Character of Christmas are the Shepherd who were watching their flocks.  Shepherds are a very special breed of people.  A trip to the middle east (Israel) will give you some glimpse of the type of work they do.  We think of farmers, but shepherds are different.

SHEPHERDS

Luke 2:8 says there were shepherds out in their fields and tending to their shepherd AT NIGHT.  This is the first important thought about Shepherds and farmers.  Shepherds stayed with their sheep.  These might have been those who tended the sheep which would be sacrificed at the Temple in Jerusalem.  Remember the money changers, well there were also those who sold sheep and pigeons and other animals for sacrifices.

These merchants would wait for the people to come to sacrifice, and when the animals of the people were deemed not suitable for sacrifice, then these merchants would sell “unblemished” animals.  You should have an idea how something like this could get out of hand, and scalping took place.  That is the problem for Jesus when he tells them to get out of  “His Father’s house.”  Can you imagine coming several miles and then being told that your animal is not “suitable?”  So step right over here, and Jacoby will sell you an “unblemished” lamb for $600.”  What to do, where to go?  Well, these Shepherds were probably just outside of Jerusalem tending these “sacrificial” lambs. 

Also, note that it was at night.  We gloss over the fact that they were out there at night.  Well, where would you think they would be…in at Applebees…celebrating “TGIF?”  No, unlike our farmers, they had to tend the sheep 24/7…even on Christmas day.  It was a job they tended to all the time, moving their sheep from place to place to find food and water.  If you go to Israel, they move these sheep in large land areas.  They know where the food is, but it is very sparse that they are on the moved constantly.  They are not penned in as our sheep would be.  We control our sheep, these are “free-willed” animals.

Many times these boys and men would be a son who was third, fourth or farther down the line.  They would not be in the line to “inherit” from their family, and they head out to do work where they can make their own living.  They wandered with the sheep, they slept with the sheep, they got up with the sheep, and basically they “were married ankle to ankle” with their herd.

AN ANGEL FRIGHTENS THEM

Luke 2:9 says, that an angel comes upon them, and scares them.  It’s the middle of the night out in the wilderness, and the sheep are sleeping…and it’s extremely quiet, and this “being” (an angel of the Lord) appears to them.  What a frightening experience.   I doubt angels had appeared to them before, and so this is a new experience. 

Pastor Ralph Howe mentioned in his sermon the struggle he was in prep for today’s sermon.  A lady, a missionary from Israel to USA came to him and talked with him about “shalom-peace” and they shared for a while, and she left, he felt she was an angel.  Maybe you have experienced something like that….and it might scare you. 

The angel recognized their “fear” and said “Be not afraid, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people;…”  In Bethlehem, a child is born, Christ the Lord, and this is how you can recognize him…he will be in a manger wearing  Armani swaddling cloths.  And all of a sudden there were thousands upon thousands, (a heavenly host) singing a beautiful song…”Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased!”  Luke 2:10-14  They were in tune.

I am guessing they smelled, and had torn or tattered clothes.  I am guessing they hadn’t shave for some time, and they might be tired and worn out.   It was such an experience in their lives that they went saying, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see thins thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”  Luke 2:15

They went with haste.  Luke 2:16.  There seemed to be no hesitation, no “reasoning” out what might happen…and they didn’t sit around and think about the “pros” and “cons” about doing this.  They responded out of what they knew.  They went and found this child…and how many children did they have to look for, before they found the right one?  Luke 2:17 says they affirmed to Mary and Joseph all that the angel (and God) had told them.  

All those around who heard this information wondered about it, but Mary kept it in her heart.  And the shepherds go away “glorifying and praising God…”  Luke 2:18-20

SHEPHERD’S RESPONSE

They experienced the actions of God firsthand, and they responded.  They had heard the call of God to go and see the child, and they “witnessed” this event, and how this was God’s Son, validating the Old Testament Scriptures. 

A woman at the University of Durham, told the story of going to Israel and watching as three shepherds with three separate flocks of sheep came together and greeted and shared with each other.  As she watched, she saw the flocks (3) all mingled with each other so that you could not tell which flock belonged to which shepherd.  After a short time, the shepherds each called out to their flocks, and as they separated, each of the flocks knew where to go and split the mixed herds up. 

HEARING AND KNOWING

What is so special about this, is the shepherds are used to calling out to their flock, and the flock follows them.  The flock knows the voice of the shepherd, and the shepherd knows his flock.  They have an “intimate” relationship where they know which voice they are to follow. 

The Bible teaches that we are sheep and Jesus is the Shepherd.  The problem comes when we haven’t heard His voice or don’t know what His voice sounds like.  Also, when we choose not to listen to His voice even though we hear it. 

The Shepherds know this.  They have lived with these sheep 24/7/365.  There is this intimacy which is familiar to both the sheep and the Shepherd.  Are you listening?  During this season, can you distinguish His voice (the Shepherd)?  Do you know what it sounds like, and how important it is to follow Him?  He will keep you from falling, from stumbling, and from hurting yourself.  He cares about His sheep.  As the shepherds “glorified and praised God,” so will we this we

On My Father’s Business, listening for His voice,

Love, Dean

http://deants.wordpress.com

CHARACTER OF CHRISTMAS…REFERS TO ALL THE COMPONENTS OF THE CHRISTMAS STORY.  THIS WAS NO SMALL ENDEAVOR AND THE PLAY WAS CARRIED OUT WITH PRECISION…ALL THAT GOD WANTED IT TO BE. 

