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David Wilkerson

David Wilkerson (1931 - 2011). American Pentecostal pastor, evangelist, and author born in Hammond, Indiana. Raised in a family of preachers, he was baptized with the Holy Spirit at eight and began preaching at 14. Ordained in 1952 after studying at Central Bible College, he pastored small churches in Pennsylvania. In 1958, moved by a Life Magazine article about New York gang violence, he started a street ministry, founding Teen Challenge to help addicts and troubled youth. His book "The Cross and the Switchblade," co-authored in 1962, became a bestseller, chronicling his work with gang members like Nicky Cruz. In 1987, he founded Times Square Church in New York City, serving a diverse congregation until his death. Wilkerson wrote over 30 books, including "The Vision," and was known for bold prophecies and a focus on holiness. Married to Gwen since 1953, they had four children. He died in a car accident in Texas. His ministry emphasized compassion for the lost and reliance on God. Wilkerson’s work transformed countless lives globally. His legacy endures through Teen Challenge and Times Square Church.
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David Wilkerson emphasizes that a single verse from God's Word can sustain us through difficult times, particularly Matthew 6:8, which reassures us that our Father knows our needs before we even ask. He encourages believers to trust in God's provision for essentials like food, clothing, and shelter, reminding us that if God cares for the grass, He will certainly care for us. Wilkerson highlights that our focus should be on God's knowledge and care, which alleviates worry about our lives and families. He reassures that God cares for our loved ones even more than we do and urges us to seek God's kingdom first, promising that all our needs will be met. Ultimately, he calls us to anchor our faith in the certainty of God's provision and love.
An Anchor for Our Faith
One verse of God’s Word will keep you through any and all perilous times if you will commit your very life to it. Beloved, embrace this one verse, fully believe it, and it will be a daily power-source of faith: “Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8). Jesus enumerates the things our heavenly Father knows we need — in short, food, drink and clothing. “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; nor about the body, what you will put on” (Luke 12:22). The overriding theme of your life should be: God knows … and that is all that matters! “If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?” (12:28). Jesus speaks of grass that is full and green today but is cut down tomorrow. He would have us remember that he gave it life and care and we dare not think he cares for our needs any less. If you are concerned about your family’s welfare, I have good news: your children are God’s children and he cares for your loved one more than you do. Jesus knows exactly what each one needs. Jesus knows about your need to have a roof over your head; he knows about your rent or mortgage payment each month. He knows about all your needs and you can trust him fully to meet all of them. He promises to do it! The Lord says to the rich and the poor alike, “Do not fret about your worldly possessions. Give me quality time and trust me. I am going to take care of all your needs.” “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33). Anchor your faith in the fact that your heavenly Father knows exactly what you need. He delights in you and with him you will always be safe and sound.
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David Wilkerson (1931 - 2011). American Pentecostal pastor, evangelist, and author born in Hammond, Indiana. Raised in a family of preachers, he was baptized with the Holy Spirit at eight and began preaching at 14. Ordained in 1952 after studying at Central Bible College, he pastored small churches in Pennsylvania. In 1958, moved by a Life Magazine article about New York gang violence, he started a street ministry, founding Teen Challenge to help addicts and troubled youth. His book "The Cross and the Switchblade," co-authored in 1962, became a bestseller, chronicling his work with gang members like Nicky Cruz. In 1987, he founded Times Square Church in New York City, serving a diverse congregation until his death. Wilkerson wrote over 30 books, including "The Vision," and was known for bold prophecies and a focus on holiness. Married to Gwen since 1953, they had four children. He died in a car accident in Texas. His ministry emphasized compassion for the lost and reliance on God. Wilkerson’s work transformed countless lives globally. His legacy endures through Teen Challenge and Times Square Church.