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Fear, Beasty Around the Corner

Fear. It can paralyze us, keep us from going places that we really need to be going. Let me paint a picture for you by what I mean. I used to walk. I would put on my MP3 headset and set out for a glorious time of morning sunshine, exercise and Philips, Craig & Deans wonderful music. I would walk the neighborhood, spend about 30 minutes, I’d wave at familiar neighbors, high step over tricycles and admire the sweet aroma of a few flower gardens.

THEN one day the neighbors pit bull (BIG ugly beast) met me at the end of my lane just before striding onto the sidewalk. His broad shoulders, head down loudly declared I really shouldnt be crossing ‘his‘ line. His slow steps towards me proceeded to walk me back up the lane to my house, backwards. I knew NOT to turn and run, he would only see it as a chance to chase. Of course being of GREAT imagination, I briefly saw Breaking Headline News, “Local Woman Mauled by Unidentified Monster.”

When I got to my gate, I slowly reached back and opened it and slipped into the yard. THAT is when the beast saw he was loosing me and charged the gate. I had my pepper spray in my hand the whole time, that is when I chose to use it. Dead on, target reached. All those years of ‘silly string’ usage came in handy. However, it made him so MAD, he charged again, I SPRAYED again. He became bored with this game and finally pranced away, as I limped away emotionally from the fear and trembling. Following that incident, it took a couple of months to get the nerve to head out walking, I had such a fear and was confident I would run into the beasty around the corner again.

When I did muster up the nerve and got to the end of the lane, beasty stick in hand and pepper spray ready, Mr Pitbull was nowhere to be seen. Wahoo! Perhaps the ugly beast will never reappear. But my fear can not hold me back. Walk I did, again there was sunshine, familiar friends and lovely fragrant flowers.

There WILL be beasts around many corners. Ugly things that cause us fear and trembling. Wisdom will lead us to take precautions. But we can not allow them to keep us captive from setting out. When we do encounter them and retreat, then choose to stay put and rationalize we are ‘safe’ HERE, we may never find out later that the beasts are NO LONGER there. Much of the time the thing we fear is headline news broadcasting in our head, not necessarily awaiting us down the lane.

Nearly 75+ times we are admonished in the Bible to “Fear not…” or “Do not be afraid.” Yet it is a common default for us all. This fear causing us to lose hope, our courage and confidence. It weakens us and throws us into disorder and possibly a bit of chaos. It can birth dread and even impair our judgement. The ‘technical’ definition ‘Intellectual anticipation of evil evoking an emotion.’ Yup, beasty around the corner.

I LOVE the following words behind the “Fear not…” statements “Peace! Do not be afraid. You are not going to die … the Lord your God Himself will fight for you… for the Lord your God goes with you… for the battle is not yours, but God’s… for I am with you and will rescue you,” declares the Lord.” Just to mention a few.

Peter wrote to encourage Christians, “Cast all your anxiety/cares on Him because He cares for you.” (emphasis mine) – 1 Peter 5:7 These ‘cares’ are things that consume our thoughts, cause us to be drawn in a different direction, basically what is it that takes your eyes OFF of Jesus and disrupts our peace.

Jesus says, “I am leaving you with a gift—PEACE of mind and heart. And the peace I give is a gift the world cannot give. So don’t be troubled or AFRAID. – Jn 14:27 (emphasis mine)

Do you have a beast (or two) causing you to stay put, your hope and courage weakened? Please don’t allow it to paralyze you, get out there again.

Let’s pray: “Jesus show us YOUR power, folding us in Your love, clear our thoughts, allow discipline and discretion to guide us, so the beasts of our minds would NOT rule over us. In the power & authority of Your name, Amen.”

Stepping out against fear is freedom. No more beasty around the corner.

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

Posted by Inspired Fountain | February 24, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: fear, Fear not of God | Leave a comment

The Oil Will Not Run Dry

Ever hit that ‘wall’? The wall commonly known as the athlete’s wall. Picture a runner nearing the end of the race, all energy has been spent, their breathing is labored, their body screams in agony. Doubt, fear, and confusion, even anger now rage through them. “There is nothing left, I have nothing left to give!” Is their cry. Yet and yet, they do finish the race.

There are many ‘walls’ of life. Moments when we feel we have little left to give and what we do have we feel we need to conserve it to make it to the next day. Perhaps our supply is EMPTY, there is nothing left. For many of us, we have opted to just allow ourselves to dry up and die. I have been there, it is p-a-i-n-ful.

Recently I was reminded of the story of Elijah, out of 1 Kings 17. Where the widow and her son had just enough flour and oil to make one last meal, after that nothing was left, they surely would die. The harsh drought left waves of dry ground in its wake. In walks Elijah in the story, asking her to make him a meal first. Telling him of her plight and empty cupboards, he tells her “Don’t be afraid” God says, “Your supply of flour will not end, and the oil will not run dry until the day the Lord gives rain on the land.” (v 14) She does what he says and miraculously there is plenty of continuous oil and flour.

‘The oil will not run dry,’ what a wonderful promise. This encouraged me. Applying this to our mundane ‘today,’ just when we think we have spent all that there is in us … there will be more. More coming from HIM. More energy to face another day. When our breathing is labored …more power to enable us to fight the good fight. When all that is in us SCREAMS … there will always be more. The oil will not run dry, a continuous flow of God is offered to us. We accept the oil by doing what God asks of us. Take what we have and give it to HIM, continuing to pour, He increases it.

Whatever we are facing, whatever our race, “Don’t be afraid”, the walls of life are met with a jug of oil. Wouldn’t THAT make a great bumper-sticker.

Allow it’s continuous flow.

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

Posted by Inspired Fountain | February 16, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: The oil will not run dry | Leave a comment

New Soaring Feathers

“But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

What an amazing word picture, “They shall mount up with wings as eagles.” Yet it can get lost in the literal translation. The Septuagint (Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible) translates, “they shall put forth new feathers like eagles.” The mature eagle molts his old feathers and new ones grow in their place. They molt in a symmetrical pattern. When a primary feather is molted on the left wing, the same feather is molted simultaneously on the right wing, this can ensure the eagle is balanced in flight. God has such a fabulous design does He not? Renewed feathers, means renewed strength. The feathers are not grown over night, there is a ‘waiting’ process, but in this waiting there is HOPE. When the new feathers come in there is literally a ‘mounting up’, basically suggests movement from a lower to a higher place, can you hear the flapping of the wings? As the eagle makes his ascent, he spreads out those lovely strong new feathered wings, seeking the wind current and SOARS!

