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Loving G-D! Dr. Dee
42 Nevertheless among the chief rulers also many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue: 43 For they loved the praise of men more than the praise of G-D. John 12:42
We are exactly the same as the leaders of Yeshua’s day. We may call it “PC” (politically correct) or some other nefarious term, but really, we are afraid to speak the truth when it is contrary to the popular belief of others. We, and I mean we, are afraid of ridicule, persecution, rejection not to mention physical harm or even death! Many times, we are afraid to speak up concerning our beliefs in G-D, because we imagine the worst of what man can do to us, rather than trust what G-D will do for us and through us!
Yet, our actions based in fear are the results of our preconceived notions of how the end will materialize. However, we can’t know the “end” until the “end” comes…which may turn out in a way which was beyond our comprehension, good, and yes, possibly bad. Therefore, we must trust in G-D’s best for us and have faith in Him regardless of the outcome.
Fear, unhealthy fear is a debilitating force, which retards our growth and impedes our obedience to G-D’s teachings. The leaders in the above passage were afraid of being ostracized from the synagogue; and, like many of us, we are afraid of being ostracized at work, in our churches/synagogues, among our friends, family, social media, etc. Contrarily interesting, many of us are also afraid of success in our personal and professional relationships even in our marriages. We are frightened of the “good” or “great” that could be within our reach; therefore, we erroneously judge “our today” by “our yesterdays”. We predetermine our outcome by speaking negativity, and thrive in self-fulfilled prophecy and arrogance when things turn out just like “we knew they would”.
Yet, I believe in the Scripture, which suggests that all things work for our good (Romans 8:28) when we love the L-RD. His forgiveness, grace and mercy allow us chances to experience newness as we grow in Him. A common saying, but apropos; each morning is a new opportunity. What are the new opportunities? A plethora of experiences both great, good and not so good, which bring us closer to the Father, forgetting and forgiving our past and pressing forward in Him. Consider these two Scriptures which align with this truth:
Brethren, I count not myself yet to have apprehended: but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and stretching forward to the things which are before… Phil. 3:13
Then Yeshua (Jesus) declared, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and then looks back is fit for the kingdom of G-D.” Luke 9:62
Consequently, we cannot walk in newness, if we are hanging onto the horrors of yesteryear and/or the “good ole days”. We must realize that the awful things which happened to us do not determine our final destination in Yeshua. We must choose to forgive ourselves and those who betrayed our trust, so we can freely walk in the newness of being in Messiah. Regardless, of the atrocities, losses, etc., like Yeshua, we must choose to forgive in order to realize true freedom.
I believe, if we view our past as lessons, we would not embrace our negative personal histories and allow them to massage our souls. Yeshua is our story when we trust in Him. He is our Creator, Narrator, Guide, Model and so much more! If we believe His assessment of us as His Beloved, then our lives will always be pressing forward, instead of stuck in the murky or gloomy past of our experiences. Will life always be easy in Messiah? The answer is obvious! Yet, it is better to walk and trust in Him; than wallow in damaging and debilitating past experiences.
I know how difficult it is to let go of hurts, injustices, abuse and terror. But to live festering in all the bad things that others have done or the grievous things we have done to others and/or ourselves… is slavery at its best. Yeshua came to proclaim the Good News of the Coming Kingdom of G-D and to destroy our bondage to the tyranny of sin. (Romans 6:18) Yeshua did His part and continues to do His part. It is up to us to believe in His work on the torture stake, and the work He continues to do in our hearts when we trust in Him. It is our responsibility as His Bride to walk out the faith we claim in Him.
Will you believe in Him today and His ability to help you press forward in His newness? Will you ask Him to help you practically live out your faith? It is a daily-process, but worth the effort when we love the L-RD!
#DocsMusings In Him,
Dr. Dee
Note: I was looking at some of my old posts and felt this one was worth posting again with some new additions. If you find this post worthy of sharing, please share.
Recently, I found a 2009 journal of mine as I was watching my grandson. As I began reading “my-history”, I was amazed at how far G-D has brought me! Those of you, who know me very well, have some sense of the horrific pain, I endured because of a martial separation and eventual divorce, which began to unfold from many years prior, with the official separation on July 25, 2009.
