Easter, A Redletter 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, as inspired by the Holy Spirit, carry on  with the red letter commands, statements and tender words.

Move over Easter Bunny, here comes the risen King!  “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.

Hosanna ~ The Easter Gospel

 

Let’s set the stage:  LISTEN ~ do you hear the muffled sounds of a crowd? Now the clip ~ clop of hooves? Someone is yelling something. Who is it that comes riding in on a donkey… the LAMB of God! (Mark 11:7-10) The crowd yells “Hosanna… Hosanna in the Highest.”

Hosanna is the Greek version of the Hebrew saying ‘yasha na’ (yaw-shaw naw) meaning – ‘save we pray’. This is taken from the Hallel, Psalms 118:25,26

“O LORD, save us; O LORD , grant us success. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD. From the house of the LORD we bless you.” (NIV)  The King James says “Save now, I beseech thee” (Hosanna)

As Jesus rides into Jerusalem, they  yell “Hosanna!” ~  “Save we Pray!” Can you grasp the impact of what they are saying? Jesus was fulfilling the prophetic words of Zechariah 9:9 and that of 2 Samuel 7:12-13

Then.. just 4 chapters later, that same crowd was again yelling, but this time. “Crucify Him! ~ Crucify Him!” Little did they know they were yelling the same thing. both times! For you see, for Jesus to ‘save we pray’, they had to ‘Crucify Him!’

Loved ones. Jesus is our Passover Lamb! The REAL  party is next week….  Easter Sunday.   Luke chapter 24. Early, three days later after the death of Jesus, women were said to have gone to the tomb, when arriving they found the stone had been rolled away. When they entered in, they did not find the body of Jesus, yet ‘two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them’ (wouldn’t THAT scare the Easter bunny out of anyone). The men said, “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; HE HAS RISEN ” (emphasis mine). They reminded the women of Jesus’ words . “The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.”

This is where we celebrate .. ‘Makarios Anastasis ! Blessed Resurrection!’ Oh the joy of Easter, the story, the reality, the TRUTH.  Hosanna, Easter … the gospel truth.

Hosanna has become a phrase of praise. In it’s declaration it holds the complete gospel story. ‘Save we pray’. THAT HE DID!

Blessings to you and yours,

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

But God!

Have you ever stood on the edges of the pages of your life and just shake your head in complete bewilderment and think one simple word,  “HOW?”   Then the rest of the frustration comes tumbling out. “How will this happen?”  “How on earth can this be accomplished?”  It is my tendency to face a situation and say “but God, this ….” and continue to whine, and explain to Him all the obstacles – the ‘can’t dos’ and for crying out loud, the can’t AFFORDs.   He, in His gracious (get in MY face ) manner  pulls me back to … His word.

Believe it or not, ‘…but God … ‘ (or ‘….but the Lord’) is mentioned 326 times in the New International Version.  I have sat myself down with headset on, iPod set for slow worship, while I sipped my grande peppermint hot chocolate and for the next 2 hours I looked up every one of those 326 verses, highlighting ‘but God’ in each verse.

In this study, I was captured, captivated.  I saw God’s character  being placed in the forefront.  There were LOUD moments of reassurance, and yet quiet whispers of His love. This is what I found, this is what I learned. Let’s pull out our Bibles and look at EVERY one of the verses (just kidding)  Here are some highlights.

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 accomplishes. He redeems 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.

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 our hardships, accomplishes, is our peace and sees our heart.  What circumstances are we facing today? 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 in 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)

 

You Define the Depth

 

Have you ever felt compelled to get all spiffy’d up, put on your best duds, or perhaps slide into a nice warm jacket, then realize you have no destination in mind, ‘all dressed up and nowhere to go?’

