The church in Liberia, Africa, was cut off from the rest of the world during that country’s bloody civil war. The pastor of a church in the capital city of Monrovia, writing his Christmas letter by candlelight to the leaders of his denomination, expressed the hope of his heart: “My candle is soon to go out, but the sun is rising. And who needs a candle when you have the Son?”
What has caused you to feel that the candle of hope in your life is soon to go out? Soaring inflation that is straining your budget to the breaking point? Bloody civil war in your city? Discord in your marriage? Turmoil in your business? Division in your church? Disease and death seem to be all around us. Is the source of your hopelessness nothing you can really pinpoint, just a general feeling of depression, disillusionment, discouragement, distress, or defeat?
The Old Testament describes how, for approximately fourteen years after David was anointed by God as king over His people, he did not sit on the throne. His enemy, Saul, was in power, and during that time he desperately did all he could to destroy David and those who were loyal to him.
Four hundred men from all walks of life became terrified of Saul. To them, he seemed invincible in his power and immovable from his position of authority. Faced with Saul’s seemingly permanent rule over them, the four hundred men became discontented, distressed, and discouraged in their daily life. Their candle of hope went out.
Then they heard about David. They heard that he was God’s anointed king. They heard that one day he would rule from the throne in Jerusalem. They heard of his victory over Goliath and the Philistine army, and of his repeated skirmishes with Saul and other enemies. They heard he was a courageous, compassionate leader who was undefeated in battle. So these four hundred men forsook everything and put all their hope in David. “All those who were in distress or in debt or discontented gathered around him, and he became their leader.”1
David, as a king in exile, became a rallying point for God’s people. His leadership in their lives, even before he ruled from the throne in Jerusalem, radically changed their perspective of the present as well as of the future. David gave them hope!
The four hundred men who lived with him, fought for him and placed all their hope in him became David’s mighty men. And when he was crowned king of Israel, they reigned with him.
In one sense, the Lord Jesus Christ is God’s anointed King in exile. The enemies—Satan, self, and sin—reign supreme on His earthly throne of authority. Often these “kings”, like King Saul, seem to be invincible in their power and immovable in their position, causing our candle of hope to flicker and falter.
But we have heard of the King! We have heard of God’s anointed One! We have heard of His courageous and compassionate leadership! We have heard of His amazing exploits and His victories in battle! When our candle flickers, our hope in Him ignites the fire of our hearts in devoted faithfulness to Him. Perhaps our candle of hope has almost gone out, “but the sun is rising. And who needs a candle when you have the Son”?
The vision of His glory is the King’s rallying cry to His people, challenging us to place all our hope in Him. Make Him your priority! Give Him your loyalty! Fan the flame of your love for Him! Live for Him! Serve Him! Be faithful to the King in exile! One day, you will reign with Him!
For His Glory,
Adapted from The Vision of His Glory, 1996, pages 195-196.
As our world melts down into chaos, corruption and confusion with disasters, dangers, and disease all around us, we need to know where we are headed.
REVEALED BY GOD Revelation 1:1
*Who is revealed by God? v.1; John 1:1-5,14; Hebrews 1:1-3; Revelation 22:13
*What is revealed by God?
*What detail does Jesus reveal concerning the End? Matthew 24:14
The National Gathering for Prayer and Repentance was held at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, DC, on February 1st. Approximately 450 people attended, including two senators and about forty representatives. Four speakers were each given 7 minutes to give assigned challenges regarding personal, church, and national repentance. I was the first, challenging those present to look up, ask God for a fresh vision of Jesus, then to have the courage to see ourselves as He does. Each message was followed by those who led in prayer for the different segments. I believe Heaven was moved! One week later, revival broke out at Asbury University, and is even now rippling across America. Praise God! To watch the National Gathering for Prayer and Repentance, please click here.