THIS is what God wants of us! Some of us have ruffled feathered wings, some… well… they are just plain GONE! When we have lost our strength, no longer have the means to soar, we wait… we HOPE … IN HIM. We then are like the eagle, we are given new feathers, new strength, new BALANCE!

Soar!

Posted by Inspired Fountain | February 14, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: Mount with wings of eagles, new wings | Leave a comment

What’s in YOUR Hand? Being Still.

Recently I was standing near the entry to one of our children’s Sunday School classes, while manning the Marrieds table for an upcoming conference. I over heard a parent/teacher conversation, most of it was like the “Wah, wah wah wah…” of a Charlie Brown episode, when one phrase by the teacher caused me to pause, “It helps them to be still…” I stopped and immediately I wanted to sign up for THAT class! “I want to be still!” I wanted to say as I run towards the teacher and embrace them passionately. To be still.

My all time favorite verse from the bible is Psalm 46:10, “Be still and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” Over the course of the last few weeks, this verse has consumed my heart, thoughts and study time. What is it to be still and most importantly I want to KNOW God like that.

I begin the dig, looking at the ‘context’ of the verse/chapter. Psalm 46 titles with ‘For the director of Music. Of the Sons of Korah. A Song.’ WHAT? King David didn’t poetically pen these words with flair and majesty! Well perhaps. Some scholars are indifferent to whether or not the Korahs actually composed the Psalm, or were given the responsiblity to arrange the lyrics to music and preside over the worship. A total of eleven Psalms address them Ps. 42, 44-49, and Ps. 84, 85, 87, 88. But who are these Sons of Korah? They were a division of the Levites who took their turn in serving at the temple, King David put them in charge of the song service in the house of the Lord after the ark had been returned to Jerusalem (see their story in 1 Chronicles chapters 6 & 9, Numbers chapters 16 & 26, it really is quite intriguing, remember the rebellious people who God opened up the ground and took them, yup these be them)

Interesting note, of the 150 Psalms (composed over the course of 1,000 years) there were multiple writers, of which yes our beloved David is attributed to some 70+. Moses wrote Psalm 90, Aspah wrote a couple, Solomon, Heman, Ethan and the Sons of Korah are also attributed, fifty or so are unknown. With the exception of David himself, Solomon and Moses, all these authors were priests or Levites who were responsible for the music during David’s reign. Jewish tradition believes that Ezra was the one who collected all the psalms together into one book.

Now, ‘when’ was it written. It is always good to try to place the timing of the writing for historical background. Most scholars believe it was when King Hezekiah of Judah was surrounded by the army of Sennacherib, (say THAT 5 times ‘san-haw-reeb’) King of Assyria. Proud Sennacherib did not face the reality that Hezekiah’s God is the living God. And He will NOT be mocked. Hezekiah prayed, God spoke, and in one night the angel of the Lord defeated Sennacherib by killing 185,000 of his soldiers (2 Kings 18-19; 2 Chronicles 32; Isaiah 36-37) The verbiage of the Psalm speaks to confidence in the ‘Lord Almighty,’ He being their refuge and strength and to trust in His deliverance. Verse 6: “Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall, He lifts His voice, the earth melts.” (You KNEW you would get Bible study!)

Psalm 46:10a, “Be STILL…” ‘Rapa’ in the Hebrew. What a fascinating word, so full of imagery. Meaning to cast down, to let fall, to slacken especially the hands. It is used to describe how God responded to Moses in Exodus 4, He had given Moses his marching orders to head to Egypt, freeing His people. Moses packs up, his wife and sons in tow. HOWEVER, Moses didn’t fully obey the Lord, he failed to circumcise the boys, “At a lodging place on the way, the LORD met Moses and was about to kill him.” Moses’ wife stepped in, took care of the circumcisions, verse 26, “So He (God) let him go.” God ‘rapa’ Moses, He slackened His grip on him, letting him go. Paints a vibrant picture doesn’t it.

Wait, we’re not done, looking further. We see that Hebrew ‘rapa’, is more. It can be rendered, ‘stop putting forth energy’, but this energy is not just a mere attempt, it is excessive energy to the point of exhaustion, it literally offers, giving up and ‘become weak.’ The New American Standard translates Ps 46:10 “Cease striving and know that I am God.” (see also Ps. 37:8) Paul quotes Jesus as saying, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Cor 12:9

What is in my hand? What am I holding tight? Spending my energy on, that I give no room for God to be God. Anger, hurt, unmet expectations? Fear, resentment, bitterness. These all use up my energy. I will let it drop from my grasp, let it GO! And yes, let God.

When we stop striving to hold on to something that God never intended for us to grasp, we release it to HIM. Letting it fall, in doing so the obstacle is removed, we see Him, experience Him. Know Him. Knowing God in this capacity (‘yada’) is progressive: TO know, TO learn, TO discern, TO experience in a relational way. God is all about relationship. Often we hear the phrase, “On a need to know basis…” Knowing, the GOOD knowing is found in experience. The knowing that will carry us to the next step or level, the knowing that is offered to others as inspiration. These days, if we ‘see’ it on YouTube, or quoted on Facebook, we have determined we ‘know’ it. But do we?

Charles Spurgeon says, “To be still is to be in quiet submission of soul.” It isn’t necessarily the quieting of our tongue, (although I’m sure THAT helps at times) it is of the soul and the energy used in doing so. We can be ‘quiet’ on the outside, but wound tight on the inside. Judah Smith said, “You know God to the level that you love God.” (Ouch!) Do I love Him enough to release my stuff, with the motive to know Him more! Peter exhorts, “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Relationship.

