Tangible, Visible Evidence

Ephesians 3:14-16 "For this reason, I bow my knees before the Father, from whom every family in Heaven and on earth derives its name, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man." 


A question was asked of me, of others this week, "how have you seen a visible, tangible, representation of God--His Holy Spirit dwelling in you?

When I opened my spiritual eyes, recognized my wretchedness before God,  my own sin, then responded to His calling, His open arms and smiling face, I received His Holy Spirit. In that moment of surrender, of knowing I am in need of His mercy--that intimacy between myself and His Spirit recreates a miracle and the connection to His Holy work, that which He willed for my life. This is a constant prayer, "Lord, Your will, not mine." The spiritual becomes the tangible in changed lives, changed desires, changed conversations, changed hopes and new dreams. It also allows a unique perspective, to see more of God in every thing, no matter how random, how insignificant, how worthless the world might judge. That is Holy Spirit.

Everyone sins, misses the mark of perfection and thus, separated from the Holy, (Romans 3:23). At first I just knew from what I was taught-- God made me, and that His Son, Jesus, died for me and that God is Love. If I believed that, I would go to Heaven one day and live there forever. Of course, when you are nine years old, that seems pretty reasonable, simple. God whispered in my ear, "I love you, will you love Me back?"

"Yes," I answered. God came into my heart by means of asking for forgiveness and receiving the Holy Spirit. Can I explain that at the age of  nine? No, but I knew I belonged to Him that day. Serving Him has always been important to me as I studied His Word and served in various ministries. In all this time, some 50 plus years later, the Holy Spirit navigates my steps to a deeper relationship with Him. Have I spent some time being idle, drifting? Yes, I have gone down wayward roads and sat for too long on the bench for the luke warm, watching but not participating. He calls me back and convicts my heart, leading me into His grace and fellowship. I know and recognize that God dwells within me in the form of the Holy Spirit. I didn't need a bunch of classes, a party or a ceremony to know that, to experience His indwelling in me. My prayers for more of Him, my proactive trust--enough. My growing faith in story--evidence, tangible and visible.  And then there are those goose bump moments. That IS Holy Spirit.

We all want to test the world, and we all wander, striving, curious humans we are. When God keeps ringing your spiritual phone of your heart, and He hears busy signals or hang-ups, or just no answer at all...but He persists by sending certain people and certain circumstances and signs--that is tangible Holy Spirit.

When  placed in a compromising situation or have to make a choice and most say one thing, but your heart is saying another, you are feeling that voice of discernment giving you strength--that is Holy Spirit.

When one longs for their mom, sister or brother,  spouse, the kids, best friends, the neighbors, to walk along side you in this journey, seeking growth and knowledge, wisdom and blessings, hope and purpose, pure fellowship of His goodness---more of Him, --that is Holy Spirit.

When you are called to a ministry you never thought possible, to leadership positions and opportunities no one would have placed you in, when scripture comes alive and is always applicable to your situation and prayers, when you have the constant desire to be in His Word, fellowship with His people and seek Him through your trials and adversity--that is Holy Spirit.

One day, my mind and heart crashed and melted. Grief-stricken, drained and depleted from my own thoughts and words, God took over. His Spirit activated a palpable, tangible love on me and began the process of showing me how to lift my head again. I look up and I look back... and I know His grace. His promises I find within me, even more intense than before,  guiding me to His purpose. Part of His healing plan, He stirs and sieves the brokenness, replacing it with Hope. It is tangible, like a frown becoming a smile--that is Holy Spirit.

He lifted my head, to see not one, but dozens of swallowtail butterflies coming down from the trees filtering my grief-filled prayers up to Heaven. They surrounded me in the Light of a new day and a different life, but a hope-filled life. Ten years later, another single, transformed butterfly of the same genus, a swallowtail, lands on my windshield as I am stopped at a light and dances across to my driver's side, constantly fluttering, encouraging me and loving me, a tangible reminder that His Spirit, the Holy Spirit dwells in me and I recognize and feel  LOVED as tears flow. The radio plays Chris Tomlin at that very moment--and that is Holy Spirit, and that is God!

There's a place where sin and shame are powerless.

Where my heart has peace with God and forgiveness.

Where all the love I've ever found.

Comes like a flood,

Comes flowing down.

