Have you ever felt compelled to get all spiffed up, put on your best clothes or perhaps slide into a nice warm jacket, then realize you really have no destination in mind—all dressed up and nowhere to go?
Our relationship with God can be like that at times, we read our Bible, write in our journal, say our prayers, attend church, (check, check, check and CHECK!) Yet that is as far as we get. As deep as it goes. Possibly only snorkel-surfacy stuff. I’ve been guilty of this, standing only ankle deep as if I am waiting for God to make the first move. Not that I am waiting for a burning bush experience or the Damascus blinding light. But yes, I think I have waited for God at times to shower me with love and blessings (said with arms thrown wide and head tilted back). Don’t get me wrong He does! But. Come on, be honest, today we expect things to always come our way effortlessly. We treat our approach to God like a divine-vending machine, push the button and expect blessings to tumble out at our feet.
James clearly says, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (4:8) One of God’s attributes that I strongly appreciate is that of His patience. Oh, His patience! He longs for us to come to Him—He is waiting.
We look to Jesus, (Matthew chapter 26). He leaves the crowds. Now with the beloved trio, Peter, James, and John, He tells them to stay and keep watch. Continuing, the narrative says, “Going further still, He fell to the ground and prayed.” (v 39) Yes, His circumstance was extremely different, “But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” (Luke 5:16) He intentionally prioritized deep alone time with the Father.
Further still!
Do we simply wear the snorkel and mask for an expected quick dip or do we prepare—position, suit up for a depth of divine proportion (YES! I have a great imagination). But do we even attempt to go beyond our norm? Purposely sit quietly to listen. When it’s our turn, do we share openly, honestly, and earnestly? I recently heard some great advice; If your mind tends to wander while praying, don’t shame yourself, where it goes is probably what you need to talk to the Father about.
YOU define the depth! Go deeper! May the narrative of our life say we too went further still.
Intentionally prioritizing deep alone time with the Father.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so pants my soul for You, O God.” (Psalm 42:1). Lovely, poetic, so full of longing. Have you ever wondered why the Psalmist compared his thirst for God with a deer? Why not, say—a camel, there were camels in the region as well.
Yet taking a much closer look, the reason is beautiful. Why NOT the camel: The camel is designed to be self-sustaining; they store all the water they need in fatty tissue, conserving the water by self-regulating their body temperature. With self-sustaining, self-regulation they can last up to not only weeks but MONTHS without drinking water simply by eating green vegetation and without even that they can survive up to 2 weeks. Water is not a daily concern for them.
The Psalmist wrote as the deer. The deer. We would first think, well, the deer is young, they need leading to water, but the word used as deer, (in the Hebrew) is a mature male, not a doe or even a fawn. This isn’t Bambi. This is his dad, the Great Prince of the Forest. The stag (or buck) knows where the water is, and if he doesn’t’—he will find it! According to “Realtree Hunting” a 200-pound buck will typically drink 3 to 5 quarts of water per day and as observed, will go to water before going to food. Water is their prime desired source of survival—every day.
The panting done by the deer is not likened to that of a dog panting. Dogs don’t necessarily sweat, so panting is a form of regulating their body temperature. The panting of this deer is a passionate, life-threatening desperate plea for survival! And most often the panting is a result of having been chased, he’s coming out of a pursuit. The first thing he looks for is water.
Think about it, what is our survival pattern? Do we tend to be more like the camel at times; self-sustaining, self-regulating, thinking we can make it on last month’s water or longer? Or are we (should we) be more like the deer. In his maturity, seeking, longing—PANTING for daily water and going to the water before anything else.
Perhaps you too, are coming out of a predator’s pursuit. Don’t heed to instinct, seeking to outsmart or even blend into the environment. Instead, run. RUN to the brook of survival.
“As the deer pants for streams of water, so pants my soul for You, O God.”
You?
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
It was the summer of 1983; I was home between semesters of my bible college days. Standing behind the counter of my father’s fast-food restaurant, when a small boy reaching his arm up, released a fist full of coins onto the counter. Raising his eyes to mine, with a cherub-like smile, he simply stated: “A vanilla cone please.” Looking at the coins still rolling on the counter, I knew he didn’t have enough. Taking my index finger, I began to count the coins. When there was none left to be counted, the boy’s face grew very solemn. He too knew it wasn’t enough. I reached into my pocket and pulled out a couple more coins and placed them alongside his own.
His response shocked me. With a suspicious look, he again reached forward and began to pull his coins away. I told him it was okay, he now had enough, while trying to match the tone in my voice with that of the kind gesture. With a slight pause as if struggling against his better judgment, his smile returned, and I quickly scooped the coins up and proceeded to make him the LARGEST small cone I have ever made complete with a curly-Q top.
Suspicious kindness—sad isn’t it. Much of the time we are not used to receiving kindness. Our first reaction is a pause, question the motive, and then refusal. With instant worry, there MUST be something wrong, or WAIT, what do you want in return? Our society has become so “ME” oriented, to think on behalf of another with goodness takes great concentration, not to mention the mindset of potential risk. For some, to be kind is a sign of weakness.
The Apostle Paul speaks directly to the qualities that do not tend to come naturally to us; “Therefore, God’s chosen ones, holy and loved, put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.” (Colossians 3:12) He also lists the godly attributes produced and nurtured by the Holy Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). Both verses convey they are a CHOICE, a day-to-day, moment by moment put on surrendering choice.
