Latest

Reason for Thanksgiving

Turkey, cranberries, dinner rolls, butter, mash potatoes, gravy, green beans, and salad.  (Breathe)  Dinner plates, napkins, silverware, glasses and a centerpiece.  THANKSGIVING!  I love this holiday, food – family – fun and football. A set time to pause, consider and ponder what we are thankful for.

Thanksgiving.  There are seasons that may be difficult to pull forward on the shelf of our life, something – anything to be thankful for. We may have lost a job or a loved one.  Or our bank account matches our emotional bucket of strength, empty.  Yet there IS something to be thankful for. You have a reason for thanksgiving.  The great Psalm of thanks opens with,  “Give thanks to the LORD for He is good…” (Psalm 136)  That alone is enough.

“Give thanks to the LORD for He is good. His love endures forever…”  The author found it needful to repeat ‘His love endures forever’ 26 times  throughout the rest of the Psalm.  This Hebrew word love is ‘hesed’ (heh-said).  It is used 248 times in the Old Testament.  Let’s take a look at each one (just kidding).   We know it biblically as mercy, goodness, loyalty and steadfast love,  even grace.  What a pivotal word, pivotal attribute.  Scholars find it extremely difficult to translate into English, because there really is not a precise equivalent word(s). In 1535 Myles Coverdale published the first complete modern English translation, in it he often used  ‘lovingkindness’ in place of hesed for the very first time.

This merciful (undeserved) love is enveloped in personal involvement and commitment to relationship.  God.  Basically it IS relationship.   With this, the Psalms poetically describe His lovingkindness is precious (36:7)  marvelous (17:7)undeserving (103) abounding (86:5)reviving (119:159)  satisfying (90:14) and everlasting (103:17).  God is the God of great attributes and God cannot change – He will ALWAYS be a God of love filled with mercy.  (Thankful yet?)

King David’s well known and beloved Psalm 23 (verse 6) “Surely goodness and MERCY will follow me all the days of my life.” Mercy – hesed.  This ‘follow’ is not a mere tag along behind, but pursuit.  David knows the concept of pursuit.  This Psalm is known to be written at the end of David’s life,  he once the shepherd, has now and is being Shepherded.  God’s unending – steadfast love full of mercy pursued David. That same mercy,  that same goodness pursues US!  He is unrelenting.  The divine love of God  is steady – sure – persistent and FULL of refusal to let go.  Aren’t you glad He does not let go!   Reason for thanksgiving indeed!  “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.  His love endures forever.”

As we share around the table amongst the laughter and love, the blessings of health and family,  may we  ‘give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting!’ 

Thanksgiving.

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

Posted by  |  November 16, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , | Leave a comment

A Simple “Thank you”

“Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

Recently in Bible study, I had the gals play a game to help emphasize servanthood. Asking for volunteers, four women came up.  Two were asked to sit in chairs while the other two stood behind them.  I gave the seated gals each a gift-wrapped box (A VERY well, thoroughly wrapped box! And YES, I had fun tapping the boxes.) Also handing each gal a pair of thick oversized gloves. Giving them all the same instructions, we started with a hardy “Open …Go!”  Running those gloves over corners, across the top, turning over and down the sides, they prevailed.  While doing this, those standing behind gave encouraging cheers, “You got this!”  After a couple of minutes of attempting of what seemed the impossible, the gals were asked to trade places.  They too gave great attempt, working the tape, the paper, listening to their encourager’s advice, they acted.

Soon I bent over and gently handed the gift holder gals each a pair of scissors. With gloved hands, they began to cut, now with a little more headway.  Then stepping behind each gal, I whispered, “Take off the gloves.”  Doing so, those gifts were devoured. One gal got her box opened; its content was chocolate truffles, a great reward for all their hard work.  The second box was finally opened, in their box, taped to the bottom was a yellow sticky note that simply read, “Thank You.”  Servanthood.

So it is with us. We are all given the same God instructions – to sum it all up: “Serve Me, as you serve one another.”  (See Heb. 13:16, Ja. 2:14-17, 1 Jn 3:18, Matt. 5:16, Ro. 12:9-13, Deut. 15:11, Gal. 6:2)  The word serve conveys the apparent, ‘to do, to make.’  Yet it can be broken down to the simplest, caring for someone’s needs. Multiple times in the bible, folks gave volunteer titles of a servant.  Young Samuel, “Speak for Your servant is listening…” Paul, not only an Apostle, the great leader and trainer of the church, declares: “A bondservant of Christ…”  James, Jesus’ brother, the one who at first couldn’t quite get his head and heart around his older brother as the Son of God, said, “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ…”  Servanthood.

Our game taught us that at times as a servant, a God servant – we are given a task that at first attempt seems impossible. We hold it in our hands, rolling it around, looking for the best game plan.  All the while, others nearby cheer us on, spurring us on, their encouragement pouring into us.  Working as a team at times is invaluable. One pours, the other receives.  At times it is switched. (Team; Together – Everyone – Achieves – More.)

