Psalms
Recently, I have been working through the Psalms in my devotion time. Each morning it is like cracking open a treasure filled piñata where beauty and devotion come tumbling out. God’s devotion to us is bright and brilliant. Like that of opening a curtain to a sunny new day. Each reading, I set myself next to the Psalmist. I follow along as the author dips their pen and leans in to scratch out (regardless of their troubled circumstances) heart filled praise and worship.
God’s character is flawless, radiant, and holy and cannot become separate from His being. Yet He “Stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth” (113:6). He watches over the righteous, fills hearts with great joy, makes us dwell in safety and searches our mind and heart. He brings us out, stills our storms and shelters us. He restores, guides, leads, heals, satisfies, and—renews. He redeems, comforts and rescues. (I can keep going, so I will). He is compassionate, gracious, and merciful. My God examines, forgives, and covers. He answers me and makes me GLAD!
I just love Psalms!
I, like the Psalmists, in turn—sing, praise, shout, believe, extol, and sacrifice. I cry out, take refuge, and give thanks. I set my heart, trust in Him and walk about in freedom.
I am learning through the Psalms. I do not seek God’s hand as to receive from Him, although so full of gratitude, I seek His face (27:8) to be close to Him. I do not keep quiet—I shout His name. I do not hang my head in discouragement—I hope in God!
When we find ourselves in a rather dark and gloomy mood, throw open the Psalms and watch His beauty tumble out.
Psalms.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
Find Him Familiar
Familiarity. It can be comforting, with a sense of security. I am reminded of a tremendous moment I experienced while working as a caregiver at a local assisted living home. Most of the folks were self-sufficient, enjoying the social aspect of the facility. While others struggled with high moments of joy only to be overrun with the anger and fear found in Alzheimer’s. While checking on a resident, it was pointed out to me that “Preacher” (whom I lovingly nicknamed, due to his lifelong profession) was wandering the halls. I went and found him. He stood quietly. His aged demeanor in the previous days was that of dignity, maturity, and strength.
But not today.
We had shared many conversations in the past, as he tenderly spoke sermons while we shuffled to the dining hall. However today, there was no sermon. Alzheimer’s had again reached out and pulled him in. Finding him in the hall near his apartment, I suggested we go in and sit down for a little while. Taking the key he held in his hand; I opened the door and led the way. Preacher took a seat on his sofa, his eyes wandering about the room as if looking for something, ANYTHING that defined this place his, his home, which defined—him.
Looking at me with longing, he told me that his house, just across the river, was a nice little place. Confusion taking over his continence, “But this morning when I woke up, I was here. All my furniture, my things, but this is not my little house.” Leaning forward, looking deep into my eyes, with bewilderment and agitation, he whispered, “What should I do?”
My eyes returning the intensity of his, I asked him, “Would you mind if we prayed, we’ll talk to God?” After a brief pause, it was THEN—there it was, and there HE was. Something sparked familiarity. He may not have recognized me, or the place, or the time, but GOD he knew! His eyes began to well up. I reached for his hand, he, in turn, enveloped mine in his. And I prayed. I prayed for peace, for clarity of mind, and for God’s all-consuming calmness to come on him. As my words quieted, he too, with confidence and strength that exceeds any I have known—prayed. When the final “Amen” was said, he grasped my hands a little tighter and generously thanked me.
As the Psalmist writes in Psalm 71, “In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge… Be my rock of refuge, to which I can go … for You have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth” (vv 1,3,5). Preacher conditioned himself over the years to know his God. In Him, he knows who and where he belongs. God is familiar. Familiarity prompts. It prompts what has well-worn our thoughts, our actions, and becomes embedded in our mind and wall papers our heart.
There WILL be times when life gets unfamiliar—even fearful. When we too may wander the halls of this unfamiliar world. However, may we all be like Preacher, position and condition, and train to know our God. When His name is spoken, His word recited, and heavenly conversation suggested— something sparks in us.
Find Him familiar.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
It is Finished – A Red Letter Day
Jesus is agonizingly set between two thieves. His feet and hands are nailed to a wooden cross. There at the foot of the cross, many mocked, some cried, and I am confident there were those—in complete silence. After the vinegar water was offered to Jesus, He said, “It is finished” (John 19:30). He then bowed His head and gave up His spirit.
“It is finished.” Those beautiful words in red. The word in Greek is amazing! Stand back and take in the whole Technicolor filled screen. I don’t think even Steven Spielberg with all his creative genius could convey the scene that was unfolding upon humanity. “It is finished” (Tetelestai) to bring to an end—to fulfill.1 “To complete something, not merely to end it, but to bring it to perfection or its destined goal.”2 What is done corresponds to what has been said, ordered or commanded. “Not My will, but Your will be done” (Jesus, Lk 22:42). Grammatically, it is in the “perfect tense.” Meaning, the action was completed in the past. Done. Yet with results continuing in the present. Basically, “This happened, and it is still in effect TODAY.” The gift that keeps on giving! Jesus’ physical work on earth was completed, and Scripture was fulfilled.
As Jesus said this, His blood flowing down His forehead, from His hands and His feet. His sacrifice now eliminates the debt owed by mankind (you and me). May we take careful notice, Jesus didn’t say “I am finished.” That would imply He is a mere man and dies defeated. What was finished was not Jesus’ life—it was everything keeping us from God.
Imagine with me, way back in ancient days, at the very beginning, you can almost hear the divine whisper as God sends Man & Woman out of the Garden, “It’s okay, I’ve got a plan.” He was going to complete the destined goal—personally.
“It is finished.”
Jesus is ultimately laid in the tomb. Where God spares NO detail. Looking back, instructions for building the Tabernacle and the divine furniture, “Make the atonement cover (Also known as the MERCY SEAT) of pure gold… Make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. Make one cherub on one end and the second at the other end” (Ex. 25:17-19). HERE the blood sacrifice was placed by the Priest (Lev 16:14). Fast forward, John 20:12, Mary “saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet.” Because of blood—Jesus’ blood, God’s requirement of sinful man is now satisfied. HE is the Lamb of God. HE is our High Priest.
When Jesus rose from the dead and the stone was found rolled away it was NOT so He, the Son of God, Who walked on water, could get out. It was so mankind could get in! Get in and see “He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as He said would happen. Come, see where His body was lying” (Matt 28:6).
Jesus rises from the dead triumphantly (Happy Easter) the bridge back to the Father is perfected. He engages and commissions the disciples. Returns to heaven to reign (But He’s coming back!) Does it end here for us? No. Now we the church with the authority given by Jesus Himself, as inspired and power given by Holy Spirit, we carry on with the red-letter commands, statements, and tender words.
Move over Easter Bunny, here comes the risen King! Let’s all stand to our feet! With loud shouts of praise, and enthusiastic applause! “It is Finished! Relationship offered; relationship restored.
When Jesus died and with His resurrection power, He successfully completed the work He came to do. The plan, the process of God. Now may we live each day as a red-letter day! Celebrating with a fresh revelation of our God!
Jesus said He’d rise again—He did. He said He’d come back again—He will.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds“- Hebrews 10:24).
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1 Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible; with Hebrew, Chaldee and Greek Dictionaries. James Strong.
2 Complete Word Study Dictionary – New Testament. Spiros Zodhiates, AMG Publishers.
Before You Pray Them Away
Emotions. We all have emotional baggage of some sort. Our emotions can be messy and noisy. We can attempt to decorate them or hide them. Emotions can distract us and delay us.
Emotions are not bad; they are God given. There is plenty of emotion expressed in the Bible. King David and the apostle Peter are prime examples. David was an intense man. He played hard, was a violent warrior and a passionate man. Peter was a man of outbursts. He jumped out of the boat, told Jesus “NO!” and cut a man’s ear off.
Emotions.
In our attempt to control these often wayward and chaotic feelings we laugh them off with a wave of “That is just how I am.” Or throw up a pleading prayer “Oh God take it away!” But we rarely REALLY want to address them. Before we pray them away (in Jesus’ name) may we pause and first consider “Why?” Why we are feeling what we are feeling. There can be beauty in pause, great results in pause.
