I have often heard of Jesus’ name emphasis of Simon to Peter as a declaration of Peter being crowned as head of the church, due to Jesus calling him Peter and then give the reference to a rock, where many assume are the same. Period. Let’s go home. Nope. If we take a step forward, lean in and look at the language, the message is something so much deeper. Matthew 16, Jesus asks the guys “Who do people say I am?” They respond, “John the Baptist, Elijah, Jeremiah and perhaps one of the Prophets.” Alrighty then, “But who do YOU say I am?” Jesus asked. The outspoken Peter replies, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” To which Jesus says, “Blessed are you, Simon, there it is – right there! For you didn’t get this all on your own, your buddies didn’t tell you, but My Father told you, and you are Peter and on this rock I will build My church and the gates of hell won’t be able to conquer it.” (vv17-18, paraphrased, emphasis mine)
If we were to take a peek behind the word Peter (‘petros’) and rock (‘petra’) which is the foundation of the church, they are indeed two different words (or word forms) Petros (Peter) meaning a rock, a stone. According to many scholars, this stone is a piece or fragment of a rock that might be thrown or easily moved. Now petra (rock) is literally a mass of rock. Two different pictures represented. (see photo above) One is easily moved, the other huge and strong enough to build a house on: “Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock(petra). The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock (petra).” (Jesus, Matthew 7:24-25 NIV)
The foundation of the church is not the man Peter, it is the solid believing faith and testimony concerning Jesus, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” Which is unchangeable, immovable and strong enough to hold against the stuff that hell would attempt to throw. (Applause erupts!)
May we be like Peter, hear God, with heart acceptance and rock-solid confession of faith.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Words. Amazing things. One word alone can alter your day, your moment. At the rollover of each new year, I begin asking the Lord for a word. One word that may describe His emphasis on me, perhaps His finger that points in a new direction or most assuredly a word to study. In the past, I have been given words like regardless and last year, believe.
As I sat quietly with bible in hand, I was taken to Psalm 119, a beautiful piece of poetry, yet full of divine direction. As I read I stopped short at verse 30, meaning there were 146 more verses to go, but here is where I stopped, here is where God points. It is known to scholars that King David wrote these words, it is from his dipped quill, “I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I set Your rules before me.” Perhaps not for you, but for me, these words dance, yet one curiously stands boldly among the rest. “I have set Your rules before me.”
Quickly turning to other resources, it all exploded with imagery. I was taken to another of David’s writings, “I have set the LORD always before me, because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 16:8 NIV) Set. The word is shavah, (in the Hebrew) its meaning is to level, to equalize; figuratively it is to resemble; by implication, to adjust. The picture it paints is placing God, and God’s word in front of me, like a permanent placemat at the table, with the goal to be found resembling Him and His word, does what I say and do measure ‘level’ with Him? I can see from here, the bulk of my 2018 will indeed be ‘to adjust.’ This word is challenging and comforting at the same time. I look forward to coming to the table, having it pre-determined and purposely set and ready. I have set You and Your word before me. (Go God!)
Perhaps you too would ask God for a word. In doing so, Holy Spirit whisper that word to us continually over the course of 2018. May we look for it, for YOU with anticipation and expectation. We invite You Holy Spirit, come with grace and power enabling us to respond in devotional active obedience!
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Christmas wrap, empty boxes and plates holding just cookie crumbs, oh and Kohls ‘After Christmas Sale’ screaming on the television. The day after. With all the prior busy bustling, we can be emotionally drained. “Now what?” With faint whispers of Away in the Manger, Christmas is now a LONG count away on the calendar. May we calm our heart and see Him, still here, always.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government shall be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
Isaiah prophetically describes Jesus with beautiful strong attributes. He is Wonderful, Mighty and Everlasting. Everlasting, we all have this thing about time don’t we, I am not necessarily patient with time. Yet, time is a divine issue. Solomon writes, “God has made everything beautiful for its own time. He has planted eternity in the human heart, but even so, people cannot see the whole scope of God’s work from beginning to end.“(Ecclesiastes 3:11)
God is everlasting, meaning He is not limited to the present. His everlasting faithfulness and goodness – to us – follows us – is here with us and precedes us. It is progressive. I see it like one of those funny long conveyor belt ‘walking spaces’ at the airport, where all you have to do is step on it and off you go. It is moving ahead of you, moving where you are, and moving behind you. In a sense the ‘everlasting’ walking space. THAT is our God, He is here, behind us, and ahead of us. Ever try to go back on that walk thingy? What a waste of energy, each step seems delayed and unproductive. It is designed to help us and to go forward.
In this post-Christmas season and a new year fast approaching, may we truly see Him, as our Everlasting Father. The one who directs and decides our walking space, (all we have to do is step on) the One with us, here now, the ever-present Presence. He is, and will be – with His committed love, His promises, His extended grace, and mercy. The author of Hebrews writes “… he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6) He is. This season of our life – God is. Wisdom needed – God is. In our personal challenges – God is. Tomorrow’s concerns – God is.
We may not be able to see beginning to end, but we can trust and enjoy the ride!
God is.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Christmas. Just the word alone brings a soft glow to the soul. Warm crackling fire, hot chocolate and watching Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey yelling “Mary!” as he runs through the old drafty house. Peace.
Isaiah prophesied centuries before Luke penned his gospel saying: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) Fast forward to Luke 2:14, when the angels appear to the shepherds: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Peace had come to earth.
Biblical peace (in the Greek) is ‘to set at one again,’ – the picture is something that has once been erected has toppled over. Chaos, strife, irritation, unrest even war are the results. Once it is set back, PEACE is the result; all is in its rightful place. Remember Adam and Eve sinning in the garden? (Thanks, guys!) The original design, ‘God and man’ had been ‘toppled over.’ Gone were the daily walks together in the garden. Jesus came, setting things back in the right place, God and man in right relationship. “The Word became flesh (Jesus) and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (emphasis mine) It may not be the Garden, but God again walking with us. Emmanuel, oh the ‘with us’ of God! Jesus, peace on earth, the Prince of Peace. Peace is a Person.
One of my favorite Christmas carols, “Hark the herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.” After 400 years, the angels break the silence with the spectacular news. Such theology dripping from this song: Jesus, Peace, God back on earth, setting things right again. God and sinners reconciled.
Peace is not only a Person, but a position. “But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace …for through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:13-14) We are now back where we were originally designed to be, right-standing relationship with God, giving full access and able to come into His presence. Paul declares this point, “Since we have been justified through faith we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1) Peace is a God thing. Man cannot create peace in his own soul, it is not part of the package deal, in the sense; it does not come attached to intelligence – fame – wealth.It is the result of Jesus’ presence, Jesus’ Lordship, and Jesus being walked & lived. Peace is position.
Because of our sinful nature and our perpetual continuing to do so, John strongly declares “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) This is written to the Christian, as we confess, we are saying the same thing about our situation that God does. We are now in full agreement; we realign with what God says. To stop doing something we have to start doing something else. I don’t stop standing until I START walking. In this process, we are taking what was ‘toppled over’ returning to the original design and bringing Jesus back to His rightful peaceful place. We mess up, we get cleaned up. Peace restored. Peace is a process.
