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Are You Reading ‘Jesus Calling’?

I want to come and sit next to you and share something on my heart. My passion is Jesus, which spills all over His written word. I would like to offer something that I have been drawn to. When I walk into a Christian bookstore, it is there. On the shelves at Wal-Mart, Target and other department stores, it is there. I have heard so many ladies claim of its inspiration, full of guidance, considering it strong enough for the day’s journey. Over the years every time I pick it up I get a HUGE check in my spirit. I do a quick ‘thumb through’ and still …red flags and put it down. It is the book ‘God Calling’ and the newer rendition, ‘Jesus Calling’ by Sarah Young.

Many use this book for their morning devotions rather than the Bible itself or alongside the scriptures. I decided to take a closer look. As I researched the origin of this book, (sorry this article is quite lengthy) I was shocked. ‘God 9f6106ac2f8847040089ea2d5a2c6788Calling’ was written by two women known as ‘The Listeners.’  They wanted to remain ‘anonymous.’ This is NOT a book full of ‘allegory’ the intent is ‘Thus saith the Lord.’ It is written (as is ‘Jesus Calling’) in the First-person perspective. Meaning a personal story, or a running commentary of thoughts. We the reader are not watching this from the outside but through their eyes. We see what they see and hear what they hear. So, in essence, the authors are claiming these are Jesus’ words. With a strong declaration, they state they would sit down with pen & paper, empty their minds and then begin to write. Write messages, messages they claim were from Jesus Himself. The messages are peppered with bible verses or a slight glimpse that is referenced at the bottom of the page.  The content is primarily the ladies poetic sway.  They eventually took the whole collection of these messages and sent them to the Oxford Group, where the book was soon published via the Oxford Group (In England) and came out in 1935.

Who and what is the Oxford Group?  The group is now called Moral Re-Armament (MRA). Members of the Oxford Group primarily find their guidance from within rather than the Bible.  Even though a follower of MRA attempts to follow moral standards from the Bible or of any religion, his primary light is that inner voice and his primary goal is self-improvement. No cross is necessary; no shed blood is required. Each member is encouraged to sit with their journal, pen in hand, empty their minds and write whatever ‘God’ tells them, then act on it.   This ‘method’ of listening/writing is known as “automatic writing.” An alleged psychic ability allowing a person to produce written words without consciously writing. The words are claimed to arise from a subconscious, spiritual or supernatural source.  (Sounds New Age does it not? This is a very dangerous thing!)

Sarah Young, author of ‘Jesus Calling’ states that her inspiration first came from reading the book ‘God Calling.’ She was so enamored by the idea, that she began the pursuit of ‘listening’ as well. She states: (quote) “This practice of listening to God has increased my intimacy with Him more than any other spiritual discipline, so I want to share some of the messages I have received. In many parts of the world, Christians seem to be searching for a deeper experience of Jesus’ Presence and Peace. The messages that follow address that felt need.” Notice that her solution to addressing the desire for Jesus’ Presence and Peace is not Scripture or any other means of grace, but what appears to be the very messages she provides in her book. In her writings, she speaks seldom of sin and repentance and even less of Christ’s work on the cross.

A common denominator of all mysticism, (just cutting to the chase) acclaimed Christian or not, is the journey inward. The idea is to quiet the mind (soul) so that the result is space where one supposedly meets God within. According to Young’s citation of Jesus from her journal, this is what He wants as well, remember the “I” or “Me” is supposedly Jesus speaking: “I meet you in the stillness of your soul. It is there that I seek to commune with you. . . . Stillness of soul is increasingly rare in this world addicted to speed and noise. I am pleased with your desire to create a quiet space where you and I can meet.” (April 4)

Her main focus is ‘awareness.’ Awareness of Presence. Excerpt: “Let Me infuse My Presence into your thoughts. As your mind stops racing, your body relaxes and you regain awareness of Me. . . . There are actually more than four dimensions in this world where you live. In addition to the three dimensions of space and the one of time, there is the dimension of openness to My presence.” (May 24) Awareness, consciousness, and openness as described by Young are substitutes for faith in the promise of God of the Bible. “When My Presence is the focal point of your consciousness, all the pieces of your life fall into place.” (January 28th) One more,  BAD theology: “Most of mankind’s misery stems from feeling unloved.” (August 1)

Oh please do not get me wrong, I am fully persuaded that the prophetic is true and Holy Spirit DOES speak to us, through us, guides us and worthy of writing it down in our journals. HOWEVER, to apparently set aside the Holy written word and make the main focus on our ‘personal revelation’ is a very dangerous and wrong place to be, let alone someone taking that word, publishing it and others potentially reading THAT in place of God speaking from His holy scripture. One thing rings so true, the Holy Spirit NEVER contradicts the ‘Word’ nor does He contradict Jesus or the Father. The Holy Spirit points to Jesus and Jesus points to the Father.

