The Gift that Keeps on Giving

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all,

because your faith is being proclaimed throughout the whole world...” - Romans 1:8

 Sisters in Christ,

Can you believe we’ve made it to December of 2020 already? It’s been a wild year, and there have been so many opportunities to trust God and rely upon Him in the past twelve months.  Whether it was masks and the pandemic, shutdowns and isolation, unemployment, Zoom-meetings and Zoom-schooling, elections, or just regular life, it feels like our dependence on God has needed to be ten-fold!

I love how Paul writes to the Church in Rome about his prayers for them: he begins with thanking God for their evident faith; a faith that the whole world was hearing about and witnessing (Rom 1:8).  Even in the times before social media and viral headlines, the entire globe started to know of the faith of the Roman Church. In the midst of persecution and trials of division, the faith of these Christians was on full display. Could the same be said of us and our faith through this past year, or even for the past month?

Paul, while proclaiming and sharing the Gospel, was always praying for his Christian brothers and sisters (Rom 1:9-10). He was the ultimate prayer partner! In the craziness surrounding the Church and the persecution following Paul, he constantly prayed for a chance to meet with those he was praying for:

  “For I long to see you so that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, that you may be established; that is, that I may be encouraged together with you while among you, each of us by the other’s faith, both yours and mine.” - Romans 1:11-12

Praying for his friends was one thing, but he truly wanted to meet up and give them a gift! No, not just some thoughtful and cute Christmas gift from Target or Starbucks (which we all love to give): Paul wanted to give his friends a spiritual gift that would encourage and build them up in their faith. He wanted to talk about Jesus and the amazing Gospel (“Good News”) with the Christians in Rome. We see that as Paul proclaimed and “talked Jesus” to his friends, it not only encouraged them, but it also built up his own faith and encouragement! As we talk about the fullness of Jesus with others, it reminds and encourages us and them to press on in faith through every season and trial.

This Christmas season let’s pray unceasingly for those we are privileged to intercede for, but let’s also give gifts of encouragement and hope that will build each other up in our most Holy faith (Jude 1:20). Encourage one another with the Good News of Jesus and the Gospel that has changed everything.  Share the priceless gift of a God that loves His people so much that He made a way to save and be with them by sending His Son to a lost and weary world (Joh 3:16, Rom 8:22, Rev 21:4). “Talk Jesus” with the ones you’re around this joyous month and watch as the gift of encouragement and faith grows.  May your faith in Christ be proclaimed throughout the whole world!

In His Grace, Jaime Angel

A Sacrifice of Thanksgiving

“But giving thanks is a sacrifice that truly honors me…” Psalm 50:23

Hey Girls!

Can you believe that its almost Thanksgiving? The year 2020 is almost over. So many changes, and setbacks have occurred during this season of Covid. It’s been a learning curve for me personally. I don’t know about you and your heart, but my heart can turn quickly towards complaining during times of difficulty or when I don’t get my way.  I’m not even aware of my grumbling most of the time. But my better half is quick to let me know. It’s my natural default and this doesn’t bring honor to the Lord.

In our women’s Bible study this season, we’ve been following the children of Israel’s journey from their bondage in Egypt to the promised land. I know that I’m just like them! But still, I’m amazed at their response to God’s provision. It’s easy to see the faults and weaknesses in other people’s stories. It’s much harder to see when its staring you right in your own face. How can they be so forgetful? Why don’t they choose to remember? They saw the mighty hand of God as they crossed the Red Sea on dry land. You would think that would be all the proof they’d need to believe God for the journey ahead and any other difficulty they might encounter along the way.

