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Christmas Peace

 

Christmas. Just the word alone brings a soft glow to the soul. Images of lights, men in red suits, baby in the manger, faint sounds of jingle bells in the distance and wrapped gifts under the tree.

Now let’s throw in a cozy fire, soft quilted blanket, cookies and Bing Crosby on the TV. A peaceful experience.

Peace. How would YOU define peace? When asked a few friends, I got a variety of answers with a common thread. An awareness of hope, rest. The lack of strife, or internal conflict. Peace, “knowing that things will turn out ok.”

Christmas peace, Luke 2:14, when the angel appears to the shepherds, he pulls in the back up singers for this declaration, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

Not only was God gettin some glory, but peace had come to earth. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) Sound familiar? “A baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

This New Testament word, peace, is ‘eirene’ (i-ray-nay) means as O.T. shalom does, prosperity, quietness and wholeness. But it literally means ‘to set at one again.’ The word picture is this: picture if you will something of great importance has been toppled over, with it down, effecting life as we know it. When it is erected again, (set at one again) then all is well when it is in it’s place. Um … remember Adam and Eve sinned in the garden? Thanks guys! THAT was some major toppling over! Jesus came, setting things back in the right place.  God and man in relationship.

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, (set at one again) 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Eph. 2:13-18, emphasis mine) Peace

Paul declares this point . “Since we have been justified through faith we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” ~ Romans 5:1

This Christmas as we sing and sway with the Hoo’s in Hooville, drink another glass of eggnog, rip open the thin paper off our packages, may we pause and consider whole heartedly, we, mankind have the opportunity to be at peace, restored back to God.  Yes, Peace had indeed come to earth, as a baby lying in a manger. 

A peaceful experience.  Merry Christmas!

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

Posted by  |  December 21, 2010 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Don’t Belittle the Flock!

Christmas ‘2010’ ~ Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, (shopping carts) cards, parties, (FOOD), lights on houses, decorated trees, (stress) wrapping paper, bows (debt) Christmas sweaters (Dude!)

Christmas ‘the beginning’ ~ Mary & Joseph, baby Jesus, manger, (humble) bright star, angelic host, shepherds with flock, (awe struck) peace on earth, good news, (SALVATION!)

Luke chapter 2, the familiar recounting of the Christmas story, like that of a well rehearsed children’s play, all the characters are in place, the declaring angels hit their queue perfectly, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” LOVE IT!

There is one small phrase I want to point out in the narrative, “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.” (v.  8)  I’ll jump right to it … did you know that scholars believe, due to the proximity to Jerusalem THESE lambs were the temple lambs. THESE shepherds were caring for lambs destined for sacrifice! The spiritual custom (requirement) of the day was to raise or purchase a lamb, take it to the priests and have it offered as a substitutionary sacrifice for atoning forgiveness of their sins. (Pause … stop reading … think about this)

Would it be a far reach to state that these shepherds KNEW the divine importance of “keeping watch over their flocks …” Could it be that God sent the angels to the people that would … GET  IT?  The angel declares “… I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.” The Messiah has come, the Savior. The narrative continues, “… they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” They left. In a hurry. It doesn’t say if they appointed someone to stay, but they sought out Jesus and then spread the word about Him.

Remember the conversation Abraham had with Issac as they climbed the mountain?  Abraham’s response so very prophetic, “The fire and wood are here,” Issac said, “but where is the lamb…” Abraham answered, “God Himself will provide the lamb…”  (Gen. 22:7-8) 

Jesus’ birth.  “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.” (Jn. 3:16)

Fast foreword … 30+ years … this, recorded of John the Baptist, “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!”

About 3 years following John’s statement of Jesus, it is Passover, Jesus, found innocently hanging on the cross. On lookers watch as His blood drips from His beaten, bloody body. 

THIS, the season of  Passover… the blood of the Lamb marking people to be released from the wrath of God. 

Later, as we follow the story of God, the angels again declare … this time …  “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom, And strength and honor and glory and blessing … be to Him who sits on the throne, And to the Lamb, forever and ever!” (Rev. 5:11,13)

You may ask, “DeDe why so much PASSION for the Christmas season from you?” My simple response: December 21, 1979. THAT date marks for me, Jesus the baby ~ Jesus the Lamb of God ~ Jesus my Savior. At the age of nearly 17, I sat in the Pastors home with Brenda, the pastors wife, as she lovingly shared Jesus. THAT moment, I invited the Lamb of God into my heart.  Thirty-one years later, I too continue to spread the word about Him.

May we this season, attempt to grasp the full message of the birth of Jesus.  Don’t belittle the flock. 
 
Have we noticed that Jesus never asked that we remember His birth, but to remember His death. The lamb of God.
 
** Please take the time to watch this video  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_L0AXVU5Ks  (Watch the Lamb)

In Him, DeDe

Posted by  |  December 11, 2010 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

White Elephant Gift?


Christmas, a time of sharing, loving and gift giving. Ever go in search of that PERFECT gift, not really having anything in mind, but waiting for it to jump off the shelves and literally wrap itself … because it is SOOOO perfect. Pause … enjoy the moment, brief that it is. WAKE UP … aint gunna happen! However for some of us it is … the hunt!