Our relationship with God is like that at times, we read our Bibles, have our devotions, say our prayers, be in attendance at church, yet … that is as far as we get.  As deep as it goes.  I am guilty of this. It is as if I am waiting for God to make the first move. Not that I am waiting for a burning bush experience or the blinding lights of the road to Damascus.  But yes, I think I am waiting for God to shower me with lavishing love and blessings. Don’t get me wrong He does.  But.   Come on, be honest, in this day and age we expect things to always come OUR way effortlessly.  Or push a button and we get INSTANT results.

James says clearly “Draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” (4:8)  One of God’s attributes that I strongly appreciate is that of His patience. He longs for us to come to Him, He is waiting. The principle is the same in all relationships, if you want it to be strong and deep, you have to cultivate it, put time and energy into it … PARTICIPATE  in  it.

Jesus is a wonderful example of this,  Matthew chapter 26 … Jesus leaves the crowds. Leaves the disciples. Now with Peter, James and John, it says He went ‘further still’ … He gets away … alone, He falls on His face and prays “FATHER …”

May we too take it a little farther to be alone with the Father. Let’s do some ‘drawing near’.  Do we simply wear the snorkel mask for an expected shallow depth or do we prepare – position for a depth of divine proportions?

So today, enjoy your relationship with your God.  Don’t merely dip a toe or two  SUIT  UP!   YOU define the depth, call out to Him, seek Him, enter in, draw close to Him. ”COME  BOLDY to the throne of grace” (Heb. 4:16)  And He will ….

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

 

 

The Coveted Pink Ticket

We all love rewards, whether it be an actual item or verbal expression.  Bring on the “att’a boy” or  ”way to go girl.”  At work we have been using incentives to motivate behavior.  I am a Quickbooks Specialist, (my day job) I have the privilege of listening to the tech support agents calls.  You know that fun little recording “This call maybe recorded for quality purposes”  Yep, that’s me.  I document the calls, then at times sit face to face with the agent and coach them.  What an opportunity to encourage, build up and teach for growth.  THIS is my favorite part of my job.

As of recent, I have been instructed that whenever I hear an agent ‘add value’ to a call, I am to give them a pink ticket.  Each time they have a pair of tickets they can redeem them for a drink of choice from the boss’s desk (Red Bull, Starbucks Frappuccinos, Coke etc.) Some are earning chocolate as their reward.  As you may expect, these are coveted pink tickets.  This adding value can be as simple as sharing a quick (no pun intended) shortcut, or offering info that we know will enhance the use of the software for the customer, making their Quickbooks world even better.

I began to think about this in our daily lives, do we add value to one another?  Do we offer encouragement, do we come along side and serve others?  Does our presence enhance their life experience, do we help make things easier for them?

Paul exhorts, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up …”  – 1 Thess 5:11  Those of you who are Lego lovers, this verse will fit well into your liking.  It paints the picture of construction, the adding to, one piece fits to another, to build a form.  When we meet with others do we leave a positive deposit in their lives, do we ‘add value’ to them, their goals, their dreams and their needs?  Do we build up or tear down.  (ouch)

We have been so conditioned in todays culture that  ‘I’ stands for we are the center of the universe.  We really don’t need anyone, ‘I’ can do this, and it is all about ME!  How so very sad.  “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” – Ecc. 4:9

Our smile to a bewildered cashier, our arm around a wounded friend, a written note to encourage, a timely phone call, a heart-felt  faith-based prayer, a listening ear, even our quiet presence can - WILL add to another’s life.  Our little deposit may be just the key to what they need!

Peter wrote:  “…  see that you love one another with a pure heart fervently.” – 1 Pet. 1:22    Fervently, how often do we hear that word these days in the context of loving each other?  Do we strain or stretch for each other, not relax in our effort towards one another?  Hm …

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things” – Phil. 4:8    As we think, and allow the Holy Spirit to work these in our lives … don’t stop there … share it with others, adding to their lives, one piece fits to another.

Anne Frank wrote, “How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.”

Help improve someones world TODAY!  “Att’a boy”  – “Way to go girl”, here’s a pink ticket!

