Author Archives: presson1

About presson1

Hi! My name is Amy. I am a wife, a mother of two (three, if you count our dog, Max), a dental hygienist, and a writer. Photography is my hobby. I love God, my family and living in the South!

Jesus Is Coming

Anne Graham Lotz brings the Blowing the Trumpets sessions to a close with eye opening current day events and lifestyles that point to the return of Jesus and the Rapture.  The harbingers of which she speaks are all held to the light of scripture in the Bible.  She does not claim to specify a time but does believe we are living in the generation of Jesus’ return.

Satan, of course, would love to keep us distracted, arguing over politics and chasing the things of this world. Are we keeping up with the Kardashians more than we are immersing ourselves in scripture? As Christian standards are blurred and blotted out by a politically correct society, are we a part of the slow fade which reads like compliance?

There are absolutes in The Bible, the word of God, for which we will be held accountable when we see Him face to face.  What would God find any of us believing and being accepting of if He returned this very day? If you are a Christian, can you hold your beliefs on social issues to the truth of God’s word? No time like the present to test your beliefs against scripture.

There is a definite “Resistance movement” in our nation–a distraction of Satan, leading people into constant argument and loss of all peace as he hardens hearts.  But God calls those of us who are His to pray for our nation and our leaders. He doesn’t say to pray for them only if you agree with them.  And to the naysayers, yes, prayers do help and avail much. Take any argument you have with me and see what God says.

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established.  The authorities that exist have been established by God.”     (Romans 13:1)

 “The prayer of a person living right with God is something powerful to be reckoned with.”  (James 5:16 MSG)

“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 I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.”  (II Chron. 7:14)

Thanks for listening to these sessions. Live as though the return of Christ is imminent as generations before us have. If only one person has listened and God has spoken to his or her heart, then Hallelujah!  To God Be the Glory!

(Click on the link below for session seven entitled “Jesus Is Coming”)

youtu.be/rAwBk8mLs9Q

A Watchman For the Lord

Today I am sharing session six from the Blowing the Trumpet series. The text is from Ezekiel 33 and the chapter begins with pros and cons of being a watchman for the Lord.  My take away from this session is that we as God’s children are watchmen and women in our very day and time.  We have a message to share, a warning of judgement and a world of lost people with whom to share this message.  Dare we be too busy and self-focused to rise to our calling? 

Sound the trumpet of your voice and your life for God today and every day. Who do you know right this moment who needs Jesus or knows Jesus and has wandered from a relationship with Him? Share His love and redemption. Encourage those who are wandering away. Click on the link below for the session. To God be the Glory!

“But if the watchman see the sword come, and blow not the trumpet, and the people be not warned; if the sword come, and take any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at the watchman’s hand.”  (Ezekiel 33:6)

youtu.be/q6pjmU8gPuo

The Day of the Lord

Today I’m sharing with you the next video in the series Blowing the Trumpet. I have learned so much from these videos beyond the factual unfolding of the end times. God has impressed on me the need to take stock of my life concerning my relationship to Him and to those around me.  These passages of scripture have brought such a visual of the future I have in Christ and the promise of Heaven. Hallelujah!  Lastly, my heart has been burdened for the lost, even those who seem the most evil.

Who of us would wish Hell on anyone when eternity with Christ is a prayer of acceptance and forgiveness away? For many, the Day of the Lord will be one of great joy.  For others, it will be a day of eternal woe. I want to be used as an instrument of God to spread the good news of Christ.  This will happen not only through personal contact.  There will be fervent prayer…prayer for the lost who commit even the most heinous of deeds.

The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20 (MSG) says this:

Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you.  I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.”

May day after day after day find us all living this command out in our lives.  God bless!

https://youtu.be/OZTSQycCwcE

(I could not get this to copy and paste where you could pull the video up.  Please go to YouTube and search Blowing the Trumpet – Session Five.  Sorry and thanks!)

 

 

 

 

God’s Chosen People

This session has given me a deeper insight into the Jewish people and their need for Jesus. Though chosen, the Jewish people need our prayers and our witness as does anyone who does not know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Now more that ever is the time to share with others the salvation we have found in Christ.  Pray that God will open doors and present you with opportunities to share His love. Spend time in The Bible so that you might better know and be able to share God’s truths. May God bless this preaching of His word.

 

 

 

 

 

Our Hope

Thanks for returning for the continuation of this series. It is so powerful. I have put aside my mindless watching of television for an hour each day I have listened to these sessions. It has made me realize how much time I give away to things that make no difference.  Not that I won’t watch television, but it will take a back seat to more time alone with God. 

In a separate video and one of her books, Anne Graham Lotz listed the sins she felt convicted of upon her continued reading of them. She will mention this in the video. I needed them in print for my benefit and ability to refer to in the future.

