RIGHTEOUS JUDGE, give us an increasing desire to reflect you as we negotiate and form new working alliances with churches, Christian leaders, supporters and mission agencies. Increase our faith and purge our selfish desires that we might grow in grace; humbly helping each other to obey you and working together in our new places of service. May we all receive the crown of righeousness You have prepared for each of us. In Jesus Name, AMEN.

SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK: "The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty" (Psalm 93:1).

HOLY FATHER, BLESSED HOPE as Advent and Christmas draw near, help us to prepare for the holidays in a way that puts you first in our lives. May these weeks be a "time out" for us to focus on God and eternal things. Help us not to worry about the trials, tribulations and uncertainties of this life but to trust you with everything. Be will Bill and Ivy as they continue to explore future possibilities and raise support today and travel to Georgia. AMEN and AMEN

SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK: "The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty" (Psalms 90:3).

SERVANT, may each of us imitate you as we walk through our activities this day. May we give you great glory by our lives and may Dr. Bill and Ivy especially find their appointed places of service not just for today but long-term. Heal the Bray's car and may it be repaired quickly today so that no appointment will be missed or delayed. AMEN and AMEN

SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY: "True religion is this...to keep oneself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27).

BALM OF GILEAD, heal our wounded hearts and let no bitter root of self-pity spring up in our souls. Touch us lest we accuse or speak ill of anyone or think of ourselves as victims. Give us the power to take responsibility for our actions and especially be with Dr. Bill and the CIS Board of Directors today as they meet to discuss the future ministry opportunities open to the Bray Family Missionaries...and tonight as they meet with prayer partners and supporters in Central Virginia. AMEN and AMEN.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: "Never fail to know that if you are doing all the talking, you are boring somebody" (Helen Gurley Brown).

CHRIST THE KING JESUS, help us to be your loyal servants and obey your commands. Keep us all on the side of truth, especially those loyal subjects of yours in India, Central Asia and Eastern Europe who are facing bloody persecution from the Jihad and other political forces of terror at this time. May Dr. Bill and Ivy find many new prayer partners and supporters this week who are also loyal to King Jesus in Charlottesville, Virginia. AMEN and AMEN

SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK: "The Lord reigns, He is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty" (Psalm 93:1).

OUR POTTER, mold, shape and lead each of us into into the various ministries you have for us. Especially give Dr. Bray discernment as he meets with Christian mission leaders from Georgia, Virginia, and Washington this week. Lead him more clearly into the way of service that he and Ivy should go. Give him new contacts, prayer partners, and supporters in Charlottesville fellowship meetings. AMEN, AMEN and AMEN

SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK: "For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins" (Col. 1:13-14).

STRENGTH OF THE POOR, use Dr. Bill and Ivy and their friends in Charlottesville this weekend to invite the right friends to come and hear about the exciting future possibilities for their missionary ministry on Monday, and use all their meetings in Virginia to raise up many support gifts to respond to the $5000 matching challenge grant that has been given for use between now and the end of the year. AMEN and AMEN

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "True religion before God the father is this, to care for windows and orphans in their affliction and keep ourselves unspotted from the world" (James).

BRANCH OF THE LORD and GIFT OF GOD, we join our hearts today to thank you for saving us and supplying our every need. You are the great provider and we appreciate you during these days of Thanksgiving as we thank you for open doors and invitations to minister for you and unify your body in Africa, Asia, Greece, the Philippines and the UK. AMEN and AMEN.

SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK: "Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this; to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27).

THE LORD JEHOVAH, continue to be with Dr. Bill and Ivy as they host their children and grandchildren for Thanksgiving this week in Charlottesville, Virginia. AMEN and AMEN

SCRIPTURE OF THE WEEK: "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this; to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27).

FRIEND OF SINNERS, help us all to minister to our famlies during this Thanksgiving week, especailly help Bill and Ivy as they host their children and grandchillren this week in Virginia for the Thanksgiving feast. As we spend these days together, may we love each other in practical ways and learn to pray for one another and study God's word together and apply it to our lives. AMEN and AMEN

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "Perfect love casts out feat..."

