NEW See p 7 for the new From the Frontlines Leading The ...ltw.s3.amazonaws.com/myjournal/2015/ltw_myjournal_0815.pdf · We can remind them of God’s goodness and faithful works

In the 2004 Summer Olympics, America was the predicted winner for the women’s 4 x 100-meter relay—and gold medalist Marion Jones continued the team’s strong lead as she took the baton for the second heat.

But as she approached the end of the heat, Jones and her teammate could not complete the handoff. A second time, a third time Jones extended the baton to her teammate, who could not get a firm grip around it. Finally on the fourth attempt, they succeeded—only to be disqualified after crossing the exchange zone. Everyone knew the American team was the fastest on the track, but when they failed the handoff, their race was over.

Team relays are won and lost with the transfer of the baton. What can we do today to prepare the next generation for a victorious race?

We can teach the Word of God to them diligently and continually (Deuteronomy 6:7). We can remind them of God’s goodness and faithful works (Judges 8:33-35). We can raise them up in Truth and the fear of the Lord (Psalm 34:11-14). And we can be living examples of God’s character (Ephesians 5:1-20).

There will be hindrances and distractions, but a good handoff is the result of many practice runs. Let’s perfect the art of passing the baton, that the next generation may run in faith and leave a legacy for the generations to come.

Passing the Baton

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August 2015

NEW See page 17 for the new From the Frontlines column featuring stories from Leading The Way’s on-the-ground teams.

There is no doubt that my children are growing up in a world that is very different from the one in which I grew up. The violence of ISIS, the prevalence of same-sex marriage, and the dangers of an increasingly digital world are all things I will have to explain to my daughters one day. How do we teach the next generation the truth about today’s world while also protecting them from its perils?

Right now, many Christians are debating whether or not we should go ‘underground’ as Christians—raising the next generation independent of government schools—or whether we should push our children further into the secular world as witnesses to the pagan culture around us. I hear both sides of the argument, but ultimately I believe we need to find the tension of both.

We must be instilling God’s Word in the next generation, equipping them to do battle in this present evil age. We must also be careful to protect our children, ensuring that they are not exposed to things too early or placed in unfamiliar situations absent of our explanation.

Christian families are going to have to get serious about the cost of being a

disciple of Christ in these dark times. If we fail to invest in the next generation, we may see a shifting of lampstands as referenced in the book of Revelation. Only as we turn from lukewarm living and reclaim Christ as our first love will our light shine as a bright witness in this increasingly dark world.

May God grant us wisdom in this area and may we be found faithful in passing on a godly heritage to the next generation.

In Christ,

Joshua YoussefExecutive Vice PresidentLeading The Way

For more information, contact us at: [email protected] orLeading The Way | PO Box 20100 | Atlanta, GA 30325 USA | 1.877.251.8294

What is burdening my heart and occupying a great deal of my thinking, plan-ning, and above all praying, is the next generation.

In God’s Word we see how the Israelites were ever only one generation away from forgetting God and forsaking His commands. The people who served the Lord saw all the great things God had done for Israel, yet their godly heritage died with them. The next generation grew up neither knowing the Lord nor what he had done for them—and the result was tragic. They did evil. They served other gods. They rebelled against God—and the Lord gave them over to their enemies (see Judges 2:6-15).

What if the previous generation had equipped them in the faith? What if this generation had grown up knowing their spiritual identity?

The greatest legacy we can leave for our children’s children is a legacy of faith, trust, and obedience to the living God. We must teach our children about spiritual warfare. We must equip them with the authority of God’s Word. We must prepare them for the battle ahead. And we must show them where the battle begins—on our knees in prayer.

I want to thank you for continuing to stand with us as we share the uncompromising Truth of the Gospel not just globally, but here at home. It is a work we could not do without your prayers and support. Thank you for partnering with us to build a foundation of faith for the next generation.

In Christ,

Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

A Publication of Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.President/Publisher

Autumn ThomasonEditor

John GrecoWriter

David GrahamDesigner MY JOURNAL August, © 2015

All rights reserved, Leading The

Way with Dr. Michael Youssef.

Content may not be reproduced

without written permission

from Leading The Way.

Unless otherwise noted,

Scripture is taken from the HOLY

BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL

VERSION. Copyright © 1973,

1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ©

Used by permission. All rights

reserved. PO Box 20100Atlanta, GA 30325 USA877.251.8294LTW.org PO Box 142Maple Ridg e, BCV2X 7E9

PO Box 1066Hemel HempsteadHP2 7GQUnited Kingdom

PO Box 1900Penrith NSW 2751Australia

Passing on a Godly Heritage

There is no doubt that my children are growing up in a world that is very different from the one in which I grew up. The violence of ISIS, the prevalence of same-sex marriage, and the dangers of an increasingly digital world are all things I will have to explain to my daughters one day. How do we teach the next generation the truth about today’s world while also protecting them from its perils?

Right now, many Christians are debating whether or not we should go ‘underground’ as Christians—raising the next generation independent of government schools—or whether we should push our children further into the secular world as witnesses to the pagan culture around us. I hear both sides of the argument, but ultimately I believe we need to find the tension of both.

We must be instilling God’s Word in the next generation, equipping them to do battle in this present evil age. We must also be careful to protect our children, ensuring that they are not exposed to things too early or placed in unfamiliar situations absent of our explanation.

Christian families are going to have to get serious about the cost of being a

disciple of Christ in these dark times. If we fail to invest in the next generation, we may see a shifting of lampstands as referenced in the book of Revelation. Only as we turn from lukewarm living and reclaim Christ as our first love will our light shine as a bright witness in this increasingly dark world.

May God grant us wisdom in this area and may we be found faithful in passing on a godly heritage to the next generation.

In Christ,

Joshua YoussefExecutive Vice PresidentLeading The Way

For more information, contact us at: [email protected] orLeading The Way | PO Box 20100 | Atlanta, GA 30325 USA | 1.877.251.8294

What is burdening my heart and occupying a great deal of my thinking, plan-ning, and above all praying, is the next generation.

In God’s Word we see how the Israelites were ever only one generation away from forgetting God and forsaking His commands. The people who served the Lord saw all the great things God had done for Israel, yet their godly heritage died with them. The next generation grew up neither knowing the Lord nor what he had done for them—and the result was tragic. They did evil. They served other gods. They rebelled against God—and the Lord gave them over to their enemies (see Judges 2:6-15).

What if the previous generation had equipped them in the faith? What if this generation had grown up knowing their spiritual identity?

The greatest legacy we can leave for our children’s children is a legacy of faith, trust, and obedience to the living God. We must teach our children about spiritual warfare. We must equip them with the authority of God’s Word. We must prepare them for the battle ahead. And we must show them where the battle begins—on our knees in prayer.

I want to thank you for continuing to stand with us as we share the uncompromising Truth of the Gospel not just globally, but here at home. It is a work we could not do without your prayers and support. Thank you for partnering with us to build a foundation of faith for the next generation.

In Christ,

Michael Youssef, Ph.D.

A Publication of Leading The Way with Dr. Michael Youssef Michael A. Youssef, Ph.D.President/Publisher

Autumn ThomasonEditor

John GrecoWriter

David GrahamDesigner MY JOURNAL August, © 2015

All rights reserved, Leading The

Way with Dr. Michael Youssef.

Content may not be reproduced

without written permission

from Leading The Way.

