From the Field

Short on Joy? It's not too late

2009-08-31T10:08:00.000-07:00

"...these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer... for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations. "
- Isaiah 56:7 NIV

"Everyday I thought I could not be blessed more, then the next day I was." - Karen

If you are feeling that Joy is in short supply in your life, consider joining us at the Summit the weekend of October 16-18th! Experience for yourself what Isaiah 56:7 promises- Finding Joy in prayer!

Register today! Early bird registration ends August 31st. Register now and save with the discounted price. Come for $85 and bring a friend(s) for $55 each. ($95 and $65 starting 9/1/2009)

Read more about the Summit here>>

Sincerely,
Lisa Crump
National Day of Prayer

The Focus

2009-06-18T10:24:00.000-07:00

Just thirty years ago who would have ever dreamed that within our nation we would be...

> debating whether the Ten Commandments or Christmas manger scenes should be allowed on public property?

> voting to define marriage as a union explicitly between a man and a woman?

> arguing as to whether life begins in the womb?

> contemplating whether 'One Nation Under God' should be removed from the Pledge of Allegiance?

What is happening here??

Well, what's happening is that we are becoming a nation that is forgetting who God is and therefore, our walls of morality are crumbling and deteriorating.

If you're a Christian...this may ring a bell with you! Remember Nehemiah?

You may recall the story from the Old Testament...it had been over 400 years since Solomon built the great temple in Jerusalem; and now - - it has come to Nehemiah's attention that the walls and the gates of Jerusalem are in absolute disrepair.

More importantly, though, he realizes that in those 400 years, the nation of Israel has 'crumbled' time and time again because of it's rebellion and disobedience to God.

So, Nehemiah intercedes in prayer on behalf of both the nation of Israel and the city of Jerusalem. He asks God to forgive the people's sins, and in effect, give them another chance at being recognized as a nation...a nation that worships the one true God!

God honored Nehemiah's prayer of intercession. He did so because Nehemiah was a man of action. God knew that Nehemiah would give more than just lip-service in uniting nation...he would fight for it.

It's incredible to discover that Nehemiah rallied the nation and the walls of Jerusalem were rebuilt in just 52 days!!!

However, his faithful action also led to a spiritual rebuilding of the nation of Israel as well!!!

Perhaps, just perhaps, if each of us will pray on behalf of our nation . . . God will listen and help us turn back to Him.

Will YOU be a Nehemiah?

"O Lord, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for Your people. I confess that we have sinned against You. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned."

- Nehemiah 1:6 (NLT)

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land." - 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NLT)

<>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <>< <><

'THE FOCUS' is a weekly email devotional prepared by:

Dennis J. Wheeler, Pastor

dennis_wheeler123@yahoo.com - email

used by permission.

NDP and Children

2009-06-02T11:27:00.000-07:00

Dear National Day Of Prayer Leaders and Mrs. Shirley Dobson,

I’m writing to thank you all for your hard work and dedication in leading our Nation to pray during our annual National Day of Prayer. Your efforts have surely made a difference in the destiny of our great Nation and on the present and future welfare of our people. Thank you so much. I wanted to also share with you how the Lord has used your ministry to specifically touch the lives of children.

Last year I felt compelled to start a special event for children on the National Day of Prayer, called “Power Play – Play and Pray at the Park”. We talk so much about the importance of prayer for our Nation, but yet it seemed to me that I was doing so little in regards to teaching this all important spiritual discipline to our future leaders. So for the past two years, on the National Day of Prayer, we have gathered with the children of our church and other churches at a local park where the children played and had snacks followed by a devotion and prayer for America. It is a National day of Prayer event for kids.

I am particularly burdened for the future of our Nation and feel that it is critical that we teach our children today how to pray for America. I wrote a simple prayer for the Play and Pray at the Park event and distributed it to all of the children. As we all said the prayer together we released red, white, and blue helium balloons reminding us that our prayers were reaching the ears of our heavenly Father. Each child was given a small American flag and a little blue card with this short prayer printed on it to take home with them. It was a very meaningful time. But my biggest blessing was yet to come.

A few days after the National Day of Prayer, I noticed my eight year old son, Caden, had his little blue prayer card sitting on his night stand beside his bed. I really did not think much of it, but was glad to see that my effort to teach these children how to pray for their country, with this little blue card, at least made it to his bedroom and did not end up in the trash can or lost in the endless sea of school papers.

