On Jul 17, 8:47 pm, "UR Welcome!" <UR Welcome!_fan_c...@yahoo.com>
wrote:

Personal Spiritual Renewal

In the beginning of our marriage, Vonette and I were extremely
materialistic. Both of us had been very ambitious and lived selfishly
prior to becoming believers. But when the Lord came into our lives, He
changed us from the inside out. He gave us a deep and abiding love for Him
and a deep desire to serve Him and others. But a couple of years later, we
came to realize that living for Christ and serving Him was our major goal
in life. Our Lord Jesus Christ, God the Son, Creator of more than one
hundred billion galaxies, left His place of glory in heaven to become a
bondservant for us (Philippians 2:6-8). The God-man, Jesus of Nazareth,
died on the cross for our sins, was raised from the dead to demonstrate
His deity, and now, miracle of miracles, lives in every believer in all of
His resurrection power.

In response to Christ's sacrifice, Paul became a bondservant, or slave, to
his Savior. Paul records his slavery in several passages of Scripture. I
was especially captivated by his words in Romans 1:1, "Dear friends in
Rome: This letter is from Paul, Jesus Christ's slave, chosen to be a
missionary, and sent out to preach God's Good News" (TLB). Following the
examples of our Lord Jesus Christ and the apostle Paul, Vonette and I also
chose to become slaves of Jesus Christ. One Sunday afternoon in the spring
of 1951, we decided to sign a contract with the Lord. No one suggested we
do this, but as a businessman I had signed many contracts, so it was only
natural that we formalize the surrender of our lives to Christ, to be His
slaves, with an official contract.

Vonette went to one room in our home in the Hollywood hills and I went to
another. We each made a list of all the things we wanted out of life. When
I first proposed to Vonette, we had talked about a honeymoon in Canada and
travel in Europe, about securing the finest voice teacher to develop her
already beautiful singing voice, and about living in the fabulous Bel Air
community in Los Angeles. Had our desires changed?

When we sat down together to go over our lists, we were overjoyed to learn
how much our lists were alike. Both lists, although using different
wording, included these concepts: 1) to live holy lives, controlled and
empowered by the Holy Spirit; 2) to be effective witnesses for Christ; and
3) to help fulfill the Great Commission in our generation. We also wanted
to establish a Christian home with two to four children. We thought we
should probably have two cars.

On our lists we said that, if it pleased the Lord, we would like to have a
nice home. Vonette described it as nice enough to entertain the President
of the United States and modest enough that a man from Skid Row would feel
comfortable.

That Sunday afternoon, we gave all our hopes and plans to Christ. We
surrendered all of our material possessions and ambitions. Then we signed
the contract to become slaves of Christ. When we signed our names, we
intended this to be a lifetime contract with our Lord. We purposed to
always obey Him no matter what He called us to do.

Over the years, the Lord has blessed us immensely. God has supplied all
our needs in great abundance-and we are grateful beyond our ability to
express. In return, we desire to use what He gives us to help fulfill the
Great Commission.

We have found that we do not need the material wealth we once desired and
worked so hard to earn. Today, we own no property, and the honorariums
from speaking and royalties from over fifty books and tapes go to Campus
Crusade for Christ and other Christian causes. God blessed us with two
sons who, with their wives, serve our Lord in Christian ministry. We do
not own a car, but God has provided us with transportation through the
generosity of a friend who is equally concerned with reaching the world
for Christ. Generous individuals gave the ministry a condo for our use,
for which we pay rent to Campus Crusade for Christ. It meets the
ministry's and our needs very well. Some years ago, we felt led of the
Lord to liquidate my $50,000 pension to help start a New Life Training
Center at Moscow State University.

In 1996, I was humbled and honored to receive the Templeton Prize for
Progress in Religion. Some feel that this award, the world's largest, is
more prestigious than the Pulitzer and Nobel Prizes. Vonette and I were
flown to London, treated like royalty, and presented the actual award in a
private ceremony with Prince Philip at Buckingham Palace. The prize money
exceeded one million dollars. I appointed a committee of godly men to
oversee the stewardship of this money to assure that every penny is
carefully and wisely used for the special purpose that I feel God has
given me: to encourage and facilitate genuine, humble prayer and fasting
among followers of Christ worldwide. I truly pray that 2 Chronicles 7:14
becomes a reality in our generation.

