This past year has been a challenging one for me. Over the course of eight months I have had three medical procedures that included hospitalizations, plus COVID. The first two procedures involved my heart. The third one was for a hip replacement that went well until aggressive physical therapy resulted in a pulled groin muscle that rendered me almost crippled, just as I faced a busy fall schedule. How crazy was this? It all seemed to be too much, which made me suspicious. Was this an enemy assault? As I prayed and talked with the Lord about it, He seemed to reveal that I am on a divinely assigned journey…
I was in the book of Acts for my daily devotions, which was where the Spirit began whispering to me…a conversation that carried over many days. He brought to my attention that the Apostle Paul was converted in Acts 9 but began his itinerate ministry in Acts 13 when he was set apart by the church in Antioch to take the Gospel to the Gentiles. That assignment led to three missionary journeys over many years that are covered in Acts 13 through Acts 21—seven chapters. In chapter 21 Paul went home to Jerusalem. A man who recognized him from one of his mission trips stirred up a mob to attack him in the temple, which led to his arrest by the Romans. Thus began what I would describe as Paul’s fourth missionary journey that also is covered by seven chapters, Acts 21 through 28. During this journey he was repeatedly threatened, falsely accused, imprisoned, shipwrecked and placed under house arrest, yet he seized incredible opportunities to share the Gospel along the journey. He powerfully, boldly spoke before the Sanhedrin, Governor Felix, the governor’s successor Festus, King Agrippa and his wife Bernice, the Roman centurion overseeing his voyage to Rome, and ultimately to those in Caesar’s own household when he was incarcerated in Rome. Isn’t it interesting that almost an equal amount of Scripture is given to this fourth missionary journey as was given to the first three missionary journeys combined?
As my own health issues dragged on, I was struck by the multiple references in Acts 21-28 to the passage of time that included not only days, but months and years. Surely Paul’s fourth journey stretched him almost to the breaking point, as it would have tempted him to feel it would never end. I understood.
Paul’s hope of release was dashed again and again to the point he was tempted to discouragement (28:15) But during those dark days he could reflect on God’s promise to him the night when he was first arrested. God had drawn near to him, telling him to Take courage! As you have testified about Me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome. (23:11) Surely God’s word gave Paul a sense that he was on an assignment…a journey…that would lead to Rome. That assignment was confirmed many months later during the shipwreck when an angel stood beside him and said, Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar…(27:4-5) In other words, there was a divine purpose that was driving this fourth journey. As hard as it was, it was taking him to where God wanted him to be.
So during my difficult journey, I am claiming Acts 21-28 as God’s promise that He is not finished with me yet. He has a purpose for me on this fourth journey. While I have not had the open doors Paul had, I have sought to open my eyes to those around me…to take His light into the darkness…to encourage the discouraged, strengthen the weak, share hope with the hopeless, speak peace to the fearful, refresh the weary…and most of all, to testify about Jesus wherever I find myself.
Are you also on a fourth journey of pain, suffering, isolation, restraint, confinement, estrangement, grief, persecution, weakness, weariness, or illness that seems to stretch beyond your ability to endure? Could it be that there is a divine purpose to your journey? Is God using whatever it is to get you where He wants you to be? Ask God to give you a sense of purpose and a promise that He will see you through. As we look towards this Christmas season, join me as together we fix our eyes on Jesus, who also in one sense was on a “fourth journey” when He left Heaven’s throne and came to earth for the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:2) One day our journey will also end in that same Place…the throne of God! Until then, let’s be faithful to testify of Him as we travel this journey and stay focused on our ultimate destination…His glory and His heavenly Kingdom!
Click here for the Bible Study especially developed for this newsletter.
While recovering from hip replacement surgery, I had the joy of having Pastor Deevaniah of India in my home. He is a traveling, itinerant evangelist ministering in India as well as to his compatriots in the US. His testimony and passion for sharing the Gospel were thrilling as well as inspiring. Before he left, I had the privilege of praying over him.
Rachel-Ruth was incredibly blessed by the leadership, staff, and friends of Operation Mobilization during their Presidential Briefing Weekend in Asheville, NC. She greatly encouraged them as she delivered two messages. This amazing organization travels to the most remote communities with help, hope and the love of Jesus. She is pictured above with Seelan Govender, the CEO of OM Ships.
