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Waiting. Don’t Jump Ship Yet!

Waiting . Isn’t it HOARDS of fun? Yes, that is a rhetorical – sarcastic question. Nothing, floats my boat, rolls my socks, more than … waiting. I am kidding of course, whether it be in a check out stand, gas line, or in a season of life, I am not a good wait-er.

Recently studying in Genesis, (LOVE that book!) I was again reminded of just how ‘human’ the characters are. This is my take on … Noah. Quickly setting the scene: God is grieved over mans ‘ickiness‘, (yes that now is a word).  He’s starting over. He instructs Noah to build the first Titanic, however, this one IS unsinkable. Noah obeys beyond the critical looks, and behind his back snickers. He builds the ark and gathers the animals. Loading up, God shuts the door and it begins to get quite wet out.

Forty days it rains. Let’s look at this picture a little closer. Get your rain coat on, and step up to a window and look inside the Ark with me… animals EVERYWHERE! Where there are animals there is … um … poo. Here is where I would like to be a fly. No, too ugly – a butterfly on the cypress wood, and observe Mrs. Noah. What a TROOPER, knee deep in poo and yet there is no documented complaint from her. Go Mrs. N !

Ok, back to Genesis 8, the rain stops. Noah sends out the raven, then the dove, the dove returns because there is no place to land yet. Verse 10 “He WAITED seven more days …” (emphasis mine) Noah waited. In the Hebrew this waiting is a painful waiting, as to wring the hands, not a mere sitting on a crate playing cards passing the time. It refers to either pain in the physical sense or in the emotional, of suffering and sorrow. Noah and his family in the ark, God preserves them, now he (they) … wait.

Had God forgotten him? Will he forever spend the rest of his life in a stinky ship full of animals? How many rounds of ‘Row row row your boat’ do they HAVE to sing, those silly sons! No, we really don’t know what he was thinking, but his waiting was anguishing.
 
David penned “Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him …” ~ Psalms 37:7.   The same Hebrew word for ‘wait’ is used here. He too knew … ‘wait’. Anointed to be King as a young boy, deadly pursuit by King Saul.  Wait.

BUT, the story, the waiting does NOT stop there. Noah sent out the dove AGAIN, that evening the dove returned with an olive branch, “Then Noah knew that the water had receded from the earth. He waited seven more days and sent the dove out again, but THIS TIME it did not return to him.” (Gen. 8:11-12)

Noah waited. We read that and think … ‘the guy is getting good at waiting.’ YET, his waiting has changed. First he ‘hil’ (Hebrew) ‘painful waiting’, now after the olive branch, he sends the dove out with hope, ‘yahal’ (Hebrew) a confident expectation in his wait. His pain has turned to hope. The results of his hope … “but this time it did not return to him,” knowing the dove had landed happily in an olive tree somewhere. I LOVE the ‘this time’ of waiting.

Hope, it will carry us a long way, as long as it doesn’t carry us in the wrong direction. “Hope is NOT a pacifying wish of the imagination which drowns out troubles, nor is it uncertain, but rather ‘yahal’ hope is the solid ground of expectation for the righteous.” * (see reference below)

Again, David shares, “Be strong and take heart all you who hope (yahal) in the LORD…” (Ps. 31:24) Job, the poster child for troubles and waiting … he testifies boldly “Though he slay me, yet I will hope in Him.” (Job 13:15)

Can not stop there … “And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us.” (Romans 5:5)

Folks, whether we are in a season of painfully waiting, (which seems to be a perpetual season for me)  or our waiting is full of hope, there is something here for us. It says “But God remembered Noah …” (Gen. 8:1) GOD put Noah in the Ark, to preserve him, He had a plan for Noah, oh it wasn’t pleasant at times and down right stinky, but God knew … vs. 16 “God said to Noah, Come out …”  Or perhaps our scenario  is more like David’s, has to wait to see a promise fulfilled.  It WAS fulfilled.  Or Job … loss, troubles, poor health.  He WAS restored.