I find nowhere in the Bible we are to ’empty’ our minds, rather we are to ‘think on these things’ (Paul lists in Phil. 4:8) We are exhorted over and over to “Mediate…” which in God’s economy, (in short) is the filling of our minds with His word and chewing on it! Paul exhorts “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Cor 10:5) Also… “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Ro. 2:2) The Pastor of Hebrews, “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.” (4:12) Paul to Timothy, “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 Tim. 3:16) If God’s word is inspired and useful for equipping for every good work – what more do we need, outside of instruction of the Bible to lead our personal revelation of our God?   If we keep seeking the ‘other’ we become like Eve in the garden, distorting what God has said and listening to what sounds pleasing to us.  If not kept in check, this new revelation would soon replace the authority of scripture, creating new standards that we live by.

Paul said to Timothy, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.” (2 Tim. 4:3-4) This is rampant today, we want to tickle our ears, massage our heart and soften our pain. In doing so we reach beyond Jesus. Reach beyond His words grabbing for something else. As a dear friend shared, “This happens when we know other books better than we know the word of God, we are easily deceived.”   How many folks are underlining, circling and highlighting Sarah’s words rather than opening their Bible and reading His words?

shutterstock_132299630I would offer balance of course.  And if you do read these books and any others similar, to please prayerfully take this information to Jesus. Align it with scripture and ask the Holy Spirit to show you what is next.   When choosing a devotional, make it come-along side (not in place of) the bible,  may it be based on scripture, with sound theology. I LOVE devotional books, my favorites are Our Daily Bread, My Utmost for His Highest and Praying the Names of God, Praying the Attributes of God, by Ann Spangler.

Devotion is defined as,  “The fact or state of being ardently dedicated, relating to, or characterized by.”  What is it we want to be dedicated to, or characterized by?  The word of God or someone else’s empty-minded personal revelation. I don’t want someone putting words in God’s mouth when He speaks to me.  Thank you for reading this monstrous article, it is only written with a heart of love and desirous of the very best for you. You are loved dearly.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another one towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

Posted by  |  January 12, 2019 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | 1 Comment

There is MORE!

I am remembering a time my husband and I were visiting a church when the pastor, full of Pentecostal energy shared vigorously from Psalm 136.  Twenty-six times the Psalmist declares, “His mercy endures forever.” Oh, it does!  God’s mercy is unending. Matchless in every way, it can be seen from the beginning of mankind’s existence and has no vanishing point in the future.  Within the 15 minutes of sharing, the pastor repeated the blessing of God’s mercy, then “In closing…”  He said, “His mercy endures forever.”  As the folks stood to leave, preparing for the trek home to the roast in the Crockpot, I wanted so BADLY to stand to my feet and yell, “Tell them!” (All eyes on the crazy visitor lady in the back.)   There’s more!  Pastor!  Don’t stop here!

Tell them that the Hebrew language is full of imagery, YES mercy! But there is more.  Just like there is ‘sunrise’ with just a glimpse of light peeking over the horizon, then there is SUNRISE with colors so vibrant you stare in unbelief at the magnitude of the brilliance of His creation. Colors spilling over each other as it dances across the sky in tones that if we are still enough, quiet… it could be heard.  Today, with the Pastors’ sharing, we were just …peeking.

His mercy endures forever. Mercy is ‘hesed’ (in the Hebrew)  Scholars find it extremely difficult to translate into English because there really is not an equivalent word. The King James Version alone uses 15 different words in an attempt to express its meaning in each context.  Words such as lovingkindness, steadfast love, loyal love, kindness, faithful love, mercy and yes, grace.  Grace. God’s mercy is withholding what we do deserve, where His grace is giving us what we do not. One hand pushes forward in giving, while the other holds back in restraint.  Divine coordination -THAT is our God!  Because of His love for us, His commitment to covenant, His value of relationship, our God interacts with hesed. It is deep, wide and continuing.

Jonah knew God’s hesed, saying to the Lord, “O LORD, is this not what I said when I was still at home? That is why I was so quick to flee to Tarshish. I knew that You are a gracious and compassionate God, slow to anger and abounding in love (hesed), a God who relents from sending calamity.” (Jonah 4:2)  Ok, maybe Jonah needed an attitude adjustment, (Thus the large fish story) but he knew, he understood, experienced and observed how God operates.

Yes indeed, it is worthy of repeating in twenty-six verses, “His mercy endures forever.”   His lovingkindness, faithfulness, love and His grace.  It is enough to make us bow our head, eyes closed with groanings that cannot be uttered!

Stand in the glow of His brilliant sunrise!

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

Posted by  |  January 4, 2019 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

Christmas Throughout the Year

“Everyday can be like a holiday.” Just one of Starbucks seasonal cup slogans, I like it with a hardy “Yes, yes it can” as I sip my Peppermint Mocha.  Often we consider the season of Christmas to be the day after Thanksgiving and lasting until New Year’s Eve, after that, the tree is taken down 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.

I find it fascinating that the angel when appearing to the shepherds (Luke 2) addresses their fear first, taking the time to say something before they bolt and miss the message, the story would not be the same if they all took off running (in different directions). After the fear factor addressed, the presentation of ‘Good News’ given, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you, He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you, you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (v11-12) then the choir sings of God’s glory and peace now on earth and the service was over. I wonder… if our pastors today approached the pulpit and opened their sermons with ‘FEAR NOT’ would we pay just a tad bit more attention. (HA!)

