Not There yet? Where’s There? (Comparison)
In conversations, we share life with others. We share our joys, our sorrows, our experiences. Have you noticed in these, we too develope our … comparisons. We mask them with a slight shrug of the shoulder and personal confessions of “I’m not there yet.” Not there yet? Where? There is the carrot and we are forever running after it, we keep it tied in front of us. But THERE it is. We are here, and NOT there. We want to do and be something other than we currently are. “They are!”
Comparison.
I am learning that whatever, wherever ‘there’ is, it is not up to others to criticize or define it for me. Family, friends, the church, yes they are a voice in my life, I honor, respect and consider their input. However, my there can only be found in God. So the one in the back row can hear it again, “Our there, our goal of growth is ONLY found in God.” The sad thing about the not there yet concept? We fail to live in the NOW! The road is so long. Face it, we will continue to be, ‘not’ something. Not thin, 
smart, rich, fit, strong, not happy, healthy, beautiful, unselfish … enough. The list is vast. We are continually discouraged in the dressing room of life, trying on things that don’t fit (yet) Please note, I am not negating discipline. If it is in our means to change, to grow effectively, with Jesus’ help, may we do so.
Remember the story of Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptian servant girl. Poor gal. She was just being obedient. She was told to go to Abe’s tent, um… etc. (See Genesis 16) Following this, where did she find herself? In the thick of life. Sarah became jealous and mistreated her. Hagar was hurt, frustrated, and confused, unable to process it all, she takes off, running away. God found her, where she was. He called her by name, it wasn’t “Hey you over there, you – the one with the bad attitude, yup the one who didn’t get it right!” He called her by name, “Hagar.”
God being God, asked her “Where have you come from and where are you going? By asking this question, (He already knew) they are now in the moment. It is God’s invitation, the initiation to process through the ‘stuff’ with Him. She shares her stuff, God proceeds to encourage her with His promises. I love how she wraps up her time with God, she calls Him, El Roi, (El- ro-ee) “You are the God who sees me, for I have now seen the One who sees me.”
The next time we are tempted to believe the LIE when we look at others and think since we are not yet there, (Examining their …season of life, maturity, positions, titles, strengths & gifting) thinking we are not good enough. Stop comparing, instead, focus on here and now, where God sees us! He calls us by name. Yes, He wants us to grow and go there, (HIS there) but He loves and accepts us where we are NOW. May we not only strive to be ‘there’, continuing to grow in and through our weakness to be like Him, but may we experience the ‘God who sees me.’ The God who extends love, grace, mercy, and strength.
Loved one, listen for El Roi, the God who says, lovingly, “I see YOU!” I see you NOW, who you are NOW, what you are NOW, I am the God of your NOW!” Stop, and engage with Him NOW! Your goal is not only there, but here, now.
Where are you going?
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Heb. 10:24)
Left Handed in the Bible?
I get asked a lot of questions and some are just plain fun to dive into, research and find some amazing stuff. If I can’t find an intelligent answer, I offer “Um, I dunno!” This week I was asked “What is the significance of being left-handed in the Bible?” She was asking in reference to a statement made in Judges 20:16, “Among all these were 700 chosen men who were left-handed; every one could sling a stone at a hair and not miss.” (20:16, emphasis mine) she also wanted to know, “HOW?” I would go about finding the answer.
When we come upon a verse that causes us to take pause, we have to first consider the ‘placement’ of the verse. We back up and re-read (if need be) the WHOLE chapter (even the entire book for context, context determines meaning) and ask the 5 fold questions of scripture, “Who, what, where, why and how?” In this case, the 700 men were being selected by the Benjamites to take on all of the other tribes of Israel. In short: There was a VERY icky vile rape of a concubine, (In bible times: a woman who lives with a man but has lower status than his wife) this happened while in Benjamin territory, done so by men of the town of Gibeah. The husband of the concubine (a Levite) wanted justice. Israel rose (‘as one man’) to seek revenge, all except the Benjamites. “Among all these were 700 chosen men who were left-handed...” These ‘leftys’ were in addition to 26,000 other men. ‘Chosen’ is a key word. This choice “is based on a thorough examination of the situation and not an arbitrary whim.” [- The Complete Word Study Dictionary of the OT] In essence, they went ‘looking’ for left-handed men. Again, WHY?
I found the term ‘left-handed’ in the Hebrew is ‘itter’ and only mentioned 2 times in scripture. Here in this chapter AND… in chapter 3 of this same book. ‘Itter’ literally means; ‘not of the right hand’ (or impeded use of the right hand) thus …left handed. Now looking at Judges 3, Israel had AGAIN went about doing ‘evil in the eyes of the Lord’, He set a few nations to stand against them (v2) “He (God) did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience.” God allowed the bad king Eglon of Moab to help teach His lesson. Israel cried out to God and He sent ‘Ehud’ who just happened to be left-handed ANNNND, he was a Benjamite!!! (See the connection?) Ehud goes on to defeat the bad king, Moab became subject to Israel and there was peace in the kingdom for 80 yrs. THIS, I am sure was handed down, all of Israel KNEW the story of the ‘left-handed’ Benjamite – Ehud!
A side note: Throwing in Jewish custom/culture: Right opposed to left: When blessing, the right hand is extended (i.e. Genesis 48, Joseph blessing his 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; 44:4, etc.) and which was worthy of the Psalmists’ praises (Ps. 98:1; 118:15, 16, etc.).
If the ‘left’ is considered ‘weak’ (as opposed to the right/strength) it quite ironic that after the Israelites turned back to God, He chose the ‘weak’ handed man ‘Ehud’ to deliver them? Being left or right handed does not determine 
value! (Please understand that) Left-handed vs right is more ‘symbolic’ than anything.
Back in Judges 20, the Benjamites take a stand against all the others, so they ‘chose’ 700 leftys – in hopes of having an ‘advantage.’ Granted, they “could sling a stone at a hair and not miss.” But could it be that they pulled from their past, went looking for the left-handed guys, because it was something that worked before!
How possibly could this ‘left-handed’ story apply to US? In bible study it is called, ‘pulling a principle.’ We can’t always reach from our past, in hopes that what worked ‘then’ will work now. God used the ‘lefty’ (‘symbolic’ weak handed) man to show the Israelites that when they are in fellowship with Him, He takes the least and makes the MOST. Ehud, said, “For the LORD has given Moab your enemy into your hands.” (v28) When we are weak, HE is strong. Jesus said to Paul, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” (2 Cor. 12:9) Man used the left, God used the right.
Remember what was said back in Judges 3:2 “He did this only to teach warfare to the descendants of the Israelites who had not had previous battle experience.” His lessons take on new angles with each battle. The Benjamites did lose the battle even with the 700 left-handed men who ‘could sling a stone at a hair and not miss.’ (Guess they missed) Also, when God used Ehud against the King of Moab, he was representing ALL of Israel, (kinda their secret weapon) but when the Benjamites tried to ‘reproduce’ the secret weapon (if you will) x700 against their own BROTHERS… it failed. How sad! Chapter 21, the Israelites sat before the Lord and mourned the tribe of Benjamin, “O LORD, the God of Israel, why has this happened to Israel? Why should one tribe be missing from Israel today?” (vv2-3)
New battle, new battle plan. God’s plan.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
*In further digging, I came across another reference to Benjamite warrior advantage, which appears later on in Israel’s story, this is when David was on the run from Saul, and a few men joined him, “These were the men who came to David at Ziklag, while he was banished from the presence of Saul son of Kish. They were among the warriors who helped him in battle; they were armed with bows and were able to shoot arrows or to sling stones right-handed or left-handed; they were kinsmen of Saul from the tribe of Benjamin.” – 2 Chron. 12:1-2
The word here is different, (not ‘itter’) it is ‘simel’ – meaning ‘to go to the left’ a term of direction. So it may be, that these guys were not completely left-handed, but where able to ‘pass to the left successfully’. (Which I could not, my bow would indeed be rendered ineffective) What we know as ‘ambidextrous,’ which is Latin and means “right-handed on both sides,” (Fascinating!) In a broader sense ambidextrous means “facile” (done so effortlessly) or “skillful.”
Interesting Facts: Studies suggest that approximately 10% of the world population is left-handed. The right hemisphere of the brain controls the left side of the body. A person who is “right-brained” is said to be more intuitive, thoughtful, and subjective. This is where our ‘creativeness’ is known to reside. Leftys …
• Use the right side of the brain the most
• Twice as likely to be a man
• Better at multi-tasking
• Of the eight most recent U.S Presidents, 4 have been left handed
• Less able to roll their tongue than a righty
Honest & Transparent, on a Personal Note
“Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much.” Jesus, Luke 7:47
I love this story. It is underlined, circled and highlighted in my bible. It fascinates me, inspires me and frankly resonates deep to my bones. This verse sits on my bookshelf among all my biblical geeky resource books, and they too ‘are many.’ This story of the sinful woman (as the title gives reference in this chapter) is the springboard for my more recent years of PASSION for God and His word.