For some, our stay in the Ark may be seem longer, don’t jump ship yet … I have been tempted time and time again to jump ship, but I am fully persuaded even though I KNOW  how to swim, I will indeed DROWN.  There may be some poo to trudge through, just learn to high step.  Keep sending those doves, and take heart, God is just allowing us a dry place, His timing … perfect. He is preparing our coming out. Look for those olive branches, they are there.  Our ‘this time’  … is coming!

What are YOU waiting for?  God remembers you, He is preserving YOU, He WILL call you out!
 
Pain turning to hope … ‘hope does not disappoint … because God’ 

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/

* Quote from the Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (LOVE those geeky books!)

Posted by  |  July 9, 2011 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , , , | Leave a comment

I Aint Goin Nowhere!

Have you ever asked a question of God, then realize months later He is answering it? I JUST realized, (wiping my brow) the process I am in, in my Christian walk. Here lies such an answering. Months ago, perhaps nearly a year, in my study of Peter, I asked the Lord, “Show me what a bondservant is.” May I express with a humorous twist, “What on earth was I THINKING!”Taking a breath, and continuing to whine, “Am I NUTS, when I ask God to show me something, I should know by now, that means dragging me through the transformation of learning FIRST  HAND, which usually results in me kicking and screaming the whole way!” Might I add, with a bit of mourning and gnashing of teeth. Sigh.
 
“I, Simon Peter, am a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ… Grace and peace to you many times over as you deepen in your experience with God and Jesus, our Master.” (2 Peter 2:1-2)
 
HERE, is where my journey began. I so love Peters attitude, he was honest, didn’t hold much back, he was first out of the boat, the one who ran, and at times spoke before he thought it through, or acted before he gave much thought (um, enough said).Taking a closer look at Peter, I got as far as, “I, Simon Peter, am a servant…”In my geeky time with this portion of the verse, I was dumbfounded, and perhaps that is why it has taken me a year to process. The word ‘servant’ here is HUGE, literally meaning, ‘bondservant’. I have pages and pages of hand written notes, as I explored the topic. From web surfing, to bible page turning, to cross referencing in my Bible software.

Bondservant, doulos. Paul literally declared it, James said it too, it was even said of Moses, and yes, said of Jesus Himself. A bondservant is one who gives him/herself up in devotion to another, disregarding their own interest or gain. It is completely and utterly becoming selfless, and surrendering. The key here is… voluntarily  yielding to anothers authority.

I’d like to take us back, waaay back to the book of Exodus, to help paint a picture. Chapter 21, it speaks of the boundaries of Hebrew slavery. In short, if a Hebrew slave serves for 6 years, on the 7th year they shall go free. Verses, 5-6 “But if the servant declares ‘I love my master…’ then his master shall take him to the door or the doorpost and pierce his ear with an awl. Then he will be his servant for life“(emphasis mine).Recently I found myself in spontaneous B.S. Please don’t gasp, that is spontaneous Bible study you silly. A dear friend asked questions about Ruth of the Old Testament. As we took a deeper look, we found Ruth is the epitome of devotion. She served Naomi and once Ruth took on Naomi’s people, her destiny was being fulfilled, she became the great/grand mother to King David. We NEVER know ‘where’ our devotion and passion will take us. Servanthood, investing ourselves in another.
 
Jesus gives a wonderful parable of servanthood in Matthew 25. It speaks of the master handing out small portions of money, and watching how each servant uses it. Did they invest it, or act on their own weaknesses. One was afraid, and buried it. Another invested it, which gave the master a great profit. The masters response, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” A faithful servant seeks and finds delight in His masters success. I once heard the description of a faithful servant as one who does not rob God of His glory. Doesn’t THAT make us shudder in our shoes. Am I robbing God of His glory when I act on my own? When I pause in obedience, when I offer a deaf ear and head in another direction? Ouch!
 