For the first time since Mother’s Day, after having had a heart ablation in May, then a hip replacement seven weeks before traveling to First Baptist Church in Houston, TX, I gave two messages on the greatness of Jesus to their women’s conference. Then Pastor Gregg Matte invited me to speak at both Sunday morning services, the first time in their 183 year history that a woman had been given the pulpit. Before I spoke his wife, Kelly, prayed for me. God poured out His blessing as I underscored how to have peace in a troubled world.
In September, my executive assistant for over 40 years (seated at the front), Helen George, celebrated a significant birthday milestone with many of our staff and their families. She truly has been a Spirit-filled, anointed companion and coworker!
In this volume, Anne shares her heart and God’s teachings on the universal problem of suffering, using the familiar story of Lazarus. This small book presents a simple, powerful message that is sure to bring comfort and new meaning to all who are suffering themselves or know others who need a special touch from God. It will help you understand and deal with suffering by leading you to the One Who knows your needs, shares your grief, sheds your tears and promises glory to come! Based on John 11. Foreword by Joni Eareckson Tada. Click here to order.
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October 3, 2024
In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the Angel of His Presence saved them…Isaiah 63:9
My heart is broken. My tears unending. My mind reeling from the images coming out of Western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The destruction is beyond belief!
So many of you have written, texted, emailed and called to express your heartfelt concern and prayers. Thank you!
Invariably I’m being asked, “How is your family?” “How is your father’s house?” Everyone of my family who live in the area have been accounted for. My father’s house, as I understand, is intact, although the road to it is impassable.
The town of Montreat where I grew up, and which I still consider “home,” has no power, food, water, or internet. The roads are washed away. People cannot get in or out. The town where my sister lives, Black Mountain, is underwater. In pictures, I can just see the top of the train station roof above the flood waters…the same train station where we used to meet Daddy when he came home from his trips. The town where I went to high school, Swannanoa, has virtually been erased. Eradicated. It is no more. The village of Biltmore where my mother loved to go for lunch, and where I still take my daughters and granddaughters, has been virtually destroyed by flood waters that went as high as fifteen to 20 feet. Boone, where my brother lives, has been underwater also, with no food, water, power or cell service. And those are only the places I am familiar with. I can’t imagine people in Georgia, Tennessee, and the mountain coves where people are tucked away and may not be located for a long time. Everyone cut off without power, cell service, food, drinkable water, medicines, baby formula, and the list goes on. God have mercy on us! While FEMA and the government have been absent, my brother’s organization, Samaritan’s Purse, has an army of volunteers on the ground, as well as helicopters in the air. I encourage you to volunteer or donate to Samaritan’s Purse and designate it for Western North Carolina.
Psalm 29:10 has been emblazoned on my mind. The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever. I know He is in charge. He is in control. He could have contained this flood. If He is Lord over it, why didn’t He? This is one of those times when I simply bow to His sovereignty and trust Him when I have no answers to “why.” But I cling to what His word says: Many waters cannot quench love, nor can floods drown it.[1] I know God loves the people of Western North Carolina. I am one of them. So I claim His promise in Psalm 29:11: The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace.
It’s time to pray…
Sovereign Lord,
Words fail me. What can I say? How can I pray? Nothing like this has ever happened to the place and the people that I love. My people. Like Isaiah when King Uzziah died, help me to look up. To see You on the throne.[2] I know You are righteous in everything You do.[3] You don’t make mistakes. Your purpose is perfect. Your love unfailing. You are faithful to every generation. Please! Strengthen Your people. Give them peace in the midst of the mud, destruction and death. Bring them help to cut down fallen trees, rebuild bridges, restore power and cell service, connect people with their loved ones. Energize churches and Your people outside the area to gather and distribute critical relief supplies. Give the volunteers multiple opportunities to have Gospel conversations with those they help. Comfort those who are not only coping with the physical destruction, but who are grieving over family members or friends who have been lost or can’t be found.
God of Mercy, cause the people struggling with the aftermath of Helene to look up. To turn to You. Please. Could this be one reason You have allowed such devastation? Use it to get people’s attention, draw them to Yourself, then show up in power to strengthen, encourage, and help them overcome the massive challenges they face. You have promised that when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, You will be with us.[4] We claim the gentleness and quietness of Your presence, like the mist in the valleys, to settle on Western North Carolina, bringing life, healing, and hope.
PS Please, dear God, we know You can multi-task. So while you are at work in Western North Carolina, we praise you for giving supernatural, miraculous protection to Israel during the missile barrage from Iran. We know You used the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow air defense systems, but only You could possibly have made the systems 100% effective. Thank You! Now we continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Great Lion of Judah, defend and protect the land and the people upon whom You have placed Your name. Use the enemy attacks to turn the hearts of Your people to You. Open their eyes to see Yeshua as Your Son and their Messiah.