The increase of peace accompanies the increase of Christ’s governing power over our lives. Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace of Christ RULE in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” If I want peace in my heart, I allow Jesus to RULE in my heart. He is King, I bow to Him as King, giving Him the rightful place on the throne of my life. A continually challenge indeed! We will know peace to the degree that we bow to Jesus. It is NOT about peaceful circumstances, it is obedience, His voice over our own, God doesn’t come to take sides, He comes to TAKE OVER. Peace is a posture, a bowed, get OFF the throne, posture. (Head bowed)
This Christmas may we pause and consider wholeheartedly, the Person, position, process, and posture of peace. Yes, Peace had indeed come to earth, Prince of Peace.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Fast. Busy. Our lives tend to ramble from one thing to another in quick motion. On the go, our pockets buzz with Twitter, Instagram, texting and of course Facebook, all the while #hashtagging each moment of each day. Fast. Busy. Tired.
I have one word. Selah
“But Thou, O LORD, art a shield for me;
my glory and the lifter up of mine head.
I cried unto the LORD with my voice
and He heard me out of His holy hill.
Selah” – King David, Psalm 3:3-4
Selah is used seventy-four times in the Bible. All but three are in the Psalms (Yes, I sat in church and read every one of them – sorry Pastor, a bit distracted) the others are in the Prayer of Habakkuk, (3:3, 3:9, 3:13) The purest meaning of the word is unknown, one resource states it is so old, ancient rabbis were unsure of the precise meaning. I even read, due to its seemly random usage, Selah is the word used by David when he broke a string. (HA!) Some commentaries totally crack me up!
A common thread that I found among the scholars is that ‘Selah’ is one of the most difficult Hebrew words to define. It is tucked among various circumstances of life and battle. I observed it is known as a musical or liturgical note indicating a transition – a suspension of music, Crescendo or musical interlude. One resource conveys Selah speaks to the musician as to ‘take a breath’- to pause. Another suggests ‘to lift up’ one can say, ‘to hang up the instrument.’ In summary, most scholars believe that it indicates either a rest or a pause of the voice or instrument, or to rest and reflect on the preceding words, meditating on the depth of insight. It is thought to be rendered from two Hebrew words: Salal, to extol and praise, and salah, to pause.
Oh, how WE need selah! How many of us need to gracefully transition from one circumstance to another. To ‘hang up our instrument’ of distraction (if you will) for just a bit: phone, computer, tablet. Selah. When was the last time we paused and praised? We stood still and took a breather. A seriousbreather! When was the last time we rested and truly became aware of Who God is, and what He is doing? Selah.
The Psalm above was written when David was being pursued by his ‘seeking the throne for his own’ son, Absalom. He opens the Psalm with, “O LORD, how many are my foes! How many rise up against me! Many are saying, “God will not deliver him.” Selah Can you hear the earnest tone, the anguish of heart? Verse 3: “BUT YOU are my shield around me, O LORD, YOU bestow glory on me and lift up my head. To the LORD I cry aloud, and He answers me from His holy hill. Selah” (emphasis mine)
Selah, an amazingly beautiful word. Under the inspiration of God Himself, He ordained its use in the scriptures, may we too find among the poetry of our lives ‘Selah’, pause and praise and reflection on Him!
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Christmas 2017: Santa Claus, electronic yard reindeers, snowmen, cards, parties, decorated trees, wrapping paper, and bows. Christmas the beginning: Mary and Joseph, baby Jesus, a manger, bright star, angelic host, shepherds, sheep, and the good news.
Luke chapter 2, the familiar recounting of the Christmas story, like that of a well-rehearsed children’s play, all the characters are in place, the declaring angels hit their queue perfectly, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” LOVE IT! There is one small phrase prior in the narrative I’d like to recognize, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” (v. 8) Scholars believe, due to the proximity to Jerusalem THESE lambs were the temple lambs. Potentially, THESE shepherds were caring for lambs destined for sacrifice! The religious custom (requirement) of the day was to raise or purchase a lamb, take it to the priests and have it offered as a substitutionary sacrifice for atoning forgiveness of their sins.
Interesting, the shepherds were the first to hear the glorious news, not chief priests or princes or even the learned men of Jerusalem, no dignitaries were found in the bunch. They not only were the first to hear the birth announcement, but also the first to see the child. Would it be a far reach to state that these shepherds knew the divine importance of keeping watch over their flocks? After all, news of the Messiahs coming would not be “good news of a great joy” (v. 10) unless they were seeking Him and waiting for Him. Could it be that God sent the angel to the people that would get it? “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” declares the angel.(vs 10,11) Good news indeed!
The Lamb.
Remember the conversation Abraham had with Isaac as they climbed the mountain? Abraham’s response was so very prophetic, “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “But where is the lamb…“ Abraham answered, “God Himself will provide the lamb…” (Genesis 22:7-8)
Fast forward, this recorded of John the Baptist, “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) About 3 years following John’s statement of Jesus, it is Passover, Jesus, found innocently hanging on the cross. Onlookers watch as His blood drips from His beaten, nail-pierced body. Johns words echoing, “Behold! The Lamb of God!”
Later, as we follow the story of God, the angels again declare, yet this time, (Let’s all stand…) “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing … be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:11-13)
This Christmas as we consider the Nativity scene, may we attempt to grasp the full message of the birth of Jesus. In the stable, the King, the lil lamb, not eating from the manger, but IN the manger, our substitutionary sacrifice for atoning forgiveness of OUR sins. However, we did not purchase Him, He purchased us! (Head bowed) Nowhere in scripture are we told, suggested or asked to remember Jesus’ birth. We are told to remember His death. (The Last Supper: “This is My body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”- Luke 22:19) His birth is tied to His death. Christmas leads to Easter. (Hands raised!)
Where is the lamb? Behold the Lamb. Worthy is the Lamb.
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.”
In Him, DeDe (“Letus consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Three-year-old Kallie was nestled safely in her Uncles arms as they waited to see Santa at the tree lighting ceremony. Uncle Brian quietly stepped out of line and worked his way to the window of Santa’s house. Pointing and in a whispered tone, “There he is.” GASP! She saw him, she saw Santa! She was so excited she began to shake and squirm. In her extreme joy and not knowing how to express her amazement, she boldly placed both hands on her uncle’s face and kissed his cheek with everything within her. She … was … thrilled!
What is it for us that cause us such thrill? Could it be a favorable outcome to a ball game, an unexpected bonus check that has just been handed to us, or driving down a street with a beautiful array of Christmas lighting up the night sky? Thrilling!
How about God and God stuff, does that thrill us? Does HE thrill us? Psalm 92:4 is attributed to David as he wrote, “You thrill me, LORD, with all You have done for me! I sing for joy because of what You have done.” (emphasis mine) Some translations use happy, rejoice and glad, yet those alone don’t seem to magnify what David was attempting to proclaim. Pause for a brief moment and think about David. As a young lad, he left the hills of his father’s fields, to the courtyards of Saul’s mansion, to the victories of battle, to his reigning years as King. We can’t deny his many failures, yet, regardless, he knew – he thanked – he praised. He was in AWE of his God.