Just last night, as we were preparing to say the blessing over our evening meal, Caden asked if he could say the prayer. I of course obliged. As our family of five bowed our heads, my eight year old son began to pray from memory the words of the prayer that I had written for the National Day of Prayer event:

“Thank you God for America,

keep her safe and always free.

Make our land a Godly Nation,

for me and those born after me.”

I was so blown away that this simple prayer, that I never really thought would go past the National Day of Prayer, had made its way into the recesses of his heart and mind. It was then that I knew, the future of our country rests on little boys and girls learning the power of prayer today and on moms and dads showing them how.

Thank you again, for all that you do to draw us back to the source of our strength as a Nation, as families, and as individuals.

God bless America.

Darren W. Thomas Ed.D.
Minister of Education
First Baptist Church of Springfield, GA

Even now, the future is all new clay

2009-05-04T13:31:00.000-07:00

Fittingly, the first presidential inaugural occurred in the newness of spring.
To us, it is all settled and dusty history, as solid and firm as the marble of the statues used to memorialize old heroes. But to them it was all new clay, ready to be shaped by each touch of their hands.
George Washington wrote to James Madison 220 years ago today, May 5th, that: “As the first of everything in our situation will serve to establish a Precedent, it is devoutly wished on my part, that these precedents may be fixed on true principles.”
The new Constitution prescribed the president’s oath, but the first president felt that his unique new office of servant-leadership should also be commenced by a statement to the people. Coming down from the balcony where he had given the oath to the floor of the Senate Chamber, President Washington addressed a joint session of the two Houses of Congress.
In his inaugural address he offered, as his “first official Act, my fervent supplications to that Almighty Being who rules over the Universe, who presides in the Councils of Nations, and whose providential aids can supply every human defect.”
For the Congress, it was no mystery who Washington knew was that Almighty Being. Washington had always incorporated his faith into his public leadership. Ten years earlier, in May, 1779, in speaking to a different representative body, an assembly of Delaware Indian chiefs, he said:
“Brothers: I am a Warrior. My words are few and plain; but I will make good what I say,” Gen. Washington told the chiefs. “You do well to wish to learn our arts and ways of life, and above all, the religion of Jesus Christ. These will make you a greater and happier people than you are.”
When the Hebrew Congregation of Savannah, Georgia, on May 6, 1789, wrote to thank the retired general, upon his inauguration, for helping to remove from them the “cloud of bigotry and superstition” and for having “enfranchised us with all the privileges and immunities of free citizens”, President Washington’s response elegantly expressed the Biblical unity of Jews and Christians without offending the faith of either: “May the same wonder-working Deity, who long since delivered the Hebrews from their Egyptian oppressors, planted them in a promised land, whose providential agency has lately been conspicuous in establishing these United States as an independent nation, still continue to water them with the dews of heaven and make the inhabitants of every denomination participate in the temporal and spiritual blessings of that people whose God is Jehovah.”
A few hours before the first inaugural ball began on May 7th, 1789, the first senators met with President Washington so that Vice President John Adams, the president of the Senate, could read to him the Senate’s written concurrence that each precedent set by their new government must be fixed on God’s true principles:
“[W]e are with you unavoidably led to acknowledge and adore the Great Arbiter of the Universe, by whom empires rise and fall,” said Adams on behalf of our first Senate. “We feel, sir, the force and acknowledge the justness of the observation that the foundation of our national policy should be laid in private morality. If individuals be not influenced by moral principles, it is in vain to look for public virtue.”
This Thursday, May 7, 2009, is the National Day of Prayer. Join your community at noon on the courthouse steps. Because even now, the future is all new clay, ready to be shaped by each touch of our hands, each intent of our hearts, and each prayer from our lips.

