​In Bucks County Pennsylvania it is wheat harvest time. I love looking across the rolling, expansive, golden-brown fields ready to be cut. The farmer determines if the crop is ready by pressing his fingernail into the kernel. If no mark is left, the grain is ideal for harvest. It is called winter wheat and would have been sown in the fall. Once the crop is inspected and ready for harvest, the farmer brings in a combine harvester. This one machine does several operations: It cuts the stalks, threshes the grain (by separating the grain from the husk), and blows out the waste (called winnowing). The next machine to come onto the field is a baler. It collects the wheat stems and compresses them into cylindrical or rectangular bales. Then they are transported to be used to feed livestock or as a fertilizer additive. In the meantime, the harvested grain is loaded onto trucks and taken to local farm buildings. There it is dropped into tall steel or concrete silos to be processed into flour.
 
Something I noticed about local harvesting is that it is done to the very edge of the field. Such a practice would have been unacceptable in Biblical days. Leviticus 19:22 says, "When you reap the harvest of your land do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. Leave them for the poor and for the foreigner residing among you. I am the Lord your God." This law of leftovers is repeated in Deuteronomy 24:19. "When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for a foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands." Verse 22 explains further: "Remember that you were slaves in Egypt. That is why I command you to do this."
 
The Jews call this tradition "Pe'ah" or "leaving the corners or edges." As we can see in the Deuteronomy Scripture, when we show compassion and generosity to those who are less fortunate than we are, it touches the heart of God, and He promises to bless us. This was also a way of preserving the dignity of the needy by allowing them to harvest the food for themselves. We can see this played out in the book of Ruth. "One day Ruth the Moabite said to Naomi, 'Let me go to the fields and pick up the leftover grain. Maybe someone will be kind enough to let me gather the grain he leaves behind.' Naomi said to her, 'Go, my daughter.' So, Ruth went to the fields to gather the grain the reapers left behind..." (Ruth 2: 2, 3 - TPT)
 
Today, as we do not live in an agrarian society, how can we apply the principle of leaving the edges? First, we must not live a marginless life. When we use everything we have, including money, time, and energy, we open the door to exhaustion and fear, fear that we will not have enough. The root of living like this is lack of faith. We must believe that God will provide for our needs. As the Bible says, "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…”
(Matthew 6:19, 20 - NKJ) Second, a Christian has the obligation to take care of those in need in our communities. The underlying purpose of "leaving the edges" can be demonstrated through acts of charity or kindness.
 
We live in a society where people spend all that they have to satisfy their desires for the latest and greatest vehicle or computer or gadget of the day. The responsibility to live within their means has been forgotten. There is nothing left for a rainy day or to help others. Let us take Hebrew 13:5 to heart as it is a promise from God for us to embrace. "Don't be obsessed with money, but live content with what you have, for you always have God's presence. For hasn't He promised you, 'I will never leave you alone, never! And I will not loosen my grip on your life.” (TPT)

​Have you noticed the increasing number of individuals in our society who seem to be ignorant of truth? Sadly, there are those who intentionally pervert truth and attempt to get others to agree with them and their agendas. Many get their information from sound bites without verifying their reality. When false claims are repeated over and over again, those who do not do their research begin to accept them as facts.
 
Here is what I know for certain: Truth originated from God! Psalm 119:160 tells us, "All Your words are true; all Your righteous laws are eternal." When Jesus was praying for His disciples, He reminded His Father that they are not of the world. Then He said, "Sanctify them by Your truth; Your Word is truth." (John 17:17) Many in the present generation have not been exposed to Biblical truth, so they are easily swayed in the wrong direction.
 
The word truth in Greek is "aletheia" and translates as divine revelation with nothing hidden. In John 14:6 Jesus declares, "I am the way, the truth (aletheia), and the life." If we investigate the Hebrew word for truth, we will see that it is "emet." It is more than just factual accuracy and is rooted in the word "amen," and means to be certain. Hebrews4Christians.com says that "Yeshua is Truth since in Him there was no mismatch between who He is and what He said. He is utterly trustworthy. His actions and speech are one and are entirely reliable.”
 
