HISTORIC INAUGURATION

I hope that you all had the opportunity yesterday to witness history as Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of this great country. We gathered in the Worship Center with Prestonwood Christian Academy students, teachers, parents and our church staff to view the ceremony. As I said to those watching with us yesterday, it is critical that we pray for President Obama and America’s leaders during this time of transition. Please take a few moments to hear my comments regarding this monumental event.

Time With God

It is essential to spend time with God in order to fully develop as a follower of Jesus. In fact, Jesus Himself taught us to have a time alone with God in order to personally engage His presence in worship and prayer, Bible reading and study, and the contemplation of spiritual realities. He said:

“But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” —Matthew 6:6

Over the years, I have always advised believers to develop a disciplined devotional life. But how? How do you actually spend quality time with the Lord that is life-changing and God-honoring. Maybe the question of how is best answered first with the question of why … Why would we take time every day to pray, read, meditate. Not because it is an obligation, but because it is a huge opportunity. Imagine the privilege of being in God’s presence! So don’t put yourself on a guilt trip about prayer life. Instead, view this as a privilege and possibility to know God as never before.

Your devotional life should be something you enjoy, not endure. When you spend time with God you are experiencing spiritual life which is the “real world.” Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone but by every Word from the mouth of God.” When you spend time with God you are nourishing your soul. You are in comfort with spiritual realities. So, every day, before the world rushes in, decide to close the door, get alone, and consider what matters most, and what really lasts. More tomorrow as I continue to talk about your time with God.

DEVOTIONAL LIFE

By now, we are full speed ahead into 2009. Tell me...how are you doing on your resolutions? With all our desires to lose weight, floss, walk the dog, get out of debt, etc., I hope we are all highly motivated to grow in our faith and obedience to our Great God. There is no greater goal, nor joy in fulfillment, than to honor Christ with a life fully devoted to Him. One of the keys to success is a daily time of prayer and Bible reading, study, and memorization. A quiet time or devotional is essential to spiritual growth and personal faith. Why not make it your holy ambition to know and grow in God's Word as never before? In the next several blogs I want to share some things I have learned about enjoying a daily time with God. In the meantime, make the Lord Jesus a promise that you will spend more time with Him and live each day in the fullness of His Spirit.

COMEBACK

I watched history last night. Deb and I attended the Dallas Mavericks versus Minnesota Timberwolves basketball game at the American Airlines Center. Both of us are big fans of the MAVS so we enjoyed this night to remember. Dirk, Jet, Kidd and the boys were down 29 points two minutes into the 3rd quarter. So…it looked like the game was over, a disappointing end to 2008. Then it happened. The MAVS caught fire and began dominating the game. History was made when the deficit was overcome and the team pulled out its largest comeback win ever.

So I’m thinking, on this last day of the year, that a comeback is on the way for this New Year. I know it seems unlikely if you read the reports and listen to the news media. Everybody loves a comeback. They are exciting and rewarding. Fighting through and overcoming adversity builds character and strengthens confidence. So, I am believing God for victory in 2009. If you are a follower of Jesus, you are more than a conqueror. Romans 8:37 says: "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

Christians live in the confident hope that, though life can be hard – God is good and always working positively, creatively and constructively in our lives. The new year means new dreams, new possibilities and new hopes. It is a time to renew our faith, rededicate our lives, and revive our spirits.

The nation needs a comeback.
The church in America needs a comeback.
You need a comeback.

So let’s make history instead of watching it. Choose to be a part of what God will do in the lives of people who seek Him. I am praying God will move powerfully in us, and 2009 will be our greatest year. Hey, after a long layoff, even the blog is back. I look forward to communicating with you throughout the days ahead. Happy New Year!

Love London

It's good to be back after six days in London. This is a world city with a history that is remarkable and a future that is hopeful. We had the opportunity to interface with many of the Brits, and we came away encouraged by the response to PowerPoint and our ministry with the Word of God. We experienced overflow crowds and made connections for the future that will allow us to make an impact upon this great city for Christ.