Over and over throughout their journey, we find the children of Israel complaining and grumbling about the food and water. Although God graciously provided manna from heaven, they soon grew tired of it and complained they had no meat. Isn’t that just like human nature in all of us? When we don’t get what we want our tendency is to complain. Here’s a funny story to help us see the need to change our perspective and be thankful:

A certain disagreeable gentleman ate his breakfast in the same diner, day after day, year after year. The waitresses did their best to serve him, but he always complained about something: The eggs were overcooked or undercooked; the toast was too light or too dark; the coffee was too strong or too weak. No breakfast was ever quite right. So, one waitress, determined to please him, took extra-special care to make sure everything was perfect. His coffee was right on time and just right. His juice was exactly the right temperature and had just enough pulp. He ordered two eggs, one scrambled and one over easy. When she set the plate before him, he shook his head in disgust. What could be the problem? she wondered. “Is everything to your liking?” she asked. “Are the eggs okay?” “No,” he complained. “You scrambled the wrong one.” J

What’s your attitude when things don’t go the way you’ve planned? Did you know that in times like that you can choose to make thankfulness your sacrifice to God? You can choose to ‘lay down’ and sacrifice your negative attitude, your disappointment, your fears, your doubts, and your why me questions to God. Having a thankful attitude, can be offered as a spiritual sacrifice to God. It’s a ‘thank offering’ that pleases His heart when it’s done from the heart with the right kind of attitude.

God bless you, Karen

Stay in the Race

“Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one receives the prize? 

So run that you may obtain it.” 1 Corinthians 9:24

Sisters in Christ,

This month, I felt like I needed to be a bit vulnerable and share a confession: I recently climbed a mountain. After an inordinate amount of time being basically stagnant during stay-at-home orders, climbing a mountain was a pretty big feat for me to take on.  This was one of the paths on the North Shore called Peacock Flats (don’t let the name fool you though, it is a treacherously inclined, gravelly, and mostly uncovered mountain of a trail). 

To make the adventure even more spontaneous, I decided to take on this hike up the mountain on my own and I somehow even forgot my phone.  No phone, no music, no company, no shade: it was a disaster waiting to happen. All things considered, I still started on the journey with a well-paced jog, and I was feeling pretty pleased with myself until I hit the beginning of the incline.  Even though it was just a small rise, I immediately realized how hard it was to push forward at the same pace without running out of breath or feeling a burning sensation in my legs. As the trail got more challenging, I had the choice: either keep going or give up. 

Everything inside me wanted to stop, to turn around, and to go back to where it was easy and shaded overhead.  I thought up every excuse of why it would be fine to just quit the trail and do the hills some other day.  Then, as I stood there looking up at the mountain ahead of me, thinking up every excuse to flee, a breeze came up pushing me one step further. I prayed that I could go one step further.

I had sweet fellowship with the Lord after that game-changing step, asking for endurance, praying that He would quiet any excuses to give up, enjoying scriptures that popped to mind. The pace might’ve been different, even a crawl at times, but I knew that if I kept taking one more step with the Lord, then another, I would make it to the top.

I kept praying, “how much of this mountain-climbing is like my life and walk with You, Lord?” There are times that the path of my life seems easy to take on alone, so easy that I can just run ahead at full steam. At other times though, life as a Christian can feel like I just hit the incline of the mountain and I want to go back to easier times or smoother terrain. To be completely honest, sometimes in my walk with the Lord I feel like I’ve been stagnant in the house for far too long.

In 1 Corinthians, Paul reminds the believers to stay disciplined and keep running the race towards the prize.  Hebrews 12:1-15 gives the best description of running the race with endurance as we look at Jesus’ example of love and faithfulness (and how we can stay disciplined).  At times, taking that one more step in the race is akin to sprinting, but it is in those moments we can cry out and lean on the Lord’s strength until we reach that mountain-top finish line.  

Looking to Jesus, 

Jaime Angel

Abounding Love

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.

Philippians 1:9-11

Hey Girls!

I love the prayer in Philippians that Paul prayed for the church. It’s a prayer that recently spoke to my heart. One day, as I was skimming through the Bible looking for a Bible verse, this prayer popped up! I couldn’t get the words pray that your love may abound out of my mind. I know that as a Christian, we are to display the love of Christ. Lately, my love for others has been challenged. I’ve been challenged to step it up in the area of love. I’ve been challenged to stop being critical and judgmental or simply writing people off because they have a different opinion than I do, regarding what’s happening in our world right now. 

