THE SOUND OF SILENCE

It was 4:00 a.m. and like all intelligent people, I was snuggled, safely in my comfy bed fast asleep. Suddenly, I was rudely awakened by something. Wide awake now, I listened. What had, without warning, jarred me from a deep sleep? There was no earthquake shaking the room, thunder booming, or an alarm ringing? Listening intently, I heard nothing. For years I have slept with a fan whirring in the room blocking all unwelcome noises; now there was no whirr, no hum from the refrigerator, no click as the clock changed time; the house was completely still. Slowly, I realized, the electricity was off and I was suddenly awaken by the Sound of Silence. After about 5 minutes, the electricity was restored and I drifted off to sleep with the comforting whirr of the fan in the background.

So many times, I have been drifting along, doing my thing and enjoying life. God is right there, softly whispering, guiding and encouraging me along the way. As I slip comfortably into the familiar routine, that still, small voice becomes merely background noise. I am faintly aware that God is there; handy if I really need something, but easily ignored as I continue moving through my day. Suddenly, I am jolted into reality by the Sound of Silence. I listen intently and I hear nothing. The comforting whispers have faded, the faithful Presence that always surrounds me has seemingly disappeared. Falling to my knees, I once again connect with the sweet, sweet Spirit of the Lord and rest in the comfort of His Everlasting Arms.

If the voice of God in your life has become just a hum in the background or perhaps there is complete silence and you cannot find the rest you need for your soul, it is time to reconnect. It may take some searching but God has promised in Jeremiah 29:13, And you shall seek me, and find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart. God is not hiding from you; He is just trying to get your attention. He doesn’t want to be just comforting, background noise. He desires to be the voice that leads and guides you daily along the path He has prepared. Listen closely; soon the Sound of Silence will be shattered by His voice calling your name.

DWELLING IN THE BALCONY

Once again I was prompted by the Holy Spirit to pull out my well-worn copy of Balcony People by Joyce Landorf Heatherly. Only 69 pages, it is a small book with a powerful punch. Every day we can choose to be a “Balcony” or a “Basement” person in someone’s life. With our words and our actions we can build up, encourage and affirm or we can tear down, evaluate and criticize. I have determined in my heart to dwell in the “Balcony.” If in person, through a smile, a hug or a compliment; in an email, some empathy, an encouraging word or a compassionate prayer; even on Face book, let my postings be pure, good and uplifting.


Everywhere we go most people we meet and most situations we face are filled with stress and discouragement, just think how an encounter with one “Balcony” person could change an entire day. Now stop and think how many lonely, discouraged people could face a brighter day, if you chose to BE a “Balcony” person. There is no lack of subjects on which to practice as you develop your balcony expertise. Start with your spouse, your children, neighbor, the greeter at the grocery store, the people in your church, your PASTOR and HIS WIFE.

Having been a pastor’s wife and having run a lonely obstacle race most days, I now am on the other side, in a congregation with the opportunity to be a balcony person to my pastor and his wife. The Balcony Person doesn’t just stand on the sidelines and cheer but they get involved in the race. They help share the load, they speak a word of praise, send an email of encouragement, give a quick hug, they make sure to pray for their pastors daily, support the vision, button the “lip of criticism” and oh yes, always, always cheer them on to victory.

Here is an excerpt from the book, “Balcony People.”  “We do not allow a pastor to experience discord, admit to or deal with depression; give them permission to be angry or human. We don’t allow pastor’s spouses to have mental illness, emotional burn-out or even a miscarriage. They must be spiritual at all times, with a biblical reference on the tip of their tongue. They must never have a bad day, lose their spirit or temper and most of all they must be able to play the piano.” I especially appreciate the last line. I was not blessed with natural piano playing abilities but taught myself to play by ear and was usually the only one available in our small home-mission churches. Maybe it was God’s way of keeping me humble, but after experiencing people in the congregation sticking fingers in their ears and some giving their children permission to stay home because they disliked my playing, I have asked God to please use me in any other role in the future. It has also caused me to become a “Balcony” person toward the Praise Team and anyone who serves God through music.