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

Revelation vs Resolution

As the calendar takes on a new year, we flip through the photos, whether it be puppies, golf images or as mine hangs proudly … Tropical Islands. The empty squares indicating days yet to be lived, those 12 pages can either propel us or paralyze us.

The change of the new year has traditionally become a ‘re-setting’ if you will of our life compass. We evaluate the past and plan for the future. For some of us, this enfolds sitting down writing out our Resolutions. Money to be made, exercise routines to be eventually avoided, diet plans for hopes of a ‘new me’, buy that new house, get that promotion, start that new reading plan. Don’t get me wrong, these are all good plans of a attack for the new year. However, have we considered that instead of a resolution to do better, get more, perhaps be something other than we are, that we seek … revelation?

Recently I have again revisited ‘grace’ and will continue to do so for the rest of my life. Grace, not only is it a most beautiful word, but a powerful element within the Kingdom of God. Paul uses it in many greetings and closing words, “… grace and peace be yours in Christ Jesus…” I will not share the potentially boring F.Y.I. preaching (as a friend calls it) religious or theological information to pack our heads with more ‘stuff’, but I will do as the Holy Spirit has with me recently, massage your heart with God’s love.

Grace, ‘unlimited kindness and mercy of God freely given to the undeserved.’ Now if THAT does not spark something within  you, then let me say it again in a different way and personalize it.

GRACE, the absolutely free expression of loving kindness and favor of God given to me when I do not deserve it. “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith and this is not from ourselves, it is the gift of God…”  When I make a mess of things or do not have it in me to go on, or my footing is somewhat not sure, or the next moment of my life needs to be lived … He is. His love for me, protects me, guides me, sustains me and opens doors for me. He gives me wisdom beyond my own intelligence, understanding that amazes this old gal and basically He is all that I am not.  His plan, (or might I risk saying) His resolution for me is found in Jesus Christ,  I can not NOT be anything but victorious. Grace.

Faith puts us on the tracks of grace. Remember in the Indiana Jones movie, when Jones is in pursuit of the ‘holy cup’ of Christ?  (Play short movie clip now in your mind) In the journey, he travels through tunnels and passages ways and ultimately comes out only to find a HUGE ravine between he and the entry way to the cup. Soon he has the revelation that the ravine is ONLY a deceitful image. Taking a handful of sand, he tosses it across the ravine to find a clear path to the cup.  He stands, extends one leg, closes his eyes and by faith takes that first step across.

I know this is a poor and perhaps silly illustration, but for me, faith is picking up the sand and tossing it across our ravines … grace is the ability to walk across and keep walking. Daily there are many forms of ‘ravines’ to be crossed… DAILY He is there to get us through to the other side with an unbroken and immense supply of more grace. Jesus says “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9) How many of us are weak? How many of us this last year have grown tired in spirit and soul?  My hand is raised! Wait, both hands!

As we stand at the door of 2012, may we truly position ourselves to seek a fresh revelation of Jesus. Learn more of His love, trust His hand and bow more in gratitude of the grace He freely gives.  As we have sung in our churches,” I want to see you Jesus…”

I pray over us as Paul did, “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Cor. 13:14)

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

The Gift that Keeps Giving

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 … ain’t 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 up my study 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 even 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! Follow the Magi’s example ~ Be prophetic.  The gift that keeps giving.

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

Heh, folks … while you’re here on the Inspired Fountain website, click on over to the right… “Guest Book” and sign in, we’d LOVE to hear from you and where you are from.  Go ahead …. (I’ll wait… humming …. row row row your boat …) Done?  Great thanks!  ~  DeDe

http://inspiredfountainpen.wordpress.com

 

The Provision of Christmas

Christmas  ’2011′ ~ Santa Claus, reindeer, snowmen, cards, parties, lights, decorated trees, wrapping paper, bows.