Kindness is the God in us peeking through with love and mercy. It is described by scholars that kindness is the inner heart attitude of tenderness, gentleness, and then goodness takes over and acts on the heart attitude. I see it in the word picture of one walking by a blind man holding a charitable cup for money. The HEART sees the man, the heart feels for the man, the heart responds with God to the man—filling his cup. Love, kindness and goodness all go together. Love sees, kindness feels, and goodness does.
Abraham Joshua Heschel, a leading Jewish Theologian had this to say about kindness, “When I was young, I used to admire intelligent people, as I grow old, I admire kind people.” Godly kindness does not require a return on our investment. It is self-less-ness. We see, we feel, we do. With so many differences among us, I fully applaud the words of Mark Twain, “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”
May we all be challenged to be kind beyond ourselves, remembering that WE have been bathed in God’s kindness and goodness. We take an extra moment to listen. Find more coins in our pocket, open more doors. Like the little boy with ice cream at the counter, he now has ENOUGH! God uses US in the enough equation.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.“ – Hebrews 10:24)
Recently I was again pondering the phrase, “What do you spend yourself on?” In other words, where does all your energy—go? For many of us, we tend to spend more time and energy in our thought life. We daydream, we ponder, we assume, fantasize, stress, worry AND we fear.
Paul of the Bible was a man of lists; he loved his lists. Lists explaining the godly elements of love, the fruit of the Spirit and the armor of God. Just to name a few. Paul again dips his pen and lists out elements to “think about.”
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Phil. 4:8, NIV)
Because thought is such a vital aspect of our lives, Paul places a huge emphasis on what goes on in our head. Which affects our heart, perspectives, opinions; these shaping our behavior—our obedience. We are to exercise our mind in such a manner that leads to Godly behavior and responses.
What a challenge!
The word Paul uses, “think” is an accounting term. Meaning to reckon, reason, impute. In accounting, imputation is the process of assigning a value.
The imagery to help paint the picture is like the old gold mining scales. The miners would come in with their lil bag of gold. The banker would place the gold on one side of the scale and a “standard” on the other. The standard was a prescribed authorized weight of value. If the gold was balanced it was deemed worthy of the amount. If it was under, it was found lacking and the payout extremely disappointing.
When we consider our mindset or pattern of thinking, or even flash thoughts, are we calculating and scaling it? Does it match GOD’s standard of what is true, noble, right, pure etc. If not—it is lacking value and not found worthy. Quickly take it off the scale and replace it with something of value. God’s word is the prescribed authorized weight of value. Seek to balance with it.
Many lean into “positive thinking” yet that alone can be left to a random and haphazard (weighted) standard. The standard that often flows from feelings and filters through what makes us happy, rather than what honors and glorifies God. Nowhere in the word of God does it say we are to follow our heart, think positive thoughts (not to mention, but I will) send positive vibes. These fall to the floor, deemed fool’s gold* and do not even make it into the bankers’ office.
May we not settle for undervalued thinking, and say, “Oh, it’s good enough.” Don’t cheat yourself of the value of God’s best! If so, the payout is extremely disappointing.
Scale it.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
*Fool’s gold: All sparkly and resembles genuine gold, but at closer inspection, it is of a different material. It is brassy and dull and does not contain any real value.
Happy New Year! As the calendar rolls to a new year, we flip through the photos, whether it be of puppies, sunset images or as I just hung mine, a simple calendar with a teal marble border. The empty squares indicate days yet to be lived. Those twelve pages can either propel us or paralyze us.
The change of the New Year has traditionally become a re-setting, if you will, of our life compass. We evaluate the past and plan for the future. For some of us, this means sitting down and writing out our Resolutions. Money to be made, exercise routines, diet plans, buy that new house, get that promotion, clean those closets, get organized. The list goes on. Don’t get me wrong, these are all good plans of attack.
A New Year’s Resolution can be defined as “a firm decision to do or not do something, a course of action designed with the intent to keep a vow.” Statistics claim, one in three Americans makes a New Year’s resolution of some sort, yet only about 75% of these folks stick to their goal for at least—a week. Aren’t we a committed group.
Yet there is more.
Have we considered that instead of a resolution to do better, get more, and perhaps try to be something other than we are designed for, that we seek—revelation? As we stand at the door of 2025, may we take pause and truly position ourselves to seek a fresh revelation of our God.
Revelation. The act of disclosing or discovering what was before unknown. I would offer; we may have read it, even know it (the story) but let’s reach beyond. Let’s be intentional as we read through our Bibles. Invite Holy Spirit to read with us, revealing and pointing out incredible and wondrous things. Don’t read His word to see what it says about us, but what each page declares about the unwavering and astounding qualities of God’s character.
Paul wrote, “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think” (Romans 12:2a, NLT). That is my plan, this is my goal. I seek to be transformed more—for my growth and His glory. Not only doing/being what is in my finite human power to do but making a sacred space for HIS transforming. Making a firm decision to take action to learn and accept and walk in more of His love, trust His hand and bow more in gratitude of His mercy and grace. Sitting quietly to hear Him and releasing the breath I didn’t even know I was holding. May He be our exhale.
Revelation.
