lord's work.

Again, thank you for your friendship and support. This is a crucial year for God's people, as we turn our hearts upward to seek Him for an outpouring of His Spirit in revival and awakening.

Rejoicing in His goodness,

Byron Paulus
Executive Director
Life Action Ministries

January 2009

2009-01-01T15:24:37Z

“In prayer, it is better to have a heart without words, than words without a heart.”
– John Bunyan

1 Our iMedia team offers a free weekly podcast called Infuse on Life Action’s website. This podcast on personal revival also offers related resources on the weekly topics. Pray that many will access these messages and experience personal revival.

2 Nancy Leigh DeMoss is heard on over 1,000 radio outlets through the Revive Our Hearts and Seeking Him programs. Intercede for her and this ministry, asking God to communicate His Word clearly and to direct many women worldwide to find these programs.

3 Four community blood donation drives are scheduled at our National Ministry Center this year. Pray that many in our community will take part while also getting to know our staff and the services and resources we offer.

4 Life Action pre-summit speakers are at First Baptist Church in Douglas, Georgia, today preparing for the Blue Team’s arrival in a few weeks. Pray that God’s Spirit will stir the hearts of many to fresh obedience and new vision for what He wants to accomplish in their community.

5 Sasha Childs, Life Action Camp’s former housekeeper, recently joined a YWAM training camp to prepare for foreign missions in India. Pray for her and for Christa Cowden, the new camp housekeeper, who is still raising her financial support.

6 Lift up the Collegiate Impact staff in prayer today as they enter a new year of promoting revival and spiritual awakening on college and university campuses across America.

7 Greg Stevenson, with Collegiate Impact, formerly served as a professor at Purdue University. He carries a burden to encourage faculty to walk with Christ and influence their students for Christ’s kingdom. Pray for opportunities for Greg to minister to these influential people.

8 This weekend Byron Paulus is directing the pre-summit ministry at Northcliffe Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Florida. Pray for God to move deeply during these days, preparing the church for future ministry by the Blue Team.

9 Lane Gordon speaks in pre-summit meetings at Bethel Baptist Church in Moody, Alabama, this Sunday. Pray for listening ears and open hearts as he speaks.

10 Ryan Loveing, Ben Slenk, and the White Team open a 4-day revival conference tomorrow at First Baptist Church in Sulphur, Louisiana. Pray that God will bring true revival and spiritual awakening, changing lives forever for His kingdom.

11 Steve Canfield, Steven Canfield, and the Blue Team serve in a summit at First Baptist Church in Glen St. Mary, Florida, today through the 25th. Ask God to work powerfully in the hearts of all attending.

12 Laine Johnson, Wilson Green, and the Red Team opened a summit yesterday at Central Baptist Church in Spring Hill, Louisiana, and will minister there through the 21st. Pray for days of genuine revival and spiritual refreshing, leading to an awakening among the lost.

13 Please cover our camp staff in prayer, asking God to empower them for effective ministry through their many outreaches and to provide for their material needs.

14 Today Debby Canfield leads the ladies’ luncheon at First Baptist Church in Glen St. Mary, Florida. Pray that God will use her words to convict and encourage the ladies to live in obedience to Him.

15 PastorConnect is a bi-weekly e-mail sent by Life Action to church leaders. It contains an article written by a pastor, and links to helpful websites. Pray that pastors, missionaries, deacons, and others will sign up for this resource.

16 Over the next several days, Life Action Camp is hosting area ministry groups. As these groups meet to carry out their purposes, pray that they will be refreshed and challenged in Christ.

17 Steve Canfield and Steven Canfield lead the Home Life Café sessions today at the Blue Team summit in Glen St. Mary, Florida. Pray that the hearts of all the generations represented will be challenged to fulfill God’s design for their lives and homes.

18 Ryan Loveing and Tom Nesbitt lead the White Team summit which begins today at Parkside Baptist Church in Denison, Texas. Pray for days of unusual power and visitation from God’s Holy Spirit.

19 During these days of national economic challenge, pray that God would especially provide for and encourage our staff.

20 Pray diligently for our new leaders in the process of taking office. Earnestly ask God to send a sweeping revival in our time that will affect every leadership office in the land.

21 For 18 years, Charles Archer has served as our Business and Finance Director. Please earnestly pray for him and his wife, Joann, as they walk together through the effects of Joann’s ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).

22 Lester Tolleson, our IT Help Desk Coordinator, has served at the National Ministry Center for 14 years. Pray for him and his wife, Barbara, as they influence others for Christ and encourage their children and young grandsons.

23 Pray for wisdom for Revive Our Hearts’ leadership team as they seek God for discernment in accepting invitations and formulating His desired schedule for the ministry in the days ahead.

24 This weekend John Myers is at Friendship Baptist Church in Hudson, North Carolina, as the pre-summit speaker. Pray that God will empower him to speak words that will accomplish lasting, Christ-centered changes in the hearts of the hearers as he prepares the congregation for the Red Team’s ministry.

25 Laine Johnson, Wilson Green, and the Red Team would appreciate your intercession for their 11-day summit at Eastside Baptist Church in Douglas, Georgia, beginning today. Ask God to pour out His presence in great power and conviction.

26 Pray for our summit team families’ safety as they travel many miles this year. Also pray for health and energy as they give themselves to God’s work in churches throughout our country.

27 Lift up in prayer Kim Gwin, who has served with Life Action for the past 16 years and is currently an Associate Editor in our Publications division. Ask God to guide her thoughts as she edits much of our printed material.

28 Sunu Thomas serves with Collegiate Impact at our National Ministry Center. Cover Sunu and Karen and their three children in prayer today, asking God to protect, provide for, and prosper them spiritually.

29 Monica Vaught has served with Life Action for 14 years, and she is currently the Communications Coordinator for Revive Our Hearts. Thank God with us for blessing her hard work with the True Woman ’08 conference, and ask Him to continue empowering her for effective ministry this year.

30 Pray that God opens opportunities for our teams to minister, as our Road Team Services Department speaks with pastors across America. We desire to be exactly where He wants us to be.

31 Glad Stanley went home to be with the Lord this past November, after serving in Life Action with her husband, Charles, for nearly the past 10 years of their “retirement.” Please pray for Charles, as he continues scheduling churches as a Road Team Services Representative.

Red Buckets, Clanging Coins, and Ringing Bells (Part 3)

2008-12-31T11:14:44Z

The definition . . . it caught my attention and rang in my heart more profoundly than all of Salvation Army's worldwide inventory of red buckets, clanging coins, and ringing bells ever could. It gripped me. It deeply moved me. It was as if I could not escape.

I felt compelled to make a decision. And I knew that no matter how many times previously I had been confronted with the same decision . . . this time it was different. It was beyond the rational and beyond the emotional. Piercing much deeper, to the very core of my being, I sensed the overwhelming conviction of the Holy Spirit . . . bringing me to a place of no choice but to act. No doubt, I could not have produced the circumstances, either externally or internally, that brought me to that place of response. But nevertheless, I had to make a choice; I had to respond.

That compulsion was certainly not present when I was nine years old . . . when I walked an aisle because a lady came to me during an invitation saying, "Your brother is down front getting saved; don't you want to?" The decision I recall at that moment is one to not disappoint the poor lady. So I said, yes. I went to the altar and allowed someone to pray with me. Before I knew it, I was supposedly forgiven and was thrust into baptismal classes. A few weeks later, I proudly displayed my baptismal certificate and considered myself headed for heaven.

However, there was one problem. I was still boss of my life. I was making the same decisions I had always made. I was in control of my life. I wanted God but did not want to turn from my sin. I thought I could have both. I was declared saved, but if I was truly delivered, it was only from hell and not from myself, from sin, or from influences of the world.

Fast forward to age 25. After four years in a Christian college, three more years serving as youth director, Christian Education chairman, choir member, teaching vacation Bible school and being sent as a missionary to serve the Lord . . . I was confronted with an understanding of the term repentance. So what was the definition that changed me forever?

Simply this: Repentance is a heart attitude that says, "Lord, everything I know to be sin, and everything in the future You show me to be sin, I am willing to give it up for You!"

I spent nearly two days contemplating the reality of the great turn of heart required to experience conversion to Christ. And when I finally said YES to Jesus and NO to self, I was set free. I knew my prayer was different this time than all those other times since age nine when I would pray, "Lord, if I am not saved, then save me now." My focus was on me and my being saved, not on Jesus and yielding my life to Him. It made all the difference.

Today, among evangelicals, there continues to be an "easy believism" that promotes forgiveness declared without repentance experienced. That is why some estimates state that over half of our church members are not truly converted. After being in 6,000+ churches since the inception of our ministry, we would not argue that stat. In fact, it may be higher.

For 16 years I experienced what General William Booth predicted when he included forgiveness without repentance as one of the chief dangers facing the 20th century.

Religion without the Holy Ghost
Christianity without Christ
Forgiveness without repentance
Salvation without regeneration
Politics without God
Heaven without hell

Revival . . . Now More Than Ever!

2008-12-23T16:15:42Z

The economic downturn could be an unprecedented opportunity for widespread revival, as people get serious about seeking God!

That's why I'm excited about the mission of Life Action Ministries this season. We are seeing more interest in revival than at any other time in our 37-year history. Churches that prior to the economic crisis were struggling to get people interested in one extra service on a weekend are now eager to set aside protracted times for renewal and revival.

By Gods grace we want to respond by being fully prepared both spiritually and financially for ministry in 2009. With that in mind, many have been asking me how Life Action is doing financially. In summary, as of today:

We have paid all our bills to date, with no outstanding invoices.

We have not borrowed funds, and we have no debt.

We have put a freeze on all non-essential spending since early October. This included eliminating our annual award-winning calendar and several other important projects.

Most of our staff are self-funded missionaries, so we have not yet had to lay off any staff.

We have a plan to implement drastic cut-backs that will force us to curtail direct ministry, but we are praying this will not be necessary.

Like most ministries, year-end giving accounts for nearly 40% of our annual contributions. Simply put, the level of donations received this month will determine the scope of our outreach in 2009.

Would you prayerfully consider investing with us during this season that is ripe for revival? Now more than ever, what we need in our nation is something only God can do!

Thank you for sharing together in our vision for revival in America.

Passionate for His glory!

Byron Paulus
Executive Director
Life Action Ministries

Church Erupts in Continuous Praise

2008-12-15T10:35:58Z

One of our summit revivalists reports on a recent service:

There was an unusual sense of God's sweetness in our midst Sunday morning. At the end of our praise time, I asked the church to express praises to God out loud.

This was different than any other time I remember. For eight straight minutes there was continuous praise to Him.

It was very moving, and we decided that God would be glorified more if we adjusted our service to continue in a testimony time instead of the message. For the next 40 minutes, we began to get more of a glimpse of what the Lord had been doing.

One church elder, who has been in the church 17 years, said that this has been the most significant spiritual growth time the church has ever had. There was much praise and glory to God given.

During this summit, we saw an attendance of 200-300 each night, with 65 at the ladies' luncheon and 85 at the Home Life Café (our all-day-Saturday family seminar). We are praising God for His wonderful works in the lives of His children.

- Laine Johnson, Summit Revivalist

Red Buckets, Clanging Coins, and Ringing Bells (Part 2)

2008-12-09T09:14:48Z

Front and Center

It hit me the other day, while shopping, how difficult it was to ignore the bucket. Virtually impossible. They are stationed at the most conspicuous place possible, painted bright red and accompanied by the universal sound of importance . . . a ringing bell.

