“Nothing builds faith like answered prayer!” – Virginia B. Morton

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” (Revelations 22:13)

What are your expectations for today and the upcoming year?
What are your expecations for the 2008 Olympic Games?
What are your prayers?

For me, today is an exciting today filled with the expecation of new beginnings. In biblical numerology, the number 8 represents “new beginnings.” According to Wikipedia, “the number 8 is associated with prosperity and confidence in Chinese culture.” So what will be the significance of today (08-08-08) for you? That depends largely on your expectations and prayers.

08-08-08 is particularly significant to me for 2 reasons. First, the Opening Ceremony for the Beijing Olympics Games takes place tonight. I love the Olympics. Second, today is Virginia Morton’s birthday. Virginia happens to be one of the foremost authorities on the history of Virginia. And God is using her as a catalyst to make the state of Virginia a bright light for the world.

A few days ago, Virginia decided to celebrate her birthday by sending a “Marching Through Culpeper” email to her list of supporters titled “Coalson Plantation and answered prayer.” Her message was so touching, I decided to share it in today’s Link of the Day.

Now back to the Olympics. This morning on TV, Matt Lauer said “Tonight is the most important night in China’s history.” During these Olympics, a record number of attendees are coming – 7 million people. In the past few years, China set aside $2 billion to build the new venues necessary for the Olympics. The nation went all out preparing.

The Olympic games take place August 8-24. 10,500 athletes are expected to compete in 302 events in 28 sports, just one event more than was on the schedule of the 2004 games. Overall 9 new events will be held, which include 2 from the new cycling discipline of BMX. Women will compete in the 3000 meter steeplechase for the first time. A total of 37 venues will be used to host the events including 12 newly constructed venues.

President Bush will be at tonight’s Opening Ceremonies along with many other world leaders. It’s exciting.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, we praise You as the God of new beginnings. Thank You for the new start each of us gets every day, every week, every month, and ever year. Help each of us to set high expectations for the upcoming year. Please bless the 2008 Olympic Games with UNCOMMON love, joy, peace, and divine protection. Thank You Jesus. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
“Coalson Plantation and answered prayer” by Virginia B. Morton

Blessings to pray for and expect new beginnings today and in the year that follows!