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Newsletter of Anne Graham Lotz Fall 2009

“The angel of the Lord found Hagar . . . .” -- Genesis 16:7

H
agar was an unwilling victim…a servant who represented the world that He wanted to bless. God loved
had to do what Abraham and Sarah said. When Hagar as much as He loved Abraham!
suddenly her world turned upside down, she

A
must have thought, I’m not going to stay around and take nd God loves you, and God loves me, and God
this. The pagans back in Egypt treated me better than these so loves the whole world that He sent The Angel
so-called “godly” people. I’ll just go back to Egypt. So Hagar, of the Lord to seek those who are separated from
carrying Abraham’s unborn child, ran away. Back to pagan Him, and on the run. The Angel of the Lord is no longer
gods and spiritual darkness. Away from God’s people and pre-incarnate, but post-incarnate. He is Abraham’s ultimate
God’s presence and God’s promises. promised Seed, the unique Son of God, who left His throne
in heaven and came down into the world to seek and to save
Are you running? From someone or something? Whoever what was lost. He finds us on the desert road…the place
or whatever it is, don’t blame God. I understand the of emptiness and spiritual dryness, running away from our
desperate desire to run from them, but not from Him. And hurt and pain and grief and anger into the nothingness and
besides, running away never really solves anything, does it? helplessness and hopelessness of a world that is in rebellion
It just delays resolving the issue. and separated from Him by sin.

But Hagar ran. As her sandaled feet moved swiftly over the Are you someone who is on the desert road of despair,
rough, rocky terrain that emptied into an endless desert, she running away into anything or anywhere as long as it’s not
must have been feeling lonely and confused and terrified where you’ve been? My prayer is that you will be found by
and angry. Her heart must have been beating out of her the Spirit of the same Angel of the Lord who sought and
chest when . . . The angel of the Lord found Hagar near a found Hagar.
spring in the desert. (16:7) Scholars agree that when The
Angel of the Lord appeared in the Old Testament, it was a
“theophany” or an appearance of the pre-incarnate Son of
God . . . Jesus before Bethlehem. This is the first time we
encounter Him in Scripture . . . right here, at the spring that
is beside the road to Shur, (16:7) revealing Himself . . .

to a woman . . . not a man;


to an Egyptian . . . not a descendant of Abraham;
to a sinner . . . not a saint;
to a slave . . . not a king.

What an undeserved, gracious intervention of the Creator


in Hagar’s wretched, pitiful, sin-soaked life. He sought her
. . . and He found her.

Why did God intervene? Why didn’t He just let Hagar


run away and keep on running until she was totally Central Texas had been experiencing a drought until September
removed from Abraham’s life? Or let her die in the desert, 11 and 12 when the rains came outside the arena in a torrential
or have an untimely miscarriage, or return to Egypt where downpour that closed Interstate 35. And the “rain” fell inside the
she would never have been heard from again? But God arena throughout Just Give Me Jesus/Waco, ending the spiritual
did intervene because, while He had chosen Abraham as drought in the hearts of thousands who gathered. Almost without
the one through whom He would bless the world, Hagar exception, everyone who came experienced a fresh touch from
heaven!
A
s Hagar knelt to get a refreshing drink from
the spring, did she hear a sound that was more
beautiful than the sound of the gurgling water,
clearer than the sound of a singing bird, softer than the
sound of the desert wind, tenderer than the sound of her
own mother’s voice? I wonder if Hagar’s eyes were so
blinded by the dust mingled with her tears, that it took
a moment for her to focus. When she did, she must
have seen a rather shadowy, mysterious figure gazing
at her with a compassion that reached back before the
foundations of the world were laid, and reached ahead
all the way to the cross, and reached up all the way to
heaven, and reached down to her . . . right there . . . on
the desert road that led to Egypt.

As she listened, she heard Him ask, Hagar, servant of


Sarai, where have you come from, and where are you
going? (16:8) He knew her name! He knew who she
was! And He cared enough to get involved in her life The Elim Conference in Wales drew 1500 people from all over the
that was falling apart . . . Hagar, will you talk with Me for UK and the world. It was a blessed time of ministry, one highlight
a moment about what you’re doing and where you belong? of which was to share the platform with my travel assistant and
Hagar, let’s think this through carefully . . . together. daughter, Morrow Reitmeier, as she shared her testimony.

