The Battle is Not Yours

While dancing down the road this morning to some lively music (exercise has to be fun or I'm not in), I sang along to the words, "the battle is not yours, God said it's mine..."

I've been meditating on the life of David lately, the King who went down in history as a man after God's own heart. His fame began on a battlefield with his astonishment at the audacity of Goliath to mock the army of the Living God. He came along as a "nobody" and left the battlefield as a "somebody." Not because he thought he was tough stuff, but his faith was in a God who's tough stuff. He knew that if God's on your side, you're going to win.

Then it occurred to me that I'm in trouble if I enter any battle in my own strength. I don't need gizmos and widgets, degrees, endorsements or my own well thought-out justification. What I need is the presence of God. Only then is the outcome certain.

Selah.

Unmerited Favor

Some experiences leave indelible memories; moments in time that explode into our lives with color, vibrancy and rich tones that leave us forever changed.

This week I’ve been reminiscing about the awesomeness of singing the Hallelujah chorus with a 350 voice choir in Vienna’s Musikverein. It was these lyrics that started my memory channel…

“The kingdom of this world
Is become the kingdom of our Lord,
And of His Christ, and of His Christ;
And He shall reign for ever and ever”

It was by the grace of God that I got to be in such an amazing, life-changing, unforgettable place.

Grace. Unmerited favor – from another kingdom - of another time and another place – a gift that transforms and is freely given. It cost our Father everything and costs us nothing. The kingdom of this world is not the kingdom of our Lord. Yet we can live under the new government; enjoying a freedom, hope and joy that is totally unnatural – because it’s supernatural.

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him. But God has revealed them to us through his Spirit.” I want to KNOW NOW about these fantastic things that are yet unexplored and untapped, don’t you?! These things are not just for the “sweet by and by” but for the present, here and now. These things are meant to bring light and clarity to your business, your relationships, your finances and your emotions.

I've been soaking in the truths of unmerited favor in preparation for a Tele-Seminar I'm doing next week and as a result feel refreshed and energized. That thought made me realize I haven't invited YOU to attend. Weds. July 21 at 1 PM Eastern Time, 12 Central and it's free! You do need to register and the details are HERE.

A Light Dawned & Broke Through The Boundaries of Time

This Video makes me grin. Then I have to dance around a bit. Celebrate!!

Attention Shoppers: God is at Cash Register #10

I saw the video below last week and I’ve been thinking about it ever since. It stirs so much in me... memories of when I first awakened to the fact that God is still in the miracle business but more important, it stirs my faith.

I found out yesterday that a dear friend, who happens to be my age, was just diagnosed with a brain tumor. She fell on Tuesday and hit her head – a severe enough injury to send her to the emergency room. That started the round of tests that revealed the mass in her brain. Reminiscent of precious Andrew who is waiting for his miracle. Last week, I heard of another cancer diagnosis in a beautiful 26-year-old young lady.

Last night, as I prayed for these needs, two things came to mind. Almost 25 years ago, I was on a prayer chain at our small Methodist church and got a call to pray for a teen who had been critically injured when she was thrown head-first through the windshield in a terrible car accident. I awakened all through the night after that call with a severe headache and would pray for her (her name was Kelly), the headache would go away and I would go back to sleep for awhile. Then the cycle would repeat.

The next morning, I felt absolutely compelled to go to the hospital and tell the parents Kelly was going to be okay. I had no clue what I was doing – this was a totally unfamiliar experience to me. But I couldn’t shake the feeling, so off I went. I found her parents in the waiting room for neurological intensive care and delivered the message. Two days later, when I got the call that Kelly had awakened from her coma with no brain damage, my life was forever changed.

I’ll tell you more about that journey later. For now, I am full of faith for these three friends in particular, to be wholly restored. I declare a cancer-free zone. It can happen anywhere and anytime….even on cash register #10.

The Color of White

Profound. Thought-provoking. Inspiring.

If that’s what you were hoping to read here today, you’re on the wrong blog. Sorry.

However, I am up for a chat. I feel like I’ve been wearing lots of hats lately, which is really not anything new. Last weekend, Cupcake was home for the weekend and it was fun to hang-out with her. I was seeing photos on some blogs of snow and we were walking on the beach. Guess you didn’t want to know that if that was you in the overcoat.

Busy week, meeting with some really interesting people and working on multiple businesses. I don’t think I recall what it feels like to be bored. I think I used to get bored when I was a child, maybe?

