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Watching. Listening. Learning.

Every week Sam (fictitious name of a real person) takes off running at full speed as he passes all the rest. Smiling, his head held high, he is out front and FIRST! But not for long. All watch as Sam slowly begins to lag slower and slower, soon all those he passed are now passing him. Eventually Sam is seen back in the far distance, holding his side with a limping walk. The coach of the Cross Country team tries to tell him to pace himself, reserving the energy to finish the race and finish strong. But he doesn’t seem to be listening. You’d think he’d watch the team leaders who are successful, but he doesn’t seem to see them. His current training will indeed condition him for failure. “Anyone seen Sam?” Asks the coach as the team assembles at the end of practice.

We are designed for each other, to hear and see each other. The writer of Hebrews exhorts “Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith.” (13:7) Solomon said, “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” (Proverbs 13:20) Paul too charges the older men and women in the book of Titus to teach and live in such a way that the younger generation learns good from them.

The last few years it has been my goal to have a couple, three or four strong godly women in my life at all times. I ask their guidance, seek their wisdom and whole heartedly listen and watch. Not that I always accurately imitate, I tend to have a rebellious streak, but they are out in front of me and I make myself see them, and listen to their words. “Iron sharpens iron, So one man (woman) sharpens another.” (Proverbs 27:17, emphasis mine) They are used of God to help sharpen me, my character, my choices and my gifting. I desire too, to be someone out front for others, like the Psalmist so poetically wrote: “Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, till I declare Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come.” (Psalm 71:18) I do NOT want to hear echoed across my life, “Anyone seen DeDe?” Or be like Sam and focus only on getting out ahead, ignoring good training practices and forget the call to finish.

How about you, what are you watching, to whom are you listening?  Does God have a few godly folks running ahead of you to help set your pace?  Point to ponder.

Watching, listening and learning. Finishing the race and finishing strong.

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

 

Posted by  |  August 9, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , | 1 Comment

His Joy, Your Strength

“The joy of the LORD is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:10   This verse is often quoted as encouragement, and rightly so. A few years ago I read an article written by a Messianic Rabbi, all I remember was his pitch with a slightly different interpretation, I decided to dig in and study it for myself. My results? I too agree with the Rabbi. Let me share my observation and help paint the picture that I believe to be God’s heart.

In the day of Ezra and Nehemiah, a group of Jewish exiles numbering around 50,000 had returned to their homeland of Jerusalem, this after a lengthy captivity in Babylon. Nehemiah’s role was to lead the people in rebuilding the walls of the city. There was great (not so kind) opposition from the neighboring folks, half the men stood guard while the other half worked on the wall, it was an all hands on the wall event, each family working on their assigned section.

Upon the completion of the wall, Ezra brought out the written law of Moses. As he opened it, A-L-L the people stood up. They hadn’t heard this in ages, LITERALLY! They were so overwhelmed, the bowed their faces to the ground and worshipped. In this worship … they wept. What an amazing sight that would be, to see so many tender to the Word of the Lord. They were realizing just how far they can gone AWAY from their God. Their covenant God. THIS is when Ezra and Nehemiah declare to them, “This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep…” Nehemiah continues on, (read this slowly) “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” – Nehemiah 8:9-10

A people who were once far off, had now come home. Not only geographically, but home to their God. They labored side by side for one cause, their hearts rendered open when hearing God’s word. HERE, God-was-pleased. He found joy in their unity, in their renewed awareness of Him. God in His everlasting love and mercy was no longer to be feared of their disobedience and apathy, He was joyful of and for them. They were telling the people, “Oh find strength in knowing God is pleased with you, He finds JOY in YOU!” It is His joy, your strength.

How many of us glance over our shoulder and see the mess behind us, we see our straying, our lack of … God. When we do come home, get our act together, gaining a fresh awareness of HIM, we want only to bow our head in disgrace. Oh beloved, “Do not grieve!” God is our God of our now! By all means worship, bow low, but at some point R-A-I-S-E  YOUR  HEAD! Be strengthen, He is pleased, He is over joyed. He is YOUR God.  Be strengthened that He finds joy in YOU!

The joy of the LORD is your strength. His joy, your strength.

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

 

Posted by  |  August 7, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Show Me!

Ever think, “Hm, now isn’t THIS fine and dandy!” Finding yourself in a situation that requires more faith than the mustard seed you planted out back. Your prayers turn from a somber quietness to “I NEED SOMETHING HERE LORD!” Soon, faith in the wait, turns to a shade of doubt. You are tempted to disown your honesty, and grab a cup of ‘Fake it till it hurts.’ DON’T DO IT! Take pause and a deep breath, let’s look at Thomas and Jesus, and the others (yes, the others)

John 20. Personally I think Thomas gets mis-tagged as ‘Doubting Thomas’, I would tag him as ‘Honest Thomas.’ Jesus knew him, He knew that there was a strong element lacking in him, that same element flows through all our spiritual DNA to some degree, why not address it. We all at times need that moment, Thomas moments, “SHOW ME!” moments.