Did Hagar choke on her sobs, her breath coming in Hagar turned around, not petulantly or reluctantly or hesi-
ragged gasps, as she poured out her heart to Him? I’m tatingly, but with the joy of knowing she herself . . . not just
running away from my mistress, Sarai. (16:8) She told Abraham, but a little Egyptian servant girl . . . she herself had
Him exactly what she was doing. a personal relationship with the living God, the Creator of
the Universe! I can almost see her clasping her hands to
And did He put His arms around her, pull her head her chest, eyes wide with wonder, as she exclaimed, You are
onto His chest, stroke her hair, and just hold her close to the God who sees me . . . I have now seen the One who sees
His heart for a few moments until her sobs grew quieter me.(16:14)
and her breathing more regular? Then did He gently
whisper as He instructed, Go back to your mistress and As Hagar slipped back into Abraham’s household that night,
submit to her . . . I will so increase your descendants that ignoring the stares of the other servants and the glare of her
they will be too numerous to count. (16:9-10) In other mistress, was there a purpose to her steps and a light in her
words, Hagar, the only way to resolve this entire mess is to eyes and a glow on her face and a smile on her lips and a peace
repent of your sin. Turn around. Go back. If you do, I will in her heart? Did she look past the stars in the sky that were
bless you immeasurably. not as numerous as her descendants would be, and whisper
to herself, He sees me. He sees me! God sees me . . . and I have

D
o you really want to resolve the mess you’re seen Him! 1
running away from? Do you want God’s

P
blessing to fall on you? Then the first step is
to turn around in your attitude, reverse the direction of raise God! The miracle of Christmas is that God has
your self-will, and submit to His authority wherever He seen you and me! He has come down to find us on
places you. our path of sin and self-destruction because He loves us! And
in the Baby of Bethlehem, we have seen Him!
Turning around is so hard to do, isn’t it? It’s painful to
turn around, to admit your fault, to face the person, to Merry Christmas!
pay the price, to confront your own shortcomings and
sin while leaving the other person to God. But I can
almost hear the applause of heaven as those who have
gone before encourage and challenge us, Repent, then,
and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that
times of refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he
may send the Christ, who has been appointed for you--even
Jesus.

The pathway to the fullness of His blessing is repentance! 1


Adapted from The Magnificent Obsession, Anne Graham
Turn around! Lotz, Zondervan, Grand Rapids, MI 2009 , p. 120-125
Bible Study: God’s Christmas Gift . . . Jesus for Every Day
Every year I receive Christmas gifts that I don’t know how to use. They usually wind up on a shelf, or in a drawer, or
stored in the attic. And it has occurred to me . . . has God sent you His Gift, and you don’t know how to “use” Him
either? The following reveals how practical His Gift is . . . every day.

Read Mark 10:46-52 **How was he discouraged from crying out? How are you
From this passage, write a description of Bartimaeus. being discouraged from crying out, and who is discouraging
For example: you?
He was blind, meaning he probably felt lonely . . . what
else? **Would you open your heart and cry out to Him now?
He was sitting on the roadside, meaning he was outcast
. . . what else? II. JESUS HEEDS YOUR CALL Mark 10:49-50
He was begging, meaning he had financial needs . . . what
else? **What two or more things did Jesus do in response to
How do you relate to Bartimaeus, or who do you know Bartimaeus’ cry?
who does?
**Why do you think Jesus won’t stop everything He is
I. JESUS HEARS YOUR CRY Mark 10:46-48 doing, and answer your cry?

**Do you think Jesus knew Bartimaeus was sitting by the **How does God describe Himself in Exodus 34:6? How is
roadside? this description the basis of Nehemiah’s prayer in
Nehemiah 9:5-37? Give the phrases with verse numbers
**Do you think Jesus would have stopped to help if that include the word “compassion” or “compassionate.”
Bartimaeus had not cried out?
**What encouragement do you receive from Isaiah 54:10?
**Describe a similar scene in Mark 6:47-50; Matthew 9:36? 14:14? 15:32? 20:34? Mark 1:41?
in Luke 24:28-29. What does this teach you? 2 Corinthians 1:3?