--END--
Author: J. Michael Sharman
Column No. 170
Publication Date: May 5, 2009
Title: Even now, the future is all new clay
posted by permission

1. George Washington: A Collection, compiled and edited by W.B. Allen (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 1988). Chapter: 179: TO JAMES MADISON May 5, 1789 Accessed from http://oll.libertyfund.org/title/848/102082 on 2009-05-02
2. The Newport Herald, Newport, May 7, 1789, http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/washington-george-the-newport-herald-newport-may-7
3. Washington’s Inaugural Address of 1789, April 30, 1789, A Transcription, National Archives and Records Administration, Accessed from http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/american_originals/inaugtxt.html on 2009-05-02.
4. George Washington, George Washington: A Collection, compiled and edited by W.B. Allen (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 1988). Chapter: 45: SPEECH TO THE DELAWARE CHIEFS Accessed from http://oll.libertyfund.org/title/848/101782 on 2009-05-02
5. Letter from Levi Sheftal of the Hebrew Congregation of Savannah, Georgia, May 6, 1789, “Judaic Treasures of the Library of Congress: The Father of His Country”, http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/loc/washington.html
6. George Washington, George Washington: A Collection, compiled and edited by W.B. Allen (Indianapolis: Liberty Fund, 1988). Chapter: 191: TO THE HEBREW CONGREGATIONS OF THE CITY OF SAVANNAH, GEORGIA Accessed from http://oll.libertyfund.org/title/848/102106/2200585 on 2009-05-04
“Address of the Senate to George Washington, President of the United States”, May 7. 1789 http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/print.php?pid=65424

DayofPrayer09 Metro Nashville Resolution

2009-04-14T07:29:00.000-07:00

A resolution proclaiming May 7, 2009, as National Day of Prayer.

WHEREAS, May 7, 2009, is the 58th Annual National Day of Prayer; and

WHEREAS, the religious freedom guaranteed us by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution and the diversity of faiths practiced in America have made our land a beacon for people who seek freedom to worship according to their conscience; and

WHEREAS, Americans of every race, background and creed come together in their places of worship, homes and work places to pray for guidance, wisdom and courage; and

WHEREAS, just as we rely on prayer for courage, hope and renewal in our private lives, so too do we turn to prayer at times of joy, crises, economic uncertainty and tragedy in our public life as a Nation, a State and a City; and

WHEREAS, Congress, by Public Law 100-307, has called on our citizens to reaffirm the role of prayer in our society by recognizing annually a “National Day of Prayer” and many of our Nation’s Presidents have asked us to pray for our Nation; and

WHEREAS, at this time in our history, we are especially mindful of the heroic men and women serving in our Armed Forces, especially those serving abroad for their safety, for the recovery of the wounded, and for the peace we will seek and their families; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognizes the 58th Annual National Day of Prayer as May 7, 2009, and encourage all residents to pray and request of their Creator, “May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our HOPE in you” – Psalm 33:22.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as proclaiming May 7, 2009, as National Day of Prayer.

Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.
INTRODUCED BY:

Jim Hodge

Randy Foster

Jim Gotto

Dear NDP

2009-02-26T07:44:00.000-08:00

Thank you so much for sending me material for the National Day of Prayer. When April comes, I will be putting notices about that day in our local paper. I'm committee to do this even though I'm 92 years old. I want to serve Jesus until he calls me home! I have tried to get some one who would take my place but no one seems interested! So I'll carry on with God's help and your help help! Enclosed is a small token to pay part of the postage. I appreciate you very much and thanks again.

Love in Christ,
Theresa in MN

GOD REWARDS OUR FAITHFULNESS

2009-02-10T06:51:00.000-08:00

When struggles in our lives seem to overwhelm us, you and I need to remember some words from an old hymn that asks God to “Hold me fast, let me stand in the hollow of your hand.” Sometimes, our workloads can become unbearably heavy and our days extremely hectic with responsibilities, it is then that God looks down and picks us up holding us fast, securely in His hand. This happens many times when we aren’t even aware of His help. Let me encourage you to learn to “lean on Him” and feel the strength of His loving arms surrounding you. Listen for His comforting voice telling you that He cares for you and that His grace is sufficient for each day’s trials and needs.

The Lord devises ways of turning difficulties into deliverances and problems into praise. He WILL glorify His name in our lives even when we are in tough situations.

When all that we do is done to gain glory for the Lord, God blesses and multiplies that kind of attitude.

Each of you is working towards another National Day of Prayer, the crowning day of your efforts each year. The load you carry is huge. You can’t even see your way around the mountain of responsibilities. But, be faithful and you will hear God’s “Well done, my Faithful Servant!”