Unless otherwise noted,

Scripture is taken from the HOLY

BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL

VERSION. Copyright © 1973,

1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ©

Used by permission. All rights

reserved. PO Box 20100Atlanta, GA 30325 USA877.251.8294LTW.org PO Box 142Maple Ridg e, BCV2X 7E9

PO Box 1066Hemel HempsteadHP2 7GQUnited Kingdom

PO Box 1900Penrith NSW 2751Australia

Passing on a Godly Heritage

FEATURE

In 2 Timothy 4:3-4 we hear a painfully accurate description of our day: “The time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

Similarly, Jude’s epistle sounds an alarm, warning the church of the

consequences of disregarding God’s Truth for more palatable messages and allowing lies to infiltrate the church. Jude knew that Christians had to be ready to do battle against unbiblical teaching in order to keep the church pure.

This warning is just as relevant today as mainline churches dilute Biblical Truth to make it more appealing, user-friendly, and comfortable. Sin is defined as a ‘lifestyle choice’ and those who cling to God’s Truth are labeled intolerant. The message is intentionally kept ambiguous in order to avoid alienating anyone who might find

Biblical teachings challenging to their lifestyle. This new version of the church is adapting the Christian faith to culture instead of calling the culture to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. However, only God’s Truth can offer eternal life and spiritual victory.

To be effective against false teaching, you must first know and believe the Truth. Take a moment to read the short letter of Jude.

God is the author and source of all Truth. Truth is objective, not subjective. It is absolute, not a sliding scale. The consequence of tolerating small exceptions to Biblical Truth is eventual and complete departure from the Truth, which has eternal consequences.

The ultimate Truth that cannot be compromised is that Jesus is our eternal hope. There are not many paths to God; there is only one and that is through Jesus Christ, God’s son, who died for us. Jesus Himself told us in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through

If we dilute the Truth in order to draw people into our churches, what do we really offer them?

Satan is working

overtime trying to

destroy the church from

the inside out. The very

foundational beliefs of

the church are crumbling

today, and the first

casualty has been

the Truth.

my journal | august 2015 |

FEATURE

In 2 Timothy 4:3-4 we hear a painfully accurate description of our day: “The time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.”

Similarly, Jude’s epistle sounds an alarm, warning the church of the

consequences of disregarding God’s Truth for more palatable messages and allowing lies to infiltrate the church. Jude knew that Christians had to be ready to do battle against unbiblical teaching in order to keep the church pure.

This warning is just as relevant today as mainline churches dilute Biblical Truth to make it more appealing, user-friendly, and comfortable. Sin is defined as a ‘lifestyle choice’ and those who cling to God’s Truth are labeled intolerant. The message is intentionally kept ambiguous in order to avoid alienating anyone who might find

Biblical teachings challenging to their lifestyle. This new version of the church is adapting the Christian faith to culture instead of calling the culture to repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. However, only God’s Truth can offer eternal life and spiritual victory.

To be effective against false teaching, you must first know and believe the Truth. Take a moment to read the short letter of Jude.

God is the author and source of all Truth. Truth is objective, not subjective. It is absolute, not a sliding scale. The consequence of tolerating small exceptions to Biblical Truth is eventual and complete departure from the Truth, which has eternal consequences.

The ultimate Truth that cannot be compromised is that Jesus is our eternal hope. There are not many paths to God; there is only one and that is through Jesus Christ, God’s son, who died for us. Jesus Himself told us in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through

If we dilute the Truth in order to draw people into our churches, what do we really offer them?

Satan is working

overtime trying to

destroy the church from

the inside out. The very

foundational beliefs of

the church are crumbling

today, and the first

casualty has been

the Truth.


FEATURE

In a world filled with so many competing ideas, how do we know what’s true? Truth Tips will equip you with the Biblical keys to identify false teaching and stand firm on the Word of God.

Download your FREE Truth Tipsdigital resource at LTW.org

me.” This Truth is unequivocal, unambiguous, and unavoidable.

The Gospel is something that God has entrusted to us ( Jude 1:3). If we dilute the Truth in order to draw people into our churches, what do we really offer them? It is not our job to make the Truth more attractive or politically correct; it is our job to love people by remaining faithful to God and His Word. The Holy Spirit will do the rest.

Have you ever been made to feel intolerant or unloving because you held fast to God’s Word? If you contend for the faith by lovingly telling others the undiluted Truth they need, you may encounter criticism or rejection. What are you willing to endure in order to share Truth with others in your family,

workplace, or neighborhood? God is sufficient to give you

wisdom in these areas if you only ask. Look to the Word of God as you approach each decision. Pray that God will strengthen you to contend for the faith in your home, work, and community. Ask for the ability to discern and defend Truth in a secular world. And pray for the boldness to communicate the Good News of His love.

The foundation we lay today will impact the generations to come. If we think there is safety in saying nothing, the next generation will pay the penalty of our silence. But if we speak the Truth lovingly and without compromise, the next generation will reap the benefits of our faithfulness.

The power of an arrow lies in its speed. Its target doesn’t often see the attack coming. Arrows whizz by without warning in the thick of the fight. And in the hands of the right archer, they are deadly.

Psalm 127:4-5 says, “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” Arrows are weapons of attack—offensive rather than defensive.

There’s nothing wrong with a good defensive strategy. We’ll need one if we are to protect the next generation from the snares of the Enemy. But God wants our children to go on the offensive—to become warriors for Him and to take new ground for the Kingdom of God.

God has given us the next generation so that we might turn around and give those young people right back to Him. In His hands, those arrows are a force to be reckoned with, for He is the Master Archer. But it is our job to train up our children in the faith so that when God calls them, they will be ready and willing to serve Him.

Preparing the Next Generation

JOURNAL CONTENTS

Week 1: Rescuing the Next Generation

Week 2: The Fear of the Lord and the Next Generation

Week 3: Faith in Jesus for the Next Generation

Week 4: Our Duty to the Next Generation

How do we discern Truth from falsehood in today’s world?

My J

ou

rn

al

my journal | august 2015 | 5

FEATURE

In a world filled with so many competing ideas, how do we know what’s true? Truth Tips will equip you with the Biblical keys to identify false teaching and stand firm on the Word of God.

Download your FREE Truth Tipsdigital resource at LTW.org

me.” This Truth is unequivocal, unambiguous, and unavoidable.

The Gospel is something that God has entrusted to us ( Jude 1:3). If we dilute the Truth in order to draw people into our churches, what do we really offer them? It is not our job to make the Truth more attractive or politically correct; it is our job to love people by remaining faithful to God and His Word. The Holy Spirit will do the rest.

Have you ever been made to feel intolerant or unloving because you held fast to God’s Word? If you contend for the faith by lovingly telling others the undiluted Truth they need, you may encounter criticism or rejection. What are you willing to endure in order to share Truth with others in your family,

workplace, or neighborhood? God is sufficient to give you

wisdom in these areas if you only ask. Look to the Word of God as you approach each decision. Pray that God will strengthen you to contend for the faith in your home, work, and community. Ask for the ability to discern and defend Truth in a secular world. And pray for the boldness to communicate the Good News of His love.

The foundation we lay today will impact the generations to come. If we think there is safety in saying nothing, the next generation will pay the penalty of our silence. But if we speak the Truth lovingly and without compromise, the next generation will reap the benefits of our faithfulness.

The power of an arrow lies in its speed. Its target doesn’t often see the attack coming. Arrows whizz by without warning in the thick of the fight. And in the hands of the right archer, they are deadly.

Psalm 127:4-5 says, “Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” Arrows are weapons of attack—offensive rather than defensive.