Bondservant, it is not being perfect, yet it is a dedication to follow my God.I did find some consolation in my qwest of being a God servant. Knowing that I fall short OFTEN. Paul, the bondservant of Jesus Christ says, “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life.” (Ro. 6:22) The word Paul uses here for ‘become slaves’ is a form of doulos, it means BEING  MADE a servant. It is a process. It denotes not so much service, as it does dependence. Many think to be in subjection to God, we are in a form of bondage, it is not a handcuffed scenario. The chains are broken.  It is seeking to walk in a closeness to my God. I am learning to depend on Him.

I tend to be an odd bird, and colorfully admit it. In response to my study of what it is to be a bondservant, I needed to make a decision. I decided AGAIN, that I adore my God, I want to seek His interest and find delight in doing so. I want my dependence to be on Him and Him alone. I want the benefits that lead to holiness. I want as Ruth, my devotion and passion to lead me to my destiny.
 
You may think I am crazy, but I went and got my right ear lobe pierced last weekend. As a symbol to myself, that when I look in the mirror, I am reminded, of who and Who’s I am. That I can at any time as a free woman walk away from my Master. But I love Him too much and want to stay. I aint goin nowhere! I volunteer to yield to His authority. I am thankful of His graciousness, and accept this is a process. If someone asks me about the dinky diamond stud in my right ear?  I will tell them, I will tell them, I am a servant of the Most High God, a daughter of the King.
 
“It is no longer I who lives, but Christ lives in me…” (Gal. 2:20) Will I get it right every time? Nope. But God knows my heart.  So, like Peter I say, “I DeDe, am a servant of Jesus Christ…”

Bondservant.

 You may not need to take such drastic measures as peircing your ear, but is there a decision you need to make in your relationship with God?  Do you again need to lower your head, close your eyes and declare I NEED You Jesus, I want to serve You and I again render my will to Yours.  Remember, it is a process.  Cut yourself some slack, relax … then again, just allow your God to break the chain and be FREE!  Free to be His!
 
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” ~ Heb. 10:24)

Posted by  |  June 19, 2011 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Holy Gardening Skills

Dogwood and Golden Chain trees, tulips and more frequent appearances of the sun. SPRING. Can I hear an AMEN!  With it brings… spring cleaning, garage sales, and for some that dreaded hay fever. For many of us, we find ourselves standing in the garden center of Home Depot staring at the veggie plants and dream of a luscious bounty … tomatoes, zucchini, cucumbers and strawberries.

My thumb does not naturally carry a shade of green, but I do enjoy gardening. I have my shovel, rake, hoe and tomato cages all ready to go. Also, the green and yellow bag of Miracle Grow garden soil.

To have a healthy garden – you need healthy soil. I am reminded of the parable Jesus spoke of in Luke chapter 8, the farmer, the seed, the dirt (DeDe’s paraphrase) He spoke of 4 different “garden spots” each representing the human heart and the seed, which is the word of God.

1st was the indifferent heart (v5) seed that got trampled and eaten by birds.
2nd the inconsistent heart (v6) seed planted in shallow and rocky ground.
3rd the distracted heart (v7) seed landing in thistles and crowded ground.
4th the devoted heart (v8)  seed that fell on well tended healthy soil.

The Lord showed me a picture recently how we can help in the “gardening process” of someone’s life. We are called to affect and impact others by our words, attitudes and actions. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a great word of knowledge, or pulling out the 4 Spiritual Laws, it may be a simple heart felt smile to the cashier at the store, with a genuine “how is your day going?” What we say or do may just be what that person needs to help rake over and remove some rocks in their heart, so when someone DOES come in behind you and shares the love of Christ or a verse or two they have a ready …healthy safe place to put it.

