Build On. Each Doing Their Part. - Steve Martin

 

Build On. Each Doing Their Part.

 

“We kept at it, repairing and rebuilding the wall. The whole wall was soon joined together and halfway to its intended height because the people had a heart for the work.” Nehemiah 4:6, THE MESSAGE

The books of Ezra and Nehemiah in the Bible normally don’t get a lot of attention these days. They can easily be dismissed among those having the “that was for then, but we have today” mindset. But all the Word of God is for our edification, teaching, and training, and we need to pay attention.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16-17, NKJV

 When I spent time reading how the Lord put in the heart of Ezra and Nehemiah to go from Persia (roughly modern-day Iran), having been in captivity there for many years, to return to Jerusalem and build up the ruined walls and burned down gates of the Jewish city, the Holy Spirit specifically pointed out two things to me.

1.      The King of Persia (a Gentile/non-Jew) provided the protection and the provision.

2.      Each one rebuilding the walls alongside Nehemiah was called by name and listed accordingly, with each person having a specific part and role in the building.

Regarding #1, Nehemiah records this historic fact as he wrote, “Furthermore I said to the king, "If it pleases the king, let letters be given to me for the governors of the region beyond the River, that they must permit me to pass through till I come to Judah, and a letter to Asaph the keeper of the king's forest, that he must give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel which pertains to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house that I will occupy." And the king granted them to me according to the good hand of my God upon me.” Nehemiah 2:7-8, NKJV

A non-Jew had been appointed and set in place by God to perform the needed actions, assisting the Jews in their return to the Land and rebuilding. As a Gentile myself, this is a very important fact, as today we have been given the same role – to provide for the Jews to return to Israel and rebuild their cities and lands. This worldwide phenomenon is known as aliyah in Hebrew.

“Thus says the Lord God, "Behold, I will lift up My hand to the nations and set up My standard to the peoples; and they will bring your sons in their bosom, and your daughters will be carried on their shoulders.” Isaiah 49:22, NASU

As for topic #2, I was amazingly aware that the Lord had also assigned very specific roles and locations for each one to do their part in the rebuilding. And Nehemiah, under the guidance and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, records each name and what exact section they were given to do in the rebuilding.

It is the same today for you and me. Each of us has been given specific gifts, talents, and means to do our part in the building up of the Church body here and now, but we also have a very vital part in providing for the Jews in their fulfillment of the vast number of prophetic words in the Bible, whereas the Lord Himself would bring them back to their Land in our day (aliyah) and restore them as a sign to the nations of His eternal faithfulness and commitment.

What an important role we each have!

Each time I travel back to Israel from the USA, I recommit myself to do my part, carrying on my shoulders the task and responsibility to be a part of this tremendous work our God is doing, as He brings the Jews home. May you become more aware of your part too and walk it out along with others.

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Love For His People

Founder

“Out of the Rubble…” Time To Consider message by Steve Martin

“Out of the Rubble…” Time To Consider message by Steve Martin

Nehemiah’s wall discovered in Jerusalem, Israel

July 7, 2020 Love For His People ministry in Charlotte, North Carolina USA

“Then I gave them my report: “Face it: we’re in a bad way here. Jerusalem is a wreck; its gates are burned up. Come — let’s build the wall of Jerusalem and not live with this disgrace any longer.” I told them how God was supporting me and how the king was backing me up. They said, “We’re with you. Let’s get started.” They rolled up their sleeves, ready for the good work.” Nehemiah 2:17-18, THE MESSAGE

But the people saw this and spoke, “Y’hudah was saying, “The strength of the people who carry loads away is starting to fail, and there is so much rubble that we can’t build the wall.” Nehemiah 4:4, Complete Jewish Bible

How often have we seen the same situation in our day and then spoke those same words, “we can’t build the wall.”

As I was sharing encouragement back and forth with our Israeli friends, and posting words on our website from those speaking up and speaking out against the American and world unrest, given the situation that many find themselves experiencing these past months, the Holy Spirit gave me this word, “Out of the rubble.”

Then relating that word to Scripture, the foundation upon which we must always stand, I looked up the book of Nehemiah, written for our benefit and encouragement, who himself was called by the Lord out of Babylon to return to Jerusalem and rebuild the wall, out of the rubble.