Is it possible for anyone to enter a local business at Christmas time and miss Salvation Army's invitation to participate in their mission? Has anything changed over the decades? Have any accessories been added to the bucket or its surroundings? It is refreshingly the same. The kettle is still red.

Perhaps General William Booth and his successors realized the danger of distractions. Perhaps Booth realized the danger of losing our object of attention when we get too caught up in methods and imaging and programs and structures. Perhaps that is why one of the six dangers he warned against was Christianity without Christ.

IANITY

Years ago a new church was being constructed in Connecticut. The leadership was concerned that somehow the cross of Christ was slowly being removed as the focal point of Christianity.

Intentionally, they designed and constructed the sanctuary with a huge cross embedded in concrete . . . dead center in front of the pulpit. No matter what happened in the facility, the cross was in the way. You had to look around it to see the pastor. Christmas programs had to somehow work around the cross . . . or work in conjunction with it. Even weddings and funerals had to deal with the cross. The cross was always front and center, with no chance to escape it. It could not be ignored.

IMO, General Booth's prediction was right. The day has come where Christ is no longer the chief object of worship in Christianity, and in some cases forgotten altogether. Form-ianity. Style-ianity. Music-ianity. Popul-ianity. Status-ianity. Or just plain IANITY, whereby we really are not worshiping anything, but we feel good about being associated with something that appears to be religious, has taken the place of Christ.

The Real Crisis Is Within the Church

How easy it is during these days of crisis to focus on Wall Street or Washington, when God is still focusing on the church, to determine whether or not to pour out His Spirit in a fresh and powerful way. Earlier this week, David Bryant, a good friend of mine, sent me the following list which depicts the crisis within the church and the need to restore Christ as supreme:

80% of U.S. congregations are stagnant or dying in terms of membership.
80% of youth from evangelical families leave the church after high school.
80% of pastors are burdened with a spirit of isolation and hopelessness.
40% of evangelical men wrestle with addiction to pornography.
High profile scandals among leaders discredit us, such as multiple lawsuits for pedophilia.
Millions sitting in our pews on Sunday remain unconverted (50% by one major survey).
Less than 3% of Christians' annual incomes are given to the work of Christ.
Some 96% of Christians discovered to be biblically illiterate (cf. Barna Research).
Nearly 67% of evangelicals surveyed believe that Jesus is not the only way to heaven.
Although 84% believe in absolute standards, 40% mostly rely on their own common sense.
Research indicates most Christians rarely talk to each other about the wonders of Christ.
Significant numbers of believers fear growing in intimacy with Christ (80% by one survey).

Above all, multitudes of Christians remain captive to the greatest crisis of all. It is a crisis of Christology. It is the significant shortfall in how we see, seek, savor, serve, share, and speak about God's Son for ALL that He is.

Increasing numbers of spiritual leaders identify this as the seminal crisis for the Church at this hour. But it also comprises the greatest crisis the world is facing, whether the world realizes it or not. Every crisis of Christology inside the Church hinders unbelievers outside the Church from discovering their one God-given hope found in the supremacy of Christ and the blessings of His redeeming reign.

I often tell pastors prior to our team coming for a summit or conference at their church, "When our team leaves, if people are talking about Life Action, we have miserably failed. BUT, if they are talking about Jesus Christ, we have been a whopping success!"

Perhaps a better measurement of the centrality of Christ in our churches would not be to count the times He is mentioned in the sermon, but to stand in the lobby after church is dismissed this Sunday and count the number of times you hear Jesus or Christ mentioned. Better yet, how about in our family room at home? Or at our place of employment?

Six Dangers Facing America as noted by General William Booth in 1867

Religion without the Holy Ghost
Christianity without Christ
Forgiveness without repentance
Salvation without regeneration
Politics without God
Heaven without hell

TAKE PART IN A SURVEY!

This weekend, count the number of times the proper noun Jesus or Christ is mentioned in your Sunday morning service. Then come back to this blog and tell us the number of times Christ is mentioned in the sermon. (Using the name Christ in the word Christmas does not count.) Let's see how front-and-center Christ is in our churches.

Red Buckets, Clanging Coins, and Ringing Bells (Part 1)

2008-11-25T14:55:14Z

Talk about organizational growth. In 1867, General William Booth only had 10 workers. Seven years later he had 1,000 volunteers and 24 full-time evangelists. And today, there are more than 1.5 million bell ringers in the U.S. alone.

The General started out largely self-educated, penniless, and practically friendless. He had one fixed idea. The whole of his effort and talent would be directed to one purpose--saving the world. Like his predecessor Wesley, he took the whole world as his parish. He began with nothing--no money, no powerful friends, only his golden voice, his passion, and a vision of man reconciled to God.

Thieves, prostitutes, gamblers, and drunkards were among Booth's first converts to Christianity. His congregations were desperately poor. He preached hope and salvation. His aim was to lead them to Christ and link them to a church for continued spiritual guidance.

Even though Booth's followers were converted, churches did not accept them, because of what they had been. However, Booth gave their lives direction in both a spiritual and practical manner and put them to work to save others like themselves. They, too, preached and sang in the streets as a living testimony to the power of God's Holy Spirit.*

As the 20th century approached, General Booth was respected and admired by both the common folk and world leaders. Someone asked him what he thought were the chief dangers that lay ahead. His answer was six-fold:

   Religion without the Holy Ghost
   Christianity without Christ
   Forgiveness without repentance
   Salvation without regeneration
   Politics without God
   Heaven without hell

RELIGION WITHOUTH THE HOLY GHOST

When is the last time you heard a message series on the Holy Spirit? For that matter, when is the last time you could explain what happened in a church service apart from the powerful work of the Spirit? Have you sensed His overwhelming presence?

Was there evidence the Holy Spirit was at work last Sunday in your church? Is conviction of the Spirit something we pray for? Long for? Is it a desired outcome? Is evidence of the Spirit a key measurement of success? In the Monday morning evaluation meeting, do we ask the simple questions, "Did we sense God's Spirit in our services? If so, in what ways? Could our service be explained apart from His extraordinary work?"

As church leaders, if we were to calculate the amount of time we spend asking God to move through His Spirit upon our listeners, would it exceed the total amount of time we spend talking about creative and innovative ways to reach the audience? Or the amount of time we put into the programming aspect of our preaching?

I do not want to diminish the power of proper preparation and presentation, but only prioritize it by emphasizing the power of the Holy Spirit and what He can accomplish.

Allow me one personal example.

The first time I ever preached to adults, within the ministry context of Life Action, was in a small Pennsylvania town. Our founder, Del Fehsenfeld, was uncertain what God wanted him to do on the second Sunday evening of the summit. He asked if either of our other staff had anything on their heart.

Marty, our family instructor, suggested I do a session on Joseph and how God used the crisis of losing my favorite brother in Viet Nam. Specifically, Marty felt I should share how I was home when the two Army officers came to the door to tell my parents my brother was killed, and how God ended up using that experience, which the enemy meant for evil, in a powerfully redemptive way.

I vividly remember resisting the idea, since I did not consider myself a preacher. After saying "No way" three times (accompanied by Del getting on his knees to pray for confirmation three times), I could tell that the Holy Spirit was telling him differently. Del finally exclaimed, "I am now convinced that is what God's Spirit is saying; you need to do it!"

I crammed for two hours that afternoon. When I shared my story in the context of Genesis 38-50, I ended by sharing how I was home when the Army officers came to the door, and also how helpful it was to respond to the crisis with a biblical perspective.

Ten minutes after I was finished, two Navy officers walked in the back of the church to get a mother to tell her that her son had just been killed off the coast of Greece. She later shared how she could not have handled that tragedy had it not been for the truth of God I shared in that session.

This is not an isolated story in my journey in Life Action, where the ministry of the Holy Spirit is one of our core values. Nor is it one that occurs often enough, even within a ministry like Life Action.

I fear General Booth was right in his prediction for both the century past and the one present. So much of the good that has been done through our religious activity can be explained apart from the Holy Spirit. We don't need more good; it doesn't suffice. We need the extraordinary.

The bright red buckets will be ubiquitous again this season. The ching-a-ching of coins dropping onto hard metal and the ringing of the bell will be hard to miss.

AND I pray that every time I see them, or hear them, and when you do too, we simply ask the question, "How can I help?" Not just the millions who will be the recipients of the coins, but the masses who desperately need to see religion accompanied by the Holy Spirit. Come, Holy Spirit!

COME, HOLY SPIRIT

Come as a wisdom to children,
Come as new sight to the blind,
Come, Lord, as strength to my weakness,
Take me, soul, body and mind.

Refrain:
Come, Holy Spirit, I need You,
Come, sweet Spirit, I pray;
Come in Your strength and Your power,
Come in Your own gentle way.

Come as a rest to the weary,
Come as a balm for the sore,
Come as a dew to my dryness:
Fill me with joy evermore.

Come like a spring in the desert,
Come to the withered of soul;
Oh, let Your sweet healing power
Touch me and make me whole.

("Come, Holy Spirit," copyright © 1964 by William J. and Gloria Gaither)

*www.salvationarmysouth.org/about.htm

Evidence of God's Hand

2008-11-06T15:09:49Z

When God is at work in a church, His "fingerprints" are obvious. Examples of renewed life are evident as people respond in obedience to His Word.

One of our staff revivalists reports that the four summits he participated in this fall have the marks of God all over them and are the best four back-to-back summits he's experienced in his time with Life Action. Here are some of the corporate ways God has worked:

Incredible night-after-night attendance at the meetings--a very high percentage of the Sunday morning congregation; church staffs pleasantly surprised (even shocked) at the good turnout during the week
Many men confessing addiction to pornography and taking steps toward freedom; one pastor invited the men in his congregation to join him in his commitment to keeping their eyes and minds only for their own spouse
Marriages restored
People coming to Christ for salvation
A group of ladies meeting after one summit for a time of sharing Scripture verses, and ending up staying for three-and-a-half hours, sharing specifically how God is at work in their lives
People expressing how their entire lives are being changed as they obey the scriptural principles being taught
Follow-up calls to the pastors, after the team leaves town, revealing that God is still working deeply in hearts

On an individual basis, one man who was not a Christian saw God at work in his wife's life during a summit. He told the team, "God has really been working on my life this week; I'm closer to the kingdom than I've ever been."

In another instance, a woman who was continually yelling at her children and husband (continuing the verbal abuse she'd grown up with) went home after the Saturday family seminar, asked forgiveness of her lost husband and her children, and by God's grace is starting a new journey with them, treating her family God's way.

A teen girl, bitter at her divorced parents, really desired to release that bitterness. As her parents went to the prayer room with her and worked through the bitterness, God also began a work of reconciliation between them.

One woman who always disagreed with whatever her husband said, just out of spite, committed during the summit to begin treating him with respect, as God desires.

A young couple had gotten deeply into debt, and people were advising them to file for bankruptcy. As the team shared God's principles of giving, the couple decided that this wasn't what God wanted for them; they committed to trust Him to provide as they were faithful to give. It wasn't long before a job was provided, and God worked through other circumstances to begin relieving their debt. As a result, they don't have to live with the memory or pressure of financial failure; instead, they are building a life message of how God actively provides for them.

Thoughts from Being with My Father These Last Days of His Life

2008-10-15T15:12:04Z

Dear Ministry Friends,

A substantial part of my weekend was spent observing (and contemplating) my 96-year-old father in the process of passing from this life to the next. It has been a heart-wrenching experience. We all know that death is not a pretty thing. The frailness. The wasting away. Confusion. Gasping for another breath. One moment clinging to this life and then the next moment grasping for heaven. In my father's case, it will likely be any day now. Sadly, it looks like he is just curling up to die.