**Give phrases from the following verses that encourage you **Once he knew he had Jesus’ attention, what did
to cry out: Genesis 21:17-18; Exodus 3:7-10; Bartimaeus do? What do you need to “throw off ” in order
1 Samuel 9:16; 2 Samuel 22:7-20; 1 Kings 17:17-24; to experience the difference Jesus can make in your life?
Psalm 6:9, 34:15-18, 55:16-17, 116:1-2, 145:17-19; Hebrews 12:1; Luke 5:32; Acts 3:19; Ephesians 4:22-24;
Romans 8:15-16. Colossians 3:8-10.

**What was Bartimaeus’ cry? III. JESUS HONORS YOUR CONFIDENCE


Mark 10:51-52

**What did Jesus ask Bartimaeus? How did Bartimaeus


answer?
**What does this teach you about prayer that God answers?

**What reason did Jesus give for making a difference in


Bartimaeus’ life? Give the same phrase Jesus uses in
Matthew 9:27-30; Luke 7:1-10;
Matthew 9:20-22, 15:21-28; Luke 17:11-19.

**When you cry out to Jesus, what does He honor?


Luke 17:5-6.

**Does everyone who asks in faith receive exactly what they


want, and if not, why? 2 Corinthians 12:7-10;
Hebrews 11:32-40.
Fan The Flame in Wauchula, FL, included a county-wide I Saw The
LORD rally, a church-wide launch into what we believe for many is
genuine revival. Pictured above is the pastor/minstry leaders’ seminar In these days of uncertainty, with terrorist threats, political
where I shared how I read, study and teach from a passage of Scripture. polarization, economic instability, and other stress points,
One pastor commented at the end of the day that he had learned what would you take a moment to thank God for His Christmas
he had been wanting to know during his entire 40 years in ministry! Gift? Then call out in faith and rely on Jesus . . . every day!
Item Qty Price Total
THE MAGNIFICENT OBSESSION: Embracing the God-Filled Life
Learn how Abraham’s magnificent obsession of knowing God can transform an
ordinary life and lead to experiencing the fullness of God’s blessing.
Hardback Book 315 $ 12.00
Book on CD 317 $ 20.00
Audio Teaching Messages (6 CDs) 262 $ 30.00

PURSUING MORE OF JESUS


In this dynamic study from John’s Gospel, you will spend time in the upper room with
the disciples, absorbing the rich depth of all that was on the mind and in the heart of
Jesus as He shared intimately with them during the Last Supper.
Paperback Book (Formerly titled My Heart’s Cry; includes Bible 313 $ 12.00
study worksheets)
Bible Study Leader Kit (DVD + Participant’s Guide; 6-week study) 310 $149.95
Participant’s Guide 311 $ 11.95
Audio Messages (4 CDs) 312 $ 20.00

I SAW THE LORD: A Wake-Up Call for Your Heart


Based on Isaiah 1-6, these revival lessons show how you can experience an authentic,
deeper, richer relationship with God. (8-week curriculum)
Paperback Book 300 $ 10.00
Duo-Tone™ Leather-like Journal 284 $ 12.00
Bible Study Leader Kit (DVD + Participant’s Guide; 8-week study) 298 $ 20.00
Participant’s Guide 299 $ 9.00
Single CD (65-minute audio message on Isaiah 6) 288 $ 6.00
DVD (65-minute video message on Isaiah 6) 289 $ 10.00

MY JESUS IS . . . EVERYTHING!
Stay focused on Jesus even in the midst of storms with this beautifully-formatted gift
book. Bonus CD narrated by Anne and accompanied by Fernando Ortega’s
arrangement of Give Me Jesus.
Hardback Book -Special offer available until January 15, 2010 263 $ 8.00

LIFE IS . . . JUST BETTER . . . WITH JESUS - A collection of upbeat and


inspirational essays describing the benefits of a Christ-filled life.
Hardback Book 296 $ 9.00