Another interesting fact that I learned is that the Hebrew word "emet" contains the first, middle, and last letter of the Hebrew alphabet indicating that truth encompasses all things and endures from beginning to end. Aleph is the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet; Mem is the middle, and Taw is the last. Since these letters spell out truth or "emet," we can be assured that truth is unchanging from beginning to the end. God is called the Spirit of Truth in John 15:26 and 16:13 The second passage assures us that "When the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all truth." Also, in three verses in the book of Revelation (1:17, 2:8, and 22:13) the Lord is called "The First and the Last."
 
In this time when many blindly embrace perceived truth, it is important for us to base our truth on the firm foundation of the Bible. One may be ridiculed for their beliefs when based on truth because truth is narrow. We cannot allow the spreading of lies on our watch. We know from Genesis 1:1 that "God created the heavens and the earth." We know from Genesis 1:27 that "God created mankind in HIs own image...male and female He created them." We know from Genesis 17:8 that God gave the land of Canaan to Israel as "an everlasting possession.” We know from Genesis 12:3 that God made Israel a great nation to be blessed and that all nations "will be blessed through them." We know from Psalm 139:13 and 14 that we were "knit together in our mother's wombs" and that "We are fearfully and wonderfully made." We know from 1 John 4:16 that "God is love." I could go on.
 
King Solomon declared truth when he wrote, "Every word of God is flawless..." (Proverbs 30:5) And, we have assurance from the Lord in Psalm 145:18, "The Lord is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth." Let us be wary of those who are perverting truth because perceived truth is no truth at all. God is counting on us to be proclaimers of truth.

​While I was a student in the horticulture department at Temple University, I learned so much that pointed directly to God. One of my greatest joys was collecting gardening books and looking at their beautiful plant pictures. The diversity of every form of plant is amazing. A practical little book that I purchased was called Carrots Love Tomatoes: Secrets of Companion Planting for Successful Gardening by Louise Riotte. The book gives the reader recommendations for companion planting or planting certain vegetables or flowers near one another. For example, Carrots are good companion plants for leeks because the carrot fly that attacks carrots does not like the smell of leeks so stays away from their location. The other benefit is that the onion fly and leek moth are repelled by the smell of carrots so there is a natural protection of the leek. The book recommends that a gardener plant radishes around cucumbers and squash because they repel the cucumber beetle. Companion planting is helpful for organic gardeners who do not want to use chemicals on their plants.
 
A reason to plant tomatoes with carrots is because they have different root systems. Tomatoes grow above the ground while carrots are root plants. As I read about planting corn with pumpkins, I had to laugh. Pumpkin leaves are very sticky and repel racoons from coming to eat the corn. Why? Racoons do not like the stickery vines on their paws. Companion planting gives the gardener beneficial results. Plants, when placed properly, can actually help each other grow, which results in healthier and more productive gardens. The main message of this book is that plants grow to their fullest potential when surrounded by positive companions.

When we turn our attention to the Bible, we can see that God frequently uses gardening stories and plant analogies to demonstrate how Christians should grow and produce fruit. May I suggest that our workplaces, churches, and families are like gardens that can help us to grow in productive ways? All of us have God-given gifts within that are meant to help others grow into their unique potential to reflect the Lord. God ordained that we live with others and complement one another.

We are strategically placed in our friendships, marriages, workplaces, and churches to encourage and help others to produce fruit for the Kingdom of God. Paul writes to the church in Thessalonica: "Encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing...Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else." (1 Thessalonians 5:11-15)

Romans 14: 19 in The Passion Translation exhorts us to "make it your top priority to live a life of peace with harmony in your relationships, eagerly seeking to strengthen and encourage one another." We are meant to be a blessing to others. As we help them to grow and become more Christlike, they will do the same for us.

​Two hundred fifty years ago, on May 17, 1776, the second Continental Congress met to observe what was called "A Day of Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer." This nationwide event was meant to be a time to pray to God for forgiveness of sins, divine guidance, and wisdom. The day before the Congress had passed a resolution introduced by the delegate from New Jersey, William Livingstone. It asked citizens to "confess and bewail our manifold sins and transgressions" and to seek God's protection against the "hostile designs" of the British. On the anniversary of this event, President Trump planned a national prayer gathering to rededicate America as "One Nation Under God." Thousands of Americans gathered on the Mall in Washington D. C. to pray, worship, and give thanks to God. They were inspired by many of our nation's leaders and pastors as they remembered our history as a nation of faith and talked about defining moments in the forming of our country.
 
