The Christian Conference Center is the newest building on the CFNI campus and houses the Institutes dining hall, conference rooms, a student cafe, the CFN Bookstore, Alumni Department, FMC, Employment Services, and other offices. The CCC is a central part of the CFNI campus; it’s more than a conference and office space; it provides students with a place to congregate and work on projects or browse the internet via our campus WiFi connection. However, a building like this does not come cheap. Christ For The Nations currently owes a balance of over $3,000,000 on the building. The monthly payments are huge, and the interest is tremendous.

Each year at Christ For The Nations, we honor our founders, Gordon and Freda Lindsay. This year, during a remembrance celebration at the Christ For The Nations Institute, Mrs. Ginger Lindsay, COO of CFN and Dr. John Hollar, Director of Partner Development, challenged the students to leave a legacy at CFNI by helping the school pay-off the debt that is owed on the Christian Conference Center (CCC).
Kieffer McCarron, a first year student, who was in the IB that day, was moved to make a pledge of faith. He answered the challenge by Mrs. Lindsay and Dr. Hollar by making a pledge that he knew he wouldn’t be able to honor without the Lord’s help. Convinced that God had prompted him to take this leap of faith, Kieffer began to pray and ask the Holy Spirit to give him an idea that would enable him to honor his pledge.

The answer Kieffer received was not a simple one, but he was up to the challenge. The Holy Spirit prompted him to go on what he’s calling the LEGACY MARCH—a 180 mile hike along the northern coast of California from Fort Bragg to the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco. Kieffer, along with a team of other CFNI students, will be walking the entire route, evangelizing the people they meet, and raising funds to help pay-off the debt owed on the Christian Conference Center.

Show your support for the Legacy March team

Visit the website: cfni.org/legacy-march

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Christ For The Nations announces a new Director of the Institute:
A TRANSITION IN LEADERSHIP AT THE INSTITUTE

CFN President, Dennis Lindsay, announced on Wednesday, February 22, 2012, the baton was being passed from Adam McCain to Dutch Sheets as the new Director of the Institute. Adam and his wife, Jami, will be answering God’s call, leading them to new and expanded ministries. Similarly, Dutch and Ceci Sheets received God’s call to return to the place of their roots to lead Christ For The Nations Institute.

The announcement took place at a Spiritual Enrichment convocation of faculty and staff. Those in attendance left the meeting greatly enriched and encouraged by God. Both men were humbled by the enormity of their responsibilities and by the powerful hand of God in arranging this change—accomplished with a great sense of peace and assurance, which all those present knew was from our God.

Adam McCain will continue to lead the Institute until the end of the Spring term, while Dutch Sheets and his wife, Ceci, will begin planning and preparing for their move from Alabama to Texas. Dutch Sheets will take the next season to become familiarized with the Institute, in order to transition into the position of Director of the Institute at the end of the 2012 Spring term. Adam McCain will reposition in roles by remaining on the CFNI team as a beloved adjunct teacher.

Dutch and Ceci Sheets are graduates of CFNI. Since their graduation in the late ‘70’s, they have served the Lord in pastoral and prophetic ministry, while also teaching and leading prayer ministries. Dutch served as Senior Pastor of Springs Harvest Fellowship in Colorado Springs for twenty years. Dutch has written 20 significant books on many aspects of Christian life and ministry, including his widely read book, Intercessory Prayer. He travels extensively throughout the United States and internationally teaching the Word of God.

Dennis and Ginger Lindsay, the President’s Council, Carroll Thompson, and others, joyously asked God’s blessings and anointing upon both Adam and Dutch, as they take these profound new steps in their lives.

On Tuesday, February 8, 2012, at approximately 3:30 in the afternoon, Sgt. Brad Bowman of Christ For The Nations Security was on patrol near the Krickbaum Center. He observed a vehicle, traveling north on Marvin D. Love Freeway (HWY 67), drive off the freeway and head onto the grass. The vehicle then struck another vehicle that was pulling out of the Shell gas station, turning north on the service road. When the vehicles collided they both burst into flames.

Sgt. Bowman and Officer Todd Ignatz responded to the location of the crash. They observed the driver of the vehicle that pulled out of the gas station was able to exit the vehicle. The other driver, however, was trapped inside her burning vehicle. Sgt. Bowman exited his patrol vehicle and ran up to the driver’s side door to try and open it, but the flames and heat were too intense, and he had to move back for his safety. He tried again to make his way to the driver’s side door, but was pushed back by the heat and flames again.