May I challenge us to know Him more, handing over the stuff, spending ourselves in the way He wants and not to the point of exhaustion. Oh we may not have a big bad King harassing us, but we do have enough personal chaos to hand over to help grow our confidence, finding HIM as our refuge and strength.

Closing with Paul’s prayer over us,

“I pray that out of His glorious riches He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge–that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” (Amen) – Eph. 3:16-19

Be still and know that I am God.

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

Posted by Inspired Fountain | February 12, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: Be still and know I am God, confidence in God, Psalm 46, the Sons of Korah | Leave a comment

Where are You?

I am an avid Facebooker. Yup, I enjoy the chit-chat, keeping up with what folks are doing, ‘try’ to ignore the political jabs and high step over the “You HAVE to forward and post this to claim your blessing for the day.” Nope, not going to happen. However, there is good Bible study to be had at times. This week, I have been participating in a conversation about the book of Genesis. LOVE IT! Social Media at its best. Please feel free to ‘ease drop’. Names were removed for privacy.

The statement was presented: “This week we will be discussing the entrance of sin into the world and how it affected mankind then and now.”

DeDe replied: “Amazing how God knew and had a plan, how He asked Adam, “Where are you?” The question for Adam. He still knows and His plan is still implemented, He still asks us, so we too would ‘process”.

Person Replied: “Why did God ask Adam where he was? Did God lose Adam?”

DeDe replied: “Gen 3 says “They hid from the LORD God among the trees of the garden.” Interesting that they hid where God put them. (How often do we too ‘hide among.’) No, God did not lose them, He knew. He knew also how they were aware they were naked, the questions were not to inform God, but to have them consider not their ‘position’ (He knew where they were in the garden) He asked to help them process their ‘condition.'”

Person Replied: “Your statement of, “to process their condition” seems to imply they might be ill or have some type of disease. Would it not be better to state that God wanted them to be accountable for their actions?”

DeDe replied: Actually, yes, they were not only ‘ill’ but now dead. ‘Spiritually.’ Looking at Genesis 2:16-17 “And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die.” In the original language, the ‘surely die’, literally is the same word, (mut) ‘die die’ Dying spiritually, you shall die physically (in essence). God created man(kind) for relationship, making man in His own image, breathing His own breath into mans lungs, this relationship was intended to be eternal. Disobedience caused instant spiritual death. (Gotta know the bad news to appreciate the ‘Good News’) Adam/Eve (sin) infected all humanity. (Thanks guys!!) One Man (Jesus) was the cure for humanity. Col. 2:13 “When you were dead in your sins… God made you alive with Christ, He forgave us all our sins…” Spiritual genetic sin, did NOT affect Jesus, He was of a virgin birth, He was of the Holy Spirit, rather than humanity, Divine substitution to ATONE humanity. God had a plan. So they were not only ‘ill’, but dead, changing the condition (if you will) of the relationship. ‘Fellowship’ had been broken. Jesus restores that fellowship, taking it back to the original design of the Creator. Atonement. In short, a repair done for the sake of a damaged relationship. Being reconciled to God through Jesus’s sacrificial death.

Person replied: Because of that broken relationship, humanity has set themselves up for constant failure, always searching for something else to fill the void. However, Christ left ALL the opportunity to change course; repent, and call for HIS saving Grace.

DeDe replied: ‘Amen.’ (ending conversation, ‘for now’)

Do WE need to invite such a conversation into our own life? Would God ask us, “Where are you?” Have we found ourselves ‘hiding among’ the stuff? Do we too need to consider our condition of the relationship. Does our ‘fellowship’ need some addressing. As the person said above, “Christ left ALL the opportunity to change course.” (See 1 Jn 1:9)

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

Posted by Inspired Fountain | February 9, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: God asks, Jesus substitution for our sins, Where are you? | Leave a comment

Big Game Day: YOU Made the List

Remember back and for some of us WAAAAY back, when we were in the 4th or 5th grade, out on the play ground we would divide up in teams for a ball game? THAT had to be some of the most frustrating moments of childhood. Nervous thoughts of “Will I be picked?” Or remember when the list was posted for those making the team following try outs? We stood a slight distance away, just close enough to see if our name was there, but not too close to be faced with complete rejection, by our names absence.

Making the list. Go ahead admit it, we all want to be wanted, picked and PALEEZE deem me VALUABLE! We all have areas of our life that we fall short, lack skill or just can’t seem to get it right. In these, we begin to see ourselves as less valuable than others. Perhaps even become resentful of those who DO seem to have it all together, and those with gifts dripping off their finger tips, well… let’s just say LOVE usually isn’t the most godly response. Does envy, jealously even hatred sound familiar?

Ever notice that we may take these perspectives or may I say insecurities into our relationship with God? I know I do! Please nod your head, so I don’t feel so vulnerable here folks! Yes, yes we do.

Often, we find our head bowed not necessarily in reverence, but out of frustration, the words that escape are painful “Will You, can You … use … ME!” Then we continue listing all our shortcomings, these becoming our EXCUSES, before we know it, WE are telling God that He should NOT want us.

In short Beloved, have we ever considered the ‘list’ that God compiled. The list of Biblical proportion. These folks did stupid things, made BIG mistakes, were not of the flashy type, some were too small, too old, to ugly, too worrisome.

Eve listened to the Devil * Rahab was a prostitute *Adam blame shifted *Jeremiah and Timothy were too young *Noah was a drunk *David had an affair and was a murderer *Abraham was too old *Elijah was suicidal *Isaac was a daydreamer *Isaiah preached naked *Jacob was a liar *Jonah ran from God *Leah was ugly *Naomi was a widow *Joseph was abused *Job went bankrupt *Moses stuttered *John the Baptist ate bugs *Aaron fashioned the golden calf, then lied about it *Peter denied Christ *Gideon was afraid *The Disciples fell asleep while praying *Sampson had long hair and was a womanizer *Martha worried about everything *The Samaritan woman was divorced, more than once *Zaccheus was too small *Paul was too religious AND Lazarus was dead! DEAD I tell you.

Here it comes …. HOWEVER. God used ALL these people! They were part of His plan. They ALL had weaknesses of some sort. Do YOU find yourself among this list (hopefully NOT preaching naked!) Do YOU worry, then beat yourself up for lack of faith? Do YOU fall asleep when you pray, then believe the lie you don’t love God enough?