There’s nothing wrong with a good defensive strategy. We’ll need one if we are to protect the next generation from the snares of the Enemy. But God wants our children to go on the offensive—to become warriors for Him and to take new ground for the Kingdom of God.

God has given us the next generation so that we might turn around and give those young people right back to Him. In His hands, those arrows are a force to be reckoned with, for He is the Master Archer. But it is our job to train up our children in the faith so that when God calls them, they will be ready and willing to serve Him.

Preparing the Next Generation

JOURNAL CONTENTS

Week 1: Rescuing the Next Generation

Week 2: The Fear of the Lord and the Next Generation

Week 3: Faith in Jesus for the Next Generation

Week 4: Our Duty to the Next Generation

How do we discern Truth from falsehood in today’s world?

My J

ou

rn

al


P r e p a r i n g t h e N e x t G e n e r a t i o n

J o u r n a l w e e k1Rescuing the Next Generation

With each passing year, there are more and more ungodly influences vying for the attention of our nation’s young people. Biblical values are perceived as strange and antiquated. Christian families are under attack from all sides. How will the emerging generation ever find the strength to follow God’s ways and be warriors for Christ?

Thousands of years ago, the psalmist asked the same question—“How can a young man keep his way pure?”—and shared a simple answer: “By living according to [God’s] word” (Psalm 119:9).

Read Psalm 127. Verse 3 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord.” A heritage is a gift, and when God gives us a gift, you can be sure it’s better than anything the world has to offer. That’s why we must steward well what we have been given. This applies not just to parents, but also to every member of God’s church. Each one of us is called to lift up the next generation in prayer, to train the young people in our lives in the things of the Lord, and to be an example of Christlikeness.

Every August, just before the new school year begins, we pray for students as they head back to school. We ask God to look after our little ones starting kindergarten or returning to grade school, and we pray that He would be with high school and college students as they face a variety of academic and social pressures. But what about the rest of the year? If we truly desire for the Lord to work in the lives of our children, we must make prayer for them a priority in our lives. No matter how busy life becomes, we must never be too busy for prayer. When it comes to our young people, it must be our first priority.

One of the ways God often chooses to answer our prayers is through us. The Bible says we are to “train a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6). In other words, we are to be intentional in helping young men and women to know who God is and to make wise choices. Church services, Sunday school,

“Train a child in the way he should go,and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

– Proverbs 22:6

MY J O U R N A L

and children’s midweek activities are wonderful, but they are no substitute for teaching our kids the Word of God at home. Read the Bible with them. Pray with them. Take the opportunities life gives you to show how Biblical principles apply to the challenges you face as a family. Even when a young person seems unreachable, no one has more influence over a child than his or her parents.

The value of godly training can be cut short or even undone if we fail to live out our faith and be an example of Christlikeness. Young children and teenagers are careful observers of character. They will know if our talk does not match our walk. Our actions speak far louder than our words.

Each generation is responsible for modeling the Christian faith to the next. If we want young people to walk away from the church, from godly living, and from faith in Jesus Christ, there’s nothing we need to do. But if we want to reach those closest to us for the Lord and shape our culture—if we want to take seriously the precious gift of children God has given us—we must consider the bedrooms down the hall at home and the Sunday school classrooms at church to be our first mission field.



J o u r n a l w e e k1Rescuing the Next Generation

With each passing year, there are more and more ungodly influences vying for the attention of our nation’s young people. Biblical values are perceived as strange and antiquated. Christian families are under attack from all sides. How will the emerging generation ever find the strength to follow God’s ways and be warriors for Christ?

Thousands of years ago, the psalmist asked the same question—“How can a young man keep his way pure?”—and shared a simple answer: “By living according to [God’s] word” (Psalm 119:9).

Read Psalm 127. Verse 3 says, “Children are a heritage from the Lord.” A heritage is a gift, and when God gives us a gift, you can be sure it’s better than anything the world has to offer. That’s why we must steward well what we have been given. This applies not just to parents, but also to every member of God’s church. Each one of us is called to lift up the next generation in prayer, to train the young people in our lives in the things of the Lord, and to be an example of Christlikeness.

Every August, just before the new school year begins, we pray for students as they head back to school. We ask God to look after our little ones starting kindergarten or returning to grade school, and we pray that He would be with high school and college students as they face a variety of academic and social pressures. But what about the rest of the year? If we truly desire for the Lord to work in the lives of our children, we must make prayer for them a priority in our lives. No matter how busy life becomes, we must never be too busy for prayer. When it comes to our young people, it must be our first priority.

One of the ways God often chooses to answer our prayers is through us. The Bible says we are to “train a child in the way he should go” (Proverbs 22:6). In other words, we are to be intentional in helping young men and women to know who God is and to make wise choices. Church services, Sunday school,

“Train a child in the way he should go,and when he is old he will not turn from it.”

– Proverbs 22:6

MY J O U R N A L

and children’s midweek activities are wonderful, but they are no substitute for teaching our kids the Word of God at home. Read the Bible with them. Pray with them. Take the opportunities life gives you to show how Biblical principles apply to the challenges you face as a family. Even when a young person seems unreachable, no one has more influence over a child than his or her parents.

The value of godly training can be cut short or even undone if we fail to live out our faith and be an example of Christlikeness. Young children and teenagers are careful observers of character. They will know if our talk does not match our walk. Our actions speak far louder than our words.

Each generation is responsible for modeling the Christian faith to the next. If we want young people to walk away from the church, from godly living, and from faith in Jesus Christ, there’s nothing we need to do. But if we want to reach those closest to us for the Lord and shape our culture—if we want to take seriously the precious gift of children God has given us—we must consider the bedrooms down the hall at home and the Sunday school classrooms at church to be our first mission field.



J o u r n a l w e e k

“Your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Yes, this will be the blessing to the man who fears the Lord.”

– Psalm 128:3-4

2The Fear of the Lord and the Next Generation

The roots of olive trees grow in rocky soil. The shoots mature slowly, bearing no fruit until they are seven years old. Even then, the olives the tree produces are bitter to the taste. A good olive harvest often takes 10 to 15 years, but the tree—if planted properly—can live for 20 generations.

It is in these terms that God describes the children of a man who fears the Lord: like an olive tree (Psalm 128:3), with roots penetrating into crags and growth gradual and slow. Such a tree is worth the wait and not easily uprooted.

Read Psalm 128. Children who are as strong and fruitful as olive trees don’t grow automatically. They come to those who fear the Lord and who walk in His ways. Godly children are often a byproduct of godly living.

Too often today we hear of young men and women leaving the church during their college years or shortly thereafter. When asked why, they often say they saw a disconnect between what they were taught and what they saw in the lives of their parents and other adults. How we live matters—everyday.

But what does it mean to “fear” the Lord? It doesn’t mean that we live in abject terror of God, as if He were sitting on His throne in heaven waiting to destroy us when we sin. God is a God of justice, but He is also a God of love. To fear the Lord, then, is to live in reverence of Him. A person who fears the Lord wants to obey Him, please Him, and walk in close step with Him.

To live this way, we must have God at the forefront of our minds, day in and day out. We must “pray without ceasing,” as Paul said (1 Thessalonians 5:17), so that God is the first person we consult with every important decision we make. We must give every area of our lives over to God and recognize His goodness, Truth, and beauty in the blessings He provides. When we live like that, our joy and contentment will be contagious—and the next generation will notice.