Sgt. Bowman then went to the passenger side door, but found that door was locked. At this time, CFNI student Julian Mahn was driving west down Kiest Blvd. and observed the crash. He stopped his vehicle in the middle of Kiest, exited his vehicle, and ran to assist Sgt. Bowman. Arriving at the location, Mahn looked to find something to break out the window. He picked up a metal pole, and as he turned around, he observed Sgt. Bowman was able to kick the window out and had already entered the burning vehicle. Mahn dropped the pole and ran over to assist Sgt. Bowman in pulling the female from the burning vehicle.

They carried her approximately 20 feet from the vehicle and placed her on the ground. By now, the car was engulfed in flames. The heat from the flames was so intense they had to move the female further away. Officer T. Ignatz helped to carry the female another 20 feet away. Officer T. Ignatz then began to secure the scene by assisting with traffic control, as the incident happened during rush hour traffic. Sgt. Bowman and Mahn stayed with the female until the Dallas Police and the Dallas Fire Department could arrive and take over the scene.

These three men showed the true love of God by being willing to lay down their life for a total stranger. Their actions on this day saved this women from a horrible death. I know each one of these men, personally, and none of them responded to this accident to receive the glory for themselves. They did it because of the call on their lives and their love for people. God has placed a valiant warrior sprit in them. There are great things to come from these men and great things to come for Christ For The Nations.

I was recently about to lead worship for an event. However, just before I left home, I had a moment of shock and awe. It was one of those things that happen—although, you don’t expect it to happen—but when it does happen, you don’t know what to say or do.

Usually, before I leave home for an event, I have my wife and kids pray for me. My seven year old son placed his hands on my head and uttered these words, which still ring in my head, “God, bless daddy, and help him sing good, and let them see Jesus.” That was it. I immediately opened my eyes as they started to fill up with tears, amazed at the profoundness of this prayer. “Let them see Jesus!” I can’t get rid of this thought.

You see, it really starts to hit me when I look around and see that we live in a culture where things are very personality driven. Media and television have invaded our platforms and pulpits. No longer can a person, who is full of the Spirit of God, get up and speak the truth, without having just the right balance of humor, hair gel, and just the right shoes.

I don’t want you to think that I’m against fashion or being culturally relevant, but I dare to say that no one walked away from Jesus thinking about how dynamic of a speaker He was or what a bold choice of tunics He wore.

This was a prophetic prayer that I think we need to be reminded of—

people have to see Jesus. That is all.

As a leader, I hear this all the time, “This generation doesn’t get it! They’re selfish and lazy. They only care about what pop-stars are wearing and the latest trends. They have no interest in hard work and taking certain matters in life seriously. Their perception of quality relationships is how many followers they have on twitter. They have no concept of maturity, and the only thing they know to stay loyal to is their favorite show and podcast subscriptions. We are going to lose this generation.” Now, I’d be lying if I told you I’d never had some of these same thoughts. However, it was during one of these moments, that the Lord reminded me of the revelation He gave to Ezekiel.

In chapter 37, Ezekiel shares a vision of being placed in a valley of dry bones. As he’s taking in the sight of what he is seeing, he is asked a crucial question, “Can these bones live?” His response was, “Lord, only you know.” Immediately after he answers, the Lord responds with a command and says, “Prophesy to these bones and tell them breath is coming to them and they will live! The Lord will attach tendon to tendon, wrap them in flesh, and cause breath to enter them so they may live!” Before this prophetic word could finish leaving his lips, he heard a rattling and saw the impossible before his eyes. What was once a sea of dry bones, is now an army. Then this shout echoed in my heart, “Chris, you see dry bones, but I see an army!”

What happened in Ezekiel 37 is a demonstration of Romans 4:17, when it says, “… God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did.” We will have to live in a realm of faith, like never before, if we are to see this “valley of dry bones,” called Generation Y, become the army I was challenged to see them as. You and I have been “placed” in this generation for a purpose, and it doesn’t matter what age we are or how relevant we think we are. Because we are here is reason enough to be invested in the following generation. In the same way I was challenged, I submit this to you. Are you calling dry, what He says can live? Are you labeling this young generation hopeless, when He is going to use them to establish hope?