Have YOU been divorced, afraid, abused, widowed, bankrupted, drunk? God is God. HE compiles the List! YOU made the list, the list of redeemed mankind. God moved in and through these peoples lives. Do we think of Moses as a stutter? Do we think of Gideon afraid? What first comes to mind when we think of Peter? A great leader of the church, NOT Peter the denier! God is the Redeemer, of our soul, life and YES mistakes, failures and shortcomings.

I so admire King David’s longing, through all the junk of his life, adultery, murder, poor parenting skills, he says “Let the morning bring me word of Your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in You ….” he continues with “show me … rescue me… teach me … lead me” (Ps. 143) May we all look forward to the dawn of each new day, trusting in God, allowing Him to show us, rescue us, teach us, lead us.

Today as we find that comfy spot on the couch and watch the BIG GAME and perhaps our minds gently slide in the direction of envy of their talent and skill, please remember YOU my friends are sons & daughters of the Most High God! YOU are valuable! YOU are loved! YOU made the List! HIS list! Regardless. Big plans for YOU!

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

Posted by Inspired Fountain | February 7, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: Big Game day, God redeemed list | Leave a comment

Sense of VALUE

Every night as my husband and I crawl into bed, he reaches for our devotional. Before we close our eyes he is faithful to read, I so love that quality about him. The pages speak directly to marriage and relationship, pulling principles from scripture. Recently one of the authors shared briefly it is her daily goal to state or show appreciation to her husband. This sparked a good conversation between Mark and I.

I honestly feel that appreciation, to TRULY appreciate has become lost or ‘blurred’ in the least. Our culture screams, writes books and holds seminars with lists of ways to better increase … SELF. I was challenged to take a deeper looked at this. Normally when I write or teach, I ‘try’ to offer the shortest and simplest explanation. As if a table stands behind me covered with all my findings beneath it and only take a few items out to share. However, today I feel the need to pull the sheet back a bit further exposing even more detail. Please don’t allow your eyes to gloss over, stick with me we will end with a picture of understanding that has the opportunity to change how we communicate. It has for me.

We start with defining. Appreciate: Comes from the Latin, meaning ‘ap’ (towards) ‘pretiare’ (price) ‘to set at a price.’ Combining current definitions, it is the assessment of the true worth or value of a person or thing. It is recognition offering the proper value. From here I went to the Bible. I found it used only once in the NT, although its theme is strong. The New American Standard translates ‘eido’ (know) as appreciate in Paul’s encouragement in 1 Th 5:12 “But we request of you, brethren, that you appreciate (eido) those who diligently labor among you and have charge over you in the Lord and give you instruction.” This ‘eido’ means to perceive, contemplate with

amazement. To turn the eyes and the mind giving attention, the attention strong as to cherish. Also, having an inward conscious knowledge. It strongly conveys, “I know what I know” not in an arrogant way, but a solid confidence. On a geeky note, ‘eido’ differs from ‘ginosko’ (another Greek word) ginosko, is progressive in knowledge, while ‘eido’ suggests fullness of knowledge, as we would say today, “This is my final answer.” Paul strongly states in 2 Tim. 1:12 ” … I am not ashamed, because I know (eido – “I know what I know and I cherish it”) the One I have believed in and am persuaded that He is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day.” (emphasis mine) INTERESTING, tucked way back in the definition is ‘to bring or set together, to make known.’

The picture it paints for me: As if we were at an auction. The item is in front of everyone, small bids are made, yet YOU know the true worth of the item. You raise your hand, increasing the bid to a higher value. You ‘know that you know’ it is worth so much more. With your bid, you have recognized the proper value. As defined above, you have now brought and set together the true value alongside the item. Appreciate.

It is the same in relationships, as we offer ‘appreciation’ to others, we raise value with our words, actions and attitudes. We recognize qualities, and make them known. James Dobson says the two greatest needs of a child is “love and limits.” As we mature those needs expand. Psychologist William James said, “The deepest principle of human nature is the craving to be appreciated.” Think if you will of a teenager, longing for significance, whom rarely makes eye contact. What would a simple statement or act of acknowledgement do for them? “I really appreciate that you raked the leaves for me, you did it quickly and thoroughly, a great quality. Thank you.” Raise their sense

of value? Yes! For some, the new raised sense of value exchanges the old ‘price tag’ (if you will) for a new one. The man sitting on the corner, the gas attendant, lady cashier at Safeway, our childs track coach, the Sunday school teacher, our children, our beloved spouses, you and me… we ALL need a good sense of value.

I found also that when operating with a heart of appreciation in the purest sense differs largely from flattery. ‘Excessive gushes of insincere praise given to further ones own interests.’ The underlining motive of flattery is the selfish goal to increase or maintain MY value with no intention to benefit the hearer. It is haphazardly throwing kind words in someones direction with little effort that it actually LANDS on them. (ouch!) It can be used as a manipulative tool and is not a quality our God smiles upon. “For if I tried flattery, my Creator would soon destroy me.” Elihu in frustration says this to Job in chapter 32 verse 22 David says, “My enemies cannot speak a truthful word. Their deepest desire is to destroy others. Their talk is foul, like the stench from an open grave. Their tongues are filled with flattery.” Ps. 5:9 Paul too speaks to this, “They (who cause divisions and upset people’s faith) have no intention of living for our Master Christ. They’re only in this for what they can get out of it, and aren’t above using pious sweet talk (flattery) to dupe unsuspecting innocents.” (MSG – emphasis mine) So flattery is an attempt to benefit oneself and not the person you are speaking to. Appreciation is not looking for anything in return it is for the sole benefit of the listener. One is selfish, the latter is self-less.

We are now careful to look at what is OPPOSITE: ‘Depreciate’, it too is a verb. To lose value, overlook, discard, to undervalue. The act of lowering value. Obviously it is intentional. When we ‘overlook’ or discard another’s qualities, we do indeed ‘depreciate’ them. Our kind words of appreciation, in essence ‘align.’ We help bring together their value alongside them, NOT depleting the amount. (Nod your head if that makes sense)

Appreciation and encouragement go hand in hand. The first is acknowledging what is

already there, appreciation. Encouragement is helping to strengthen it or bring new insight to cause the quality to be birthed and grow. Both are a must. “We live by encouragement and die without it. Slowly, sadly and angrily.” – Chuck Swindoll.

