I am a born-again Christian and not ashamed to say Jesus is my first love.  He’s been my fortress and shelter in every storm of life. No one has won my heart like Jesus.

This week as I have been in prayer about so many pressing needs, including my own, I have felt the presence of the Holy Spirit in unexpected moments. I have been awakened in the night hours with a desire to pray and seek the guidance and direction of God in so many areas and struggles that confront, not just me, but so many in my community.

There are families being torn apart by cancer diagnoses, job losses, health issues and just plain living hand-to-mouth on a daily basis. My husband and I aren’t immune from these storms of life. We struggle right there with you.

As I cry out to God in these night hours, whether in silence or from the depths of my soul, I continue to sense a confirmation that something good is in the works. Trust me; I’m not prophetic and clueless to what that translates into in this earthly realm. It’s just a gut-level feeling that something good is about to transpire because voices are ascending to Heaven from those who believe in the power of prayer. It will be God-appointed and within His divine time-frame.

“If My people who are called by My name put away their pride and pray, and look for My face, and turn from their sinful ways, then I will hear from heaven. I will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
2 Chronicles 7:14

Hold tight in your struggles

Take hold of the promises of God and never release them–God honors persistence. Though the heavens seem silent and darkness clouds your day, God is ever present.

“I know the plans that I have for you; plans for welfare and not calamity to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me; I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search with all your heart.”
Jeremiah 29:11-13

We are nearing the end

End of what you might ask. It’s the end of an age of sin, darkness, rebellion and the reign of Satan upon this earth. Get ready to board the train; Jesus is coming and He is taking open reservations for anyone who believes that He died, was resurrected and arose from the grave redeem them of their sins.

We live in a time of troubling needs. Our political world is crumbling, hate crimes are unprecedented, God has been devalued on all levels of our society, we are self-absorbed/self-indulgent, seek to fulfill our own desires and are afraid to call anything sin because it might be offensive.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Psalms 46:1

Today’s Prayer:

Heavenly Father, it seems that the words you speak to my heart this week have been about the struggles of my friends, family and self. I am certain that these struggles are shared on a universal platform.

Satan, is enemy who stands ready to attack us at any given moment; believer or unbeliever, we are his prey. Today, in this moment, I call upon the name of Jesus and rebuke the enemy and shout “STAND DOWN!”

Whatever storm I face today be near us and fill me with your Words of comfort. Guide me to the cross where I can reach out and grab hold of your truth and the gospel of hope. Make me a lighthouse and beacon in the storm that someone else is facing.

Amen