As I travel, I see firsthand the wickedness, compromise, and moral confusion that has blitzed this generation. For sure, it is a mixed army—made up of the Christian school kid who has insecurity issues and has now overcome them, the young ones who have been sexually confused because they were molested their entire life, those who ran to the occult before they found the Church, or those who choke down prescription medication because devils have been telling them to do so. It is quite a gathering, needing much guidance.

However, if we are going to reach them, we’ve got to change the way we see them. Hard as it may be, I don’t see this generation as slothful, corrupt, and lethargic to the things of God. I think they are just bored! The Christianity we have been showing them is boring. For instance, once a young person is brought to the Lord, the only thing most will show them to do is pray and read their Bible, which is essential. But if that’s all we teach them, they will never learn to take spiritual responsibility for those around them, to heal the sick at the mall, or to witness to someone at the least expected and most inconvenient moments of their day. If all we leave them with is pray and read, we are eliminating the risk and adventure that has already been established for this generation.

In his work, Christian Consciousness, John G. Lake blatantly says, “Christianity is ALL supernatural.” We have never seen a breed of people gripping for the supernatural like this one. From the top grossing movies, to the highest rated shows, and books being bought and sold, this army is groomed to release for a release. Get ready! This is the hour! The least likely and the unreachable will be drawn to the Cross, become devoted to Jesus, and sell out their lives to Mark 16:15-18:

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.  And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well.”

Generation Y is not a lost cause. They have a lot of fire in them, but they just need someone to guide them and give them wisdom in understanding that fire. I remember as a young man what it meant to have a mentor in the faith remind me of who I was created to be. I also remember the confidence it gave me when I saw them open doors of opportunity for me. I can’t describe the safety I felt as young person knowing my father would be there for me if I needed him. These individuals brought clarity and character to my life, and I’m so thankful.

Is this not what the Lord has done for you and me, at one time or another? With leadership like this and the fusing of generations, we will see this “valley of dry bones” become a living army! They will be a generation given to holiness and not hormones. They will live a lifestyle of revival and not rebellion. They will walk with authority, honor, and character that will leave the world breathless and in desperation for the same thing. They will be dangerous for good because they desire to win the greatest reward, “Well done!”

Prophesy, pray, and believe for this generation from heavens perspective. These dry bones, just like in Ezekiel’s day, will hear a true, prophetic command, and then, we’ll see the reaction.

TEXAS TALIBAN AND THE DEN OF LIONS?

History occasionally repeats itself. 2,500 years ago, Daniel was thrown into a den of lions for praying to God. Like the enemies of Daniel, the secular media attempted to follow suit and come against Texas Gov. Rick Perry by comparing his recent call to prayer in Houston, Texas, as the Taliban-style theocracy.  Gov. Perry’s call was for a solemn gathering of Americans to pray and fast for our country and to seek God’s guidance and wisdom in addressing the challenges that face our nation. Although there were three governors who spoke to the crowd, they only prayed and read Scripture. There were no political speeches, there were no booths to pass out literature, nor was there an offering taken. Gov. Perry initiated the event, but he did not do the planning of it.

Nevertheless, as it was in Daniel’s day, Gov. Perry had his adversaries. A secular journalist stated,

“Prayer is, quite literally, the least one can do to help deal with a situation … Gov. Perry … has absolutely no idea how to resolve any issues. Therefore, we should all throw up our hands and beg an imaginary, supernatural being to momentarily suspend the physical laws of the universe to solve our problems … Might as well sacrifice a goat.”

The Bible identifies such an individual as a fool (Psalm 53:1). The level of stupidity in the world today, with so much knowledge and technology at our fingertips, is amazing. The problem is we may have a great deal of knowledge, but very little wisdom. In the year 2000, over 75 million Americans attended school from preschool through college, costing over $900 billion dollars. And with all that education, and money spent on education, we still have areas where we just aren’t getting it. For example: In 2009, 1.4 million Americans filed for bankruptcy. Over 50 percent of all first marriages end in divorce, 67 percent of all second marriages, and 74 percent of all third marriages will fail. Crime is up, unemployment is up, and the economy is down. Today, stress management has become a multibillion dollar business.

With these types of failures, it’s obvious that education alone isn’t the answer. Part of the problem is there are people in positions of power who are trying to get rid of God. People without revelation of God and His Word will perish because they are without wisdom. Education without God only creates intellectual barbarians.