Christmas ‘the beginning’ ~ Mary & Joseph, baby Jesus, manger, bright star, angelic host, shepherds, sheep, 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 forward 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)

May we this season, attempt to grasp the full message of the birth of Jesus. Behold the provision and  O so worthy Lamb of God.  The provision of Christmas

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

YOU are the Reason for the Season

These last couple of days I have been pondering and rolling around in my head, the little seasonal rhyme, ‘Jesus is the reason for the season’.  It fits well as a lapel pin, looks good across our Christmas cards.  Even hangs proudly as an ornament on our trees.  I like it!  The message is clear and points to Jesus!

Yet… I began to think of this in theological terms, the accuracy of it. I know… I KNOW you are rolling your eyes at this point. But bear with me. I am a people watcher, I watch how they walk, their mannerisms, their facial expressions (there is much entertainment in it… ‘nough said).  The other day as I was Christmas shopping I watched their faces, looked into their eyes, wondering if THEY knew Jesus. Then it dawned on me ~ ‘THEY are the reason for the season’!

The season is Christmas. Christmas is JESUS, His birth. Did Jesus come for ‘Jesus’? Was that His reason? Was His motive… ‘I think I will go to earth and be born into humanity, just to do it’? NO! “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish but have eternal life”  Jesus came to earth, living His life as a spokesperson for the Father; He lived to die … for US!  WE are the ‘whosoever’.

The great birth announcement of all time, (Queue the angel) “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for ALL people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to YOU, He is Christ the Lord…” (Luke 2:10-11) WE are the reason for the season! YOU are the reason for the season! (Ok, group HUG!)

As Christmas nears and you look into the eyes of those around you, consider THEM!  What a great opening line to the gospel, “Did you know YOU are the reason for the season…”  “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the One and Only, Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14

Blessed Christmas to you and yours,

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

Reason for Thanksgiving

Turkey, cranberries, dinner rolls, butter, mash potatoes, gravy, green beans, salad.  Breathe.  Dinner plates, napkins, silverware, glasses, name cards AND centerpiece.  THANKSGIVING!  I love this holiday, FOOD – family – fun.  Ok, I will add … football.   A set time to pause, consider and ponder that which we are thankful for.

Thanksgiving.  There are seasons it may be difficult to pull forward on the shelves of our lives something to be thankful for. We may have lost a job, or a loved one.  Or our bank account matches our emotional bucket of strength, ‘empty’.  Yet and yet there IS something to be thankful for. You have a REASON for thanksgiving.  The great Psalm of thanks opens with,  “Give thanks to the LORD for He is good.” (Ps. 136)   The Hebrew language renders beautiful word pictures,  “Give thanks…” offers the idea to confess or acknowledge in reverence and worship with extended hands.

“Give thanks to the LORD for He is good. His love endures forever” The author found it needful to repeat “His love endures forever” 26 times  throughout the rest of the Psalm.  This Hebrew word love is ‘hesed’ (hay-said).  It is used 248 times in the Old Testament.  Let’s take a look at each one (just kidding).   We know it biblically as mercy, goodness, loyalty and steadfast love,  even … grace.  What a pivotal word.  Scholars find it extremely difficult to translate into English, because there really is not an equivalent word(s). In 1535 Myles Coverdale published the first complete modern English translation, using many of Tyndale’s work,  in it he uses …  ‘lovingkindness.’

This merciful (undeserved) love is enveloped in personal involvement and commitment to relationship.  Basically it IS relationship.   God is pleased when it is reciprocated “For I delight in loyalty (hesed) rather than sacrifice,  And in the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.”  (Hosea 6:6)  Our Lord desires faithful love and covenantal commitment.  With this, it is precious (Ps. 36:7)  marvelous (Ps. 17:7) undeserving (Ps. 103) abounding (Ps. 86:5) reviving (Ps.119:159)  satisfying (Ps. 90:14) and everlasting (Ps. 103:17).  God is the God of GREAT attributes and God cannot change – He will ALWAYS be a God of love filled mercy.