  • Ingratitude for blessing and answered prayer
  • Neglect of Bible reading
  • Unbelief in the promises God has given you
  • Prayerlessness–spiritual chatter offered without fervent or focused faith
  • Unconcern for the lost–lack of bearing witness to the lost
  • Hypocrisy–pretending to be more spiritual than you are
  • Pride–impressed with your own accomplishments and reputation
  • Neglect of family–what have you truly sacrificed for their spiritual, physical and emotional well being
  • Neglect of God’s family–who have you reached out to in love who has fallen sin or disgrace or is in need
  • Envy–who seems more gifted, fruitful or recognizable than you
  • Critical spirit–finding fault with people who do not measure up to our standards
  • Slander–told the truth with the intention of causing others to think less of someone
  • Lying–making statements contrary to the unvarnished truth
  • Anger
  • Gossip
  • Self-indulgence
  • Bitterness
  • Unforgiving spirit

 

I pray that God will continue to speak to your heart as you listen. That your head knowledge of Christ will become planted in your heart.  I pray this for myself. God bless the preaching of His word.

“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”  (Isaiah 55:11)

 

 

A Sense of Urgency

 

Over the course of the next week I feel impressed by God to share these videos with you from YouTube.  They are from a conference at the Billy Graham Training Center called The Cove.  There are two different speakers with one of them being Anne Graham Lotz. The conference is entitled “Blowing the Trumpet” and addresses end time prophecy from the book of Joel.

I could say I stumbled upon this by accident, but with God there are no accidents. The first session has two parts, and I will share them both in this post.  We are all living lives full of activities and responsibilities, but I do not think you will regret setting aside time to hear this series.

The world in which we are living is full of Harbingers of the Lord’s return.  As you listen to these words recorded in 2015, you will be aware of the exponential increase of these harbingers mentioned even in these last few years.  May your heart be quickened to seek God more now than ever and not settle for living in the mundane.  Cry out to Him for yourself, for this nation, and for the lost who have no hope without Christ.

May God bless you and the hearing of His word.  Check back tomorrow for part three.

https://youtu.be/6arOTDg1tcg    (You will have to go to YouTube and connect to this link.  It would not copy over. Look for Session One: Blowing the Trumpet.)

Shout and Sing!

On my way home from MS to AL, I almost missed this sunflower field as I drove by. I had to smile! God knew I was tired and could use a little pick me up in the form of one of His blessings. I turned the car around, walked down the dirt road and took the best pictures I could get on my phone. He has scattered blessing in your path. Sometimes we just have to slow down, turn around, and breathe it in. Be on the lookout! Be blessed! To God Be the Glory!

Hills and Valleys

Whether you find yourself on a hill or in the lowest part of the valley, rest in knowing that God  is right there beside you. There is respect and praise that can be afforded in either location. If you are on the hilltops, you may be tempted to take your eyes off Christ and mistakenly believe that you are responsible for the view.  From the high places, never forget that you are there by the grace of God. The glory is not yours.  Praise is the best response to mountaintop experiences, not pride.

There are also lessons to be learned in the valleys, and opportunities to feel the presence of God like you never have before. He bestows grace when we are overcome by tears, despair and marching toward a full on meltdown. Be still and feel His hand holding yours as He “restores your soul.” (Psalm 23:3)

There is cool water and green pastures in the valley where we can rest in God’s arms in the most difficult of times. Praise in the valley is just as important as it is on the hilltops. Praise Him for His love, His Presence and His promise of Heaven where one day we will see His face. Look for what God wants you to learn in the midst of the pain. He never wastes a hurt.

The song “Hills and Valleys” by Tauren Wells is such a beautiful reminder of all of this.  Enjoy the song and God bless.  To God Be the Glory!

Conspicuous Absence

For those of you who thought I was no longer writing this blog, guess what–I am back! Please allow me to elaborate on my whereabouts during the past few months.  I can sum it up in two words…my dream.  I have been pursuing my dream.  This has been a scary process.  Many people never share their dreams for fear of being thought silly.  Dreams are notoriously BIG desires which seem unattainable by most.  However, when you add God into the mix along with His calling and purpose for your life, all things are possible.

My dream has always been to write a book that would glorify God.  Throughout my life, God has allowed experiences which have more than provided the subject matter needed for such a book. My dream was on the shelf, pushed way to the back as something that I would pursue one day. Deciding I was not getting any younger and forcing my hand by enrolling in a She Speaks writer’s conference, I bit the bullet. I will confess to the fact that withdrawing in time to receive a full refund was in my thoughts until the date passed.

I have to admit this has been a most difficult, emotional experience. Perhaps that explains my procrastination. You can dream about something forever, but you ultimately must face the reality that a dream requires much work and commitment.  Yes, God has helped me tremendously through this process, but He was not going to type the words on the computer for me. A dream requires action.

