Old Glory - Poem

 

As the soul of America hangs in the balance between life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness OR death, tyranny, and socialism...

I figured there was no better time to share my poem, Old Glory, than on Columbus Day. There is so much controversy over a simple holiday that we used to embrace and celebrate. This day should be celebrated because it honors a man, flawed and imperfect just like the rest of us, but who was led by the Holy Spirit and by the Word of God to discover a new land. The LORD had is hand on the discovery and founding of America which is why this nation has been blessed. For that reason alone Columbus Day should be celebrated.

This poem came to me after my good friend and illustrator painted this picture of the cross and the flag. When I first looked at this picture, I felt the pain of America's faltering heart represented in our flag. People believe the flag stands for race or privilege. Our flag represents a spirit, a spirit of freedom and possibility. Yet, people are crucifying the flag as an object of horror and oppression so the flag has no option but to return to the outstretched arms of her creator. Her only Savior.

Pray for America. God says, "If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land." (2 Chronicles 7:14)

Stand for the flag. She represents God's Divine Providence over our nation. 

Teach your children patriotism. America may not be perfect but she is good. And, if she fails and falls, there is no going back. We are the last frontier of freedom. Your children will only realize what they have lost after they lose it. Then they will weep and mourn because of their ignorance. They will wake up in a world they will not recognize because they have not lived or learned about the history of  communist countries.

VOTE. Evil triumphs when good people do nothing. The LORD says, "If I announce that a certain nation or kingdom is to be uprooted, torn down, and destroyed, but then that nation renounces its evil ways, I will not destroy it as I had planned. And if I announce that I will plant and build up a certain nation or kingdom, but then that nation turns to evil and refuses to obey me, I will not bless it as I said I would." (Jeremiah 18:7-10) 

Old Glory

They used to call me Old Glory

They flew me proudly from their city halls, schools, and baseball fields

On their front porch, I always felt like part of the family

All across America

From sea to shining sea

They would look up and see me flying proudly

I never touched the ground

I was folded reverently

In honor of the men and women 

Who died protecting me

Oh, how they loved me

So long ago

Young and old sang songs about me

Their voices warmed my very soul

Just a piece of cloth, 

Red, white and blue

Knit together by God above

An emblem of blessings and liberty

When America mourns a patriot lost

I fly half-mast to show respect

And for the brave who hold the line

On the battlefield or on the street

I have the honor of covering them when 

it is time for them to go to their eternal home

Gifted to their families is the greatest honor I could bare

Proudly I am framed in their homes

A small token of the grief we all share

God inspired my colors, whispering the design into our Founder’s hearts

It must bare the colors of His Son, in order for God to take a part

God’s inspiration is evident for all the world to see

The image of His Son woven into me

The stripes are for the stripes He bore

Red is for the blood He shed for all humanity

White is for His holiness of the One who paid it all

Blue is for His celestial home

The stars remind us He is the creator of them all

Some may argue otherwise and claim the colors are not for Him

But I have seen the best of men

Propelled by His Spirit

To act in a manner worthy of Him

They run towards the fire while others flee to safety

They take the bullet meant for a friend

They jump on grenades to protect their brothers and sisters on the field

They stormed the beach

Climbed the wall

Carried the fallen

They gave their life for all

Oh America, America why have you forsaken me?

America, America God sheds a tear for thee

When they tear me down, rip me to shreds, beat, burn and stomp on me

I weep and mourn but let them be

For freedom is what I stand for

They have the right to trample me

And if they turned on the One who died for them

I guess I know why they would eventually turn on me

They called me Old Glory

And I’m beginning to feel my age

My very life is slipping away, I’m fading, thread bare, a forgotten treasure

Mocked and slandered for all the world to see

America, America will you stand for me as I have stood for you?