On March 1st I was given the privilege of sharing a message at the Wednesday night service at Maranatha Chapel in San Diego, CA. I had double ear infections and a cough that wouldn’t quit, but my condition was undetectable while on the platform. God’s grace and strength were absolutely sufficient in my weakness. Approximately 8 to 10 people raised their hands in response to the invitation, committing their lives to Jesus. I left praising God for His great faithfulness!
Rachel-Ruth and I did a sit-down interview with 100 Huntley Street, the longest running daily Canadian talk show. The producer graciously allowed us to take the interview by Zoom to spare us the trip to Toronto. Mark Masri was a warm and encouraging host as he led the discussion on Jesus Followers. It aired February 6th, then was followed all month by ten separate interviews Rachel-Ruth did on her own. The producer described it as “rich and deep and filled with hope.” Once again, God was faithful to us!
The coats on the backs of the chairs reveal San Diego was experiencing unprecedented extended cold, rainy weather. On March 3rd, my daughter, Rachel-Ruth, and I led a retreat for approximately 400 women of Harvest Fellowship, the church pastored by Greg Laurie. His beautiful wife, Cathe, hosted and the audience was as receptive and responsive as any I have spoken to recently. Still struggling with my double ear infections and persistent cough, once again God demonstrated His faithfulness to see me through, not just somehow, but triumphantly!
The first of the twenty books I have written was The Vision of His Glory: Finding Hope through the Revelation of Jesus Christ. It won a Gold Medallion Award from the ECPA for excellence. Several months ago the publisher asked if I would record an audio book, which I had not done before, and was delighted to do. As I recorded, I was struck by how timeless and thrilling the content is. Revelation tells us what our world is coming to, and it’s glorious!
If you have never read the book of Revelation, or sometime in the past, you tried to read it but lost your way or grew weary, this book will guide you to a fresh understanding of the End. This edition of The Vision of His Glory contains an in-depth devotional guide to help you explore the book of Revelation in a personal and practical way, either on your own or in a group.
With skilled teaching, an inspiring sense of wonder, practical insight and heart-touching parables, Anne brings clarity to the glorious pageantry and imagery of the book of Revelation. Sharing her passion for God’s Word, she will lead you step by step through John’s eyewitness account of God’s plan for our future. The Vision of His Glory brings you to an intimate encounter with the Lord Jesus Christ, our one Source of true, life-changing hope.
A 21-DAY CHALLENGE
TO MOVE FROM SALVATION
TO TRANSFORMATION
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Living in an increasing spiritually dark world, write out in your own words the encouragement you receive from the following verses regarding…
God’s Word
Psalm 119:50; 89-90;105; 130; 165
Your Witness
Then put into your own words…
The Warning
What does God say will happen to a nation if it forsakes His word? Deuteronomy 28:15-20
What does Jesus say will happen to a person’s life, or to a nation, if God’s word is forsaken? Matthew 7:26-27
How do we overcome? Revelation 12:11
This Bible study was prepared especially for the Winter 2023 Newsletter.
As 2023 begins, the news headlines remind us that we are living at a time of spiritual darkness and oppression. Traditional values of integrity, morality, and common decency have been discarded, while faith in the one, true, living God is derided and even despised. As a nation, when we desperately need stability and unity in the midst of a world that is careening out of control, we are left without a foundation.
