by Curtis Dean
Jesus speaks, but do I listen, Do I listen to His voice?
If I listen do I grasp it? Do I make His will my choice?
When He calls me, will I follow, Follow Him where He demands?
Would I go across the mountains, or the dangerous, desert sands?
Yes, He calls me to be faithful, this I really know for sure;
Am I willing, Lord, to do it and not yield to worldly lure?
Jesus calls me, but not me only, He wants you to join the trip;
And as we walk along life’s journey, we’ll help each other not to slip.
The wise men followed ever onward with the guidance of a star;
May we follow with faith believing, though the journey seems so far.
Have we looked with anticipation to the time when we shall see,
See the King in all His glory, in that land beyond the sea?
It is more than just the city, that we’re traveling there to see,
For we want to meet the Savior, He’s the One Who set us free;
Free to live a life that’s faithful as He gently leads us on,
Knowing that in days of struggle, He can still give us a song.
Yes, we hear, and yes, we listen, Listen as the years roll by;
Knowing that the day is coming when we’ll meet Him in the sky!
That’s our hope, our consolation, as the years pass one by one;
Knowing someday, by His mercy, we’ll hear Him say, “My child, well done!”
© by Curtis Dean, 11/18/2011
(Note: This poem was not planned. I sensed the words “Do I Listen” and felt the urge to start writing.)
Thursday, December 15, 2011
WHO WERE THE WISE MEN & FROM WHERE DID THEY COME?
By Curtis Dean
These are questions that have been debated for centuries! I don’t know where the wise men came from, although some possibilities are known. However, I do know “who” they were, and will try to explain. It all revolves around the prophecy given by Balaam of Moab. He was the puzzling character who knew about God, prayed to Him, and even knew His voice, and whose story occupies three Bible chapters: Numbers 22 to 24. Balak, the king of Moab wanted Balaam to curse Israel, but each time Balaam tried, the Lord spoke through him and blessed Israel, but Balaam loved “the wages of unrighteousness”. (2 Peter 2:15). In Numbers 24:17 this prophecy is in the blessings that Balaam pronounced:
“I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall
come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel…” (1)
FROM WHERE DID THE WISE MEN COME? One author even suggested that maybe from as far away as China.(2) Now that seems a little far-fetched although there is a near-by Biblical reference. (Later please, be patient!) More likely possibilities:
MOAB (NOW PART OF JORDON): The story of Balaam was undoubtedly passed down through the generations. He was famous and was even offered fortunes for his prophecies. People believed him, too, because when he later told King Balak how to bring God’s judgment on the Israelites, they did exactly as he said: “play the harlot” with them and God slew thousands of Israelites. (Num. ch 25.) The Lord Himself explains it:
“But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.” Rev. 2:14.
BABYLON (NOW IRAQ): During the Babylonian captivity, the Jews were usually allowed to practice their beliefs except, of course, without the temple. Some became very prominent in the country, such as Daniel, Mordecai, and King Jehoiachin who became the last ruling Jewish king until the Messiah comes. (2 Kings 25:27-30) The Jews certainly believed in God’s promise, spoken through Balaam, and made it known.
FROM INDIA TO ETHIOPIA (and all points in between)! Under the Assyrian captivity, Jews were scattered over all the then known world including India, a neighbor of China! When Esther persuaded King Ahasuerus to permit the Jews to protect themselves, messengers were sent all the way to India to the east, and Ethiopia to the west. A total of 127 provinces! (Esther 8:9) In Ethiopia there has been a large population who accepted Jewish beliefs and tradition. According to them, the Queen of Sheba spread the message. Incidentally, on May 24, 1991, 14,325 of them were airlifted from Ethiopia to Israel in “Operation Solomon”! (3) Of one thing we can be certain, the Jews recounted the prophecy and astronomers heard it. So, where were the wise men from? Take your choice!
WHO WERE THE WISE MEN? That part is easier to describe:
They were men who had heard the Word. How much they heard the Word of God, we know not, but this is certain: they either read the prophecy or heard it. That we know!