Servanthood may require we leave our comfort zone, stepping out, stepping up. The instructions may seem easier said than done, and there may be a few hindrances. (Thus the gloves) There will be times God whispers for us to shed hindrances, so we can thoroughly grasp His tool for the task. May we be so very careful not to be envious of others gifts and tools.  Motive checking is also a must (NOT easy) is our serving, following the instructions ONLY for the reward?  The reward may not be what we are expecting; we may get a simple “Thank you.”  A “Well done good and faithful servant.”  God gives us all gifts, these gifts (tools) are given FOR the body of Christ, not to be put in our back pocket for safe keeping, they are for use, creative use for one another.

“Open … Go!” Serve.

Servanthood.

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

 

Posted by  |  November 9, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Teach Me

Psalm 119 is one of the most poetic and beautifully written portions of scripture. Although offering no signature of authorship, many commentators are in agreement it was written by King David.  He being in the highest renowned position, the military leader speaks in reverent regard to God’s word. In these 176 verses, there is a repeated theme, Teach me.   “Blessed are You, O LORD! Teach me Your statutes.” (v12) “I recounted my ways and You answered me; teach me Your decrees.” (v26)  “Teach me, O LORD to follow Your decrees; then I will keep them to the end.” (v33)  Just to name a few.  If David inquired of the Lord to rule a nation, how can we not do the same to manage our everyday?  Teach me.

Having learned of God and His word has very little to do with IQ, (I’m a prime example) it has to do with teachableness.   Those who cry out for help, who seek, and those who ask. It takes posturing, positioning, attention, and preparedness.  Before I crack open my Bible, I always whisper, “Show me, teach me.” He never fails.

In a class room setting those who tend to be most eager for learning plant themselves in the front row, they position themselves to receive; they don’t want to miss ANYTHING.  Do we position ourselves?  Or are we back row folks, fully entertained by the distraction in front of us. (Which seriously CAN be entertaining, but that’s beside the point)  Solomon wrote, “A wise man will hear and will increase learning…” (Pro. 1:5) And “Give instruction to a wise man and we will be still wiser…” (Pro. 9:9)  Positioned to learn.

A wise professor stated the definition of learning as ‘Acquiring through training, new information or skill.’ (Lanny Hubbard) Learning new info and new skills causes us to think differently, we can do things differently.  We are now different people.  Learning means change.  When I come to God and ask “Teach me,” I am saying I want to change. I want to be a different person when You are done with me. Speak Holy Spirit! Teach me.

One of the most important elements of learning is listening. James says, “Be quick to hear and slow to speak…” (1:19) Do we contemplate what is being said, before we take off running with our mouth? Is there something I need to learn here?  Solomon, the wisest guy behind pen and ink wrote: “When you go into the house of the Lord, go in to listen…” (Ecc. 5:1) We go to church and ‘get our worship on’ which is great, BUT do we listen?  Are we so busy singing away at how we feel, that we fall short to listen? What might God want to say in that environment?  We are positioned, attentive… listen.

Most of our learning (if we are paying attention) comes in everyday life experiences. Jesus was a great example of this. Matthew 19, the story of the rich young ruler – Jesus tells him to go and sell all his possessions and give it to the poor.  As the young man walks away sad, Jesus IMMEDIATELY turns to the disciples.  Did you see that?  How hard it is for the rich to get into the kingdom of God.  He uses the moment, to teach them about the kingdom. Learning moments.    Mark 12, Jesus and the 12 are in the temple, watching the rich folks throwing their coins in the offering, up steps a poor widow gal; she drops her two coins in. Jesus tells the disciples, she just gave more than anyone in here. He used the situation to teach them. Notice He taught immediately.  He didn’t wait; He didn’t want the moment to pass to lessen the impact.  Help me Lord to see Your teaching moments.

Blind Bartimaeus got it right. (Mark 10) As Jesus and the guys, and the crowd come through town, he hears them and began to yell, “Jesus, son of David, have mercy on me!” He was told to be quiet – he yelled all the more.  (Go Dude!) Jesus took notice and asked him “What do you want Me to do for you?” He boldly said, “I want to see!”   Do WE ask, do we cry out to God.  Be bold!

As we go through this journey with Jesus, may we have a learning mind-set, and an open heart. A willingness to hear, heed and discover as He points and speaks.  May we position ourselves from distractions, keeping our focus on God and His word despite the loud world around us.  Let’s keep our learning grid large, not so small as to limit our expansion of knowing, knowing Him.  One of the most important keys to our learning is NOT to learn only for ourselves. (Read that again)  Learn today what a family member may need next week or a friend a year from now.  Be taught of God today, allowing Him to change us, that we become agents of change for others.  Today’s lesson may change someone else forever.

“Blessed are You, O LORD!  Teach me.”  Grant me the opportunity and the discipline to see, hear, learn and change.