The word thrill is samah (saw-mock) a Hebrew verb meaning extreme joy, but it doesn’t stop there! This joy causes the lighting up of the eyes, spontaneous feeling of jubilance, a feeling so strong that it finds expression in some external act. Scholars describe samah is not meant to be kept to one’s self, it is meant to be shared! So David penned, “You thrill me LORD!” for all to read. Remember Miriam, Moses’ sister, as the Israelites, step onto dry land and all the Egyptian drowning chaos behind them took the tambourine and led all the women as they played and danced, singing to the Lord. (Exodus 15) THAT is samah, extreme joy! I feel compelled to ask, “Do we allow, or even invite God to thrill us, to be our Awe Maker?”
Spurgeon so eloquently shares, “If we are unbelieving, it is not Gods fault, for He goes out of His way to teach us faith—and sometimes He even gives what we have no right to ask, what we have no reason to expect. We are so weak, so ignorant, and so prone to unbelief that He will do anything to create, sustain and strengthen our faith in Him!” Awe Maker.
May we not belittle God and God stuff in any way, but invite and embrace Him as our Awe Maker. Oh please do – go out of Your way God to open our eyes, unstop our ears, show us Your hand! In doing so, we will share with others. A seemingly silly, simple example, but it paints the best picture, just like Kallies uncle … THERE – HE – IS!
“You thrill me Lord!”
In Him, DeDe
(“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Christmas and gift giving, standing among all the stuff, the noise and the chaos, the potential frustration. Christmas has become somewhat of a plummeting oneself into the art of either grab and go at the store or park yourself in front of the computer and let your fingers do the shopping. My goal this year is to slow’r down. Taking time to smell the cinnamon infused pinecones, watch yet another Hallmark Christmas movie and listen to Elvis (my mom’s favorite, I turn it up so she can hear it up there with Jesus) and Bing Crosby crooning the oldies.
Christmas to me is so very sentimental. I gave my heart to Jesus on December 21, 1979, at the age of 16 ½ (the half counted back then) while sitting on the white carpeted floor of the Associate Pastors living room. (I had been visiting the lil country church) his wife Brenda lovingly, openly, full of acceptance telling me about Jesus and His love for me and what it meant to be a Jesus follower. That day will always render special to me, that moment and the moments following as I walked home, just down the street. As I walked, the Christmas lit houses took on a new glow, the plastic baby Jesus in the front yard demanding my attention and respect. That baby Jesus was no longer just yard deco, but now my Lord! Not just a baby, but a King! I stopped, pausing to take it all in, I was in the moment! Thirty-eight years later I remember the moment, I cherish the moment. The moment changed me.
How often are we somewhere else when we are with people or in circumstances or perhaps even in church? Our bodies may be present but by golly, our minds are full of grocery list writing, or a prior situation rehearsing over and over in our head, or while someone is talking to us we are busy formulating our response. What did we miss?
Be in the moment.
In Exodus (the theology of Exodus is Presence) Exodus 24, God called Moses up the mountain, “The LORD said to Moses, “”Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.” (v12, emphasis mine, NKJV) For 40 days Moses was there. Eight chapters worth of divine instruction was given. Moses was there. Many translators interpret God telling Moses to ‘stay there’ or ‘wait there.’ Yet a 19th-century rabbi wrote from a different perspective which I adore. He exclaims that there are times we go to a place and not actually being there, going on to say that we can exert ourselves getting to a destination, yet when we arrive, our thoughts remain at the original point of departure. The Rabbi imagined God was telling Moses not only come up the mountain but be fully there, with complete attention, concentration – leaving all behind. *
May we too be there, this holiday season and every day, be in the moment, giving complete attention and concentration to those we are with and in the moment of where we are. It is a gift we give to others & ourselves when we are giving presence in the present, a moment in which we may be changed. And may we pay close attention and not allow our mind to wander when we read God’s word, we don’t want to miss anything!
For Pastors Ben & Brenda, ‘Thank you.’ That lil country corner church became my home church for two years following, then they sent me out to the big world to attend bible college, study God. Now a bible teacher. Thank you for being in the moment.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
*Lois Tverberg, Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus (BakerBooks Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2018)
When I begin reading or studying the Bible, it is always my goal to start with a heartfelt prayer “Show me!” It isn’t a stance of boldly throwing my hands on my hips – full of attitude, said with pierced lips, demanding God “PROVE IT!” It is said in humble request. Open my eyes and show me, show me Your attributes, show me Your stuff, I want to see YOU!
The author of Psalm 119, so poetically wrote, “Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in Your law.” (v18) Open my eyes. What beautiful imagery, the word used conveys uncover, to reveal in such a way as to expose. Picture yourself reading, then… Holy Spirit gently removes the shaded-glossed over glasses and there, there it is …His word. The ink on the page fully exposed as He intended it, you see it, understand it, humbled by it. I’m sure you’ve experienced this, reading along and “WOW!” Where did that come from, never noticing that before? Show me.
Moses requests that God show him His glory (Exodus 33:18) here the request is slightly different, Moses is asking that he sees with intent to learn. Show me that I may know more of You God. I want to learn of Your holiness, Your uniqueness, I want more of You. Show me. Elisha asked God to show his servant all the heavenly support positioned around them. (2 Kings 6) The word is paqah, (paw-kawck) opening the servant’s eyes to see what was not noticed before, to see with wisdom, understanding, and reality. Elisha asked the servant see God stuff!
Job in conflicted conversation inquires of God, “Show me my offense and my sin.” (13:23) Show me. Job actually speaks in intimate terms, (yada) he wants God to cause him to KNOW – experience what God sees and feels when Job falls short, not hitting the God target. God point and put Your finger where I lack, (a potential painful request). King David requests with the same: “I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul.” (Psalm 143:8) He continues on with ‘teach me… lead me … for I am Your servant.’
May we too ask of God, “Show me.” Open our eyes that we see and understand Your word, show us, teach us more of You. May we see with eyes of wisdom, understanding, and reality. And yes, we ask – show us where we lack and fall short. May we not stop here, as we quietly close the Book, show us. Show us in Your word, and now as we get up and head out, graciously show us ‘YOU’ in life. (He is so faithful!)
God says, “Call on Me in prayer and I will answer you. I will show you great and mysterious, things which you still do not know about.” – Jeremiah 33:3
Show me.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Life. Life happens. Have you ever come out of a foggy situation, tattered and a little bruised, (metaphorically speaking) your heart aches with disappointment in someone’s behavior?
