Heh, folks … while you’re here on the Inspired Fountain website, click on over to the right… “Guest Book” and sign in, we’d LOVE to hear from you and where you are from. Go ahead …. (I’ll wait… humming …. row row row your boat …) Done? Great thanks! ~ DeDe
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The Provision of Christmas
Christmas ‘2011′ ~ Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, cards, parties, lights, decorated trees, wrapping paper, bows.
Christmas ‘the beginning’ ~ Mary & Joseph, baby Jesus, manger, bright star, angelic host, shepherds, sheep, peace on earth, good news, (SALVATION!)
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 I want to point out in the narrative, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” (v. 8) I’ll jump right to it … did you know that scholars believe, due to the proximity to Jerusalem THESE lambs were the temple lambs. THESE shepherds were caring for lambs destined for sacrifice! The spiritual 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. (Pause … stop reading … think about this)
Would it be a far reach to state that these shepherds KNEW the divine importance of “keeping 
watch over their flocks …” Could it be that God sent the angels to the people that would … GET IT? The angel declares “… 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.” The Messiah has come, the Savior. The narrative continues, “… they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” They left. In a hurry. It doesn’t say if they appointed someone to stay, but they sought out Jesus and then spread the word about Him.
Remember the conversation Abraham had with Issac as they climbed the mountain? Abraham’s response so very prophetic, “The fire and wood are here,” Issac said, “but where is the lamb…” Abraham answered, “God Himself will provide the lamb…” (Gen. 22:7-8)
Jesus’ birth. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” (Jn. 3:16)
Fast forward 30+ years … 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!
About 3 years following John’s statement of Jesus, it is Passover, Jesus, found innocently hanging on the cross. On lookers watch as His blood drips from His beaten, bloody body.
THIS, the season of Passover… the blood of the Lamb marking people to be released from the wrath of God.
Later, as we follow the story of God, the angels again declare, this time … “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!” (Rev. 5:11,13)
May we this season, attempt to grasp the full message of the birth of Jesus. Behold the provision and O so worthy Lamb of God. The provision of Christmas
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” ~ Heb. 10:24)
Reason for Thanksgiving
Turkey, cranberries, dinner rolls, butter, mash potatoes, gravy, green beans, salad. Breathe. Dinner plates, napkins, silverware, glasses, name cards AND centerpiece. THANKSGIVING! I love this holiday, FOOD – family – fun. Ok, I will add … football. A set time to pause, consider and ponder that which we are thankful for.
Thanksgiving. There are seasons it may be difficult to pull forward on the shelves of our lives something 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 and 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.” (Ps. 136) The Hebrew language renders beautiful word pictures, “Give thanks…” offers the idea to confess or acknowledge in reverence and worship with extended hands.
“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’ (hay-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. Scholars find it extremely difficult to translate into English, because there really is not an equivalent word(s). In 1535 Myles Coverdale published the first complete modern English translation, using many of Tyndale’s work, in it he uses … ‘lovingkindness.’
This merciful (undeserved) love is enveloped in personal involvement and commitment to relationship. Basically it IS relationship. God is pleased when it is reciprocated “For I delight in loyalty (hesed) rather than sacrifice, And in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6) Our Lord desires faithful love and covenantal commitment. With this, it is precious (Ps. 36:7) marvelous (Ps. 17:7) undeserving (Ps. 103) abounding (Ps. 86:5) reviving (Ps.119:159) satisfying (Ps. 90:14) and everlasting (Ps. 103:17). God is the God of GREAT attributes and God cannot 
change – He will ALWAYS be a God of love filled mercy.
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/is being Shepherded. God’s unending – steadfast love full of mercy pursued David, He pursues …. US! He is unrelenting. In my study, I have come to this conclusion: 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! I know for me, God is so extremely patient with this I.C.G. (Irritating Child of God) I continue to be amazed at His grace … love … mercy, not to mention His awesome sense of humor. “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good. His love endures forever.”
As we prepare to share around the table amongst the laughter and love the blessings of health and family, may we too take a knee, raise a hand and “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so…” (Ps. 107:2)
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” ~ Heb. 10:24)
The God Who Sees Me
Have you ever experienced a time or times when you feel completely alone? No one cared, not even God, as if you walked through life invisible, invisible to the touch of others, their concern, their love. You desire with a deep longing to be noticed, for someone to see you, to deem you valuable. Your thoughts crawl towards … running. Running away, F-A-R away. Would anyone notice?
It is in this moment that we feel that no one else has or is feeling this way, we tend to isolate ourselves with this understanding. There is a gal who she too experienced this. Her name? Hagar. Her story is set in Genesis 16. She was Sarah’s servant and had just found out she was to have Abrahams child, she was so excited, but out of the strong emotions for both Sarah and Hagar, they fought. And Hagar ran. She ran not only from the harshness towards her, but I believe she ran with the understanding that no one understood – no one cared.
Hagar found herself further out in the desert, lacking all the comforts of what was familiar, emotions worn, body tired, spirit drained – she collapsed. It was then that the angel of the Lord appeared to her, he simply said, “Hagar” (called her by name) “where have you come from and where are you going?” A divine already known answer, but presented for the purpose of ‘process’. He spoke directly to her situation, she was running from something she felt she could no longer handle, and running to something she hoped would be better. She shared her frustration, and his response was “go back” and then filled her with foretold promises. She ended this encounter calling the Lord, “El Roi” (El row-EE) meaning “the God Who sees me.” Hagar returned to Abraham, Sarah and the current circumstance. BUT, she knew someone had seen her – someOne sees her. El Roi is present tense, sees NOT ‘saw’.
We need to be assured that no matter the circumstance, or our emotional state, OR what we may be facing, God sees us. We can’t outrun God. Many of us have tried (haven’t we). He takes 
personal interest in us, He calls us by name. It is up to us to look up from where we are – to listen. Hagar had a choice, she could have stayed there on the dusty ground, head down, and just pretend she hadn’t heard while her tears moistened her cheeks (but how many Hagars do you think there where out in the desert, lost) if we look up, listen and hear God’s words of love and compassion, encouragement, we too will call the Lord “El Roi” the God Who sees me. Jesus says (John 10:27) “My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me.” My name is called, I am known. God sees.
Do you too feel alone, invisible, unvaluable, and found isolated out in the desert? Quiet yourself, STOP the chatter – listen. He WILL call your name, He is calling your name. Sadly, many of us stop short – WAY too short in our sorrows, troubles and frustrations, we don’t give God the opportunity, we don’t move off the seat and give Him the throne. (OUCH! God made me type THAT. Ok, so He didn’t MAKE me, I just thought it wise to response obediently) He is El Roi. The God Who sees me.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” ~ Heb. 10:24)
What do YOU see?
Ever been caught in fog so thick it would be best to stop your vehicle, climb out and feel your way down the road for safety sake? Don’t you just hate it when you can’t see, whether that be in weather related situations, or in a darkened room, when you KNOW if you proceed you will definitely find that coffee table as it re-introduces itself to … your shin.
Sight. Perhaps at times we take it for granted, I know I have and do. Lack of sight, can be disabling. Besides literally having sight with our physical eyes, there is (metaphorically speaking) numerous kinds of sight. We see with our heart – there are times we see with our intuition, with wisdom, and yes with our spirit.
Recently I took a look (in the Book) of three mentions of Jesus healing the blind (Mark 8, Luke 18, and John 9) Each have amazing elements, but I’d like to focus on Mark 8:22~26. Jesus and the disciples are in Bethsaida, a blind man is brought to Him. The man is taken by the hand, as Jesus leads him out of the village. Here’s the interesting part, “He (Jesus) had spit on the man’s eyes and put His hands on him…” Ah, you think I jest, but NO! ( it’s there … v. 23) Jesus SPIT on him … on his eyes. Ok, be honest … ‘eewwWW!’ However, if anyone is going to spit on me, it better be JESUS!