Nevertheless, between 30 and 40 thousand people of all denominations, who believe in God and the power of prayer, came to Reliant Stadium in Houston. For eight hours there was prayer, repentance, and remorse for the sins of our nation and for each one’s own sins. No doubt, hundreds of thousands watched on live web stream from their homes. Christians do not require unanimity on every point of the Bible for them to agree that coming together to pray for repentance and blessing upon a nation in crisis is both proper and prudent. Those participating in the event had serious and justifiable concerns about the state of the culture and America’s future.

Yet, after the event was over, the media showed their bias once again, as they focused on a few dozen protesters outside the stadium, rather than on the crowd inside.

WHY THE RESPONSE? HISTORIC CRISIS

America is in the midst of an historic crisis. We have been besieged by financial debt, terrorism, and a multitude of natural disasters. The youth of America are in grave peril economically, socially, and, most of all, morally. There are threats emerging within our nation and outside our borders, beyond our power to solve. Prayer is the key for unlocking the power of God to help America in this crisis.

Daniel chapter 10:12, 13, makes it clear that there is conflict in the spiritual realm when God’s people desire to pray (also Ephesians 6:10-18). Prayer is one of our mightiest weapons on Earth—the supernatural equivalent of air support in a military campaign—and the enemy will try to neutralize this advantage and keep believers from praying. C. S. Lewis wrote,

“There are two equal and opposite errors people fall into regarding the devil and demons. One is to have had an unhealthy and excessive interest in them; the other is to disbelieve in their existence altogether. The devil is equally pleased with either one.”

PROTESTING PRAYER? A LESSON ON RELIGIOUS FREEDOM

As David Barton points out,

“Prayer is one of the greatest of American traditions. It dates back to the founding of this country. In addition to an American spirit of freedom, boldness, and independence, prayer reflects an important counterbalancing American spirit: humility. A country that is prideful is a country on its way out as a leading power. Remembering that our country and our freedoms are a gift from God is a welcome attitude for a healthy America. Even our Declaration of Independence begins with this acknowledgment.”

So why were some people attacking the prayer event in Houston? Obviously, such protestors are spiritually blind.

GOVERNOR RICK PERRY’S PRAYER DURING THE RESPONSE

“Lord, You are the source of every good thing, You are our only hope. And we stand before You today in awe of Your power and in gratitude for Your blessings; in humility for our sins. Father, our hearts break for America. We see discord at home. We see fear in the marketplace. We see anger in the halls of government. And, as a nation, we have forgotten Who made us, Who protects us, Who blesses us, and for that we cry out for Your forgiveness. We pray for our nation’s leaders, Lord—for parents, for pastors, for the generals, for governors—that You would inspire them in these difficult times. Father, we pray for our President, that You would impart Your wisdom upon him, that You would guard his family. We pray for our military and the families who love them; Father, especially for those special operators who lost their lives yesterday in defending our freedoms. You call us to repent, Lord, and this day is our response. We give it all to You. For Thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen and amen.”

God’s Presence was in Reliant Stadium, and we know that He heard the cries of His people. We believe we will see the fruit in our nation because young and old, many races, and many denominations gathered in unity to worship the Name of Jesus.

JOEL 2:12-15

In Joel, chapter two, an ancient Hebrew prophet speaks to a nation in crisis and gave them God’s solution: to gather together, repent of their sins, and pray to God to intervene on their behalf. In that day, the command was for everyone to stop what they were doing and gather for a sacred assembly to turn to God with all their hearts, “… with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning …” (Joel 2:12).

Why did God desire fasting, weeping, and mourning—or, to put it differently, contrition and humility—from the people? A “sacred assembly” (Joel 2:15) was a gathering that served a few purposes. First, in gathering, the people were acknowledging that their nation had drifted away from its foundations of faith and morality. Because of this moral decline, the people were not prepared to face the external threats rising up against them—economic, political, and military in nature. God wanted His people to understand that their internal threats (moral decline) were far greater than their external threats (the economic crisis and military invasion).

In gathering together, God wanted the people instructed, so they would know why their nation was in peril. God wanted the people—from the children and nursing babes to the leaders and priests (Joel 2:16)—to all completely understand both the nature of the crisis at hand and the only solution that would deliver them from their great crisis—God Himself. God ordained in that hour of history that prayer would serve as the only way of escape from the mounting trouble. Why prayer? Only God has the power to solve both the internal moral decline and the external economic and military threats. All three were unsolvable by human means and human solutions, but God had a solution that could be found in His great mercy.

