Lenten Devotional for Monday, February 18

Dr. Jim Denison's 2013 collection of Lenten devotionals is entitled, "If My People..." and comes at a time that he believes "a Fifth Great Awakening is sweeping the nations, as more people are coming to Christ than ever before in Christian history. How can you join this great movement of God's Spirit?" He goes on to write, "in this year's Lenten devotional guide, we will walk each day with King Solomon as he leads his nation into God's presence and glory. We will commit ourselves to our Father's purpose and experience his transforming power. And we will claim his promise: 'If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land' (2 Chronicles 7:14). 'If My People ...' is more than a Lenten guide - it is God's invitation to intimacy with him. Please join us on this joyous journey."

CLICK HERE for a free copy of Dr. Denison's 2013 Lenten Devotional (in a downloadable/printable Adobe .pdf file)

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Monday, February 18
Could God use war to promote awakening?

Today is "President's Day." Most people don't know that our government still o fficially calls this holiday "Washington's Birthday." The day was originally celebrated on February 22, our rst president's actual birthday, but was moved to the third Monday in February and now honors all U.S. presidents.

Without the military leadership of Gen. Washington, there would be no nation to remember his birthday. America needs such heroes today, as we continue the War on Terror against radical Muslims who are convinced that killing us is a defense of Islam required by the Qur'an. Why has God allowed this persistent threat against our people?

When Solomon dedicated his temple, he prayed, "When your people Israel have been defeated by an enemy because they have sinned against you and when they turn back and confess your name, praying and making supplication before you in this temple, then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel and bring them back to the land you gave to them and their fathers" (2 Chronicles 6:24-25). The king knew that God allows and uses military enemies to show us our need for his protection and grace. On this sixth day of Lent, would you ask God to protect our military as they protect us? Would you ask him to redeem the War on Terror by making it a catalyst for spiritual awakening in America and the world?

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Prior to founding the Denison Forum on Truth and Culture, James C. Denison, Ph.D., was pastor of Park Cities Baptist Church, a 10,000-member congregation in Dallas, Texas. He also pastored churches in Midland and Mansfield, Texas, and in Atlanta, Georgia. He earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion and Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, and received a Doctor of Divinity degree from Dallas Baptist University. He is also the the author of seven books.