We ask this humbly and boldly in His name,
Amen
[1] Song of Solomon 8:7
[2] Isaiah 6:1
[3] Daniel 9:14
[4] Psalm 23:4
Rachel-Ruth recently shared the following message with her online Bible study. They were so blessed by it, as I was, that I asked her to write it out because I think you will be blessed by it also.
Imagine what it must have been like to be one of Jesus’ disciples. Think of what they witnessed! What they heard! With total consternation they must have passed out the 5 loaves and 2 fish that Jesus multiplied to feed thousands. Tears must have been in their own eyes as they saw Jesus heal Bartimaeus’ eyes. When they saw Jesus walking on the water, were they overcome with fear and awestruck wonder? When Jesus didn’t turn away the little children that climbed in His lap, did they get choked up by His loving kindness, so different than their own harsh rejection? When they heard Him speak, they must have hung on every word, not wanting to miss or forget a single sentence! When they heard Him pray, they asked Him to teach them how to pray like He did. Through each experience, Jesus was calling them, teaching them, wooing them to be disciples – mirror images of Himself – even in crisis.
One such example was on a day when Jesus was approached by Jairus, a synagogue ruler. His 12-year-old daughter had become deathly ill. With great faith, he asked Jesus to come to his house and lay hands on her and heal her. Jesus went with him, taking Peter, James, and John. The lesson that immediately pops out is to be a disciple you and I must have a godly inner circle of friends. Jesus often singled out Peter, James and John. In Matthew 17, He took them up a high mountain to get alone with Him where He was transfigured before them. In the Garden of Gethsemane He took these three into the interior as He prayed. Even though He had 12 disciples, Jesus may have been teaching all of them the importance of having a close inner circle of godly friends. We need the same! We need loyal Jesus-following, like-minded, trustworthy, prayer-storming warriors, who are close friends around us. Who is in your inner circle? Are they Jesus followers to their core? Or do you have non-believers in that inner circle? If so, it’s time to make a change. Ask God to bring you a few close godly friends to come alongside you in life.
Before arriving at Jairus’ house, Jesus was informed that the little girl had died. As they came to the house He “saw a commotion, with people crying and wailing loudly”. Jesus, standing right there in the house, said to them, “Why all this commotion and wailing? The child is not dead but asleep.” Their response was stunning, yet typical. They didn’t rejoice that He had arrived. They didn’t fall at His feet in worship. They didn’t cry out in thanksgiving that He had come to help! They didn’t cling to Him in desperation and hope! Instead…they laughed at Him! Oh, the horror! JESUS WAS IN THE ROOM! And it still didn’t change their attitude, their mindset, their total unbelief, and their hopelessness. Where is your focus in crisis? Has it left you in a weeping, crying heap on the floor because it’s on your circumstances? Have you allowed yourself to lose all hope? Stop! Dry your eyes! No matter how bad the situation – cancer, car wreck, or catastrophe – put your focus on Him! JESUS IS IN THE ROOM!!!
Jesus had all the wailers and frenzied faithless leave the house, taking only the parents and His three disciples to the little girl’s bedside. At this point the little girl was lifeless, but they had to trust His word that she was just asleep. Disciples of Jesus in crisis must have faith to take Him at His word! I imagine that the parents watched Jesus with that expectant faith, no matter that their little girl lay dead before them. Jesus took her hand and said, “Talitha koum!”, which means “little girl, I say to you, get up!” And she got up! He raised her from death…to life! He did the impossible because there are no limits to His power! Don’t put Him in a box made by your own small thinking and small belief. A disciple in crisis bases faith on what His Word says. A disciple in crisis bases faith on who He is, despite all circumstances and feelings.
As we march forward in these last days, we are sure to face tough circumstances and crises. Mom and I don’t want to be dismissed as ones who give up in the face of insurmountable odds or one who wails and whines through difficulties. Instead, like a disciple, we have a godly inner circle of friends to come alongside for support. We are focused on Jesus who is right here with us. And we are growing in faith that quietly awaits God’s Almighty power to come down into our situation, according to His timing as we trust in His promises! Would you do the same? Talitha koum! Choose to be a disciple. Be a Jesus Follower!
For His Glory,
With Strong Friends
Click here for the Bible Study especially developed for this newsletter.