There is immense pressure to mistakenly think of our children as consumers

of culture and extend this way of thinking into the church. We give them a good time, keep Bible teachings at surface level, and market to them what we think they want. Yet that kind of Christian faith will never stand up to the battering attacks of the Enemy because it fails to put Jesus Christ at the front and center of life.

Our responsibility to the next generation is to train up warriors for Christ—and the best way to do that is to become warriors ourselves. Just as the olive tree can live up to 20 generations, we may plant and water, but it is God who will bring the lasting growth. So let’s fear the Lord by seeking after Him with all our hearts and by trusting Him to grow our children into the men and women He desires them to be.

MY J O U R N A L



J o u r n a l w e e k

“Your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Yes, this will be the blessing to the man who fears the Lord.”

– Psalm 128:3-4

2The Fear of the Lord and the Next Generation

The roots of olive trees grow in rocky soil. The shoots mature slowly, bearing no fruit until they are seven years old. Even then, the olives the tree produces are bitter to the taste. A good olive harvest often takes 10 to 15 years, but the tree—if planted properly—can live for 20 generations.

It is in these terms that God describes the children of a man who fears the Lord: like an olive tree (Psalm 128:3), with roots penetrating into crags and growth gradual and slow. Such a tree is worth the wait and not easily uprooted.

Read Psalm 128. Children who are as strong and fruitful as olive trees don’t grow automatically. They come to those who fear the Lord and who walk in His ways. Godly children are often a byproduct of godly living.

Too often today we hear of young men and women leaving the church during their college years or shortly thereafter. When asked why, they often say they saw a disconnect between what they were taught and what they saw in the lives of their parents and other adults. How we live matters—everyday.

But what does it mean to “fear” the Lord? It doesn’t mean that we live in abject terror of God, as if He were sitting on His throne in heaven waiting to destroy us when we sin. God is a God of justice, but He is also a God of love. To fear the Lord, then, is to live in reverence of Him. A person who fears the Lord wants to obey Him, please Him, and walk in close step with Him.

To live this way, we must have God at the forefront of our minds, day in and day out. We must “pray without ceasing,” as Paul said (1 Thessalonians 5:17), so that God is the first person we consult with every important decision we make. We must give every area of our lives over to God and recognize His goodness, Truth, and beauty in the blessings He provides. When we live like that, our joy and contentment will be contagious—and the next generation will notice.

There is immense pressure to mistakenly think of our children as consumers

of culture and extend this way of thinking into the church. We give them a good time, keep Bible teachings at surface level, and market to them what we think they want. Yet that kind of Christian faith will never stand up to the battering attacks of the Enemy because it fails to put Jesus Christ at the front and center of life.

Our responsibility to the next generation is to train up warriors for Christ—and the best way to do that is to become warriors ourselves. Just as the olive tree can live up to 20 generations, we may plant and water, but it is God who will bring the lasting growth. So let’s fear the Lord by seeking after Him with all our hearts and by trusting Him to grow our children into the men and women He desires them to be.

MY J O U R N A L



J o u r n a l w e e k3

MY J O U R N A L

joy overflowed. Quickly, this confirmation of the Lord’s work in his son’s life became contagious faith. The official found out that his son began to recover at precisely the time Jesus said he would. As a result, “he and his whole household believed.”

This royal official believed the Lord for his son’s welfare, and God took that seed of crisis faith and grew it into a garden of trust in Jesus. Although the man believed his son needed only physical healing, what he and his son both needed more than anything else was salvation. And that’s precisely what Jesus gave him.

Our heavenly Father loves the next generation in ways we cannot even imagine. We can trust Him with our children. So as you pray, pray in faith. Even if you can muster only crisis faith at the moment, Jesus can work it into contagious faith that will pour out of your heart and affect everyone you love—even the young people for whom you’re praying.

Faith in Jesus for the Next GenerationWhether it’s their first steps away from your arms, their first day of kindergarten, or their first semester away at college, raising a child is an exercise in trust. Ultimately it is the Holy Spirit who must work in the lives of our children, so we must trust the Lord, praying fervently but always with faith that God is at work.

Read John 4:46-54. This is an account of a father’s love for his son and his faith in Jesus to save that son. This father knew about Jesus, and when he heard that the Lord had come up to Galilee from Judea, he went to meet Him. His journey took him from Capernaum to Cana and back again, but it also took him from crisis faith all the way to contagious faith.

When the man, a royal official, first found Jesus in the town of Cana, he had crisis faith. His son was lying at home, sick; he was a desperate father in need of Jesus’ mercy. Believers who have experienced these moments of crisis with their children—whether the emergency is physical, emotional, or spiritual—know this kind of faith. Just as it was with this royal official, for many of us, crisis faith is the kind of faith that brought us to Jesus in the first place. But God doesn’t want our faith to end there.

The man asked Jesus to come to his home and heal his son, but Jesus told him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe” (4:48)—not exactly the response the official was hoping for. But crisis faith, if it’s truly centered on Jesus, gives way to continuing faith when tested. When we don’t give up but persevere in prayer for the next generation, our faith deepens.

The royal official wouldn’t take no for answer, and he pressed Jesus again. “Go; your son will live,” Jesus told him. And once again, the man’s faith deepened. Far from home, he could not check on his son or make a quick phone call. All he could do was rest in his faith in the Lord. He had confident faith that Jesus would keep His promise.

It’s not until the official reaches home the next day that his confident faith is transformed into confirmed faith. His faith became sight, and his

“So he and his whole household believed.” – John 4:53



J o u r n a l w e e k3

MY J O U R N A L

joy overflowed. Quickly, this confirmation of the Lord’s work in his son’s life became contagious faith. The official found out that his son began to recover at precisely the time Jesus said he would. As a result, “he and his whole household believed.”

This royal official believed the Lord for his son’s welfare, and God took that seed of crisis faith and grew it into a garden of trust in Jesus. Although the man believed his son needed only physical healing, what he and his son both needed more than anything else was salvation. And that’s precisely what Jesus gave him.

Our heavenly Father loves the next generation in ways we cannot even imagine. We can trust Him with our children. So as you pray, pray in faith. Even if you can muster only crisis faith at the moment, Jesus can work it into contagious faith that will pour out of your heart and affect everyone you love—even the young people for whom you’re praying.

Faith in Jesus for the Next GenerationWhether it’s their first steps away from your arms, their first day of kindergarten, or their first semester away at college, raising a child is an exercise in trust. Ultimately it is the Holy Spirit who must work in the lives of our children, so we must trust the Lord, praying fervently but always with faith that God is at work.

Read John 4:46-54. This is an account of a father’s love for his son and his faith in Jesus to save that son. This father knew about Jesus, and when he heard that the Lord had come up to Galilee from Judea, he went to meet Him. His journey took him from Capernaum to Cana and back again, but it also took him from crisis faith all the way to contagious faith.

When the man, a royal official, first found Jesus in the town of Cana, he had crisis faith. His son was lying at home, sick; he was a desperate father in need of Jesus’ mercy. Believers who have experienced these moments of crisis with their children—whether the emergency is physical, emotional, or spiritual—know this kind of faith. Just as it was with this royal official, for many of us, crisis faith is the kind of faith that brought us to Jesus in the first place. But God doesn’t want our faith to end there.

The man asked Jesus to come to his home and heal his son, but Jesus told him, “Unless you people see signs and wonders, you will never believe” (4:48)—not exactly the response the official was hoping for. But crisis faith, if it’s truly centered on Jesus, gives way to continuing faith when tested. When we don’t give up but persevere in prayer for the next generation, our faith deepens.