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

 

* Thoughts and excerpts above is what I learned in a chapel sermon by Lanny Hubbard.

 

Posted by  |  November 1, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Leave a comment

Do We Have the Best?

My devotional time is mostly spent reading word studies (I know, GEEK!) But I cannot tell you the understanding I receive after the original intent is explained, the language translated and the cultural setting painted.  Isaiah breaks out in praise…

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3)

LOVE this verse. It gives direction; keep my mind focused on God. (see 2 Corinth. 10:5) It offers effect; my trust in God causes Him to keep me in His perfect peace.

Perfect peace. Interesting, perfect is not found in the Hebrew in this verse. Isaiah simply repeats shalom (peace) “You will keep him in shalom shalom…”  Hebrew grammar does not have comparative or superlative adjectives like good, better – best, to show degrees, often times the word is just repeated. An example would be if I were to say, “I love love chocolate than caramel.” Meaning, I love chocolate best. (Which I do)  So this peace, (meaning rest, healing, safety and security, even wholeness) is MORE.  God is our peace; He is our rest, healing, safety and security. He is. He is BEST.  His stuff is superior. Remember Jesus saying: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.“ (John 14:27, emphasis mine) Jesus stuff is best.

Trust. This ancient word (batach) conveys the idea of glue, or as we would say today, weld. Welding is the melting of two pieces into each other, where the two pipes (if you will) intermingle. The idea is firmness and solidity. A journeyman welder would testify if the pipe were to break, the break would indeed be elsewhere than the connecting welding spot. THIS is what trust is, the melting of myself, mixed with God. Solid.

My challenge: As I keep my mind set and fixed on Him, allowing myself to be welded into God, then I receive the BEST. The best rest, healing, safety and so stinkin secure! Isaiah continues in the very next verse: “Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD, is the Rock eternal.” (v 4) THAT is some pretty solid God stuff.

How is our welding? To whom and to what are we welded?  What holds our attention, our imaginations and where might our break be?  Do we have the best?  Point to ponder.

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

* Geeky resources: Biblical Hebrew Studies, Chaim Benorah, Strong’s Hebrew Dictionary, Complete Word Study Dictionary of Hebrew, Theological Word Study of the Old Testament, Vines Expository Dictionary of the Old Testament, New American Standard Bible Dictionary of the Old Testament. Translations referenced: Hebrew Interlinear, NIV, NASB, KJV, NKJV, ESV, NET, NLT and MSG for visual.

Posted by  |  October 30, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

A Sifted Heart

 

It seems to be a creative movement, journaling. I’ve been asked if I do – nope, not really, I blog.  I write about what God is taking me to, through and about.  I spend many hours sitting in front of my computer studying, studying for upcoming ladies studies, researching for others and mostly going to the places God puts His finger on.  Recently in my quiet time, I felt compelled to go to 1 Peter.  It is always my goal to read the whole book in one setting, (granted if it is a small book.)  As I read through Peter’s writing, I had his image in my mind, the one displayed in the Gospels. Peter, the zealous jump out of the boat, speaks without thinking and swings without good aim.

But these writings are a mature Peter, a man not only zealous, but one of transformation and passion. He speaks of holiness, self-control and love. In chapter 3, verse 15, I stopped.  Being one who sees word pictures in my mind, this verse became 3D – in full Technicolor imagery. (Move over George Lucas, you’ve got nothing on the Holy Spirit!)

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.”

Everything needs to be sifted through the reigning power of Jesus Christ, moving pass an intellectual understanding of God, to one of heart revelation. Let’s face it, in all reality if we KNOW it in our heart, THERE is where behavior, moral conduct, and righteous living happen.

Of the 1800s, Theologian Albert Barnes wrote: “In your hearts, or in the affections of the soul, regard the Lord God as holy, and act towards Him with that confidence which a proper respect for One so great and so holy demands.”

Do I have a sifted heart? Do I allow Jesus to RULE in my heart, to rule my heart?  Does my life behavior reflect my heart condition (or my words) declaring Him as Holy, as Lord? Does He take the rightful place on the throne of my life? Do I place HIM in the very center of my circumstances, where everything, everyone fall in line through …HIM?

God wants ALL of us, all of our heart, so much that He said: “I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you. I will take out your stony, stubborn heart and give you a tender, responsive heart. And I will put My Spirit in you so that you will follow My decrees and be careful to obey My regulations.” (Ezekiel 36:26-27)

I am reminded of Thomas’ confession, “My Lord and my God.” (John 20:28) May we too see Him for Who He is, revere Him as holy.  Live for Him as holy.

“But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord.”

