Years ago, I sat in a little mountain cabin when I became aware that it was growing dark outside. The wind picked up bending the trees double as it roared along the ridge like a jet plane terribly off course. Tree branches snapped under the strain, sounding as though some phantom hunter with a shotgun was recklessly opening fire. When I looked out the window, I saw a grey curtain sweeping across the little valley, and I knew the rain was coming. It did! Within moments, the cabin was under a deluge that could be likened to perpendicular white-water rapids.
As the storm unleashed in all its fury outside the cabin, inside I was snuggled under a blanket, curled up in an easy chair beside a crackling fire, with a cup of hot coffee in my hand and an open Bible on my lap. And I thanked God for a safe, dry, comfortable refuge from the storm.
Then I thought of the storms that raged in my life. And I quietly bowed my head, and thanked God again for His refuge from the storms…
If we are entering into a time of national or global war, unrest, and further confusion, division and chaos, would you recommit yourself to trusting the Prince of Peace to be your refuge and strength? “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:5-7
This Bible study was prepared especially for the Spring 2025 Newsletter.
As of this writing, there continues to be an ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, with Hamas refusing to release the last 59 hostages. The war between Russia and Ukraine has been a killing field with no clear victory in sight for either side, although both sides say they want peace. China has increased defense spending over 7%, saying they are prepared for war. And now Europe is discussing a European Union army that would require conscripting soldiers as early as this year. All of it combined can make us feel unsettled and rob us of our peace.
What is peace? I’ve been told that in the Greek language peace is not just serenity, but a forced removal of anything that rattles or disturbs us. It’s not just a state of mind, but the removal of chaos, confusion and anxiety. When Jesus greeted His disciples, saying, Peace be with you,1 it was more of a command than a promise. He was commanding the removal of anything that would cause them to give into fear and thus hinder them from serving and obeying Him with a focused and settled heart.
Where is peace found in our world that seems to be saturated in chaos and confusion? It’s found in the One who is the Prince of Peace…the One who alone has the authority to rebuke the chaos and confusion that threaten to rob us of our serenity, focus and faithfulness in obedient service.
I believe this year we may need the authority of the Prince of Peace more than ever before. Interestingly, the extremely rare alignment of the seven planets in our solar system took place on February 28, the very same day President Trump and President Zelenskyy had the fateful meeting in the Oval Office. Once again, the heavens seem to be signaling us as blood moons will appear in 2024, 2025, and 2026. But they don’t seem to be appearing randomly. For three years in a row, they will fall on the Jewish festival of Purim which was established to commemorate the victory of the Jews over the threat of annihilation by the Persians/Iranians. Is God trying to get our attention? If so, what is He saying? Could He be revealing that we are entering into a time of war?
In Luke 21, Jesus warns us, When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened…Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom…There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. Then He exhorts us: When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.2
Lift up your head in prayer! Pray that the Prince of Peace will rebuke the enemy of our souls who is stirring up anger, conflict and fear. Pray that His peace will rule in our hearts. Pray that you and I will not lose our focus…that we will lift up our heads above our enemies…that we will keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Pray we will remain alert to what time it is in human history while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ.3
Lift up the Sword of the Spirit which is God’s Word!4 Read it. Study it. Obey it. Live by it. Love it. Let’s be ready to share the reason for the Hope we have as we continue to be faithful to proclaim the Gospel during this time of war, chaos, confusion, and uncertainty. I want to be an ambassador of His peace to those around me.
Prince of Peace,
Please. Use us to rebuke the chaos and impart Your peace to the hearts of those around us. Keep us faithful, focused, and fired up until we see You face to face!
Even so, come Lord Jesus!5 Amen.
1Luke 24:36
2 Luke 21:10-11, 25, 28
3 Titus 2:13
4 Ephesians 6:17
5 Revelation 22:20
Years ago, I sat in a little mountain cabin when I became aware that it was growing dark outside. The wind picked up bending the trees double as it roared along the ridge like a jet plane terribly off course. Tree branches snapped under the strain, sounding as though some phantom hunter with a shotgun was recklessly opening fire. When I looked out the window, I saw a grey curtain sweeping across the little valley, and I knew the rain was coming. It did! Within moments, the cabin was under a deluge that could be likened to perpendicular white-water rapids.
