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It is Finished! A Red Letter Day.

Have you ever sat and read the New Testament and read ONLY the words in red—Jesus’ words?  For a completely new perspective, I challenge us to do just that. I know context is everything, but let’s step out of the exegesis box (interpreting the scriptures) for a brief moment, to get an amazing snapshot of Jesus; His strength, authority, His love, and compassion.

Without all the narrative, those stand-alone red words pack a powerful punch. There are dramatic statements, strong commands, and tender words. “Let it be so.” (Matthew 3:15) “It is written.” (Matthew 4:4) “Get up.” (Matthew 9:6) “Take courage it is I.” (Matthew 14:27) “Quiet, be still.” (Mark 4:39) “Come forth.” (John 11:43) “Don’t be afraid.” (Mark 5:36) “What do you want Me to do for you.” (Mark 10:51) “Who do you say I am.” (Luke 9:20) “Then neither do I condemn you.” (John 8:11) “I am.” (John 18:6).

These are just a few, but there is one more that stands out among the rest. Especially for THIS weekend. Here I do want to set the context. Jesus is agonizingly set between two thieves. His feet and hands are nailed to a wooden cross. There at the foot of the cross, many mocked, some cried, and I am confident there were those in complete silence. After the vinegar water was offered to Jesus, He said, “It is finished.” (John 19:30) He then bowed His head and gave up His spirit. The scene is heavy, but it is also holy!

“It is finished.”  Those beautiful words in red. The word in Greek is amazing! Stand back and take in the whole Technicolor filled screen. I don’t think even Steven Spielberg with all his creative genius could convey the scene that was unfolding upon humanity. “It is finished” (Tetelestai) to bring to an end—to fulfill payment. To complete something, not merely to end it, but to bring it to perfection or its destined goal.  What is done corresponds to what has been said, ordered or commanded.  “Not My will, but Your will be done” (Jesus, Lk 22:42). Grammatically, it is in the “perfect tense.”  Meaning, the action was completed in the past. Done. Yet with results continuing in the present. Basically, “This happened, and it is still in effect TODAY.”  The gift that keeps on giving! Jesus’ physical work on earth was completed, and Scripture was fulfilled.

As Jesus said this, His blood flowing down His forehead, from His hands and His feet. His sacrifice now eliminates the debt owed by mankind (you and me). May we take careful notice, Jesus didn’t say “I am finished.”  That would imply He is a mere man and dies defeated. What was finished was not Jesus’ life—it was everything keeping us from God, the Father. 

“It is finished.”

Jesus is ultimately laid in the tomb. Where God spares NO detail. Looking back, instructions for building the Tabernacle and the divine furniture, “Make the atonement cover of pure gold… Make two cherubim out of hammered gold at the ends of the cover. Make one cherub on one end and the second at the other end” (Exodus 25:17-19). HERE the blood sacrifice was placed by the Priest (Leviticus 16:14). Fast forward, John 20:12, Mary “saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet.” Because of blood—Jesus’ blood, God’s requirement of sinful man is now satisfied. HE is the Lamb of God. HE is our High Priest. 

When Jesus rose from the dead and the stone was found rolled away, it was NOT so He, the Son of God, Who walked on water, could get out. It was so mankind could get in!  Get in and see “He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as He said would happen. Come, see where His body was lying” (Matthew 28:6). 

Jesus rises from the dead triumphantly (Happy Easter) the bridge back to the Father is perfected. The plan, the process of God. He engages and commissions the disciples. He returns to heaven to reign (But He’s coming back!) Does it end here for us?  No. Now we the church with the authority given by Jesus Himself, and with Holy Spirit power, we carry on with the red-letter commands, statements, and tender words.

Move over Easter Bunny, here comes the risen King! Let’s all stand to our feet! With loud shouts of praise, and enthusiastic applause! “It is Finished! 

Jesus said He’d rise again—He did.  He said He’d come back again—He will.

Blessings,

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

Posted by  |  April 19, 2025 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Hosanna – Palm Sunday

This coming weekend we celebrate Palm Sunday:

“Six days before the Passover…” Mary took a pint of perfume and poured it on Jesus’ feet—the house filled with the fragrance (See below—the perfume, “myrrh”).   The narrative describes the triumphal entry (Palm Sunday) “The next day” (John 12). It is safe to say Jesus still smelled quite fragrant from the oil.  This being of Jewish telling, in Jewish culture, whilst Jewish people stood on the road as Jesus passed by, they (potentially) smelling the fragrance, resonated the Kingly procession, as they shouted, “Hosanna!  Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!  Blessed is the King of Israel (v13).