Therefore, in gathering together, the people could cry out together with their leaders in humility and repentance led by their priests (Joel 2:17). There is power from Heaven available to those who gather together and pray. We see a Joel 2 gathering at the beginning of the Book of Acts with a Joel 2 answer in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2). The greatest missions’ movements in history, beginning with the Apostle Paul, were launched out of prayer gatherings like the one in Acts 13. The great Catholic, Protestant, and student volunteer missions movements were all launched out of prayer gatherings. The greatest revivals in history, such as the First and Second Great Awakenings, were also birthed out of sustained, persistent gatherings of prayer. Dramatic things have happened throughout many generations when the people of God come together and seek His face. Who knows what can happen in our generation when we gather together to worship Jesus, fast and pray, and believe and trust God for great change in our nation? Could it be that the Lord would hold fast to His Word and “Heal our Land”?

HISTORIC PRECEDENCE FOR NATIONAL PRAYER

On March 16, 1776, the Continental Congress passed without dissent a resolution presented by General William Livingston, declaring:

“Congress … desirous … to have people of all ranks and degrees duly impressed with a solemn sense of God’s superintending providence, and of their duty, devoutly to rely… on his aid and direction … do earnestly recommend Friday, the 17th day of May, be observed by the colonies as a Day of Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer; that we may, with united hearts, confess and bewail our manifold sins and transgressions, and, by sincere repentance and amendment of life, appease God’s righteous displeasure, and, through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ, obtain this pardon and forgiveness.”

Several years later, on June 14, 1783, George Washington wrote a prayer to governors of the newly freed states along the same lines. His declaration is displayed in St. Paul’s Chapel, NY, and Pohick Church, VA, where Washington was a church member from 1762-84:

“Almighty God; We make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy Holy protection; and Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States—at—large, and particularly for their brethren who have served in the Field. And finally, that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”

On April 15, 1775, just four days before the Battle of Lexington, the Massachusetts Provincial Congress, led by John Hancock, declared:

“In circumstances dark as these, it becomes us, as men and Christians, to reflect that, whilst every prudent measure should be taken to ward off the impending judgments … the 11th of May next, be set apart as a day of public humiliation, fasting and prayer … to confess the sins … to implore the forgiveness of all our transgression.”

On April 19, 1775, in a proclamation of a day of fasting and prayer, Connecticut Governor Jonathan Trumbull beseeched that:

“God would graciously pour out His Holy Spirit on us to bring us to a thorough repentance and effectual reformation that our iniquities may not be our ruin; that He would restore, preserve and secure the liberties of this and all the other British American colonies, and make the land a mountain of holiness and habitation of righteousness forever.”

On June 12, 1775, less than two months after the Battles of Lexington and Concord, and where “the shot heard ‘round the world,’” was fired, the Continental Congress, under President John Hancock, declared:

“Congress … considering the present critical, alarming, and calamitous state … do earnestly recommend, that Thursday, the 12th of July next, be observed by the inhabitants of all the English Colonies on this continent, as a day of public humiliation, fasting and prayer, that we may with united hearts and voices,

unfeignedly confess and deplore our many sins and offer up our joint supplications to the All wise, Omnipotent and merciful Disposer of all events, humbly beseeching Him to forgive our iniquities … It is recommended to Christians of all denominations to assemble for public worship and to abstain from servile labor and recreations of same day.”

Obviously, America’s roots are grounded in days of prayer, fasting and humiliation.

MIXING RELIGION AND POLITICS

Some argue that the governor was mixing religion and politics. However, the above quotes clearly revealed that America’s early fathers were involved, not only in the politics of the nation, but calling people to pray. Again, the secular media implied that the motive behind Gov. Perry’s gathering was to promote his Presidential campaign. If Gov. Perry was using this occasion for enhancing his bid for his nomination for the Presidency, the event truly settled the issue once and for all, because such an act would result in sabotaging his candidacy. However, as it was with Daniel, who refused to obey the king’s command to not pray to his God, there is a price to pay for publicly acknowledging and seeking God. He made a bold declaration by praying openly before his enemies. We should model his resolute stance in our public confession. There is a severe price to pay—especially as a nationally recognized politician—for standing up and calling the nation to prayer and for aligning oneself with such a call. But Christians need to understand that the attack is not just against Gov. Perry and those who worked with The Response; the attack is against God.