Just enjoyed another good weekend and we were once again graced with stellar weather. I was asked to do a musical program for a church a couple of hours from here. Not my usual thing as they wanted at least 30 minutes of music. It was a delight to prepare and then to share with these very precious people. The scenic drive took us through countryside where the cotton fields were gorgeous with the full bolls ready for harvest. Truly a beautiful sight.

After the service and lunch, we went to see LouLou. Her birthday is coming Sunday the 8th- she’ll be 103. Yes, you read that right. Our visit was sweet, though she didn’t know who I was for the first time. Her physical health is remarkable, but my vivid impression is that she is on the threshold of heaven. I feel selfish that it makes me sad – she is so ready and so tired. When I sang “I’ll Fly Away” and she clapped in delight, I almost came undone.

She seemed really pleased when I told her that her second great, great grandchild arrived this week and is named Eloise in her honor. Since we’re on the subject of babies, I’ll just wrap this by leaving you with images of the joy of my heart. Rosebud is 14 weeks old!

Fear Is Just a Bad Dream

I’ve had my share of bad dreams. As a child, I remember having dreams of a steamroller overtaking me - leaving me flat as Wile E. Coyote in the Road Runner cartoons. (No doubt that’s where that dream originated!) Later my bad dreams were not of falling or monsters or things that go BUMP in the night. Oddly enough, my recurring bad dream was that I was on a sailboat on a silent, flat ocean. Not a puff of wind to take me anywhere. No compass - no destination. Stillness – just suffocating stillness. I remember waking from that dream with a feeling of listlessness and loneliness.

I sometimes wonder if that dream was the predecessor of my greatest fear, which is best described as “missing the boat”. My mind knows that we are human beings, not human doings. However, my heart hasn’t fully absorbed the message that my life is not performance-based. I used to blithely quote “what you are is God’s gift to you and what you become is your gift to God.” I’ve quit reciting that as it really adds to the performance pressure. What if I miss an opportunity or don’t become all that God intended for me? What if I die with the music still in me? What if? What if? Just STOP!

The only way I know to combat fear is with faith. And even when I don’t FEEL full of faith, I can be assured that faith is not based on feelings. In fact, God spoke to my heart years ago with the assurance that the shield of faith has a safety catch on it. Especially handy for me. Fear may be a bad dream, but that doesn’t make it a reality.

There is much in the world to make us afraid. There is much more in our faith to make us unafraid.
~Frederick W. Cropp

***********

This post was the result of some “mulling” I’ve done since Michelle over at Scribbit put out the October writing challenge on the subject of Fear. I also entered a post from my business blog. Have I ever mentioned I love words?

Lift Up Your Heads!

I have been captivated with studying “gates” since my return from Central America last month. I’ve seen locks before; I’ve been on a ship that cruised the St. Lawrence Seaway and we had to go through locks on our way to the Atlantic ocean. But observing this engineering feat at the Panama Canal made a bigger impression on me than I was even aware of at the time. The Panama Canal is 50 miles long, extending from the Pacific Ocean to the Caribbean Sea.

I visited the MiraFlores Locks and the vision of those giant gates has been on my mind continually. I’m sure it’s because of prayer. To clarify, I was praying for provision for a couple that is planting a church in Miami and I immediately pictured the gates at the Panama Canal opening with an amazing outpouring of water. We’re talking ginormous gates and millions of gallons of water. This picture captures a photo of the water just “leaking’ in.Lift up your heads, O you gates;
Lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty – he is the King of glory.
Psalm 24: 9,10The first photo and this last photo were taken at a point about midway through the canal. There's only a 45 minute segment every day when ships are going both directions as they change the traffic flow each day. I happened to see it.

It's About Time

Have you ever picked up a book that everybody else is raving about and it’s flat and dull to you? Then you pick it up 6 months later and you love it? It’s all about timing.

I’ve been pondering the importance of God’s timing. I honestly believe that we are at a critical juncture in our nation’s history and that you and I can make a difference in the way things go. I won’t get too heavy today, because I have my “Expector” turned up. I’m expecting good things and am declaring that and speaking it into my environment.

Everywhere I turn, I’m hearing words about timing. I heard a message on Sunday about the word kairos. It’s a Greek word that means the right or opportune moment. The other Greek word for time is chronos, which refers to chronological or sequential time. Kairos implies qualitative time while chronos implies quantitative time. In the New Testament kairos means "the appointed time in the purpose of God", the time when God acts.