Not long ago I pulled my SUV up to get gas, it was a chilly and windy day. The poor attendant shuffled up to my rig, as I opened the window I caught the smell of “breakfast” at the near by Jack in the Box. I told him “oh… now that smells good” and the attendant eagerly responded with “yes, and it’s driving me crazy.” After paying for my gas, I felt the Lord say “go buy him breakfast.”  So I drove over and did just that, and took it back and handed it to him. His surprised look was priceless, he said “what is this for” I told him “just because.. and pass on the kindness, God Bless.” As I drove away I prayed for him, and for the next Christian who comes through his line, that they would share Jesus’ love boldly. Perhaps when someone asks him, ‘May I share a verse with you?” he would be open, ready.

I had just helped “till his ground” and mix in “miracle grow” with kindness.   His heart may not be indifferent, inconsistent or distracted anymore. Yes, it is HIS responsibility to tend his own soil, but I helped.  I helped the seed to fall on what may now or soon be healthy soil.  We never know the condition of someone’s heart.

So we CAN have a holy green thumb, planting kindness, love and a helping hand. God’s word in ACTION.  Did God love the gas attendant enough to send me to buy him breakfast?  ~ YES!

How is your gardening skills… do you need to brush up on your raking techniques, or buy a pair of gloves if you are concerned about getting dirty. Don’t forget to check your hoe, so it is not too sharp. The Holy Spirit will use us to touch others.

Have a great God-loving, garden tilling week.
 
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.” ~ Heb. 10:24)

Posted by  |  June 18, 2011 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , | Leave a comment

Gutsy Faith

 
Ever know someone, or read about a quality a person has, and your thoughts go to “I want summa THAT’,  I want what they have.”  I recently had those thoughts, not in a jealous way, but a ‘divine gotta have’ way. In my study time I came across a very gutsy gal.  Mark 5:24-34, the woman with the bleeding issue.  Oh I know, when we get to this area of scripture, due to the ‘topic’ we may tend to skim fast over it, yet it has AMAZING lessons for us.
 
Verse 25 describes this gal as one who had been afflicted for a very long time. She had sought help elsewhere, yet instead of improving, her condition worsens. I love verse 27, “When she heard about Jesus, she came…” One resource claims that she may have traveled some 30 miles to get there.
 
The story proceeds with, “she came up behind Jesus in the crowd and touched His cloak.” This alone is a gutsy step of faith, she came to Him ‘in the crowd.’ Let’s think about this. She is, as culture and tradition states, ceremonially ‘unclean’ due to the bleeding issue. She should, from a distance declare herself unclean and stay away.   “She came…”
 
Out of confident desperation she says, “if I just touch His clothes, I will be healed.” Many times emphasis can be lost in the translation. The word used here for ‘if’ in the Greek can be rendered, since or because.   May I be so bold to translate it this way,  “Due to the fact that because I touched Jesus’ clothes, I WILL be healed.”  Yep, that is some strong gutsy faith!   Verse 29, “…immediately her bleeding stopped!”
 
Interesting note, the word used in the narrative for her touching Jesus’ garment doesn’t imply she just reached out and flicked her hand across the hem. She GRABBED it! She grabbed that garment so tight, that she may have left an imprint of her hand on it.  She KNEW, she believed that all it took was to grab His cloak and she WOULD be healed!  “She touched…”
 
As I read through this, I felt the Lord say that I too am (we all are) like G.G. at times (I nicknamed her Gutsy Gal) We may not have a physical ailment, but we have issues, stuff, we can be lost in our own affliction, and be there a LONG time, seeking help elsewhere.  What will it take to bring us to the realization that He will help us.  Do we have the faith to come to Him and not stay away. Confidently reach for Him and KNOW He will meet us in our need. It may take some gutsiness on our part, some faith reaching, strong grabbing, and by golly don’t worry about the crowd …  JUST COME TO JESUS!
 
Oh, that OUR ‘if’ of current circumstance would be said with such belief, “Because I came to Jesus, not worrying about those around me, reached out, touched Him,  I will be ________________ ”  (YOU fill in the blank)
 
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” ~ Heb. 10:24) 

 

Posted by  |  May 1, 2011 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , | Leave a comment

Red Letter Day

Have you ever sat and read through 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 step out of the exegesis box (interpreting the scriptures) for a brief moment, to get an amazing snap shot of Jesus. His strength, authority and tenderness. His love, and compassion.