The one thing that struck me was how much I will be verbalizing the "abundance of my heart" when those final moments arrive. What I have been thinking about in my heart is what I will be expressing when I have no will power to restrain. My affections. My desires. The truth of our heart has no covering when facing inevitable death.

It was what my father said on Friday evening when we did not know if he would make it through the night that exposed his deepest affections. He asked for all my siblings to come see him. My three brothers, my sister and I, along with our spouses, assembled in his room. I informed my dad we were all now present. I then asked if he had anything he wanted to share with us.

Weak and weary of fighting, he was still able to mumble some words. As I leaned my ear close to his lips, his struggling voice emitted words one might expect to hear from someone who has spent a lifetime loving Jesus.

But my dad did not always love Jesus the way he has the last decade of his life. It was ten years ago today that his dear wife and my precious mother went home to be with the Lord. And it was one month later, in a huge step of obedience in clearing his conscience with his children, that my dad's soul was set free to begin loving Jesus.

That is why what I heard is such a miracle. I am convinced had it not been for his honesty, humility, brokenness, and repentance ten years ago, over a hidden part of his life, he would not have said what he did Friday night.

So what were his final words to his children as they were gathered around? Three sentences. And three urgent reminders.

Put Jesus first.
I love him with all of my heart.
I want to love Him more.

I have been thinking much about these statements, and I have concluded they answer three of life's most important questions:

Question #1 What should be my priorities in life? Being a farmer, my dad did not say to his children, "Farm more acres, milk more cows, work longer hours, buy nicer tractors." He simply said put Jesus first.

Question #2 What should I really love? My dad could have said "I love my family, my church, the things of this world." He did tell each of the children that he loved them, but when it came right down to his final words, it was Jesus he loved with all of his heart.

Question #3 What should I want more than anything else? Interestingly, my dad did not ask us to turn television on, or to read the newspaper to him, or inquire about whether the Cubs clinched their division, or even if Notre Dame was going to win their weekend football game. Those "love affairs" do not matter when eternity matters. It was simply, "I want to love Him more" right now, right this second. Not even wishing he had given Him more, or served Him more . . . but loved Him more.

So what do I make of all this? There is a lot going on at Life Action and in my personal ministry these next seven days. I am scheduled to speak at two pastors' gatherings, a large church on Sunday morning, and a larger gathering Sunday night where hundreds are seeking the Lord for revival. Our teams have had a great weekend of ministry as we were in at least five churches ministering to a couple of thousand people. Five pastor couples are meeting at The Lodge this week, and ROH is in final stages of preparing for the True Woman conference. A lot of seemingly exciting and important things.

Yet, if I cannot answer the eternal questions of life correctly, will all these activities and important events really matter on the day it matters most?

Staff, as we go about the important assignments from the Lord this week, let's not overlook the most important assignment of all . . . loving Him with all our hearts.

I was challenged by David Keesling's following three reminders as I had my quiet time this morning: "The father heart of God passionately searches the earth for those who would be voluntary lovers of His Son. God's heart is ravished by my love. And life is all about Jesus prying open the locked heart of a wounded girl (His bride) so she might have intimacy with Him forever."

Wishing I loved Him more,

Byron

Revival in Northern Vermont

2008-09-24T15:14:35Z

For the past two weeks, one of our teams has been planted in the exact community where God moved in dramatic fashion 130 years ago. What God did during that year was truly amazing . . . a superb account of what He longs to do again! The following edited version of the account tells the story:

Sunday meetings were held and a thousand people were in attendance. On Tuesday forenoon the wheels of the scale factory were stopped, and men crowded into the machine shop where the voice of prayer and song superseded the hum of machinery. In the evening there were 1200 people at the South Church, and 140 rose to say that they had begun the Christian life. The interest continued, union meetings were held thrice a week in the different churches, usually conducted by laymen, almost everyone present taking some brief part. Half-hour noon meetings were begun, which continued several years. On the 27th of March, large assemblies met at the Avenue House Hall, at North and South Churches; also next day at the Universalist Church, which was filled, deep interest being manifest. In the evening of Monday, March 28, there were 1400 people crowding the Academy Hall and passage-ways and 300 more in room No. 10; more than 100 rose for prayers. During the next six weeks there was a steady, quiet continuance of the revival spirit, which received a fresh impulse by the return once more, when urgently invited, of the Massachusetts brethren. This was on Sunday, the 8^th of May. Neither North nor South Churches could contain the crowds that flocked to the evening meeting, and Academy Hall was again the place of assembly. On Monday, another gospel meeting was held at the Scale factory, and in the evening some 1500 people were together again at the Academy, where, as so often before, large numbers gave expression to their interest or their purpose to live a Christian life.

These and similar scenes during the year following will be forever memorable in the history of our town. The whole atmosphere of the place seemed charged with religious feeling; no one questioned the immense reality of spiritual forces that were so distinctly transforming men’s lives and lifting the standards of thought and conduct in the community. The religious life stood out as a manly thing to be manfully followed; the dominant note was not so much the old solemnity, as the joy of opportunity, the cheer of the good news to every man. Everybody was singing . . . and repeating cheer-inspiring verses from the Bible. Gospel meetings, so called, with a lay brother in the chair, were a popular attraction; there was no distinction of church or creed; all, as in apostolic times, were “continuing daily with one accord in fellowship together and in prayers, with gladness and singleness of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people.” Like the friends from Massachusetts who had left their business to bring messages to us, laymen of this town went out in bands of two to five, holding gospel meetings not only in the school districts but in near or distant towns; the influence of the religious uplift here was extended for a hundred miles around, and left its permanent mark on this community.

Though a community-wide awakening did not occur these past two weeks while God’s people gathered to seek the Lord, seeds were planted to spark another great move of His Spirit. As is often the case, God’s people seemed to especially respond to the Spirit’s work in the following areas:

Deep bitterness and the need to be set free
Wives admitting a total lack of respect for their husbands
Men admitting a complete lack of spiritual leadership in their homes
Men confessing addiction to pornography, but now being willing to become accountable to other Christian men in order to overcome this gross sin. One man said this addiction started so early that he can’t remember living without it.

Many men in the church said they were beginning to rebuild their family by establishing a regular family devotional time. A wife gave notice to her job that she would be resigning, because her husband really wanted her to be at home with their family in order to be the spiritual influence in their home that he needed her to be.

When God gets ready to move broadly, He always begins in our closest relationships, and that means at home. God did an amazing work in many marriages and families in this community. Now, as these seeds have been planted, pray for the spiritual leaders as they continue to stir these “lights of hope” until this area of Vermont experiences another extraordinary move of God. Lord, do it again!

Revival Impacts Community in Alabama

2008-09-24T15:03:55Z

God does not speak in generalities. "Lord, forgive me of all my sin" is not a prayer that reflects the work of God's Spirit. This revival reality was evident in the two weeks our team spent in one church near the campus of University of Alabama. Though the make-up of the congregation was older in age, there was an unusual youthfulness about their eagerness to respond to the Lord . . .in specific steps of obedience.

God dealt deeply with in many people's hearts in repenting over bitterness, and learning how to forgive. Many cleared their consciences including:

- A father who forgave his daughter for a debt she owed him, restoring oneness in their relationship

- A woman who hadn't spoken to her sister in 13 years made things right between them, saying, "We've had more conversations in the past 2 days than in the last 13 years combined."

When revival comes, His Spirit takes control, and the fruit of the Spirit is displayed . . .

- A father and his teen son went hunting during the summit days, and the son accidently locked the keys in the truck, necessitating the mom's driving out and bringing another set of keys. The dad said that his past reaction would have been to "blow up" at his son, but this time he let God be in control. When the mom arrived, because of the dad's willingness to forgive, God turned a difficult situation into one of the most incredible evenings the family had ever experienced together.

Spiritual leadership among men was another area where people, including church leaders. Numerous deacons in the church became burdened to truly be the spiritual leaders in their homes.

- One deacon said he'd spent most of his life studying the Scriptures, but not studying the Author! It was not to be a priority to get to know Him!

What is the overflow of revival? Genuine conversions!

- A man came to the services upon the invitation of his daughter's schoolteacher. He had never been in the church before, and was experiencing some deep problems in his marriage, his wife having just walked out in order to pursue a very destructive lifestyle. His heart was open, and as the revivalist counseled him in the prayer room, he eagerly gave his life to Christ.

And people volunteer freely in the "day of Thy power!"

- The man mentioned in the hunting story (above) will
be discipling this man in his new walk with Christ.

These stories are only a few of the many whose lives were changed by the power of His Word. The dozens if not hundreds of changed lives will impact this community for years to come!

What Revival Is Not (part 4)

2008-07-30T02:05:41Z

I just returned from a “working vacation” (an oxymoron) in northern Michigan. We had a great time enjoying the remarkable beauty of seemingly endless beaches.Michigan has 3,288 miles of shoreline, more than the entire Eastern Seaboard. So there was plenty of room to enjoy God’s creation and to reflect on God’s greatnesOne of the more remarkable sites to behold is the famed Mackinac Bridge. This magnificent structure was the architectural phenomenon of its day, and it still ranks as one of longest suspension bridges in the world. Five miles in length, it connects the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan.For years experts felt the severe winter weather, predictably high winds, and water depths extending to 350 feet would make it impossible to bridge the gap between these two critical land masses. It was deemed too difficult. Though expert engineers felt it could happen, they concluded it wouldn’t happen.When it comes to revival, the same sentiment depicts the general outlook among many evangelicals. They acknowledge that, in theory, revival could happen; but in reality, it won’t happen. It’s just too difficult. The depth of sin . . . the coldness of hearts . . . just too many factors against its likelihood. Plus the winds of evil are just too strong.Over the past several weeks, we have been considering what revival IS NOT . . . for example, we concluded it is NOT primarily evangelism, emotionalism, or an event. Emphatically, I want to add one more to the list of what revival is not . . . it is not EXTINCT!

Common Misconception #4 – Revival Is Extinct

The founder of Life Action Ministries would often remind me, “As long as God is on His throne, revival is as possible as the sun rising tomorrow morning.” A great reminder that God’s power has not changed. Nor has His desire to call His people back to Himself in true repentance and revival. In fact, the blacker the night, the brighter the light!Prior to every spiritual awakening, moral and spiritual declension causes doubt among those who are not serious students of revival. Prior to the First Great Awakening, there were those who declared that Christianity would disappear in America.Jonathan Edwards summarized the severity of the darkness with the words, “declension had fallen into decay.” Times were filled with decadence.But God burst on the scene, and as much as 1/7^th of the population of our nation was converted in a brief period of time. That would be equivalent to 40,000,000 people today! Silence for 400 years between the Old and New Testaments fueled the skepticism about the coming of Jesus. Yet in God’s design, “the fullness of time” included silence from heaven.Just as the world had come to a place of hopelessness then, and the One who would fulfill all their hopes came into their midst, so America is facing a time when despair is spreading widely across our landscape . . . and Jesus wants to come in our midst by way of a fresh outpouring of His Spirit in revival. His desire is to be redemptive . . . to deliver His people from their sins.I believe every redemptive work of God, that transforms a single heart from “evil intent continually” to a passion for righteousness, is a visual reminder of what God can do in a much broader sense. God can and, I believe, longs to pour Himself forth in transformative power, BUT only upon and in response to a repentant and broken people.One of our staff, Del Fehsenfeld III, defines revival as “bridging the gap between what we know about God and what we are experiencing of God.” That resonates. A. W. Tozer said it this way: “The curse of the 20^th century is that we think because we know something . . . we have something.”It required faith and courage to bridge the gap between the Lower and Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I couldn’t help but think, as I watched the thousands of people crossing that bridge the other day, how much it will also require faith and courage for millions of Americans to cross from the lower state of knowing about God to the higher state of experiencing God.I pray you will join me and a few hundred others here at Life Action who are determined to close that gap through boldly proclaiming His power to change hearts. Revival is coming!

