Surrender

Do you have a dream? Many "life coaches" today encourage the idea of the dream. Follow your dream. Plan your dream. Make goals toward your dream. I want to tell you something shocking: My dreams died in 1982 when I surrendered my life to Christ. I began to live Galatians 2:20:

I am crucified with Christ

Nevertheless I live

Yet not I

But Christ lives in me

And the life which I now live

In the flesh

I live by the faith

Of the Son of God

Who loved me

And gave Himself for me

The life lived in surrender to Christ is the life well lived. Do you have a dream? Surrender that dream to Christ. If He does not will it, you are better off to let it die. If He does will it, He will allow it to grow in your heart, He will anoint the progress toward the dream, and He will fulfill it as His will. Surrender your heart to say to Christ: "If you will it, I want it. If you do not will it, I do not want it." A surrendered heart has all its dreams fulfilled.

Delight yourself also in the Lord

and He shall give you the desires of your heart

A surrendered heart delights itself in the Lord. A surrendered heart has all it desires.

SOUNDING AN ALARM - Part II of Don't Give Up On God

I Had to Post This!

The call to prayer for revival in our nation is gaining ground. Just in from my friend, David Patterson, is the following blog by Dr. Jack Hayford. In my last blog, I stated that the feel of another revival was with me and that I, along with others, was beginning to pray again with faith, and now, I am hearing the same from others who are more well known and respected than I. Here is what Pastor Jack has to say:

SOUNDING AN ALARM by Dr. Jack Hayford

Dear Friend,

Although I am not, by nature, an alarmist, I am writing you today to sound an alarm. To alert you to a danger that has arisen in America in this hour, and to encourage you to respond to it with faith-filled action.

What I am about to say, I believe comes not just from me but from the heart of the Holy Spirit. I am convinced He is speaking to us these days with great urgency and intensity. As we move through this 4th of July season, and are mindful of the blessings God has poured out upon America, the Lord Himself is sounding the alarm

He is re-awakening us, as Christians in America, to a call that is fundamental to the ministry of every believer. He is alerting us to the danger we face and, for the sake of our country's future, He is calling us to do the only thing that can avert it.

He is calling us back to the ministry of intercession.

For the past 20 years or so, the church in America has drifted away from this ministry. You may not be aware of it if you're younger than I am (and, given my current age, most likely you are). But from my vantage point the change is unmistakable.

In my early years when I began pastoring, intercessory prayer was woven into the very fabric of the church. Our congregation at Church on the Way, like many others, was very much "into it," (as we might have said back then) not because intercession was hip or popular, but because in those days it was considered foundational to the Christian life.

Sadly, however, this is no longer the case.  Interceding congregations are scarce these days.

The praying church in our nation has declined. We are considerably distanced from the intercessory pattern that characterized the lives of believers 30 or 40 years ago. Although there are believers here and there who still know a good deal about it, multitudes of Christians don't. Even some of those who have been faithful intercessors in the past have let it slip. Rather than continuing to watch and pray, some have drifted off to sleep.

I don't mean to be melodramatic, loved one, but this is the unvarnished truth: Neglecting the ministry of intercession has cost us dearly. It has taken a great toll, not just on the church, but on our entire nation.

We see the evidence of it all around us: Economic and governmental problems too numerous to mention, a disregard for Biblical values in our culture, an absence of the fear of the Lord. As believers, we are all disappointed and frustrated by such conditions and are quick to voice our dismay. We call for political action. We talk about getting out the vote and booting out of office the politicians and government officials who got us into this mess.

But the scriptural reality is politicians and government officials are not the cause of our problems.

America is in the condition it's in today because of the prayerlessness of the church! Our nation is spiritually and morally sick because so many Christians are either unaware of God's call to intercede, or unaware of how to go about it.

I'm not suggesting that as Christians we shouldn't vote and be active in government. But our votes alone will not make enough difference. Political activism will not meet the need. No amount of human energy or enterprise can save this country.

The only thing that will save America now is prayer.

