“Present your case,” says the LORD. “Bring forth your strong reasons,” says the King of Jacob. (Isaiah 41:21).

How much momentum do you have?
What simple steps can you take to gain more?

On March 24, Dr. Jerry Graham sent a Daily Gram titled “The Big Mo” talking about momentum and its importance to a leader. That message really resonated strongly with my spirit. I’ll share more about that tomorrow. But for now, I want to share a personal and current story about momentum.

Since August 2007, Virginia Morton has been hosting a Marching Through Culpeper prayer conference call nearly every Tuesday afternoon. Each week, about 5-7 people from 3-4 states participate. Our team of eagles believes that God is lining up the people, resources, and circumstances to make a TV mini-series and major motion picture from Virginia’s Civil War novel and that He will use that to heal longstanding differences between the North and the South and between blacks and whites.

Virginia does an outstanding job preparing for and facilitating these prayer calls. Typically, she begins each call by sharing a single word and corresponding scripture to guide our prayers for that day. Yesterday, Virginia’s word was “case” and these were the two scriptures she shared:

Isaiah 41:21 – “Present your case,” says the LORD. “Bring forth your strong reasons,” says the King of Jacob.

Isaiah 43:25-26 – “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; And I will not remember your sins. Put Me in remembrance; Let us contend together; State your case, that you may be acquitted.

Virginia told our prayer team that Bob Sims has told her repeatedly over the past few months that the LORD told him to tell Virginia, “Present your case.” I wasn’t even aware those words were in the Bible. Bob wasn’t either. The Holy Spirit simply gave them to Bob to share with Virginia. Those words “Present your case” spoke very strongly to each person on the phone call, including me. They drove me into action.

Near the end of our prayer call, Burt Swardstrom asked what I’ve been doing. I shared about the prayer the Holy Spirit gave me on Sunday morning March 30, “Who is my target audience.” I then shared about my conflict between the Leadership Summit III and the Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon in early May and how Julia told me I should go to New York City to personally meet Dan Stratton and Lance Wallnau. Virginia and Bob Sims quickly agreed this was right for me. Bob told me he has been listening a lot to Lance recently because of his teaching of the Seven Mountains and what Bob saw and experienced in Germany. Bob told me my target audience is the mind molders at the top of the Seven Mountains.

At 8 PM yesterday evening, I hosted my third webinar titled “UNCOMMON Internet Marketing Seminar.” This was my first webinar in the evening. I saw fruit from that in less than 2 hours that will impact much of Central America. At 9 PM, I participated in the webcast hosted by Dan Stratton and Lance Wallnau about the Leader Summit in NYC on May 1-3. That was awesome.

Then this morning, I participated in my very first prayer conference call for the Provision Network, facilitated by Dan Stratton. That was incredible. About 50-75 people from 20 or so states participated. The prayers and unity were wonderful. My spirit is jumping for joy.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, I praise You as the God who has presented Your case clearly for the divinity of Jesus Christ. I praise You as the God of momentum. One day of favor from You can be worth more than a lifetime of labor. I pray for UNCOMMON boldness, that each person reading this message will be strong and of good courage as You commanded Joshua before he led the people of Israel into the promised land. May they present their cases for Jesus Christ in love and truth. Thank You Jesus. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
The Seven Mountains – seven spheres of influence that make up the mind molders that control nations

Blessings to present your case in your God-given sphere of influence!

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. (Romans 12:1)

What is the legacy of General Stonewall Jackson?
How is that still impacting Virginia and America today?

In the past few months I have become fascinated with the spiritual legacy of General Stonewall Jackson and the impact he has had and continues to still have on Virginia. When Dutch Sheets and Chuck Pierce spoke at the 50 State Tour gathering in March 2004, they declared that Virginia is the “covenant root state.” Based upon it’s rich Christian heritage, Virginia was acknowledged to have governmental authority, not just for the United States, but for the world.

According to David C. McCullough, “History is who we are and why we are the way we are.” One of the many blessings of being a close friend of Virginia Morton is that she has taught me much about Civil War history as well as the history of Culpeper and Virginia. A few months ago, I watched a DVD that Virginia loaned to me about the faith of Generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. Without a doubt, they were spiritual giants of the Civil War.