What Revival Is Not (part 3)

2008-07-16T02:04:06Z

As many of you know, Life Action has only one mission and one message: REVIVAL. But we have multiple ministries, targeting critical touch-points of our culture. Currently, there are six primary outreaches. A flagship outreach is our road teams. They are now off the road, having just returned from their 37th year of itinerant ministry. This past year we focused on 59 different communities, conducting over 4,000 different events (sessions), including prayer gatherings, meetings with youth, children’s clubs, luncheons for women, church-wide sessions, area-wide services, local church staff meetings, and a host of additional informal events ... all with the purpose of calling God’s people to revival, and their surrounding community to an awakening to the presence of Christ. This week, our other outreaches are holding additional events, including The Institute for Campus Revival and Awakening at Yale University, family camps at our Clear Lake property in Buchanan, and preparing for a group of pastors coming to The Lodge. Also, I will be speaking in Bay Harbor, MI, at a church that meets every summer at a Yacht Club ... of all places! The list goes on. Conventions, recording sessions for radio and Internet podcast, an in-house Revival Week in just a few weeks, and a national women’s conference this fall. All total, Life Action will probably conduct over 5,000 different events of one kind or another each year. If I tried to actually calculate all the events ... it would be an event in itself!!

Misconception #3 – Revival Is an Event

A common misconception is that revival can be relegated to just an event. This is especially true in parts of our country where “revivals” are scheduled regularly. Years ago, a sign was placed in front of a church that simply stated, “Revival here every night this week, except Tuesday.” They were advertising meetings that may or may not have had anything to do with authentic revival, but people had become so accustomed to an annual event, they just called it revival. Of course, we chuckle when we think that Tuesday would be an exception, that we might somehow limit the timing of God’s work to select days, based on whether or not a meeting is scheduled. If revival depended on an event, then surely the thousands of events we have conducted here at Life Action over the years would have produced revival. But our nation is continuing its downward spiral. Revival is not an event!!

Then, why all the activity?

Yesterday, I noticed dozens of sailboats gliding effortlessly across the cool waters of northern Lake Michigan. The breeze was perfect for these sailors, who were undoubtedly filled with delight as the hard labor of setting their sails was rewarded with favorable winds. I am sure there are many days when sailors prepare their sails but there is no wind to propel them forward.
This week, the famed annual yacht race from Chicago to Mackinaw Island will celebrate its 100th running. One of the requirements is that every participant be knowledgeable in over 70 areas related to yachting. Millions of dollars and thousands of hours of training will be invested. With or without wind, this will be a huge event, with all types of parties, fireworks, and regalia. But when all the work is done and they leave the harbor, the fleet of yachts are wholly dependent on God to send the wind. Without the sails being set, there is no chance of victory, only another event. But without the wind, it wouldn’t matter. Oh, how we need the wind! In the spiritual realm, the activity of gathering God’s people together to pray and to seek His face in humility, repentance, and obedience equates to setting our sails, NOT TO REVIVAL. Oh, how we need the prevailing wind of God to blow for it to be true revival!

Life Action recently printed a special edition of Spirit of Revival magazine entitled “Setting the Sails.” I encourage you to order a copy for your pastor, or allow us to send him one on your behalf, so he can help pave the way to true revival in your church and community. You can go to www.SpiritOfRevival.com to order your copy.

Thank you for your friendship and support during these summer months!

What Revival Is Not (part 2)

2008-06-18T02:01:25Z

I had the privilege of inviting hundreds of pastors to go to their knees in prayer last week, as I opened the annual SBC pastors’ conference with a time of seeking God for revival. I have come to deeply appreciate Dr. Michael Catt, senior pastor of Sherwood Baptist in Albany, GA. He served as president of this year’s conference, and he chose the theme “Prepare for Rain.” He spent months praying and asking God to send revival to the hearts of these shepherds. And he did it with deep understanding of genuine revival and an equally deep passion for the glory of God to be present. I appreciated the conference because Dr. Catt understands the progressive elements of an authentic move of God. The thematic sequence he chose for the gathering was as follows:

Prayer
Brokenness
Revival
Evangelism

In my last blog, I addressed the misconception that revival and evangelism are synonymous. We learned that they may occur concurrently, but they are distinct both in who is involved and in progression. Revival always begins with God’s people, and it often results in a massive explosion of gospel power. The best form of evangelism follows powerful revival. In this blog, I want to note that revival is NOT equivalent to excitement, emotion, mysticism, or enthusiasm. There is currently a widely publicized gathering taking place in Lakeland, FL. It has been continuing for weeks, with a large number of people from around the world coming to “get under the cloud.” From everything I have read and observed, it is hardcore emotionalism . . . of an extreme kind. It may be perceived as having positive elements, but it is unmistakably counterproductive to the kind of biblical revival we need in our churches and nation today. Excitement and laughter are prominent components. But isn’t joy an emotional response to the work of God? There can be no denying that joy is a fruit of revival, along with the other fruit of the Spirit. The psalmist noted this when he declared, “Revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you!” (Ps. 85:6). When David confessed publicly his sin with Bathsheba, he cried out for the restoration of the joy of his salvation (Ps. 51:12). And in Psalm 126:2, “shouts of joy” accompanied the redeeming work that takes place when God blesses His people. Certainly, in the early church, we sense the joy that came at Pentecost, the encouragement Paul talks about among those who experienced revival in Ephesus, and the joy that came as the fruit of repentance in the churches referenced in Revelation. Joy is an emotion that accompanies a cleansing work of the Spirit in our hearts. He sets us free indeed! One of my favorite definitions of revival is “falling in love with Jesus all over again.” When we love someone with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, we will most certainly display it. Crying out in repentance, contrition, and brokenness because we have offended a holy God is also an emotional act that accompanies personal revival. We cannot see God for who He is without having the “woe is me” response of Isaiah 6. Some outward expression of inward change is bound to occur. HOWEVER, even though revival may be emotive, it is never predominantly emotional. My outward response of any kind to the work of God is never the primary characteristic of revival. Otherwise, revival would be all about us and not about the glory and exaltation of Christ. I might add that thousands of pastors on their knees last week, seeking the Lord, is not revival either. But, humbling ourselves, as leaders, before the holy God of heaven and acknowledging that we have robbed Him of His glory through our self-sufficiency, self-satisfaction, and self-righteousness is characteristic of the type of revival we need today . . . regardless of whether it is outwardly expressed.

God, give us broken and repentant hearts, and then fill us with Your joy. BUT please don’t let emotion turn into emotionalism!

What Revival Is Not (part 1)

2008-06-04T01:59:58Z

While speaking to a group of pastors recently, it dawned on me that even among Christian leaders, confusion abounds concerning revival. I am regularly asked to provide an assessment of a particular event that is taking place that is being labeled revival. This happened last week regarding a well publicized, extended gathering transpiring in central Florida. In most cases I have found it prudent to provide a list of biblical indicators regarding authentic revival and allow those who are concerned to judge for themselves. After three decades of trying to answer inquiries, I have also learned the most efficient way to bring a sense of understanding to the term revival is by sharing what it is not. There are four primary misconceptions concerning revival:

Misconception #1: Revival Is Evangelism

The very construct of the word revive makes it clear that revival is a work of God among those who have life. “Re” means “again”; “vive” refers to “life.” Thus, “life again” is the purest definition of revival. Those with life (believers) are the only ones who can experience revival. All others need “vive” or life.“Revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You” (Ps. 85:6).“Revive Your work in the midst of the years” (Hab. 3:2).“If My people who are called by My name . . .” (2 Chr. 7:14).Five of the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 were urged by the Lord to repent. They needed revival . . . as a body of believers.Yet the most effective evangelism is a chief by-product of revival. When God meets with His people and pours forth His presence, a great work of evangelism always occurs. There is no better illustration of this truth than Pentecost. The presence of God in revival, via His Spirit, brought forth an explosion of evangelism. The power of God became the force by which conviction gripped men’s hearts.Rev. Bill McLeod will be here at Life Action ministering to our staff this summer. It was in his church that the Canadian revival of the 1970s began. He looked at me one day and said, “Byron, just remember this: In times of evangelism, evangelists seek sinners; but in times of revival, sinners seek the Lord.”Time and again, we have seen, as a ministry, a great harvest of souls whenever God has moved among His people. It always results in an intense presence of God. Conviction is heightened because God’s Spirit is free to move in power through the witness and testimony of broken and contrite believers. People are drawn to the Lord, sometimes unexplainably and extraordinarily.

Want evangelism? Seek revival.

'08 Heart-Cry for Revival Conference

2008-05-19T01:56:33Z

GOD MOVES AMONG CHRISTIAN LEADERS

If there is a single ingredient in every recorded revival, it is that God’s people become desperate enough to “cry out” to the Lord for deliverance.

Recently, over 350 leaders gathered at the Billy Graham training center in North Carolina for the sixth Heart-Cry for Revival Conference. Life Action has been a lead sponsor for several of these conferences. Each time God has visited in powerful ways. Our staff along with James MacDonald, Sammy Tippit, Richard Owen Roberts, Crawford Loritts, Bob Bakke, and numerous other leaders banded together to seek the Lord in a concentrated way. And the Lord was pleased to descend through His Word and with His Spirit to touch and transform hearts.A key component of the gathering was a “prayer summit” preceding the conference. Nearly 100 intercessors and leaders joined together in seeking the Lord before the conference began.The following testimonies reflect the powerful work of God in those who gathered:

“I don’t think there’s enough paper here to say all that God has been speaking to me. I’m so grateful that He has spoken because it brought me out of a very dry pit of my life.”

“God has shown me that I have been dry! He reminded me of what it tastes like to thirst for Him and, in turn, what it feels like to be filled. He showed me that before revival can or will take place in my church, that it must first take place in my heart. He gave me a yearning to become a man of prayer, and a hunger and a thirst to be filled with the Spirit.”“God began a fire in my dry and thirsty life. This morning the spark has been ignited, and the flames are burning once again.”“Byron said we need to not only have a quiet time, and a quiet place, but also a quiet heart. I need a lot of work on the quiet heart part.”

“It was and is a defining moment in my life—a ‘crisis’ in the fullest sense. I sense it wasn’t the speakers so much as the atmosphere—a people set on God that God used to bring insight and fullness.”

“God has placed a call for personal repentance to prepare me to speak ‘into’ my denomination a similar message to return to our first love. He has provided me with strength, affirmation, and assurance to do so! Praise Him!”

“God has dealt with our whole staff. The way God dealt and challenged us, we believe, will affect not just our church, but our lifestyles, town, county, and the uttermost parts of the world.”

Since the conference, God continued to work. The following e-mails arrived a couple of weeks following the conference:

“I was so blessed, and continue to experience personal revival. I accepted the challenge to spend 3 hours a day with God for a week after returning home. I did that and now I want that much time every day!”

“Thank you for the conference. We are now in the midst of God doing something great in our worship services.”

“Thank you so much. I am so blessed by the conference—I can’t begin to tell you all God did, but just know it was life changing.”

The congregations whose pastor attended represents many key churches and ministries. Their burden for something extraordinary to take place has intensified greatly. Please pray that these dewdrops of revival will spread throughout the churches and communities, until there are thousands, even millions, who are seeking God with all of their hearts!