David’s well known and beloved Psalm 23 (verse 6) “Surely goodness and MERCY will follow me all the days of my life” (mercy – hesed)  This ‘follow’ is not a mere tag along behind, but … PURSUIT.  David knows the concept of pursuit.  This Psalm is known to be written at the END of David’s life.  He, once the shepherd, has now/is being Shepherded.  God’s unending – steadfast love full of mercy pursued David, He pursues ….  US!  He is unrelenting.  In my study, I have come to this conclusion: The divine love of God  is steady – sure – persistent and FULL of refusal to let go.  Aren’t you GLAD He does not let go!   I know for me, God is so extremely patient with this I.C.G.  (Irritating Child of God) I continue to be amazed at His grace … love … mercy, not to mention His awesome sense of humor.  “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good.  His love endures forever.”

This week as we share around the table amongst the laughter and love the blessings of health and family,  may we too take a knee, raise a hand and  “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for He is good, For His lovingkindness is everlasting.  Let the redeemed of the LORD say so…” (Ps. 107:2)

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

The God Who Sees Me

Have you ever experienced a time or times when you feel completely alone?  No one cared, not even God, as if you walked through life invisible, invisible to the touch of others, their concern, their love.  You desire with deep longing to be noticed, for someone to see you, to deem you valuable.   Your thoughts crawl towards … running.  Running away,  F-A-R  away.  Would anyone notice.

It is in this moment that we feel that no one else has or is feeling this way, we tend to isolate ourselves with this understanding.  There is a gal who she too experienced this.  Her name? Hagar.   Her story is set in Genesis 16.   She was Sarah’s servant and had just found out she was to have Abrahams child, she was so excited, but out of the strong emotions that Sarah felt about this, Hagar received mistreatment.   So she ran. She ran not only from the harshness towards her, but I beleive she ran with the understanding that no one understood – no one cared.

Hagar found herself further out in the desert, lacking all the comforts of what was familiar, emotions worn, body tired, spirit drained – she collapsed.  It was then that the angel of the Lord appeared to her, he simply said, “Hagar” (called her by name) “where have you come from and where are you going?” A divine already known answer, but presented for the purpose of ‘process’.   He spoke directly to her situation, she was running from something she felt she could no longer handle, and running to something she hoped would be better.  She shared her frustration, and his response was “go back” and then filled her with foretold promises. She ended this encounter calling the Lord,  ”El Roi”  (El raw-EE) meaning “the God Who sees me.”  Hagar returned to Abraham, Sarah and the current circumstance.  BUT, she knew someone had seen her – someOne  sees her.  El Roi is present tense, sees  NOT  ’saw’.

We need to be assured that no matter the circumstance, or our emotional state, OR what we may be facing, God sees us. We can’t outrun God.  Many of us have tried (haven’t we).  He takes personal interest in us, He calls us by name. It is up to us to look up from where we are – to listen. Hagar had a choice, she could have stayed there on the dusty ground, head down, and just pretend she hadn’t heard  while her tears moistened her cheeks  (but how many Hagars do you think there where out in the desert, lost) if we look up, listen and hear God’s words of love and compassion, encouragement,  we too will call the Lord “El Roi” the God Who sees me.    Jesus says (John 10:27)  ”My sheep hear My voice and I know them, and they follow Me.” My name is called, I am known.   God sees.

Do you too feel alone, invisible, unvaluable, and found isolated out in the desert?  Quiet yourself, STOP the chatter – listen.  He WILL call your name, He is calling your name.  Sadly, many of us stop short – WAY too short in our sorrows, troubles and frustrations, we don’t give God the opportunity, we don’t move off the seat and give Him the throne.  (OUCH!  God made me type THAT.  Ok, so He didn’t MAKE me, I just thought it wise to response obediently)  He is El Roi.  The God Who sees me.

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

I See Trees

Ever been caught in fog so thick it would be best to stop your vehicle, climb out and feel your way down the road for safety sake?  Don’t you just hate it when you can’t see, whether that be in weather related situations, or in a darkened room, when you KNOW if you proceed you will definitely find that coffee table as it re-introduces itself to … your shin.

