He Predicted Trump Would Be President 6 Years Ago; Here's Why This Prophet Says Trump Is in for Two Terms - CBN News, Wendy Griffith

He Predicted Trump Would Be President 6 Years Ago; Here's Why This Prophet Says Trump Is in for Two Terms

Wendy Griffith CBN News 12-12-2017

In November of 2016, the world witnessed what many said was impossible: Donald Trump elected President of the United States. Nearly every poll predicted his defeat but when the electoral map flipped red in the final hours, one man says he'd always known Trump would win.  

His name is Mark Taylor, coauthor of The Trump Prophecies, who says nearly everything God told him is coming to pass.

"You're Hearing the Voice of a President" 

Related

---

'He's Not Going Anywhere!' Why 'Fireman Prophet' Calls Trump Impeachment Attempts 'Futile'

---

In April of 2011, Taylor, a retired firefighter from Orlando, Florida, was watching the  news when then businessman Donald Trump came on the screen.

"I didn't know a lot about Donald, I just knew that he was a very powerful businessman, built this empire, and he was toying with the idea of running for president at the time. Most people thought it was a joke so I'm listening to him on an interview and all of the sudden I hear the voice of the Lord say, 'You're hearing the voice of a president,'" Taylor said. 

He went into his office, got out a pen and paper and started to write what he says the Holy Spirit told him.

"He was saying basically that America was going to prosper like never before; Israel and America, the ties between the two countries would be stronger than ever before; the dollar would be the strongest it's ever been, it was very detailed as far as what God was showing me," Taylor said.

At the time, Taylor suffered from an illness that made him so lethargic he had to stay home. That's when he sought help from well-known Christian physician Dr. Don Colbert.  During one visit, Taylor shared the prophecy with Dr. Colbert and his wife, Mary.

Seeing The Father's "Rhythm' in the Prophecy

"As I read this prophecy I saw the Father's rhythm throughout the whole prophecy. And I recognized the rhythm, or frequency you could call it, because God has His own frequency," Mary Colbert said. "I literally collapsed into a chair and said, Donald Trump is going to be our next President!?"

Colbert knew if the prophecy were to come true, it would take a lot of prayer.

"I began getting the prophecy in the hands of major leaders across the country, the Body of Christ, people that I knew that were influencers within their church. I started a prayer chain – 15 minutes a day. We started on Labor Day, the Lord instructed me to do it on Labor Day. He said, 'This is going to be a labor of love; do it all the way through the election.'"

A 2012 Run for Presidency Was Not to Be

Taylor originally thought the prophecy would happen during the 2012 presidential election – but it was not to be. 

"I thought I'd truly missed it," Taylor said.

But then, on June 16, 2015, Donald Trump announced he was running for President of the United States. Suddenly Mark's prophetic word didn't seem so far-fetched, although most people still didn't take the billionaire businessman seriously.

As the race for the White House grew heated and ugly at times, Colbert had moments of doubt and called on God for confirmation. She says the Holy Spirit impressed upon her to watch the upcoming Belmont Stakes horse race of June 2016, where a horse named Creator beat a horse named Destin by a hair.

"And the CNN headline said: 'Creator Wins by a Photo Finish!' I sat back in my chair and I said, 'God you're really going to do this!'" Mary proclaimed.

When election night finally arrived, Trump's win astounded the most experienced political journalists. Many were visibly shaken on the air as they couldn't believe Trump had won.

Stopping an "Anti-Christian" Agenda

Taylor says God used Trump to stop an anti-Christian agenda that was taking hold of America.

"The enemy's time-line has been denied by the Most-High God and it's through Donald Trump a lot of this is being denied right now," Taylor said.  "And what God is saying right now is 'No, it's not time right now because there are many things that God wants to accomplish on the earth right now,'" he said.

But Taylor says there's one part of the prophecy that hasn't come to pass yet – regarding the news media. 

News Media Prophecy

"It says the news media would be captivated by him and they would even begin to agree with him. That's the only line in the prophecy that hasn't come to pass yet, so we have to ask ourselves, what's fixing to happen to make the mainstream media to begin to agree with him?" 

So I asked Mark the question, what is "fixing to happen?"

"God's going to clean out the news media," Taylor said. "God is looking for His people right now, His millionaires and billionaires basically to come in and start investing in these places and buying them out; taking over. God is going to rebuild them and restore them because there is no spirit of truth in them right now – and that's what God is going to restore. 

Taylor believes Trump's victory is just the beginning. The fireman-prophet also predicts the church will thrive and America will see a great move of God. 

"The Army of God will have victory after victory after victory – and I love what Pres. Trump always says…you'll get sick and tired of winning, if there is such a thing, and that's the same way for the Army of God it's going to be victory after victory after victory!", he said.

When asked whether Trump will win a second term, Taylor said "Absolutely. I'm sure about that because when people see the good that the country is coming in to, the prosperity, the economy, the jobs – he's going to sail in to the second term," Taylor said.