Life is busy, our days full of routine, obstacles, and stress. 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 is here, and here’s My sign…now as the shepherds did … come and see Me.” Sign in the Greek is defined as the power and presence of God manifested, noting significance.  Sometimes the significance is personal.

Do we look for God to manifest Himself before us, around us and ahead of us each day? Have we considered His orchestration of our life so we would take pause and cause us to look and …see Him? It may not be a Celestial choir gathering above the Metro area, but it may be a gentle whisper – See Him. Or a loving note from a friend – See Him.  Or maybe that very personal hope and prayer you’ve mentioned is indeed answered – See Him.

This year, may we take the Christmas message beyond the borders of the calendar pages – the Good News, God with us!  May we see and yield to divine manifestation.  Oh God, open our eyes, our ears that we too would do as the shepherds did, make a determined adventure to see You and then as they did, we go and tell others! (Luke 2:17)

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrew 10:24)

Posted by  |  December 29, 2018 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Leave a comment

Christmas Peace

Christmas. Just the word alone brings a soft glow to the soul. A warm crackling fire, hot chocolate and watching Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey yelling “Mary!” as he runs through the old drafty house. Peace.

Isaiah prophesied centuries before Luke penned his gospel saying: “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”  (Isaiah 9:6) Fast forward to Luke 2:14, with the singing telegram to the shepherds: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Peace had come to earth.

Biblical peace (in the Greek) is ‘to set at one again,’ – the picture is something that has once been erected has toppled over. Chaos, strife, irritation, unrest even war are the results. Once it is set back, PEACE is the result; all is in its rightful place. Remember Adam and Eve sinning in the garden?  (Thanks, guys!) The original design, ‘God and man’ had been ‘toppled over.’ Gone were the daily walks together in the garden. Jesus came, setting things back in the right place, God and man in right relationship.  “The Word became flesh (Jesus) and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (emphasis mine) It may not be the Garden, but God again walking with us. Immanuel, oh the ‘with us’ of God!  Jesus, peace on earth, the Prince of Peace. Peace is a Person.  One of my favorite Christmas carols, “Hark the herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled.” After 400 years, the angels break the silence with the spectacular news. Such theology dripping from this song: Jesus, Peace, God back on earth, setting things right again. God and sinners reconciled.  As a bookkeeping clerk, I fully understand ‘reconciled’, the number zero could not be a more beautiful number, through Jesus I have ‘0’ debt!  ZERO!

Peace is not only a Person but a position. “But now in Christ Jesus, you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace …for through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Ephesians 2:13-14) We are now back where we were originally designed to be, right-standing relationship with God, given full access and ability to come into His presence.  Paul declares this point, “Since we have been justified through faith we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 5:1)   Peace is a God thing.  Man cannot create true peace in his own soul, it is not part of the package deal, in the sense; it does not come attached to intelligence or fame and wealth.  It is the result of Jesus’ presence, Jesus’ Lordship, and Jesus being walked & lived.   Peace is a position.

Because of our sinful nature and our perpetual continuing to do so, John strongly declares “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) This is written to the Jesus follower, we mess up, but as we confess, we are saying the same thing about our situation that God does.  We are now in full agreement; we realign with what God says. To stop doing something we have to start doing something else.  I don’t stop standing until I START walking.   In this process, we are taking what was ‘toppled over’ returning to the original design and bringing Jesus back to His rightful peaceful place. We mess up, we get cleaned up. Peace restored.  Peace is a process.

The increase of peace accompanies the increase of Christ’s governing power over our lives. Colossians 3:15 “Let the peace of Christ RULE in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” If I want peace in my heart, I allow Jesus to RULE in my heart.  He is King, I bow to Him as King, giving Him the rightful place on the throne of my life. A continual challenge indeed! We will know peace to the degree that we bow to Jesus.   It is NOT about peaceful circumstances, it is obedience, His voice over our own, God doesn’t come to take sides, He comes to TAKE OVER. Peace is a posture, a bowed, get OFF the throne, posture.    (Head bowed)

This Christmas may we pause and consider wholeheartedly, the Person, position, process, and posture of peace.  Yes, Peace had indeed come to earth, Prince of Peace.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

 

Posted by  |  December 22, 2018 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Immanuel

Continuing our ‘Names of God’ study, we look at Immanuel.  This time of year, we sing with a resounding ‘O come, O come Immanuel…” and it is written in beautiful font lettering across our Christmas cards. Immanuel*, meaning ‘God with us.’  Many who attempt to say God is uninterested and doesn’t turn His divine head our way does not understand Immanuel.  Whether it is walking in the Garden in the cool of the day (Gen. 3:8) the pillar of fire by night (Ex. 13:22) or sandaled feet in Galilee (Matt. 4:18) or gloriously residing within us (1 Cor. 3:16) The God who dwells with us, among us and in us – God is Immanuel.

