Knowing Your Own Strength

We have a big dog. Large by any standard--treat size, food type, kennel cost or flea prescription--Benny's weight hovers just below 100 pounds. Over 7 years we've come to know him affectionately by numerous names: Puppy Precious, Gentle Ben, Big Ben, Charlie Tiger Lion (Reid's redub of the MGM lion), Old Yeller, New Yeller, Benny Boy, and Aslan.

He stands guard like a sphinx at several sunny posts in our backyard. He is an early warning system for both the UPS truck and pedestrians slowing in front of our house. Often he howls without leaving his spot and even from an upside down prone posture in his corner of the living room. No need to get up, just sounding an alert. He is ever on guard whether at the back fence or the front door, waiting...watching. In addition to being a guard dog, he's a big hunk-a-munk who sleeps at the foot of Allie's bed and plops on my feet while I prep food at the kitchen counter. If you know him intimately as we do, he's a tender heart.

If you don't, he is easily mistaken for Cujo (especially from the other side of a closed door). His seriously startling bark puts the postwoman off several yards when she has to deliver an oversized package. The burliest contractors are caught unaware (until they toss his tennis ball).

The Lord speaks to me through Benney. Yesterday it happened again. Walking him around our loop, we passed a woman tangled up with two miniature dogs. They yipped and yapped at my Big Ben from all the way across the street. Ben is easily 5 times their size yet they feel the compunction to get his dander up. It didn't work.

I imagined the thought bubble over his head, "You gotta be kidding me...really?" Ben kept his stately pace, glanced over but did not dignify them with a response. He didn't have to. He knows the strength of his jaw alone could crush a pack of papillons. There was no need to bark.

I've been praying in new ways this year, casting out demons, taking authority over principalities and rulers of darkness, and reading Jesus' words literally when it comes to healing. In establishing this new habit, at first I think I yelled or at least raised my voice slightly thinking that must be necessary for these more powerful prayers to work. At times, I felt the need to call in others who knew the "right way" or had more authority or experience. Rather quickly, I've seen that it is not about the volume, amount of noise, or how loud our bark.

God's Word is more powerful than any two-edged sword. When we claim His promises, even silently, it suppresses the enemy spirits that yap in our minds taunting us with lies. Believing the power of His blood shed on the cross and knowing the authority we have in Jesus' name is the strength we need in spiritual warfare. When we do, His victory is ours (Romans 8).

The Lord has many names: Savior, Almighty, Commander of the Angel Armies, Provider, Brother, Yahweh, Healer, Protector. To know Him intimately is different than to hear His thunderous voice from afar or read about His wrath. Once you trust Him there is no fear--of Him or anything else.

Notably, Benney only barks when contained at home, not out on a leash. As long as we're connected, Benney and I carry on with our walk and those pesky little spirits flee like a terrier on a tether. Likewise, as long as I'm connected with Jesus (abiding as the Bible calls it; He as the vine, I the branches), I carry on with life dismissing as many demons as He lets me sense. For I know without a doubt, that my God is greater, awesome in power...Our God...Our God... Doesn't take long to remind me of a song:

(Apologies to my small dog owning friends. It's just a metaphor.)

"Here's what I'm saying: Ask and you'll get; Seek and you'll find; Knock and the door will open. Luke 11:8-10

‘Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,’ says the LORD Almighty. Zechariah 4:5-7

I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you. Luke 10:18-20

Autism Awareness Month-day 30

April 30
Praising God! The Tide Will Turn!

“For no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:20, NIV)

“What I have said, that will I bring about; what I have planned, that will I do.” (Isaiah 46:11, NIV)

Praise God that He will fulfill every one of His promises, and that we will live to see Him turn the tide of autism for good.

Autism Awareness Month-day 29

April 29
Children of Destiny

“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 1:6, NIV)

“but despite all this, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ who loved us enough to die for us. For I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from his love. Death can't, and life can't. The angels won't, and all the powers of hell itself cannot keep God's love away. Our fears for today, our worries about tomorrow, or where we are-high above the sky, or in the deepest ocean-nothing will ever be able to separate us from the love of God demonstrated by our Lord Jesus Christ when he died for us.” (Romans 8:37-39, TLB)

Pray that those struggling with autism would know who they are in Christ despite their current challenges.