Regardless of what makes it home with us from the mall, ALL of us have ‘gifts’ to offer. God given gifts that He asks that we share with one another. Whether that be, the gift of ‘helps’ your heart overflows with servant hood. Or be it, the gift of ‘encouragement’, how many of us LOVE being on the receiving end of that gift! Perhaps, the gift of a listening ear, or providing an extra place at the dinner table. My gift is being a student of the Word. I dig, dust off, polish it up a bit and share it with others. What is your gift? No gift is too small, or insignificant.

Often we read through the Christmas story and highlight the most spectacular parts, singing angels, “Fear Not” statements, the Star of Bethlehem, and yes the dingy manger. YET, there are some quiet and seem less significant items to be had in the excitement.

Consider if you will, the Magi as they prepare for their trek out to find the child to whom the Bethlehem Star belongs. DeDe’s imaginative possible scenario of events: They are packing, dividing up the supplies list, then they come to the gift inventory, gold is given to the first, then frankincense handed to another, ‘O yeah, the myrrh is last’. How would YOU like to be handed the myrrh, and picture yourself bowing low, head to the floor while you offer M-Y-R-R-H (said with an Eeyore deep tone) to the King of Kings! You may think “Dude, why do I have to carry the white elephant gift???” White elephant it is not, one among the triune gifts that are of great value.

 AH… the gifts, gold, frankincense and MYRRH. Have we ever really thought WHAT is myrrh?

The divine significance of myrrh:

Exodus 30:22-23 Myrrh ~ an ingredient used in the anointing oil of the Tabernacle and the priests.

Luke 7:36-50 Myrrh ~ (myron) perfumed oil/ointment poured over Jesus’ feet.

John 19:39-40 Myrrh ~ used as one of the spices to prepare Jesus’ body for burial.

Picture now, the Christ child, perhaps two in age or younger, curly dark hair, possibly pudgy cheeks. At His feet, men of wisdom, honor, and royal position now place gold, frankincense and MYRRH. The anointing oil of the TABERNACLE and THE Priest. “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” (John 1:14) The same perfumed oil poured on His feet as a grown man, those feet that would one day hang on a cross and be pierced. The oil added to the spices wrapped around His body following His death.

Myrrh, HOW PROPHETIC.

A new appreciation for the gift?

May we too bow low, offer what we may think insignificant. Gifts given to Jesus and in Jesus name have GREAT value, regardless of how silly we may see it, or how small they may appear. An encouraged heart, a feed soul, a person no longer lonely.

Christmas gift giving! Be prophetic.
 
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” ~ Heb. 10:24)

Posted by  |  December 5, 2010 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Thankfulness at the Table

 

Here we are. The holidays. I know for me, they have crept stealthily up like that of cat ready to pounce. Soon we will be sitting at the family table, passing the mash potatoes, the crescent rolls and all the while eyeing the desserts waiting wrapped under foils and Tupperware lids. There will be games, laughter, football and of course someone snoozing unaware of the stares and giggles made their way.

This week is Thanksgiving. Perhaps there will be the suggested statement “Let’s share what we are thankful for…” The statements begin at the other end of the table. Phew … this will buy us time to think of all the many blessings of this year. Our responses follow the same of the one prior to us, we are thankful for our family, job and healthy kids. Blessings, yes these are! However, there is yet a fidget of spirit, the unspoken ache in our soul. Does anyone at this table really know the pain of our heart, despite the happy smile we practiced all the way here?

 The answer is … YES!

The Psalmist wrote so poetically, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds … Great is our Lord and mighty in power; His understanding has no limit.” (Ps. 147:3,5) Let me say that again with emphasis, “His understanding has … NO LIMIT.” God’s insight into our life is infinite. I adore how King David expressed this in Psalm 139: “O Lord, You have searched me and You know me. You know when I sit and when I rise; You perceive my thoughts from afar. You discern my going out and my lying down; You are familiar with all my ways. Before a word is on my tongue You know it completely, O Lord.” (vs 1-4)

Thankfulness is not only being able to quote a list of blessings, it is the heart awareness of God knowing us. In this we stop – pause and worship. Matthew Henry, the classic scholar of an earlier day, had this timeless thought, “Thanksgiving is good, but thanks-living is better.”

Jesus, He knows what we need, what we want AND the deepest longings and painful patches of our heart. We are thankful, even when they are unspoken at the Thanksgiving table. 

“Thank You Jesus for our jobs, families and healthy kids. Thank You that You KNOW and understand us completely. You are an amazing God!”

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

Posted by  |  November 25, 2010 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

WHAT Were You Thinking!

 

 

Recently I heard the question posed from the pulpit, “What do you spend yourself on?” In other words, where does the energy you give out … go? As the pastor took off in one direction, this got me thinking (no pun intended) in another. For the majority of us, we tend to spend more time and energy in our thought life. We day dream, we ponder, we fantasize, we stress AND we fear.