Some might consider this bad news, but it's actually not. The future of America, though seriously imperiled, is salvageable. If the living Church will rise to be the Church God intends, this nation can be turned around. If believers will once again become responsible and sensitive to the call to intercede, we will find God's Word is still good. His power is still sufficient. In our day, as in the days of Solomon, He will fulfill His promise:

If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land. (2 Chron. 7:14-15)

"But Pastor Jack," you might say, "the problems we face are so massive, I don't know what to pray. I'm so disgusted and distressed by them I don't know where to start."

Then start with forgiveness. Forgiveness opens the door to effective intercession.

Why? Because to intercede is to step in on behalf of someone else. It is to do for another, through prayer, what Jesus did for us. As the ultimate Intercessor, He stood before God on our behalf when we were too unworthy, rebellious, or ignorant to stand before Him on our own. "He bore the sin of many, and made intercession for them all" (Is. 53:12).

As believers, we're called to follow His example, to go to God in prayer for those who cannot and will not go to Him themselves. But we can't do it with anger and irritation in our hearts. We can't intercede for people when we're mad at them. On the contrary, our intercession must begin, as Jesus's did on the cross, with the cry, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do!" (Lk. 23:24, KJV).

That cry is not often heard in the church these days. It seems we are better schooled in political judgmentalism, analysis, and criticism than in being the first to forgive. This is one reason the ministry of intercession has been crippled.

But you and I can help turn the tide. We can ask God to forgive, not just the sinful and broken people around us, but everyone in our society, no matter how grotesque, corrupt, or evil they've become. Instead of calling for condemnation, we can say, "Lord, what's happening in our nation is not worthy of You. It merits judgment but I ask You for mercy. Father, forgive us, as a people, and breathe on us Your redemptive grace."

Can such simple prayers make a difference? Absolutely. You are an anointed child of the Most High God. Even a brief prayer uttered from your lips can change things.

What's more, you don't have to stop there.

You can do more. You can pray on-beyond yourself and your own abilities because, as Romans 8:26 says, "The Spirit . . . helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered."

Imagine a child trying to put together a puzzle that's too complicated for him. Then envision a father taking hold of the child's hand and helping him put the pieces in the right places. That's what the Holy Spirit does for us. As we yield to Him in intercession, He helps us. He takes hold together with us and gives us spiritual words and groanings that are beyond our natural comprehension so that we can pray exactly the right thing.

Oh, how good and how great is our God! I simply can't fit in this letter all I want to say about Him and what He is calling us to do in this hour. I would like to share more about it, though. That's why, as a thank you gift for your gracious support this month, I want to send you my two books, Ten Steps Toward Saving America and Prayer is Invading the Impossible, as well as my new audio message on CD, Pray Beyond the Limits. The books and the message will pick up where this letter leaves off. They'll help further inspire you and equip you to fulfill your intercessory calling as a believer. Find out more.

Beloved, America can be saved! You and I, as Abraham's spiritual seed, can help bring God's blessing on this nation. So let's do it. Let's change history by rising up and being the Church God intends us to be.

Until I write again, I'll be thanking God for you and counting it an honor to be- 

Your Servant in the Lord, 
Pastor Jack 

and Your Friends at Jack Hayford Ministries

Don't Give Up on God!

For thirty years the ministry has been my niche. Jesus has been my home. Traveling thousands of miles, serving with well-known ministers, and speaking to many hungry souls has been my vocation. It is more than a vocation, however, it is my life. I serve alongside my husband who is now a pastor. Being a part of two widespread revivals in the early 1980's and the mid 1990's produced an enduring expectation of God's goodness. Then the revivals stopped. Seeming to be between testaments, we searched for and pursued the Lord. We stood in faith. And we watched almost helplessly as our nation began to turn. While we waited, America turned down a wrong road. They took the wrong direction at the fork. First we were shocked. Then we wept. Later, even recently, we felt like giving up.