Perhaps we feel alienated and lonely. We are agitated, angry and cranky. Maybe we are dissatisfied and find nothing (absolutely NOTHING) satisfies us. Could it be—perhaps maybe—it is due to sin? Is what we are feeling a result of disobedience? We don’t talk much about the “S” word. Yet it needs to be the first place we look. Our relationship with God is first and priority, “Have I broken fellowship with Him?”
Lack of peace can indicate Jesus is not at the center of our life. May we be care not to MacGyver* the truth, masking over things, attempting to apply a fix with temporary elements. The duct tape will only last so long.
We see this in Genesis chapters 2-3 (Briefly paraphrased). Man and woman are in the Garden, naked and unashamed. Then they disobey (sin) breaking fellowship with their God. They attempt to cover themselves. God comes to the Garden. They hide and are afraid, NOW they know shame. Disobedience births shame. Shame turns to fear. Fear motivates hiding.
I noticed something, as God speaks to them, addressing their disobedience, as He declares consequences (Adam and Eve) and curses (serpent and the ground), He does NOT properly cover them until—UNTIL they are being sent out of the Garden, out of His presence. In their makeshift attempt to cover themselves, they were still truly naked before God.
He doesn’t pamper them. He doesn’t coddle them. He doesn’t waver in the disciplinary process and gives them a coat (yet). His actions convey (if you will – just an observation) “You stand right there. Just as you are—in your mess, WHILE I address your disobedience. ALL in love, the love of the Father.
When God came to the garden and asked, “Where are you?” God knew where they were. The question was for Adam to consider his position (hiding, wearing makeshift fig underwear) and his condition (broken fellowship with God). Broken and hiding, God had purpose in keeping them “in” their emotional discomfort without covering them. (Please know, He did NOT hold them “in” their sin. It was the consequence of the sin).
It’s like in Exodus when the narrative says, “God hardened Pharaoh’s heart.” Pharaoh’s heart was already hard (See Ex 5:2). God knew his heart. God kept his heart hard. In doing so, making them experience ALL the plagues. They needed them all. If Pharaoh stopped the process short, they wouldn’t have experienced all God wanted them (and Israel) to learn. Each plague addressed the “gods” Egypt worshipped. God doesn’t take away Pharaohs free will, He holds it—strengthens it, “So, you refuse to let My people go? Fine. I’m going to allow it. I’ll even help reinforce your stubborn will and watch you go through the whole pack of plagues” (DeDe’s paraphrase). It’s kind of like if we catch our kids smoking, to teach them a lesson, we make them finish the WHOLE pack. God needed Egypt to experience the whole pack of plagues. With Adam and Eve, they need to experience the whole package of shame. What it meant—what it felt like (shame and fear) to be in broken fellowship.
Sometimes our discomfort, our pain-filled emotions are meant to cause us to become aware of our sin. Sometimes we are not aware or have a blind spot or we may just be ignoring it. Not doing what God says. It’s like if we step on something, by design, the pain makes us stop and look. All these discomforts could point to what we have put in His place, making “it” or “them” (or self) more important. Or perhaps we have positioned ourselves to focus on what we want, rather than what God wants. When God said in Exodus 20:3 to “have no OTHER gods before” Him. He was serious. He is first—He is only.
Disobedience. How do we address it? “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**). In today’s culture, “confess” tends to convey we are getting caught and owning up to it. But biblical confession is MORE. It literally means “to say the same thing”—to concede. When we confess, we are coming into agreement with God. It isn’t so much our “wrong” (although VITAL we declare it) but the rightness of God. “I am wrong — YOU God are right.” The emphasis is the rightness of God. HIS standard is right. HE is right. Confession (and repentance) is re-agreeing and re-aligning/re-adjusting to the rightness of God. And as this verse points, Oh the wonderful and beautiful forgiveness and purifying of God!
Folks, it’s time to get real. Time is short and there are people who are depending on our obedience. May we stop and look.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24). Above is an excerpt from my teaching notes at the women’s conference.
*MacGyver is a fictional character from a 1980’s TV show. He was known for his creative genius as he got his way out of tight situations by using a variety of common household items.
**1 John 1:9 is written to the Christian, the Jesus follower. If you haven’t come to the wonderful saving power of Jesus, please know, YOU are loved. Jesus took care of the distance between you and our Holy God. All you have to do is accept His sacrifice, His blood to cover you. It is the INITIAL agreeing and aligning to the rightness of God. Ephesians 2:8 tells us we are saved (made right with God) it is God’s gift to YOU. You can’t earn it or have to work for it—just believe and receive it.
Emmanuel
Emmanuel. At Christmas time we sing with a resounding “O come, O come Emmanuel…” and it is written in beautiful font lettering across our Christmas cards. Emmanuel (Immanuel*) meaning “God with us.”
Many who attempt to say God is uninterested and doesn’t turn His divine head our way do not understand Emmanuel. The Creator God didn’t just create everything, then wave Himself off, wishing us good luck. He is Emmanuel. He has been, He is—with us.
He was with Adam and Eve while walking in the Garden in the cool of the day (Genesis 3:8). He was with Moses and the Israelites in the desert as the pillar of fire by night (Exodus 13:21). He was with Elijah, proving Himself powerful when Ahab and crew couldn’t get a response from their wimpy false gods (1 Kings 18:20-40). He was the fourth man with Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, as the three were in the fire (Daniel 3:24-25). Moses declared it is God’s presence that distinguishes His people from all the other people on the face of the earth (Exodus 33:15-16).
Emmanuel.
In the New Testament, tucked in the story of the birth of Jesus: Matthew chapter 1: Joseph is about to take Mary as his wife, (according to cultural tradition, the engagement was a done-deal). BUT she is pregnant (Hm…) he, a good man, plans to dissolve the marriage quietly so as to not disgrace her. Queue angelic messenger. Joseph is told to take Mary as his wife. The baby she carries is of the Holy Spirit. She will have a Son and His name will be Jesus because He will save His people from their sins. Matthew’s narrative continues: “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel—which means, “God with us.” (vv 22-23)
God was and is with His people throughout history, but sending His Son, slipping Him into human flesh, all He was, all He did, could not be more unmistakably striking evidence of God’s presence. The All-Powerful, All-Sufficient, Sovereign Creator of the universe does not NEED to be with us—He wants to!
He was with mankind as Jesus’ sandaled feet walked in Galilee (Matthew 4:18). And He is with us, gloriously residing within us (1 Corinthians 3:16).
He is the God who dwells with – among and in. Emmanuel.
Jesus reveals to John, “the dwelling place of God is with man” (Revelation 21:3). Unhindered fellowship with God Himself, the thread of God’s reigning government is “God with us.”
So beautiful, so comforting, “Rejoice, rejoice Emmanuel…” (Sing with me).
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
*Why do we often see two spellings for Emmanuel? The different spellings are due to different vowels used in Hebrew (O.T. “Immanuel”) and Greek (N.T. “Emmanuel”) yet they are indeed the same God presence, just two different languages.
Peace
Peace. Just the word alone brings a soft glow to the soul. In this season of warm crackling fires, hot chocolate while we open Christmas cards with gold lettering.
Peace.
In the Old Testament, the word for peace (Hebrew) is shalom. In short, it means soundness, well-being, harmony, and wholeness. “Everything is as God intended it to be” (Brad Gray, Walking the Text). Peace is not necessarily in what we do not have, but in what we do have.
The New Testament (Greek – eriene) defines peace as “to set at one again.” Painting the picture that something had once been erected (as intended) yet 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 God and man (and Eve) in the Garden, their relationship was good and whole (peace-filled) as designed. Then there was a sin outbreak, the fellowship with God (and each other) was broken—toppled over. Gone were the daily walks together in the garden, what was—is no longer. For generations (begetting) generations there was a missing element.