Recently I was looking at the life of Joseph, the events that groomed him, the people who mocked and forgot him, and the God who delivered him. One particular verse danced off the page; “When the brothers saw that their father loved him (Joseph) more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.” – Genesis 37:4
This story brings mental images of a colorful jacket, jealous brothers and a pit. “They … could not speak a kind word to him” seems to get lost in many of our Bible translations. In the Hebrew, the word is ‘shalom.’ The brothers, due to their jealousy and hatred could not speak peaceto Joseph. In Hebrew thought peace is more than just the absence of war, it is health, prosperity, blessing and it can be rendered as safe.
Fascinating, the lack of peace in this story. The brothers turn tormentors, see Joseph from afar, and their deceitful plan is forever etched in history. First, they plan to kill him. Nope to harsh, (don’t we ALL rationalize) then they find what was convenient, a deep well. When in haste convenience seems to always trump wisdom! They strip him of his robe, the very thing that triggered all this emotional rage. They attempted to remove the evidence of his favored relationship, the gift from their father. It doesn’t say it in the narrative, but I imagine there was a lot of taunting going on, rude comments, jesting, a jab here and shove there, then the final shove leading to pit dwelling. After this, young Joseph was then sold to traveling merchants; a life of slavery overshadowed him.
Jealousy, bitterness and hatred withholdpeace. Are we speaking peace to and over others, are we allowing them a safe place in our life? Are we doing our part to help them prosper, stay healthy and out of bondage… or not? Perhaps we are overshadowing them with unforgiveness? Is there someone who has what we want? Oh, it may not be the enduring love of a father, but perhaps our jealousy stems elsewhere. Are we acting out in pain hurting another due to our upset NEED for something? Need to be proven right, the need to appear superior, or is it just plain bitterness. Are we giving them the gift of peace or throwing them into a pit.
Peace or a pit? Our choice.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Further study: See Psalm 34:14; Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:18-21, 14:19; Galatians5:22,23; James 3:13-18; Colossian 3:12-15.
Turkey, cranberries, dinner rolls, butter, mash potatoes, gravy, green beans, and salad. (Breathe) Dinner plates, napkins, silverware, glasses and a centerpiece. THANKSGIVING! I love this holiday, food – family – fun and football. A set time to pause, consider and ponder what we are thankful for.
Thanksgiving. There are seasons that may be difficult to pull forward on the shelf of our life, something – anything to be thankful for. We may have lost a job or a loved one. Or our bank account matches our emotional bucket of strength, empty. Yet there IS something to be thankful for. You have a reason for thanksgiving. The great Psalm of thanks opens with, “Give thanks to the LORD for He is good…” (Psalm 136) That alone is enough.
“Give thanks to the LORD for He is good. His love endures forever…” The author found it needful to repeat ‘His love endures forever’ 26 times throughout the rest of the Psalm. This Hebrew word love is ‘hesed’ (heh-said). It is used 248 times in the Old Testament. Let’s take a look at each one (just kidding). We know it biblically as mercy, goodness, loyalty and steadfast love, even grace. What a pivotal word, pivotal attribute.Scholars find it extremely difficult to translate into English, because there really is not a precise equivalent word(s). In 1535 Myles Coverdale published the first complete modern English translation, in it he often used ‘lovingkindness’ in place of hesed for the very first time.
This merciful (undeserved) love is enveloped in personal involvement and commitment to relationship. God. Basically it IS relationship. With this, the Psalms poetically describe His lovingkindness is precious (36:7) marvelous (17:7)undeserving (103) abounding (86:5)reviving (119:159) satisfying (90:14) and everlasting (103:17). God is the God of great attributes and God cannot change – He will ALWAYS be a God of love filled with mercy. (Thankful yet?)
King David’s well known and beloved Psalm 23 (verse 6) “Surely goodness and MERCY will follow me all the days of my life.” Mercy – hesed. This ‘follow’ is not a mere tag along behind, but pursuit. David knows the concept of pursuit. This Psalm is known to be written at the end of David’s life, he once the shepherd, has now and is being Shepherded. God’s unending – steadfast love full of mercy pursued David. That same mercy, that same goodness pursues US! He is unrelenting. The divine love of God is steady – sure – persistent and FULL of refusal to let go. Aren’t you glad He does not let go! Reason for thanksgiving indeed! “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever.”
As we share around the table amongst the laughter and love, the blessings of health and family, may we ‘give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting!’
Thanksgiving.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10
Recently in Bible study, I had the gals play a game to help emphasize servanthood. Asking for volunteers, four women came up. Two were asked to sit in chairs while the other two stood behind them. I gave the seated gals each a gift-wrapped box (A VERY well, thoroughly wrapped box! And YES, I had fun tapping the boxes.) Also handing each gal a pair of thick oversized gloves. Giving them all the same instructions, we started with a hardy “Open …Go!” Running those gloves over corners, across the top, turning over and down the sides, they prevailed. While doing this, those standing behind gave encouraging cheers, “You got this!” After a couple of minutes of attempting of what seemed the impossible, the gals were asked to trade places. They too gave great attempt, working the tape, the paper, listening to their encourager’s advice, they acted.
Soon I bent over and gently handed the gift holder gals each a pair of scissors. With gloved hands, they began to cut, now with a little more headway. Then stepping behind each gal, I whispered, “Take off the gloves.” Doing so, those gifts were devoured. One gal got her box opened; its content was chocolate truffles, a great reward for all their hard work. The second box was finally opened, in their box, taped to the bottom was a yellow sticky note that simply read, “Thank You.” Servanthood.
So it is with us. We are all given the same God instructions – to sum it all up: “Serve Me, as you serve one another.” (See Heb. 13:16, Ja. 2:14-17, 1 Jn 3:18, Matt. 5:16, Ro. 12:9-13, Deut. 15:11, Gal. 6:2) The word serve conveys the apparent, ‘to do, to make.’ Yet it can be broken down to the simplest, caring for someone’s needs. Multiple times in the bible, folks gave volunteer titles of a servant. Young Samuel, “Speak for Your servant is listening…” Paul, not only an Apostle, the great leader and trainer of the church, declares: “A bondservant of Christ…” James, Jesus’ brother, the one who at first couldn’t quite get his head and heart around his older brother as the Son of God, said, “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ…” Servanthood.
Our game taught us that at times as a servant, a God servant – we are given a task that at first attempt seems impossible. We hold it in our hands, rolling it around, looking for the best game plan. All the while, others nearby cheer us on, spurring us on, their encouragement pouring into us. Working as a team at times is invaluable. One pours, the other receives. At times it is switched. (Team; Together – Everyone – Achieves – More.)
Servanthood may require we leave our comfort zone, stepping out, stepping up. The instructions may seem easier said than done, and there may be a few hindrances. (Thus the gloves) There will be times God whispers for us to shed hindrances, so we can thoroughly grasp His tool for the task. May we be so very careful not to be envious of others gifts and tools. Motive checking is also a must (NOT easy) is our serving, following the instructions ONLY for the reward? The reward may not be what we are expecting; we may get a simple “Thank you.” A “Well done good and faithful servant.” God gives us all gifts, these gifts (tools) are given FOR the body of Christ, not to be put in our back pocket for safe keeping, they are for use, creative use for one another.
“Open … Go!” Serve.