As followers of Jesus, we are a remnant. A minority. But the Light in our lives shines even brighter in contrast to our surroundings. The following testimonies are shared to encourage you that God’s word is eternal. It’s true. It is still changing lives. It still satisfies the longing heart as nothing else can do. The testimonies give evidence that God’s word “works.” And surely they make God’s heart glad. I trust they will do the same for you…
I am in a widow’s group and we are going through your book Jesus in Me. It is helping all of us through this journey of loss by learning to depend on God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom with the world. (Karen, Jesus in Me)
My precious son went to reside in my Father’s house almost 3 months ago. Your book has comforted me, educated me, and filled me with peace to know that my son is there walking with God. Your scripture-based description of Heaven soothed my heart to know that my son is living in a place so unimaginably beautiful with our Father, family and friends who are already there. This book is helping me to move forward in my grief and feeling of brokenness. (June, Heaven, My Father’s House)
Much to my shame I have come to learn that my heart has been jealous and envious for other things. It took me years to recognize and admit it. Your words are so spot on. I want nothing on this earth and nothing other than to please and honor our Lord Jesus Christ. (Ruth, Fruit in My Life, e-devotion)
I watched Rachel-Ruth’s Bible study and I met Jesus. My name is Sovika and I was raised a Hindu. I prayed to false gods, but Jesus was tugging at my heart. In watching your Bible study, I finally met Jesus and had a powerful encounter with Him in my search for love. He allowed me to see the greatest purpose for a woman is not marriage or having children but in giving glory to Him with one’s life. (Sovika, Rachel-Ruth’s Bible study)
It was such a blessing for me to learn more about this family and how they implemented Biblical truths in their everyday lives. The book challenged me to look at some areas of my life and figure out how I can better ignite faith in the next generation – I believe others will be challenged in the same way. (Jane, Jesus Followers)
I recently received the most unexpected phone call I could imagine. My brother-in-law called and said my 35-year-old niece had suddenly passed away. She was a beautiful woman. A mother of three young children, a daughter, granddaughter, and friend to so many. How? Why? As I drove to be with my sister, I turned on the radio and heard you speaking of our righteous God. This has stuck with me and helped me beyond words. I will never understand but will certainly remember God is righteous and I lean not on my own understanding, but trust in Him. (Sandra, Living in the Light)
Pursuing More of Jesus is blessing my heart and bringing me to tears for His faithfulness during the years I “pursued” my own way. I accepted Jesus at the age of 10 but was a prodigal for a while. I have missed years of enjoying His very presence…He’s been faithful! You have ministered to me. Jesus has spoken through you and your studies. (Cynthia, Pursuing More of Jesus)
Your words regarding prayer and especially God’s unconditional love for us brought tears to my eyes. It spoke to my heart and touched me at the core. Your prayer team is to be commended because their prayers through this broadcast were answered. (Ken, Daily Light for Daily Living)
I am thankful for your bold stand for the Gospel. Your letter convicted me to look at my own life. It caused me to check if I am faithfully living out God’s calling in my life. (Holly, God Loves the World blog)
What is your testimony? What impact has God’s word made in your life, or that of your family and friends? Instead of focusing on the headlines of the day, join me in rejoicing with Heaven in the Good News that God’s word goes forth from His mouth; it does not return to Him void, but will accomplish what He pleases, and it will prosper in the thing for which He sends it. (Isaiah 55:11) As we begin the New Year, make sure the foundation of your life is strong and healthy. Recommit yourself to read, study, apply, and obey God’s word. Then share it with others as you fight the darkness by turning on the Light.
For His Glory,
Living in an increasing spiritually dark world, write out in your own words the encouragement you receive from the following verses regarding…
God’s Word
Psalm 119:50; 89-90;105; 130; 165
The Western Triangle Fellowship of Christian Athletes held their first ever fundraising banquet just before Thanksgiving. At the invitation of my nephew by marriage, Jake McDowell (pictured above right of the leadership team), I was privileged to share to a packed, standing-room only crowd the Hope Jesus gives in a troubled world.
Betty Lineberger and I became forever friends as our husbands worked together for over forty years in their dental practice. She babysat my son, Jonathan, on countless occasions, teaching him to play golf. As you can see, he adores her. Now in her mid-nineties, she organized and hosted a Christmas gathering at her senior-care facility and invited me to speak. I shared my testimony, telling them God’s antidote for loneliness is the divine companionship of the Holy Spirit I know.
My annual seminar at The Cove is always a highlight for me. The weekend was greatly enriched by the ministry of the Grammy Award-winning worship leader and song writer, Matt Redman. He is well known for two of his praise songs, 10,000 Reasons and Blessed Be the Name. He is a humble, authentic Jesus follower, and was a source of rich blessing as he led us into God’s presence.