I pray over us as Paul did, “I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Amen) – Ephesians 3:14-20 (NIV)
A hardy blessed (full of revelation) Happy New Year. For our growth and His glory.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
(Got your attention, didn’t I?) This holiday season I have been pondering and rolling around in my head the little seasonal rhyme, “Jesus is the reason for the season.” It fits well as a lapel pin, even hangs proudly as an ornament on our trees. I like it! The message is clear and points to Jesus!
Yet. I began to think of this in theological terms, the accuracy of it. I know—I KNOW you are rolling your eyes at this point. But bear with me. Today as I navigated the ever so packed isles at the grocery store, stepping (with nowhere else to go) in front of someone, I politely said, “Excuse me” as I again maneuvered through the gauntlet of carts. All these people. Each one is on a mission. Each one loved by God. I wondered if THEY know Jesus.
“THEY are the reason for the season!”
The season is Christmas. Christmas is JESUS—His birth. “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16) The best gift ever! Jesus came to earth, the divine embodied in human form. His life message pointing to Kingdom stuff. His death cleaning us up. He resurrected in full power and authority and now sits enthroned on the right hand of the Father—for US! He came to fix the man-made mess. WE are the “whosoever.” WE are the reason for the season! YOU are the reason for the season! (Ok, group HUG!) Yes, it’s all about Jesus, what He did for YOU! He came for YOU! THE best gift giving possible.
Even with all the self-interest, self-immersion, self, self, self and all the “I” focus today, this Christmas as you sit among friends and family, look into their eyes and consider THEM! What a great opening line to the gospel, said with heartfelt humility as you tenderly lean forward “Did you know YOU are the reason for the season.” Then tell them about Jesus. Tell them why He came. Most know about the baby in the manger, and most often, folks leave Jesus there—in the manger. They ignore beyond. Now tell them about the grown-up KING.
“The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14
Blessed Christmas,
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” (Hebrews 10:24)
Peace. Just the word alone brings a soft glow to the soul. In this season of warm crackling fires, hot chocolate while we open Christmas cards with gold lettering.
Peace.
In the Old Testament, the word for peace (Hebrew) is shalom. In short, it means soundness, well-being, harmony, and wholeness. Everything is as God intended it to be. Peace is not necessarily in what we do not have, frustration, stress, unrest. But in what we do have.
The New Testament (Greek) defines peace as “to set at one again.” Painting the picture that something had once been erected (as intended) yet has toppled over. Chaos, strife, irritation, even war are the results. Once it is set back, PEACE is the result—all is in its rightful place.
Remember God and man (and Eve) in the Garden, their relationship was good and whole (peace-filled) as designed. Then there was a sin outbreak, the fellowship was broken—toppled over. Gone were the daily walks together in the garden, what was—is no longer. For generations (begetting) generations there was a missing element.
Fast forward to Luke chapter 2, the angels announce, “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace” (v14). Peace was back on earth among mankind. Jesus is the missing piece (peace). He came bridging the gap (which was big and ugly) between man and his God. He set it all back in place. Fellowship restored. Peace had indeed come to earth.
Peace is a Person.
Peace is not only a Person, but a position. “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. For He Himself is our peace …for through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit” (Paul, Ephesians 2:13,14). We are now back, positioned where we were originally designed to be—full accepted access to God. Again, able to come into His presence. Paul declares this point, “Since we have been justified through faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1).
Peace is a position.
Isaiah 9:6, “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders…Prince of Peace.” Now consider Colossians 3:15, Paul wrote, “Let the peace of Christ RULE in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Does Christ take the rightful place on the throne of our life? If we are not prioritizing God ruling on the throne of our heart, be assured another will occupy it! Something. Someone. We will know peace only to the degree that we YIELD to Christ, the reigning Prince of Peace.
Peace is a priority
Paul again, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, PRESENT YOUR REQUESTS TO GOD, and the peace of God which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6-7, emphasis mine). Presenting to God means, we are NOT to go looking for solutions elsewhere. If we do, we can potentially be placing things on the throne that shouldn’t be there. May we not be throne hoarders (loading up unwanted, unneeded messy stuff). Finding peace is not just the raising of a white flag, ultimately it is a banner of occupation! It is His design, His throne. His place. He reigns. Bow!
Peace is a posture.
Wait, there is more!
Because of our sinful nature and our perpetual continuing to do so, John strongly declares “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). As we confess, we are saying the same thing about our situation that God does. We are now in full agreement; we concede and realign and adjust our course with what God says. In this process, we are taking what was toppled over and returning to the original design and bringing Jesus back to His rightful peaceful place—in the center. We mess up—we get cleaned up. Peace restored. Biblical peace isn’t just the lack of conflict; it is the presence of the rightness of God. Remember, “Peace is like a river” (Isaiah 66:12). NOT a pond, stagnant and settled. Unlike the river, that flows from the mountain top, always moving, always refreshing, always pure.
Peace can be a process.
Is this all easy? “NO!” (Sorry to yell). Life is tough, loud, and viciously swirling, but we can do some throne inspection and respond appropriately. I know I do. I have to. Daily. Even in and through tears. It HAS to be Jesus! Does He take the rightful place on the throne of my life? Do I place HIM in the very center of my circumstances? Does my life behavior reflect-declare Jesus as King?
What about you?