What hope we have for today!

As the anarchists, cheered on by the wicked people in exalted thrones of authority, coupled with those seeking to destroy, vandalize, tear down the historical and spiritual foundations of our country, the Lord is speaking from the heavens, “Out of the rubble” I will rebuild My Wall, My Church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail.

“Simon Peter said, “You’re the Christ, the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” Jesus came back, “God bless you, Simon, son of Jonah! You didn’t get that answer out of books or from teachers. My Father in heaven, God himself, let you in on this secret of who I really am. And now I’m going to tell you who you are, really are. You are Peter, a rock. This is the rock on which I will put together my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out.” Matthew 16:16-18, THE MESSAGE

No hell on earth, no satanic forces in the heavens, no man, no woman, no government or reign of power will keep our God from building His Wall, His Church, His Kingdom that is to come on earth as it is in heaven.

No way! No how!

After telling His disciples, soon to be apostles (“sent out ones”) as to Who He was, He spoke this word of strength and encouragement to them, for they were going to need it.

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.  “For whoever wishes to save his life will lose it; but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.  “For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?  “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and WILL THEN REPAY EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS. “Truly I say to you, there are some of those who are standing here who will not taste death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” Matthew 16: 24-28, NASU

Out of the rubble will come the seeds that have been buried, placed there by the Lord from the beginning of time, to sprout forth at these end of days. As the enemy shows his true colors, and destruction seemingly flourishes and abounds, those whom the Lord has chosen, those whom the Lord has called, those who have accepted His command to “come and follow Me” with rise up, sprout with the new life they have within by the salvation brought through Jesus Christ and the empowerment of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, to rebuild the foundational walls, and see His Church established, as the One New Man, born again Jews and Gentiles, come together to do it.

The gates of hell will not prevail. The raging seas of people will not fully destroy it, seeking to do so as they may. The destructive forces of the wicked, demonic, total hellfire of the opposing side will never replace the One Who alone is seated on the throne, ready to soon return and take up His rightful place of His established Kingdom rule in Jerusalem.

“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, then He will sit on His glorious throne.  “All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats;  and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left.” Matthew 25:31-33, NASU

The Lord Jesus Christ, Yeshua HaMashiach, is not caught off guard by that which fills our newscasts of fake news. The Living God of Israel has not abandoned us. He has not forsaken us. He has not “left behind” those who have called, and will continue to call, upon His Name, along with those who are yet to be called to pick up His banner and perform His wondrous works.

Out of the rubble that mankind had brought in all his vast “wisdom and flaunting”, supposedly throwing off all that restrains to build their own kingdoms, will come the everlasting Kingdom that the Lord God Himself is establishing on the earth.

“No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment, you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord.” Isiah 54:17, NKJV

So, I encourage you to stand fast as we are so encouraged to do throughout God’s Holy Word. “But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary in doing good.” 2 Thessalonians, NKJV

The glory of the Lord will be revealed. He will be exalted. He will accomplish His plans and purposes throughout the earth.

The gates of hell shall not prevail. The Lord God Almighty will!

Ahava and shalom,

Steve Martin

Love For His People Founder/President

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Time To Consider – in the year of our Lord 7.07.2020 – “Out of the Rubble…”

Tuesday, 3:15 am in Charlotte, NC USA

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Prophetic Word: Prophetic Clarity Will Carry You Through This Season - ANA WERNER CHARISMA NEWS

(Pixabay/Free-Photos)

Prophetic Word: Prophetic Clarity Will Carry You Through This Season

12/9/2017 ANA WERNER  CHARISMA NEWS

Clarity of Focus Will Carry You Through

We can look at Nehemiah in the Bible as a groundbreaker. In his time, he was a person whom the Lord placed strategically to bring reformation and restoration as well as to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. What Nehemiah carried should be an eye-opener to us prophetic ones, as we are entering into a season of rebuilding, reassignment and swift change. Our prophetic ears and eyes should shift towards Nehemiah as an example and illustration of how we can navigate this season in which we live. We are: contending and begging the Lord for the rebuilding, asking for favor to carry out our assignment and overcoming immense discouragement. Nehemiah kept a clear focus on the goal of rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem, even in the face of great adversity.