Fast forward to Luke chapter 2, the angels announce, “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace…” (v14). Peace was back on earth among mankind. Jesus is the missing piece (peace). He came bridging the gap (which was big and ugly) between man and his God. He set it all back in place. Fellowship restored. Peace had indeed come to earth and He-is-KING. Peace is a Person.
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” (Paul, Ephesians 2:13,14). We are now back where we were originally designed to be—full accepted access to God. Again, 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 position.
Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders…Prince of Peace.” Now consider Colossians 3:15, Paul wrote, “Let the peace of Christ RULE in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Does Christ take the rightful place on the throne of our life? (Pause, read that life question again). If God is not ruling on the throne of our heart, be assured another will occupy it! Something. Someone. We will know peace only to the degree that we YIELD to Christ, the reigning Prince of Peace.
It is NOT about peaceful circumstances, it’s about the APPLIED authority of Christ. Remember the children of Israel, there would be (short lived) peace, but then, they would turn their face toward another (another—anything). Peace lost. Paul again, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, PRESENT YOUR REQUESTS TO GOD, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7, emphasis mine). Presenting to God means, we are NOT to go looking for solutions elsewhere. If we do, we can potentially be placing things on the throne that shouldn’t be there. May we not be throne hoaders (loading up unwanted, unneeded messy stuff). He doesn’t come to take sides (agreeing with opinions); He comes to TAKE OVER. That is what Lordship is. Packing with Him, love, mercy, and grace. Finding peace is not just the raising of a white flag, ultimately it is a banner of occupation! It is His design, His throne. Peace reigns. Peace is a posture. Bow!
Wait, there is more!
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). As we confess, (Greek, “homologeo”) we are saying the same thing about our situation that God does. We are now in full agreement; we concede and realign and adjust our course with what God says (NOT what He may feel or what He may mean) what He says! In this process, we are taking what was ‘toppled over’ and returning to the original design and bringing Jesus back to His rightful peaceful place—in the center. We mess up—we get cleaned up. Peace restored. Biblical peace isn’t just the lack of conflict; it is the presence of the rightness of God. Remember, “Peace is like a river…” (Isaiah 66:12). NOT a pond, stagnant and settled. Unlike the river, that flows from the mountain top, always moving, always refreshing, always pure. Peace can be a process.
Is this all easy? “NO!” (Sorry to yell). Life is tough, loud, and viciously swirling, but we can do some throne inspection and respond appropriately. I know I do. I have to. Daily. Even in and through tears. It HAS to be Jesus! Does He take the rightful place on the throne of my life? Do I place HIM in the very center of my circumstances? Does my life behavior reflect-declare “Jesus as King?”
What about you?
“May the God of Peace who makes everything… holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together–spirit, soul and body” (1 Thess. 5:23, paraphrased, The Message). Being set at one again. God the Maker—God at the center—God on the throne. God of peace.
Peace.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
God in the Detail
Growing up and into my late teen years, I had a reading disability. I could read but didn’t understand what I read. There was little to no comprehension. I learned to listen. Listen for details. While the teacher reviewed the prior night’s homework in class (while the rest of the students messed around) I was paying attention. In my lack, I learned the skill to mark the who/what/where/why and how. Fast-forward. God healed my mind, divinely making the connection a couple of months into my first year at Bible college, unfolding the night I finally surrendered fully to His call on my life. Healed, but packing with me the tools I learned over the years. God doesn’t waste a thing. He uses it for our growth and His glory. Thank You, Jesus. Thank You for the process of skill learning. Thank You for healing me.
We often miss details. Details in the big picture. Detail God put there on purpose, for a reason. I would offer we slow down when reading the Bible. Invite Holy Spirit to read with us. Specifically asking to see the detail of who/what/where/why and how in the context. I think we would be amazingly astounded at God’s creative, glorious display of His character! God in the detail.
I have been looking at Miriam, (Moses’ older sister) her early years in the book of Exodus. I know the story, but something stood out to me this time as I rabbit trailed down a delightful path. As I read, (asking, “Holy Spirit show me!”) Pharoah, the King of Egypt attempted to destroy the growing nation of Hebrews, ordering the midwives to kill the baby boys. When that didn’t work, he decreed “Every boy that is born, you must throw into the Nile” (Ex 1:22, NIV). He was drowning the Hebrews.
Fast-forward to Exodus 14. The Hebrews were delivered from slavery and now standing on the edge of the sea. They crossed on dry ground. But the Egyptians did not. “The Egyptians were fleeing, and the LORD swept them into the sea. The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen. Not one of them survived” (vv 27b-28). God drowned the Egyptians.
Wow.
What detail. In the big picture of God’s delivering plan. The bad guys were drowning the lil Hebrew baby boys and God takes out the whole army of men. Not to mention, but I will, He took out everything. The men and their fancy means of war (chariots & horses). Interesting, God did not allow the men to run (the baby boys couldn’t run) “Let us get away from the Israelites!” (v25)… “the LORD swept them into the sea” (v27). God doesn’t miss a thing. Drowning? Let ME show you drowning!
God doesn’t just exert His power, to exert power. He told Moses, “I will gain glory through Pharaoh and all his army” (v17). Verse 31, “When the Israelites saw the great power of the LORD displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the LORD and put their trust in Him.”
There is purpose in detail, purpose in power.
May we learn from this true event about the character of our God. Do-NOT-Mess-With-Me-Or-My-People! God doesn’t miss a thing. He knows the details of OUR lives. He will and does interject Himself in our story. If not now, it’s coming. Someday. I, like you, (by faith) await the time, we will say, “Fast-forward” when telling our story. May we continue to turn the pages.
It doesn’t take a two-three letter degree behind our name or a nicely framed certificate on our wall, “The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Ps 119:130). Unfold Lord! Thank You in advance for all the visual aids You will use. Holy Spirit give us ears to hear and eyes to see–YOU! May what we see and learn cause us to be in awe of You and most importantly–bring YOU glory!
God in the detail.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
Consider Current Affairs
Consider current affairs.
Word Study: The Hebrew word “Hamas” is used 60+ times in the Old Testament.
“Hamas” meaning violent, wrong, malicious, cruelty, lawlessness, and injustice. It is almost always in connection with sinful violence. It is often the title for extreme wickedness. It does not, however, refer to the violence of natural catastrophes (I.e. violent wind or waves).
Consider current affairs. The headlines are using this word we’re looking at. Although the “claim” is the use of an acronym (A word created by combining the first letter of each word in a title or phrase). But. If it looks like a duck.
“Basically, biblical hamas connotes the disruption of the divinely established order of things” [The Vine’s Expository Dictionary of the OT].
“Pray for peace in Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper. O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces” (Ps 122:6-7, King David, NLT). Jerusalem, the current capital of Israel.
Pray.
“May God arise, may His enemies be scattered; may His foes flee before Him” (Ps 68:1).
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[Resources: Strongs Hebrew Dictionary; Complete Word Study Dictionary of the OT; The Vine’s Expository Dictionary of the OT; Theological Wordbook of the OT; Expository Dictionary of Bible Words; The NASB Hebrew/Greek Dictionary. And any other biblical geeky place I read and forgot to write down].
Boundary Line
Recently in my quiet time, I was again drawn to Mark chapter 4. I love the Parable of the Sower. There are so many principles and applications on so many levels. The farmer scatters the seed on the path, the rocky place, among weeds and then—good soil (vv1-20, please read those beautiful words in red). Praying as I read through these verses over and over (in different translations) I felt Holy Spirit point.
He was pointing at the rocky place.
If the good soil is the place that contains a healthy environment to grow the best and abundant yielded harvest, then “good soil” is the goal. Good soil, the soil of my heart for Jesus.
So, what about the rocky place?
In my research I found some amazing things. The rocks found in fields are known as fieldstones (I know, “Duh” but that’s their technical name) and lie at or near the surface of the ground. They are regarded as a huge nuisance to the farmer. Great labor is taken to remove it. Interestingly, in the early days (prior to modern fencing) those annoying stones were then picked up and stacked not only as fencing—but boundary lines. What once littered the field, hindering the farmer to full harvest, now stands as a clearly marked boundary line.