The royal official wouldn’t take no for answer, and he pressed Jesus again. “Go; your son will live,” Jesus told him. And once again, the man’s faith deepened. Far from home, he could not check on his son or make a quick phone call. All he could do was rest in his faith in the Lord. He had confident faith that Jesus would keep His promise.

It’s not until the official reaches home the next day that his confident faith is transformed into confirmed faith. His faith became sight, and his

“So he and his whole household believed.” – John 4:53



J o u r n a l w e e k4Our Duty to the Next Generation

It is each generation’s responsibility to pray for, train, and model faith in Jesus Christ to the next. As such, we are always just one generation away from the virtual disappearance of Christianity in our culture. One brief period of compromise can change a society forever.

Read Judges 2:10-11. The generation who entered the Promised Land with Joshua—those who fought the battles and saw the mighty hand of God with their own eyes—remained faithful and walked with the Lord. But there arose another generation who had not experienced the saving power of God firsthand and “did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals” (2:11).

Today, we might not worship the Baals, but we have plenty of false gods to which we bow down. There’s the god of money—Mammon, the Bible calls it (Matthew 6:24)—as well as false gods of security, independence, and pleasure. And then there’s the greatest usurper of God’s throne: self. While the gods vying for the Israelites’ allegiance were different, today’s emerging generation is in the same position as the generation who came after Joshua.

So what happened between the time of Joshua’s generation and the generation “who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel” (2:10)? There was a generation in between—those who were young children when the battles for the Promised Land were being waged. They had seen God act on their behalf as young people, but as they grew older and settled in the land, they began to forget His love and they made compromises with the cultures all around them.

These compromises were small at first. A broken commandment here, a nod to an idol there—the people moved away from the Lord one inch at a time. But by the time their children came along, they were so at home with the Canaanites and the Baals, they didn’t even bother to tell their children the story of how God brought the nation of Israel out of Egypt. There were no bedtime stories about the sun standing still, no campfire tales about the plagues

“One generation commends your works to another;they tell of your mighty acts.” – Psalm 145:4

that brought Egypt to its knees, and no discussions of manna and quail over Saturday morning breakfast.

The intervening generation lost touch with the Lord one day at a time, and as a result, did not pray for their children, did not train them up in righteousness, and did not model the way of God for them. As a result, their children fell into the snares of the enemy.

Their story serves as a warning to all future generations: The emerging generation is our mission field. We cannot afford to lose them to our culture.

But there is good news too. Just as God rescued His people when they cried out to Him in the book of Judges, He will rescue anyone today who turns from his or her sin in repentance.

There is hope for those of us who have compromised. There is hope for those of us who have failed to lead our children well. And there is hope for a generation walking through the remains of a culture that has largely turned its back on God.

Let’s not let them down. Instead, let’s pass them the baton of victory.

MY J O U R N A L



J o u r n a l w e e k4Our Duty to the Next Generation

It is each generation’s responsibility to pray for, train, and model faith in Jesus Christ to the next. As such, we are always just one generation away from the virtual disappearance of Christianity in our culture. One brief period of compromise can change a society forever.

Read Judges 2:10-11. The generation who entered the Promised Land with Joshua—those who fought the battles and saw the mighty hand of God with their own eyes—remained faithful and walked with the Lord. But there arose another generation who had not experienced the saving power of God firsthand and “did evil in the eyes of the Lord and served the Baals” (2:11).

Today, we might not worship the Baals, but we have plenty of false gods to which we bow down. There’s the god of money—Mammon, the Bible calls it (Matthew 6:24)—as well as false gods of security, independence, and pleasure. And then there’s the greatest usurper of God’s throne: self. While the gods vying for the Israelites’ allegiance were different, today’s emerging generation is in the same position as the generation who came after Joshua.

So what happened between the time of Joshua’s generation and the generation “who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel” (2:10)? There was a generation in between—those who were young children when the battles for the Promised Land were being waged. They had seen God act on their behalf as young people, but as they grew older and settled in the land, they began to forget His love and they made compromises with the cultures all around them.

These compromises were small at first. A broken commandment here, a nod to an idol there—the people moved away from the Lord one inch at a time. But by the time their children came along, they were so at home with the Canaanites and the Baals, they didn’t even bother to tell their children the story of how God brought the nation of Israel out of Egypt. There were no bedtime stories about the sun standing still, no campfire tales about the plagues

“One generation commends your works to another;they tell of your mighty acts.” – Psalm 145:4

that brought Egypt to its knees, and no discussions of manna and quail over Saturday morning breakfast.

The intervening generation lost touch with the Lord one day at a time, and as a result, did not pray for their children, did not train them up in righteousness, and did not model the way of God for them. As a result, their children fell into the snares of the enemy.

Their story serves as a warning to all future generations: The emerging generation is our mission field. We cannot afford to lose them to our culture.

But there is good news too. Just as God rescued His people when they cried out to Him in the book of Judges, He will rescue anyone today who turns from his or her sin in repentance.

There is hope for those of us who have compromised. There is hope for those of us who have failed to lead our children well. And there is hope for a generation walking through the remains of a culture that has largely turned its back on God.

Let’s not let them down. Instead, let’s pass them the baton of victory.

MY J O U R N A L


REPORT

In a culture that is increasingly at odds with God’s Word, following Christ is only becoming more difficult.

Today, 57 percent of professing evangelical Christians in America believe that multiple religions can lead to salvation, and 51 percent see no conflict between their faith and modern society.* Although these statistics provide sobering insights into the state of Christianity in the West, the Bible gives us hope that the church can grow exponentially in the midst of opposition (see Acts 4:1-4).

In the mid-1800s, spiritual conditions in the United States had similarly deteriorated as the nation moved away from its early days of godliness. What followed was the Great Awakening—a vast prayer movement that ignited lasting social, spiritual, and economic transformation and unified prayer from New York City to the United Kingdom to India and Australia.

We must have a yearning for God to move the same way—but it must begin with the prayers, repentance, and Biblical teaching of faithful Christians (see 2 Chronicles 7:14-15).

Through your partnership, Leading The Way is sharing the Good News of Jesus without compromise more than 4,300 times a week here at home. Through helpful resources and 24/7 broadcasting, many are coming to Christ for the first time, while believers are being strengthened and equipped to walk out their faith in an increasingly secularized world.

As Western culture continues to depart from the living God, Christians must take a stand for the Truth and devote themselves to living out God’s mission to make disciples of all nations. Although the spiritual climate looks bleak, there is great hope for another awakening if faithful believers will unite in prayer and take to God’s harvest field.

“I am learning a lot about what it means to be a Christian and Dr. Youssef’s teaching challenges me. We live in a broken world and I believe your

insights all point to Jesus as the answer to that brokenness.”–United Kingdom

“My senior year of college, I decided that I would no longer live for God, but myself. In my mid-twenties, I became a millionaire on paper. The money all dissipated. All this was to bring me to the end of myself. I read one of Dr. Youssef’s books, and to my surprise, I began to have my relationship with

the Lord restored. The Lord completely turned me around.”–United States

*Statistics originally reported by Pew Research.

A Spiritual Turning Point for the Western World

From the United States to the United Kingdom to Australia, no one has more religious freedom than the Western world. Yet each year, postmodern ideologies are creeping into the church, leaders are defecting from the faith, and churches are losing their impact as they shift their focus from Truth to tolerance.

PRAYERS FOR THE WESTERN WORLDJoin us as we call upon God for spiritual transformation here at home.