 Full Text of Mark Taylor's April 28, 2011 Trump Prophecy:

"The Spirit of God says I've chosen this man Donald Trump for such a time as this. For as Benjamin Netanyahu is to Israel, so shall this man be to the United States of America, for I will use this man to bring honor, respect and restoration to America. America will be respected once again as the most powerful, prosperous nation on Earth other than Israel. The dollar will be the strongest it has ever been in the history of the United States and will once again be the currency by which all others are judged. The Spirit of God says the enemy will quake and shake, and fear this man I have anointed. They will even quake and shake when he announces he is running for President. It will be like the shot heard across the world. Then you will say what shall we do now? This man knows all our tricks and schemes. We've been robbing America for decades. What should we do to stop this? The Spirit says, ha, no one shall stop this that I have started, for the enemy has stolen from America for decades and it stops now. For I will use this man to reap the harvest that the United States has sown for and plunder from the enemy what he has stolen, and return it back sevenfold to the United States. The enemy will say, 'Israel, Israel, what about Israel?' Israel will be protected by America once again. The Spirit says yes, America will once again stand hand in hand with Israel and the two shall be as one, for the ties between Israel and America will be stronger than ever and Israel will flourish like never before. The Spirit of God says I will protect America and Israel, for this next President will be a man of his word. When he speaks the world will listen and know that there is something greater in him than all the others before him. This man's word is his bond and the world and America will know this, and the enemy will fear this, for this man will be fearless. The Spirit says when the financial harvest begins so shall the parallel in the spiritual for America. The Spirit of God says in this next election they will spend billions to keep this president out. It will be like money down the toilet. Let them waste their money, for where it comes from is being used by evil forces at work, but they will not succeed. This next election will be a clean sweep for the man that I have chosen. They will say things about this man, the enemy, but it will not affect him and they will say it rolls off of him like a duck. For even as the feathers of a duck protect it, so shall my feathers protect this next president. Even mainstream news media will be captivated by this man and the abilities that I gift to him and they will even begin to agree with him, says the Spirit." – Mark Taylor

Watch here: Mark Taylor interview

While you are here...

We'd like to ask for your help. At CBN News, we strive to bring you the most current, pertinent and reliable news possible. We are able to bring you this important news from a Christian perspective because of the help of friends like you who know how vital it is to have an alternative to the news you hear from major media outlets.

Would you help ensure that we can continue to provide this important service to you and our country by considering a special gift today? Or would you become a monthly partner so we know we can count on the resources we need to bring you the best news possible?

Thanks for being a part of the dynamic future of CBN News, as well as helping The Christian Broadcasting Network share the love of Jesus with hurting people everywhere.

Become a PartnerGive a special gift

Hiking Through - One Man's Great Adventure on the Appalachian Trail - CBN News Wendy Griffith

Hiking Through - One Man's Great Adventure on the Appalachian Trail

08-18-2017

CBN News Wendy Griffith

Each year thousands of people attempt to hike the entire Appalachian Trail from start to finish. Only one in four completes it. When then 58-year-old Paul Stutzman took his first steps on the 2,176 mile journey, he wanted more than a great adventure. He was looking for an encounter with God.

Years before, Paul was busy living life. He was happily married, had three children and a great job managing a large restaurant in Ohio's Amish country.  

Then in 2002, doctors diagnosed his beloved wife Mary with breast cancer. Although they did everything they could and believed God would heal her, Mary passed away four years later.

Learning About Grace from God 

This devastated Paul and left him consumed with a burning question for God. Why?

A year after Mary's death and still with no answer, Paul knew he had to do something different.

"And I just felt God say, 'It's time, give it up, go on the trail and I'm going to meet you there,'"he said. 

So Paul quit his job and started his journey on the famous Appalachian Trail, nearly 2,200 miles of rugged wilderness that begins in Springer Mountain, Georgia, passes through 14 states, and ends at Mt. Katahdin, Maine.

"The first night on the Appalachian trail, I'm in my tent, I'm lying there, I can't sleep, it's raining and I just gave up a good job to be out here in the woods to get rained on. So I just kind of reflected back on my life, and how I'd grown up and I just told God that night, you're going to be my hiking partner and I want answers and I want to know more about grace," he said. 

Paul says his journey progressed much faster than he expected. 

"I had planned on six months, but growing up Amish and Mennonite, we have a strong work ethic, so I'd get up early in the morning and I'd just hike all day. I ended up doing it in four and a half months, which is pretty fast."

"My average on the whole hike was seventeen and a half miles a day, but that includes eight days where I took a zero day, which means a day off.  I also had a couple of days in Virginia that were 23 miles and even a few 28 mile days. But then in New Hampshire and Maine where it gets pretty rugged, there were days where I only did ten to twelve miles, but the average was seventeen and a half," he said. 

Apostle Paul Headed to Damascus 

"I picked the trail name Apostle and I took that name (obviously my name is Paul) so I was the "Apostle Paul," and 500 miles up the trail is Damascus, Virginia – so I was the "Apostle Paul" headed to Damascus," he said. 

