Have you heard the story about the 85-year old man who was arrested for praying?You probably have. That's the story of Daniel, an elderly Jewish resident in Babylon sentenced to death for faithfully talking to God (Daniel 6).Although the prayer that sent Daniel to the lion's den is his most famous talk with God (6:11), it wasn't the only time we see him in prayer. In Daniel 9, we read an example of how he prayed. Daniel had been reading in his scroll of Jeremiah that the captivity of his people would last 70 years, and the people were 67... Read more >>

Jesus once told a story about a widow who repeatedly asked a judge for justice against an adversary:“For some time [the judge] refused. But finally he said to himself, ‘Even though I don’t fear God or care about men, yet because this widow keeps bothering me, I will see that she gets justice, so that she won’t eventually wear me out with her coming!” And the Lord [Jesus] said, “Listen to what the unjust judge says. And will not God bring about justice for his chosen ones, who cry out to him day and night?” (Luke 18:4-7)Scripture says that Jesus... Read more >>

“So that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 15:6Have you ever noticed that human beings, in general, have various opinions about many different things? Not only that, but they are often quick to share those opinions with others, hoping to find someone who will agree with them – someone who will have the same mind. This desire for like-mindedness is firmly rooted in the minds and hearts of people, because that is how God created us. After all, the design in the beginning was two people, from... Read more >>

Happy New Year! Hard to believe it is 2014. It is quite amazing when you think about it that another year is in the history books and you contributed to the greater story. That’s right, your every action has an outcome that impacts potentially generations to come. It is not our story but HIS story we are blessed to be a part of - “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). I am especially blessed to... Read more >>

A dear friend wanted to ensure that I began the new year on the right note so he gave me a wonderful, one-year devotional called New Beginnings. Each page brings inspiration, challenges and motivation to grow in our walk with Jesus Christ. After reading this morning, I felt compelled to share the following thoughts with you as we develop our active prayer life throughout 2014 and beyond:Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 3:18).Of the spiritual luggage that you will carry with you into the new year, prayer is one of the... Read more >>

Warm greetings to you from the National Day of Prayer Task Force! I was blessed to receive the following thoughts on Legacy Living from my dear friend, Nancy Leigh DeMoss, and it seemed fitting to share with you as we conclude 2013, while looking expectantly to the New Year: I am so thankful for the many valuable lessons my father, Arthur S. DeMoss, taught me about a biblical perspective on money and material possessions. As both a successful businessman and an earnest follower of Jesus Christ, he was a living illustration of those principles. As I look back on my... Read more >>

It was a summer day driving from Colorado through northern rural New Mexico into West Texas.  I was en-route to visit my birthplace where my parents and siblings still reside.  Leslie, our adult daughter and her daughter, Lailah, age two at the time, were sleeping in the car as I drove this portion of our road trip.The wide, open spaces bring peace and joy to me.  This part of northern New Mexico was green with rolling hills, a lot of ranch land with ample opportunity to gaze on God’s creation and reflect on His provision.  We drove into one of... Read more >>

“Dad, I’m so hungry. May I have some bread?”Does that sound like a prayer to you? Or is it more like a child asking his father for what he needs? God invites us to come to Him as a little child. It’s as simple as saying, “Daddy, I need you.”God holds the key to all your longings: provision, protection, belonging, compassion, forgiveness. And He wants to provide them for you . . . just ask Him. He strengthens and encourages you and your family through your faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Prayer—corporate family prayer—is the power source from which... Read more >>

Prayer is much more than something we say. It’s a conversation and a movement. It’s global. It’s God everywhere in all of our lives—working the miraculous and making known to us His plans.God awoke me in the night with words. They came after months of intentional, yet tiring prayer. God unveiled His vision for a new kind of economic change. When He finished speaking, I said, “That would be a new economy.” He said, “It’s my economy.” And so Jesus’ Economy came to be.Jesus' Economy creates jobs and churches in the developing world, as well as meets basic needs—resulting in... Read more >>

In Matthew 6, Jesus fully unveils the foundation of what I call the Treasure Principle: “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (vv.19-20).A first century Hebrew walks alone on a hot afternoon staff in hand. His shoulders are stooped, sandals covered with dirt, tunic stained with sweat. But he doesn’t stop to rest. He has pressing business in the city.He veers off the road into a field, seeing a shortcut, the owner won’t mind- travelers are permitted this... Read more >>