Anointing was a priestly and kingly custom: Moses pouring oil on Aaron’s head (Lev 8:12) and Samuel over Saul (1 Sam 10:1) and the anointing of David (1 Sam 16:13).  Interestingly, Mary anoints Jesus’ feet.  Could it be (just an observation) the anointing of His feet, not His head, was displaying the declared Majesty of God—on earth. His Kingly walk among man, “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).

Later as Jesus rides through the cobblestone streets, the crowd begins to yell “Hosanna, Hosanna in the Highest” waving palm branches with enthusiasm.  It was common practice in the ancient world to welcome home a king or war hero by laying down branches in front of them, similar to our ticker tape celebrations today. Hosanna is the Greek version of the Hebrew saying “yasha na” meaning “Save now we pray.” This is taken from what is known as the Hallel, (Jewish prayerful readings of Psalms 113-118) specifically here, “O LORD, save us; (HOSANNA!) O LORD, grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD” (Psalm 118:25, 26, emphasis mine).  Can we grasp the impact of what they were seeing and  saying? Jesus was fulfilling the prophetic words of Zechariah, “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (9:9).

However, just four chapters later, people were yelling again, but this time; “Crucify Him! Crucify Him!” (Mark 15:12-14). Little did they know they were basically yelling the same thing. Both times! For you see, for Jesus to “save we pray” they had to “Crucify Him!” —He allowed it. He laid down His life for YOU and for me. By this act and His resurrection from the dead with all Kingly authority and power, He bridged the gap between man and His God.  He is the Restorer of fellowship—God and His children, mankind. 

This weekend, may we not allow this moment to pass us by, as we whole-heartedly consider the impact and fulfillment of Hosanna.  JESUS!  He rides an untamed colt in a King’s procession, “SAVE WE PRAY!”  THAT He did!

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

For more about the perfume: Myrrh | Inspired Fountain

Posted by  |  April 11, 2025 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , | Leave a comment

It’s About the Lamb!

“This is real love—not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins” (1 John 4:10, NLT).

Remember as a child sliding the crayon on a white piece of paper, from one dot to another until getting to the last dot, excited to see a picture form?  This is often how we come to understand certain things—connecting the dots.  Have we considered the “dot connection” (if you will) of the Lamb of God? As we draw near to Easter, let’s pick up our crayon and begin connecting as we see the progression of the Lamb.

Genesis 22: God declares to Abraham to take his son Isaac, his only son to the mountain and offer him as a sacrifice. As Abe and son begin their hike up the mountain, father placing the wood on the shoulders of the son, Isaac says, “The fire and wood are here,” then asks, “But where is the lamb?” Abraham confidently responds, “God Himself will provide the lamb.”  As the story progresses, Isaac is on the altar, Abraham obeys to the fullest. God knowing his heart, stops him and in substitution, provides a male lamb for the sacrifice.   The lamb provided.

Exodus 12: God prepares the Israelites to leave the captivity of Egypt. Instructions were given as the Angel of Death would soon be unleashed. “Take the lamb” slay and place the blood of the lamb on the doorpost of the home.  The blood now over them—death avoided. The lamb protected.

John 1: John the Baptist, known as an eccentric evangelist and prophet, sees Jesus approaching; he openly declares, “Look, behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.” John purposely points to Jesus, the shift of attention—to the divine.  The Lamb proclaimed.

John 19: Jesus is hung on a cross, just before His last breath, He states, “It is finished” (v30). Jesus, the Lamb of God is the propitiation (atonement) for our sins, (1 John 2:2, Ro 3:23-25) meaning that through His death on the cross, God’s wrath is satisfied, and forgiveness and reconciliation is offered to mankind. The Lamb propitiated (Big fancy theological word).

Revelation 5: The heavenly citizens declare before the throne, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise” (v12). THAT verse! Read it again as Holy Spirit breathes on you with His Majesty! Let’s all stand to our feet!  The Lamb PRAISED!

As we enjoy dark chocolate with cream filled eggs (I SO love Easter candy) let’s take these next few days building up to Easter—our dots connected, as we wholeheartedly consider the Lamb of God. The blood stained cross. The empty tomb. Focusing, seeing, understanding and participating in the celebration of Jesus. What a powerful reminder of God’s love and grace, as well as the profound cost of our redemption.

It’s not about the bunny—it’s about the LAMB! 

The lamb provided, protected, proclaimed, propitiated and praised.

Worthy is the LAMB!

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

For more of what Jesus did for YOU …

https://www.gotquestions.org/propitiation.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawJgKRlleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHv5VmtX3FNDDF6A9FaZDIPEZhobdH1_mpRSaIlPH_2cR8d9mV66gJ7UwdBeZ_aem_3BF8Ftr42ZYgbiEPDsM8Vw

Posted by  |  April 7, 2025 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Perception

Genesis 22, Abraham and Isaac are on the mountain. Here in the narrative, woven in this story: love, worship and obey are first used in scripture. The law of first mention often sets the tone for all other uses.