A Sense of Urgency

Neither Vonette nor I want to give the impression that we are some kind of
super saints, for we are not. Apart from the grace of God, I shudder to
consider what our lives would be like. But we decided at the beginning of
our married lives to live by the principle of seeking God's will first, as
expressed by Jesus in Matthew 6:33. Through the years, we have seen that
God's will is always better than our own natural desires. The more we have
witnessed examples of God's love for us, the more we have come to love,
trust, and obey Him.

One of the things that makes that contract so meaningful for me today is
that we did it together, as husband and wife. There was no particular
emotion involved. It was simply a transaction of the will as the Spirit of
God worked in us for His good pleasure. We had no idea what might happen
as a result of our commitment, but God did. As I continued with my studies
at Fuller Theological Seminary, teaching, and business, God's plans began
to unfold in the most wonderful way in our lives. In less than 48 hours,
He gave me a vision to help fulfill the Great Commission. That vision
later became Campus Crusade for Christ. There is no question in my mind
that God would not have given Vonette and me such a wonderful call to
serve Him had we not first made the commitment and signed that contract to
be His slaves.

I have spent most of my adult life pursuing a closer walk with God,
including five 40-day fasts for national and world revival and the
fulfillment of the Great Commission. Vonette and I have shared
two-and-a-half 40-day fasts together with great blessing. We have learned
that there is no higher calling or privilege in life than to know Him and
make Him known to others. Our Lord is truly worthy, faithful, and just. He
has allowed us to survive certain hardships, to enjoy great pleasure, and
to be able to share the gospel with many hundreds of millions of men and
women around the world. We could not ask for more. As the passion in our
hearts continues to grow, the awareness of the impending judgment upon
this nation and upon the Church of Jesus Christ has given us a renewed
sense of urgency.

There is no higher calling or privilege in life than to KNOW HIM and MAKE
HIM KNOWN to others.

Our goal as believers should be to work for the spiritual and moral
restoration of this nation. We can do this personally, tangibly, and
dynamically. We can be God's hand extended to needy people around us and
throughout the world.

God's vision and purpose always begin in the hearts of individuals-one
person, one family, one church, one city at a time. His programs do not
begin with nations, but with each person who surrenders his or her life to
His control. In this chapter, you will have an opportunity to renew your
relationship with Christ and become a contributing member of God's family
through ten steps. In the next chapter, you will find a plan to use your
gifts and abilities along with others to help turn this nation from its
course of self-destruction.

John and I ask you to please join us in this important mission. Here is
what we believe you must do to prepare yourself to join in the great
spiritual restoration needed in America.

1. Examine your spiritual condition.

If you have never received Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior,
or if you are not sure you have, or if there is no evidence of any real
changes in your life since you first prayed for forgiveness, then I urge
you to examine your spiritual condition carefully. You can do it now.
There is nothing stopping you from asking Jesus to come into your heart,
to forgive your sins, and to be the Lord of your life in all things. It is
a prayer that you can pray by faith as an act of your will. Through the
prophet Ezekiel, God said, "Repent, and turn from all your transgressions,
so that iniquity will not be your ruin" (Ezekiel 18:30, NKJ). Your honest,
heartfelt prayer of confession will reach the very throne of God and He
will answer (see Psalm 91:15; Isaiah 58:9; 65:24; Luke 11:9; John 15:7).

God will not force Himself on us. Each of us must decide as an act of our
free will to move toward God. Do not wait until you get your life in
better shape so He will accept you. He will accept you just as you are
right now. Do not wait until you better understand the person and ways of
God or get things figured out in your mind. None of us understands God
fully. Just come to Him in faith and pour out your heart and hurts to Him
as you ask for His forgiveness and help.