However, this blog is not to bring up the past in any negative way! The purpose of this writing is to praise G-D for how far He has brought me, and to thank Him for His healing love! As I read my thoughts from the past, truly emotional vomit, I am astonished at how depressed and miserable I was at that time in my life. Some of my entries seemed as though I was reading about a strange woman I had never met. Some of the entries of events were of things I do not even remember! Imagine that! When G-d does a trans-formative work in our hearts, we truly will forget some of the horrific things we may have endured.
My heart was so very broken during that period in my life, I could not see the new beginning and the new life G-D had waiting for me! All I saw was misery, pain, sadness, gloom and doom! When I became single again, I was so scared, and worried about everything that my head, heart and body ached what seemed like all of the time. Yet, few knew of the great agony oozing in my soul for so many months, because I hid behind my smiles, laughs, my false exterior. There was no need to carry my hurt for the world to see….because the world could not help me nor did the world care. Nor did I want to be the topic of gossip, so I appeared okay as my heart bled living my shattered world again.
Then, as time progressed, I sensed G-d telling me to get it together, lose weight, prepare for the husband He was sending and prepare for ministry. So slowing, I began to date, work on my weight, and spend time in prayer and writing in my journal. Now, I feel great, still working on my weight, and I am ready for G-D’s choice (husband) to step into my life. I am also ready for ministry, as G-D has concretely demonstrated to me that He has made me that Proverbs 31 woman by His Spirit in spite of my many sins and errors! Am I perfect, far from it…but I am ready to be what He has destined for me to be.
In closing, I read a quote from David Bryant’s book, Messengers of Hope…. to hope in G-D is not to escape from reality; rather it is to have the courage to look reality straight in the eyes. The MOMENT we hold is not our final in Mashiach (Messiah)! This quote is so profound, because no hurt or situation is greater than the healing, restorative and redemptive work of our Almighty… There is healing, newness and wholeness in our Savior, if we hold onto Him during our times of difficulty, and remember Him when as we are holding unto His promises for those who trust in Him.
Please know and believe that G-D will be with you as you go through whatever it is that may be weighting heavy on your heart as you read this blog. He will see you through. He does hear our prayers. I am so happy that I serve the Living G-D whose arms are not too short to save His people or His ear deaf to our cries!
Be encouraged today and know that this moment is not your final destination in Messiah, nor are you defined by your circumstances. This truly will pass. However, you decide if you will BETTER or BITTER on the other side of your drama. Did you notice one “letter” determines your heart-condition!
The choice is always ours.
DocsMusings,
Dr. Dee
In response to the shooting at STEM School in CO, May 7, 2019.
Yesterday a friend from CA asked if I was afraid to go to work everyday. Did I worry about shooters at my school? My response… No! Occasionally the thought may come across my mind, but I do not wake up and asked myself, “Will I be shot today or will one of my students, co-workers, etc. be a victim or a perpetrator? No! At the end of the day, my coming, going and/or staying is in the protection of G-D.
I can’t and will not carry the burden of worrying about someone viciously attacking me or my students, or (my children or grandchildren) each day! If I did this, I would not be an effective teacher. I would go crazy without a ticket back to sanity!
Needless to say, I am extremely sadden by the attack on our youth. I am grieved by yet… another shooting… another fatal victim… other victims who have endured physical, emotional, spiritual and psychological trauma. Each school shooting shatters our community in negatively immeasurable ways… nationwide with a long road to some semblance of recovery. As an educator my heart aches, my heart doesn’t comprehend.
As a mom and grandma, I can’t imagine the horrific grief of his parents, grandparents and others who loved and will miss him. My prayers and sincere condolences go out to them! He was a Superhero … no greater love than a man who would lay his life down for another. Someone else did this for us! Someone greater and waiting for all to call upon Him.