"I enjoyed Virginia especially. Virginia is the longest state, probably about 600 miles, but it's not quite as difficult. But the scenery coming over the Shenandoah National Park, the scenery is just gorgeous in Virginia," he added. 

During his first month on the trail Paul lost 30 pounds and got in the best shape of his life.

A Hiker's Reward

"Once a week, I'd hitchhike into town because I had food boxes sent to me about every 100 miles. The average hiker burns about 6,000 calories a day so you can't eat enough."

Paul says despite the rain and hunger, the trip ultimately healed him. 

"The first year after my wife passed away I ran, I stayed busy and finally on the [Appalachian] trail [hiking] at two miles an hour I was exhausted. My body was exhausted, but my mind was becoming very sharp – and the farther I would hike and the more tired I got, the more clear my mind became and I started seeing a purpose in what God was doing," he said. 

Day after day, Paul cried out to God...then, on a Sunday morning somewhere in New Hampshire, he finally got his answer. 

"He took me on my face in tears when He revealed to me why I was on this trail and God said, 'you're writing a book, put this message in the book' and I said this message is sort of for pastors and ministers not for a hiker and God told me that morning, 'I will get that book and I send you places pastors can't go,'" he said. 

Jesus is Coming Back

While it wasn't the personal message he was hoping and expecting – Paul saw it as a word for everyone….Jesus is coming back.

"I'm coming back and tell people that I am coming back, I'm in control, I know what's going on.'  What I heard was I had to take your wife to get you out here on this mountainside to hear this message," Paul said. 

Paul says that when someone loses a spouse he needs to remember the loved one is no longer going through pain. 

"Grieving means we loved somebody; the only way not to grieve is not to love. Our loved ones want us to go on with life – they've got it made, they're in heaven, they're just having a ball, and we're the ones that are kind of suffering down here and they want us to enjoy life and there's a lot to enjoy," he said. 

And Paul talked about what he would like his own grave marker to say at the end of his life. "Would I want it to say he worked at a restaurant all of his life?" he mused. "Or would I want it to say, he took a chance, he took a risk, and he quit his job and he hiked the Appalachian Trail? I decided I wanted it to read that way," he said. 

Paul successfully completed his journey on the Appalachian Trail in August of 2008.

He's the author of Hiking Through: One Man's Journey to Peace and Freedom on the Appalachian Trail as well as six other books about his adventures, including his latest one about walking the Jesus Trail in Israel. That book is set for release in November 2017.  For more information on Paul's life and travels you can check out his website: http://paulstutzman.com/ 

 Love For His People Editor: We'd love to keep in touch with you. 

Sign up here: Love For His People Contact Form

'Focus on the Family' Founder James Dobson Marks 40 Years in Broadcasting - CBN News Wendy Griffith

Dr. James Dobson

'Focus on the Family' Founder James Dobson Marks 40 Years in Broadcasting

06-26-2017

CBN News Wendy Griffith

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- He's been called one of the most influential Evangelical leaders of our time, and for good reason. For the past four decades, Dr. James Dobson has devoted his life and ministry to preserving the family. He's best known for his long-running radio show, "Focus on the Family" and this year celebrates 40 years in broadcasting. CBN's Wendy Griffith recently traveled to his Colorado Springs headquarters to find out what's next for the iconic broadcaster.

Jim Dobson was born in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1936, the son, grandson and great-grandson of ministers. 

Wendy: "A lot of people don't know this but you had some rebellious years?"

Teenaged Rebellion Changes Everything

Dobson: "Surprise, Surprise....My Dad was gone a lot and my mother raised me. She was a great, great mother, but like a lot of kids when I turned 16 I began to think I knew more than she did. And I had been out somewhere, I didn't do anything really bad, but I came home and she said, 'I know where you've been,' and I said, 'Right. I'm going to do it again.' And I'd never taken her on like that and she looked at me and said, 'what did you say?' and I said, 'I've made up my mind there are some things I'm going to do my way.' And she just said, hmmm and she had the phone sitting there and she reached over and took the phone, my dad was a thousand miles away, and she called him, while I was standing there. She had a simple message for him: 'I need you' ...and to my shock my Dad canceled a four-year slate of revival meetings and said I'm not doing that anymore. He got on a train and came home."

That decision changed everything for the young "Jimmy." 

Dobson: "My Dad, by making that sacrifice, invested in me. We hunted, we fished, he was with me. It pulled me back from the edge. I was an only child so that time with my mother and dad was idyllic."

Dobson Takes a Different Path

But the young Dobson did not follow his forefathers to the pulpit, choosing instead the path of academia. That decision led him to become a child psychologist at Children's Hospital in Los Angeles. But his growing concern for the rapid demise of the family overshadowed his love for academia. 

He says he could see what was coming to the culture - a breakdown of the family unit.

With his wife Shirley and two young children, Dobson left university life in 1977 to begin a radio program on 34 Christian stations called
"Focus on the Family." Unfortunately, that was when his own family began to suffer.