From my view above, I see a remnant who still love and protect me

But I don’t know if it is enough to breathe new life in me

So, I implore you, my brethren 

Carry me to that old rugged cross and drape me on His outstretched arms

Return me to the One who inspired me

To the King of Glory

He is the only hope for me

Written by Yolanda Villafana

How to Run towards the Giant

Ever wonder how David ran towards the scary, mean looking giant when he was just a youth? Lately, my prayer has been, "LORD, help me to run towards the giant."  You see, my tendency is to want to run away from the giants in my life. But, in these dark days, there is a giant enemy facing Believers and the church. He is taunting us in the form of liberal judges, mayors and governor decrees to shut down churches, to stop the congregations from singing, to limit inside gathering. This giant is using the weapons of fear to paralyze the church into retreat, silence, and compliance.

In 1 Samuel 17, we see that Goliath taunted the Israelite army for 40 days, cursing the God of Israel. And the Israelite army was greatly dismayed and afraid. They were paralyzed with fear.

This is exactly what the majority of churches in America are doing. They are allowing the giant, who are the liberal government leaders, to curse the God of Israel and the majority of the church is living in fear of a "invisible enemy" with a 98-99% survival rate. The American church has been almost completely sidelined in this desperate hour over a virus, refusing to open their doors to the hurting and needy, while the persecuted church in China, North Korea, the Middle East continue to meet underground while risking life, imprisonment, and torture.  

We return to the pages of 1 Samuel and see that on the battlefield, walks up a young teen who is looking at this cowering army and asks, "Who is this guy who would defy the armies of the living God?" David was incredulous! He could not believe that his brothers and the Israelites were letting this giant get away with cursing his God. So, David runs towards the giant and I love what he says, 
You come to me with a sword, with a spear, and with a javelin. BUT, I come to you in the name of the LORD!"  

So, how did David do this? We have to know how because the LORD is looking for Davids in these Last Days. 

David remembered how the LORD had helped him defeat the bears and the lions while he tended sheep. Every time, David defeated a lion who dare to attack his sheep, his faith in the LORD was strengthened. Every time David, killed a lion who dared to come near his sheep, his faith in the LORD was empowered. By the time David entered that battlefield and ran towards the giant, his faith in God was so great that any doubt that God would let him down was non-existent. That is why he was able to tell Goliath, "You have defied the God of the armies of Israel. This day, the LORD shall deliver you into my hand....Then all this assembly shall know that the LORD does not save with sword and spear, for the battle is the LORD's!!"

That is how we learn to run towards the giants in our life. We step out in faith - one lion, one bear at time. And every time we defeat those bears and lions that would dare come near our children, family, friends, and church, we build our strength. Because, you see, there is a giant enemy in America, taunting the church, pastors, and Believers. He is yelling across the battlefield, 

"You better stay inside, if you wanna stay safe."

"You better not defy the government's mandates or we will shut you down."

"You better stay away from each other, not sing or pray, because it's for your own good."

"If you were really a good Christian, you would comply."

The giant wants the church to forget the POWER the GOD OF ISRAEL to defeat all of our enemies. Jesus said, "The gates of hell shall not prevail against My church!" (Matthew 16:18) If Jesus said, "The gates of hell shall not prevail," do you think that any government official has a chance to close down His church?  Jesus said in Revelation 3:8, "See, I have set before you an open door that no one can shut!" 

The only way that the church will be closed is if we close it in fear. Jesus warns the lukewarm church of Laodicean, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him and he with me." (Revelation 3:20) Jesus is knocking at the door of the majority of the American churches and saying, "Hello....anyone in there? Anyone hear my voice and will open up?" Jesus told the lukewarm church, "Be ZEALOUS and repent." 

It's time to pick up our slingshot and rock (Jesus is the rock) and run towards the giant yelling,

"You, enemies of God, come at me with your mandates of fear and intimidation! I come to you in the Name of the LORD! Jesus is my rock and my salvation. In Him will I trust!"

