The first time I met Richard Wurmbrand was over 35 years ago at a Lutheran Church in Anoka, MN. Richard was sharing his testimony of being tortured for Christ and enduring years of imprisonment for his faith in Jesus. To this day I remember the angelic glow that radiated from his face as he shared how the Lord had sustained him through much suffering. Today Chuck Colson’s Prison Fellowship is offering reprinted copies of Richard Wurmbrand’s classic book Tortured For Christ.

The scream of bombs falling through the night sky, the whining air raid sirens and explosions in the distance shook Joanne out of a fitful sleep. Fires lit up the sky throughout London. Fear and deprivation stalked Joann, my wife’s stepmother, as a young girl in England during WWII. But when the falling bombs shook her house and lit up the sky, she had a hiding place. It was not the bomb shelter her family ran to, but the 91st psalm they trusted in.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.” Psalm 91:1

Revival. What comes to your mind when you see that word? Some may think of the rock group “Credence Clear Water Revival”. For some it is a word on a church sign. Architects may refer to Greek revival. In Effingham, IL Mid-America Motors sponsors a Volkswagen festival and a Corvette revival each year. Recently over 1,000 VW’s converged on Mid-America Motors and enthusiasts showcased their restored vehicles. In September 1,000’s will view restored Corvettes. It takes much time, talent, and money to restore classic cars.

More than anything else in America we need a spiritual restoration – a national revival. America has strayed from its roots and lost her moral compass.

This Fourth of July we once again celebrate the independence and liberty secured by the brave patriots and forefathers of our country. They were on a mission. Their determination and sacrifice has made the United States of America the greatest example and bastion of freedom the world has ever known. We reaffirm that mission every time we “Pledge Allegiance” to the flag and “to the republic for which it stands.”

Little Jeremy was on a mission. At six years of age he was visibly moved at the plight of a third world country when his teacher told the class that many children were dying because they did not have clean water to drink.

Dear friend,

Over the years, we have conversed about the existence of God. We have discussed creation and the unlikely theory that this vast, varied, and complex universe could have just come into existence by accident or have evolved over a trillion years. We have considered the Apostle Paul’s argument that from the creation of the world people have seen the earth and the sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature. So they are without excuse whatsoever for not knowing God. (See Romans 1:19-20.)

Jesus urged us to “work while it is day, for night comes when no man can work” (John 9:4). Eternal souls are at stake. Multitudes are slipping into a Christ-less eternity because no one reached out to them with the redeeming gospel. Jesus invited us to follow him and he would make us fishers of men. (Matthew 4:19) But you cannot follow God in neutral. God created you to do something. James, the half-brother of Jesus, concluded that if you know what is right to do and you do not do it – it is sin.

How many opportunities and divine moments for ministry pass us by? A secret to seizing the day is – you must take the initiative. We must be “Johnny of the spot” when God brings opportunities for doing good our way.

I enjoy finding hidden treasure at garage sales. One man’s junk can be another man’s treasure. I especially delight in finding old classic books at low prices. Some may call me cheap, but I detest paying $20 -$30 for a book when I can find one I value for $2 - $4. I’ve been thrilled at the find of first edition books by Charles Dickens, a Moby Dick, a Ben Hur, books by Andrew Murray, or A Treasury of David by Spurgeon that was headed to the dump.

Multitudes of men and women languish in prisons throughout America. Those behind bars need hope and help to break free from their bondages and the consequences of bad decisions. God has a vast army of volunteers who are shining a light into the darkness and proclaiming the good news of hope.

As I have shared the Word of Life in prisons, I’ve noticed that one of the most repeated prayer requests is for God’s help to overcome fear and anxiety. People inside and outside the church also struggle to overcome fear.