Servanthood.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Psalm 119 is one of the most poetic and beautifully written portions of scripture. Although offering no signature of authorship, many commentators are in agreement it was written by King David. He being in the highest renowned position, the military leader speaks in reverent regard to God’s word. In these 176 verses, there is a repeated theme, Teach me. “Blessed are You, O LORD! Teach me Your statutes.” (v12) “I recounted my ways and You answered me; teach me Your decrees.” (v26) “Teach me, O LORD to follow Your decrees; then I will keep them to the end.” (v33) Just to name a few. If David inquired of the Lord to rule a nation, how can we not do the same to manage our everyday? Teach me.
Having learned of God and His word has very little to do with IQ, (I’m a prime example) it has to do with teachableness. Those who cry out for help, who seek, and those who ask. It takes posturing, positioning, attention, and preparedness. Before I crack open my Bible, I always whisper, “Show me, teach me.” He never fails.
In a class room setting those who tend to be most eager for learning plant themselves in the front row, they position themselves to receive; they don’t want to miss ANYTHING. Do we position ourselves? Or are we back row folks, fully entertained by the distraction in front of us. (Which seriously CAN be entertaining, but that’s beside the point) Solomon wrote, “A wise man will hear and will increase learning…” (Pro. 1:5) And “Give instruction to a wise man and we will be still wiser…” (Pro. 9:9) Positioned to learn.
A wise professor stated the definition of learning as ‘Acquiring through training, new information or skill.’ (Lanny Hubbard) Learning new info and new skills causes us to think differently, we can do things differently. We are now different people. Learning means change. When I come to God and ask “Teach me,” I am saying I want to change. I want to be a different person when You are done with me. Speak Holy Spirit! Teach me.
One of the most important elements of learning is listening. James says, “Be quick to hear and slow to speak…” (1:19) Do we contemplate what is being said, before we take off running with our mouth? Is there something I need to learn here? Solomon, the wisest guy behind pen and ink wrote: “When you go into the house of the Lord, go in to listen…” (Ecc. 5:1) We go to church and ‘get our worship on’ which is great, BUT do we listen? Are we so busy singing away at how we feel, that we fall short to listen? What might God want to say in that environment? We are positioned, attentive… listen.
Most of our learning (if we are paying attention) comes in everyday life experiences. Jesus was a great example of this. Matthew 19, the story of the rich young ruler – Jesus tells him to go and sell all his possessions and give it to the poor. As the young man walks away sad, Jesus IMMEDIATELY turns to the disciples. Did you see that? How hard it is for the rich to get into the kingdom of God. He uses the moment, to teach them about the kingdom. Learning moments. Mark 12, Jesus and the 12 are in the temple, watching the rich folks throwing their coins in the offering, up steps a poor widow gal; she drops her two coins in. Jesus tells the disciples, she just gave more than anyone in here. He used the situation to teach them. Notice He taught immediately. He didn’t wait; He didn’t want the moment to pass to lessen the impact. Help me Lord to see Your teaching moments.
Blind Bartimaeus got it right. (Mark 10) As Jesus and the guys, and the crowd come through town, he hears them and began to yell, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!” He was told to be quiet – he yelled all the more. (Go Dude!) Jesus took notice and asked him “What do you want Me to do for you?” He boldly said, “I want to see!” Do WE ask, do we cry out to God. Be bold!
As we go through this journey with Jesus, may we have a learning mind-set, and an open heart. A willingness to hear, heed and discover as He points and speaks. May we position ourselves from distractions, keeping our focus on God and His word despite the loud world around us. Let’s keep our learning grid large, not so small as to limit our expansion of knowing, knowing Him. One of the most important keys to our learning is NOT to learn only for ourselves. (Read that again) Learn today what a family member may need next week or a friend a year from now. Be taught of God today, allowing Him to change us, that we become agents of change for others. Today’s lesson may change someone else forever.
“Blessed are You, O LORD! Teach me.” Grant me the opportunity and the discipline to see, hear, learn and change.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
* Thoughts and excerpts above is what I learned in a chapel sermon by Lanny Hubbard.
My devotional time is mostly spent reading word studies (I know, GEEK!) But I cannot tell you the understanding I receive after the original intent is explained, the language translated and the cultural setting painted. Isaiah breaks out in praise…
“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)
LOVE this verse. It gives direction; keep my mind focused on God. (see 2 Corinth. 10:5) It offers effect; my trust in God causes Him to keep me in His perfect peace.
Perfect peace. Interesting, perfect is not found in the Hebrew in this verse. Isaiah simply repeats shalom (peace) “You will keep him in shalom shalom…” Hebrew grammar does not have comparative or superlative adjectives like good, better – best, to show degrees, often times the word is just repeated. An example would be if I were to say, “I love love chocolate than caramel.” Meaning, I love chocolate best. (Which I do) So this peace, (meaning rest, healing, safety and security, even wholeness) is MORE. God is our peace; He is our rest, healing, safety and security. He is. He is BEST. His stuff is superior. Remember Jesus saying: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world givesdo I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.“ (John 14:27, emphasis mine) Jesus stuff is best.
Trust. This ancient word (batach) conveys the idea of glue, or as we would say today, weld. Welding is the melting of two pieces into each other, where the two pipes (if you will) intermingle. The idea is firmness and solidity. A journeyman welder would testify if the pipe were to break, the break would indeed be elsewhere than the connecting welding spot. THIS is what trust is, the melting of myself, mixed with God. Solid.
My challenge: As I keep my mind set and fixed on Him, allowing myself to be welded into God, then I receive the BEST. The best rest, healing, safety and so stinkin secure! Isaiah continues in the very next verse: “Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.” (v 4) THAT is some pretty solid God stuff.
How is our welding? To whom and to what are we welded? What holds our attention, our imaginations and where might our break be? Do we have the best? Point to ponder.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
* Geeky resources: Biblical Hebrew Studies, Chaim Benorah, Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary, Complete Word Study Dictionary of Hebrew, Theological Word Study of the Old Testament, Vines Expository Dictionary of the Old Testament, New American Standard Bible Dictionary of the Old Testament. Translations referenced: Hebrew Interlinear, NIV, NASB, KJV, NKJV, ESV, NET, NLT and MSG for visual.
It seems to be a creative movement, journaling. I’ve been asked if I do – nope, not really, I blog. I write about what God is taking me to, through and about. I spend many hours sitting in front of my computer studying, studying for upcoming ladies studies, researching for others and mostly going to the places God puts His finger on. Recently in my quiet time, I felt compelled to go to 1 Peter. It is always my goal to read the whole book in one setting, (granted if it is a small book.) As I read through Peter’s writing, I had his image in my mind, the one displayed in the Gospels. Peter, the zealous jump out of the boat, speaks without thinking and swings without good aim.
But these writings are a mature Peter, a man not only zealous, but one of transformation and passion. He speaks of holiness, self-control and love. In chapter 3, verse 15, I stopped. Being one who sees word pictures in my mind, this verse became 3D – in full Technicolor imagery. (Move over George Lucas, you’ve got nothing on the Holy Spirit!)