As I pondered this I had to smile, and quietly whisper “Those stupid rocks.” Just when I think my field is good to go, I trip over yet another rock and face plant right there in the middle of the field. Instead of getting up and just kicking it aside, I know now, if I truly—genuinely desire a good healthy field (besides a good tilling and weed pulling) I need to pick up those growth hindering rocks.
I appreciate God’s practicality. He didn’t just say, “Move’m.” He told me what to do with them. It’s not only hard work, but heart-work! Not to mention (but I will) may we not be super meticulous about how we stack those rocks (I know a few will stress over that) just get them out of the field and on the heap. Those stones representing anything that hinders my receiving God’s word, His instruction, HIS standard for my life. Some of those stones will post as a declaration of what once tripped me up, now stands as boundary line of awareness, “THAT is no longer allowed in my field.” Rock built, boundary line.
Boundary lines are not to contain us, they are to protect and prevent what comes in. The psalmist wrote, “I walk about in freedom, for I have sought out Your precepts” (Ps 119:45). There is freedom in knowing God and His word. And knowing and preventing what hinders us.
God is worthy of our clean-up project. Will you join me in cleaning up our field, picking up and stacking rocks! We will be amazed what God can do with those empty, prior stone filled places. Good soil.
Boundary lines.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” Hebrews 10:24).
Peacemaker
Peace. What a commodity. We value it. We want it. We long for it. Peace as mentioned in the New Testament literally means, “to set at one again.” The picture is something that was once set in place has either been removed or toppled over (think of the game Jenga, remove foundational pieces and over it goes). Chaos, strife, irritation, even war are the results. Once it is set back in place—PEACE.
Remember God and man (and Eve) in the Garden? Their relationship was good and whole (peace-filled). Then there was a sin outbreak, and the fellowship was broken—toppled over.
For generations (begetting) generations there was a missing element, what was—is no longer. Later Isaiah speaks of the coming of the Prince of Peace and the government resting on His shoulders (9:6). Fast forward to Luke chapter 2, the angels announce, “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace…” (v14). Peace was on earth. Jesus is the missing piece (peace). He came bridging the gap between man and his God. He set it all back in place. Fellowship restored. Peace has been re-set.
When there is a lack of peace amongst us (chaos, strife or irritation) we have a choice. We can either be a peacekeeper or a peacemaker.
Many years ago, I sensed Holy Spirit had me take a deeper look at the difference between the two. I found it to be rather eye-opening. Whenever God puts something in front of us, it may not be for “now.” He may be preparing us for someday.
A peacekeeper’s motivation is hoping to NOT rock the boat. Running from one person to the other, trying to keep everyone happy. Calm and happiness over here (rock). Please be happy and calm over there (rock). But as they bounce from one to another—they add to the rocking. Not to mention (but I will) the waves they make.
A peacemaker doesn’t run. (Phew!) How exhausting. A peacemaker stands. They stand right in the middle. Remember what biblical peace is? Setting at one again. It is speaking and raising truth IN the chaos. It isn’t raising a white flag as to surrender. It is the flag of occupation. Peace making is resetting. Bringing truth into the moment.
Five years ago, I was officiating my grandmother’s funeral. After the service while walking through the potluck line, some family members began to get into it. As it got rather HEATED, I stepped forward and (lovingly) but very boldly told them “Not here. NOT now.” We are here today to honor Grandma. Holding my ground, they calmed down and dished themselves more taco salad casserole.
You see just a few months prior, one of our family members committed suicide. As you can imagine it tore the family apart. So. Much. Pain. In the pain there were opinions and voiced perspectives. These ripped a few family members out.
As I stood holding my plate, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “There it is—peacemaker.” I didn’t run from side to side. I stood and spoke truth. In the center of it all. “Not here. Not now.”
Jesus calls us to be peacemakers. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God” (Matt 5:9). What a reward to be called a son or daughter of God, as we reflect His character in promoting well-being through Jesus Christ. As we take a stand. A stand of light, of salt, authority—of speaking truth—bringing GOD to a situation, we are instruments of peace in the world, to the world.
Peace stands.
This last spring my niece got married, it was an extremely wet and rainy day. But under that big white tent was a most beautiful thing. My other niece, whom we hadn’t seen in five years—she came to the wedding. She showed up.
Sometimes peace is a process.
Peacekeeping runs. Peacemaking stands! Standing in the middle and speaking—truth in the situation. Setting truth back in the center—Peace.
Stand.
Above is an excerpt (more to come) from my teaching on the Fruit of the Spirit at a recent women’s retreat. It was my honor to be with the great group of women from Riverside Community Church, in Rainier, Oregon. If you’re in their area, stop in and see them. You’ll be blessed.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrew 10:24).
A Day I Can Forgo
It’s here, THAT season. It’s already in stores. Halloween. Stores have freshly stocked shelves with 30% off ticket items by the rows. There are black cats, witch hats, spiders, eerie tombstones and yes, the ever-dreaded skulls.
I LOVE the fall; it is my favorite season. Apples, pears, and all varieties of squash, along with beautiful towering sunflowers. The colors are so rich and vibrant. I decorate my home seasonally with warm orange, burgundy and brown tones. But Halloween does not roll this gal’s socks. Nope.
I am often asked why I have chosen not to celebrate Halloween. Why I don’t find it “all in fun.” What is fun about it? Regardless of how we attempt to cutesy it or slap a smile on it, if you take a step back and look at the basic themes, it is of fear, death, and darkness.
Before I get all kinds of comments, emails, texts, and smoke signals, please let me explain why (for me) I choose not to. My family used to do the Halloween thing when I was little. Sure, I wore the thin fabric climb in costumes with the sweaty plastic masks. But after I came to understand and was adopted as a daughter of the Most High God and learning of His Majesty and His glorious light—I do not participate in the day of darkness.
I have seen and experienced too much from the dark side (you can’t un-see or un-know) to play with it like a child’s toy or pretend in dress up. While the parties take place, and the candy bowls filled and children running from door to door—unbeknownst to us in the background, far in the dark corners, there are cultic activities taking place. Those deeply into the occult take this scheduled day very seriously and yes, the dark forces they are dealing with are very real! (*See the history of Halloween below).
We must remember, “our great enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). It won’t stand up in the crowd vigorously waving, “Over here, I’m here.” It will stealthily peek in with the ugly and the demonic. It will come again and again for any crack or sliver of compromise on our part. Darkness always has an agenda. ALWAYS. Seeking ANY and all opportunities to oppose the gracious love, beauty, and majesty of our God.
Yes, an emphasized day I can forgo.
Alrighty. Gently climbing down off my soapbox (as not to hurt myself) and dragging it back to the corner. No condemnation, just offering insight. You are loved.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
*History of Halloween: “Halloween’s customs are thought to have been influenced and dated back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain (pronounced sow-in) the celebration of their New Year on November 1. They believed the night before the new year (Oct 31) the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead became blurred and the ghosts of the dead returned to earth. To commemorate the event, Druids built huge sacred bonfires, where the people gathered to burn crops and animals as sacrifices to the Celtic deities, this done in attempts to appease them. During the celebration, the Celts wore costumes, typically consisting of animal heads and skins, and attempted to tell each other’s fortunes.” (History.com). In addition, according to Wiccans, Halloween is the time when the veil between the living and the dead is considered to be the thinnest. They celebrate and take advantage of such status. I used to work with an openly devout Wiccan (we sat next to each other). I was so distracted by her unholy demeanor—I could feel the darkness on her. As I began to pray for her and over her—within a week, she was gone, and her desk was cleaned out.
Left-Handed
Happy “International Left-handers Day.” Yes, it’s an annual celebrated day, established in 1976. Studies suggest that approximately 10% of the world’s population is left-handed.