HOLY SPIRIT

I cannot possibly give you any “in-depth” study on the Holy Spirit in this short Blog.  I just want you to be encouraged that this person, God–The Holy Spirit–is real, and God, and working right this very minute in the lives of many.  I have heard that the Trinity-God is likened unto water….water can be solid, vapor or steam, and liquid.  I don’t know, no, I do know, that is very limiting and inadequate.  

I do know that when you see the Trinity, and we all will see it once, it will blow your mind.   There is nothing on earth that will change your life more, that your first experience “first-hand” of experiencing the presence of the Trinity.  I can’t imagine living from the beginning of time until the end.  God (all three persons–Father, Son Jesus, and Holy Spirit) were in the beginning, are now and will be forever more. 

I can’t wait to see how they work together, and how they work separately.  I know this one thing, no matter how hard you try to study and learn all you can, be prepared for the shock of your life.  It is the one thing that I truly look forward to in my life.

BRINGING JESUS

The role of the Holy Spirit is to bring Jesus to Mary.  It is the Holy Spirit who produces the baby-Jesus in Mary.  He “empowers” her to be pregnant.  Therefore, the DNA of Jesus is God along with Mary.  How much of one or the other you can decide, but the Bible declares that Jesus-God, came and emptied Himself of His “Godly” person to become Man.  He became Man to live among us and show us who God is and what God desires of us, and how to live like God.  The fact that Jesus is God and Man is so difficult to explain, because we truly do not understand the “full concept” of God.

ROLE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

In Matt. 1:18 it says, that Mary would be carrying a child (Jesus) “found to be with child by the Holy Spirit.”  There are just two persons…Mary and the Holy Spirit and in the work of the Holy Spirit, Mary is found to be in conception of the Baby-Jesus.  JUST THINK OF WHEN “LIFE BEGINS.”

In Matt. 1:20 we are told that again an angel comes to Mary fiance, Joseph, and tell him, “HEY DUDE, DON’T GET CONCERNED ABOUT ALL THIS ‘FOR THAT WHICH IS CONCEIVED IN HER IS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT’.”  That is certainly reassuring (later).

In Matt. 3:11 John the Baptist tells us that Jesus will bring upon us “the Holy Spirit and fire.”   In Matt. 3:16 Jesus is baptized by John the B. and the “Spirit of God” descends upon Him (Jesus). 

In Luke 2:25-Simeon had the Holy Spirit upon himself and (vs. 26) “the Holy Spirit had revealed to him that he would not see death until he had seen the Lord’s Christ.”  When Jesus comes into the temple, Simeon reaffirms who this is to His parents, Mary and Joseph.

What the role of the Holy Spirit is important throughout the script of Jesus’ birth, and childhood. 

• The Holy Spirit brings Jesus as a “pre-birth” child to Mary. 
• The Holy Spirit reassures us that this child is the one whom God has sent—His Son, Jesus.
• The Holy Spirit reveals to Joseph God’s plan so that Joseph is not in the “dark.”

HOLY SPIRIT BRINGS CHANGE

I’m just guessing, but I suspect Mary’s life changed because of the role of the Holy Spirit.  I will also add Joseph to that list of people changed.  Simeon was changed.  These were changes that could not be explained any other way than “supernatural.”  These were changes that “changed” lives.

Acts 1:5 Jesus tells his disciples that in a few days, “you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit…”  Acts 2:4 says that while the disciples waited…”they were all filled with the Holy Spirit…”

• changed caused them to speak in tongues
• noise like a violent, rushing wind
• tongues like fire rested on them
• they were (vs.7) amazed and marveled

The Holy Spirit brought change to their lives.

In Acts 19:6, I read today, that the Holy Spirit was still changing lives…”…Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came upon them…”

This is the same Holy Spirit who is alive and working among us today.  This is the Holy Spirit who brought to earth 2010 years ago, a child Mary to “save His people from their sin.” 

Has the Holy Spirit come upon you..to work with and in you?   Have you seen the change in your life, which only the Holy Spirit can bring upon you?  If you have not seen this change, can you see what you might be missing?  Do you not crave to see this change which the Christ (mas) of long ago brought to us? 

How does the Holy Spirit work in you and encourage you in your Journey in this Christmas season?  CHANGED LIVES IS WHAT HE DOES, AND IF YOUR LIFE HAS CHANGED, YOU KNOW THE DIFFERENCE.  BUT MANY STILL HAVE NOT EXPERIENCED THIS WORKING OF THE HOLY SPIRIT.

On My Father’s Business, with the Holy Spirit’s help,

Love,  Dean

http://deants.wordpress.com

Characters of Christmas…There is much to be found on Caesar Augustus and I have sliced out just one sentence from Wikipedia:  “Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus (23 September 63 BC – 19 August AD 14), was the first emperor of the Roman Empire, which he ruled alone from 31 BC until his death in AD 14.”

ROMAN EMPEROR

He was a Roman Emperor and therefore not of the religious beliefs of the Jewish nation.  He ruled over much of the area surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, including Israel. 

Luke 2:1 indicates “a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be enrolled.”  Sounds like an enrollment into school, especially kindergarten.  In those days (vs. 3) “all went to be enrolled, each to his own city.”  Each person would go back to the town of which their family came from.  In this case Joseph would go back to Bethlehem.  Luke 2:4-5 says, “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary…”

ACT II, SCENE 3

Tommy:  “Mr. Spielberg, how are we going to invent a way to get Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem?”  “Don’t worry about it yet Tommy, we can figure that out tomorrow.” 