Never lose sight of our goal—to make an impact for Christ on peoples’ lives, that ultimately will also make an eternal difference. How many souls will know Jesus better because of the impact you’ve made on them.

A person who has never lost himself in a cause bigger than himself has missed one of life’s mountaintop experiences. I know we have all found ourselves facing tasks bigger than ourselves. It is then that you and I must learn to “lean heavily” on God’s promise to equip us and go before us, as He opens the doors.

Our responsibility is to “drop a seed” wherever we are. We may be unaware of the crop we have sown. Some never know they have planted a forest. They will be stunned to find those extra jewels in their heavenly crowns. God has promised that “His word shall not return unto Him void.” I think there is also the promise that “Our work for Him never returns void.” Don’t forget that D. L. Moody’s life was impacted when he heard “The world has yet to see what the Lord can do in and through and for the one who is fully yielded to Him.

When the days become exceedingly weary, Psalm 23 tells us that our Shepherd will refresh us and carry us to quiet streams of peace and hope and comfort. He knows we need those precious moments to reflect only on Him. Remember, even Jesus found the need to go aside and rest in the bosom of His Father. If Jesus needed to be refreshed, how much more do we need that special time of coming apart into our Heavenly Father’s presence.

Nothing is more rewarding than to know that God only asks each of us to be a vessel to do His work on earth. Our responsibility is to use our abilities to sow the seed He designs for us to do. It is God who brings the increase that He desires from our labors. When we do the Lord’s work, our efforts do not return empty but will accomplish whatever He wishes (Isaiah 33:11). And we don’t do His work without His help. Philippians 2:13 tells us that “God is at work within you helping you do the tasks assigned to you.” Duty is ours. The results are God’s

I have a note on my desk that says, “Life is worth nothing unless I use it for doing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus Christ.” Let’s not let our hectic schedules and heavy loads overwhelm us, but let us “keep on, keeping on!” God gives great rewards for our faithfulness!

--Fern Nilson

National Honorary Leader

Last day of the Bible Reading Marathon in Rhode Island

2009-01-02T08:50:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 04, 2008-Day 7
In Ecclesiastes 7:8 is says “the end of a thing is better than its beginning” (NKJV) or more simply stated “Finishing is better than starting (NLT). When we first started this I was full of energy, hope, and excitement to see how the Lord was going to work out all of the details. I said before we read the first scripture that if all the 350 time slots get filled it would be a miracle. I was not saying this to be flippant I was speaking from the heart. Well, Praise God, I witnessed what I call a miracle. He called, summoned and brought His people from all over our state. Not only a few but in abundance. We could have finished last night but I felt it should be done today in unison. At 11:30, together, we all read the last day’s reading and spent some time worshipping the Lord in praise and prayer. We then continued to pray for the seven centers of influence: Families, Churches, Education, Businesses, Media, Government and Military. God has granted us favor through this whole project and I am so grateful. This has stretched and increased my faith in ways not yet made known to me. As I was leaving today God brought the above scripture (Ecclesiastes 7:8) to my remembrance. I felt blessed to know that God sustained me through all of this, yet at the same time I felt a little sad to know this project is finished. I met so many wonderful brothers and sisters in the Lord. I pray for Divine Appointments with each and every one of you and know our paths will again cross, if not here, then in the air. It was a blessing for me to again see the students from Apponaug Christian Academy. I encouraged them to believe that God has a purpose and a plan for their lives and when He calls on them, they will be equipped by the Holy Spirit to accomplish all that He has for them. We don’t know what this evening will bring but we know God’s word does not come back void and it never changes. “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-3.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing, fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9

AND ALL GOD’S PEOPLE SAID AMEN!!

Prayer...America's Hope
"May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord even as we put our hope in you." Psalms 33:22

Cheryl Russell
Pray Rhode Island
National Day of Prayer

Prayer for Illinois

2008-12-11T12:16:00.000-08:00

Dear Illinois,

We speak blessings upon you today in
Jesus name. We trust that grace and peace are multiplying in your
lives as you continue to grow in knowledge of Him.

We are calling on you to pray concerning the indictment of our
Governor.

These are perilous times for our State, our Nation, - all of us.

