Someone asked me, “Can we ALL be called a ‘friend’ of God?” I am going to take it a bit further, and add ‘what’  it may look like, and what  it  may NOT. 

First, I want to say, my whole outlook has changed since I studied this afresh this week. My gut feeling and somewhat quick answer, has always been: The phrase ‘friend of God’ was JUST directed towards Abe, due to his obedient and trusting lifestyle. James 2:23 “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” and he was called a friend of God”.

Yet, we sing it in church, we state it to others. We seek it for our own lives. To be a friend of God is taken (in my opinion) too lightly these day. To the extent that, some folks think and feel, that just because they are Christians that automatically makes them a friend of God. No. Ps. 25:14 says  ‘friendship with the LORD is reserved for them who fear the LORD.’ We can be a Christian without reverence for God and His ways.
 
John 15:14 ‘you are my friends if…‘ Jesus says, ‘you do what I command’. The whole chapter (John 15) is full of ‘if’ or ‘unless’. Merely to be a Christian is not a ‘given’ in respect to the privileges and ‘perks’ of  friendship, and PALEESE, may we be so very careful to state also the RESPONSIBILITY of friendship. It is how we respond to Jesus, (and others) His love, His laws, our responsibility to apply Him to life. As the saying goes, “love God on Sunday, but live like hell on Monday.” Is this a friend? James 4:4 “. .. therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”

To be a friend of God, is to love Him, and His, (His people) This I believe is summed up in what Jesus states as the greatest commandment, (Mark 12:30,31) “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” 

Intimacy is the difference between an acquaintance and a friend. An acquaintance, doesn’t seek to spend time with me, an acquaintance doesn’t necessarily desire my best. A FRIEND seeks me and my best. May I risk by saying, “want a friend, BE a friend.” Hm … I love what is said of Moses, “The LORD would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend.” (Ex. 33:11). One on one time. Yes, a friend of God.

Sometimes to understand the ‘positive’ view of something, we need to look at the negative. THIS is what I found . THIS is GOOD. All this time I took the phrase Jesus said to Judas in garden as a kind, redemptive statement (also heard it from the pulpit many times over the years) Jesus says, ‘friend do what you came for’ as Judas kisses Him, betraying Him. (Matt. 26:50)
 
HOWEVER, what Jesus said, got lost in the English translation, the imagery of the word. This is NOT ‘philos’ a friend who seeks our best, loved one, dear.   He uses ‘heterois’, a friend for selfish reasons, also translated as ‘selfish comrade’. The word picture is that of a companion who seeks their own benefit, not carrying whether others rejoice or are in sorrow. Judas was friends with Jesus for WHAT he could get … not WHO he was getting.  Did Jesus know this?  YES. 

Even in Judah’s poor representation of what it is to be a friend of Jesus, the END of his life shows a great example. It shows the true result of such a relationship… humiliation, sorrow in the deepest sense … death, (Matt. 27:1-10) Yet when Judas got what he wanted, it didn’t compare to the relationship he could have had with his God.
 
Head hung, shoulders slumped. How many times have I too, buddied up with Jesus … to GET. How many times, have I consciously (or even un-consciously) wanted His presence for … selfish gain. Is my relationship, my friendship with God for ‘WHAT’ or ‘WHO’?  May we all pause here, and contemplate our relationship/friendship with Jesus.  (ok, get up off the floor …)  I sense God say to us.  YES, He knows.  He knows when we come to Him for the ‘what’.  I also sense He would say to us, HE is GLAD we are there.  His love for us is so great.  Yes, He would desire our motive pure, once we are there in His presence He can begin to clean us up, wipe away the selfishness, and enjoy the WHO!  COME.
Yes, a friend of God. Reverence. Loving Him, and His, obeying Him. Seeking Him, spending time with HIM. Want HIM, not the WHAT.

May I be HIS friend, In Him, DeDe 

 
Please visit my new website, ‘Inspired Fountain’  http://inspiredfountain.wordpress.com/   addressing questions, with a look at His word for answers.

Ever wake up, look in the mirror and either shrug your shoulders or gaze deeply into your own eyes, asking “What now?” I did, this morning.  I am in a huge transition in my life, from family, ministry, to needing to find a job outside of the home. These all can be rather frustrating in themselves, but throw them ALL in the kitty, and well… shrug.

This morning in my devotion time, I was taken to Isaiah 26:3 “You will keep in perfect peace him, whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.” I asked God, to show me ‘trust’. The image that came to mind was, me getting so close to God, that my face is pressed up against His presence so tight, THAT (He) is all I can see.

It is my tendency to still say “but God, this ….” and continue to whine, and explain myself to Him. He, in His gracious (get in MY face ) manner, reminded me of a study I did awhile back, nothing like God calling me on my ‘but God’ challenge.

Revisiting … But God.