Tommy:  “Oh, I know, we can invent a ‘Census’ and write in that everyone has to go back to their ‘origin of birth’ city.”  “Yes, but Mary is pregnant and think of how that would go over…”

“Okay, everyone, we are going to have Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem to be enrolled in the Census…just like we do it today.”

CENSUS

 

Bad picture, but it is a Card that says on it “This is how Jeus was Born.”  Mary is on a Donkey and Joseph is leading the way, and it is to remind all of us to “enroll” in the Census in 2010.  “It’s Time, Make Yourself Count!”  This came out of the USA TODAY Paper on December 15,2009.  The print is hard to read, but it is sent mostly to “foreign-speaking” people to be sure to “enroll” this next year. 

Many will not for a variety of reasons, and one may be because they are illegal aliens.  The government uses this information to help distribute taxes for schools and transportation, for medical/healthcare facilities, and for other projects.  It also sets the amount of Representatives that a state will have, and how they are distributed.  Okay, so don’t register, and we will come out short at the end of the year.  Every ten years we do this to adjust the portions.

Joseph and Mary needed to go to Bethlehem for the Scriptures said, Micah 5:2 “But as for you Bethlehem…From you One will go forth for me to be ruler in Israel…”

God used C. Augustus to set the stage for His Son to be born in Bethlehem, via an “enrollment.”  That must have been a difficult drive…I am sure DOT did not have modern paved roads and the type of travel, was not in a mode that we would wish.

Think of Mary on that long Journey, in worse conditions than most women of today.  Struggling to get comfortable, needed to stop and rest ever so often, having to make a bathroom break pretty frequent, and “Joseph, is that a McDonald’s over there?  Could you get me some water?”  I wonder about the pain to her abdomen?  How much physical pressure was this child putting on her frame?  She was just a young girl and never before had she gone through this.  “Joseph, I’ve got to stop again, I’m sorry, but I need to just lay down on the ground for a moment.” 

A little pillow behind her back, some support of those traveling with her.  I think it might have been something, that she would have just said, “Let’s stay home, the Journey is too long and hard, and I’m about ready to deliver…I don’t think the Doctor wants me traveling.” 

God used this Roman Emperor to put into place His work and His desire to have His Son born in Bethlehem.  It wasn’t like C. Augustus even knew he was helping God out.  It was and is God’s plan and He puts all the pieces in place to give us “The Greatest Pageant Ever.”

Many times we don’t even know that God is working in and through us.  He just sets the stage and off we go.  We are just actors on the stage of life, and it’s only in hindsight that we see how God worked it out.  Only as we see the whole play, do we really understand what God was and is doing. 

Are you ready for the next Act and Scene in God’s prefect plan?  Are you able to see beyond the little bit part you have, to see how it fits in the whole play?

C. Augustus was just a bit actor in this play but he played a very important role…to get Joseph and Mary into place for their triumphant entry.   What a work of God!  No one is too small in the play which God produces.

On My Father’s Business,  playing my role,

Love, Dean

http://deants.wordpress.com

Character of Christmas today is Herod.  I have taken a short part of Wikipedia to show you the many “Herods” of that time period.  It is not really important which one it is for this moment.

Herod (Aramaic pronunciation has a long e, Hee-rod, as does the Greek, but short in English) is a name used of several kings belonging to the Herodian Dynasty of Roman Iudaea Province:

• Herod the Great (c. 74-4 BC), King of the Jews who reconstructed the Second Temple (Herod’s Temple) in Jerusalem.
• Herod Archelaus (23 BC-c. AD 18), ethnarch of Samaria, Judea, and Idumea
• Herod Antipas (20 BC-c. AD 40), tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea, who was described in the New Testament as ordering John the Baptist’s death and as mocking Jesus
• Herod Agrippa I (c. 10 BC-AD 44), king of Judea, called “Herod” in the Acts of the Apostles
• Herod II, sometimes called Herod Philip I, father of Salome
• Herod Philip II (4 BC-AD 34), tetrarch of Ituraea and Trachonitis
• Herod of Chalcis, also known as Herod III, king of Chalcis (AD 41-48)
• Herod Agrippa II (AD 27-100), tetrarch of Chalcis who was described in Acts of the Apostles as “King Agrippa” before whom Paul of Tarsus defended himself

• Herodes Atticus

Matt. 2:1-12 tells us that Herod the King was  “troubled.”  The Magi from the East had come to see this Jesus who was born, “King of the Jews.”  In vs. 3 Herod was troubled because he had heard that this Jesus was born in Bethlehem. In vs. 7-8  Herod tells these Wise men to go and find the babe and bring him back word of where he is “so I too may come and worship Him.”  In vs. 12 we see that the Magi have found Jesus but have been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod.

In Matt. 2:13-21 we are told that Joseph is told in a dream to go to Egypt.  When Herod dies and his son takes over, Joseph is then told to go back to Israel, that “those who sought the child’s life are dead.”

It was well-known by Jews and Herod alike, that this child who was born Jesus, would be King of the Jews.  The Old Testament had made several references and now was the time when God would send His Son, Jesus, to dwell among man.  Because He would be a King, caused Herod to have fear for the overthrow of his reign.  He was threatened by this baby.