Immanuel is first mentioned in Isaiah (chapter 7) within a strong warning to King Ahaz to get his act together in the midst of political uprising and trust that God is with them – but the guy chose poorly. Isaiah prophecies: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son and will be called Immanuel.” (v14)   As we know, God’s people were quite fickle in their love, trust, and obedience, causing them to do what was right AND evil in God’s eyes, they STILL didn’t fully comprehend God’s presence.  Fast forward to 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 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 gives narrative: “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. A sign indeed!  God keeps His promises.  The All-Powerful, All-Sufficient, Sovereign Creator of the universe does not NEED to be with us – He wants to!  This holiday season, as you consider Immanuel, step up, lean in, look to the far left, back to the beginning and then follow the timeline all the way to where YOU now stand and then continue to the right, following the thread into eternity as declared from the heavenly throne, Jesus reveals to John, “the dwelling place of God is with man.”  (Revelation 21:3)  So beautiful, so comforting – Immanuel.

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 Immanuel?  The different spellings ultimately are because of 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.

Posted by  |  December 20, 2018 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

The Christmas Lamb

Christmas 2018: Santa Claus, electronic yard reindeers, snowmen, decorated trees, wrapping paper, and lights – LOTS of lights.  Christmas the beginning: Mary and Joseph, baby Jesus, a manger, bright star, angelic host, shepherds, sheep, and GOOD NEWS.

Luke chapter 2, the familiar recounting of the Christmas story, like that of a well-rehearsed children’s play, all the characters are in place. The declaring angels hit their queue perfectly, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” (v14) LOVE IT!  There is one small phrase prior in the narrative; “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.”(v. 8)   Scholars believe, due to the proximity to Jerusalem THESE lambs were the temple lambs. Potentially, THESE shepherds were caring for lambs destined for sacrifice.  The religious custom (requirement) of the day was to raise or purchase a lamb for each family, take it to the priests and have it offered as a substitutionary sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins.

Keep reading… I tried to keep this short, but we don’t want to miss this!

The shepherds were the first to hear the glorious news, not chief priests or princes or even the learned men of Jerusalem, no dignitaries were found in the bunch.  Oh, these shepherds knew the divine importance of keeping watch over their flocks!  In addition, news of the Messiahs coming would not be “good news of a great joy” (v. 10) unless they were seeking Him and waiting for Him.  These men got the message, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord” declares the angel (vs. 10, 11).

The Lamb.

Remember the conversation Abraham had with Isaac as they climbed the mountain on that heart-wrenching day?  “The fire and wood are here,” Isaac said, “But where is the lamb…?“ Abraham answers, “God Himself will provide the lamb…” (Genesis 22:7-8)  What prophetic imagery for what is yet to come.

Fast forward, this recorded of John the Baptist, “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) About 3 years following John’s statement, it is Passover; Jesus is found gloriously-innocently* (See below) hanging on the cross. Onlookers watch as His blood drips from His beaten, nail-pierced body.  John’s words echoing, “Behold! The Lamb of God…”

As we follow the story of God, the angels again declare, yet this time, (Let’s all stand…) “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, and strength and honor and glory and blessing … be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Revelation 5:11-13)

This Christmas as we consider the Nativity scene, may we attempt to grasp the full message of the birth of Jesus.  In the stable, the KING, the lil lamb not eating from the manger, but IN the manger – He is our substitutionary sacrifice for OUR sins. However, we did not purchase Him – He will purchase us! (Head bowed) Nowhere in scripture are we told, suggested or asked to remember Jesus’ birth.  We are told to remember His death. (The Last Supper: “This is My body given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”- Luke 22:19) Don’t pack up that shiny-star tree topper yet – His birth is divinely tied to His death, His death needed for His resurrection, His resurrection the authoritative power for YOUR redemption and deliverance! Christmas leads to Easter.  Hallelujah! (Hands raised!)

Where is the lamb?  Behold the Lamb.  Worthy is the Lamb.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.”

In Him, DeDe  (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

*Jesus gloriously-innocently hanging on the cross. The requirement was that the sacrificed animal was to be ‘male and without defect – without blemish’  (Ex. 12:5) Jesus was indeed THAT: “He committed no sin..” (1 Peter 2:22 – See also 2 Cor 5:21; Heb. 4:15; 1 Jn 3:5; Jn 8:29)  Peter declares; “For you know that God paid a ransom to save you from the empty life you inherited from your ancestors. And the ransom he paid was not mere gold or silver. It was the precious blood of Christ, the sinless, spotless Lamb of God. (1 Peter 1:18-19 NLT)

 

Posted by  |  December 12, 2018 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

Giving Presence in the Present

Christmas and gift giving, standing amongst all the stuff, the noise and the chaos.  Christmas has become somewhat of a plummeting oneself into the art of either grab and go at the store or park yourself in front of the computer and let your fingers do the shopping.  My goal this year is to slow’r down. Taking time to smell the cinnamon infused pinecones, watch yet another Hallmark Christmas movie, listen to Elvis and enjoy our son home from college.

Christmas to me is so very sentimental.  I gave my heart to Jesus on December 21, 1979, at the age of 16 ½ (the half counted back then) while sitting on the white carpeted floor of the Associate Pastor’s living room.  I had been visiting the lil corner church, now with Pastor Ben’s wife Brenda, lovingly, openly, full of acceptance telling me about Jesus, His love for me and what it meant to be a Jesus follower.  That day will always render special to me, that moment and the moments following as I walked home, down the street.  As I walked, the Christmas lit houses took on a new glow, the plastic baby Jesus in the front yard demanding my attention and respect.  That baby Jesus was no longer just yard deco, but now my Lord!  Not just a baby, but a KING! I stopped, pausing to take it all in, I was in the moment!  Thirty-nine years later, (*GASP*) I remember the moment, I cherish the moment.  The moment changed me. Sing with me, “O come let us adore HIM…”

How often are we somewhere else when we are with people or in circumstances or perhaps even in church?  Our bodies may be present but by golly, our minds are full of grocery lists or a prior situation rehearsing over and over in our head, or while someone is talking to us we are busy formulating our response.  What-did-we-miss?