Here are some points we can surely all agree upon:

1 Timothy 1:7 "For God has not given us a spirit of timidity (fear),
but of power and love and discipline (sound mind)."

Pray for soundness of mind among our Governmental leaders.
Pray the same for our Spiritual leaders. Pray courage for our leaders.
Pray for Statesmen to arise in lieu of political posturing. Pray
soundness of mind for all media representatives.

James 3:16 "For where jealousy and selfish ambition (envy) exist,
there is disorder and every evil thing."

Pray grace and peace for our leaders. Pray the uprooting of
all jealousy and pride that leads to confusion. Pray that all our
leaders "bow low" before the Lord. Pray all leaders "experience"
Christ as Savior and Lord. Pray for the Governor and his family to
find Christ as a place of refuge through repentance.

Some of us have prayed Isaiah 28:14 - 21. In short, it is
about those who have made covenants with death and thought they would
be safe amid their own lies but would be exposed because ultimately
justice and righteousness will prevail. Remember, any agreement apart
from agreeing with Scripture is a covenant with death.

We have called, and continue to call, for a shift to righteous
leadership in our State and Nation.

Proverbs 29:2 "When the righteous increase, the people rejoice, but
when a wicked man rules, people groan."

Pray for all lies and liars to be exposed. Pray for the
Lord's justice to be the measuring line and His righteousness to be
the level in our State affairs.

Proverbs 9:10 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and
the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

Pray the "fear of the Lord" prevail in our land. Pray for His
wisdom and understanding in all affairs concerning the current and
future affairs of our leaders. Pray that all offenders be exposed and
that no one simply become a “scapegoat" for others. Christ alone
carried away the sin of man so that justice and righteousness could
prevail through His mercy.

Pray order per the Scripture and our State Constitution. Pray
that God will pour out His Spirit and revive His Church so that it
arises with His glory shining out into the darkness covering our land.
Pray that multitudes receive Christ as Savior as the knowledge of His
glory covers Illinois, the midwest and America as the waters cover the
sea.

For, unto us a child "was" born, a Son was given, and the Government
is upon His shoulders. We do call Him Wonderful Counselor, Mighty
God, Eternal Father and Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the
increase of His government or of His peace. The zeal of the Lord of
hosts will accomplish this! (see Isaiah 9:6, 7)

Lord, we as Illinois National Day of Prayer representatives lift all
of our State before You today. We bow low recognizing You as Lord. We
pray for Your Kingdom to come, for Your will to be done in Illinois as
it is in heaven.
We speak life to our state. We declare that the true Light has come
and will shine brightly into every corner of darkness in this State.
We ask that righteous men and women stand up in their spheres of
influence and speak truth. We pray that old anchors of death be
uprooted in every area of Illinois. We pray divine order in every
area of this State. We pray grace and mercy prevail in the midst of
the execution of righteous judgment bringing newness of life to
Illinois and American politics. We pray that all righteous men and
women in Illinois take their rightful place as citizens and exercise
the authorities and rights that are ours; and taking responsibility
before You Lord to repent where necessary, to declare where necessary,
to inquire where necessary and to arise as light and life to those
around them.

May we, your Body - the Church - become glorious, without spot or wrinkle
as You desire. We present ourselves in worship through the blood of
the cross as we ask these things in Jesus name.

Pastor Stan & Delbra Pratt
Delbra Pratt
Illinois State Coordinator
National Day of Prayer Task Force
Taylorville, IL

Isaiah 26:2
"Open the gates, that the righteous nation that keeps the truth may
enter in."

Kansas Family Policy Council

2008-12-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

is happy to announce that Donna Lippoldt, our Community Action Director, has been offered and accepted the position of Kansas Director for the National Day of Prayer. In October, Donna attended a Prayer Summit for NDP at Focus on the Family. There were over 125 NDP events in Kansas in 2008.
Donna is hosting five workshops across the state to move our state to a new level with focused, strategic prayer at a time when our communities, state, and nation are in such turmoil. Please pray for this effort as the Lord admonishes us in 2 Chronicles 7:14. "I was so inspired at the prayer summit and learned so much from very wise leaders from across the nation about our absolute need to pray continually for every area of our society. The Lord longs to hear from His people. He is waiting to pour out blessings on us. Kansas has many needs right now as we have been targeted by people with an unrighteous agenda. I look forward to meeting prayer warriors across the state." Donna Lippoldt
KFPC and NDP will work hand in hand. We can accomplish nothing without prayer, and KFPC will enable the intercessors to pray for urgent needs as they arise.