I leave us with the song, ‘You Won’t Relent’ sung by Jesus Culture (Written by Misty Edwards)

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

Posted by  |  October 23, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Reverence

Reverence. A few years ago while on our way to a mid-week church service, glancing over at my then 11-year-old son, he was wearing his favorite ‘Ducks’ cap.  I asked him to make sure to take the cap off before going into the church, explaining that it would show reverence to the Lord. His weird smirk gave evidence he didn’t quite understand.  I proceeded to tell him; taking his favorite cap off, told God He is TOTALLY COOL, thanking Him in such a way as to bow to His coolness.  His response, “Oh I get it.”

How do we bow?

David wrote, “But I, by Your great mercy, will come into Your house; in reverence will I bow down toward Your holy temple.” (Psalm 5:7)  And again in Psalm 22:23 “Praise the LORD, all you who fear Him! Honor Him, all you descendants of Jacob! Show Him reverence, all you descendants of Israel!”

Reverence, not something commonly displayed these days. If a head is bowed, or a knee taken onlookers raise an eyebrow or two.

The writer of Hebrews strongly declares: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our “God is a consuming fire.” (12:28-29)

This godly reverence paints a most honoring picture; it isn’t a haphazard quick nod of the head as to casually acknowledge something or someone. It is to recoil, recoiling in the presence of goodness, conveying the idea of downcast eyes. It is expressing the need or desire to withdraw oneself, merely not due to their reputation, but the reality of being. GOD IS GOOD! His holiness makes Him so ‘other.’  Yes, we are commissioned to “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:16) But may we not do so with lack of awe and wonder, in that we might dishonor.  Remembering, the One Who sits on the throne is indeed, King of Kings and Lord of Lords, His goodness alone sets Him apart.

How is our reverence, are we giving a quick nod or a complete He is worthy bow?

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

 

Posted by  |  October 20, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Turn and Look!

“Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.” God to Moses (Exodus 33:3)

Doesn’t THAT cause warm fuzzies! The word for stiff-necked are two words in the Hebrew, the latter is what we expect, neck. Yet stiff  ‘qaseh’ means more than to be hard or intense. It is ‘a legal term conveying a very difficult case, in which the outcome could have life alternating consequences.’* Being stiff-necked limits our view, we are unable to turn our head from side to side; we only see what is in front of us. We get so focused, so determined on the promise – the end goal that we cannot see what God is doing to prepare us for the promise.  (Read that again) God was in no hurry to fast track the folks to the promise, they weren’t ready. What should have taken just a few months to make the 240+ mile trek, took 40 years.  They needed a higher degree of faith, and a learning skill of recognizing and asking for God’s hand BEFORE they faced the giants once they step foot in the promise land.

God did end up going with the people, Moses pleaded, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not send us from here… what else will distinguish me and Your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?” (vs 15-16)  His Presence!

God is a covenant making and covenant keeping God, He WILL fulfill. But He needs to prepare us to receive His stuff. May we loosen our neck, yes keep our eyes on the promise, but not so tight as to miss God on the way. Taking the self attached blinders off – what we miss might have ‘life alternating consequences.’ What would have happened if Moses had not turned to look at the burning bush and continued on his way?   “When the LORD saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses!” And he said, “Here I am.” (Exodus 3:4) Point to ponder.

May we turn to look.

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

* Chaim Bentorah, Biblical Hebrew Studies

Posted by  |  October 16, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: | Leave a comment

Be Still and Know I am God?

“Be still and know that I am God…”  (Psalm 46:10)  Yet most of the time my life reflects, “Be busy and know that I am tired!”  Can I get an “AMEN!”   Psalm 46:10, one of the most quoted and beloved verses of the Bible, but do we really understand its meaning?  Hang with me as we explore this further and gain understanding. The Psalmist writing under the inspiration of God, writes 10 of the 11 verses of the psalm from the 3rd person perspective, talking to us about ‘He’ (God).  The Psalmist encourages that even in natural disasters and national uproar, “Come and see the works of the LORD… He makes… He breaks…” (v8,9)  Then in verse 10, the writing changes.  It is now from the 1st person – I.  It is as if God caused him to pause, whispering in his ear, tell them…“Rapah yada Elohim” (Hebrew) “Be still and know that I am God.” Powerful.

When studying the scriptures, looking at the original language/grammar gives us some great insight. In which I am no expert or scholar, but only observe. For example in Galatians 5:22,23 (N.T. – Greek) the listing of the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  At first glance, we think these are verbs, action words, something we do.  True.  Kinda. They actually are ‘nouns’ – all of them. They are something we possess. I can walk in peace, knowing that through the Spirit, it is a quality I possess. I can operate in self-control because it too is something I possess, it is part of the ‘fruit package.’ The important part – I have to CHOOSE to use it! It is the indwelling of Holy Spirit, as we surrender to Him – He matures and works these qualities through & out our life. Just like in football, I can run for a touchdown, but it only counts if I have possession of the ball. (SCORE!) Running down the field (in my own strength) with no ball, well… the play is VERY unsuccessful!