It is no different today for many people who are threatened by this Jesus.   Threatened that He will come and destroy their way of life, make them do what they don’t want to do, and just plainly take over their lives.  This is why it is so important to get rid of all the “Christ” in Christmas.   This is why we need to stamp out of our awareness anything that “reeks” of Jesus.  It is a terrible reminder of one who came to make our Journey better.

The jealous Herod was not only threatened for himself, but took the trouble of killing any baby 2 years and younger in the hopes of making sure this one child would not threaten him.  Just think of the enormous effort he put into this plan.  And in a dream, Joseph was told to take the baby away for safekeeping. 

No matter how hard we try to get rid of “Christ,” He will not be removed.  He will remain yesterday, today and forever.  He will reign for all time.  But I am just realizing how important He is to my Journey.  As I travel along, I find more and more help and assurance from Him for my daily walk.  I’m so glad that He will not leave me or forsake me.

How is your Journey this Christmas season?  Have you given a moment to remind yourself of the importance of Jesus?  Herod tried with no success, to stamp out of his life this Jesus, King of the Jews, only to find out that after all the bloodshed, the very one who he wanted to get rid of was still alive. 

It must have struck many of those people who lost a child, of the evilness of Herod.  I wonder what it was like for a parent to lose a child over such pathetic fear?  The fear that so griped him, that every boy child under the age of two would have to be sacrificed.  No one was spared. 

This Christmas as you take time to do so many things, such as shopping, baking, sending cards, and all the other things that go into Christmas, take a moment and ask yourself, “Do I have a similar view of Jesus as Herod?”  “Am I threatened by this person, Jesus?” 

Yesterday a man was walking with me, and Christmas music came on over speakers outside.  We were at Kennedy Space Center, and he was angry that they had to play Christmas music for the holidays.  I wondered to myself if there was a “space”   christmas music?   Sometimes we can feel the same way. 

Sometimes we don’t even know enough about something, such as Herod.  He told the Magi to come back and tell him where the child was.  The thought threatened him and he was not even able to take care of the threat. 

“O Come let us adore Him….Christ…..the Lord!”

On My Father’s Business, adoring this Lord—Jesus,

Love,  Dean

C. of C. STANDS FOR “CHARACTERS OF CHRISTMAS.  Many think I am a “character.”  Well, we all are to some extent.  There are things about me that are different from others and you.  As we live and Journey with each other we learn more and more about one another.

So I thought it would be enjoyable and helpful to focus on the various characters that appear on the scene in the Christmas story as told in the Gospels. 

One thing you may not know about me is my sinus problem.  I did not know about it until a few years ago.  I have terrible build-up during the winter months.  Blowing my nose constantly, and a lot of bleeding.  A few years ago a Doctor pushed a needle up between my upper teeth and my lip and went up into the sinus and drained it.  Since being here less than 48 hours, I do not have any sinus problem.  I feel a change coming upon myself.   Warm climates clear my sinus problems.

Sitting at a restaurant last night I watched as a woman, talking with others, took a Bic lighter out of her purse, lit it and moved it along her arm between elbow and wrist.  I know at 80 plus degrees, she was not trying to keep warm, and as she went to the other arm, I figured she must be burning the hair off her arms.  It takes all kinds.  Sometimes we don’t take time to notice people and think about them.

ANGELS

Angels keep appearing throughout the story telling of the “Birth of Christ.”    An angel appears to Zacharias to tell him that he is going to have a boy child, through his wife Elizabeth.  They were old and had no children, and the angel of the Lord (GABRIEL) appears to him to tell him of this news.  Luke 1:11-20  I imagined in that circumstance, it would take an angelic being to make me understand something “supernatural” was about to happen. 

We find in Luke 1:26 Gabriel appears to Mary who will also have something “supernatural” happen to her.  In Matt. 1:20 an angel comes to Joseph who was going to marry Mary, and tells him not to be concerned, for Mary was going to bear a son.  In Luke 2:9 an angel of the Lord appears to the shepherds in the field.  They announce to the shepherds that a child has been born in Bethlehem. In Matt. 2:13 an angel appears to Joseph later and warns him to take his son Jesus to go to Egypt.

People tell stories about how angels appeared to them…and then disappeared.  I have heard many instances of this happening.  I have not met an angel that I recognized as an angel, but I do believe they exist and are with us in some form.  Do you believe in angels?  Do you believe you have had an experience with an angel?

I was in a worship conference this spring, and a group of singers and players were leading us in worship of singing.  As we started singing I felt myself in the presence of a “heavenly host.”  We were singing songs I knew and we would sing them as they were written, and all of a sudden I was lifted into the heavenly realm, or that realm was opened to me.  I was hearing the most profound music in my life.  I was not hearing the people around me but I was hearing some other voices, loud, beautiful and amazing. 

It was as if I were standing in heaven and singing with all sorts of beings.  The thing I noticed was the music I was singing was not the music they were singing.  They were singing different words and singing different notes but it was all beautiful together and it did not matter what notes they hit.  It was not human voices that I heard.  After some time the music came to an end and it was as if I was let back down among these human people around me.  I have never experienced that before, but I know it was heavenly and not earthly.

This is what has happened in the story. An angel has come to tell a very important point on the way to the birth of Jesus.  It is a Godly point which could not be taken serious unless it was a being from God.  It was so “unnatural” that each of the parties involved, accepted the word as truth.

I think it might scare the wits out of me.  But I would take it very serious.   I would never forget the message and I would be sure to do what the message said. 