Perhaps we start off well when it comes to loving others BUT how are you doing now during this Covid season of isolation + distancing? It’s certainly taken a toll on people gathering together, and loving one another. We’ve been told by ‘the experts’ the way to love people is to follow the 3 basic Covid rules: wearing a mask, social distancing, and washing your hands. And now with the new rules of gathering… which place even more restrictions on us!

So, how’s that been working for you? Is your love being stirred up and increasing more and more these days? OR, have you found your love at the opposite end of the spectrum growing thin and wearing out during this crazy time?

I found this prayer below, from “Children’s Letters to God…” This was medicine to my own heart J

“Dear God, I bet it is very hard for You to love all the people in the world.

There are only four people in our family and I can never do it. Nan.”

Let’s pray that our love would abound. God calls us to a higher standard. We are to have a love that is ever increasing and abounding in the qualities of knowledge and insight. The knowledge Paul is wanting us to have is a knowledge that comes from our relationship with God. Stay connected! Ask God for help. When my heart rises up in anger against differing views, I’m reminded how much I need to pray and ask the Spirit of God to take control of my heart + attitude; to be led by His Spirit and not to react in the flesh.

And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ to the glory and praise of God.

Pray for a discerning heart. Love connected with knowledge and insight will lead us to ‘discern the things that are best.’ To choose the best things. The choices we make are not always between good and bad – sometimes they are between good & really good! Discernment allows us to make the best decision in order that we can be blameless when we meet Christ.

Pray to be filled with the fruit of righteousness. This godly fruit is produced in our lives by the Holy Spirit. Draw near to Jesus. Don’t quench the Spirit. The end result: God’s supernatural qualities of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness & self-control will flow in and through our lives resulting in praise and honor to Christ.

Blessings to you, Karen

PRAISE IN THE STORMS

“...For His steadfast love endures forever...” Psalm 136

Sisters in Christ,

In Psalm 136, the psalmist cries out praises and thanks to the Lord and declares His goodness displayed in His mighty works.  Every single verse in this Psalm ends with “..for His steadfast love endures forever.”  Forever.  It’s not a conditional love, dependent on us or how good or prepared we are.  It’s not temporary, fleeting, or weakened by the circumstances surrounding us.  His love is steadfast and loyal. It endures without end, eternally, forever.

Last month we all faced the threat of an impending storm, Hurricane Douglas.  He started off as a little heat and pressure over a balmy sea, and with some added speed and wind, he gradually grew into a category one hurricane barreling towards our islands.  It’s strikingly similar to how other storms might come up in our lives - everything seems to be calm on the surface, but then subtle heat and increased pressures begin to form into menacing “storms”.

Whether we were prepared with our hurricane kits or running to get supplies the day the storm should have hit, there was no way any person could have stopped that hurricane from making landfall or destroying things in it’s path. In the face of physical or spiritual storms, we often find ourselves feeling out of control, anxious, or fearful.  But God is aware of our fears, inability, and failures, and even still “His steadfast love endures forever”. In Romans 8:38 (NLT) we see that not even our own fears or worries can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus! 

As we face storms, we have the chance to live by fear or to live by faith.  We can have faith in the Lord who can calm the storm before it even hits, but let's remember that He is also the Lord that is with us in every part of the storm, bringing us through so we can see that “His steadfast love endures forever.”  Seeing his faithful, enduring, steadfast love through those “hurricane” moments can, in turn, increase our faith in Him.

On Tuesday, August 25th at 6pm, we will be having a Hearts To Pray celebration dinner at Karen’s home.  We invite you to come and fellowship together, celebrating God’s faithfulness to His people.  If you have a word of encouragement or a testimony of how God has answered prayers through this ministry and our prayer warriors, we would love to hear from you.  Let’s celebrate and share moments of how “His steadfast love endures forever”.  Make sure to RSVP to Karen at sup.karen808@gmail.com in advance so we know how much steak dinner to prepare for.