Believe it or not, ‘but God’ (or ‘but the Lord’) is mentioned 326 times in the New International Version. Recently I went to my office (Starbucks) and sat myself down with headset on, iPod set for slow worship, while I sipped my grandee peppermint hot chocolate and for the next 2 hours I looked up every one of those 326 verses, highlighting ‘but God’ in each verse. KNOWING somehow, I too would be prone to experience all 326 opportunities for God to come declare, reveal, and rebuke in my life, (these, I’m sure will happen at times all in one day – smile). Ever have a day like that, God is so thick and all over you, there is nothing ‘but God’.

In this study, I was captured, I saw God’s character  being placed in the forefront, as NOT to miss it. There were LOUD moments of reassurance, and yet quiet whispers of His love. I can not forget to mention God’s bold reminders for the call to obedience.

This is what I found, this is what I learned. (don’t worry, I am NOT going to cover all 326 verses – phew! )

I must begin with Genesis 3:9. Adam and Eve are in the garden with the Lord. What a life! Can you imagine, all you ever wanted, needed and the presence of God so intimate that He literally takes walks with you. BUT! There is a saying that is so prevalent in our society today, I believe it comes from this Genesis scene… ‘life happens’ (daily choices that steer our destiny not to mention the rest of mankind). Adam and Eve have just made some very poor choices (to say the least). God is now coming for their daily walk together,  the couple, hides. “But the LORD God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’ God calls. He knew very well where they were, the question was intended for them, to consider their location, their position before Him. God is still calling. Where are you? (I will leave us ..thinking)

Now the next ‘but God…’ in Genesis. The waters were high and a large hand built boat was tossed back and forth, a man and his family all alone among the precious cargo of every kind of animal created by God. Obedience led them to this completely unknown. Genesis 8:1 “But God remembered Noah and all the wild animals and the livestock that were with him in the ark, and he sent a wind over the earth, and the waters receded.” God remembers. He will send a wind to our circumstance, His wind and resolve the flood in our life.

Next, a man by the name of Jacob, he worked hard as requested and then was treated unfairly by his father-in-law. Genesis 31:42 “But God has seen my hardship and the toil of my hands...” God sees. He sees us where we are, how we are and how we are being treated. He will intervene, protect and defend.

Now Joseph, the cocky favored son, who was thrown in a pit, sold as a slave by FAMILY MEMBERS! Genesis 50:20 “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, and the saving of many lives.” God intends. He intends to redeem the bad and transform for good to accomplish His plan.

Gideon, one of my all time favorites. the guy was just trying to survive, doing his job, when the angel of the LORD came to him. The angel addresses him with, “The LORD is with you, mighty warrior”. Gideon responds with his own ‘but Sir’. As the conversation progresses, Gideon becomes quite fearful, as God lays out the plan He has for him. God reassures him with “But the LORD said to him, ‘Peace! Do not be afraid…” Peace. We may be fearful, full of anxiety. But God – Peace!.

Moving on, Samuel is called to anoint the next king over Israel. He looks down the line up of the sons of Jesse, he sees Eliab, the oldest, tall and looks kingly. Yet. “But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘ do not consider his appearance or his height. the LORD does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart“. God looks at the heart. He sees us on the inside, we may not seem to be much on the outside, but it is the inner man He is concerned about. A heart for Him.

David, you have to love this guy! He was minding his own business out tending the sheep and then ‘WHAM!’ he is thrown into a whirl wind life of ‘stuff’. Let me explain.  After being anointed to be the next king of Israel, the chapters of his life grow extremely intense. The current king, Saul is not a happy camper about this anointed David, and seeks to kill him. 1 Samuel 23:14 “David stayed in the desert strongholds and in the hills of the Desert of Ziph. Day after day Saul searched for him, but God did not give David into his hands.” God does not completely give over something (someone) that is His, He may open His hands to the elements for a time, but.. His word says, He is a ‘jealous God’, and in this means, His zeal (motivated by love) for us is strong. Stronger than any wrath, stronger than any attempts made on our lives, either physical or spiritual, or emotional. The ‘but God’ will stand in our behalf.

Later in David’s life, he wanted to build a large structure to house the ark of God. He had the blue prints, and builders summoned to begin building, yet 1 Chronicles 28:3 ‘But God said to me, ‘You are not to build a house for My name, because you are a warrior and have shed blood'” God says. We may have a plan, a good plan, but God may have something to say to say about it. Notice also, God points out that David was not a builder, he is a warrior. We too, may be called and gifted to be one thing by Him, yet picture ourselves as another (hm…food for thought).

Amazing, just amazing. the word is FULL, of examples like these.

But the LORD was my support (2 Sam. 22:19)
But the LORD was gracious to them (2 Kings 13:23)
But the LORD is their refuge (Ps. 14:6)
But the LORD delivers him (Ps. 34:19)
But the LORD upholds the righteous (Ps. 37:17)
But God has surely listened and heard my voice in prayer (Ps. 66:19)
But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Ps. 73:26)
But God knows your hearts (Luke 16:15)
But God raised Him (Jesus) from the dead (Acts 2:24) – Hallelujah !
But God promised (Acts 7:5)
But God has revealed it to us by His Spirit, (the deep things of God) (1 Cor. 2:10)
I (Paul) planted the seed, Apollos watered it, But God made it grow (1 Cor.3:6)
But God, who comforts the downcast (2 Cor. 7:6)
But God had mercy on him (Phil. 2:27)
But God is the builder of everything (Heb. 3:4)

I have learned much! Just two words. placing the insignificant particle word ‘but’ and attach it to God.  POWER! I revisited principles such as, God is incredible, He is never late, always on time, and never ignores, and is extremely attentive to details, details of our lives. He is concerned more for our welfare than our comfort, and goes to extremes at times to make sure we hear Him. I did notice that 15 times alone in the book of Genesis God made sure they got the ‘but God’, establishing right up front, at the very beginning that ..‘He is’.