There is one thing I find fascinating – funny how in Sunday school or from the pulpit when teaching about DOUBT, we always tag just …Thomas. Why, because he verbalized his desire for proof? (v25) And yes, Jesus did tell him “Stop doubting and believe.” (v27) But have we considered when Jesus first appeared to the others, the disciples, fearful and behind locked doors, (Thomas was absent) standing among them, Jesus says, “Peace be with you.” THEN, (wait for it…) “He showed them His hands and side.” It continues, “The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.” (v19-20) They may have not said it verbally BUT before Jesus proceeds, He reaches out His hands to them.

Later again Jesus appears, this time He reaches out to Thomas. He needs Thomas to see Him as the true resurrected Lord, the one Who soon will sit at the right hand of the Father, in power, Majesty, and AUTHORITY! Not only did Thomas need to believe in Jesus, he needed to believe Him. Walk with confidence, that He is Who He says He is, does what He says He will do.   Faith.

Aren’t we glad Jesus takes the time to reach out His hands. Can you image, Jesus the risen King, standing in front of YOU – not out of condemnation, but out of love. Tenderly, “Put your finger here – see My hands… My side.” My life long desire is to have the same response as believing Thomas “My Lord and my God.” It doesn’t say it, but I am confident he fell to his knees. Who couldn’t help but do so. Jesus takes every opportunity to use our moments to teach others. Think of those in the room with Thomas, some may have had the same needed moment, AGAIN! “Wow! I didn’t get a good look last time.” I imagine Peter saying. (You try being in my imaginative head when you read these stories!)

When was the last time our faith was small, limited, even crying out for proof, verbalized or not. Let’s be honest, He knows anyway. He wants us full of belief and see Him in all majesty as He stands in front of us.  (We, to our knees we go!)

It may take some time, progressive faith building time. Be assured if you ask Jesus to ‘show you,’ you better be expectant, heart ready, spiritual eyes open.  Doubting Thomas. HONEST Thomas. Believing Thomas!

I leave us with the powerful words of Jesus “Believe Me when I say…” (John 14:11) What is He saying to YOU?

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

Side note:  Many scholars are in agreement that Thomas’ doubt was not necessarily, and not only of Jesus, but of the words of the others.  He knew nothing, but of what the fearful behind locked doors friends were telling him. The others had Holy Spirit breath blown on them by Jesus (in the upper locked room) “Peace” was spoken over them.  They had divine insight Thomas had not yet experienced.

 

Posted by  |  August 3, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

When Life Gets Stupid (Devotional Mini)

I heard a quote recently that I thought was SOOO good, I wrote it down, (though short enough to remember.) I wanted to jot it in the back of my bible, (but I haven’t yet.) I think it good enough to place on the frig among the simple drawings in crayon, (so I will.)

The quote? “When life gets stupid!” Isn’t that so stinkin true! Life just gets crazy wild at times with family, friends, church, ministry, chores, phone calls, emails, grocery shopping, and track – on and on the list goes! Oh I have to add dusting. Since I don’t do it often, I feel better that it even made the list!

When life does get wild and our responses fill with stupid potential, often our stupidity takes it’s liberty and brings along a dear friend who’s name is chaos. What do we do with it (them) stupidity and chaos? Wisdom! Inviting the practical application of our God into our moment. I think James must have had a few of these days, he says “Those of you who lack wisdom ask…” (1:5) He goes on to say “Ask the lady at the check out stand.” No. Ask your very best buddy. Nope. FIRST, ask GOD! God, who gives generously. And there are indeed days, moments that we need to tap into God’s generous offer.

God WHAT is it You want in this very moment; HOW am I to respond, WHY do You have me here, WHERE should Your name be placed, WHO should I reach out to?

When life gets wild and stupidity smiles around the corner, we take a wise pause and invite God into our very moment. One wise guy wrote, “Get wisdom; get insight; do not forget, and do not turn away…” (Solomon, Proverbs 4:5)

Slow’r down – ask God.

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

Posted by  |  July 31, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Wait. Hope. Soar.

 

“But they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” (Isaiah 40:31)

What an amazing word picture, the rising and soaring and then the flight!  Yet this beautiful picture can get lost in the literal translation.  The Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) translates, “They shall put forth new feathers like eagles.”  The mature eagle molts his old feathers and new ones grow in their place. (See note below)  Renewed feathers, means renewed strength. The feathers are not grown over night, there is a ‘waiting’ process, but in this waiting there is HOPE.  When the new feathers come in – there is literally a ‘mounting up’, suggesting movement from a lower to a higher place.  As the eagle makes his ascent, he spreads out those lovely strong feathered wings, seeking the wind current and SOARS!

THIS is what God wants of us! Some of us have ruffled feathered wings and lookin pretty tattered, and some – well – they are just plain GONE! When we have lost our strength, no longer have the means to soar, we wait… we HOPE … IN HIM.  We then are like the eagle, we are given new feathers, new strength.

Paul says to the Colossians: “We also pray that you will be strengthened with all His glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy.” (1:11)  Endurance is the ‘bearing up under’ in circumstances motivated by HOPE.  Patience is the forbearance with people, motivated by MERCY.

Do you sense a lil molting, God removing with divine intent to replace? Do you need movement in your spiritual life?