Sight.  Perhaps at times we take it for granted, I know I have and do. Lack of sight, can be disabling. Besides literally having sight with our physical eyes, there is (metaphorically speaking) numerous kinds of sight.  We see with our heart –  there are times we see with our intuition,  with wisdom, and yes with our spirit.

Recently I took a look (in the Book) of three mentions of Jesus healing the blind (Mark 8, Luke 18, and John 9)  Each have amazing elements, but I’d like to focus on Mark 8:22~26.  Jesus and the disciples are in Bethsaida, a blind man is brought to Him.  The man is taken by the hand, as Jesus leads him out of the village.  Here’s the interesting part, “He (Jesus) had spit on the man’s eyes and put His hands on him…”  Ah, you think I jest, but NO! ( it’s there … v. 23)   Jesus SPIT on him … on his eyes.  Ok, be honest …  ‘eewwWW!’  However, if anyone is going to spit on me, it better be JESUS!

BUT, (isn’t there always a ‘but’ with the good stuff) Jesus didn’t stop there.   I find it fascinating with all His God authority,  He didn’t just walk away, wave His hand and extend a blessing, KNOWING the man was fully healed.  Yet He stayed, Jesus stayed.  He asked the guy “So how is it now, what do you see?”   Love the guys response,  “Well … a bit better, I see trees, the people look like trees walking around.”  (DeDe’s paraphrase)  Notice the dialogue?  Jesus AGAIN touched his eyes,  then he saw ‘everything clearly’.   To some this is a nice documentation of one of Jesus’ miracles, to me it is an honest look at how much Jesus cares.  He wanted the vision to not be ‘so-so.’  But CLEAR.  I sense, He wanted the man to process with Him, engage conversation. He wanted the man to KNOW by experience that He heals thoroughly, and He was right there with him.

This reminds me of when Joshua and the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, it says the priests carried the Ark of the Covenant, when their feet touched the waters edge it began to dry up, they continued to the middle of the river and STAYED there, until all the children of God had passed safely to the other side.  THAT is alot of ‘carrying’ and waiting.  (Joshua 3)  God’s presence.

Interesting side note: When the man initially says “I see…” the word indicates he had sight, the ‘ability’ to see, that’s about it.  When Jesus touched him again,  he ‘saw‘ everthing clearly, a different word, this time, his sight was with discernment, his eyes were able to focus with perception, detail.  Hm…. Jesus didn’t just want him to have ‘ability’ – He wanted it BEYOND! 

Yes, there is physical sight, and by golly these eyes need some help, (wearing my dime store glasses even now)  but my heart and spiritual sight needs help as well,   I know “I see trees.”  I don’t focus as I should, my spiritual sight isn’t full of discernment. Sure I have the ability, but Jesus wants MORE!   Jesus want us to see ‘clearly’.   Oh, Jesus wont literally spit in our eyes (relax) but He wants us to desire to see with clarity.  There are MANY things we don’t see.

Jeremy Camp so poetically wrote, and we sing:

‘You opened my eyes to Your wonders anew
You captured my heart with this love
Because nothing on Earth is as beautiful as You’

Open our eyes Lord … with preception and detail.  Allow us to focus, and see YOU, Your stuff, Your people, Your circumstancs.  It is written, He will touch again, Jesus stays,  there will be dialogue, we will see clearly.

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

Captivated

Recently I was asked in a phone conversation, “What does the Word of God do for you?”  I was offered time to think and respond via email.  I did just that, ‘thought about it’.  Keep in mind as I share my response, I am wired a bit weird. As a bible teacher I can not shake loose the desire to grab a principle, disect a word, or link a verse to another, and before I know, I have a stack of geeky books at my feet or multiple windows open in my bible software.