Heeding the Warning Signs in His Own Family

Dobson: "I was neglecting my own family and my Dad saw it. He wrote me a letter and I still have it today. He started off by saying how proud he was of me...but the world into which your children are born is very different than the world into which you were born and if you don't have time to invest in them and pray for them you'll lose them. I could cry today, it's been all those years. He said to me, when you sit where I sit, all this other stuff you're doing, it's wonderful, but I'm telling you, it won't matter anything." 

Dobson cut back on travel and Focus on the Family took off. It eventually grew to 7,000 stations in 150 countries and at its peak reached 220 million people each day. 

In addition to his radio show, Dobson wrote numerous best sellers including, Dare to Discipline and What Wives Wish Their Husbands Knew About Women. He also started the influential Family Research Council and served as an advisor to five U.S. presidents including Ronald Reagan. 

Dobson: "He said, 'I want you to tell me what I can do to strengthen the family'. And I said, 'Why not a family impact study commission so that you can't mess with the family without knowing what you're doing to it?' There were four of those and he issued Executive Orders for all four and they stayed in place until Bill Clinton canceled them."

Interview with a Convicted Serial Killer

In 1989, Dobson shocked the nation when he met with serial killer Ted Bundy the day before his execution. Bundy told Dobson violent pornography led to his unthinkable behavior.

After more than 30 years at Focus on The Family, Dobson left in 2009 because of what he called "significant philosophical differences" with his successor. He began a new nationally syndicated show called "Family Talk" but says the message hasn't changed.

Dobson: "You cannot have a strong country without strong families. That's the next generation, those are the kids that are going to inherit everything from you, what you believe, what your spiritual views are, everything depends on that. And we are really playing with fire when we begin to rip into the fabric of that structure." 

Wendy: "You have spent your life fighting for the family, fighting for traditional marriage, helping parents to raise good kids. When you look around today and you see gay marriage pretty much the law of the land and trans-gender becoming sort of the norm, do you ever get discouraged?"

Dobson: "Of course I do, because the family is the ground floor, that's the foundation for the entire culture; everything sits on that, our institutions, our government, our way of life, our values, our children, everything sits on that foundation."

No Plans for Retirement

At 81, Dobson says he has no plans to retire. He starts each day with 45 minutes on the treadmill before coming here to his office that looks more like a ski chalet - adorned with rustic furniture, family photos and a majestic view of Pike's Peak. And like Pike's Peak which towers more than 14,000 feet above Colorado Springs, Dobson says one thing remains paramount over all else - teaching your children to love the Lord. 

Dobson: "There's nothing more important than introducing them to Jesus Christ. If you don't get that done and they die in an unrepentant state, according to my theology, you never see them again, boy if that doesn't put it in perspective...so to have an opportunity to influence those families is a great thrill for me..."

In honor of Dr. Dobson's 40th anniversary in broadcasting, Family Talk is launching the Dobson Digital Library. The project brings four decades of tried-and-true, family-centered content to a new generation of families on the worldwide web. 

"The digital library is quite possibly the most important project we've ever undertaken, and that's why we've made it free for families and ministries everywhere," says Dobson. 

While you are here...

We'd like to ask for your help. At CBN News, we strive to bring you the most current, pertinent and reliable news possible. We are able to bring you this important news from a Christian perspective because of the help of friends like you who know how vital it is to have an alternative to the news you hear from major media outlets.

Would you help ensure that we can continue to provide this important service to you and our country by considering a special gift today? Or would you become a monthly partner so we know we can count on the resources we need to bring you the best news possible?

Thanks for being a part of the dynamic future of CBN News, as well as helping The Christian Broadcasting Network share the love of Jesus with hurting people everywhere.

Donate to CBN

Tens of Thousands Cry Out for Unity, Revival at 'Azusa Now' Rally - Wendy Griffith, CBN News

Tens of Thousands Cry Out for Unity, Revival at 'Azusa Now' Rally

CBN News Wendy Griffith

LOS ANGELES -- Tens of thousands of Christians filled the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles over the weekend to pray for a spiritual revival to sweep across the nation.

Sponsored by The Call, the Azusa Now rally was strategically held on the 110th anniversary of the 1906 Azusa Street Revival, which broke out in Los Angeles and had a worldwide impact.

"I just knew in my heart that I was meant to be here. I was meant to experience this and that this was going to be an historical event," said Yuba City, California, resident Cameron Clark.

San Diego resident Lisa Baker remarked, "I believe that there's such unity that is opening the heavens. I really believe that we've opened up the gates and the doors so that the King of Glory can come on in… it's so exciting."

Tanya Zodulua traveled from Raleigh, North Carolina, to attend the event.

"I'm just here being totally engulfed in His presence and just believing for miracles," she said.

"So you've been praying for revival back in Colorado?" CBN's Wendy Griffith asked Colorado Springs resident Glenn Vasaturo.

"We just labor in the prayer room for our nation, for two years just praying in this room," he replied. "And it's like it's just happening... It's happening."

Lou Engle, founder of The Call, has been calling the nation to pray at strategic times for the last 15 years. He says the Azusa Now event was birthed from a dream that an even greater revival than the one that broke out at 312 Azusa Street in downtown Los Angeles in 1906 is about to break out again.

