January 1, 2014

Good morning-

Well today is the 1st day of 2014.  I'm sure it will take a few days for us to get used to writing and typing 2014.  It always does but with the coming of the new year all I can think about is change, peace, and God.  For the last couple of months I have spent many days thinking about the people in the world that I wish I could touch.  I have spent countless hours thinking of those homeless, without food and in total war.  Every headline has made me more concerned for people.  It has brought me to pray for those I don't know and ask you to do the same.

Every time I open an article all I can think about is that God is in control.  As hard as those words are for me to say or think; I know it's the truth.  That hasn't made it easier for me.  Even I have been going through a personal challenge and have wondered when God will rescue me.  You probably have too.  I think there are always times in our lives where we wonder when will God save us from a trial.  It's very natural but in our minds we must remember that He is with us and that He will be there in our storm.  I sometimes lose focus because for me the trial has been long.  And then in the midst of my trial, I will hear a word, read a scripture or someone will send me a word of encouragement.  That word last week was from my dear cousin who told me that through her prayer time God gave her a word for me.  She sent me an anchor ring which I thought was odd because I didn't read the card until the next morning.  In the card, she said the word God gave her for me was that He was my anchor.  Do you know what it meant to see those words on paper?  It was almost like a divine word and I have carried it through the last two weeks.

My faith is strong but even I battle with my thought life from time to time.  I have often had times where I wondered what God was doing and when I would see His hand.   I never doubt that I will see it but there are times when I just wish for relief and none is in sight.  My path has been windy and my storms have been great but in every moment; I know Christ is present.  That thought wasn't far from my mind after I read her sweet card.  She is going through her own crisis right now.  She had two miscarriages in 2013 but still in her storm she was asking for a word for me.  I know that I will carry her words through 2014 and believe that God is my anchor.

An anchor is sturdy and steadfast.  It can hold the weight of a great ship or a speed boat.  They are made in many different sizes but the shape is all the same.  An anchor has three hooks that penetrate the earth under the water.  Winds can ebb and flow and mighty storms can come but an anchor will keep you still.  Sea-faring men have counted on anchors to keep them safe and so will I. My anchor is not a piece of metal, its my God.  With my anchor, I will be able to take on the challenges of 2014 with obedience, faith and prayer.  I am blessed to have an anchor as strong and as bold as Jesus Christ.  I hope that in the days and weeks to come you will remember who your anchor is and that the words of our Lord will penetrate deep within your heart as my dear cousin's words have for me. With 2014 there are things we can be sure of; war will still be happening, men will need a God and we will have to pray through our challenges and our blessings.  These are things that will never change no matter what year we're in.  Please be vigilant in the days to come and remember that Christ knew the storm was coming when Peter got into that boat.  He knew everything and yet, He wanted Peter to get into that boat because He wanted him to know that He was the anchor on which Peter's faith would stand.  We all need an anchor and Christ is the only one we need.  Many will challenge our faith this year and for years to come.  The only way we can truly have faith is if we proclaim that our anchor, our way and our light is Jesus Christ.

May 2014 bring a revival beyond our wildest imaginations.  May Christ come down on this earth and continue to spread His message throughout the land and may people that can not practice openly the faith be free to practice even for one day in 2014.  We are lucky, we are chosen and we are the hands and feet of our mighty anchor.  Be well my sisters as we enter this new year with praise on our lips, proclaiming that Jesus Christ is and always will be our anchor and our Savior!

Hebrews 6:19-20 NIV

    We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.  It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.  He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.

My prayer today:

O, Lord  my God, how great You are.  As a child I remember believing that You were with me.  As I grew, I saw Your hand in certain blessings and often thought when the challenges came that I had disappointed You.  Years later, I'm beginning to realize that I have been refined in this fire of life and that You and the Word stand as my guiding light and my anchor.  I am lucky to be counted as one of Your children.  There are women that need You Lord, that need a word from You.  They are seeking a savior in other things.  I'm praying today that You would unite women and make them strong, not as society demands, but as You require.  Help us be a vision of the future, touting You as our Savior. We need to know that all things come through You, by You and for You.  We are so grateful to have You as our Savior and yet, we question.   Forgive us for our unfaithful hearts and help us be strong in You always.  Be our anchor as we ride the tides of life and help us cast visions of You.  Be my guide Lord and help me proclaim that You are God.  I'm praying for every women that is seeking You and asking You to help her be strong in You.  Grant our desire to know You more, seek You more and love You more.  Help us to shed our insecurities and put You at the forefront of our minds.  There is one thing I know, Lord, You are my God and I love You with all my heart.  Keep evil from my door, protect my family and the families that treasure You and fill our hearts with the Spirit of love, peace and You.  Please bless the Christian families in 2014 that want to honor You!  In Jesus Name, AMEN.