Any Christian who is not rooted in the Word of God has no roots. – Dr. Jerry Falwell

He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6b)

What were keys to Dr. Jerry’s Falwell’s success and incredible legacy?

Today is Day #7 (“Resounding THE CALL OF GOD”) of the 10 days of prayer leading up to the Global Day of Prayer on Pentecost Sunday. CLICK HERE [www.prayculpeper.org/content.cfm?id=2067] to listen to today’s audio prayer. On May 27, millions of Christians in almost every country will assemble to pray in homes, churches, public venues, stadiums, and open squares. If you live near Culpeper, join hundreds at Culpeper Baptist Church at 3 PM on May 27 for our GDOP assembly. Read more … [www.prayculpeper.org/content.cfm?id=2066]

Yesterday, I had the humble privilege to attend Dr. Jerry Falwell’s memorial service in Lynchburg Virginia with Pastors Mark Jarvis and Matt Gregory, two of my closest friends and spiritual heros in my eyes. Both of them graduated from Liberty University and had a profound impact on my spiritual growth. When we arrived on the campus of Liberty University an hour before the service, we were told Thomas Road Baptist Church was already full with its seating capacity of 5,000. Therefore, we sat in the LU football stadium and watched the service on huge screens.

While waiting for the service to start, I had the opportunity to read “The Liberty Champion” newspaper titled “A Giant Has Fallen.” I leaned things about Dr. Falwell I never knew. For instance, he liked to read the Bible like a novel, from beginning to end. He didn’t like to skip around. Pastor Matt does that too. Dr. Falwell said the demands of each day would destroy his time alone with God and His Word if he would let them. He would not.

Dr. Falwell was a creature of habit. Every morning a little before six, he would shower and dress and go right to his study at home. That was his “Secret Place” where he would do his daily devotional time. Every day for 50 years he read the daily devotion from Oswald Chambers’ “My Utmost for His Highest.” Dr. Falwell had a long list of “every days.” As I’ve mentioned before, 1) the secret of your future is hidden in your daily routine and 2) successful people do daily what unsuccessful people do occasionally.

In the eulogy, Dr. Jim Moon described Dr. Falwell as a “friend” for 60 years. Thousands of people remember Dr. Falwell that way. Even people who disliked the truth and conviction in his messages, considered Dr. Falwell their friend when they knew him because they sensed his genuine love for them. A representative from the White House described Dr. Falwell as a man who had a greater love for God and country than anyone he had ever met.

Dr. Elmer Towns, the co-founder of Liberty University and Dean of Religion there for years, read Philippians 1:3-26. He shared that Philippians 1:6 (above) was Dr. Falwell’s life verse. Dr. Falwell believed God’s man/woman is indestructible until he has finished the work God has called him to do. Tomorrow’s devotional will address this more.

Dr. Franklin Graham told the story of how all three of his sons went to Liberty University because of Dr. Falwell’s reputation as a Christian educator, breaking a family tradition. Franklin said he went to Wheaton College and so did his father, Billy Graham, and other family members. Franklin also shared how Dr. Falwell opened the door for his ministry to expand to most countries around the world.

In his outstanding sermon, Dr. Jerry Vines spoke about anointing. He said an anointing is a special touch for a special task. He said Dr. Falwell had three special anointings: 1) He was a prophet to the nation (USA). 2) He was an educator. 3) He was a pastor to preach the Gospel around the world.

Prayer Power
Most gracious, heavenly Father, I am so humbled that You allowed me to meet and know Dr. Jerry Falwell, one of the greatest spiritual giants of the last century. I didn’t even know where Liberty University was until three weeks after I committed my life to Jesus and You sent Dr. Elmer Towns to Culpeper. Thank You for bringing Mark Jarvis and Matt Gregory into my life in 2000 (the beginning of the new millennium) to rescue me and my family. Thank You for allowing the three of us to attend Dr. Falwell’s memorial service together. Bless Dr. Falwell’s family, friends, church, school, ministry, and legacy. And may the people he impacted “Arise and Shine” to not only fill the spiritual void that was created when You called Dr. Falwell home, but also to bring the Good News of Your Gospel the ends of the earth. Thank You Jesus. Amen and Hallelujah!

Link of the Day
Spiritual Breakthroughs at www.elmertowns.com

Blessings to be a creature of godly daily habits!

Your Daily Blessing News
Christine Darg, Founder of Exploits Ministry [www.olivetree.org], will be speaking at Bethlehem Christian Fellowship [www.bethlehemchristianfellowship.org] in Culpeper at 10 a.m on Sunday May 27 and also at the Church at Northern Virginia (www.cnva.org) at 7 p.m. later that evening. She was one of the primary leaders of the anointed group visit to Israel and Jordan during Passover this year.