2 Chronicles 7:14 was read by our President: "If my people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked way, then I will hear them from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land." This is what the Lord said to Solomon on the night after he finished building the temple. He went on to say, "Now my eyes will be open and my ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place." (Verse 15) The web site established with the details for the day of rededication listed three "Pillars" for the speakers to include in their talks. Pillar #1 - "The Miracles that Made Us." (Honoring the faith of our founders and God's providence throughout 250 years.) Pillar #2 - "The Miracles Still in our Midst." (Personal testimonies of God's healing in our lives and for our land.) Pillar #3 - "A New Birth of Faith and Freedom." (Times of collective expression of gratitude for 250 years of freedom and ones to rededicate our nation, asking God's blessings, guidance, and grace for the next 250 years.)
 
TBN Network was present for the entire day and reported as different speakers and worship leaders took the stage. They commented that the Spirit of the Lord was tangible in that place. They also spoke of how blessed we are that the idea for the entire event was born from the top of our government. Below are some of the highlights of the event:
 
Pastor Samuel Rodriguez opened the rededication with a prayer to "remember and rededicate" our nation to God and to "reflect on history and realign our future." Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, commented that the soul of our nation has always been rooted in "an ancient faith." Pastor Franklin Graham reminded us that our nation was born in a struggle and continues to struggle today. He observed that there has been a moral decline, and there is little understanding of Biblical truth. We need to humbly pray, confess our sins and call on the name of Almighty God. Former HUD Secretary, Dr. Ben Carson, declared that our rights come from God. He sees that we have drifted away from common sense and must appeal to God for protection. Speaker of the House, Michael Johnson, offered a prayer as he rededicated our country as "One Nation, Under God in Jesus' Name."
 
Pastor Lou Engle called what happened on Sunday, May 17 a "hinge-of-history moment." Pastor Dutch Sheetz named it a "breakthrough day." He declared a "new beginning for America in the mighty name of Jesus." The name of Jesus Christ was boldly proclaimed at Rededicate 250. The core message was our need for repentant prayer and rededication to God. I believe that God has given us a window of grace. It is our responsibility to accept this season by drawing closer to God in prayer and living our lives in accordance with the instructions of His Word. Perhaps He will respond and guide America back to Him through revival. Let’s pray to that end.

​Over the weekend the Jewish calendar turned to a new month, the third month of Sivan. This name is Assyrian and means joy or the month of harvest. There is excitement for the Jewish people as they enter this month because it is packed with events that give them assurance of provisions. Physical provision is evident by the ripening wheat fields. As the children of Israel moved to Mount Sinai, God was preparing to give Moses Torah—the Word of God. During the same period, but years later and ten days after the ascension of Jesus, the Holy Spirit of God (Ruach Ha-Kodesh) was poured out on those who waited in the upper room. With these gifts, God was positioning His people to receive power.
 
The stories of these provisions in the Bible should inspire us to position ourselves to be set apart from the world and dedicated to our Lord. He is calling us to Himself and purifying us in holiness and righteousness through the power of the Word and His Spirit as they come together. This month is a reminder that we are God's children of inheritance. He made a covenant with the Israelites and promised to keep that covenant.
 
When the Israelites were about to enter the Promised Land, after forty years of wandering in the wilderness, God gave them a history lesson to remind them of how He cared for them. Some of those reminders are written about in Deuteronomy 8. "Be careful to follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase and may enter and possess the land that the Lord promised on oath to your forefathers...Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in His ways and revering Him...When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land He has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe His commands, His laws, and His decrees that I am giving you this day...Remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms His covenant, which He swore to your forefathers as it is today." (Deuteronomy 8:1, 6, 10, 11, 18)
 
God called the children of Israel to come up as He met them at Mount Sinai, and he called the disciples to come up to an upper room. We are still called to look up to the Lord, The Light of the World. (John 8:12) We are meant to be set apart and anointed as priests before Him. Jesus confirmed this call by identifying us on the Sermon on the Mount. "You are the light of the world...Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:14, 16)
 
Here is what 1 Peter 2:9 tells us about our identity: "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light." We are to live in step with the Holy Spirit. In doing so we will impact the world around us. Peter goes on to say, "Live such good lives among the pagans that though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day that He visits us." (1 Peter 2:12)

​In honor of Mother's Day, I want to share with you part of the story of Susanna Wesley's life. She was the twenty-fourth child of Dr. Samuel Annesley, a Puritan minister. Born in 1669, Susanna had a deep desire to learn and had the opportunity to do so through her father's books. At age nineteen, she married Samuel Wesley, whom she met at her sister's wedding. Both came from nonconformist backgrounds and decided to join the Church of England.
 