God calls, remembers, sees, intends, looks, does not hand over what is His, and God says! Do we find ourselves needing one or ALL of these qualities of God. May we all remember, to ‘trust’ the Lord, smother ourselves up again His presence, trading OUR, ‘But God…’ full of complaint and whining, for HIS … ‘But God’.

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

                              
 
 
A dear friend and I are working through and enjoying God in the little things. As in ‘little things’ I am referring to those small events that take place, causing us to stop, think, ponder, enjoy, and ye … PRAISE!

How many times while in ‘hind sight’ consideration do we regret to notice God in the moment, or take it a step further … look … SEEK … PURSUE God in our daily routine.

We call this anticipated pursuit T.E.A.M.  ‘Today Expect A  Mircale.‘ Paaleeze do not confuse this with the ‘blab it and grab it’ movement, where you DEMAND God perform for you, because YOU say so. No, this is God loving on you through out the day, and we actually seeing it, enjoying it, and thanking Him for it.

Example: I have been on the hunt for a flat screen for my youngest son’s computer. My budget being tight, VERY tight, like that of a first time sky diver leaping from the plane with their instructor! TIGHT. I was at the 2nd hand store when I ‘happen’ to come across a 15 inch HP flat screen. The price tag stated $4.99 (yes, I put the decimal in the right place.)

While chatting with the salesman I was now aware the screen did NOT have the power cord with it, this being just a slight problem, I began looking through the shelves of ‘stuff’ and FOUND ONE! Taking the screen and cord to the salesman, he then took it and tested it for me with the computer in the back room. Whalaa… that puppy worked GREAT. HOWEVER, it was at that excited peak that I noticed 2 one inch scratches in the middle of the screen. By faith I went ahead and purchased my great find.

Taking it home, I sat it down on the table, sitting in front of it, I prayed this silly yet simple prayer, “Lord, please heal this screen.” Knowing that my little lad would reject mom’s great find with the scratches on it. With a sponge I gently began to rub over the scratches, and YES, the scratches are GONE! Coincidence of this great find, and finding the cord, scratches gone, and it WORKS? Never. This was my miracle. Miracle, God in the ordinary.

Most folks think a miracle HAS to be big and grand. Nope. God loving on us in His way, and granting the ability to see it, now THAT is a miracle. One of my favorite verses along these lines is what Joshua said to the Israelites when preparing to cross the Jordan, “Consecrate yourselves; for tomorrow the LORD will do amazing things among you” – Joshua 3:5 Can you imagine the anticipation they had the next morning when they woke up? In the same breath may I exhort us to be thankful in the moment of awe. Luke 17:17, Jesus heals 10 lepers, but only 1 return to praise Him, “Were there not ten healed, where are the other nine?”

We may not be in need to literally cross a massive river, but may we too wake up seeking God in our day, seeing HIM in the ordinary, expecting Him to show up big and being so very careful to THANK HIM. May we see Him while we drive the car He lovingly supplied for us, and gets us safely to our destination. See Him when going to the grocery store and ‘just’ the right items are on sale waiting for us! Thank Him when we wake up full of energy when the day before we were dragging and possibly getting sick. God, in the ordinary.

Today, Expect A Miracle. Text this to your friends, encourage them to see God,     ‘T.E.A.M.’

In Him, DeDe

 ‘Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds.’ – Hebrews 10:24

                           
Ever go through a season of life that STINKS? Stinks I tell you! I believe we all have or are. Recently I was reading through the Psalms and came across a verse that jumped out at me, now THAT literally is the ‘living’ word. The author, Heman the Ezrahite was NOT a happy camper, and his season was ‘a stinkin’. It wasn’t necessarily his agony or frustration that captured me, though some resonated, it was his phrase “Jehovah qara yom shatah kaf.” The NIV translates it “… I call to you, O LORD, every day; I spread out my hands to you.” ~ Psalm 88:9

As I meditated on that, it is my attempt to never take a verse out of context. HOWEVER.  The Lord seem to take my face in His hands and whisper these words to me, “If the Lord’s name is on my tongue, then I am focused, if my hands are raised and open to Him, I am surrendered.”

The Holy Spirit now having my attention, I thought of my own struggles, and I don’t know about you, but when I am frustrated, and not a happy camper, I get cranky, moody, and to be honest, people can really drive me NUTS! Perhaps I am alone in this (yes, I am fishing for an AMEN, sister!)