Paul of the Bible was a man of lists, he loved his lists. Love is ____ . (1 Cor.13) The fruit of the Spirit is____. (Gal. 5) Put on the full armor of God ____. (Eph. 6) Just to name of few. Paul again lets the scroll fall to the ground with the list of things 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)

Other translations use terms such as dwell, meditate, fix and fill your mind. All indicate a deliberate act, OCCUPY yourself with these. There is an eastern practice called ’emptying the mind’. Have YOU ever tried that? The more you try – the more thought comes to mind. Those sheep keep prancing over the fence!  Paul doesn’t say void your mind of thought. On the contrary, he speaks of discipline. In 2 Cor. 10:5, Paul writes, “… take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

Because thought is such a vital aspect of our lives, Paul places a huge emphasis on what goes on in our head, which in reality affects our heart, perspective, and actions … our obedience.  We are to exercise our mind in such a manner that leads to Godly behavior and responses.

One way to look at it is, picture a cow chewing his cud (sorry to be gross) he is focused, as he again and again – chews and chews, this is part of his digestive system. This, his designed survival mechanism.  To ruminate, for us, is liken to ‘chewing the cud of the mind’, (DeDe’s disgusting imagery) to mull over again and again. This is what Paul is talking about, take the things that are true, noble, right and pure and chew on them. Whatever is lovely, admirable, excellent and praise worthy ~ allowing these to be part of our Christ focused digestive system.
 
May we like the Psalmist say, “I will meditate on all Your works and consider all Your mighty deeds.”  (Ps. 77:12)  This alone will keep us busy, obedient and OUT of TROUBLE!  Lower anxiety, live in reality.  Like my friend Kelly said, “Gotta love mind cud.”  Chewing on the good things of God.
 
 
In Him, DeDe

Posted by  |  November 8, 2010 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

Sacred Spaces

 

Where is it that you call on God? Your prayer closet, the pew at church, the comfy chair next to the wood stove? Or perhaps, for you a walk on the beach, while brushing your tennis shoes in the sand. Could it be a quiet spot on the back porch as you sip coffee, taking in the morning sounds and sights.

When God moves and speaks, what is our response? Do we mark those moments on the time line of our life? As I studied this morning those great names of old … Abe, Isaac, Jacob and Moses, I found all had many things in common, but one in particular stood out to me … they built altars.

Genesis 12:7 “The Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your offspring I will give this land.” So he built an altar there to the Lord, who had appeared to him.”

Genesis 26:24-25 “That night the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham.” 25 Isaac built an altar there and called on the name of the Lord. There he pitched his tent, and there his servants dug a well.”

Genesis 35:10-15 “God said to him, “Your name is Jacob, but you will no longer be called Jacob; your name will be Israel.” So he named him Israel. 11 And God said to him, “I am God Almighty; be fruitful and increase in number. A nation and a community of nations will come from you, and kings will come from your body. 12 The land I gave to Abraham and Isaac I also give to you, and I will give this land to your descendants after you.” 13 Then God went up from him at the place where he had talked with him. 14 Jacob set up a stone pillar at the place where God had talked with him, and he poured out a drink offering on it; he also poured oil on it. 15 Jacob called the place where God had talked with him Bethel.”

 This one, is one of my favorites …

Exodus 17:10-16 “So Joshua fought the Amalekites as Moses had ordered, and Moses, Aaron and Hur went to the top of the hill. 11 As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning. 12 When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up–one on one side, one on the other–so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13 So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. 14 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as something to be remembered and make sure that Joshua hears it, because I will completely blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” 15 Moses built an altar and called it The Lord is my Banner. 16 He said, “For hands were lifted up to the throne of the Lord. The Lord will be at war against the Amalekites from generation to generation.”

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

Like the Patriarchs of old, may we too … be altar builders. Recognizing and declaring THIS is where God met with me.  Here is where I will remember.  If we could see as God sees, I am confident we would see sacred spaces scattered across our past journeys. “Thank You Lord for being there, hearing us, being with us, You are faithful!”

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

Posted by  |  October 23, 2010 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Divine Sticking

Work. Gotta do it. ‘Sigh’. Being an Intuit Quickbooks Tech Support Specialist is a TOUGH job.

Just about every call I get, I am scrambling to find the answer. Sometimes I get FUN questions like, “How can I create a report that …” Whahoo, pull out the drawing board. Then. Then there are RIDICULOUS questions. The accountant on the other end, in their New York accent states,  “I have a discrepancy with my bank reconcile, I need help.”  HELP? Um… I am no accountant, I don’t even really get the debit/credit thingy and you want ME to help YOU?

Of course I don’t say that, I smile (they can hear my smile) and say, “Yes, I can help you with that.” As I mute my headset, put my head down, and beat it against my desk, crying out ‘Eli Eli lama sabchathani’ (always good to quote Jesus)

A verse keeps coming to mind, it is a rhema word, a portion of scripture brought to mind by the Holy Spirit for the need of the moment. And by golly we have need of the moments, don’t we! The verse, “… cling to what is good…” – Ro. 12:9.

Cling, it literally means … to clue, fasten together … to what is good. What is good? “God is good to one and all, everything He does is suffice with grace” – Ps. 145:9. Pour on the grace Lord!   Nahum 1:7 (hm.. it’s near the end of the O.T., yep not too far from Obadiah, had to dig for it myself) “God is good, a hiding place in tough times.” God is good.

