​Since 2014, what consistently is the third most terrorized country in the world? To find your answer you would want to look up the Global Terrorism Index (GTI).  This is produced by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP) based on data from the Global Terrorism Database (GTD).  This data is collated by the National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) led by the University of Maryland. As late as 2017, because of persistent Boko Haram and Fulani militant attacks, Nigeria ranks as the third-most terrorized nation.  Only Iraq and Afghanistan rank higher in carnage.[1]  

​I’m convinced that prayerlessness is a major factor when I give into temptation.  If I’m tempted and I run to the Lord in prayer immediately my will is altered and I’m fortified to do what I know I ought to do.  When I neglect seeking His help every fiendish aspect of rationalization works to my detriment.  But even in praying for God’s help to resist evil there is a responsibility on my part to be committed to God’s truth and will.  Jerry Bridges notes in The Discipline of Grace, “There’s no point in praying for God’s help in the face of temptation if we haven’t made a commitment to obedience without exception.”  

Jim Downing wrote in his book, The Other Side of Infamy, an amazing account of forgiveness. This 104 year-old survivor of Pearl Harbor shared how in 1953 he met Mitsuo Fuchida, the Japanese commander who led the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor and, who after the war, became a Christian.  It was exceedingly hard for Jim to forgive Fuchida after losing so many shipmates.  But he forgave him because it was the right thing to do.  
 
Meditation
Matthew 6:12—And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
​

I love how God blesses us in unexpected ways to reinforce His truth. Today, while writing this devotional, I went downstairs to eat breakfast in the Mobile, Alabama Marriott.  I gave the hostess my room number so she could charge me.  (Actually, my expenses were covered by the church that invited me to speak.)  But she declined to do that. Instead she gave me an extra coupon and insisted that I eat at no cost.  God gave me and the church blessing me a reminder that our daily bread was indeed a gift from Him.  
 
Meditation
Matthew 6:11—Give us today our daily bread.

My parents are living on a farm in Zolfo Springs with my brother Nate and his wife Melissa.  Recently, their guard dog Shepherd was killed by the alligator living in the pond on their property.  Less than a week later, Nate’s longtime companion, Minnie, was hit and killed by a truck on the road outside their home.  As my parents were out walking alongside a ditch looking for Minnie, a car stopped and the driver asked what they were looking for.  A conversation ensued in which the driver asked about getting permission to fish in the farm.  Dad explained that he was the owner and he would agree for Alex and his wife Elisa to fish as long as they were willing to let him share with them about Jesus.  They decided that was a fair arrangement and after fishing a couple of times at the pond and catching nice Bass, Alex one afternoon sat down on the farm porch and conversed with Dad about John 3:16.  He ended up placing his faith in Jesus.
 
Meditation
Matthew 6:10—Your kingdom come.  Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
​

​Let’s make a case for the ten greatest empires/kingdoms of all time.  
#1. The Roman Empire:  Considered preeminent for its sheer power and long-standing influence in military and political systems, art, literature, and religion.
#2. The Mongol Empire: Five times the size of Alexander the Great’s territory, Genghis Khan established a kingdom that stretched from Eastern Europe to China.
#3. The British Empire: Almost a quarter of the earth’s landmass was covered by an empire effective in warfare and trade.

​Since 1958, the West Point Association of Graduates has presented the SYLVANUS THAYER AWARD to an outstanding citizen of the United States whose service and accomplishments in the national interest exemplify personal devotion to the ideals expressed in the West Point motto, “DUTY, HONOR, COUNTRY.”[1]  
In 1802 Thayer became the first superintendent of West Point.  He was recognized as a profound scholar/leader and many of his techniques in education are still applied today.  In 2017, George W. Bush received the Thayer award.  As is often the case for whoever is selected, there were detractors who did not think he deserved the award.  
 
Meditation
Matthew 6:9—Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy.

As the shells rain down on hapless soldiers trembling in their foxholes, a man completely unknown as religious to his squad mates begins reciting the Lord’s Prayer. He remembers it from growing up attending Mass.  Now in their time of desperation he delivers it up to God. Considered the most beloved prayer in Scripture and taught by Jesus to His followers, we would be wise to unpack it, study it and apply it rigorously to our lives.  So let’s embark upon a prayer journey and take joy in 69 life-changing words.
 
Meditation
Matthew 6:9—Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, Your name be honored as holy.
​

Ross, gave me a book entitled, Why Pray?by John DeVries.  It is a 40-day devotional packed with thoughts on prayer.  I thought Day 4 titled, “Prayer is filling the gas tank” was particularly profound.  John tells the story of a man pushing his car that ran out of gas right past the gas station. When asked why he didn’t pull in and fill his car with gas the man replied that he was too busy as he had just 10 minutes left to get to the church.  Can you imagine the absurdity of his reasoning?! John’ s point is that when Christians say they are too busy to pray this logic is as convoluted as a man pushing his car past a gas station.  