I need to be more aware of what is on my tongue, is it kindness, encouragement, love, regardless of the season I am in. It is easy to have a soft voice to those I love, but what about the checker at the store, the gas attendant… I am persuaded that God is pleased and honored when kindness is the fragrance of my breath to others, just as if… “I am calling to Him”.

God is SO honored by my shoulder to shoulder worship of Him in the congregation, yet does He want MORE?  I can be face down in total awe of Him enjoying His presence so divine, but does He want MORE?  If my hands are spread and open to Him, that means they are empty. Empty handed is the key to availability… surrendered to His day.  Am I available to be used of Him in another’s life? The word Heman uses in the Hebrew, means to extend or stretch.  Do I take the time and extend myself to hold the door for the elderly lady? Stop and pick up that plastic bottle sitting one foot from the trash can? Do I stretch out my arms and hug someone that I am not really THAT fond of but know they are hurting. My hands loving others is indeed … spread out to Him… in honor. When doing so, I think my ‘camper’ status changes, from frustrated to delight.
 
“I call to you, O LORD, everyday; I spread out my hands to you.”  I do not know Hemans outcome, but I am thankful for his honesty and his deep desire for God.  As the saying goes, “if you want a friend – BE a friend.”  If we want to crawl out of our pit, turn, look up, call to God, turn and offer a hand to another!  Help change someone elses camper status.  Loving God, being HIS conduit of love and power to another.

 May His name be on our tongue, our hands raised and surrendered.

In Him, DeDe (‘Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds’ ~ Hebrews 10:24)

‘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

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

I usually tend to write with a ‘fluffy’ flair in my devotions. However, this week I have chosen to present it ‘preacher’ style. Pull out those bibles, or take a look at the screen behind me (just kidding.) I dig through verses, old boring looking books, dictionaries, commentaries.  Summarizing, so the ‘fluff’ can be written. Please don’t allow your eyes to glaze over with some of the terminology, theology, and all the other ‘ologies’ that may be found below. I am confident the Holy Spirit has something for us.

Instead of an ugly Christmas sweater contest, I would like us to unwrap the gift: ‘for unto to us a son is given …Prince of Peace.’  Isaiah’s prophetic declaration was not just of title, but of great ACTION!

Peace. ‘Shalom,’ a familiar word. Meaning happy, well being, health, prosperity, to be safe. All that we might think. It was/is used as a greeting, and farewell. The custom of the day, was to not ask ‘how are you’ as we would today, but to ask ‘how is one’s peace?’ Shalom is interchangeable at times with ‘shalem’ which means ‘make amends, finish, bring to an end’. Denoting perfection in the sense that a condition or action is complete, restored, bringing harmony, fulfillment. Prince of Peace.

One scholar, boldly states that peace is one of the essential elements in the Kingdom of God. “The Kingdom of God is righteousness, peace and joy...” Romans 14:17

What an unfolding story from Genesis to Revelation. God creates man for relationship, man messes it up, God provides rules to keep us in close to Him, yet that is NOT enough, Jesus comes and IS the bridge back to God, the original design of relationship, God and man. Making amends … bringing restoration … harmony, fulfillment … ‘shalom’. Prince of Peace.

Eyes glazed over yet?

Jumping for a moment to the New Testament, the theme of ‘peace’ is exceptionally strong. Peace, ‘eirene’ (i-ray-nay) means as shalom does, prosperity, quietness, 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. What came to mind for me was when, in the ‘opposite’ form… when the statue of Saddam was taken down, taking it down was the sign of order being restored, (remember the celebration!!!) THAT is what peace is, Jesus being sent, raised up – “It is finished …” order was now restored within the Kingdom of God, God and man. Prince of Peace.

Paul declares this point … ‘Since we have been justified through faith we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ’. (emphasis mine) ~ Romans 5:1

Just as the preacher would have us turn in our bibles: Ephesians 2:13-18 (NIV, emphasis mine)

“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) who has made the two one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, 15 by abolishing in his flesh the law with its commandments and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new man out of the two, thus making peace, 16 and in this one body to reconcile (making amends, bringing restoration) both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. 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.” Jesus ~ Prince of Peace

Now, taking what we just looked at, in light of the above, as our Christmas cards so beautifully state, read Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests.” Jesus, Prince of Peace.

I MUST share a side note, I recently became aware that some scholars believe that the shepherds that were ‘watching their flocks by night,’ were tending to and watching over the … temple lambs, the lambs used for atoning sacrifice. If this truly is the situation, can you imagine …. was the address given to the angels ‘spot on’, or what! Knowing that THESE men would know the great importance when said to them, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people … a Savior is born to you, He is Christ the Lord…” Luke 2:16,17 says ‘… they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph and the baby … when they had seen Him they spread the word …” The angels knew THESE men would ‘get it’ and get the word out. I am not stating this to be ‘hang your hat on doctrine’, just a very fascinating observation.

This Christmas as we sing and sway with the Hoo’s in Hooville, drink another glass of egg nog, or watch the cranberries on the table stay there, on the table (does anyone really eat them?) That we consider whole heartedly, we are at peace, restored to God. Jesus, Prince of Peace!

