Posts about Byron's blog

Join the Movement (Part 2)

In my last blog, I shared with you that I long for the kind of authentic movement of God to take place today that the early church experienced as a result of what God did in the lives of His children as recorded in Acts 1–2. 

On a couple of occasions, I have actually been where the Spirit's fire fell and the wind blew.  The refreshing breeze of God's presence still lingers in my soul. In fact, I doubt that a single day has passed for the last 37 years without my dreaming about another Spiritual Awakening ...

Resisting Drift – “Bracketology 101”

An estimated 45% of Americans filled out brackets for this year's NCAA college basketball tournament. But the bracket on the bottom (right) was the winning one ... 35 years ago. And it's the kind of diagram the founder of basketball desired most.



March Madness might better be called March Sadness.



Why? Because the inventor of basketball would be deeply grieved if he knew how far the game has drifted from its original purpose. The founder, James Naismith, was convinced that he could better exemplify the Christian life through sports than in the pulpit; so after attending a Presbyterian Theological ...

Much Is at Stake, Part 2

In my previous blog, I talked very briefly about some of the reasons my Twitter followers gave for people not pursuing God for revival.

After four decades of revival ministry, I'm convinced that the most persistent objections are not usually based on external factors, but are driven by internal matters of the heart. Fueled by various forms of pride, we decide that we just "don't want to go there." The risks associated with honesty, humility, surrender, obedience, brokenness, repentance, and confession seem to outweigh any reward. Or so we think.

With so many reasons purported for resisting revival ...

I Can’t. It Is Not In Me.

The following is adapted from one of the weekly memos that Byron sends to approximately 200+ staff and their families.

This morning, I feel compelled to share a simple truth that the Lord is using in my own heart right now. It comes right from the Scriptures, in Genesis 41:15-16.

As a child, the phrase "I can't" was taboo. My parents' intent was admirable. They simply wanted me to tackle difficult tasks, hoping the net result would be self-confidence.

In the Scriptures, if anyone should have had self-confidence, it was Joseph. He successfully interpreted four dreams. As far ...

71,000 Attend All-Night Prayer Meeting

Just over a year ago, underneath the radar of media and public interest, something began in Egypt. As a result, 2011 will be remembered for the unprecedented political shift in at least twelve nations. The entire Arab world will never be the same.

Contrary to media images, the change did not begin with mass revolt in the streets. Before the expression of social reform penetrated Facebook and Twitter, the experience of spiritual revival penetrated the hearts of God's people.

The Real Story Is Being Told

Last Man Kneeling

Saturday I was somewhat surprised that a dozen Notre Dame players were courageous enough to take the position of prayer just prior to kickoff.

But I was even more amazed that one of those players continued in prayer for an extended time . . . after everyone else was finished . . . all alone . . . before 70,000 observers. He seemed more concerned about praying until he was finished than merely following the formality of his peers.

It reminded me of how I've always felt it ironic that when people pray, they all seem to finish at the same time. No one ever wants to ...

A Day of Prayer and Fasting

Over the past 40 years, Life Action has been blessed to be engaged in many prayer gatherings on behalf of our nation. Each time has been a huge blessing, and I believe the heart of God has been moved—perhaps a reason why the most severe form of judgment has not already fallen on our nation. Another powerful prayer gathering is taking place this coming Saturday. As you may be aware, thousands of people will be gathering at Reliant Stadium in Houston, Texas, on August 6 to pray for spiritual breakthrough in our nation. The Response (this day of prayer ...

Revival Stirrings in Haiti?

The following letter is primarily an abbreviated report I received from a dear friend who leads a ministry in Pennsylvania. He sent me an e-mail that he received from a missionary in Haiti on Saturday, February 13. I honestly do not know how representative this account is in the nation or how widespread the movement is. I have no reason to question its accuracy. And subsequent reports from another Haiti missionary confirmed the work of God taking place.

But, regardless, it sure sounds like some measure of wind is blowing, and the president of Haiti helped by setting some sails ...

Helping Our Neighbors in Haiti

Many of you, like me, have experienced a return to your first love for Jesus through personal revival. That's why I have something on my heart for you, because I know that you truly care about one of the things that breaks Jesus' heart right now—the horrendous pain, suffering, and loss caused by the earthquake in Haiti. Perhaps you are already familiar with Christ-exalting organizations that are ready to provide compassionate aid in Jesus' name; if so, by all means, support them. However, I did want you to know about one organization in Haiti that has a long ...

Del's Legacy

Recently, Sue and I prayed together at the gravesite of LAM's founder. We took time to thank the Lord for the spiritual heritage of Del Jr., and then we prayed for the Lord to multiply the vision and mission of the ministry he birthed under God's leadership. Not to be overly mystical, but the sun was shining brightly on the words inscribed on the gravestone. It was as if a spotlight from heaven did not want us to miss a single word of his legacy:

He knew God
He loved God
He walked with God
He believed God ...

Impacting Lives Through Integrative Ministries

I was in Boone, NC, when I began drafting this update, having spoken five times in a church where we have never done a Summit, but the integrative ministries of LAM have had a significant impact. In just one day (Sunday), I heard stories from the impact of LAM through . . .

Are We Successful?

May 30th marked the end of our fiscal year. Number 38.

We are about to engage in our annual audit. Upon completion, a public accounting firm will let us know how successful they feel our year has been--not just in terms of an income statement and balance sheet but also in integrity of process, systems, people, and governance policies. I expect their report to be more favorable than in any previous year of LAM. Thanks, accounting team. And thank You, Jesus!

But does that mean we have been successful? How do you measure the success of a ministry? a family ...