How would you react today if an angel stepped into your life?   How would you react to the messages given to these people?  I believe God used angels to emphasize the IMPORTANCE OF THIS PERSON-CHRIST.  God wanted to make sure that each of these people understood the huge difference this child will bring into the world.  This child was so important to the work of God in our world, that He picked the very best beings to come to earth and carry with them this message.

FOR UNTO TO YOU IS BORN A CHILD-JESUS-FOR HE HAS COME TO SHOW YOU GOD, TO SHOW YOU HOW TO LIVE, TO SHOW YOU THE WAY OF TRUTH, TO SHOW YOU GRACE AND MERCY AND COMPASSION.

Today, that angel has come to you, in written word and proclaimed to you the coming of Jesus, God’s very own Son.   He has come to live among us and walk with us on our Journey.

On My Father’s Business, surrounded by angels,

Love, Dean

http://deants.wordpress.com

Yesterday I went from “zero to eighty” in 3 hours….over 1300 miles.  I note the air temp. is one degree (home) while it is 86 where I am.  I have  laid in the sun for an hour so now time to do something else.

BOOK TO READ

My son gave me a book to read and I read it in those three hours.  This is not a book to be taken lightly.  I have written about some of this in past blogs, and “it cuts to the bone.”  That is, if you take it seriously.  I know that we had a conversation on the subject matter, and I have blogged on the subject matter and now I read someone else who is also working on these issues. 

That is the way my blog is going….but first the book is by Randy Alcorn and the title is “The Purity Principle.”  It’s a fast read at 93 pages, but I found myself stopping and thinking long and hard, and also falling asleep.  I got up at 2:30 a.m. Okay?  In this book he talks about the seriousness of “purity” as regards men and women in their Journey.  As I say, he will cut you to the bone, when you think of the “radical” work of God’s word in your life.  For any young man or woman, this is a good starting point prior to making a mess of your life through trial and error, and coming to these truths.

Two quotes:

“The prophet Jonah, in the digestive tract of a great fish beneath the Mediterranean Sea, made this observation:  ‘Those who cling to worthless idols forfeit the grace that could be theirs’.”  p. 12

“An idol…is a God-substitute.  It’s something–anything– that we value higher than God.  In order to cling to such an idol, we make a trade.

Our sexual behavior reveals who or what rules our lives (see Romans 1:18-29).  Sexual sin is idolatry because it puts our desires in the place of God.”  p. 12

BLOGGING FOR ME

I have been caught up with blogging for a couple of reasons:

• Helps me to formulate ideas and life-style patterns and makes me want to  talk about them.
• Helps me to get feedback in my life from other people and reading.
• It is instilling in me, a new pattern of dealing with all these things that I think but never put to practice.

They do say, “Talk is cheap.”  They also say, “Practice what you preach.”  So I have had a number of “interesting” events happen with my blog.

One day I talked about “Scars” and I went to an unfamiliar church to me, and as I left a man by the name of Pablo said good-bye and spoke to me about scars.  I have no idea why, but I want to find out more about that.  I would like to find out what he knows about the scars of life, and his awareness of what is left behind.  I know those comments had some depth to them. 

  As I told you up front, my son and I discussed “purity” and here in my blogging, I have been writing about the same things that Randy has spoken about in his book.

Yesterday as I was checking in, a young man standing next to me, had a towel on the back of his neck.  I asked him if he hurt himself, and he said he just got a “tat.”  On either side of his neck he had tattoos, and yesterday morning, he got “Loco” written across the back of his neck.  He said, “That means crazy in Spanish.”  “Yes,” I said, “I was aware of that.”  For the rest of his life people will be “talking behind his back” about how “crazy” he is.  I will let you take a minute to ponder that thought.

He pulled me aside and asked me “Do you burn?”  I said I had, but not now.  He left and went over to work on the computer.  I have blogged on “tats” some and so again, my conversation and life experience dovetails with my blogging. 

GOD IS CHANGING ME

The more I write and talk and read, the more I know that God is speaking to me.’  I hear it here or there, and sometimes I think of it before others, and sometimes I think of it because of others.  GOD IS CHANGING ME.  HE IS MAKING MY JOURNEY INTERESTING AND REWARDING.  GROWTH IS HAPPENING AS I MOVE.  I’M GOING FROM “ZERO TO 80″ IN A SHORT TIME.

Hebrews 10:24-25 says “…let us consider how to stimulate one another to love, and good deeds,…encouraging one another, and all the more, as you see the day drawing near.”   

As you move on your Journey…and as I move along on my Journey, “let us consider how to stimulate one another…and encourage one another.

On My Father’s Business, reading to learn and grow, 

Love,  Dean

http://deants.wordpress.com

Friday evening,  I heard on the 10 pm news that a man (62) shot his wife while she was on the phone.  She was DOA.  Now I’m not 62, but I was, less than 60 days ago, so I think I can “empathize” with his younger man.  I do not know any of the facts but let me share with you what might have been some facts which could make a difference.

PRESSURE

You don’t need a definition…but examples.  Pressure cooker, Pressure washer, Under pressure, Pressure cabin, Pressure gauge, Pressure group, Pressure point.  Pressure, pressure, pressure!  “I can’t take it any more.”  We have pressure in our schedules, pressure by people around us and pressure in “deadlines.”  You know pressure like the back of your hand. 