As the storm unleashed in all its fury outside the cabin, inside I was snuggled under a blanket, curled up in an easy chair beside a crackling fire, with a cup of hot coffee in my hand and an open Bible on my lap. And I thanked God for a safe, dry, comfortable refuge from the storm.
Then I thought of the storms that raged in my life. And I quietly bowed my head, and thanked God again for His refuge from the storms…
Click here for the Bible Study especially developed for this newsletter.
My husband, Danny, was born and raised in New York. On what would have been his 88th birthday, I had the privilege of speaking at both services of the Times Square Church in the city that he loved. It was a personal blessing for me to describe where he is now…Heaven…and to tell those gathered how they could know for sure Heaven is their Home, too.
At the beginning of this year I was invited to speak at the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast that was held at Mar-A-Lago, President Trump’s resort and the place of his Florida residence. Reflecting on October 7, I shared that sometimes God’s blessings are disguised. Could it be that one blessing of October 7 has been the intensified prayer for the peace of Jerusalem, and the renewed focus Israelis have in calling on the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob?
Due to snowy weather conditions and then plane delays, my daughter, Rachel-Ruth, my granddaughter, Riggin, and myself were not able to participate in person at the Legacy Grandparenting Summit held in Birmingham, AL. We were thankful for the livestream that enabled us to enter remotely into the conference. Rachel-Ruth and I each took a general session (the picture above to the left shows me in studio speaking live to those gathered in AL), then she and I, plus Riggin, held a conversation about passing the baton of the Gospel to the next generation.
Jim Sanders (pictured above with his wife Diane) is the VP of Ambassador Advertising Agency that distributes my radio broadcasts to over 1,000 outlets, as well as the chairman of the National Religious Broadcasters. At the annual convention held at the Gaylord Hotel in Dallas, the NRB presented me with the Chairman’s Award for faithfulness in service. It was a high honor which I likened to the servants at the wedding of Cana who saw the water go into the pitchers and the wine come out. They knew it was a miracle, as do I, as I give God all the glory for the great things He has done in and through AnGeL Ministries.
In this abridgment of her bestselling book, The Daniel Prayer, Anne unlocks a powerful pattern of prayer for claiming the promises of God.
What is the secret to praying prayers that really “work”? In Storming the Gates of Heaven, a plan for praying effective prayers that God answers is presented through unpacking the ancient prayer of the prophet Daniel, a prayer that moved heaven and changed a nation and one that even today can deliver on God ‘s promises. It’s a prayer birthed under pressure. Heartache. Grief. Desperation. It can be triggered by a sudden revelation of hope. Here is the secret to answered prayer, a promise freshly received, a miracle that lies just over the horizon.
We are delighted to offer free resources on our website page that compliment this book. Please visit here to download your choice of lock screens for your phone and a designed PDF download – PRAYER FOR THE BATTLE.
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As you face the New Year, take a moment now to claim the promise of God’s presence with you on whatever path you find yourself traveling.
This Bible study was prepared especially for the Winter 2025 Newsletter.
As the New Year unfolds, Rachel-Ruth and I are busily writing a new book together that is centered on the Old Testament story of Joseph. Our story begins when he is a young man just coming out of boyhood, the son of Jacob and the grandson of Abraham. He was a typical teenager who had a little swagger to his step. He was a prince of the desert. Wealthy, handsome, and singled out for special honor when his father revealed his favoritism by giving Joseph a rare and coveted coat of many colors. While the coat was a symbol of his father’s favor, it was also the stimulus for jealousy among his ten older siblings.
One day Joseph, in obedience to his father, set out to check on his brothers who were tending their father’s sheep. When he didn’t find them where he expected them to be, he didn’t quit looking. He didn’t go back to the comfort of home and tell his father he had done the best he could, but his brothers were not where they were supposed to be. Instead, Joseph went the extra mile to search for them until he found them.