They were men who believed the Word. Hearing is one thing; believing is another. They were waiting and watching for that heavenly sign.
They were men who understood what it meant, and they took action. It’s possible to “believe” but never get around to doing anything about it. These men did! They knew not where the star would lead them, but they knew the significance. The priests in Jerusalem should have, but no, it was these strangers who understood.
They were men who followed God’s direction and listened to His voice. When warned by God to return home another way, they obeyed.
Oh, excuse me! You were expecting their actual names. Sorry, but I can’t do any better than the traditional: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. (4) But still I know who these men are!
--------------------------
1. Scriptures are from the King James Bible.
2. I’ve read too many books and magazines to remember who said it!
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Solomon; and Prophecy Update, 6/9/2004.
4. http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/the-fourfold-gospel/by-sections/eastern-wise-men-or-magi-visit-jesus-the-new-born-king.html. And: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Solomon (Both include other data, details, and theories.)
These are questions that have been debated for centuries! I don’t know where the wise men came from, although some possibilities are known. However, I do know “who” they were, and will try to explain. It all revolves around the prophecy given by Balaam of Moab. He was the puzzling character who knew about God, prayed to Him, and even knew His voice, and whose story occupies three Bible chapters: Numbers 22 to 24. Balak, the king of Moab wanted Balaam to curse Israel, but each time Balaam tried, the Lord spoke through him and blessed Israel, but Balaam loved “the wages of unrighteousness”. (2 Peter 2:15). In Numbers 24:17 this prophecy is in the blessings that Balaam pronounced:
“I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall
come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel…” (1)
FROM WHERE DID THE WISE MEN COME? One author even suggested that maybe from as far away as China.(2) Now that seems a little far-fetched although there is a near-by Biblical reference. (Later please, be patient!) More likely possibilities:
MOAB (NOW PART OF JORDON): The story of Balaam was undoubtedly passed down through the generations. He was famous and was even offered fortunes for his prophecies. People believed him, too, because when he later told King Balak how to bring God’s judgment on the Israelites, they did exactly as he said: “play the harlot” with them and God slew thousands of Israelites. (Num. ch 25.) The Lord Himself explains it:
“But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.” Rev. 2:14.
BABYLON (NOW IRAQ): During the Babylonian captivity, the Jews were usually allowed to practice their beliefs except, of course, without the temple. Some became very prominent in the country, such as Daniel, Mordecai, and King Jehoiachin who became the last ruling Jewish king until the Messiah comes. (2 Kings 25:27-30) The Jews certainly believed in God’s promise, spoken through Balaam, and made it known.
FROM INDIA TO ETHIOPIA (and all points in between)! Under the Assyrian captivity, Jews were scattered over all the then known world including India, a neighbor of China! When Esther persuaded King Ahasuerus to permit the Jews to protect themselves, messengers were sent all the way to India to the east, and Ethiopia to the west. A total of 127 provinces! (Esther 8:9) In Ethiopia there has been a large population who accepted Jewish beliefs and tradition. According to them, the Queen of Sheba spread the message. Incidentally, on May 24, 1991, 14,325 of them were airlifted from Ethiopia to Israel in “Operation Solomon”! (3) Of one thing we can be certain, the Jews recounted the prophecy and astronomers heard it. So, where were the wise men from? Take your choice!
WHO WERE THE WISE MEN? That part is easier to describe:
They were men who had heard the Word. How much they heard the Word of God, we know not, but this is certain: they either read the prophecy or heard it. That we know!
They were men who believed the Word. Hearing is one thing; believing is another. They were waiting and watching for that heavenly sign.
They were men who understood what it meant, and they took action. It’s possible to “believe” but never get around to doing anything about it. These men did! They knew not where the star would lead them, but they knew the significance. The priests in Jerusalem should have, but no, it was these strangers who understood.
They were men who followed God’s direction and listened to His voice. When warned by God to return home another way, they obeyed.
Oh, excuse me! You were expecting their actual names. Sorry, but I can’t do any better than the traditional: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar. (4) But still I know who these men are!