Praying for Your Children (Part 6)

2008-04-24T00:47:34Z

Today, I want to interact on the final segment of prayer for my family. If you have been reading this blog, you will recall the previous five prayer points are as follows:

F = Faithful and fruitful

A = Active in sharing Christ and anointed as they do

M = Morally pure and mates that are godly

I = Insulated from the world, flesh, and devil, and
integrity of heart

L = Listeners, learners, leaders, and lovers

When I come to the letter “Y” during my intercession for my children, I focus on two specific areas that are critical to spiritual success. They are:

Yield rights and expectations (Proverbs 13:12).
Yield the members of our bodies as slaves to righteousness, leading to sanctification (Romans 6:19).

Feelings of hurt are the way God designed for us to be reminded that we are proud. That sounds like a strong statement. However, if anyone had justified reasons to have feelings of hurt, Jesus would, and Paul might be a close second after maturing some spiritually. At Philippi, Paul was beaten unjustly and thrown into jail. Yet Scripture indicates his immediate response was absent of disappointment and hurt. In fact, he responded by singing with joy to the Lord. Go figure. How could he? Is it possible that Paul learned to live perpetually with an attitude of “anything better than hell is more than I deserve”? Since this is a theological truth that applies to all of us, then having that attitude is living in light of reality. If we lived that way, we would always be grateful for whatever happens to us that is less severe than hell. No blown expectations that way! And since Hebrews 12:15-16 considers bitterness to be a root cause that fuels sexual impurity, it is only prudent to pray for our children to yield their personal expectations. Yielding our bodily members as instruments to righteous is something most of us don’t even think about. Yet Paul says it leads to a sanctified life. Not sinless perfection. Sanctification is a process, and the moment we think we are sanctified, we need a fresh reminder that humility is a part of being sanctified. Periodically, I will go through the practical process of naming parts of my body and surrendering them to the Lord afresh. I yield my eyes, my tongue, my ears, my feet, and my hands. And especially my mind, since as a man thinks, so is he. I pray the same for my children. In summary, this method of prayer is only that . . . a method. My friend Sammy Tippit has a whole weekend ministry entitled “Praying for Your Family.” I highly recommend it. Just visit www.SammyTippit.org. I’m sure you can easily find it on his home page. Before we conclude, don’t forget the value of not only praying for your children, but praying with them, regardless of their age. This morning, just before my youngest son, Nathan, was getting ready to speak to the youth group at his church, I called to pray with him. I would like to do that every Sunday morning, as he prepares to minister. Praying for them and with them regularly and at strategic times, even when they are adults, will keep our hearts knit together with them. I would value hearing how you have learned to pray for your family. What have you found helpful? How has God answered your prayers? Even more importantly, how are you growing in this area? Finally, I would love to join you in praying for specific requests. Please feel free to e-mail me at BPaulus@LifeAction.org.

“I have no greater joy than to know that my children walk in truth” (3 John, verse 4).

Praying for Your Children (Part 5)

2008-03-29T00:45:19Z

For the past several nights, I have awakened in the middle of the night and caught myself praying for my family using the acronym we've been focusing on these past weeks. In fact, I usually drift off to sleep but then wake up again still expressing the same thoughts to the Lord. I only wish I were that prayerful during my busy days!

The fifth area of prayer for my children centers on the letter L. I ask the Lord for four specific things regarding my children. Here they are:

1. Listener
2. Learner
3. Leader
4. Lover

Good listening is the first step to becoming a great person and a true friend. I can hear words just fine, but do I really listen? Do I listen to the heart and spirit of what someone is trying to convey? Not only eye contact but heart contact? I've become an expert at repeating words spoken to me, but to actually focus 100% on what an individual is communicating is tough for me. I personally struggle with having a “listening” heart. Multi-tasking when it comes to listening conveys a lack of authenticity in my relationships. The bottom line is, I want my kids to become better listeners than talkers. “He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him” (Proverbs 18:13). I meet with a dear friend of mine on a regular basis for breakfast. His business and our ministry have had similar growth patterns over the years. Both have about the same revenue trends and similar staffing issues. And, on the personal side, we both have deep desires to have strong marriages and successful walks with God. I know others like him in many regards, but I don’t know of anyone who asks more questions than my friend Dave. He is constantly learning by asking questions. About everything! Consequently, he has become one of the most knowledgeable people I know. But his secret to success can be summarized in his longing to learn. In fact, we both have come to the conclusion that the number one quality we look for in staff is a learner’s heart. Do they desire to learn and grow? If so, we have concluded they will be great staff. If not, they will probably struggle. Sue gets much credit for implanting this quality into our children. As a result, none of our three children watches much television (two of them don’t even have a television, and the other has one because he won it in a drawing). And they are avid learners. I can't keep up with them. And they have no problem keeping a job! Praying for my children to be leaders is not the same as praying for them to be popular or well known. The best definition I know of for a leader is summed up in one word: influence. Since they were small children, we have asked the Lord for the ability to raise children who would not just survive in this world, but change it. We asked God to make our children world-influencers. All three of them are in vocational ministry, and all three have visions far bigger than mine! Finally, we want our children to be known as God’s disciples. And being people lovers, according to Scripture, is the only way others will know we are His. If loving God and loving our neighbors are the two greatest commandments, then it has always seemed to me the way to have the greatest kids is to have them obeying the greatest commandments. I want great kids, so I pray they will abide by the one formula God shares with us to become great in His eyes: loving Him and others!

Now, by way of reviewing how we pray for our children:

F = Faithful and fruitful

A = Active in sharing Christ and anointed as they do

M = Morally pure and mates that are godly

I = Insulated from the world, flesh, and devil; integrity of heart

L = Listeners, learners, leaders, lovers

Praying for Your Children (Part 4)

2008-03-21T00:43:47Z

By now, if you have been reading my blogs regarding how I pray for my family each day, you've noticed it represents a philosophy of parenting as much as a simple prayer list. In fact, it's a philosophy of living! That's why, when I finish praying these requests for my children and grandchildren, I often pray them for Sue and me. Thus far, we have prayed for our family to:

F = Be faithful and fruitful

A = Be active in sharing their faith, and anointed as they do

M = Be morally pure and have mates that are godly

The “I” in the acronym of F.A.M.I.L.Y. touches on two of the most difficult areas of parenting. I pray each day that the Lord would insulate my children (not isolate them) from the world, the flesh, and the devil; and that they would have integrity of heart (1 Kings 9:4; Psa. 78:72). Insulation without isolation has been the battle of the ages when it comes to raising children. But the invasion of the world and spirit of this age, via the modern forms of communication, have almost eliminated gatekeeping; even parental protection is nearly impossible. No longer can we shield our kids from exposure to the world; but we can shield the heart from appetites for worldliness through prayer, while modeling a genuine disinterest in entertainment, material things, and fads of all kinds. Combating the flesh is clearly a work of the Spirit. “Walk in the Spirit and [you will] not fulfill the lust of the flesh” (Gal. 5:16). How many of us train our children how to walk in the Spirit? To the contrary, are we exemplifying what it means to walk in the flesh? What about the devil? Our children would tell anyone that every night we would always include one request in our nightly prayer time. Simply, “Lord, would You put a hedge of protection from the evil one around our family? Would You bind the enemy in the power of Your name, Lord Jesus, and Your blood?” A funny thing happened one night when we were praying for a hedge of protection around our family. I was very tired and I fell asleep praying with my family. As I faded, I was trying to be faithful in this focus. I was awakened by laughter. When I asked what was so funny, they asked if I knew I had just prayed for a wall of hydrogen around our house! We laughed, but to this day, they will never forget how committed we were to praying for God’s protection from the evil one. Finally, we were always concerned that integrity would not be measured based on external assessment or what others perceived, but that it would be our own heart . . . what we know to be true before the Lord, not what others know to be true about us. A “good name” before God was far more important than a “good name” before others.

Praying for Your Children (Part 3)

2008-02-28T00:26:38Z

Praying for my family daily has been enhanced greatly by praying through the acronym F.A.M.I.L.Y. Last night I was in Roanoke, VA, and went to bed exhausted after a full day of ministry. Around 4 AM I awakened; I was only half conscious, but I found myself praying for my family using this simple acronym. It has become something I do subconsciously at times.

If you read my previous two blogs, you will recall the following prayer points:

F = Faithful and Fruitful

A = Active in sharing their faith, and Anointed as they do

This next area is as critical as any, and I often feel a sense of unusual intensity when I bring these before the Lord.

M = Moral purity, and Mates that are godly

I try to pray for protection in multiple areas of moral impurity, including greed, lying, theft, illegal drugs, materialism . . . but especially sexual impurity, perhaps because I know the grip it had on me for too many years. I remember my first brief exposure to pornography while in college. It immediately created a level of curiosity that, like any addictive substance, sought more I am convinced that it was curiosity that killed not only the cat, but Adam as well. It was the “wondering about the prohibited” that created a sense of what and why in Adam’s heart after he had been told not to eat of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The same was true with David on that rooftop . . . a curious search for more. What is the solution? What is the greatest deterrent to sexual immorality for my children? For me? I asked one of my sons, when he was in college, why he did not struggle more with this issue. His answer was not profoundly unusual, but profoundly powerful. “If you love Jesus, how could you love what He doesn’t?" SO, when I pray for moral purity, I pray that they would love Jesus with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Remember, the solution for rampant impurity for the believers at Ephesus was not “how to” and “what to” but “who to.” They were to return to the first love that they had left. Perhaps I am just a simple guy, but I have tended to limit my prayer requests regarding future mates for my children to just one overriding quality: Godliness. I love Gary Thomas’ book entitled Sacred Marriage, where the byline on the cover asks an all-important question regarding marriage: “What if God designed marriage to make us holy more than to make us happy?” If my future daughter-in-law or son-in-law is godly, everything else will be fine. Think about it: Being like Christ means being filled with the Spirit of Christ. Can you imagine a marriage not thriving where the list of relational qualities of the Holy Spirit in Galatians 5 are permeating the relationship? Love. Joy. Peace. Patience. Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-control. If someone cannot become holy and happy with that kind of person, then the problem is not with the mate but with my kids!

Praying for Your Children (Part 2)

2008-02-19T00:22:19Z

Praying for my children the way I have been outlining in this series of blogs often convicts me to ask the simple question, “Am I expecting more of them than is true of me?” In no area is that more real than the #3 and #4 daily requests for my kids.

Last week we looked at the “F” in F.A.M.I.L.Y. I commented on how I pray that they would be both faithful and fruitful in their walk with the Lord.

When I come to the letter “A,” I ask the Lord to do two more things: enable them to be Active in sharing their faith and Anointed as they do.

I grew up in an environment where we scheduled times to go “soul winning.” I had memorized the verse “he that wins souls is wise” (Proverbs 11:30) and repeated it often. Today, I am not negative on having a disciplined and orderly lifestyle where sharing one’s faith is structured. But allowing the Lord to make it a 24/7 burden, to look for opportunities to share and ask for His power and anointing, is what I want for my life and for my kids. So I pray daily for it!

Hang on . . . What you are about to read is extraordinary.

I received the following e-mail yesterday from a friend who is passionate about sharing his faith and longs for God’s power as he does. Why would I want my children to be active in sharing their faith? Because every time we experience what this gentleman did, our own faith in God’s power not only increases, it brings vivid reminders of the amazing redemptive work of God to rescue lost souls.

The Lord was at work yesterday! I was listening to your revival tapes as I drove to Orlando to have a lunch meeting. At the meeting, the Spirit of God was working. I felt His presence in a strong way. I invited another Christian business guy to join me for a meeting with a successful young (37) business guy who lives in Orlando. We both shared our testimonies with this guy.