• The Lord to fill homes, churches, schools, andgovernments with God-fearing leaders.

• Christians in the West to exchange their culturalworldview for a global, Biblical worldview.

• Revival to come as we repent of apathy andcomplacency and turn back to God and His Word.

• Church leaders to cling to the Truth and vigilantlyguard against compromise and deception.

• Christians to be living examples of God’s lovethrough their time and service to others.

• God to use Leading The Way broadcasts to openhearts to Christ.


REPORT

In a culture that is increasingly at odds with God’s Word, following Christ is only becoming more difficult.

Today, 57 percent of professing evangelical Christians in America believe that multiple religions can lead to salvation, and 51 percent see no conflict between their faith and modern society.* Although these statistics provide sobering insights into the state of Christianity in the West, the Bible gives us hope that the church can grow exponentially in the midst of opposition (see Acts 4:1-4).

In the mid-1800s, spiritual conditions in the United States had similarly deteriorated as the nation moved away from its early days of godliness. What followed was the Great Awakening—a vast prayer movement that ignited lasting social, spiritual, and economic transformation and unified prayer from New York City to the United Kingdom to India and Australia.

We must have a yearning for God to move the same way—but it must begin with the prayers, repentance, and Biblical teaching of faithful Christians (see 2 Chronicles 7:14-15).

Through your partnership, Leading The Way is sharing the Good News of Jesus without compromise more than 4,300 times a week here at home. Through helpful resources and 24/7 broadcasting, many are coming to Christ for the first time, while believers are being strengthened and equipped to walk out their faith in an increasingly secularized world.

As Western culture continues to depart from the living God, Christians must take a stand for the Truth and devote themselves to living out God’s mission to make disciples of all nations. Although the spiritual climate looks bleak, there is great hope for another awakening if faithful believers will unite in prayer and take to God’s harvest field.

“I am learning a lot about what it means to be a Christian and Dr. Youssef’s teaching challenges me. We live in a broken world and I believe your

insights all point to Jesus as the answer to that brokenness.”–United Kingdom

“My senior year of college, I decided that I would no longer live for God, but myself. In my mid-twenties, I became a millionaire on paper. The money all dissipated. All this was to bring me to the end of myself. I read one of Dr. Youssef’s books, and to my surprise, I began to have my relationship with

the Lord restored. The Lord completely turned me around.”–United States

*Statistics originally reported by Pew Research.

A Spiritual Turning Point for the Western World

From the United States to the United Kingdom to Australia, no one has more religious freedom than the Western world. Yet each year, postmodern ideologies are creeping into the church, leaders are defecting from the faith, and churches are losing their impact as they shift their focus from Truth to tolerance.

PRAYERS FOR THE WESTERN WORLDJoin us as we call upon God for spiritual transformation here at home.

• The Lord to fill homes, churches, schools, andgovernments with God-fearing leaders.

• Christians in the West to exchange their culturalworldview for a global, Biblical worldview.

• Revival to come as we repent of apathy andcomplacency and turn back to God and His Word.

• Church leaders to cling to the Truth and vigilantlyguard against compromise and deception.

• Christians to be living examples of God’s lovethrough their time and service to others.

• God to use Leading The Way broadcasts to openhearts to Christ.


I heard about Jesus Christ through your

satellite channel, and I’m so convinced that

He is the world’s Savior. I want to know

how to accept Him in my life. My wife is

also in her journey to knowing and following

Jesus. Please refer me to a church.

~ Algeria

REPORT

Each month Leading The Way receives encouraging testimonies from all over the world. Just as they are a tremendous encouragement to our team, we hope that their words will be an inspiration to you and an answer to your prayers for Leading The Way.

“Praise God, I’m very grateful to God for the Navigator. I feel a tremendous benefit for the growth of my faith and I’ve become closer to God. I always bring the Navigator wherever I go. I get a lot of understanding of how to live in God’s will and shared the teachings with my friend who was having family problems. Thank you Dr. Youssef for the Navigator.” ~ Indonesia

“I listened to Dr. Youssef today and realized how much God touches my heart when I listen to his messages. I am so happy that he is so honest and tells us the real truth about our God. He has changed

my life today. The Lord is really talking to my heart! Thank you Dr. Youssef for waking me up!” ~ United States

“I’ve been verbally persecuted and deprived of food and clothes. I’ve also been receiving death threats over the phone. I live in a very Islamic area that has no churches and I’m only surrounded by Muslims. Thank you for listening to me and hearing my story, and for all your prayers. Thanks for sending me books that encourage me to grow and mature in faith.” ~ Iraq

How did God lead you to this role at Leading The Way?My connection with Leading The Way started even before I came to Christ. Around 1997, I listened to Dr. Youssef ’s dual-language radio programs to learn English. As a Muslim and somebody who never read the Bible, Dr. Youssef ’s teaching was very practi-cal. After over a year of listening to Christian programs and debating with God, I came to Christ.

In 2002, I met Dr. Youssef at a church in my home country. I never thought I would be part of Leading The Way, but in 2010, I began helping my mentor, George, answer the emails, Facebook messages, and phone calls coming in from Leading The Way’s satellite channel—following up with viewers who either want to learn more about Christ or attack Christianity. I also maintain and find markets for our Arabic-English radio pro-grams in North America, targeting cities where there is a large Islamic presence.

What is one of your most memorable follow-up experiences?There is a guy from Libya who followed up with us for about eight months. After expe-riencing intense persecution, he fled the country and started a church in Turkey. He did not just accept Christ for himself, but is spreading the Good News and leading other believers from a Muslim background. I think for those of us who come from a Muslim background, the grace and mercy of Christ becomes the motivation to share the hope and Good News of Jesus’ salvation with our own nation.

How can our partners be praying for our follow-up team?Our follow-up team is spread throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and North America. For some, there is freedom to do follow-up work. For others, it’s really tough. Security and safety for our teams and their families is number one. For our audience, there is also fear of what their families or communities will do if they come to Christ. Pray for the Holy Spirit to open their minds and give them the courage to contact our team.

F R O M T H E F R O N T L I N E S

From North America to North Africa, Leading The Way employs on-the-ground teams to follow up with our listeners and viewers by phone, email, social media, video calls, and in-person meetings and assess the needs of persecuted believers. From the Frontlines shares a behind-the-scenes look at what these teams are doing every day.

NEW COLUMN

MEET ASH, Leading The Way’s North American Follow-up Coordinator. As a former Muslim from the Middle East, Ash knows how to minister to Muslims who contact us to learn more about the Gospel.


I heard about Jesus Christ through your

satellite channel, and I’m so convinced that

He is the world’s Savior. I want to know

how to accept Him in my life. My wife is

also in her journey to knowing and following

Jesus. Please refer me to a church.

~ Algeria

REPORT

Each month Leading The Way receives encouraging testimonies from all over the world. Just as they are a tremendous encouragement to our team, we hope that their words will be an inspiration to you and an answer to your prayers for Leading The Way.