Be in the moment.

In Exodus 24 (the theology of Exodus is Presence) God called Moses up the mountain, “The LORD said to Moses, “”Come up to Me on the mountain and be there; and I will give you tablets of stone, and the law and commandments which I have written, that you may teach them.” (v12, emphasis mine, NKJV)  For 40 days Moses was there.  Eight chapters worth of divine instruction was given.  Moses was there.  Many translators interpret God telling Moses to ‘stay there’ or ‘wait there.’  Yet a 19th-century rabbi wrote from a different perspective which I adore.  He exclaims that there are times we go to a place and not actually being there, going on to say that we can exert ourselves getting to a destination, yet when we arrive, our thoughts remain at the original point of departure.  The Rabbi imagined God was telling Moses not only come up the mountain – but be fully there, with complete attention and concentration. *

May we too be there this holiday season and every day, be in the moment, giving complete attention and concentration to those we are with and in the moment of where we are.  It is a gift we give to others & ourselves when we are giving presence in the present.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

For Pastors Ben & Brenda, ‘Thank you.’  That lil corner church became my home church for two years following, then they sent me out to the big world to attend Bible college, study God.  Now a Bible teacher.  Thank you for being in the moment!

*Lois Tverberg, Reading the Bible with Rabbi Jesus (BakerBooks Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2018)

Posted by  |  December 8, 2018 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

The Names of God – Yahweh

Continuing our ‘Names of God’ study, today we look at the promised name of God.  The name, according to Orthodox Jewish tradition is so full of majesty and considered so ‘other’ and too holy to even utter, that when reading from the scriptures the name is verbally replaced with HaShem (Hebrew for ‘THE Name’).  His name is Yahweh.  In the original Hebrew text (O.T.) it is YHWH, (the vowels added later for pronunciation sake).  YHWH is referred to as the ‘Tetragrammaton’ (Greek for the ‘4 letters’) this is indicated in the Bible when we see LORD, (used over 6,500 times) all caps distinguishing it as the covenantal name, Yahweh.

LORD (Yahweh) is built on what God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3; Moses is on the far side of the desert attending his father-in-law’s flock when he sees a bush on fire.  This was no ordinary bushfire; there was no ravishing destruction of the bush.  I adore the direct and clarifying Word of God, verse 4 states, “When the LORD saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the bush…”  Moses turned aside, he stopped everything, going and giving his full attention…  THAT is when God spoke. May we take note; there are times God waits for us to stop and give full attention before He speaks.  God tells Moses to go to Egypt and demand His people be set free from slavery, Moses basically asks “Whom shall I say is sending me?”   God answers, “I AM WHO I AM. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: “I AM has sent me.” (v.14)

‘I AM’ conveys ‘to be’ the root word signifying existence.  God’s all-pervading, ever-present nature, His character, all-that-He-is, is our here and now, simply put, He is. The Pastor 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.” (11:6, emphasis mine)    God states, “I am the LORD, that is My name, I will not give My glory to another, nor My praise to graven images.” (Isaiah 42:8)   “I AM.”

Jesus, God in the flesh – boldly stated in John 8:58 “I tell you the truth before Abraham was born, I am!” The Jews were so irate; how dare he say THAT!  They picked up stones to kill Him.  Later in the olive grove (John 18) when Judas, on the night of betrayal, approached with the soldiers, they said they were looking for Jesus of Nazareth, Jesus answers, (in the original language) “I am.”  The narrative says the soldiers drew back and fell to the ground, struck no doubt by the MAJESTY of not only His words but the essence of Who He was.

Each time we read ‘LORD’ let us take pause, look at the context, insert “The Great I AM, the One Who is…” – He is everything.  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, the One Who comes to me with all that He is… my strength and my Redeemer!”

Yahweh, the promised name of God, “I AM.”

By the way 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)

 

Posted by  |  December 3, 2018 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

The Names of God – El Roi

 

Continuing our ‘Names of God’ study, we take pause in Genesis 16.  Giving a brief summary:  Sarai & Abram have been promised a son, an heir in their old age.  Sarai’s impatience motivates an assuming creative alternative – MAKE it happen – by giving one of her maidservants (Hagar*) to Abe (as was the custom of the day) so they can create a child with the family name.  Like all ‘let me do it myself’ plans – it didn’t go so well.  Hagar becomes pregnant, Sarai & Hagar get all ‘girl-fight’ on the issue, Sarai was rather harsh and Hagar runs off.  There in the desert, Hagar is alone and upset… yet … she is found – by God.  The Angel of the Lord calls her by name, “Hagar, servant of Sarai…”  May we not miss the importance of this; Hagar was a slave, a servant, a title that considered her the property of another – BUT the title does not outweigh God-knew-her-name!  We may be the wife of… the mother of … the employee of… the friend of… BUT God knows our name.