"I believe we're at the threshold of a third Great Awakening," Engle told CBN News.

"And if stadiums can be filled, and now evangelism coming, I have to believe that no matter how dark it is, what the political climate is, Jesus is going to keep His covenant and He's going to show us a great wave of awakening. I'm excited about that," he said.

Azusa Now kicked off with a series of prayers of repentance and forgiveness, beginning with the American Indians.

"Make us one in your son...Awaken the Native American! Awaken in Jesus name," one Native American prayed.

That was followed by prayers for Israel, the Jewish people, and for Jews and gentiles to unite.

"When Ruth and Boaz unite, when Jew and gentile unite in Messiah, it's going to release the greatest sound of revival the world has ever seen," Malibu, California Rabbi Jason Sobel said.

And just like the original Azusa Street Revival, there was a focus on racial reconciliation.

"If we want to be reconciled with men, we have to first be reconciled to God and that means our histories must be reconciled to God," one attendee said.

But most of the day felt like a huge celebration, with lots of worship, dancing and many people receiving healing miracles.

"When they prayed, they said for healing, my right ear opened up… and they snapped and I could hear it," Greg Gephardt, from Orland, California, said.

The celebration continued well into the night with worship from Bethel and an overall feeling that something big took place in the heavens that could soon be felt on earth.

Watch here: Azua Now

Lou Engle Expects Revival that Will Fill Stadiums

Lou Engle Expects Revival that Will Fill Stadiums

CBNNews.com

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Ad Feedback

Since 2000, a prayer movement labeled "The Call" has gathered hundreds of thousands of people across America for times of prayer, fasting, repentance and worship.

The Call co-founder Lou Engle says his expectations for coming years are higher than ever and he's asking the church to join him in faith.

Engle is believing for what he calls "stadium Christianity," an outbreak of revival that will bring believers to stadiums across the country to worship and experience a new power in the Holy Spirit.

His dream is to hold "The Call" in Los Angeles Memorial Stadium on April 9, 2016, on the 110th anniversary of the Azusa Street Outpouring, which kicked off the Pentecostal/Charismatic renewal in the United States.

"Can you believe with us that denominations will unite, that the races could come together, that God could make us one, as the antidote to the terrific division in our day?" Lou asks.

"Could you believe with us for 'stadium Christianity' where signs and wonders are breaking out and mass evangelism explodes across our country?" he continued.

Watch CBN's Wendy Griffith's interview with Lou Engle and hear his passion and desire to see God bring about a 'Third Great Awakening" in America. Watch here: Lou Engle on CBN

The Real Story of Ben-Hur's 'Tale of the Christ'

The Real Story of Ben-Hur's 

'Tale of the Christ'

By Dawn Goeb and Wendy Griffith

CBN News

Friday, April 03, 2015

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. -- For many, watching the movie "Ben-Hur" has become an Easter tradition. The 1959 blockbuster, starring Charlton Heston, made history with a record 11 Academy Awards.
Now, the 1925 silent version is making a comeback. But what many may not know is that Hollywood didn't create this classic story.

The idea came from the best-selling novel, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ, published in 1880. The book tells the story of a life-altering encounter between a first century Jewish prince and Jesus of Nazareth.

The author is Lew Wallace -- a true renaissance man.

Without Real Conviction

"He tried different things," said Larry Paarlberg, director of the Lew Wallace Study and Museum in Crawfordsville, Ind.

"He loved to paint, he loved to write, he loved to do creative things, he loved the military," he explained. "He became a prosecuting attorney; he was in the legislature for a term."

Wallace showed a talent for writing early in life. He learned about the Bible from his favorite teacher. And while he didn't care for church, the story of the three wise men fascinated him.

As Wallace later wrote in his autobiography, "Little did I dream then what those few verses were to bring me -- that out of them Ben-Hur was one day to be evoked."

In the meantime, Wallace's writing took a back seat to other priorities. He fought in the Mexican-American War and the Civil War, becoming the youngest major general in the Union Army. He also married and had a son.

Throughout the years, he kept coming back to the biblical account of the three wise men. So, he decided to write a magazine article about them.

"I had no convictions about God or Christ. I neither believed nor disbelieved in them… Yet when the work was fairly begun, I found myself writing reverentially, with awe," Wallace wrote.

His Own 'Tale of Christ'

Still, Wallace had much to learn about God -- as he found out in a chance encounter with a well-known atheist named Robert Ingersoll.

Lew Wallace & Robert Ingersoll

"Robert Ingersoll knew far more about the Bible," Paarlberg said."You don't preach against something unless you know it. And so he just filleted Lew."

Walking alone to his hotel that night, Wallace realized the time had come to form his own opinion on the subject of religion.

"My ignorance of it was painfully a spot of deeper darkness in the darkness," he wrote. "I was ashamed of myself."

Paarlberg sees this as a pivotal moment in Wallace's life.

"He realized at that point, 'I have no business submitting this story for publication. I don't know what I was talking about… I need to do the research; I need to learn the Bible; I need to learn the story," he said.