BUT, (isn’t there always a ‘but’ with the good stuff) Jesus didn’t stop there. I find it fascinating with all His God authority, He didn’t just walk away, wave His hand and extend a blessing, 
KNOWING the man was fully healed. Yet He stayed, Jesus stayed. He asked the guy “So how is it now, what do you see?” Love the guys response, “Well … a bit better, I see trees, the people look like trees walking around.” (DeDe’s paraphrase) Notice the dialogue? Jesus AGAIN touched his eyes, then he saw ‘everything clearly’. To some this is a nice documentation of one of Jesus’ miracles, to me it is an honest look at how much Jesus cares. He wanted the vision to not be ‘so-so.’ But CLEAR. I sense, He wanted the man to process with Him, engage conversation. He wanted the man to KNOW by experience that He heals thoroughly, and He was right there with him.
Interesting side note: When the man initially says “I see…” the word indicates he had sight, the ‘ability’ to see, that’s about it. When Jesus touched him again, he ‘saw‘ everthing clearly, a different word, this time, his sight was with discernment, his eyes were able to focus with perception, detail. Hm…. Jesus didn’t just want him to have ‘ability’ – He wanted it BEYOND! 
Yes, there is physical sight, and by golly these eyes need some help, (wearing my ever intense reading glasses even now) but my heart and spiritual sight needs help as well, I know “I see trees.” I don’t focus as I should, my spiritual sight isn’t full of discernment. Sure I have the ability, but Jesus wants MORE! Jesus want us to see ‘clearly’. Oh, Jesus wont literally spit in our eyes (relax) but He wants us to desire to see with clarity. There are MANY things we don’t see.
Jeremy Camp so poetically wrote, and we sing:
‘You opened my eyes to Your wonders anew
You captured my heart with this love
Because nothing on Earth is as beautiful as You’
Open our eyes Lord … with preception and detail. Allow us to focus, and see YOU, Your stuff, Your people, Your circumstancs. It is written, He will touch again, Jesus stays, there will be dialogue, we will see clearly.
What do YOU see?
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds” ~ Heb. 10:24)
Captivated
Recently I was asked in a phone conversation, “What does the Word of God do for you?” I was offered time to think and respond via email. I did just that, ‘thought about it’. Keep in mind as I share my response, I am wired a bit weird. As a bible teacher I can not shake loose the desire to grab a principle, disect a word, or link a verse to another, and before I know, I have a stack of
geeky books at my feet or multiple windows open in my bible software.
“What does the Word do for me?” My first gut response when I heard the question was 2 Timothy 3:16-17 “… all scripture is God breathed and good for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” And this is why? Verse 17 “… so that the man (woman) of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
I thought further. Hm … depends on the current daily circumstance AND what portion of scripture I am reading. There are times it (the word) CONFIRMS. Confirms that I too am human, just as the characters in the bible. I read about Peter and sure enough, I can relate to his ambitious outbursts, not that I would actually crawl out of a boat, and attempt water walking – but I’d do something of the like and swinging that sword and getting the ear or telling Jesus NO. Yep… confirms.
God’s word also gives me COURAGE. I read David’s story and I see all the stupid mistakes (God does not cover up the faults of His heros.) I see the longings of his heart. The run FULL FORCE towards his God at times, the end results may not have been what most would think ‘rewarding’ – but he loved and lived. REGARDLESS, he is forever etched in history as ‘the man after Gods own heart.’ THIS gives me courage. In the same breath, it encourages me. That is taking anothers experience, hearing, observing and learning from it, enfolding it into my own, and giving me courage to walk in the same direction. (DeDe’s definition)
God’s word CONFRONTS. I have literally had His word stand in front of me… BOLDLY . I know THAT sounds weird, but I know that resonates with some of us. If I am behaving in such a way that is not …um… honorable, His word stands against that behavior like a blockade in the road. I am quick to say, NO, I do NOT heed to it all the time, and often ‘run around’ it. But I honestly believe, a God loving, Jesus follower, Spirit indwelled person WILL be confronted by God’s living and active word.
Then, God’s word CORRECTS. I MUST ad IF we allow it. Sigh… THIS is NOT enjoyable at 
times, but since God’s word is LIVING and ACTIVE and we are Spirit indwelled, we are (in my estimate) required to interact with the Word of God. And by golly, if we truely ‘listen’ at times, it DOES cut to the very marrow. Which indeed is … painful. The bible is our manual, our guide, God inspired those who penned it, so it’s God’s personal letter to us. I would call it ‘the relational manual’ – God is all about relationship. He will tell us through His word, where we lack, where we need adjustment, where we don’t align, AND how we are loved. He gave very careful concern to express love, He embraces us, like fathers arms, hugging while He says “I love you, I love you so much, I don’t want you hurt, this is what will help prevent that….” Some call the bible, God’s rule book – I beg to differ. What a harsh concept. I do not want to live my life according to a ‘rule’ book, steps of engagement for God’s approval (ick.)
What does God’s word do for me? His word COMFORTS. When reading words like “… give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name…” (David) what comfort! I can tell Him like it is. The Psalms and other places bring the ‘tenderness’ of scripture to life. Psalm 85 says ‘love and faithfulness meet together… the Lord will indeed give what is good’. How many times are we overwhelmed and we reach for a Psalm, that tender whisper, “He makes me lie down… restores my soul… He guides me… He turned my wailing into dancing….You are my hiding place.” Oh how the inspired penned the cry of our heart! Psalm 63, “My soul thirsts for You …. I have seen You in the sanctaury and beheld Your power and glory… I will praise Your name… and in Your name I will lift up my hands, my soul is satisfied. (I will add a selah here) AND His response, ‘Be still and know that I am God.’ Yes, His word comforts.
For me, His word CALLS. It beckons, like when God called out Samuel’s name over and over. It wasn’t man calling – it was God. I do believe that God speaks direction, ‘calling’ (if you will) 
through His word. There are times, I will be reading and soon my eyes well up, I ‘see’ what He is saying and I can not NOT share it. His Spirit calls so strong through His word, I may end up on the floor face down. The word calls.
I know it was somewhat a simple question, “What does the Word do for you?” It confirms, gives me courage, it confronts, corrects, comforts and calls me. But when all is said and done, it CAPTIVATES me. It is HIS word.
Now, I present the question to YOU. “What does the Word of God do for you?” Take time to ponder – examine. Are we in the Word enough to have it impact us? Does it comfort us, correct and by golly may it captivate!
In my bible I have written (put there in the early 80’s) When reading the Word look for:
An example to follow – a sin to avoid – a command to obey – a promise to claim – a new thought about God – a difficulty to explore – a matter for prayer.
His word.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Heb. 10:24)
Muttering & Merinating
I am a people watcher. What a royal hoot to sit and just observe those around us. The Mall is 
my favorite, so many folks going about their business. They carry bags, purses, pushing strollers, some are sitting on benches watching … ME! Have you ever observed someone walking pass you, and talking and there is no apparent person with them, they just… talk. Our first response is, “Um… their dipstick isn’t exactly touching the oil.” (Ok, so maybe I am the only one that thinks that) But we simply shrug it off as strange and weird.