Air Force One, Presidential Motorcade, and “Fighting” Irish

I have been debating whether or not to comment on the controversial visit of President Obama to Notre Dame last Sunday. But I concluded it was no coincidence that I walked out of a restaurant as Air Force One was making its final approach; and then, with no knowledge of the routing from the airport to the campus, I saw the presidential motorcade. My comment on the decision won't take much space. It is simple and forthright: For a major Catholic University to bestow an honorary Doctorate of Law degree on a pro-choice president is tantamount to a major ...

White Chalk and Hula Hoops

For many years I have been challenging believers in churches across America to follow the example of Gypsy Smith.  Whenever the noted evangelist wanted to see God do His great work, he was known to draw a circle around himself with a piece of white chalk and pray, "Lord, send a revival, and let it begin inside this circle."  Rodney "Gypsy" Smith was born in a tent, raised in a Gypsy camp, and never attended a day of school; yet he influenced millions of people for God through his powerful preaching. Not exactly a recipe for success . . . unless we take ...

Road Signs, GPS & Destiny

Times have changed. I used to watch road signs when traveling. Now I use GPS. But I forgot mine this weekend, which took me back to the past. In more ways the one.

Saturday evening, en route to my motel here in suburbia Minneapolis, I noticed a road sign: “Mankato, straight ahead.” The last time I saw a sign for Mankato was 36 years ago.

Many of you know the story. Sue and I spent the second night of our honeymoon in Duluth, on the shores of Lake Superior. We were hoping to enjoy the water but discovered ice formations ...

Red Buckets, Clanging Coins, and Ringing Bells (Part 3)

The definition . . . it caught my attention and rang in my heart more profoundly than all of Salvation Army's worldwide inventory of red buckets, clanging coins, and ringing bells ever could. It gripped me. It deeply moved me. It was as if I could not escape. I felt compelled to make a decision. And I knew that no matter how many times previously I had been confronted with the same decision . . . this time it was different. It was beyond the rational and beyond the emotional. Piercing much deeper, to the very core of my being, I sensed the overwhelming conviction ...

Red Buckets, Clanging Coins, and Ringing Bells (Part 1)

Talk about organizational growth. In 1867, General William Booth only had 10 workers. Seven years later he had 1,000 volunteers and 24 full-time evangelists. And today, there are more than 1.5 million bell ringers in the U.S. alone.

The General started out largely self-educated, penniless, and practically friendless. He had one fixed idea. The whole of his effort and talent would be directed to one purpose--saving the world. Like his predecessor Wesley, he took the whole world as his parish. He began with nothing--no money, no powerful friends, only his golden voice, his passion, and a vision ...

What Revival Is Not (part 4)

I just returned from a “working vacation” (an oxymoron) in northern Michigan. We had a great time enjoying the remarkable beauty of seemingly endless beaches.Michigan has 3,288 miles of shoreline, more than the entire Eastern Seaboard. So there was plenty of room to enjoy God’s creation and to reflect on God’s greatnesOne of the more remarkable sites to behold is the famed Mackinac Bridge. This magnificent structure was the architectural phenomenon of its day, and it still ranks as one of longest suspension bridges in the world. Five miles in length, it connects the upper and ...

What Revival Is Not (part 2)

I had the privilege of inviting hundreds of pastors to go to their knees in prayer last week, as I opened the annual SBC pastors’ conference with a time of seeking God for revival. I have come to deeply appreciate Dr. Michael Catt, senior pastor of Sherwood Baptist in Albany, GA. He served as president of this year’s conference, and he chose the theme “Prepare for Rain.” He spent months praying and asking God to send revival to the hearts of these shepherds. And he did it with deep understanding of genuine revival and an equally deep passion for ...

Praying for Your Children (Part 6)

Today, I want to interact on the final segment of prayer for my family. If you have been reading this blog, you will recall the previous five prayer points are as follows: F = Faithful and fruitful A = Active in sharing Christ and anointed as they do M = Morally pure and mates that are godly I = Insulated from the world, flesh, and devil, and 
                 integrity of heart L = Listeners, learners, leaders, and lovers When I come to the letter “Y” during my intercession for my children, I focus on two specific areas that are critical to spiritual success. They are:

• Yield ...

Praying for Your Children (Part 4)

By now, if you have been reading my blogs regarding how I pray for my family each day, you've noticed it represents a philosophy of parenting as much as a simple prayer list. In fact, it's a philosophy of living! That's why, when I finish praying these requests for my children and grandchildren, I often pray them for Sue and me. Thus far, we have prayed for our family to: F = Be faithful and fruitful A = Be active in sharing their faith, and anointed as they do M = Be morally pure and have mates that are godly ...

Praying for Your Children (Part 2)

Praying for my children the way I have been outlining in this series of blogs often convicts me to ask the simple question, “Am I expecting more of them than is true of me?” In no area is that more real than the #3 and #4 daily requests for my kids.

Last week we looked at the “F” in F.A.M.I.L.Y. I commented on how I pray that they would be both faithful and fruitful in their walk with the Lord.

When I come to the letter “A,” I ask the Lord to do two more ...

Becoming Resolute

“Resolution # 1: I will live for God. Resolution #2: If no one else does, I still will.” -- Jonathan Edwards                 How did Jonathan Edwards become one of the most influential Christian leaders in our nation’s history? Was it his famous seventy resolutions that steered him to success? If so, what was it that made him unwavering in those commitments? How can I become as resolute about my goals as Jonathan Edwards was about his desire to live for God, even if no one else ever did?                 On my 40^th birthday, I got away for an extended time to seek ...