Inspired Fountain

Latest

Our Mis-used Gifts?

The Pentateuch! The first five books of the Bible, such a rich beginning to our Christian heritage, oh we may be grafted into the family, but heritage all the same. I never get tired of the story of God delivering, guiding, providing and dwelling with His people. One story stands out to me and is summed up in three sad scenario words … The Golden Calf.

While Moses is up on top of the Mountain getting the instructions for the building of the Tabernacle, the children of Israel were down below… ‘playing’. In short, God tells Moses to have the folks bring Him an offering, offerings of ‘gold, silver and bronze’ and other various unique items. These were to be used in the building of the Tabernacle. God’s Tabernacle. (Ex 25:1-3,8) Out in the middle of nowhere, wandering around in the desert wouldnt afford quick errands to Home Depot or Kay Jewelers. God’s foresight didn’t allow the folks to leave Egypt empty-handed. “And the people of Israel did as Moses had instructed; they asked the Egyptians for clothing and articles of silver and gold. The Lord caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the Israelites, and they gave the Israelites whatever they asked for. So they stripped the Egyptians of their wealth! (Ex. 12:35-36 emphasis mine)

The people grew extremely impatient waiting for Moses, he was their leader, the spokesman for God. No leader, no God was their mindset. We can’t see our God, we can’t touch our God, so what did they do? Make a god. Isn’t that so true today! We want and we make to fill and feed our insecurities. The people went to Moses’ sidekick and brother Aaron, telling him, “Make us gods, who will go before us.” So Aaron told them “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing and bring them to me.’ WHERE did they get all this fancy blingy gold? Remember the verse above, God provided it. God gave it.

They did so and the golden calf was made. Aaron built an altar in front of the calf and sacrifices were presented by the people. They continued on as they, “…rose up to play.” and “ran wild.” God sends Moses back down off the mountain where he finds the folks were out of control. In his anger, AFTER he throws the tablets to the ground, he melts down the golden calf and grinds it into powder, then adds it to the water making the people drink it. It was the only way to ‘completely’ destroy the idol. (You can find this action-packed story in Exodus 32)

What a stinkin waste of good GOLD! Gold that was provided by God for the people for a specific purpose. Interesting! We do the same thing today. God provides something, someone, even a circumstance intended to be used for HIM. His use, His presence, His glory. Often what do we do with it? We make it into something for … US! Once it is made, we place it in the middle of the room (our lives) we adore it, we dance, we play and run off wild. WHAHOOO!

But WAIT! May we seriously consider what the Lord has given us. Gifts we have (are) mis-using, that is intended for HIM. Dont get me wrong, He wants to BLESS us. Being direct and specific, do we have talents, skills, finances, time, position and titles, even relationships (the list goes on) are we taking those and making for US and us alone? All in all wasting what God has given. God wants us to use them wisely, generously and … for Him. Perhaps we are out playing and running wild and out of control. It is time to come back.

Personally, I don’t want God to make me ‘eat’ or drink something that was meant for a blessing, because I mis-used it! I get enough of humble pie! How about you?

Our mis-used gifts. Pondering.

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

Taking another look at Aaron, yes he messed up with the fashioning of the calf, but there is more to his story: https://inspiredfountain.com/2015/05/14/crossing-the-line-again/

Posted by Inspired Fountain | March 24, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: gifts God gives us, golden calf, mis-used gifts, Moses anger | Leave a comment

IT IS FINISHED, Red Letter Easter!

Have you ever sat and read through the New Testament and read ONLY the words in red? Jesus’ words. For a completely new perspective, I challenge us to do just that. I know context is everything, but let’s step out of the exegesis box (interpreting the scriptures) for a brief moment, to get an amazing snap shot of Jesus. His strength, authority, His love and compassion.