The narrative states Jesus was invited to the home of Simon, a Pharisee, invited for dinner. While reclining at the meal “a woman who had lived a sinful life … brought a jar of perfume… weeping, she washes Jesus’ feet with her tears, wiping the tears with her hair, kissing them and poured the perfume on His feet.” (vv. 36-38) Simon knowing the reputation of this unnamed gal, thought to himself, “DUDE, if You were a prophet You’d know what kind of woman she is.” Oh He KNEW! In His knowing, He addressed it! After a short exchange of Parable and lesson learned, while looking at Simon, Jesus states “I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much.” Jesus tells the woman, “Your sins are forgiven… Your faith has saved you; go in peace.” (vv. 47,48, 50) These are some of the most profound words printed in red.
Some would read this that she was forgiven ‘because’ she loved much, but if that were true, then her forgiveness would be based on ‘works’ – her loving, even loving the Son of God. Forgiveness is a FREE gift of God’s grace, NOT the result of our works; we can’t ‘earn’ it, even in loving, “We love because He first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) Jesus said it was her FAITH that saved her. Oh and what faith it was! A woman, (that in its self at that time period, was beyond thinkable approaching a man) of her reputation, full of her uncleanness, came to Jesus… as she was. She didn’t disguise herself; she didn’t even hold back emotion. She believed (her actions a result of her belief) if she could get to Jesus, as she was, a repentant sinner, He would NOT send her away. The only sending was ‘in peace.’ Peace. The word is ‘eirene’ in the Greek; it literally means ‘to set at one again.’ What was once toppled over (mankind 
messed up in the Garden…sin) has now been picked up and set in its proper place as it was designed. Sinful woman comes to Jesus, forgiveness given, peace granted. Fascinating side note, in this brief Jesus encounter, the narrative states only one went away forgiven. A similar story; Jesus and another sinful woman and those holding the rocks to stone her disappear and Jesus writing in the sand, His parting words: “Where are your accusers? Didn’t even one of them condemn you?” “No, Lord,” she said. And Jesus said, “Neither do I. Go and sin no more.” (John 8:10-11)
Why this verse on my bookshelf? Well. I went through a very sinful rebellious season a few years ago, where I recklessly violated God’s laws. Oh I loved God, but in my disappointment, unmet expectations, and many hurts I allowed my heart to stray. I have a call on my life, planted there from before I was even born; a call that will, when used of God, heal, restore and deliver hearts and by golly there have been MANY attempts to thwart it, demonic attempts. But frankly (quite honestly and transparently) drawn away mostly of my own ‘undoing.’ (Can you say ‘STUPID!’) I love what Oswald Chambers wrote: “We blame things on the devil that are actually the result of our own undisciplined natures!” Paul speaks to this; “I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway…Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 7:19,25) I had finally come to the end of myself; God graciously allowed me to see the immense damage I was doing to myself and the hurt to His heart. At that point I couldn’t get low enough, prostrate enough on the floor, I couldn’t cry out enough. (See link below for my story)
I am fully persuaded the gal in Luke’s story had to battle against the accusing voices, condemning voices of her past, some said to her and some self-condemning. I too have battled this, but “I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is 
calling us.” (Phil. 3:13,14) And as the writer of Hebrews proclaims, I too say: “I throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and I run with perseverance the race marked out for me. Let me fix my eyes on Jesus, the author and Perfecter of my faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (12:1-2)
Be assured, that stupidity of days gone by has been replaced with gaining wisdom. Wisdom about applying God to every life situation, discouragement, expectation and hurt and when it comes to the thief (I won’t give him the honor of capitalizing the name or title) He “comes ONLY to steal, kill and destroy.” (Jesus declared, John 10:10) I have learned his tactics! They are everchanging. I will continue to dial in. I have placed Jesus before me, His word and that alone. I have set boundaries and asked Holy Spirit to make them impenetrable. My husband wraps his arms around me daily, covering me with his protective prayers. I have made myself accountable to godly women, who yes, look me in the eyes and ask hard questions. A bit extreme? Nope. I am FREE!
Now I in turn ask the hard questions: How about YOU? Do you have disappointments, unmet expectations, or many hurts? Guard, guard, GUARD your heart! Stupidity awaits! I am not belittling the potential sinful path ahead. Are you like the sinful woman(or man) who perhaps needs to muster enough courage to come to Jesus, no disguises, all emotions bare. Cry if need be. But come.
If this is your first time at His feet, believe/confess – “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.” (Romans 10:9-10) He will grant you forgiveness and send you in peace.
Or, if you like me, love God, but find yourself just plain and simply ‘sinful’ (sin is sin, anything that redirects our focus off God and placed on something/someone else, pulling your affections away, behavior and attitudes follow… sin) – Paul writes to the CHRISTIAN, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Remember, what may be ‘sin’ for me may not be qualitifed as such for you, “Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.” (James 4:17) Beyond the clear-cut words in print, if Holy Spirit guides me to do or not do according to my make up, personality or calling, if I violate that directive, then for ME, I walk in sin and out of God’s will for my life.
But please note, that we not splash around in grace haphazardly and become ‘grace abusers.’ Like Paul stated, “What shall we say? Are we to remain in sin in order that God’s grace may multiply and overflow? (Romans 6:1) “May it never be!” May we be sensitive to what breaks God’s heart!
When I reach for a book when I study, when I begin writing God stuff or walk to the front to teach bible study and those accusing words attempt to drift my way, I am reminded of this verse, “Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven—for she loved much.” And loving I will do, my ‘recklessness’ has changed, I am now abandoned to God, unrestrained, uninhibited, and unbridled for Him! Look out devil, she’s UP and going forth!
Please pass this on.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
See my personal testimony here: Restored, https://inspiredfountain.com/2016/06/21/coming-full-circle-restored-personal-testamony/
The Name of Jesus
The Name of Jesus
“Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)
In today’s culture, the name Jesus, (for the majority) flippantly flies off our tongues without a second thought. For some, they use it in vain. I remember a time in an elevator when a young man, said “Jesus” (in a not so kind way.) I just stood there looking at him, he roughly said, “WHAT? I didnt swear!” I simply responded, “You have no idea.” The verse says, “At the name of Jesus, every knee SHOULD bow…” Frankly, it is not a suggestion. Sorry Dude!
For others, the name of Jesus is used habitually only in routine, “In Jesus name, Amen.” I have known a few, who state the name of Jesus with the mentality ‘I want it, to get it, I use it’ as if a magic wand waved over their desires.
Yet, there are those, to them the name is precious, intimate, powerful and spoken with respect.
According to the New Testament all of God is expressed and displayed in Jesus, “For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form…” (Col. 2:9) Jesus, Himself said in John 14:9 “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” In Acts 2:36 and Acts 17:3 it explicitly says that Jesus is the Christ. He is the long awaited Messiah, whom over 100 prophecies were fulfilled – “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”
Both Joseph (Matthew 1:21) and Mary (Luke 1:31) were instructed at different times to name the Son of God, Jesus. There was no confusion, no arguments, no making a list and voting on it. It HAD to be Jesus. There was nothing unusual or outstanding about the name. It was a common name and many Jewish parents named their boys Jesus, up until the second century. In some cultures the name is still given. It takes the Person behind the name to unveil the true impact of the name.
The name Jesus is Iesous in the Greek, (ee-ya-sooce) being used 972 times, meaning ‘salvation’. It comes from the Hebrew word Yeshua or Y’shuah, the name in which Joshua is derived. In short, it is a compound name, Yah, (Yahweh/Jehovah) – yasha (savior, deliverer) Jehovah our Savior. The name speaks of His mission and purpose to mankind, “To seek and save the lost…” (Luke 19:10)
Andrew Murray a well known Theologian says “A name is a word or expression in which a person is represented to us.” The name and title of Jesus Christ varies as we progress through the New Testament. The disciples knew Him first as Jesus, then the Messiah (Christ.) And no Christ was not Jesus’ last name, Christ means ‘Anointed One.’ Thus prior to His resurrection He was primarily known as Jesus Christ. After His resurrection, He often was referred to as Christ Jesus. Paul first knew Jesus from a heavenly perspective (see Acts 9:1-6) his experience reversed to those of the disciples, he was faced with His Lordship, and then knew Him in an intimate way as Jesus. Even Stephen calls out when he was being stoned, “Lord Jesus!” (Acts 7:59).
There is a divine release every time the name of Jesus is used in a godly manner. There is amazing power and authority in the name. Jesus declares 17 times “In My name…” Believers gather (Matthew 18:20) Welcome a child (Mark 9:37) Receive a person in need (Mark 9:41) Bring glory to the 
Father (John 14:13) Request for divine provision (John 14:14) Holy Spirit is sent (John 14:26) Salvation comes in His name, “Everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
We see the disciples operating in the anointing of the Spirit through the name of Jesus, in faith they were sent as His representatives, like those given a Kings signet ring, holding divine authority. Acts 3:6-7, Peter heals the crippled man, “In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk.’ Taking him by the hand, he helped him up and instantly ‘the man’s feet and ankles became strong.’ We too, in faith walk in the same authority! Jesus says; “I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in Me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father.” (John 14:12-13) We will do… SO THAT, the Father is glorified! Jesus.