This was so beautifully demonstrated to me while walking in the park last week.  I apologize for the picture, but it was almost dark and the picture from my phone is out of focus. There was this baby duckling sitting all alone on a rock just above a stream of rushing water. He was terrified.  I wanted so badly to help him to smoother waters, but that was out of the question. I watched for a long time before walking away. He would barely dip his webbed foot into the water only to draw it back in fear. If only he knew that just a few feet away the water was more peaceful. He was still there twenty minutes later. 

Pursuing my dream has been much like that. I had it locked away somewhere safe in my mind as a future project. This blog has been an example of me dipping my toe in the water while being to fearful to take that leap of faith towards the dream. Of course, I had imagined many reasons for the delay.  God took them all away. Time was not a problem after a recent move and a lengthy delay in obtaining a dental hygiene license in a new state. It was clearly time to take the leap of faith.

The writing of my book has made it necessary for me to revisit and chronicle some very difficult experiences in my life.  I have cried, lost sleep and prayed diligently  through this process. Only God knows whether this book will one day be offered to the public, but I am better for the journey. You see, the time spent writing this book has caused me to revisit the presence and provision of God in every situation I have encountered throughout my life.  He never left my side, and God has used the most difficult of times to mold and shape me into His likeness. Hindsight is always 20/20. He is a good, good Father.

There has been a constant battle against Satan.  Fear–that is what he has used  to discourage me–fear that I have misinterpreted God’s plan for my life, fear of failure, fear of rejection. He knows these are all areas that would cause me the most pain. I am stronger for that battle.  I have learned a multitude of things about computer operation and book proposals.  Many thanks to my daughter, Miriam, for being my editor-in-chief throughout this part of the journey!

The dream is no longer mine.  I have placed it at the feet of God to do with as He will. If  this book is His will for me, I will be thrilled.  If God has other plans, then I know they will be better and serve a higher purpose. I am learning huge lessons about faith.

Please pray for me as I have the opportunity to present my book proposal to several publishers in the next few days.  Please pray for God’s will and Satan’s defeat. Thank you very much and may God bless you.  To God Be the Glory!

 

 

In Spite of Me

God is such a patient Heavenly Father, especially regarding my inconsistencies. I walk by His side for a while, but then like a willful child I jerk my hand away from His and reach for the reins. My demand for expediency in what I want takes first place and I get too big for my britches. I eventually find myself in the mud with the pigs like the Prodigal Child (Luke 15:11-32), miserable and longing for my Father. I come to my senses, repent and sheepishly slip my hand back into His welcoming, waiting hand. (Isaiah 41:13)   

On long road trips alone, I listen to Christian music, Joyce Meyer, and Beth Moore. Church in a car! Worship and praise in song followed by inspired words from anointed teachers.  Yesterday, God used Joyce to remind me (once again) I am not in control, never will be, and shouldn’t even want to be!  In my car, I prayed for God’s help in overcoming my yo-yo existence. It leaves me exhausted and truly only our Father knows best.

The answer to how to handle all those things we seek to control is well explained by Beth Moore. Download her “Living Proof Live” app and listen to the “The Basket Case” series. I am a recovering fixer/controller. Heck, that’s probably actually code for worrier, right!? My favorite part of the series is when Beth suggests that we handle any problem or concern like a “hot potato” and “cast it off to God.” Love the visual that evokes. Here’s a little mantra for you… PRAY, PITCH and PRAISE! I literally pitch my problems toward heaven while I pray.

We all grow closer to God and become more like Christ when we come against Goliath’s in our lives. We can’t have growth and control at the same time because we can’t see down the road to how God will use these tough times. Our job is to keep our eyes on God and not on the problem. The problem blinds us, worries us, makes us want to find a quick way out, and gives Satan a foothold.

The words of the printable above (found under Freebies) are from the movie “The Shack” an allegory based on the book written by Wm. Paul Young. I walked away from the movie realizing that continued focus on my pain and staying in the ditch I was wallowing in kept me from experiencing God’s love, joy and all that His Son, Jesus, died on the cross for me to have.  I have wasted way too much of my life staring at my pain and instead of the Lifter of My Head. (Psalm 3:3)

Better to “cast off” my burdens one at time like a “hot potato” than to drag them behind me in a fifty pound sack or allow them to become a mountain that blocks my view of God. (A joint Beth and Joyce analogy!) Time to armor up (Ephesians 6), fight to keep my eyes on God and follow His lead in the midst of the trials that most certainly will come our way. (John 16:33)  Lets press on, remembering all the while that Heaven awaits us! It will be worth it all when we see Jesus! To God Be the Glory!