Age is Irrelevant

Bishop Anne Gimenez

“Age is irrelevant.”

That’s what Anne Gimenez, the 81-year-old Bishop of Rock Church in Virginia Beach, co-founder of Washington for Jesus rallies, and co-founder of 400 churches around the world, said to me this morning as she was getting her makeup done to appear on The 700 Club.  This stunning octogenarian had something to tell me, and I was anxious to hear the story I knew would follow. She proceeded to tell the following, which I have done my best to paraphrase:

I’m getting to the place now where I believe age is irrelevant.  If God speaks a word into you, then you’re here until that word is fulfilled.

In May of 2013 I almost died—I was in the hospital with severe heart arrhythmia, and the medication they gave me took my heartbeat from 120 down to 40.  No one was monitoring me at the time.  My assistant happened to be there, and she ran for the doctor.  In those moments, the Lord spoke to me and said, “Next year you will travel around the world.”  

I almost laughed, "I can't go around the world, Lord!  I'm dying!" But I believed Him . . .

Since then, I’ve spoken in Korea & Japan.  In a few months I’m going to India & Liberia; I also have an invitation to preach in Singapore. While in Japan, I spoke to 5,000 women, and all over the room the ladies were baptized in the Holy Spirit.  The same thing happened in Korea.  When I spoke there, it was 4 in the morning (my time).  I should have been tired!  But, as I was preaching, I’d never felt such an anointing.  I actually stopped and thought, “This is so powerful—Lord, am I supposed to move to Korea and start a ministry?” (She smiled and laughed at the thought.)

If the Lord speaks a word to you, your job is to believe it and take action.  Faith requires action.  I could have said, “No, God, I just want to stay home.” But, I didn’t!  I’m so glad I said, “Yes!”

I returned to my desk completely inspired by her testimony. 

Just yesterday, I read the story of 99-year-old Abram who got a word from the Lord that he would have a son, a name change, and would be the father of many nations.  The Bible says, “Abraham believed God and God credited it to him as righteousness.”

Then, there’s the other side of the coin—two young boys, Samuel and David,  each got a word from the Lord that they would do great things one day. They believed the word from God, and everything God said came to pass.

As Bishop Anne said, “Age is irrelevant.” But at any age and at any stage of life, believing God is of utmost importance.  What has God spoken to your heart?  Will you believe and take action? 

Praise You In The Storm

My boys and I were on a mission—spend the afternoon at the beach. My nineteen-year-old beach-loving son was home for a brief visit. I was determined to take him to our favorite local spot. My thirteen-year-old son was good-to-go. My sixteen-year-old daughter looked outside and decided to stay home. Did I mention it was raining?

The forecast for the entire week was rain.  In the midst of the dismal predictions, this particular afternoon forecast was better: a 30% chance of rain. That meant there was a 70% chance for sun! 

So off we went . . . in the pouring rain.

Cue the lightning. 

And the roaring thunder.

It seemed ridiculous to be driving to the oceanfront wearing our bathing suits and beach clothes--our car packed with towels, sunblock & a drink cooler--in the midst of a thunderstorm.

I decided it was a good time for a Bible lesson.  “Boys, this is what faith looks like.  You believe it’s going to be sunny.  But it’s raining.  The facts say 70% chance of sun, but you only see rain.  But, as Christians, we don’t go by what we see.* The Bible says we walk by faith and not by sight.  We’re going to believe that when we get to the beach, it’s going to stop raining.”  And I might have even quoted Heb. 11:1, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

The boys nodded in agreement and expressed no concerns.  (What? I thought to myself,  No eye-rolling? No grumbling? No teasing me for giving them a Bible lecture? What?!) Instead, they broke open the snacks and cranked up some beach tunes.  I silently pleaded with God,  “Ok, Lord. You have to stop this rain!  I just told my boys what faith is . . . you have to come through!  Help!”