Early in his research, Wallace created the fictional character of Judah Ben-Hur, a witness to the real-life events leading up to the death and resurrection of Christ.

Wallace soon began to see God through the eyes of his character.

"Long before I was through with my book, I became a believer in God and Christ," the author wrote.

A Classic Masterpiece

The original manuscript of Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ is kept at The Lilly Library on the campus of Indiana University.

Wendy Griffith with original manuscript

Curator of Manuscripts Cherry Dunham Williams gently lifted the tall stack of papers from the special box where it is stored to show CBN News. There are 650 pages, hand-written in purple ink.

When Wallace delivered his manuscript to Harper & Brothers in 1880, they had no idea it would make publishing history. The book became the best-selling novel of the 19th century and has been translated into more than 40 languages. It has never been out of print.

Paarlberg said Ben-Hur had a big impact on the post-Civil War country.

"It sort of was a touch point that people could understand and relate to. People were looking for ways to reconcile, to come together," he explained. "They were exploring, 'How can there be a God that would allow a war to happen like this?'"

Soon after its publication, letters began flooding in, including one from President James Garfield.

"With this beautiful and reverent book you have lightened the burden of my daily life," Garfield wrote.

A Lasting Heritage

Wallace's own burdens had always been lightened outdoors. He did most of his writing under what came to be known as the Wallace Beech Tree.

"Its spreading branches droop to the ground, weighed down by their wealth of foliage, and under them I am shut in as by the walls of a towering green tent," he wrote of it in his autobiography.

The Wallace Beech is no longer there; it died shortly after Wallace did and was replaced by a bronze statue of the author.

What does remain from Wallace's time is a building that he dreamed about for decades, but never had the resources to build -- until the success of Ben-Hur.

Wallace designed an extraordinary 19th century "man cave," a free-standing building that holds books, paintings, and memorabilia from his life.

"Lew built this as his private retreat," Paarlberg said.

Wallace spent his golden years in Crawfordsville, writing every day until his death in 1905.

His grave marker is inscribed with a quote from Ben-Hur, by one of his beloved wise men: "I would not give one hour of life as a Soul for a thousand years of life as a man."

Watch CBN News video here: Ben-Hur author

'Old Fashioned' Romance Shreds 'Shades of Grey' Movie

"Old Fashioned" movie scene

'Old Fashioned' Romance 

Shreds 'Shades of Grey'

By Wendy Griffith

CBN News Anchor/Reporter

Friday, February 13, 2015

There's another movie being released February 13 about love and romance you might want to check out.

It's called "Old Fashioned." CBN's Wendy Griffith spoke with the film's writer and lead actor, Rik Swartzwelder, to find out the story behind the film.

Film's writer and lead actor, Rik Swartzwelder

Physical Matters

Swartzwelder plays Clay Walsh, a former frat boy who comes to Jesus and feels so guilty for his past behavior with women that he makes a vow to keep his distance from the opposite sex until the "right" one comes along.

The only problem is that his own "righteousness" becomes a bit of a brick wall to those around him.

"So, he's isolated himself from other people, isolated himself ultimately from God, even, and it's starting to change him in a not-good way," Rik explained.

When a single woman named Amber enters the picture, things begin to change. Clay runs an antique shop and Amber rents the apartment above the shop.

Wendy Griffith - CBN News Anchor/Reporter

Griffith asked Rik what inspired him to write the script for "Old Fashioned."

"I was hanging around with a bunch of singles, and we all loved film and we were dating and trying to fall in love and see if we could find a life partner, someone to marry," he explained. "And we were talking about how none of us, to a person, had ever seen a film that really told our story on screen."

"So the very beginning, the genesis of 'Old Fashioned' for me, was simply trying to tell the love story that other people I knew were experiencing and hoping for and longing for," he said.

In the movie, Clay says he won't kiss his bride, except on the cheek, until their wedding day.

"For Clay it's important because it's his way of staying on the straight and narrow, of trying to make amends for how he has lived in the past," Rik said about why that level of purity was so important to him. "What we can learn from Clay is, however you want to draw those lines, there is wisdom in saying, what we do physically matters and there's a spiritual component to these things."

Redeeming Romance

Are Rik and Clay one in the same?

"Well, any writer, you write what you know and there are certainly elements of the film that are auto-biographical," Rik admitted. "It's not my life story, but I'm definitely borrowing heavily from my own life experiences."

Like his character, Rik became a Christian later in life.

"My moral compass was dictated by MTV and pop culture and I bought into that," Rik explained. "I lived that life out and eventually you go far enough down that road and you realize not only is it a dead-end street, but it's an empty street."

"But when I read the words of Jesus and the life of Jesus and Jesus says, 'Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,' something in me shifted and it's never been the same," he added.

"Old Fashioned" will be released on February 13, the same day as "50 Shades of Grey." Rik said he wasn't telling this story as a counterpoint to "50 Shades" or any other book or film.

"I was simply trying to tell a more beautiful love story that took the idea of honoring God and that takes romance and dating seriously," he said. "When we realized the marketing opportunity that was there once our film was done, that clearly was deliberate. It was a unique time to engage the culture in a discussion about love and romance."