Rise up, Church, rise up! The world needs the American church to wake up, rise up, and run towards the giant.  The assembly is watching on the sidelines. Let's show them that the God of Israel still reigns! He is alive and on the throne and He is coming back quickly for a church that is faithful, watching, and ready with oil in her lamps.

God bless, 

Yolanda

Come Fly with Me - A new book of hope in these dark days

Available on Amazon

In March of 2019, I was overwhelmed by stress, anxiety, and having difficulty sleeping. I remember lying in bed, underneath a cocoon of blankets and asking the LORD for some much needed rest. This story was downloaded into my heart by the Holy Spirit in less than 10 minutes. I remember having to grab my phone and voice-record it as it poured out of me. Then, life went on and I left the recording on my phone for a year.

Fast-forward to March 2020, when the entire world came to a screeching halt because of an “invisible enemy.” As a spirit of fear gripped the world, economic hardships afflicted every family, businesses closed and unemployment skyrocketed, the LORD reminded me of this story. What I once thought was a nice little comfort story became a word from the LORD about the times we are living in. I'm calling this book my "Rapture" book because I believe that the LORD is preparing His Bride, the church, to be transformed. In these dark days, as the lies and schemes of the Devil are becoming more visible and deadly, Jesus is calling His Bride, the church, to prepare herself for His soon return.

1 Corinthians 15:51-54
But let me reveal to you a wonderful secret. We will not all die, but we will all be transformed! It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed. For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die; our mortal bodies must be transformed into immortal bodies.
Then, when our dying bodies have been transformed into bodies that will never die, this Scripture will be fulfilled:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”

My question for you is are you ready? What we are seeing today in the streets, homes, and churches of America is the great divide: the sheep from the goats, the wheat from the tares, the lukewarm from the hot. The Bride of Christ is being purified and transformed. Those who hear the call of Christ in the breeze and recognize His voice will respond. They will spread out their wings of faith and soar high in the sky with Him. Sadly, those who are bound by the pleasures and desires of this world, who are content to stay down and low, will miss it. Jesus is calling us. He is knocking on the doors of our heart and asking us to open up our hearts to Him.

My prayer is that you respond to the call before it's too late.
This book has evolved into so much more than I originally intended.
It is a book of hope for the Christian reminding them of the blessed hope of the Rapture.
It is a book of love for the non-Believer to see the heart of God for humanity.
It is a book of hope for those struggling with fear, depression and anxiety.
It is a book of comfort for those who have lost a loved one because it beautifully illustrates heaven.

This may be my favorite book so far and I hope it becomes yours. Gift it to someone you know who needs message of love, hope, and peace today. Thank you.

God bless,
Yolanda
Book available on Amazon.

Book trailer: https://youtu.be/S5yN0LVa4VE
Backstory to the book: https://youtu.be/xkSAmn5nXRA

Pentecost - The Sequel

Coming soon to an Upper Room near you - Pentecost, The Sequel.

Before Jesus ascended into Heaven, He gathered with His followers and commanded them not to leave Jerusalem but to wait for the Promised Holy Spirit to descend from the Father.
He said, “you have heard from Me; for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.... you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” (Acts 1:4-8 KNJV)

In obedience, 120 Believers gathered together in the Upper Room to wait, pray and offer supplications.
When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. (Acts 2:1-4 NJKV)

All who were gathered in obedience to Jesus' instructions were baptized in the Holy Spirit and empowered for the ministry. Peter, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, boldly stood up and preached one of the most anointed sermons ever recorded. He was transformed in that Upper Room from cowering denier to empowered bold pastor. Three thousand people were saved that first Pentecost Sunday, which gave birth to the church and established the Bride of Christ.

Sequels are usually released a few years after the initial release of a major blockbuster movie. Well, this sequel is being released 2000 years after the first but it has long been anticipated and never more necessary. This sequel is about to break all records and bust through every block the enemy has put in its path. This sequel is hitting churches throughout California on Pentecost Sunday, May 31, 2020.