The Angel of the Lord speaks directly to her situation, (in short) the discussion leads to promises, promises that Hagar will see her son (Ishmael*) grow to be a nation.  She once the run-off-slave now the heir of promises. Hagar ends the encounter by naming the Lord, ‘El Roi’ (EL-row-EE) the “God Who sees” – Hagar, the only person in the Bible to give a name to God.*  The “God Who sees” – in the midst of rejection, anger, aloneness, hurt and yes, even a dysfunctional family – God sees!

The Psalmist wrote of the watchful eye of God over Israel, but we, who by the blood of Jesus share in the same seeing God. “The LORD Himself watches over you! The LORD stands beside you as your protective shade. The sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon at night. The LORD keeps you from all harm and watches over your life. The LORD keeps watch over you as you come and go, both now and forever.” (121:5-8)

El Roi, the God Who sees me and sees …YOU!

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

*Hagar, the Egyptian servant (Gen. 16:1) – how did she join this Hebrew caravan?  Remember when Abe took the family on a detour down to Egypt due to famine in the land, with the whole ‘Sarai is my sister’ facade.  Well, before Pharaoh found out the truth and kicked Abe and all out of Egypt, he gifted Abe with “sheep and cattle, male and female donkeys, menservants and maidservants (Hagar) and camels.” (Genesis 12:16, emphasis mine)  Note to self: DO NOT TAKE DETOURS; you never know what attachments might mess with your life and MANY others!

*Ishmael: Fascinating, when the Angel tells Hagar about her son there in the desert, he explains that Ishmael will be a donkey of a man, (nice warm fuzzies) his hand will be against everyone, and everyone against him, then at the very end of verse 12 (Gen. 16) ‘and he will live in hostility toward all his brothers.”  Now skip to Genesis 25, it speaks of the descendants of Ishmael and “they lived in hostility toward all their brothers.” (v18)  The ‘he’ turned into a ‘they.’  Also, interesting side note:  Jumping WAY ahead:  Josephs brothers and their jealous outburst of selling him off – look who they hand him off to, “So when the Midianite merchants came by, his brothers pulled Joseph up out of the cistern and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.” (Gen. 37:28)  WOW.   It was Abraham’s ‘other’ sons descendants who transported his great-grandson Joseph (of the true heir bloodline ‘Isaac’) into Egypt and we know what happens in Egypt.

*People gave names to places & altars on behalf of God’s actions, indicating a quality of God (I.e. Abraham called the place ‘The Lord Will Provide’ – Jehovah Jireh – Gen. 22:14 and Moses built an altar and called it ‘The Lord is my banner’ – Jehovah Nissi – Ex. 17:15-16).  God refers to Himself as ‘God Almighty’ – El Shaddai  – Gen.17:1 and through Jeremiah God speaks of the coming Messiah, King as  ‘Jehovah our Righteousness’ – Yahweh Tsidqenu – Jeremiah 23:6.  And at Moses’ request for God’s name, God responds, “I AM THAT I AM” (in short) ‘Yahweh’ – Ex. 3:14.

Posted by  |  November 27, 2018 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

The Names of God – Almighty

Continuing our ‘Names of God’ study, we are looking at Almighty (Shaddai).   The power in which God is and operates is ‘beyond’ in the sense as ‘overpower’ (All-powerful) thus the title, God is ‘Almighty.’  There is one particular Psalm that when read, folks declare it their favorite: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty [Shaddai].   I will say to the LORD, “My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” (91:1-2, ESV)  Beautiful! 
 
When reading this Psalm it is most helpful to place it and the author on the historical timeline.   Scholars believe it was written by Moses, composed sometime between the wilderness and the Promised Land.  Knowing this helps paint the picture of Moses’ heart.  He wrote in Deuteronomy that their God led them “through the vast and dreadful desert, that thirsty and waterless land, with its venomous snakes and scorpions. He brought you water out of hard rock.” (8:15) It was the Presence of God that protected and provided for them; Moses speaks of the same protection here in Psalm 91.
 
He is very careful in his directness, he doesn’t dance around or imply they run to God at times and enjoy occasional approaches – they DWELL.  Dwelling (in short) means to ‘sit’ – sit as to stay, not be moved, it is our unwavering presence in THE Presence (of God).  Moses doesn’t let up – he continues that as we dwell, we also abide.  Abiding is the secure and peaceful rest of living close to God.  It is HERE, we experience the All-Powerful, God Almighty!  HERE that He is beyond all!   HERE we are protected! And here, we can say “He is my refuge, my fortress, my God in Whom I trust.”  Folks, it literally is a cycle, we stay – we experience God is.  
 
Whether we are in a dry desert place or stepping foot into our proposed Promised Land, may we remember to DWELL, staying put in the Presence of God Almighty.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

Posted by  |  November 23, 2018 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

Thankful

THANKSGIVING!  I love this holiday of food – family – fun, and football – a set time to pause and ponder thankfulness.  There are seasons that may be difficult to pull forward on the shelf of our life, wondering if there is something – anything to be thankful for?  We may have lost a job or a loved one, or our bank account matches our emotional bucket of strength – empty.  Yet there IS something to be thankful for, we indeed have the reason for thankfulness!  The great Psalm of thanks opens with, “Give thanks to the LORD for He is good…” (Psalm 136)  That alone is enough.