“May the God of Peace who makes everything… holy and whole, make you holy and whole, put you together–spirit, soul and body” (1 Thess. 5:23, paraphrased, The Message). If you’re lacking peace, look to see if HE has been kicked off and replaced. Seek being set at one again. God the Maker—God at the center—God on the throne. God of peace. Peace is pleasant!
Peace.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
There is a story of four young Jewish Yeshiva students, (Jewish seminary). One afternoon in a study session, one student gave a book to one of the men asking him to take a look and “Tell us what you think.”
Later that night, curious about the book, in eagerness, he sat down and opened to chapter one. He started to read, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Pause). “What?” he thought. He read it again “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Excited, he stood up, exclaiming, “NO!” And continues, “God’s not finished!” And closed the book!
You see, in the ancient writings, originally there were no chapters, no verses and no punctuation. According to Hebrew reasoning (and method) they never paused until the complete thought was finished, they read to the edge of the story. The book handed to this young man was the English King James version of the Bible. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth(.)” Period. God had only begun creating and He finished and rested on the seventh day (Genesis 2:2). THAT is where they’d pause or mentally put a period.
The very first verse is just part of a story. That story is part of a bigger story —the historical account of God. We often read, pause, or stop before the whole of a particular story is in sight and move on to something else.* Or we come to a famous or familiar portion of scripture, so familiar with an “Oh I know this part” we run our finger down and turn the page.
We read the story of Christmas in both Matthew and Luke. We know this story as well—very well. Both Mary and Joseph are told great things, divine things through angelic visits. Mary, although never being with a man, would become pregnant, conceived of the Holy Spirit. This baby boy would “save the people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). At one point, Joseph and Mary head to Bethlehem for the national census. There are some rooming issues. Once settled, soon the baby, who is to be called Jesus, is born.
Luke chapter 2 tells of the shepherds living in the fields taking care of the sheep. They too get an angelic visit, declaring good news, “Today in the town of David a Savior is born to you; He is Christ the Lord” (2:11). The shepherds are told what to look for. Then the backup singers appear, angels singing “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace…” (v14). When the angels exit, so do the shepherds. They go and find Mary and Joseph and baby Jesus. As they do, they tell any and all who will listen to what they saw and were told.
Glorious and full of splendor!
Yet we tend to stop here. But the story isn’t over. Keep reading. All who heard what the shepherds reported were—amazed. Then v19, this verse is challenging, “But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.” This young gal took all that had been said to her, to Joseph and now the shepherds and did some pondering.
The Jewish people were (are) a storytelling culture. From a noticeably young age, they are told the story of God and of their people. From the very beginning when Adam and Eve were in the Garden, where mankind broke fellowship with their God. Throughout many, many generations, God used prophets, law and the lives of people to tell His story—the story of restoring fellowship. The created in His image and likeness, back to the Creator.
Mary pondered the miraculous virgin birth, the coming of the Savior, and the declaration of “peace on earth.” It ALL slipped into the ongoing story line and fit perfectly! The story of restoring fellowship, restoring peace. Biblical peace isn’t just the lack of conflict; it is wholeness, the presence of the rightness of God. It literally means “to set at one again.” Conveying what once has been toppled over was now righted and set at one again—peace.
Mary took ALL this and she pondered it. Her pondering isn’t merely tucking it away and thinking about it now and then. The word Luke uses conveys “putting together.” She connected all the dots. She lined it all up. When all strung together, all the pieces fit. Each piece has beauty. But what a glorious bigger picture. Mary, the shepherds (and those amazed) were told their whole life, the Jewish people were waiting to be rescued—the Messiah, the Rescuer. God had just sent the answer to their waiting—His Son, Jesus.
When reading our bibles, don’t stop or skim over the famous or familiar parts. Keep reading, like the young Jewish men—beyond to the edge of the story. Paul wrote “Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another—showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way” (2 Timothy 3:16, paraphrased, The Message). Invite Him to read with us. In this Christmas season, may we truly treasure the bigger story. Take the time to lean into the familiar. May we ponder, putting together all the divine stuff—God’s gracious, loving restoring of fellowship. “Today in the town of David a Savior is born to you; He is Christ the Lord… “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace.”
Mary pondered.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
*We often read, pause, or stop before the whole of a particular story is in sight and move on to something else. (Example:) Mark 8, Jesus heals the blind man. Putting His hands on him once—still blurry. A second time Jesus touched him; his sight was restored. Jesus has purpose. Just prior to the progressive healing, Jesus talks to the disciples about having eyes “but fail to see” and not understanding Who He is. What is the very next thing they encounter? A blind man. May we like Mary, line it all up. String together, all the pieces fitting.
“Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Yet if I put such a phrase alongside the reality of my life, most of the time my life reflects, “Be busy and stressed and know that I am tired!” Anyone? Psalm 46:10, one of the most beloved verses of the Bible. But do we really understand its context or meaning? Scholars propose it was written surrounding the tense warfare between Judah and the Ammonites and Moabites. Jehoshaphat and crew were terrified of the reported impending war. In short, Jehoshaphat called the people to pray and fast, God’s response was “Do not be afraid or discouraged because of this vast army. For the battle is not yours, but God’s” (2 Chronicles 20:15). Men were appointed to sing and praise. In their worship, God intervened, and Judah was victorious.