DAILY LIGHT
An elegant, leather-bound volume of morning and evening Bible readings for every day
of the year, with an exclusive section of readings for special moments.
Black 047 $ 18.00
Tan 063 $ 18.00
Burgundy 064 $ 18.00

DAILY LIGHT JOURNAL


A leather-bound volume of Morning Readings from the classic Daily Light with Anne’s
thought-provoing question each day as well as space for journaling.
Black 113 $ 15.00
Burgundy 115 $ 15.00

THE JOY OF MY HEART: Meditating Daily on God’s Word - A daily


devotional with concise, thought-provoking excerpts from Anne’s first six
books.
Hardback Book 233 $ 12.00

Other Resources Item Qty Price Total
NEW EDITIONS
A re-release of Anne’s first four books, in paperback, each including an
in-depth chapter-by-chapter devotional guide for individual or group study.
Just Give Me Jesus (Survey of John) 183R $ 12.00
Pursuing MORE of Jesus ( John 10-17) 313 $ 12.00
The Vision of His Glory (Revelation 1-22) 038R $ 12.00
God’s Story (Genesis 1-11) 107R $ 12.00
Original Just Give Me Jesus Hardback (not pictured) 122 $ 15.00
Includes devotional CD with Fernando Ortega

WHY?: Trusting God When You Don’t Understand


Anne shares her heart and God’s teachings on the universal problem of suffering, using
the familiar story of Lazarus in John 11.
Paperback Book 267 $ 8.00
Book on CD (3 CDs) 241 $ 14.00

HEAVEN: My Father’s House


Knowing where you will spend eternity takes away the uncertainty of getting there.
Paperback Book 266 $ 8.00
DVD (includes message, a four-session Bible study on 219 $ 20.00
Revelation 21 and Anne’s slide show of her father’s house)
THE VISION OF HIS GLORY Leader Kit - A seven-session DVD Bible study on the Book of Revelation 100 $149.95
including a “how to” workshop + six messages, a copy of the book, and a workbook with a Leader’s Guide.
Participant’s Guide 106 $ 11.95
GOD’S STORY Leader Kit - A five-session DVD Bible study on Genesis 1-11 including a “how to” 140 $100.00
workshop + four messages, a copy of the book, and a workbook with a Leader’s Guide.
Participant’s Guide 141 $ 11.95

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“I can’t get Him out of my mind . . .
And I can’t get Him out of my heart.
I can’t outlive Him . . .
And I can’t live without Him.”
If you loved reading passages like this one in Anne’s best-selling book, Just Give
Me Jesus, you will treasure My Jesus Is . . . Everything, a collection of selected
poetry and prose from its award-winning pages. This little book is beautifully
illustrated with classic and ancient crosses that reinforce the timeless truths
it proclaims. And like the original, this book comes with a devotional CD
in which Anne narrates who Jesus is, accompanied by Fernando Ortega’s
touching arrangement of Give Me Jesus. Since the CD presents a clear Gospel
message and invitation, it is perfect for non-believers as well as new believers
or mature Christians. My Jesus Is . . . Everything will warm tender hearts this
Christmas season and beyond. And for those who still need to know Jesus,
what better way to share what He means to you . . . Everything!

. . . Only $8.00* each


* Special pricing does not include shipping and handling. Offer ends January 15, 2010.

Jesus for Every Day in 2010


Are you looking for a way to “use” His
Gift each day of the new year? Anne’s
devotionals, The Joy of My Heart and The
Daily Light Journal, will help you use
God’s Word to draw you closer to Him as
you meditate and pray over the Scripture
verses chosen for that particular day. The
Joy of My Heart is a
collection of daily
devotions from Anne’s best-selling
books while The Daily Light Journal
is a leather-bound volume of Morning
Readings from the classic Daily Light
with Anne’s thought-provoking
question each day, as well as space for
journaling.

