Don't Worry...Ask!

Philippians 4:6-7     Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus (NKJV).

Do you have any needs?  Any wants?  Any concerns?  I'm sure you do.  Lately, I've found myself with a long list of prayer requests, from all areas of my life, with all levels of importance.  Some are emergencies that send me weeping to my knees, others are not-so-desperate, but concerns nonetheless.  Still others are wishes; things I long to come to pass, both for myself and my family. 

I was struggling with how to pray.  I didn't want to sound greedy, or ungrateful for my current situation.  Then God led me to these verses.  His response to me was,

"April, you have needs, so ASK."

It seems so simple, why was I struggling?  My children aren't afraid to ask me for anything.  If they're hungry or thirsty they ask.  If they have a problem, they ask for help.  They even ask for things they want; a toy, a chance to watch TV, a snack.  What is my response?  It depends on the situation.  I want to give them what they need, and most of what they want.  Obviously I know better than they what they truly need, so occasionally, I have to say "no" to their requests. 

That's how God feels toward us.  He loves us and wants to meet our needs.  He even desires to give us what we want, in fact, sometimes He causes us to desire something, because it's His will to give it to us!  So, according to this verse, here's the attitude that we should adopt when asking something of God:

(Be anxious for nothing)  Don't worry:  That's the biggie for me.  Instead of stressing out about where the solution will come from, go straight to the Provider.  Take the concern to Him and avoid useless stress. 

but in everything:  No problem is too big for God to handle, and no problem is too small for Him to care about.  He loves you, and because He loves you what matters to you matters to Him.

by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God:  Here's the "ask" part, and it has a very important qualifier.  Ask with respect and with a thankful heart.  When my children make demands of me, I don't respond very well.  When they ask respectfully, I'll be more inclined to consider their request.  Does this mean that if we ask with the correct attitude, the answer will always be "yes?", not necessarily.  God knows what is in our best interest, and if we truly believe this, we must accept His decisions as such.  That's where the thanksgiving part comes in.  Be thankful regardless of His response.  He could say "yes", "no", or "wait".

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding:  The result of your prayer will be peace.  The problem may not go away immediately.  In fact, it might seem to get bigger, but in the midst of the storm, you will have peace.  Those around you may not understand why you're not stressing.  Ironically, this is the example of Christ at work in our lives.  We don't have to know what the solution is, we don't have to know when it's coming, we only need to know that we're not alone in our fight, and that our God is bigger than the problem. 

will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus:  Jesus will guide your heart to the correct attitude and your mind to the solution in each and every situation, little or big. 

If you have burdens, no matter what they are, bring them to God.  He loves you dearly.  You are his precious child and He wants to help you.  Beyond that, He wants to bless you with the best of gifts.  So get over the worry, get on your knees, and ask!

Be blessed this week!  :)

 

Think on These Things: Wow!

Philippians 4:8     Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).




I was introduced to this video the other day and felt led to share it with you.  This is such an inspiring, real-life story!  It gives us another glimpse at just how precious all life is to God.  What moves me most, is how this young lady's face conveys the emotion of her heart, even without a single word being spoken.  May God bless this young mother as she courageously raises her son, and may we all count our blessings, realizing that life is truly valuable to God.  God must have mighty plans for this child!

Real Stories from the Purity Battle Ground part 9

 Credit: Free photos from acobox.com


We're back, and today we have a beautiful testimony to share with you!  I'm so excited about this one, because this is a real life example of what God designed marriage to be.  I could go on, but I don't want to take away from the story, it speaks for itself:

Dear April,

Yes there is a "happily ever after", and my husband and I are proof of it.  I read a sign the other day that said, "True romance is not a young couple dying together like Romeo and Juliet, but an old couple who have lived happily together for many years", and that is the story of my husband and me. We met when we were both in our teens, have been happily married for 57 years, and are still in love! 

We were both Christians and have always felt strongly that God picked us out us for one another.  You young people may think it was easier to remain a virgin in the 1950's, but human nature has always been the same, and we were certainly  tempted, but with God's grace, we waited, and have always been glad. We've had a wonderful life together, and consider ourselves a truly blessed couple.  We have had some sorrows, as everyone does in this life, but God has been our strength, and never failed us.