As we neared the beach, it’s as if the storm cloud was following us.  I increased my windshield wipers to high speed. Looking at the ominous horizon, I felt like Richard Dreyfuss in What About Bob. (The scene where he looks out the window at the pouring rain . . . desperate for Bob Wiley to finally leave and walk home. LOVE that movie!)  But the rain continued despite my inward pleading with God.

By the time we entered the beach parking lot, there was only light drizzle.  But the attendant shook her head as we approached, “Everyone’s just been informed to leave the beach.  There’s lighting & thunder.”

I pulled in and parked anyway.  I announced with confidence, “Boys, we’re going to sit here and wait for the storm to pass.  It will.” To my delight and shock, the boys agreed. 

As we sat and watched the storm, my faith began to grow.  I was reminded of the words to the Casting Crown song, “Praise You in This Storm.”

I was sure by now

God You would have reached down

And wiped our tears away

Stepped in and saved the day

But once again, I say "Amen", and it's still raining

As the thunder rolls

I barely hear Your whisper through the rain

"I'm with you"

And as Your mercy falls

I raise my hands and praise the God who gives

And takes away**

So, as I listened to the thunder and watched the magnificent storm clouds roll by, I silently praised God—for his creative genius (let’s face it, storms can be beautiful, jaw-dropping, awe-inspiring sights to behold!), for an afternoon off of work, for some quality times with my boys, for teenagers who chose not to complain, etc.

An hour later, we got out of the car and found a perfect spot on an empty beach.  The sky cleared and we enjoyed a wonderful time together.  Before we left, I took a walk along the waters edge, giving thanks to my faithful God who’d reminded me of a few things that day:

•   The storms in our life are brief.  They will pass. 
•  Praise God no matter what the situation looks like.
•  Take a closer look.  There is beauty in storms.
•  Faith pleases God.  Your faith makes God happy!

I’m pretty sure God was smiling & laughing at my forty minute drive in the pouring rain to visit one of His beaches.

*2 Cor. 5:7

**"Praise You In This Storm" was written by Mark Hall and Bernie Herms

What Ticks God Off?

God told Moses to choose 12 spies to scope out the Promised Land. You know how it ends. Badly. Ten spies give a BAD report. Here’s the gist of it: 

“We can’t attack those people; they are stronger than we are . . . we seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.” (Num. 13:31,33)

Two spies disagree. But it won’t be enough to undo the damage that’s been done. The Israelites would have to wait 40 years to enter the Promised Land. Everyone ages 20 and older would die in the wilderness.

Well, not everyone. God makes two exceptions. Joshua and Caleb give a GOOD report. Especially Caleb. Let’s take a look at what Caleb did that earned him a spot in the Promised Land.

1)  Caleb took a bold stand

“Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it.’” Num. 13:30

Sometimes you will have to silence the crowd of naysayers around you. You will have to speak the truth of what God’s revealed to you.  That takes boldness!

Recently, The 700 Club produced a story about a woman named Jacquie Hagler who gave a jewelry party for her friends. During the party, a burglar came in wearing a mask and carrying a gun. The group of ladies were shocked; some even thought it was a joke. 

But Jacquie knew this was no joke. She immediately stood up, told the man to leave, and started calling out the name of Jesus. Emboldened by her courage, the other women joined in, stretching their hands toward the man and praying (Watch here). Slowly, the man backed out of the house and left.

Are you bold enough to take a stand when you’re facing the enemy?

2.  God said of Caleb, “my servant Caleb has a different attitude . . . He has remained loyal to me.” (Numbers 14:24) 

Do you have a “different attitude” or do you sound just like every other negative person in the room? Anyone can have a negative attitude . . . that’s natural. It’s our flesh talking. But, if we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we should sound “different.”

Caleb’s “different” attitude flowed from his loyalty to God. He was committed to his ongoing relationship with God and earnestly defended God’s honor when the people doubted.