Just saying,
Dr. Dee
Recently, I spoke with someone I occasionally see in the lobby of my school. We began talking and before the end of the conversation, she announced to me eyeball to eyeball, “I was crazy!” Let me explain…
This woman, let’s call her Mary asked me what sign (astrological) I was born under…I hesitated and gave her nothing and then she asked when was my birthday. I told her. She proceeded to tell me essentially, I was a horrible person based solely on my birthday. I attempted to try and explain to her that she didn’t even know me, and that was not true… to no avail. Mary explained why she thought I WAS horrible based on my zodiac sign. Supposedly, some man she was involved with had left her after she spent over $2000.00 on him; and committed all sorts of atrocities against her. As I was “listening” and walking away, she proceeded to announce in the office of my school that “I was crazy!” Wow…I thought! This woman doesn’t even know me, and yet I am being judged by my birthday according to astrological explanations; and by what some old boyfriend did to her! Hum…needless to say…I was baffled and amazed at this woman’s brazen attitude and commentary without cause.
So, after doing some personal reflection, I concluded that she is probably the crazy one and truly has the problem. Yet, on a very serious note, her attitude towards me, a stranger to her was a vivid reminder of the biases, hatred, and “isms” we have towards one another based purely on some superficial and/or supposed demonic belief system. Not to mention, that the Bible is clear on consulting mediums (witchcraft, astrology, etc.) as the source of our knowledge, forecasting the future and/or navigating through this life.
Therefore, let me encourage all of us to take time to get to know others, basing our beliefs about them on their character, and not the superficial matters which divide and conquer. Our society is so hell-bent on keeping us divided that we sometimes blindly judge others based on stereotypes or lies we read according to the zodiac system, fake news media or some other medium. If you get a chance, follow the link for a short and excellent read on the subject of astrology, www.teachingtheword.org.
G-D has called us to love Him, others and ourselves; and when we judge, ridicule, condemn, and hate on others, we miss the mark of loving others by leaps and bounds.
Just saying!
Dr. Dee
Need make-up: http://www.marykay.com/RegardingU
Last week schools were shut down in the Denver area, because a woman threaten schools with violence. I was livid at the insanity of this threat, and how it affected our students who live in a world saturated with violence. I was also sadden by her avoidable death. However, our children are the targets of senseless destructive activities; and on all days, it is difficult to hear and see the results of viciousness on our youth – all people.
I remember a time when school shootings were unheard of and the violence within schools was due to scuffles between students and/or teachers; and maybe some carnage from an outside force due to racial disparity.
Yet, in today’s society, violence, shootings, and mayhem seem par for the course. I am overwhelmed with the evil and sickness in the hearts of those who choose to wreak havoc on others. I am convinced that we are living in extremely dark times, because of the wretchedness which we see and hear over the air-ways constantly. However, even though I seethed with anger and my heart is broken over the pandemonium in today’s society; I attempt to embrace G-D’s Word that He is completely and totally in charge. Honestly, I struggle with that notion…and I’m surprised that He has not wiped us all out!
Still, the Bible is clear…G-D’s thoughts, ways, and love are beyond our human understanding, and in spite of my limited perspective, I am not in charge, and I lack the clarity on the various situations throughout society. If one espouses the Bible, then we have to believe that G-D has this, and will soon redeem his people from the madness of this world. We have to believe in our FAITH (Yeshua, Jesus), even when we do not feel, understand or get angry about those things we can’t change or perceive. We have to endorse the notion that G-D’s love, mercy and grace are depended on His design for His purposes. He uses ALL things for His glory.
Above all things, I believe in G-D the Creator of Heaven and Earth, and I desire with all my heart to have a place in His Kingdom, now and in the life to come. Yet, as a temporal human being, my heart is troubled by the violence and dooms-day activities we all see and experience on a daily basis. I just don’t get why people act the way they do, and treat others with contempt. Now, I know the source of evil, but people always have a choice to do good or to do evil. We have been given so much by our Creator. Yet, many of us act like spoiled, contemptuous, ungrateful brats! Actually, we are all guilty of acting like brats at one time or another! We are without excuse for G-D has created us to innately know Him and to choose Him over all others.
Nonetheless, we fail in many ways, overtly and covertly! Why? Because we are limited, frail and sinful people. We need a Savior! And, G-D in His love and wisdom…sent Yeshua, so that we might receive His bloody sacrifice in our place, and live according to His commandments. So, though I don’t get G-D’s plans most of the times, my job is to trust and realize that even though I feel anger by the saturation of evil in our society; I have to trust and believe He truly does have the WHOLE WORLD in HIS HANDS and He’s got this! My job as His daughter-servant is to believe, trust and obey…I’m always working on all three.