On May 16th, a bronze statue of my father, and Rachel-Ruth and Morrow’s grandfather was unveiled in the US Capitol rotunda, then moved to the crypt where only representatives of the 13 original colonies are allowed to be placed. All Capitol tours will begin here, so tens of thousands will see the Bible in his hand that is opened to Galatians 6:14, “May I never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, through which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” On the sides of the base are written out John 3:16 and John 14:6.
Dr. Tony Evans has been a personal friend for many years. Rachel-Ruth attended his church for six years when she was at Baylor University, then working in Dallas. He and his wife of 49 years, who has moved to Heaven, raised 4 disciples: Crystal Hurst on his left, Priscilla Shirer to my right, Anthony Evans on the far right, and Jonathan Evans, not pictured. My daughter, Morrow, is next to Anthony, and Dr. Evans’ sister-in-law, Dr. Elizabeth Cannings, is to her left. I was invited to give both Sunday morning messages on Mother’s Day, the first time in over 40 years since the church began, that he had a woman preach from his pulpit. I was honored, warmly welcomed, strongly supported and thoroughly blessed. I continue to pray for this family and Oak Cliff Bible Fellowship.
As the thunder rolled and the rain poured, about 300 people gathered under a tent for Coach Sylvia Hatchell’s annual picnic. I love her testimony when she states that before her cancer battle with stage 4 leukemia, she was a Christian, but after the battle she is a disciple! Rachel-Ruth and I shared a message together, emphasizing that God is with us in every situation, all the time. Preceding us was Phil Ford, the GOAT of basketball point guards, who shared his testimony. After reaching the pinnacle of success, alcohol got the best of him, and he lost everything—but he found Jesus and fully surrendered his life to Him. Now, he chooses to live as a disciple. It was an unforgettable evening!
Jesus Followers
Within the framework of Anne’s exploration of biblical characters from Genesis 5, Rachel-Ruth tells family stories that will encourage, inspire, and motivate Christians to follow hard after Jesus and to develop their children and grandchildren into authentic disciples as Jesus Followers. Click to Order
The Daniel Key
Twenty intentional, key choices make all the difference. Cultivate a life-changing faith when you learn to implement The Daniel Key into your everyday life. Click to Order
Jesus in Me
In this simple yet profound teaching, she explores seven key aspects of the Holy Spirit that will revolutionize how you understand and relate to this vital member of the Trinity. Click to Order
If you would like to receive AnGeL Ministries’ full newsletter by email or postal delivery, click here to sign up for our free resources!
May 19, 2024
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be My witnesses… Acts 1:8
Today, on Pentecost Sunday, I am praising God for the fresh enabling power of the Holy Spirit. Before beginning a very intense week I claimed Romans 8:11…And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal body… God kept His promise in an amazingly supernatural way. In addition to the busyness of travel, meetings, taping and speaking, my AFib was out of control.
The Bible is filled with stories of people at their wits’ end who cried out to the Lord! He then heard and answered by delivering them. The Hebrew children enslaved in Egypt, their entrapment at the Red Sea by the Egyptian army, the three Hebrew men in the fiery furnace, Daniel in the lions’ den, Mary and Martha at the tomb of Lazarus, and so many others too numerous to mention describe that desperate times can be stepping stones of experiencing God’s miraculous intervention on our behalf.
One story that is not as well known is that of the prophet Jeremiah who spoke God’s words to the defiant Judean king, Zedekiah. The king was enraged and had Jeremiah cruelly beaten and thrown into a dungeon for speaking the truth. The Bible says he was there for a long time.1 He was later released, but it wasn’t long before some other men became infuriated by Jeremiah’s boldness to speak God’s words to the people. These wicked men dumped him into a cistern of wet mud that he sank down into.2 A pit! There was no way out for Jeremiah who described his agonizing experience in Lamentations 3:53-57: They tried to end my life in a pit and threw stones at me; the waters closed over my head, and I thought I was about to be cut off. I called on your name, O Lord, from the depths of the pit. You heard my plea: “Do not close your ears to my cry for relief.” You came near when I called you, and you said, “Do not fear.”