AUTHOR OF FAITH, guide each of us into the paths you want us to walk but especially reveal yourself to Dr. Bill and Ivy Bray as they meet with leaders of Christian ministries and various advisors like the CIS, INC Board of Directors during these next two weeks in Charlottesville, Virginia. Continue to give them discernment and divine revelation and call them clearly to their next place or places of service. AMEN and AMEN

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "And now abide these three, faith, hope and love; and the greatest of these is love" (I Cor. 13:13).

ROSE OF SHARON, as so many of us are traveling in the next few days to gather with family and friends for Thanksgiving, we ask you to give protection from the dangers of the road and make our hearts truly thankful to you for all that you have given us. We give you thanks Almighty God for your provisions and we bless you from the bottom of our hearts for your goodness toward us. AMEN and AMEN

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "And now abides these three, faith, hope and love; but the greatest of these is love" (I Cor. 13:13).

LILY OF THE VALLY, we agree in prayer today for all our children and pray they will overcome their current challenges, but in particular for Becki Bray Trumbull who has faces several potentially life-controlling issues. We thank you for giving her victory over every obstacle. Bless her and son Michael as they travel to join Bill and Ivy this weekend in Virginia for a Thanksgiving family reunion. AMEN and AMEN

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love" (I Cor. 13:13).

MORNING STAR, we pray for our college-age students today that you will meet their every needs, especially Billy Bray at Piedmont in Charlottesville. Provide the finances he needs as well as intellectual ability and will to master his subjects and stay focused. Use Dr. Bray's next book for college men to help them make the right life-choices during their university days. AMEN and AMEN

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (I Cor. 13:13).

ANGEL OF HIS PRESENCE, thank you for giving us the wonderful WWW for end times outreach into the Arab and Muslim worlds, to Hindus and every corner of globe and people of all lifestyles and at every stage of life here in our English culture. Bless Christians in web outreach ministries who are using this tool such as Silas Partners, Mark and Joan Weimer of Campus Crusade media ministries, Brother Charles with CIS, Ricky Cain at 7-Kids as will as Dr. Bill and Ivy. AMEN and AMEN

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (I Cor. 13:13).

NOVEMBER 14, DAY 317?CHARTER OAKS, COULD IT BE RENTED?
IVY came to me with an interesting idea today from one of the neighbors. If we are to take distant mission assignments for a time, make an overseas mission trip, or even move away temporarily, perhaps we could rent the Hidden Hills house out to other writers who need a place to stay for several months while completing a book manuscript or project.

?Renting to Writers? is an idea that might well work?especially to Christian writers who need a Hidden Hills environment to complete a book or creative project. The Charter Oaks retreat is just that?an excellent working place where creative people won?t be disturbed.

SURE FOUNDATION, we worship you as the solid rock upon which Bill and Ivy build their missionary vocations. Move the Bray Family to their next place of service. May they be called to where they can best be a channel of blessings to Christian missions. Give them wisdom about how and when to sell their house in Columbus--or if they should remain in Georgia for now. AMEN, AMEN and AMEN!

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (I Cor. 13:13).

EDITOR'S NOTE: For more news on Bray's possible moving plans, visit our website and check on Dr. Bill's upcoming blog entries for Thursday (Nov. 9) through Monday (Nov. 13).

NOVEMBER 13, 2006, DAY 316?CHARTER OAKS, A HOLY HOUSE
EVERY day now, at least one couple is coming by to look at our house here in Hidden Hollow. We were warned the market is slow both nationally and here in Columbus. Plus of course, this is the worst time of the year for sales. We bought the house when prices were high and we?ve already decided not to panic and go too slow. All this to say that we?re secretly kind of glad it is not too popular!

As I said last week, we are not clutching onto this very holy place. We will sell if the Lord leads us to, but we are still praying that somehow the Lord will still allow us to make this a base for our Holy Spirit ordained ministry. Join us in praying for the mind of Christ about our future and whether we should keep this house or not.