So it is with the Hebrew, understanding the language, truly helps. Originally there were no punctuation marks. Yet when reading in a modern geeky-transliteration Jewish Bible, (mouth full) our verse reads:   “Be still! Know! God.” Here comes the totally cool part – this phrase holds two imperative verbs, meaning they are both commands. Be still! Know! God commands us to know Him. That means it is entirely possible, desirable and (wait for it) yes… expected. But not only this, but the 1st verb (be still) POINTS to the 2nd – KNOW! We are still IN ORDER to know God. WAIT… (I’m throwing in the bonus gift) ALSO, the phrase is known to form a ‘hiphil verb tense’ (in short) it is used to cause something. The subject causes the action of the verb. Meaning, as God says this to the reader, (you & I) ‘we’ are the cause of the verb…know. It is up to us to be still so that we can know Him.

‘Be still’ (rapah) means more than just quieting our mouth. It literally means; ‘to let go.’ It holds the word picture as to have something in your hand, slacken your grip, let it go… let it drop. As the New American Standard translates: “Cease striving.” When we come to God in our quiet time, we can quiet our mouth, but what do we still have in our hands, what are we ‘fidgeting’ with, (metaphorically speaking). Our lives are busy, full…full of STUFF. Granted most of it is completely legit. BUT, God wants us to want Him as much as He wants us. ALL of us. Empty handed.  When the psalmists write of praising God with raised hands, the word is ‘yad’, the empty hand, the palmed hand. The hand symbolizes strength and power, when we raise our hands to God, we are in a surrendered posture, we are emptying our hands of our own strength and accepting HIS! (head bowed)

‘Know that I am God’ (know – yada) this isn’t just an intellect knowledge of God, it is a HEART knowing. It is based on relationship, experience. In the Complete Jewish Bible, it reads: “Desist, and learn that I am God.” STOP! It isn’t a slowing down, or I’ll get to it when it is convenient (OUCH!) It is a priority! God is first! God loves full stop. God wants relationship.

God is not necessarily asking us to be quiet (although that DOES help, “Shut thee up!” There is a time to be quiet.) Location is not a huge factor (however, a quiet place contributes) Nor is our physical posture the ‘make it or break it’ element (Yet, face down, does have “I can’t see the distractions” with my face on the carpet benefits.)

All this to say, God wants us to let go of our grasp of distractions, we can sit quietly before Him, but if we are still fidgeting with our ‘stuff’ or full of anxiety of what is going on around us, we aren’t giving Him our full attention, we aren’t experiencing Him, learning Him, knowing Him.   As Brother Lawrence so eloquently wrote in his book; “There is needed neither art nor science for going to GOD, but only a heart resolutely determined to apply itself to nothing but Him, or for His sake, and to love Him only.” [Practicing the Presence of God]

There is a natural progression when passion grows, starting at duty, then to desire and most assuredly delight.

“Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world.” – God, Psalm 46:10

I honor You God, with my time, my desire, my delight and with my empty hands.

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

 

Posted by  |  October 11, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

Seasons Unaware

I love autumn, the crisp morning air and those vibrant yellow, orange and red leaves. I find it fascinating that so much beauty can come from a season of change.  Seasons.  With so much uncertainty in the world, there is however a guarantee there WILL be another spring that rolls to summer, then fall and eventually winter.  Once winter wears out its welcome, according to God’s design spring again bursts forth.

Recently the Lord showed me that just as the environment and atmosphere change, we too experience a change of season. Solomon writes in Ecclesiastes, “There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven.” (3:1) His following list consists of a time for birthing, dying, planting and harvesting, a time to tear down and to build, a time to cry and a time to laugh.  The cool part? There’s even a time for dancing! Oh Yah!  My poor sons, they cringe when mom feels the urge to dance – down the aisles at the store!  Seize the moment I say!

For some of us our season is lingering, the winter drags on, and on and on. Or perhaps something triggers you and an unhealthy season reappears, when you were confident that season had passed. Have you ever hopped in the car, after getting underway, you reach for the radio, turning it on, a song comes on and within seconds you ARE THERE!  The song brings back a familiarity either good or one that takes you back to THAT season!  A time when sorrow was your companion, pain an unwanted friend or a relationship gone wrong. Or you flip the calendar page and there it is, THE month. The one you dread, the month you experienced betrayal, or the death of a loved one.

I experienced something similar a couple of weeks ago: It was a beautiful sunny warm day, driving to my granddaughter’s school to pick her up, once in the parking lot, backing up, parking, stepping out – instantly I stopped …feeling complete dread and sorrow. Then walking towards the school, I asked God, “WHAT is this?”  He reminded me, that two weeks prior, the same scenario; sunny day, parking lot, backing up, stepping out, it was then, RIGHT THERE, I received a phone call with very traumatic news, sorrowful news – stop in your tracks news.  It was all so familiar in a way that I was not aware of.

