God is present everywhere, and it's in Him that we live and move and have our being. (See Acts 17:28.) In God's presence there is fullness of joy and there are pleasures forevermore. (See Psalm 16:11.)
Have you ever been in a worship service where you experienced the power of the presence of God?
Have you ever experienced the power of His presence while taking a walk?
Have you ever experienced the power of His presence in the solitude of your prayer closet?
The challenge, of course, is to remain in His presence in light of all the distractions that come to us in our modern society. Is it possible to walk in God's presence all the time? To live in His presence?
Brother Lawrence, who wrote The Practice of the Presence of God (one of our Pure Gold Classics) believed that it was possible. He wrote, "The practice of the presence of God strengthens us in hope. Our hope grows in poroportion as our knowledge grows, and in the measure of our faith--by this holy practice--penetrates into the hidden mysteries of God."
Psalm 31:20 promises, "Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues."
The secret of God's presence is wonderful, indeed, and it seems that so few no about it or how to experience it. The Bible tells us, "Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms" (Psalm 95:2). Thanksgiving and rejoicing enable us to enter God's presence.
Here's another wonderful promise about the presence of the Lord: "You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence" (Acts 2:28). The Bible frequently associates joy with being in God's presence.
There is great power and joy in the Lord's presence, and we should make every effort to get into His presence and stay there. Brother Lawrence writes, "We must always think carefully how to consider God and His glory in all that we do, and say, and undertake. This is the goal that we should set before ourselves, to offer to God a sacrifice of perfect worship in this life, as we hope to do through all eternity. . . . The presence of God is thus the life and nourishment of the soul."
Friday, February 26, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
This Is the Day--This Is the Hour--This Is the Moment
We must capture each present moment of our lives, and learn how to live in the now, as Oral Roberts used to say. Actually, the present moment is all we have. It has been accurately stated, "Every day is a gift; that's why they call it the present."
One of my favorite Scriptures is this one: "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalms 118:24). This verse sounds a note of optimism and faith that helps us launch each day in the right direction.
In the Serenity Prayer by Niebuhr we read these words: "Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time." There is great wisdom in these words, for we all know how short life is. The Bible says, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" (Psalms 90:12).
Wisdom, in my opinion, leads us to number our days and live in the present moment, to learn to smell the roses instead of just passing them by, and to realize what is important in life. A friend of mine, who learned that she would soon be dying of cancer, was asked, "What would you do if you knew this was the last day of your life?"
She said, "I'd sit on my couch and hold my two sons close to me."
What would you do if you knew this was the last day of your life? Would it make you more positive or less so? Would it cause you to reach out for the things that really count?
Jesus said, "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his lifre shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 8:34-36).
Og Mandino wrote, "Live this day as if it will by your last. Remember that you will only find 'tomorrow' on the calendars of fools. Forget yesterday's defeats and ignore the problems of tomorrow. This is it. Doomsday. All you have. Make it the best day of your year."
One of my favorite Scriptures is this one: "This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalms 118:24). This verse sounds a note of optimism and faith that helps us launch each day in the right direction.
In the Serenity Prayer by Niebuhr we read these words: "Living one day at a time, enjoying one moment at a time." There is great wisdom in these words, for we all know how short life is. The Bible says, "So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" (Psalms 90:12).
Wisdom, in my opinion, leads us to number our days and live in the present moment, to learn to smell the roses instead of just passing them by, and to realize what is important in life. A friend of mine, who learned that she would soon be dying of cancer, was asked, "What would you do if you knew this was the last day of your life?"
She said, "I'd sit on my couch and hold my two sons close to me."
What would you do if you knew this was the last day of your life? Would it make you more positive or less so? Would it cause you to reach out for the things that really count?
Jesus said, "Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his lifre shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel's the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Mark 8:34-36).
Og Mandino wrote, "Live this day as if it will by your last. Remember that you will only find 'tomorrow' on the calendars of fools. Forget yesterday's defeats and ignore the problems of tomorrow. This is it. Doomsday. All you have. Make it the best day of your year."