--------------------------
1. Scriptures are from the King James Bible.
2. I’ve read too many books and magazines to remember who said it!
3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Solomon; and Prophecy Update, 6/9/2004.
4. http://www.biblestudytools.com/commentaries/the-fourfold-gospel/by-sections/eastern-wise-men-or-magi-visit-jesus-the-new-born-king.html. And: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Operation_Solomon (Both include other data, details, and theories.)
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
WHITE AS SNOW
“Whiter than the snow”, the Psalmist stated,
“Whiter than the snow” our souls may be;
For in Christ we are “a new creation”,
Through His love so bountiful and free.
But what about the ones who live in darkness,
What about the ones who’ve never heard;
Those who live without anticipation,
Those who know not of His blessed Word?
Let us quickly heed the Master’s calling,
Let us quickly go without delay;
Go and tell the blessed proclamation;
Tell of Christ: the Truth, the Life, the Way!
‘Till many shall believe the Gospel Story,
Many shall His loving favor know;
Know of His so great and free redemption:
Saving grace that washes “White as snow”!
© by Curtis Dean, Dec. ‘82
“Whiter than the snow”, the Psalmist stated,
“Whiter than the snow” our souls may be;
For in Christ we are “a new creation”,
Through His love so bountiful and free.
But what about the ones who live in darkness,
What about the ones who’ve never heard;
Those who live without anticipation,
Those who know not of His blessed Word?
Let us quickly heed the Master’s calling,
Let us quickly go without delay;
Go and tell the blessed proclamation;
Tell of Christ: the Truth, the Life, the Way!
‘Till many shall believe the Gospel Story,
Many shall His loving favor know;
Know of His so great and free redemption:
Saving grace that washes “White as snow”!
© by Curtis Dean, Dec. ‘82
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
AMERICA STILL STANDS
By Curtis Dean
Dictators have tried their very best to bring us to the ground.
And the graves of our dear soldiers can ‘round the world be found.
But still we stand with determination, with courage, zest, and zeal,
And the fight against the enemies depends not on how we feel;
You might as well believe it for AMERICA STILL STANDS!
The deluded terrorists really thought that they could bring us down.
And true, the Towers fell with heart-rending, atrocious sound!
But they knew not that America has a tenacious bull-dog spirit;
A rigid determination that “Whatever comes, we bear it!”
For now we shout and really mean it: “AMERICA STILL STANDS!”
I’ve crossed the ocean many times and lived in lands afar,
The people were always friendly and I bear no wounds or scars;
Yet when we returned ‘twas still a thrill to look with expectancy,
We’d look to see, and there she’d be: THE STATUE OF LIBERTY.
To us that meant, “Yes, we’re home, and AMERICA STILL STANDS!
In Luxembourg, I’ve stood beside where General Patton is buried; -1
And seen the five thousand seventy-six graves of soldiers who there perished.
Many times the people there would graciously expound:
“Tell your people Thank you, for by these was freedom found!”
Yes, men and women bled and died, and AMERICA STILL STANDS!
And on the Coast of Normandy, was really a sight to see,
Deep inside you sense that this is a sacred place to be!
For nine thousand three hundred and eighty-seven died here for you and me; -2
How grateful and how thankful each one of us should be!
For Europe is still free and AMERICA STILL STANDS!
It’s through the grace of Almighty God that we have been preserved.
And He has made a promise to those who gladly will Him serve; -3
That includes to walk with God, to love Him and obey,
Then we can seek His help once more when comes some future fray; -4
For if will keep that faith in God, then AMERICA SHALL STAND!
© by Curtis Dean, 6/27/2011
1. Luxembourg American Cemetery & memorial: http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/lx.php
2. Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial: http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/no.php
3. Deut. 10:12 “What doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,” -KJV
4. Deut. 28:6 “Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.”
Dictators have tried their very best to bring us to the ground.
And the graves of our dear soldiers can ‘round the world be found.
But still we stand with determination, with courage, zest, and zeal,
And the fight against the enemies depends not on how we feel;
You might as well believe it for AMERICA STILL STANDS!