I said it is a holy house, and it is so because we decided to sanctify it unto the Lord after we stayed for several months at the Calvary Missionary Guest House where Bishop Thomas and Dr. Sam had live and prayed. From the first day, we sensed in that house that it had been a house of prayer.

We decided then that we would do the same with our new house. So even while it was being framed and finished, we came out to walk through it?to pray that it would be used of God in our lives.

When we moved in, we called an Anglican priest to come and do the traditional house blessing rites?carefully dedicating each room to God for His use?even as the paint was still drying on the wells. It has been a holy place from the first day. In fact the only four rooms we?ve been able to furnish so far have been the chapel, bedroom, kitchen and my writer?s workshop and study!

It has proved to be a wonderful place for prayer, study and writing. We can do 15 hour-days without missing a beat here. Rising in the night to pray or rising for early morning devotions is easy. I have an altar set up in the chapel with a little candle I light before dawn on most days.

CARPENTER, defend your persecuted church and persecuted Christians everywhere as they face challenges today--but we especially pray for the distressed believers in Burma, China, Laos, Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam. Lord prosper and protect your people in the Far East and Southeast Asia. AMEN and AMEN

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (I Cor. 13:13).

NOVEMBER 12, DAY 315?BABEL, A DARK AND MELANCHOLY LOOK
NO film or story that I?ve ever seen has portrayed the Lord?s judgment of the rebellion at the tower of Babel like the film Babel which has just been released in USA theaters. I would never have gone to see it had my son Jon not insisted that we go, but I?m glad I did. This film is going to be a cult hit I suspect. Christians can use it to start a dozen meaningful conversations about the human condition.

It tells the reverse side of a global CNN-style news story that is filmed on four continents in multi-languages and cultures using local actors and extras. The over-laying plots all come together at the end, making a kind of order out of the world?s disorder. The film, by director Alejondro Gonzalez Inarrita stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett with a fabulous local cast.

The effect of the curse on the human race at the plains of Shinar plays out in many ways throughout the movie. This is definitely a very adult, very serious, and very disturbing film. It is not light entertainment but will make you think about big issues if you yield to its charms. If I was still giving out stars, this one would get four out of five!

HORN OF OUR SALVATION, you came to set the prisoners free so we unite today to pray for freedom for persecuted leaders from all who would bind and hinder them from seeking your glory. AMEN AND AMEN.

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).

NOVEMBER 11, DAY 315?LEADERSHIP DOESN?T NEED AN OFFICE
MOST of my life I have subconsciously and wrongly desired other men?s offices as a way to exercise my spiritual gifts. All too often this caused me to meddle in matters that are not directly related to the gifts and callings the Lord has ordained for me. Like Lot in Sodom, my soul has been vexed. I have wanted to speak out and help promote positive change, but the pastors and teachers control the pulpits in our one-man churches. Likewise, too-often godly (and not-so-godly!) administrators, deacons and elders control the missions of the church. Evangelists of course, don?t want prophets around since they all to often scare the fish away!

These are all legitimate offices and authorities whom I respect by the way. But the fact is the modern church rarely recognizes us ?prophet and apostle? types. We have a burning message that the church needs to hear but we have too few invitations to other platforms. The reformation didn?t go far enough to include us! The apostolic order with it?s five-fold ministry has still not been widely recognized.

So leaders like me are rarely seen or allowed to function in our proper, biblical roles. Blinded by the system, I?ve too-often crumbled in the face of opposition and accepted the characterizations the devil assigns to leaders like me?portraying us as busy bodies, crazies, irritating old curmudgeons and trouble-makers. Sadly, faced with closed doors for most of my life, I have crawled back into my hole and failed to lead or speak out with the burden that God has placed on my heart.

Sure, there have been moments when I have obeyed the Lord and responded to the Holy Spirit and been powerfully used of God. That?s why I?m still in the fight. I have tasted the power of God and it is good. All glory to Him.

Sadly, instead of staying true to my calling, I have too-often been bought off. I have accepted wrongly defined positions in churches, missions and organizations where in time I trip up. Sometimes it?s my own sinful pride but usually it?s just that I lack the gifts to do the assignment. I have even foolishly tried to start my own mission organizations or mistakenly accepted control and power positions in the churches and organizations where I have come to serve. Quite rightly, I have fallen flat on my face.