Just saying!
Dr. Dee
Note: Pray for the believers who are being slaughtered throughout this world because of their faith. Pray that the evil will be snuffed out and that there will be Shalom in Israel, America and the world.
G-D Bless!
A message by Alan H Johnson
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Shalom! Dr. Dee
The older I get the more I am shocked about the idiocy of society and its hell-bent ideas on truth. Recently I was watching a video which spoke to Truth Vs Unity and the narrator’s comment suggested that the two cannot coexist. Truth in his opinion cannot coexist with unity, because truth is relative which leads to separatism. But is truth relative? What is truth? Whose truth?
Truth from a biblical perspective is based on what G-D has declared. And… I realize there are certain tenets that various folks choose to disagree on as it pertains to what G-D said and/or meant. But, at the end of the day, G-D’s Word still stands as true today, as it did when He first spoke His decrees to Moses. So, the problem in my opinion is not about truth versus unity, the problem is in defining truth and defining unity in order to understand the correlation between the two or the “unity” between the two. But again, this is even relative… each person must decide where their standard of truth stems.
Truth according to some is relative. Truth varies from person to person, from situation to situation, circumstances to circumstances. Truth is selective, and inclusive according to some and may originate from experiences, philosophy, psychology, astrology, various spiritual writings and more. Truth bubbles from the depths of religious ideologies or the lack there of.
Unity according to Merriam-Webster dictionary means the quality or state of not being multiple: oneness; a condition of harmony. But, what does that mean? Has unity also become a relative term in our society? Can we be united and yet think differently or independently? Should my thinking impose my truth on another or can I still live in unity with others, live the truth of my convictions?
I certainly don’t have a pleasing universal answer, because society has aggressively moved away from biblical teachings; and many march to the beat of their own reasoning and thinking. Unfortunately, the Body of Messiah has divergent beliefs on truth and unity as well. Therefore, my beliefs, opinions, dogma is and will be frowned upon by those whose beliefs are contrary and/or just plain argumentative.
I believe the truth is spelled out for us in G-D’s word with some room for freedom such as a choice between chicken or beef within Kosher laws (minor choice for some, tremendous choice for others). The point, I believe we have to first believe that G-D’s teachings are valid and from the One true and living G-D and are applicable for our navigation through this life. Then we have to decide, if it is THE universal truth which guides our lives. If we believe that His Word is the one universal truth, and our handbook (the Bible) is for holy living, then we have to choose to practically live out His design for our lives. We have to believe that the Bible is G-D’s inspired Word and that He sent Yeshua (Jesus) to atone for our wickedness. Living our lives in such a manner draws others to HIS TRUTH, HIS LOVE, HIS GRACE. Living for G-D does not glorify ourselves, but glorifies and pleases Him. I believe that is our utmost purpose – to please our heavenly Father. Are we always successful and do as required? You know that obvious answer!
If we differ on the biblical principles of who G-D is, His love, His provision for His people, then our truth is relative and our foundation fluid if we are believers of His Way. Again, my belief, my canon. So, how can there be unity, if truth is fluid?
If unity means the state of not being multiple or oneness…how is this possible on a small scale, no less a societal scale? Seems impossible! But is it impossible? And does unity mean thinking the same? Can I think independently and still be united to my husband, friend, or neighbor? How about on a less personal scale, politically, socially, etc.? But, then again…I guess it is all personal as it all affects our lives. Each of us must figure out how we will walk in unity with others as we embrace the truth of G-D’s Word.
Again, I don’t have the answers to satisfy everyone, only my own personal beliefs which direct my living and love for the One who created me. My beliefs allow me to function in the truth of G-D’s Word as I understand and experience His love. Living for G-d supports my attempts at Shalom (peace) with those around me. Am I perfect? Anyone reading this blog again, knows the obvious answer!
My challenge to us, seek truth in love for the One true living G-D, and then each other….thus fulfilling the two greatest commandments. Truth is not relative as it pertains to the teachings of Adonai (L-RD). And, unity in love is possible if we are willing to respect others right to believe what they choose.
The decision is always personal.
Just saying,
Dr. Dee
Message by: Alan H Johnson
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Dr. Dee