We are also baptized in the name of Jesus, this is found in what I call the ‘Peter Package’ Acts 2:38, “Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit’, (see also Acts 10:48) Baptism identifies us with Jesus and with the community of believers. We are going down in the waters dead to self, coming up alive in the character of Christ, we now share in the benefits of the fullness of God, yet we also carry the responsibly of that name. Go, do, and be in MY name!
Satan does NOT want people to find out about the true worth of the name of Jesus. “Signs will accompany those who believe. In My name they will drive out demons, they will speak in new tongues.” (in red letters, Mark 16:17) Even the devils are powerless because of His name, “Lord, even the demons obey us when we use Your name!” (Luke 10:17) He knows. So he does everything in his power – so we will not. Charles Stanley writes, “Satan is capable of deceiving you, craftily manipulating you, and seducing you… he’s going to come back again and again. Paul didn’t just admonish us to be strong in the Lord-he told us how to be strong.” (Emphasis mine)
When we speak the name of Jesus and stand clothed in His nature we are telling the devil, “You have to go through Jesus to get to me!” Wahoo! Go GOD! We are told to put on the full amour of God, (Ephesians 6:10-18) in doing this we are wrapping ourselves in the name and identity of Jesus Christ. We are now clothed in righteousness, peace, faith, salvation and we hold and raise the Word of God applicable for every need. James 4:7 (see also 1 Peter 5:8-9) “Resist the devil and he will flee.” This ‘resisting’ is not passive avoidance, but literally means to take a stand, to set oneself against. It is taking an aggressive offense!
I dare to be so bold as to say, that the picture of Jesus has become so 
distorted that at times we still see Him on the canvas painting (and leave Him there) Standing at the door knocking, dressed in His white rob, with His head slightly bent as if to listen for a response and a soft facial expression. BUT … when you need Him most – Revelation chapter 5, He IS standing, but now beside the throne of God, all saints and angels bow and cry out “Worthy, Worthy is the Lamb…” Awesome! I’m not done yet. Chapter 19, Jesus is now seen not as the slain Lamb, BUT the Victorious Warrior… (vv.11-16) “He sat on a white horse… His eyes are a flame of fire….He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, His name is the Word of God, on His thigh is written KING of KINGS and LORD of LORDS!” Now, who do you want in your corner! Jesus.
Listed among the 10 Commandments, is the command: “You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain…” In other words do “Not misuse the name of the LORD your God.” (Exodus 20:7) “Lotish et Shem YHWH Eloheicha I’shav.” (Spell Check hates it when I do that) In the Hebrew, basically “Do not make His name worthless.” Stop – Pause and think on that. May we know Jesus so intimately, His name precious on our tongue, “Jesus.” The name full of power and authority. May it be said with strong confidence knowing “Him that is true…” (1 John 5:20)
Jesus.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
This is an excerpt from “Knowing God by His Names” (see whole study: https://inspiredfountain.com/category/knowing-god-by-his-names-study/
Resources used in this study: Living & Praying in the Name of Jesus – by Dick Eastman & Jack Hayford; Article – Restoration of the Sacred Name (Author Unknown); Article – How Did the Name Jesus Originate? – by Dr. Lee Warren, B.A.,D.D.; He Shall be Called – By Robert J. Morgan; When the Enemy Strikes – by Charles Stanley; The Name of Jesus – by Kenneth E. Hagin; Lexicon of Greek Names; Theological Dictionary of the N.T.; The Strong’s Concordance; The Complete Word Study Dictionary of the Old Testament; The Vines Expository Dictionary; The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament.
Translations Used: Complete Jewish Bible, New American Standard Bible, New International Version, King James Version, English Standard Version, Young’s Literal Translation, Revised Standard Version, New Living Translation, The Hebrew Interlinear. For devotional insight – The Message.
Tattered But True
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalm 46:1 A tattered piece of paper. I carried this with me for days. While standing at the checkout stand at the store, I felt it in my pocket. When reaching for my keys as I held my granddaughters hand when picking her up from kindergarten, it was there, a reminder. The Psalmist wrote, “The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (119:130) and by golly, I be one. Simple. A very simple gesture, to carry a very powerful word.
Each time I pulled this paper out and unfolded it, I was reminded again of the faithfulness of God, even when I don’t sense Him, He is there. ‘Ever-present’ in the Hebrew, is rendered: “…one-being-found exceedingly.” The word ‘present’ here is the 
progressive past tense ‘to find.’ According to ‘context always determines meaning,’ the word picture is amazing. God IS. God is my refuge, He is my strength, He is the ONE being found exceedingly, Presence in my present. I will find Him today, I will find Him tomorrow as my refuge, as my strength.
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Find.
Tattered but true. May we unfold and find.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Our Words Handed Over
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” – Proverbs 18:21
In our ladies group we have been seeking wisdom as we splash around in the book of Proverbs. This week we looked at the wisdom of our WORDS. May I just begin with, “OUCH!” How painful to see how our words hurt, cripple and potentially destroy. Yet, in turn they have the ability to extend love, health and kindness. As the ladies came in to class, I instructed them to think of a word, just one positive ‘word’ that was either spoken to them with impacting results or a word they desire would be given to them, write it down on the bright 3×5 card provided and then place it face down on the table (leaving it there for now.)
Studying this week I came across something that I wish I would have known YEARS ago. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue…” Power. Power here in the Hebrew is ‘yad’ which literally is … hand. Yes, that’s right, I checked multiple resources … ‘hand.’ The Hebrew bible words it: “Death and life are in the hand of the tongue…” According to ‘context always determines meaning,’ the word picture can translate as: We can either hand someone encouragement that births life or hand them strangling devastating words that 
tear down and destroy. Not only are we to consider and nurture what is in our heart, but also how that transfers to what we are ‘handing over’ with our words. Paints a vibrant picture doesn’t it! Jesus said, “But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart...” – Matthew 15:18
‘Yad’ also conveys the idea of strength and power. Our words have creative power, what I say to another can potentially help carve out an understanding about themselves, others or a circumstance. Is the carving good or harmful? Or may we consider also when leaving a conversation, have you like me, quickly regret what we did NOT say? Oh we don’t want to leave the person ‘empty handed’, with words we didn’t hand over – life giving words of love, hope and generosity. “Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” – Proverbs 12:18 May we leave healing in their hands.
I was taken to Genesis 14; Abram, (not yet called Abraham) had just successfully rescued his nephew Lot from being taken captive by a group of mean Kings, he along with the inhabitants of Sodom, which included all their stuff as well. Abram bringing the folks home, was met by the King of Sodom, the king told Abe that he just wanted his people and Abe could keep all the loot. I love Abram’s response, “I have raised my hand to the LORD God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing belonging to you…” Amazing response, but wait for it… “I have raised my hand…” Hand, ‘yad.’ Because of the relationship with his God, Abe raised his ‘power’ to say NO! Even though taking the stuff would make Abe even wealthier, he knew of the wickedness of Sodom and wanted no part of it. Immediately following this, God tells Abram, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward.” (15:1) There is reward in the power of righteously saying “NO!” A word of strength.
A side note: When communicating with someone, when they go to hand us words, words that are not uplifting, words of discouragement, hurtful or full of destructive power. Don’t take it. Patsy Clairmont said, “Have you ever considered that our spoken words not only go out, but they also go in?” Yes, by all means seek if the words are true, even though not given kindly, ask God to help us make proper adjustments, but refuse taking in destructive words. Doing so, is not a healthy habit.
In the closing of class, to help visualize all this, I asked the ladies to take the 3×5 card with their cherished word on it and hand it to the person next to them. They had just demonstrated how our spoken words are placed in the hands of others. (See what you’re missing at Bible study.)
Does this require awareness? Yes. Does it require Holy Spirit accountability? Yes. Does it take discipline? Yes. Growing maturity? Yes. And because we are fallible people, our heart and words will fail us, does it at times take forgiveness? Yes.
Words. If you can’t find the right, kind, GOOD words, as my dad used to say, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.” (Primarily with us said in reference to speaking with siblings.) It could be summed up in Proverbs 30:32b “Lay thine hand upon thy mouth.” King Jimmy.
For my beloved Janice. “Forgive me.”
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
In addition to the above, we viewed Beth Moore’s video teaching ‘Wising Up’ her study of the book of Proverbs.
Commit?
“Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart. COMMIT your way to the LORD; trust in Him and He will act.” – Psalm 37:4-5 (emphasis mine)
‘Commit’ is a very (did I say ‘very’) active word picture. In the Hebrew, it means to roll away or roll into a heap. Yet it’s meaning can breathe, “To roll away from oneself and upon someone else.” Let’s stop and think about this for a brief moment. This rolling is an act of … trust. It is allowing yourself to be engulfed into something else. (Let’s read that again and consider our recent ‘engulfment‘)
King David wrote: “Everyone who sees me mocks me. They sneer and shake their heads, saying, “Is this the one who relies on the LORD? Then let the LORD save him! If the LORD loves him so much, let the LORD rescue him!” – Psalm 22:7-8 “Relies” is the same word. They knew David ‘rolled himself up in God.’ It was evident.