If you would like to know more about the prayer of salvation, read
Appendix B, the text of a small booklet that I wrote in 1957, presenting
what I call the Four Spiritual Laws. Over the last 40 years, this booklet
has helped millions to come to a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
To date, over two billion copies of this booklet have been printed in more
than 200 languages. After you have read it, you can pray the prayer
printed on page 10 of the booklet. Be assured that "everyone who calls on
the name of the Lord will be saved" (Joel 2:32).

2. Ask God to cleanse your heart.

Only God can change our hearts, and He wants to do so; but we must ask Him
to come in and do the spiritual housecleaning that needs to be done. King
David prayed, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast
spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). That should be our prayer as well. King
David, burdened by the sins of adultery and murder, later confessed,
"[God] would not have listened if I had not confessed my sins. But He
listened! He heard my prayer! He paid attention to it!" (Psalm 66:18, 19,
TLB).

It is our hope that every believer in this nation will get on his or her
knees and pray with a sincere heart: "God, show me the sins of my heart,
and as I confess them, rush them away with the blood of Christ shed on the
cross for my sins, so that I personally may become the godly man or woman
You want me to be." Ask God to cleanse your heart of any known sin,
especially the sins of pride and unforgiveness toward others who have
mistreated or hurt you in the past.

God will not bless WORLDLY CHRISTIANS who continue to walk according to
their OLD NATURES.

3. Change the areas of your life that are displeasing to God.

Have the godless culture and humanistic thoughts in our society invaded
your life and behavior? We must align our lives by God's biblical
standards of truth if we want to be right before Him. He will not bless
worldly Christians who continue to walk according to their old natures.
The Holy Spirit desires to direct our lives according to our new natures
in Christ (Romans 8:1). Believers are commanded to "live by the Spirit,
and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature" (Galatians
5:16).

4. Ask God to fill you with His Holy Spirit.

The Bible makes it clear that Jesus Christ sent the Holy Spirit after His
resurrection to be our Comforter and Guide. He is the believer's source of
power and boldness to stand up for the truth. He is also called the Helper
and the One who comes alongside us to show us how we should live. He will
guide, strengthen, and teach us so that our lives may glorify God.

Actually, the Spirit-filled life is the Christ-directed life by which
Christ lives His life in and through us (Galatians 2:20). Ephesians 5:18
commands us to be filled with the Spirit. According to this command and
God's promise in 1 John 5:14, 15 to answer our requests, ask God to fill
you with His Holy Spirit. Then be assured that He will begin to live His
supernatural life through you. (For more information on how to be filled
with the Spirit daily, read Appendix C, Have You Made the Wonderful
Discovery of the Spirit-Filled Life?)

5. Join the prayer and fasting movement.

God is raising up a prayer and fasting movement around the world. You,
too, can be a part of it. Fast and pray for personal holiness, for the
cleansing of the church, for revival in our nation and the world, and for
the fulfillment of the Great Commission. As you begin to fast and pray,
keep a daily prayer journal listing His answers to your prayers. Make
notes of any changes you observe, great or small, and any scriptural
truths that the Holy Spirit reveals to you. Remember, when fasting and
praying, to make it your priority to seek His face, enjoying His presence,
and not just His hand for what He will give you.

For more biblical teaching on fasting and prayer, see Appendix D. If
possible, join with others in your local church and community who desire
to seek God through prayer and fasting. Support your local church and your
own denominational prayer efforts. Also participate in prayer events, such
as the annual Prayer & Fasting Gathering sponsored by Campus Crusade for
Christ and Mission America each year in November. I am also excited about
the promotion of prayer in organizations such as Pray USA!, the U.S.
Prayer Track, Celebrate Jesus, Mission America, the National Day of
Prayer, Concerned Women of America, Concerts of Prayer, Intercessors for
America, and the National Association of Evangelicals, among others. For
more information and resources on fasting and prayer activities, call
1-888-FASTING.