Yes, there ARE moments in our work setting and outside of it, just life in general, when we are hanging in there for dear life. When our reach is exasperated. When the questions are coming at us too fast, too big, and too RIDICULOUSLY! Cling. Fasten yourself to Jesus. HE is the answer we need. He is.  We are encouraged, “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (James 4:8)  The first step to some holy, divine sticking!  When we draw near, when we do some sticking, He will cover us in the shadow of His presence.  He will fight off our foes (go get’m God) He will envelope us in His love.  He will.
 
Cling to what is good.

As for beating myself senseless when I get those icky accountant questions?  I will try to refrain, but no promises!

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

Posted by  |  October 4, 2010 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , | 1 Comment

He Got Up!

 

Did you know there are 12 (TWELVE !) documented types of storms? I found these while doing my research for this devotional teaching and quite frankly, amazed at the list. Each carry similar qualities, yet hold very unique elements.

The list consists of ice, blizzard, snow, fire, dust, gale, wind, squall, (breathe) thunder, cyclone, hail and tornado. Phew, it tires me just to type them out and consider their effects on us. One thing is sure regarding a storm … ‘we’ are not in control. All we can do is head for shelter and hang on!

I take us to Mark chapter 4. In this story Jesus gathers the disciples and tells them “Let us go over to the other side.” (v. 35) Simple statement, so in the boat they go on the Sea of Galilee. Seemingly a normal journey across, yet a storm comes up, not just a bit of rain, or a slight gust of wind, but the narrative says, a ‘furious squall.’ High winds full of turbulent power, with brutal waves fierce enough to cause the boat to rock with such force, the disciples were … terrified. A storm. recognize the reaction to the elements swirling around you? Insecurity. Fear. Panic.

May we stop and consider who was in this boat. Of the disciples, Peter, Andrew, James and John were all fishermen, seasoned men of the sea. These men knew how to handle a boat. Nevertheless, they too were afraid. One might say (namely me) ‘even the pros get tossed to and fro.’ There is sad comfort in that, no one is exempt from the storms. No matter how well educated, wealthy, pretty, even prepared, there WILL be moments the elements rise and we have a response.

Imagine if you will, how LOUD this storm was, the wind howling, the piercing squeal in your ears. Feel also the tossing of the boat, those of us prone to sea sickness, well… we won’t go there! In this, Jesus is asleep in the back of the boat. He wasn’t concerned of the danger out on the water, He could simply walk home (smile). The disciples cry out to Him, awake Him. HERE is my favorite part, 3 often over looked words, yet so stinkingly powerful. “He got up.” Jesus stood up. Nothing like Jesus going to His feet. Sure, some would say, ‘don’t get so dramatic.’ Have they read … Psalms 68:1 “Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered…” It can be a scary thing to have God Almighty come to His feet. The seriousness of it. Jesus could have just waved His hand from where He laid, and with a yawn, hush the wind. But He didn’t, He got up! It says, He rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be Still!” Folks, THIS is good stuff!

I want, NEED Jesus to arise in my boat, in the midst of MY storm. How about YOU? Are you too found in a storm of great proportions? Whether it be a storm of frigid cold, drowning seas, agitating dust, so thick we are temporarily blinded. How about heat so hot, it has it’s own atmospheric climate. Oh, let God arise! Speak Lord Jesus (harshly if needed) to the elements around us!

May we please remember Jesus’ opening words to the disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” The other side. He would not have pointed to the other side if they were meant to DIE in the middle of the sea, in the middle of the journey. “US” … we are never meant to be in the storm alone. Jesus, in the boat, in the storm WITH them, to the other side.

I must add … most folks think the Bible is full of lists of ‘no-nos’, and plenty of ‘thou shalts’. I on the other hand, find it so extremely humorous at times. One example is where God chooses to place certain events.

Immediately following the sea session, they come ashore in the region of Gerasenes. Undoubtedly, a few of those in the boat would have LOVED to kiss the ground, HOWEVER… just after their lives are threaten with violent winds, raging waters what do they NOW encounter? A demoniac man! “Really? Give me a break!” My imagination speaks loud as I can hear one of the disciples cry out!

How humorous! God takes them from one faith needing, trust Me, depend on Me to defend you moment … to … the demonic. AND the dude is naked! Ok, now I am laughing with divine doubling over.
 

Note to self: as I find the storm around me beginning to calm, cover my eyes and seek another location down the shore to drop anchor! (Just kidding) This storm … THIS aint nothing! This journey is continual.  “New level, new devil.”  DO NOT hang up your Jesus life preserver just yet!
 
He got up. Let God arise!
 
In Him, DeDe (‘Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” ~ Heb. 10:24)
Inspired Fountain website: https://inspiredfountainpen.wordpress.com/

Posted by  |  September 12, 2010 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | 1 Comment

Peace or a Pit

 Life. Life happens. Have you ever come out of a foggy situation, tattered, a little bruised, (metaphorically speaking) your heart aches with that familiar ache of disappoint in someone’s behavior?Their pain, jealousy, hatred and insecurity causing them to act out in anger. Pain and anger are so very closely linked, that the dividing line fades when actions are applied. If these words resonate even with some small hint of recognition, than you too can relate to Joseph of the Bible.

Recently I was looking at the life of Joseph, the events that groomed him, the people that mocked him, and the God who delivered him. One particular verse danced off the page at me. Genesis 37:4 “When the brothers saw that their father loved him (Joseph) more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him.”