Could there be another way? I think so. By focusing on authoring books, consulting, exhorting, journaling, mentoring, reporting, short-term missions, speaking, training, traveling and writing I think it might be possible for me to carry out the apostolic and prophetic call that has always been in my life.

How foolish I have been to settle for less than God?s best in my life. As we wait upon God for his next calling, I have to be careful not to just take the next job that comes along?even if it is for a great ministry.

I need to do as Paul exhorted Timothy, ?stir up the gift? that is within me.

Perhaps the reason that God has caused events to happen the way they have in the last few weeks is to force me out into my leadership ministry. It would be just like him to do something like this. Each step in our spiritual journey leads to the next.

HOPE OF GLORY, inspire and answer each prayer-reader who joins those who call on you today in India and throughout South Asia and around the world. Protect us from our persecutors and bless with revival all who participate today in the All India Global Day day of Prayer. Renew your work in our hearts and minds by the Holy Spirit and help us to rest in you. AMEN and AMEN

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).

NOVEMBER 10, DAY 314?ENJOYING TIME WITH MY YOUNGEST SON
DAVID JONATHAN, our youngest son (age 21) has been staying with us since Wednesday when he ended a musical tour with a gig in Atlanta.

For the first time in his life and ours, we have had the fun of steady adult conversations with him on some of the subjects a young artist is fascinated with?art, dating, film, food and music. He is a great gourmet cook and musician. Talking about his world and interest is a tonic for me since these are subjects I rarely discuss. It?s been therapeutic this week, helping me to get my mind off my troubles and challenges. Seeing thing a bit from his perspective helps me to understand the next generation. This visit is turning out to be very restful for me and most educational.

Having him here, sleeping on an air mattress in front of our fireplace not only makes great conversation but turns my busy bee wife back into a working mother and housewife again! The last 18 months at Hopegivers has been all business for us.

Now, we not have to keep the house ready to show to buyers at any moment but having another person staying in this house breaks the spell of isolation a bit. Just going through the normal rhythms of sleeping, and showering, and dressing takes a lot more life-planning for us. (?Two?s company and three?s a crowd!?)

I did tell you this is a small house didn?t I? This cottage on Charter Oaks was not built for children, even grown up ones!

Jon?s visit convinces me more than ever that I need to do a book that will build a bridge between my world and his. There is still a generation gap, even bigger now then the one that existed between my father and me at his age.

My next book, from a godly perspective, will try to do what Hugh Hefner did for my generation when he condescended to write the ?Playboy Advisor? for me and my guileless peers. How many lives that book ruined will only be counted when hell shuts its gates. I owe something better to my sons and their generation?a book right now as they enter their salad days. Will they listen to me? Can I find a way to communicate?

Think I?ll dedicate it to the two most important men in my adolescence?my dad, who modeled a focused life. And to my scoutmaster, Walter Schneider, who taught me not to quit when life gets impossible.

All this I know is corny stuff to rebellious kids but there are some who will listen. How can I get through to them?

LION OF JUDAH, help us all to love and forgive our adversaries and critics. Let love rule in our hearts and our lives. May all of our family and friends know us by our love...and especially know that we are Christians by our love. Help Dr. Bray and Ivy in particular to live this out in word and deed, preaching love and living love in every relationship. AMEN and AMEN

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).

NOVEMBER 9, DAY 313 ? POSTING A ?FOR SALE? SIGN IN OUR HEARTS
LINDA CALCOTE (LCalcote@coldwellbanker.com) drove her ?for sale? sign into our tiny front lawn today but it could just as well have been driven into our hearts. That?s how much it hurt us! Ivy and I have never had such a lovely little cottage before. This compact, one-story house in Hidden Hills has been perfect for an ?empty nest? couple like us. Conversation has been easy here around our fireplace. We?ve had many long talks, like newlyweds in their first apartment. (And we?ve come to some pretty serious understandings about our marriage and relationship?communication has been good here!)

