Editor's Note: This article, still applicable today, was originally published in 2000.

Women of God have always been at the center of His purposes. Mothers of faith will play a vital role in establishing the course of Christ's kingdom.

It is the dawn of a new millennium—and the start of a significant new day for women in the church. Speaking as a brother in Christ and a leader in the global prayer movement, I'm convinced there's never been a more interesting, demanding or exciting time to be a Christian woman.

I believe the almighty God will do incredible things in and through the female gender during the next decade. And when He does, society better watch out. A spiritual awakening is on the way! read more

Of course, all Christian parents like to think they've raised their kids to pursue God's will. But just how easy will it be to let them go when the time comes?

The soap suds rise from the bottom of the tub and cover me like a warm quilt. Oh, if Calgon could really take me away, I'd be curled up on my grandmother's sofa in front of her roaring fireplace as she tucks the corners of one of her tattered-piece quilts around my feet.

But try as I might, I can't get there; I'm still here in my tub, hidden away for just a moment. The water's too hot for a bath, but that's the way I like it.

My eyes are closed, and when I try to open them all I can see is a green light filtered through cucumber slices. So I close them tighter and begin to think about Chera, our 15-year-old daughter—the one who wants to be a missionary. read more

Simple misunderstandings can foster conflict in your relationship with your child. How do you tear down the walls that hinder effective communication?

John stood at our door arrayed in all his black leather splendor. Safety pins ringed his ear lobes; jewelry pierced his nose and lips. Tattoos covered his arms. Both sides of his head were shaved, the hair on top spiked down the middle.

Our daughter had told me her date was coming, but I wasn’t prepared for what greeted me when I opened the door.

My thoughts raced: Should I let this road warrior in? Is my daughter in danger? What will my congregation think if she brings this guy to church? read more

Although it's rarely acknowledged, prejudice is clearly prevalent—even in the church. God is looking for a generation that will scale every dividing wall.

Prejudice is sin. It is a form of sin that has kept God's people in bondage for generations and created an unnatural separation among them. But I believe it is time for change. God is looking for a generation courageous enough to climb over every dividing wall.

Isaiah 61:1-3 tells us that the Messiah's ministry involves delivering people from prisons of various kinds. He was anointed to "preach good news to the poor," "bind up the brokenhearted," "proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners," "comfort all who mourn," and "bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair" (NIV). Those He delivers, or rescues, will "rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated. They will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations" (v. 4). read more