Are you tired of reading about what God is saying to everyone else and wondering what it might be like to hear God speaking to you…personally? Are you skeptical how the ancient texts of the Old and New Testaments could possibly apply to the issues relevant to your life in the 21st century? Are you afraid of digging deeper into Bible study because you think you won’t understand it? Then, these 52 weekly devotional Bible studies from Anne are for you.
Into the Word is a spiritual study guide that leads you straight to the heart of God’s word. In a refreshing departure from other Bible studies, Anne doesn’t explain what the passages of Scripture mean to her or offer support on what she feels God is trying to say through it. Rather, she makes a modern day reflection that is a relevant springboard into the various passages, and then asks dozens of questions, prompting you to personally dig into Scripture and discover God’s specific message for yourself!
God’s word is personal, powerful, and relevant. This study emphasizes application with the aim to help you love Him more. You are invited…Into the Word.
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As we look to Thanksgiving and Christmas, many of us will be with extended family. But those times can also carry undercurrents, can’t they? Because families can have a down side. If there are those in your family who are not Jesus followers, or are deemed not “qualified” to be Jesus followers, consider those in His extended human family. Some of the most poignant examples of God’s love, mercy, and grace are stories highlighted by names of women that appear in the genealogy that begins Matthew’s Gospel—a list of names that make up His Family Tree.
I. HIS FAMILY INCLUDES THE LOVELESS Matthew 5:3
II. HIS FAMILY INCLUDES THE LOST Matthew 5:5
III. HIS FAMILY INCLUDES THE LAWBREAKER Matthew 5:6
As you celebrate the birth of Jesus this Christmas, remember His Family Tree. If God could transform the human family of His Son into a testimony of His amazing grace, why do you think He can’t do the same for you and your family?
This Bible study was prepared especially for the Fall 2022 Newsletter.
I can almost hear the echo of the battering ram that is destroying America’s foundation of faith as I read the following statement by the president of Barna research…. “With each passing year, the percent of Americans who believe that the Bible is ‘just another book written by men’ increases. So too do the perceptions that the Bible is actually harmful and that people who live by its principles are religious extremists.”1 We see evidence of it in the soaring rate of violent crime; in the toxic public discourse; in truth that is spun as lies and lies that are spun as truth; in the sharp decline in church attendance; in the breakdown of trust in our national institutions and government leaders; in the homelessness and hopelessness of thousands living on the streets in our major cities; in the rising suicide rate among our young people until it’s the 2nd leading cause of death; in the plague of fentanyl and other illicit drugs…and the list goes on and on.
What can you and I do? We are in an epic spiritual battle! Therefore, our weapons are not worldly, they are spiritual …weapons of prayer and God’s Word.2 So first and foremost, we need to pray for the next generation. Pray against the unseen spirits that are trying to hijack the faith of those who come after us. Then we need to be intentional as we seek to pass on the Truth by our example and our words. To this end, my daughter, Rachel-Ruth, and I wrote Jesus Followers: Real Life Stories to Ignite Faith in the Next Generation. While the subject is extremely serious at this critical time in our national life, we have written this book as a combination of Biblical exposition and personal stories. You will find it very easy to read as it will make you laugh and cry while sharing practical wisdom that will also challenge and encourage you.
When the publisher approached me about producing a video-driven Bible Study based on the book, I was thrilled. As a result, the video crew assembled the week before Easter at my father’s house nestled in the mountains of Western North Carolina. Spring had not yet come which seemed to emphasize the emptiness and lifelessness of the house. But I believe the message is powerful. What my father left behind was not a beautiful home filled with treasured possessions. What he left behind was a legacy of faith…specifically a legacy of the Gospel…a legacy that lasts.