When Joseph came to his brothers, he had no forewarning of their rage. As he greeted them, he was violently seized and thrown into a deep pit. He was stripped of his princely robe which was dipped in the blood of an animal so the brothers could cover their evil deed by telling Jacob that Joseph had been killed by a wild animal. Joseph was then shackled and sold to his cousins who transported him to Egypt, placed him on an auction block, and sold him as a slave. He found himself far away from his family and from all that was familiar. He suddenly plummeted into the frightening swirl of a foreign, sophisticated culture where he was surrounded by strange looking people who spoke an unknown language and had unfamiliar customs and ate unfamiliar food. And he was alone. He must have been terrified by the prospect of a very uncertain future…if he even had a future. And he had gone the extra mile to do everything right! Yet in just moments, his life had been drastically changed. Seemingly for the worse. Much worse! But he had no way of knowing that his path of suffering was actually his road to destiny.
My life also has been changed in dramatic moments of suffering…the sudden tragic death of my husband of forty-nine years was followed three years later by a totally unexpected cancer diagnosis. These events occurred when I was serving in obedience to my heavenly Father, going the extra mile in many ways, seeking to make Him known through the way I lived for Him and served Him. There have been other areas of additional suffering. But I am encouraged by what stands out in Joseph’s life. All through his suffering, God was guarding, guiding, and preparing him to be a much more magnificent person and a much more powerful leader than he ever would have become living in Jacob’s tents. Which leads me to the conclusion that sometimes God uses suffering to get us where He wants us to be and to develop us into the person He created us to be for our own good and for the benefit of others. Like Joseph, our path of suffering may actually be the road to our destiny.
Think about it. In obedience to his father, Joseph was suddenly thrust out on an unknown path of intense suffering that lasted for years. Suffering that eventually led him back to reconciliation with his brothers and reunion with his father. But this path would be a lot longer, the journey fiercer, the attacks more brutal, the pain more immense than he ever would have conceived he could endure. But in the end, the path God had placed Joseph on would lead to his own exaltation and glory as well as the salvation of his family and of the world!
Is it possible that you will find yourself suddenly thrust on the unexpected, unplanned path of suffering in the New Year? Have you, or someone you love, already been walking on that path? Then ask God to open your eyes to a road well-traveled. The end is not defeat, but victory and glory and the ultimate fulfillment of God’s destiny for your life…when Jesus Christ is revealed.
For His Glory,
Click here for the Bible Study especially developed for this newsletter.
It was my privilege to give the closing address for Founder’s Week at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. Torrey-Grey Auditorium was packed as I challenged those gathered to ask God to enlarge their hearts for the Gospel, then recommit to sharing it with others.
What a life’s moment! My youngest daughter, Rachel-Ruth, turned 50! Her daughter, Riggin, helped plan a surprise birthday party for her that was overflowing with desserts, friends, beautiful testimonies and blessings. I am so honored and humbled to observe Rachel-Ruth triumphing over her pain and suffering to become a very powerful woman of God. To Him be the glory!
The president of the Jerusalem Prayer Breakfast invited me to share a video-taped prayer to be offered in the Knesset, Israel’s Parliament. I did so with humble confidence that as we turn from our sin, God’s eyes will be open and His ears attentive to prayers offered from the city that He loves, Jerusalem.
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.
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 new understanding. The Vision of His Glory also 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.
Abraham’s life was full of twists and turns, riches and losses, deceit and redemption, failure and success. Nevertheless, his story held the key to satisfying Anne’s hungry heart. The key: following God in obedient faith. Step by step. Choice by choice. Day by day. Despite struggling, as we all do, with compromise, fear, family, quarrels, doubt, and disappointment, in the end, Abraham knew God…as His friend.
Challenged by Abraham’s example, Anne began a lifelong pursuit of knowing God. Through personal anecdotes, unforgettable stories, and inspiring insights, she shares the joy and fulfillment she has found as she has embraced the God-filled life through obedient faith.
You know you’re supposed to read the Bible, but what does it really mean? Join Anne and Rachel-Ruth in a candid discussion of how the Bible relates to everyday life. Listen in on their conversation as they discuss how they read, love and apply the Bible, then live it out! This podcast is both for the seasoned Jesus follower and the newly Jesus-curious. Wherever you are on your spiritual journey, you are welcome at this table!
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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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