I’m alert for those moments in time that I am to do or say something that can precipitate what God wants to do. I want to experience qualitative time; it’s an exciting way to live! Is your “Expector” on?

The Surpassing Greatness of His Power

I’m reading a book I bought because of the title; it comes straight from the book of Ephesians. The truth of those words has been ringing in my soul for several weeks. It’s part of a prayer that I’m going to turn in your direction today.

I give thanks for you today and pray that the Father of glory may give you the spirit of wisdom and revelation so that you may know Him better. I pray that the eyes of your understanding will be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints and the surpassing greatness of his power toward us who believe.

Wow. That puts wind in my sail. After all, faith is the sail that catches the wind of the Spirit and hope is the anchor of the soul when we’re waiting for the wind to come up.

Sail on. See you on the water.

A Call to PUSH

I read about baby Annette last week over at Rachel's blog. She heard about this young family and knew they were in New Orelans for medical treatment and got quite busy organizing food, help, prayer and encouragement. Annette is only 3 months old and has a tumor in her brain. Prayer can make the difference. We can all PUSH.

Pray
Until
Something
Happens

Prayer can move the mountain this family is facing. You can click on over to this site to leave a message of encouragement for the Maxeys.

The Will to Forgive

I am reading a novel called Levi's Will. Spanning over 40 years, this book tells the story of Will, a teenage boy who runs away from his Amish home. It is fascinating and well-written.

I quote a Catholic priest in the book who was helping Will through a crisis of faith and of life.

"God is love. Love is proof of God and forgiveness is proof of love."


Think on that.

For Such a Time as This

Profound. Life-changing. Invigorating.
I heard a speaker this week at a business luncheon sponsored by CIBN (Christian International Business Network). The speaker finished 3 minutes after he started. No, really I think he spoke for 40 minutes but it SEEMED like 3, and he left the entire audience thirsting for more. The arrows of wisdom were flying and I couldn’t listen fast enough, much less take notes fast enough. I had never heard of Lance Wallnau, but he is an internationally-known speaker and I can assure you I won’t forget his name now. He is a man with a message.

He spoke about building the Kingdom of God on this earth. There’s much to be done and as Kingdom people, we must not be swayed by a spirit of fear in these perilous times. We have the power and authority to be the light in the midst of darkness! Whatever your appointed sphere of influence is, you can make a difference. As we see world systems topple, strongholds are being shaken, offering opportunity for the penetration of truth and integrity. Lance challenged everyone in the room to stand firm, be alert and be prepared for assignments from the King. What an exciting time to be alive!

Rich Gifts

Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.
~ Dr. Seuss

I love Dr. Suess. He has a way keeping it simple. Clearly a gift that he used well.

Edie over at Rich Gifts posts a question every week. Her recent question asked about our unique design. I wrote pages in my head and had so much to say I couldn’t seem to get it through the computer. So I’m just going to comment on one thing that has been at the forefront for me because of recent events.

I love music. I breathe music. The way I tell it - I am bilingual. Music is my first language and English is my second. I mean it. And I’m a worshipper. Time has no meaning once I sit down at my piano and get lost in the sounds and the presence of God.

There’s a long story that I’ll make short about all this. I studied piano for 12 years when I was in school and was quite “fluent”. When I was about 15, an unnatural fear of playing in front of people took over. And for about 25 years, I only played at home. One day, I recognized that fear had stolen something precious and good and I determined to press through the fear. I continue to work on that. It’s crazy to me that I can speak or sing in front of 1,000 people and I’m not nervous. But when I put my hands onto the keyboard, it’s a different story.

Last week I was asked to play and do the music and worship during altar time at church. It was truly a God thing that I was asked, as pastor had never even heard me play. I started Sunday and I am so excited. This is a new season. This is a door of opportunity. And even though I was nervous, I felt a new freedom and it felt glorious.

“...For the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy….” BUT we’ve been made more than conquerors!

I know music is a part of me. It’s a gift that is being restored in ways I have yet to experience. I’ll be seeking out bloggers who lead worship for resources and such, so let me hear from you if this is your gift!

Forever God is Faithful!!

Sing! Shout! Clap Your Hands! Cody is awake! He is talking! He shall live and not die and proclaim that the kingdom of God has come near to him... into his heart and life.