3.  Caleb saw the enemy for what it was—HELPLESS PREY. 

“Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!” (Numbers 14:9)

Caleb & Joshua were so convinced of God’s power, they described the enemy as “helpless prey.” What is helpless prey? It’s something powerless, vulnerable, helpless or unable to resist attack. Putting it simply, Caleb & Joshua saw themselves as mighty lions and those so-called “people of great size” looked like weak little lambs.

Are you fully convinced of God’s power working in your life?

Whenever I feel weak or small against a situation I quote the verse (& sometimes sing the old chorus), “Greater is HE that is in ME than he that is in the world.” (I John 4:4) Use God’s word to fill you with courage.

WHY DIDN’T THE PEOPLE SIDE WITH JOSHUA & CALEB?     

The people didn’t believe God was able to take them into the Promised Land. Even after everything He had done for them, they still had no clue who God was.

And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people treat me with contempt? Will they never believe me, even after all the miraculous signs I have done among them?  (Numbers 14:11) 

The people didn’t believe God loved them. They actually thought God was deliberately taking them to die in battle so the enemy could carry off their children as slaves. (Numbers 14:1-3)

The people had no ongoing relationship with the Lord. No loyalty whatsoever.

THOSE ISRAELITES!

We’re all quick to say, “Those Israelites! I would NEVER have listened to those 10 spies. I would’ve believed Joshua and Caleb.”

Let’s do a little self-examination to see if that’s really true.

When God asks you do something what is your response like?

Do you believe God?

Do you whine and cry and question God about your circumstances—even though you know you’re right in the center of God’s will?

Do you look back and think, “I’d be better off where I was.  Maybe I should go back to . . .” ?

Do you stir up trouble for your godly leaders  Do you plot to take them out? Do you despise the word of God in their mouth? (The Israelites were ready to stone Joshua and Caleb!)

So, if you haven't already figured out the answer to the title of this blog . . .

WHAT TICKS GOD OFF?  UNBELIEF

The ten men Moses had sent to explore the land—the ones who incited rebellion against the Lord with their bad report— were struck dead with a plague before the Lord. Numbers 14:36,37

GOD is waiting for you to BELIEVE Him. Believe he loves you. Believe He’s good. Understand that yes, you WILL have to fight some battles if you go after your promised land. Maybe LOTS of battles. But HE goes before you. Jehovah, the ALMIGHTY MASTER OF THE UNIVERSE fights FOR you. 

WHAT PLEASES GOD?  FAITH

Heb. 11:6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.

Next time you hear some bad news, I want you to consider the words of this song by Ron Kenoly (Watch Times Square Church sing here):

Whose report 
will you believe?

We shall believe the report of the Lord



His report says 
I am healed!

His report says 
I am filled!


His report says 
I am free!


His report says VICTORY!

And whatever you do, don’t tick God off.  Believe!

Would My Life Inspire a Movie?

As the guest segment producer on a TV show, I happened to meet three people this week whose lives inspired movies.  Sometimes when I meet well-known people, I’m disappointed by how they really act behind the scenes.  But these 3 did not disappoint-they were warm, kind, enthusiastic, and larger than life.  It’s as if each one left an imprint of inspiration on me.  It got me thinking, would my life inspire a movie?  As I reflected on my encounter with each, I started to see common themes in their lives.

First, let me briefly introduce you to these extraordinary people:

Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger is the real Rudy from the movie –you guessed it—Rudy. Rudy dreamed of playing football at the University of Notre Dame despite his small size, his poor grades, and his family discouraging him.  After overcoming great obstacles to get into Notre Dame and on their football team, he was finally allowed to play in the last game of his senior year.  I won’t give away the best part.  The movie Rudy is ESPN’s #4 best sports movie of all time. 