David committed. He goes on to pen, “I will declare Your name to my brothers; in the congregation I will praise You… All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the LORD … and will bow down before Him.” (vss 22, 27)
The best picture to describe this would be like a snowball, as it rolls in the snow, it takes on more and more and MORE snow, until what it was as it started is no 
longer distinguishable, it takes on new form. It becomes what it was rolled in. Committed.
The author of Proverbs addresses this: “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the thoughts and intents of the heart. (AMP) Commit your actions to the LORD, and your plans will succeed.” (NLT, Proverbs 16:2,3) Roll it all up in God!
Let us keep in mind, WHATever, WHOever we commit ourselves to, we become rolled up as one.
May we commit, rolling ourselves up in God, all that He is, all that He says and all that He has for us.
Committed.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
No More ‘Kick Me’
I read daily from a variety of authors, I adore Charles Spurgeon, Andrew Murray, Oswald Chambers, Ann Spangler just to name a few. Of recent, I have begun going through the Psalms on a daily basis, reading “This Year, The Psalms” by Jim Kutnow.
This week we are in Psalm 49, “No man cannot redeem themselves from death by paying a ransom to God. Redemption does not come so easily, for no one can ever pay enough to live forever and never see the grave.” (vss 7-9) In Mr Kutnow’s expository notes, he took us to Paul’s strong statement of being RANSOMED: “God made Him (Jesus) who had no sin to become sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God“ (2 Cor. 5:21, emphasis mine) Mr Kutnow goes on to say, “So worthy in God’s sight is Christ’s atoning work that it is sufficient to pay the sin debt of every human being who has ever lived or whoever will live. (Inserting a hardy “AMEN!”) However, only those who personally trust in Christ’s atoning work have that value applied to themselves.” I have to admit, I had to stop and laugh (kinda) at the imagery it yelled (for me) I pictured an exchange of ‘signs’ (if you will) We are no longer identified with a ‘Kick Me’ or ‘Loser’ or ‘Condemned’ on our back. NO. We now have a new sign ‘applied’ to us, JESUS!
And those of us who mucked things up pretty bad, we hang our head and with a
shrug we shuffle off onto the sidelines. WAIT. Stop. Turn around. Your relationship with God intact, but you may have injured your fellowship with Him, BUT… “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9 Fellowship restored. Most use this verse as an evangelistic tool, however, John wrote it under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, “This is the message we have heard from Him and declare to you…” (v5) Who are the ‘you?’ Christians. Jesus followers. They (we) have already took the steps into the God arena.
So I encourage us, to stand tall and wear Christ’s applied atoning work. He is the answer for Psalm 49, He IS enough!
If need be, seek out the Faithful One, come in agreement with Him (confess) and re-adjust your sign.
Identified as one of His.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Holy Green Thumb Gardening
Tulips, daffodils and cheery blossomed trees, SPRING. Can I hear an AMEN! With it brings, spring cleaning, garage sales and garden plotting. For many of us, we may not have a green thumb even though we find ourselves standing in the garden center of Home Depot staring at the veggie plants with lofty dreams of luscious gardens.
To have a healthy garden, you need healthy soil. Jesus spoke of this in Luke chapter 8, the Parable of the farmer, the seed and the dirt (DeDe’s paraphrase) He spoke of four different ‘garden spots’ each representing the human heart and how it hears and responds to the seed, which is the word of God. First is the indifferent heart, the seed falls on the path, it is trampled down and doesn’t grow, basically becomes bird food. ‘Wayside hearers’ allow the seed to be easily snatched away. Second is the inconsistent heart, seed landing in the rocky 
ground, they believe for a while, they begin to sprout, but they don’t really allow their roots to go deep, they are great beginners, yet not good ‘finishers.’ Their results? They soon dry up and die. Third, the distracted heart, seed landing in the weed area, so many weeds, worries and even pleasures which eventually chokes life right out of them. Then, the fourth, the devoted heart, the one who hears the word, clings to it, nurtures and watches it mature in their life.
The well tended healthy soil.
The Lord showed me a picture 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, being the word of God to them. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a great word of knowledge, or pulling out the 4 Spiritual Laws, it may be a simple heartfelt word of encouragement. As Paul exhorts, “…speech as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace to those who hear it.” (Eph. 4:29) What we say or do may just be what that person needs to help rake over and remove some rocks in their heart. John wrote: “Let us stop just saying we love people; let us really love them, and show it by our actions.” (1 John 3:18)
Remembering a few years ago, I pulled my car up to get gas, it was a chilly and windy day. The poor attendant shuffling up, opening my window I caught the smell of ‘breakfast’ at the nearby Jack in the Box. 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. With a surprised look, he said “What is this for?” I 
told him “Just because and pass on the kindness and God loves YOU.” “THANKS!” He exclaimed. As I drove away I prayed for him and for the next God-lover who comes through his line, that they too would share God’s love boldly. We are used of God in His orchestrating events in other people’s’ lives, IF we are obedient. I may have just helped till his ground and perhaps pull a few weeds. We never know the heart condition of those who cross our path. The attendant’s heart, or might I say, his soil now ready (or more ready) for the Word, the life changing Word. The next person shares their testimony along with the gospel, he might, just might hear it with a lil bit less rocky ears.
So we can have a HOLY green thumb, planting kindness and love, God’s word in ACTION. Did God love the gas attendant enough to send me to buy him breakfast? YES! Did God love me enough to speak a word for me to obey? Yes!
Here’s a challenge, while out eating, just before you bow your head, when the food server brings your meal, tell them you are about to pray and ask them if there is anything you could pray for, for THEM. (I have never had someone turn me down.) Pulling weeds and removing a few rocks.
How are our gardening skills? 
Perhaps we need to consider the condition of our own soil, is it labeled indifferent, inconsistent, distracted or devoted.
Have a great God-loving, green thumb gardening week.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)
Post Easter, Now What?
Squishy marshmallow Peeps, earless chocolate bunnies and left over deviled eggs in the frig. Post Easter. Now what? Do we just rummage through the calendar for another holiday or event to look forward to? What excites us for the future or even … daily? For some of us, it is the planning and anticipation that is as exciting as the event. May I be so bold in asking, what causes our insides to burn with excitement, what consumes our mind and emotions?
Post Easter.
Jesus’ resurrection. AMAZING! WONDERFUL! But let’s not stop there. There’s MORE! Let’s unpack this in brief summary. Stay with me, this is good! Luke 24, it speaks of the women going to the tomb, once there they find two angels who notify them that Jesus was no longer there, the gals go back to tell the others. Peter, as energetic as he was, runs to go see and confirm. Just following that, (v13) it says “Now that same day…” It proceeds to unfold the story of the two walking to Emmaus, who unknown to them at first, encounter Jesus. They are flabbergasted that this Stranger didn’t know what had just transpired in Jerusalem. They shared their disappointment, “We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.” Going on they explained how Jesus’ body was not found. Verse 27, “Then he (Jesus) started at the beginning, with the Books of Moses, and went on through all the Prophets, pointing out 
everything in the Scriptures that referred to him.” WOW, I’d love a one on one instant Bible study from the lips of the Master!
It wasn’t until Jesus was seated at their table, in their home and they accepted the bread He offered that their eyes were opened and they knew who He was. I LOVE their response, “They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” (v32, emphasis mine)
Their hearts burning within them. I want spiritual heart burn! I want my soul, mind, thoughts, passions, desires and appetites to burn with Him and His word! The word Luke chooses to use here for ‘burning’ is very colorful. It doesn’t just mean to strike a match and light the kindling and watch it slowly give off heat. No, it RAVISHES through the wood and consumes it! It can be likened to the Hebrew word imagery found in Psalm 39:3 as King David shares “… my insides got hotter and hotter…”
Yet some would argue that the two didn’t even recognize Jesus when He shared the WORD with them. However, the author of Hebrews declares strongly, “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.” – Hebrews 4:12 And Paul pens, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) To have the very Son of God, His presence and He b-r-e-a-t-h-e these words to them, teaching them, training them, THAT would cause their heart to burn. Not to mention some ‘double-edged’ dividing goin on. Notice that Jesus didn’t lay hands on them, put mud on their eyes, or have them go wash in a nearby pool. He didn’t even send them to the Priest for verification; He simply… walked with them. Walking and talking, they were transformed. The narrative says they got up at once and went back to Jerusalem testifying that Jesus was indeed RISEN.