When we married, I was just out of high school, and my husband was in college.  He got a job as an accountant, worked hard and finally became a Certified Public Accountant with his own business. We have three wonderful daughters, nine grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren.  Most are living for Jesus. When I was 40 years old, and my youngest child was 16, I enrolled in a university, earned a teaching degree, and taught school for 20 years. Now we are retired, and living in a beautiful part of the country. Our family is somewhat scattered, but we all love one another and get together as often as we can.

My husband and I love one another more than ever and truly enjoy being together. It's really special to know that we waited for one another, and have been true throughout the years.  He tells me daily that he loves me, that I am beautiful (Which is nice to hear when you're 76), and that he doesn't know what he would do without me, and I feel the same about him. He is truly my soulmate, and the husband of my dreams.

We know we may have to be separated for a time if one of us goes to Heaven first, but we will eventually spend eternity together with God, and a multitude of friends and family.

Your ministry is so valuable, April, encouraging young people to stay pure and to wait and live the wonderful life God has planned for each of them. It certainly worked for us, and is far better than a life of regrets.

Love,

Olivia

May this precious love story encourage you in your commitment to purity and to God.  Don't despair when your friends are absorbed in their "dating relationships."  Focus on Jesus, your first love, and allow Him to write your love story, in His perfect timing. 

 

Joseph: A Life Marked by God's Favor Part 3

At long last, we're going to wind up this series of devotions on Joseph.  If you'll recall, we've discussed just how much Joseph is like you and me; living in a flawed family with flaws of his own.  We talked about his God-given dreams of greatness, but then the tragedy and hardship he had to suffer.  In fact, when we left off, Joseph was falsely accused and locked up in prison.  So, today we're going to see how all these events, both good and bad, were used by God to save Joseph's family, save other nations in the area, and bring Joseph's dreams to pass. 

Joseph is put in prison under false charges:  Yes, Joseph is in prison, but he's placed where Pharaoh's prisoners are confined.  Even while in prison, God blessed Joseph with favor.  But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy, and He gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison.  And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph's hand all the prisoners who were in the prison; whatever they did there, it was his doing.  The keeper of the prison did not look into anything that was under Joseph's authority; because the Lord was with him; and whatever he did the Lord made it to prosper (Gen. 39:21-23 NKJV). 

Can you imagine a prisoner being given command over other prisoners?  Not only did the prison guard allow Joseph to take control, but he didn't bother checking up on him, because he saw God's favor upon everything Joseph did.  After a while, two high-profile prisoners were added to the mix; Pharaoh's butler and baker.  Joseph served them while they were in custody.  One night, both prisoners had dreams.  Joseph asked them to tell their dreams, and God used him to interpret each one.  Both interpretations came to pass:  the butler was restored to his position, and the baker was put to death.  Joseph asked the butler to remember me when it is well with you. . . and get me out of this house for. . . I have done nothing here that they should put me into the dungeon (Gen. 40:14-15). 

At last an opportunity to escape!  But, what happens?  . . . the chief butler did not remember Joseph, but forgot him (Gen.40:23).  For two more years Joseph languishes in prison, simply because the butler forgets Joseph's kindness.

But God was with Joseph:  But, did God leave him there?  No!  When God has a plan, not even a forgetful butler can stop him.  Two years later, Pharaoh, himself, has dreams which no one could interpret.  The butler then remembers Joseph, and tells Pharaoh.  Joseph is brought from prison to appear before Pharaoh.  God gives Joseph the interpretation:  the land will experience seven years of plenty, and then seven years of famine.  Joseph recommends that Pharaoh appoint a wise man to collect 1/5 of the crops during the seven good years to withstand the seven bad years. 

Pharaoh's response?  "Can we find such a one as this, a man in whom is the Spirit of God? (Gen. 41:38)"  So Joseph is appointed second in command over Egypt, only Pharaoh is above him in authority.  he saves Egypt from famine, and greatly enriches Egypt's treasuries as they sell grain to surrounding countries. 