Dear Sisters in Christ, let us remember that “His steadfast love endures forever”, and for that we can praise Him in every storm we meet.  He is faithful!  Let’s pray He will help us live in response to His steadfast love and share that love with those around us.

In His grace,

Jaime Angel

WILDERNESS 101

“He found them in a desert land, and in the wasteland, a howling wilderness;

 He encircled him, He instructed him, He kept him as the apple of His eye.

As an eagle stirs up its nest, hovers over its young,
Spreading out its wings, taking them up, carrying them on its wings,
So the Lord alone led him, and there was no foreign god with him”. Deut. 32:10-12

Hey Girls!

Have you ever been in the desert? Driving through the desert is quite an experience. I remember doing that way back when Mike and I were first married. We drove through the howling wilderness during the hottest part of day when our AC was broken! It was unbearable! To make things worse, we had to drive with the heater on inside, in order for our car to function properly. It was 114 degrees outside and inside it was super-HOT, too. So much dry, dusty wasteland and scorching heat for miles and miles on end; with hardly any green in sight. The desert is not my favorite place to travel. Yet, at times, when we decide to drive from San Diego to AZ, to see our son, we must travel through 350 miles of wilderness in order to get to our destination. Of course, we’re in our car that has the AC turned on full blast and music playing in the background. I’m thankful for the many Saguaro Cactus sprinkled along the way. I realize inside that the car we’re not really feeling the effects of real desert living. 

This verse in Deuteronomy 32:10-12 has truths about God that we can rehearse in times of difficulty and wilderness living. These few verses in context are talking about the tender care God has for the children of Israel, but it also relates to you and to me.

In the desert you can feel isolated and alone. It can appear that God is far off. You can think that He’s not mindful of your situation because it’s been dry and lifeless for waay too long. And you begin to wonder ---Where is God? Why doesn’t He come thru? I know, because I’ve been plagued with these doubting questions before. And mind games and lies, need to be challenged and replaced with God’s truth.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Because God IS there! In the desert, (covid-19 wilderness) we are the apple of God’s eye; something He treasures and protects! He hasn’t abandoned you at all. Incredible truths to rehearse when you find yourself in the wilderness: He encircles you. He instructs you; He cherishes you. He handles you with care as the pupil of His eye. And just like a Mother Eagle hovering over her young, God alone will guide you, protect you, and provide for all your needs. Look up. He’s there J May you use this time to reset your sights on eternal things. Maranatha! Lord Jesus come…

Mark your calendars: We are planning a H2P Celebration; A Women’s Gathering Tuesday, August 25th…

God bless you, Karen

Transformation “12:2s” Day

Sisters in Christ,

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:2

            Has anyone else been feeling a little ‘stuck’ lately? Stuck in the house? Stuck in our situations, stuck in our masks, stuck with our kids or our roommates? How about feeling stuck in other things, like stuck in our bad habits or our guilt, stuck in our shame, stuck in our unforgiveness?  Well maybe this isn’t what God intended for his children.

            Have you ever heard of a transformation Tuesday? It’s this big thing on social media where people talk about their before and after, and many times these posts are based on how someone has reshaped their body through fitness and eating habits.  At first glance, it might seem like this has been an overnight phenomenon, but looking deeper at their stories, we find that this transformation may have taken weeks, months, or even years.  After the first commitment to a new way of life, it was then through many small steps and gradual changes that such amazing results could be seen in them.

            The renewal of our mind starts with small, yet purposed changes that contribute to big transformation. It’s little steps of daily habits: remembering Who we serve and belong to, declaring Who God is, thanking Him in all things (not just the good things), these truly transform our minds. Simple habits of surrender, humble requests, and acknowledgment of our weakness to the One who meets every single need… it’s in these we are renewed right where we are. When we are feeling ‘stuck’, we pray to the One that hears and answers. He is the One that changes our hearts and transforms our minds into those of gratitude, power, trust, surrender, assurance, and blessed confidence.