For us? The next time we find our seat at church or open the Bible for devotion time, let’s not day dream off to another place or become bored with it. Let’s receive the bread Jesus offers, allow, INVITE Him to ‘point out everything in the scriptures’ and take a walk with Him, our resurrected Lord. May we breathe a whisper to the Holy Spirit, two words, just two life changing words… BURN LORD! With Your Presence, with Your word. Throwing our holiday circled calendar aside, be AMAZED at how exciting the word is, how exciting Jesus is.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
At Jesus’ Feet
While studying for our ladies group on the 7 I AM statements of Jesus, I found that Mary of Bethany is mentioned only three times. You know, Mary the gal at Jesus’ feet, while her sister, Martha Stewart of the day was busy in the kitchen. In these three mentions, Mary is found at Jesus’ feet, (Luke 10, John 11 and John 12)
In the Lazarus scenario, (John 11) she falls at Jesus’ feet and says “Lord if you would have been here my brother would not have died.” These are the ONLY recorded words of Mary. All that time previously at His feet and her only recorded words are “Lord, if …” And Thomas gets the bum rap for doubt!
I set my bible aside and thought about Mary. We know the story of Martha complaining to Jesus about Mary not helping her and His response; Mary has ‘chosen what is better.’ (Luke 10:42) It is her/our choice.
I find it also interesting, Martha hears of Jesus’ arrival in Bethany and goes to meet him, running from the family home. Mary stays behind. The custom of the day was for family and friends to come and mourn for days alongside the hurting. Martha goes alone. But when Jesus sends for Mary, she ‘got up quickly and went to Him,’ (John 11:29) here the mourning folks set their Kleenex aside and sprint off after her. Did they hear her words to Jesus? All that time listening at His feet, now her family and friends hear her brief testimony? Could they have only caught the “IF?”
Oh this spoke volumes to me. Here, Mary was at Jesus’ feet near her brother’s tomb, it didn’t seem to matter the posture, or the previous presence, the time spent at His feet, what mattered was her heart…our heart… MY heart HAS to be transformed with a true revelation of Jesus. When I read His word …He Does… He will… He is. And THAT be my testimony. Yes, I want to be real with folks, but I always want JESUS to be my testimony, that the ‘ifs’ be lost in the foreground, and doubt be left behind as I run to Him.
When Jesus called Lazarus forth, He began thanking the Father stating He was praying aloud ‘for the benefit of the people standing here, that they may believe You sent Me… LAZARUS, COME OUT!” Go God!
At Jesus’ feet.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Yes, there is more, more to Mary’s story. Mary witnessed the resurrection of her dead (4 days) brother. As he walks out of the tomb, Jesus tells someone to remove his grave clothes, untangle the death and LIVE. Just one chapter later, Mary is pouring expensive perfume on Jesus’ feet, she now KNOWS He is…
IT IS FINISHED, Red Letter Easter!
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 let’s step out of the exegesis box (interpreting the scriptures) for a brief moment, to get an amazing snap shot of Jesus, His strength, authority, His love and compassion.
Without all the narrative, those stand alone red words pack a powerful punch, knowing they are Jesus. There are dramatic statements, strong commands and tender words. “Let it be so…” (Matthew 3:15) “It is written…” (Matthew 4:4) “Get up…” (Matthew 9:6) “Take courage it is I…” (Matthew 14:27) “Quiet, be still…” (Mark 4:39) “Come forth …” (John 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…” (Luke 9:20) “Then neither do I condemn you...” (John 8:11) “I am He…” (John 18:6).
These are just a few, but there is one more that 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. 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 given to Jesus, He said “It is FINISHED…” (John 19:30 emphasis mine) He then bowed His head and gave up His spirit.
It is finished. The word in the 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. What is done corresponds to what has been said, ordered or commanded. (“Not My will, but Your will be done.” – Jesus, Luke 22:42, Matthew 26:39) It is accomplishing something not merely to end it, but bring it to perfection for its designed goal.”* (Please read that again) It signifies the successful end to a particular course of action. Grammatically in the Greek, it is a crucial word; it is in the ‘perfect tense.’ Meaning the action was completed in the past with results continuing in the present. Basically, “This happened and it is still in effect TODAY.” One might say, “The gift that keeps on giving.” This is different from ‘past tense’ which points to an event, declaring ‘This happened.’ Nothing more. The end.
NOT our Jesus, He is our NOW God!
As Jesus said this, His blood flowing down His forehead, from His hands and His feet, He declares sharply, His sacrifice, now eliminating the debt owed by mankind … you and me. May we take careful notice, Jesus didn’t say. “I am finished.” That would imply He a mere man and died defeated. Instead, He declares, “It is finished.” When He died and with His resurrection power, He left no unfinished business behind, He successfully completed the work He came 
to do.
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, with the authority given by Jesus Himself, as inspired by Holy Spirit carry on with the red letter commands, statements and tender words.
Move over Easter Bunny, here comes the risen King! “It is finished!” Relationship offered, relationship restored. May we live each day as a red letter day!
Blessed Easter to you and yours,
In Him, DeDe & Mark (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.”~ Hebrews 10:24)
* Complete Word Study Dictionary of the New Testament, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament, Vine’s Expository of New Testament Words, Strong’s Greek Dictionary, Theological Dictionary of the New Testament, Expository Dictionary of Bible Words, NASB Hebrew-Greek Dictionary, Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon. Greek Interlinear Bible words it: “He said, “It has been accomplished.” (Yes, I am a geek)
Shepherded
Psalm 23, the shepherds Psalm. It may be the most smudged-bent corner page, with a lot of underlining going on in our bible. When we need comfort we turn there, when we need encouragement we flip to it.
Interesting, most scholars are in agreement that David wrote this poetic declaration later in his life, many years beyond his childhood. The once shepherd-boy now reigning king, with noble reality… felt, KNEW he needed to be shepherded, his opening words, “The LORD is my shepherd…”
Within the ancient Hebrew there are different writing styles in the Psalms, some are Acrostic, meaning each line begins with the successive letters of the Hebrew alphabet. (See Ps. 9,10,25,34,37,111,112,119 and 145) Yet, they all hold the same theory that the middle of each Psalm carries the central theme. For the Shepherds Psalm, it is the latter part of verse 4, “… you are with me…” How beautiful is THAT. You can almost hear David, “I can’t do it alone, I made it out of the fields, now king and yet I find myself only a sheep needing to be shepherded.” Even though years have passed since his own shepherding days, what he writes is of current status, older David speaking of God as his Shepherd, “He makes me…leads… restores me… guides. (NOT – He made, led, restored and guided) It wasn’t a reflective time of days gone by. God was now.
How ironic though, often in today’s society we tend to gather our stuff and head out the door with great enthusiasm “I GOT THIS!” But do we? As we return home hurt, defeated and depleted of all energy not to mention a few torn up dreams. Do we allow our God to shepherd us? Does He make us, lead, restore 
us and guides us? Do we find ourselves in green pastures, NOT the envious stuff beyond the fences of our neighbors, but good GOD green stuff? (Let’s be real folks!) Are we enjoying quiet-safe waters? How about rest and refreshment?
As David writes, you can see a shift of focus. The first few verses are in the 3rd person, “He does…” as if pointing over at God and telling someone about Him, now in verses 4-5, “YOU are with me…YOUR rod and YOUR staff … YOU prepare a table… YOU anoint my head.” He is talking TO God rather than about Him, so very personal.
David knew the process of shepherding, the tools of the shepherd. The staff was used not only for ‘prodding’ along and warding off danger, but for counting. As the sheep would pass under the staff, the shepherd would inspect each sheep, placing his hands on them, they knew the comforting, protective touch and 
voice of the shepherd. David moved from the process of shepherding to … surrendering to the Shepherd.
Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” – John 10:11,14 May we too be shepherded, as we tell others about Him and make it so very personal, talking to Him, “YOU…!” May we pass under His staff and be counted among His own, knowing – hearing His guidance, His protection, His hands on us. Allowing, INVITING His direction to refreshing waters and perhaps some prodding. And oh His pursuit – “Surely Your goodness and love…”
I close with the words of Jesus’ brother Jude “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen” – verses 24,25
Shepherded.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another toward love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)
Discerning the Good God Stuff
In our women’s group this week, we looked at counterfeit light, in contrast to Jesus being the Light of the world. To determine what is truly light, the God, genuine light as opposed to darkness disguising as light, (that’s a mouth full) we must hold it up to the light of God’s Word. “The unfolding of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple.” (Psalm 119:130)
The first thing that came to mind for me is when a banker holds up a $100 dollar bill, they hold it up to the light, having the ability to see through it, see if the distinguishing markings are present. If they are not, then it is deemed 
counterfeit. So it is with us, holding something up to the light of God’s word helps us determine its genuineness, does it have ‘God markings’ or blemishes not designed to be present.
Paul speaks of this in his letter to the Philippians: “And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” (1:9-11, emphasis mine) Discernment.
Preacher and theologian Charles Spurgeon said, “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right and wrong. It is knowing the difference between right and almost right.” Oh boy! How many of us have opted to go with a-l-m-o-s-t right, thinking it is close enough. Nope. We are to abound in knowledge and discernment. With things and people we love, do we use discernment? Do we attempt to call it for what it is or white wash it and tag a name on it to better ease our conscience. (Oh, God help us!) We are called to rightly judge, to properly evaluate and wisely assess the value. Remember the ‘value’ chart is God’s. Does this thing-person-circumstance align with God’s chart (see chart on page 1 of the Bible and continues to Revelations.)