Talking to oneself is extremely biblical. Well, I MUST add within the correct context mind you. The Psalmist expresses in Psalm 119:15-16 “I meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways. I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your word.” (emphasis mine)
In the Hebrew, mediation means, ‘to rehearse in ones mind, and to ponder’. Yet it is more, it literally means to mutter, to converse with oneself. Those of ancient Israel, would be found working in the fields, or a top a hill watching their herd all the while they were muttering to themselves. This was a way of life. They would recite aloud to themselves the ways of God and His word. Reinforcing and strengthening his understanding by meditating on verses over and over. Speaking God’s word reinforces it in our heart, allowing our heart to hear what our head is thinking.
I read recently that “Mediation is focused thinking. It takes serious effort. You select a verse and reflect on it over and over again… if you know how to worry, you already know how to meditate.” (LOVE that part)
Many of us upon hearing the word meditation, we immediately think of the Eastern forms and religions that practice the emptying of the mind, with the goal of tapping into ones energy to increase personal development, while sitting in an extremely uncomforatble position (um… ick). The Christian on the other hand, is NOT emptying the mind, but FIILING it. We use scripture and prayer to pursue the knowledge of God, His wisdom and His holiness.
When we meditate on scripture we are taking the time and effort after we read something to think about what we have read. Remember the Word of God is “God-breathed” (2 Tim. 3:16) and “living and active” (Heb. 4:12) – we NEED to participate 
and engage in it.
What we are doing is taking the Word and ingesting it and digesting it, allowing it to become a part of us. A really poor analogy is that of a cow chewing his cud. Throughout the day he works to gather, bite and chew the grass, then later as he relaxes he begins to re-chew the grass. He brings it up from his gut. I believe God wants us to have His word in our gut! Nothing like a ‘Gut Christian’! Ever known someone who when they speak you can tell God’s word is so deep within them, their gut is FULL of God.
Our society and our schedules give very little time to think or reflect. Let alone talk it out loud.
We are conditioned by our culture to NOT think, (per say) resulting in the in-ability to reason effectively. One of the biggest contributors to this is TV and movies. Did you know the average scene is 3 seconds! We are conditioned to think and jump from one thing to another so quickly that in a sense we have to be stimulated and entertained to pay attention. Sadly we take this into our relationship with Jesus and His word.
Somethings do NOT come in 3 seconds. Somethings take time. Time to ponder, muse and mutter over. This week, as we sit before God’s word, read it s-l-o-w-l-y and methodically as the monks do (no cloak required) taking the time to THINK and SPEAK it. May the Holy Spirit rub it in our heart, effectively causing it to become a part of us, deep down in our gut! This can be likened to a form of ‘merinating’ known as ‘rubbing’. The seasoning is rubbed generously all over the meat, with intense pressure, so the ingredients go deep and the meat takes on the flavor of the seasoning. Be a seasoned, merinated, muttering, meditating Christian.
So, YES… talk to yourself… keep on muttering!
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds” ~ Heb.10:24)
You Made the List
Remember back, and for some of us WAAAAY back, when we were in the 4th or 5th grade, out on the play ground we would divide up in teams for a ball game? THAT had to be some of the most frustrating moments of childhood. Nervous thoughts of ”Will I be picked?” Or remember when the list was posted for those making the team following try outs? We stood a slight distance away, just close enough to see if our name was there, but not too close to be faced with 
complete rejection, by our names absence.
Making the list. Go ahead admit it, we all want to be wanted, picked and PALEEZE deem me VALUABLE! We all have areas of our life that we fall short, lack skill or just can’t seem to get it right. In these, we begin to see ourselves as less valuable than others. Perhaps even become resentful of those who DO seem to have it all together, and those with gifts dripping off their finger tips, well… let’s just say LOVE usually isn’t the most godly response. Does envy, jealously even hatred sound familiar?
Ever notice that we may take these perspectives or may I say insecurities into our relationship with God? I know I do! Please nod your head, so I don’t feel so vulnerable here folks! Yes, yes we do.
Often, we find our head bowed not necessarily in reverence, but out of frustration, the words that escape are painful “Will You, can You … use … ME!” Then we continue listing all our shortcomings, these becoming our EXCUSES, before we know it, WE are telling God that He should NOT want us.
In short Beloved, have we ever considered the ‘list’ that God compiled. The list of Biblical proportion. These folks did stupid things, made BIG mistakes, were not of the flashy type, some were too small, too old, to ugly, too worrisome.
Eve listened to the Devil * Rahab was a prostitute *Adam blame shifted *Jeremiah and Timothy were too young *Noah was a drunk *David had an affair and was a murderer *Abraham was too old *Elijah was suicidal *Isaac was a daydreamer *Isaiah preached naked *Jacob was a liar *Jonah ran from God *Leah was ugly *Naomi was a widow *Joseph was abused *Job went bankrupt *Moses stuttered *John the Baptist ate bugs *Aaron watched the idol making *Peter denied Christ *Gideon was afraid *The Disciples fell asleep while praying *Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer *Martha worried about everything *The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once *Zaccheus was too small *Paul was too religious AND Lazarus was dead!
Here it comes …. HOWEVER … God used ALL these people! They were part of His plan. They ALL had weaknesses of some sort. Regardless, they ALL responded to God’s love. Do YOU find yourself among this list (hopefully NOT preaching naked!) Do YOU worry, then beat yourself up for lack of faith? Do YOU fall asleep when you pray, then believe the lie you don’t love God enough?
Have YOU been divorced, afraid, abused, widowed, bankrupted, drunk? God is God. HE compiles the List! YOU made the list, the list of redeemed. God moved in and through these peoples lives. Do we think of Moses as a stutter? Do we think of Gideon afraid? What first comes to mind when we think of Peter? A great leader of the church, NOT Peter the denier! God is the Redeemer, of our soul, life and YES mistakes, failures and shortcomings. The amazing thing is…. where we fall short, GOD shines through and HE fills in the gabs!
I so admire King David’s longing, through all the junk of his life, adultery, murder, poor parenting skills, he says “Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You ....” he continues with “show me … rescue me… teach me … lead me” (Ps. 143) May we all look forward to the dawn of each new day, trusting in God, allowing Him to show us, rescue us, teach us, lead us.
YOU my friends are sons & daughters of the Most High God! YOU are valuable! YOU are loved! YOU made the List! HIS list! Regardless. Big plans for … YOU!
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another one toward love & good deeds” ~ Heb. 10:24)
His Joy, Your Strength
Ever hear, watch or read something juuusst slightly different, to where it causes your head tilt to the side as if in great contemplation? Your eyes narrow, your hand begins to slip upward as to ask a question? THIS is where I have been the last few days as I have been studying the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Where, you say? Yep, couple of small books of the Old Testament. You may recognize the verse, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” This is found in Nehemiah 8:10. In my study I have come to an interesting conclusion of this verse. May I share it with you, hang tight with me, you too may tilt your head. My text is Nehemiah chapter 8. When time permits, I encourage you to read both books.
I find it interesting that public reading of the scriptures was REQUIRED by law every 7 
years, (WOW!) but due to the Israelites captivity (shame on those Babylonian dudes) it had been neglected. No wonder the people stood up when the Book was cracked open ~ they praised and went to worshipping face down to the ground. It had been Y-E-A-R-S. I can’t imagine years without hearing or reading the Word.
There were no daily emails waiting for them in their inbox from a Christian website, no texted encouraging verse beeping at them. No Kindles, leather-bound copies, or LARGE print for that matter (thank God for large print). Hearing God’s word brought such conviction that they were grieved beyond measure. Over the years of captivity they had not sought relationship with their God – they just ‘went’. Without much choice, they went where they were told, did as commanded, yet allowed a deaf ear to fall on their hearts. The reading/hearing of God’s word had awaken something inside them, deep inside them.