It is reported that Susanna had nineteen children in a little over twenty years, nine of whom died in infancy. She took responsibility for raising her ten children with a strong Christian and moral education. Their schooling began at age five. A couple were able to read the New Testament in Greek by the age of eight. Susanna took particular interest in her daughters' education.
 
While her husband was in London in 1712, Susanna decided to invite some of her neighbors to what became known as her "Kitchen Meetings" where she preached to her children. Several writers tell us that, at times, over two hundred friends and neighbors joined the Sunday evening meetings. In addition, they say that she had theological knowledge superior to that of many pastors. Her influence on her sons, John and Charles, was evident. In fact, she is remembered as "The Mother of Methodism" since the boys adopted her teaching methods. John wrote that his mother was a preacher of righteousness.
 
It is obvious that Susanna believed and followed the Scripture written in Proverbs 22:6. "Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it." As a godly mom she went about fulfilling her responsibility to teach her children the importance of having a loving relationship with God.


If we look back to creation, we see that Eve brought life into the structure of Adam's world. She came as a companion and helper. Adam and Eve were dependent on one another to give birth to children. Then it became the responsibility of the woman to be a nurturer of life. May I suggest, however, that the ultimate purpose of a mother is to love God. Everything else will follow this. Godly moms are a product of fulfilling their first purpose in loving God.


My own mother modeled faith to my brother and sister and me. We were blessed to have a mom who had the fear of the Lord within her. God also modeled His care and concern for His children in Israel by teaching them about Himself, providing for and directing them in their relationship with Him. Through the prophet Isaiah, He made a promise to His children. "As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; and you will be comforted over Jerusalem.” (Isaiah 66:13)


May we all be challenged by these godly examples of care given to children and the obvious results of godly influence on them. Mothers over the years have demonstrated the love of God and helped to impact generations.

​In honor of the 250th anniversary of our country, the Ambler Choral Society, a non-profit community choir based in Ambler/Maple Glen, PA area, put on a concert last Sunday afternoon. Since my sister is a member of the choir, I got to attend the concert. It was filled with American folk and classic songs such as "Yankee Doodle," Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor," and "America." While they did magnificent renditions of these songs, we all agreed that the “piece de resistance” was their rendition of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." It brought tears to many eyes.
 
The song was written by a woman abolitionist named Julia Ward Howe who lived through the horrors of the Civil War. While in Washington, D. C., Howe heard the Union troops singing "John Brown's Body." Unhappy with what she was hearing, she desired to write new lyrics for the melody. That she did! In her own words. Here is how it happened. "I awoke the next morning in the gray of the early dawn, and to my astonishment found that the wished for lines were arranging themselves in my brain. I lay quite still until the last verse had completed itself in my thoughts, then hastily arose saying to myself: 'I shall lose this if I don't write it down immediately.' I began to scrawl the lines almost without looking...Having completed this, I lay down again and fell asleep, but not before feeling that something of importance had happened to me."
 
The words that Julia penned appeared in the February,1862 issue of the Atlantic Monthly. Packed with Biblical imagery, her song spread quickly through the Union armies. We should note that, ironically, the tune that was used was written by a southerner named William Steffe. Howe's words angered the southerners as she was taking aim at the fight to end slavery. However, so many were inspired by her lyrics that they united in singing the new words to the old tune. The words to five stanzas of the hymn are below:
 
"Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord. He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored. He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword; His truth is marching on. Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
 
I have seen Him in the watch-fires of a hundred circling camps; they have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps. I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps; His day is marching on. Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
 
He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat; He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat. O be swift, my soul, to answer Him; be jubilant, my feet! Our God is marching on. Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
 
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea, with a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and Me. As He died to make men holy, let us die to make men free! While God is marching on. Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.
 
He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave. He is wisdom to the mighty; He is succor to the brave. All the world shall be His footstool and the soul of time His slave. Our God is marching on. Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.”
 
The Word of God is the truth that keeps marching on. As we pick up the sword of truth, we can impact nations.