In her email on March 28, Virginia Morton shared, “God is truly bringing truth to light pertaining to Confederate history. Thanks to Burt (Swardstrom) and the MasterMedia newsletter, I learned of the 48-minute documentary “Still Standing: The Stonewall Jackson Story.” I then contacted Rick Williams, author of “Stonewall Jackson: The Black Man’s Friend.” The friends of Cedar Mountain Battlefield will be showing the film April 4 and Rick will be here to introduce it. We were blessed with two excellent articles in today’s newspaper which I think you will find fascinating.” [See today’s Link of the Day to read those.]

If you live nearby, you are invited to come to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Culpeper Virginia at 7 PM on Friday April 4 to meet Rick Williams and watch the 40 minute documentary film “Still Standing: The Stonewall Jackson Story.”

On March 27, Robert Hartzell, founder of Fountains of Life, told me about Arthur Burk, founder of Plumbline Ministries. Robert shared that Arthur has had community transformation on his heart since 1978 and works with a lot of businessmen. Arthur believes that the spiritual gifts discussed in Romans 12 apply not only to people, but to businesses, cities, and even nations. When Arthur visits a community, he emphasizes celebrating the gifting and calling of that community rather than pointing out what’s wrong.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, I praise You as the God of history, the God who makes history, writes history, and uses history in Your perfect plan. Thank You for the rich spiritual heritage left by General Stonewall Jackson. Thank You for using Rick Williams to uncover part of that. Thank You that Rick is coming to Culpeper on April 4. Bless his visit and all those who meet him. Prepare the heart and minds of those who attend the April 4 gathering to understand the significance of Jackson’s life and legacy for this day and time. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Links to newspaper articles about Rick Williams and Stonewall Jackson

Blessings to understand and apply the significance of history in healing wounds of the past!

“But as it is written: Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (1 Corinthians 2:9)

Will you help spread this message in the social networks?

Butch Mills has an inspiring story to tell. From the time he was buried in dirt up to his neck until x-rays showed miraculous healing in his lungs, God was beside him. He credits Culpeper’s prayer vigil for him as the divine power which led to his healing. He will share his survival story at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 23, 2008 in the Fellowship Hall of Culpeper United Methodist Church at the Operation Rescue Liberia rally.

For the first time in the history of the United States and Liberia, both flags along with the Virginia flag will be flown in historic Culpeper during this rally.

Operation Rescue Liberia, headed by Rev. Samuel Reeves of Culpeper in partnership with Gleaning for the world, is seeking to raise $30,000 to ship and distribute $1 million dollars in medical and other supplies to war-torn Liberia. Liberia is emerging from fifteen years of civil war which caused 250,000 deaths, the disabling and relocation of a large percentage of the population, and a current unemployment rate of 70%. Liberia native Rev. Reeves was educated in the U.S. He will return to his homeland, the only African nation created by the United States, to distribute the medical supplies through Rim of Grace Ministries, and to work towards improving the economy through job formation.

The rally will begin at 11 a.m. with Christian music led by Dwight Parker and worship leaders from four area churches. Among the speakers beginning at 1 p.m. are:

Rev. Ron Davidson, Founder of Gleaning for the World
Jim Mead whose BTK Shipping Company of Washington D. C. will handle the shipping
Dr. Randy Peck and Virginia Morton of Pray Culpeper
Felicia Chavey of the Red Cross
Lyndon Peabody, a Liberia native and U. S. Marine
A representative from the Liberian Embassy

Madison County resident David Bean and Wallace Powell, a Liberia native residing in Providence, RI will serve as Masters of Ceremonies. For the first time in the history of the United States, the American, Liberian, and Virginia flags will be flown together at this event.

The greater Culpeper Community is invited to attend this rally to gain a better understanding of Virginia’s close historical ties to Liberia. Rev. Reeves says, “We’re seeking the prayers, support, and financial blessings of the community to make this mission of mercy possible.”

Hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks will be available for purchase. For more information call David Bean at 540-718-2752.

Prayer Power
Most gracious and merciful Father, we thank You for this upcoming convergence rally on Feb 23 in Culpeper. Thank You for bringing together these different people and ministries for this historic day in our historic community. Bless each participant and all those who pray for the rally. May many people in Culpeper choose to adopt Liberia as a nation to bless in a mighty way. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Rim of Grace Ministries

Blessings to see Culpeper and Virginia adopt Liberia as nation to bless!

“and He has filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom and understanding, in knowledge and all manner of workmanship,” (Exodus 35:31)

In what area do you want to improve to manifest excellence?
What step will you take today to move in that direction?