Psalm 46. The Psalmist writes 10 of the 11 verses from the 3rd person, talking about God. The wet ink encourages that even in natural disasters and national uproar, “Come and see the works of the LORD. He makes. He breaks” (vv8-9). Then in verse 10, the writing changes. It is now from the 1st person—I. It is as if God caused the writer to pause, whispering in his ear, tell them, “Rapah yada Elohim” (Hebrew) “Be still and know I am God.”
Powerful.
When studying the scriptures, looking at the original language and grammar gives us great insight and some amazing principles to pull forward and help apply to our own circumstances. This phrase holds two imperative verbs, meaning they are both commands. Be still! Know!
If it’s good for the nations, it’s good for the individual.
God commands us to know Him. That means it is entirely possible, desirable AND (wait for it)—expected. But not only this, but the 1st verb (be still) points to the 2nd (know). We are still IN ORDER to know God. It isn’t just slowing down, or I’ll get to it when it is convenient. When life is crazy, stressful or filled with pain. STOP. God loves full stop. It is in the STOP He has our attention. I am learning our (my) stop isn’t retreating—it is surrendering. Stopping my pointless human effort to fight a battle bigger than myself.
Another interesting point: (Hang with me, this is good). Of the uses of rapah (be still, cease or let go, let drop) the (BDAG*) defines rapah as “to stand empty.” Rapah (raw-faw) it is often connected with yad (hand). Some scholars suggest (this verse) could convey the idea: What is it that you hold in your hand? Let go. Let it drop. Drop your weapons. I would offer, for some of us, we hold with a fisted hand(s). Perhaps God wants us to open our hands—palms down. Palms down does not offer a hesitant release; it is immediate. Standing empty.
God is not asking us to be quiet (although that DOES help) when surrendering. 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). But He does tell us, it’s not about our circumstance. It is all about HIM. “The fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the countries when they heard how the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel” (2 Chronicles 20:29).
In our surrender, palms down,may we (I) know the power and security of our God. Be still and know that I am God.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
____________________
*BDAG is an abbreviation for a Greek-English Lexicon of the NT (Bauer-Danker-Arndt-Gingrich). Greek? The Septuagint is the Greek version of the OT.
Recently I had to pivot. You know that moment when you stop dead in your tracks and know you need to head back in the other direction for various reasons.
There was a man in the Bible that did a similar thing. Luke 17:11-19; Jesus heals ten men with leprosy. He tells them to go show themselves to the priests (knowing they’d be clean and healed when they got there, the priests would verify the clean bill of health). All took off. All were healed. But one stopped. One pivoted and returned. When he got to Jesus, he threw himself at His feet thanking Him. Jesus asked, “Where are the others?” Nine were missing. Only this one man returned to thank and praise Jesus. This man’s action not only acknowledged what Jesus did, (praise). But acknowledged Who Jesus was (worship). Jesus merely gave instruction. What power! HE is worthy of the stop, worthy of the pivot, worthy of the return. Worthy of thanksgiving.
Notice too, the healing took place once the men began to walk (to the priests). Their faith, their obedience—their participation in the healing. Jesus spoke. They obeyed. They were healed. What would have happened if one mischievous guy threw his hands on his hips and defiantly declared, “What good will THAT do!” Defiance only brings delay (See 2 Kings 5). Don’t be defiant. Often simple obedience can make a world of difference.
The narrative goes on, Jesus tells the one man, “Stand up, your faith has made you well” (v19, NASB). The context conveys Jesus heals all but shares His disappointment in the others lack of thankfulness. The man returning, falling at His feet—Jesus gave him a healing, a wholeness beyond the physical the others did not receive. The one man cherished the Giver—greater than the gift. Jesus didn’t heal with the expectation (or required) response of gratitude. He healed out of love. He healed due to mission (Jesus went about teaching, preaching and healing – Matthew 4:23. See also John 6:38-40, Mark 10:45, John 3:17).
There is one more thing where I want to run my finger over the text. The narrative found it important enough—JESUS too pointed it out. The returning thank-filled man was a Samaritan. In short, Jews and Samaritans didn’t get along. Jews thought the other were unclean and distanced themselves, the mindset and behavior conveying—unworthy. Yet. Jesus heals. The Samaritan obeys. The Samaritan returns. What a great principle: Jesus does NOT discriminate. (See too, the woman at the well, John 4).
I too pivoted the other day. Following this principle of thankfulness. I, like the one man—stopped. I went back to Jesus, threw myself (metaphorically) at His feet and thanked Him. Realizing my current circumstance is not ideal or by far even favored. BUT. What am I thankful for? What has Jesus told me to do? Am I obedient? Am I focusing on the Giver? Am I thankful for what I do have? May I not be counted among the “where are the others?”
Thankfulness.
As we step into this seasonal focus of thanksgiving, may we not make it more difficult than it is, or over think it to where we merely give up. Fall at His feet. HE is worthy of the stop, the pivot, the return. Worthy of praise-filled thanksgiving.