I started sharing about how my marriage was on the rocks in London and how the Lord turned the situation around. The guy starts sniffling, I start probing, and before you know it, he is sharing how he has never been to a church, knows nothing about all of this “religious” stuff, other than he has a “Christian friend” who is on his third marriage and addicted to drugs. He breaks down and shares that he has been cheating on his wife with another gal for over 2 years.

Long story (we spent five hours together) short, we go back to this guy’s office, and he gets on his knees and we laid hands on him and prayed over him, and he begins balling as he starts confessing and asking God for forgiveness and that he has made a mess of his life and wants God to take over! I then told him to call his girlfriend and tell her that he sinned against God, her, and his wife, and that he was going to fight for his marriage. He did!

Then we had him cancel his business trip to Aspen next week, and I took him to his house, and he confessed to his wife and told her that he is a “new creation” and has become a Christian! :) Turns out, his wife started going to church a few weeks ago at the suggestion of one of her friends. This is all too wild to even describe in an e-mail. Turns out the other guy has a Bible study at his office on Thursdays, so the guy goes this morning and guess who he brings with him . . . the Christian backslider friend! The group comes alongside them this morning and everyone is blown away. This guy was reborn in such a radical way he didn’t even know what hit him. We started reading scriptures together, had him read aloud, and he couldn’t stop! Crazy stuff. There is a revival taking place. We are all blown away by seeing the providence of God in intercepting this guy and saving his marriage and life. To God be all the glory!!

Can you think of anything more exciting than having children who get to experience God at work like this? The miracle of participating in the spiritual birth process and then nurturing those babes in Christ is more valuable than all the riches in the world!

Oh Lord, we pray for our kids today, that they would have a vision for sharing their faith, and when they do share it, would You please anoint, empower, and show Your supernatural redeeming grace and forgiveness? What greater blessing and joy could ever come their way?

Praying for Your Children (Part 1)

2008-02-14T00:20:09Z

I was at lunch recently with a Florida pastor who ministers to a large number of families. When I shared with him the method by which I have been praying for my family for the past decade or more, he immediately wanted a copy of my prayer plan. It's nothing new. It's nothing that dramatic. But God has blessed Sue and me with three children, all of whom are in vocational ministry and driven to impact the world for Christ as an overflow of their faithfulness to the Lord.
In addition to praying these themes for my children, I have tried to use a biblical passage or verse as a basis to empower that prayer. AND, since I am getting older, and without appearing trite, I use the acronym of F.A.M.I.L.Y. to make it easier for me to spontaneously pray for them throughout each day.Over the next few blogs, I will let you in on my prayers for my three children, their mates, and now my grandchildren.

F = Faithful and Fruitful

“Lord, would You cause my children to elevate faithfulness over successfulness? Help them to value God’s commendation of ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ above any of man’s accolades or affirmations. Like the apostle Paul, help them to embrace God’s primary qualification for ministry as that of being faithful (1 Tim. 1:5). At the beginning of each day, may You remind them that their faithfulness postures them to receive the 'true riches of Your glory' (Luke 16:10). Encourage them with reminders that those spiritual riches of grace, mercy, forgiveness, love, and transforming power will produce ‘fruit that remains.’ Protect them from being driven by short-term results, big numbers, personal prestige, or power-filled positions in ministry service. And Lord, pour out an abundance of stories of genuinely changed lives in return for their faithfulness, whether anyone ever knows about it or not.”

700 Attend Florida THIRST Conference

2008-01-31T00:03:36Z

I am writing from Florida, where Sue and I are with our Revival Conference Team, attending one of our four-day THIRST conferences being hosted by Cornerstone Church just outside Orlando. Some 700 individuals have been filling the auditorium every service, and today around 200 women attended the Seeking Him, Together ladies' luncheon.

But the great response numerically from this church is of disinterest to those who are having their dry and thirsty souls refreshed by God’s presence. To a heart being touched by God, nothing else really matters. When you sense God’s amazing presence, everything else fades in comparison.

The consensus at this church is that if God can be real in my life, actively speaking to me, teaching me, directing my steps, helping me with decisions, enabling me to walk in power and peace and overflowing joy, and pouring spiritual riches of His forgiveness, grace, mercy, love, justice, and hope into my soul, then who cares about the numbers in attendance? If you know God is manifesting His presence, doesn’t everything else diminish in importance?

That is precisely why my wife and I were captivated on January 29, 1973, on our honeymoon. Yes, as a young man I was captivated by the gift of our physical relationship as we slept in our first waterbed that night. (No more on that event!)

But an even more remarkable and captivating event occurred earlier that evening as we walked into our very first Life Action service. I know it sounds crazy, but on the third night of our honeymoon, Sue and I visited a Life Action summit in Mankato, MN. Not because we were spiritual, but because we wanted to visit some friends who were a part of this unfamiliar organization.

We were hooked. Something about the overwhelming sense of God’s presence that night was magnetic. Like the woman at the well, we sensed that there was “living water” nearby. And we were thirsty. Thirsty for something that was even more satisfying than the joy of sacred sex. Thirsty for something that would bring a lifelong sense of purpose and mission. Thirsty for Jesus.

The introduction to Life Action that night put us on a journey. A journey that has continually amazed us to this very night. What we tasted only created more hunger pains. And more. And more. Finally, three years later, I trusted Christ to redeem me from sin. And from that day on, we have been proclaiming the message of revival through Life Action in North America and beyond.

It is utterly amazing, as Sue and I sit in a Life Action service tonight in FL, to realize that another team is in Mansfield, LA (I got a text message a short while ago announcing a major breakthrough); another team is in El Dorado, AR; a daily radio program is being heard around the world; another ministry team is headed for Dartmouth College; a camp is preparing for a marriage weekend; a beautiful lodge ministry is preparing for a pastors’ retreat; and a myriad of electronic and print publications are being picked up and read by thirsty souls. And we get to be a part of this?!

Though it's doubtful that any of those engaging with our ministry outreaches tonight are on their honeymoon, thousands of them are quenching their thirst through a powerful encounter with Jesus. And who knows how many will begin a magnificent journey like ours!

Becoming Resolute

2008-01-02T00:01:08Z

“Resolution # 1: I will live for God. Resolution #2: If no one else does, I still will.” -- Jonathan Edwards

How did Jonathan Edwards become one of the most influential Christian leaders in our nation’s history? Was it his famous seventy resolutions that steered him to success? If so, what was it that made him unwavering in those commitments? How can I become as resolute about my goals as Jonathan Edwards was about his desire to live for God, even if no one else ever did?

On my 40^th birthday, I got away for an extended time to seek the Lord about my future. I took with me the 50 resolutions of Jonathan Edwards and read them carefully and prayerfully. As I did, I decided to use them as a template to develop my own “lifetime” resolutions. That was 17 years ago, and I am still referring to them over and over and over again. Some say that Jonathan Edwards read his “lifetime” resolutions on a weekly basis.

Maybe I am a slow learner, because I have a long way to go in applying my resolutions on a daily basis. But what has been helpful in becoming resolute about them is a simple determination to succeed with an existing resolution before establishing a new one. In an era where “new” is perceived to be “better,” there is something to be said about completing the old.

Tackling the old is not glamorous. But it is a key to success. To modify an old adage, “A job worth doing is worth doing well and worth finishing.” In college, the following simple phrase was pounded into me: “Finish the job!” My educators knew it was easier to start a new job than to finish an old one. But not better. This is especially true when setting goals.

So this year, I am racing back to evaluate last year’s resolutions, and the year’s before, and the year’s before that. In fact, I am going back for 17 years and asking God to help me “finish” my resolutions.

One of the secrets to becoming resolute is to become public. There is something about others knowing my commitments that helps stimulate me to keep them. Accountability is more than a good concept. It is an eternal truth. We will all give an account.

I don’t know if I have ever shared these publicly before, but the following are my “lifetime” resolutions. Perhaps they will encourage you to establish your own lifetime goals, with a determination to finish them.

15 Lifetime Resolutions

Henceforth Resolved:	To never allow my past or present achievements to become a ticket to future comfort, satisfaction, or success.
Henceforth Resolved:	To live the rest of my life in light of future opportunities, making sure my reach always exceeds my grasp.
Henceforth Resolved:	To humbly and meekly draw upon the grace of God in every situation that demands supernatural attention.
Henceforth Resolved:	To allow divine power to be mediated through my weakness by the removal of myself and the surrender of my handicaps.
Henceforth Resolved:	To live each day with a perpetual recognition that I have nothing to contribute to mankind that is not enhanced or destroyed by the example of my wife and children.
Henceforth Resolved:	To forever remember that true success is not measured by my personal achievements but by the accomplishments of those I serve and lead.
Henceforth Resolved:	To develop and maintain an ongoing spirit of thankfulness to God and gratefulness to others for my momentary sufferings, my permanent afflictions, and my bountiful blessings.
Henceforth Resolved:	To make it my chief aim to know God through the consistent study, memorization, and meditation of the Holy Scriptures and through prayer.
Henceforth Resolved:	To sacrificially, liberally, and cheerfully give of my substance, time, and ability to meet the needs of others and to further His kingdom.
Henceforth Resolved:	To live each day with intensity and urgency as if it were my very last.
Henceforth Resolved:	To respond to each prompting of God's Spirit with the sobering understanding that, apart from total obedience, I will lose God's power and presence.
Henceforth Resolved:	To never do anything that will destroy or decrease character.
Henceforth Resolved:	To avoid complacency and apathy by viewing the goodness and abundance of God as an avenue to true repentance and brokenness.
Henceforth Resolved:	To perceive my later years as possessing the most potential for effectiveness and productivity.
Henceforth Resolved:	To forever realize that every man is my teacher, every day is a classroom, and every circumstance is a textbook.

BLOG: Is It Really All About Him?

2007-12-21T23:58:12Z

Donald Miller, in his book, Blue Like Jazz, recalls a friend of his who traversed our nation interviewing numerous Christian leaders in hopes of avoiding fatal mistakes in his newly launched ministry. Many of the questions were predictably practical and non-invasive. However, the final question was typically, “What does Jesus mean to you?” When Donald’s friend asked Bill Bright, the founder of one of the largest Christian organizations in the world, that question, he could not answer. He simply began to cry. He sat there and just wept.

I have a friend who just returned from a week of ministry at the YWAM base in Denver where the two ministry workers were recently killed in the Colorado shootings. The following is a segment of his e-mail to me:

Wednesday was an incredibly emotional and uplifting day. We spent a good bit of the day at the Memorial Celebration of Tiffany and Philip going home to be with Jesus. It started at 10 am and did not end until about 1:30.

When we arrived, there were close to a thousand people at the church. So many people, it was hard to know where to start. I asked the Lord who to talk with and prayed for a while. We talked and ministered to many people. Tiffany Johnson’s brother walked up and looked at the Billy Graham logo on my Chaplain shirt. He said, “I can’t believe you guys are here to honor my sister.” He started to weep and hugged my neck. I prayed God would give him strength. We cried and prayed and he told me many fun stories of growing up with Tiffany and her deep faith.

Then he told me something that rocked my world. Tiffany, Dan, and Philip tried to stop Mathew Murray when he came in after the students, and they were shot down. One of Tiffany’s friends was doing CPR on her, and when she was revived, Tiffany asked how bad it was. “Not good,” they replied. No one could do anything and she was slipping away. Tiffany said to her friends in an encouraging voice, “This is what we do for Jesus, huh guys? It’s all about Jesus.” These were the last words she spoke.