Just wanted you to know the miracle is in progress. Thanks so much for praying.
Keep it up. It makes ALL the difference in the world.

SOS - Prayer Needed for Cody

I believe in the power of prayer. And I know that most of you readers believe in the power of prayer. Our son just called and a good friend of his, Cody, was in a motorcycle accident last night.

He is in neurological intensive care in Tallahassee and this is a critical time, with swelling and all the complications of a brain injury. We are speaking life to Cody. He desperately needs a second chance. He does not know the Lord. Yet. Cody is 23 years old.

We have seen miracles before and we know we serve a miraculous God. Thank you for your prayers.

Faith in Action

I have something I’d like for you to pray with me about. I'm glad I am still basking in the wonder of what God did on Sunday, so I have very recent reminders that He is Powerful and Awesome and cares about the details of our lives.

I’ll give you some of the story without going into too much detail, and then I’ll make my request. I’ve been having some issues with my hormones changing that have been causing problems. One issue was becoming of increasing concern.

Sunday, the presence of God was very strong in our service. The message was based on John 5, where the lame man was by the pool at Bethesda waiting for his healing. The first one in the pool after the angel stirred the waters was healed. The speaker reminded us that we don’t have to wait for angels, we have Jesus. In addition, we are not in some spiritual lottery where it’s a chance on who God wants to heal. He suggested we all join hands and jump in the pool together. I loved that. It’s a good thing Jesus said, “Come as a child.” That totally works for me.

I just knew that God taken care of my need in that service. I knew I wasn’t going to have to go to the doctor and that I would be restored before all the festivities coming up this weekend. And indeed, that very night, all symptoms disappeared. SING, SHOUT, DANCE! I am so thankful.

Now here’s the request. I am asking God to send Hurricane Gustav to uninhabited places. We are still, at this very moment, experiencing severe weather from Tropical Storm Fay. (I am using my cell phone for internet access as my regular high speed is out from the weather.) We do not need a visit from Gustav in Florida. Nobody else needs him either!! He is definitely not invited to our son’s wedding. God knows about the need for safety for all the people we love who are travelling from all over to South Florida for the festivities. Please pray. If one can put a thousand to flight, two can send the legions fleeing, and cause Gustav to be rendered harmless. Amen.

Can You Believe It?

I oversee customer service and marketing for a nutrition company as one of the many hats I wear. Dealing with people is always fascinating. One of this week’s chuckles came when I read an email from a guy that said, “I have not been angry for the last 52 years.” What?! Are you kidding? I am incredulous. (Okay - the truth is, I simply don't believe him. He would have to be in a coma to accomplish that!) He goes on to state a truth I do agree with …“I have come to the conclusion that there are no medicines and supplements or doctors available to cure any diseases like old age, death and fear.”

That's an interesting thought. It’s true that modern medicine has not come up with a cure for death. But I think of the message that resounds in me this Easter week. Jesus overcame death and the grave. So indeed there is a cure for death in Christ! He also revealed the cure for fear and old age and anger and…. He covered it all for us. I am incredulous, but in this case my fascination is punctuated with, “I BELIEVE!”

Who me?

I have always loved Gideon. I'm sure you remember the story. He’s the guy who was hiding in the winepress to thresh wheat because the land was full of enemies. An angel showed up and said to Gideon, “Hey you! Mighty Man of Valor!” Gideon looked around wondering,”Who me? Who are you talking to?” And the angel warrior points at him. This has always made me laugh. Who hasn’t felt inadequate and fearful and thought “moi?!” Who hasn’t been found hiding behind walls (often of our own making) that offer perceived protection against our enemies?

I find myself constantly needing to move out in courage that I don’t feel to conquer enemies with names like doubt, fear and comfort. How can comfort be an enemy? Ahh- comfort zones can certainly keep us in the land of safety, security and the status quo. I’m pretty sure we aren’t designed to stay the same.

Enough about me, let’s get back to Gideon. The angel of the Lord told Gideon to “Go in the strength that you have and I will be with you.” What a great thing to know! But he was still afraid. (You see why I relate to this guy?) So he snuck out at night to do the first part of what he was supposed to do. He still got the job done and wasn’t penalized for being a chicken. The next chapter in Judges tells the fascinating story of the victory of Gideon’s army. But once again, Gideon has to be reassured beyond what would even seem reasonable. But God was patient with him and an awesome victory resulted.What seems small and inadequate in our sight can be mighty if God is with us. Is that good news or what?