I am including some photos of our moments there. Click here to download an interview that I did with call-ins from the audience to give you an idea of what Brits are interested in and the answers that I gave to some very intriguing questions. Please pray for PowerPoint and its ministry in the United States and around the world. These are uncertain times, but we have a sure Word from God to share with people who desperately need to know and respond to Truth.

London

Today, Deb and I, along with a team from PowerPoint, will leave for London and an opportunity to preach the Word of God in this great world city. Our daily radio program is heard each day in the "Mother Country," and the response has been remarkable. The radio audience is growing and we are connecting with people on a personal level. Lives are being transformed and the Scripture is being taught.

Western Europe, including Great Britain, is becoming increasingly secular. Alongside of this is the explosion of the Muslim population and the advance of Islam. With the current birthrate in Europe, most countries will be predominately Muslim within the next 50 years. So it is extremely urgent that the Gospel is preached now. This is a tipping point for the world.

There are signs that God is beginning to move in London. Asian, African and Australian immigrants are reaching large communities for Christ. The Brits themselves are open to the Good News. Revival is touching many of the churches. When we were in London last year, more than 2,000 came out on a Friday night to hear our message. I was deeply moved and encouraged by what we experienced. Premier Christian Radio is providing us and other strong ministries the opportunity to proclaim the Word of God, and this is having a certain impact.

At the same time, many pastors and church leaders are discouraged. One of our privileges this week will be to speak to a large group of pastors and encourage them to stay in the battle and fight the good fight of faith. Deb will speak at a Women's Conference. We are doing radio and television interviews, and then on Friday, October 3, we will have a PowerPoint rally and worship service at one of the largest evangelical churches in London. Please pray for these opportunities God is giving us and that the Holy Spirit will enable us to exalt Christ and declare Truth. On Sunday I will be preaching at the very fine Trinity Baptist Church and inviting people to follow Jesus. So, as you can see, we have a full schedule and an amazing privilege for which I am very grateful. There are a number of you who would like to see the detailed schedule and may have friends who want to attend. By clicking here, you can get the day-by-day itinerary.

One of my preacher heroes is the renowned Charles Haddon Spurgeon, who is considered by many as the greatest pastor/preacher in history. He preached in London in the 19th Century. Vast throngs of people came to hear him at the Metropolitan Baptist Tabernacle. All of London heard the Gospel. Today, it is very different in Great Britain and most of the churches are struggling. But God is still on the throne and Jesus is Lord. I believe God still moves and so do many believers in England. The God of Spurgeon, Wesley, Wilberforce and Whitfield is able to bring Britain to Christ. With believing hearts, we go knowing that He will use us. Please pray. —Jack

MINISTRY TO THE MARKETPLACE

PowerLunch is a marketplace ministry of Prestonwood. Years ago, I believed it was extremely important to cross over into the business community with the Good News, so we began this outreach into the business community of West Palm/Palm Beach, Fla. We have been doing it ever since, and you know, it is more effective than ever. We have changed speakers and formats but the basic idea is intact: People inviting their friends from the office or neighborhood to a great lunch to hear encouraging, inspiring, motivating messages that add value to life every day.

This week began a new season for PowerLunch with a new feature...dynamic guest speakers each Tuesday with a strong, life-building focus. E.D. Hill, FOX News commentator, show host, and author, spoke this week to more than 700 guests on parenting, based on her new book, I'm Not Your Friend, I'm Your Parent. Our upcoming guests include authors, athletes, business and ministry leaders, a U.S. Congressman, and me every now and then. Go to http://www.prestonwood.org/powerlunch for a detailed schedule for this fall. I know you will agree that this will be an outstanding opportunity to enrich your life and to invite friends to a strong introduction to Christ and the Church.

The marketplace is where our light is to shine. 24/7-faith is lived out in the workplace each day. You are a witness. The question is...are you a good one? Our goal should always be to make a difference, not just a living, as we work each day. I challenge you to look for ways to invite your friends to church and to make sure your co-workers and friends hear the message of Jesus.