            Let’s take some time to look back at the spiritual “transformation Tuesday” of our own lives: how God has taken us from death into life, from lost to found, from orphans to adopted children of the Almighty King of kings.  It’s all by His Grace, and it has already been accomplished.  All we need is to hold faith in Him, and draw near to Him as Lord of our lives while He transforms us.  I pray that we take daily, small, purposed steps towards Christ this month by praising Him, thanking Him, and surrendering our everything (even the ‘stuck’ feelings) to Him. 

            One of the sweetest things about Romans 12:2 is that through this renewing and transformation of our minds, we can more clearly test and discern the very will of God! This is not testing in the sense that we’re challenging God and His ways, but that as daughters we know and follow our Father’s good and perfect heart.  Living as daughters in this way allows us to run from the ways of the world, and into the goodness of our Heavenly Father. 

In His grace,

Jaime Angel

The Value of Community

Hey Girls!

“Never forget what the Amalekites did to you as you came from Egypt. They attacked you when you were exhausted and weary and they struck down those who were straggling behind…” Deut. 25:17-18

How’s quarantine working for you? I don’t know anyone who has been fond of what’s going on. If you’re anything like me, you’ve experienced a full spectrum of emotions! The weeks, going into months of social distancing, has taken a toll on everyone. No one is excluded. Our stress levels are up during this COVID-19 pandemic. Fear, loneliness, and frustration have become our new riding companions on this roller coaster ride that’s filled with twists and turns, ups and downs. Some of you are quite happy to be isolated and away from all the hustle and crowds. Plus there’s no more traffic, right? While others of you are unhappy, wishing someone would take your kids (just for a weekend) so you could get some much-needed peace and quiet.

Others of you are delighted and thankful to still be working during this quarantine. I say ‘thank you’ for your service and helping to keep our economy up and moving forward. Still others are anxious and discouraged because you have been laid off from your job, and that can be scary. Wherever you find yourself on this emotional ride of highs and lows, please realize this…  You are not alone! We really are in this together. That’s not just a cute hashtag #inthistogether. Yes, even doing church has changed! But let’s remember, we are the church! And each of us has opportunities before us, to live out our Christian faith in real time. Our faith in God is being tested. And our faith muscle is being stretched + strengthen during this time when social and spiritual interaction has been thwarted.

I was reminded in the verse above from Deut. 25; the importance and value of community in the body of Christ and NOT to be a loner Christian. That makes you vulnerable to enemy attack. Although social distancing is presently in affect, we need to still make time to connect with people in other ways. Don’t isolate yourself. I have found that isolation can make me tired and lazy. There’s no need to get dressed and comb my hair. I’ve even forgotten to brush my teeth on some mornings and I can see how this has affected my sloppy thinking too.

When you find yourself exhausted and weary both physically and mentally, that’s when you’re most vulnerable to enemy attack. Watch out! Our enemy Satan is a roaring lion seeking to devour Christians. The enemy attacked God’s people from the rear. Let’s learn from this example in scripture the importance of staying connected to each other in community, and also connected to God. This ‘Hearts to Pray’ ministry does that very thing! I encourage you to reach out with an encouraging word to the gals on your list this month. Be bold! Allow God to stretch your faith! Someone reached out to me last month and it was a God-send. I was spiraling down in discouragement that morning, weary from who knows what?? I received a cheerful word from a gal who was praying for me. It made my day! It turned my attitude around 100%. I pray that God’s sustaining grace will continue to uphold you. That He would empower you to go forth in His strength, in His love, and in in His joy.

God bless you, Karen

CALLED TO COURAGE

Sisters in Christ,

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

            I probably don’t need to tell you that in the span of a few short weeks, life as we have known it has changed. Events and plans have been postponed or unfortunately cancelled, fear for health and safety is paramount, and the whole world is shut-down and separated through “social distancing”. Our lives have slowed down exponentially, but somehow, we are still fraught with chaos, worry, and anxiety.  Just watch the news for a few minutes or read through any article on a Coronavirus (COVID-19) update and notice how quickly your mind can start racing or your blood pressure starts to rise.