I noticed today that the word used for “fear” (22:12) God stopping Abe mid-air when he was fully obeying and ready to sacrifice Isaac, responds saying, “I know that you fear God, and have not withheld your son from Me, your only son.” This is the first time fear (yare) is used as an adjective (other uses are verbs). Why spotlight this? I am challenged! Here’s why. In Abe’s story, it wasn’t so much that he feared (although KEY to note) but that “he” feared. The emphasis is on the one doing, describing Abe’s perception of his God (in the moment, moral reverence). Reverence is fear mingled with respect and utmost awe. May we be aware of our “utmost” usage! 

Perception.

Perception can often be interchangeable with discernment. See and understand with a weighing process. Wisely distinguishing value and worth and responding accordingly.  Perception profoundly shapes our thoughts, feelings, and behavior, influencing how we interact with others—with God.  How we react in circumstances and the decisions we make. Abraham valued his God, and his behavior tethered alongside.

Our perception of God dictates our obedience.

A.W. Tozer wrote, “What first comes to mind when you think about God is the most important thing about you.” [Knowledge of the Holy].  Abraham revered God; it was evident. God met him in the moment. “YOU, Abe, I know you fear Me” (paraphrased).

Like Abraham, what and how does our behavior display our perception of God?  If we could hear God audibly in the moment, what would God’s response be to us?  (OH! That is so challenging!)

Perception.

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

Posted by  |  March 23, 2025 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

Be Kind

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.”  (Joseph, Genesis 50:20-21)

Joseph. What an amazing story (Genesis 37-50). The events that groomed him. The people that mocked him. The God who delivered him. His story journeys from the pit—to prison—to the palace.

When reading his story, “kindness” is not the first word that comes to mind.  Although it is mentioned three times. The first, “When his brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him” (Genesis 37:4). Second, later, when Joseph is in prison (Genesis 40) and the cupbearer is released. He says to him, “But when all goes well with you, remember me and show me kindness; mention me to Pharaoh and get me out of this prison.” (v14). Noting, the cupbearer did mention Joe—but two YEARS later. Two more years of prison.

The third is mentioned above, when the brothers are concerned now that Jacob (their father) has passed away, Joseph would retaliate due to their mistreatment of him (see Genesis 37). At the end of the narrative of Joseph’s story, he states, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them” (Genesis 50:20-21).

Do we posture ourselves for kindness?

Posture (besides the way a person holds their body—sitting or standing) is a particular way of dealing with something or someone with our approach AND attitude. God has been speaking to me about my posture this last year or two.

What is our response when we too have been mistreated? When others won’t speak kindly or what is promised is either delayed or denied. Or like Joseph, others’ choices set the trajectory of events for our life. Do we purposely “throw caution to the wind and give’m what they deserve!” or do we pause (or a season of pausing) and consider our response posture.

Kindness.

Kindness is defined as moral excellence, but more literally (biblically) as useful, profitable. Which can be expressed in multiple ways. Here’s a modern example of one: A man is walking on a sidewalk beside a busy street.  He hears footsteps fast approaching behind him. As he glances over his shoulder, he sees a young boy running and begins to veer off and into traffic.  As the boy passes him, he quickly steps out GRABS the boy, twirling him back safely onto the sidewalk. In the moment, the boy may think he wasn’t being treated kindly with such an intense grab.  But was the man indeed being kind?  Yes!  He was useful in saving the boy’s life. Being useful is being kind. Kindness is a gift.

Tie this in with what Joe said to his brothers. “YOU intended to harm me—God intended it all for good.”  Everything that happened to Joseph, his response is NOTABLE! Was his intent and speech useful at that moment with his brothers?  Yes!  Was he retaliating by being mean?  No, his approach and attitude were kind.  He was leaning in (his response was) with kindness. It de-escalated, re-assured and encouraged. Useful for sure!

Kindness.  Paul wrote, “The fruit (or evidence) of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, KINDNESS, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22-23, emphasis mine).  May we lean in being mindful of how we approach a situation, (lean into the qualities Holy Spirit has deposited in us) aware of how we posture our heart in our attitude—Let our response be kind EVEN IF others treat us differently. It may take some dying to self, but God is working to make us holy not happy. Joseph shows us, wrapped up with what God intends—be kind.

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

Above is an excerpt of my recent teaching at the “Bloom” Women’s Conference, “Even if.”

Posted by  |  March 14, 2025 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Find Strength in Knowing

Recently someone dear to me shared their struggle with feeling unworthy. Unworthy in the sense that they weren’t close enough to God. Feeling they weren’t DOING enough for Him. This person has a past that waves heavily if looked upon. Yet they are setting aside time, focus, obedience and energy right NOW in this season of their life for HIM, His word, His people, like they never have before. 