For many of us, this story brings back mental images of a colorful jacket, jealous brothers, a pit, and some selling of ‘merchandise’, (it’s a great read … Genesis 37) The word used in verse 4, “they … could not speak a kind word to him” seems to get lost in the translation a bit. In the Hebrew the word is ‘shalom’. The brothers due to their jealousy and hatred could not speak peace to Joseph. Peace … health, prosperity, and amazingly so, it can be rendered … ‘safe’.

Noticing on in the story of the brothers turn tormentors, they see Joseph from afar, and their deceitful plan is forever etched in history. First they plan to kill him, nope to harsh, (don’t we ALL rationalize) then they find what was convenient, a deep well. When in haste convenience seems to always trump wisdom! I try to imagine, did they just grab him and throw him in the pit?

It says that they stripped him of his robe, the very thing that ticked them off in the first place. They attempted to remove the evidence of his favored relationship, the gift from their father. I believe this was not done in silence, I bet there was a lot of taunting going on. Rude comments, jesting, a jab here and shove there. Then the final jab, leading to pit dwelling.

Jealousy and hatred withhold peace. May we think of our own lives, are ‘we’ speaking peace to and over others, are we allowing them a safe place in our life? Are we doing our part to help them prosper in their potential, staying healthy … or not? Is there someone who has what we want? Oh, it may not be the enduring love of a father, but perhaps our jealousy stems elsewhere. Are we acting out in pain hurting another due to our upset NEED for something.  Are we giving them the gift of peace or throwing them in a pit.   (ouch!)

I have heard it said, “Bitterness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” It actually hurts us in the long run. In short, the story goes on that Joseph becomes very successful while the brothers and family live in feminine, they ultimately end up going to Joseph for their very survival.  So, who was it that ended up in the pit?  The brothers or Joseph?
 
The author of Hebrews admonishes us to peace, Hebrews 12:14 “Work at living in peace with everyone, and work at living a holy life … ” (NLT) Yes, work it WILL be, yet peace is what we are called to.  Paul states in Galatians that the fruit of the Spirit, the qualities of having Jesus in our life are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self control. (Gal. 5:22,23)   “Oh Jesus, we invite You, we need You, live in and through us, may we be Your ambassadors of peace.”
 
Peace or a pit?
 
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” ~ Heb. 10:24)
https://inspiredfountainpen.wordpress.com/

Posted by  |  September 4, 2010 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

But Sir!

 
When was the last time something was asked of you, that you KNOW you could not possibly do it, or even come close to attaining it? Kind of frustrating isn’t it?  Or you stand looking at a circumstance and the only emotion running hysterically from your feet to your nose is doubt and fear!
 
This is how Gideon felt, he and his people the Israelites are being oppressed by other nations, primarily the Midianites,  when out minding his own business,  the Lord came and appeared to him.   The Lord calls Gideon “… mighty warrior.” Telling him, “go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand…”

I LOVE Gideon’s response, “But Sir…how can I save Israel … my clan is the weakest in Manasseh, and I am the least in my family.” (Judges 6:13,15) We all have had “But Sir” moments, haven’t we? Moments when God asks something of us, moments when we need to do or be something that is beyond us. We feel weak, and insignificant. Oh, God’s response is SO valuable and the TRUE foundation of success. The Lord answered, “I will be with you, and you will strike down all the Midianites together.”

Gideon goes on to lead a small army to victory in unconventional ways … blowing trumpets, breaking pots and holding huge Bic lighters, (and who said the Bible is boring!)  I believe God wants us all to have Gideon experiences. Turning our ‘But Sir, I am weak … and the least… how can I…?’ to victory, believing His word to us, ‘I will be with you, and you will…’

What is God asking of us today? What name like ‘mighty warrior’ is He giving, that totally blows us away, perhaps … courageous missionary, passionate teacher, gentle leader, faithful friend, and prayer warrior, even loving mom. He may even call us to unconventional ways, yet how exciting to see how it all unfolds.

Join with me, as we turn our ‘but Sir’ into ‘I will be with you and you will…‘  Such a recipe for victory!

In Him, DeDe (Ps. 92:4 “You thrill me, LORD …”)

 
 
 

Posted by  |  July 17, 2010 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

I Ain’t No Moron!

Through the past 5 weeks I have been in INTENSE training. My old job required great physical strength which I just was not able to endure, besides the pay could not keep me afloat, and the hours late and sporadic. So, I began to pray. I prayed very specifically. “Lord, please give me a job that is: Mon.- Fri. and in an office setting, not physically demanding, and pays at least $10.00 an hour (starting)”  God in His most Sovereign capacity, flowed out of His SENSE of HUMOR to fulfill this.  I Love You God!

I am now being trained to be a Quickbooks technical support specialist. WHAT?  My role puts me on the receiving end of questions. Questions that folks are paying big money for strong professional answers regarding their bookkeeping problems.  Again … WHAT …are you crazy? I have no accounting back ground, I HATE numbers, and simply whisper the words, liability, asset, and equity, I then begin to faint in despair. Overwhelmed does not even capture the arena I have been in. However, I am so very thankful for God’s provision, provision for the immediate and for the future. Each morning, my prayer holds one consistent element. “God make me smarter than I am, meet with me in my mind.”