Autism Awareness Month-day 28

April 28
Wisdom for Practitioners

“By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures.” (Proverbs 24:3-4, NIV)

“If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.” (James 1:5, NIV)

Pray that practitioners who treat persons with autism would have great wisdom, understanding, and creativity.

Autism Awareness Month-day 27

April 27
God's Hope for the Future

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11-12, NIV)

“Without wavering, let us hold tightly to the hope we say we have, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.” (Hebrews 10:23, NLT)

Give praise to God for His wonderful promises of hope for the future. Thank Him that he will do all He has promised!

Autism Awareness Month-day 26

April 26
Advocacy in Places of Power

“A king's rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.” (Proverbs 19:12, NIV)

“Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel” (Daniel 1:9, NIV)

Pray for God’s favor on those who are voices for the autism community and that they would be heard in places of power.

Autism Awareness Month-day 26

April 26
Advocacy in Places of Power

“A king's rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass.” (Proverbs 19:12, NIV)

“Now God had caused the official to show favor and sympathy to Daniel” (Daniel 1:9, NIV)

Pray for God’s favor on those who are voices for the autism community and that they would be heard in places of power.

Autism Awareness Month-day 25

April 25
Schools and Administrators

“Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14, NLT)

“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” (Matthew 5:7, NIV)

Pray that those who make decisions about school programs and placements would truly be led by the Lord.

Autism Awareness Month-day 24

April 24
Wisdom and Provision

“If you need wisdom — if you want to know what God wants you to do — ask him, and he will gladly tell you. He will not resent your asking. But when you ask him, be sure that you really expect him to answer, for a doubtful mind is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. People like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. They can't make up their minds. They waver back and forth in everything they do.” (James 1:5-8, NLT)

“They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season without fail. Their leaves never wither, and in all they do, they prosper.” (Ps 1:3, NLT)

Pray for God’s wisdom and His provision to be flowing in the lives of families who are affected by autism.

Autism Awareness Month-day 23

April 23
Fasting to Turn the Tide*

“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” (Isaiah 58:6, NIV)

“Declare a holy fast ; call a sacred assembly. Summon the elders and all who live in the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD.” (Joel 1:14, NIV)

Fasting is a powerful tool of prayer. Consider fasting in some way today as you pray that the tide will turn and autism end.

Autism Awareness Month-day 22

April 22
Proper Care, No Matter Where

“He protects you day and night. He keeps you from all evil and preserves your life. He keeps his eye upon you as you come and go and always guards you.” (Psalm 121:6-8, TLB)

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” (Isaiah 43:2, NIV)

Ask God to ensure that in every setting these children enter they may have “proper care, no matter where.”

Autism Awareness Month-day 21

April 21
Vaccine Injury and Autism

“‘Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,’ says the LORD. ‘I will protect them from those who malign them.’” (Psalm 12:5, NIV)

“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32, NIV)

Pray that the complete truth about the role of vaccines in autism will be fully exposed and definitive to all.

Autism Awareness Month-day 20

April 20
Understanding Among Believers

“Try to show as much compassion as your Father does.” (Luke 6:36, TLB)

“My children, we should love people not only with words and talk, but by our actions and true caring.” (1 John 3:18, NCV)

Pray that fellow Christian believers will seek to both understand and reach out to families struggling with autism.

Autism Awareness Month-day 19

April 19
Government Agencies

“I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone--for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” (1 Timothy 2:1-2, NIV)

"Do not pass along untrue reports. Do not cooperate with an evil man by affirming on the witness stand something you know is false.” (Exodus 23:1, TLB)

Pray that godly people of integrity will come into power in government agencies in order to bring justice and truth.

Autism Awareness Month-day 18

April 18
Funding for Education

“Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes. The LORD will sustain him on his sickbed and restore him from his bed of illness.” (Psalm 41:1-3, NIV)

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” (Matthew 7:7-8, NIV)

Pray that those who make funding decisions will have the mind of God as they seek to allocate funds for special education.