From up in Heaven, God heard Jeremiah’s cry of desperation from down in the pit! He came near and answered! Ebed-Melech,3 an African, who was an important government official, heard what had been done to Jeremiah. God moved him to boldly go before the king and intercede on Jeremiah’s behalf. As a result, the king responded to Ebed-Melech’s plea by sending him along with thirty of the king’s men to pull Jeremiah out of the pit! The Bible describes details of the incredible deliverance! Ebed-Melech lowered down rags and cloths to put under Jeremiah’s arms, so when he was pulled up out of the sucking mud the ropes wouldn’t burn him. Jeremiah was not just pulled out of the pit, he was gently pulled to safety, then tended to and cared for in the courtyard of the guard.4
Are you at your wits’ end? Are you in the “pit” with no way out? Then take this thrilling story to heart as encouragement! Keep praying! God’s Word to Jeremiah and to us is: Pray but do not fear! No matter how desperate your situation is, God will hear your cry! And He will send help! One key to receiving a miracle is that He wants you and me to trust in Him completely! To put the full weight of our faith down on Him. In fact, that could be the reason He has allowed you to be at your wits’ end with no one else to turn to, but God!
It may be that you are not at your wits’ end, but someone you are concerned for is. Then could you be like Ebed-Melech? Go before the King of kings on their behalf! God may use you to respond to someone else’s prayers as He sends you, along with His Angelic Royal Guard, to pull your loved ones out of a pit!
Your prayers matter! For yourself and for others. Your prayers of desperate faith in God, and God alone, bring the power of Heaven down to hopeless situations. He is the God of the impossible! He can make a way when there is no way!! When you have God, you are never without hope! Even in a world that has gone mad, God is still on the throne. He still responds to prayers of desperation with all the power and might of Heaven! No one or nothing is out of His grasp! So… pray with all your heart! Don’t stay in your pit of despair, hopelessness, desperation, and ruin! God will make a way, and He uses our prayers to catapult His deliverance. Pray! Trust! And wait with expectancy for the God of the impossible to move!!!
When pressures or problems or pain envelop our lives, we tend to trust God…plus our doctor or our lawyer or our counselor or our banker or our leaders or our own effort or our_____(fill in the blank). Yet God seems to demonstrate His power and glory to those who trust in Him alone. Which is why He often allows us to reach the end of our human resources or run the limit of conventional wisdom before He steps in and does the impossible. The miraculous. So when you are at your wits’ end…
Click here for the Bible Study especially developed for this newsletter.
Christ Community Church in Montreat, NC, was the church where I was raised, baptized, gave my first testimony, and was married! My mother and father, as well as Rachel-Ruth and Steven, were also married in this incredibly meaningful place. Rachel-Ruth and I were each given a morning session to speak at their women’s conference, challenging the ladies to receive and pass truth to those who follow. After lunch, I included my youngest granddaughter in a Q & A as a living example of three generations of faith.
Anne Christiansen was our bold and courageous Just Give Me Jesus revival chair in Oslo, Norway in 2007. She was told by national church leaders not to book the Spektrum Arena because she would be humiliated when few people came. But she forged ahead by faith, and the arena was filled! She is gorgeous, articulate, and passionate about reaching the next generation for Jesus. We had a wonderful visit when she and her husband Stephan recently visited AnGeL Ministries. Please visit Anne Christiansen’s website here.
RR: Coach Sylvia Hatchell is one of our dearest friends!! She was the head women’s basketball coach at the University of North Carolina for 33 years, won a national championship, and is in the Naismith Hall of Fame. Eleven years ago she asked if I would teach a Bible study she started for some of her staff, UNC faculty and friends, which I did. When COVID hit, we had to go online, and the study grew so much that we have kept it online. Coach Hatchell asked my mom, my youngest daughter, Riggin, and I to join her for the UNC-NC State men’s basketball game. The last time I was at a UNC game, two years ago, I had a SCAD heart attack…I left the game and called 911. So thankful God allowed me to come back and have a wonderful time. God is faithful!
For Women’s History Month, Study Gateway asked me to share who my most influential female mentor was. I was blessed to answer that outside of my family, it was Miss
A. Wetherell Johnson, founder of Bible Study Fellowship.
RR: In March I went to San Antonio to speak at a Youth for Christ Fundraising Gala! My grandfather was Youth for Christ’s first evangelist way back at the beginning of his ministry!
The Daniel Prayer
Based on Daniel’s prayer in Daniel 9, will help you pray effectively for your nation, for your family, and for yourself. Click to Order
Why?
Anne shares her heart and God’s teachings on the universal problem of suffering, using the familiar story of Lazarus. It will help you understand and deal with suffering by leading you to the One Who knows your needs, shares your grief, sheds your tears and promises glory to come! Based on John 11. Click to Order
Daily Light Journal
Since she was a young girl, Anne has read Daily Light, the life-changing devotional of Scripture compilations given to her by her mother, Ruth Bell Graham. Anne decided to write out her thoughts on the Daily Light to sharpen her attentiveness to the voice of God. This journal is the result.
Click to Order
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