On this Pentecost Sunday, 3000 churches are opening up their doors in obedience to Hebrews 10:25, but in civil disobedience to the state government. Many Christians have criticized these pastors quoting Romans 13:1 about being subject to the government. Yet, when the state's laws violate God's law, we must be subject to God above all else.

I believe Jesus is calling His Bride to gather together in the Upper Room, to pray in one accord and to wait for an outpouring of the Holy Spirit promised in Joel chapter 2. It will be a rebirth of the church. I believe that flames of Holy Spirit righteousness will fall on all Believers present, the Spirit will come with healing power in His wings, and we will be empowered with boldness to preach the Gospel in these evil and oppressive Last Days. Just like the first church suffered and endured persecution, so will we. We already are seeing it and much of the world has already experienced atrocities against Christians. Just as Jesus knew His followers needed empowering to be effective in that political and cultural climate, He knows we need it now in our political and cultural climate.

It is not a coincidence that 3000 people got saved on the first Pentecost Sunday and 3000 churches are opening on Pentecost - The Sequel.  God is about to do something BIG!! You do not want to miss it!

Sadly, on that first Pentecost Sunday many missed it. Some mocked because they did recognize the goodness and power of the Holy Spirit.

Don't let people's mocking keep you from the Upper Room this Pentecost Sunday.
Don't let the enemy's threats keep you from the Upper Room this Pentecost Sunday.
Don't let fear keep you from the Upper Room this Pentecost Sunday.
Respond to the commandment of Jesus to gather together in one accord and wait and see what God is going to do!
I, for one, am ready! Come, LORD Jesus, come! Your church and bride say, "Come!"

From now until May 31st, join me in praying Acts 4:29-31 (NLT) for every church and pastor stepping out in faith and obedience.
And now, O Lord, hear their threats, and give us, your servants, great boldness in preaching your word. Stretch out your hand with healing power; may miraculous signs and wonders be done through the name of your holy servant Jesus. Shake each meeting place, fill all those present with the Holy Spirit that they may preach the word of God with boldness. In Jesus Name. Amen.

Love,
Yolanda

Has Jesus Been Taken from Us This Easter

This coming Resurrection Sunday, many of us are lamenting the fact that we cannot enjoy the fellowship of Believers in our places of worship. Everything that goes along with our Easter celebrations- family BBQs, games for the children, sunrise services, and dressing up in our Sunday best to bring our worship to the LORD – is gone this year.

I wonder if we feel as Mary Magdalene felt when she ran to the tomb that Easter morning intending to bring her offerings of spices and oils to bless Jesus and found it empty. She wept bitterly. When the angels asked her why, she was so distraught that she did see the miraculous around her, and said, “They have taken away my LORD, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” (John 20:11-18)

This Easter season many of us are fearful and feeling like we have lost our LORD and don’t know where to find Him. We feel as if they have taken Him from us. In our distress, we do not see the miraculous around us.

It is not until Mary hears the voice of Jesus call her by name, “Mary”, in that sweet, gentle, loving voice that she turns and sees Jesus standing before her.

This Easter season, perhaps Jesus needed to remove all the distractions from our lives to get us alone so that we could hear Him call us by name. He is not lost in this time of distress. He has not been taken away from us just because our church buildings have been restricted from us for a time.

He is in us!

However, just like Mary ran and clung to Him and would have joyfully stayed in His loving arms forever. He had to tell her, “Do not cling to Me…go tell My brethren I have risen.”  So, Jesus is telling us in this season where people are looking into an empty tomb of fear and distress, wondering where God is, “GO! Tell them that I have risen! Tell them the good news of Salvation.”

When this time of uncertainty passes by, many of us will be the first to run into our places of worship and never again take that privilege for granted, but for now since we cannot go to church, Jesus is calling us to be His church. Let us open our eyes to the miraculous that God is working in this time for we know that He works all things for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

This Holy Week, let as pray that Jesus makes a triumphant entrance into our homes, communities, cities, country and world. Jesus, your church and Bride pray "Come, LORD Jesus, come."