Lefties…
• Use the right side of the brain the most.
• Twice as likely to be a man.
• Better at multitasking.
• Of the eight most recent U.S. Presidents, four have been left-handed.
• Less able to roll their tongue than a righty (fun facts to share with your friends).
What does the Bible say about being left-handed? In the Hebrew “left-handed” is itter and only mentioned two times in scripture (Judges 3 & 20) and literally means “not of the right hand”—thus, left-handed.
Judges 20: In short: There was a very icky situation and due to it, war broke out between the tribe of Benjamin and all the rest of the tribes of Israel. “Among all these were 700 chosen men who were left-handed…” (v16). These lefties were in addition to 26,000 gathered men of the tribe of Benjamin. “Chosen” is a keyword. The Benjamites went looking for left-handed men.
WHY?
Back up to Judges 3. Israel had again went about doing “evil in the eyes of the Lord” (Boooo!) God allowed the bad king Eglon of Moab to help teach the Israelites a lesson. A lesson through warfare. Israel cried out to God, and He sent Ehud (of the tribe of Benjamin) who just happened to be left-handed. Left-handed Ehud goes on to defeat the bad king. (YAY!) Moab became subject to Israel and there was peace in the kingdom for 80 years. (Ahh!) All of Israel knew the story of the left-handed Benjamite—Ehud!
THAT is why the Benjamites went looking for lefties—in hope of having a military advantage. They were known for being able to “sling a stone at a hair and not miss” (Judges 20:16). But the Benjamites, however, did lose the battle. Guess the lefties missed. (Oops!)
Although interesting left-handed facts, what a lesson for us, a true principle to help guide us. We can’t always reach from our past in hope that what worked before will work now. God used the left-handed man to show the Israelites that when they are in fellowship with Him, He takes the least (one man) and makes the MOST. His lessons take on a new angle with each battle. Left-handed or right-handed, new battle, new battle plan. God’s plan.
Side note: Throwing in Jewish custom/culture: Right opposed to left: When offering a blessing, the right hand is extended (I.e. Genesis 48, Jacob blessing Joseph’s sons, he crossed his arms). Also, the “right” parts of the body play an important role in sacrifices (see Leviticus) such as the right thigh, right ear, right thumb. The “right” generally expressed strength such as the “right hand of God” (Ex. 15:6, 12; Isa. 62:8; Ps. 17:7) and which was worthy of the Psalmists’ praises (Ps. 98:1; 118:15, 16).
If the left is considered weak (as opposed to the right/strength) it is quite ironic that after the Israelites turned back to God, He chose the weak handed man Ehud to deliver them.
*Empathetic Disclaimer: Please know, being left or right-handed does not determine value! Left-handed vs right is more symbolic than anything.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
Distracted
Recently I heard a most profound statement. While out blueberry picking, the farmer handed me a bucket and waved me off down the trail, pointing out beyond where I stood. He told me where the best picking was. He closed with “And don’t get distracted on the way.” Meaning, you’ll see berries, but if you want the BEST, and lots of them–keep going. Stay focused!
It was true. As I walked the dusty isles between the mounded rows of bushes, yes, there were beautiful blueberries scattered here and there. But as I took a closer look, they had been picked over. I could tell other folks stopped here, at the very beginning of the field and picked. So did the next picker and the next. They didn’t journey out, they stopped at the first sight of berries. I would venture to say, some may have grown frustrated, thinking, the berries weren’t ripe yet (since primarily only green berries were left where they stood) and not going forth caused their perspective of the field to be lacking.
As I picked handfuls of plump berries (at the other end of the field) I thought about how true his statement was. How often in our daily lives are we venturing along and “Oh, looky there.” Full stop.
Distracted.
Before we know it, we have dropped our (metaphorical) road map and we are all over the place. Distractions give way to swerving. Swerving gives way to detours. Yielding to distraction burns up time, energy and not to mention (but I will)—loyalty. How many of us can look back and grieve wasted time, breach of loyalty to our God? Distractions keep us and delay us from the best!
King Solomon, the wisest biblical guy wrote: “Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path” (Proverbs 4:25-26, NLT). What wonderful imagery. The idea isn’t a quick glance but conveying someone who studies what is ahead. Once understanding what is ahead, the plan is weighed out and the best route is calculated. Solomon goes on to say, “Don’t get sidetracked.”
Distracted.
The Pastor of the book of Hebrews wrote: “Let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith” (12:1b-2, NLT). THIS is our specifically designed, God set before us “mark out a straight path” —plan.
What is it that distracts us most? What distracts us the quickest? What time waster consumes us? How, where are we spending our energy? Do we too stop and attempt to fill our bucket, all the while there is abundance further out in the field?
Point to ponder.
Life is like a berry patch. Look straight ahead. Fix your eyes. Mark out the straight path. Jesus.
Don’t get distracted.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
Sovereign
When we think of the book of Jonah, what first comes to mind? Jonah and a big puking whale? As miraculous as that was, (not the puking part mind you, but the “in the belly of the fish three days and three nights” survival part – 1:17, 2:10). There is something much more spectacular if we were to take one step back and see the story framed from a distance.
To sum it up in one word, “Sovereign.” Supreme or ultimate in authority and power.
God is Sovereign.
He does what He wants. When He wants. How He wants and with whom He wants. And yes, where He wants. God has it all covered!
Jonah.
Jonah was a reluctant missionary prophet, (a contemporary of the book of 2 Kings). He was initially unwilling to go and do as God said. He didn’t like the Ninevites. God was sending him to the capital of the pagan, Gentile, powerful, Assyrian empire—his enemies (big bad, icky, mean, and evil people). After the thrown overboard and fish excursion, (scholars believe the fish deposited Jonah right back where he started—God didn’t offer a shortcut) when he finally got to Nineveh, he simply declares his 5-word sermon, “40 days and Nineveh shall be overthrown” (3:4).
The Ninevites repent and God honored their repentance, and they find His mercy.
In this story, these four short chapters (48 verses) declare how God commissions. How He patiently waits. Shows His divine steering. Displays His “I mean what I said.” Then eventually His lavishing 2nd chance. Not to mention (but I will) how He provides visual aids to get Jonah’s attention (disastrous storm, throwing sailors, fish, repentant city, plant, worm, and a scorching east wind). All flowing out from His character of compassion and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness (Ex 34:6b). And yes, His justice to a person—and ultimately, a people group.*
God moved.
How many times have we been reluctant for any reason to obey God? Oh, we have our rationalizations* – our excuses. We draw out the lengthy diagramed blueprint of “WHY” we can’t or why (without saying it out loud)—we won’t. “FINALLY,” one of the key words to help summarize the story of Jonah. Perhaps we too need a finally in our story! May we (like Jonah) know, God means what He says, “You can do it My way or My way.” It is His way.
Yet may we notice too, God writes ‘turn around’ narratives and He graciously offers second chances within re-commissioning (3:1-2). When God calls us to something, He is faithful to see us through. To be frank folks, others are depending on our obedience!
God’s commissioning. Patience. Divine steering. His most gracious 2nd chances. His beautiful (non-coincidence) visual aids. If we are in what seems to be a weird season, look. Look for His visual aids, look for His hand pointing.
Does this resonate? It does for me.
God is Sovereign.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds – Hebrews 10:24).
*The Ninevites chose to go back into their sinful lifestyles, despite the very generous reaching of Yahweh. He patiently waited for them to return—for a bit. He waited 150(ish) years. Then He sent another prophet, Nahum. Jonah was initially unwilling, going to a willing people. Nahum who was willing, went to (a grown to be) unwilling people. Nineveh was eventually destroyed. God is Sovereign.
*Rationalizations are invented explanations that hide or deny true motivations, motivations that eventually lead to action. They are excuses people give while embracing grey areas, to the extent in attempting to avoid judgement. Simply, rationalizing, is the action of attempting to explain or justify our behavior or mindset. (Summary from Psychology Today)
Maturing Process
Anyone besides me, feel like their timeline has been messed with? It’s like playing “Pin the Tail on the Donkey” as we struggle trying to find when something happened, “Was it before, or maybe during Covid… I don’t remember.” This and the economic and political climate. The moral downward spiral of our country. And personal happenings in our families. We’ve had a few rough years! Years that if we were honest, we could say—it changed us.
