Lost Luggage

Stepping Out in RED Shoes!

 - Day 122 -

Stay Calm, Cool and Collected!
God is in control.

After only three and half hours of sleep, I was up and out the door in my RED shoes, headed for Tampa airport.  Time to fly to Colorado for my son's wedding!  Everything went smooth as silk.  Got to the airport no trouble.  Parking was simple.  Checked my bags with ease.  Security was a breeze.  They didn't even make me take my shoes off!  Then, it started to rain.  Every plane was grounded indefinitely, including mine.

No worries!  I had prayed all the way to the airport in the car.  I was floating on cloud nine.  Because I do so much of my work remotely, the airport was just a new and exciting place to plug-in.  I had my chai beside me and Hillsong singing to me through the ear buds.  It would be sometime before I'd been boarding, so out came my laptop -- time to blog -- that was until I heard my name over the intercom.  They were calling me!

Apparently, I was going to miss my connecting flight, so they changed planes on me.  Assured that my luggage would get to Colorado, I followed their instruction and moved to another gate.  Even still, I had to wait another two hours before take off.  What to do?  I decided to start an electronic prayer line, right there in the airport, to pray for people -- remotely -- during this unexpected interlude.

I did finally arrive at Denver airport, but you guessed it, my luggage didn't.  They were sure it would be on the next flight, so I hung around a couple more hours, only for that not to happen.  Then they told me it  "might"  be on the next flight, in two more hours.  It was quite interesting because all of
the  attendants were telling  me completely different stories, and when I called them on the phone number I was given, no one answered.  I must admit, my glee turned to weariness, and by the early evening I was getting a bit perturbed.

Then she said it!  

"Please... there's no reason to raise your voice." 

Yikes!  Okay, maybe I was a little more than a "bit" perturbed.  The good news is that I didn't  lose it.  I didn't make a scene.  I didn't say anything I shouldn't have.  I just raised my voice a little, and when she said that, I took a breath and lowered it.

Here I was getting ready for my son's wedding 

and my dress was in a bag, somewhere, 

but no one knew if we'd ever see it again.

What was I to do?  I could feel the concern rising within me, but I also knew that there wasn't a thing that I could do, regardless.   I left the airport with the hope that my bag would be delivered to my hotel before I woke up in the morning.

Just yesterday, I was reading a book a friend gave me, and for whatever reason, I was struggling to get through it.  I'd read three chapters, and only one thing jumped out at me.  Not only that, it seemed to be such a small, random thought that the author made.  She found herself in an unfortunate situation that wasn't going the way she anticipated it would.  It struck me that she was so confident that God would come through for her.  She stood on Deuteronomy 31:6 --  "I will never leave you nor forsake you."   

She knew, without a doubt, that God was 
with her and that if it didn't happen 

the way she thought it would, 

God had to have a better plan.

Sometime around 1:00 in the morning, my cell phone rang.  The front desk was calling to tell me that my luggage had in fact arrived.  Ahhhhhhh!  Now I could relax.  I turned to reposition myself and go back to sleep when the LORD nudged me.  He wanted to talk.

"Don't you remember how I sent you to that one specific store for your dress.  Remember how I told you it would be there?  When you entered the store, you  looked up, and there hanging on the display was the dress.  You pointed at it and said, "I'll try that on!"  It fit and you bought it.  It was a done deal!  You praised me all day for that miracle!  Why would you ever think I would do all that, and then allow it to get lost?  You didn't need to raise your voice.  Just like the author of that book, you need to stand on my Word and trust that I'll always come through."  

He wasn't angry.  He was actually very gentle 

and loving in His correction and instruction.

Oh how I yearn to do this right!  To walk confidently all the time -- especially when everything isn't working!  I don't want to read other people's stories of doing that.  I want it to be MY story!  One day it will be!

Stepping out in RED shoes isn't just about where you go,
it's how you act as you go.

Gail

Prophesy...

Stepping Out in RED Shoes!

- Day 121 -

What is it, really?

This morning I found myself in the midst of a most interesting dream.  A friend of mine was sitting down at a table in front of me, holding a couple of smooth stones in her hands, asking me to tell her  what God's will was for her life.  At that very moment, God spoke to me...

"People often think of prophesy 

as some sort of divine fortune-telling.

That's incorrect!"

Suddenly, I opened my eyes, and He continued to speak...

"Prophesy is meant to be

a  complement,  a  confirmation,  or a  consideration

and that's all."

