Trusting the Lord Through a Military Deployment [This is a personal testimony by a former member of my church, Ashley Morgan.] “There’s nothing that has tested my faith in the Lord quite like the deployment of my husband to a war zone. It made me quickly realize how little control I had personally, but how much more beautiful it was to rely on God’s sovereignty! My husband is in the Air Force and, after being married for several years, we began thinking of starting our family. We thought we had all of our ‘ducks in a row…’ and had done all the things in our control to ensure we began our family under the ‘perfect circumstances,’ but nothing we had done required us to rely on God. We were keeping a firm grip on the steering wheel of our lives! “Then, days before I found out I was pregnant with our first baby, we got the news that my husband would be deployed to Afghanistan for nine months! He left when I was three months pregnant, and wouldn’t return until she was three months old, except for the possibility of a two week R&R somewhere within the deployment. I was devastated. Suddenly all of my perfectly-laid-out plans came to a screeching halt, and my dependence on God became my primary focus. It probably goes without saying, but it is a really scary prospect to be pregnant with your first child while receiving news that your husband is taking shelter due to daily rocket attacks on his base. It’s humbling to know that there was nothing, NOTHING, I could do to protect him or change the situation. To top it off, it was sad to consider that I would likely have to give birth to our first child without my husband present. It was NOT what I would have planned for myself! “I remember praying fervently, ‘Lord, please protect my husband! Bring him home to me and our daughter safely. But if the worst may come, I trust You to provide for us. I trust that You know every detail of how this situation will play out, and that You will show up in all the details. No matter what happens, thank You for Your great love and faithfulness to bring peace to my heart, grow my reliance on You, and build my faith during difficult circumstances. I trust You that everything is happening for my good and Your glory!’ (Romans 8:28) “True to His nature, God certainly showed up for us! My husband was able to miraculously get on an earlier flight home for his R&R, and arrived back to the U.S. the day before I went into labor. My husband was there for our first daughter’s birth, and the first two weeks of her life! My husband came home (safe & whole!) three months after our daughter’s birth. Although things worked out ‘good’ for us (as we would define ‘good’), I had to know without a doubt that I would have still experienced God’s goodness if I was left as a widow and single mom to our precious new baby. I am confident that God would have still been faithful.” “And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8; NKJV) Give Him 15 minutes in prayer (by, Ashley Morgan): Those of us who have trusted the Lord with our lives, must know without a doubt that we will still experience God’s goodness even if the worst happens in our lives. Tell Him that in your own words. Our faith doesn’t rely on good circumstances, but that we are able to trust God in all circumstances. Talk to the Lord about how you are trusting Him today. Sometimes the “good work” God has set out for us is regarding a career or ministry endeavor, but sometimes it’s learning to rely on Him during times of adversity. Praise Him if you are in one of those hard times. Ask the Lord to provide ALL things that you need in abundance – spiritually, emotionally, physically, economically! Pray the same for those in our U.S. military who are deployed or those who are keeping the home fires burning for their loved ones. A prayer you can pray (by, Ashley Morgan): Lord, my heart goes out to those deployed and their loved ones today. It is hard to imagine what our soldiers on the battlefield and their spouses endure. I don’t want them to feel forgotten. Provide in very special ways for their loved ones at home. Help them know that they can experience Your goodness, even if the worst happens in their lives. Many are living in challenging circumstances right now. Help my family and I to lean into You to provide for us. I trust that You know every detail of how this situation will play out, and that You will show up in all the details. No matter what happens, thank You for your great love and faithfulness to bring peace to my heart, grow my reliance on You, and build my faith during difficult circumstances. I trust You that everything is happening for my good and Your glory! For the deployed, their families, and mine, provide all things that we need in abundance – spiritually, emotionally, physically, economically! We worship You for Your good ness toward us, Jesus, for You are always good! Amen. Today’s decree: May our deployed military and their loved ones be safe in Your care today, Lord!