Without all the narrative, those red words pack a powerful punch, knowing that Jesus says them. There are dramatic statements, strong commands, tender words. “Let it be so…” (Matt. 3:15) “It is written…” (Matt.4:4) “Get up…” (Matt. 9:6) “Take courage it is I…” (Matt 14:27) “Quiet, Be still…” (Mark 4:39) “Come forth ...” (Jn. 11:43) “Don’t be afraid just believe…” (Mark 5:36) “What do you want Me to do for you…” (Mark 10:51) “Who do you say I am…” (Lk. 9:20) “Then neither do I condemn you…” (Jn. 8:11) “I am He…” (Jn. 18:6).

These are just a few, but there is one more that to me stands out among the rest. 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. Hours earlier, He knelt in a garden declaring for all humanity “Abba Father … everything is possible for You. Take this cup from Me. Yet not what I will, but what You will.”

There at the foot of the cross, many mocked, some cried and I am confident there were those in complete silence. After the vinegar was given to Jesus, He said “It is FINISHED…” ( Jn. 19:30 ~ emphasis mine) He then bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

It is finished. The word in the Greek alone paints the most vibrant color filled picture: “To complete something not merely to end it, but to bring it to perfection or its destined goal“* As the pages turn from Genesis to this very moment, God’s story is fulfilled. Does it end here? No. But the bridge back to the Father is perfected. Jesus rises from the dead triumphantly (Happy Easter) engages and commissions the disciples, returns to heaven to reign forever. Now we the church carry on with the red letter commands, statements and tender words.

“It is finished.” Now lets live like it really IS! Relationship offered, relationship restored. May we live each day as a red letter day!

Blessed Easter to you and yours,

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

* ‘Teleo’ – Quote from the Complete Word Study Dictionary of the New Testament.

Posted by  |  May 1, 2011 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

Don’t WAIT! They need it NOW!

Have you noticed how the art of handwritten letter writing is increasingly fading? Our once, ‘hi how are ya’, or ‘thinking of you’, followed by a more lengthy note of encouragement, has been replaced with a quick text “how r u ttm” (How are you, talk to me).

 Our words of encouragement to others hold TONS of weight. To see in writing, that you are loved, appreciated, then with word imagery, we pull out the pom~poms and cheer each other on. I strongly believe ‘encouragement’ is universally lacking.

I have begun an intense study of the book of Philippians. I start by looking at Philippi, then Paul the author. Paul wrote this letter while in prison in Rome. This, his most personal of all letters to a church, his main directive is to thank them for their love and support. So basically the letter is a huge ‘thank you’ note. Yet, he doesn’t stop there, he continues. Here’s a bit of encouragement … “I thank my God when I think of you … I have you in my heart …. stand fast…be of the same mind… rejoice in the Lord always… don’t be anxious … but by prayer… be thankful … let your request be made known…and the peace of God…shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus … think on these things (dandy of a list) …” Wrapping it up with “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit…” THAT is some high flying pom~pom action! “GO PHILIPPIANS!”

May we pause for a brief moment, Paul wrote this while under lock and key. He could have, in his humanity, turned the letter into a huge ‘whine.’ He could have withheld the encouragement until the ‘conditions’ were better. Until he could be face to face with them.  MANY excuses could have surfaced. He could have waited until he walked free in the streets, felt the warmth of rubbing shoulders with others, breathed in fresh air. But he didn’t. He spoke from his captivity.

He had faith, he reached for his God and shared that experience with others. What an example to us all, that we not “WAIT.” Wait, until we have it all together. Wait until ‘we’ think the conditions are just right to reach out to someone else, EVEN in our own pain.