But then, something happened. After years of languishing in worldliness, God's people began to wake up. It hasn't taken off yet, but as sure as I have seen revivals before, it is happening again. Slowly beginning, nascent, perhaps it is not immediately obvious why we believe these hopeful facts.

We believe because we see God calling His people to prayer! People who walk with the Lord are beginning to speak the same thing: We want to pray! We know God wants us to pray! Flowing like the current of a river, God is pulling us into prayer again! We are excited and expectant! One salient example shines at the worldwide prayer meeting held at Times Square Church each Tuesday at its home in New York City. We just watched 1,800 people rejoice, praise, and pray together, and we were able to join them via the internet stream at www.wwpray.org. Many countries are joining this prayer meeting, and thousands of devoted people are praying around the world!

We believe because we know that the return of the Lord is drawing nearer everyday. Burgeoning prayer is rising to usher in His coming, and He will be coming for a church without spot or blemish. Nothing purifies like prayer and persecution. While a worldwide prayer movement is brewing, an antithesis impends. Those who hate God and His people will not be silent. Expect some clash of world views. The clash of world views is very well articulated every morning at www.albertmohler.com in his daily broadcast, "The Briefing." I highly recommend listening daily. It is just fifteen minutes and worth every one of them.

We believe because God is drawing His church together. There will be a growing chasm between the true church and the apostate. Many will claim Christianity but will not live the life described in the New Testament. Hailing preferred verses and explaining away undesirable ones, they will pick and choose Bible parts. Any viewpoint, any lifestyle will be tolerated, claiming that Jesus did the same. A dangerous cliff they skirt. Walk near the Word of God, and hold the truth in love.  (Ephesians 4:14-16; The word "speak" here means "hold.") Jesus did not tolerate a sinful church in love. He cleaned house. He tolerated sinners in love and told them to go and sin no more. A true and faithful church is a clean, Bible-obeying, Holy Spirit filled church, and that is the church that God is drawing together now out of every denomination and race.

Lastly, we believe because of the astounding world events taking place. Just pick up your newspaper, or more likely today, your laptop. I like the www.drudgereport.com for breaking news. Whatever is on the major networks I always find at Drudge first, and more! Much is reported there that never makes "the news" on ye old regular TV. So much is happening in fulfillment of God's prophetic word, we can hardly keep up with it. Reading about Bible prophecy will reveal the almost endless connections between the news and Bible prophecy. You might try Pastor John Hagee for this kind of information. www.jhm.org

A world wide move of God is beginning. The true church is waking up while a world wide apostate church is emerging. The apex of God's timetable approaches. Do not give up on God! His Spirit is active and change is coming. Make sure you are repentant, forgiven, filled and ready. Times are changing and God wants you to be ready.

Recommendations for excellent teaching from the Word of God:

www.jhm.org (Pastor John Hagee)

www.tscny.org (Times Square Church New York;
Pastor Carter Conlon)

www.mljtrust.org (Westminster Chapel - London - the late Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones; This site is a treasure trove of wisdom.)

I cannot end this list without mentioning my husband, Pastor Mike Stevens, whose excellent expository preaching is posted each Monday at www.jesuscommunity.us

Listen, study and grow. We need to be mature disciples who please and serve The Most Wonderful Lord!

How Can I Best Share My Faith With Family?

Christmas brings many together with family. What can we do to make our time together not only enjoyable but an opportunity to share our faith? How can we share our faith with friends? To be heard, you must have the respect of the listener. A good way to get going down that road is to treat your friends like family and treat your family like friends. When you love your friends like family and give your family the respect you afford your friends, you forge a path of love that touches lives.

Respect. Patience. Honesty. Using these three tools gives the power to be heard.