Your Prophetic Promises Have an Adversary

Once Nehemiah and his cohort had successfully rebuilt the wall of Jerusalem, the enemies of the Israelites rose up. It's a prophetic picture of opposition that we cannot overlook. As we cross the threshold of the prophetic promises God has placed over our lives in this season, often that advancement will irritate the enemy and cause him to try and strike back. How do we push through the enemy's traps and assaults, to walk fully into our promise from God?  

Clarity of Focus

Setting a perfect trap to entice Nehemiah and pull him away from finishing the reconstruction, the Israelites' enemies rose up intending to harm him. "Come, let us meet together at Chephirim in the plain of Ono," they said to Nehemiah. (Neh. 6:2, NASB). Receiving prophetic revelation from the Lord–"they are planning to harm me" (Neh. 6:2)—Nehemiah sends a message back to them. "I am doing a great work and cannot come down" (Neh. 6:3). I believe this is a key mindset for us in this hour!  Nehemiah tuned into what God was saying, and tuned out the adversarial voices.

Clear Focus Will Carry You Through the Testing

Just recently, Holy Spirit woke me up at 4:30 in the morning to speak to me. I love Holy Spirit wake up calls! Through a profound encounter with the Lord, I heard the phrase, "Clarity of focus will carry you in this season."

The following questions were then presented to me by the Lord. "Who are you listening to right now? Is My voice the loudest?" I heard Him ask.

Let us not forget that as Jesus was just baptized and received the blessing and public honor from His Father, He was then led into the desert for a season of testing. Before He would begin to minister, deliver His first sermon and perform His first miracle, there was a time of testing from the enemy.

The devil met Him there in the desert and tempted Him when Jesus was weak from fasting. In our weakened state, the enemy tries to hit us and get us off course from reaching the promises of God for our lives.

Related Articles

• Heidi Baker Shares Never-Before-Heard Prophetic Word from Bob Jones
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What sustained Jesus and helped Him fight off the enemy was the Word of God!  "It is written ..." Jesus quotes Scripture back at the enemy's attacks, and the enemy loses his grip and has to try something else. We cannot overlook this. The power of the written Word of God breaks the enemy's grip and causes him to back away from us.

So when the Lord said to me, "Who are you listening to right now?" and "Is My voice the loudest?"  I felt pressed to get more of the Word of God in me during this season. It's a key to unlocking the promises over our lives.

Refocus, Find Direction and Step Into Your Assignment

"Where are you going right now? What is the assignment I gave you for this season? Refocus and find your direction," I heard the Lord say next.

"Refocus and finish well" was the challenge presented to me that day. What has the Lord assigned to you? Often, as we wait for a promise to come, discouragement steps in and tries to get us distracted and off course. When Nehemiah was so close to finishing the construction of the wall, distraction tried to pull him away. His response is awesome: "I can't come meet you right now. I have to finish what God has given me to do!"

Nehemiah recognized that it was the plan of the enemy to set him off course and also do him harm. When you are close to finishing or walking into the promises of God of your life, do not get distracted by the small assaults of the enemy. Claim this same tenacious spirit that Nehemiah carried, and keep your focus clear.

Lastly, I heard the Lord say "Declare it and declare it again."

Even when we can't see the answers to our prayers, let us pick up our faith and believe that God is a God of the impossible. He is moving, whether we can see it or not. Our prayers move the heart of God.

"Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly beyond all that we ask or imagine, according to the power that works in us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen" (Eph. 3:20-21).

Ana Werner is the author of The Seer's Path, and also the associate director of the Heartland Healing Rooms in Lees Summit, Missouri. Ana travels and equips people internationally on seeing in the Spirit, moving in the prophetic, and healing ministry. Her transparency as she shares on the realities and experiences she has in heaven, bring Holy Spirit, the love of the Father and the power of God into the room when she speaks. Ana is passionate about leading people into encountering Jesus' heart. Learn more about Ana's ministry at anawerner.org.