In Jesus Name I pray. Amen

Love,

Yolanda

National Day of Prayer - March 15, 2020

In response to the coronavirus, President Trump has declared March 15, 2020, as a National Day of Prayer.
"It is my great honor to declare Sunday, March 15th as a National Day of Prayer. We are a Country that, throughout our history, has looked to God for protection and strength in times like these...
No matter where you may be, I encourage you to turn towards prayer in an act of faith. Together, we will easily PREVAIL!" President Donald J. Trump 

God has gotten the attention of the whole world through this virus. The whole world is reacting in fear. Stores are being looted at night, shelves are being emptied, people are fighting over toilet paper, people are being quarantined, the world-wide economy is being affected.

Here in our state, a mandate from the Governor has closed schools, colleges, preschools. It has cancelled any events over 250 people. Sporting events have been canceled, tournaments, and extra-curricular school functions have been postponed. Churches are being forced to cancel onsite attendance and only offer church sermons online. The place of refuge - the church - has now been denied to a scared and lost people.

God is calling us to STOP, be still, be quiet, and look up. Last night while I lay in my bed unable to sleep...again...A stop sign kept appearing in my mind. Why has God called us to STOP and be still?
In the book of Revelation, chapter 8, there is silence in heaven for 30 minutes. Heaven stops, is still, and is quiet while an angel, some say Jesus because He is performing priestly duties, "having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, with the prayers of the saints, ascended before God from the angel's hand (Revelation 8:3-4 NKJV).

It's as if God says, "Quiet! Shush! My people are praying and I want to hear the prayers of my people! Their prayers are a sweet aroma to Me."

Sometimes, we know as Christians that we are supposed to STOP and be still but there is too much to do. We have work, school, our kid sporting events, vacation plans, concert and movie dates, etc. etc.  As parents, we often see our children, spinning out of control, hyped up, getting cranky and grumpy, and we say, "It's time to take a rest time!"  I think God said, "My children need to take a spiritual rest time."  But, just like cranky toddlers will fight and cry, and moan and groan being forced to their beds, so we as God's children will fight going to rest.

God is a Good Father, a loving parent. This Sunday, He is bringing us back to the book of Acts. In the book of Acts, persecution was happening against Christians and the people of God would meet in small houses to have church. That is what will be happening this Sunday.

Our "church" where we worship the god of professional sports has been cancelled.
Our "church" where we worship the god of musicians and celebrity has been cancelled.
Our "church" where we worship the god of our children's sports has been cancelled.
Our "church" where we worship the god of academia has been cancelled.
Our "church" where we worship the god of money has been threatened.
Our "church" where we worship the god of self has lost control and we are being governed by others.
Even our churches where we can go to find refuge in the security of the church building has been taken away for a time.

Now, it's just us and God and a time to stop, be still, quiet our souls, and find rest in Him alone.

Every time there is a need for national prayer, we quote 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NKJV)
... 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 heal their land.

Yet, this morning was the first time I saw it quoted with verse 13 which actually makes it a complete sentence and puts it in context.
13 When I shut up heaven and there is no rain, or command the locusts to devour the land, or SEND PESTILENCE AMONG MY PEOPLE, 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 heal their land.

Reading the whole sentence stopped me in my tracks this morning!!!! What has been devouring farms in minutes in the Middle East??? LOCUSTS
What has brought the world to a stand still? PESTILENCE!

I think God is speaking loud and clear:
"STOP! Be still! You want the pestilence to stop? Then Christians, "people who are called by My Name" humble yourselves. Pray. Seek my face. Turn from your wicked ways and repent! THEN, I will silence heaven so I can hear your prayers, and I will forgive your sin and heal your land."

