"I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing…"      Revelation 7:1

How did those angels feel, standing in the stifling, unmoving air, grasping the corners of the wind to prevent it from blowing? Why would they do something that would bring about such drastic change on the earth? The answer is obvious: Because God said so. And then it struck me. God uses angels to make a difference in the world…to bring about real change…when they do what He says.

The older I get, the more this AnGeL seems to want things to be comfortable and familiar. I find myself choosing the same restaurants to frequent, the same clothing styles to wear, the same friends to enjoy, the same exercise patterns to follow…even the same place to sit in church. Change can be unsettling and require effort that taxes my energy, as well as my mental reserves. So I don’t want change just for the sake of change.

The leadership of the International Christian Retailers Show gave me time during the Sunday worship that allowed me to not only present God's Word, but to extend an invitation to repent of sin, return to the Cross, and recommit to live for Jesus. Hundreds of people responded. To God be the glory!

I also don’t want to be so settled that I become satisfied with my comfort zone. I never want to get to the place that I refuse to “step out of the boat,” and therefore miss the thrill of walking on the water. What I do want is a good reason for the change, and the assurance that it will bring about something even better. The only way I can truly know if change is worth it, is to do what God says.

As I have listened to the political rhetoric during this presidential election cycle, the theme of change has been echoed by thousands of people. It seems to have struck a chord that resonates with young and old, rich and poor, men and women, black and white and brown. And I’m left to ponder: Is the change that people seem to long for one that politicians can deliver? Or has the general public confused the political with the spiritual? Are they looking for something that only God can give?

These women (from left to right: Galina, Claudia, Tamara, Eugenia and Ana) were part of the Just Give Me Jesus/Moldova revival team. What a humbling privilege it was for us to partner with such outstanding women whose hearts are enlarged with love for Jesus, His Word, His Gospel, and His people. Please visit our website, www.AnneGrahamLotz.com, for more pictures and a complete praise report.

At the beginning of this Christmas season, I am reflecting on the monumental, history-splitting, life-altering changes that came about when God left His throne in glory, invaded a woman’s womb, and entered time and space:

The change in the virgin Mary’s life when she was told she would conceive a son through the power of the Holy Spirit, and she obediently submitted to the will of God.

The change in Joseph’s life when his virgin bride revealed she was pregnant, and he obediently submitted to God’s Word directing him to take her as his wife, and called her son, Jesus.

The change in the lives of the shepherds who most likely were guarding lambs raised for temple sacrifice, when they heard the glorious angelic announcement that the Messiah, God’s perfect Lamb, had been born…as a Baby lying in a manger!

For my birthday, my daughters gave me a surprise trip to New York City on Mother's Day . . . the first one celebrated since my beloved Mother moved to our Father's House. Included in the weekend was a visit to Fox & Friends, where we were able to talk about our love for Jesus, each other, and Mother. It was surely a gift to remember!

The change in people’s relationship with God when that Baby grew in wisdom and stature and favor with God and man, then smashed Himself on a Roman cross as God’s sacrifice who took away the sin of the world.

The change in people’s access to God when, simultaneous with the death of Jesus, the veil in the temple was torn in two…from the top down…opening the way into God’s presence for all who come to Him through the blood of Jesus!

The change in human history when the crucified Christ became the risen Lord who ascended into Heaven, defeating once and for all, death, the grave and the devil, giving the reality of authentic Hope to those who believe in Him.

The change in all religion when the Gospel is preached because Jesus Himself said, I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:5) For God so loved the world, that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) To all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God. (John 1:12) Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

The city-wide Kick-Off for Just Give Me Jesus/Jacksonville, FL, drew the interest of major media outlets...and several thousand women of influence, hundreds of which have volunteered to join us in prayer and in our effort to bring revival in April '09.

The change in the human heart when we are reconciled with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

The change in society when we love God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength…and our neighbor as ourselves.

The change in my own life when I cried out to God for more than just enough of Jesus to escape a fiery hell, to be saved from God’s wrath, to call myself a Christian, to manage my guilt, to get a ticket to Heaven, to squeak through Heaven’s gate…and asked Him to give me more than enough to bend my will, to awaken my conscience, to break my heart, to transform my mind, to overcome my prejudices, to soar in my spirit, to conform me into His glorious image!

On Memorial Day weekend, I spoke at the Sunday morning worship service for Bill and Gloria Gaither's Family Fest in Gatlinburg, TN. A letter from an 87-year-old woman said that following the message she had prayed to receive Jesus as her Savior and Lord. Her life was radically changed as she now has a fullness of peace and joy, assured that Heaven is her home!

The change in the lives of those around me and before me when I choose to die to myself…my dreams, my will, my ambitions…and be crucified with Christ so that I no longer live, but Jesus lives in me, pouring out His life through me.

This Christmas season, join this AnGeL in celebrating the lasting change and living hope that is found in Jesus Christ! Then recommit your life to bringing about drastic change in the world around you by doing what God says and just giving them Jesus!

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