My mind at times sits and stares at the white computer screen, a complete blank washes over me. A couple of weeks ago, I was fully persuaded and drawn to what Jesus said to us, in response to a question asked of Him. The question? What is the greatest commandment? Jesus responds with (in short) “Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength, and love those around you.” (Mark 12:30)

Hmm… I have been looking at ‘loving God with all my mind’ — fascinating! The word that Jesus uses for loving God with my mind, means loving God with understanding. What brings understanding? Pursuit!

In Jesus’ day, the ‘mind’ revolution was in full swing. Folks sat around, even in large gatherings contemplating – pursuing ‘understanding’. They rattled off, debated, and spoke philosophical jargon. When asked the greatest commandment, Jesus answers by quoting Deut. 6:4-5. Verse 5 “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Notice Jesus adds one thing to this empowering direction to us. Moses didn’t mention loving God with all our mind.

I believe Jesus was/is saying that God is worthy of our mental pursuit. As man (world) pursues the philosophy of the day, the intellect of the day, we as Jesus followers are to base our understanding on Him, wrap our seat of human reason around HIM and His word!

Loving God with our mind, means even more than understanding, it includes our ….disposition. WOW, I am to love God with my temperament, and or my mood (oh … ICK!) Golly, now I am responsible for how I ‘use’ my mood. Here’s another consideration as well, my understanding can also be rendered “the results of thorough exercise of the mind.” Our mental/emotional energy NEEDS to be spent on God & God stuff!

Interesting note, when studying something we are called to (love God with our mind) we also look to see what we are NOT called to. In this case, the opposite of understanding, well … um… (clearing throat) literally means … being a ‘moron’ (Greek ‘moria’)

How does this play out for me? I ain’t no moron. I am pursuing God with my mind, I am choosing to use my emotional and mental energy for Him. Loving God, means that I invite Him into my pursuit of understanding, HE is my understanding. My immediate application is this,  when I answer these incredible bookkeeping questions, I give them the very best I can, without them even knowing, I bring the Kingdom to them, I bring the King to them, because I spent time and energy with the King FIRST.   Loving Jesus with my mind, means HE is the first thought, He is the first energy spent. “Jesus make me smarter than I am, meet with me in my mind.”  Where I lack, He is the difference.

What about you? Is Jesus drawing you to love Him more with your mind? Are you sensing the need for discipline, or the need to stop and think of Jesus first?  Are you wrapping your intellect, emotions, and disposition around HIM?  I know it is a challenge with as much simulation we get these days to keep our mind focused on Jesus.  But God is worthy of our mental pursuit.

 Loving God out of our heart, soul, mind and strength  FIRST.  Loving God.
 
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” ~  Heb. 10:24)

Posted by  |  July 6, 2010 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | 1 Comment

I See YOU!

In conversations, we share life with others, we share our joys, our sorrows, our experiences. Have you noticed in these, we too share our … comparisons. We mask them with closing statements of ‘I’m  not there yet.‘ Not there yet? Meaning, there is a goal, and I fall short. THERE is the carrot, and I am ever running after it, tumbling, tripping along the way… but THERE it is. I am here, and NOT there. We want to do and be something other than we are…

Oh I too am not there yet either, however, I am learning that whatever, wherever ‘there’ is, it is NOT up to others to criticize or define it for me. Family, friends, the church, yes they are a voice in my life, I honor, respect and consider their input. Yet, my there can only be found in God. HE is the blueprint designer of my life.  The sad thing about the ‘not there yet’ concept? We fail to live in the NOW! Face it, we WILL continue to  ‘not’ be something … not thin, smart, rich, fit, strong, happy, healthy, unselfish … enough. The list is vast.

Remember the story of Hagar, poor gal, she was just being obedient. She was told to go to Abe’s tent … etc … etc … etc. (see Genesis 16) Following this, where did she find herself? In the ‘ick’ of life. If I could interject just for a moment, a woman’s point of view, the struggle we ALL face, (us women) the thought, the attitude … “If I were a better woman, I would _____ ” and we fill in the blank. We are our best critic, we long to be/do it better. Yet when we don’t, our mind set is, ‘just not there yet,’ and consider ourselves a failure. Please note: Not quite there yet, doesn’t mean we aren’t ‘somewhere.’

I am sure Hagar felt the same way, if I were a better woman, a better servant, I could handle this. Hurt, frustrated, and confused, she takes off, runs away. The part that is totally cool? God found her, ‘where’ she was. He called her by name, it wasn’t “hey you, over there, yep you the one that everyone hates, the one who didn’t get it right,” He called her by name, “Hagar.”

God being God, He asks her questions, not that ‘He’ doesn’t know the answers, “Where have you come from and where are you going? By asking these questions, they are now in the moment. It is God’s invitation, the invitation to process through the ‘stuff’ with Him. She shares her ‘ick’, and God encourages her with His promises. What a deal, our ick for His promises!  I LOVE how she wraps up her time with God, she call Him El Roi… “You are the God who sees me, for I have now seen the One who sees me.”