Speaking of other countries, Joseph's brothers are running out of food.  They come to Egypt to buy grain, and in the process, bow down to their long-lost brother!  After much testing of his brothers, Joseph discovers that they have changed, and regret what they did to him.  He reveals himself, calls for the entire family to come live in Egypt and saves them from starvation.  The family is reunited, and God helps Joseph overcome his own personal bitterness and grief.

Long story, I know, but I hope you can find some meaning in it.  Be a dreamer!  Dream big, audacious dreams as God leads you.  Then, don't get discouraged if the path God takes you down appears to be going the opposite way.  He knows the end from the beginning.  Our minds cannot comprehend what He has in store, so just keep following the Lord, no matter where He leads.  He will never leave you, never forget about you, and through all your circumstances He will develop you into the woman of God He needs to complete the special task He's assigned to you. 


If you need encouragement, feel free to email us at requests@armedandvirtuous.org and we'll be happy to lift you up in prayer. 

We're on TV Tonight!

Well, it's tonight, folks!  We're so excited about this incredible opportunity to share our ministry with the world.  Your prayers would be greatly appreciated.  We know that God has a plan and that His purposes will be accomplished.  May it all be to His glory and for the benefit of His kingdom.

Just in case we haven't talked enough about the details, here they are again:

The show is called I'm Just Sayin' and it airs at 10:30 p.m. CST on DirecTV channel 377. 
It will also be available online starting tomorrow.  Go to tct.tv/demand.php and click on the icon that looks like this: 








It will take you to the show's online episodes.  Scroll across the various episodes until you see one that says "April Anderson."  It should be up for several days so feel free to watch, and watch again!  (clicking on our episode benefits both their ministry and ours!)

If you feel led, please consider sending some positive feedback to the network.  You can email them at:  imjustsayin@tct.tv, call the network at 618-997-4700 or write a note to:

TCT
PO Box 1010
Marion, IL 62959

We can't wait to see what God brings as a result of this opportunity.  Thank you all for your support, and God Bless!

Think on These Things: Destruction...For a Good Cause!

Philippians 4:8     Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things (NIV).

If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend, we've got the perfect event!  There are activities for every age, and all proceeds go toward the best of causes. 

I'm talking about the Car Smash Fundraising Event at Friendship Baptist Church, Beaumont TX.  It's taking place tomorrow, April 14th from 11:00-3:00.  There will be concessions, local vendors, live entertainment,  a car show, car smash, "jumpy thingies" for kiddos (and I quote) :) , jousting, a dodgeball tournament and much, much more!

This event is to help fund the adoption of two little orphan boys from China:

Elijah Luke

and Ian Wayne

Their adoptive family, the Fowlers, have been hard at work trying to bring their babies home.  These boys, although unrelated, are 30 days apart in age, so they will be like twins to their new family.  Both of them have medical issues, and the Fowlers will begin their lives together with major medical bills once they arrive. 

If you'd like to learn more about the Fowler adoption process, feel free to visit their blog.  The entire family has been hard at work raising funds to bring these children home, it's pretty inspiring! 

Even if you can't make the Car Smash, please keep the Fowlers in your prayers, and if you feel led, please consider contributing to their adoption fund.  They must raise the astounding sum of $35,000.00 to complete the process. 

Thanks, and have a great weekend!

Announcing A&V Ministries' Television Debut!

Well, the good news is in!  We just received notice that our episode of I'm Just Sayin' will air on Monday, April 16th!  This Emmy-nominated Christian Talk Show can be seen on DirecTV channel 377, Sky Angel, and on demand.  Just scroll down to the sixth icon in the middle and click on I'm Just Sayin'.  From there you can scroll over the episodes until you see the name April Anderson.  (It likely won't be up until the air date, though.)

We are so tremendously excited about this great opportunity to share the message of purity God has laid upon our hearts!  The TCT television network broadcasts to 170 countries around the world!  

Please share the good news with all those who support the cause of purity.  The more views they receive, the better for their ministry and ours.  Once the show has aired, your positive feedback would be greatly appreciated.   

God Bless all of you for your support, and we'll remind you to watch again on Monday!