            This time of “stay-in” orders reminds me of Jesus’ final night in the upper room with the disciples.  In the midst of the chaos of crowds, the pressure from the Pharisees, and the impending hour of Jesus’ sacrifice, our Lord set aside time to stay-in with His disciples. Jesus encouraged them and reminded them of the things He had already taught them. He served them by washing their feet and taught them a new commandment through His example of love. Jesus warned them of their weaknesses and inevitable betrayals that would separate them from the Father, but He also revealed that He is the only Way, Truth, and Life. He comforted them as He shared the forthcoming of the Holy Spirit who would soon empower them to follow Jesus fully.

            All of these things that Jesus says though, can be summed up in this: “in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” Jesus doesn’t say that we might have tribulation, but that we will have it. And this is the greatest part of this verse: the courage and peace we can have because Jesus has overcome the world.  In another version, it says “take courage; I have overcome the world”.  Taking courage is a choice we must make as we wait on the Lord to do what He is already going to do (Ps 27:14; Ps 31:24). The world gives us chaos, He gives us peace, and we are called to take courage in Him.

            Prayer Warriors, my favorite thing is that right after Jesus spoke these things to them, He bathed the disciples in prayer. John 17 is called the High Priestly Prayer. It is in this prayer that Jesus prays specifically for His disciples; including you and me. I pray that you would take a moment during this “stay-in” to read through Jesus’ prayer of intercession to the Father, and that you would feel the depths of the love of the Savior and the worthiness of the God we are called to worship.  Be moved to pray powerfully in the Spirit for your ladies this month, that they would “take courage” as our Lord is the Overcomer!

In His grace,

Jaime Angel

THE SPIRIT HELPS US PRAY

The Spirit Helps Us Pray

Hey Girls,

I wanted to thank each of you for being involved in this prayer ministry. I thank God for you and am thankful that you have a desire to pray for the women in our church. It’s a blessing to know that we are connected to God and to one another through our prayers and that your prayers do make a difference in another’s life.

A few months ago, while at a Good News Prison Banquet, someone mentioned to me that they still continue to pray for my family. I have to admit that at first, I was so surprised to hear her say those words. It was hard for me to believe she was still praying after all these years, because I am such a flake when it comes to remembering to pray for people. This woman has been faithfully praying for us for 12+ years. That’s so humbling to hear but it’s also a huge blessing too! I am personally grateful for the many prayers that have been offered up for my family. I want to offer up prayers for others and be faithful in my prayers.

Do you ever have a hard time knowing what to pray for with the women on your prayer list each month? You are welcome to text them or email and ask them what are their prayers needs. That’s a simple solution, right? Someone just did that to me last month. Such a surprise and encouragement to have the added prayer support. If you aren’t brave enough to do that… you can also ask the Holy Spirit to intercede for you “according to the will of God”. Then, when you bring your requests to God, trust that He will always do what is best. May this scripture be an encouragement to you as you continue to pray:

“… The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for,

but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with wordless groans.

And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit,

because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”

Romans 8:26-27

Aren’t you glad you’re not on your own when praying for yourself and others? Even when you don’t have the right words to pray, the Holy Spirit prays with you, through you, and for you! What a wonderful thought to dwell on as you go about your day. Remember that God is interceding for you today!

God bless you, Karen

A GREATER LOVE

A Greater Love

Dear Sisters in Christ,

"God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes. There shall be no more death. 

Neither shall there be any more sorrow nor crying nor pain, 

for the former things have passed away." Rev 21:4

What do we do with a broken heart? Pain of rejection, losing something important to us, not getting what we expected? Losing a loved one? We lost a giant in the faith this past month on Jan 9th, 2020. She has been one of our main prayer warriors, an example of following Christ in the good times and the bad. She’s been a sister in the faith to us all.