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.”
Everything needs to be sifted through the reigning power of Jesus Christ, moving pass an intellectual understanding of God, to one of heart revelation. Let’s face it, in all reality if we KNOW it in our heart, THERE is where behavior, moral conduct, and righteous living happen.
Of the 1800s, Theologian Albert Barnes wrote: “In your hearts, or in the affections of the soul, regard the Lord God as holy, and act towards Him with that confidence which a proper respect for One so great and so holy demands.”
Do I have a sifted heart? Do I allow Jesus to RULE in my heart, to rule my heart? Does my life behavior reflect my heart condition (or my words) declaring Him as Holy, as Lord? Does He take the rightful place on the throne of my life? Do I place HIM in the very center of my circumstances, where everything, everyone fall in line through …HIM?
God wants ALL of us, all of our heart, so much that He said: “I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put My Spirit in you so that you will follow My decrees and be careful to obey My regulations.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27)
I am reminded of Thomas’ confession, “My Lord and my God.” (John 20:28) May we too see Him for Who He is, revere Him as holy. Live for Him as holy.
“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.”
I leave us with the song, ‘You Won’t Relent’ sung by Jesus Culture (Written by Misty Edwards)
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Reverence. A few years ago while on our way to a mid-week church service, glancing over at my then 11-year-old son, he was wearing his favorite ‘Ducks’ cap. I asked him to make sure to take the cap off before going into the church, explaining that it would show reverence to the Lord. His weird smirk gave evidence he didn’t quite understand. I proceeded to tell him; taking his favorite cap off, told God He is TOTALLY COOL, thanking Him in such a way as to bow to His coolness. His response, “Oh I get it.”
How do we bow?
David wrote, “But I, by Your great mercy, will come into Your house; in reverence will I bow down toward Your holy temple.” (Psalm 5:7) And again in Psalm 22:23 “Praise the LORD, all you who fear Him! Honor Him, all you descendants of Jacob! Show Him reverence, all you descendants of Israel!”
Reverence, not something commonly displayed these days. If a head is bowed, or a knee taken onlookers raise an eyebrow or two.
The writer of Hebrews strongly declares: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our “God is a consuming fire.” (12:28-29)
This godly reverence paints a most honoring picture; it isn’t a haphazard quick nod of the head as to casually acknowledge something or someone. It is to recoil, recoiling in the presence of goodness, conveying the idea of downcast eyes. It is expressing the need or desire to withdraw oneself, merely not due to their reputation, but the reality of being. GOD IS GOOD! His holiness makes Him so ‘other.’ Yes, we are commissioned to “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) But may we not do so with lack of awe and wonder, in that we might dishonor. Remembering, the One Who sits on the throne is indeed, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, His goodness alone sets Him apart.
How is our reverence, are we giving a quick nod or a complete He is worthy bow?
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrew 10:24)
“Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.” God to Moses (Exodus 33:3)
Doesn’t THAT cause warm fuzzies! The word for stiff-necked are two words in the Hebrew, the latter is what we expect, neck. Yet stiff ‘qaseh’ means more than to be hard or intense. It is ‘a legal term conveying a very difficult case, in which the outcome could have life alternating consequences.’* Being stiff-necked limits our view, we are unable to turn our head from side to side; we only see what is in front of us. We get so focused, so determined on the promise – the end goal that we cannot see what God is doing to prepare us for the promise. (Read that again) God was in no hurry to fast track the folks to the promise, they weren’t ready. What should have taken just a few months to make the 240+ mile trek, took 40 years. They needed a higher degree of faith, and a learning skill of recognizing and asking for God’s hand BEFORE they faced the giants once they step foot in the promise land.
God did end up going with the people, Moses pleaded, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us from here… what else will distinguish me and Your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” (vs 15-16) His Presence!
God is a covenant making and covenant keeping God, He WILL fulfill. But He needs to prepare us to receive His stuff. May we loosen our neck, yes keep our eyes on the promise, but not so tight as to miss God on the way. Taking the self attached blinders off – what we miss might have ‘life alternating consequences.’ What would have happened if Moses had not turned to look at the burning bush and continued on his way? “When the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” (Exodus 3:4) Point to ponder.
May we turn to look.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
“Be still and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10) Yet most of the time my life reflects, “Be busy and know that I am tired!” Can I get an “AMEN!” Psalm 46:10, one of the most quoted and beloved verses of the Bible, but do we really understand its meaning? Hang with me as we explore this further and gain understanding. The Psalmist writing under the inspiration of God, writes 10 of the 11 verses of the psalm from the 3rd person perspective, talking to us about ‘He’ (God). The Psalmist encourages that even in natural disasters and national uproar, “Come and see the works of the LORD… He makes… He breaks…” (v8,9) Then in verse 10, the writing changes. It is now from the 1st person – I. It is as if God caused him to pause, whispering in his ear, tell them…“Rapah yada Elohim” (Hebrew) “Be still and know that I am God.” Powerful.
When studying the scriptures, looking at the original language/grammar gives us some great insight. In which I am no expert or scholar, but only observe. For example in Galatians 5:22,23 (N.T. – Greek) the listing of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. At first glance, we think these are verbs, action words, something we do. True. Kinda. They actually are ‘nouns’ – all of them. They are something we possess. I can walk in peace, knowing that through the Spirit, it is a quality I possess. I can operate in self-control because it too is something I possess, it is part of the ‘fruit package.’ The important part – I have to CHOOSE to use it! It is the indwelling of Holy Spirit, as we surrender to Him – He matures and works these qualities through & out our life. Just like in football, I can run for a touchdown, but it only counts if I have possession of the ball. (SCORE!) Running down the field (in my own strength) with no ball, well… the play is VERY unsuccessful!
So it is with the Hebrew, understanding the language, truly helps. Originally there were no punctuation marks. Yet when reading in a modern geeky-transliteration Jewish Bible, (mouth full) our verse reads: “Be still! Know! God.” Here comes the totally cool part – this phrase holds two imperative verbs, meaning they are both commands. Be still! Know! God commands us to know Him. That means it is entirely possible, desirable and (wait for it) yes… expected. But not only this, but the 1st verb (be still) POINTS to the 2nd – KNOW! We are still IN ORDER to know God. WAIT… (I’m throwing in the bonus gift) ALSO, the phrase is known to form a ‘hiphil verb tense’ (in short) it is used to cause something. The subject causes the action of the verb. Meaning, as God says this to the reader, (you & I) ‘we’ are the cause of the verb…know. It is up to us to be still so that we can know Him.