My point is ~ the next time we are tempted to believe the “LIE” that since we are not there yet, we are not good enough. Instead, we focus on here and NOW, where God sees us!!!! He calls us by name, DeDe, Sue, Jim, Linda …

May we not only strive to be ‘there’, continuing to grow in and through our weaknesses, but may we be in our here and NOW, experiencing El Roi, the God who sees me. The God who extends love, grace, mercy, and strength.

And His promises? DANG, they are great! I encourage us to read His letter to us, find those things that we ARE, (in Him), the qualities and inheritances that are ours due to relationship. May we do this, instead of focusing on what/where we are NOT!

Loved one, do you need to be seen by the One who sees … El Roi, the God who says, lovingly, “I see YOU!”  I see you NOW, who & what you are NOW, I will not love you anymore when you get ‘there’. I am the God of your NOW!”  Stop, and engage with Him!  Your goal ‘is’ now, not only … there

Not there yet, but by golly loving, living in the NOW!

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

Posted by  |  June 13, 2010 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | 1 Comment

What Do You See in the Clay?

Questions. Sometimes questions can boggle the mind like those autosterograms, you know the pictures you have to stare at for awhile, relaxing your eyes, and soon (hopefully) the imbedded image appears. I have recently been given such a question. I now sit and stare.  (can you see the hidden picture to the right?)

In all transparency I share: I am in a season of re-creation. Through life’s circumstances I am now a single parent, whom, after 18 years has re-entered the work force outside of the home. My mornings soon turn to afternoon, and before I know it, evening has replaced the moments before. Identity, mothering, relationship status, ministry, ALL have changed. Life is BUSY, life is tiresome, life can be disappointing. Anyone relating at any level?

One element stays the same. My God. He is where I go for recharging, refreshing… SANITY! With that said, recently in my devotional time, I sensed God asking me “What do you see in the clay?”  Well, now isn’t THAT spiritually revolutionary! The lights are now on, and I can move forward in great confidence and victory!  NOT!  Yes, said in a smug tone, (sorry Lord) “What do you see in the clay?” What kind of direction is that? It is at this moment I am tempted to quote Jesus, “Eli Eli lama sabachthani”, “My God, My God why hast thou forsaken me?” (just kidding)

To the clay, I go. I open my Bible to the New Testament. John chapter 9, Jesus sees a blind man. The disciples, in their ‘learning’ mode, ask Jesus, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” Jesus’ response is a VERY foundational verse in the Kingdom in my opinion. “Neither this man, nor his parents, but this happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life…” Sigh. Life, ‘stuff’ happens to good people, HOWEVER, what an awesome opportunity for God to display grace, healing, love, and mercy. Jesus proceeds to heal the man, “He spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay…” (v. 6) He then tells the man to go and wash, later the man testifies of Jesus healing him.

“What do you see in the clay?” I notice that this story begins with Jesus seeing the man, (John 9:1) of course the blind man could not see Him. I see Jesus coming, coming to a situation that is waiting … for HIM. In the clay is Jesus’ DNA (wouldn’t that make for a great rap song!) He offers a part of Himself, (it’s in the spit folks! Post THAT on Facebook) He didn’t even ask the blind man, He just applied the clay. But the story doesn’t stop there, the soon to be former blind man, had to act in obedience, go and wash, That he did. Yet, this healing is NOT just for the man, it is for those around him as well. Following the clay, the washing, the healing, others were captured by Jesus. What a testimony.

Thank you Lord for the question, “What do you see in the clay?” YES, spiritually revolutionary… I see that YOU see me, even when I am blinded by pain and disappointment. I see Your clay of healing pressed against my eyes. I see you anointing me. I will participate in the healing process, I go and wash. This healing clay is NOT for me alone, this is an opportunity for others to see You move in and through my life. I believe there is MORE. I believe that the clay is just the beginning.

Perhaps Jesus would ask YOU, what do you see in the clay? Do you too, need to see beyond the pain, or disappointment. Are you willing to participate in the healing process? Will you allow others to see God moving in and through you?  Our need for the clay is opportunity for God to display grace, healing, love, and mercy.

I share a song by Don Moen, lovely, encouraging, challenging, God honoring.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SvPA1dj0GI    (click on link)

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

 

Posted by  |  June 9, 2010 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Leave a comment

Elevator Jetlag

Have you ever experienced jet lag? You know, that tired STILL on the plane sensation? Your toes gripping your shoes as turbulence swings the plane up – down and over. THEN, as you walk off the plane, up the ramp, and ATTEMPT to stand still as you scan the baggage claim for your suit cases. Finally home, and exhausted, you head for your bed, HOWEVER, the low rumble of the plane echoes in your ears, the rise and fall of the wings causes your body to involuntarily sway. But the thing is, you are no longer ON the plane.

I have not been on a plane recently but I have been on an … ELEVATOR. Okay, don’t laugh! My work requires me to move about with GREAT generous amounts of energy, in a large three story, nine wing building. Due to the fact that I am approximately 20-25 years OLDER than my co-workers, I have opted to put the elevator to GOOD use. (now said the exhausted breath)

As with all good flight plans (sorry for the pun) we seek those things that would make our journey in the skies enjoyable, or might I say in this situation … up/down the elevator shaft. I have gained great insight into the riding of … the elevator. First, there is ALWAYS the ‘pause’ … as the doors open, you do NOT rush in to take your place against the far left corner. This is due to the elderly man still standing waiting for his legs to move forward (said with complete respect mind you). So, you wait. And perhaps, you STILL wait for him to disembark.  Once the small moving box holds a place for you, and the doors close, with all glee you push the floor number you desire.