Tiffany’s brother’s fiancé walked up at this point in our conversation. She was sobbing. I asked how I could pray for her. They both looked at me and said, “We want to commit our lives to Jesus’ fire that Tiffany had in her heart. Pray that we will live for Jesus just like she did.” We prayed and they committed their whole hearts to Jesus. Tiffany’s mom walked up and hugged us. She said, “I am jealous of my baby girl; she is in the arms of Jesus.”

The service was a celebration of two wholly committed lives taken home to Jesus. It was a consummation of their faith and trust in Jesus Christ.

The Johnson family walked up on stage during the service. One by one they verbalized forgiveness of Mathew Murray, and his family who were sitting on the front row! This was such a pure picture of the power and love of Jesus Christ.

Here we have two vastly different and yet strikingly similar life stories. One lived a long life, built a massive organization, and impacted millions for the kingdom. The other lived a short life, had no organization, and yet, is impacting thousands for the kingdom. The common denominator was not their natural ability or longevity of life but their deep love for the person of Jesus Christ.

What would my response be if someone asked me today, “What does Jesus mean to you?”

What would my final words be if I was shot and I knew I had but seconds to live?

Or what would I say to a family whose son murdered my “baby girl”?

Out of the abundance of my heart will come the answer. What I focus on, and invest in, is what will fill my heart. I pray my heart will be so full of Jesus that my instincts will be tears and words and actions that reveal Christ as the love of my life! Will you join me on that journey this coming year?

BLOG: Changing America Through Changed Lives

2007-12-05T23:54:16Z

“America is fast becoming a mission field once again. We are surprised that the Americans who preached to us, the passion they had is almost gone. We hope to save the country that brought us the faith.”

This startling proclamation came from the lips of an African pastor who is traversing the United States in hopes of sparking a spiritual revival. He concludes, “In America, the values are crashing, the largest number of abortions occur, divorce and school shootings exceed all other nations. These things are very sad. As America goes, so goes the world. We cannot allow Christian influence to diminish in this country.”

But how is Christian influence best manifested?

After being in vocational ministry for 33 years, I am convinced the kind of influence that produces change does not come via the government, education, or even media. Rather, at the end of the day, it’s the dynamic force of changed lives. That’s why Life Action measures success by asking ourselves the question, Are lives being genuinely transformed by God?

Last week, I heard of a pastor resigning his church. On his final night, there was an opportunity for congregants to share what they appreciated about his ministry. Three of the individuals thanked the pastor for having Life Action in their church years earlier . . . because it changed their lives. One came to Christ. Another reconciled with their spouse. And all were changed from that day forward.

As I was preparing to write this brief report, the following stories came to my inbox. All of these are from one church in a community where our team ministered just a few weeks ago.

· My father committed suicide one year ago in October. He left a legacy of judgment, anger, and shame. I was picking up where he left off in the department of judgment and anger. God has also shown me that I can be a cactus at times. I want to be a magnet for Him. I need to show my sisters Christ. They need to see His unconditional love and know He can forgive. I am so thankful that God showed me the pride and anger in my life, and most of all that He forgave me! His grace and mercy are wonderful!

· I am a Bible teacher, and yet I hadn’t been reading my Bible, let alone studying it. And though I was part of a prayer group, I was not meeting the Lord daily for a time alone with Him. I felt like I was dying. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Life Action team pinpointed my sin and led me to confess it, turn from it, and replace it with obedience. It has been exciting to hear God speak to me and see how He is answering my prayers. “O Love who will not let me go” is my life song.

· Two weeks ago, God found me bitter and defensive. I couldn’t surrender everything to God. A couple of years ago, a neighbor molested my younger sister, and I had never forgiven him. I would say hateful things and think bad things about him. Now I have truly forgiven that neighbor as a result of the Life Action summit. Thank you, Life Action team. God bless you!

If America is going to truly change, it will begin in hearts, in individuals’ relationship with God. Then changes in relationships with others will transpire in powerful ways. Forgiveness. Reconciliation. Restitution. Love. Joy. Freedom. These are the dramatic results that display the power of God to redeem lives and change our culture.

BLOG: One Passion

2007-11-21T00:12:16Z

We are living in an age of bombardment. And it is hindering many well meaning believers from reaching their goals. I spend little time watching football. Even less this year, because my favorite college team (Notre Dame) has been dismantled by the “blitz.” The rapidity and force in which opponents reached the ball carrier suffocated their likelihood of success. In the military, the same tactic is called a blitzkrieg—a swift offensive using massive and multiple forces to startle and catch the opposing force off guard.

I am convinced many believers are not achieving their goals because they are under an all-out blitz by the enemy, to first distract and then render us helpless in our attempt to succeed. Whether addressing individual, family, or organizational goals, the stratagem of the enemy is to diminish the force of the Word of God and our intimacy with Jesus. He does it by an increasingly swift intrusion of the cares of this world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the pleasures of this life (Luke 8:14). Technology has only enabled a more rapid and potent version of this ploy. But fortunately, God has revealed this changeless tactic to us so we can recognize it and counter it successfully.

That’s why revival is so necessary. Our affections determine where we spend our resources. A glance at my checkbook, calendar, and conversations reveal what I love. In other words, my money, my time, and my talk reveal what is important to me.

Perhaps one of the best definitions of revival is simply “falling in love with Jesus all over again.” The greatest deterrent to the blitz is being so in love with Jesus that there is no interest in being distracted. We want to spend all of our resources on Him!

Because of my own propensity to succumb to the enemy’s onslaught of distractions, about once each week I get on my knees after crawling out of bed and pray the following prayer, which was penned by the late Leonard Ravenhill at age 84, while on his deathbed:

Lord, engage my heart today
With a passion that will not go away,
Now torch it with Thy holy fire,
That never more shall earth’s desire
Invade or quench the heaven-born power.
I would be trapped within thy holy will
Thine every holy purpose to fulfill,
That every effort of my life shall bring
Rapturous praise to my eternal King.
I pledge, from this day to the grave
To be Thine own unquestioning slave.

On a ministry-wide level, Life Action is determined to stay single-focused. Revival is our ONE passion. Why? Because we believe revival changes everything! Without revival, hearts grow cold, marriages crumble, families suffer, churches are powerless, and nations fall. With revival, the world experiences Jesus. And with His presence comes a fresh infusion of love, grace, and power that captures the heart and soul of a nation.

Our ONE passion is revival because our ONE love is for the REVIVER! And our goal is to take the offensive, and with all the resources God provides, to blitz the enemy with the love of Christ as modeled through changed lives. That’s why Changed Lives is our only hope to change America. God’s love is simply unstoppable.

BLOG: I am relearning my ABC’s

2007-11-05T23:29:27Z

It has taken awhile, but I may have mastered my ABC's.

For the month of November, I have determined to begin every day going through my ABC’s. Before I crawl out of bed (generally only morning people lie awake long enough to do this), I identify something I am thankful for, which correlates to each letter of the alphabet. This morning I expressed gratitude for simple things I often take for granted, like Air conditioning (though I didn’t need it today), a Bed to sleep in, and a Car so I would not have to walk or ride a bike to the office. I know this may seem hokey or even juvenile, but for me it is crucial to protect me from going down a superslide of selfish pursuits.

According to Romans 1:21, the launching pad to losing God’s protection—and a subsequent slide into uncontrollable lust, dishonorable passions, and a debased mind—is an unthankful heart. I tend to forget that the moment I am no longer thankful, I open myself up to some of the most disgusting selfish ambitions imaginable with destructive consequences.

Sue and I have a dear friend who is trying to grasp Spanish, so she is learning the language by reading through a Spanish Bible. It is requiring extra time and effort, but she is determined to complete it within one year. When inquiring as to her motive, she related the obvious . . . to better communicate with the Hispanics she interacts with on mission trips. But in the process, she is finding herself understanding the scriptures better and getting to know Jesus better.

In a similar fashion, this month I am wanting to learn the language of Thankfulness. So I am going back to basics. It takes extra time and effort. I notice I am discovering how to better communicate with those who are seemingly of another descent because they are always content and seemingly satisfied with life. Those who live with an attitude of gratitude in their heart. AND, in the process, I am getting to know Jesus better, “who for the JOY that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame.”

I guess I am learning how to give thanks in EVERYTHING! Back to basics. Back to the ABC’s of the Christian walk. Always Being Content.

BLOG: Magnificent Mile

2007-10-23T23:27:08Z

This past Saturday I visited my hometown of Wakarusa, Indiana. It is a small, single stoplight community in the midst of cornfields ready for harvest and horse-drawn buggies racketing down the streets. The tallest and most admired structure was the pumpkin tree erected in the center square. The distance from one end of town to the other is about one mile.

In the afternoon I traveled to downtown Chicago, where the smallest structure there made the pumpkin tree look like merely a seed. Ironically, there were horse-drawn carriages in Chicago as well. But they are not appealing to someone growing up in Amish territory. It just does not make sense to spend good money for a horse-and-buggy ride!

But the scene of ripened harvest fields in Indiana, and streets swarming with people on Michigan Avenue, was a vivid reminder of the magnificent opportunity (and responsibility) I have to be in God’s fields . . . preparing the soil, planting seeds, providing nutrients, watering the crops, reaping the spiritual harvest. By God’s grace, Life Action has had the privilege of being in small communities like Wakarusa as well as metro areas like Chicago, and everywhere in between.

Since September, we have been blessed to:

Conduct road team ministries in twelve communities with Summits and THIRST Conferences. Three or four of those were unusually impacting. Franklin Graham’s home church in Boone, NC, was deeply touched by THIRST and is interested in a summit. We have ministered to more than 7,000 individuals in these extended formats.
Lead a regional women’s conference in Dallas, TX, with 2,000 women.
Host the National Prayer Meeting for Revival broadcast on Saturday mornings with national leaders, reaching thousands each week.
Air on daily radio the Seeking Him series, which continues to flourish.
Hear of hundreds of groups going through the Seeking Him study this fall. I had the joy of helping one church launch it, with 700 adults going through the material.
Host two Family Camps at our campus in Buchanan, MI.
Conduct two Pastors’ Retreats at The Lodge.
Conduct weekend ministry in at least 10 locations in preparation for upcoming Summits.
Lead a workshop at the “Straight Up” pastors’ conference in the Chicago area.
Participate in NYC’s 150^th Anniversary of the 3^rd Great Awakening near ground zero.
Host a National Revival Network meeting with several likeminded leaders.
Hold a planning retreat for next summer’s Institute of Campus Revival and Awakening at Yale.
Be interviewed on the Haven Today radio broadcast with Charles Morris.
Be involved in numerous other meetings and events.

All of the above is just more activity, apart from God’s Spirit @ Work changing hearts.

This morning I read a few dozen testimonies from a recent THIRST Conference. One of them simply said the following:

Before you came, my dryness about my faith was overwhelming. I felt Christ had turned His face so far away that I would never see Him again in my heart. During the week, I understood that my anger over hurt was separating me from Christ. I cried out to God, and He heard me. He cleansed my heart of hurt, and now I am free, and the thirst is alive and well. Thank you for your obedience to His call.

I firmly believe that this one brief story represents millions of believers--yes, millions--here in North America who are dry and not even thirsty. Their hope is gone. The wounds are so deep that they believe they will never again taste and see that the Lord is good.

But then someone comes along and plants a seed of hope. They witness a whole team of people who are thirsty for God to do something extraordinary. Then the thirst returns. And crying out begins. And God intervenes. According to Isaiah, “He pours water on him who is thirsty and floods upon the dry ground.”

It is our passion, here at Life Action, that some day the magnificent mile in Wakarusa and Chicago, as well as similar places around the world, will be noted for having experienced floods of spiritual riches. That the true and abundant life of Christ will be manifest in all places . . . for His glory!