 “Papa” Joe Bradford is the inspiration behind the new movie Unconditional.  Joe overcame childhood poverty, nearly died from a snakebite, and served time in prison.  Even after dedicating his life to God, his health declined rapidly and he spent nine hours a day on a kidney dialysis machine.  After the costs of a high-risk kidney transplant, he and his wife Denise were financially destitute and moved into Nashville’s projects.  While living among the poor, they began a children’s ministry, provided food to other families, started a youth choir and a drama team, and created an educational program. 

Finally, Angus Buchan is portrayed in the movie, Faith Like Potatoes.  A brand-new believer and poor South African farmer, Angus began reading the Bible and preaching to his crops.  He saw miracles—a bumper crop of potatoes during a drought, a heavy rainstorm appeared after he prayed for God to put out a fire that threatened his crops, and a corn crop destroyed by hail seemed to resurrect itself after three days.  God told Angus to start men’s conferences in South Africa, and he rented huge stadiums by faith.  Miraculously, God brought thousands of men to come hear this unknown farmer.  Today, over half a million men come to these conferences.

These are some characteristics these three heroes of faith have in common:

1)  Passion-  Angus’s passion is to raise up godly men.  

Papa Joe’s passion is caring for needy children.

Rudy's passion is Notre Dame football.  Rudy loved football and Notre Dame so much, he was willing to play on the practice team—taking the tackles from guys twice his size. In the end, he only got to play a total of 27 seconds in a real game.  Passion will empower you to continue when circumstances say you should just quit.

2)  Faith-  Rudy believed he could play for Notre Dame.  

Angus believed his potatoes would grow despite the drought. 

When Papa Joe started his feeding program, he and his wife didn’t have any food to give away. By faith, they passed out fliers in their projects, promising food on a certain day. Their prayers were answered when a large food bank promised them food, only to cancel their shipment 24 hours before the day of their food distribution called “Walk of Love.”  No problem—Joe and Denise started praying.  Within a few hours of their promised food delivery, a woman they didn’t know called and gave them $8,000.  They bought $40 grocery gift cards with the money and made their deliveries on time. 

3)  Courage-  Rudy took repeated tackles on a daily basis from guys twice his size. 

Every day Papa Joe works with children in the inner city he puts his very fragile immune system at risk.

Angus’s courage is the stuff of legends.  Hysterical with grief, Zulu tribal women came to Angus one stormy night, begging him to bring their friend back from the dead.  At first he said no, but the women reminded Angus about this “powerful Jesus” he always preached about. Convicted, Angus reluctantly entered the hut where the woman’s body was covered with a blanket.  All the women in the village gathered to watch.  Angus took the blanket off the woman and started to pray.  As he continued to cry out to God, he felt led to grab her hands and pick her up.  As he pulled her up from the dirt floor, she opened her eyes and began to breathe.  How much courage would you need to pick someone up who is dead?  Hello!!  A lot! 

4)  Just plain ol’ hard work-  Each of these three worked hard, physically worked hard:  Rudy practicing football, studying to keep his GPA up, working as a groundskeeper on his off-hours; “Papa” Joe walking the streets to deliver food, leading choir practices, directing dramas, and raising 7 children of his own; Angus building a chapel, planting & harvesting crops during harsh seasons, preparing and preaching sermons.  Nobody makes movies about lazy people.  Lazy people don’t change communities.  Making a difference is hard work.

My goal in life is not to be the inspiration for a movie*.  That would be amazing, but highly unlikely and very boring! The best stories are born out of adversity, and who would ask for more adversity? But just as these three heroes of the faith, I do want my life to motivate others to be everything God desires them to be.  I want to be a hard-working, courageous woman of faith and passion who loves people and doesn’t run from challenges.

Angus Buchan gave me a tiny pocket-size jar of mustard seeds right before his 700 Club interview.  He also keeps a jar in his pocket everywhere he goes (he said it wasn’t a good luck charm).  Angus told me it’s a daily reminder that if we just have the tiniest bit of faith we can move mountains . . .

(*If it does, I want Sandra Bullock to play my role—lol)