Shalom, Be well, be blessed, be His.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government shall be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is. 9:6)

Isaiah prophetically describes Jesus with beautiful strong attributes. He is Wonderful, Mighty and Everlasting. Everlasting, we all have this thing about ‘time’, I know I do, I am not necessarily patient with ‘time’. Yet, time is a divine issue. Ecc 3:11 “He has made everything beautiful in its time, He has also set eternity in the hearts of man. They can not fathom what God has done beginning to end.”

There are moments, seasons of life that seem like everlasting, eternity don’t they. When waiting for the light to turn green when we are desperately running late. When the check is in the mail, and we STILL stand by the mail box. Or, a precious baby to be born. Time. Sometimes we can’t get our head around it, our heart struggles with it.

Jesus says in John 10:30, “The Father and I are one.” Wrap that statement with the Holy Spirit … God, three in one, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. I know, trippy at times to try to grasp. Yet, He is Everlasting, meaning God is not limited to the present. The word picture is this: His everlasting faithfulness and goodness to us.. follows us.. is here with us, proceeds us. It is progressive. I see it like one of those funny long conveyor belt ‘walking spaces’ at the airport, where all you have to do is step on it, and off you go, it is moving ahead of you, moving where you are, and moving behind you. In a sense the ‘everlasting’ walking space. THAT is our God, He is here, and behind us, and ahead of us. Ever try to go back? What a waste of energy! It was designed to go forward.

Psalm. 23:6 ~~ David says so poetically — ” Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life’ The word he uses for ‘follow’ is NOT a meandering behind, it literally means ‘pursue’. God PURSUES you, God pursues DeDe with His goodness and mercy. (SHOOT I love my job!)

God was there, is here, will be there! We see our life from one day, to today, to tomorrow. Each season, each setting of life. God is. “But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him”. ~ Heb. 11:6 (KJV) In our today, we seek Him. If that is our goal our tomorrows are ok, for we can only ‘live’ in the today. (oh, that is good, feel free to quote me – smile)

Everlasting Father, according to Hebrew definition, culture and tradition can also be rendered as the ‘Decider’, the one whom we would go to when a decision needs to be made with wisdom and experience. He is.

This Christmas season, may we truly see God, as MY Everlasting Father… The one whom directs and decides my ‘walking space’, all I have to do is step on. Who was with me, and here NOW, the ever Presence present. He pursues me with His committed love, His promises, His extended grace, and mercy. THIS season of my life… God is. Wisdom needed… God is. In my personal challenges… God is. Tomorrows concerns… God is. My Everlasting Father.

This month, I celebrate my spiritual birthday, December 21,1979. At the age of 16 I gave my heart, life and dreams to Jesus … ’30’ YEARS (please don’t calculate my age, it will only exhaust you) He has been my ‘Everlasting Father’, and will continue to be just that. I am still learning of His love, and commitment to me. Thank you, Pastors Ben & Brenda Peters for introducing your life, love and most of all your God to me. Thank YOU, Jesus for the great “I AM” that You are.

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

Lambs Expressions Ministry

Christmas, a time of sharing, singing, and gift giving.  This Christmas at church, our pastors are making it a priority to stress PRESENCE rather than PRESENTS.  Notice the difference?  It is the ‘c’, or may I say ‘see’ Jesus in us … in the season.  That our gift giving be personal, ‘spend less, give more’ is their slogan.  As a church family we are giving clean water, coats to the homeless, help start a church, send out and open an orphanage in Uganda.  Oh we may not be able to dig a well, or go over seas on a long term mission trip, but what we have, what we are … we give.
 
ALL of us have ‘gifts’, 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, going without that HAVE to have, to give it to someone else.  My gift is being a student of the Word.  I dig, dust stuff 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 would, the Magi as they prepare for their trek out to find the child to whom the 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? I can assure us all that it was not a last minute addition, or a ‘re-gifting’ of an unwanted gift.

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 and honor, 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, that would one day 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!  God designed. How prophetic.

Have a VERY blessed CHRISTmas!

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

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given and the government shall be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Is. 9:6)

Christmas, the birth of Jesus. Let’s take the manger story, and see Jesus in light of Isaiah’s declaration.  This verse is sung in carols, beautifully gold leafed across our Christmas cards, even quoted by those who don’t have a clue WHO Jesus is. But have we really considered the fact that THE Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace was … given … to … US!  ‘For unto us…’   That is YOU and me. Not just the shepherds watching their flocks by night, or the wise men who out witted the Herod dude. (see Luke 2:8-20 // Matthew 2:1-12)

Last week we looked at Wonderful Counselor, today Mighty God. 

At first glance we would assume, it is just a two word religious name used to describe just how big God is. BIG He is. Yet this is NOT the intent of this prophetic disclosure.

Sadly, many in society today see Jesus as weak, the man in a white robe knocking on a door. For some, they leave Jesus in the manger as a swaddled babe, meek and mild with a hovering halo above His head. Mighty God.
 