Praying for the Military Caregiver [I have asked my friend, Jen Ostan, to write our devotional for today. She has been awarded for her exceptional service as a Military Caregiver in the United States. Jen cares for her husband, Major William J. Ostan, Esq. LL. M., (Ret).] Supporting the Caregivers for America’s Wounded Warriors I knew that my husband’s voluntary oath to serve in the U.S. Army would require sacrifice on my part and that of my children, and I was happy to support my soldier and our nation in that way. Rarely, however, do we look ahead down the road of tragedy, to envision what might happen if an injury or illness cuts short the long-term plan of military service. When that happens, it catapults us into a different type of service, not one we choose, but one that must be fulfilled – still quite honorable and wholly vital. Serving in this new role of military caregiver is one of the most challenging roles that I’ve had the honor of fulfilling, and it has opened my eyes to an entire community of hidden heroes. Little did I know, there are 5.5 million of us across the Nation – husbands, wives, friends, siblings, children, and nurses – all caregivers to our nation’s wounded warriors. These hidden heroes have taken up the role of caring for our veterans who have been injured, wounded, or become ill because of their military service to our country. For caregivers like me, that were military spouses long before our soldier became ill or injured, this shift in responsibilities is a difficult transition. We must learn to advocate for our veteran in new and daunting ways. We are faced with major medical, career, and life decisions, often while continuing to work and raise children. I’ve realized now, more than ever, I must lean into the Lord and accept help from those around me. I refuse to simply “survive” in this role. I want to thrive with the help of Jesus. Join me in praying for our military caregivers and their wounded warriors across America. We can help lift up their weary arms as they continue to persevere each day in caring for their veteran. “Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.” (Romans 5:3-5; ESV) Give Him 15 minutes in prayer (by, Jen Ostan): Thank the Lord for the caregivers that are personally caring for our nation’s wounded and ill veterans on a daily basis. Pray for the daily needs of these caregivers to be met—jobs, medical appointments, childcare, meals, housing, and healthy supportive relationships. Ask the Lord to reveal himself to those who do not know him yet, bringing true, everlasting hope into their hearts. Pray for the family members of the wounded warriors who carry the burden each day. This affects spouses, parents, siblings, and especially children. If you know of any military caregivers in your community, pray about how you can support that person and their veteran. This could be a simple phone call to check in, an offer to watch their kids or drive their veteran to an apt, or dropping off a gift card for some self-care for the weary caregiver. They rarely ask for help, but often need it and welcome it. Pray for healing. If the veteran is healed, improves, or no longer needs as many medical services, restoration is possible. A prayer you can pray (by, Jen Ostan): Lord, let your presence rest on our military caregivers. Give them strength for the days ahead and meet them in their daily sacrifice. Surround them with tangible support from their local communities and loved ones and send your Spirit to bring comfort when they feel overwhelmed. Lord, cause your Church to grow in awareness of these hidden heroes, so we can serve alongside them, support them, and provide respite for them in times of need. Father, please make yourself known to military caregivers so they can experience the one true hope, your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You, Jesus, for bringing healing to our Veterans – to their bodies, their minds, and their relationships. Amen Today’s decree: America’s wounded warriors, their families, and caregivers will be healed and restored. They will thrive in character and hope in this new day! Learn more about Jen Ostan here.

Armed Forces Day 2020 Today our nation is celebrating Armed Forces Day. This is a U. S. holiday that is not well-known, except by those in the armed forces or who have or have had relatives in the military. Most of we civilians are unaware of it or the reason for it. We know something about two of our other military holidays relatively well. Memorial Day is a day to honor those who have given their lives in service to this country. We also know that Veterans Day is the day we thank those who have served in some form in any of our 5 branches of the armed forces and have been honorably discharged from those duties. Armed Forces Day celebrates those who are currently on active duty in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. If you are familiar with this day, then you may have been to one of the celebrations on military bases near you. Maybe not this year, but you will often find the bases open to the public with parades, air shows, and sometimes other military displays. You might see how members of the military live while on the battlefield, what they eat, what their medical facilities look like, and see some of their armory and the vehicles they use. If you live near a military base, considering attending in a future year. “An excerpt taken from an article written in the New York Post on May 17, 1952, sums up Armed Forces Day’s utmost importance, ‘It is our most earnest hope that those who are in positions of peril, that those who have made exceptional sacrifices, yes, and those who are afflicted with plain drudgery and boredom, may somehow know that we hold them in exceptional esteem. Perhaps if we are a little more conscious of our debt of honored affection they may be a little more aware of how much we think of them.’”1 President John F. Kennedy had this to say about the day, “Our Servicemen and women are serving throughout the world as guardians of peace–many of them away from their homes, their friends and their families. They are visible evidence of our determination to meet any threat to the peace with measured strength and high resolve. They are also evidence of a harsh but inescapable truth–that the survival of freedom requires great cost and commitment, and great personal sacrifice.” “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” (John 15:13; ESV) Give Him 15 minutes in prayer: Thank the Lord for all men and women serving on active duty in our five service branches today. Intercede for everyone you know who is currently serving in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. Pray that they will know how vital their service is to our country, and to every individual and family. If you meet a member of the armed services today, make sure and thank them for their service. A prayer you can pray: Father, we thank You that the United States of America sets aside numerous days throughout the year where we can remember those who serve our nation in military service. We bless those in active duty in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard today on Armed Forces Day. We bless them and their families. We pray that even though there won’t be many public celebrations today due to COVID-19 restrictions, they will know they are remembered and so appreciated. [If you know anyone specifically in the services, pray for them by name now.] Lord, let our soldiers and sailors know the value of their service. Because of them, we can live free. While some of them suffer in challenging deployment situations or in the danger of the battlefield, we and our families are kept safe from harm. Place a special hedge of protection around their families, so they do not worry about them. Thank You again, Jesus. We honor our active duty servicemen and women today. Amen. Today’s decree: We bless our active duty servicemen and women, who are visible evidence of our nation’s determination to meet any threat against us. 1 Read more about Armed Forces Day here and here.