I AM UNDER PRESSURE

I have been “strongly” encouraged to meet with my EX. after 10 years of divorce.  I do not want to meet with her, I don’t have anything I want to say, nor do I want to listen to anything she has to say, but I should at least sit down and talk with her, even though “nothing” will come of it.  Why does anybody want to have a conversation with me, when I don’t want it?  This will go on for years and years.

I am under pressure…see that’s pressure.  I cannot reason with anyone.  I have got to meet with her.  There is no freedom in that….but the pressure.  I am being pushed into a corner or up against a wall, or a lake.  You probably don’t see all this pressure on me, and when I walk down the street and come past you, I don’t see all the pressure on you. Just take a look at before and after pictures of the Presidents, including President Obama. 

I don’t have any idea why a 62 year old man would go home and put a bullet through his wife’s head, but I know the kind of pressure that can lead to that kind of decision.

1. I’m 62, not 22, and I have little time left.
2. What more do I need to do.
3. Can’t afford the mortgage and can’t make the financial connections I need.

So he is pushed into going home and shooting someone.  This is not the answer, but it does “quiet the voices in his head.”

EMPATHY

“Empathy–the intellectual identification with or vicarious (taking the place of another) experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another.”  Empathy is not feeling sorry for someone, but understanding what they are going through and knowing some of the feelings and thoughts and attitudes of that person.

I don’t agree that he solved any problems in the long run, but sometimes we just lose perspective and do things that are not “kosher.”  Think of Simpson, Peterson (Calif.), Peterson (Illinois), et.al.

JESUS HAD THAT KIND OF PRESSURE

Mark 6: 30 ff. tells of the feeding of 5,000 people.  Vs. 31 Jesus tells the disciples to get alone and get a rest.  This is hard work.  Okay, now listen, Jesus has 5,000 people demanding some type of healing or help.   People with leprosy, blind, lame, demons, seizures, irregular blood flow (women), TB, cancer, heart problems, STD’s, and on and on.  All 5,000 are clamoring at Jesus to help them.  “Jesus, Son of Man!”  Jesus, Son of God!”  “Son of David!”  “Help me, Help me, Help me!”

Can you hear all the noise, all the pressure, upon this one man to do everything He can do to bring wholeness to them.  They are pressing on Him, reaching for Him, groping in the crowds for His help.  Pushing against him (5,000) and where can He go?

MARK 6:46-”He departed to the mountain to pray…(vs. 47) and He was alone on the land.” 

MARK 8:1-10 he is feeding 4,000, and again in vs. 10 “…he entered the boat …and came to (another) district…” to get away from the crowd.  They push Him up against the lake.

John 7:10 says that he went up to a feast “secretly” to make sure the crowds didn’t know He was there. 

Many times we cannot get away from the pressure in our lives.  We have to live “UNDER PRESSURE.”  So for many of us we have to invent places where we can just get away, and let down our guard for a moment, and regroup. 

Jesus was not any different from me.  I need a rest, I don’t have a boat, but a plane ride away can help.  To get away from all those who keep demanding from us.  To keep them at “bay” just long enough to regroup. 

Take some time this week and just get away from all the stuff, and reward yourself to quiet, meditation, and regrouping.  Let Jesus show you how to get away and prepare for the next segment of your Journey.

You are not alone, and many of us have been through the same things or similar things as you are going through.  I have empathy for you.  I understand what it is to be pressured and you can’t do much about the situation.  I can get away, and sitting by the pool today, with hot weather and sun, is just the place to be.

On My Father’s Business, out to regroup,

Love,  Dean

http://deants.wordpress.com

Phobia

We all know the famous superstitions that people believe.   Walking under a ladder, black cats across your paths, and so on.   I think of this today because today is Dec. 13th.

FRIDAY THE 13th

The 13th day of every month comes on different days each month.  Three this year have fallen on Friday.  In Feb., March, and November.   In 2010 we will have only one  Friday the 13th in August…which will be a “lucky” year for those who don’t like Friday the 13th.  In 2011 there will be one in May.   I guess this will be a lucky two years…until 2012.  Someone has reported that the “end of the world comes in 2012.  Aren’t we lucky!  There will be three Friday the Thirteenths. 

 It is a most “unlucky” day and some of us live our lives in “fear” of what might happen to us because it is Friday the 13th.  We have a lot of “fears” in our lives….some of us have a fear to fly, and we would never think to fly on Friday the 13th.  If the 13th falls on Thursday or Saturday, we would never think of it, but if it is on Friday, watch your step.  I will be flying on the 13th in January, but it doesn’t fall on a Friday, so I am safe.   

Things happen to us every day of the week, but when it falls on Friday the 13th we consider it to be “bad luck.”   Fear is what drives us to realign our day’s activities.   Stepping on cracks, walking under ladders, and if a black cat walks in front of us, then we change our path.  I actually walk under ladders when I can….just to test it out and tell myself…”Nothing to it.”  One of these days……

WIKIPEDIA

Friday the 13th occurs when the thirteenth day of a month falls on Friday, which superstition holds to be a day of good or bad luck. In the Gregorian calendar, this day occurs at least once, but at most three times a year. Any month’s 13th day will fall on a Friday if the month starts on a Sunday. In 2009 this applies to the months of February, March, and November. The next year to have three Friday the 13th dates will be 2012.