With this revelation, I knew this needed to be broken! “In Jesus name!”  I took authority over the familiarity. (Go God) Breaking the spiritual and emotional hold.  From there I sensed Holy Spirit teaching me about the familiarity of seasons. God does not want us living in the past.  Each new day is a gift, and well if we keep our hands full of the old stuff, there isn’t room for the new.  If we can’t see the stuff in our hands – ask Him.  Or we can’t identify why we are feeling a certain way – ask Him!

Times and seasons CAN be broken! Daniel praised God saying: “Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever. Wisdom and power are His. He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise. And knowledge to those who have understanding. He reveals deep and secret things; He knows what is in the darkness, And light dwells with Him.” (2:20-22)

Oh God, may You reveal to us the seasons we may not be aware of, only feeling the effects. Grant us wisdom to see and address those we do know of.  Break the familiarity IN JESUS NAME!  Free us. Let there be no more stop in our tracks unaware, but moving forward with each new day … in YOU!

Beauty from ashes.

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

Posted by  |  October 2, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: | Leave a comment

Obeying in the Details

 

Have you ever desired to peak around the corner,  kinda like in Wizard of Oz when the bold booming voice says “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain.” Well of COURSE, I want to look!  That is how I am with scripture, I can’t just read.  There is so much pausing, pondering and defining to be done.  So much adventure!  And yes, so many lessons to learn. (Hang with me, this is good)

Recently looking at Numbers 20, (v. 1-13) I sat myself down in a field (literally) knowing there was more to this story and asked the Lord to show me around the corner, peak behind the curtain.  This is what I saw, this is what I learned.  I had the honor of teaching this to the women at church this week.  The story (in short) consists of Moses and his wooden staff, Aaron, some grumbling people and a rock.  Oh, and some gushing water.  The Israelites are wandering in the wilderness; they come to Kadesh … no water.  With the lack of water they rebelled.  Moses and Aaron go to God with this whine filled, yet genuine dilemma. God tells them to gather the people, take the staff and speak to the rock and water will flow. Moses gathered the people, took the staff and spoke to the people (not the rock). He tells them “Listen, you rebels! Must we bring you water from this rock?” THEN (wait for it…) he raises the staff and strikes the rock twice. And you got it, God showed up and water flowed.  Um, a considerable amount of deviation from the instructions dear Sir!  God then tells Moses and Aaron, due to your lack of trust in Me, and not demonstrating My holiness to the people, you don’t get to go into the Promised Land.

After reading this and seeing the scenario creatively played out in my mind, I am reminded of instances that are quite similar to Moses’ past and I’m confident familiar to Moses.

Exodus 7: The show down with Pharaoh.  God charges Moses with telling Pharaoh to “Let My people go…” Pharaoh doesn’t get it, his heart is unyielding, so God tells Moses to go to the Nile, give it one more try, if a no go, then with the gathering of people, take the staff, strike the water, God shows up and the water turns to blood.

Exodus 17: Moses is now in the wilderness with the folks, camped at Rephidim.  This place had no water as well.  The people complained, God tells Moses to gather the people, take the staff, strike the rock and God shows up – water will gush out.  And so it happened.

Exodus 17 (just a few verses later) Just slightly different, but most elements are the same. The Israelites are fighting the Amalekites, there sitting between Aaron & Hur on a hill and a gathering of people, as Moses keeps the staff raised, God shows up and they win the battle.

In Numbers 20, new instructions are given, yet Moses’ response is too familiar. Here are 4 lessons we can learn:

First, we are not to veer from the current instructions.  Does it matter HOW I do it if I’ve been here before?  The answer is YES!  God has something new for YOU and those around you.  Our obedience does impact others, as well as our disobedience.  These ‘rebels’ were the 2nd generation, they had heard of the first striking the rock and gushing of water.  How much more would God’s power & authority have meant if Moses obediently SPOKE to the rock! Would that observance have caused future POSITIVE responses?  Notice too, God told Moses, “Speak to the rock.” He didn’t tell him WHAT to say.  There was room for creativity, he just needed to speak and God would do the rest. God said speak – not swing.

Next, God still proves powerful despite our disobedience. God would deal with Moses, but the people needed water.  This teaches us God’s love for His people is so great; despite  sinful attitude and action, God still provided abundantly. His instructions are PERFECT, yet He will use imperfect instruments (us). We may mess it up, but He still trusts us with His word.  Amazing!  Disobedience DOES have consequences.  God said: “Because you did not trust Me enough to demonstrate My holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!” God reprimanded not only for disobeying but also for not believing.  The staff represented authority and yes, you used it before,  just because it is in your hand, doesn’t mean you have to use it this time.  Listen carefully.

Thirdly, God will not share His glory with another.   “Must WE bring water for you out of this rock?” (Can you hear the heavy sigh and the quiet ‘AGAIN!’) Moses spoke as if he and God would do the job. Or even He and Aaron.  It was ALL God.   It is always ALL God. God uses us, we walk in authority, but it is His miraculous power.  Isaiah 42:8 “I am the LORD, that is My name! I will not give My glory to another. ” God told Moses He wanted to demonstrate His holiness to the people, taking this generation to a whole new level perhaps?  We will never know.