For More Info about the KFPC click here>>
To join Donna for her local trainings:

Dec. 8 - Great Bend - Lunch 11:30 Highlands Hotel - Workshop 1-3 @ Gold Room of Highlands
Dec. 9 - Wichita - Workshop 1-3 @ Westlink Christian 2001 N. Maize Rd Dec. 10- Abilene - Workshop 1-3 @ Emmanuel Church 1300 N Vine, Room 205
Dec. 11 - Iola - Lunch 11:30 @ El Charro - Workshop 1-3 @ 1st Christian Church
Dec. 12 - Kansas City - Workshop 1-3 @ College Church of the Nazarene 2020 E Sheridan

All details are on the website : www.kansasfpc.com or email Donna

Bible Reading Marathon Log

2008-10-31T13:55:00.000-07:00

Log Date: Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Today we started our marathon and it was an awesome event. I began in prayer and the Spirit literally blew in. Wind gusts were blowing around 40 mph all day and temps never made it into the 40’s. As we were reading, God was allowing us to witness the scriptures by the people and circumstances around us. There was a protest sponsored by Rhode Island College & Brown University for the purpose of protesting against the lack of state support in regards to freezing tuition costs. They spoke of the struggle they and their parents are having paying for college with the struggling economy, parents have lost substantial amounts of money and these students are not sure how long they will be able to continue their education. As we were reading, numerous scriptures in Psalms and Proverbs were speaking about wisdom and knowledge. My heart went out to these students as they did not know they would greatly benefit talking to our Creator instead of carrying the fear and anxiety that is in them, I wanted so much to speak with them but they seemed so angry I did not sense they would be open to God’s love at that moment The TV media was there covering the protest and we were able to share what we were doing. They felt it did not warrant coverage but I shared with them about the National Day of Prayer 7x7 which includes praying for the media. If you do not know what the 7x7 is go to www.nationaldayofprayer.org . I was able to share what we are doing with a reporter from the Providence Journal. I share with him about NDP and what we do here as a state. We’ll see what he has to say as the story is slotted for tomorrow’s edition. We were reading scriptures about children, and families were there visiting our capitol and hearing what God’s word says about how precious our children are. I was also able to share what we are doing with the officer from the State Police that escorts the Governor, and he was so encouraged and touched that we pray for them. All the time slots were filled for Wednesday evening. I cannot wait to see what the Lord is going to do tomorrow.

Cheryl Russell
State Coordinator NDPTF
Rhode Island

Danger Points!

2008-09-26T12:45:00.000-07:00

“If the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched.” Matthew 24:43

A friend sent me these this morning… praying for the Lord to show me how to walk right now in this dangerous place….

Much prayer needed!!!

Here are three danger points at which the enemy will attack you:

(1) Weariness. In Old Testament times the 'birthright' meant you inherited twice as much of your father's estate than your siblings. Normally Esau wouldn't have considered selling his birthright, but he did in a state of exhaustion. Weariness can cause you to lose perspective and make decisions based on what's convenient, rather than what's good for you in the long term. Remember the H.A.L.T. sign: when you're Hungry, Angry, Lonely or Tired you're vulnerable, and you'll make bad decisions.

(2) Excitement. King Herod was seduced by a dancing girl. He threw caution to the wind and said, "Whatever you ask me, I will give you" (Mark 6:23 NKJV). She asked for the head of John the Baptist. And since he was king, Herod couldn't go back on his word. That moment of indulgence cost Herod his kingdom and his life. Be careful where you go looking for excitement, and how you react when you find it. It can cost you the game!

(3) Discouragement. In a moment of discouragement Peter did what he swore he'd never do: deny his Lord. Discouragement can make you say things you don't mean and do things that are out of character. Jude writes, "Carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit, staying right at the center of God's love" (Jude 1:20 TM). Esau's weariness, Herod's excitement, and Peter's discouragement are what Jesus had in mind when He said, "If the master of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched (Matthew 24:43).