In my devotional on Feb 16 about the musical My Fair Lady, I committed to sharing more about prestigious Woodberry Forest School in today’s devotional. Within four hours of sending that devotional, I received an email from Virginia Morton stating, “The first chaplain at Woodberry Forest was none other than newly ordained minister Frank Stringfellow. His cousin founded the school.”

Frank Stringfellow is one of the lead characters in Virginia’s 500+ page book “Marching Through Culpeper.” Her Civil War novel, which has sold more than 10,000 copies, is based on much historical fact. Somehow, God is bringing together (converging) all this history to do something really big. We’ll have to wait to see how this unfolds.

I also found it interesting to learn that Kellye Coleman’s father is assistant headmaster at Woodberry Forest School. Kellye, a senior at Madison High School, did an outstanding job performing the lead role of Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady. Her face radiated the love of God during the musical and she publicly gave thanks to Him in the program stating, “Kellye would like to thank her Heavenly Father for the amazing gifts and talents He’s blessed her with, her family for their constant support, Mr. Blain for this amazing experience, …”

While I was working as an anesthesiologist at Culpeper Hospital for 12 years, I was always impressed by the politeness and maturity of teenagers from Woodberry Forest School who came for preop interviews. This stood in sharp contrast to the typical teenager I’d see who would hardly pay attention and often giggle instead. Andrew Earles, the son of one of my neighbors, attended Woodberry on a full scholarship about 15 years ago and graduated as valedictorian.

The mission page of the Woodberry website states: “At Woodberry Forest School, our mission is to develop in our students, under Christian principles, a high sense of honor and moral integrity, a deep respect for sound scholarship, a full acceptance of responsibility, a love of excellence, and a desire to be of service to others. We aim to help our students become leaders of and active contributors to society. We also intend to prepare them to enter the best colleges and universities consistent with their potential.

At Woodberry, we are committed to ensuring our students’ growth. We provide them a broad range of experiences to balance their academic, artistic, physical, and spiritual development. By offering students well-conceived challenges–together with support and encouragement–we instill in them self-confidence and a desire to achieve excellence throughout their lives. Woodberry is committed to helping boys acquire the strong values and capacity to reason that enable them to deal effectively with important intellectual, ethical, and social problems and to lead rewarding private lives. Our faculty is more concerned with teaching students how to think than what to think.”

Woodberry gives young men the type of memories that shape their lives forever. It helps them build strong friendships, feel secure in a supportive community, and develop a moral compass that helps them live honorable lives. This community strives for honor, excellence, and achievement with continuous support from faculty and friends both inside and beyond the classroom. Is it any wonder that Woodberry Forest School is one of the premier private high schools in the nation. And it’s just a 20 minute drive from my home?

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for Woodberry Forest School and its strong Christian heritage. Thank You for the many men with outstanding character the school has turned out. Bless the faculty and the students in 2008 with the best year in the school’s history. Open doors for this school to play a key role in networking Your army around the world. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
Woodberry Forest School

Blessings to live a life of honor, excellence, and integrity!

A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time. (Isaiah 60:22)

What were 10 of the top spiritual stories in Culpeper in 2007?
What were 10 of the top spiritual stories in your community in 2007?

The main headline on the front page of yesterday’s local newspaper read “The top 10 of 2007.” The paper went on to list these top 10 stories of 2007 as ranked by the editors and reporters of the Culpeper Star Exponent: 1) The race for sheriff, 2) illegal immigration, 3) trench collapse, 4) housing slump, 5) new businesses, 6) Josh Thomas, 7) Co. 11 suspension, 8) Dominion Power plan, 9) consolidation, and 10) drought. According to a vote by Associated Press members, the top news story in America in 2007 was the Virginia Tech killings.