​The beginning of creation demonstrates the power of God's Word. "And God said, 'Let there be light,' and there was light." (Genesis 1:3) All of creation is an example of how God spoke the word and the earth came into existence. God assures us in the much-quoted verse of Isaiah 55:11 that His word that goes out from His mouth will not return empty but will accomplish what He desires. God has a purpose for every verse in the Bible, and when it is read aloud, there is power in it. That is one of the reasons I am so encouraged by what happened at our nation’s Capital this past week.
 
As part of the celebration of America's 250th birthday, an organization called "Christians Engaged" arranged for nearly five hundred leaders from our country to read the entire Bible aloud from Genesis to Revelation. The initiative is called "America Reads the Bible." It began on April 19 and ran through April 25 with citizens reading Scripture from the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D. C. One of the event highlights occurred when our President, Donald Trump, read from 2 Chronicles 7:11-22 via video from the Oval Office.
 
In commemoration of this historic event the President sent out a message on April 17. Here is some of what he said: "...In every generation, through every trial and triumph, God's Word has guided our people and our country to incredible new heights...Today, during our 250th year of American independence, The America Reads the Bible initiative invites all citizens to once again acknowledge our Nation's extraordinary Biblical foundations and give thanks for countless ways in which God has been the sacred source of our unity and national strength. This one-week event, during which leaders in faith, government, business, and entertainment will read every verse and chapter of the Bible, will inspire countless citizens to rediscover the Biblical truths that animated our Republic for two and a half centuries and pray that the Bible will continue to guide us—as individuals, as a people, as a nation—for the next 250 years and beyond...Together we will honor Holy Scripture, renew our faith, usher in a historic resurgence of religion on American shores, and rededicate the United States as One Nation under God.”
 
It is reported that the inspiration for this seven-day reading of the Bible came from the book of Nehemiah where Ezra was instructed to bring out the Book of the Law of Moses a few days after the walls of Jerusalem were complete. "So, on the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. He read it aloud from daybreak till noon as he faced the square before the Water Gate in the presence of the men and women and others who could understand. And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law." (Nehemiah 8:2 & 3)
 
Let us remember what is says in Romans 10:17—that faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Statistics from the American Bible Society tell us that forty-two percent of Americans have never opened a Bible and that even professing Christians are increasingly Biblically illiterate. Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, wants to see Americans "rediscover the ancient paths" because "Those who know their history understand that the Bible played a fundamental role in the founding of this nation...We need to return to that understanding of the role that Scripture plays in guiding and directing us individually, but also collectively as a nation."
 
Think about the impact the reading of the Bible could have on our nation as the power of God's Word went forth! Perhaps there will be conviction of sin, a spirit of repentance, joy in the Lord, and/or revival. As the sound of truth permeated our nation, let us pray in agreement with the Lord that it will accomplish what He desires. Rest assured that this was both a historic and holy moment in our nation.

​Much happened during the second month of the Hebrew calendar. It is called Iyar or Ziv (meaning radiance) and is known as a month of transition since the children of Israel were moving from Egypt to Mount Sinai. They were experiencing a new level of relationship with God as they learned about His nature and that He is trustworthy. While traveling through the wilderness, the Israelites encountered God in supernatural ways.
 
As the name of this month indicates, the children of Israel were enlightened in their understanding of who God is. They had a crisis when they arrived at Marah, meaning bitter. There was no drinkable water in the desert. The bitterness the Israelites were experiencing was transformed and redeemed as God showed them a tree to put in the water to heal it. He made it known that His healing power is not only for water but also for people. One day He would send His Son to hang on a tree to bring healing for everyone. The Lord told the Israelites, "If you listen carefully to the Lord your God and do what is right in His eyes, if you pay attention to His commands and keep all His decrees, I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you." (Yahweh Rapha) (Exodus 15:26)
 
God revealed two other important names for Himself while the Israelites were on their journey and during a time when they were grumbling at Him. "So, Moses and Aaron said to all the Israelites, 'You will know that it was the Lord when He gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you want in the morning, because He has heard your grumbling against Him.'" (Exodus 16:12) Hence, they came to know God as Yahweh Jireh—"The Lord who Sees and Provides." In the middle of their journey, the Israelites were attacked by the Amalekites. A battle ensued. Moses went to the top of a hill to raise his hands up. This action enabled the Israelites to win their battle. However, Moses needed help when his arms got tired. Aaron and Hur came to his rescue by holding up his hands. They learned that raising their arms as a banner in praise was their key to victory. Thus, God became Yahweh Nissi, "The Lord, my Banner of Victory."
 