‘Mighty’ in the Hebrew (gibbor) renders a militant theme. STRONG, BRAVE, VITALITY, THAT OF A SUCCESSFUL RULER. (emphasis made to express the magnitude of the word) It can even be translated as ‘HERO’. Boy doesn’t our culture need a ‘hero’ and hand raising allegiance !!
 
If we could take the same energy found at a pro basketball game … as the star player runs down the court, his name yelled from all corners of the arena, taking a few steps he launches himself up, releasing the ball … (take a breath) Taking THAT energy, praise, inawe-ness (YES, that is a word … now) that allegiance, the same worship and spend it on JESUS, the One declared … WORTHY. (see Revelation 5) WOW.  Take THAT opposing team!  Mighty God. 
 
The culture of Isaiah’s day, as found in the Semitic language was also seen in word picture imagery as ‘to rise, raise, strong or prevailing.’  What a wonderful picture, the Warrior-King arising. Psalm 68:1 “Let God arise, let his enemies be scattered, and let those who hate him flee before him.”  Here the picture is God rising up, with all power & authority. This is very serious and something to be feared. I say “Wahoo ~ God’s standin UP … look out!”   Now THAT would be an arena Hero experience! Mighty God.
 
HOWEVER, with all this ‘mighty’ strength and warrior muscle bearing, there is gentleness. “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty (gibbor) to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” (Zephaniah 3:17) Interesting, the word translated here for ‘quiet’ means ‘engrave.’ While God is flexing His muscles with power & authority to save you, he ‘engraves’ His love on you.’ Now that is some heavy ‘gentle’ Warrior King lov’in goin on! Mighty God.
 
Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus, HOWEVER no longer in the manger, He is strong, brave, risen, successful ruler, our Warrior King. Mighty God.
 
“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given …”
 
In Him, DeDe (‘Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds’ Heb.10:24)
Lambs Expressions Ministry

This week, while doing my study of the covenantal love of God, I was again reminded of the journey of … the Lamb. From Genesis to Revelation the Lamb of God.

Genesis 22, God declares to Abraham to take his son Isaac, his only son to the mountain and offer him as a sacrifice. As Abe and son begin their hike up the mountain, father placing the wood on the shoulders of the son, Isaac says “The fire and wood are here.” Then asks, “but where is the lamb …?”

As the story progresses, Isaac willingly climbs up on the altar.  Abraham obeys to the fullest, God knowing His heart, stops him, and provides a ram for the sacrifice. The lamb. Hearing God, following His commands, sacrificing until it hurts. The Lamb … provided.

Exodus 12, God prepares the Israelites to leave the captivity of Egypt. Instructions were given, “… take the lamb…” slay and place the blood on the doorpost of the home. Taking the lamb into their home, the blood now over them, death avoided. freedom from captivity. The Lamb … protected.

John 1, John the Baptist, known eccentric evangelist, sees Jesus approaching, he openly declares “Look, behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.” John purposely points to Jesus, the shift of attention. The Lamb … proclaimed.

Revelation 5, the angelic choir sings before the throne “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise.” The Lamb … praised.

We too, hold a progression of the Lamb. Perhaps we are wondering, where is He, ‘where is the Lamb?’ Carrying our own wood, agony of heart in the sacrifice, NEEDING provision. Have we taken Him ‘take the Lamb’, the offering of protection and deliverance from our captivity. Are we beholding Him, ‘behold the Lamb’, openly declaring Him before others, re shifting the focus from us to Him. Does our heart and lifestyle harmonize with heaven ‘worthy is the Lamb’ joining the celebration.
 
This week, may we contemplate where WE are in our own personal journey of the Lamb.
 
Jesus, from the foreshadowing in the Old Testament,  the wood on His shoulders, willingly climbing on the altar, His blood, protecting and delivering, to US proclaiming Him, to the celebration at the foot of the throne … the Lamb of God.

“Where is the lamb?” The Lamb, provided.
“Take the lamb” The Lamb, protected.
“Behold the Lamb” The Lamb, proclaimed.
“Worthy is the Lamb” The Lamb, praised.
 
In Him, DeDe “Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds.” ~ Heb. 10:24
Lambs Expressions Ministry

Throughout our day, perhaps week, we may observe a few variety’s of what other people may feel, say or act about WHO God is. There are many names that society has put on God. Some may call Him, ‘Big Guy in the Sky’, the ‘Main Dude’, or ‘Man upstairs’. As we find in scripture, His name represents Who He is, what He does, How He operates.

“Prince of Peace, Morning Star, Chief Shepherd, Root of David, Lamb of God, Holy One, Everlasting Father, Righteous Judge, King of Kings … I AM!” (just to name a very small few)

This last week I was asked again to speak to the children and staff at Emmaus Christian School. With teaching and a skit, (assisted by a few high school students from another local Christian high school.) My assignment: share with them about God, the WONDERFUL COUNSELOR….