But what happened spiritually in 2007? Are the people in my community better or worse off? From my perspective, the spiritual climate in Culpeper improved substantially. In chronological order, here are 10 of my favorite spiritual stories for 2007:

1) Wired for Success
2) Prayer Walk of Binns Middle School on March 25
3) Culpeper hosts three National Day of Prayer rallies on May 1-2, 2007
4) The Extraordinary Miracle of 800 Battle Cry Tickets
5) Global Day of Prayer assembly on Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 2007
6) Weekly “Marching Through Culpeper” prayer conference calls were started by Virginia Morton in July 2007. We believe God is going to turn Virginia’s book into a TV mini-series and then a major motion picture to heal the heart of America.
7) Candlelight Prayer Vigil for Butch Mills on 9-11 (Sep 11, 2007)
8) Celebration of 150th Anniversary of Fulton Street Revival on Sep 24, 2007
9) Culpeper community Thanksgiving service on Tuesday Nov 20 (Dr. Lloyd Ogilvie and Butch Mills)
10) Culpeper models successful prison re-entry program (Rev. Mark Jarvis)

Of course, these 10 stories represent only a very small fraction of the many great things that God did in Culpeper in 2007. Thank you to all of you (locally, regionally, nationally, and even internationally) who are sowing your prayers, time, treasure, and talent to make Culpeper and Virginia a bright light for the world.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for the many ways You blessed Culpeper in 2007. We continue to cry out to You, “Lord, have mercy.” We ask You to give us Your best, not what we deserve. Bring in Your spiritual tsunami. Bless us with godly leaders in the pulpit and in the marketplace. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Links of the Day
Top 10 Spiritual Stories of 2007 – details with links. Also photo gallery for all of 2007.

Photo gallery for all of 2007

Blessings to take an active role in the spiritual growth of your community!

What happened spiritually in 2007? Are the people in my community better or worse off? From my perspective, the spiritual climate in Culpeper improved substantially. In chronological order, here are 10 of my favorite spiritual stories for 2007:

1) “Wired for Success”
On Jan 18, 2007, Gov. Tim Kaine flew into Culpeper with Manuel Mandina, the Founder of Terremark Worldwide, to announce that Terremark was going to build a $270 million high tech data center in Culpeper. Mr. Mandina compared this data center to an airport hub and said it would be an online marketplace for business, education, and government. Our Pray Culpeper team felt this was a huge answer to prayer after praying weekly for 18 months for God to bless our marketplace leaders in business, education, and government.

2) Prayer Walk of Binns Middle School on March 25

3) Culpeper hosts three National Day of Prayer rallies on May 1-2, 2007
At the main event held at the Culpeper courthouse at Noon on May 2, three of our local marketplace leaders shared the importance of their faith and prayer in their work. And rewarded all three. Dr. David Cox, superintendant of Culpeper County Public Schools, received a 4-year contract extension along with a healthy salary increase. Steve Nixon, Vice Chairman of the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors, won his re-election campaign with the 2nd largest margin of all the elections. Jim Branch won the hotly contested sheriff’s race.

See Testimony From NDP Freedom Youth Rally
See Pray Without Ceasing

4) The Extraordinary Miracle of 800 Battle Cry Tickets
On May 11-12, 2007, the same weekend America’s 400th Anniversary celebration was taking place in Jamestown Virginia, Battle Cry 2007 took place at the Nissan Pavilion in northern Virginia. About 15,000-20,000 youth and youth leaders showed up for this amazing event sponsored by Teen Mania Ministries [www.teenmania.com]. Ron Luce, the Founder and President of Teen Mania, challenged the youth of our nation to “Rise Up” and let their voices be heard to reclaim America for God.

As I reflect back on what happened this past weekend at Battle Cry 2007, I’m in awe of how God has blessed the united prayers of our Pray Culpeper team. Not only did God multiply the number of Battle Cry tickets that Dewey McDonnell purchased from 40 (2006) to 400 to 800 (2007), but He then united the hearts of many of our local youth leaders to bring their youth to Battle Cry 2007, and He moved this event from Baltimore to Virginia, making it easier and cheaper for our local youth to attend.

God also gave Dewey the opportunity to display our nine-foot wide Pray Culpeper banner at the Nissan Pavilion and to get on stage with Ron Luce to share the 40-400-800 miracle in front of thousands of people live and to millions more through TV and the Internet.

5) Global Day of Prayer assembly on Pentecost Sunday, May 27, 2007
For the first time, this public Christian event was held both in English and Spanish

6) Weekly “Marching Through Culpeper” prayer conference calls were started by Virginia Morton in July 2007. We believe God is going to turn Virginia’s book into a TV mini-series and then a major motion picture to heal the heart of America.

7) Candlelight Prayer Vigil for Butch Mills on 9-11 (Sep 11, 2007)

8) Celebration of 150th Anniversary of Fulton Street Revival on Sep 24, 2007

9) Culpeper community Thanksgiving service on Tuesday Nov 20, 2007

With Dr. Lloyd Ogilvie as our keynote speaker, we had record attendance. The return and testimony of Butch Mills delighted the crowd.