I have found that since I spend large amounts of time in this mode of transportation, and there is NO elevator music (I know, the horror of it all) I have begun to entertain myself with singing from floor to floor. Last night, when most of the residents were already asleep, or SHOULD have been (I am a caregiver at a retirement home) while riding down from the third floor to the first, I enjoyed a rousing sing song of a John Denver chorus. AGAIN, do not laugh! Here is where I get to add one of those biblical moments, you know, where the character of the story would have preferred God not include the embarrassing detail. (I.e. Peter cutting the dudes ear off) As the elevator landed, and the doors began to open, I was nearing the last bar of the song, when what do I see? Edith, sitting on the couch directly in front of the door. This gal had the largest smile I have ever seen on a 85 year old woman. She proceeded to tell me, “I heard you singing all the way from the 3rd floor.” All I could think in response was, “did you like it?” Again, she smiles and says, “Yes, yes I did.”

You see, this is the first time I had heard Edith say a word, or smile. I SOOO wish I could testify that it was Amazing Grace that woo’ed this gal… instead, it was me, John Denver and an elevator. God so moves in ridiculous ways, I MEAN … mysterious ways.

As for elevator jetlag? Last night while in my bed exhausted, still feeling the sensation of movement of that elevator, I recounted the elevator blessing. Yes, blessing. In my own bored, love for Annie’s Song (John Denver) I got to experience Edith’s smile. She may not have had a great tear filled eye moment with God, but she experienced … joy.  It was an honor to be used of God.

The words of Isaiah came to mind … “I have summoned you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters I will be with you, and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you, when you walk through the fire, you will not be burned …” (Is. 43:1-3) I could almost hear God say to Edith, “When you are old and sitting, you will not be in sorrow, you will smile, I am with you.” 

May we all be a blessing to someone today, may we see that smile! (even if it is from an elevator)

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

Posted by  |  May 15, 2010 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Leave a comment

Find Him Familiar

I am reminded of a most tremendous moment I experienced last year. I was working as a caregiver at a local assistant living home. Many of the folks are suffering from Alzheimer’s. While checking on a resident, it was pointed out to me that ‘Preacher’ (whom I have lovingly nicknamed) was wandering the halls. I went and found him. The look on his face was complete ‘lost-ness.’  The poor guy had my FULL attention. His aged demeanor in the previous days was that of dignity, maturity and strength. But not today.

He and I had shared conversations before about God and His Word. In his cute little apartment, one wall is lined with theology books, as you well know THAT caught my eye. I asked him one day, “Preacher, what is on your heart, if you could preach right now, what would it be?” He was silent for a moment, as in deep thought, then he began to share about the King of Syria, and for the next few moments as we meandered to the dining hall, he preached to me the most tender little sermon.

However today, there was no sermon. Alzheimer’s had again, reached out and pulled him in. Hesitating in the hall, Preacher invited me into his apartment and asked me to sit down. As he was preparing to share something very concerning for him, his eyes wandered about the room, as if looking for something ANYTHING that defined this place his, his home. Then, looking at me with longing, he told me that his house, ‘just across the river’ was a nice little place, but … he went to bed last night, with all ‘this’ (said, as he motioned to the items in his little apartment), “but this afternoon when I woke up I was HERE. All my furniture, my things, but this is not my little house.” My heart was now aching for him. He continued, “I don’t know who I belong to.” Now my heart was crying. He looked me in the eyes, with bewilderment, he whispered, “um… what should I do?”  Now, I began to pray for God’s wisdom for the moment. A simple prayer for … “HELP!”

I softly began to assure him that he did indeed belong here, these WERE his things. I remembered hearing him talk on the phone to his son, so I suggested we call him. Mark wasn’t home, but I left a message asking him to please call his dad. Preacher was content in doing this. As I hung up the phone, his eyes followed my every move. I knew he needed MORE.

I asked him, “Would you mind if I prayed for you?” It was THEN, there it was, there HE was. Something familiar. SomeOne familiar.  He may not have recognized me, or the place, or the time, but GOD he knew! His eyes began to well up. I reached for his hand  he in turn enveloped mind in his. And we prayed. We prayed for peace. We prayed for clarity of mind, and for God’s all consuming ‘calmness’ to come on him. After I prayed, he too with confidence and strength that exceeds any I have known … he prayed. When we said our amens, he grasped my hands alittle tighter and thanked me.

As the Psalmist writes in Psalm 71 “Be my rock of refuge, to which I can go … for You have been my hope, O Sovereign LORD, my confidence since my youth…” Preacher conditioned himself over the years … knew his God, he KNOWS his God. God is familiar.

There WILL be times, when life gets ‘unfamiliar,’ when we too may wander the halls of this world, when NOTHING seems to define home to us …. HOWEVER, may we all like Preacher, position and condition, one might say, ‘train’  to KNOW our God, find Him familiar.

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” ~ Heb. 10:24)
http://inspiredfountainpen.com  (Click home above to see more devotional teachings)

Posted by  |  May 10, 2010 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Leave a comment