“Give thanks to the LORD for He is good. His love endures forever…”  The author found it needful to repeat ‘His love endures forever’ 26 times throughout the Psalm.  This Hebrew word love is ‘hesed’ (a guttural, ‘H-said’ )  we know it biblically as mercy, goodness, loyalty, steadfast love and even grace.  What a pivotal word, a pivotal attribute all rolled up and woven into one magnificent GOD!  The Psalms poetically describe His lovingkindness as precious (36:7) marvelous (17:7) undeserving (103) abounding (86:5) reviving (119:159) satisfying (90:14) and everlasting (103:17).  Are we thankful yet?

King David’s well known and beloved Psalm 23 (verse 6) “Surely goodness and MERCY (hesed) will follow me all the days of my life.” David writes this at the end of his life, he once the shepherd – has now and is being shepherded.   This ‘follow’ is not a mere tag along behind, but PURSUIT! The Shepherding God’s unending – steadfast love full of mercy pursued David. That same mercy, the same goodness pursues us, pursues YOU!  He is unrelenting.  The divine love of God is steady – sure – persistent and FULL of refusal to let go.  Aren’t you glad He does not let go!  (Thankful!)

As we share around the table amongst the declarations of health and love of family, and a few glee-filled shouts of  “TOUCHDOWN!”  may we ‘Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good.  His love endures forever!’

Thanksgiving.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

 

Posted by  |  November 20, 2018 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

The Names of God – El Shaddai

Continuing our ‘Names of God’ study, we look to Genesis 17:1, where we see God identifying Himself to Abram, “I am God Almighty, walk before Me and be blameless.” God (El) Almighty (Shaddai) a divine title used only 8 times in the O.T.  and ‘Almighty’ used 40 times, 31 of those in Job alone (When Job questions God’s purposes, God displays His wisdom & power, “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him?” 40:2, DUDE!).  Each time a new name of God appears we are to take notice, it reveals His nature, character, and majesty.   In the Septuagint (Greek translation of the Bible) it translates ‘Shaddai’ as ‘all powerful’ and according to rabbinic teaching, it is a compound word ‘sha’ (who) and ‘dai’ (enough) One Who is enough … All-Sufficient One. Many scholars deem the ‘power’ in which God is and operates is ‘beyond’ in the sense as ‘overpower’ thus the title ‘Almighty.’ 

Interesting point, in the same chapter that God introduces Himself as God Almighty, (‘All-Powerful Sufficient One’) God changes Abram’s name to Abraham (‘father of many’) and Sarai to Sarah (‘woman of nobility’).  New character quality-name introductions all around.  Peter declares this of us, that we too have a character quality-name change, when he said, you who believe, (and as Paul says, “you who were once far off, have been brought near through the blood of Christ.” – Eph. 2:13) you who through adoptive grace “are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession.” (1 Peter 2:9*)  God’s gracious great power through Jesus! We are HIS!

THAT is our God! Over… Beyond… ENOUGH! 

God Almighty! 

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
* Peter is making reference to God’s words: “Now if you obey Me fully and keep My covenant, then out of all nations you will be My treasured possession. Although the whole earth is Mine, you will be for Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.” (Exodus 19:5-6)

Posted by  |  November 18, 2018 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

The Names of God – Elohim (Part 2)

This week we are looking at the first mention of the name of God, ‘Elohim’ (“In the beginning God…” Genesis 1:1) used well over 2,500 times from Genesis to Malachi (think God is trying to tell us something!) containing the idea of God’s creative power, His authority, and sovereignty.

Elijah and the bad king Ahab of Israel (“Ahab did more evil in the sight of the Lord than any of those before him.”- 1 Kings 16:30) are at the showdown on Mount Carmel.  Ahab became a Baal worshiper, so…Elijah requests all the people of the region and the 450 false prophets of Baal to come and let’s get this decided right now! ‘Show me what ya got’, let’s see whose god can bring down fire – the winner – is THE God!  The Baal folks prepared their bull sacrifice and began their calling out, yet funny how nothing happens, Elijah offers, “Perhaps you should yell louder” –  they do. From morning until evening the fiasco continued… still no response. There is no movement or sound from the heavens, not even a slight flutter of a ravens wing (See 1 Kings 17:6).   Elijah steps up (dramatic drum roll) he took 12 stones, representing the 12 tribes of Israel, creating an altar, he arranged the wood and the sacrificed bull.  He didn’t stop there, he dug a large trench around the altar and had 4 large jars of water poured on the offering and the wood, again and again – 3 times the water was poured, filling even the trench.  Elijah prayed…

“O LORD, answer me! Answer me so these people will know that You, O LORD, are God [Elohim] and that You have brought them back to Yourself.” Immediately the fire of the LORD flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the trench! And when all the people saw it, they fell face down on the ground and cried out, “The LORD—He is God! Yes, the LORD is God!” (1 Kings 18:37-39, NLT)

Here’s the totally cool part… as Elijah steps onto the pages of scripture, he speaks the word of the Lord that there would be no rain – for years (1 Kings 17:1).  ‘Baal’ was considered the god of rain and what do you know, there was a drought in the land, so much for a ‘reigning Baal’ (HA!)  What does Elijah do as he stands with his offering? With the lack of water, valuable as it is, he drenches the altar with it.  I love it!  Let me pour your god on here too and let THE God burn’m up!  After this, the 450 false prophets were destroyed at Elijah’s command, and guess what?  Elijah again prayed… it rained!  God not only opened the heavens with fire, but He did what the false god could not!  Nothing and no one comes against God’s word!

