September 11

September 11

Prayer Point 32 - September 6, 2021

It’s hard to believe it’s been 20 years since those twin towers went down. I was 20-years-old sitting in my car in the parking lot of a bank in Connecticut flipping through radio stations when I began to realize that something very terrible had happened not too far from where I was. Since this was before smartphones, everyone was finding the nearest television to see what had happened. The scenes were shocking and devastating. Now two decades later, our hearts still ache knowing that evil is always lurking in our fallen world. My encouragement during this somber anniversary is to pray that God would expose darkness and turn the hearts of those bent on destruction to the light of Christ. He is mighty to save anyone who would call on His name. Now that’s something to pray about!

Sports

Sports

Prayer Point 31 - August 30, 2021

If you’re like me, you really miss the Olympics! There were so many incredible moments at the recent summer games in Tokyo, Japan. (As impressive as it was seeing world-class athletes compete and shatter records,) what blessed me most were the many Christian athletes giving praise to God. 21-year-old Sydney McLaughlin of the USA—who set a world record in the women’s 400 meter hurdles—humbly said, “Jesus has given me everything. Records come and go. The glory of God is eternal.” The men’s rugby sevens team from Fiji loudly sang “we have overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of the Lord” after winning gold. Let’s be sure to regularly lift up Christian athletes—from every country—as they shine for team Jesus and use their platform to proclaim gospel truth on the world stage. Now that’s something to pray about!

Marriage

Marriage

Prayer Point 30 - August 23, 2021

My wife Mandy and I recently celebrated our 14th wedding anniversary this month and so I thought we’d do this Prayer Point together! Men, Scripture exhorts us as husbands to love our wife sacrificially (Ephesians 5:25) and to honor her so that our “prayers may not be hindered” (1 Peter 3:7). Ladies, the Bible exhorts us to be respectful toward our husband as a way of honoring God (Ephesians 5:33) and to be an example other women can follow (Titus 2:4). To all the husbands and wives listening today—whether you’ve been married a few years, or many decades—let’s make it our aim to love and cherish our spouse just as Jesus loves His church (Ephesians 5:25), and sincerely apologize when we fall short. As the years unfold, this is how we will continue to show Christ to one another. Now that’s something to pray about!

School

School

Prayer Point 29 - August 16, 2021

Although it’s hard to believe, summer break has come to a close and a new school year is upon us once again. Teachers, administrators and volunteers have been working harder than ever, in a more difficult social environment than ever, to ensure our children have a safe and effective learning experience each and every day. Let’s be sure to keep our local schools and their hard-working leadership in our regular prayers. Let’s also ask that God would move mightily among students in central Illinois this year. And students, remember, whether you are in grade school, high school or college, God wants to use you this year to help fellow students find and know Jesus. Keep shining brightly for Him. Your fellow classmates need to see your light more than you know. Now that’s something to pray about!

Children

Children

Prayer Point 28 - August 9, 2021

Some of the most moving and memorable times I have experienced in ministry have been when young children have prayed for me or said something they felt God saying. The faith kiddos have when they pray, and the innocence with which they do so, is a precious and refreshing gift from God to us adults. I often think of the times when the disciples tried to turn away the little ones when Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me” (Matthew 19:14). He also said, “Whoever receives this little child in My name receives Me” (Luke 9:48). What if we made the effort to get the youngsters involved in the times of prayer at home and at church? Sure, it’s a bit messier, but I’m convinced we would see much more of Jesus if we did. Now that’s something to pray about!