//

The fear of Friday the 13th is called paraskevidekatriaphobia,^[1][2] a word derived from the concatenation of the Greek words Paraskeví (Παρασκευή) (meaning Friday), and dekatreís (δεκατρείς) (meaning thirteen), attached to phobía (φοβία)(from phóbos (φόβος), meaning fear). The term triskaidekaphobia derives from the Greek words “tris”, meaning ‘three’, “kai”, meaning ‘and’, and “deka”, meaning ‘ten’. The word was derived in 1911 and first appeared in a mainstream source in 1953.^[3]

^{There is much more at Wikipedia.  You will not find a Room number in a hotel with “13″ in it.  You will not find a “13th” floor in hotels either.  In Wikipedia it says, they estimate that between $800-900 million are lost on a “Friday the Thirteenth.”}

^{SHOUT OUT!}

^{My second child, first girl was born on Friday the 13th in 1974.  We went to the hospital on Thursday just after supper time but she waited until Friday the 13th.   I guess I have always thought of Friday the 13th as a “lucky day.”  She is a good person who happens to have two children along with her husband.  She has many good qualities about herself, along with dedication to her family for so many things.}

^{SHE EXCELS}

^{Proverbs 31:29-30 says, “Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.  Charm is deceitful and beauty is vain, But a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.”  Fear is not used as above, but rather those people who “fear” God and who He is and what He does…people who have a distinct respect for God and the things of God.} 

^{This is not a fear that shudders because God is about to strike them, but someone who naturally knows God and what He is capable of and desires to pay homage, respect and honor to Him, by doing what pleases Him.}  

^{This kind of a woman will excel in everything she does, and “SHE SHALL BE PRAISED!”  In hindsight, we will look back and “PRAISE HER” for her desire to respect and love God in everything she does.  This is my daughter.}

^{Happy Birthday, to you today, even though it is not Friday the Thireenth…It is the 13th of this month, and soon, it will be on a Friday again.  In fact, 2013 will have a Dec. 13th on Friday.}

^{FEAR NOT}

^{LUKE 5:10 JESUS SAYS TO SIMON PETER, “FEAR NOT…”  Do not fear, Peter.  Don’t be afraid, Peter.   Our superstitions cause us to ”fear” many things in life.  Sometimes they are really silly things, but we still can’t get rid of the fear.  Jesus was asking Peter to give up his job and “just follow me.”  He wanted Peter to abandon all that he was doing and “go on the road.”  That can be a very fearful time.  Some of us have done that and know.  Others today have lost jobs and have ”fear of the future.”  ”What’s going to happen to us?”   What about Healthcare, or the environment or our taxes…etc.  JESUS SAYS, ”FEAR NOT!”}

^{Put your trust in Me, and walk with Me and I will show you a better way.  I will stay with you, I will keep you, and when the Journey is all done, you will look back and see that there was nothing to “fear.”  I will not let your foot slip or stumble.  I will not let go of your hand…no matter what the circumstance.   FEAR NOT…FOR I AM WITH YOU!}

^{On  My Father’s Business, trusting in the only one I can trust,}

^{Love, Dean}

^{http://deants.wordpress.com}

 

Afflictions–”distress with mental or physical pain…an event or circumstance which is hard to bear.”  It can cover all sorts of things which can “be harmful to our health.” 

EVERYDAY AFFLICTIONS

The workplace is full of afflictions for us.  Our homes are another place we have a lot of afflictions.  I would say that even a student has afflictions in the learning of new material, and learning concepts that we have forgotten.  How about the horrible afflictions we suffer the night before a test, or a paper is due?  How about the afflictions upon us when we know we have done something wrong? 

LIFE OR DEATH

HOW ABOUT THE AFFLICTIONS YOU SUFFER WHEN YOU ARE BEING CHASED DOWN TO BE KILLED?  HOW DOES THAT WORK OUT IN YOUR LIFE?  Let’s have a show of hands for all the people out there who are being sought after, at this present moment, to be killed?  Just last week a man who was being tried in the city here, stated to the jury that he thought he had been marked to be killed.  I am almost certain, I have never had that experience.  There are times when I thought the situation I was in, was unbearable, but never “life or death.”

FALLING OUT OF THE SKY

It would be interesting to be on a plane, with the ability of “ejection” to save yourself, all the while that the plane was falling out of the sky.  Doomed to death, what is it that those people are going through in those last few moments?  That is about as close as you could get to understand the “affliction upon a human” just prior to their death. Certainly, there are examples of people holding others hostage, and not knowing what will happen to you.

HELP IS ON THE WAY

David, (the Goliath story) the shepherd boy, chosen by God to eventually become King, was afflicted, just like the above.  King Saul was out to kill David.  And David, along with Saul’s son, Jonathan, had to avoid and evade King Saul and his assault upon him. 

If Saul was successful, David would die at the hands of Saul.  The story ended with King Saul dying along with his son, Jonathan.  The story is told in I SAMUEL 19-21.  Out of that moment, David writes Psalms 70. 

“O God, hasten to deliver me; O Lord, hasten to my help!  Let those be ashamed and humiliated Who seek my life; let those be turned back and dishonored  Who delight in my hurt, let those be turned back because of their shame Who say, “Aha, aha!”

Let all who seek Thee rejoice and be glad in Thee; And let those who love Thy salvation say continually, “Let God be magnified.”   But I am afflicted and needy; Hasten to me, O God!  Thou art my help and my deliverer; O Lord, do no delay.”  (Same words found in Psalms 40:13-17)

This is written by David with the affliction of King Saul seeking to kill him.  I don’t think anyone can imagine just what was going through David’s mind.  David knew his help could only come from God.  He cries out that he is “afflicted and needy…” and knows God can “help and deliver” him from Saul. 