10) Culpeper models successful prison re-entry program (Rev. Mark Jarvis)

Of course, these 10 stories represent a very small fraction of the big things that God did in Culpeper in 2007. To all of you who have been sowing your lives and prayers to make Culpeper a bright light for the world, I say, “Thank you!”

“He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.” (Luke 11:23)

How much margin do you have in your life to cultivate the gift of relationships?
What can you do to increase that margin?

The Culpeper United Methodist Church hosted a candlelight prayer vigil yesterday evening to pray for Butch Mill’s healing. As mentioned in my 9-11 devotional, Butch was involved in a near fatal accident on August 30 when the ground collapsed all around him while he was working on a sewer line in Culpeper.

About 300-400 people showed up for the prayer vigil. The venue had changed from Comet Stadium to the gymnasium at Floyd T. Binns Middle School. There were several special parts to the vigil, including the songs, scripture readings, prayers, and words of encouragement. Carter Mills, Butch’s son, thanked people for coming to pray for his dad.

For me, the most touching part was Gary Harding’s personal testimony of the kind of friend and person Butch Mills is. Gary has been a friend of Butch for 15 years and their children have grown up together. Gary summed Butch up by saying that some people see a glass as half full, while others see it as half empty. No matter who you are, Butch is someone who would just fill your glass.

Our chief prayer focus was on Butch’s breathing. He has been on a ventilator ever since his accident two weeks ago and has had trouble with a pneumonia. Today, Virginia Morton forwarded an email from Linda Fors stating, “The respiratory therapist has stated there has been a “vast” improvement with Butch from yesterday till today! Praise God! God’s Holy Word says, “Where there are two or three gathered in my name to pray, there am I in the midst of them.”

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, we thank You yesterday’s prayer vigil and for bringing many people from different walks of life together to pray in unity for this Christian hero in our community. We thank You for the answer to prayer with Butch’s rapid improvement in his respiratory condition. We continue to pray for complete and miraculous healing of Butch. In Jesus’ name, the supreme Physician, we pray. Amen.

Link of the Day
Photos From Candlelight Prayer Vigil

Blessings to Butch and his family to see God’s miraculous healing power!

Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. (Matthew 6:33 & 34, The Message, Eugene H. Peterson)

If you knew today was you last day on earth … how then would you live?
What would you do more of? Less of?
What would you make sure to say to your loved ones?
What would you do or not do?
What would you “let go” because it really doesn’t matter in the big picture?

Today marks the six year anniversary of 9-11, when four planes flown by terrorists destroyed the two World Trade Center towers, severely damaged the Pentagon, and claimed innocent lives on the plane that crashed in Pennsylvania. Probably none of the victims that dreadful morning suspected it would be their last ever on earth.

How many lives are lost unexpectedly every day? For how many would life never be the same? Sudden death; it keeps happening.

Since July 3, I have been participating in a weekly prayer conference call with a small group of people around the nation praying for Virginia Morton’s book “Marching Through Culpeper” (MTC) to be made into a mini-series and a major motion picture. We believe God is going to use this movie to heal the heart of America.

During our prayer call on August 14, Virginia prayed for Butch Mills. She thanked God for how excited he was about Rick Heeren’s teaching about reaching entire cities for Jesus. We have prayed for him each week since.

On August 30, tragedy struck. Butch while he was working on a sewer line in a trench in Culpeper. The ground collapsed all around him and he was buried up to his neck in concrete and rubble for more than five hours before being rescued and flown by helicopter to the University of Virginia Medical Center. He broke every rib, his scapula, sternum and clavicle. He has a punctured lung and bruises to his kidneys and heart. He has multiple fractures to the area around one eye and sinus and to his right shoulder. He remains in critical condition on a ventilator.

I barely even know Butch, but I know he’s sold out to Jesus. Carter Mills, Butch’s son, is the star kicker on the Culpeper High School football team and a good friend of my son. Julie Brooks, his niece, did her first triathlon in Culpeper this summer and now is a superstar triathlete. Jonathan Brooks, Butch’s nephew, is a local chiropractor who sent me an email asking me to pray for Butch shortly after his accident.