But in this time, I am confident we all have learned something new about God or something re-affirming about His character. What about learning something about ourselves? If we are truly honest, we’ve seen a strength, a challenge, a weakness or even maybe, a sinful life pattern.
Tough times are an opportunity to learn. An opportunity to grow.
A proverb is a stated truth or offering of advice. “Without wise leadership, a nation falls” (Pro 11:14a – couldn’t resist). There is one modern proverb familiar to us all, “When life gives you lemons—make lemonade.” When life comes at us fast. When the unknown stares us in the face. When life is bitter. Make—lemonade. Use it. Make something good out of it.
We have a choice. We can attempt to hide or run. We can ignore it all or deny it’s happening. Or we can position ourselves for opportunity. Joy-filled opportunity.
James talks about this, “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing” (James 1:2-4, NLT – emphasis mine).
Notice James emphasizes “let it grow.” Do-not-stop-the-process. Don’t stop it pre-maturely. In our current society, endurance (perseverance or steadfastness) is not a strong point. When things get tough, we bail out. We quit. We just sit down. Not to mention (but I will) how many of us have sabotaged the growth process because we knew it could be painful. It could be a boatload of emotional, physical, and spiritual work.
Joseph of the OT is a great example of making something good out of bitter lemons. His brothers (out of jealousy) threw him in a pit and later sold him as a slave (yup, bitter tasting). It gets even more sour for him; he is falsely accused, imprisoned, and forgotten. Rough times indeed. He himself didn’t grow bitter; he grew—better. What do I mean by that? Joseph embraced the process. Stayed obedient to his God. He didn’t let the trials ruin him.
Testimonies are birthed in trials.
God is a God of detail. He sees it ALL. Knows it all. I would offer, He says, “I can use this in your life, I can use it – if you will let Me.” Embrace and work the process. God used it all. All the ick. All the trying times to mature Joseph. He ultimately used Joseph to save Egypt in the big famine. He used Joseph to graciously restore his family. Remember what he said to his brothers “You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good.” (Genesis 50:20. Read his whole story, chapters 37-50). What would have happened if Joseph gave up in the middle of it all? (Point to Ponder).
James didn’t stop when saying, let it grow, the maturing process God is working in and through you, he continues; (I’m paraphrasing) “but if you lack wisdom in the process, you need help in handling the trials? Ask God for wisdom.” Wisdom is God-given and God-centered discernment regarding the practical issues in life. I’ve heard it said that true wisdom is applying God to my situation. The bible refers to Solomon as the wise guy, the guy who wrote all those wise proverbs. Why was he so wise? He asked for it (1 Kings 3:5-12; 2 Chron 1:7-12).
I am challenged by this. May we see each season with joy as an opportunity to learn and grow from it. May we not be lazy in the maturing process. Don’t stop. Let it grow! Seek God’s wisdom. I am not belittling ANY pain, but what we learn from THIS tough season, what is grown in us, we take into the next one. Jesus is enlarging our capacity for Him, enabling us to see HIM more clearly. Live Him more clearly —all for His glory!
When life gives you lemons (count it all joy) and make some lemonade!
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
*There is so much more to be said, this is an excerpt from the teaching I brought at our June Women’s Breakfast at church. Each gal was given a “Joy Jar” to remember all that was shared, summarized, “When life gives you lemons, make lemonade.”
Pitched
I do puzzles on my iPad, it’s less messy and I can easily store the puzzle away. The part I enjoy most is when I slide the pieces around, looking for just the right fit. But then—they click into place. With a little effort, one piece at a time, all the pieces creating a beautiful picture.
This is what I love about the Word of God. God so wonderfully orchestrating the fitting of pieces, “all the pieces creating a beautiful picture.” Not long ago in my study time I saw the pieces click into place—amazing! I was looking at Leviticus 9:7, Moses to Aaron “Come to the altar and sacrifice your sin offering and your burnt offering and make atonement for yourself and the people” (NIV). Looking at the word “atonement” I went directly to the law (or principle) of first mention. Meaning, I went to the first time that word (doctrine or concept) is mentioned. The first mention often sets the tone for further usage.
Here’s what I found. Here’s what I love.
Atonement (“kapar” in Hebrew) is used 102x in the OT. The 1st time it is used is in Genesis 6—the flood story. “Wait. What?” I know, right? The flood. When God gave Noah the building instructions, He was very specific in the wood and to “pitch” it inside and out (v14). Pitch is kapar. What beautiful imagery. To pitch means to cover, to smear, even to caulk, waterproofing, sealing any gaps or seams. To “pitch” is prevention against water and unwanted pests and erosion from entering or affecting the material. Pitching changed the nature of the Ark; it was now waterproof inside & out. When God had Noah pitch the Ark, he was protecting and covering the remnant that He was making covenant with.
THAT literally is atonement. In Leviticus it speaks of Aaron the Priest who took a bull (killed it) then took the blood and atoned with it on the altar. The blood covers. It appeases. It pacifies the anger of a holy God against sinful man.
JESUS. He came to take care of it all. His blood covers and fills any gaps. His blood fully satisfies God—we are fully reconciled to God. And yes, our nature too is changed. We are covered and protected in the covenant. All this making us—fully pitched. Wouldn’t it make a great bumper sticker “Got Pitched.”
One piece at a time, all the pieces creating a beautiful picture.
Pitched.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
*See: Gen 6:14; Lev 4, 17:11; Ro 3:25; Heb 9:12,22; 1 Jn 2:2, 4:10; Rev 1:5.
Giants to Slay
“Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him, for you are but a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth” (1 Samuel 17:33, emphasis mine).
I LOVE the story of David and Goliath. Big nasty dude yelling stupid things about God and God’s people. But one day a boy comes to camp. Goliath continues yelling, “This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other” (v10). Goliath is not just asking for any opponent; he wants a man. A grown, trained, mature, “give me a challenge” —man.
There is but one response. David. Scholars believe him to be about seventeen(ish) when he told King Saul “Send me.” Saul’s response basically says, “You are but a boy, an adolescent. The situation is beyond you—beyond what you are.”
Saul tries to get David to wear his suit of armor. “I cannot go in these” he says (v39). There was no hesitation on David’s part. There was no “give me a minute while I figure this out.” He takes his sling, stick and smooth stones and RUNS toward Goliath. I must add, Goliath’s shield-bearer was out there too (v41). Not so tough now big guy! David swung his sling, the stone hit the target. Down went the opposing giant of a man. Goliath called for a man. King Saul declares a mere boy. David did what God called him to do. Victory!
What is God calling us to?
May there be no hesitation in us when we are called beyond what we seem to be. Perhaps too young, untrained, too small. Or possibly too big, or too old. And maybe, like myself, as I was the former student with the “reading disability.” Graduating High School with a 4th grade reading level. Even so, I surrendered to His call on my life to teach His Word—calling me to the Book. He has healed my mind, what once didn’t make sense, now makes sense—and then some.
Chances are we’ll run into a Saul now and then, but don’t let them pull out their measuring stick and attempt to size us up, it has nothing to do with what God can do through us! Let us not begin a wardrobe change, trying to fit into someone else’s stuff. But take up what we know. His word. His presence and RUN toward what God calls us to. I’m sure if you wish to yell, “For Narnia!” God will understand.