THEN AS THE TRAGIC SCENE UNFOLDS AROUND US, WE TELL GOD TO HURRY…DON’T DRAG YOUR FEET, DON’T BE DISTRACTED….I HAVE A NEED FOR YOU TO HELP ME AND HELP ME NOW!

Do you feel the tension of a man who is outrunning his attacker?  Can you catch the URGENCY of this plea on the lips of David.   H—U—-R—-R—-Y!  DO NOT DELAY!  I am reminded of the young man who ran naked into the streets in Milwaukee that one night, as Jeffrey Dahmer sought to do harm to him.  We will never know what his mind was thinking as the police returned him to J.Dahmer’s apartment.

I have afflictions today, which I am seeking God for guidance.  I need His help, because I cannot do anything about the situation.  I know what I want to happen, but only God can give the correct solution. By the way, no one is seeking to kill me, although I am sure there are some who might think that could be a good solution, but I will get through it and then as David says,

 Psalms 69:29-30  “But I am afflicted and in pain; May Thy salvation, O God, set me securely on High.  I will praise the Lord with song…” 

I know that my Redeemer lives and He will help me in my time of affliction and need.  “HURRY LORD, AND DO NOT DELAY.”

On My Father’s Business, expecting the unexpected,

Love , Dean

http://deants.wordpress.com

I had gone into a bakery the other day, and I was overwhelmed by the smell of the goods in the bakery.  I thought this would be a great place to live over, like having an apartment.  Then I decided it would either be too tempting or it would get old, and I would hate smelling those sweet smells all the time.

ANNOYING AROMA

There are times in my life, when after being away from home for some time, I come home to smell a terrible smell.  I have left something in the waste basket that has given off an aroma I do not like.  “I need to get the garbage out.”  One time I left something in the garbage disposal, and it gave off an annoying odor or aroma. 

I worked alongside a woman who came to work wearing a great deal of inexpensive perfume .  She evidently like the brand, but those who worked alongside of her began to complain.  Some went to her directly, but it took a meeting with department heads getting involved to tell her that the aroma was offensive to others she worked with. 

A man who worked there years ago was sent home “sick” many times because he never bathed and he had a very annoying aroma to him.  He was “ripe.”    These aromas are annoying to us.  They are unpleasant to be around.  You can catch these annoying aromas wherever you go;  in the environment, on a person, in a home. 

A skunk killed on the road leaves a lasting aroma.  It is not a very pleasant aroma, and you might see where the skunk lay, and then all-of-a-sudden the aroma hits you and stays with you for some distance. 

SWEET AROMA

I mentioned a bakery at the top.  There are perfumes/colognes that are “sweet aromas” to have.   I appreciate a “sweet aroma” from a man/woman.  I am obsessed with the smell of “Obsession.”  I can put it on in the morning and even in the afternoon, it is still “working.” 

As I walk through a crowd of people, I know that the fragrance lingers upon others who for just a quick second, smells this aroma coming through.  Some of us have favorites, and some experiment with all sorts of fragrances.  I like to stay with two or three fragrances.    When I died, you can expect to find “Gucci” or “Obsession” in my cabinet.  My dad used “Old Spice” and I will always remember that smell.  I went out a few years ago and bought a bottle for myself, which I don’t wear, but just to have the smell around. 

Sweet aromas in a house are great.  Bake an apple pie, cook a turkey with dressing, use lemons in something.  Pine-sol is a smell that lingers long after use, and signals “clean.”  All these aromas are “sweet” smelling.

WE LEAVE AN AROMA

II Corinthians 2:14-16 Paul talks about us being a “sweet aroma” in living our lives out before others.  “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in His triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the “sweet aroma” of the knowledge of Him,…”  We become that “sweet aroma” as we understand who Christ is and how to walk in His ways.  He “lets off” from our being on our Journey a “sweet aroma” to those around us of something that is good. 

vs. 15 says, “we are a fragrance of Christ…”  My brand is not “Obsession” but “Christ.”  Manufactured by God!  I want my whole life to be a “sweet aroma” of Christ and His work in me.   A ”sweet aroma” to all who are around me.  

vs. 16 says, “we are an aroma to some for life…and we are an aroma to some for death.”  Just in the fragrances we wear, some like our brand name and some don’t like it.  The “aroma” is there but the reaction of those around us, is different from person to person. 

• Aroma can last or linger for a long time.  Some never can be masked.  (Skunk)
• Aroma can be either good or bad.  Not always dependent upon me.
• Aroma can affect people who we don’t even have a relationship with.  They don’t know us at all.  But they are affected by the “aroma.”

 When Paul speaks of “aroma” or “fragrance” he is talking about my life and how people perceive me.   I may be pleasant to some, but to others I may be ”overbearing” or “arrogant” or something totally different than what I thought I was.   Sometimes we need to do a “reality check” on ourselves.  Some people don’t want to be around us because we are giving off an unpleasant “aroma” rather than a “sweet aroma.” 

What ”AROMA” do you give off in your daily contact with others?  Do people want to “hang” with you because they find you pleasing to be around?  Are you  more “obnoxious”  to be around?

Jesus wants us to be ”a sweet smelling aroma” of Him to our world.   When we go to work, when we play, when relaxing at home, and when we are “uptight,” up against the wall, or whatever else might be going on.  HOW DO PEOPLE SEE US?

On My Father’s Business, working on my aroma,

Love,  Dean

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