Verse 9-11 (chapter 8 Neh.) “Then Nehemiah the governor, Ezra the priest and scribe, and the Levites who were instructing the people said to them all, “This day is sacred to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people had been weeping as they listened to the words of the Law. Nehemiah said “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” The Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, for this is a sacred day. Do not grieve.”
The day was sacred, God had showed up. He was pleased with the return to Jerusalem, rebuilding the temple and wall. Now as the people gathered in unity, His word was again being read … considered and listening to. God is pleased.
Grieving for that culture was MUCH different from ours. We grieve primarily in quiet. THEIR grieving could lend towards a more violent mourning. The word Ezra uses to describe here means to WAIL, bitter intense weeping, in pain or humiliation. The practice was ripping of clothing with loud crying. The folks were getting serious about their ‘discomfort’ of heart. Hm… do WE allow ourselves discomfort of heart? (read that again) We are so over stimulated with life these days, the loudness of life, the busy-ness of life, and may I add the ‘technology’ of life, do we slow down enough to consider that slight twinge we feel of spirit? Oh, we may define it as “I’m just a bit off these days.” Could that ‘off’ be the nudge of heart, the brush of HIS hand across our soul? The Holy whisper in our ear. I am trying (emphasis ‘trying’) to learn to respond to that nudge. Because I can assure you, for me at least, that nudge can turn to an all out swift kick. God loves us THAT much. (just sayin)
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.” We use this verse in a huge variety of circumstances. 
When we are down “… the joy of the Lord is your strength.” When we are walking through a tough time, and we want to be happy, it again rolls off our tongue. When reading a commentary on the book of Nehemiah awhile back, the author, a Hebrew by birth and scholar stated that the verse is taken out of context much of the time, now in my own study of the books of Ezra/Nehemiah I too am persuaded this way.
May I offer (not doctrine or fine print deep theological interpretation) just an observation. In my own small mind, I would render that this verse to imply, the ‘joy’ is not ours, but Gods. God is so stinkin pleased with the Israelites at this point. They have returned, they worked alongside one another to rebuild. They rebuilt the Temple. When rebuilding the wall, each man took his place, did his part. While one built, others stood watch and protected. Unity. Then the Law was pulled out, at the people’s request (see verse 1). Their response? Worship. Humility. True sorrow, and grief.
Nehemiah, (in my opinion) tells them, “Folks, stop grieving, yes you are humbled to be in God presence and hear His Word again, but God is pleased. Get up off your faces (v. 6) His joy over you is great, find strength in His joy. Now go, enjoy the Feast of Trumpets, eat and share with others.” This is what the Holy Spirit has been ‘nudging’ me of recent. That I too, when I lay my head on my pillow at night, desire – long – NEED to know, that my God is pleased with me. Today did I love God, His people, His stuff? Is He pleased with me, is His joy over me great? I don’t think this in a condemning way, only as a ‘holy thermometer‘. May I be strengthened, knowing that my obedience was spot on, my responses good and my motives pure. Sure, I may have ‘missed the mark’ today, but His mercies are new each morning. Tomorrow when I wake, the first thing off my spiritual 
tongue, “May I bring you joy today Lord.”
May we too experience the reading/hearing of God’s Word, having it awaken something inside us, deep inside us. It is a must, that we allow ourselves to sense God’s nudging. Oh, we too could find ourselves face down on the ground in worship in complete humility. May we long to please our God, finding strength in His joy.
It is indeed a spiritual cycle, we ask God for His strength and might and abounding grace to live a life to bring Him glory, we find strength in His joy.
“The joy of the Lord is your strength.”
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” ~ Heb. 10:24)
Inspired Fountain Website: https://inspiredfountainpen.wordpress.com/
Waiting. Don’t Jump Ship Yet!
Waiting . Isn’t it HOARDS of fun? Yes, that is a rhetorical – sarcastic question. Nothing, floats my boat, rolls my socks, more than … waiting. I am kidding of course, whether it be in a check out stand, gas line, or in a season of life, I am not a good wait-er.
Recently studying in Genesis, (LOVE that book!) I was again reminded of just how ‘human’ the characters are. This is my take on … Noah. Quickly setting the scene: God is grieved over mans ‘ickiness‘, (yes that now is a word). He’s starting over. He instructs Noah to build the first Titanic, however, this one IS unsinkable. Noah obeys beyond the critical looks, and behind his back snickers. He builds the ark and gathers the animals. Loading up, God shuts the door and it begins to get quite wet out.
Forty days it rains. Let’s look at this picture a little closer. Get your rain coat on, and step up to a window and look inside the Ark with me… animals EVERYWHERE! Where there are animals there is … um … poo. Here is where I would like to be a fly. No, too ugly – a butterfly on the cypress wood, and observe Mrs. Noah. What a TROOPER, knee deep in poo and yet there is no documented complaint from her. Go Mrs. N !
Ok, back to Genesis 8, the rain stops. Noah sends out the raven, then the dove, the dove returns because there is no place to land yet. Verse 10 “He WAITED seven more days …” (emphasis mine) Noah waited. In the Hebrew this waiting is a painful waiting, as to wring the hands, not a mere sitting on a crate playing cards passing the time. It refers to either pain in the physical sense or in the emotional, of suffering and sorrow. Noah and his family in the ark, God preserves them, now he (they) … wait.
Had God forgotten him? Will he forever spend the rest of his life in a stinky ship full of 
animals? How many rounds of ‘Row row row your boat’ do they HAVE to sing, those silly sons! No, we really don’t know what he was thinking, but his waiting was anguishing.
David penned “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him …” ~ Psalms 37:7. The same Hebrew word for ‘wait’ is used here. He too knew … ‘wait’. Anointed to be King as a young boy, deadly pursuit by King Saul. Wait.
BUT, the story, the waiting does NOT stop there. Noah sent out the dove AGAIN, that evening the dove returned with an olive branch, “Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth. He waited seven more days and sent the dove out again, but THIS TIME it did not return to him.” (Gen. 8:11-12)
Noah waited. We read that and think … ‘the guy is getting good at waiting.’ YET, his waiting has changed. First he ‘hil’ (Hebrew) ‘painful waiting’, now after the olive branch, he sends the dove out with hope, ‘yahal’ (Hebrew) a confident expectation in his wait. His pain has turned to hope. The results of his hope … “but this time it did not return to him,” knowing the dove had landed happily in an olive tree somewhere. I LOVE the ‘this time’ of waiting.
Hope, it will carry us a long way, as long as it doesn’t carry us in the wrong direction. “Hope is NOT a pacifying wish of the imagination which drowns out troubles, nor is it uncertain, but rather ‘yahal’ hope is the solid ground of expectation for the righteous.” * (see reference below)
Again, David shares, “Be strong and take heart all you who hope (yahal) in the LORD…” (Ps. 31:24) Job, the poster child for troubles and waiting … he testifies boldly “Though he slay me, yet I will hope in Him.” (Job 13:15)
Can not stop there … “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” (Romans 5:5)
Folks, whether we are in a season of painfully waiting, (which seems to be a perpetual season for me) or our waiting is full of hope, there is something here for us. It says “But God remembered Noah …” (Gen. 8:1) GOD put Noah in the Ark, to preserve him, He had a plan for Noah, oh it wasn’t pleasant at times and down right stinky, but God knew … vs. 16 “God said to Noah, Come out …” Or perhaps our scenario is more like David’s, has to wait to see a promise fulfilled. It WAS fulfilled. Or Job … loss, troubles, poor health. He WAS restored.