Wait. Hope. Soar!

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

Posted by  |  July 27, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Sacred Spaces

Where is your God place? I mean those moments when you block out the world, the noise, the chaos and quietly bow your head, offering a moment for a spiritual breath. Is it the comfy chair sitting under the light in the living room, or for you it may be a walk on the beach, while brushing your toes in the sand. Or do you wait until bible in hand and you slip into the pew at church. For me, it is a spot on the back porch as I sip coffee.

When God moves and speaks, showing Himself BIG, what is our response? Do we mark those moments on the time line of our life? Or do we just give a quick nod of the head and continue on with our day – our life. I have been studying those great names of old … Abe, Isaac, Jacob and Moses, I found all had many things in common, but one in particular stood out to me … they built altars.

“He (Abe) built an altar there to the Lord…” (Genesis 12:7) “Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of the Lord.” (Genesis 26:25) “Jacob set up a stone pillar at the place where God had talked with him…” (Genesis 35:14)

This one is one of my favorites; Moses sits on top of a hill, below him the battle wages on. Joshua leads the Israelites against the Amalekites, they were winning as long as Moses kept his hands raised and when he grew tired, Aaron and Hur placed a stone under him to sit and then stood beside him, holding his arms up. They win the battle, “Moses built an altar and called it ‘The Lord is my Banner.’ He said, “For hands were lifted up to the throne of the Lord.” (Exodus 17:15,16a)  It doesn’t say it in the narrative, but I can imagine Moses taking rocks and placing them on top of the large stone he sat on during the battle, marking the fight and the victory.

An altar is a landmark of God’s presence. It declares a sacred space, sacred because the faithful God of the universe was there. Oh, we may no longer need to gather various rocks and pile them in our back yard, but we can make a spiritual marker. I made a very clear altar of the heart a few years ago. If I could literally see the altar it would be down in a cattle field, at the river’s edge, under a large old tree. It was there I cried out to the Lord, wanting … NEEDING His presence – He never disappoints.

Like the Patriarchs of old, may we too be altar builders. Marking places, seasons where battles were fought, where battles were WON!  Recognizing and declaring THIS is where God met with me. Here is where I will remember. I will remember … HIM.  If we could see as God sees, I am confident we would see sacred spaces scattered across our past journeys.

Sacred spaces.

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

 

Posted by  |  July 25, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , | Leave a comment

ONLY

 

“The thief comes ONLY to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (Jesus, John 10:10 emphasis mine) Say it with me ‘Ou ei me’ (Greek: ‘oo-a-may’) ONLY. The ick out there, no matter how dressed up, how beautifully displayed, or having easy access – don’t reach for it! The thief’s ONLY motive is to steal from you, kill & destroy.
Lookin at something (disguised) all shined up and pretty?   May our raised hand not be to reach and grab, but in declaration to … STOP!  “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7)
ONLY.  Choose Life.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)

Posted by  |  July 19, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Remember

The ‘Law of First Mention’ is a theological term that basically means ‘WAIT, what was THAT?’ (While your finger tip retraces the prior reading) Or technically, taking notice of the importance of the first time a name, attribute, declaration or regulation takes place in scripture (not when you first notice it however.)

The first mention of ‘remember’ is in reference to Noah in Genesis chapters 8-9. AMAZING word picture, God tells Noah He will remember the covenant He is making with him and all living creatures, this in reference to – not destroying all life again with flooded water. He places the rainbow in the clouds as a reminder, NOT to man, but to Himself. “Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on earth.” (v16) This doesn’t mean God is forgetful and needs a slew of colored string tied to His divine finger, it means when man acts up (and by golly we ACT UP!) His remembrance (in the Hebrew) means ‘When I remember, I act differently.’ What a merciful binding element!

Carrying the same theme, “I remember Your ancient laws, O LORD, and I find comfort in them.” (Psalm 119:52) The psalmist purposefully remembering, this is his way of properly marking a mental note, (which in the Hebrew) ‘indicates an inward act accompanied by appropriate outward action.’* The Psalmist is saying that in his remembrance of God’s word, it causes him to act differently. Scripture, what loving-comforting guideline.

Paul declares in Ephesians 6, “Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (v17, emphasis mine) the picture continues …the Greek for ‘word’ is rhema, which quite literally is “Scripture which the Spirit brings to our remembrance for use in time of need, a prerequisite being the regular storing of the mind with Scripture.” [Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old Testament and New Testament Words] It is up to us to ‘take’ God’s word, build up the inventory (if you will) let’s be honest, it would indeed be a true shame to be in a particular situation, Holy Spirit goes to our mindful inventory and finding the shelves bare, having nothing to pull and use.

Remembering; God’s way of bringing to the forefront; Covenant, God stuff, promises and the call to particular lifestyle.

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

 

* Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament

For more on the Law of First Mention:[ https://www.gotquestions.org/law-of-first-mention.html%5D

Posted by  |  July 18, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Is THAT in the Bible?