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Franklin Graham Pulls From Nehemiah in 'Message to a Troubled Nation' - FRANKLIN GRAHAM/BGEA Charisma News

Franklin Graham has spent this year holding rallies at every state capitol, praying for the nation and its leaders and challenging Christians to be involved in the political process. (BGEA)

Franklin Graham Pulls From Nehemiah in 'Message to a Troubled Nation'

 10/25/2016FRANKLIN GRAHAM/BGEA  CHARISMA NEWS

Franklin Graham has spent this year holding rallies at every state capitol, praying for the nation and its leaders and challenging Christians to be involved in the political process. With the most critical elections in decades now just days away, here are some of the key points excerpted from Franklin's messages at the Decision America Tour events.

Our country is in trouble—we're in trouble spiritually, racially, economically and politically. Washington is broken. Our state capitols are broken.

And I can tell you: There's no party and no individual that can turn this thing around. I have no hope in the Democratic Party. I have no hope in the Republican Party. The only hope for the United States of America is Almighty God and His Son, Jesus Christ. And the most important thing you and I can do is pray.

You see, the moral and political walls of our nation are crumbling. Walls are meant for protection—to keep bad people out. Gates can be opened, and when threats come, the gates can be closed. But our moral walls and gates are down. Any type of wicked thoughts, wicked teaching and activity can come and go. Our educators, big business, politicians and, sad to say, many churches, are more concerned about profits or political correctness than they are about God's truth and His righteousness.

In Nehemiah 1, the children of Israel were in captivity in Babylon. God had brought judgment against Israel for their sins and their transgressions, and Nehemiah was a Jewish slave in the Babylonian king's palace. When some men came to Babylon from Judah, they told Nehemiah that the wall of Jerusalem was broken down, and its gates had been burned with fire. Nehemiah said: "When I heard these words, I sat down and wept and mourned for days. Then I fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven" (Neh. 1:4).

Nehemiah fasted and prayed. His prayer was to confess the sins of his people, his nation, himself and his father's family. God heard Nehemiah's prayer and gave him favor. The pagan king sent Nehemiah back to Jerusalem with the authority to rebuild the walls. He gave Nehemiah letters and a military escort, and within 52 days after returning, he rebuilt the walls of that city and rehung those gates.

Many people say, "Franklin, it's too late for America." No, it's not—not when the church begins to pray.

Our nation needs healing. But before our nation can be healed, our individual hearts must be healed. If you're not sure your sins are forgiven, I want you to know that God loves you. But we have a problem, and that problem is called sin. Sin is disobeying God's standards, and the Bible says we have all sinned. We're all guilty.

But the Bible says that "God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

Jesus Christ came to this earth, and He willingly took our sins upon Himself. Christ died and shed His blood on the cross for our sins. And on the third day God raised His Son to life. If you will invite Him into your heart, God will forgive your sins. He'll heal your heart, and you can know that your soul is at peace with God. You can have your sins forgiven.

So we look at our country. We're in sad shape, and you say to yourself, "What can I do? It seems like we're helpless." Remember: God hears prayer.

And there's another thing you can do: Vote. I won't tell you who to vote for. God will do that, but you vote. In many countries where I work, people don't have the opportunity to vote.

We still have freedom in this country, and I want to encourage you to vote—not just for the presidential election but for every election. Look at who's running, and vote for people who have biblical faith and values.

People ask me, "What about separation of church and state?" Our forefathers never intended for us to leave our faith out on the Capitol steps if we worked in that building.

The progressives say "You have the 'freedom to worship,'" which means you are restricted to the church. You can't come out into the public with your religion, because you may offend somebody.

No. Our forefathers gave us freedom of religion, where we can live our faith 24/7 in public, wherever we are.

You say, "But Franklin, I don't like Donald Trump," or "I don't like Hillary Clinton, so I'm not going to vote."

You vote. You may have to hold your nose, but vote because this election is not about personalities. This election is not about tone. It's about the Supreme Court.

The first thing the next president is going to do is nominate a Supreme Court justice. And during their term, they may nominate three, four, maybe as many as five Supreme Court justices, and that will change the direction of our country and the courts for 50 years, maybe 100 years. So it's important that you vote.

And I would like to encourage you not only to vote, but also to offer yourself to run for public office. It's too late to run during this political season, but start thinking about two years from now. Maybe God is moving you to a different position. Maybe into the state legislature. Maybe to be a city councilmember. Maybe to be a mayor. Maybe to be on the school board.