For some, our stay in the Ark may be seem longer, don’t jump ship yet … I have been tempted time and time again to jump ship, but I am fully persuaded even though I KNOW how to swim, I will indeed DROWN. There may be some poo to trudge through, just learn to high step. Keep sending those doves, and take heart, God is just allowing us a dry place, His timing … perfect. He is preparing our coming out. Look for those olive branches, they are there. Our ‘this time’ … is coming!
What are YOU waiting for? God remembers you, He is preserving YOU, He WILL call you out!
Pain turning to hope … ‘hope does not disappoint … because God’
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” ~ Heb.10:24)
Inspired Fountain Website: https://inspiredfountainpen.wordpress.com/
* Quote from the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (LOVE those geeky books!)
I Aint Goin Nowhere!
learning FIRST HAND, which usually results in me kicking and screaming the whole way!” Might I add, with a bit of mourning and gnashing of teeth. Sigh.Bondservant, doulos. Paul literally declared it, James said it too, it was even said of Moses, and yes, said of Jesus Himself. A bondservant is one who gives him/herself up in devotion to another, disregarding their own interest or gain. It is completely and utterly becoming selfless, and surrendering. The key here is… voluntarily yielding to anothers authority.
study you silly. A dear friend asked questions about Ruth of the Old Testament. As we took a deeper look, we found Ruth is the epitome of devotion. She served Naomi and once Ruth took on Naomi’s people, her destiny was being fulfilled, she became the great/grand mother to King David. We NEVER know ‘where’ our devotion and passion will take us. Servanthood, investing ourselves in another.
I tend to be an odd bird, and colorfully admit it. In response to my study of what it is to be a bondservant, I needed to make a decision. I decided AGAIN, that I adore my God, I want to seek His interest and find delight in doing so. I want my dependence to be on Him and Him alone. I want the benefits that lead to holiness. I want as Ruth, my devotion and passion to lead me to my destiny.
Bondservant.
Holy Gardening Skills
Dogwood and Golden Chain trees, tulips and more frequent appearances of the sun. SPRING. Can I hear an AMEN! With it brings… spring cleaning, garage sales, and for some that dreaded hay fever. For many of us, we find ourselves standing in the garden center of Ho
me Depot staring at the veggie plants and dream of a luscious bounty … tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers and strawberries.
My thumb does not naturally carry a shade of green, but I do enjoy gardening. I have my shovel, rake, hoe and tomato cages all ready to go. Also, the green and yellow bag of Miracle Grow garden soil.
To have a healthy garden – you need healthy soil. I am reminded of the parable Jesus spoke of in Luke chapter 8, the farmer, the seed, the dirt (DeDe’s paraphrase) He spoke of 4 different “garden spots” each representing the human heart and the seed, which is the word of God.
1st was the indifferent heart (v5) seed that got trampled and eaten by birds.
2nd the inconsistent heart (v6) seed planted in shallow and rocky ground.
3rd the distracted heart (v7) seed landing in thistles and crowded ground.
4th the devoted heart (v8) seed that fell on well tended healthy soil.
The Lord showed me a picture recently how we can help in the “gardening process” of someone’s life. We are called to affect and impact others by our words, attitudes and actions. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a great word of knowledge, or pulling out the 4 Spiritual Laws, it may be a simple heart felt smile to the cashier at the store, with a genuine “how is your day going?” What we say or do may just be what that person needs to help rake over and remove some rocks in their heart, so when someone DOES come in behind you and shares the love of Christ or a verse or two they have a ready …healthy safe place to put it.
Not long ago I pulled my SUV up to get gas, it was a chilly and windy day. The poor attendant shuffled up to my rig, as I opened the window I caught the smell of “breakfast” at the near by Jack in the B
ox. I told him “oh… now that smells good” and the attendant eagerly responded with “yes, and it’s driving me crazy.” After paying for my gas, I felt the Lord say “go buy him breakfast.” So I drove over and did just that, and took it back and handed it to him. His surprised look was priceless, he said “what is this for” I told him “just because.. and pass on the kindness, God Bless.” As I drove away I prayed for him, and for the next Christian who comes through his line, that they would share Jesus’ love boldly. Perhaps when someone asks him, ‘May I share a verse with you?” he would be open, ready.
I had just helped “till his ground” and mix in “miracle grow” with kindness. His heart may not be indifferent, inconsistent or distracted anymore. Yes, it is HIS responsibility to tend his own soil, but I helped. I helped the seed to fall on what may now or soon be healthy soil. We never know the condition of someone’s heart.
So we CAN have a holy green thumb, planting kindness, love and a helping hand. God’s word in ACTION. Did God love the gas attendant enough to send me to buy him breakfast? ~ YES!
How is your gardening skills… do you need to brush up on your raking techniques, or buy a pair of gloves if you are concerned about getting dirty. Don’t forget to check your hoe, so it is not too sharp. The Holy Spirit will use us to touch others.
Have a great God-loving, garden tilling week.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” ~ Heb. 10:24)
Gutsy Faith
lessons for us.Red Letter Day
Have you ever sat and read through the New Testament and read ONLY the words in red? Jesus’ words. For a completely new perspective, I challenge us to do just that. I know context is everything, but step out of the exegesis box (interpreting the scriptures) for a brief moment, to get an amazing snap shot of Jesus. His strength, authority and tenderness. His love, and compassion.
Without all the narrative, those red words pack a powerful punch, knowing that Jesus says them. There are dramatic statements, strong commands, tender words. “Let it be so…” (Matt. 3:15) “It is written…” (Matt.4:4) “Get up…” (Matt. 9:6) “Take courage it is I…” (Matt 14:27) “Quiet, Be still…” (Mark 4:39) “Come forth ...” (Jn. 11:43) “Don’t be afraid just believe…” (Mark 5:36) “What do you want Me to do for you…” (Mark 10:51) “Who do you say I am…” (Lk. 9:20) “Then neither do I condemn you…” (Jn. 8:11) “I am He…” (Jn. 18:6).
These are just a few, but there is one more that to me stands out among the rest. Here I do want to set the context. Jesus is agonizingly set between two thieves. His feet and hands are nailed to a wooden cross. Hours earlier, He knelt in a garden declaring for all humanity “Abba Father … everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.”
There at the foot of the cross, many mocked, some cried and I am confident there were those in complete silence. After the vinegar was given to Jesus, He said “It is FINISHED…” ( Jn. 19:30 ~ emphasis mine) He then bowed His head and gave up His spirit.
It is finished. The word in the Greek alone paints the most vibrant color filled picture: “To complete something not merely to end it, but to bring it to perfection or its destined goal“* As the pages turn from Genesis to this very moment, God’s story is fulfilled. Does it end here? No. But the bridge back to the Father is perfected. Jesus rises from the dead triumphantly (Happy Easter) engages and commissions the disciples, returns to heaven to reign forever. Now we the church carry on with the red letter commands, statements and tender words.
“It is finished.” Now lets live like it really IS! Relationship offered, relationship restored. May we live each day as a red letter day!
Blessed Easter to you and yours,
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” ~ Heb. 10:24)
* ‘Teleo’ – Quote from the Complete Word Study Dictionary of the New Testament.
Give Him Just … One
I recently began attending a new group Bible study. So nice to again sit across from women who have the same love for God that I do. In our last discussion time we were sharing our goals for the study. There is a mother of ‘4’ small, YOUNG, needing her attention, children. I can sense you close your eyes and breathe a prayer over this gal. I know, I did too.