Joyce Landorf Heatherly continues, “If we ever do become balcony people of God to our ministers, you’ll know it instantly. There will break out over pastors, missionaries, lay people and congregations alike, the greatest revival the world has ever seen!” Talk about “World Changers!” If you struggle with your role in the Kingdom or you just are not sure what God is calling you to do, become a Balcony Person. You will amaze yourself, those around you, in the process be blessed and who knows, you may find out this is what God was calling you to all along.

WHO GAVE HIM PERMISSION?

Reading articles, news items, emails and FB posts in preparation for a retreat at which Steve and I have been invited to speak, I am saddened to find Satan’s fingerprints all over the ruins of so many lives. As the tears flow down my face and prayers are offered up on behalf of so many hurting friends, I wonder, “What makes the devil think he has a right; who gave him permission?” Of course it began in a garden. Genesis 1:28-29 tells us God’s plan from the beginning; “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. 28And God blessed them, and God said unto them, be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have DOMINION over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.” God gave dominion and authority to mankind and only they could bestow that authority on another. Satan had no authority until Eve gave him permission because of her own desires.


True, at times Satan seems relentless with his attacks. He will tempt you at every turn and just when you have one thing conquered, he comes with something else or a new tactic. GOOD NEWS!!! God already has a solution; 1 Corinthians 10:13 There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it. The Word of God promises us that with every temptation, God will make a way of escape. The only way sin can overtake us is if WE give it permission.

Several years ago, I had an employee who asked to leave early one day to go to her son’s ball game. I gave her the permission to leave that day but the next week she left early without permission and twice the following week. Finally, I confronted her about leaving work early and I have never forgotten her reply and the lesson I learned. She said, “You didn’t say no, so I thought it was ok.” Have we allowed the devil to think he has permission to interfere with our lives because we haven’t said NO!!!

Think of all the seemingly “innocent” things we let slip into our lives. The television shows and movies we watch, the music we listen to, the people we surround ourselves with, the internet sites we visit, the books and magazines we read, even the things we laugh at, the priorities we set and the time we waste; are all of these inadvertently giving the devil the permission for which he’s been waiting? James 1:14-15 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15Then when lust hath conceived, it brings forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. You will notice that it is not until the lust is conceived that sin is birthed. It starts with temptation and the choice, do we take the “Way of Escape” or give the devil permission. If permission is denied immediately, conception can never take place and Satan has no authority.

So once again; “What makes the devil think he has a right? Who gave him permission?” Sadly, the answer is, “We did.” It is time that we say NO MORE!!! It is time to TAKE BACK DOMINION and REVOKE SATAN’S AUTHORITY. If you are as “fed up” as I am at the audacity of Satan’s intrusion in your life, KICK HIM OUT AND TAKE IT BACK! Reclaim your children, your marriage, and your peace; reclaim your relationship with God. SATAN, PERMISSION DENIED!

JUST ONE DAY

On Wednesday, February 22, 2012, American journalist, Marie Colvin was murdered in Homs, Syria. After learning of the death of her daughter, Rosemarie Colvin said, “She was supposed to leave Syria” on Wednesday. “Her editor told me he called her yesterday and said it was getting too dangerous and they wanted to take her out. She said she was doing a story and she wanted to finish it and it was important and she would come out on Wednesday.” The grieving mother then added, “SHE WAITED ONE DAY TOO LATE.” I am sure Marie Colvin thought, it won’t make any difference, it’s just one day, but what a difference the 24 hour delay made.