Prophesy is a complement.   A complement is something that is  "in addition to"   something else.  The main course or main conversation is supposed to be with God, Himself.  He expects us to come to Him directly -- not through others.  He made provision for that when Jesus died on the cross.  At that time,  the curtain of the tabernacle was torn from top to bottom giving mankind direct access to God.  No longer was a priest needed to be "the middle man." 

God emphasized to me, over and over again...  

"The main course is My Word."

"My sheep listen to My voice;

I know them and they follow Me."

John 10:27

People sometimes run around looking for a prophetic word because they have nothing on their own.  A prophetic word is not meant to be the Main Course.  It's an accompaniment to what God has said to you. 

• It adds detail.  
• It brings clarity.  
• It provides a fuller picture.

Prophesy is a confirmation.  A confirmation is 

a verification or endorsement of what you already know to be true.  It's when God says something directly to you though His Word or prayer, and then someone -- who knows nothing about your situation --  comes along and delivers a message that says the exact same thing.  Sometimes we wonder if God really spoke this or that to us, and the prophetic word is a way of Him saying... 

"Yes, I did say that!"

Prophesy is a consideration.  That means it's something for you to think about,  reflect on,  examine  and  discuss.  It's God's way of throwing an idea or thought at you.  You toss it around for a while and then you discuss it with Him in prayer.  I like to think of it as a  divine conversation starter.

Back in the days of Moses, God's initial intention was to speak directly to His people.  The Israelites feared the LORD and requested that Moses be a mediator between them and God.  Later on God's people requested a king.  God never intended for them to have a king.  He wanted to guide and direct them, Himself.  

In some ways, I guess things haven't changed much.  Personally, I believe it's because conversations create relationships and relationships take time.  People would rather follow rules -- it's easier.  But rules breed religiosity.  How could we ever trade a relationship with the living God for that?  I don't know, but it happens all the time.  

Don't get me wrong, I love prophesy.  It's a complement, a confirmation, and a consideration to God's Word.

It's just not a substitute 

for talking to God, directly. 

Stepping out in RED shoes is about Divine Partnership and Divine Partnership comes from a Relationship with God, and nothing less.  

Gail

  

Top Priority

Stepping Out in RED Shoes!

- Day 120 -

We all say that God is #1,

but does our life actually reflect that?

Way back in my Sunday School days, I learned that it was important to always keep God first.  I was told that if I wanted to live in JOY I needed to keep my priorities in their proper order.

J  -- Jesus First

O -- Others Second

Y --  Yourself  Third

Later, the lesson came to me a little differently:

1.  God First

2.  Spouse Second

3.  Children Third

4.  Ministry Fourth

Perhaps you've got a list of your own?

No matter what list you're using, 

everyone seems to agree that God's spot is #1.

 In case you're wondering where that came from, it's found in Exodus 20: 1-3.  It's the FIRST of The Ten Commandments God gave to Moses for the Israelites.  

And God spoke all these words...

"I am the LORD your God, 

who brought you out of Egypt, 

out of the land of slavery.

You shall have no other gods before me."

That's His way of saying, He expects us to keep Him FIRST in our lives.  Here's the thing...  when I look at the definition of  "TOP PRIORITY"  it doesn't quite measure up,  if you know what I mean.

Top Priority

The most important thing!

In business, your Top Priority  is what's most important.  You give your first and foremost attention to it.  Before you do anything else, you work on your Top Priority.  You give it all the time it needs, before you give anything else -- of lesser importance -- your time.  

Is God the FIRST person you speak to each day?

Do you stay with Him until all your business with Him is done?

If not, according to the definition, He's not really your Top Priority.  Saying something and actually doing it are two different things.  Perhaps it's time for a readjustment?  Just something to think about.

In RED shoes, 

Gail

You'll grow into it!

Stepping Out in RED Shoes!

- DAY 119 -

For now...  

"LIVE YOUR LIFE!"

It had to be over twenty years ago!  I can still remember who I was with, and where I was when it happened.  I was visiting my friend Laura Freeman at her home in Buttonwoods and we were out taking a walk in the neighborhood.  I clearly remember that it was a season of being overwhelmed with the gifts and call of God on my life.

"LORD, I feel like Dorothy 
with those Ruby Slippers."
I remarked.

"They're so powerful, but I don't 
have a clue how they work."