So putting this house up for sale hasn?t been easy for us. It already has lots of memories in our marriage. When we came to Columbus, we dreamed of making this our last earthly home base or headquarters. Although we?ve only lived here 15 months, it feels like 15 years.

In fact, I planted a 12-foot magnolia by faith on the edge of the woods here, believing that I would live to see it grow as big as the house. It has become my ?tree of faith? in the Columbus highlands?and it will always remain so in my heart?and it might be my gift ?of the future? to the next couple or family who moves here.

Planting a garden is an act of faith, they say. Ivy has done a lot of gardening and puttering around in the ground of this property. Never realized before that she has a green thumb?but then we?ve never had a house with a real fertile yard before.

The Charter Oaks House is flanked on two sides by big trees with a lush creek in back that nurtures a jungle. Almost from the first day, Ivy turned it into a natural habitat?and we are daily feeding seed and bread scraps to 18-20 species of birds, squirrels, possums, moles and at least two feral cats and their feline friends.

Even though the house is now up for sale, we?re still praying that maybe God will call us to stay here and give us the faith to make this house work economically. But since it takes 60-90 days to sell houses now in this area, we felt that we had to put it up early just in case the Lord sends us elsewhere.

Of course, attachments to the lovely things of this world have no place in the disciple?s life, and from the beginning of this journey, I have tried to live by Luke 14:33, ??whoever of you does not forsake all that he has cannot be My disciple.? We have learned both how to be abased and to abound! We will give this up when the Lord asks. God is good and we can trust him with our future.

LIVING WATER, despite all the uncertainty in our lives, help each of us to make pro-active plans guided by your spirit and in particular we ask you to bless the missionary travel plans of Dr. Bill and Ivy as they plan a missions survey of the Philippines during this time of waiting upon you. Continue to use the Phllippines as one of the world's greatest missionary sending nations. AMEN and AMEN

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).

BREAD OF LIFE, guide the voters in the general elections today in the United States to select god-fearing leaders who will hand down righteous judgments and give Jon, Dr. Bill, and Ivy a happy reunion in Atlanta today and throughout the next days leading us to Thanksgiving. AMEN and AMEN!

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).

LORD OF ALL, we unite today to ask you to protect all our children and grandchildren, whatever their age and wherever they are. May they all grow into mature men and women of God. Give wisdom and love to parents and guardians. We especially pray for Jon Bray as his band plays in Atlanta, Georgia tonight and joins Bill and Ivy for the next few days. AMEN and AMEN.

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms" (Ephesians 6:12).

OMEGA, defend the persecuted and hungry Christians of the world today and bless all those who are helping to feed and protect them such as Christian Aid, OM, Open Doors, Voice of the Martyrs and all the others. Use John Lindner, Missionary Network News, Dr. Bill and Ivy Bray to do more through communications to help the suffering in Jesus name. AMEN and AMEN.

ALPHA, bless India and bless all mission and Christian leaders including Dr. Bray and all the non profit and profit organizations he works with to enhance the Kingdom of God. We also pray today for Brother Ted, his family, and the National Association of Evangelicals pastors and leadership as they respond to scandal in the USA. AMEN and AMEN.

KING OF KINGS, bless the ministries of Bill and Ivy Bray in India and South Asia, in Haiti, in Africa and around the world...may they grow and prosper and may every need be met for the sake of the children and missionary staff that depend on this mission. May individuals who don't even know about CIS Light Bearers discover that they are one and join the team! AMEN and AMEN

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15).

SON OF GOD, you promised to supply our daily bread so we ask you in faith to meet the needs of everyone who prays with us today and especially to meet the financial needs of Billy Bray and his household in Charlottesville, Virginia. Lord we offer you all the glory for this provision. AMEN.

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15).

LORD JESUS, thank you for all the saints through the ages who supported the apostolic missionaries and prophets with their prayers and offerings, and we pray today that you will prosper all the living saints on the Bray Family Support Team as they send offerings to CIS,Inc. Missions this month. Lord, we look to you to supplement our suddenly increased fall financial needs. AMEN and AMEN.

VERSE OF THE WEEK: "But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15).