We have all had situations occur when we have said “if only I had done that yesterday,” “if only I hadn’t waited,” or “I didn’t realize yesterday was the deadline.” When we moved to Tennessee, I had to switch my driver’s license from Michigan to Tennessee. They were due to expire on my birthday and we were in the process of moving at the same time. It was also the political season and I wanted to be sure I was able to vote in the upcoming election. My intentions were to register to vote and switch my driver’s license all in one quick trip. I arrived at the Secretary of State office on Tuesday, October 5, four whole days before my license expired; plenty of time. I filled out my voting registration, driver’s license application, had my picture taken, paid my money and asked, “Will I receive my new voter registration card in time for the upcoming election?” The clerk said, “Sorry, yesterday was the deadline to be registered for the November election.” It didn’t matter that I was unaware of the deadline or that I hadn’t bothered to check, there were no exceptions made for being a new state resident or even that the prior day was a holiday and the office was closed. October 4 was the deadline and today was October 5; I had waited one day too late.

Not being able to vote in 2010 was a real aggravation to me but it also made me check things thoroughly, when we moved back to Michigan. I wanted to be sure that I registered in time to vote in the 2012 Michigan primary. Usually missing the deadline is a mere inconvenience and not really as serious as the one Ms. Colvin faced. Like Marie Colvin, however, every one of us has an unknown deadline to meet. We do not know when we will come face to face with the “Last Day.” The appointment will have either of two outcomes; it will be a day, full of joy for which we have prepared or a day of despair because we will have waited one day too late. 2 Corinthians 6:2 tells us, For He says: “In an acceptable time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. As we reread the verse, in connection with our inevitable deadline, we can understand that the “Day of Salvation” must be today for JUST ONE MORE DAY could be ONE DAY TOO LATE!

A NECESSARY MESS

The sink was full of soaking dishes, dirty pots and pans were piled high on one counter, while a coating of flour, sugar and spices covered the other. To a casual visitor, it looked like a jumbled mess but the dirty dishes and messy countertops were not the final product, they were just necessary preparations for what was to come.


Soon the mess was cleaned up, but the orderliness of the kitchen could not hide the delicious smells wafting from the roasting turkey, baking pies and bubbling pots on the stove. Pausing for a moment and breathing deeply, she savored the sweet aroma of her labor of love. But the inviting smell filling the kitchen was not the goal; it only represented what was to come.

Finally, the kitchen buzzer sounded and the doorbell rang; it was time. Hungry kids and grandkids filled the home. The enticing aromas guaranteed that soon they would be stuffing their mouths with the time-tested recipes that were pulled out once a year, making sure that everyone’s favorite dish was on the menu. It was time, this was what all of the mess and all of the mouth-watering smells was really about; the children were home and dinner was served.

Often times in our spiritual journey, we have had a vision of the goal, but became overwhelmed because of the “dirty kitchen.” Discouraged, we looked around at the “rags” and broken pieces of our life, positive that even God couldn’t do much with such a mess. But the “Master Chef” holding the recipe of our dreams reminds us, this isn’t the final product, these are just necessary preparations for what is to come.

With order restored, our journey continues and the sweet aroma of God’s presence fills our life. Pause for a moment, take a deep breath and savor each blessing that He has prepared just for you every step of the way. Don’t pause, too long, however, because the little blessings along the way are just a hint of what He has waiting for you. You can’t even imagine what is to come.

The Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 2:9, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” One day the trumpet will sound and all God’s “hungry” children will be gathered home. It will be worth every messy kitchen, dirty pot and broken dish. The sweet aroma of blessings we enjoyed during the journey will pale in comparison to sound of His voice saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant…enter into the joy of the Lord.” WHAT A GATHERING THAT WILL BE!!!

THE GREATEST OF THESE IS LOVE

1 Corinthians 13:13 says, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”


“Grandma, look what I made you.” Caleb handed me a perfectly cut, neatly colored square. As I took the masterpiece, Caleb received a hug and praise, bragging on his creative efforts and super intelligence. Suddenly, a little voice piped up, “I make for you too, Grandma.” I looked down at Nathan who was offering his “masterpiece;” scribbles on torn/cut pieces of paper. He, of course, received the same hugs and praise as his older brother with an extra squeeze. My heart is so full as I look at a folder full of grandchildren “artwork” and an envelope full of torn scraps of paper. They will never win awards or be auctioned at Christies for millions but to me they are priceless. They represent concentrated efforts to return the love they have received back to Grandma. My grandchildren have every confidence that when they offer their expressions of love they will be received with excitement, hugs and accolades. There is no fear that I will laugh, deride their efforts or shower them with condemnation; no, they are secure in Grandma’s love for them.