God has spoken through HIS Word. He has given us the answer to this world-wide problem.
Our President who has been appointed by God for such a time as this, has responded like Queen Esther calling for her people to stop and pray so that God would move to save her people from utter destruction. The Jews responded to Queen Esther's plea and fasted and prayed and God saved her people. The question today is will we? Will we respond to the "Esther" of our times and our nation and STOP and pray?

Tomorrow, Sunday 15th, let us respond to the Word of God, to the call for prayer. Gather in your homes with fellow Believers. All it takes is 2-3 people to gather in Jesus' Name and Jesus promises to be in your midst (Matthew 18:20). And pray! It does not take fancy words and long prayers. It just takes humility, reverence to God, repentance, sincere hearts, and crying out to God for his mercy and intervention.

We have been called for such a time as this, let's heed God's warning and respond.

God bless,
Yolanda

Has God's Arm Lost It's Power? Prayer For Your Children

Have you ever found yourself whining to God about His manna? His daily provision he graciously provides us without having to think or ask for it. It just arrives every morning: our breath in our body, our comfy beds, roof over our heads, coffee waiting to be brewed...

This manna is small and pale. We have to go gather it, grind it, boil it, and bake it. Ugh….so much effort, LORD. In our daily grind of life, this heavenly provision can feel small, boring, insignificant. We become desensitized to the miracle delivery because it just shows up every morning.

We find ourselves wanting more!

Sometimes for earthly food and, even at times, for spiritual food.

I want God to speak to me with thunder and lighting from Mount Sinai. I get tired of waiting for the still small voice I hear confirmed in His Word. 

I start to grumble and complain.

I start to cry out, "LORD, I want MEAT!"

In my heart of hearts, what I'm really crying out for is the world's food. I want a taste of the world because I'm not content or satisfied with God's food.

While reading my morning Bible reading, I read in Numbers 11 how the Israelites felt exactly how I felt yesterday: grumpy, whiny, discouraged, disappointed and ungrateful. 

They were tired of the manna and they started cry out for meat.

God responded, "I've heard your grumbling. You want the world's food? I will give you so much meat you will gag!"

Moses, who was leading this group of whiners, tells God, "I can't handle this burden anymore. I didn't ask for it or want it. How can you possibly supply enough meat for all of these people?"

God responds to Moses, "Has My arm lost it's power? Now you will see whether My Word comes true."

You see, yesterday I had gone to the mountaintop expecting thunder and lightening. I wanted God to speak to me through a powerful cloud. I needed direction for my daughter's future since she is transitioning into adulthood, college, and career. There are so many choices to make in these last few months that I wanted God to speak in grand Exodus style.

Yet, what I got was scripture verses spoken calmly and quietly by two sweet sisters in the LORD.  I walked away feeling very disappointed. Thinking to myself, "Is that all, God?"
Until I decided to put those scriptures together and pray them:

Dear God,
I pray that you would draw my daughter with unfailing kindness and help her to feel your everlasting love.
I pray you would give her a Cyrus anointing. That you would empower her right hand. That you would open up doors for her that no man can shut. That you would go before her and level the mountains and make crooked places straight. I pray you would smash down gates that the enemy puts before her. Give her treasures hidden in the darkness, secret riches.
I pray you do this, LORD, so that she will know that you are the LORD, the God of Israel, who calls her by name.
LORD, I pray that every plant, whether it be relationships, friendships, school and career choices, decisions, that the Heavenly Father has not planted will be uprooted by the root. Surround her with godly friendships, relationships, and opportunities where she will grow in her faith, grow deep roots in the Word, and bear good fruit.
I pray this in Jesus' powerful name.
Amen.

So I will pray this prayer, this Manna given to me yesterday morning, lovingly carried down on dew from my Heavenly Father, that I almost left outside discarded to rot in the afternoon sun.
Because I can almost hear God's voice say, "Yolanda, has My arm lost its power? Pray My Word and see whether it comes true."