Recently, while perusing through Facebook, I came across a picture that looked to be taken from the pages of the Bible. The one who posted it thought it pretty, eloquent and held promise: “Behold, this is a choice land, and whatsoever nation shall possess it shall be free from bondage, and from captivity and from all other nations under heaven, if they will but serve the God of the land who is Jesus Christ…” (v12)  WAIT!  Not being a scholar by any means, but I don’t remember reading this.  Sounds a bit Old Testament(ish) doesn’t it?  After a lil research I found the verse to be from the book of Ether (2:12) and yes I spelled that right ‘Ether’ – it is from the book of Mormon. It’s the story of the Jaredites who were led by God to the Americas shortly after the Tower of Babel scenario (um…) pretty but not biblical.

How often do we refer to, strongly consider, even quote what is NOT in the bible, like “Pride comes before a fall…” although close, pride ends in destruction, “Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” (Proverbs 16:18)  And, “The eye is the window to the soul.”  The eye is not the window, not even a door, but the lamp; “The eye is the lamp of the body, so then if your eye is clear, your whole body will be full of light.” (- Jesus, Matthew 6:22, Luke 11:34) How often do we hear; “Money is the root of all evil!”  Head hung, shoulders slumped, condemnation felt.  NO, it’s the “LOVE of money that is the root of all sorts of evil.” (1 Timothy 6:10, emphasis mine) My favorite, “This, too, shall pass.”  Nope, not there either. Although misquoted, it is from a poem, ‘The Lament of Doer.’ “That passed away, so may this.”

Another, “The lion shall lay down with the lamb.” There is no mention of this in scripture, many would say, oh sure it is, in Revelations. Nope.  However in Isaiah 11:6 (see also 65:25) it speaks of the wolf and the lamb will dwell and graze together, but no lamb and lion snuggling.

I’ve heard folks quote the ‘proverb’ – “Spare the rod, spoil the child.” It does paint a somewhat accurate picture, but the actual wording is even more potent, “He who withholds his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him diligently.” (Proverbs 13:24)  Hate literally means to ‘be unwilling – to refuse.’ To refuse to correct is a refusal to love.

The next time something questionable is seen or quoted to us, sounding ‘good’ or perhaps giving reference to Hezekiah 4:12 or Proverbs 32, let’s take a moment to explore. May we not be easily swept away by pretty, eloquent or what sounds promising.  Our very spiritual life may depend on it.  The Psalmist did say, “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” (Psalm 119:11) Getting His word in us, so we can tell the difference between truth and …other.

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

Posted by  |  July 18, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Leave a comment

Got Faith?

Faith that moves mountains! Well for me at times, my faith would have a hard time tipping over a bucket full of sand, let alone moving a mountain.  I tend to drive up, look the mountain over and find myself turning around in an attempt for a different route rather than ‘move it.’

Faith.

In Hebrews 11 the author poetically describes the Hall of Faith, as those who ‘By faith…’ offered, built, left, blessed, kept, marched and protected. But how many of us would say our faith would indeed use different terminology, perhaps wimpy, shy even stealthily.   Sadly many feel that their ‘faith’ is a private thing. No, No it isn’t. Nowhere in the bible does it say or imply or even etched quietly in code that we are to tuck God in our back pocket, or leave Him as a bookmark in our bibles sitting on our night stand. We are called, commissioned and commanded to live and tell. Live our life in such a way, clearly declaring a firm assurance, God is Who He said He is and will DO what He says He will do. Faith.

There are some amazing stories of faith in the bible, common folks like us, faced with some mountains of their own. First, there is great faith: (Matthew 8) Jesus is in Capernaum, a Centurion (a captain over 100 or so men) came up to Him, stating, his servant is at home paralyzed and suffering. Jesus says, “I will go and heal him.” The captain says, “No need, just say the word and he will be healed.” Jesus responds that He had not found anyone with such great faith. He tells the captain, ‘GO! It will be done just as you believed it would.” The servant was healed! Great faith!   “Just say the word!” 

Next, gutsy faith: (Mark 5) this is the story of the gal with a bleeding issue, she had suffered for twelve years, having seen doctors with no results. With the bleeding issue, according to Jewish custom she was ‘unclean’ and should have stayed on the outskirts of the crowd.  If anyone came towards her or close to her, she was supposed to declare, by yelling ‘UNCLEAN!’ – but she didn’t,  not this time, she let her faith be bigger than her fear!  She had heard about Jesus, she not only goes into the crowd, she reaches out and touches the hem of Jesus’ robe.   The word used to describe, ‘touched’ (in the Greek) refers to such handling of the material as to ‘modify’ it. Meaning it wasn’t a flippant swipe of her hand, she GRABBED that hem so tight, she may have left her hand print on it. (vs 28) Grabbing His hem, she thought “IF I just touch His clothes I will be healed.”   Jesus declares “Daughter, your faith has healed you…” Gutsy, reach out and GRAB faith!

Next, honest faith: (Matthew 8) Jesus had taught all day, as the crowd closes in, He steps into a boat, we pick up later in the evening – with the disciples, He tells them “Let us go to the other side.” Out on the water, without warning a storm came up; the waves were coming up over and into the boat. Jesus asleep, the disciples cry out to Him, “HELP! Lord save us, we’re going to drown.” Jesus responds, “You of little faith, why are you afraid!” He got up and rebuked the wind and waves, and they obeyed.