Happy Thanksgiving.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
Christian. If I were to go downtown Portland and ask a few folks how THEY would define “Christian” I would get as many different responses as those I asked. Did you know Christian is NOT defined in the New Testament, and it is only mentioned 3 times (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16). It was those outside the Jesus community that gave the name or label “Christian” to the Jesus followers. These followers did not refer to themselves in this way. The nickname was motivated by sarcasm and mockery, much like our “Jesus Freak” today. Remember, these Greek-speaking Romans citizens were not looking for the Messiah (Christ) and found these “Followers of the Way” quite odd, and thinking, they associate with this “Christ”—so they must be “Christ-ians”
If I were to ask a Jesus follower of Peter’s day, of the early church, how they would define their life, they would answer in a very convicting, a very pointed way, “I am a disciple of Jesus Christ.” Disciple is not a word commonly used these days, due primarily to the whole “I am my own person, and no one tells me what to do” mentality. A disciple is a learner, follower, an apprentice; it is someone who seeks to know and gives full life attention to their Rabbi (Teacher/Mentor). Within the Jewish culture in Jesus’ day, (and some aspects continue today) there was a whole process of life discipleship.
Hang with me, God has something for us.
Discipleship (in general) was designed in such a way that the student (or disciple-wanna-be) would seek out the Rabbi (Teacher) and make a formal request to be their disciple. If the Rabbi agreed to the request, (finding them worthy: within family, status and education) allowing them to become his disciple, they were now chosen (hold on to that word). The disciple was then required (not optional) to totally submit to the Rabbi’s authority in all areas of his life. The Rabbi’s teaching was therefore binding, everything the disciple did or how he viewed things were all filtered through the Rabbi. There was no curriculum or agenda, it was a continual daily relationalliving experience—that took YEARS in the making.
The Rabbi would ask questions of the disciple as he closely observed him. ANY life experience was open for an opportunity for the Rabbi to speak truth into the disciple. The Rabbi was persistent in his questioning, “Why did you do that?” In context of what the disciple did, what he said, what was the motive? The emphasis was always on forming Godly behavior responses, not just the imparting of wisdom. The Rabbi was concentrating on developing discernment in the mind of the disciple, instructing him how to process in the best manner of honoring his God.
The disciple would initiate a discussion by asking questions. BUT (here’s the KEY) the mindset, and the heart condition of the disciple as he asked questions was this, “Before you answer, before you tell me what to do, or point me in any direction, my answer is ‘Yes.’” The response of a disciple is Yes! It was a radical life of submission.
THEN. Jesus comes on the scene, turning the Rabbi/disciple connection upside down. There was no time for discipleship applications to be submitted in triplicate form. The traditional format: Disciple sought out the Rabbi, now Jesus sought out the disciple. Jesus, The Rabbi, called out not the well-educated or those of high status. To fishermen He said, “Follow Me.” These two words were discipleship terminology. They were CHOSEN. Could this be folded into the context of why Jesus said, “You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit” (John 15:16). What a most wonderful reality.
Jesus spent intense training time with His disciples. His last night with the disciples He says: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this, all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:34-35, NIV, emphasis mine). If we want to know what Jesus meant by what He said—watch what He did. He LOVED! His love is filled with acceptance, forgiveness, restoration, mercy, grace (on and on). Following Jesus does not mean following His followers (although helpful, Godly influence is vital—again, vital) but we are to follow HIM. I don’t think the “WWJD” from years past is too far off, it really is “What would Jesus do.”
Friends, WE are chosen, WE are deemed worthy! WE are His. This Christian walk is a walk of discipleship. It is a continual daily “Yes” to our Rabbi, through relationalliving experience—that takes YEARS in the making. The Holy Spirit concentrates on developing discernment in OUR mind, instructing us how to processin the best manner of honoring God. For our growth and His glory.
May we give full life attention to Jesus.
Disciple.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
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Resources: Andy Stanley’s sermon “Christian”; Christianity Today; “First-Century Disciple” (Article: Bible.org 2007 written by Doug Greenwold); The Complete Word Study Dictionary of the New Testament; Holman Treasury of Key Bible Words; Thayer’s Greek-English Lexicon; Expository Dictionary of Bible Words; Strong’s Greek & Hebrew Dictionary. Bible Translations referenced: NIV, NASB, Interlinear, ESV, NLT, KJV, NKJV, NET. (And any other place I stopped and passionately read about this and forgot to document).
The Redwoods are a spectacular sight. If you’ve driven down Highway 101 from the Oregon coast down into California—you can’t miss them. Redwood trees grow to be over 300 feet high and up to 20 feet wide. Many of the trees, scientists say, have grown to be over 2,500 years old. THAT is a mighty tree!
Have you noticed they tend to grow in clusters? It’s due to their shallow root system. They extend over 100 feet from the base, intertwining with the roots of other redwoods. This increases their stability during strong winds and floods. It’s their intertwining with one another’s root system that is their source of strength and helps keep them standing.
They need one another.
The two word phrase “one another” is mentioned nearly 50 times just in the New Testament alone.
Love one another. Be devoted to one another. Encourage one another. Pray for one another. Live in harmony with one another. Serve one another. Be kind and compassionate to one another. Forgive one another. Be patient with one another. Do whatever it takes to live in peace with one another.
Just to name a few. We need one another.
Paul says in Romans 12:5, (Romans, one of the chewiest books of the Bible). Talking about the body of Christ, he explains, “We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other” (NLT). Those of us who feel we don’t belong; THIS is our verse. We all belong to each other. YOU belong!
Yet, how many of us disqualify ourselves, thinking, “What do I have to offer?” How can I? So goes the list of doubt and hesitation. Don’t disqualify yourself from impacting others for Jesus.
I liken it to opening a cupboard full of miss-matched mugs. Each one holds a special memory. Each one is unique. Unique in material, shape, size, pattern and color.