Shades of Spiritual

Dr. Juli Slattery, co-author of a new book called, Pulling Back the Shades, said although "50 Shades of Grey" is a cultural phenomenon, with more than 100 million books sold, it's a dangerous book and movie, and it's one that Christian women should avoid.

"In 1 Thessalonians, it says clearly, 'This is God's will for you, that you should avoid sexual immorality.' And as Christian women we're constantly asking, 'God, would you guide me? Would you bless me? Would you bless my family? Would you bring me a loving husband?" she explained. "By reading '50 shades of Grey' or things like it, or going to see the movie, you are choosing to take yourself out of God's will," Slattery said.

Slattery also said that "50 Shades of Grey" is actually a spiritual book.

"We start with the Garden of Eden, and Satan saying to Eve, 'God really doesn't have your best interest in mind. There's another way to achieve what you want,'" she explained. "How is "50 Shades of Grey" not that? It's whispering to single women, to married women, 'What you're experiencing, what God has for you is really second rate. What the world offers is much more fulfilling.'"

"That's Satanic. When we bite the apple, take the bait, we are following the enemy's plan," she said.

A Beautiful Revolution

Slattery recommends movie-goers choose "Old Fashioned" over "50 Shades."

"It's not fairy tale-ish," she said. "The main character, Clay, comes from a lot of poor choices and the woman does, too. And it's a story not just of romance but of God's redemption."

Slattery said a lot of women feel a tremendous amount of sexual shame, believing they could never have a pure relationship. But the movie, "Old Fashioned," shows you not only is God's way the best, but God redeems us.

Rik admits that in an age where "hooking up" is practically a national pastime, and reality dating shows encourage kissing as many people as possible, the themes in "Old Fashioned" are completely counter-cultural. But he hopes that his movie will at least get the conversation started.

"Are we engaging romance with respect?" he asks. "Does virtue matter, does honor matter? Does integrity matter? What does that look like for you?"

Is an old fashioned courtship possible in 2015? Rik believes it is.

"I believe in a God who is revolutionary, who believes that all things come in cycles, and that all things are possible," he said. "And chivalry can make a comeback if enough people want it."

"If we get tired of getting beaten up by our culture and entertainment that wants to reduce us to physical recepticles, then yes, it absolutely is possible," he added. "And I believe a beautiful revolution can happen, but it has to happen in our own hearts."

Watch the interview here: CBN News - "Old Fashioned" movie

"You Are a Prize to Be Won!" - Wendy Griffith (The 700 Club co-host)

Wendy Griffith:

T.D. Jakes and I Agree: 
Get My friend Wendy Griffith's 
Book Today!

Wendy Griffith takes the reader on an inspiring journey of self-discovery that reminds us that every woman has within herself the seeds of greatness—an unshakable, undeniable sense of her own net worth that will not allow her to accept one scintilla less. - T. D. Jakes, CEO, TDJ Enterprises

From the desk of Steve Shultz:

T.D. Jakes and I agree on Wendy Griffith's NEW BOOK...available for the first time NOW!

We love Wendy and we love the content of this book!

Listen...I've known Wendy for the better part of 10 years. I regularly check in with her to see how she's doing. You've heard people say that one must not just "talk the talk...but walk the walk!"

I'm telling you, from my heart to yours – Wendy walks the walk. She's experienced the hardships of life and she grows stronger in the Lord by the day. In her newest and probably best-selling book, Wendy encourages women, "YOU ARE THE PRIZE – DON'T SETTLE FOR LESS THAN GOD'S BEST!"

You need to get Wendy's book for yourself. And please, order one for a dear friend too.

One more thing...Wendy, a co-host on The 700 Club will be interviewed today, January 28th onTHE 700 Club. She talks about her book with Pat Robertson. Watch the interview and then support THE ELIJAH LIST and move forward in your life by ordering this book TODAY from THE ELIJAH LIST BELOW!

Pat Robertson will interview Wendy Griffith about her new book "You Are a Prize to Be Won!" today, January 28th – check your local listings, or you can also see a full schedule of The 700 

700 Club and CBN airing times – just click here or watch online at CBN.com – just click here.

Order the book You Are a Prize to Be Won! right now right here:

NEW! You Are a Prize to Be Won!:  Don't Settle for Less Than God's Best by Wendy Griffith Book $14.99

Blessings,

Steve Shultz, Founder and Publisher
The Elijah List & Breaking Christian News 
http://www.elijahlist.com

To receive daily, encouraging prophetic emails from 

The Elijah List to your in box CLICK HERE.

Wendy Griffith:

T.D. Jakes and I Agree: 
Get My friend Wendy Griffith's 
Book Today!

You Are a Prize to be Won!

Wendy Griffith had often preached to other women about being a prize to be won, but did not practice it. She did not realize her true value in Christ, and became the "beggar" in a year-long romance, begging for a few scraps of love. When her romance ended, she was devastated. Through her tears, God showed her that she had settled for emotional "crumbs." She learned that God had so much more for her, (Eph. 3:20) and that she was a pearl of great price!