The same event is told in Mark chapter 4, “Leaving the crowd behind, they took Him along, just as He was in the boat. There were also other boats with Him.’ A furious squall came up…” (v36) They weren’t alone. These disciples had just a “LITTLE bit” of faith, but just enough to know to CRY OUT to Jesus! Yes, our faith should be big and strong, but let’s be honest; sometimes we may only have enough to squeak out “HELP LORD!” Be assured that even our little-honest cry for help – it DOES affect others!

Lastly, struggling faith: (Mark 9) the story of the father with the possessed son.  In Jesus’ presence the demonic throws the boy into convulsions. The dad says, “If you can do anything, take pity on us and help us.” “If you can?” said Jesus, and continues; “Everything is possible for him who believes.” (v24) the father then saying, “I do believe; helps me overcome my unbelief!” (How many of us have said this!)  At this point there was no VERBAL response from Jesus, He didn’t take him aside and tell the father, “There is a really good book you should read, ‘5 Easy Steps to Increase Your Faith’’”   Nope, but you can almost hear the divine whisper, “WATCH ME!”  He delivers and heals the boy.

Faith is living out our perception of God. We may have great faith, like the Centurion, “Just say the word Lord!” Awesome, use it, make it contagious. Faith doesn’t make sense, it makes room for miracles!   Or we may need some gusty/risky faith, like the gal to come forward from the outskirts, be desperate enough to reach out and GRAB! Or we may have ‘lil’ faith, honestly just enough to cry out for Jesus’ help. Perhaps our faith needs more, ‘I believe, but help my unbelief.’ On an honest note, perhaps we experience ALL of these in one day!   True?

I challenge us to push our faith forward, getting a really good look, examining and ask God for more. God not only is faithful to us, but faith FILLING. He continually pours into us. He offers opportunities, opportunities that stretch our faith, stretch our response. Living our life in such a way, clearly declaring a firm assurance, God is Who He said He is and will DO what He says He will do.

Faith.

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

 

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

What is ‘Delighting in God?’

 

Psalm 37 4

I asked God “Show me.”

“Delight yourself in the LORD and He will give you the desires of your heart.” (David, Psalm 37:4) Sadly many interpret this on a whim that if we get our act together with God, He will start granting what we ask for. This mindset seems to hold God captive like a genie; we call Him forth only when we want something. Perhaps liken also to; “Dear Santa, I’ve been good, here’s my list, I want…” Or some use the rabbit-foot theology approach, keeping God around just long enough, close enough, after all He is the Big Guy in the Sky, keeping on His good side seems to be the best plan.

We are called to and for more.

According to verse 25, King David was aged when he penned this “I was young and now I am old…” Throughout the Psalm he peppers his words with, “Don’t fret or be envious, trust in the LORD, commit your ways to the LORD, be still before the LORD, refrain from anger, turn from evil and do good, wait for the LORD and keep His ways. You can almost hear the longing in his voice as he pulls the reader forward by the shoulders, “Listen to this old man, HEAR THIS!”

Delight yourself in the LORD. It isn’t what we think. We often associate delight with our feelings of joy, our pleasures fulfilled. Yes, true, but there’s more. The word David uses (‘anag’) seems out of place when read in the Hebrew, however being the poet that he was, (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit) the word picture he is painting is beautiful. The word here for ‘delight’ is one that describes being sensitive, delicate and soft. It carries the idea of being pliable. Interesting also, grammatically anag (delight) is an imperative verb, meaning this is a command. David is not leaving room for question or discussion, we ARE to live our life delicately before the Lord, and we are to keep pliable and sensitive to Him. In doing so, in our pliable state, He molds into us His desires, ‘He will give you the desires of your heart.’ God places the desires within you. Have you experienced this?  What you once wanted has/is changing.  It’s Him!   Isaiah’s words continue the imagery: “Yet You, LORD, are our Father. We are the clay, You are the potter; we are all the work of Your hand.” (64:8) He presses into us, molds us.

David is conveying that in our delighting in HIM, we express both the craving and satisfaction. He was a man after Gods own heart – his heart was satisfied by God. He doesn’t say we are to delight in the things God can do for us, but God Himself, we are to crave God, and He will satisfy.

As he writes this I am sure he remembers; he was a passionate man, yes, he went and took what he wanted at times (we all know how that turned out) yet he knew also unmet desires. He desired to build a temple for the Lord. However God did not give David this desire of his heart, David was a man of war; God wanted his son Solomon, a man of peace to build the temple. (1 Chronicles 17 & 22)

Glancing over my shoulder, I am very glad God has not given me some of the desires of my heart over the years. That indeed was great mercy on His part. Delighting in the Lord does not mean I cease having wants, having dreams and asking for them, it means as I seek after God, my goal is to become subordinate; I forego all – for HIS desires. “If the greatest and supreme of all our delights is in being and in doing what God wills, nothing can frustrate His purpose to give us our heart’s desire.” (Rev. Charles Voysey – January,1885) When we delight in the Lord, our desire is not so much to have as to be and do.

