The Hour of Power: Lifting Hearts on Television for 40 Years

God has helped the Hour of Power achieve each milestone and face every circumstance over the past 40 years of ministry. The number 40 holds special meaning and significance in the Bible, too, where 40 often signifies a time of preparation with a promise of bigger things to come.

- The flood came as the rain fell on Noah's ark for 40 days and 40 nights…and then came a rainbow.

- God led the Israelites in the wilderness for 40 years before he gave them the Promised Land.

- Jesus fasted and prayed alone in the wilderness for 40 days before he began his earthly ministry.

- After Christ's crucifixion and resurrection, he was seen throughout his community for 40 days.

Today, the Hour of Power optimistically looks toward the future, believing with all our hearts that, as God’s people provide the lifting power necessary to keep this ministry moving forward, we will see glorious possibilities unfold.

So celebrate with us as we share with you in this and upcoming 2010 PowerLines little-known details, heartwarming stories, and turning-point events from the Hour of Power's 40-year history. May they inspire you to pray for, and continue to be part of, America's Positive Television Church to the World for many years to come!

Choose to Live the Abundant Life!

By Robert H. Schuller

One of my dear friends, the late Dione Neutra, was the adoring and supportive wife of internationally famed, Gold Medal architect, Richard Neutra, for over 40 years. (He designed our first church sanctuary, greatly influencing my view of architecture.) After Richard died, Dione surprised everyone by developing a tremendous, dynamic life on her own. The extraordinary vocal and cello music she once played to inspire her husband through creative blocks, she now shared with many. The positive way she encouraged her husband when he was down, she used to encourage others. Dione, who frequently wrote to us, sent one letter in which she said, "People are astounded at my vitality. Some people even tell me that I don't seem to get any older, but all I have to do is take one look in the mirror to know that's not true."

Why was Dione so surprised by this vitality in her life? For the many years she was married to Richard, she saw only her talented architect husband as someone who could inspire others. But I'll never forget the discovery about herself she shared next: "I may be getting old, but what I've come to realize is that... my life has always had purpose. There's always another task to be done, a need to be filled, a goal to be accomplished. And I've nearly always enjoyed whatever it is I've had to do. But even when I didn't enjoy it, I've been able to recognize that whatever was disagreeable to me was just a fact of life and through it I've learned patience and perseverance. My life has been full. And I continue to marvel at the fact that I can inspire others through my life. It's a mystery."

Dione Neutra reminds me that abundant living begins with living for a purpose. My life has purpose. So does yours! Abiding in God's abundance, reminds us why we are alive!