The fervent prayers of the righteous mom avails much! Do you have a child, teen, or adult child who needs a Cyrus anointing, then start to pray Manna. Jesus is the Bread of Life. He will nourish your child with the only spiritual food that will satisfy.

Love,
Yolanda

My new favorite song: https://youtu.be/4BpirBRWGUs

Seek a 2020 Revelation not Resolution

So 2020...
As a young person, this year always seemed so futuristic.
I kind of never thought I'd get here and so far I'm not too excited about it.
Every other January 1st prior to this year, I have been excited about the new year. It always seemed like new beginning, new opportunities. This year it's almost as if I am apprehensive about what is coming.

Recently, I concluded a Bible study on the book of Daniel. Daniel is one of few people in the Bible who God does not list a short coming. Oh, it's not like he was without sin, because the Bible says that no one is without sin except Jesus. God just never records any shortcomings, such as anger issues, lying tendencies, or women problems. An angel actually told Daniel that "he was greatly loved by God."

When studying Daniel, I discovered that he was very young when he got captured and taken to Babylon. He was probably a teenager, but the Bible records that Daniel set his heart on GOD. He decided not to defile himself and was a man devoted to studying the Word of God and prayer. Daniel honored God in body, mind, and spirit and in turn God gave him favor in the eyes of those in authority, He gave him wisdom and the gift of interpreting dreams, and Daniel received visions, dreams, and revelations of future events.

When Daniel was in his 80s, he was studying the book of Jeremiah and he realized and understood that the time of Israel's captivity (70 years) was almost over. He went into a time of fervent prayer and fasting and seeking the LORD because he wanted to understand what the future held for himself and his nation. He fasted for 21 days. After 21 days, Gabriel, the angel, appeared to him and told him that a demonic angel had battled with him attempting to thwart his mission to come to Daniel and answer his prayer. But Gabriel, with Michael the archangel, he was victorious and came to Daniel and revealed to Daniel the future prophetic events that would be transpiring for Israel. Gabriel, the angel, revealed 490 years of prophecy to Daniel. Many Christians have gone on Daniel's Fast to draw closer to the LORD and seek wisdom, guidance, healiang, and revelation.

My family has decided to do the Daniel Fast starting January 1, 2020, because we are facing some big family decisions and we need wisdom and a spiritual breakthough. We want to make our decisions based on God's will. Also, like Daniel was concerned about the future of his nation, Israel, and his people, and felt burdened to fast and pray for them, so I am entering this new year and decade burdened for my nation and people.

I think the LORD is calling the remnant of His church to be Daniels in these last days. God's Word says, "The eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart are loyal to Him." (2 Chronicles 16:9)  God wants to show up in our lives and show Himself strong, to send messenger angels to give us our answer to prayer, and to give us dreams and visions, and deeper revelation of His Word.  He is searching throughout the whole world for hearts that are loyal to Him.

In Daniel 10:12-13, Gabriel tells Daniel, "Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, you words were heard, and I have come because of your words."  However, demonic forces were keeping Gabriel from coming for 21 days. Daniel fasted and prayed for 21 days, allowing Gabriel to break free and bring God's message.  I feel like that is a message for me too. "Yolanda, don't fear, what is to come in 2020. For the first day you set your heart to understand, and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard."  I have set me heart to understand the Word and fasting is all about humility before our God. God's Word says we do not battle flesh and blood but demonic forces in the spiritual realm. So, if we are feeling weak, fearful, fatigued, anxious, it is a spiritual battle raging. But, God has promised to show up and make Himself strong on our behalf.

So, for the next 21 days, I'm keeping my heart, mind, and spirit focused on Jesus and I am praying for God to show Himself strong and to strengthen me. I'm not sure what trials or triumphs are coming in 2020 but I know who will be there with me to face them all.

Are you looking for a spiritual breakthrough this year? Why not do what Daniel did? Set your heart to understand, and humble yourself before God. His eyes are roaming the whole earth searching for someone just like you.

Love,
Yolanda