Recently I spoke to a fun group of women*. Prior to the meeting I handed out a few mugs to some gals who sat scattered throughout the room (and gave them a lil instruction).
As a group of about 80 women, we shared how we each can resemble a mug:
One gal stood, sharing her mug, it was lacey pink and pretty, but it was stained on the inside. Another stood proudly showing off her dainty floral China cup and saucer set (with great enthusiasm). Then quietly, a big thick, bulky wide handle shared, raising her eyes to the China set, “I’m not as pretty as her.” We had a clear mug who was too transparent that often got herself in trouble. One had a very busy detailed print; she was just too BUSY! Another was older and faded, which frequently gets overlooked or kept in the corner. There was even a paper coffee cup, she felt disposable and easily replaced. There was one who had evidence of being broken with glued ribbings across the fragmented edges.
What do ALL these have in common? (Yes, even the paper cup). It wasn’t the material they’re made of, or the color, or the shape. The commonality? They are ALL designed to hold what is put inside them. Their purpose is to be poured into, hold and pour out its contents. Then—repeat. What a wonderful cycle.
WE belong to this community of miss-matched mugs. We are designed to hold the Holy Spirit! We are designed to hold and pour out. Regardless of appearance. If you get frustrated with the miss-match and prefer uniform, it’s okay—remember the design purpose. What a beautiful purpose. We all belong to the same crazy cupboard we call the church.
Here’s where the redwoods come in. They need one another. It’s in OUR DNA as well—to need each other. Can you imagine what it would be like to have a younger tree rooted next to a mature tree. WOW! We are strengthened when we intertwine with others (and pour out) prayer, serving, devotion, patience, kindness, compassion and encouragement. To encourage means to give courage. What a gift! The whole list of “one another” is a source of strength the Holy Spirit uses, using us (using YOU) to help heal the stained pain inside, pride, insecurity, loneliness and brokenness in others. He uses us to help strengthen one another when the storms and floods come (& they will) and help keep us standing. In our helping (intertwining) we too are strengthened. Aren’t we a fun, creative purpose filled cupboard!
May we give the gift of “one another.”
I bet you don’t look at your cupboard the same again, may it be a reminder that YOU are a unique container for the Holy Spirit! Get filled up, cherish the hold and then get pouring!
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
*The excerpt above I shared at East River Fellowship in Hillsboro, Oregon. If you’re in the area on a weekend, stop in and join a worship service. They are a great cupboard.
Mark chapter 4 (vv35-41) Later that day, in the evening, Jesus tells the disciples, “Let us cross over to the other side.” They loaded up in the boat, where Jesus was, with other boats with Him. A furious windstorm came up, causing the waves to react so strongly, the water was dumping into the boat. Jesus was in the back of the boat sleeping, and the guys woke Him up concerned saying “Don’t You care that we are going to drown?” Jesus stood up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be Still!” The wind stopped and everything was calm. Jesus said to His crew, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” They were all terrified, and asked amongst themselves, “Who is this man? Even the wind and the waves obey Him!”
We have often heard the saying (in reference to Jesus and storms and the storms of life) to “Invite Jesus into our boat.” A great principle. But in THIS story, the context is different. If we look back to verse 1 here in Mark 4, it says Jesus was teaching by the lake, the crowd grew so large He got in a boat and sat down, while the people stayed on shore. Fast forward to verse 35, Jesus invited the guys into HIS boat—where HE was. Hm.
Interesting, Jesus states His destination is the other side and you get in HIS boat? It is certain you WILL reach the other side. May we be aware of where Jesus is and what He says.
Notice, there are seasoned men of the sea on board, and THEY too were concerned. Even their strength of experience was no match for this storm. What do we usually reach for when things are out of our control? The panic button. They were buzzing that thing like crazy! Yet, it’s safe to say, they cried out to Jesus! Regardless of experience or acclaimed know how or even denial of severity, don’t be so proud as to not cry out to Jesus! “Pride is standing before a Holy God—and flexing.”1 Flexing with the “I’ve got this!” mindset. Rick Warren said, “Humility isn’t denying your strengths; it’s being honest about your weakness.” Cry out to Jesus!
Not to mention (but I will). There are often storms of our own making. Remember Jonah? God commissioned him to go to Nineveh—yet he ran the opposite direction. He was rebellious, disobedient AND unrepentant. God sent the storm to get his attention. When a storm hits in life (metaphorically speaking) look for any disobedience and running from God. Make what God focused adjustment may be needed! Scholars believe when Jonah prayed within the belly of the big fish and God caused it to puke Jonah out—Jonah ended up right where he started. God’s mandate had not changed, “Go to Nineveh.” He did. When we don’t know our next move, go back to where we last heard God. Be obedient THERE!
Additionally, remember, Jesus told the guys “Let’s go to the other side.” They obeyed and piled in the boat; this proves even in our obedience we can encounter storms.
A pastor friend of mine recently said, “Don’t sink your own boat.” How many times have we self-sabotaged something in our life? Our behavior was to intentionally stop, damage or destroy something from achieving progress. Short circuiting something God may be working on. But we are lazy, prideful, rebellious, apathetic devaluing God’s word and hinder or delay His plan. The culture today is to seek and prioritize our happiness. If it doesn’t make us happy; we stop or “Throw it away.” God is definitely working for our good (Romans 8:28). BUT He is not concerned with making us happy (although a by-product) but working to make us holy!