What is the opposite of sound discernment? To reason falsely, here’s the kicker (to ones backside) … to miss-think. For some of us, we not only miss the target in thinking, we neglected to set the target up, and in our laziness we failed to take true aim.
Paul goes on to say that due to our abounding in knowledge and ability to discern, approving good God stuff, we would be sincere. Sincere. It holds the most captivating imagery. Tradesmen of the day used this word often, when 
dealing with merchandise desired to be ‘genuine’. The literal meaning is ‘judged by sunlight.’ A customer seeking a genuine, ‘sincere’ sculpture would ask the merchant/artist to take the item out into the sunlight. If at one point the sculpture had been cracked or needed repairing, the artist would use wax fixing the repairs. The sunlight would indeed melt the wax, thus revealing the cracks or blemishes. If no cracks were seen, the item would be considered ‘sincere’.
Before we take off running with our new found item, mindset, relationship or circumstance, let’s hold’r up just a quick moment, lift it up to God’s word and check for genuineness, is it the real deal, good God stuff. If we have to, take it to a ‘filled with fruits of righteousness’ friend, have them hold it up, see what they see.
Discerning light from darkness.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)
Wholehearted?
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD…” – God, Jeremiah 29:11-14 (emphasis mine)
This is very familiar to many of us. We love the part about God’s great plans for us filled with hope. Throw in a prosperous future and we are all over it! But do we (I) stop there and dismiss the latter part. MY part.
“You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD.” At a glance in certain translations He uses the same word, but in the original Hebrew, He doesn’t. Seek, He uses two slightly different words. In our seeking, we seek. Sounds like a nursery school rhyme.
The first ‘seek’ (baqash) is to search. We set out to find God, find His presence, call out to Him. This specifically is done through worship or prayer. We step into prayer and call on His name. The 2nd ‘seek’ (darash) is one of searching also, but it is MORE. It is a seeking to ‘find,’ an insistent searching. The verse implies ‘it is not sufficient to merely seek, but to also want the response to that seeking.’* It isn’t a haphazard, doing a quick ‘looksie’ over your shoulder, “Yup, I looked.” Kinda like sending our kids into their room to clean it, they come back out 10 
minutes later, stating they cleaned it, when they just kicked the piles under their bed; it wasn’t done thoroughly or wholeheartedly.
I once read, God wants us to seek Him as a man seeks for gold. Gold miners didn’t get the map and just merely stand on the ridge from a distance, declaring “There’s gold in them hills” as they shielded their eyes from the sun. NO, they gathered their tools and with great determination they went to the hills! They dug, they worked with intensity until they FOUND! Until they got results, they sought until they got a response. THAT is how we are to seek, and in our seeking, we seek. THEN , in the very same breath, God said, “I will be found by you.” (Jer. 29:14)
David said, “My heart says of you, “Seek His face!” Your face, LORD, I will seek.” He goes on to say in his earnest ‘seeking’ “Do not hide Your face from me, do not turn Your servant away in anger; You have been my Helper. Do not reject me or forsake me, O God my Savior.” (Ps. 27:8-9) THAT was both baqash and darash. He didn’t stop with seeking God out, he stayed, waited for a response.
In a nut shell, God is there, always there, it’s all about how we approach our seeking, He wants us ALL in. God wants it wholeheartedly. Do we deem Him important enough, like that of valuable gold nuggets? Do we move past the distance and with map in hand, we move out and get to digging?
“May all who seek You rejoice and be glad in You, may those who love Your salvation always say “Let God be exalted!” – Ps. 70:4
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24
*Biblical Hermeneutics
Throw Away & Dump the Baggage
A few months ago I had the privilege of teaching our ladies group about faithfulness. We were looking at the God qualities of the Fruit of the Spirit (found in Galatians 5:22,23) We determined that faith and faithfulness are not the same, the first precedes the latter. Faith is a firm persuasion, conviction, belief in the truth. Faith is the assurance in our heart and mind of what we hope for, and the certainty of what we do not see. (Heb. 11:1) Though not directly in front of us, we visualize what God intends to do in a given situation (according to His Word)and faithfulness is acting in harmony with it. It is not fantasy or pretending, it is taking what we know of God and applying HIM to our circumstance.
Faith is our reception of God’s word. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Ro. 10:17) Faithfulness is our response to His word. We live our life in such a way, clearly declaring a firm assurance, God is Who He said He is and will DO what He says He will do. Our actions convey that we truly …BELIEVE Him! Faith in relationships, is confidence in the person’s character and motives and the task we have entrusted to them. Do we trust God’s character and His motives? Do we trust Him with our care and our very lives?
Now keep tracking with me…
We all have us some BAGGAGE don’t we? Emotional and even spiritual baggage. Baggage full of memories of our past that hold us captive, baggage that weighs us down with guilt, and baggage full of 
doubt and worry. For some of us we packed our bags with deceit done to us and the pain tucked in the side pockets. Baggage.
Solomon wrote “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven …a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away.” (Ecc. 3:1,6 emphasis mine) Some of us need to crack open the bags and throw away! Paul strongly states, “You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self … be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. (Eph. 4:22,24 – see also Col.3:8-9, 1 Jn. 1:9) What you once were, in the past… no longer fits and frankly is extremely out of date and style! SO, why carry it around with you! God wants us to unpack our bags, empty out all hidden compartments (Sounds so ‘007’ agent like) dumping the bags and exchange them for a life of faith. Those muscles and energy used for carrying all the stuff, will now be used and spent for JESUS!
I shared all this WHILE holding a clear handled box filled with ‘Yes’ pieces of paper. I carried it as I walked back and forth teaching. Emphasizing instead of all the icky baggage, we set it all aside, AND walk away! Each time a circumstance comes our way or the memories of the past attempt to invade our thoughts, we ‘YES’ (we don’t just ‘say’ yes, we YES in attitude, 
behavior and life style) to believing God is Who He said He is and will do what He promises to do, our box filling with God. And the meaning behind the transparent box? We want others see our ‘yes’ to Him, encouraging them too to unpack, walk away and YES Jesus.
Is this all easy? Not for a second! It is only with the help of Holy Spirit’s grace and work in our lives. My hubby said there may be duplicate ‘Yeses’ because we tend to lay down and then run back and dig through the stuff again. SO true! Even so, keep yes(ing) soon with God’s help the stuff will grow way to old, we WILL walk away (and stay away.)
Paul, the guy who held the coats of those who stoned Stephen as he preached the Good News, after Paul’s revelations of Jesus, said: “Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Phil. 3:13-14) THAT is some great unpacking!
Faithfulness, our response to God and His word. Living a life filled with YES!Clearly declaring a firm assurance, God is Who He said He is and will DO what He says He will do.
“Healing doesn’t mean the damage never existed. It means the damage no longer controls our lives.” (Unknown)
“For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” ascends to God for His glory.” (2 Cor. 1:20)
Bags down. Walking away. AMEN! Living in Christ. YES!
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another toward love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)
Life in the Valley
Isn’t it interesting that we strive for the mountain tops, but once there we turn and gaze back down at the now declared ‘beautiful’ valley below. Charles Spurgeon said, “We find that most men confess that God is God of the hills, but they forget that He is also Lord of the valleys.” Yes, there is beauty in the valley. It is THERE that the waters flow. It is from the valley that we can only look up. From there sunrises and sunsets are the most spectacular.
Valleys are to be explored (Deut. 1, spies come back with good report) They are a place to wage war (1 Sam. 17, David & Goliath) Valleys are for fresh water (Gen. 26 Isaacs servants dig 3 prosperous wells) A valley is a place of rebuilding (2 Chron. 33 Manasseh rebuilt the outer wall) There is victory in the valley (Judges 6 & 7 Gideon over the Midianites, 2 Sam. 8 Davids victories) Valleys are a place for dwelling (Gen. 26:17, “Isaac encamped in the Valley of Gerar, where he settled.”)
Valleys are not just to be admired from the mountain top, life happens in the valley. May we not always be looking beyond our valley, but learning and exploring and thriving in the valley.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)
YHWH, The Great I AM
The Needle. My sister and I used to love to pore through the magazine, ‘Country.’ It was full of beautiful colored photos of landscapes, old barns and wheelbarrows filled with flowers. Amongst the photos and handed down recipes, they hid a small ‘needle’ somewhere in the issue. I became obsessed with finding that needle. Once found, it was SO apparent where it was, I was amazed I had missed it.