In her frustration and complete weariness, she shared in depth about not having ‘enough’ time for devotions and her bible study. Those in the group kept trying to help with creative ways to carve out ‘enough’ time. Go to bed earlier, get up earlier, when they sleep …. this young mom was nearly in tears. I just sat and listened. They were more worried about the ‘quantity’ of time, rather then the ‘quality.’
You know me… I finally leaned forward and looked the gal in the eyes, lovingly asking, “Could you look at maybe five verses, or even just …. ONE verse each day?” She stopped talking. So did the others. “This new gal is NUTS!”, I’m sure they thought. One stinkin verse??? THAT is NOT enough! I will get behind, gotta get through that one year bible reading, gotta get my homework done! Gotta write in my journal. This attitude belongs to many of us.
I then shared that its not the quantity of time with God, and His word that is important, it is the quality. If you have just enough time to read one verse, then the baby cries, or the dog barks or milk is spilt etc etc etc (so goes a moms life) then take that ONE verse, WHILE you are cleaning up the milk – holding the crying baby, ask the Holy Spirit to speak to YOU about that one verse. You, God, His word … quality time. Listen – listen for HIS application.
Don’t get me wrong I am ALL OVER Bible study, to seek out the meaning, the context, the reason WHY Paul wrote what he wrote. What the original language is saying, asking the who – what – where – why – and how questions (ok, the Bible teacher in me HAD to insert this). But there are seasons, seasons when time captures us. Seasons when even with discipline … our clock is full.
“For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Heb. 4:12 – emphasis mine) Allow that ‘alive word’ to minister to YOU! One verse? Not enough? Yes, yes it is with the Holy Spirit whispering in your ear. The Psalmist wrote “Oh how I love Your law, I meditate on it all day long” (Ps. 119:97) Meditate here means to reflect, pray, cause your thoughts to return again and again.
During that moment of silence with the gals, I shared I once spent days just on Thomas’s ” … my Lord and my God” (Jn. 20:28) I didn’t research – I didn’t cross reference, just “My 
Lord and my God”, knowing the context, I thought about it ~ I said it ~ I pictured it ~ prayed it. It was amazing. The gals just sat there and starred at me, I hope they allow me to sit at their table again. (smile)
God wants our all, He knows us, knows our heart ~ for those of us, whose season doesn’t allow for hours or minutes of ‘head in the book’ sessions, don’t stress, don’t feel condemned, if we can give Him just ONE verse, HIS word, He can minister to us. It can be amazing.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” ~ Heb. 10:24)
Don’t WAIT! They need it NOW!
Have you noticed how the art of handwritten letter writing is increasingly fading? Our once, ‘hi how are ya’, or ‘thinking of you’, followed by a more lengthy note of encouragement, has been replaced with a quick text “how r u ttm” (How are you, talk to me).
Our words of encouragement to others hold TONS of weight. To see in writing, that you are loved, appreciated, then with word imagery, we pull out the pom~poms and cheer each other on. I strongly believe ‘encouragement’ is universally lacking.
I have begun an intense study of the book of Philippians. I start by looking at Philippi, then Paul the author. Paul wrote this letter while in prison in Rome. This, his most personal of all letters to a church, his main directive is to thank them for their love and support. So basically the letter is a huge ‘thank you’ note. Yet, he doesn’t stop there, he continues. Here’s a bit of encouragement … “I thank my God when I think of you … I have you in my heart …. stand fast…be of the same mind… rejoice in the Lord always… don’t be anxious … but by prayer… be thankful … let your request be made known…and the peace of God…shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus … think on these things (dandy of a list) …” Wrapping it up with “The grace of the Lord Jesus 
Christ be with your spirit…” THAT is some high flying pom~pom action! “GO PHILIPPIANS!”
May we pause for a brief moment, Paul wrote this while under lock and key. He could have, in his humanity, turned the letter into a huge ‘whine.’ He could have withheld the encouragement until the ‘conditions’ were better. Until he could be face to face with them. MANY excuses could have surfaced. He could have waited until he walked free in the streets, felt the warmth of rubbing shoulders with others, breathed in fresh air. But he didn’t. He spoke from his captivity.
He had faith, he reached for his God and shared that experience with others. What an example to us all, that we not “WAIT.” Wait, until we have it all together. Wait until ‘we’ think the conditions are just right to reach out to someone else, EVEN in our own pain.
Sure, some of us are thinking, “But he was PAUL, the dude had a direct blinding link to Jesus!” Yes, yes he did. But so do we. We have the same Lord, the same Spirit dwelling in us.
Our words whether they be verbal, written, texted or twittered, posted or pasted. May we reach out. May we hug with our words. Remember a time when someone reached out to you? You felt the warmth, the love, the lift? The image of the old adage “Measure twice and cut once,” comes to mind. May we seek the accuracy of the fit. The fit of our words.
Don’t wait … someone out there needs YOU. The hurting, the lonely, the confused. Embrace them. They need your words of encouragement. They cant wait for you to ‘get it all together’. They need it NOW! They need US, now! ” So thankful you are in my life …. Hang in there … stay focused … be happy in God … don’t freak out … cry out to God … tell Him like it is …. God will take care of you … think about God stuff.” Ok, so it’s not Paul fancy, but it speaks …
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds” ~ Heb. 10:24)
What is in Our Hand?
T his last week I had the honor of praying with someone who was overwhelmed. Hearing the weariness in their voice, I could sense the “I need some help here folks” heartache. I prayed for an Aaron and a Hur to discern the need, come and support.
I am fascinated with the story of Moses on the hill, with the battle raging below as Joshua and his men fight the Amalekites (Exodus 17). As long as Moses kept his arms up holding 
the staff, they were victorious, but when he lowered his arms … um .. not so pretty. Can you imagine how tiring that would be to keep your arms up through the entire battle KNOWING yourself and others count on it!
Interesting note: the time of attacks … Deuteronomy 25:17-18 “Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey…”
The narrative says Moses took his brother Aaron and companion Hur with him. As Moses grew tired, Aaron and Hur stood on either side of him, then causing him to sit down, each taking one of his arms, they held him up with the staff clinched in his hand. Verse 12 of Exodus ” … so that his hands remained steady until sunset.” The result? Joshua beat the tar out of the Amalekites. (respectfully speaking of course). Moses built an altar that day, calling it Jehovah-Nissi (the LORD is my Banner) “For hands were lifted up to the throne of the LORD”
God made it clear that as the staff was lifted, the victory was His. This staff of Moses marked milestones in his experiences with God. At the burning bush, the staff turned to a snake. It was involved with the plagues of hail and locusts. In Moses’ hand, the Red Sea parted. The staff tapped against the rock bringing fresh running water. Now, a raging battle is fought and won. The staff in itself was not magical. It represented the power of God and the dependence Israel had on their God.
So it is with us, our staff is our trust in God, the confidence that His power will get us through. It is our own God experiences, our dependence that He is faithful. That as we keep our hands lifted to the throne the battles are won.
Reality Check! Do we get weary, tired, discouraged, overwhelmed even when holding ~ lifting the staff? By golly YES we do!
I am fully persuaded, we NEED to seek and take with us Aarons and Hurs on our journey. We NEED to ‘be’ an Aaron and Hur for another. I do not want to read into the text, but I am sure Moses didn’t have to ask for something to sit on, the guys discerned his need. Perhaps he did ask for help with the lifting of his hands. May we ask, and use discernment.
As we allow others to get close enough to help raise our arms, hold that confidence up, trust in His character and Word, our weariness will soon become strength, our defeats will become victories. Asking for help can be uncomfortable, being vulnerable is not a sign of weakness, it is a declaration of my hand is empty … please take it!