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Run Baby Run
When I was a junior high school teacher in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, my students and I read Run Baby Run by Nicky Cruz in our Social Studies class. The students loved the story of Nicky Cruz, and it would appear that students still love to read this excellent book that was written by a friend of mine, Jamie Buckingham.
John and Elizabeth Sherrill, who had written the best-selling The Cross and the Switchblade, introduced Jamie to Dan Malachuk, the publisher of Logos International Fellowship, because they knew Dan was looking for a writer for Nicky's story. I believe that meeting took place at the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International Convention at the Washington Hilton. I had the privilege of being there, and I will never forget the ministry of Kathryn Kuhlman, Merlin Carothers, and so many others.
Jamie, who has now gone to Heaven, was a Southern Baptist pastor at the time. As time went on, though, he became ardently charismatic. He was such an excellent writer, as is demonstrated in several of the books he wrote, including Run Baby Run, Daughter of Destiny, Glimpse Into Glory, Risky Living, and several others. I remember several things Jamie said, such as, "Our job is not to see through people, but to see people through." That positive attitude of faith and love was demonstrated in his ministry, his writing, and his daily life.
Here at Bridge-Logos Foundation we continue to sell many of these books, and they continue to do well for us. Why? I believe it's because the anointing of the Holy Spirit is upon them and within them. That same anointing reaches into the hearts of their readers, who are inspired by what Jamie wrote.
This, of course, was in the heyday of the Charismatic Renewal, and it was our privilege at Logos International to work with several well-known leaders, including Harold Bredesen, Harold Hill, Kathryn Kuhlman, Art Katz, David duPlessis, Judson Cornwall, and Dennis and Rita Bennett. As you may know, Dennis Bennett wrote Nine O'Clock in the Morning--an account of how he, an Episcopal priest, received the baptism in the Holy Spirit and brought the Charismatic Renewal to his denomination.
In many ways, though, it was Run Baby Run that put our company on the map. I'm happy to report that Nicky Cruz still ministers around the world, and a movie about his life may be coming out in the near future. The exciting story of how a New York City gang leader became a Pentecostal evangelist is one of the most inspiring stories ever told. Much thanks to Dan, Nicky, and Jamie for hearing from God about producing this classic Christian autobiography. It has changed the lives of countless young people and adults.
John and Elizabeth Sherrill, who had written the best-selling The Cross and the Switchblade, introduced Jamie to Dan Malachuk, the publisher of Logos International Fellowship, because they knew Dan was looking for a writer for Nicky's story. I believe that meeting took place at the Full Gospel Business Men's Fellowship International Convention at the Washington Hilton. I had the privilege of being there, and I will never forget the ministry of Kathryn Kuhlman, Merlin Carothers, and so many others.
Jamie, who has now gone to Heaven, was a Southern Baptist pastor at the time. As time went on, though, he became ardently charismatic. He was such an excellent writer, as is demonstrated in several of the books he wrote, including Run Baby Run, Daughter of Destiny, Glimpse Into Glory, Risky Living, and several others. I remember several things Jamie said, such as, "Our job is not to see through people, but to see people through." That positive attitude of faith and love was demonstrated in his ministry, his writing, and his daily life.
Here at Bridge-Logos Foundation we continue to sell many of these books, and they continue to do well for us. Why? I believe it's because the anointing of the Holy Spirit is upon them and within them. That same anointing reaches into the hearts of their readers, who are inspired by what Jamie wrote.
This, of course, was in the heyday of the Charismatic Renewal, and it was our privilege at Logos International to work with several well-known leaders, including Harold Bredesen, Harold Hill, Kathryn Kuhlman, Art Katz, David duPlessis, Judson Cornwall, and Dennis and Rita Bennett. As you may know, Dennis Bennett wrote Nine O'Clock in the Morning--an account of how he, an Episcopal priest, received the baptism in the Holy Spirit and brought the Charismatic Renewal to his denomination.