Autism Awareness Month-day 17

April 17
Family and Friends

“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
(Proverbs 17:17, NIV)

“these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family”
(1 Timothy 5:4, NIV)

Pray that family members and friends would be touched by the many needs and offer help and support as they are able.

Autism Awareness Month-day 16

April 16
Fighting to Turn the Tide

“We are human, but we don't wage war with human plans and methods. We use God's mighty weapons, not mere worldly weapons, to knock down the Devil's strongholds. With these weapons we break down every proud argument that keeps people from knowing God. With these weapons we conquer their rebellious ideas, and we teach them to obey Christ. And we will punish those who remained disobedient after the rest of you became loyal and obedient.”
(2 Corinthians 10:3-6, NLT)

“With God's help we shall do mighty things, for he will trample down our foes.”
(Psalm 60:12, TLB)

Pray that God’s people would rise up in prayer over autism in order to see the tide turned and afflicted people set free.

Receptive Language: Autism Awareness Month-Day 13

I'm remembering the days of early intervention when I'd listen to speech therapists place markers on a chart to indicate Reid's language development. I took solace hearing the voice of the assessor tell me that Reid's receptive language was significantly closer to his chronological target age than his expressive language which was tanking dreadfully.

I've heard, enough times to believe it now, that even our "lowest functioning" friends on the spectrum have heard it all! Too many examples of severely impacted autistics, like Tito Rajarshi Mukhopadhyay, Sue Rubin, Carly Fleischman, and new authors, Peyton Goddard and Jeremy Sicile-Kira, are succeeding in making their voices known too assume otherwise. They understand, alright.

Presume competence. (Poster available from Disability is Natural.) And then, hope that those of us whose expressive language may be off the charts, will hush up long enough to have a prayer of hearing the voice of God too!

April 13
Hearing the Voice of God

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8, NIV)

“God is great and powerful; no other teacher is like him.” (Job 36:22, NCV)

Pray that those with autism will hear God’s voice in their hearts, regardless of inabilities to communicate with others.

Excerpted from Children of Destiny Turning the Tide! Prayer Thrust calendar here

A God Who Never Gives Up on the Hopeless: Autism Awareness Month-Day 12

The lyrics of this Tommy Walker song, "These Things are True of You," rang through my mind as I prayed this morning's verses. Make these things true of us too Lord. Oh, to be like the God who is "stands up for justice and truth, loves mercy and forgiveness, and never gives up on the hopeless ones...." That is the line that gets me every time, for there are so many of us.

April 12
Justice and Truth

“Then at last everyone will know that good is rewarded, and that there is a God who judges justly here on earth.” (Psalm 58:11, TLB)

“‘Here is your part: Tell the truth. Be fair. Live at peace with everyone. Don't plot harm to others; don't swear that something is true when it isn't! How I hate all that sort of thing!’ says the Lord.” (Zechariah 8:16-17, TLB)

Pray that the God of justice and truth will help those who have been treated unfairly or illegally will be vindicated.

Excerpted from Children of Destiny Turning the Tide! Prayer Thrust calendar here.

Praying for Education: Autism Awareness Month-Day 11

How To Help a Child With Autism on Howcast

Check.

Check.

Double check.

They make it sound so easy.

For those who are ready for Autism 601, consider the Summer Autism conference June 28-30 at University of San Diego Autism Institute. The vision of Dr. Anne Donnellan, it is highly recommended by a cadre of regular attenders. I think this is my year to go, at the urging of many who consider it a philosophical home base for perceiving adolescents and adults individuals on the spectrum. What educational program has benefitted you most?

April 11

Educational Programs

“I applied my heart to what I observed and learned a lesson from what I saw” (Proverbs 24:32, NIV)

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8, NIV)

Pray that those who develop and refine programs for autism would have deep insight and wisdom from God.

Excerpted from Children of Destiny Turning the Tide! Prayer Thrust calendar here.