At the CROSS, that is tangilble, visible in my heart. Hallelujah! 

The butterfly is not something to be worshipped, for it too is temporary, a manifestation of His beauty in creation, but scripture reminds us in Romans 1:19-20:

...because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and devine nature have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. 

and in Luke 19:40  "And He answered and said, "I tell you, if these become silent, the stones will cry out!"

Father God, thank You for my salvation and that I know and want more than just the promise of Heaven. Your Holy Spirit was sent to believers so that we can participate in the Holy and receive Your power and strength. You saved me so that I may glorify Your name! What a privilege to be called to Your Plan, to find my own purpose within the gifts You have given me and the discovery of so much through fellowship and Your Word. Because Your Holy Spirit dwells within my soul, my Helper, Strength-giver and Inspirer, I can accomplish mighty things for Your Kingdom, for Your glory, in that I am awed and humbled, thank You Lord. Holy Spirit, thank You for hearing my long prayers, my simple prayers, my utterances and all my thoughts towards wanting Your Will and even those words and thoughts not aligning with Your Will. In that, You bring about Your discerning wisdom and lead me to better places and/or bring about obedience which leaves tangible evidence, for Your glory. Thank You Lord for Your prompts to pray, to listen, to watch and to wait. Thank You Lord for giving me Hope. As I have told my story, some have said to me, "I don't see God like you do..." Oh, Lord, I know that they can, if only they take the time to humble themselves, be authentic before You, asking You for that gift You left for us, Your Holy Spirit, God dwelling within us and among us. God, You so loved the world, every one of us can know You, Father, Son and Holy Spirit--You are welcome here. Amen.

                                         

                                           FRANCESCA BATTISTELLI ~  HOLY SPIRIT

Inspired. Affirmed. Redeemed.

Romans 8:28  And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those that love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." 

Inspired. Affirmed. Redeemed.  All these words fill my heart and mind as I interact with those around me and continue to move forward in my own spiritual trust-walk. Yet God still allows challenges and concerns before me, before this country and the world we live in. It seems everyday this summer swings like a pendulum--up to the heights of knowing God's love and plan, seeing it play out in front of me, bravery and achievement of goals, reunions and celebrations, vacations and beauty in the garden... butterfly wings. Then the news and politics fill our Facebook and living rooms, the heartbreak and evil, the disease and estrangement, the entitlement; the blatant disregard for human life...the tragedy this world has become. That last bit... is a darkness that's always existed, seeping in the cracks we ignore, the things we compromise, the choices we make to appease instead of stand up for truth, and ignorance of what God already accomplished.  God is sovereign and is always, always GOOD!

I am inspired by a young man who chose a profession of service, that of a police officer. Not only did he choose to be an officer of the law, but to do so in the big city, the City of Angels. At such a time as this, we climbed into a car in the early predawn hour on the morning after 5 Dallas policemen were taken out, executed. We watched the brave young recruits receive their handshake from the Chief of Police and the Mayor, listened to the heart breaking yet determined speeches--bittersweet words unintended for that morning, but determined to comfort and strengthen, assure and...give gratitude and love. I was so honored to sit with my closest friend and her family and pray for her son...our sons and daughters.

I am affirmed when my own story of "Grace Upon Amazing Grace, " my work in progress these last few summers, winds down to concluding thoughts, and a point of view switching from myself to my son in heaven. Incidents that to some might seem coincidence or "weird," I know and feel God reaching down and giving me a high-five, a thumbs up in a song or two, butterflies, and many other occurences. It bestows a  confidence... (sigh and smile) that the pages will be tangible soon. Words will be read, and hearts will see and turn to His grace in their own grief. 

I feel the redemption flow when I recognize the nudge, the need to tell someone's story, someone I haven't seen in 25 years. When they show up out of nowhere, open up to me about life and struggles and their own redemption through the gift they've been given late in life, to discover a talent beyond their wildest dreams in the throes of a cancer diagnosis...

"Maybe you're meant to tell my story," he said. Maybe I am. 

 "Genesis"  (God Creating Mars). 

***Creating art for only 11 months now,  a suggestion given to him by a counselor to use the other part of his brain, his three-D paintings are unique, the colors amazing in the detail and texture, and the subjects...inspiring!  