And finally, we default to what is familiar in times of frustration. Often our reach is quick, and we grasp for what we already have or already know.  May we condition ourselves that when we do reach, GOD is grasped FIRST! May HE be so familiar that in times of frustration, anger or pain, our ‘quick’ is …Him.

Is God giving us new instructions, are we listening carefully, or are already thinking, “Got this, done this!”  We are prepared to use what we did before (already gathered in our hands) but perhaps not this time … just believe Him. May we consider how our obedience (or lack of) will affect others.  What does God want to show you and them in this moment?  How is our obeying in the details?

Moses.  A mighty man of God full of lessons.

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

Posted by  |  September 28, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

‘Hook’in Up Words’

How many of us remember the Saturday morning (or after school) Schoolhouse Rock commercials? Sing with me, ‘Conjunction junction what’s your function… hookin up words, phrases, and clauses.’  Amazing how that lil tune stuck in my head after all these years.  Yes, a cute railroad analogy song to help us use connecting words with purpose.

When studying the bible we do the same thing. We are to take notice of such words as: therefore, because, rather, however, and yes even …IF (see John 15)   There is yet another that packs a huge punch when used in the text.  “So that.”

In Exodus “Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of Him will keep you from sinning!” (20:20)   “Jesus says, ‘I have told you all this so that you will not go astray’. – John 16:1  Paul in Ephesians 6:11, “Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.”   In Hebrews, “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (4:16) Paul again, “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know Him better.”  (Ephesians 1:17)

Depending on the translation, ‘so that’ is used roughly 700-950+ times in the entire bible.  THAT is a considerable amount of connecting.  In the New Testament, the word is hina (hee-naw) meaning, ‘for the purpose of, in order that it might be.’  Jesus says “You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it so that the Son can bring glory to the Father.” – John 14:13  You ask in My name, it will be done for the purpose of the Father getting the glory!  ‘So that,’ amazing connecting words! Defining words. Words that point. The divine goal is to bring the Father glory!

May we slow’r down, take pause; take notice of ‘hookin up words, phrases and clauses’ so that we may know Him better for the purpose of bringing Him glory.

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

Posted by  |  September 23, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Movin On!

How often do we walk away from something, yet find ourselves coming right back to it? Isn’t that just human nature, the very thing we cry release from, somehow we find comfort in the familiar and do not step beyond the zone?  Jesus wants us to be free.

We see an amazing example of this in John 5, Jesus observes a man at the Pool of Bethesda. The place where the blind, lame or paralyzed would lay near the pool … waiting.  Tradition states an angel would visit the pool, while stirring the water healing virtues would flow, the first in would be healed.  The man Jesus saw had been coming to the waters for a very long time, he himself an invalid for 38 years.  Jesus asked him, “Do you want to get well?”   The man’s answer is typical. “I have no one to help me; while I am trying, someone always gets there ahead of me.” I don’t mean to be heartless, but can you hear the Eeyore tone and bit of whine in his voice?

Jesus simply says, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk!”  That is exactly what the man did.  At first glance, isn’t it interesting that Jesus didn’t instruct he just walk away, leave your mat?  Nope. I would suggest that this man had grown so accustomed to being lame, it was familiar and that mat was comfortable and “See that corner spot right over there – THAT is my spot!”   If the mat had been left, there would be something to come back to.  All comforts had now been removed, the familiar no longer available. No lying down, no relapse here folks!  A healed man does not need to hang out at this pool anymore.  A delivered man needs to move on, leaving nothing behind. And why carry the mat?  The mat was now being re-purposed.  No longer a mat for waiting, but a mat for living!

God holds nothing back to free us. (Go God!) The Psalmist speaks so vividly, “When they cried to the LORD in their trouble and He saved them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the deepest gloom and BROKE away their chains.” (107:13-14, emphasis mine)  Please pause and consider the breaking of these chains, the word is not just a mild bend or snapping.  It is a divine BURSTING!  It was so destructive that the chains were torn into pieces, so much so it was un-repairable.  Attempt as you may, even with biting your lip while applying super-glue, what God breaks, it is BROKEN!

Father, may we too not look for excuses with whining tones, remembering what You have healed us of, what YOU have delivered us from; we are not to attempt to go back or fix.  There is nothing for us there!

Movin on.

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

Posted by  |  September 18, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | 2 Comments

Let Nothing Be Wasted

 

 

Oh I LOVE a good learning opportunity.