Perhaps the video session that blessed me the most was the Bible Study workshop that I led with three generations of my family discussing the Scriptures together. It surely was a tribute to my mother and father’s legacy of faith that they successfully passed down to me, my children, and my grandchildren.
So as you view the videos and travel through my father’s house, I pray you will not only be thoroughly blessed by the context I give for each message Rachel-Ruth shares, but that you also will be recommitted to being a Jesus Follower yourself, then pass the Truth on to the next generation. This Christmas, strengthen the foundation on which you are building your life so that you leave a legacy that lasts.
Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; He is the faithful God, keeping His covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commands. Deuteronomy 7:9
For His Glory,
When I was in elementary school, each Christmas my mom would come in to share the gospel through the Christmas story. I attended a public school that did not look favorably on the Bible or any type of Christian teaching. To share the Christmas story openly without using a Bible, my mom had to be creative. She had the clever idea of using the encyclopedia. As she sat surrounded by my classmates, teachers congregated in the doorway and the principal made a show of being present. But no one could argue with what the encyclopedia said about Bethlehem, the angels, baby Jesus, Mary, and Joseph.
While writing this, I took a moment to look up the words Jesus, Mary, Joseph, angel, cross, forgiveness, resurrection, heaven, eternity, and peace in the dictionary. And do you know what? The same thing is true! The explanations are right there. You can share the gospel from the dictionary! Try it the next time you feel led to share the gospel and someone tells you not to read the Bible in a public setting. Just thinking about it makes me smile.
This Christmas give The King something I know He wants for His birthday. Share the Gospel with someone else.
For His Glory,
1 https://www.barna.com/research/the-bible-in-america-6-year-trends/
2 2 Corinthians 10:3-4; Ephesians 6:17-18
As we look to Thanksgiving and Christmas, many of us will be with extended family. But those times can also carry undercurrents, can’t they? Because families can have a down side. If there are those in your family who are not Jesus followers, or are deemed not “qualified” to be Jesus followers, consider those in His extended human family. Some of the most poignant examples of God’s love, mercy, and grace are stories highlighted by names of women that appear in the genealogy that begins Matthew’s Gospel—a list of names that make up His Family Tree.
I. HIS FAMILY INCLUDES THE LOVELESS Matthew 5:3
Click here for the Bible Study especially developed for this newsletter.
On August 20th I was given the privilege of speaking to a group of people who had gathered on our state’s capitol grounds in order to seek God’s blessing on our city, state, and nation. I then led them in prayer, by faith believing that our God is a prayer-hearing, prayer-answering, miracle-working God. The group was also led in prayer by Pastor John Amanchukwu who brought a sizeable contingent of his delightful and dedicated church members.
Tony Perkins is the President of the Family Research Council, as well as a dear friend, who is on the front lines in the battle for Truth. His recent summit was held in the beautiful sanctuary of the First Baptist Church in Atlanta. He gave me the privilege of challenging those gathered to look up and ask God to give us a fresh vision of Jesus. I am more convinced than ever that Jesus is The Answer to our national crisis.
I was privileged to speak to the Executive Directors and their spouses at the Adult and Teen Challenge Retreat held at the Cove, followed by a Q & A with questions from the audience. The President and CEO, Gary Blackard, invited those gathered to pray over me and my daughter, Morrow. We were thoroughly blessed!
Who has impressed you with his or her confidence in God?
What a blessing to have parents and grandparents with confident faith. What a blessing to be a parent or grandparent, an aunt or an uncle, a friend or a neighbor, who has confident faith!
What will people think of you when you’re gone? What will your grandchildren know about you? Perhaps you see shadows of this ancient generation in your own family tree as you consider those who chose faith and those who did not. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you are remembered throughout generations to come as one whose life bore unmistakable witness to your faith in God? The choice is yours.
The Jesus Followers Bible Study has been written to encourage and challenge you to think through the legacy you are building. We pray you will be blessed. Then share the Bible Study with someone else this Christmas.
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