‘Be still’ (rapah) means more than just quieting our mouth. It literally means; ‘to let go.’ It holds the word picture as to have something in your hand, slacken your grip, let it go… let it drop. As the New American Standard translates: “Cease striving.” When we come to God in our quiet time, we can quiet our mouth, but what do we still have in our hands, what are we ‘fidgeting’ with, (metaphorically speaking). Our lives are busy, full…full of STUFF. Granted most of it is completely legit. BUT, God wants us to want Him as much as He wants us. ALL of us. Empty handed. When the psalmists write of praising God with raised hands, the word is ‘yad’, the empty hand, the palmed hand. The hand symbolizes strength and power, when we raise our hands to God, we are in a surrendered posture, we are emptying our hands of our own strength and accepting HIS! (head bowed)
‘Know that I am God’ (know – yada) this isn’t just an intellect knowledge of God, it is a HEART knowing. It is based on relationship, experience. In the Complete Jewish Bible, it reads: “Desist, and learn that I am God.” STOP! It isn’t a slowing down, or I’ll get to it when it is convenient (OUCH!) It is a priority! God is first! God loves full stop. God wants relationship.
God is not necessarily asking us to be quiet (although that DOES help, “Shut thee up!” There is a time to be quiet.) Location is not a huge factor (however, a quiet place contributes) Nor is our physical posture the ‘make it or break it’ element (Yet, face down, does have “I can’t see the distractions” with my face on the carpet benefits.)
All this to say, God wants us to let go of our grasp of distractions, we can sit quietly before Him, but if we are still fidgeting with our ‘stuff’ or full of anxiety of what is going on around us, we aren’t giving Him our full attention, we aren’t experiencing Him, learning Him, knowing Him. As Brother Lawrence so eloquently wrote in his book; “There is needed neither art nor science for going to GOD, but only a heart resolutely determined to apply itself to nothing but Him, or for His sake, and to love Him only.” [Practicing the Presence of God]
There is a natural progression when passion grows, starting at duty, then to desire and most assuredly delight.
“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” – God, Psalm 46:10
I honor You God, with my time, my desire, my delight and with my empty hands.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
I love autumn, the crisp morning air and those vibrant yellow, orange and red leaves. I find it fascinating that so much beauty can come from a season of change. Seasons. With so much uncertainty in the world, there is however a guarantee there WILL be another spring that rolls to summer, then fall and eventually winter. Once winter wears out its welcome, according to God’s design spring again bursts forth.
Recently the Lord showed me that just as the environment and atmosphere change, we too experience a change of season. Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” (3:1) His following list consists of a time for birthing, dying, planting and harvesting, a time to tear down and to build, a time to cry and a time to laugh. The cool part? There’s even a time for dancing! Oh Yah! My poor sons, they cringe when mom feels the urge to dance – down the aisles at the store! Seize the moment I say!
For some of us our season is lingering, the winter drags on, and on and on. Or perhaps something triggers you and an unhealthy season reappears, when you were confident that season had passed. Have you ever hopped in the car, after getting underway, you reach for the radio, turning it on, a song comes on and within seconds you ARE THERE! The song brings back a familiarity either good or one that takes you back to THAT season! A time when sorrow was your companion, pain an unwanted friend or a relationship gone wrong. Or you flip the calendar page and there it is, THE month. The one you dread, the month you experienced betrayal, or the death of a loved one.
I experienced something similar a couple of weeks ago: It was a beautiful sunny warm day, driving to my granddaughter’s school to pick her up, once in the parking lot, backing up, parking, stepping out – instantly I stopped …feeling complete dread and sorrow. Then walking towards the school, I asked God, “WHAT is this?” He reminded me, that two weeks prior, the same scenario; sunny day, parking lot, backing up, stepping out, it was then, RIGHT THERE, I received a phone call with very traumatic news, sorrowful news – stop in your tracks news. It was all so familiar in a way that I was not aware of.
With this revelation, I knew this needed to be broken! “In Jesus name!” I took authority over the familiarity. (Go God) Breaking the spiritual and emotional hold. From there I sensed Holy Spirit teaching me about the familiarity of seasons. God does not want us living in the past. Each new day is a gift, and well if we keep our hands full of the old stuff, there isn’t room for the new. If we can’t see the stuff in our hands – ask Him. Or we can’t identify why we are feeling a certain way – ask Him!
Times and seasons CAN be broken! Daniel praised God saying: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever. Wisdom and power are His. He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise. And knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.” (2:20-22)
Oh God, may You reveal to us the seasons we may not be aware of, only feeling the effects. Grant us wisdom to see and address those we do know of. Break the familiarity IN JESUS NAME! Free us. Let there be no more stop in our tracks unaware, but moving forward with each new day … in YOU!
Beauty from ashes.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Have you ever desired to peak around the corner, kinda like in Wizard of Oz when the bold booming voice says “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.” Well of COURSE, I want to look! That is how I am with scripture, I can’t just read. There is so much pausing, pondering and defining to be done. So much adventure! And yes, so many lessons to learn. (Hang with me, this is good)
Recently looking at Numbers 20, (v. 1-13) I sat myself down in a field (literally) knowing there was more to this story and asked the Lord to show me around the corner, peak behind the curtain. This is what I saw, this is what I learned. I had the honor of teaching this to the women at church this week. The story (in short) consists of Moses and his wooden staff, Aaron, some grumbling people and a rock. Oh, and some gushing water. The Israelites are wandering in the wilderness; they come to Kadesh … no water. With the lack of water they rebelled. Moses and Aaron go to God with this whine filled, yet genuine dilemma. God tells them to gather the people, take the staff and speak to the rock and water will flow. Moses gathered the people, took the staff and spoke to the people (not the rock). He tells them “Listen, you rebels! Must we bring you water from this rock?” THEN (wait for it…) he raises the staff and strikes the rock twice. And you got it, God showed up and water flowed. Um, a considerable amount of deviation from the instructions dear Sir! God then tells Moses and Aaron, due to your lack of trust in Me, and not demonstrating My holiness to the people, you don’t get to go into the Promised Land.
After reading this and seeing the scenario creatively played out in my mind, I am reminded of instances that are quite similar to Moses’ past and I’m confident familiar to Moses.
Exodus 7: The show down with Pharaoh. God charges Moses with telling Pharaoh to “Let My people go…” Pharaoh doesn’t get it, his heart is unyielding, so God tells Moses to go to the Nile, give it one more try, if a no go, then with the gathering of people, take the staff, strike the water, God shows up and the water turns to blood.
Exodus 17: Moses is now in the wilderness with the folks, camped at Rephidim. This place had no water as well. The people complained, God tells Moses to gather the people, take the staff, strike the rock and God shows up – water will gush out. And so it happened.
Exodus 17 (just a few verses later) Just slightly different, but most elements are the same. The Israelites are fighting the Amalekites, there sitting between Aaron & Hur on a hill and a gathering of people, as Moses keeps the staff raised, God shows up and they win the battle.
In Numbers 20, new instructions are given, yet Moses’ response is too familiar. Here are 4 lessons we can learn:
First, we are not to veer from the current instructions. Does it matter HOW I do it if I’ve been here before? The answer is YES! God has something new for YOU and those around you. Our obedience does impact others, as well as our disobedience. These ‘rebels’ were the 2nd generation, they had heard of the first striking the rock and gushing of water. How much more would God’s power & authority have meant if Moses obediently SPOKE to the rock! Would that observance have caused future POSITIVE responses? Notice too, God told Moses, “Speak to the rock.” He didn’t tell him WHAT to say. There was room for creativity, he just needed to speak and God would do the rest. God said speak – not swing.
