Daily Devotional for Friday July 2, 2004

Paris Hilton, Snoop Dogg, Britney, or Jesus

(Philippians 2:10-11)

I get asked often why I do the Liveprayer television program on a secular network, as opposed to airing it on a Christian network. The answer is simple. I am after the same people that Paris Hilton, Snoop Dogg, and Britney are reaching. I want to reach the exact same people that are buying into the lies of our modern culture and the current spokespeople of those lies.

One of the big problems we have is that too many Christians have become isolationists and have no clue what is going on in this world we live in. The fact is, the vast majority of people do not go to church. The fact is, the vast majority of people will never watch Christian television, listen to Christian radio or music, or read Christian publications. The fact is, the vast majority of people do not have marriages or homes that honor God, or are raising their children in the admonition of the Lord. The fact is, the vast majority in our nation are living their life void of God, without the true joy, peace, and abundance this life can offer because they have rejected Christ, and are without hope.

Paris Hilton is the socialite heiress to the Hilton Hotel fortune. She became "famous" for being an international party girl, and is now adding to that fame by starring in the FOX program the, "Simple Life" as well as a pornographic video of her and some young man having sex that is being sold on the Internet. Snoop Dogg is the gangster rapper that also has his own violent video game, a line of porno tapes, as well as a TV program on MTV. Britney of course is the popular singer that was raised in a Christian home, yet has literally sold her soul for fame and fortune. When I heard about her publicity stunt a few months ago that made a mockery of God's holy institution of marriage, I could only think of the verse, "what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, yet lose his soul."

First, let me say that I am not judging these three people, their own actions judge them in accordance with God's Word. Second, the reason I mention them is that they are three of the best examples in our culture today of people that have incredible influence over millions. To try and minimize that influence, especially on those 18 and under would be foolish. The danger is that a large percentage of young adults in this age group do not go to church, are growing up in homes void of God, and sadly are getting their lessons in life from people like Paris, Snoop Dogg, and Britney.

An even bigger problem that needs to be addressed is a large percentage of the parents of those 18 and under do not go to church and have chosen to live their lives void of God. They have treated marriage like a legal date, lived with people out of wedlock, and how they have chosen to live their lives has reinforced to their children that living in rebellion to God is acceptable. So it is no wonder why current cultural icons like Paris, Britney, and Snoop Dogg have such a powerful influence since they promote lifestyles so many have grown up to accept as normal.

LET ME STATE THIS AS CLEAR AS I CAN. IF WE ARE GOING TO REACH THE 18 AND UNDER GENERATION, WE NEED TO TAKE THE GOSPEL DIRECTLY TO THEM AND BYPASS THEIR PARENTS.

For the past 58 months, I have seen a continual rise in the emails that we get each day from young adults that have accepted Christ thru Liveprayer who are living in homes where they are the only Christian. On my television program, I get calls from young adults each night who have made a commitment of their lives to Christ and they are the only Christian in their home. We have got to get serious about taking the hope and love of Christ directly to the 18 and under generation in our world, reaching them before they damage their lives thru drugs, alcohol, illicit sex, and other unGodly choices.

Let us never lose sight of the big picture. There is a very real enemy out there whose stated mission is to kill, steal, and destroy. He accomplishes that by helping people choose to reject God and the truth of His Word. He uses people like Paris, Snoop Dogg, and Britney as tools to lead people into lifestyles of rebellion to God that will damage them. In that damaged state, they often move further from God and are susceptible to even taking their own life. This is a spiritual battle for the eternal souls of people!!!

I love you and care about you so much. I pray that God speaks to your heart today. You can not simply ignore this world that we live in. We have a responsibility to share the hope and love of Christ with those who are lost and living without hope. If we are going to influence future generations for the Kingdom of God, we have to reach those who are 18 and under with the Gospel so that as they mature and have children, their children are raised in Godly homes. We can not continue to let the vast majority of each new generation live their lives void of God and the truth of His Word.

Also, please take some time today and pray for Paris Hilton, Snoop Dogg, and Britney Spears. Pray that they will come to know Christ as their Savior. Even though they have become "famous" for their lifestyles of rebellion to God, God could use them to be powerful influences for good if their hearts were changed. Paul was once an instrument satan used to persecute the early church and kill Christians. After he accepted Christ, he became a great tool God used to take the Gospel to the world. God loves Paris, Snoop Dogg, and Britney, and it is His desire to see them repent and accept Christ as their Savior. Pray for them to make that commitment in their life.

I am challenged each day in using the Internet and secular television as vehicles God can use to reach the hurting and the lost in this world. My only goal is to put Jesus in the same forums that Paris Hilton, Snoop Dogg, and Britney are in so that people have a choice. While on this day some people may bow to Paris, to Snoop Dogg, to Britney, the fact is one day EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW AND EVERY TONGUE CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD!!!