Although he was severely criticized by his opposition, God had a reward for Daniel, which included salvation and a surprise for his enemies—lunchmeat for the lions. Meanwhile, afterward, the Bible says Daniel prospered during the reigns of Darius and Cyrus. Could God also have a surprise for Gov. Perry?

ONE THING IS CERTAIN

Texas has been in extreme drought. We have broken the temperature record with more than 40+ days of triple digit heat, and wildfires still burn in many areas of the state. When the rains return and the drought is broken, a rainbow will appear in the heavens. Meanwhile, for those who are spiritually discerning, the Lord has placed a rainbow over the gathering of believers who humbled themselves before the Lord and confessed their reliance upon God alone in Reliant Stadium. Even though the hope for America lies in Heaven, we will find it on our knees here on Earth.

In Jeremiah 11, the Lord warns Jeremiah that He is going to judge Israel for her unfaithfulness. Jeremiah responds, complaining that the ungodly seem to live a life of ease and the wicked prosper. The Lord’s challenge to Jeremiah was, “So, Jeremiah, if you’re worn out in this footrace with men, what makes you think you can race against horses? And if you can’t keep your wits during times of calm, what’s going to happen when troubles break loose …?” (Jeremiah 12:5 The Message Bible).

I believe this challenge from the Lord is still relevant to us today. In these last days, we must be ready for two things: a great harvest and great hostility. If the harvest you’ve been praying for came to pass: Would you be willing to disciple and lead them to a place of spiritual maturity? When the persecution of Christians comes to America, what will you do? Will you be ready to stand for Jesus at any cost?

A serious athlete takes stock of their physical fitness, and we must learn to examine ourselves to ensure that we’re fit for God’s purposes.

1. 1. Attitude (Ephesians 4:22-24)

If you’ve ever watched “The Biggest Loser,” you know that each contestant reaches the point of “That’s it—I’ve had enough! It’s time to change!” This attitude change motivates them through the grueling workouts, food cravings, and sheer exhaustion. We must choose daily to renew our minds in Christ Jesus, rejecting apathy, frustration, and fear of failure.

1. 2. Diet (Mark 7:20-23)

Just as diet plays a vital role in physical fitness, our spiritual diet plays a vital role in our spiritual fitness. If we gained weight eating too many potato chips or cookies, would we be surprised? So, we shouldn’t be surprised if we don’t sense God’s Presence when we spend countless hours on the Internet or watching TV. What goes in—always comes out.

1. Exercise (Philippians 2:12, 13)

Any trainer will tell you that while eating a healthy diet is important, you still need exercise. We become spiritually fat when all we do is receive—real spiritual fitness requires “working out our salvation.” In addition to the daily disciplines of prayer and Bible reading, share Jesus with your neighbors or go on a mission trip. Get out of your comfort zone and develop spiritual muscles you never knew existed.

Bottom Line: We must keep ourselves spiritually fit for the days ahead.

Several years ago, I spoke at CFNI’s summer youth camp, Youth For The Nations. Thousands of students came from all over the country, so I conducted a survey, asking them to name as many alcoholic beverages as they could. Most named 10-15 easily. I asked if they could name five secular songs, currently at the top of the charts. The vast majority could, and most could sing the lyrics. Then I asked how many of the Ten Commandments could they list. No one could name more than three. When asked how many of the twelve disciples they could name, only a couple knew more than two.

Did these students come from bad homes? Were they unsaved? No, most of them came from stable Christian homes. It was because no one had ever imparted these values to them. There is a difference between just relaying information and imparting values. We see this in James 1:22. “Do not merely listen to the Word and so deceive yourselves—do what it says.”

The life and ministry of Jesus is our perfect example. Jesus preached to everyone, but He only selected twelve disciples. He knew that to reproduce His character and likeness in them, He would have to invest time, effort, and energy—talking to them personally, answering their questions, and imparting His values. Jesus understood that disciples are not mass-produced; they are painstakingly developed over time. The Apostle Paul states, “You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone, but on tablets of human hearts” (2 Corinthians 3:3).

It takes time to transfer our values from “tablets of stone” on to the “tablets of human hearts.” Isn’t it time we get started?