At the time, I was a young Christian and a young mother of three.  I knew I had a call of God on my life and was well aware that God had given me some pretty powerful gifts.  I was already in full time ministry, co-pastoring a small pioneer work, just outside the city.  Even so, I was overwhelmed.  At times I felt like a little girl wearing Mommy's high heals, trying to walk in sophisticated fashion -- only I was falling all over the place.  

Those shoes didn't fit my feet 

and those gifts didn't fit my life.

What I didn't know then, was that in time, 

God would grow me into those gifts
 and those shoes!

Something else was happening during those trying days.  God kept saying the strangest thing to me...

"Live Your Life!"

He spoke it to me in prayer, continually.  He spoke it to me in worship.  Everywhere I turned, I would see that phrase.  I even remember being fascinated at the time, with a television show in which a man was continually given divine information about events that would take place, before they did.  Everyday he'd wake up and go out into the world, attempting to prevent those tragedies he'd been warned about.  One entire episode had him searching for divine answers and ended with him finding a a little box.  I was eager to know its contents.   Surely it contained something valuable and important about this man's divine mission.  Inside was a piece of paper folded up into a tiny square.  Quickly opening it up, he noted these words of wisdom: "Live your life!"

 I was dumbfounded.  How could God do that? 

 We're talking about a t.v. show here.
Somehow, God made sure I saw it

to confirm, once again, the importance 

of what He was trying to tell me.

I just wanted to figure it all out.  

The dream in my heart was bursting in my chest!  I was ready and eager to take off for God -- win the world to Christ -- be the next missionary to anywhere -- you name it, sign me up!  But in reality, I was still pretty inexperienced in the things of God -- in the things of life, for that matter.  What was I missing?  Where was the instruction book that explained this  "call of God?" -- this intense yearning in my heart?  -- these bold tongues and interpretations that were pouring from my lips, causing those around me to shake and tremble?  

It's not unusual for God to give you a vision of your future -- a glimpse of  His Plan  for you!   That's what gets us moving on The Yellow Brick Road.  With it, we know where we're headed.  We have an idea of God's destiny for us.  

Then, you have to grow up 
and grow into that destiny.  

You have to go out and live life.

As far as the call of God on your life and all the gifts God has given you... you start out by getting involved at the ground level.  You show up for church, on time, and every time the doors are open.  You submit yourself to the leadership of the church and you ask them how you can get involved. No one's going to say to you on day one... "Hey, why don't you preach this Sunday!"  LOL  You start off cleaning the church on Saturdays, helping out in the nursery, cooking hot dogs for the church fellowship, and sitting under mentors that know what they're doing.   You discipline yourself to study the Bible, pray and then you apply those truths to your life.  While you're doing all that, God will teach you.

John 14:26 says...

"The Holy Spirit will teach you all things 

and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

It's been a long time, but the shoes fit now.  I don't understand everything, but I understand a lot of things.  I've got 31 years of walking with Him under my belt.

We know each other.  

That's important when it comes to Divine Partnership. 

Perhaps you're wondering how God's Plan for you will all come together.  Maybe you sense that powerful tugging on your heart.  You might even be wondering why things aren't happening faster.   Doesn't everybody know that God wants to use you?  Be patient, my friend.  Be about the business God has put in front of you.  Instead of trying to open doors that are obviously locked, delight yourself in Him.  Live your life!  Those doors will open at the appointed time.  You can count on it.  Be assured that He has not forgotten you.  On the contrary...  As you live your life, He is preparing you in more ways than you can imagine. 

Each day, as we step out in our RED shoes, we are one day closer to fulfilling our destiny in Him.

Gail

The Invitation.

Stepping Out in RED Shoes!
- Day 118 -

Bad Company

Early this morning,  I got an invitation to sit down and have a cup of tea.

Note:  Not all invitations should be accepted!

I had barely opened my eyes, from a long night's sleep, when suddenly I heard a voice knocking on the door of my mind, asking permission to come in.  Although it was soft and quiet, it was not the voice of The One  who normally greets me.  It had a different sound to it -- a different tone -- something wasn't quite right.

"My sheep listen to My voice;

I know them, and they follow Me."

John 10:27

Immediately I became aware of who it was that was vying for my ear.  Prophetically, I sensed a tsunami of doubt provoking negativity heading my way.    

"Don't sit down!"   

I heard the LORD whisper with urgency.

With that, I turned quickly and headed off,  in another direction, with the Holy Spirit.

In RED shoes, 

Gail

Got Prayer?

Stepping Out in RED Shoes! 