Unlike the needle, God’s word is not hidden to us. In the Old Testament God’s 
name is almost always translated LORD in the English Bible, appearing some 6500+ times. THAT is a lot of name dropping! LORD as in all caps. And no, it was not the authors attempt to yell Gods name or a typo on the publisher’s part. This is referred to as the ‘Tetragrammaton’ (Greek for ‘consisting of 4 letters’) In the original text, it is YHWH, (Yahweh, or some translations use Jehovah) and occurs in every OT book except Ecclesiastes and Esther. The all caps distinguish it from other Hebrew names for God. (i.e. ‘Lord’ which is Adonai, meaning ‘Master’) LORD is built on what God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3, after God tells him to go to Egypt and demand His people are set free, Moses asks what His name is. He isn’t necessarily asking ‘What shall I call You?” Rather he is asking “WHO are You?” According to Jewish thought and tradition, a name is not a random word, but the name of the person conveys their nature, character and essence. God answers him as such: “I AM WHO I AM, This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I AM has sent me to you.”
I AM.
Although He had been known as El Shaddai (God Almighty) the covenant keeping God to the patriarchs, (Abe, Isaac & Jacob) now He wanted His people to know Him, experience Him also as Deliverer, in their now and continue to be known. “Therefore, say to the Israelites: ‘I am the LORD, and I will bring you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians. I will free you from being slaves to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with mighty acts of judgment. I will take you as My own people, and I will be your God. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God, who brought you out from under the yoke of the Egyptians.” (Exodus 6:6-7)
Looking to the scholars, most are in agreement, ‘I AM’ conveys ‘to be.’ The root word signifies existence. One might say, “I am present is what I am” God’s all-pervading, ever-present nature, character and essence in our here and now. He is the “I AM THAT I AM” -the One Who was, Who is and is to come. (Revelation 1:8).
Jesus bolding stated in John 8:58 “I tell you the truth, before Abraham was born, I am!” The Jews were so irate; they picked up stones to kill Him, such an awesome-fearful thing for Him to say. (Go God!) In the olive grove (John 18) when Judas approached with the soldiers, they said they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus answers, “I am He.” (Literally, “I am.”) The narrative says the soldiers drew back and fell to the ground, struck no doubt by the MAJESTY of His words.
Just like the needle, the LORD wants us to see Him, (um …6500+ repetitive use of His name assures that) He wants us to know Him, may He be so ever apparent. Each time we read ‘LORD’ let us take pause, look at the context, insert “The Great I AM, the One Who is…” Like David wrote, “Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14) “O, LORD…the Great I AM! The One Who is and ever will be… my strength and my redeemer!”
May the written word flow and bleed into our everyday lives, that not only on the parchment may we see and seek after Him, the LORD, but LOOK for Him in our everyday, the Great I AM.
The author of Hebrews wrote: “But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him.” (Hebrews 11:6, emphasis mine)
God says, “I AM.” We say, “He is.”
And for you Scrabble players, ‘Tetragrammaton’ … BOOM! 67 points!
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Side Note: The most devout of Judaism, will to this day not pronounce His 
name aloud. It is known as the Unutterable Name, the “Ineffable Name” (too great or extreme to be expressed or described in words.) Even when reading the scriptures when they see LORD, they will replace with Adonai, or Ha-Shem (The Name) So honoring.
Sticky Notes From God
“Backup.” For the past week or two every time I open my laptop I see the now bent and ruffled orange sticky note that simply reads, “Backup.” I put it there to remind me. It was brought to my attention that I haven’t backed up my computer in a very long time. All my teaching notes from a recent series on the Fruit of the Spirit, devotionals and family pictures sat dangerously unsecured. Each time I sat down to study, read emails or peruse through Facebook, that sticky note was glanced at, unheeded and then quickly forgotten. Although I had set the reminder there for me to take action, it soon became familiar. So familiar that I really didn’t give it much notice.
As I took the sticky note off yesterday (AFTER I finally backed up the computer) I felt the Holy Spirit nudge me that at times I treat Him the same (OUCH!) Head hung, shoulders slumped, a prayer whispered, “Forgive me.” We do that don’t we? Sometimes God, and God’s word is such a large part of our life, that we just assume He/it will always be there. Oh He will, but by golly I NEVER want to take Him or His word for granted, that I simply take a glance, unheeded and quickly forget. I have scripture all over; the kitchen, the bathroom, the dinner 
table, entry way and even in my car. BUT, seeing those, so familiar… do I read it, take pause and consider, heed it, live it, share it? William Gurnall a quiet unknown to many theologian of the 1600’s wrote: “Love sets the soul on musing.” Do we reflect, mediate deeply on God?
King David wrote: “I have set the LORD always before me. Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 16:8) Interesting word picture, the word for ‘set’ can be translated as …equally. In context: “I have equally set the Lord before me.” Meaning, in every situation, every day-to-day activities, in every conversation, enjoyment and sorrow, I place God THERE. But it doesn’t stop there, it conveys the idea of ‘to match.’ If we place God alongside our current circumstance and they don’t match up, what is the proposed action? Adjustment! But just like my orange sticky note, I HAVE to take notice, heed, and take action.
The Psalmist wrote, “You’re blessed when you stay on course, walking steadily on the road revealed by GOD. You’re blessed when you follow His directions, doing your best to find Him. That’s right—you don’t go off on your own; you walk straight along the road He set. You, GOD, prescribed the right way to live; now You expect us to live it. Oh, that my steps might be steady, keeping to the course You set; Then I’d never have any regrets in comparing my life with 
Your counsel. I thank You for speaking straight from Your heart; I learn the pattern of Your righteous ways. I’m going to do what You tell me to do; don’t ever walk off and leave me. How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of Your Word. I’m single-minded in pursuit of You; don’t let me miss the road signs You’ve posted.” Psalm 119:1-10 (MSG) He continues in verse 30, “I have chosen the way of truth, I have set my heart on Your laws.”
O Lord, grace us with the desire, the longing to set You before us and not quickly turn away, but take a good long-hard look, heed and make adjustments where needed. May we too respond like David, “Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices.” (the next verse, Psalm 16:9)
Road signs and sticky notes from God.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
“But Sir!”
Ever been asked to do something that is way beyond you, you find yourself paralyzed with joy stealing, self -esteem destroying and assignment killing thoughts? You attempt to dart behind something in hopes of not being seen. I have.
We are not alone. The Lord calls to Gideon “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior.” Telling him, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand…” You know, those folks that have been terrorizing you for some time, taking all your livestock, messing up your crops and forced you to run to caves and hide. Yup, them. I LOVE Gideon’s response, just a guy going about his business, then this! So honest, so explaining, so TERRIFIED. “But Sir… How 
can I, my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” (Judges 6:13,15) Head hung, shoulders slumped.
We all have “But Sir” moments, don’t we? Moments when God asks something of us, moments when we need to do or be something that is beyond us. In our calling, our assignment we feel weak, insignificant and definitely not qualified. We look at our weapons and they seem dinky and dull. Oh, God’s response is SO valuable, to Gideon He says, “I will be with you and you will…”
Moses, standing strong with a staff lifted high over his head as he shouts with authority, “Let my people go!” He too had a “But Sir!” moment. You would think as he stood near the bush that seems to self combust into flames he would immediately be convinced. God tells him after 400+ years of his brothers bound in slavery, “So now, go. I am sending you.” God was sending him to 
Pharaoh to demand the Israelites come out of Egypt. Moses does the panic response, “Suppose they ask who sent me, what if they don’t believe me and by-golly I don’t even speak very good, I tend to studd-der and stt-tammer. God’s response is the same, “I will be with you.” (Exodus 3 & 4)
King David writes, “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” (Psalm 37:23) David is known to have written this in his old age, as he looks back over the triumphs rippled with failures, he acknowledges his God was there in it and through it, every detail of his life, in the moments of “I am to do this!”
Paul exhorts young Timothy, “I remind you to fan into flames the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love and self-discipline.” (2 Timothy 1:6,7) Perhaps you too feel a bit under qualified, rather scared and defeated, you can’t even figure out HOW to get your ducks in a row. You even doubt what you feel God called you to, please join me, as we turn our ‘But Sir’ into ‘I will be with you and you will…” Go in His Spirit of power, walking in love and self-discipline.
Fanning the flames!
In Him DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)
The Trained Man
“Saul replied, “You are not able to go out against this Philistine and fight him; you are only a young man, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” – 1 Sam. 17:33 (emphasis mine)
I LOVE the story of David and Goliath. Big ugly dude yelling stupid things about God and God’s people, then … an errand boy was sent into the Israelites camp. Goliath yells, “This day I defy the armies of Israel! Give me a man and let us fight each other.” Goliath is not only asking for a ‘man’ to challenge, but in the Hebrew, in this context, the word he chooses can also be translated as ‘champion, soldier, warrior,’ a mans man. In other words, send out your trained! Your BEST! Scholars believe David was about 17 when he basically told King Saul ‘send me.’ Saul’s response is natural, “You are not able to go” and proceeds to state what seems to be the obvious.
The rest of the story is amazing. Saul tries to get David to wear his suit of armor. Nope. There was no hesitation on David’s part. No, “Give me a minute while I figure this out.” David knew his God was with him against the lions and bears, he would INDEED be with him against the nine foot increasingly bad tongued Philistine. He takes his sling and stick, while picking up a few smooth stones on the way and RUSHES towards Goliath. (Dead giant) Goliath called for a man, King Saul said you are a mere lad. A boy 
did what a man was called to do. However! You see Goliath got exactly what he was asking for. David had trained in the fields alone protecting and defending his father’s sheep, killing all predators, Goliath may have been a warrior since his youth as Saul stated, but so had David. A trained man.