We might say today, that God is an Awesome Advisor, and that He is, yet  God’s children will know Him as … Pele Ya’as ~ ‘pela yaw-ots’ (Hebrew) ‘Wonderful Counselor.’ (Isaiah 9:6)

God is Wonderful.  Pele, unusual, marvelous, extraordinary. WAIT, look at that word again … it is a compound word … extra~ordinary! So much so that He is separate, like none other. This Hebrew word is wrapped up in the same word that God uses when talking to Abe, regarding Sarah having a son, (in their ripe old age I might add) “Is there anything too hard for the LORD?” Too hard … it can be rendered, ‘is there anything to wonderful for the LORD?’

Ya’as, three words are used to define Counselor.  He is the One who deliberates on our behalf. Who with careful consideration stands in our place and tells the truth about what He knows about us. He advises with the greatest wisdom. “If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask of God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5) Wonderful Counselor, One who resolves the most difficult of situations. “Being confident of this, that He who began a GOOD work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6 emphasis mine, good … profitable, useful) Wonderful Counselor!

How many of us are facing a situation that may seem ‘too hard’, and we would LOVE deliberation, wonderful advice, and wonderful resolve to flood our soul?

Remember the garden scenario in Matthew 26? Jesus left the crowds, left the disciples, taking Peter, James and John, leaving them, ‘going a little farther’, now ALONE, He falls to His face and prays “Father …!”

May we too take it a ‘little farther’ leave our ‘too hard’ situation, get alone, seek the One who stands on our behalf, gives wisdom generously, and provides resolve seeing us through to ‘completion’.

I AM, Wonderful Counselor … I am the extra~ordinary Deliberator, Adviser, Resolver.
 
In Him, DeDe (Ps. 92:4 “You thrill me, LORD…)

“A cheerful heart is good for your health, gloom and doom leave you bone-tired” (Pro. 17:22 -MSG)

How many of us are … TIRED? Sorry for yelling. Perhaps sadden or depressed, confused or greatly disappointed, wounded or beaten down. These all are wrapped up nicely in the Hebrew phrase for “a broken spirit drieth the bones.” One resource has this to say: “A broken spirit describes the life, the vitality, the drive, the spirit of a person that has been oppressed by a grieved heart.” *

The cartoon rendering of the heart, is that of a mirrored angel wing, bouncing rhythmically from the chest, which isn’t to far from the truth. Metaphorically the heart beats of our feelings, will and intellect, passions… our inner self.

This proverb so divinely inspired, instructs us that the best successful cure for a dried up, and may I add ‘icky’ disposition is that of a CHEERFUL HEART. This is the ONLY place in the Old Testament, that this use of the word for ‘medicine’ is used… hm.

Welcome to my world, here is where I have been the last few weeks. When thinking, pondering and meditating on this verse, I found myself offering expressions that others may deem … um …. SILLY – even IMMATURE, and down right EMBARRASSING!  Let me explain. I have been emotionally and spiritually … tired.  To regain my strength, first … prayer … the Word … then my goal has been to try to make as many people smile, laugh, be encouraged, lifted up, and take a look and enjoy their surroundings as possible. Have you seen those COLORS outside!

I have waved at folks in their cars (don’t have a clue who they are) Stopped, held up a line, elbows on counter, looked the cashier in the eyes, and asked ‘how are YOU doing today?’ (interesting response) I sent a package to a dear friend, ‘just because’. Sent a poem via text, wrote the STUPIDEST things on FaceBook, like: “Ever stop to think, and forget to start again” and “Why hasn’t there been a sequel to Titanic?”   Then today, when picking up my son from school, as he approached the car and climbed in, he was greeted with a pair of silly glasses with a HUGE nose, mustache and fluffy eye brows beautifully placed upon his mothers face, if I do say so myself. Pair of glasses … $1.57. Giggle from son … priceless!   And yes, I drove a short distance down the street like that.

“A cheerful heart is good for your health.” Sometimes, faith comes by acting out  of faith. OH, we may not FEEL it, but if our heart isn’t responding to life’s advances the way we would like, and all we are getting in our bucket seems to be lemons, well … you know the saying. Then advance BACK with a CHEERFUL heart… make someone laugh, smile, bless their socks off. In doing so, make YOURSELF  laugh, smile, be blessed. So the cycle continues. God, grace, godly gestures … GOOD medicine.

I would never imply we ignore our issues, or ignorantly look the other way of our own heartache, but even as in a balance meal, dessert is just a course away (personally I have been ordering dessert FIRST). The word says, ‘a cheerful heart is good medicine’ – SELF MEDICATE, with the help of the Holy Physician. Wave at those passing cars, smile at the librarian, text someone to get a ‘LOL’ in return, invest in some silly glasses. Be creative, I call these ‘mini ministries’.

Life is short, just enough room and time to enjoy ‘regardless’. God is good.

In Him, DeDe (Ps.94:2 “You thrill me, LORD …)

* Quote from: Complete Word Dictionary of the O.T. — other resources used: Theological Dictionary of the O.T., Strong’s Hebrew/Greek Dictionary/Concordance, The Vine’s, International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, Expository Dictionary of Bible Words. Translations looked at: KJV, NASB, NLT, NIV, MSG

~ Side Note: Medical articles state that how we handle stress and other emotional factors affect the potential of illness such as: upset stomach, muscle aches, tension headaches, weight loss, ulcers, panic attacks, chronic fatigue syndrome, lack of energy, inability to focus.