Sarah Lowe
NAL- South Central Region (TN)

Writing to Praise God for His Faithfulness

2008-07-30T07:56:00.000-07:00

I am writing to praise God for His faithfulness. After our last call I did not know if I was going to be able to attend this year due to the increasing costs. After our call I cried out to God asking for His provision and He is always faithful. I did not raise the funds I had expected this year and had some money set aside for this trip, my insulin pump short circuited and needed replacing asap. It was a choice between the pump or the conference. I had to choose the pump. After I hung up from the conference call I received a phone call from our homeowners insurance stating that a claim from 2002 was overpaid by almost the same amount as the airfare!! After I got off the phone from that call, Medtronic called me with the price of the pump, after I haggled over price with her I had enough to cover both the airline ticket and the hotel, which are the two most costly expenses relating to conference. I just wanted to share with you how Great our God is and hope to encourage others who are waiting in faith that God will provide the finances for them as well.

Cheryl Russell
Pray Rhode Island
National Day of Prayer

THE GIFT OF FREEDOM

2008-07-29T13:31:00.001-07:00

This month we celebrated the 232th birthday of our nation. For all these years, America has stood as a beacon of freedom—never afraid to rise to challenges. Though new tests challenge our independence today, together we can preserve the dream called freedom for our children and future generations.

Freedom is a precious gift. Our gratitude should be deepened when we realize the great price our forefathers paid to establish freedom in our nation. Every day we enjoy many freedoms because someone took our place to make them possible.

The Declaration of Independence is our birth certificate. Fifty-six men signed this great document. Twenty-four of the signers were lawyers and jurists, eleven were merchants, nine were farmers and large plantation owners. They were men of means and well-educated, but they signed the Declaration of Independence knowing full well that the penalty would be death if they were captured.

And, indeed, they gave their lives to give us the gift of freedom. Five signers were captured by the British as traitors and were tortured before they died. Twelve had their homes ransacked and burned. Two lost their sons serving in the Revolutionary Army and another had two sons captured.

We take our liberties so much for granted when our hearts should overflow with gratefulness for what so many willingly gave to make it possible for us to live in this great land. Freedom is never free. The cost is immense.

Only the United States of America has succeeded these past two hundred and thirty-two years in bringing forth a “new order of the ages.” Many countries have fought revolutions. Many have proclaimed the rights of man. But America has from the beginning acknowledged her liberties as a gracious endowment from a loving God. Thomas Jefferson had put the Americans’ case well: “The God who gave us life gave us liberty. Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?” It is a powerful acknowledgment that our liberties, our independence, and our very life as a people are dependent upon the power and might of the Lord.

Engraved on the Statue of Liberty are the words, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe “free.” May our nation always uphold the integrity, the courage, and the strength to remain a citadel of freedom and a beacon of hope to the world.

--Fern Nilson
National Honorary Leader
National Day of Prayer

I want to share an experience I had this past weekend with you.

2008-07-15T11:44:00.000-07:00

I attended a church service in the Chapel of Camp Lejeune - Marine Military Base in NC. It touched me deeply and brought me to tears.

To be in a service with our troops in their uniforms praising God with hands held high and voice ringing our to worship the God of the Universe was overwhelming. Then one Marine had a prayer request for his fiancée and then asked prayer for himself and his walk with Christ and desire to go deeper with God. I was more than blessed to be there.

Then I went to lunch with the Chaplain and his family - he had done 2 tours in Iraq - he was one of the first that went in at the beginning of the war and then another time.

He shared with me that the troops are hungry for God and seeking Jesus and when they find Him that become not just saved but solded out for Christ. And he sees them come and go alot on the base but when they return to the states they keep walking with Christ. They are truly changed with a deep desire to follow Jesus.

He said you do not hear this in the media but this is real and this is what is happening with our men and women who live in harms way daily fighting not only for our freedoms and other nations' freedoms but they are also fighting against terrorism.

I want to encourage and challenge each of you - go to a military base in your area or near you(we have 8 bases in NC) and attend a church service. You will be changed and it will change the way you pray for our troops.

Our prayers for them are being answered daily - daily they are finding Jesus and they are being changed.

Tomorrow is the 232nd Birthday of our Beloved America - wear Red, White, and Blue, fly your flag, pray a prayer of thanksgiving for our nation and cover our troops and their families who make the ultimate sacrifice for you and I daily.

God bless you all and may all Americans and our nation bless and honor God for has truly blessed America,

Linda Stone NC State Coordinator - NDPTF
The One who calls you is faithful and He will do it I Thess 5:24