Example of this. Mark and I whole-heartedly appreciate Bruce and Mary, leaders of our Blueprints for Marrieds group from church. We so value them. We KNOW what it takes to facilitate an ever growing group, the time, engergy and love. They are amazing examples of committement, true love for each other, their God and God’s people. We have voiced it, and in doing so, we have come alongside them with our own giftings. Affirming and confirming, appreciating and encouraging. We have raised our hands.

The wisest man ever to live Solomon, penned, “The tongue has the power of life and death…” Pro 18:21 May we take pause and consider how we may offer life to another. Embrace them with selfless kindness, knowing the worth of them and their qualities, not holding the knowledge to ourselves, raising our hand and SHARE it! Appreciate.

Increase someones value today.

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

Posted by Inspired Fountain | January 25, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Leave a comment

Walking the Deck

I sat quietly reading in my comfy chair when my son called out rather energetically. “Mom hurry I NEED you!” As I came into the living room, he hands me a controller to Playstation, like I know what to do with it! Excited, he begins to yell out commands, which I assume I am supposed to be following. I took a seat and thus begins the hysterical game playing. I was laughing so hard, I began to wheeze, tears were filling my eyes, the controller nearly falling out of my hands as I bent over.

We were playing Star Wars, he kept saying “Follow me!” I was TRYING! I didn’t know which buttons to push, so I pushed them ALL. Somehow I was supposed to get my man up on that scooter thingy. Much to MY own amusement, I kept crashing into trees. My job, as I found out later, was to be a distraction so his guy could finish his mission. Before I knew it, Matthew says, “Ok, you can stop now” – had I even begun? The theme to Star Wars came on and I knew he was victorious.

Amazing what part we play in others lives isn’t it? That reminds of those massive ships in the military. One in particular is an aircraft carrier. There is a department that is lovingly called the ‘Yellow Jackets’ (Flight Deck Officers). These are men and women who, yes, wear yellow jackets and spend much of their time directing pilots as they prepare to take off and in their landings. One of their duties is known as ‘walking the deck’. As a pilot is either preparing for take off or landing, they and many other personnel, line up across the deck and slowly – meticulously look for any debris. The debris if left on the flight deck could be very hazardous to the plane, pilot, the mission.

I find it very interesting as I liken it to our own relationships found in the Kingdom of God. We have many roles we play in others lives: Cheerleader, counselor, confidante, mentor, teacher and friend. But we are also to ‘walk the deck’ if you will and do our part helping to remove any debris or obstacles along the way. Do lovingly what it takes to help another to be successful. We are called to encourage. Much of the time our encouraging a brother or sister takes … ‘action’.

Paul shares in, 1 Thessalonians 5:11 “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” ‘Encourage’ meaning ‘come along side, to aid with help.’ Here’s a dandy – ‘to beseech with a stronger force’. NOT to be confused with the theatrical big screen over used, ‘Force’ mind you. We are to admonish, exhort to better things, cheer each other on in God! He then says, ‘build each other up’, in the King Jimmy it is ‘edify’. Paul is talking in architectural terms. We are constructing. NOT demolishing! Do our words, our actions help build others up, does it motivate them to better things? Or do we blow them off the deck with our harmful words, our motive selfish, holding back so we shine brighter. (OUCH!) When we leave their presence, with the help of the Holy Spirit did we leave them in a better heart condition?

May we too, put on yellow jackets (in spirit of course) link arms with another and join the heavenly forces. May our words of encouragement be met with our actions of love. May we love enough to point out, pick up, and remove any debris. I am fully persuaded there WILL be times when it is messy, times when we get a bit of jet fuel dumped all over us, but Beloved, it is worth it! To see them… soaring! Perhaps we too would hear the theme to Star Wars, well personally I prefer the theme to ROCKY! (queue instrumental song in your head)

Walking the deck with and for others.

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

Posted by Inspired Fountain | January 15, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: Encourage one another, encouragement | Leave a comment

There IS a reason

Young Jeffery comes running in the house on the freshly mopped tile floor, his mom looks up and energetically says, “Be careful!” Mumbling he whispers, “Why?” continuing on as he looks over his shoulder at her, just when he slips and falls head long into the corner of the kitchen table. “So that you don’t slip and fall.”

I appreciate how the word of God is so very practical. We find that God gives insight and instruction with purpose. Often that purpose is just to know His un-limited love. Did you know the VERY significant itty bitty phrase “so that” occurs 747 times in the Bible. Yes, I looked at each one, (with a few mugs of mint hot cocoa mind you) Let’s open our bibles and look at EVERY one! (just kidding) “Perseverance must finish its work SO THAT you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” ( Ja. 1:4 emphasis mine) It’s not just our Father saying, “Because I said so” God has a reason!

“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, SO THAT the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” – 2 Tim. 3:16-17

Paul prays “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, SO THAT you may know Him better” – Eph. 1:17 You may know Him better, that is some great ‘purpose.’

Paul’s story is FULL of ‘so that’s.’ “For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it. I was advancing in Judaism beyond many Jews of my own age and was extremely zealous for the traditions of my fathers. But when God, (don’t you just love the ‘But when God’) who set me apart from birth and called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son in me SO THAT I might preach him among the Gentiles.” – Gal. 1:13-16 (excited commentary, my interjection)

‘Hina’ (hee-naw) is ‘so that ‘in the Greek, conveys ‘demonstrative idea’, meaning, forward thinking, I am telling you this because… impling cause and affect, one might say a huge street sign of sorts. “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, SO THAT we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Heb. 4:16 “These things I (Jesus) have spoken to you SO THAT you will not go astray.” – Jn 16:1 Think if you will, if we failed to approach the throne of grace, or heed the words of Jesus, what would our experience be? Cause and affect.