Storms bring revelation of Jesus. He stood up declaring His authority over the wind and waves, “Quiet! Be Still!” What the disciples’ thought was disastrous, Jesus completely subdued with three words (two in Greek). It doesn’t say those in the boat were terrified until AFTER Jesus divinely wrangled the elements. The guys’ terrified awe filled response, “Who is this man? Even the wind and waves obey Him.” Worship is our response to the revelation of Jesus. Worship Him.
Lastly, our crying out to Jesus affects others. Did you pick up on that? They weren’t alone out there, there were other boats as well. They too saw and experienced the storm. Imagine as the winds begin to howl—all eyes directed to Jesus. They may not have heard Him, but they could see Him stand. The God in the boat Who stood up. Then. Calm. Jesus’ response to the disciples crying out to Him, calming the sea—calmed for ALL on the sea. HOW we handle the storms in life affect others. Folks, others are doing life with us, some closely and some watching from afar. Others are waiting for our GOD focused response. They too will witness the sovereignty of God!
Storms, what a wild ride!
Listen and watch Jesus in ALL circumstances of life (storm or not). Cry out to Jesus—regardless. Watch for self-sabotaging. Obey where you hear God (or we’ll get a Jonah round trip too). How we handle storms affect others (hang on appropriately). Cry out to Jesus.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” Hebrews 10:24).
The above is an excerpt of my time sharing with the women at Abundant Life Center in Jefferson, Oregon. If you’re ever in the area, come worship Jesus with us.
I do a great deal of reading. Scads of articles, books, commentaries and for those who know me best, yes dictionaries, and expository works. I read contemporary authors, and Rabbinic writings for cultural content. But some of my favorites are of the classics. I read slowly so as to not miss anything, but frankly in an attempt to understand the old style of writing of Chambers, Wesley, Wuest and Murray.
Recently while reading Charles Spurgeon, I stopped. Fully alert. And read again. “There is nothing little in God.”
Simple yet profound!
His verse of premise, “I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever” (Psalm 52:8b). Beautiful, poetic, but researching further, the words do not appear to convey the background. Or do they? David wrote these words in anguish of heart, experiencing betrayal and conflict. Saul was still hunting him, wanting to kill him (See their story in 1 Samuel 22-27). Yet David declares, “I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever.” He trusted his God.
Spurgeon goes on: “This steadfast love is a tonic to your drooping spirits, a golden ointment to your bleeding wounds, a heavenly bandage to your broken bones, a royal chariot for your weary feet, a bosom of love for your trembling heart.” His love, His mercy. Forever.
How many of us share anguish of heart? Conflict swirls around us. We are broken, wounded, weary or drooping. Oh, we may not have a troop of men on horseback carrying swords to kill us, but we have circumstances hounding us just the same. To those I say, to myself I say, “There is nothing little in God.” He is great. He withholds nothing good from us! No detail, no situation regardless of size—God sees it. He knows it. Gods got it.
“There is nothing little in God.”
I love Paul’s words, read this slowly; “When I think of all this, I fall to my knees and pray to the Father, the Creator of everything in heaven and on earth. I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God. Now all glory to God, who is able, through His mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.” (Ephesians 3:14-20 NLT, emphasis mine)
Be encouraged. “There is nothing little in God.” Trust Him!
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
One time at Bible Study, as the gals were coming in, I handed them each a colored card with a number on it. The only instruction given, “Find your number at a table that corresponds and that will be your seat for tonight.” Feeling like a Flight Attendant, I did so with a big smile, (yet refrained from the urge to nod and quote the “B-bye, B-bye”).
To make things just a bit more interesting, I changed the furniture around as well and moved the snacks, drinks, name tags and sign-in sheets to different locations. What they were being told did not match what was familiar. What they were used to, the routine, what was comfortable was indeed different. Yes, that night at bible study was unique for sure. Thirty some women sat a bit bewildered.
We were studying the book of Hebrews, and I wanted them (if not only in a very small way) to understand what the Jewish Christians may have experienced. They too were being told to do and accept something different, what was routine had now been changed. Their comfort was being challenged.
The Pastor of Hebrews taught that regardless of tradition and what their comfortable religious belief and routine were, (Moses and all) Jesus is much more excellent! His covenant and promises—BETTER. He as High Priest and His blood sacrifice—greater and more perfect than the lifestyle steeped in rituals. THIS ran the Jewish Pastor’s fingernails across the Torah blackboard; it hit a nerve, contrary to all that was familiar.
Yes, different. They had to believe that this NEW was a good thing. They were learning to be flexible, to bend to the good God stuff. Embrace and have a change of heart and attitude—trusting Jesus over the familiar.
What a great principle to ponder. Perhaps we tooare being challenged and find ourselves a tad bewildered. Wondering what God is up to. Different from our usual. Stretching us beyond our self-defined comfort zone. May we learn to be flexible and lean into where God is going. Bend to His will and His way. It is much more excellent!
By the way, the women forgave me for the uncomfortable evening, and we all learned a lot that night. We learned that in the different, we have opportunities we didn’t previously. We got a new perspective and view of the room. We met and talked to gals we didn’t before. We were forced to seek out what we needed (refreshments, nametags). AND we learned how quick our attitudes can be challenged.
Flexible bending.
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).
Inspired Fountain 