During a very intense media launch in New York City for The
Magnificent Obsession, I was invited to speak at The Bowery
Mission Chapel. So on my 43rd wedding anniversary, I shared Also available in late December
the Gospel in the very place that had greatly impacted my for the start of 2010 is Anne’s new
husband’s spiritual life when he was a 15-year-old who played 52-week Bible Study devotion,
the trumpet when his father preached there! This time, about a Into the Word. Like the disciples
dozen men and women came forward at the end of the message to of old, we need to draw aside with
claim Jesus Christ as their Savior. Jesus. Anne will help guide you in
a weekly retreat as she challenges
for christmas shipping deadlines and you to read, study and reflect upon
office hours, please visit our website, Scripture using this resource.
www.annegrahamlotz.com
Itinerary
NOVEMBER
12-15 NORTH CAROLINA, Asheville - Filling Up
To Overflow Billy Graham Training Center at
The Cove; 1-800-950-2092
DECEMBER
2 VIRGINIA, Lynchburg - Liberty University -
Chapel Service
JANUARY
10 NEW YORK, Northport - Northport Baptist
Church - I Saw The LORD Conference
www.nbc.org
15 ARIZONA, Phoenix - Leaders in Fellowship
Together Meeting; www.liftaz.org
(open only to women ministry leaders)
16-17 ARIZONA, Phoenix - Calvary Community
Church - I Saw The LORD Conference
www.calvaryphx.com
30 CANADA, Edmonton, Alberta - Break Forth
Canada Conference
www.breakforthministries.com
FEBRUARY
9 GEORGIA, Atlanta - Kingdom Advisors
Conference; www.kingdomadvisors.org
20 FLORIDA, Fort Myers - FCA President’s
Weekend
MARCH
7 MARYLAND, Landover - First Baptist Church
of Glenarden; www.fbcglenarden.org
19-20 SOUTH CAROLINA, Greenville - Just Give
Me Jesus/Upstate SC
JGMJesusSC@givemeJesusSC.com
864-349-1039
25 NORTH CAROLINA, Raleigh - Hearts of
Hope Luncheon sponsored by Raleigh Rescue
Mission; www.raleighrescue.org
APRIL
23-24 CALIFORNIA, Pasadena - Christian Ministries
Training Association; sktyall@aol.com

Harry Smith graciously invited me to share a few thoughts about


The Magnificent Obsession with him on The CBS Early Show.
Altogether within a three-week period, I gave over 70 radio, TV,
and print interviews, challenging anyone and everyone to follow
Abraham’s example and embrace the God-filled life.
While we “just gave them Jesus” inside the Ferrell Center on the
Baylor University campus, a group of men prayed without ceasing
in a small, curtained-off area on the arena concourse for God’s
Spirit to revive the hearts of those who had gathered. We know
God heard their prayers, and have seen irrefutable evidence that
many of those prayers were answered.

Praise and Prayer


PRAISE
**For the many stories of changed lives resulting from Just Give
Me Jesus/Jacksonville and Just Give Me Jesus/Waco. (Please see
our praise report at www.annegrahamlotz.com)

**For the Just Give Me Jesus Pastors’ Meeting and Kick-off in


Greenville, SC on May 5th. Both were well attended, and
launched us on our revival journey that will culminate at the
Bi-Lo Center March 19-20, 2010; for new leaders who have
stepped in to assist in this region-wide effort.

**For safe travel and blessed ministry to the Elim Conference in


Wales, the UK, May 29-June 6.

**For the thrilling, county-wide outreach, Fan The Flame, in


Wauchula, FL, resulting in individuals, families and entire
churches experiencing genuine revival!

**For the positive reviews and the successful release of both the
book and the audio recording of The Magnificent Obsession, and
for the multiple media opportunities it has provided to extend
God’s offer of a personal relationship with Himself.

PRAYER
**For Filling Up To Overflow, our 4-day intensive seminar at
The Billy Graham Training Center at the Cove: to be fully
attended, fully blessed, equipping each one who comes to
effectively present God’s Word in order to change lives.

**For students to be challenged, changed and commissioned


when we speak at Liberty University Chapel, December 2.

**For sufficient resources to enable us to continue operating at


full strength in order to seize the strategic opportunities that
God keeps bringing to us.

**For the I Saw The LORD church-wide experience to be held


in Northport, Long Island on January 10, and in Phoenix, AZ,
on January 16-17; that God would use this emphasis to bring
genuine revival to the hearts of His people.

**For God’s continued blessing on our preparation for Just Give


Me Jesus/Upstate SC on March 19-20, 2010.

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