We all have giants to slay. Now go.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
Presence
God has been showing me and teaching me about His countenance—His Presence. Through David, the Psalmists, God instructs us to “seek His face.” We find this specifically in Psalm 27:8 “You have said, “Seek my face.” (David responds…) My heart says to you, “Your face, LORD, do I seek” (ESV, emphasis mine). We find it again in Psalm 105:3-4, “Let the hearts of those who seek the LORD rejoice! Seek the LORD and his strength; seek his presence continually!” In these latter verses we see “seek, seek, seek.” Seek Him. Seek His strength. Seek His presence continually. It isn’t a one and done deal, it is ongoing. What an exciting, yet in this wild and crazy busy world—a challenging command. A challenging demand.₁
David uses two Hebrew words to stress we are to “seek” God. Although the words differ, the sense is the same and could be paraphrased, “Carefully search for the LORD and His strength; continually and eagerly seek Him.
Now that we have the method (seeking). WHAT are we after? We are to seek—His face. Face means (as some Bible translations refer to it) as presence. Paniym (in Hebrew) interestingly represents not just the “face” but the whole person. When we seek God’s face and stand before Him, face to face, (metaphorically, spiritually) we get His “wholeness.” We have access to His countenance. ALL His qualities and features.
I felt God showed me it’s like those board cut outs we see at the fair, life size with a humorous picture on the front. As you stand behind it, you lean forward and put your face in the cut-out hole, all that is genuinely seen of you is your face, the rest is a sketched illusion.
May I offer to help paint the picture, God is conveying in the above verses; He wants us to step around the board cut-out (possibly our sketched perspective) and receive ALL of Him. This isn’t an irreverent move, or rash intrusion, but an invitation. Being in His presence, full-on front, with no barrier, the whole God package—we have His love, mercy, grace, wisdom and yes, His justice.
James wrote, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (4:8a). The context is replacing our desire to sin with our desire to experience God’s presence and His availability and power to purify us. It is in His presence (slipping behind the board cut-out beyond just the face image) we have access to His wholeness. It is likened to when I stand face to face with a friend, I have access to their eyes, ears, mouth and even their hands. I have and see all their features. Yet, with this in mind, many of us take on the sketched illusion that God is mad at us and when in His presence, we only have His back—He is faced away. God is not mad at you; He is madly in love with you. We must look behind the perceived illusion and truly see Him.
It is amazing how (and expect it) the enemy knows we’re heading to “seek Him” – he’ll do anything to keep us from God’s Presence. We need to be Presence seekers, abiders and “fight for it” kingdom members!
Presence.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
*I recently spoke on “Emotional Freedom” at our women’s conference, this is an excerpt from that teaching. (Click this link for part one: https://inspiredfountain.com/2022/03/13/before-you-pray-them-away/ and part two: https://inspiredfountain.com/2022/03/18/storm/ ).
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1A command is an order and comes with authority. Demand is a firm request that does not come from a position of power. God gave the command; we demand of ourselves; it in our response and behavior—we seek HIM! So yes, in this wild and crazy busy world—a challenging command. A challenging demand.
Promotional Picture above from Oriental Trading
Remember
Remember.
We might say we need to remember that Lincoln is the capital of Nebraska for the seven across answer on a crossword puzzle. Or remember that in “1492 Columbus sailed the ocean blue” to help our children with their homework. Facts. Mere facts.
However, remembering in the Bible is different. It is mentioned some 235+ times. Jewish culture treats remembering as a behavioral response. Conveying that hearing and obeying are synonymous. In the Hebrew, it literally means “to properly mark, so as to recognize.” The recognizing demands a response. The first mention is found in the story of Noah. God puts Noah, his family, and the animals in a big boat. Outside, the rains are in a downpour. The waters rise and the boat stays afloat for many days. “But God remembered Noah and all… and He sent a wind over the earth and the waters receded” (Genesis 8:1). God remembered. Did He temporarily forget? No. The Omniscient God (All-knowing) does not forget. His plan was implemented and in process. He remembers, He rescues, and He acts. God marked Noah. Genesis 9, the ark now sits on dry ground. Noah and family are out, and the animals disperse. God promises to not do THAT again—promise to not destroy everything with water. Sealing the deal, He gives a rainbow as a reminder.
“I have set My rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember My covenant between Me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth” (9:13-16 NIV, emphasis mine).
The sign of the rainbow was a reminder—to GOD. Even though mankind seems to always keep mucking it up, continuing in disobedience—yet when the bow appears, He remembers. His response will be consistent with His covenant.
Remember.
Isaiah speaks on behalf of God, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions, for My own sake, and remembers your sins no more” (Isaiah 43:25). He Himself declares before Moses, “The LORD, the LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth” (Exodus 34:6). Oh, the glorious mystery of His mercy, of His grace! God’s response is consistent with His character.
God often directs His people in the Old Testament to remember their past and all that He had said and done for them: “Remember that you were slaves in Egypt and the LORD your God redeemed you… Remember the Sabbath… Remember the law…” Why? So, their behavioral response would reflect relationship, they are His. Remember.
Jesus also speaks of remembering. The Last Supper: Jesus instructs the disciples to take the bread and the cup, representing His body and blood and “Do this in remembrance of Me” (Luke 22, 1 Corinthians 11). His intent was not assuming we’d forget Him throughout the week, and as we walk into church, seeing the elements up front, and think, “Oh, that’s right, I forgot about Jesus.” No, when we come to the table, and partake of the bread and wine, we remember—we remember ALL that He is, all that He did. We remember His covenant, His character. And yes, He expects a response. We properly mark, honor and recognize God, a response of worship, and of lifestyle.
Whatever it may take for us to remember, to invoke a Godly response—do so. I am right-handed, on my right little pinky finger, I wear a simple gold ring. I wear it to remind me, that whatever I reach for in life, it had better be under the authority of God’s character, and it be in line with God’s covenant.
Remember. Behavioral response.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
Seeing Them
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” Paul, letter to the Philippians (2:4).
I am reminded of a morning while driving to work a few years ago. Cruising along, the traffic seemed heavier than normal for 5:15am. Looking in my rear-view mirror, I saw the pretty orange lights of a big rig truck behind me. The poor guy was trying to maneuver through the morning commute. Cars full of folks that I am confident had not yet been caffeinated to complete awareness of their surroundings. Like that of a Chess game, I figured if I move over one lane, then move forward around this little white car, I could make room for the big truck to make his move. Off I went. Doing so, the truck driver saw the “move” and made his own advance. As we continued down the road for a few minutes, just as I began my exit off the freeway, the truck driver passed on by, but NOT before reaching his hand out with a hardy wave of “Thanks.”
Do we look and see those around us? Are we aware? Do we CARE? Do we see the need and heed? Or do we see and ignore with a hastily “Go around me!” Paul speaking to the Christians in Phillipi, proceeding the above verse stating: “Make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose. Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves” (vv2-3, NLT).
As we cruise through this life—may we be aware. May we take time to look and see how we can help others. When was the last time we made a conscious effort to look into the eyes of those we are with? May we offer a smile to the cashier and ask her how her day is going, looking at her nametag and calling her by name. May we hold the door while another carries heavy bags of groceries.
Our words of encouragement don’t need to be big and profound, a simple text of “Thinking of you” can go a long way. Perhaps, when possible, hold them, laugh with them, cry and pray.
Seeing them.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” Hebrews 10:24).
The Pattern
The trendy slogan “What Would Jesus Do” from the 1990’s has pretty much faded away, yet the principle is true. The principle is good. Following what Jesus did is always the safest, the smartest, the most impacting—the BEST way to go.
Peter knew this.
Jesus.
Jesus is told by an agonized father; that his daughter is very sick (Mark 5). Soon, some men from Jairus’ house came with the news, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” Taking Peter, James and John, Jesus goes with them to Jairus’ home. There was a great commotion with loud weeping and wailing. Sending them all out (ah…quiet) Jesus took just the mother, the father and the three disciples. Taking the little girl by the hand, He said, “Little girl I say to you, arise.” Immediately her life was restored. All were overcome with amazement (vv22-42). Peter was there—he watched Jesus.
Peter.