Those who do not know God or His word find the bible a ‘rule’ book, full of ‘Thou shall nots..” Yet we who do know Him, know it is all said for our good. God is, does, and gives ‘so that ….’ All this is God Fathering us. Let’s face it, God doesn’t need a reason and notice He doesn’t pull the “I AM THAT I AM” card, because “I” said so. “Walk in the ways of the Lord your God, SO THAT you may live and prosper.” –Deut. 5:33

“Put on the full armor of God SO THAT you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” – Eph. 6:11 Use the Word I gave you, so you are ARMED against the Liar, Killer and Destroyer!

May we take notice, read the signs and understand ALL He has to say to us, even the itty-bitty words. God has a reason!

In Him, DeDe (Breaking it down so that “… we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Heb. 10:24)

Posted by Inspired Fountain | January 10, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: God has a reason for His word | Leave a comment

Delight

Words. Love them. They are our primary form of communication. Well besides physical touch, (group hug!) I have the wonderful privilege of conversing with many people, via texting, emailing, phone and YES, I am a Facebooker or the old fashion way, face to face. I am often asked some really great questions. Questions that cause me to ponder, investigate and study HARD to find some form of an intelligent answer. And frankly, if I can’t, I will simply respond with “Uh, I dunno.”

A friend asked, “The preacher was reciting the verse, “Delight in the law of the Lord”. Hmmmm. What do you think that means?” Alrighty! Hands clasped together, now ringing with complete excitement! HUGE smile on my face. I took some time to think this through and pray and yep pulled out the ‘good stuff.’

Here we go: I do not know the ‘context’ that the preacher was using. However, to sum it up quickly, ‘law’ in the OT basically means ‘word’ – God’s word to them/us. The first 5 books are called the Books of the Law (Torah). The ‘Law of the Lord’ is affectionately known as the “Law of Love.” I have included a website (at the bottom and geeky side note) that explains very simply about those 5 books.

Delight (‘hepe‘ in the Hebrew) means ‘desire,’ may be used for that which a person wishes ‘strongly to do or have’. Now put in context to Gods law, His word to the Israelites, on a practical sense, breaking it down – His word to you and I. Do we desire strongly to have His word in our heart – do we desire strongly to DO IT! This delight is NOT a fleeting emotion, it is not a hap-hazard ‘want’. It is HAVE to have. Some scholars describe it as a ‘pursuit’. Do we PURSUE God and His word. (hm…) Here’s a get in your face thought (it did mine) Do I simply ‘believe in God’ or do I BELIEVE God? Big difference. If I believe in Him, that is nice, He’s an awesome Creator and that may be as far as I go. But if I ‘believe Him’, I will – DELIGHT, desire – PURSUE. (sigh)

Back to the phrase, “Delight in the law of the Lord.” Let’s look at Psalms 119. Go ahead, grab your Bible, I’ll wait. See how many times the words ‘law-statues-precepts-decree-commands-word’ are mentioned? When time permits, go back and underline each one. Verse 16 “I delight in your decrees.” Verse 24 “Your statues are my delight..” Verse 47 “I delight in your comands” (to name a few) It proceeds to state that Gods word – His Law affects us that our response is: “I learn-believe-speak-trust-hope-keep-obey-live-follow-meditate and stray not from Your word – ‘law’. Verse 97 “Oh, how I love your law… ” Verse 120 ” I stand in awe of your laws…”

My favorite use of ‘delight is in the law of the Lord’ is in Psalm 1. Quick paraphrase, “Blessed is the man who does not walk with the wicked-stand in the way of sinners – sit in the seat of mockers.” (v. 1) See the progression ,’walk-stand-sit’, ends up pretty tight, (another study sometime). THEN verse 2 “BUT his delight is in the law of the Lord…” But his desire is Gods word to him. I will personalize it. I have a PASSION for His word, there are times I have ‘strayed’ but not so far and so long, as to not ‘desire’ His word, for me – it beckons me. (I’m wierd) To be BLUNT, all we really have IS His word. In print. Lasting GENERATIONS. YET… it is not just mere words on paper. Heb.4:12 “For the word of God is living and active…” Ever been reading and BOOM, the word literally jumps off the page and ATTACKS your heart! Amazing stuff. It is the relationship with the inspiring Author, that makes the book so stinkin exciting. (ok, breathe, rein it in DeDe)

You may say, “But I don’t really have THAT kind of desire for God’s word, I am not compelled to read it or WANT it, but I would like to.” Then ask God for it. King David wrote, “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Ps. 37:4) I am fully persuaded, David didn’t mean, be happy in God and He will grant all your hearts wildest dreams. I believe God plants those desires there, in your heart. Desires for Him, His word, righteousness. I know He did mine, because frankly I am WAY too lazy to muster up this kind of passion for anything, and passion it is.

After sharing this with my friend, she said ‘delight’ is now her new word. How exciting! Delight on Lord! Delight her with awestruck moments of Holy inspired, need to take a deep breath stuff! May she continuely come back for more – day after day. May we all! Let the journey of the pursuit begin.

“Delight in the law of the Lord”.

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

* The Law: The First Five Books: http://bible.org/seriespage/law-first-five-books

* Interesting Side Note: The Torah (“Teaching”) is the Jewish name for the first five books of the Jewish Bible. In Hebrew the five books are named by the first phrase in the text: Bereshit (“In [the] beginning,” Genesis), Shemot (“Names,” Exodus), Vayikra (“He called”, Leviticus), Bamidbar (“In the desert,” Numbers) and Devarim (“Words,” Deuteronomy).

Resource List: Strong’s Concordance, Vine’s Expository Dictionary of OT & NT, Theological Dictionary of the OT, Bible Knowledge Commentary on the book of Psalms, Hebrew Interlinear Bible, NIV, KJV. (and any other geeky book or website I may have grabbed and read)

Posted by Inspired Fountain | January 9, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: Delight in God's law, What does it mean to delight in God's word | Leave a comment

Captivated, A Fresh New Year

I have been asked, “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 it is a sturdy text book in my hand, I can not shake loose the desire to grab a principle, dissect 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. However…

“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.” Gotta love the ‘so that’ of God! Breathe God!