This morning, I awoke with this verse on my heart, “The joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). This verse is quoted often as encouragement, and rightly so. A few years ago, I read an article written by a Messianic Rabbi, all I remember was his pitch on a different twist—a new perspective on this verse.  So, I grabbed my mug of hazelnut cappuccino (with sweet cream) and began to dig.  My results?  I too agree with the Rabbi.  Let me explain in my own little way:

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 the lengthy captivity in Babylon—where they settled in. They blended. They lived. Now home, 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. Causing half the men to stand 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, all the people stood up. They hadn’t heard this in ages—LITERALLY! They were so overwhelmed; they 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 God and His word. They were realizing just how far gone they were from their God.

THIS is when Ezra and Nehemiah declare to them, “This day is sacred to the LORD your God. Do not mourn or weep.” The narrative continues, (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 waiting. He is a covenant keeping God. They were telling the people, (I paraphrase) “Grieve no more! Oh, find strength in knowing God is pleased with you, He finds JOY in YOU!”   Holiness and joy together! His joy—your strength.

How many of us, too, deem ourselves unworthy. We glance over our shoulders and see the mess behind us, the failures. We see our straying, our settling, our lack of—God.  We think our past somehow forfeits what God has for us now. When we do come home, (even after repentance) we want to bow our head in disgrace. The narrative was written, documenting God’s word to the wall builders, but also for us! God is our God of NOW! God of grace.

To my friend, to others: Turn around! Walk forward. Yes, posture yourself in WORSHIP. Don’t worry about doing. Just be. Be strengthened, God is pleased with you! He finds JOY in YOU!”

If you know someone who is discouraged, still beating themselves up regarding their past, please forward this to them, be to them a voice of encouragement and declare, “The joy of the LORD is your strength.” 

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

Posted by  |  March 3, 2025 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , | Leave a comment

The Around of God

This week at bible study we looked at the great exodus, emphasizing how God took the Israelites out of Egypt and then around the Philistine territory instead of the shorter through route.  God took the Israelites around, so they could experience the miraculous through (of the Red Sea).  He is the God of around and through.

There is a time or season for a divine through journey, where He walks with us for a specific purpose. Yet, God often takes us around life scenarios. In this story the around of God is frequently dismissed or downplayed. We learn from our early flannel graph days the miraculous parting of the Red Sea and God taking the Israelites through on dry ground. Miraculous indeed!  However, tucked in two short verses we have the potential of missing a quality of God. 

In Exodus 13, we see God take the Israelites around, around a potentially devastating outcome. He had just delivered them from bondage in Egypt—Pharaoh finally releasing the people.  Once out and about, the narrative states: “God did not lead them on the road through the Philistine country, though that was shorter. For God said, “If they face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.”  So God led the people around by the desert road toward the Red Sea” (vv 17,18 NIV – emphasis mine). 

God took them around so they wouldn’t encounter the Philistines (yet).  They weren’t ready.  This was their first road-trip with God; He didn’t want to freak them out, didn’t want them to bolt and run.   Once deep in the wilderness, what is one of their main complaints, “WHY did you take us out of Egypt.”  When things got tough, they reached for what was familiar—what seemed safe.  It is also said of the Philistines that IF they had encountered the Hebrews at that time, they would see them as escaping and would not hesitate to attack them and make them slaves again. 

If they had not gone around and toward (and experience) the Red Sea, they would have missed God’s purpose for His glory: The Egyptians would now know HE is God, and the Israelites saw His mighty power and were in awe (Exodus 14:17,18,31).  

God took them around. The principle for us, just like the Israelites, we may never know the around of God.  What He protects us from and what we may not be ready for. He gives us a divine, “Nope, we’re not going that way.”  God knows! It is HIS path, HIS when and where.  He leads—He protects.  

When we see God pointing in one direction, in our freedom, may we not stop and look for the short-cut!  What is ahead on that path, we may not be ready for and there may—just may be another seeing us in our vulnerability desiring to take us captive.

The around of God.  A holy road trip.

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

Posted by  |  February 12, 2025 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , | Leave a comment

You Define the Depth

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)

Posted by  |  January 22, 2025 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Leave a comment

As the Deer Pants

“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)

Posted by  |  January 17, 2025 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: | Leave a comment

Suspicious Kindness

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)

Posted by  |  January 10, 2025 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Scale it

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.

Posted by  |  January 4, 2025 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Resolution or Revelation

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)

Posted by  |  December 29, 2024 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , | Leave a comment

You are the Reason for the Season

(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)

Posted by  |  December 24, 2024 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Peace

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).

Posted by  |  December 16, 2024 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

Mary Pondered

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.

Posted by  |  December 14, 2024 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: | Leave a comment