Respect your family. Whether you think a person worthy or not, show respect anyway. As a Christian, I can show respect by waiting for an opportunity to speak about my faith. For years I endeavored to start meaningful conversations. Then one day I realized -- the person with whom I spoke really didn't want to hear what I had to say. They were not going to magically fall into faith by my words. Now I talk less, pray more, and wait for questions. Not that the questions have to be direct, mind you; sometimes I give an answer to a question that takes a different turn than intended by the questioner. My audience then falls into an answer they aren't wanting to hear, but then it's their fault. They got themselves into this pickle by asking the question, and they know it. So they politely listen as I answer the question that now they wish they had NEVER asked. Of course, they are getting the answer maybe not just to the question they asked but to a question they SHOULD have asked. I respect my family enough to take every opportunity to speak truth to them in love, even if I have to go around a mountain or two to get there.

Those who are not Christians can show respect to their Christian family members by concealing their disregard of, or contempt for, the Christian faith. Your Christian family members want to win you to the faith because they have found such joy and fulfillment in knowing Jesus. They are guilty of wanting the same joy for you. When I see my own family struggling under the load of life, I want to give them the answers I have found. If my message isn't welcome, don't even give me a chance, because I love you and will take any opportunity available to share my hope. If you are interested, ask questions. If not, keep the contempt to yourself. No one wants an argument. A good debate is always welcome, but a debate is only a debate if both parties agree to the process. Anger is not part of debate. Passion is. Neither the Christian nor the agnostic, the atheist nor the follower of some other faith should be disrespected, but always expect the truth to be spoken in love.

Patience. Like love, it suffers long and is kind. (I Corinthians 13:4) During the holidays, most of us expect to enjoy the company of family but the flow of life doesn't always support those expectations. We get behind. We get tired. We get irritated. And we still have to go to the party. Not all arrive full of holiday cheer. Be observant and take every opportunity to help others. Make a special effort to help those who irritate you. A few years ago, little bracelets began appearing everywhere with the letters WWJD on them. That's a good question to ask ourselves everyday: "What Would Jesus Do?" I'll tell you a bit of it: He would suffer long and be kind. He would be patient with those who deserve it the least. I have missed many of those opportunities in my life. And I am sorry for it.

Being respectful and patient, however, does not mean being dishonest. Flattery and a false presentation of how you really feel is just a wrong as disrespect and impatience. How then do we strike the coveted goal of the middle ground? A good friend of mine once called it the "radical middle." I always liked that. I think Jesus gave us the answer in Ephesians 4:15 where we are told to speak the truth but to speak it in love. There is no shame in remaining true to God; in refusing ungodly behavior; leaving the room when things get too uncomfortable for a Christian to remain in attendance. There is nothing wrong with the Christian of the family letting everyone know in a kind way that he cannot remain while (whatever-that-thing-that-is-going-on-that-is-not-Godly-behavior) is going on. Naturally, the Christian may be accused of being holier-than-thou, but in a case like this, I think that is all right. If you don't drink, simply say, "No, thank you." If everyone is drunk and the party is turning wild, excuse yourself by speaking the truth in love. "I need to leave. I don't feel comfortable here anymore." If you are asked questions, answer truthfully with love. If you hear, "Do you think we are all just sinners, here?!", answer with, "Yes, we are all sinners by nature, but I don't want to sin anymore. Jesus has changed me." Then offer to drive them home.

Really great opportunities to share your faith do not arrive very often for me. So, I want to be ready when I get them. I want to be respectful, patient, and honest. Walking with Jesus, carrying His burden for your family and friends, and praying for them diligently goes farther than any fine presentation you might make. Be ready with your answers, though. There are still some who are searching for truth, and if you are surrendered to Jesus, you have it. Be bold; be wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove. And may the Lord be with you.

Love and Reverence

Ephesians 5:33
Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife [see] that she reverence [her] husband.

The Biblical usage of the word "reverence" means:
to reverence, venerate, to treat with deference or reverential obedience

As they say, every story has two sides. The first reference we read is directed toward husbands. A husband is to love his wife even as he loves himself. The second reference is directed to the wife who is to see that she reverence her husband.

I hear many comments about a marriage being a team, about both people giving "100%," and how husbands can no longer boss their wives around like so many slaves.