If we fast forward 480 years, we can learn another significant event that occurred during the month of Iyar or Ziv. "In the four hundred and eightieth year after the Israelites came out of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon's reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, the second month, he began to build the temple of the Lord." (1 Kings 6:1) Another promise from the Lord for the children of Israel appears in 1 Kings 6:12 and 13. "As for this temple you are building; if you follow my decrees, observe my laws, and keep all my commands and obey them, I will fulfill through you the promise I gave to David your father. And I will live among the Israelites and will not abandon my people, Israel." Doesn't this promise sound very similar to the one God gave to the Israelites when they were coming out of Egypt and He was reintroducing Himself to them? "He is the same yesterday, and today, and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)
 
This would be a particularly good month for us to build our relationship with God. He stands ready to feed us not only physical manna, but "every word that comes from His mouth.” (Deuteronomy 8:3) The Lord has food for us in every circumstance of our lives. In Exodus 19:4-6 God made it clear that He wants a special relationship with His children. "You yourselves have seen what I did in Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to Myself. Now if you obey Me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation." As part of God's family, we are included in this amazing covenant. God is still our healer, provider, and victory over our spiritual enemies. What an amazing God we serve!

​The power of concerted prayer and agreement in faith was overtly demonstrated over Easter weekend. Our Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, summed up the results of the prayer convergence like this: "Shot down on a Friday...Good Friday...hidden in a cave, a crevice, all of Saturday, and rescued on Sunday...flown out of Iran as the sun was rising on Easter Sunday. A pilot reborn, all home and accounted for...a nation rejoices. God is good!" We certainly saw the hand of God in action as one of our American pilots was rescued from the mountains of southwestern Iran.
 
One F-15E Strike Eagle was shot down on Good Friday with two airmen in it. These airmen ejected from the plane but became separated in the rugged terrain where their plane crashed. The pilot was rescued on the same day, but the weapon's operator could not be located. He avoided capture by climbing a 7,000-foot ridge in Zagros Mountains despite injuries, including a sprained ankle. Upon reaching the top of the ridge, he hid in a narrow crevice to evade capture. At this point, he was able to send out a beacon signal. Pete Hegseth reports: "When he was finally able to activate his emergency transponder, his first message was simple, and it was powerful. He sent a message: 'God is good!'"
 
President Trump is calling the airman's rescue "an Easter miracle." The reason for this comment was because of the difficulty of the mission. In addition to our armed forces trying to pinpoint the airman's location, the Iranian forces were also hunting for him. They offered a bounty to anyone who could find him alive. It is reported that the United States rescue mission used one hundred fifty-five aircraft, including four bombers, sixty-four fighters, forty-eight refueling tankers, thirteen rescue aircraft, and more. American air power was used to destroy any Irian advancing units. At the same time, United States special forces made their way toward the stranded officer and lifted him from his hiding place. Regarding the number of personnel and equipment used in the rescue, President Trump said, "We were bringing them all over, and a lot of it was subterfuge. We wanted to have them think he was in a different location, because they had a vast military force out there—thousands of people were looking."
 
The Jerusalem Post reported that Israel's IDF assisted in the operation. They launched strikes designed to act as diversion, drawing Iranian security forces away from the crash site and toward other areas. General Frank McKenzie, a former commander of U. S. Central Command said, "We did in fact lose a couple of aircraft in that mission," but added that he would take that lose "any day" in a situation like this. "It takes a year to build an aircraft—it takes two hundred years to build a military tradition where you don't leave anybody behind."
 
President Trump acknowledged the watchful eye of the Lord in the rescue. "When you go into these areas, you don't come out like we came out. God was watching us." It seems many were led to pray Psalm 91 over the weekend operation. "I will say of the Lord, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust.'" "...He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge, His faithfulness will be your shield and rampart...He will command His angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways...I will protect him, for he acknowledges My name..." For those intercessors who may wonder if their prayers are making a difference, this rescue was a demonstration of their effectiveness. Did you know that the U. S. military has a prayer guide written by Gloria Robles of Intercessors for America that is based on Psalm 91? God calls us to partner with Him in prayer. When we do, we will see His miracle-working power.