I thought further. Hm … depends on the daily circumstance AND what portion of scripture I am reading, currently I have begun to dig into the book of John and by that I mean, get out the excavating tools, no… LARGE heavy equipment! Continuing… there are times (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 (I so appreciate God does not cover up the faults of His heroes.) 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. Taking another’s 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 of encourage)

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 found that I have ‘ran around’ it.” But I honestly believe, a God loving, Jesus follower, Spirit indwelled person WILL be confronted by God’s word.

Then, God’s word CORRECTS. I MUST add ‘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 truly ‘ 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 sanctuary 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?” And I went a bit ‘C’ happy (sorry). It confirms, gives me courage, it confronts, corrects, comforts and calls me. But when all is said and done, it CAPTIVATES me. I am amazed at the stories, the triumphs, war cries, bush a flame, walking on water, violent storms calmed and abandoned “My Lord and my God!” declarations. HIS word!

Now, I present the question to YOU. As we step into a fresh new year. “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! Remember to PRAY before you pull those pages open. Prayer, an amazing thing. Some make it more complex than it is, more lengthy then needed and by golly more King James than understood. Simply talk to the Author of the Book, ask Him to show you…

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.

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

Posted by Inspired Fountain | January 6, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: Impacting word of God, what to look for in the bible | Leave a comment

Now What? Post Christmas

Christmas wrap scattered, plates of cookies holding just crumbs, dinner plates drying on the counter, Kohls ‘After Christmas Sale’ screaming on the television. The day after. It can be a bit of a let down with all the busy bustling prior. “Now what?” With the twinkling lights and faint songs of Majestic Baby Jesus, Christmas is a LONG count away on the calendar now. May we calm our heart and see Him, still here, always.

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

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

Everlasting Father, meaning God is not limited to the present. The word picture is this: His everlasting faithfulness and goodness to us.. follows us.. is here with us, precedes us.

It is progressive. I see it like one of those funny long conveyor belt ‘walking spaces’ at the airport, where all you have to do is step on it and off you go, it is moving ahead of you, moving where you are, and moving behind you. In a sense the ‘everlasting’ walking space. THAT is our God, He is here and behind us, and ahead of us. Ever try to go back? What a waste of energy! It was designed to go forward.

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

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

In this post Christmas season and a new year fast approaching, may we truly see Him, as MY Everlasting Father. The one whom directs and decides my ‘walking space’, all I have to do is step on (and no trying to R-U-N back) Who was with me and here NOW, the ever-present Presence. He pursues me with His committed love, His promises, His extended grace, and mercy. The author of Hebrews writes “… he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him“. Heb. 11:6 (KJV) He is. THIS season of my life… God is. Wisdom needed… God is. In my personal challenges… God is. Tomorrows concerns… God is.

My Everlasting Father.

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

Posted by Inspired Fountain | December 26, 2015 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: Now what after Christmas, Post Christmas Blues | Leave a comment

Three P’s of Christmas Peace

Christmas. Just the word alone brings a soft glow to the soul. Images of lights, man in a red suit, baby in the manger, faint sounds of jingle bells and shiny ribboned gifts under the tree. Now let’s throw in a cozy fire, soft quilted blanket, cookies and Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey yelling “Mary!” as he runs through the old drafty house. A peaceful experience. Peace.

Christmas peace, Luke 2:14, when the angel appears to the shepherds, he pulls in the backup singers for this declaration, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, on whom his favor rests.” Not only was God gettin some glory, but Peace had come to earth. “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6) Sound familiar? “A baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

This New Testament word, peace, ‘eirene’ (i-ray-nay) meaning as O. T. shalom does, prosperity, quietness and wholeness. But it literally means ‘to set at one again.’ The word picture is this: picture if you will something of great importance has been toppled over, with it down, effecting life as we know it, chaos, frustration even unrest. When it is erected again, (set at one) then all is well when it is in its place. Remember Adam and Eve sinning in the garden? (Thanks guys!) The original design, ‘God and man’ had been ‘toppled over.’ Gone were the daily walks together in the garden. Jesus came, setting things back in the right place. God and man in right relationship. “The Word became flesh (Jesus) 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 (emphasis mine) It may not be the Garden, but God again walking with us. Emmanuel, oh the ‘with us’ of God! Peace is a Person.

One of my favorite Christmas carols, ‘Hark the Herald Angels sing’, such theology dripping from this song: “Hark the herald angels sing “Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth and mercy mild God and sinners reconciled.” Jesus, Peace, God back on earth, setting things right again. God and sinners reconciled.

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, (set at one again) 17 He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” (Eph. 2:13-18) Please read that verse again, slowly. We are now back where we were originally designed to be, full access to God, able to come into His presence. Paul declares this point … “Since we have been justified through faith we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Romans 5:1 Peace is position

Peace the Person, peace the position is ALWAYS available. John strongly shares “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) Often this verse is used as an evangelistic tool, and a GREAT tool for the Holy Spirit, however, John did not write this to the unbeliever, he wrote it to the Christian. Many of us think, well I gave my heart to the Lord at the altar, “I’m good with the Big Guy.” Are we? How is our heart, unrest? There are times we don’t have a clue as to why the unrest. Ask as King David did, “Search me O God…” (Ps. 139:23) Then… listen. Address what He tells us.

As we ‘confess’, we are saying the same thing about it that God does. It actually means to concede, a STRONG word, admitting that you have been defeated and stop trying to win. WOW. Does that define us or what! I am now in full agreement, I align with what You say God. To ‘stop’ doing something we have to ‘start’ doing something else. I don’t stop standing, until I START walking. In this process, we are taking what was ‘toppled over’ returning to the original design and bringing Jesus back to His rightful peaceful place. THIS is a daily thing. We mess up, we get cleaned up. Peace restored. Peace is a process.

This Christmas as we sing and sway with the Hoo’s in Hooville, drink another glass of eggnog, rip open the thin paper off our packages, and read PEACE across our Christmas cards, may we pause and consider whole heartedly, we, mankind have the opportunity to be at peace, restored back to God. Yes, Peace had indeed come to earth, and He is KING.

Peace is a Person, a position, a process.