I believe it would be wrong for us to pray for ourselves, our churches,
and even nonbelievers without praying for our community and government
servants. They play key roles in turning our nation around. The following
Prayer List may help you in your prayer efforts. Write it in a notebook
and list names where appropriate. Personalize the list for your particular
situation, then use it every day, updating it as needed.

Prayer List

Leaders in government:

President

Vice president

Senators

Representatives

Governor

State legislators

Supreme Court justices

Federal and state judges

City government officials

School board

Prayer requests:

My concerns for the federal government

My concerns for the state government

My concerns for the city government

My concerns for my neighborhood

My concerns for my family

6. Pray for and support your pastor and local church.

The local church should be at the heart of evangelism, discipleship,
training, world missions, and social concerns. A godly body of believers
representing churches of all denominations is the most positive influence
for good in any city. Yet most pastors carry very heavy burdens with
over-extended workloads. They truly care about you, your needs, and your
spiritual growth. Be faithful in your service, responsibilities, and
giving to your church. Be in your place of worship or service during
Sunday school, worship services, missions conventions, vacation Bible
school, and other church activities.

7. Participate in and support one or more gospel-preaching ministries and
missionaries.

Those who carry the Word of hope and restoration to the ends of the earth
can accomplish far more when they are supported by thousands of believers
like you and me, giving encouragement, prayers, offerings, volunteer help,
and in some cases, applying for full-time missions work. Together we can
make a difference!

At Campus Crusade for Christ, we sincerely desire to help win our
generations for Christ and then to train them into an army that will also
help fulfill the Great Commission. For a list of ministries related to
Campus Crusade for Christ, please visit our web site atwww.ccci.org.

8. Share your faith with anyone who will listen.

I always assume that if I am placed for more than a few minutes with any
person, I am there by divine appointment to share God's love, forgiveness,
and eternal life. If the person is not a believer, explain to them how to
receive Christ. The Four Spiritual Laws provides a guideline to follow. If
the person is already a believer, explain how to be filled with the Holy
Spirit. If they are already filled with the Holy Spirit, invite them to
join you and us in helping to reclaim America for Christ. For more
in-depth instructions, refer to the book or video, Reaching Your World
Through Witnessing Without Fear. For other tips on witnessing, see "Eight
Ways to Share Christ" in Appendix E.

9. Fast and pray for God to reveal a specific plan to you for rebuilding
the nation spiritually and morally.

Now comes the critical next step: helping America receive God's blessings
by participating in completing the Great Commission. Expect to hear from
God as never before. Believe that He wants to show you His will and that
He will enable you to fulfill His plan for you.

I am sure that as you seek God's will and purpose for your life, He will
reveal the specific plans and areas for your involvement. They may include
things such as rebuilding unity in the body of Christ, reclaiming the
American educational system, or making a renewed commitment to helping the
poor and needy. You may feel led, in partnership with tens of thousands of
churches, to help place the JESUS video in each of the 100 million
American homes. Be assured that God will guide you to opportunities based
on your gifts and qualifications. While praying for greater leaps of faith
into more supernatural exploits, begin with tangible ways of service.
Remember that God has a plan for each of us to use, for His kingdom and
His praise, the "talents" He has placed in our hands.

God desires that His people WORK TOGETHER in harmony to accomplish His
goal.

10. Commit to following the plan God reveals by joining others in the
renewal effort.

God desires that His people work together in harmony to accomplish His
goal. Like the Pilgrims, the Puritans, the Founding Fathers, and other
godly men and women who have gone before us, we can join hands for a
common cause. What better cause to support than the spiritual and moral
restoration of our country? As we do, we will display godly unity and do
more for His kingdom than we can possibly do alone. In the next chapter,
we will offer you a plan of action and call for you to join your plan with
ours as together we love, trust, and obey our great God and Savior.

[1]

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[1]Bright, B., & Damoose, J. N. (1998). Red sky in the morning (259).
Orlando, Fla.: New Life Publications.

The other alternative is for humans to crank up the nanotechnology
revolution and prepare...

The Singularity is coming SOON.