- Day 117 -

"Electronic Prayer"

A week or so ago, God tapped me on the shoulder and said... "Let's try something a little different for a few days.  Instead of doing your usual blog,  let's do an electronic prayer line.  We'll pick some themes and ask people if anyone would like prayer."  It sounded like an interesting idea and I was up for something a little different.  I never thought for a second it would be so powerful!

Here's how it works...  I start off with a post on facebook, letting people know that I'm available to  agree with them in prayer.  If there's a specific theme that I feel God is leading me to pray for, I note that.  Sometimes it's "open prayer" -  Anything goes!   I also note the time frame I'll be praying.  People with requests state their needs in the comment box, or if privacy is requested, they can message me directly.

When a prayer request gets posted, I private message back an individualized prayer that God puts on my heart, in real time.  Sometimes, a general public prayer is posted, using discretion if need be.  Others will often join in prayer as well.   The more praying, the better!   It's powerful!

Lots of Details are Unnecessary!

Too often they get in the way 

of what God wants to do.

A first name, and a sentence stating the need is all that's required.  Sometimes we think that details are more important than they are.  We think if people know everything about the situation, they will pray better.  I don't agree with that.  It's not about ME praying.

 It's about the Holy Spirit leading and 

guiding our prayers.  He knows best!

Working alongside my spiritual mama, Bonnie Joy Kelley, at The Bonfire, I have learned and practiced  staying in the flow of the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to take us where He wants to go.  Whether it's a gathering of people at a meeting or an "online"  prayer line, it's all the same.  He's the Leader!

It doesn't stop there.  Since those few days of electronic prayer, God has also had me texting prayers to people on their cell phones.  Every once in a while, He'll just start praying for someone.  I can hear it in my head.  When that happens, I pick up my phone, type it in, and hit "SEND."  People have reported back that "God knew exactly what they needed!"  AMEN!

That's How It Works!

Last fall, God told me it was time to add a little fuel to the mix.  It was time to step into the prayer closet.  I never imagined that I'd be stepping into new realms of prayer with these RED shoes of mine.  God never ceases to amaze me!

Gail

Where's the power?

Stepping Out in RED Shoes!

- Day 116 -

Lean into The Cross and take a closer look!

The other day, God spoke something very important to me while I was in the prayer closet.  He said that I'm going to have to endure the grief and pain, and lean into the cross.  He wants me to take a closer look.

"That's where all the power is!"  

He said.

"Power for Salvation.

Power for Deliverance.

Power for Healing.

Power for Provision.

It's all in the Blood and Resurrection!"

I don't know about you, but I can't bear to watch the movie "The Passion."  I can't bear to go to Easter programs that depict the crucifixion.  It's too painful to watch.  I can barely get through it.  It rips my heart apart to watch such a thing.  But I shall take a closer look, because He has instructed me to.  I already know that He wants me to see something that I haven't quite got a hold of.  

I know "in my head"  that's where the power is, 

but now I've got to walk it out!

I've got to demonstrate it!

As I headed out to The Bonfire today, the Holy Spirit told me to remind the ladies of Romans 8:11a...

"The Spirit of Him who raised Jesus 

from the dead, is living in you!"

I'm always reminded that the devil is a liar and a deceiver.  That's his only weapon and he wields it well.  We've got to constantly remember that truth and act accordingly!

When the devil tells us we're alone...
No!  This verse reminds us God is continually with us!

When the devil tells us we're powerless...
No!  This verse tells us The All Powerful lives in us!

When the devil tells us it will never happen... Well that's not right either.
Jesus, Himself, said in Matthew 19:26  
"...With man this is impossible,  but with God all things are possible!"

That's when I heard 

the Holy Spirit laugh.  

He said...

"With all those ladies at The Bonfire, 

there's enough power to blow up the world!"

 I'm learning more and more each day to lean into God's Word and lean away from the ways of the world.  The ways of the world don't work.  They're powerless.  I'm tired of powerless, aren' you?  I'm embracing powerful!  For now on, I'm calling things as I see them.  

 When I see the devil's DNA all over something...

 I reject it!   I turn away!   I shun it!  

When I see God's DNA...
 I receive it!

 I go with it!   I take hold of it!

Shoes are for walking things out.  When I step out in my RED shoes, I choose what I lean into and what I don't.  I'm leaning into God!

"For I am not ashamed of the gospel, 

because it is the power of God that 

brings salvation to everyone who believes:  

first to the Jew, then to the Gentile."

Romans 1:16

Gail