Our whole community is rallying around this champion for Christ. He is much loved by many, many folks in Culpeper. Our local newspaper has had 11 front page articles about Butch in the last 12 days. Tonight, the Culpeper United Methodist Church is hosting a candlelight prayer vigil to pray for Butch’s healing. This begins at 7:30 PM at Comet Stadium, the former stadium used by the Culpeper High School football team.

Even if you are not able to attend the prayer vigil, please join us in praying for God to completely heal Butch. Thank you.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, we don’t know why bad things happen to good people, but we do know that You are a master at taking things meant for evil and turning them into great things that bring You glory and draw people to You. In unity with every one of my readers and many people in Culpeper, we ask You to touch Butch with Your healing hand and make him well. Make his life a testimony of Your goodness, greatness, and saving power. Stir the hearts of everyone who comes to tonight’s prayer vigil to live each day as if it’s our last on earth – for You. Thank You Jesus. We love and adore You. Amen.

Links of the Day
Newspaper articles about Butch + outstanding from Jeff & Jill Williams [see below]

Photos from the Sept 11 prayer vigil for Butch Mills

Blessings to live each day as if it’s your last – for Jesus!

• Area soccer team going for the goal on Mills’ behalf (Sep 11)
• Vigil being held for man rescued from sinkhole (Sep 11)
• OUR VIEW: Heroes can be found all around us
• Mills’ status worsens (Sep 8)
• CCHS star kicker continues with team (Sep 8)
• Conditions of men hurt remain same (Sep 7)
• Man rescued from sinkhole improving (Sep 5)
• Contractor still in critical condition (Sep 4)
• Contractor remains in critical condition (Sep 2)
• Contractor’s condition upgraded (Sep 1)
• Man freed from sinkhole (Aug 30)

——————————————————————————–

From: Nancy Palmer
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2007 11:35 AM
Subject: Prayer vigil for Butch

Candlelight Prayer Vigil

My apologies if you receive this twice. Many were returned as undeliverable.

Some of you may not be aware that a loved member of our church, Butch Mills, was the man trapped in a trench that caved-in last week here in Culpeper, Virginia. He is in severe condition at UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville with pneumonia. He suffered every rib broken, broken scapula, sternum and clavical. He has a punctured lung and bruises to his kidneys and heart. He has multiple fractures to the area around one eye and sinus and to his right shoulder.

A candlelight prayer vigil will be held tomorrow evening, Sept. 11, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. at Floyd T. Binns Middle School Comet Stadium. Please bring a candle.

If you are not able to attend, please lift a prayer for healing to his lungs and cure for pneumonia. He is much loved by many, many folks in the community.

Nancy Palmer,
Director of Adult Ministries
Culpeper United Methodist Church

for Pastor Randy Orndorff

——————————————————————————–

From: Jill Williams
Sent: Monday, September 10, 2007 10:28 PM
Subject: Daily Grace and Truth – My Last Day on Earth – 09-11-07

The morning was clear but muggy, quiet and inviting for a walk and talk. Jill and I crested the hill less than a mile from our house and suddenly came upon a horrible crash scene. Several cars, a van and a truck entirely blocked five lanes of traffic. About ten emergency vehicles were parked to block traffic with flashing lights, and several more wailing sirens approached. How many lives had been lost? For how many would life never be the same? Sudden death; it keeps happening.

Six years ago today thousands of Americans died unexpectedly when the Twin Towers collapsed after assault by terrorists. Thousands of talented, loving and beloved people perished. Their stories are familiar, their last words and their last deeds celebrated. In the blink of an eye many knew the end would soon approach. How many had regrets for how they’d lived their last days on earth?

Gospel singer, Stephen Curtis Chapman, wrote a song* prompted by observation of a funeral procession. After pulling to the side of the road, and bowing to pray for the bereaved of the departed, the thought that wouldn’t recede was that it would one day be him; perhaps even that same day. “If this should be my last day on this earth, how then should I live?”

Jesus urged his followers to live one day at a time, fully investing themselves in those things that mattered most:

Matthew 6:33 & 34 – Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions. Don’t worry about missing out. You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met. Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don’t get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes. (The Message, Eugene H. Peterson)

If you knew today was you last day on earth . . . how then would you live?
What would you do more of? Less of?
What would you make sure to say to your loved ones?
What would you do or not do?
What would you “let go” because it really doesn’t matter in the big picture?

Just as those who naively ascended the Twin Towers September 11, 2001 didn’t know that it was their last day, neither do we. So how will we live?

