“It’s always too soon to quit on the LORD.” – Rev. Mark Jarvis

Then they came to the place of which God had told him. And Abraham built an altar there and placed the wood in order; and he bound Isaac his son and laid him on the altar, upon the wood. And Abraham stretched out his hand and took the knife to slay his son. But the Angel of the LORD called to him from heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham!” So he said, “Here I am.” And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the lad, or do anything to him; for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” (Genesis 22:9)

Are you frustrated by your circumstances?
Do you feel ready to throw in the towel?
What can you do today to stay in the race for Jesus?

Rev. Mark Jarvis has been my top spiritual mentor. He’s also my barber. In his early 20’s, Mark cut hair for several years before being saved and going off to seminary. I like having Mark cut my hair because he does a good job and we always have great spiritual conversations.

When I called Mark this morning to schedule an appointment to have my hair cut today, he asked me what’s been going on. I told him each day I take another swing of the ax against the mighty oak.

Mark then told me it’s great what’s happening in China – with the explosion of Christianity there. I told him the Body of Christ always grows the fastest in the midst of persecution. We talked about the necessity for Christians in America to experience persecution before a great Awakening and Revival will take place.

After sharing my story of getting connected to Dan Stratton through the daily Provision Network prayer calls, Mark told me that Jerry Falwell said nothing of significance is accomplished without prayer. Jerry accomplished so much through prayer and persistence. Mark told me he just finished reading Jerry Falwell’s autobiography and recommended I read that.

Jerry’s father was an entrepreneur and one-time bootlegger who was agnostic until 2 weeks before he died. Jerry’s grandfather was a staunch atheist. We marveled at what God did through one man sold out to Jesus and firmly grounded in the Word of God. At his memorial service in May 2007, Jerry was acknowledged as a “man of every day.” Every day, he spent long morning quiet time, reading and praying the Bible. Every day, he …

Mark said, “God loves buzzer beating victories.” For example, Abraham was ready to kill Isaac; Joseph was taken to Egypt when his brothers were ready to kill him in the pit; God parted the Red Sea just before the Egyptian army arrived to slaughter the Israelites; Ester’s role and boldness to save all the Jewish people. Mark went on to say, “It’s always too soon to quit on the LORD.” God loves to see our faith. Without faith, it’s impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).”

DON’T QUIT ON GOD!!! God won’t quit on you.

Prayer Power
Heavenly Father, thank You for Rev. Mark Jarvis, who continues to instruct and inspire me spiritually. Thank You for the way he models prayer and persistence. Bless him, his family, his work, and his ministry with a banner year in 2008. LORD, someone who is reading this message is ready to throw in the towel, perhaps in their marriage. Encourage that person right now. Don’t let them quit on You. Inspire those who read this message be people of prayer and persistence, growing daily in their faith. We bless You Jesus. Amen and hallelujah!

Link of the Day
Don’t Quit on God, God Won’t Quit on You – see Jan 6, 2008 entry to listen to this encouraging and enlightening audio file 

Blessings to never quit on God!

Falwell strongly advocated beliefs and practices he believed were taught by the Bible. He believed in the quintessential patriarchal family in which, ideally, the father is the primary bread-winner and the wife takes care of the home and raises the children until they’re old enough to leave the home. The entire family was expected to play an active role in their local church. Falwell’s company “The Moral Majority” was founded on four basic tenets, 1) pro-family, 2) pro-life, 3) pro-defense and 4) pro-Israel.

The church, Falwell asserted, was the cornerstone of a successful family. Not only was it a place for spiritual learning and guidance, but also a gathering place for fellowship and socializing with like-minded individuals. The dialogs started one-on-one after service among parishioners would often build into more focused speeches or organized goals Falwell could then present to a larger audience via his various media outlets.