It happens again, a different person, a different dialogue  She writes in a message, ..."I need to tell you stories of the Holy Spirit, true stories of Hope I've experienced.  I need a writer." 

Then again, another person from the far past..."help me please, pray for me, how do I connect back to God in my prayer life?"

Three different souls, me and One God that unites us all. 

 I am redeemed because I am every one of these friends. I lived a life on the fence, one step in the world and a foothold on faith, straddling for balance, ignoring God until tragedy struck. In time and through genuine confession and wanting Him front and center, in control, did grace come pouring back, flooding me with peace and a hope I never felt before. I connected by writing in the pages of a journal and reading with intent, the Holy Words of Scripture. My prayers and my whole self became for the first time, authentic before God, highlighting spiritual gifts and purpose I never believed I was worthy enough to offer. I am used of Him now to bless others. In my darkest moments of this life, God revealed to me in the true supernatural, the ministry of the Holy Spirit and I long to share this miraculous gift of that very grace with everyone. 

So now, in my thoughts, I think on the good, the good God brings out to those that love Him and how it does all work together, even if it takes years. We all need to want to be an inspiration, to have affirmation in our  prayers, to want to serve and protect and give back a bit of ourselves so others can feel hope, and tell of His goodness. He still is in the miracle business. He does it in lives and hearts of His children who always have mattered since Creation began. Yet He allows us the free will to choose. I pray that God matters in your life today; allow Him to show you how to swing again and reach for the clouds. It's only a matter of a little push, a pump of the feet...and you'll feel the power of redemption pulling you up and out towards your own destiny in Him...

...because that is what makes evil benign--that is what keeps the swing going high to touch the clouds of heaven, that is what brings us intimacy and purpose in the opportunity we have to be grateful to Him everyday. 

We only ask you Lord to keep us humble in our own inspiration, in our own affirmation of You and keep redeeming us all for Your glory. May we serve each other in a holy way that unites us in love because all of us matter, everyone of us. Amen.

 Jars of Clay  Higher Than the Sun

"I AM Tunes"

Psalm  42:8 "The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime; and His song will be with me in the night, a prayer to the God of my life." 

How do you hear the Lord's wisdom in your life, His direction, His love, His truth? How has He put things together, led you to the right people and places, given you insight?

He has given us a gift, the Helper, Counselor. We received Him, the Holy Spirit, the third Divine person of the Trinity, when we first believed in our heart that Jesus's plan is good and full of grace.

In this age of electronics and easy access, our world is a bit noisier with bells and whistles, alarms and reminders, ring tones and ear buds.  Music is easily accessed after a brief search and click of our devices.

What if God sang to us--literally out loud--with musical prompts? 

I came to this thought while listening to a speaker today at a training workshop for teachers. He incorporates a lot of  "music" instead of words to prompt his students towards a specific task. It's fun and it works!

While we might be playing the "Mission Impossible" theme in our head, God sends us the theme song from "Man of La Mancha,"  "To Dream The Impossible Dream!"

When we're facing fear, God sends us a "Gonna Fly Now," (The theme from "Rocky").

If You're feeling sad: "Happy" by Pharrell Williams

Maybe I just want to know if God really loves little ol' me, even with all my mishaps, goof-ups, my ugliness...And suddenly I hear  (You're  Amazing) ..."Just The Way You Are," (Bruno Mars).


Are you listening?  I think He truly does send us a prompt of beautiful love songs to encourage, teach and inspire us. The melody awakes us in the morning in the sunrise of His sovereign plan, it hums along with us as we hustle through our daily routines. The beat sets a course for our lives and we walk in motion to His rhythm, feeling the pulse in our own veins. Yes, He is our Grand Conductor, our Symphony Synchronizer, our Trumpeter, our Concerto Creator and our Love Lullaby. Whatever our particular song mix or genre is, God lyrics in His Holy Orchestration, His Word, inspire us to dance and move in His grace.


I took this picture of "Mickey" last week. Maybe that's you. You're standing tall trying to orchestrate your own life but really, you're blocking out the sun...THE SON!  Your life seems stuck in the shadows.