Jesus in the final hours before getting arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane asked eight of the disciples to sit while he prayed. Then He took Peter, James and John with him further into the garden.  Disclosing His anguish to His three closest friends, He asked them to stay awake with Him.  Then He went a little further and fell face down on the ground to pray.  When He returned to the three he found them sleeping. He confronted Peter, “Simon, are you sleeping?  Couldn’t you stay awake one hour?” (vs. 37)

Walking into my office downstairs I was immediately aware of a great aroma.  That observation was quickly followed by one of relief. I had left my fragrance lamp on all night and that could have been a fire hazard.  Fortunately, the melted eucalyptus/mint-laced wax cubes created a wonderful scent and nothing had overheated.  
 
Meditation
Psalm 141:2—May my prayer be set before You as incense, the raising of my hands as the evening offering.

​Often each week I focus time in prayer for my family. Specifically, I ask that every one of my children, grandchildren and nieces and nephews would faithfully walk with God and that they would have a deep love for Him.  I am thankful that my parents pray the same thing for me! Living for God is never something we can take for granted.  The reality, as you already know, is that we live in a temptation-laced world.  Our wills constantly grapple with God’s will. So easily we can be enticed to embrace, chase, proclaim and invite into our lives earth’s delicacies that look appealing, yet leave us sick and empty.  How many people wander away from God simply because no one is praying for them?

It would be interesting to take a poll in order to discover how many of God’s children suspect that He does not hear them when they pray.  I would guess the percentage might be fairly high.  Personally, I’m convinced that God does listen to us when we pray.  He has acted in many instances in direct response to a plea from my heart.  I’ve felt His hand on my life protecting me and giving me strength knowing full well that others were praying for me.   I’ve seen Him answer my parent’s prayers or other family members with specificity that is thrilling.  I’ve watched Him heal suffering people through prayer.  I’ve seen Him bestow peace to those in the midst of horrible pain and turmoil.  He hears!

​My mother wrote a prayer for me called “Build Me a Son.”  It is a prayer that still inspires me and one that God honors.  On July 12,2013, our grandson Jadon celebrated his first birthday.  Kathleen and I are grateful that our children love God and that our daughter Sarah and son-in-law Mark will share His love with their son.  While the family gathered in Bend to celebrate this milestone, I missed Jadon’s birthday because of Army duty.   Ironically, I am in the place where I was born, Colorado Springs.  So by the Rocky Mountains I reach to heaven with this new prayer of blessing.  

​Meditation
1 Samuel 12:23,24—As for me, I vow that I will not sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you.  I will teach you the good and right way.  Above all, fear the LORD and worship Him faithfully with all your heart, considering the great things He has done for you.
 

​Warm Indian air enveloped me as I walked towards the last gate that separated me from the Cochin airport and Silas and Sam who stood ready to greet me.  Just as I thought the long journey was about to end, a customs official motioned me to his table.  
“Please open your suitcase,” he said.  So I complied.  Immediately the inspector’s eyes locked on the contents of a large cardboard box.  “What are these”, he asked.  
“These are my CD’s,” I replied.
He looked at me skeptically and was quickly joined by more curious officials. 
“These are commercial products, and you will have to pay a duty tax.”  
“Oh Lord,” I uttered a silent prayer.  “You know these CDs are to further Your kingdom.  Please help me.”

​Several years ago I walked with Dad along the Hudson River where as a cadet I used to run the two mile run.  While walking I prayed for the salvation of my A3 company mates.  As we were praying the Lord prompted me with the thought, “Why don’t you recruit a Christian from each of the other 35 companies to do the same thing you are doing.”  Unfortunately, instead of going home and recruiting others to pray, I procrastinated.  But the Lord is faithful and about a year later I had occasion to visit with Craig, a classmate in Virginia.  He invited several of our classmates over for a mini-reunion.  While we were together, I shared with them the concept of weekly prayer for our company mates.  Craig got excited and said he would join me and pray for B4. That was the encouragement I needed to get moving in sharing this prayer opportunity with others.  

​Meditation
1 Thessalonians 1:2—We always thank God for all of you, remembering you constantly in our prayers.

As hurricane Irene approached the eastern coast of the U.S., the media were concerned the category 3 storm would inflict catastrophic damage from North Carolina to New England.  My quiet time passage for August 26, the day before the hurricane was to hit, was Psalm 107.  Verse 29 reads, “He made the storm be still and the waves of the sea were hushed” (ESV).  Reminded of God’s awesome power, I prayed, Lord, You have many people who love You in that region, please calm the storm and hush the waves, spare our country the enormous damage that large hurricane might inflict.