In many ways, though, it was Run Baby Run that put our company on the map. I'm happy to report that Nicky Cruz still ministers around the world, and a movie about his life may be coming out in the near future. The exciting story of how a New York City gang leader became a Pentecostal evangelist is one of the most inspiring stories ever told. Much thanks to Dan, Nicky, and Jamie for hearing from God about producing this classic Christian autobiography. It has changed the lives of countless young people and adults.
Monday, February 22, 2010
Camp Shadowbrook
When I was thirteen years old I attended summer camp at Camp Shadowbrook in the Pocono Mountains of Pennsylvania. This camp was founded by a youth evangelist named Percy B. Crawford, who also founded Pinebrook, Mountainbrook, and had a foundational role in Youth for Christ, Youtharama in Philadelphia, and King's College.
While I was there, as we were sitting around a campfire after dark, our counselor (Mr. Dave) read a passage from John that hit me straight in the heart: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (John 1:12).
To think that I could experience God's power to become his son by believing on His name was a total revelation to my young spirit. I gave my heart to Jesus that night, and He has been with me ever since. Like John Wesley in his Aldersgate experience, my "heart was strangely warmed." Our Pure Gold Classic, The Holy Spirit and Power by John Wesley, we read: "In a word, the new birth is that change whereby the earthly, sensual, devilish mind is turned into the mind which was in Christ Jesus. That is the nature of the new birth."
We need to have our minds renewed, and that process began for me at Camp Shadowbrook back in 1956. Wesley wrote, "If you have not already expereinced this inward work of God, the new birth, add one thing more. Pray the prayer immediately: 'Lord, add this to all my blessings, let me be born again. Deny me whatever you please, but let me be born again. Take away from me whatever is necessary, only give me this. Take away my reputation, fortune, friends, and health, but let me be born again of the Holy Spirit. Let me be received among the children of God. Let me be born incorruptible by the Word of God, which lives and abides forever. Amen."
While I was there, as we were sitting around a campfire after dark, our counselor (Mr. Dave) read a passage from John that hit me straight in the heart: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name" (John 1:12).
To think that I could experience God's power to become his son by believing on His name was a total revelation to my young spirit. I gave my heart to Jesus that night, and He has been with me ever since. Like John Wesley in his Aldersgate experience, my "heart was strangely warmed." Our Pure Gold Classic, The Holy Spirit and Power by John Wesley, we read: "In a word, the new birth is that change whereby the earthly, sensual, devilish mind is turned into the mind which was in Christ Jesus. That is the nature of the new birth."
We need to have our minds renewed, and that process began for me at Camp Shadowbrook back in 1956. Wesley wrote, "If you have not already expereinced this inward work of God, the new birth, add one thing more. Pray the prayer immediately: 'Lord, add this to all my blessings, let me be born again. Deny me whatever you please, but let me be born again. Take away from me whatever is necessary, only give me this. Take away my reputation, fortune, friends, and health, but let me be born again of the Holy Spirit. Let me be received among the children of God. Let me be born incorruptible by the Word of God, which lives and abides forever. Amen."
Friday, February 19, 2010
Reinhold Niebuhr's Serenity Prayer
In 1944, the year after I was born, theologian Reinhold Niebuhr wrote these important words:
"God, grant me the serentiy to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference."
What can we change? It is certain that we cannot change other people, the past, or certain circumstances. However, we are able to change our responses to others, past experiences, and circumstances. This really is a choice we have to make each day. We can also change ourselves through prayer and "the washing of water by the Word" (Ephesians 5:26).
Most people are familiar with the line I've quoted from Niebuhr above, but some may not know that there is much more to the "Serenity Prayer." It goes on:
"Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as the pathway to peace; taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that He will make all things right, if I surrender to His will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. Amen."