The deluded terrorists really thought that they could bring us down.
And true, the Towers fell with heart-rending, atrocious sound!
But they knew not that America has a tenacious bull-dog spirit;
A rigid determination that “Whatever comes, we bear it!”
For now we shout and really mean it: “AMERICA STILL STANDS!”
I’ve crossed the ocean many times and lived in lands afar,
The people were always friendly and I bear no wounds or scars;
Yet when we returned ‘twas still a thrill to look with expectancy,
We’d look to see, and there she’d be: THE STATUE OF LIBERTY.
To us that meant, “Yes, we’re home, and AMERICA STILL STANDS!
In Luxembourg, I’ve stood beside where General Patton is buried; -1
And seen the five thousand seventy-six graves of soldiers who there perished.
Many times the people there would graciously expound:
“Tell your people Thank you, for by these was freedom found!”
Yes, men and women bled and died, and AMERICA STILL STANDS!
And on the Coast of Normandy, was really a sight to see,
Deep inside you sense that this is a sacred place to be!
For nine thousand three hundred and eighty-seven died here for you and me; -2
How grateful and how thankful each one of us should be!
For Europe is still free and AMERICA STILL STANDS!
It’s through the grace of Almighty God that we have been preserved.
And He has made a promise to those who gladly will Him serve; -3
That includes to walk with God, to love Him and obey,
Then we can seek His help once more when comes some future fray; -4
For if will keep that faith in God, then AMERICA SHALL STAND!
© by Curtis Dean, 6/27/2011
1. Luxembourg American Cemetery & memorial: http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/lx.php
2. Normandy American Cemetery & Memorial: http://www.abmc.gov/cemeteries/cemeteries/no.php
3. Deut. 10:12 “What doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,” -KJV
4. Deut. 28:6 “Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.”
Sunday, May 29, 2011
WHEN OTHERS IMPEDE
by Curtis Dean
When others impede on the life we have chosen,
And promises were made that soon were just broken;
It hurts, yes it does, it hurts deep inside.
And sometimes we wish there was some place to hide.
But there's still One who always will care,
He's ready right now your burdens to bear;
So let Him take over and lead through your days,
He knows what is best and can show you the way.
For He's a true Friend, like Him there's none other,
And He does not want your dreams to all smother;
He sees and He cares, and will stay by your side,
And through long, weary days, He'll still be your Guide.
So trust Him completely, it's all you can do,
And when life gets so rough, it's Him you'll run to;
He'll keep you and lead you 'till on Heaven's bright shore,
You'll arrive safely home, yes, safe evermore!
(C) Curtis Dean, 2/12/10
(This poem was written the day before I fell and broke my hip.)
Sunday, February 6, 2011
HERE I AM AT 79
So here I am at seventy-nine,
And no, I don’t always feel so fine;
The aches and pains are telling me,
That things aren’t like they used to be.
But I’m so thankful my mind’s still alert,
And I’m very active and able to work;
Yet, I’m fully aware that the day may still come,
When the body decides to go on the bum!
It’s a life that’s been full of places to go,
And there’s hundreds of pictures that I’d love to show;
There’s more stories to write, more songs to be sung,
More sermons to preach before life is all run!
May God help me to use the rest of my days,
And live them out fully and not in a haze;
May He help me be ready to meet Him always,
‘Till some day in Heaven on His face I’ll gaze!
© by Curtis Dean, 02/03/2011
And no, I don’t always feel so fine;
The aches and pains are telling me,
That things aren’t like they used to be.
But I’m so thankful my mind’s still alert,
And I’m very active and able to work;
Yet, I’m fully aware that the day may still come,
When the body decides to go on the bum!
It’s a life that’s been full of places to go,
And there’s hundreds of pictures that I’d love to show;
There’s more stories to write, more songs to be sung,
More sermons to preach before life is all run!
May God help me to use the rest of my days,
And live them out fully and not in a haze;
May He help me be ready to meet Him always,
‘Till some day in Heaven on His face I’ll gaze!
© by Curtis Dean, 02/03/2011
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