Recovering the Song Within

Last week on the evening news, I saw a report about the recovery of a famous conductor’s piano concerto that had been banned by the Nazis in WWII. Paul Kletzki, born 1900, was a brilliant composer and gifted conductor who gained recognition in Europe prior to the war. In January, 1933, just when Kletzki was set to become the principle conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Adolf Hitler rose to power. Kletzki, a Jew, was suddenly in fear of his life, his work suppressed. As were all Jewish composers.

Kletzki was barred from conducting, his works burned, even the copperplates on which his works were published were melted down. And worst of all, his parents and sister were sent to Auschwitz where they were killed. While Kletzki was able to escape to Switzerland, one of his prize compositions, a Piano Concerto in D Minor, was left hidden in a hotel in Italy. The hotel burned down.  However, years later the composition was discovered, in tact, in a trunk under the rubble. Nevertheless, Kletzki wanted nothing to do with it. It was a painful memory of a traumatic time. He had resolved to leave his gift of composing largely to the pre-war days and continued his career with a focus on conducting and teaching.

In light of this, the T.V. newscaster made an interesting comment saying, “He lost his will to compose.” I thought: how many times have we laid down a God-given gift, a divine dream or call of God because of painful circumstances that came against us and our gift? We lost our will to continue that path. We no longer wanted to go there. Been there.

But our Abba Father is the Reviver of dreams, Healer of the heart, and Liberator from lucifer’s schemes that try to suppress our inspiration. God is the Restorer of the song within, that heavenly melody that resonates with hope—the joyful expectation of good. His goodness is the confidence of the ages that stands as an ensign to weary travelers that God is able to do far exceedingly above what we could ask or think. I know.

If you have a God-given dream that has died because of painful circumstances, I want to encourage you today that His plans for you are good and that it is He who performs all things for you. He works in you the encouraged will to do His great pleasure. And as a Father, your life and purpose are His great pleasure. How much He loves you.

J. Nicole

Being Fathered for a Divine Purpose

Imprints

I woke up this morning thinking about the imprint of a hand—how it symbolizes the impression of our words and actions that we leave on other’s lives. I awakened thinking in particular of the imprint of my mother’s hand on my life as she passed into eternity. It was a sting, an unjust blow I still feel as it wasn’t that long ago. But I also feel Abba’s healing love at work….and I know He works all things together for good.

We encounter people every day—friends, strangers, co-workers, family—upon whom we leave imprints: impressions on the heart that either encourages or discourages, edifies or tears down. Our words and actions make a difference whether we realize it or not. Like footsteps in the sand that leave a mark of where we’ve been, our hands leave imprints of where we’ve been every time we offer a helping hand, give a pat on the back, extend a warm hand-shake, write a thank-you, provide support, present a smile. These imprints can make someone’s day, or even change a life.

Our hands can leave other imprints too. Imprints that can last a life time for some. The slap of a face, unkind words written in a letter, the arms that refuse to embrace, the finger that too quickly presses “unfriend” on Facebook, the hand that betrays.

Our imprints are not only left on others, but on ourselves as well. Honorable actions build good character and a right spirit. Dishonorable actions build bad character and destroy our own soul. I admit to both. But my prayer today as Abba’s child is to not only receive the healing imprint of His love that ministers grace where another’s imprint has left a wound, but that my imprint to others would be nothing less than His love.

J. Nicole

Being Fathered for a Divine Purpose

The Rest of the Story

The other day, a woman dressed in a beautiful sari came into the office for an eye exam (I work at a vision center). As I began the testing, she commented, “I remember you—you prayed for me last year.” I remembered her too, recalling how she approached our glass doors, hobbling on one foot in terrible pain. I rushed to get her a rolling chair and tried to make her as comfortable as possible. Touched by her situation, I asked if I could pray for her. She said yes, and I did.

Now, my co-workers are used to the practice of praying for patients. Together we see God’s love and power at work. But this time there was a pause - could I, you know, say the "Name"? After all, this woman was of Hindu faith, and I of Christian. But Jesus’ love knows no bounds, no race, no religious affiliation, no status. Neither is there fear of man’s opinion in His love. Without hesitation, I put my hands gently around her ankle, and spoke life, healing, and the name I love most—Jesus. I felt His overwhelming love for her. Now, a year later, she wanted to tell me the rest of the story.

That day I had prayed, her ankle did get better. She said, “God touched me.” However, three months later the symptoms reappeared. She remembered what I did, so she put her hands on her ankle and asked God to heal her. And He did! Again, she knew it was the Divine touch that made her well.  She shared the experience with her mother-in-law who exclaimed, “What you are saying gives me goose bumps!” How exciting—an encounter with the One who heals!

Some might ask, “Well, did she say the Name”? But that isn’t the point here.  It is that someone showed her the reality of God’s love and power. Later, when she remembered and turned to Him in simple faith, His grace met her. And she was thankful. I’ve learned how faithful the Holy Spirit is to water the simple seeds of faith we sow as we live in intimacy with God. He will continue the work He begins in a person’s heart and life. Perhaps when we get to heaven we will learn all the “rest of the stories” of how our words and actions have touched people with the love of God. For now, I want to continue to influence the world with the power of His love, one person at a time.

J. Nicole

Knowing God as Papa