Even so, come quickly, Lord Jesus!

BLOG: What do Niles, Michigan, and Boone, North Carolina, have in common?

2007-10-03T23:25:57Z

I am not a sports guru nor do I typically encourage using sports as a connection point for relating to a church audience. However, Trent Griffith, who directs our THIRST team, made a great analogy this past Sunday morning at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in Boone, North Carolina. It is the home church of a couple of hometown heroes, including Franklin Graham and the head football coach of Appalachian State University . . . the only Division II football team to ever beat a ranked Division I team. It happened a few weeks ago when they traveled to the “big house” in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and beat the then 5th ranked Wolverines.

So this past Sunday morning, Trent simply introduced our ministry by saying, “You brought your team from North Carolina to Michigan to teach us something about the improbable; now we are bringing our team from Michigan to North Carolina to teach you something about the impossible” . . . what God can do in revival! This pastor has a very deep hunger for revival. He saw God work in 1988 when Life Action was in Ft. Worth for six weeks. He saw the fire, and the smoke is still on his clothes! He cannot escape the longing in his heart for the Lord to “do it again.”

Also, I received a call from Steve Canfield on Saturday for the express purpose of saying, “You won’t believe all God is doing in this church here in Palm Bay, Florida.” It was still the first week, but the extent to which God was at work exceeded anything Steve had experienced for several years. Because the summit is still going on, I want to be careful about specifics. But marriages are being restored. Reconciliation between parents and children is taking place in a major way. In one case, a parent who has not talked with their child in ten years has repented and restored the relationship. People are being set free from deep-seated bitterness, sexual abuse, and a myriad of other critical issues. At least 25 individuals have professed coming to Christ . . . and the summit is being extended through this coming weekend, or however long God leads.

And 2000 ladies attended our Denton, Texas, conference this past weekend in the Dallas area. God used Nancy powerfully as she poured her heart out before the Lord and the ladies concerning the need to “trust God” with the impossible. A former prisoner by the name of Stacey, who was sentenced to a 60-year term but came to Christ and was recently released, shared how God has used Revive Our Hearts radio to bring spiritual maturity to a number of fellow inmates. A powerful video story! She then came on stage and signed a song that depicts her journey in Christ. Hope flooded the hearts of the women as they saw the power of a life message.

Then, yesterday, I spoke at a revival track at the Straight Up pastors’ conference at Harvest Bible Chapel in the Chicago suburbs. This is the church that James McDonald pastors. He is one of our Heart-Cry Conference speakers this coming April. I entitled our session Infusion, knowing that this simple term describes what most pastors are longing for in their ministry, both personally and also in their respective ministries. Perhaps that is the most precise description of revival that I have considered. Infusion of God into everything that we do! Not just an outpouring of God, but an inpouring of His mighty Spirit into our powerless activities and feeble attempts to do His work.

Don’t forget, this Saturday is our fourth National Prayer Meeting for Revival broadcast across the nation on many radio outlets, and on the Internet live at 10:00 AM (Eastern). Every revival in the world has either been birthed, nurtured, or sustained through prayer!

Each Wednesday, I am meeting with about 25 of our home-based leaders to help train our next generation of leadership. We are studying the classic Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders. I join other Christian leaders who say if they could only recommend ONE book for training leaders, this is it! I couldn’t agree more.

Thank you for praying and believing God with us for revival!

BLOG: Changing America . . . through prayer!

2007-09-26T23:22:37Z

This past week I had the joy of joining several hundred other pastors, ministry workers, and marketplace leaders in NYC to commemorate the 150^th anniversary of the famed Fulton Street Prayer Meeting. Most historians would agree that this seemingly meager gathering on September 23, 1857, became the launching pad of the Third Great Awakening in our nation. The statistics are staggering. Within one year:

10,000 people in NYC were gathering daily to pray. This was replicated in cities across our nation.

In New York and elsewhere, every available building was needed to make room for people who wanted to gather for prayer.

There were one million new converts in America, out of a population of 28 million.

Europe reported entire towns being converted.

Ultimately, it shook nations around the world for Christ!

I went largely unnoticed. No one seemed to care about prayer. I was reminded that when Jeremiah Lanphier started that prayer meeting, he must have felt alone. Though publicized widely, no one showed up for the first 30 minutes, and then only six people participated. But God was there!

Fulton Street is a symbol of the power in God’s economy of one person, one place, one passion, one purpose. And it is a lesson that God is not a respecter of persons. ANYBODY, however ordinary, however limited, can be a major player. It is also a modern David and Goliath story—the giants of secularism, materialism, and moral indifference can be toppled by prayer and divine power.

It’s still true today. “The fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much!”

That is why Life Action is in the midst of two special efforts that are critical to reaching our nation:

1. The National Weekly Prayer Meeting for Revival broadcast. Every Saturday morning at 10 ET, national leaders are gathering to seek Him for a fresh outpouring of His Spirit in revival and awakening. It is being broadcast on dozens of radio stations and via Internet at www.SeekingHim.com.

2. PRAY 12. A few weeks ago our staff began praying for revival every noon. It may be a brief prayer or it may be an extended time of petition. But we are asking God for revival. And we are asking Him to mobilize others who would make noontime prayer a priority. We are distributing over 150,000 clear stickers with the simple words 12 PRAY written on them. What if 150,000 people would join us in placing those stickers on their watches as a simple reminder to pray for revival at noon each day . . . and they did pray?

Please pray for our three teams, as they are in the middle of summits and conferences in Indiana, Florida, and North Carolina. Also, our women’s ministry with Nancy Leigh DeMoss is conducting a regional conference in the Dallas, Texas, this Friday and Saturday. There is a Pastors’ Retreat going on at The Lodge, and our Fall Family Camps begin soon.

Lives are being transformed by God’s divine power. I read the following testimony of one changed life, from one of our local church summits. As I did, I began to realize the power of hundreds of others like this one, and the difference it is making in our culture!

The Lord found me holding onto the same sin I’ve held onto for 15 years. I’m 25 now, so I’ve spent most of my life in bondage. I was saved at a young age, but this sin has kept me so dry and empty. Pornography has kept me so ashamed and embarrassed that I’ve kept it to myself all along. This week God gave me the grace to bring my sin out into the open and deal with it. I now have men around me to hold me accountable. I have spent more time in the past week with God than ever before. I pray with my wife. Our relationship has grown so much. The Lord has filled our home with peace and joy. Praise God!

700 Begin Seeking Him Study

2007-09-10T23:02:13Z

I am writing from Charleston, SC, where 700 people are beginning a twelve-week journey of going through the Seeking Him study in small groups. I had the privilege last night of speaking at the launch of this church-wide emphasis on revival. East Cooper Baptist Church is a great work of God where body-life seems to be flourishing through community groups. They are engaging deeply in the process of seeking the Lord for individual and corporate revival. The pastor is preaching on the Seeking Him themes and spending time each week with his leadership to ensure they model the message as influencers within the church.

In addition, I had the privilege of urging their people to become a part of the National Weekly Prayer Meeting for revival, beginning this Saturday from 10:00 – 11:00 EST, by connecting to the broadcast live or via the Internet (SeekingHim.com). And I encouraged them to listen to Nancy DeMoss on Revive Our Hearts each day as the themes will correlate each week to the broader effort of calling our nation to seek the Lord as never before.

Next weekend a celebration will be taking place near Fulton Street in New York City, in commemoration of the 3^rd Great Awakening. As many of you recall, the prayer meetings that surged in the financial district became both the birthing place and the model of what God chose to use to spark the 1857-58 widespread move of His Spirit. It resulted in an estimated one million new converts in just 18 months. Extrapolated to today’s population equivalents, it would mean 10 million people would come to Christ in a similar spiritual awakening. Can it happen again? In our day?

As the founder of Life Action once declared, “As long as God is on His throne, revival is as possible as the sun rising tomorrow morning.” It is possible because God specializes in redemption.

Our teams are currently in Rocky Mount, NC; Bloomington, IL; and Muskegon, MI. In each of these locations, God is quickening the hearts of those who are taking the time to seek Him afresh. It amazes me (and thrills me), in this era of busy and hectic lifestyles, how such large numbers are coming out each night to “wait upon the Lord.” In most cases, 60-80% of the Sunday morning attendance are making space for God. Who knows but that one of those locations might not be the next Fulton Street . . . the next birthing room for revival in our nation!

Ministry Update 9/10/07

2007-09-10T15:00:10Z

As the founder of Life Action once declared, “As long as God is on His throne, revival is as possible as the sun rising tomorrow morning.” It is possible because God specializes in redemption.

BLOG: True Humility

2007-09-05T16:39:18Z

True Humility? September 5, 2007 Our Thirst team began their ministry this past weekend in the small community of Aledo in western Illinois. I was checking in with Trent Griffith, who leads this team, just to see how the services went on Sunday. During our discussion, he said, “By the way, one of our team members, who served all last year on this team, is from this town. In fact, I just discovered he is the town hero! He was starting wide receiver and back-up quarterback of the football team and helped them win two consecutive state championships.” Trent continued, “It is pretty amazing. I was with him all last year, and I never knew it . . . nor did our team!” I was with another one of our teams on Monday, and to my surprise, they did not know of Jordan’s high school football accomplishment either, nor did it surprise them. They said he was athletic, and had won our annual LAM triathlon in record time last year . . . but that he has a godly, humble spirit. “He just does not focus on himself,” they told me. In this age of self-centered and self-asserting lifestyles, what a refreshment to my spirit to discover someone who considers personal acclaim unimportant. My mind raced to Proverbs 20:6: “Most men will proclaim every one his own goodness: but a faithful man who can find?” I wonder, what is the connection . . . between being faithful and finding it unnecessary to bring attention to our own achievements? We know that eight chapters later the Scriptures say, “A faithful man will abound with blessings . . . .” Jordan and these two proverbs reinforce a key cutting-edge commitment of Life Action Ministries. Simply put, faithfulness is more important than success. It is our responsibility to take care of the depth of our ministry and let God take care of its breadth. Thanks, Jordan, for ministering to me and a host of others by your heart’s desire to exalt Jesus with your life!

BLOG: Who Said There Are Only 24 Hours in a Day?

2007-08-15T16:25:36Z

Who Said There Are Only 24 Hours in a Day? Mark Bearden, one of our longtime revivalists, spoke Sunday morning at our Staff Training service. He reminded us that our prayers do not end when we die. A simple reminder. But it has profound implication for those of us desiring to redeem the time. Think about it . . . Mark Bearden, one of our longtime revivalists, spoke Sunday morning at our Staff Training service. He reminded us that our prayers do not end when we die. A simple reminder. But it has profound implication for those of us desiring to redeem the time. Think about it . . . The impact of a life is not limited to 24 hours a day multiplied by the number of days we live. It must be adjusted by the number of prayers yet to be answered! I was reminded of this again today, when I was giving a tour of our new campus. It was exactly 6 years ago this past Saturday that the property was gifted to Life Action. AND, it was 31 years ago this month that the founder of our ministry took me on the property and prayed for the Lord to give it to us. He died in 1989 at the young age of 42. But his prayers were kept alive by the One who answers them. And in a very real sense, his prayers outlasted him . . . and so did the impact of his life. I asked myself today, “What are the prayers I am praying right now that could extend my impact for generations to come?” There were very few. So I stopped and prayed some prayers that likely would not be answered in my lifetime. It was exciting to me to think of the influence I could have far into the future. I even prayed for God to work one thousand years from now (if He tarries) in my own family line. Realizing my life is not limited by death is a wonderful way to live . . . 24+ hours a day!