John 6. The feeding of the many.  Seeing the crowd, Jesus asks Philip, “Where shall we buy bread that these may eat?“  The narrative continues saying that Jesus already knew what He was going to do; He wanted Philip (and the others) to consider the solution.  I love God questions.  They aren’t for God.  He never misses an opportunity to teach us more of Him.  Remember, “Where are you?” (Genesis 3)

Can you imagine the quick eye rolling that took place, the disciples looking at Jesus then to … ALL THOSE PEOPLE! I wonder if Jesus chuckled to Himself. The guys declare it would cost too much to buy for all those hungry folks, yet there is this boy – who has five loaves of bread and two ‘not quite regulation size’ fish.  Jesus instructs the disciples to have the people be seated, and then distributes the barley fish sandwiches.  After all had been satisfied, Jesus tells the disciples “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.”

Let nothing be wasted. LOVE IT!  Those words ring beautifully in red. If you write in your bibles, underline those words. (John 6:12) Yes, speaking in context to the fish and bread, but I also believe, let no circumstance be wasted.  Asking the disciples the question, feeding the many all offered the opportunity to know Him as ‘The Bread of Life.’(v35)

What circumstance are we in right now, what does Jesus want to show us, teach us about Himself. What solution does He want to prove Himself faithful. Oh we may not have to consider being the sole supplier at the next church picnic, but ‘Let nothing be wasted.’

Look, consider and learn.

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

Posted by  |  September 15, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Confessions of a Geeky Gal

Ever have a day that you’d just like to crawl back in bed and pull the covers up, with just enough breathing room, peeking out wishing the day away. I had one of those this week. However, it was of my own making. Confession: As the day began, while praying I sensed the Lord tell me “Patience!” I was going to NEED patience. Alrighty then, that’s nice! But by golly who in their right mind (or lack thereof) would PRAY for patience. I made note of it and went head first into my day. As the day progressed, frustration grew, I was easily irritated by those around me, even irritated by the time on the clock. And for crying out loud, the drivers in front of me “GET OFF THE ROAD!” I found myself reacting to the WORLD. Patience. (I KNOW better!) God told me.

Geeky Gal’s notes: In short, there are basically two words used for patience in the New Testament, both of which I have studied extensively. (Head bowed) First, ‘makrothumia’ (Greek) this patience is with people and motivated by mercy. Mercy, NOT getting what you deserve! In essence, it is extending a tender open hand, as opposed to a fist full of … stuff! And we got us some STUFF don’t we!  God’s mercy is withholding what we deserve and loves beyond. God is so amazingly DIVINELY coordinated. One hand pulls back while the other reaches forward and gives grace. The other patience or perseverance is ‘hupomone’  – a bearing up under, in and through circumstances, this is motivated by hope. Hope, waiting strong with great expectation, it is found in the ‘knowing’ – KNOWING that God is and does and will. Hope.

So mercy and hope, without these, I (we) fail with people, we are terribly inpatient with each other and our situation only seems to worsen when there is no hope.

God told me ‘patience’, I failed miserably (I should have known!!! DUH!) Due to sudden heartbreak, thinking in the wrong direction caused me to get upset. Once identifying the error, I asked God to re-focus my perspective, turn me towards Him and Him alone. THERE lies my hope, my perseverance, my receiving of His hand of grace. His call to patience wasn’t necessarily what I was going to do, it was what I was going to receive – from HIM!  Tender mercy and hope filled vision.

How is your extended mercy and hope? “For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” – Hebrews 10:36   How are you with receiving it from the Father? As the picture above depicts, patience can be like being STUCK behind a slow-moving-boring rig. Don’t honk your spiritual horn, or attempt to pass on dangerous ground. Wait. Go the journey. Allow God to love beyond in and through you.  Hope on, a promise awaits YOU!

For Jeremy.

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

 

 

 

Posted by  |  September 12, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Psalms

 

 

“Once you learn more about God, the object of your worship will be His character.” – Professor Lanny Hubbard. I have found this to be so true.  Of recent, I have been working through the Psalms in my devotion time.  Each morning it is like cracking open a treasure filled piñata, or opening the curtain to a new day as the sun tumbles in.  Each reading, I put myself in the Psalmist place, I am filled with such love, appreciation and yes – worship.

God’s character is flawless, brilliant and holy and cannot become separate from His being.  Yet He “Stoops down to look on the heavens and the earth.” (113:6) He watches over the righteous, fills our heart with great joy, makes us dwell in safety and searches our mind and heart.  He brings us out, stills our storms and shelters us. He restores, guides, leads, heals, satisfies and renews. He redeems, comforts and rescues.  He is compassionate, gracious and merciful. My God examines, forgives and covers.  He answers me and makes me GLAD!  I just love the Psalms!

I in turn sing, praise, shout, believe, extol and sacrifice. I cry out, take refuge and give thanks.  I set my heart, trust in Him and walk about in freedom.

I am learning through the Psalms I do not seek God’s hand as to receive from Him, I seek His face (27:8) to be close to Him. I do not keep quiet, I shout His name and I do not hang my head in discouragement, I hope in God!

The next time you read through the beloved collection of poetic prose, highlight, underline or circle all He is about!

Psalms.

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

 

Posted by  |  September 1, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: | Leave a comment