One day at a time, one moment at a time. There is no better way, for the only time we can be sure of is the present moment. What sound advice this is. Then he goes on to pray, ". . . accepting hardship as the pathway to peace." Wouldn't our lives be different if we were truly able to face hardship in this way, viewing it as the pathway to peace? Some choose to take a different pathway in the face of negative circumstances, and this leads them into greater aggravation, anger, and despair. There is a much better way.
We do not live in a perfect world that is inhabited by perfect people. Unless we accept this fact (with serenity) we cannot find happiness. This world is not our home, after all; it is simply a preparation for a much-better place. In this world we will have tribulation, but we need to be cheerful in the face of it, for Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33).
Niebuhr continues, "Trusting that He will make all things right . . . ." Ah, now there's the key: TRUST. One of my favorite verses of Scripture says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding . In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6). As the hymn tells us, "Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."
This trusting is conditional, however, for the next line of the Serenity Prayer says, ". . . if I surrender to His will." Have you surrendered everything to the will of the Lord? Have I? This surrender must include our finances, our families, our future, our health, our career, our job, our time, our everything. The old hymn points us in the right direction: "I surrender all; I surrender all. All to Jesus I surrender; I surrender all."
When all these aspects are in place in our lives, we will truly experience happiness, as Niebuhr points out: "That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. Amen."
This is my prayer for you. Let go and let God. Know Him and enjoy Him forever. This is why we were created. This is the key to happiness. One day at a time.
"God, grant me the serentiy to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference."
What can we change? It is certain that we cannot change other people, the past, or certain circumstances. However, we are able to change our responses to others, past experiences, and circumstances. This really is a choice we have to make each day. We can also change ourselves through prayer and "the washing of water by the Word" (Ephesians 5:26).
Most people are familiar with the line I've quoted from Niebuhr above, but some may not know that there is much more to the "Serenity Prayer." It goes on:
"Living one day at a time; enjoying one moment at a time; accepting hardship as the pathway to peace; taking, as He did, this sinful world as it is, not as I would have it; trusting that He will make all things right, if I surrender to His will; that I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. Amen."
One day at a time, one moment at a time. There is no better way, for the only time we can be sure of is the present moment. What sound advice this is. Then he goes on to pray, ". . . accepting hardship as the pathway to peace." Wouldn't our lives be different if we were truly able to face hardship in this way, viewing it as the pathway to peace? Some choose to take a different pathway in the face of negative circumstances, and this leads them into greater aggravation, anger, and despair. There is a much better way.
We do not live in a perfect world that is inhabited by perfect people. Unless we accept this fact (with serenity) we cannot find happiness. This world is not our home, after all; it is simply a preparation for a much-better place. In this world we will have tribulation, but we need to be cheerful in the face of it, for Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33).
Niebuhr continues, "Trusting that He will make all things right . . . ." Ah, now there's the key: TRUST. One of my favorite verses of Scripture says, "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding . In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6). As the hymn tells us, "Trust and obey, for there's no other way to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey."
This trusting is conditional, however, for the next line of the Serenity Prayer says, ". . . if I surrender to His will." Have you surrendered everything to the will of the Lord? Have I? This surrender must include our finances, our families, our future, our health, our career, our job, our time, our everything. The old hymn points us in the right direction: "I surrender all; I surrender all. All to Jesus I surrender; I surrender all."
When all these aspects are in place in our lives, we will truly experience happiness, as Niebuhr points out: "That I may be reasonably happy in this life and supremely happy with Him forever in the next. Amen."
This is my prayer for you. Let go and let God. Know Him and enjoy Him forever. This is why we were created. This is the key to happiness. One day at a time.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
"By a Sudden Conversion"- John Calvin
Currently I'm editing and developing study guides for a series of our Pure Gold Classics that was written by John Calvin in his Institutes of the Christian Religion. This has been a fascinating experience for me in so many ways.
