The Bible instructs in Romans 13:1, “Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.”

This week the Lord gave us a special opportunity to encourage some of our national leaders and let them know that we, as a church as well as other Christians across the country, are praying for them even in this difficult time in our country.

A year or so ago I began to pray with a friend, Pastor Mike Creed from Clinton, Maryland, regarding his burden for our elected officials and their staff members in our nation’s capital. Brother Creed together with Evangelist Chuck Harding, formed an organization entitled Awake America and asked if I would serve on their advisory board. Over the last year they have been notifying pastors and asking them to pray earnestly for their elected officials.

A few days ago, we met for what was called the Capitol Connection. Hundreds of Christian leaders from autonomous Baptist churches across America joined us from forty-five states. We met for preaching and an organizational time on Monday evening. All of the pastors were reminded that our goal was not to “lobby” but to be a witness for Christ and an encouragement to those in leadership.

On Tuesday morning, we headed to Capitol Hill. The week prior to the visit every congressional member received a copy of the original Aitken Bible—the first American Bible printed in 1782. We let our elected officials know that we had sponsored the Bibles to their offices and that we believe American leaders need to rely, once again, on the Scriptures.
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There’s not a committed Christian in America who wouldn’t like revival. But I’m afraid there are few who are desperate for revival.

We stand in dire need of revival, but we don’t always carry a personal urgency for revival.

Much of the book of Lamentations is the cry of a prophet who sensed the immediacy of his nation’s need for revival. Yet his cry was one of anguish because the people to whom he ministered were content to live without it.

In shocked agony, Jeremiah asked a piercing question: “Is it nothing to you, all ye that pass by?” (Lamentations 1:12).

His question could be repeated today. None of us would mind revival; but few are desperate for revival. (more…)

In case you haven’t already noticed, December is a busy month. Whether or not you are a pastor, your schedule is surely more filled this month than is comfortable.

As a pastor, December is literally the most challenging month of the year for me. There are three specifics I pray for (and ask others to pray for on my behalf) this month.

• Strength— Sometimes I get chills up my spine just looking at my schedule. But more often, I get exhausted. I have a ministry-related event on my calendar for nearly every evening in December. Frankly, I need God’s strength to serve Him this month.
• Souls—Busy as December is, there is a reason for the activity! I encourage pastors to fill the Christmas season with seasonal outreach as people are often more tender and receptive now than at any other time of the year. And yet, a long list of activity itself doesn’t see souls saved; we need the Holy Spirit’s power to make this season fruitful.
• Family—Some of my family’s most cherished memories are Christmas memories. I thank the Lord for my wife, Terrie, who has often reminded me over the years to slow down and enjoy creating family memories. For pastors who have a “type A” personality, it’s easy to get so caught in the schedule rush of December that we miss savoring “the most wonderful time of the year” with our family.

So there they are—three simple, but incredibly vital, ways you can pray for your pastor in December. (And if you are a pastor, three areas to pray for God’s help in your life.) Ask the Lord to give him strength, fruitfulness, and the wisdom to enjoy all of it with his family.

Tomorrow I’ll share a few thoughts for all of us on how to have a joyous Christmas season.

Saturday and Sunday were two days of intense outreach and giving at Lancaster Baptist Church. On Saturday, our church family knocked on almost 25,000 doors, sharing the Gospel and inviting people to our resurrection musical. On Sunday, we gave a special offering for the Elevate & Magnify building project. God blessed both days in a miraculous way.

Any pastor or spiritual leader who has been involved in such an intense week of outreach and giving knows that the time leading up to it is a predictably intense season of spiritual warfare.

What do you do to prepare for the spiritual drain and satanic attack during these times? (more…)

I had the privilege of praying with Jon and Kristine last night to dedicate our second grandchild—Delanie Lynne—to the Lord. Baby dedications at our church are always special to me, but this one was especially precious. There is nothing like dedicating your own grandchildren!

With the spirit Hannah had many years ago (1 Samuel 1:11, 27–28), Jon and Kristine prayed months ago, “Lord, if You give us a child, we will give that child back to You.” I’m thankful for Jon and Kristine’s commitment to raise Delanie for the Lord.

Delanie’s name means “victorious,” and we look forward to the day when she finds her true victory in Christ by trusting Him as her Saviour. We are praying that she will be saved at an early age. (more…)