Hollywood Pastors Unity Prayer...

Every month for the past year and a half, I have gathered together pastors from around the Hollywood area for prayer. When we first started, I wasn't sure how people would receive it. Would they take time out of their busy schedules to come? I was pleasantly surprised at the feedback that came from those who did attend. But after a little more than a year of meeting together, I sensed we needed to take the next step in the unity process.

What would it look like for the Hollywood area if we went beyond just praying together to actually working together? What if when we prayed, we fervently asked for the Holy Spirit to raise up a powerful, unified army in Los Angeles that went beyond a single man or a single church? Over the past few months, we as the spiritual leaders in Hollywood have started down that path.

I would humbly ask you to pray that as we meet this Thursday at 12pm PST, that we would hear what the Holy Spirit is saying to the church at large in Hollywood. May God be glorified as His Church finally begins to work as ONE...

Contacts...

One of the more difficult things about when I first moved to Los Angeles was thinking that every person I met was a contact that was going to lead somewhere. And then, when nothing would happen with that particular person, I would be discouraged and wonder why God didn't do anything. But over the years (and hopefully through maturing in the Lord), I've learned that my job is not to worry about "contacts" as much as it is just being obedient in every relationship He presents. I try not to set expectations regarding any relationship - I just try to love and serve the person as the Lord teaches me.

Well, this past weekend I attended a seminar where I met some very interesting, passionate, and in one case, powerful people involved in the entertainment industry. My prayer is that God would teach me to be obedient in these relationships, leaving the rest up to Him.

God, please give Holly and I pure hearts in all that we do....

Speaking in Orlando, FL...

I will be leaving tomorrow to speak at a men's Bible Study/luncheon in Orlando, Florida on Wednesday. My good friend Jeff has graciously invited me to come and encourage these men who really want to grow in the Lord. Please pray that God gives me His words to speak, and that the Holy Spirit moves the hearts of all of us there! Thanks!

Ironman report...

What an unbelievable weekend at the Ironman Pro bodybuilding Competition! God brought a number of divine encounters across me and Fred's path throughout the weekend. One of the greatest moves of God came with an athlete that needed to be free of some things that had entangled them. They desperately needed the deliverance and freedom that can only come through falling before Jesus and accepting His amazing grace. And when this person did that, it was nothing short of a miracle the transformation that came over them!! All the weight was lifted off of their shoulders and the Holy Spirit came upon them! I will never forget the power of God in that moment...

This encounter began the process of 3 more people experiencing deliverance from sin over the next 4 days! Jesus is setting people free just as He promised He would (John 8:36)! Please continue to pray for the Holy Spirit to continue moving in people's hearts. We love and thank you all...

Ironman Bodybuilding Show in LA...

Today through Sunday is the first professional men's bodybuilding show of the year, and the great thing is, I don't have to travel far...it's in Los Angeles! This is always an exciting time as many of us in the industry haven't seen one another since the Olympia last September. Please pray for me and ministry partner Fred Krause as we reconnect with the athletes and officials. Pray that God's Spirit goes before us and gives us favor with whomever we speak. What a great way to start the 2009 bodybuilding season!

Grandfather passes away...

Early Wednesday morning, my grandpa Adam Liechty went to be with his maker. He was 90 years young, but had dealt with cancer over the past few years. Holly and I will be leaving for Indiana to attend his viewing and funeral. Your prayers are much appreciated...

Bible Study beginning again...

Holly and I are beginning our home Bible Study again on Thursday evenings at 7:30 pm. After having a month and a half break for the holidays, we are ready to charge ahead in 2009. Please pray that God brings people to this study who need to hear His voice. We also pray for new people to come, and that our group can grow close like a family. Many individuals here in LA feel alone, and I believe that Christ's love can change their lives!

Thank you so much for your prayers for Stronghold Ministries in 2009. I feel like God has already begun to do so much...