Later this year Bridge-Logos Foundation will be producing a four-volume set of his writings. At present we have only one Pure Gold Classic by him, and it is entitled John Calvin: God the Creator and God the Redeemer. In future editions we will have four different Pure Gold Classics by him:
These things had resulted from something that happend to Calvin in 1533. He wrote (in his Commentary on the Book of Psalms) these words to describe what happened to him: "God by a sudden conversion subdued and broght my mind to a teachable frame, which was more hardened in such matters than might have been expected from one at my early period of life [he was 24 years old at the time]. Having thus received some taste and knowledge of true godliness, I was immediately inflamed with so intense a desire to make progress therein, that although I did not altogether leave off my studies, yet I pursued them with less ardour."
Soon thereafter, he began to break away from the Roman Catholic Church and his reform work began.
After a long and successful career that was stalked by much opposition and many controversies, Calvin wrote these words when he felt his death was drawing near: "I do testify that I live and purpose to die in this faith which God has given me through His Gospel, and that I have no other dependence for salvation than the free choice which is made of me by Him. With my whole heart I embrace His mercy, through which all my sins are covered, for Christ's sake, and for the sake of His death and sufferings. According to the measure of grace granted unto me, I have taught this pure, simple, Word by sermons, by deeds, and by expositions of this Scripture. In all my battles with the enemies of truth I have not used sophistry, but have fought the good fight squarely and directly."
I thank God for John Calvin and all he did to uphold the Word of God and the principles of Christ.
Later this year Bridge-Logos Foundation will be producing a four-volume set of his writings. At present we have only one Pure Gold Classic by him, and it is entitled John Calvin: God the Creator and God the Redeemer. In future editions we will have four different Pure Gold Classics by him:
- God the Creator
- God the Redeemer
- God the Holy Spirit
- The Church of Jesus Christ
These things had resulted from something that happend to Calvin in 1533. He wrote (in his Commentary on the Book of Psalms) these words to describe what happened to him: "God by a sudden conversion subdued and broght my mind to a teachable frame, which was more hardened in such matters than might have been expected from one at my early period of life [he was 24 years old at the time]. Having thus received some taste and knowledge of true godliness, I was immediately inflamed with so intense a desire to make progress therein, that although I did not altogether leave off my studies, yet I pursued them with less ardour."
Soon thereafter, he began to break away from the Roman Catholic Church and his reform work began.
After a long and successful career that was stalked by much opposition and many controversies, Calvin wrote these words when he felt his death was drawing near: "I do testify that I live and purpose to die in this faith which God has given me through His Gospel, and that I have no other dependence for salvation than the free choice which is made of me by Him. With my whole heart I embrace His mercy, through which all my sins are covered, for Christ's sake, and for the sake of His death and sufferings. According to the measure of grace granted unto me, I have taught this pure, simple, Word by sermons, by deeds, and by expositions of this Scripture. In all my battles with the enemies of truth I have not used sophistry, but have fought the good fight squarely and directly."
I thank God for John Calvin and all he did to uphold the Word of God and the principles of Christ.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Spring Line Up
Spring will be here soon, we trust--a time of new life, new beginnings, and newness everywhere in nature. Here at Bridge-Logos Foundation we will be presenting some promising new titles in the spring:
4. City of Refuge by Ashley King. This contemporary novel will thrill you, inspire you, challenge you, and help you in your spiritual walk.
5. Uncivil Society by Adam Mersereau. An attorney discusses government's war against God and the plight of the Christian citizen. There is something you can do to stem the tide!
6. Embezzlement by Kevin Cross. Kevin is a CPA who wrote Building Your Financial Fortress in 52 Days.
This is his life story, and it tells about the embezzlement he got involved in when he was a young man, how the Mafia got involved, how he ended up in prison, and how his life was completely turned around.
As you can see, each one of these books will make for great summer reading!
I thank God for His great faithfulness to Bridge-Logos Foundation. We're now in our 43rd year!
1. The Power of God Thinking by Keith Powell. In this book you will learn how to renew your mind and change the way you think and view things. You will learn how to line your thoughts up with the Word of God.