The Lord doesn’t just show up to show off, He-is-God!  Full of creative power, and sovereign authority, Elohim.

Can I get a hardy “Go God!”

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

Posted by  |  November 14, 2018 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

The Names of God

 

 

I have the wonderful privilege of teaching our women’s Bible Study at church and stepping into this holiday season (and our building expansion is in full swing) we are doing Bible study HERE (in cyberland) for the next few weeks.  It is good God stuff, and excellent for all.  We are looking at the Names of God.

The very 1st appearance of God’s name “In the beginning God...” (Gen. 1:1) in the Hebrew is ‘Elohim’ (El-o-HEEM). It contains the idea of God’s creative power, His authority, and sovereignty. It is used well over 2,500 times from Genesis to Malachi, occurring 32 times in the first chapter alone. Elohim is the plural form of ‘El’ which means mighty or strong. Being in the plural form,  Elohim is always used as a singular designation for God and does not imply polytheism, (worship of many gods, as was the custom of surrounding nations). God was very direct when telling Moses to tell the Israelites, “Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God [Elohim], the LORD is one.” (Deut. 6:4) Remember at creation, day 6 – “God [Elohim] said, “Let US make man in OUR image…” (1:26, emphasis mine). Elohim reveals the triune nature of God, the ‘ontological equality’ (throw those words out at Thanksgiving dinner) of the Trinity. God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit – all are equal in value but different in function. The Father planned redemption, Jesus accomplished it and Holy Spirit applies it. We actually see all three of the Trinity at the same time in the baptism of Jesus found in Matthew 3:13-17.

King David writes, “Create in me a clean heart, O God [Elohim] and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10) David understands this ‘create.’ He knows that what he wants in his heart can ONLY be placed there by his God. Create, ‘bara’ is the Hebrew verb used exclusively of God. Sovereignty bringing into existence what wasn’t and now is – creating out of nothing. ‘Bara’ does not work like that of a recipe, taking ingredients and placing them together to form something, like that of a cake. It is new materials, new results. David knew he didn’t have within himself what it took to have a clean, a pure heart.  May we too cry out “CREATE! O God!” Bring stuff into our heart, good God stuff, YOUR stuff, give us qualities exclusively of YOU! Elohim, our creative and sovereign God.

Going forward we will look at the names of God, noting that these different names highlight the many amazing aspects of His character. 

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

 

Posted by  |  November 13, 2018 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , | 1 Comment

Flexible, Trusting and Obeying

Recently at Bible Study, as the gals were coming in, I handed them each a colored card with a number on it.   The only instruction given was “find the number that corresponds and that will be your seat for tonight.”  Feeling like a Flight Attendant, I did so with a smile, yet refrained from the urge to nod and quote the “B-bye, B-bye”.  There were a few not so excited being told where to sit, – BUT they were in church and I saw some ‘attitude checks’ going on (kinda fun to watch).  Yes, I was stretching them beyond their comfort zone.  As I opened, I assured them, “You are OKAY!  …Really!”  We, women, are creatures of routine and sitting where it isn’t familiar, not next to your very best friend or a family member is only a small, SMALL taste of what the Jewish Christians were experiencing in the book of Hebrews.

The cards I handed them did not ‘match’ the color of the cards on the tables, I watched as a couple gals went looking for the ‘color’ rather than the ‘number’ on the card.   I knew a few would and wanted them slightly confused, I used this as an example that the Jewish Christians had to figure out a few things on their own, they had to step into the new and find God truly was there.  Things were different (I moved some furniture around) they, along with the early Jewish Christians had to trust that this ‘NEW’ was a good thing.

We have been looking at the Pastor of Hebrews teaching that regardless of tradition, and regardless of what your lifestyle represented; Jesus is much more excellent. His covenant and promises – BETTER.  He as High Priest and His blood sacrifice – greater and more perfect and once and for all!  Can I get a hardy “Go God!”  THIS ran the Jewish Pastor’s fingernails across the Torah blackboard; it hit a nerve, contrary to all they had been taught.  Yes, different.  They (and our women) were learning God points but doesn’t always give us ALLLLL the details, sometimes we have to improvise, be flexible and just trust and obey.

Perhaps God is calling us to something new, a lil unfamiliar and unknown, if it is of God, it is good.  May we declare like King David in response to God’s amazing protective and promising character, “O Sovereign LORD, You are God! Your words are trustworthy, and You have promised these good things to Your servant.” (2 Samuel 7:28 NIV)

Flexible, trusting and obeying.

P.S. You never know what you may encounter at Bible Study.  Next week, the Book of Revelation — totally kidding! (I so love my assignment!)

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

Posted by  |  October 19, 2018 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Leave a comment