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

Posted by Inspired Fountain | December 18, 2015 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: Christmas peace, Peace is a Person | Leave a comment

Awe Maker

Three year old Kallie was nestled safely in her Uncles arms as they waited in line to see Santa at the local tree lighting ceremony. Uncle Brian quietly stepped out of line and worked his way to the window of Santa’s house. Pointing and in a whispered tone, “There he is.” She saw him, she saw Santa! She was so excited she began to shake and squirm. In her extreme joy and not knowing how to express her amazement, she boldly placed both hands on her uncles face, and kissed his cheek with everything within her. She … was … thrilled!

What is it for us that causes us such thrill? A favorable outcome to a ball game? An unexpected bonus check that has just been handed to us. Watching someone sincerely walk up the aisle for the altar call. Or even as simple as awakend at 3:00am, in the quiet night you hear the echoing sounds of an owl calling to another. Thrilling! Some big and some just special enough for … you.

How about God and God stuff, does that thrill us? Does HE thrill us? Psalm 92:4 is attributed to David as he wrote, “You thrill me, LORD, with all You have done for me! I sing for joy because of what You have done.” (emphasis mine) Some translations use happy, rejoice and glad, yet those alone don’t seem to magnify what David was attempting to proclaim. Pause for a brief moment and think about David. As he left the hills of his fathers fields, to the courtyards of Saul’s mansion, to the victories of battle, to his reigning years as King. We can’t deny his many failures, and frankly his stupid mistakes. Yet, regardless, he knew. He thanked. He praised. He was in AWE of his God.

The word thrill is ‘Samah’ (saw-mock, ending with a deep guttural throat sound) a Hebrew verb, meaning extreme joy, but it doesn’t stop there! This joy causes the lighting up of the eyes, spontaneous feeling of jubilance. A feeling so strong that it finds expression in some external act. Joyful awe.

Devouring many scholars take on this, I was stopped in my research tracks when I came to: “Samah is not meant to be kept to one’s self, it is meant to be shared!” So David penned, “You thrill me LORD!” For all to read. I feel compelled to ask, “Do we allow, or even invite God to thrill us, to be our Awe Maker?”

Jesus and the disciples were in a boat out on the water, a ravaging storm comes up, the disciples do what most men would do… they freak! Jesus stands, exclaims, “Quiet! Be still!” The wind died down and it was completely calm. The narrative says, “The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!” (Matt. 8, Mark 4, Luke 8) AWE.

A more intimate example, John 20, Thomas struggles with doubt about what they say about Jesus, that He had indeed risen from the dead. Jesus now stands in front of him, His nail pierced hands extended towards Thomas. Thomas responds, “My Lord and my God!” It doesn’t say it in print, but I am fully persuaded Thomas fell to his knees. Wonderment, respect, reverence, overwhelming joy. Awe.

Spurgeon so eloquently shares, “If we are unbelieving, it is not Gods fault, for He goes out of His way to teach us faith—and sometimes He even gives what we have no right to ask, what we have no reason to expect. We are so weak, so ignorant, so prone to unbelief that He will do anything to create, sustain and strengthen our faith in Him!”

I love it when God shows off with fabulous sunsets, a white seagull soaring with the backdrop of bright blue sky. Fall colors blazing the trees, or the cry of a newborn baby. Go God!

May we not belittle or mock Your brilliance Lord, but invite and EMBRACE You as our Awe Maker, go out of Your way! Open our eyes, unstop our ears, calm our storms, show us Your hand, all in doing so, we share with others. A seemingly silly example, but it paints the picture, just like Kallies uncle, “There he is…”

“You thrill me Lord!”

In Him, DeDe

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

Posted by Inspired Fountain | December 12, 2015 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: Awe of God | Leave a comment

Call to pause, Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving, one of my favorite holidays! Besides the yummy food, desserts, beautifully set tables and wild and fun games played at family gatherings, OH and FOOTBALL! I so appreciate the call to pause. Pause and reflect. Reflect on the goodness of God. There is ALWAYS something to be thankful for.

The Psalmist penned so eloquently, “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High” Ps 92:1

Paul wrote while under Roman guard, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” – Phil 4:6 (emphasis mine) He continues with his directness about our approach to God and God stuff, “Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thess 5:16-18

There is yet another portion of scripture that speaks loudly to thanksgiving, but I doubt we will ever see its words printed in gold leaf across a Hallmark card, though worthy of even more.

We turn to Luke chapter 17, verses 11-19. In short, Jesus is on His way to Jerusalem, ten men with leprosy call out, “Jesus, Master, have pity on us!” The narrative says Jesus saw them, healing them, tells them “go show yourselves to the priest.” They all left, never to be seen again.

But ONE. One came back, throwing himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked Him for his healing. Verses 15,16 “And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God . He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him…” He wasnt quiet about it./>

Jesus’ response, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? WOW! OH, that I would be so very careful to pause, come and throw myself at Jesus’ feet … always. I have made so many stupid mistakes, wandered here and there. But Jesus is always there! There for me to throw myself at His feet. THANKSGIVING!

Jesus tells the ‘one’ who thanked Him, ‘arise, go – your faith has made you whole.’ This ‘whole’ is sozo (in the Greek) – meaning not ONLY a physical healing, but conveying protection, to heal both physically and spiritually, to bring safely through, to justify. The opposite of this you ask? To BANISH! In addition, making this SO amazing, this one man was a Samaritan. The Samaritans were treated rather discriminatingly, they were considered ‘half breeds’ and not really worthy of folks’ time. Now a Jew, a Jewish LORD has not banished him, but healed him. He KNEW! He thanked!

Principle we pull forward? Thanksgiving will lead us to wholeness! Jesus wants us to pause, take notice, come back and thank Him. Have some of us ran off with no hesitation, or are we so busy that we fail to take notice of His goodness. Or do some of us need to pause and come back, back to the feet of Jesus. Be the one!

Call to pause, thanksgiving. “It is a good thing to give thanks unto the LORD.”

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

Posted by Inspired Fountain | November 24, 2015 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: give thanks, Thanksgiving, Thanksgiving devotional | Leave a comment

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