Our job as Christians is to make the impact of Christ felt in every phase of life—religious, social, economic and political. But we cannot do it in our own strength or wisdom. We can only do it if we surrender ourselves completely to God. Be an advocate for God's truth, for His righteousness. And let's elect men and women to office who will lead this nation back to really being one nation under God—one that can truthfully say once again, "In Almighty God we trust."

©2016 BGEA

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Why Christians Should Not Boycott the Worship Industry - LEILANI HAYWOOD CHARISMA MAGAZINE

Why Christians Should Not Boycott the Worship Industry

 2/25/2016 LEILANI HAYWOOD  charisma magazine

Here's a response to a blog post going viral asking Christians to boycott the 'worship industry.' (Alex Haywood)

A dear friend of mine shared a blog post on her Facebook timeline encouraging Christians to boycott the worship industry. I was very disturbed by this piece since I have some close friends who earn their income from leading worship. Here's why Christians should not boycott the worship industry, but support it:

1. God likes worship. The Old Testament such as Nehemiah is full of Scriptures where people were assigned to sing to the Lord. The singers in Nehemiah made their living from worshipping God. My friends who make a living from leading worship have invested thousands of dollars out of their own pocket and hundreds of volunteer hours in training to lead worship. I don't understand why we will pay top dollar for a doctor or an accountant but we don't want to recognize or reward a gifted singer or musician who loves God. This is pure idiocy.

2. The fact that worship is now considered a legitimate industry should be celebrated and not demonized. Worship was not considered a commercially viable musical genre until groups such as Hillsong and Jesus Culture outsold secular pop artists such as Lady Gaga. We should celebrate and support this trend instead of demonizing gifted Christian singers and musicians who have amassed a following with the message of the gospel. The fact that my 17-year-old son wants to be like Chris Quilala instead of Chris Brown is something I celebrate, not discourage. Maybe God is elevating these young men and women who have a fire burning in their bones for God so our children can have heroes.

3. There are weightier issues to arouse our crusading anger then religious preferences that criticize excellent staging and performance. Get upset about the lack of God's presence in your church or the fact that the widows and orphans aren't being taken care of in your back yard. Get upset about the person with a disability who is being ignored or overlooked. Instead of wondering if light shows are from God, channel your anger by praying for an outpouring of the Spirit in the church. If you're really upset that your worship leader's message to follow Christ is attracting people, donate money to the poor in the church.

4. Worship is a beautiful emotional expression of your love, passion and faith in God. Since when is it wrong to be emotional in our worship? Kansas City Chief fans paint their faces, spend hundreds of dollars, get off work to sit in a parking lot for hours, jump up and down and scream in their own form of worship and adoration. We cry at secular concerts. We raise our hands when our favorite team wins the game. Why would we divorce the very gift of emotions given by God to express ourselves to Him in an act of worship?

Would David's act of dancing before the Lord be called "emotionalism?" Would the woman who poured expensive oil and washed Jesus feet in worship be called "emotionalism?" These acts were driven by their emotional expression of love and worship to the King of kings.

For me, worship is an emotional experience, which doesn't make me weak. I remember the first time I received a bill I couldn't pay at 18 years old. My first response was to go to the lanai, an outdoor patio in Hawaii, sit on the ground and sing to the Lord. I'll never forget those moments when I sang and worshipped God and peace came upon me like a robe.

We are made in His image, which includes all of His emotions. Here are Scriptures that refer to God's emotions:

• Anger – Psalm 7:11; Deuteronomy 9:22; Romans 1:18
• Laughter – Psalm 37:13; Psalm 2:4; Proverbs 1:26
• Compassion – Psalm 135:14; Judges 2:18; Deuteronomy 32:36
• Grief – Genesis 6:6; Psalm 78:40
• Love – 1 John 4:8; John 3:16; Jeremiah 31:3
• Hate – Proverbs 6:16; Psalm 5:5; Psalm 11:5
• Jealousy – Exodus 20:5; Exodus 34:14; Joshua 24:19
• Joy – Zephaniah 3:17; Isaiah 62:5; Jeremiah 32:41

The bottom line is that the fact worship has emerged as a commercially viable genre is a sign that people want God. My teenage and college-age sons love to worship in a stadium with thousands of other kids their age. We should celebrate and support the worship industry.