Pray for Military Marriages “Military marriages face unique challenges. It is typical for deployments to combat zones to last six months or more, which is common knowledge. Being a military family, though, we have learned that the actual cycle of such separations begins well in advance of the deployment, and ripples into the months following. Spouses have to face the reality of getting affairs in order, such as updating wills and legal documents, in the weeks and months leading up to the ‘big day.’ Although it’s uncomfortable to think about, military couples recognize that an updated will is important in case the unimaginable happens. We all know that six months of separation can turn into a lifetime of being without your spouse. Stress and anxiety can build and spouses can begin to withdraw from one another emotionally in advance. Even after a safe return home, military marriages go through a period dubbed ‘reintegration,’ where the dynamics are again upended and families strive to find another new normal. “An even more common type of separation is called a Temporary Duty Travel, or ‘TDY’. TDYs can resemble a business trip, where the service member is gone for a few days at a time to a safe location. Some TDYs, however, can be for a couple weeks to a month or more in length. These recurrent separations can cause additional stress on marriages as spouses have to frequently re-evaluate expectations and responsibilities in the home, and navigate the desire to be close to one another while physically far apart. “As believers, we know that the Lord has declared us to be ‘one’ with our spouse. This is not only true in times when we are physically present with our spouse, but also in times when we are far from one another. Military couples must strive for oneness across great distances, which is only possible through Christ. We are also called to bring all of our anxieties before the Lord in prayer. Whether those anxieties stem from the dangerous nature of the service member’s job or the looming unknowns of separations during ever-changing seasons of life, we were not created to live in fear but to walk by faith. Sometimes it’s easy to slip into a cycle of self-reliance through the ups and downs of military life, and it’s important to be reminded that the Lord has not left us alone to fend for ourselves–even when we feel lonely because we’re missing our spouse.” (Becky Gifford) “For this cause a man shall leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave to his wife; and they shall become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24; NASB) Give Him 15 minutes in prayer (by, Becky Gifford): Pray that those in military marriages would be able to find creative ways to foster “oneness” even across great distances. Pray that believing military spouses and service members would be reminded by the Holy Spirit to bring any anxieties and fears before the Lord in prayer. This is a great privilege for those who are in Christ, and one we should be constantly mindful of! Pray that military couples would sense the abiding presence of the Lord through the inevitable loneliness that comes with military life. A prayer you can pray (by, Becky Gifford): “Father, I lift up military marriages before Your throne today. Lord, strengthen the resolve of military couples to truly be ‘one’ with one another, not only when they are together under one roof, but in thought, word, and deed while separated by great distance. Help them remember that they are not alone, even when the loneliness creeps in. As they notice fear and anxiety rising in their thoughts, remind them through the Holy Spirit to bring those thoughts before You, because You care for them so much. For military couples who have not put their faith in You yet, Lord, let these things–believers seeking true marital oneness, bringing anxiety and fear before you in prayer, and the peace that comes from knowing you are near–be a witness and a light to those around them. May You be glorified as You work in and through military marriages! In Jesus’ name, Amen!” Today’s decree: We decree a special grace for one-flesh marriages for our U. S. military. Becky Gifford is married to a member of our United States Air Force. She grew up in our church in Colorado Springs.

A Soldier’s Perspective on Valley Forge – Lesson 3 [Note from my friend William J. Ostan, Esq., LL.M., Major (Ret.), who is writing this series of articles: “I have intensely studied Valley Forge over the last three years. I hope these thoughts stir your heart to pray for America and fill your soul with faith for Her divine destiny to be fulfilled.”] Divine Providence Although it is fashionable today for revisionist historians to discount or distort the role faith in God played in George Washington’s life, nothing could be further from factual truth. Washington regularly gave credit to the God of the Bible by using various terms intellectually indigenous to the Christians of his day, but his favorite phrase was “Divine Providence.” In fact, he later stated that the main thing that won the war for America was the “Divine interpositions of Providence.” In 21st century layman’s terms, Washington was clearly proclaiming, “God showed up and fought our battles when we needed him to.” Nowhere was this more evident than in the Army’s miraculous survival during the 1777-1778 winter at Valley Forge. Washington’s effervescent belief in the “sacred cause of liberty” and “Divine Providence” guided every decision as he led the Continental Army and our nation through its darkest hour. In conclusion, Thomas Paine wrote these immortal words in his Revolutionary War treatise entitled The Crisis: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of every man and woman.” We will never be counted amongst those who are “summer soldiers” and “sunshine patriots,” for we are the warriors who stood in the breach in service to our beloved country. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28; ESV) Give Him 15 minutes in prayer: There are many men and women in uniform who love and serve the Lord in their service to America. Thank the Lord for them! Thank the Lord for a nation founded on faith in God and the principles of the Word of God, such as George Washington and Thomas Paine. Intercede for the Joint Chiefs of Staff leading the armed forces today. Pray for them to fearlessly make their faith in the Lord well-known if they do, indeed, know Him. Ask the Lord to save those who have not yet come to Jesus. Declare, “Our servicemen and women are safe in the hands of the Almighty God.” We look to Him to lead and cover them. Pray they will, as well. Ask the Lord to cull from the joint branches of service those who are “summer soldiers” and “sunshine patriots.” Bless the warriors who are standing in the breach in service to our beloved country. A prayer you can pray: God, we come to You today with a heart of gratitude for every Christian man and woman who has been led by You into service of our nation in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard. They will never know how thankful we are for the sacrifices they make for us, so we can live free. We will never know the depths of what they go through in order to maintain that freedom on our behalf. It is the least we can do to intercede for them today. Remind us to pray regularly for them. Our nation was founded by You. You have always had a plan for America. You graced our nation’s military leaders with strategies and victories, as they leaned on, trusted in, and relied on You. They openly acknowledged Your Providence in their writings. Others wrote of their reliance on You, as well, giving credence to that historical record. Help us to never doubt that America was established on such a firm foundation. We pray for those in service today. We pray that the current officers would be open in their faith, leading their troops in prayer, especially before battles. Save those who have not yet come to know You. Some of them will not come back, and we want them to be saved. We declare, “Our servicemen and women are safe in the hands of the Almighty God.” Lord, Cull from the joint branches of service those who are “summer soldiers” and “sunshine patriots.” They can be dangerous to the rest. Everyone must learn to fight together as one with as much fervor as possible to win the battles ahead. Nevertheless, we bless all in uniform who are actively serving our beloved country today, in Jesus’ name. Amen. Today’s decree: We honor the warriors who have stood in the breach in service to our beloved country. Learn more about William J. Ostan here.

A Soldier’s Perspective on Valley Forge – Lesson 2 [Note from my friend William J. Ostan, Esq., LL.M., Major (Ret.), who is writing this series of articles: “I have intensely studied Valley Forge over the last three years. I hope these thoughts stir your heart to pray for America and fill your soul with faith for Her divine destiny to be fulfilled.”] Endurance One historian vividly describes Valley Forge as “the crucible of Washington’s Sacred Cause.” It is impossible to overstate how desperately hopeless the circumstances were for the weary American warriors. The men were dying, not from British bullets or sabers, but from brutal illnesses brought on by nakedness and starvation while braving the elements of a frigid winter. Washington’s leadership was extraordinary as he determined to “share in the hardship, and partake of every inconvenience.” He led by example, in the midst of the most adverse physical depredations, and even while political mutiny was being plotted against him back in Philadelphia. As a result, his soldiers courageously endured the months of suffering because of his stoic presence and manifest love for them. At the conclusion of the ordeal, Washington proudly boasted about his Army by stating,“…for without arrogance, or the smallest deviation from the truth it may be said, that no history, now extant, can furnish an instance of an Army’s suffering such uncommon hardships as ours have done, and bearing them with the same patience and Fortitude.” “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” (Hebrews 12:1-3; NASB) Give Him 15 minutes in prayer: Valley Forge is a great example of how soldiers suffer, yet persist for a greater cause. Click here and here to learn more. Our military members must endure many challenges, in training exercises, in remote deployment locations, and on the battlefield, of course. Pray for a grace to endure these hardships. Ask God to endow His people within the military community to be examples of the faith that gives us the ability to endure beyond what we think we can. The challenges their spouses and families of active duty military face is often overlooked. Frequent moves, long periods of time apart from spouses, moms, dads, and extended family, as well as caring for wounded warriors, takes endurance, as well. Thank the Lord for their service to you and your family. Thank someone you know who serves in the U. S. military for enduring so much for you to live free. A prayer you can pray: Father, the more I learn about our men and women in military service, the more grateful I am for their decision to serve our nation in that manner. It is not an easy life. Much is required, whether we are at war or not. This has been the case from the very first battles we engaged in to become a free nation. I ask You to grant every one of those on active duty the supernatural grace to endure these hardships. Grace, grace, grace, to our U. S. military, Lord. Let those who are Believers in Jesus be highlighted by the Holy Spirit as examples of pulling on that sweet grace in order to endure more than they think they are capable of. Be with the families, as well. Grace to the spouses, the children, the moms and the dads of those that serve. They need to navigate so many things, such as frequent moves, long periods apart from one another, and, sometimes, the caring of their loved ones after serious sickness or injury occurs. Lives can be upended, but You can provide that grace to lovingly endure, if they reach out for You, Jesus. Thank you again for all of these members of the armed forces, and their family members. I am so grateful. Again, grant them grace to run this race with endurance. Let them never be forgotten, in Jesus’ name. Amen. Today’s decree: We decree supernatural grace for our soldiers to persevere with fortitude and endurance every hardship they face for our nation’s freedom. Learn more about William J. Ostan here.