Sure, some of us are thinking, “But he was PAUL, the dude had a direct blinding link to Jesus!” Yes, yes he did. But so do we. We have the same Lord, the same Spirit dwelling in us.

Our words whether they be verbal, written, texted or twittered, posted or pasted. May we reach out. May we hug with our words. Remember a time when someone reached out to you? You felt the warmth, the love, the lift? The image of the old adage “Measure twice and cut once,” comes to mind. May we seek the accuracy of the fit. The fit of our words.

Don’t wait … someone out there needs YOU. The hurting, the lonely, the confused. Embrace them. They need your words of encouragement. They cant wait for you to ‘get it all together’. They need it NOW! They need US, now! ” So thankful you are in my life …. Hang in there … stay focused … be happy in God … don’t freak out … cry out to God … tell Him like it is …. God will take care of you … think about God stuff.” Ok, so it’s not Paul fancy, but it speaks …

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

Posted by  |  January 28, 2011 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , | Leave a comment

What is in Our Hand?

T his last week I had the honor of praying with someone who was overwhelmed. Hearing the weariness in their voice, I could sense the “I need some help here folks” heartache. I prayed for an Aaron and a Hur to discern the need, come and support.

I am fascinated with the story of Moses on the hill, with the battle raging below as Joshua and his men fight the Amalekites (Exodus 17). As long as Moses kept his arms up holding the staff, they were victorious, but when he lowered his arms … um .. not so pretty. Can you imagine how tiring that would be to keep your arms up through the entire battle KNOWING yourself and others count on it!

Interesting note: the time of attacks … Deuteronomy 25:17-18 “Remember what the Amalekites did to you along the way when you came out of Egypt. When you were weary and worn out, they met you on your journey…”

The narrative says Moses took his brother Aaron and companion Hur with him. As Moses grew tired, Aaron and Hur stood on either side of him, then causing him to sit down, each taking one of his arms, they held him up with the staff clinched in his hand. Verse 12 of Exodus ” … so that his hands remained steady until sunset.” The result? Joshua beat the tar out of the Amalekites. (respectfully speaking of course).   Moses built an altar that day, calling it Jehovah-Nissi (the LORD is my Banner)  “For hands were lifted up to the throne of the LORD”

God made it clear that as the staff was lifted, the victory was His. This staff of Moses marked milestones in his experiences with God. At the burning bush, the staff turned to a snake. It was involved with the plagues of hail and locusts. In Moses’ hand, the Red Sea parted. The staff tapped against the rock bringing fresh running water. Now, a raging battle is fought and won. The staff in itself was not magical. It represented the power of God and the dependence Israel had on their God.

So it is with us, our staff is our trust in God, the confidence that His power will get us through. It is our own God experiences, our dependence that He is faithful. That as we keep our hands lifted to the throne the battles are won.
 
Reality Check!  Do we get weary, tired, discouraged, overwhelmed even when holding ~ lifting the staff?   By golly YES we do!

I am fully persuaded, we NEED to seek and take with us Aarons and Hurs on our journey.  We NEED to ‘be’ an Aaron and Hur for another. I do not want to read into the text, but I am sure Moses didn’t have to ask for something to sit on, the guys discerned his need.  Perhaps he did ask for help with the lifting of his hands.  May we ask, and use discernment.
 
As we allow others to get close enough to help raise our arms, hold that confidence up, trust in His character and Word, our weariness will soon become strength, our defeats will become victories. Asking for help can be uncomfortable, being vulnerable is not a sign of weakness, it is a declaration of my hand is empty … please take it!
 
The battles, yes they are still the Lords’ to win, but He uses the whole lot of us to do so, Moses, Aaron, Hur and Joshua with the many warriors!
 
In those ancient days, men would put their staff ahead of their next step, to make it sure and steady.  What is in OUR hand? What are we putting out there first?  Who is along side us?
 
In Him, DeDe  (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds” ~ Heb. 10:4)

Posted by  |  January 16, 2011 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: , , , | Leave a comment

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