“What does the Word do for me?”  My first gut response when I heard  the question was 2 Timothy 3:16-17  “… all scripture is God breathed and good for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”  And this is why?  Verse 17  ”… so that  the man (woman) of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

I thought  further.  Hm …  depends on the current daily circumstance  AND what portion of scripture I am reading.  There are times it (the word) CONFIRMS.  Confirms that I too am human, just as the characters in the bible.   I read about Peter  and sure enough, I can relate to his ambitious outbursts, not that I would actually crawl out of a boat, and attempt water walking – but I’d do something of the like and swinging that sword and getting the ear  or telling Jesus NO.  Yep… confirms.

God’s  word also gives me COURAGE.  I read David’s story and I see all the stupid mistakes (God does not cover up the faults of His heros.)  I see the longings of his heart.  The run FULL  FORCE  towards his God at times,  the end results may not have been what most would think ‘rewarding’ – but he loved and lived.  REGARDLESS, he is forever etched in history as ‘the man after Gods own heart.’ THIS gives me courage.  In the same breath, it encourages me. That is taking anothers experience, hearing, observing and learning from it, enfolding it into my own, and giving me courage to walk in the same direction.  (DeDe’s  definition)

God’s word CONFRONTS. I have literally had His word stand in front of me… BOLDLY .  I know THAT sounds weird, but I know that resonates with some of us.  If I am behaving in such a way that is not …um… honorable, His word stands against that behavior like a blockade in the road.  I am quick to say, NO, I do NOT heed to it all the time, and often ‘run around’ it.  But I honestly believe, a God loving, Jesus follower, Spirit indwelled person WILL be confronted by God’s living and active word.

Then, God’s word CORRECTS. I MUST ad IF we allow it. Sigh… THIS is NOT enjoyable at times, but since God’s word is LIVING and ACTIVE and we are Spirit indwelled, we are (in my estimate) required to interact with the Word of God.  And by golly, if we truely ‘listen’ at times, it DOES cut to the very marrow.  Which indeed is … painful.   The bible is our manual, our guide, God inspired those who penned it, so it’s God’s personal letter to us. I would call it ‘the relational manual’ - God is all about relationship.  He will tell us through His word, where we lack, where we need adjustment, where we don’t align, AND how we are loved.  He gave very careful concern to express love, He embraces us, like fathers arms, hugging while He says  ”I love you, I love you so much, I don’t want you hurt, this is what will help prevent that….”  Some call the bible, God’s rule book – I beg to differ. What a harsh concept. I do not want to live my life according to a ‘rule’ book,  steps of engagement for God’s approval (ick.)

What does God’s word do for me?  His word  COMFORTS.   When reading words like “… give me an undivided heart, that I may fear Your name…” (David)  what comfort!  I can tell Him like it is. The Psalms and other places bring the ‘tenderness’ of scripture to life.  Psalm 85 says ‘love and faithfulness meet together… the Lord will indeed give what is good’.   How many times are we overwhelmed and we reach for a Psalm, that tender whisper, “He makes me lie down… restores my soul… He guides me… He turned my wailing into dancing….You are my hiding place.”   Oh how the inspired penned the cry of our heart! Psalm 63, “My soul thirsts for You …. I have seen You in the sanctaury and beheld Your power and glory… I will praise Your name… and in Your name I will lift up my hands, my soul is satisfied.  (I will add a selah here) AND His response, ‘Be still and know that I am God.’  Yes, His word comforts.

For me, His word CALLS.  It beckons,  like when God called out Samuel’s name over and over. It wasn’t man calling – it was God.  I do believe that God speaks direction, ‘calling’ (if you will) through His word.  There are times, I will be reading and soon my eyes well up, I ‘see’ what He is saying and I can not NOT share it.  His Spirit calls so strong through His word, I may end up on the floor face down.  The word calls.

I know it was somewhat a simple question, “What does the Word do for you?” It confirms, gives me courage, it confronts, corrects, comforts and calls me.  But when all is said and done, it CAPTIVATES me.  It is HIS word.