But I don't hear too much about how men show that they love their wives even as themselves. I hear even less about how a wife shows reverence to her husband.

Make no mistake about it, they play off each other.
Where there is a Jezebel, there is an Ahab.
And when both the husband and wife obey the word of God, you will find a man who loves without limit and a woman who lays down her life for him.

Are You Afraid To Homeschool?

Are you afraid to homeschool? It is time to allay those fears. This from Deborah Weuhler, Senior Editor at The Old Schoolhouse Magazine:

I meet many moms who are nervous about homeschooling based on one thing: higher math. Or others believe that because they are not good at math, they can only homeschool through elementary or junior high, but never through high school. I have living proof that children can learn math even without our help. I have two boys who learned algebra on their own at home, without me teaching them. They both had computer CDs that walked them through every math step because I couldn't. They then went on to take college algebra and both received an A. If you are one of those moms who thinks you can't teach your children, believe me, you will do just fine. There are tons of resources available to help you with math and every other subject out there. We have had math products reviewed by moms just like you and have found hundreds of wonderful helps. I believe that as you obey God and teach your children at home, He provides the wisdom, direction, and help you need. And I believe He rewards obedience with results. He truly is a rewarder of those who obey him, and He rewards those who diligently seek Him. May we be both, as we trust God with algebra and everything else that makes us anxious. Is algebra too hard? Make it simple, by trusting God to lead you to the right tools, and then dig in. Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6, 7 ~ Deborah TOS Senior Editor

I speak with many parents who are beginning the thought process toward the decision to home educate. (I prefer the term "home educate" because we do not bring a "school" environment home. Home education is an entirely different approach. More on that in another blog.) The comment I most often hear is that the parent doesn't feel qualified to do the job. They fear not only higher math but the very idea of spending all day, everyday, with their children. Fears about some very personal and complex issues surface.


Do I really have enough control over my children to not only spend all day with them but to be able to hold their attention and teach them? Many people exit the thought process right here. They don't want to face the fact that they really doubt whether they are able to keep their own children under control all day. That's usually when I hear something like, "Well, that's great what you do, but I'd never have the patience to do that. I'm just too impatient." Or, we hear this fear: "I just don't have the self-discipline to make school happen everyday." I often wonder at how a parent who finds the self-discipline to get up early and take their child to school can't find enough self-discipline to get up early and do it themselves, or better yet -- sleep in a little like we do and then get it done on a less strenuous schedule.


The weeks in which we have outside obligations and are up and out of the house early on a daily, or almost daily, basis make us exhausted! That's when I realize that the home-educating family really does lead a blessed, slower-paced lifestyle free from the many stresses of the way our culture lives life.


The actual question really lies within the framework of how we view God and life. Is the Lord pleased for us to yield the education of our children to others, particularly others who hold a God-less worldview? Who really does the best job of training the next generation? I agree with Dr. Ruth Beechick, who believes that home is the best place to learn and that parents don't give themselves enough credit for being the best teachers!


Education from parents to children enables learning to take place within context of need and experience, and that is real learning which isn't forgotten. Home education also enables the real purpose of education to be realized, and that is to know God and make Him known, and for parents to mentor their children and reproduce in their children who they, the parents are, themselves. God passes intact the Lordship and worship of Him from one generation to the next. This is perhaps the overarching reason for overcoming all fears and following the Biblical directive to train (teach) our children found in Deuteronomy, chapters four and eleven.


"Homeschooling naturally is natural. Don't work too hard on making it artificially schoolish." -Dr. Ruth Beechick, Author, Educator, Curriculum Developer & Advocate of Natural Learning


Would you like to know a little more about Dr. Beechick, one of the grandmothers of home centered education? Read about her here.

The High Places Are Meant For You

Oh, tell me five months haven't passed since my last blog. Since life finds me in the season of child rearing, I find myself with little time to spare, and when I can write, my thoughts often run along the lines of this most important area of family theory. So...I've been thinking lately...