A Soldier’s Perspective on Valley Forge – Lesson 1 [We are going to focus on the U.S. armed services for a while. Note from my friend William J. Ostan, Esq., LL.M., Major (Ret.), who is writing this first series of articles: “I have intensely studied Valley Forge over the last three years. I hope these thoughts stir your heart to pray for America and fill your soul with faith for Her divine destiny to be fulfilled.”] Discipline “The General…persuades himself, that the officers and soldiers, with one heart, and one mind, will resolve to surmount every difficulty, with a fortitude and patience becoming their profession and the sacred cause in which they are engaged.” General George Washington, December 17, 1777 General Washington, even at this early stage well before final victory in the Revolutionary War, was already a living legend to his men. However, the Continental Army was completely bereft of the hallmark of all great militaries – discipline. The winter at Valley Forge solved this problem with the arrival of Baron Friedrich Von Stuben, a Prussian military officer who revamped the Army’s entire training regimen and established “good order and discipline.” This critical time of training prepared and empowered the Continental Army to face the mighty, efficient, and well-disciplined British Army in all subsequent battles. Valley Forge is where Washington forged the legacy and character of his nascent nation. “All discipline for the moment seems not to be joyful, but sorrowful; yet to those who have been trained by it, afterwards it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness.” (Hebrews 12:11; NASB) Give Him 15 minutes in prayer: Thank the Lord for the individuals that serve in our U. S. armed services—in the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, and in the brand new Space Force. Pray that our nation would have a well-prepared military, ever ready to deploy where threat may rise against us. Ask God for the proper funding to be released by the Congress to provide what is needed as far as the equipment, training, and protection our soldiers need. Intercede for those in uniform to know their identity as soldiers. President George Washington said they were to “resolve to surmount every difficulty, with a fortitude and patience becoming their profession and the sacred cause in which they are engaged.” Pray that the leadership of the armed services would be in unity with the President and Joint Chiefs of Staff. The defense of our populace depends on their ability to work together in unity, so they can properly direct those at home and on the battlefield. A prayer you can pray: Father, I am so thankful for those who have made a life choice to protect us by serving in our United States military. I bless those in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard, and in the brand new Space Force! May they be well and whole and strong, blessed with fearlessness and focus in their journeys. Help each one to take preparation for battle seriously, as there is no way to know when they may need to be quickly deployed. Provide everything they need as far as spiritual and mental stamina. Let many draw on Your grace. Let their discipline and training yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness in their lives. Lord, let our Congress continue to provide funding for the things the military is asking for. Proper funding means proper equipment, training, and safe mobilization. Let each active member of the armed forces focus on their identity and on the discipline they need to do their job without hesitation. May the President and the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the very top of our military work together in unity, so all of these things we are praying for can flow down from the head. Let all of those on active duty grasp what President Washington said and “resolve to surmount every difficulty, with a fortitude and patience becoming their profession and the sacred cause in which they are engaged.” They are such an important component of our free republic! We need them in order to remain free. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. Today’s decree: May the U. S. military be well-disciplined as it is a “sacred cause in which they are engaged.” Learn more about William J. Ostan here.

Tell Your Heart to Beat Again My brother shares a story of observing in-person an open heart surgery. Tim is a pastor and he had a person in his congregation that was part of a team of surgeons that performed heart surgeries. The doctor asked Tim if he would like to watch an open heart surgery. Tim said he would. The doctor told Tim he could stand at the head of the patient and watch. He was not allowed to talk or cause any distraction. He was also told that if he couldn’t take it and passed out, no one would come to his aid. He would be on his own. Considering all of that, Tim still wanted to see the procedure done. So, he got to stand at the head of the table while they opened up two different people. He watched them saw the sternum and go down into the chest. It was incredibly fascinating to him. He said it was kind of like watching a M.A.S.H. unit. These doctors did this so often that they were completely comfortable with the procedure. They were performing this serious surgery, but talking about going on vacation, asking about each others’ families, and other ordinary things of life. On the second patient of the day, they had disconnected the heart and a machine was doing the work of pumping the blood through the body. They were making the necessary repairs to the heart. When it came time to put things back in place, they were unable to get the heart beating again. They did two or three things, such as massaging it, and applying a solution to it. Tim didn’t know a lot of what was happening, but he could tell things weren’t right. He said that the room got tense. They stopped talking. Everyone was focussed and working. Then, he realized, the heart would not restart. Finally, when the lead surgeon had exhausted all of the methods, the surgeon leaned over and spoke into the ear of the patient. He said to this anesthetized person, “Ma’am, I need your help. We can’t get your heart to beat. Please tell your heart to beat