Prayer
Lord, thank you for liberating us to live fully in the moment as if it were our last. This is a profound and simple truth and freeing to “full life.” Would you provide the courage to act or speak, or to refrain from acting or speaking with this reality at the forefront of our minds? That what we say or do may be our last words or deed and to make them count for best, for your best, for the best of those you have given us to love and serve. Amen.

* “Last Day on Earth,” by Stephen Curtis Chapman

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)

What might happen if you stepped into and embraced your destiny?

Virginia Morton asked for me to clarify a mistake in the last paragraph of yesterday’s devotional. The picnic at Robert Duvall’s farm was limited to about 1,000 people. It was not a private party.

The “No Power Picnic” on Sunday July 22 was sponsored by the Piedmont Environment Council [www.pecva.org] to benefit their powerline campaign to stop Dominion Power from erecting huge towers to carry electric power throughout historic and scenic parts of Virginia and several other states. God blessed us with an absolutely gorgeous day. Picnic activities included live bands, organized games, and family fun.

Before leaving to ride to the picnic with the Morton’s and Ramer’s, I did research online to learn more about Robert and Luciana. I learned that Buenos Aires (Argentina) is Robert’s favorite city. He met Luciana (his Argentine wife) in 1997 when he was walking the streets of Buenos Aires while in Argentina making his movie. Robert speaks Spanish fluently. This is quite interesting because of the tremendous favor and influence that Rick Heeren and the Harvest Evangelism team have in Buenos Aires. It’s also interesting that Robert was born on January 5, 1931, the same month and year as my father.

When Robert and Luciana Duvall came into the huge open-air tent to speak to the large crowd of about 1,000 people, Virginia Morton was able to position herself about 10 feet directly in front of them.

The first thing Robert did when he spoke was share a scripture. He told the crowd he doesn’t consider himself a very religious person, but he does read the Bible about three days each week. He shared how he read Psalm 133 earlier in the day and this verse stood out – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” Amazing enough, that is the exact verse that Virginia Morton chose to be the theme for Pray Culpeper and the weekly prayer articles she writes for the Culpeper Star Exponent newspaper.

After the different speakers finished speaking, people rushed over to talk to Robert Duvall. Luciana went back to the private party area reserved for special guests. I wanted to talk to her to share about Harvest Evangelism and Argentina, but the general public was not allowed in the private area.

However, eventually Luciana came back to the border of the private area. When she did, God opened the door for me to briefly share my heart and capture her heart. When I told her Argentina is a detonator country for transformation for the entire world, that got her attention. I told her about Rick Heeren, The Elk River Story, and the extremely positive influence they had on the current political leaders of Buenos Aires.

Luciana then invited me to come back with her to the private party area. She introduced me to Allen, a close friend of Robert Duvall. Robert had previously encouraged Allen to write a script, which he did and was turned into a TV mini-series or a movie. While I was talking to Allen, he asked me for one of my business cards.

Prayer Power
Holy, holy, holy Father, thank You for tremendous blessings and favor this past weekend. Thank You for opening the door for us to meet Robert and Luciana Duvall. Thank You for Robert’s humility, servant’s heart, and acknowledgment of You. Thank You for sending Luciana from Argentina to bless Virginia. I pray the blood of Jesus over the Duvall family, their home, and their ministry. May Robert and Luciana choose to join the Marching Through Culpeper team. Bless Robert to accomplish far more in the remaining years of his life than he did in his first 76. To God be all the glory, honor, and praise, now and forever. Thank You Jesus. I love You so much. Worthy is the Lamb that was slain. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
Photos from visit to Robert Duvall’s farm on July 22, 2007 [http://www.yourdailyblessing.com/content.cfm?id=2398]

Blessings to be strong and of good courage to step into your destiny!

For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)

What impact does a prayer walk have on the spiritual climate of a school?

It’s a pleasure facilitating Pray Culpeper meetings when we have people who follow up their prayers with action. Here is a message from Virginia Morton, one of our Pray Culpeper leaders:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Pray Culpeper invites you and your congregation to join us at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 25th, for a Prayer Walk of Floyd T. Binns Middle School. Binns Middle School is located on Grandview Avenue behind the School Board Administration offices which are located in the old building.