What would it take for God to captivate us, (captivate YOU) to lay aside all wants, wishes and dreams for Him. What would it take to become soft and pliable?

‘Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.’

 

 

I leave us with David Crowders song:

“Take my heart, I lay it down
At the feet of You whose crowned
Take my life, I’m letting go
I lift it up to You who’s throned

Take my fret, take my fear
All I have, I’m leaving here
Be all my hopes, be all my dreams
Be all my delights, be my everything.”

Such theology, such grace – great delight.

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

Posted by  |  June 26, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

Banished from the Garden – PURE MERCY!

Have you ever read something, or heard something, that as you begin to ponder it, the truth of it completely breaks you? I have begun an online seminary class on the book of Genesis, it is my all time favorite book.  I am to read it, study it.  It has taken me a couple of weeks to process just a few verses in chapter 3.

Genesis 3. What a tangled conversation, Eve and the serpent.  He asks Eve, (I paraphrase) “Did God really say, you can’t eat from any tree?’(v1) She responds, we can eat, ‘But God said we can’t eat from the tree in the middle, we can’t even touch it or we will die. (v3) Serpent responds, “You won’t DIE! (Can you hear the sarcasm?) God knows if you do eat from it, you will become like Him, knowing all the good and evil stuff.” (v5) Often we think of the Garden story as a huge snake lie.  But did he lie?

First, did they physically die that day? No. They lived 900+ years longer. Their relationship with God however died through their disobedience.  Sin. When they ate were their eyes opened and like God knowing good and evil? Yes. “The man has now become like one of Us, knowing good & evil.” (v22)

You see we ARE to become like God, but NOT like this! It was too much, they couldn’t handle it. God was protecting them with the command not to eat, not to know. But in God’s way, God’s timing: “And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)

The serpent folded truth in the deceitful conversation. In his ‘craftiness’, he got Eve to restate God’s word falsely. Interesting, Eve mentions the tree in the ‘middle’- there were two particular trees in the ‘middle’ (Tree of Life & Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil – Gen. 2:9) they were to tend the garden and care for it, (2:15) they HAD to touch – to tend, God said don’t eat, not don’t touch. “It’s not how much truth is in the lie, its how much lie is in the truth.” – Dr James Allman (Dallas Theological Seminary) The best lie is the one that has the most truth in it.  Twisting, doubting, restating, God’s word (I’d have to say the 1st bible study was not so successful)  Eve lacked discernment, Theologian C.H Spurgeon said, “Discernment is not knowing the difference between right & wrong, it is knowing the difference between right and almost right.” (Ouch!)

Reading on, I ran head on into God’s banishment. God’s banishment from the garden was not punishment or out of anger it was full of mercy, PURE mercy. God didn’t KICK them out; He graciously forced them to leave, before – before they could eat from the Tree of Life. God said, “He (man) must not be allowed to reach out his hand and take also from the Tree of Life and eat and live forever. So the LORD God banished him from the Garden of Eden…” (vss 22,23)  Man had not eaten from the Tree of Life yet, he wasn’t in an eternal state, if he had eaten in his broken relationship with God, he (they) would be eternally out of relationship. They would be stuck in THAT condition, that spiritual position with God – FOREVER! God sent them out and what does He do?  He places an angel with a flaming sword to guard against them going back to what, paradise?  No, He guards against them going back to the Tree of Life.  (see v24) Um, according to Eve, ‘Somewhere over there, in the middle I think.’ (HA!) Seriously, pretty serious stuff!  They were sent away, out to the eventually ‘redeemed’ relationship.  In THAT relationship, mankind is offered eternal life.  Jesus.  God loved man so much He wouldn’t leave them in the mess they got themselves in to.  GOD IS GRACIOUS.  We take pause and state God is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) He is still in the business of redeeming back our messes! Can I get an AMEN!

While contemplating all this, (while folding clothes) I felt the Lord tell me, “It may have all started in Genesis, even in the first 3 chapters – but I AM A FINISHING GOD.”

Oh YES!

Paul may have penned it, but right now, right here God is saying “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)

God is Gracious.   Pondering and broken.

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

Posted by  |  June 13, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Deep Dealing, Drilling & Dwelling

A few weeks ago, when preparing and researching for a study I was immersed in, I got ‘Squirreled.’ Or so I thought. I came upon an article that spoke of ‘fracking.’ Intrigued, not knowing what it was, soon I was knee deep in engineering terminology, dirt and deep digging. Over the course of the last few months, even a year (or three) my fire and passion for God has increased and after reading these articles I sensed God was showing me why and how. God has/is doing Spiritual fracking in me. Industrially, it is defined as “Hydraulic fracturing (also known as ‘fracking’) using large quantities of water under pressure within a borehole to fracture the rock, creating cracks in the deep-rock, thus releasing the valuable substance of natural gas or petroleum.” We are familiar with the large equipment seen on the flat lands of Texas.

I feel God has been using large quantities of His Spirit under pressure to pierce and crack through my ‘deep-rock.’ Yup, I’m cracked for God! (THAT would make a dandy of a bumper sticker) His fracking is designed to get deep down, deep below all the stuff.