again.” Instantly, her heart began to beat! It impacted everyone there, including my brother. He brought the picture back for us, so we could see what needs to happen emotionally and spiritually when our heart spiritually stops beating. We can’t believe. We can’t dream. We can’t keep going. Sometimes, you just have to tell your heart to beat again. “Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But when the desire comes, it is a tree of life.” (Proverbs 13:12; NKJV) Give Him 15 minutes in prayer: Be honest with the Lord, because He already knows the answer. Have you become hopeless in some area of your life? Has your spiritual heartbeat and passion for Him or His plan for you waned? Talk to Him about that for a few minutes. When you are ready, command, “Heart, beat again! [Your name], dream again!” Pray for others you know that are in a place of hope-deferral. Call for the Comforter to come and heal their hearts and souls. Call them forth from their “graves” and tell their spirit to live again! Declare over them, “Heart, beat again! Dream again!” Now, call our nation back to life, as well. We need medical answers and physical healings. The economy needs to turn around. More important than all of that, people need to come to life in Christ. Intercede for people to turn to Jesus and be saved. Declare, “The best is yet ahead of you and not behind you.” A prayer you can pray: God, give Your Church the ability to believe for the turnaround of things around in our lives. Turn our tests into testimonies. You can turn any situation around. Give us the faith to open our mouths and tell our hearts to beat again. We say, “Heart, beat again. Dream again!” Don’t let us wall ourselves off any longer or isolate ourselves and go into depression. Let us focus on Your ability to transform and to heal. You are a God of unlimited resources. The word “impossible” doesn’t exist with You. You can do anything. Lord, You are going to have to heal some first. You will need to help us get through the pain, the grieving, the loss of this season. We know You can do this. We are asking You to do this. Holy Spirit, visit us as the Comforter. You gave Yourself that name, the Paraclete. Father, You call the Holy Spirit our Helper. Help us. Give the hurting comfort. Give us peace, so we can get back to the place of hope, of strength, of faith. Lord, we bless, encourage, and say to the downtrodden, “The best is yet ahead of you and not behind you.” We ask these things in Jesus’ name. Amen. Today’s decree: We decree to the nation, “Tell your heart to beat again!”

Mother’s Day 2020 To mothers everywhere, please know how loved you are. We are in a strange time and this is one of those holidays that will not be the same as usual. We likely won’t be meeting for special Sunday services at church, or for brunches afterward. Many of us won’t have all the family over with gifts and reminiscing. The restaurants won’t be packed. Flowers won’t be delivered in many places. Ceci and I wanted to take a minute and let you know you are not forgotten, but you are very loved. When we led a church in Colorado Springs, Ceci was the one that always made sure our moms were honored. She always had flowers for all the ladies, moms or not, making sure all were acknowledged. She has always loved being a mom, and now a grandma. It suits her and she’s good at it. So, she loves Mother’s Day and wants you to feel special today. We both want all of you moms to know that your families will do their best to honor you, but even if they can’t, know that Jesus loves you. He is watching over you. He won’t leave you lonely or forgotten. Look out your window. You are likely to see flowers blooming nearby—claim them as His bouquet for you. He knows you love them. He made you to love beautiful things. If your family can’t visit you today, know that He is nearby and would love to talk to you, to hear your heart and your prayers for your family members you are not able to see. May Jesus bless you richly and abundantly with His Presence this Mother’s Day. Amen. “Mary responded, ‘Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me. He shows mercy from generation to generation to all who fear him.’” (Luke 1:46-50; NLT) Give Him 15 minutes in prayer: Thank the Lord for your mom and mothers everywhere. Even if a mom was not an award-winning mom in your eyes, she is still loved by Jesus. Pray that they will know that. Ask the Lord to cause moms to notice His love for them, just like Mary did in Luke 1:46-50. Pray that moms will feel loved and remembered today. If you are able to do something special for a single mom or widow today, do so. Maybe deliver groceries or fix a meal, pick a bouquet of wildflowers, neaten their yard or garden. You might even just pray for them outside their home on the sidewalk. Maybe you could sing worship songs or hymns, like you would if you were Christmas carolling. A prayer you can pray: Father, You love our mothers. We rise up and thank you for those who gave us life. They gave so much of themselves to bring us into this world. Some may have joyfully raised us with much involvement. Some may have sacrificed much. Some may have struggled. Some may have chosen to allow another to take on that role. Whatever the case, You were watching over us. Let moms everywhere know they are loved by You, regardless of their circumstances. Lord, where we are now the mothers, we seek You for Your grace and wisdom and mercy and love. We need You, Jesus. This is not a job we can do on our own. We are likely to make mistakes in the caring of these precious lives you have given us. It’s good to know we are not in this battle alone, but You are there for us. Thank You for loving us. Let all the moms know that they are seen! They are not forgotten! Like Mary, the one You chose to bear Your son, let them say, “Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in You, my Savior! For You took notice of Your lowly servant girl. For You, Mighty One, are holy, and You have done great things for me. You show mercy from generation to generation to all who fear You and I worship You with gratitude for all You have done!” Amen. Today’s decree: Let the nation’s mothers be blessed by the Lord and know they are deeply loved by Him!