Now she shares her past heartache and experiences, defining what real love is and showing you how to: Guard your heart; Avoid the counterfeit; Not look back and enjoy being sensationally single until the right one comes along. You'll learn why God's love for you is extravagant and you shouldn't settle for emotional crumbs. You are a prize to be won!

From the Back Cover

In You Are a Prize to Be Won! CBN news anchor Wendy Griffith shares her personal story of falling in love, and then watching her happily-ever-after dreams disappear. In the aftermath of heartbreak, Wendy discovered the truth about who she is in God's eyes...and she invites you to make the same discovery about yourself--not just in your head--but deep down in your heart. (Photo: Pat Robertson with Wendy Griffith)

In her warm, storytelling style, Wendy shares the heartbreaking experiences that have helped her define real love. You will learn—as she did—to:

• Guard your heart

• Avoid counterfeits

• ...and enjoy being sensationally single until the right one comes along.

God's love for you is extravagant and you shouldn't settle for emotional crumbs. You Are a Prize to Be Won! is for every woman who has ever doubted her incalculable value.

In her new book You Are a Prize to Be Won!, Wendy Griffith shares:

Ladies, the Lord wants you to know that you are a pearl of great price, a treasure worth pursuing and protecting. You are worth fighting for and, like the pearl in the parable in Matthew 13:45-46, worth everything it might cost a guy to obtain you.

You are worth someone sacrificing his time, his routine, his comfort, his money, his whatever in order to have you. You are worth it!

You are a prize to be won. Don't settle for crumbs!

Order the book You Are a Prize to Be Won! right now right here:

NEW! You Are a Prize to Be Won!:  Don't Settle for Less Than God's Best by Wendy Griffith Book $14.99

Endorsements

Wendy Griffith takes the reader on an inspiring journey of self-discovery that reminds us that every woman has within herself the seeds of greatness—an unshakable, undeniable sense of her own net worth that will not allow her to accept one scintilla less.

- T. D. Jakes, CEO, TDJ Enterprises

Wendy Griffith is an intelligent, accomplished, beautiful woman. To simply look at her, one would assume that she lives a charmed life without care or pain. Looks can be deceiving. In this book, Wendy opens her heart and her life to help us realize that we are valued beyond our imagining and loved with an everlasting love. 

It is in our deepest loss and our greatest pain that we discover the "Lover of our Souls"—the One who is always true, never leaves and knows our deepest longings. Read Wendy's book! Be encouraged, embrace healing and open your heart to a new beginning. You are a prize to be won!  - Terry Meeuwsen, Co-host, The 700 Club; Founder, Orphan's Promise

Born out of her own personal pain and devastation, Wendy, who is single, beautiful and vivacious, shares her story...and the stories of others. Her hope? That you will discover, as she did, the prize that you really are: God's mate and worth the wait. You should never have the option of settling for crumbs when you can have crème brûlée! You Are A Prize To Be Won!: Don't Settle for Less Than God's Best is a must read for both the broken and hopeful heart! - Jensine Bard, Executive Producer and Host, Testimony, a Global Radio broadcast

Opened up Wendy Griffith's manuscript to do the "polite" scan of the pages so I could come up with a proper, "polite" endorsement...and ten chapters in I can't pry myself away from it! 

Engaging, real, authentic and deeply personal...this book challenges me, inspires me and makes me feel a little bit braver in my own journey as I walk with Wendy on hers. There have been a million little "me too!" moments that I've stumbled across as I read...and any woman, single or not, who has ever struggled to move past "The Ex" or to "let go and let God" will be able to relate. 

What a refreshing and moving look at the journey of the modern, single Christian woman! - Mandy Hale, Creator of The Single Woman blog; Author, The Single Woman: Life, Love & a Dash of Sass

Order the book You Are a Prize to Be Won! right now right here:

NEW! You Are a Prize to Be Won!:  Don't Settle for Less Than God's Best by Wendy Griffith Book $14.99

About the Author

Wendy Griffith is an anchor and senior reporter for the Christian Broadcasting Network and cohost of CBN's flagship show, The 700 Club, with CBN founder Dr. Pat Robertson. She also co-anchors two other shows for CBN: Christian World News, a weekly show that focuses on the challenges facing the global Church, and CBN Newswatch, a daily 30-minute newscast seen on networks throughout the country and on cbn.com. Wendy is the coauthor, with Craig Buseck, of Praying the News.

Wendy Griffith with Kevin Costner...

...Wendy Griffith with Joel Osteen

Order the book You Are a Prize to Be Won! right now right here:

NEW! You Are a Prize to Be Won!:  Don't Settle for Less Than God's Best by Wendy Griffith Book $14.99

Love For His People Editor's Note: Because my wife and I are supporters of CBN and The 700 Club (from our personal bank account), I share this book announcment with you. We do not receive any renumeration for doing this, but just because I like Wendy and the people she works with! 

I am sure it is a good book too!

Steve Martin, Editor