We are brokenhearted to hear of the struggles that she has endured while on this earth.  Brokenhearted that she had to suffer for so long. Brokenhearted that we no longer have her here to talk to, gain wisdom from, or pray with. But God has given us a hope, that though we are brokenhearted, though we experience pain and suffering and loss, Christ in us is our hope of glory (Col 1:27). We know that the hope of Sharon’s heart has always been to love God and love others. To the very end, she knew that her hope was found on nothing less than Jesus’ blood and righteousness, and we know that she is no longer sick or suffering, but is in the arms of Jesus.  

We have the beautiful tension of the here and the not quite yet. The tension of the power of heaven in our hearts through the Holy Spirit; and yet this same power is being held in broken vessels in a broken world in need of a Savior. The righteous One. The One who is able to save (Ps 68:20). The One who will wipe every tear from their eyes.  

This February, may we all be encouraged by our sister, Sharon’s example of going from glory to glory. If you are brokenhearted today (isn’t it supposed to be the month of love and hearts though??) know that there is a God who absolutely loves you and is near to the brokenhearted (Ps 34:18). He longs to take us to such a greater intimacy with Him in the midst of all of the valleys and the victories.  

Prayer warriors, let us remember the battle that we are in within this broken world, take up our armor, and battle the best way we can: on our knees before our Lord who will fight for us (Ex 14:14).  Be encouraged that you have been and are battling for those around you, those you pray for, that may be enduring some form of broken-heartedness or loss. Intercede for them this month. Reach out to them and pray with them in person if you can.  Let us shine His light in the midst of the darkness of this world, because we know that even the gates of Hell cannot withstand the church (Mat 16:18).

In His grace,

Jaime Angel

A PRAYER FOR THE NEW YEAR

“Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths.

Lead me in Your truth and teach me,

For You are the God of my salvation;

On You I wait all the day”. Psalm 25:4+5

Hey Girls!

Here we are looking into the New Year of 2020! I love the sound of our New Year ahead. 2020. That’s a catchy sounding phrase. It reminds me of the term 20/20 vision! Remember that awful eye chart at the doctor’s office? They even have the same chart at the Department of motor vehicles. You know the one with the BIG letter E at the top! It had rows of letters with different sizes you had to read to help determine your vision. I hated to take this test! It was so confusing. They covered one of your eyes & then you had to look through different lenses over & over again. The point of the test was to see which lens gave you the clearest focus. To me, most of them looked the same. I was nervous to say which one gave me the sharpest vision. I never knew which one to choose. I figured I would be given glasses that didn’t help and they’d give me distorted vision! And yes, that did happen to me a few times. My bad. I was super thankful when I had Lasik surgery some four years ago! No more reading glasses. My vision is now 20/20 which they say is perfect vision. Of course, Mikes eye sight is now - 20/15 which is better than perfect! Hahaha. He likes to rub it in.

Good vision is truly a blessing. Everyone wants to be able to see clearly. On the other hand, spiritually speaking, wouldn’t you like to have 20/20 vision in the year 2020? I do! Here are a few verses that you can turn into a prayer for the New Year ahead. In these verses you are asking God to open your eyes and your heart to see His ways. The Holy Spirit is the One who can give you 20/20 vision for the upcoming year. He has all the insight and knowledge you need. Be teachable. Be willing to yield to His Truth. Be open to hear from Him. Be quiet. Be still. May you draw near to His heart this year. May you run to God’s Word every day and receive all you need to live in 2020.

1.     Show me Your ways, O Lord; Teach me Your paths: You are open and eager to see God’s ways.

2.     Lead me in Your truth + teach me: You are willing to learn; ready to take action + apply His Word.

3.     For You are the God of my salvation: You have a dependent heart; Acknowledging He is your God.

4.     On You I wait all the day: You have an expectant heart; looking to receive from Him.

Happy New Year, Karen