Dispraxia is the Lord's

Psalm 24:1 “The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.” About a year ago our eldest son Kyan was diagnosed with a learning condition called Dispraxia. Amongst other things, it makes learning Chinese very difficult. On the one hand, Elaine and I gave thanks for the diagnoses, which helped us understand what had been happening in Kyan’s learning journey. On the other hand, we felt stress about the impact on his prospects later in life. Dispraxic children can get an exemption from Chinese, but also get an automatic failing grade for the subject on their secondary school entrance exams. We brainstormed through all sorts of academic options and in my prayers I found myself asking God for the best path forward that “worked around” his condition. In one of these mornings, I felt God ask me if I believed that Dispraxia is stronger than Him. “Does not Dispraxia belong to me? The earth is mine, and everything in it.” So instead of asking God to work around the condition, I started pleading in prayer that He might bulldoze right through it. And He responded. He sent a wonderful tutor who understands Kyan’s learning style. He sent a season of lockdown where I spent a lot more time tutoring Kyan at home. He sent the motivational tool of in-app purchases wrapped up in a lesson on stewardship. Throughout this semester Kyan had been bringing home 10-20% scores on his weekly Chinese spelling test. We were very excited when he brought home a 96% last week, but because he had the whole summer break to practice for this one, Kyan was the first to say that it was not repeatable. Well yesterday, with just one week to prepare for the next test, he brought home a 98%! I still have no idea what lays ahead for Kyan’s future, but yesterday I heard God say as clear as day that He is in control, and way more powerful than any obstacle in our path. Lord, I repent for my lack of faith. I declare that you are good, and the earth is yours, and everything in it. No weapon formed against me will prosper. I love you. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Sing a New Song

Psalm 98:1 “Sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things.” After another amazing inner healing session on Monday night, my ministers asked me to spend some time before the next session asking the Holy Spirit what other areas He wanted me to uncover. In prayer this morning, God gave me a picture of when I brought my violin into school to perform Twinkle Twinkle at show and tell. After my performance, the most popular kid in my class stated emphatically, “the violin is cool.” That was 35 years ago, but I remember it like yesterday. As the minority kid who got bullied and excluded, the enemy wanted me to believe that music’s purpose was to gain affirmation from those around me. He wanted to manipulate me, and to use me to manipulate others through music. He succeeded for many years, but today I feel God is cutting that off and calling me to sing a new song. The truth is that music, like money or power or fame, is a gift from God that can be used or misused. The more I find my worth in Him, the more I find he blesses me with these worldly things, because receiving them won’t impact my intimacy with Him. Lord you’ve been reactivating some dreams I had long ago about music. I declare that I want you and you alone. But today I feel you declaring that we’re ready to move forward in those dreams, because I’ve finally uncovered the root of a twisted relationship I’ve had with music for so many years. I repent for that relationship and I replace it with the one relationship that truly matters. Thank you for forgiving me, and for the craziness you have in store. I can’t wait to see it. In your son’s name, Amen.

Become Like Children

Matthew 18:2 “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven.” Over the last week or so, I haven’t been able to sleep well, and this morning as I reflected on why, I couldn’t help but notice that some interesting developments in our portfolio have got me particularly excited lately. I asked God where to head in scripture today and he pointed me to Matthew 18. Jesus tells us that we must become like children. But what characteristics about children are we to emulate? Children are innocent, affectionate, and loving, but they can also be impatient, impolite and downright selfish. My thoughts turned to our boys’ current obsession with earning in-app purchases for Brawlstars. I’m loving the excitement and anticipation they feel at the prospect of earning, but I’m also watching their reaction to see if they’re ready for more. In the same way, I feel like my Heavenly Father loves the excitement that I’m feeling, and wants to bless with so much more. But I also want to show Him that I’m mature enough to handle whatever He has in store. Counterintuitively, showing maturity in the Kingdom requires being child-like. And the prevailing characteristic of a child is dependence. Children know they need their parents. Lord I declare my dependence on you this morning. With exciting developments around the corner, sometimes my natural tendency is to believe more in my independence. I sometimes let the deal infringe on the space I’ve set aside for you and start to believe that results are of my own efforts or ability. But today I cut those habits and those beliefs from my heart and mind. I am wholly dependent on you and you alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.