I think it is safe to say, since I am no engineer, the emphasis in fracking is ‘under pressure.’ How many of us could raise our hand that we too have been under pressure. How often do we go to any lengths to escape the pressure? At times we even devil point, stating the pressure we are in is of his doing. Nope. Not all the time. I am persuaded, more than we think; the pressure we are experiencing is indeed, ‘GPZ’ ‘God Pressure Zone’  (Yes, you may now begin to use this in your next texting conversation.)   It is in this zone we learn most about …Him.

Fracking.

God is not in the business of simply white washing, slapping some white over us, attempting to cover up the ick, He is in the business of deep deep work, from the inside out. Paul speaks of this: “We rejoice in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering (God fracking) produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4 Emphasis mine of course) What process, what PURPOSE!

The words Paul uses to mix with this process is fascinating. The word for suffering in the Greek literally means ‘PRESSURE.’ It can be described as to press, compress or squeeze. Can you relate? (God will NOT let up!)  Paul says pressure produces the ability to remain under. Liken to holding tight a bandage over a deep wound. Pressure applied secures and holds the process in place. (Read that again) That holding in place for us is perseverance, which is the ability to bear up under, successful staying under. In this staying our character is built. It is here where grace abounds, we see God better, His word bold, His voice more clear. Can I get an AMEN!  God’s holy finger ON us!  Since Holy Spirit dwells in us, when our hard rock is cracked, HE comes out spilling all over us, the ‘valuable substance.’ Head bowed, heart rendered.

The opposite would be to wriggle out, squeeze our self out from under, but in doing so, the process is not complete. The targeted character does not develop. Interesting word picture, literally the opposite of the word for ‘pressure’ in the Greek is ‘paregoria.’ Placed in context here, it means ‘to sooth, to come alongside.’  When we slither out from under God’s deep working, we seek something ‘other’ – we come alongside it for comfort.  A very dangerous place to be.

So the next time we see the large equipment coming down our street and begin to set up in our front yard (I am extremely visual) may we not avoid the Holy process of pressure, or hold up a barrier as to deflect its impact. Folks the only way our character will become His, is IN the process. He not only penetrates deep in our soul, He takes us by the hand and whispers, “It’s because I love you.”

“You’re perfect in all of Your ways
You’re perfect in all of Your ways to us

Oh it’s love so undeniable
I, I can hardly speak
Peace so unexplainable
I, I can hardly think
As You call me deeper still
as You call me deeper still
As You call me deeper still into love love LOVE

You’re a Good, Good Father
It’s who You are, It’s who You are
It’s who You are
and I’m loved by You
It’s who I am, It’s who I am
It’s who I am.”  Song – Chris Tomlin

I may not invite all this, but I am learning to not refuse it, all that I am, all that I do, I want others to see I am allowing a deep dealing, deep drilling and deep dwelling of Jesus.  You?

Deep.

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

Enjoy:  YouTube, Good Good Father

 

 

 

 

Posted by  |  June 9, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , | 1 Comment

Show Us Lord!

“You have to see it to be it.”  So said our worship leader this weekend from the pulpit, within the context of sharing how we as Christians are called to ‘be’ so much more than do. Isn’t it the truth! If we have a hard time visualizing it, it is hard to take steps to walk in it. When in a planning meeting we often hear, “What does that look like?” or “How do you see it?” Sight. Besides literally having sight with our physical eyes, there are (metaphorically speaking) numerous kinds of seeing, we see with our heart – there are times we see with our intuition, with wisdom, and yes with our spirit.

The Psalmist wrote what can sum up the long narrative of 176 verses in Psalm 119, with “Open my eyes to see the wonderful truths in Your instructions.” (v 18)

Seeing Your instruction.

King David wrote, “I will be careful to lead a blameless life.” (Psalm 101:2) He goes on to say in verse 3 “I will not set before my eyes anything that is worthless.” (Or as other translations state, ‘no vile thing’)  It is up to US what we look at, focus on and see with our natural eyes AND the eyes of our heart.  May I add, we are responsible for what we ask to see.

Elisha and his servant were surrounded by the Aramean army, (2 Kings 6) the servant was in a crazy state of panic. You can almost visualize Elisha reaching out, grabbing the guy by the shoulders, looking him dead on in the eyes, “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” As he turns him around, he goes on asking God to “Open his eyes that he may see.”  The Lord opened the servants eyes, the hills were indeed filled with horses and chariots of fire.

Seeing God stuff.

Mark 8: We see (yes pun intended) a few folks approached Jesus, begging Jesus to heal their friend who was blind. Jesus took the blind man by the hand and walked with him out of the village. “When He had spit on the man’s eyes and put His hands on him, Jesus asked, “Do you see anything?” He looked up and said, “I see people; they look like trees walking around.” Once more Jesus put His hands on the man’s eyes. Then his eyes were opened, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly.” (verses 23-25) Amazing story, nothing like Holy DNA spit in your eyes!