Oh the freedom I would enjoy if, like my grandchildren, I would learn to trust God’s great love for me. 1 John 4:18 reminds us that “Perfect love casts out all fear.” Yet as adults we allow fear to put up a wall shielding us from the perfect love of God. The fear of “not being good enough”, failure, condemnation, rejection and all the other negative experiences we have had with “imperfect” love. If only I could catch a vision of the heart of God as I present my little torn pieces of paper to Him, confident in His love. If I could understand that my “mess-ups” are never met with condemnation but lovingly, He gently takes my hand, corrects my steps and guides me safely to the right path. If I could only believe that “He will never leave me or forsake me” maybe I wouldn’t find it necessary to test the validity of the statement by “living on the edge.”

My grandchildren aren’t concerned with how fat or skinny I am, whether my hair is fixed perfectly and my clothes are just right, if I live in a big house or if everything is in its place, all they care about is the perfect love and the hugs they are sure to receive at Grandma’s House. I’m not so concerned with the gifts and the blessings that God showers down on me daily, but I crave the feel of being held in His Everlasting Arms. I seek to hear the love He whispers in my ear as I reach out to grasp the gentle hand that guides me every day because I am confident that HE LOVES ME.

“Oh love of God, how rich and pure, how measureless and strong. It shall forevermore endure-- the saint’s and angel’s song.”

FORGIVENESS OR PERMISSION?

She skipped blissfully into life. A whole new world of adventure awaited her, far removed from the cloistered lifestyle of her childhood. Besides, she was confident that her Mother’s prayers would follow her all the days of her life; they did!  “The world was her oyster (Shakespeare);” she embraced it! “Life is too important to be taken seriously (Oscar Wilde);” she laughed! “Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance (anon);” she danced! Her motto became, “It’s easier to ask for forgiveness than permission (G. Hopper);” but it wasn’t! There would be plenty of time to consider God when she was old, but there wouldn’t! The morning after the last party never came.

There have been many variations to U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Grace Hopper’s phrase, “It’s easier to ask forgiveness than it is to get permission,” but they all have the same meaning rooted in self. However it is worded, the speaker is declaring, “I will do it my way without regard to authority.” It started with Lucifer. He wasn’t satisfied just being the archangel God had created; oh no, he had much more ambitious ideas. Isaiah 14:13-14 records that Lucifer did it his way, “For you have said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also on the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.” Of course, it didn’t stop with Lucifer. Satan tells Eve, if you eat of the fruit, “you will not surely die” or to paraphrase, “go ahead, you can ask forgiveness later.” Eve discovered as Lucifer had previously, as Sampson, David, Jonah, Ananias and Sapphira did later along with everyone throughout history who decided to forego permission, there are consequences to “doing it my way.” Lucifer will be cast into the pit, Eve was put out of the Garden, Sampson lost his eye sight and ultimately his life, David lost a child, Jonah ended up in belly of a fish and Ananias and Sapphira paid with their lives for embracing the “Self-philosophy.”

I was introduced to the phrase, “I would rather ask forgiveness than permission,” by an employee under my supervision. It didn’t warm my employer’s heart just as it doesn’t warm the heart of God. You see, I was paying for 8 hours of my employee’s time every day. Although, I was always ready to hand out forgiveness for mistakes, I expected my instructions to be followed for the success of the company. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 says “Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” Acts 20:28 tells us a very high price was paid for you and me; “He purchased with His own blood.” Not only is God our creator but He shed His own blood to redeem us; He has a right to every area of our life and to expect us to ask permission. He desires our success.

Yes we serve a God who is rich in mercy and ready to forgive but forgiveness doesn’t remove the consequences of our actions. How beautiful life can be when we “get permission” or seek the Will of God before we act. God has a life of blessing planned for you, don’t trample it underfoot in your haste to “experience life” and “do it your way.”