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Franklin Graham: America's Walls Are Crumbling But ...

9/2/2015 FRANKLIN GRAHAM  charisma news

Franklin Graham will be devoting his time in 2016 to go to every state in our country to hold a prayer rally, to preach the gospel, and to challenge believers to take a stand and take action. (Courtesy/BGEA)

Dear Friend,

In the Bible we read that Nehemiah was discouraged and distressed because the walls of Jerusalem had been broken down and its gates had been burned with fire. He sat down and wept and mourned for his nation—and he cried out to the God of heaven.

God heard his prayers and used him to lead the people to rebuild those broken-down walls. They were greatly outnumbered by their enemies and facing opposition and vicious threats. They responded by praying and seeking God, and they went to work rebuilding what had been torn down, even holding their weapons in their hands to protect themselves while they worked. In a miraculously short time—52 days—they rebuilt the walls and hope was restored.

America's walls of biblical morality are crumbling. Almost everyone I speak with is distraught over the direction our nation is taking. Christianity and our religious freedoms are under siege. Progressives and secularists want to see God removed from everything and to burn every gate of protection.

We can't sit idle. Like Nehemiah we need to take a bold stand. We need to cry out to God on behalf of our nation. Nehemiah confessed the sins and failures of the people, "including myself and my father's family," and repented. He prayed, "We have acted very wickedly toward you" (Nehemiah 1:6–7, NIV).

I believe that it is going to take the church of Jesus Christ standing up for righteousness, shoulder to shoulder, to make a difference in this country. I do not believe that Republicans or Democrats or any other party can turn this nation around, but I do have hope. God hears the prayers of His people, and walls can be rebuilt.

I will be devoting my time in 2016 to go to every state in our country—all 50—to hold a prayer rally, to preach the gospel, and to challenge believers to take a stand and take action. We are calling it the Decision America Tour, and we will begin announcing dates for specific cities on the tour in October. Be watching for that. My purpose for going is to call the church and Christians to pray, to vote, and to engage.

I'm not going to endorse specific candidates, but I believe it's vitally important that we vote for those who best support biblical and godly principles. Christians should be going to the polls and voting in record numbers. Your vote does matter. Millions of evangelical Christians did not vote in the last presidential election. If Christians continue to leave voting to others, there may be no turning this country around. The first political debate that aired recently had the highest viewership in cable TV history—24 million watching. I think this is evidence of the dissatisfaction with Washington and shows that voters are paying attention.

During the Decision America Tour, I want to urge Christians not only to vote but also to engage by running for political office at all levels—local, state, and federal. We need Christian judges, Christian assembly members, and Christian mayors. We need Christian clerks of court, school board members, governors, and, of course, senators and representatives. Most importantly on this tour, I am calling on those who follow the name of Jesus Christ to do as God's Word says: "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 will heal their land" (2 Chronicles 7:14, MEV).

The only hope for America is to have hearts changed—and Christ can do that. On the 50-state Decision America Tour, I will be preaching the only message that has the power to bring real and lasting change—the gospel. In every state next year, I will preach that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, took our sins to the cross, shed His blood, and died on the cross to pay the penalty for the sins of mankind, and God raised Him to life. I will be giving an invitation for people to repent of sin and turn to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior of their lives.

The success of the Decision America Tour depends on prayer. Just as Nehemiah's people were threatened, this effort will be under attack.

But just as Nehemiah found, it is worth it. I don't believe Christians should be shrinking back. America is at a crossroads, and I believe we should take every opportunity to stand up for the things of God and His Word.

The strategy that the Lord gave Nehemiah was for each family to begin repairing the portion of the wall nearest their own home. And in our day we can begin rebuilding the wall around our own homes as well. How? Start a prayer group in your own community to pray that our nation would turn back to God—just a few friends praying together every week can make a huge impact. Join your state's prayer team and pray for the Decision America Tour and for our nation. Support Christians running for office in your city and state. Engage right where you are to make a difference for Christ.

Thank you for standing with us at the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association to take the gospel message to as many people as possible through radio, the Internet, evangelistic Crusades both here at home and around the world, and now the Decision America Tour.

Franklin Graham, son of iconic evangelist Billy Graham, is the president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Samaritan's Purse.

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