Intertesting side note: The narrative says that as David and Goliath approached each other, Goliath had his ‘shield bearer out in front of him’ he couldn’t do it alone. (Not so tough now big guy!) And beyond the glamorous flannel graph stories, David not only killed the giant with one swing of his sling, but ran to him, took his sword and cut off his head. He cut off the very thing that yelled those horrendous statements about his God. Who said the bible is boring!
What is God calling us to? What giant stands before us? Be assured they aren’t as tough as they proclaim! What have we been in training for all these years, in the isolation of ‘just me and God.’ May we too not hesitate when we are called beyond what we seem to be, when someone tells us, “You are not able to… You are only…” Let us not try to fit into someone elses ‘armor’ – but take up what we know and RUN towards what God calls us to. I’m sure if you wish to yell, “For Narnia“, God will understand. And remember, what may seem to be a simple ‘errand’ we may walk out victoriously slaying a giant.
Now go…
* The whole exciting story can be found in 1 Samuel 17.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us spur one another towards love and good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)
What’s Your 2017 Word?
Words. Amazing things. One word alone can alter your day, your moment. “RUN!” (see) At the rollover of the calendar each year I begin asking the Lord for a word. One word that may describe His emphasis for me, perhaps His finger that points in a new direction or most assuredly a word to study. In the past I was given words like, ‘regardless,’ THAT was a dandy of a year! As I was writing in my journal a few days ago, I was taken to something I had written awhile back: “Aman – Hebrew <H539> (awe-mon) Genesis 15:6 ‘Abe believed…’ to confirm, support, firm, faithful, sure. To go to the right hand.” Ok, granted my journal entries differ from the average Jane, there is no ‘Dear Diary’ or written out prayers. It is full of words I find intriguing, words like (Hebrew or Greek) rhema, hokmah, tamin, paroxysmos, gibbor and aman.
What I immensely enjoy about our God … He is so very, VERY personal. He knows and talks our language. As I re-read the word ‘aman’ I felt He whispered it back to me, “Aman… Me.” The moment was tender, yet I knew this wasn’t a suggestion. Remembering when I briefly studied the word, my eyes began to well up. Aman (believe) has such a strong emphasis, it doesn’t just mean, “Yah, I believe IN God,” it conveys “I BELIEVE God!” If we were to add weight to the 
word, it would paint the picture of taking a tent stake and pounding it into the ground, fixing the tent on/in a firm solid place. THAT is believe (aman.) It’s taking what is in our left hand, those things that seem somewhat doubtful, ideas or concepts not fully accepted and moving them firmly to our right hand, the right hand of belief.
Remember the story of Jonah (man runs from God and encounters fish, wait… FISH) His mission: Go tell the icky bad guys to give it up and get right with God (I paraphrase) As Jonah did, “The Ninevites believed God…” (3:5) then, “they turned from their evil ways… God had compassion…” (v 10) They ‘amaned’ God, they came to the end of themselves, took action and turned from the ick and turned to God.
Believing God means devotional active obedience. I believe God, truly believe His word, His promises (and warnings) I live my life accordingly. My hand that once held doubt is now empty, my right hand is gloriously filled with confidence, as Paul wrote about Abe… “being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised.” (Romans 4:21)
I know I have a lot to ‘go to the right hand’ but I am excited to see what opportunities God places in my path ‘to move.’ (When in the thick of it – I may deny any and all endorsements later, HA!)
One of my dear friends shared her word is ‘forward’ and a family member, ‘fearless. ’ Perhaps you too would ask God for a word. In doing so, Holy Spirit whisper that word to us continually over the course of 2017. May we look for it, for YOU with anticipation and expectation. Grant us Lord, the grace and power to respond in devotional active obedience!
Go God!
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)
(Side Note: In the above journal entry, I wrote ‘Aman’ – Hebrew <H539> The numeric reference indicates the word is Hebrew ‘H’ (Old Testament) and the number assigned within the Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary. Writing this number helps me go back and find it with ease in my bible software. It is my geeky way. Also, ‘Aman’ is the root word in which ‘amen’ is derived – It is likened to a Judge slamming the gavel down with firm persuasion, “So be it.”)
A Determined Adventure to Find Him
“Everyday can be like a holiday.” Just one of the Starbucks cup slogans, I think they might be on to something. As I hold my peppermint hot chocolate, topped with cool whip and coco powder sprinkled over the top, I smile and think, “Yes, yes it can.” Often we consider the season of Christmas to be the day after Thanksgiving and lasting until New Years Eve. After that, the tree is taken down, the ornaments boxed up and the lawn reindeer stored in the garage rafters. Christmas becomes a fleeting memory.
YET, the message of Christmas CAN be seen, felt and shared throughout the year. My favorite rendition of the Christmas story is documented in Luke 
chapter 2. I paraphrase: Mary and Joseph head to Bethlehem, as they attempt to check in at the lobby of the Inn, they are left on their own to go out back, way back to their accommodations. A dingy stable, with no fine linens, NOT fit for a King, but more for a humble servant. While the Savior was being born, a baby announcement was being declared in the sky a few hills away. The shepherds were at work, ‘watching their flocks by night.‘ The angel appears boldly declaring “Dudes don’t be afraid, I bring you good news… today… a Savior… He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you… you will find Him… ”
I find it fascinating that the angel addresses their fear first, taking the time to say something before they bolt and miss the message. The story wouldn’t be the same if they all took off running (in different directions.) After the fear factor was addressed, the presentation of ‘good news’ was given, the choir sang, and service was over. I wonder… if our pastors approached the pulpit and opened their sermons with ‘FEAR NOT’ would we pay just a tad bit more attention?
Life is busy, our days full of routine, we face many obstacles and stress keeps our focus captive as we go about our business. However, the Christmas promise and message is clear and continues to roll forward… what if (humor me) JESUS came to us, saying “Don’t be afraid, TODAY, I Christ the Lord, YOUR Savior … here’s YOUR sign… find Me.” I love the word ‘sign’ in the Greek, one scholar defines it as “A miracle by which the power and presence of God is manifested, a distinguishing mark noting significance.” Notice it doesn’t declare how big or small the manifestation.
Do WE look for Jesus to manifest Himself before us, around us and ahead of us today? Have we considered He orchestrates our setting and timing of circumstances so we too would take pause and cause us to look… see and find Him. It may not be a Celestial Being sky writing above the Metro area, but it may be a gentle whisper you hear in the breeze, a wondrous sunset. See Him. Or a loving note from a friend or a check in the mail JUST when you need it. See Him. What of sitting in your car that has been in the snow, dormant for a few days, you lean your head against the steering wheel turning the key, “Please Lord!” is whispered faintly. It starts immediately! See Him!
This year, may we take the Christmas message beyond the borders of the calendar pages; the Good News, Jesus here NOW, with us! May we too see the sign, the confirmation of divine authority all around us! May we yield to the manifestation. Oh Jesus, open our eyes, our ears that we too would do as the shepherds did, make a determined adventure to find You and “When they had seen Him, they spread the word…”
FEAR NOT! TODAY! I, CHRIST am here!
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)
Inspired Fountain 
Calculating Our Thoughts
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, THINK about these things.” – Philippians 4:8 (emphasis mine) Interesting, the word Paul uses for ‘think’ (or as some translations use ‘dwell’) it is an accounting term, it can be translated, “to calculate with a logical conclusion.” But it is not only an accounting term; it takes a step beyond and looks at the ‘object’ of what is being ‘counted.’ In essence, taking inventory and estimating its value. So Paul is saying, (DeDe’s visual analogy) place your thought in the middle of the room, get out your clipboard. Going down the list, does what you are thinking about, reading, and listening to; can you check off each box? As you walk around it, taking a serious look, can you check off true, honorable, just and pure? Do they add up to ‘excellent and worthy of praise’ according to GOD’s standard?
When trying to understand something, often we look at what it is NOT. In this case, the opposite (in the Greek) would mean to ignore. It is rejecting the examination results, setting it aside and ultimately deeming the results
‘ineffective.’ Meaning… “Regardless that what I am thinking about does not add up to be God worthy, I will IGNORE that fact, pushing it out of the equation, I continue on, I will not be effected by this thought pattern.” (Um… nope)
The verses just prior Paul’s list of thinking: “Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank Him for all He has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” (vss 6,7) Do we really want to trample all over this with our unchecked God worthy thinking? I can guarantee, if ‘unchecked’ we will run amuck! We will hurt others, ourselves and God’s heart.
SO… As the saying goes, “Do the math…” Look at the list, (which is not all conclusive) do those things ‘add up’ to the good stuff of God?
Calculating our thoughts.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
May 5, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: God thinking, Philippians 4:8, Philippians 4:8 commentary, whatever is true | Leave a comment