God Makes Beautiful Mosaics Out of Brokenness Let me relate a story to you from my book, “Dream”. At the royal palace in Tehran, Iran, you can see one of the most beautiful mosaics in the world. The ceilings and the walls flash like diamonds in multi-faceted reflections. However, to create this priceless place, the architect had to rob destruction of its power. Originally, when the palace was designed, the architect called for huge sheets of mirrors on the walls. When the first shipment arrived from Paris, however, they found to their horror that the mirrors were shattered. The contractor threw them in the trash and brought the sad news to the architect. Amazingly, he ordered all the broken pieces collected. Then, he smashed them into tiny pieces and glued them to the walls, where they became a mosaic of silvery, shimmering, bits of glass. They were broken to become beautiful. The architect of life has designed some wonderful dreams for you. If you’ve been broken, through that brokenness, He wants to create a mosaic of His Glory. He wants to present you to the world as a testimony of His grace and His love. I would never make light of your pain or setback, or anyone else’s. There are a lot of people who are struggling right now. What I always try to do is encourage people. God is not finished with you. This isn’t your last chapter. He always has a way to turn things around and move us on to victory and breakthrough. If you’ve lost your job, God has a better job. If you’ve created a business and it went under during this time, God wants to help you create a better business. Or, maybe He wants to hook you up with someone that wants to pay you more money than you ever thought you could make in what you were doing before. I am not as smart as God and I don’t really know how He wants to do it. But, I will say this to you, “God is never caught by surprise. He’s never caught off guard. Whatever has happened to you, He knows how to turn it around and He will turn it around.” “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end.” (Ecclesiastes 3:11; NIV) Give Him 15 minutes in prayer: If you have suffered loss of any kind, please feel free to grieve that loss. God knows and He will love you through it. Tuck in close to the Lord and talk to Him about the brokenness you feel. Say over your life, “Lord, You make everything beautiful in its time. You have also set eternity in my heart; I truly cannot fathom what You have done from beginning to end. Someday, I will see. Until then, I will trust Your love for me.” Intercede for someone else you know that is suffering right now. If you are not in a place of loss and are not close to someone else who is, then pray for the millions out of work today, or those sick with COVID-19, or the medical workers helping them. Pray for the business owners on the verge of losing their life’s work. Believe for something better to come to them out of this situation. Think of those broken, but beautiful mirrored walls and pray Ecclesiastes 3:11 in some form over America and the nations of the earth. We must turn to God to make it through and see a turnaround. A prayer you can pray: Lord, life can seem over, wasted, or even worthless when there is great loss. It can seem like those mirrors – broken pieces fit for the trash. That’s not how You see our lives though. You know that pain will come. You are able to take the brokenness and make something so much better than it even was before. When we suffer the loss of a relationship, marriage, death of a loved one, a job, a business, or even a dream, You can pick up pieces we can’t even see and put them together in a completely new way. You make us stronger; more beautiful. You take what the enemy means for evil and You turn it for good. Lord, You make everything beautiful in its time. You have also set eternity in our hearts; we truly cannot fathom what You have done from beginning to end. Someday, we will see. Until then, we must trust in Your love. Minister that love to the hurting in our nation today. Minister to those who are afraid, who are sick, who have lost loved ones. Take the pain individuals are feeling and give them deeper compassion. Give them grace to see the world with new vision. Give them ideas to help others, even new business ideas. Make our nation better; stronger; more compassionate. Minister to those working in exhausting situations, and to our doctors and nurses on the frontlines. Minister to law enforcers, emergency responders, even grocery store workers, and clergy. We bless them today, Jesus and thank You for them. Let Your love and grace shine through them as they care for us. Amen. Today’s decree: God makes all things beautiful in His time!

God is the Restorer I’ve being hearing that many people are discouraged and experiencing hope-deferred right now because of the virus and all it’s created. Some people are lonely. Others are hurting because they have lost jobs or loved ones. I just want to challenge people to keep dreaming. If you’ve stopped dreaming, start again. Don’t lose faith, but believe. Don’t allow hope-deferred to creep in and steal from you the ability to run the race of life. In Proverbs, there is a verse that says “Hope-deferred makes the heart sick.” If you have “heart disease”, you can’t believe, you can’t run the race with endurance. You have to get that healed before you can go on with life. God gave us a dreaming nature and we can’t give up on the dream. The Hebrew word for “dream” is also the word “create”. God put within dreaming the power of creating. God gave us His dreaming nature. He made us to dream. I want to encourage you to press on, to not give up. The longer I live, the more I believe that one of the most powerful spiritual traits is just perseverance. Life is all about the ability to persevere. God wants to turn situations around. He wants to restore. He wants to mend and help us believe again. “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you. You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame.” (Joel 1:25-26; ESV) Give Him 15 minutes in prayer: Intercede for those who are discouraged and experiencing hope-deferred. Specifically mention those you personally know. Include yourself, if this applies to you. Take your time here and be specific. Declare Joel 1:25-26 over these situations where so much has been lost. “Lord, You will restore to us the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, Your great army, which was sent among us. We shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord our God, who has dealt wondrously with us. And we, Your people, shall never again be put to shame.” Declare the turn-around! A prayer you can pray: Lord, grant us grace to dream again. Help us to move past the pain, despair, and discouragement. We know You can do this. People need strength to move on and to rise up again. We pray for those who have lost jobs, health, and money. We also pray for those who have experienced setbacks that aren’t even related to this virus. Maybe someone has lost a friend, a spouse, a marriage, or a job. Maybe they have gone through a financial situation, lost their savings, maybe lost a home. Maybe they lost a business. Maybe they lost a friend, or a husband, or a wife. We pray You would provide grace and strength. Don’t let them “decorate their cell”. Give them the grace to get every picture down off the walls and do whatever it takes to say, “I am not going to live here. This is not my final place. This is not my home or where I’m going to stay.” Give us the ability to persevere instead of give up. Lord, You can do that! You can turn any situation around. Restore dreams, Lord! Make hearts hope again! Restore to us the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter. We shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise Your name, for You have dealt wondrously with us. And we, Your people, shall never again be put to shame. Provide us with the grace to dream again, Jesus. Amen. Today’s decree: God is restoring dreams to those who will ask Him to.