Next, God still proves powerful despite our disobedience. God would deal with Moses, but the people needed water. This teaches us God’s love for His people is so great; despite sinful attitude and action, God still provided abundantly. His instructions are PERFECT, yet He will use imperfect instruments (us). We may mess it up, but He still trusts us with His word. Amazing! Disobedience DOES have consequences. God said: “Because you did not trust Me enough to demonstrate My holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!” God reprimanded not only for disobeying but also for not believing. The staff represented authority and yes, you used it before, just because it is in your hand, doesn’t mean you have to use it this time. Listen carefully.
Thirdly, God will not share His glory with another. “Must WE bring water for you out of this rock?” (Can you hear the heavy sigh and the quiet ‘AGAIN!’) Moses spoke as if he and God would do the job. Or even He and Aaron. It was ALL God. It is always ALL God. God uses us, we walk in authority, but it is His miraculous power. Isaiah 42:8 “I am the LORD, that is My name! I will not give My glory to another. ” God told Moses He wanted to demonstrate His holiness to the people, taking this generation to a whole new level perhaps? We will never know.
And finally, we default to what is familiar in times of frustration. Often our reach is quick, and we grasp for what we already have or already know. May we condition ourselves that when we do reach, GOD is grasped FIRST! May HE be so familiar that in times of frustration, anger or pain, our ‘quick’ is …Him.
Is God giving us new instructions, are we listening carefully, or are already thinking, “Got this, done this!” We are prepared to use what we did before (already gathered in our hands) but perhaps not this time … just believe Him. May we consider how our obedience (or lack of) will affect others. What does God want to show you and them in this moment? How is our obeying in the details?
Moses. A mighty man of God full of lessons.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another toward love & good deeds.” Hebrews 10:24)
How many of us remember the Saturday morning (or after school) Schoolhouse Rock commercials? Sing with me, ‘Conjunction junction what’s your function… hookin up words, phrases, and clauses.’ Amazing how that lil tune stuck in my head after all these years. Yes, a cute railroad analogy song to help us use connecting words with purpose.
When studying the bible we do the same thing. We are to take notice of such words as: therefore, because, rather, however, and yes even …IF (see John 15) There is yet another that packs a huge punch when used in the text. “So that.”
In Exodus “Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of Him will keep you from sinning!” (20:20) “Jesus says, ‘I have told you all this so that you will not goastray’. – John 16:1 Paul in Ephesians 6:11, “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” In Hebrews, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (4:16) Paul again, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.” (Ephesians 1:17)
Depending on the translation, ‘so that’ is used roughly 700-950+ times in the entire bible. THAT is a considerable amount of connecting. In the New Testament, the word is hina (hee-naw) meaning, ‘for the purpose of, in order that it might be.’ Jesus says “You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.” – John 14:13 You ask in My name, it will be done for the purpose of the Father getting the glory! ‘So that,’ amazing connecting words! Defining words. Words that point. The divine goal is to bring the Father glory!
May we slow’r down, take pause; take notice of ‘hookin up words, phrases and clauses’ so that we may know Him better for the purposeof bringing Him glory.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds. – Hebrews 10:24)
How often do we walk away from something, yet find ourselves coming right back to it? Isn’t that just human nature, the very thing we cry release from, somehow we find comfort in the familiar and do not step beyond the zone? Jesus wants us to be free.
We see an amazing example of this in John 5, Jesus observes a man at the Pool of Bethesda. The place where the blind, lame or paralyzed would lay near the pool … waiting. Tradition states an angel would visit the pool, while stirring the water healing virtues would flow, the first in would be healed. The man Jesus saw had been coming to the waters for a very long time, he himself an invalid for 38 years. Jesus asked him, “Do you want to get well?” The man’s answer is typical. “I have no one to help me; while I am trying, someone always gets there ahead of me.” I don’t mean to be heartless, but can you hear the Eeyore tone and bit of whine in his voice?
Jesus simply says, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk!” That is exactly what the man did. At first glance, isn’t it interesting that Jesus didn’t instruct he just walk away, leave your mat? Nope. I would suggest that this man had grown so accustomed to being lame, it was familiar and that mat was comfortable and “See that corner spot right over there – THAT is my spot!” If the mat had been left, there would be something to come back to. All comforts had now been removed, the familiar no longer available. No lying down, no relapse here folks! A healed man does not need to hang out at this pool anymore. A delivered man needs to move on, leaving nothing behind. And why carry the mat? The mat was now being re-purposed. No longer a mat for waiting, but a mat for living!
God holds nothing back to free us. (Go God!) The Psalmist speaks so vividly, “When they cried to the LORD in their trouble and He saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and BROKE away their chains.” (107:13-14, emphasis mine) Please pause and consider the breaking of these chains, the word is not just a mild bend or snapping. It is a divine BURSTING! It was so destructive that the chains were torn into pieces, so much so it was un-repairable. Attempt as you may, even with biting your lip while applying super-glue, what God breaks, it is BROKEN!
Father, may we too not look for excuses with whining tones, remembering what You have healed us of, what YOU have delivered us from; we are not to attempt to go back or fix. There is nothing for us there!
Movin on.
In Him, DeDe “Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24
John 6. The feeding of the many. Seeing the crowd, Jesus asks Philip, “Where shall we buy bread that these may eat?“ The narrative continues saying that Jesus already knew what He was going to do; He wanted Philip (and the others) to consider the solution. I love God questions. They aren’t for God. He never misses an opportunity to teach us more of Him. Remember, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3)
Can you imagine the quick eye rolling that took place, the disciples looking at Jesus then to … ALL THOSE PEOPLE! I wonder if Jesus chuckled to Himself. The guys declare it would cost too much to buy for all those hungry folks, yet there is this boy – who has five loaves of bread and two ‘not quite regulation size’ fish. Jesus instructs the disciples to have the people be seated, and then distributes the barley fish sandwiches. After all had been satisfied, Jesus tells the disciples “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.”
Let nothing be wasted. LOVE IT! Those words ring beautifully in red. If you write in your bibles, underline those words. (John 6:12) Yes, speaking in context to the fish and bread, but I also believe, let no circumstance be wasted. Asking the disciples the question, feeding the many all offered the opportunity to know Him as ‘The Bread of Life.’(v35)
What circumstance are we in right now, what does Jesus want to show us, teach us about Himself. What solution does He want to prove Himself faithful. Oh we may not have to consider being the sole supplier at the next church picnic, but ‘Let nothing be wasted.’
Look, consider and learn.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
seems to always trump wisdom! They strip him of his robe, the very thing that triggered all this emotional rage. They attempted to remove the evidence of his favored relationship, the gift from their father. It doesn’t say it in the narrative, but I imagine there was a lot of taunting going on, rude comments, jesting, a jab here and shove there, then the final shove leading to pit dwelling. After this, young Joseph was then sold to traveling merchants; a life of slavery overshadowed him.
Inspired Fountain 