God's word equivocates us to hinds (a deer-like animal) which are able to "skip upon the hills" and nimbly negociate the sharp peaks of the highest ascents. The high road is surely the place to be. With great views and the fresh air of the highlands, who wouldn't want to travel there? The high road, however, requires sacrifice of those who would seek it. As Hannah Hurnard points out in her book, Hinds Feet on High Places, one must be first equipped with the feet to travel there. No worries, though, Jesus will do that for you. But you must walk with him and follow His directives exactly, for you are going places you have never been. The high road is never the easy path.


There is much to hinder you from choosing the high road, of course, but for those who dare, the rewards are incalculable.


Think on that for awhile, and then read on. You might even want to check out the aforementioned book.


Application of the truth of hinds feet and the high road can be made across the board, but there is no concern more significant than its application in the area of family and children. With that in mind, I offer the following thoughts concerning home education from one of my favorite education resource groups. Why, you ask, does she so often share thoughts on this subject? Surely it's not the only subject of import. Surely not the only subject, but I have found that the way in which a family regards education is the way in which they regard the formation of their child's worldview. And, I'm in the middle of this, so the philosophy of education is often on my mind. God gives us the absolute right to shape our children's character through education.


Whether you already enjoy what I consider the the educational high places or you are thinking over the course of action you need to take concerning your children's education, below you will find some most interesting ideas that will help clear the thinking process. Remember, education is so much more than getting information into a child's brain. Education literally shapes who you are. Teachers are really mentors and gain precious paths of influence over the mentored. The information imparted is colored by the worldview of the writer and what you learn shapes how you view the world. Education is character training; to call it less is to devalue its power.


Homeschooling is not a new idea. Indeed it is ancient, as evidenced by this description of education in the Old Testament: “And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart. And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.” (Deuteronomy 6: 5-7)

Public schooling is the new idea, and was not common in America until the passage of the first compulsory education law in Massachusetts in 1852.

Homeschooling remains the absolute right and choice of parents. The numbers of children being homeschooled grows each year. Why? Because it works.

1. Homeschooling allows parents to keep their faith active and alive. You can’t live a God-centered life if God is not allowed in your door, as is the case in the public school. Teaching at home allows you to have all learning infused with the Word and Spirit of God.

2. Family values are preserved in the homeschool. We can instill our values, which are God’s values, with regard to life and death issues, heaven and hell, evolution and Creation. Everything else in our culture, it seems, tried to detract from family values. Homeschooling is one way to preserve them.

3. Homeschooling allows for both academic acceleration as well as learning at your child’s own pace. If your child is achievement oriented, he can and will excel in homeschooling. Conversely, if your child learns in a different way or has cognitive development issues, you can tailor-make your studies to suit them.

4. You can practice sane socialization in your homeschool. Rather than being randomly assigned to a group that most likely does not share your values, you can introduce and encourage God-honoring friendships. Instead of the peer dependence seen in the school setting, your child can relate to and learn from people of all ages.

5. Finally, you can ensure the physical safety of your children. Hardly a week goes by without news of another act of school violence. Homeschooling allows you to raise your children in the safety of your home.

If homeschooling sounds like a good fit for you and your family, know that you have an absolute right to do so. Some states are higher in regulation, while others have few if any requirements. We suggest that you focus first on some key principles to succeed:

1. Know the law in your state.

2. Follow the law.

3. Do your work as homeschoolers excellently.

4. Keep good records.

These will be the keys that will be able to protect your right to homeschool in the future. Doing an outstanding job and being able to demonstrate that your children are being well-educated will help protect the freedom to home-educate.

If you are thinking of homeschooling your children or have already chosen this right, the Christian Law Association, through the Homeschool Legal Advantage, stands behind you with information, encouragement and representation for you and your family.


When you home school, you are not alone! There are many support organizations and thousands who are choosing to home school every year. In the Austin area, I direct a support group and service organization. See information about that at www.classicalconversations.com or see our home pages at www.ccgeorgetown.com.