Now, I present the question to YOU.  “What does the Word of God do for you?”  Take time to ponder – examine.  Are we in the Word enough to have it impact us?  Does it comfort us, correct and by golly may it captivate!

In my bible I have written (put there in the early 80′s)  When reading the Word look for:

An example to follow – a sin to avoid – a command to obey – a promise to claim – a new thought about God – a difficulty to explore – a matter for prayer.

His word.

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

Muttering & Merinating

I am a people watcher. What a royal hoot to sit and just observe those around us. The Mall is my favorite, so many folks going about their business. They carry bags, purses, pushing strollers, some are sitting on benches watching … ME!  Have you ever observed someone walking pass you, and talking and there is no apparent person with them, they just… talk. Our first response is, “Um… their dipstick isn’t exactly touching the oil.” (Ok, so maybe I am the only one that thinks that)  But we simply shrug it off as strange and weird.

Talking to oneself is extremely biblical. Well, I MUST add within the correct context mind you. The Psalmist expresses in Psalm 119:15-16 “I meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways. I delight in Your decrees; I will not neglect Your word.”  (emphasis mine)

In the Hebrew, mediation means, ‘to rehearse in ones mind, and to ponder’. Yet it is more, it literally means to mutter, to converse with oneself. Those of ancient Israel, would be found working in the fields, or a top a hill watching their herd all the while they were muttering to themselves. This was a way of life. They would recite aloud to themselves the ways of God and His word. Reinforcing and strengthening his understanding by meditating on verses over and over. Speaking God’s word reinforces it in our heart, allowing our heart to hear what our head is thinking.

I read recently that “Mediation is focused thinking. It takes serious effort. You select a verse and reflect on it over and over again… if you know how to worry, you already know how to meditate.” (LOVE that part)

Many of us upon hearing the word meditation, we immediately think of the Eastern forms and religions that practice the emptying of the mind, with the goal of tapping into ones energy to increase personal development, while sitting in an extremely uncomforatble position (um…  ick). The Christian on the other hand, is NOT emptying the mind, but FIILING it. We use scripture and prayer to pursue the knowledge of God, His wisdom and His holiness.

When we meditate on scripture we are taking the time and effort after we read something to think about what we have read. Remember the Word of God is “God-breathed” (2 Tim. 3:16) and “living and active” (Heb. 4:12) – we NEED to participate and engage in it.

What we are doing is taking the Word and ingesting it and digesting it, allowing it to become a part of us. A really poor analogy is that of a cow chewing his cud. Throughout the day he works to gather, bite and chew the grass, then later as he relaxes he begins to re-chew the grass. He brings it up from his gut. I believe God wants us to have His word in our gut! Nothing like a ‘Gut Christian’!  Ever known someone who when they speak you can tell God’s word is so deep within them, their gut is FULL of God.

Our society and our schedules give very little time to think or reflect. Let alone talk it out loud. We are conditioned by our culture to NOT think, (per say) resulting in the in-ability to reason effectively. One of the biggest contributors to this is TV and movies. Did you know the average scene is 3 seconds! We are conditioned to think and jump from one thing to another so quickly that in a sense we have to be stimulated and entertained to pay attention. Sadly we take this into our relationship with Jesus and His word.

Somethings do NOT come in 3 seconds. Somethings take time. Time to ponder, muse and mutter over. This week, as we sit before God’s word, read it  s-l-o-w-l-y  and methodically as the monks do (no cloak required) taking the time to THINK and SPEAK it. May the Holy Spirit rub it in our heart, effectively causing it to become a part of us, deep down in our gut!  This can be likened to a form of ‘merinating’ known as ‘rubbing’.  The seasoning is rubbed generously all over the meat, with intense pressure, so the ingredients go deep and the meat takes on the flavor of the seasoning.  Be a seasoned, merinated, muttering, meditating Christian.

So, YES… talk to yourself… keep on muttering!

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