The battles, yes they are still the Lords’ to win, but He uses the whole lot of us to do so, Moses, Aaron, Hur and Joshua with the many warriors!
In those ancient days, men would put their staff ahead of their next step, to make it sure and steady. What is in OUR hand? What are we putting out there first? Who is along side us?
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds” ~ Heb. 10:4)
Christmas Peace
Christmas. Just the word alone brings a soft glow to the soul. Images of lights, men in red suits, baby in the manger, faint sounds of jingle bells in the distance and wrapped gifts under the tree.
Now let’s throw in a cozy fire, soft quilted blanket, cookies and Bing Crosby on the TV. A peaceful experience.
Peace. How would YOU define peace? When asked a few friends, I got a variety of answers with a common thread. An awareness of hope, rest. The lack of strife, or internal conflict. Peace, “knowing that things will turn out ok.”
Christmas peace, Luke 2:14, when the angel appears to the shepherds, he pulls in the back up singers for this declaration, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward 
men.”
Not only was God gettin some glory, but peace had come to earth. “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) Sound familiar? “A baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
This New Testament word, peace, is ‘eirene’ (i-ray-nay) means as O.T. shalom does, prosperity, quietness and wholeness. But it literally means ‘to set at one again.’ The word picture is this: picture if you will something of great importance has been toppled over, with it down, effecting life as we know it. When it is erected again, (set at one again) then all is well when it is in it’s place. Um … remember Adam and Eve sinned in the garden? Thanks guys! THAT was some major toppling over! Jesus came, setting things back in the right place. God and man in relationship.
“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, (set at one again) 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Eph. 2:13-18, emphasis mine) Peace
Paul declares this point . “Since we have been justified through faith we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~ Romans 5:1
This Christmas as we sing and sway with the Hoo’s in Hooville, drink another glass of eggnog, rip open the thin paper off our packages, may we pause and consider whole heartedly, we, mankind have the opportunity to be at peace, restored back to God. Yes, Peace had indeed come to earth, as a baby lying in a manger.
A peaceful experience. Merry Christmas!
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” ~ Heb. 10:24)
Don’t Belittle the Flock!
Christmas ‘2010’ ~ Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, (shopping carts) cards, parties, (FOOD), lights on houses, decorated trees, (stress) wrapping paper, bows (debt) Christmas sweaters 
(Dude!)
Christmas ‘the beginning’ ~ Mary & Joseph, baby Jesus, manger, (humble) bright star, angelic host, shepherds with flock, (awe struck) peace on earth, good news, (SALVATION!)
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 I want to point out in the narrative, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” (v. 8) I’ll jump right to it … did you know that scholars believe, due to the proximity to Jerusalem THESE lambs were the temple lambs. THESE shepherds were caring for lambs destined for sacrifice! The spiritual 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. (Pause … stop reading … think about this)
Would it be a far reach to state that these shepherds KNEW the divine importance of “keeping watch over their flocks …” Could it be that God sent the angels to the people that would … GET IT? The angel declares “… 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.” The Messiah has come, the Savior. The narrative continues, “… they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” They left. In a hurry. It doesn’t say if they appointed someone to stay, but they sought out Jesus and then spread the word about Him.
Remember the conversation Abraham had with Issac as they climbed the mountain? Abraham’s response so very prophetic, “The fire and wood are here,” Issac said, “but where is the lamb…” Abraham answered, “God Himself will provide the lamb…” (Gen. 22:7-8)
Jesus’ birth. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” (Jn. 3:16)
Fast foreword … 30+ years … 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!”
About 3 years following John’s statement of Jesus, it is Passover, Jesus, found innocently hanging on the cross. On lookers watch as His blood drips from His beaten, bloody body.
THIS, the season of Passover… the blood of the Lamb marking people to be released from the wrath of God.
Later, as we follow the story of God, the angels again declare … this time … “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!” (Rev. 5:11,13)
You may ask, “DeDe why so much PASSION for the Christmas season from you?” My simple response: December 21, 1979. THAT date marks for me, Jesus the baby ~ Jesus the Lamb of God ~ Jesus my Savior. At the age of nearly 17, I sat in the Pastors home with Brenda, the pastors wife, as she lovingly shared Jesus. THAT moment, I invited the Lamb of God into my heart. Thirty-one years later, I too continue to spread the word about Him.
May we this season, attempt to grasp the full message of the birth of Jesus. Don’t belittle the flock.
Have we noticed that Jesus never asked that we remember His birth, but to remember His death. The lamb of God.
** Please take the time to watch this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_L0AXVU5Ks (Watch the Lamb)
In Him, DeDe
White Elephant Gift?
Christmas, a time of sharing, loving and gift giving. Ever go in search of that PERFECT gift, not really having anything in mind, but waiting for it to jump off the shelves and literally wrap itself … because it is SOOOO perfect. Pause … enjoy the moment, brief that it is. WAKE UP … aint gunna happen! However for some of us it is … the hunt!
Regardless of what makes it home with us from the mall, ALL of us have ‘gifts’ to offer. God given gifts that He asks that we share with one another. Whether that be, the gift of ‘helps’ your heart overflows with servant hood. Or be it, the gift of ‘encouragement’, how many of us LOVE being on the receiving end of that gift! Perhaps, the gift of a listening ear, or providing an extra place at the dinner table. My gift is being a student of the Word. I dig, dust off, polish it up a bit and share it with others. What is your gift? No gift is too small, or insignificant.
Often we read through the Christmas story and highlight the most spectacular parts, singing angels, “Fear Not” statements, the Star of Bethlehem, and yes the dingy manger. YET, there are some quiet and seem less significant items to be had in the excitement.
Consider if you will, the Magi as they prepare for their trek out to find the child to whom the Bethlehem Star belongs. DeDe’s imaginative possible scenario of events: They are packing, dividing up the supplies list, then they come to the gift inventory, gold is given to the first, then frankincense handed to another, ‘O yeah, the myrrh is last’. How would YOU like to be handed the myrrh, and picture yourself bowing low, head to the floor while you offer M-Y-R-R-H (said with an Eeyore deep tone) to the King of Kings! You may think “Dude, why do I have to carry the white elephant gift???” White elephant it is not, one among the triune gifts that are of great value.
AH… the gifts, gold, frankincense and MYRRH. Have we ever really thought WHAT is myrrh?
The divine significance of myrrh:
Exodus 30:22-23 Myrrh ~ an ingredient used in the anointing oil of the Tabernacle and the priests.
Luke 7:36-50 Myrrh ~ (myron) perfumed oil/ointment poured over Jesus’ feet.
John 19:39-40 Myrrh ~ used as one of the spices to prepare Jesus’ body for burial.
Picture now, the Christ child, perhaps two in age or younger, curly dark hair, possibly pudgy cheeks. At His feet, men of wisdom, honor, and royal position now place gold, frankincense and MYRRH. The anointing oil of the TABERNACLE and THE Priest. “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1:14) The same perfumed oil poured on His feet as a grown man, those feet that would one day hang on a cross and be pierced. The oil added to the spices wrapped around His body following His death.
Myrrh, HOW PROPHETIC.
A new appreciation for the gift?
May we too bow low, offer what we may think insignificant. Gifts given to Jesus and in Jesus name have GREAT value, regardless of how silly we may see it, or how small they may appear. An encouraged heart, a feed soul, a person no longer lonely.
Christmas gift giving! Be prophetic.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” ~ Heb. 10:24)
Thankfulness at the Table
Here we are. The holidays. I know for me, they have crept stealthily up like that of cat ready to pounce. Soon we will be sitting at the family table, passing the mash potatoes, the crescent rolls and all the while eyeing the desserts waiting wrapped under foils and Tupperware lids. There will be games, laughter, football and of course someone snoozing unaware of the stares and giggles made their way.