2. Christ Is God's Everything for You by Harold J. Chadwick. Our Senior Editor shows you how to experience the fullness of Christ and His grace in every aspect of your life. Do you know who He is within you? Do you know who you are in Him?
3. Rekindle Your Dreams by Trish Porter. An Olympian teaches the reader how to become a champion in life by daring to dream and letting your dreams come true.4. City of Refuge by Ashley King. This contemporary novel will thrill you, inspire you, challenge you, and help you in your spiritual walk.
5. Uncivil Society by Adam Mersereau. An attorney discusses government's war against God and the plight of the Christian citizen. There is something you can do to stem the tide!
6. Embezzlement by Kevin Cross. Kevin is a CPA who wrote Building Your Financial Fortress in 52 Days.
This is his life story, and it tells about the embezzlement he got involved in when he was a young man, how the Mafia got involved, how he ended up in prison, and how his life was completely turned around.
As you can see, each one of these books will make for great summer reading!
I thank God for His great faithfulness to Bridge-Logos Foundation. We're now in our 43rd year!
Monday, February 15, 2010
Presidents' Day
Two of the most popular U.S. presidents were born in February--George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. The holiday that celebrates their births is known as Presidents' Day.
During the War Between the States Lincoln said, "I am oftimes driven to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I have nowhere else to go."
We need to realize our total dependency upon God. Jesus said, "Without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).
There is a chorus that is based on this truth from the Scriptures:
Without Him I can do nothing,
Without Him I'd surely fail,
Without Him I would be drifting,
Like a ship without a sail.
We must never forget that we need the Lord--every day, every hour, every minute. Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).
The arm of flesh will fail us--even our own arm of flesh--but if we walk in the Spirit, realizing our total dependency upon Him, we shall prevail in prayer, in truth, in warfare, and in everything.
Here are some other significant presidential quotes:
"Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far" (Theodore Roosevelt).
"Business underlies everything in our national life, including our spiritual life. Witness the fact that in the Lord's Prayer, the first petition is for daily bread. No one can worship God or love his neighbor on an empty stomach" (Woodrow Wilson).
"More than an end to war, we want an end to the beginnings of all wars" (Franklin Delano Roosevelt).
"Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first, the most basic, expression of Americanism. Without God, there could be no American form of government, nor American way of life" (Dwight D. Eisenhower).
"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country" (John F. Kennedy).
"Until justice is blind to color, until education is unaware of race, until opportunity is unconcerned with the color of men's skin, emancipation will be a proclamation but not a fact" (Lyndon Baines Johnson).
"We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles" (Jimmy Carter).
"We are a nation of communities. . . all of them varied, voluntary, and unique. . . a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand point of light in a broad and peaceful sky" (George Bush).
Let me conclude with this statement from President Abraham Lincoln: "I do consider that I have never accomplished anything without God: and if it is His will that I must die by the hand of an assassin, I must be resigned. I must do my duty as I see it, and leave the rest to God."
Happy Presidents' Day!
During the War Between the States Lincoln said, "I am oftimes driven to my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I have nowhere else to go."
We need to realize our total dependency upon God. Jesus said, "Without Me you can do nothing" (John 15:5).
There is a chorus that is based on this truth from the Scriptures:
Without Him I can do nothing,
Without Him I'd surely fail,
Without Him I would be drifting,
Like a ship without a sail.
We must never forget that we need the Lord--every day, every hour, every minute. Paul said, "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me" (Philippians 4:13).
The arm of flesh will fail us--even our own arm of flesh--but if we walk in the Spirit, realizing our total dependency upon Him, we shall prevail in prayer, in truth, in warfare, and in everything.
Here are some other significant presidential quotes:
"Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far" (Theodore Roosevelt).
"Business underlies everything in our national life, including our spiritual life. Witness the fact that in the Lord's Prayer, the first petition is for daily bread. No one can worship God or love his neighbor on an empty stomach" (Woodrow Wilson).
"More than an end to war, we want an end to the beginnings of all wars" (Franklin Delano Roosevelt).
"Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first, the most basic, expression of Americanism. Without God, there could be no American form of government, nor American way of life" (Dwight D. Eisenhower).
"And so, my fellow Americans: ask not what your country can do for you--ask what you can do for your country" (John F. Kennedy).
"Until justice is blind to color, until education is unaware of race, until opportunity is unconcerned with the color of men's skin, emancipation will be a proclamation but not a fact" (Lyndon Baines Johnson).
"We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles" (Jimmy Carter).
"We are a nation of communities. . . all of them varied, voluntary, and unique. . . a brilliant diversity spread like stars, like a thousand point of light in a broad and peaceful sky" (George Bush).
Let me conclude with this statement from President Abraham Lincoln: "I do consider that I have never accomplished anything without God: and if it is His will that I must die by the hand of an assassin, I must be resigned. I must do my duty as I see it, and leave the rest to God."
Happy Presidents' Day!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
"We're Talking Books"
For several months now it has been my privilege to host our weekly radio show entitled, "We're Talking Books." We broadcast every Thursday afternoon at 2:00 EST from my office in Alachua, Florida. Most of the time my guests are authors of books that we've produced through Bridge-Logos Foundation.
Today I will be interviewing Darrel D. King, the author of E.M. Bounds Speaks to the Modern Church. I've met Darrel and I know him to be a true scholar. In fact, his research into the life and writings of E.M. Bounds, known as the "apostle of prayer," and a chaplain with the Confederate Army during the War Between the States, is impeccable, thorough, and accurate.
Recently, I've been reading our Pure Gold Classic, E.M. Bounds--the Classic Collection on Prayer. Here is one of the things Bounds said about prayer: "As our great example in prayer, our Lord puts love as a primary condition--a love that has purified the heart from all the elements of hate, revenge, and ill will. Love is the supreme condition of prayer, a life inspired by love. The 13th chapter of First Corinthians is the law of prayer as well as the law of love. The law of love is the law of prayer, and to master this chapter from the epistle of St. Paul is to learn the first and fullest condition of prayer."
Someone once said, "It's impossible to hate a person you're praying for." Did you ever consider love to be the supreme condition of prayer? It must be so, because through prayer we draw near to the One who is love, we express our love to Him, and we experience His love more fully. This is one of the reasons why we need to spend more time in prayer--it establishes us in love.
I look forward to my interview with Darrel King, and I hope you will be able to listen to it, as well. May God teach us how to draw closer to Him, to learn to hear His voice, and to delight in His love. Above all people, we are so very blessed. Why? It's simply because we know God loves us.
Today I will be interviewing Darrel D. King, the author of E.M. Bounds Speaks to the Modern Church. I've met Darrel and I know him to be a true scholar. In fact, his research into the life and writings of E.M. Bounds, known as the "apostle of prayer," and a chaplain with the Confederate Army during the War Between the States, is impeccable, thorough, and accurate.
Recently, I've been reading our Pure Gold Classic, E.M. Bounds--the Classic Collection on Prayer. Here is one of the things Bounds said about prayer: "As our great example in prayer, our Lord puts love as a primary condition--a love that has purified the heart from all the elements of hate, revenge, and ill will. Love is the supreme condition of prayer, a life inspired by love. The 13th chapter of First Corinthians is the law of prayer as well as the law of love. The law of love is the law of prayer, and to master this chapter from the epistle of St. Paul is to learn the first and fullest condition of prayer."
Someone once said, "It's impossible to hate a person you're praying for." Did you ever consider love to be the supreme condition of prayer? It must be so, because through prayer we draw near to the One who is love, we express our love to Him, and we experience His love more fully. This is one of the reasons why we need to spend more time in prayer--it establishes us in love.
I look forward to my interview with Darrel King, and I hope you will be able to listen to it, as well. May God teach us how to draw closer to Him, to learn to hear His voice, and to delight in His love. Above all people, we are so very blessed. Why? It's simply because we know God loves us.
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