Put your "baton" of your own agenda down. Listen to the music of His love and grace. Let it fill you with notes of worthiness and forgiveness. Let it move your feet to dance and let it soothe you to rest.  He longs to write a song just for you because you inspired Him--to die on a cross and rise again, a song of transformation!  Let Him do the same for you, follow His prompts. Listen and see His glory all around you, above this noisy world! See what plays out, what unique and beautiful harmony you and God can make. (Have I mentioned my back-up singers?)  


Lord, thank you for making a beautiful song for my heart. Whenever I need Your encouragement, need to feel Your grace, know Your forgiveness and direction, be assured of Your sovereign plan, I know I can tune-in to Your "Voice," listen and hear a Song of Love, for you have created a Play-list just for me: "I AM Tunes," free, bought-and-paid-for downloads for the asking!  Thank you Lord.

(...and then the butterfly shows up on this picture I googled...God is Good!) 

Birthday Hope

Psalm 27:13 "I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord."

I've known OF despair. Defined, the word means: (noun) loss of hope; hopelessness, (verb) to lose, give up, or be without hope. Despair, a tool of the devil, is like a hammer to your heart. Pounding it, pulverizing it. Losing shape, the heart sinks, bringing with it a shoulder slump, a hanging head, hair in face, and shuffling feet--that is if you move at all. 

Do I have reason to despair? 

This coming week marks our son's birthday; his 33rd--if he were still present on this earth.  Of course, grief took its rightful place in my heart and mind. Yes, it is still there. I say for me, it is OK that I visit it on occassion, open the floodgates and truly feel the depth of how I miss my oldest son, Timothy. While I visit with grief, I have a restraining order against despair. 

 What are the charges against this criminal, this stalker?

 Robber of joy, murderer of spirit, embezzler of grace, cheater of will and purpose.

Slam the door, lock it,  and throw away the key. 

Can I get an Amen?  

Knowing the Chief of Eternal Security has its advantages. The Holy Spirit set up His comforting sentinel around my heart, and Hope never left. I believe in the goodness of the Lord and I see it every day, even through the bloodied gauze of grief. 

Lord, another September day comes and we celebrate the gift-memory of a son named Timothy Brian. Thank you Father for Your outstanding goodness to me, for filling me with understanding and a purpose to fulfill. I praise You, the lifter of my head,  until that day when earthly birthdays no longer matter but heavenly birthdays fill the sky with infinity candles set in the lampstands of Promise. 

Take a Deeper Breath

Job 33:4 (NLT) For the Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.


A death on a cross was meant to be painful, no... excruciating, slow agony. Straining to push up against a small block, the feet were positioned and secured with a spike, one on top of the other. Rising from the core, back and shoulders lifting  up the body against the weight of one's self, only a few sustaining breaths entered, a gasp allowed for a few more minutes of pain and   to contemplate rising again to inhale. Suffocation ended the struggle. In  Christ's death, the groaning pains of mankind's choices away from God, hung with Him, yet many of us still feel strangled. 


Christ endured this for every man, woman and child that God ever allowed to walk this Earth because of His great love for you and me. He took our punishment for us, and then in His Deity, rose up for Eternity, conquering all that excruciates and agonizes us; that keeps us apart from the Father.  


Suffering exists in the "letting go."  Stretching up, we continue to hold on and take those breathes of self-control.  Puffed-up, prideful inhales, exhausting exhales of defeat. The final heave to take that last breath, to try and claim our own life,  ends with the realization that we cannot deliver enough of our own good intentions into our lungs for salvation. 


Only one cross exists where the burdens of each and every heart is pierced by the nails of love and covered by the blood of Grace.  Only until we lower our head, humble ourselves and fall to our knees, surrendering our own breath of self to the Cross; then His victory comes into our life. 


There, on that lonely cross of hope, eternal life is given, eternity that begins in our life while still here in the flesh. Our own wheezing, gasping for purpose, now opens us up for restful joy. 


 Stop fighting, stop running only to pant furiously for your breath.  When Christ's breath of his Spirit fills your life in every cell, His Transformation brings you to a new Respiration, a Resuscitation for your soul!  


Father God, you breathed into Adam the breath of fellowship with a Holy God. Our own free will takes us out of the garden and into a vacuum empty of Your Spirit, a void only You can refill.  But You made a way, You came to our rescue!  The Mighty Redeemer, your Son, takes my burdens, empowers me to keep moving way past the place where my own breath eludes.  Praise your Holy Name.   Amen.