This week is Thanksgiving. Perhaps there will be the suggested statement “Let’s share what we are thankful for…” The statements begin at the other end of the table. Phew … this will buy us time to think of all the many blessings of this year. Our responses follow the same of the one prior to us, we are thankful for our family, job and healthy kids. Blessings, yes these are! However, there is yet a fidget of spirit, the unspoken ache in our soul. Does anyone at this table really know the pain of our heart, despite the happy smile we practiced all the way here?
The answer is … YES!
The Psalmist wrote so poetically, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds … Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.” (Ps. 147:3,5) Let me say that again with emphasis, “His understanding has … NO LIMIT.” God’s insight into our life is infinite. I adore how King David expressed this in Psalm 139: “O Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O Lord.” (vs 1-4)
Thankfulness is not only being able to quote a list of blessings, it is the heart awareness of God 
knowing us. In this we stop – pause and worship. Matthew Henry, the classic scholar of an earlier day, had this timeless thought, “Thanksgiving is good, but thanks-living is better.”
Jesus, He knows what we need, what we want AND the deepest longings and painful patches of our heart. We are thankful, even when they are unspoken at the Thanksgiving table.
“Thank You Jesus for our jobs, families and healthy kids. Thank You that You KNOW and understand us completely. You are an amazing God!”
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” ~ Heb. 10:24)
WHAT Were You Thinking!
Recently I heard the question posed from the pulpit, “What do you spend yourself on?” In other words, where does the energy you give out … go? As the pastor took off in one direction, this got me thinking (no pun intended) in another. For the majority of us, we tend to spend more time and energy in our thought life. We day dream, we ponder, we fantasize, we stress AND we fear.
Paul of the Bible was a man of lists, he loved his lists. Love is ____ . (1 Cor.13) The fruit of the Spirit is____. (Gal. 5) Put on the full armor of God ____. (Eph. 6) Just to name of few. Paul again lets the scroll fall to the ground with the list of things to ‘think about’.
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things.” (Phil. 4:8 ~ NIV)
Other translations use terms such as dwell, meditate, fix and fill your mind. All indicate a deliberate act, OCCUPY yourself with these. There is an eastern practice called ’emptying the mind’. Have YOU ever tried that? The more you try – the more thought comes to mind. Those sheep keep prancing over the fence! Paul doesn’t say void your mind of thought. On the contrary, he speaks of discipline. In 2 Cor. 10:5, Paul writes, “… take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
Because thought is such a vital aspect of our lives, Paul places a huge emphasis on what goes on in our head, which in reality affects our heart, perspective, and actions … our obedience. We are to exercise our mind in such a manner that leads to Godly behavior and responses.
One way to look at it is, picture a cow chewing his cud (sorry to be gross) he is focused, as he 
again and again – chews and chews, this is part of his digestive system. This, his designed survival mechanism. To ruminate, for us, is liken to ‘chewing the cud of the mind’, (DeDe’s disgusting imagery) to mull over again and again. This is what Paul is talking about, take the things that are true, noble, right and pure and chew on them. Whatever is lovely, admirable, excellent and praise worthy ~ allowing these to be part of our Christ focused digestive system.
May we like the Psalmist say, “I will meditate on all Your works and consider all Your mighty deeds.” (Ps. 77:12) This alone will keep us busy, obedient and OUT of TROUBLE! Lower anxiety, live in reality. Like my friend Kelly said, “Gotta love mind cud.” Chewing on the good things of God.
In Him, DeDe
Sacred Spaces
Where is it that you call on God? Your prayer closet, the pew at church, the comfy chair next to the wood stove? Or perhaps, for you a walk on the beach, while brushing your tennis shoes in the sand. Could it be a quiet spot on the back porch as you sip coffee, taking in the morning sounds and sights.
When God moves and speaks, what is our response? Do we mark those moments on the time line of our life? As I studied this morning those great names of old … Abe, Isaac, Jacob and Moses, I found all had many things in common, but one in particular stood out to me … they built altars.
Genesis 12:7 “The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him.”
Genesis 26:24-25 “That night the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham.” 25 Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of the Lord. There he pitched his tent, and there his servants dug a well.”
Genesis 35:10-15 “God said to him, “Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel.” So he named him Israel. 11 And God said to him, “I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will come from your body. 12 The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you.” 13 Then God went up from him at the place where he had talked with him. 14 Jacob set up a stone pillar at the place where God had talked with him, and he poured out a drink offering on it; he also poured oil on it. 15 Jacob called the place where God had talked with him Bethel.”
This one, is one of my favorites …
Exodus 17:10-16 “So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up–one on one side, one on the other–so that his hands remained steady till sunset.
13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. 14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” 15 Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. 16 He said, “For hands were lifted up to the throne of the Lord. The Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.”
An altar is a landmark of God’s presence. It declares a sacred space. Sacred, because the God of the universe showed up. Oh, we may no longer need to gather various rocks and pile them in our back yard, but we can make a spiritual marker. I made a very clear altar of the heart a couple of years ago. If I could literally see the altar it would be down in a cattle field, at the rivers edge, under a large old tree. It was there I cried out to the Lord, wanting … NEEDING His presence, and He never disappoints.
Like the Patriarchs of old, may we too … be altar builders. Recognizing and declaring THIS is where God met with me. Here is where I will remember. If we could see as God sees, I am confident we would see sacred spaces scattered across our past journeys. “Thank You Lord for being there, hearing us, being with us, You are faithful!”
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” ~ Heb. 10:24)
Divine Sticking
Work. Gotta do it. ‘Sigh’. Being an Intuit Quickbooks Tech Support Specialist is a TOUGH job.
Just about every call I get, I am scrambling to find the answer. Sometimes I get FUN questions like, “How can I create a report that …” Whahoo, pull out the drawing board. Then. Then there are RIDICULOUS questions. The accountant on the other end, in their New York accent states, “I have a discrepancy with my bank reconcile, I need help.” HELP? Um… I am no accountant, I don’t even really get the debit/credit thingy and you want ME to help YOU?
Of course I don’t say that, I smile (they can hear my smile) and say, “Yes, I can help you with that.” As I mute my headset, put my head down, and beat it against my desk, crying out ‘Eli Eli lama sabchathani’ (always good to quote Jesus)
A verse keeps coming to mind, it is a rhema word, a portion of scripture brought to mind by the Holy Spirit for the need of the moment. And by golly we have need of the moments, don’t we! The verse, “… cling to what is good…” – Ro. 12:9.
Cling, it literally means … to clue, fasten together … to what is good. What is good? “God is good to one and all, everything He does is suffice with grace” – Ps. 145:9. Pour on the grace Lord! Nahum 1:7 (hm.. it’s near the end of the O.T., yep not too far from Obadiah, had to dig for it myself) “God is good, a hiding place in tough times.” God is good.
Yes, there ARE moments in our work setting and outside of it, just life in general, when we are hanging in there for dear life. When our reach is exasperated. When the questions are coming at us too fast, too big, and too RIDICULOUSLY! Cling. Fasten yourself to Jesus. HE is the answer we need. He is. We are encouraged, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8) The first step to some holy, divine sticking! When we draw near, when we do some sticking, He will cover us in the shadow of His presence. He will fight off our foes (go get’m God) He will envelope us in His love. He will.
Cling to what is good.
As for beating myself senseless when I get those icky accountant questions? I will try to refrain, but no promises!
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” ~ Heb. 10:24)
Inspired Fountain 