When the man initially says “I see…” the word indicates he had sight, the ‘ability’ to see, that’s about it.  When Jesus touched him again, he ‘saw‘ everything clearly, (a different word in the Greek) this time, his sight was with discernment, and his eyes were able to focus with perception, and detail. Jesus didn’t leave him with just the ability to see, He wanted him to have more! Notice too there was dialogue?  Jesus could have from a distance, with a divine wave, heal the man and continued on His way.  There was purposeful process. Walk with Me, progress.

Seeing with clarity.

Many would say, but isn’t faith walking without sight, quoting “We live by faith, not by sight.” (2 Cor. 5:7)  Yes.  However this sight is with our physical eyes, we see the bills on the table, and we see no check in mail,  faith ‘sees’ with spiritual eyes, eyes of faith sees Jesus is, Jesus can, Jesus will. A great example is the story of Peter and Jesus out on the water, Peter walks towards Jesus, ‘but when he saw the wind, he was afraid’ and began to sink.  (Matthew 14) Faith sight is always focused on Jesus.

Seeing Jesus.

We need to see not only with our physical eyes but with eyes of our heart, our spiritual eyes.   We at times only ‘see trees,’  we don’t focus as we should; our spiritual sight isn’t full of discernment or the miraculous. Like the blind man above, Jesus wants MORE for us!   Oh, He won’t literally spit in our eyes (relax) but He desires us to see with clarity. When we sit down and read His word, we ask “Show me.” God is THE Creator, His creativity is vast, ask Him to paint the picture for you, so you better understand. When we head out at a full run into our day, may we quote Elisha, “Open my eyes that I might see.” In doing so, may we live our day with expectation!

Paul’s words, so very strong, I pray over us, “…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. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints, and His incomparably great power for us who believe.” (Ephesians 1:17-19)

This verse is the basis for Paul Baloche writing the chorus we all have sung, “Open the eyes of my heart Lord, I want to see You…”

A wise man said, “If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves; But when they attend to what He reveals, they are most blessed.” Solomon, Proverbs 29:19 (MSG)

Like King David, we set YOU Lord before us. Open our eyes Lord, with perception and detail.  Allow us to focus, and see YOU, Your word, Your stuff, Your people, Your circumstances.  It is written; Jesus walks with us, Jesus touches, He stays, He dialogues, and He shows us! (Go God!)

 

“To see You high and lifted up

Shinin’ in the light of Your glory

Pour out Your power and love

As we sing Holy, Holy, Holy”

 

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

 

Posted by  |  June 5, 2017 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

Not There yet? Where’s There? (Comparison)

In conversations, we share life with others. We share our joys, our sorrows, our experiences. Have you noticed in these, we too develope our … comparisons. We mask them with a slight shrug of the shoulder and personal confessions of “I’m not there yet.” Not there yet? Where? There is the carrot and we are forever running after it, we keep it tied in front of us. But THERE it is. We are here, and NOT there. We want to do and be something other than we currently are. “They are!”

Comparison.

I am learning that whatever, wherever ‘there’ is, it is not up to others to criticize or define it for me. Family, friends, the church, yes they are a voice in my life, I honor, respect and consider their input. However, my there can only be found in God. So the one in the back row can hear it again, “Our there, our goal of growth is ONLY found in God.” The sad thing about the not there yet concept? We fail to live in the NOW! The road is so long.  Face it, we will continue to be, ‘not’ something. Not thin, smart, rich, fit, strong, not happy, healthy, beautiful, unselfish … enough. The list is vast. We are continually discouraged in the dressing room of life, trying on things that don’t fit (yet)  Please note, I am not negating discipline. If it is in our means to change, to grow effectively, with Jesus’ help, may we do so.

Remember the story of Hagar, Sarah’s Egyptian servant girl. Poor gal. She was just being obedient. She was told to go to Abe’s tent, um… etc. (See Genesis 16) Following this, where did she find herself? In the thick of life. Sarah became jealous and mistreated her. Hagar was hurt, frustrated, and confused, unable to process it all, she takes off, running away. God found her, where she was. He called her by name, it wasn’t “Hey you over there, you – the one with the bad attitude, yup the one who didn’t get it right!” He called her by name, “Hagar.”

God being God, asked her “Where have you come from and where are you going? By asking this question, (He already knew) they are now in the moment. It is God’s invitation, the initiation to process through the ‘stuff’ with Him. She shares her stuff, God proceeds to encourage her with His promises. I love how she wraps up her time with God, she calls Him, El Roi, (El- ro-ee) “You are the God who sees me, for I have now seen the One who sees me.”

The next time we are tempted to believe the LIE when we look at others and think since we are not yet there, (Examining their …season of life, maturity, positions, titles, strengths & gifting) thinking we are not good enough. Stop comparing, instead, focus on here and now, where God sees us! He calls us by name. Yes, He wants us to grow and go there, (HIS there) but He loves and accepts us where we are NOW. May we not only strive to be ‘there’, continuing to grow in and through our weakness to be like Him, but may we experience the ‘God who sees me.’ The God who extends love, grace, mercy, and strength.

Loved one, listen for El Roi, the God who says, lovingly, “I see YOU!” I see you NOW, who you are NOW, what you are NOW, I am the God of your NOW!” Stop, and engage with Him NOW! Your goal is not only there, but here, now.

Where are you going?

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

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