National Day of Prayer 2020 [Please remember that the special One Voice Prayer Movement Call for the National Day of Prayer is at Noon ET. Join by Dialing 712-775-7430 with no code or 712-775-7431 then enter 2452# or join the webcast by clicking HERE. Pastor Paula White Cain and other Christian leaders will be facilitating this call.] FROM THE NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER OFFICIAL SITE: “God is sovereign and nothing comes as a surprise to Him. Whether we face fluctuating economics, threats from abroad, unrest at home, or other troubling circumstances, our Heavenly Father is not caught unaware. Through prayer, we are able to tap into His wisdom, strength, protection, and peace. He stands ready to respond to our needs when we humbly ask for divine intervention in the affairs of men. “As we pray for America, whose pledge of allegiance recounts that we are ‘one nation under God,’ and whose currency states that it is ‘in God we trust,’ we want Americans to encounter the God who rules over their country. ‘He who forms the mountains, creates the wind, and reveals His thoughts to man, He who turns dawn to darkness, and treads the high places of the earth—the LORD God Almighty is His name.’ (Amos 4:13; NIV) “He is the One who gave us this promise in 2 Chronicles 7:14: ‘If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.’ As we humbly and diligently seek Him, we’ll be changed, and we’ll see transformation in America through prayer!” (Kathy Branzell, President of the National Day of Prayer Task Force) “For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.” (Habakkuk 2:14; NASB) Give Him 15 minutes in prayer (by, the NDP Task Force): Thank God for the ministry and influence of your own family members and other families. Pray for families in our country and for families you know. Thank God for the ministry and influence of church members and leaders. Pray for churches in our country and for people and churches you know. Ask God to help your church represent Him well and make a difference in the world that needs Him. Ask Him to shine His light through you in spiritually dark places. Thank God for the ministry and influence of a business person who has touched your life for good. Pray for businesses and industries in our country and in your community. Ask God to call, equip, and establish Christians in these places of influence. Pray by name for workers and businesses you know that are facing significant challenges. Thank God for the ministry and influence of someone in Education. Pray for challenges faced by workers and students in Education. Ask God to call, equip, and establish Christians in these places of influence. Pray for Christians in these circles to have a powerful testimony for Christ. Ask God to protect them from any corrupting influences from these channels. Pray for influential people to be transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank God for the ministry and influence of the Military. Pray for those who serve our country. List some of the benefits like the peace and liberties we enjoy because of the sacrifice of others. Thank God for their service and sacrifice. Pray for God’s blessings on them and their families. Thank God for the ministry and influence of people serving in Government. Ask God to call, equip, and establish Christians in these places of influence. Pray for Government leaders and workers. Read Jeremiah 29:7 again and pray specifically for your city and our country. A prayer you can pray (by, Kathy Branzell): Lord, we exist to give You glory. We exist because of Your glory, and in Your glory, as our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer. We give you thanks and praise for every breath and moment You have given to us. We repent of our sin; for the shameful things we have done against You and for our silence when we did not speak up to proclaim Your Name, profess Your Word, or protect and practice Your will. We ask Your forgiveness. We pray that the knowledge of the glory of the Lord will spread across our nation and the entire earth as we seek Your Kingdom and righteousness; as we walk in obedience to You, and in humble unity, love one another. Jesus, the Bible says that You are “the knowledge of the glory of the Lord.” You have taught us to pray, commanded us to love, and commissioned us to share Your gospel of grace. Your glory fills our hearts and families, it overflows into our neighborhoods, workplaces, campuses, churches, entertainment, and media. We give thanks for our military and ask that Your glory would spread to, and through them as they preserve freedom around the world. We pray for our government, that all of our leaders and laws would be filled with Your glory, that they would magnify Your Holy Word and honor Your will and ways. We pray that Your grace and glory would spread to bring hope to the hopeless, and love where there is hurt and hate. God, use us as we pray your promise, that “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.” In Jesus Name, Amen! Today’s decree: The earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea. Learn more about Kathy Branzell and the National Day of Prayer Task Force here.