“Praise God, I’m very grateful to God for the Navigator. I feel a tremendous benefit for the growth of my faith and I’ve become closer to God. I always bring the Navigator wherever I go. I get a lot of understanding of how to live in God’s will and shared the teachings with my friend who was having family problems. Thank you Dr. Youssef for the Navigator.” ~ Indonesia

“I listened to Dr. Youssef today and realized how much God touches my heart when I listen to his messages. I am so happy that he is so honest and tells us the real truth about our God. He has changed

my life today. The Lord is really talking to my heart! Thank you Dr. Youssef for waking me up!” ~ United States

“I’ve been verbally persecuted and deprived of food and clothes. I’ve also been receiving death threats over the phone. I live in a very Islamic area that has no churches and I’m only surrounded by Muslims. Thank you for listening to me and hearing my story, and for all your prayers. Thanks for sending me books that encourage me to grow and mature in faith.” ~ Iraq

How did God lead you to this role at Leading The Way?My connection with Leading The Way started even before I came to Christ. Around 1997, I listened to Dr. Youssef ’s dual-language radio programs to learn English. As a Muslim and somebody who never read the Bible, Dr. Youssef ’s teaching was very practi-cal. After over a year of listening to Christian programs and debating with God, I came to Christ.

In 2002, I met Dr. Youssef at a church in my home country. I never thought I would be part of Leading The Way, but in 2010, I began helping my mentor, George, answer the emails, Facebook messages, and phone calls coming in from Leading The Way’s satellite channel—following up with viewers who either want to learn more about Christ or attack Christianity. I also maintain and find markets for our Arabic-English radio pro-grams in North America, targeting cities where there is a large Islamic presence.

What is one of your most memorable follow-up experiences?There is a guy from Libya who followed up with us for about eight months. After expe-riencing intense persecution, he fled the country and started a church in Turkey. He did not just accept Christ for himself, but is spreading the Good News and leading other believers from a Muslim background. I think for those of us who come from a Muslim background, the grace and mercy of Christ becomes the motivation to share the hope and Good News of Jesus’ salvation with our own nation.

How can our partners be praying for our follow-up team?Our follow-up team is spread throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and North America. For some, there is freedom to do follow-up work. For others, it’s really tough. Security and safety for our teams and their families is number one. For our audience, there is also fear of what their families or communities will do if they come to Christ. Pray for the Holy Spirit to open their minds and give them the courage to contact our team.

F R O M T H E F R O N T L I N E S

From North America to North Africa, Leading The Way employs on-the-ground teams to follow up with our listeners and viewers by phone, email, social media, video calls, and in-person meetings and assess the needs of persecuted believers. From the Frontlines shares a behind-the-scenes look at what these teams are doing every day.

NEW COLUMN

MEET ASH, Leading The Way’s North American Follow-up Coordinator. As a former Muslim from the Middle East, Ash knows how to minister to Muslims who contact us to learn more about the Gospel.


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LEADING THE WAY MEDIA SCHEDULE: AugustF R A N K LY S P E A K I N G

When a Home Becomes a House

Is your financial legacy hiding in an unused property? What do you do with a significantly appreciated property, like a second home you no longer want or acreage producing nothing but tax bills? The solution is a Charitable Remainder Trust. Here’s how it works.

First, a trust is created, typically naming the people who are to receive the trust’s income, at what percentage the income will be paid, and for how long—usually the life of the recipients. The trust names the trustees—the recipients of the income and managers of the trust’s affairs—and also names the qualified nonprofit to receive its assets upon maturity. Don’t forget that assets placed in the trust are no longer in one’s estate.

Next, the property’s title is put in the trust which sells it. This avoids any capital gains tax. The trust then deposits the sale proceeds into any investment account determined by the trustee, usually something like a conservative Merrill Lynch income and growth account.

In due time, as appreciation or income is produced, the trustee pays out the proceeds to the recipients, not to annually exceed the trust’s named percentage of its assets. You can do this once a year or periodically over time each year. The

percentage to be paid each year is the trust-named percentage applied to the assets as of January 1st that given year.

Annually, the trustee arranges for and files an IRS income tax return for the trust and produces IRS form K-1’s, which go to those receiving income from the trust.

When the trust matures, usually at the death of the named recipients, the balance of funds in the trust goes to the named nonprofit.

While this may sound somewhat complicated, a large number of trusts are established each year, providing large gifts to nonprofits as well as the selling of greatly appreciated properties without capital gains taxes.

Do you have an unused asset that God wants to turn into a Kingdom investment? Give us a call to learn more about how your gifts can outlast your life and impact future generations for Christ.

Blessings to you and those you love,

Frank [email protected]

Frank Patterson

my journal |

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LEADING THE WAY MEDIA SCHEDULE: AugustF R A N K LY S P E A K I N G

When a Home Becomes a House

Is your financial legacy hiding in an unused property? What do you do with a significantly appreciated property, like a second home you no longer want or acreage producing nothing but tax bills? The solution is a Charitable Remainder Trust. Here’s how it works.

First, a trust is created, typically naming the people who are to receive the trust’s income, at what percentage the income will be paid, and for how long—usually the life of the recipients. The trust names the trustees—the recipients of the income and managers of the trust’s affairs—and also names the qualified nonprofit to receive its assets upon maturity. Don’t forget that assets placed in the trust are no longer in one’s estate.

Next, the property’s title is put in the trust which sells it. This avoids any capital gains tax. The trust then deposits the sale proceeds into any investment account determined by the trustee, usually something like a conservative Merrill Lynch income and growth account.

In due time, as appreciation or income is produced, the trustee pays out the proceeds to the recipients, not to annually exceed the trust’s named percentage of its assets. You can do this once a year or periodically over time each year. The

percentage to be paid each year is the trust-named percentage applied to the assets as of January 1st that given year.

Annually, the trustee arranges for and files an IRS income tax return for the trust and produces IRS form K-1’s, which go to those receiving income from the trust.

When the trust matures, usually at the death of the named recipients, the balance of funds in the trust goes to the named nonprofit.

While this may sound somewhat complicated, a large number of trusts are established each year, providing large gifts to nonprofits as well as the selling of greatly appreciated properties without capital gains taxes.

Do you have an unused asset that God wants to turn into a Kingdom investment? Give us a call to learn more about how your gifts can outlast your life and impact future generations for Christ.

Blessings to you and those you love,

Frank [email protected]

Frank Patterson

my journal |

RESOURCES

TO PLACE AN ORDER, USE THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE OR CALL 1.877.251.8294 (US and Canada), 1300 133 589 (Australia), OR 0800 432 0419 (UK). OR ORDER ONLINE AT LTW.org.

LEADING THE WAY RESOURCES

The Price of LiberTy BOOKLETAmerica’s Founding Fathers based her important documents on the Bible. However, through indifference, ignorance, and neglect of Biblical principles, our nation’s foundation is crumbling. In The Price of Liberty, Dr. Michael Youssef highlights the telltale signs of dangerous decay appearing in our nation and calls God’s people to wake up, repent, and return to reliance upon Almighty God.

Booklet: Order BL0021 $5 (US) | $5 (CAN) | $5 (AUD) | £4 (UK)

rebuiLding our broken WaLLs SERIESToday, we are experiencing the consequences of a faulty foundation—broken homes, marriages, churches, and governments. How do we rebuild the walls that cultural decay and moral compromise have destroyed? In his new series, Rebuilding Our Broken Walls, Dr. Michael Youssef shares how we can follow the example of Nehemiah, who through persistent prayer and planning helped rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem.

9 Messages on CD: Order AL0158C $32 (US) | $32 (CAN) | $32 (AUD) | £21 (UK)9 Messages on DVD: Order DVD0158 $35 (US) | $35 (CAN) | $35 (AUD) | £23 (UK)

froM desPair To desTiny AUDIO SERIESPaul’s letter to the Romans can change the way you think and light a spiritual fire in your heart—just ask Martin Luther, St. Augustine, and John Wesley. From Despair to Destiny is Dr. Michael Youssef’s study of Romans—the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This letter helps us understand why the Good News is so unique and so transforming. Experience the richness of God’s gift of salvation and in His power to change your life in this in-depth series.