Our December Prayer Walk of Pearl Sample Elementary School was described as a “powerful spiritual event” by the over 60 participants. What better way to celebrate the Lenten season than to pray in the name of our Risen Lord for the students and staff of Binns Middle School. The Gang Awareness Group has emphasized that Middle School students are the most vulnerable to gang infiltration, drugs, and alcohol. Thus we seek the united prayer power of the entire community on behalf of the safety and salvation of our youth. Plan to be with us as we invite Jesus Christ to be the Lord of Binns Middle School and all of Culpeper County’s schools.

Please contact me if you plan to attend and are willing to lead a prayer team.

In His service,

Virginia B. Morton
Pray Culpeper Newspaper Coordinator
825-9147, vamorton@nexet.net

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank you for Sherrie Harkness, Principal of Floyd T. Binns Middle School. Thank you that she has opened the door to prayer walk her school on March 25. We ask You to bless Sherrie and the teachers, administrators, and students at Binns Middle School. We ask You to bless those who work in the School Board Administration offices, adjacent to Binns Middle School. Bless their families LORD. Remove any and all obstacles that hinder the fullness of the Holy Spirit from manifesting. In Jesus name, we pray. Amen.

Link of the Day
Impact the world through prayer by taking a virtual prayer walk through China’s captial, BEIJING
[http://www.projectbeijing.org/Area.aspx?c=4&a=24]

Blessings to see the LORD exalted in our schools in America!

On that day the LORD exalted Joshua in the sight of all Israel; and they feared him, as they had feared Moses, all the days of his life. (Joshua 4:14)

Do you see the hand of God at work in your life every day?

On Sunday January 21, 2007, the very last day of my 21 day fast, the Culpeper News had a full page feature article about Pray Culpeper titled “Reaching Out.” That article filled almost the entire front page. The newspaper header states “Prayer Leader Prophesies Over Culpeper Residents.”

The Culpeper News comes out weekly and is delivered to every household in Culpeper. It is part of the Culpeper Star Exponent, the fastest growing daily newspaper in America.

The story behind this Pray Culpeper feature article is amazing. Virginia Morton is our Pray Culpeper Newspaper Coordinator. In early 2006, God gave her the vision to start the weekly prayer focus articles featuring a different community leader each week. Although Virginia encountered many obstacles, her hard work and persistence eventually paid off.

On August 27, 2006 the Culpeper News published its very first weekly Pray Culpeper prayer focus article. Dr. David Cox, our Superintendent for Culpeper County Public Schools, volunteered to be the very first leader featured, giving the green light for our entire school system.

On Monday January 15, Liz Mitchell, a staff reporter for the Culpeper News, decided to come to our Pray Culpeper meeting to write her feature article. It just so happened that Bob Griffin, a Messianic Jew and world renown prophet, came to Culpeper for the very first time to prophesy Culpeper into its destiny.

Because we expected a larger crowd than normal for Pray Culpeper with Bob Griffin speaking, our noon Pray Culpeper meeting location had been changed from the Culpeper Library to the Culpeper Train Depot. It turned out that the large meeting at the Library where we usually meet was not available on January 15.

Around 11:50 AM, I went to the Library to leave notes with directions to the Train Depot for those people who came to the wrong place and were lost. Just as I was walking out of the Library building, I ran into Liz Mitchell. She asked if our Pray Culpeper team was meeting that day and if she could join us. I invited her to come to the Culpeper Train Depot to hear Bob Griffin. If I had been one minute sooner or later, I would have missed Liz and this feature article would not have been written. Liz ultimately stayed at the Train Depot for 3 hours to hear Bob Griffin speak.

Prayer Power
Father, I praise You as the God of divine providence. Thank You for working out all the details to make this feature newspaper article possible. Thank You for Liz Mitchell and the anointed article that she wrote. Thank You for Ray Finefrock, the Managing Editor for the Culpeper News, who opened the door for these weekly prayer focus articles. Thank You for Rob Humphreys, the Managing Editor for the Culpeper Star Exponent, who has been supportive of Christians in our community. Thank You for Virginia Morton and all she has done to communicate Your love, grace, and power to bless our community. It’s very humbling to see Your signature over so much in our community. Continue Your mighty work and bless Culpeper to be a city of love. Be LORD of our city and state. Thank You Jesus. Amen.

Link of the Day
“Reaching Out” – complete newspaper article by Liz Mithcell on Sunday Jan 21, 2007 [www.prayculpeper.org/content.cfm?id=2034]

Blessings to reach out to touch the world for Jesus!