Peter was in Lydda when he was sent for (Acts 9). Tabitha, a good woman, a disciple of Jesus has died. Peter went to Joppa. When at the home where Tabitha’s body lay, he asked everyone to leave the room, the loud mourners were sent out (ah…quiet). “Tabitha, arise” he said. Her life was restored. Taking her by the hand, he helped her up. He called the friends and family back in, seeing her, the news spread throughout the village, and many believed in the Lord (vv 36-42).
When the situation seemed hopeless, Jesus went. Peter too. Jesus told the noise to leave. Peter too. Jesus declared “Arise!” Peter too. Jesus extended His hand. Peter too. In both scenarios, life was restored.
Jesus was Peter’s pattern.
A pattern is a model or design used as a guide. When Jesus called His disciples, He said, “Follow Me.” Jesus—the ultimate Guide.
Life can be filled with twists and turns. Known and unknowns. Joy and frustrations. What a gift God gave us to watch and learn from Jesus as He navigated the roller coaster ride of humanity. He was quiet when needed. Spoke boldly when required. Slipped away for Father time. Loved unconditionally. Pardoned the guilty. He confronted the lies. Taught among confusion. He led with righteousness.
This year, may we look to and reach for THE Pattern. Choose our steps, make our decisions, speak, love, confront, slip away for Father time—as Jesus did. Impacting. What grace was gifted to us, may we extend the same to others.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
Peace
Have you ever felt a shrug of heart, you know that “Blah” feeling? Perhaps the blah is leading to anxiety or even agitation. The only way to put it into words is “I’m off, just… off.” May I offer, something may have shifted. Shifted from the sidelines to the seat; something/someone is now sitting on the throne of our heart. This, my dear friend is found deep in the factory setting in the design of man, a component known as the Peace Barometer. (Okay, maybe not—but that is what I call it).
Peace.
In the Old Testament, the word for peace (Hebrew) is shalom. In short, meaning tranquility, harmony, wholeness. It has been referred to as evidence of not having strife or war. I would define peace not necessarily in what you do not have, but in what you do have. Let’s give a nod to the New Testament: The word for peace (in Greek) is eirene, which literally means “to set at one.” The picture is something that was once set in place has either been removed or toppled over (think of the game Jenga, remove foundational pieces and over it goes) chaos, strife, irritation even war are the results. Once it is set back in place—PEACE reigns.
Here’s a brief (VERY brief) explanation: Remember God and man (and Eve) in the Garden, their relationship was good and whole (peace-filled). Then there was a sin outbreak, the relationship was broken—toppled over. For generations (begetting) generations there was a missing element, what was, is no longer. Later Isaiah speaks of the coming of the Prince of Peace and the government resting on His shoulders (9:6). Fast forward to Luke chapter 2, the angels announce, “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace…” (v14). Peace was back on earth among man. Jesus is the missing piece (peace). He came bridging the gap (which was big and ugly) between man and his God. He set it all back in place. Relationship restored. God the Father planned it. God the Son accomplished it. God the Holy Spirit applied it. The God package delivered. PEACE REIGNS.
Paul writes, “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts…” (Col. 3:15). Here’s where the peace barometer comes in: If God is not ruling on the throne of our heart, be assured another will occupy it! We will know peace to the degree that we YEILD to Christ, the Prince of Peace, if NOT—chaos, strife, irritation.
Paul again, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, PRESENT YOUR REQUESTS TO GOD, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7, emphasis mine). Presenting to God means, we are NOT to go looking for solutions elsewhere. If we do, we can potentially be placing things on the throne that shouldn’t be there. Our peace barometer will TILT if Jesus is not the center of our life, the One residing and reigning on the throne of our heart. Peace is not about peaceful circumstances; it’s about yielding to the presence of Christ. Let’s cut to the chase: God doesn’t come to take sides (help sort out our stuff) He comes to TAKE OVER. It is His design, His throne.
“May the God of Peace who makes everything… holy and whole, make YOU holy and whole, put you together–spirit, soul and body” (1 Thess. 5:23, paraphrased, The Message). God the Maker—God at the center—God on the throne.
How is our peace barometer? What is the condition of the throne of our heart? What is there? Who is there?
Peace.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
God is in the Not
Expectation. “A strong belief that something will happen” (so says Webster’s Dictionary). I’d offer, we generally take it further. We not only believe it will happen, but we list out HOW, WHEN, and WHERE. We define the outcome. Once the occasion has come, we hold it up to our expectations and scrutinize as if looking at a counterfeit bill with squinted eyes.
Our expectations (although good at times) can be a distraction.
Recently I went through some health issues, and still recovering. What an amazing learning season. As I was preparing for an upcoming surgery, I was rather anxious. Taking Paul’s divine inspired words to heart, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Phil 4:6, NIV). I prayed. I prayed specifically. I prayed the surgery would be “textbook.” I prayed with heartfelt longing. I wanted God’s best. I wanted Him.
Thanking God—off we went.
Following the surgery, the surgeons came in and said everything went well, one stated (without any prior prompting) “It was textbook.” (Check √). As some time went on, I grew exhausted. In my exhaustion, I picked up my “expectation list” and began to review it. Running my finger down the list, I was looking for that warm—wrapped—in—blanket—presence of God. I didn’t sense it. I had in the past. Where were You God? Where are You?
When we ask God pointed questions, be ready for an answer.
“Besides the textbook surgery (I can almost see God winking) … How was your pain level, were you in pain?” No, I was not. “Were there complications?” No, there was not. “Are the doctors concerned for the outcome?” Nope, they are not. “Will there be any long-term limitations?” No—not.
God is in the not.
So often we look for highlighting moments worthy to write in our journals. Things, events that stand out as extraordinary (There WILL be those). But, how often we fail to see, in the quiet, tucked behind our personal hype—God working. God orchestrating like only He can.
Through all this, I have asked God to move me beyond MY expectation, to true anticipation: awaiting, preparing, longing to see how HE moves. King David wrote: “Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You. Show me the way I should go, for to You I lift up my soul…I hide myself in You. Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God; may Your good Spirit lead me on level ground” (Psalm 143:8-10). Putting my trust (unconditionally, without my advice) in God, WILL enable Him to “show me.” Giving myself, hiding myself in Him, enables Him to “teach me.”
THIS has been a “write in my journal” (if I had one) moment. Highlighted. Circled. Underlined. “Positioning ourselves according to OUR expectations distracts us, potentially missing God in the process.”
God is in the not.
Please know, YES, there are times we need to contend, to move beyond an appearing “No” (prayer, fasting, spiritual warfare) but there are times, we need to accept God working, giving Him glory.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
A Reason for Thanksgiving
Turkey, dinner rolls, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, salad. (Breathe) Dinner plates, napkins, silverware, glasses, AND centerpiece. THANKSGIVING! I love this holiday. Food, family, and football. A set time to pause, consider and ponder what we are thankful for.
There are seasons when it may be difficult to pull forward on the shelf of our life something to be thankful for. We may have just 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” (136:1). The Hebrew language renders a beautiful word picture, “Give thanks…” painting the idea of reverent acknowledgment and of worship—with extended hands.
“His love endures forever.” The author found it needful to repeat this phrase twenty-six times throughout the rest of the Psalm. This word love (in Hebrew) is “hesed.” We know it biblically as mercy, goodness, loyalty and steadfast love and even—grace. What a pivotal word.
This mercy-filled love is enveloped in personal involvement and commitment to relationship. That is our God. He 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, emphasis mine). Our God desires faithful love in relational awareness of Him.
His lovingkindness 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). Thankful yet?
David’s well known and beloved Psalm 23 (v6) “Surely goodness and MERCY will follow me all the days of my life.” Mercy is hesed. This “follow” is not a mere tag along behind, but—PURSUIT. David knows the concept of pursuit. God’s unending, steadfast love, full of mercy, pursued David. He pursues us! He pursues YOU. He is unrelenting. Aren’t you GLAD He does not let up, 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 blessing of health and family, may we too declare, “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting. Let the redeemed of the LORD say so…” (Psalm 107:1-2a)
From our table to yours. Thankful.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Inspired Fountain 