 
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, 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, get serious. 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”   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.” *

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, 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.  Fulfilled.  Or Job … loss, troubles, poor health.  Restored.

For some, our stay in the Ark may be longer, don’t jump ship yet … there may be some poo to trudge through, but keep sending those doves, and take heart, God is just allowing us a dry place (hm, could this be a desert?)   He is preparing our coming out. Look for those olive branches, they are there.  Our ‘this time’ is coming!

What are YOU waiting for? 
 
Pain turning to hope … ‘hope does not disappoint … because God’ 

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

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

Summer. A season of beautiful lawns, luscious productive gardens, colorful blooming flowers, and sitting on the back deck in the cooling evening breeze. With these long awaited benefits comes … responsibility. I know, ick. (Stop reading NOW, and you won’t be held accountable ~ kidding)

Most benefits require responsibility. The garden needs watering, and weeding. We water the flowers, know the plant well, giving it correct placement in the yard, shade, or full/partial sun. Then, for a healthy continuing blooming process comes, ‘dead heading.’  No, this does not mean slapping your neighbor along side the head, no matter how obnoxious they are!

The Gardener’s Network, defines dead heading as “Snipping, pruning, pinching, cutting or using any other means to remove spent blooms.” There are great benefits of this process, or might I say, menial task. It promotes new flower growth, extends the reproductive life cycle of the plant, and prevents the plant from wasting valuable energy on a stem that will no longer blooms, energy is then spent on the health of the plant and new blooms (or fruit). Ever ‘feel’ any of these action words done on YOU … snipping, pruning, pinching and cutting?

My mom and Gardener, Aunt Mona (everyone should have an Aunt Mona) taught me how to dead head. Mona owned and puttered around in a plant nursery. She could NOT walk through one of her green houses without touching the plants, and they were beautiful!

There are two plants I dislike dealing with, those are marigolds (they stink). When pinching the marigold the seeds found in the old blooms often go scattering about, before you know it, you have baby marigolds dancing around your feet. The other is the petunia they are STICKY! It has a defense system of a sap that flows from the stem to the petals. You may want to wear gloves for this little gem, your fingers will get sticky. Yet, stinky and sticky, both these plants have the potential to be FULL of bright colored blooms and can last the whole summer.

Jesus shares in John 15, He is the vine, the Father is the Gardener. “He cuts off every branch in Me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even MORE fruitful” (verse 2, emphasis mine) God the Father, the Gardener of our lives.

He is not bothered by the stinky or sappy sticky defense systems we have set up, or the crunchy ugly spots here or there. He enjoys the hands on, must touch approach! The Gardener desires to have us fruitful, luscious, beautiful and healthy. To be and do so, takes snipping, pruning, pinching, cutting or any other means to remove the spent blooms.  Who knows, that snip here, cut there, although painful at times, may cause a scattering of seeds, that in turn causes a new birth in and around you. 

May we all have a God’s sticky fingers all over us, week!
 
In Him,  DeDe   (Ps. 92:4 “You thrill me, LORD…”)

Happy Birthday America! “O say can you see by the dawns early light…” (sing it with me!) The United States of America is officially 233 years old today. Just like any nationally declared holiday, it has slipped from it’s original meaning to the commercialized display of self centered wonder.

Christmas, the birth of Jesus to Santa Claus and presents. Easter, the death and resurrection of Jesus to the bunny and candy filled baskets. Thanksgiving, the sharing of thanks and friendship, to turkey, football and over eating.

 Today, Independence Day, the birthing of a nation with God Almighty’s favor upon it, to fireworks, beer and the backyard BBQ.

O we may not agree with all that our nation stands for in this current era, or be proud of the decisions made in the name of democracy. But may we not forget the years rolled out behind us of those who followed whole heartedly their convictions, standing up for freedom, for justice. Mostly for the ability to read our Bibles, pray, and say the name of Jesus without the fear of a gun shot ringing out.

This nation has STRONG roots in God. Just like the nation of Israel in the Old Testament, we too have wandered away and NEED the loving yet firm words of the Lord over and to us “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, THEN will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14 emphasis mine) Our nation is not known for ‘humility’ by any means, however each heart rendered individually is God’s desire. Our pride of our country should not over write our humility before God.

Today, as we celebrate, let us not criticize our country (perhaps rightly so on some issues) but share about the favor of God, about the signing of the Declaration of Independence, about our fore fathers who loved and believed in this country. When we see the ‘ole red, white and blue’ waving in the breeze, see in our minds eye the uniforms worn, lemonade stands in front yards, Chevrolets and parades of soldiers coming home from battles, wearing bands on their arms of fallen friends. Picture children in school with their hand over their heart reciting “… one nation under God …”

If we humble ourselves … God bless America!

 ~ DeDe

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Be Blessed ~