22 Messages on CD: Order AL0114C $55 (US) | $55 (CAN) | $55 (AUD) | £30 (UK)

PreParing The nexT generaTion AUDIO SERIESWhat does it look like for the next generation to be “arrows in the hand of a warrior” (Psalm 127:4)? In Preparing the Next Generation, Dr. Youssef shares how we can train up our children in the faith so that when God calls them, they will be ready to serve Him.


For a complete listing of radioand television stations airingLeading The Way in your area,visit www.LTWBroadcasts.com.

Watch Leading The Way (All times Eastern unless noted.)

Angel One: Sunday 8:00 am; Wednesday 10:30 pmCornerstone: Sunday 8:30 amDaystar: Sunday 9:30 pmThe Church Channel: Sunday 9:00 am; Saturday 8:30 pmTrinity Broadcasting Network: Sunday 7:00 pmION Network: Sunday 7:30 am (check local listings)UPtv: Sunday 8:30 am

In Canada:Vision: Sunday 8:30 am

In Australia:Australian Christian Channel:

Monday 11:30 am (AEST); Tuesday 10:00 pm (AEST)TV4ME: Saturday 7:30 am (AEST)West Television: Saturday 8:30 am (WA only)7TWO: Sunday 7:30 am (National)

In Europe: Revelation TV: Sunday 5:30 pmDaystar (Hotbird 6): Monday 6:30 am (UTC)TBN-Europe (Sky 763): Sunday 4:00 pm (UTC)

In the Middle East, North Africa and Europe:THE KINGDOM SAT: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Hear Leading The Way(All times Eastern unless noted.)

Family Talk SIRIUS-XM (ch. 131):Monday-Friday 7:00 am and 9:30 pm

In Australia:Vision FM:Monday-Friday 11:05 am and 1:00 am (AEST)(www.Vision.org.au)

In Europe:Premier Christian Radio:Monday-Friday 9:00 am (UTC)

There are so many competing ideas and beliefs

in the world today. How do we discern Truth from

falsehood? Truth Tips will equip you with the

Biblical keys to identify false teaching and stand

firm on the Word of God. Sign up to download

your digital copy today at LTW.org.

Download your FREETruth Tips digital resource

THIS MONTH ONLY


RESOURCES


LEADING THE WAY RESOURCES

The Price of LiberTy BOOKLETAmerica’s Founding Fathers based her important documents on the Bible. However, through indifference, ignorance, and neglect of Biblical principles, our nation’s foundation is crumbling. In The Price of Liberty, Dr. Michael Youssef highlights the telltale signs of dangerous decay appearing in our nation and calls God’s people to wake up, repent, and return to reliance upon Almighty God.

Booklet: Order BL0021 $5 (US) | $5 (CAN) | $5 (AUD) | £4 (UK)

rebuiLding our broken WaLLs SERIESToday, we are experiencing the consequences of a faulty foundation—broken homes, marriages, churches, and governments. How do we rebuild the walls that cultural decay and moral compromise have destroyed? In his new series, Rebuilding Our Broken Walls, Dr. Michael Youssef shares how we can follow the example of Nehemiah, who through persistent prayer and planning helped rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem.

9 Messages on CD: Order AL0158C $32 (US) | $32 (CAN) | $32 (AUD) | £21 (UK)9 Messages on DVD: Order DVD0158 $35 (US) | $35 (CAN) | $35 (AUD) | £23 (UK)

froM desPair To desTiny AUDIO SERIESPaul’s letter to the Romans can change the way you think and light a spiritual fire in your heart—just ask Martin Luther, St. Augustine, and John Wesley. From Despair to Destiny is Dr. Michael Youssef’s study of Romans—the power of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. This letter helps us understand why the Good News is so unique and so transforming. Experience the richness of God’s gift of salvation and in His power to change your life in this in-depth series.


PreParing The nexT generaTion AUDIO SERIESWhat does it look like for the next generation to be “arrows in the hand of a warrior” (Psalm 127:4)? In Preparing the Next Generation, Dr. Youssef shares how we can train up our children in the faith so that when God calls them, they will be ready to serve Him.


For a complete listing of radioand television stations airingLeading The Way in your area,visit www.LTWBroadcasts.com.

Watch Leading The Way (All times Eastern unless noted.)

Angel One: Sunday 8:00 am; Wednesday 10:30 pmCornerstone: Sunday 8:30 amDaystar: Sunday 9:30 pmThe Church Channel: Sunday 9:00 am; Saturday 8:30 pmTrinity Broadcasting Network: Sunday 7:00 pmION Network: Sunday 7:30 am (check local listings)UPtv: Sunday 8:30 am

In Canada:Vision: Sunday 8:30 am

In Australia:Australian Christian Channel:

Monday 11:30 am (AEST); Tuesday 10:00 pm (AEST)TV4ME: Saturday 7:30 am (AEST)West Television: Saturday 8:30 am (WA only)7TWO: Sunday 7:30 am (National)

In Europe: Revelation TV: Sunday 5:30 pmDaystar (Hotbird 6): Monday 6:30 am (UTC)TBN-Europe (Sky 763): Sunday 4:00 pm (UTC)

In the Middle East, North Africa and Europe:THE KINGDOM SAT: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Hear Leading The Way(All times Eastern unless noted.)

Family Talk SIRIUS-XM (ch. 131):Monday-Friday 7:00 am and 9:30 pm

In Australia:Vision FM:Monday-Friday 11:05 am and 1:00 am (AEST)(www.Vision.org.au)

In Europe:Premier Christian Radio:Monday-Friday 9:00 am (UTC)

There are so many competing ideas and beliefs

in the world today. How do we discern Truth from

falsehood? Truth Tips will equip you with the

Biblical keys to identify false teaching and stand

firm on the Word of God. Sign up to download

your digital copy today at LTW.org.

Download your FREETruth Tips digital resource

THIS MONTH ONLY


In the 2004 Summer Olympics, America was the predicted winner for the women’s 4 x 100-meter relay—and gold medalist Marion Jones continued the team’s strong lead as she took the baton for the second heat.

But as she approached the end of the heat, Jones and her teammate could not complete the handoff. A second time, a third time Jones extended the baton to her teammate, who could not get a firm grip around it. Finally on the fourth attempt, they succeeded—only to be disqualified after crossing the exchange zone. Everyone knew the American team was the fastest on the track, but when they failed the handoff, their race was over.

Team relays are won and lost with the transfer of the baton. What can we do today to prepare the next generation for a victorious race?

We can teach the Word of God to them diligently and continually (Deuteronomy 6:7). We can remind them of God’s goodness and faithful works (Judges 8:33-35). We can raise them up in Truth and the fear of the Lord (Psalm 34:11-14). And we can be living examples of God’s character (Ephesians 5:1-20).

There will be hindrances and distractions, but a good handoff is the result of many practice runs. Let’s perfect the art of passing the baton, that the next generation may run in faith and leave a legacy for the generations to come.

Passing the Baton

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NEW See page 17 for the new From the Frontlines column featuring stories from Leading The Way’s on-the-ground teams.

NEW See p 7 for the new From the Frontlines Leading The ...ltw.s3.amazonaws.com/myjournal/2015/ltw_myjournal_0815.pdf · We can remind them of God’s goodness and faithful works

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