Without all the narrative, those stand alone red words pack a powerful punch, knowing that Jesus says them. There are dramatic statements, strong commands and tender words. “Let it be so…” (Matt. 3:15) “It is written…” (Matt.4:4) “Get up…” (Matt. 9:6) “Take courage it is I…” (Matt 14:27) “Quiet, Be still…” (Mark 4:39) “Come forth …” (Jn. 11:43) “Don’t be afraid just believe…” (Mark 5:36) “What do you want Me to do for you…” (Mark 10:51) “Who do you say I am…” (Lk. 9:20) “Then neither do I condemn you...” (Jn. 8:11) “I am He…” (Jn. 18:6).

These are just a few, but there is one more that stands out among the rest. Here I do want to set the context. Jesus is agonizingly set between two thieves. His feet and hands are nailed to a wooden cross. Hours earlier, He knelt in a garden declaring with complete honesty, “Abba Father … everything is possible for You. If You are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from Me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.” (Lk 22:42)

God’s will. There at the foot of the cross, many mocked, some cried and I am confident there were those in complete silence. After the vinegar water was given to Jesus, He said “It is FINISHED...” ( Jn. 19:30 emphasis mine) He then bowed His head and gave up His spirit.

It is finished. The word in the Greek is amazing! Stand back and take in the whole Technicolor filled screen, I don’t think even Steven Spielberg with all his creative genius could convey the scene that was unfolding upon humanity. The word ‘tetelestai’ comes from the verb teleo, meaning: “To bring to an end. To accomplish something not merely to end it, but bring it to perfection for its designed goal.” (Read that again) It signifies the successful end to a particular course of action. Grammatically in the Greek, it is a crucial word, it is in the ‘perfect tense.’ Meaning the action was completed in the past with results continuing in the present. Basically, “This happened and it is still in effect TODAY.” One might say, “The gift that keeps on giving.” (This is different from the ‘past tense’ which points to an event, declaring ‘This happened.’ Nothing more. The end.)

As Jesus said this, His blood flowing down His forehead, from His hands and His feet, He declares sharply, the debt owed to God the Father is now wiped away. His sacrifice, now eliminating the debt owed by mankind … you and me. May we take careful notice, Jesus didn’t say. “I am finished.” That would imply He a mere man and died defeated. Instead, He declares, “It is finished.” When he died, he left no unfinished business behind. He successfully completed the work He came to do. Our sinful inheritance (Thanks Adam & Eve!) causing a HUGE gap between us and God, BUT …because of Jesus’ life, death and RESURRECTION designed of the Father, is now bridged over for full access, clean and righteous in God’s sight. So we might be become mature & whole in our relationship with God. Can we get a AMEN!

Noting, just prior to this spectacular moment in history, Jesus is in the upper room with the disciples sharing the Last Supper. He takes the bread, ripping pieces off the loaf, handing it to them, symbolizing His body to be broken, then the wine symbolizing His blood to be shed. Here is the only place He declares we … REMEMBER. Not Christmas, His birth. Not the healing of the many, the deliverance of the demonic, the turning of the money tables in the Temple. These ALL wonderful, yet they don’t define US. Jesus didnt say, “Think about this in remembrance of me.” He said, ‘Do this…” We are PARTICIPATORS! We actively engage ourselves. We take the bread, the wine and by golly we accept gratefully His sacrifice. “The purpose of the Lord’s death and resurrection was to once and for all open us up to a new and guilt-free relationship with God. Communion is not intended to focus on what you were, but on who God has made you to be in Christ.” – Pastor John Halford. I am now a daughter of the Most High God, when God looks at me, He doesnt see my sinful nature, He sees Jesus. His redemptive blood covering me with love, mercy and amazing grace.

As the pages turn from Genesis to this very moment, God’s story is fulfilled. Does it end here? No! But the bridge back to the Father is perfected. Jesus rises from the dead triumphantly (Happy Easter) engages and commissions the disciples, returns to heaven to reign forever. Now we the church, as inspired by the Holy Spirit carry on with the red letter commands, statements and tender words.

Move over Easter Bunny, here comes the risen King! “It is finished.“ Now let’s LIVE like it really IS! Relationship offered, relationship restored. May we live each day as a red letter day!

Blessed Easter to you and yours,

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

Posted by Inspired Fountain | March 22, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: Do this in remembrance of Me, Easter Devotional, Good Friday, It is finished, Jesus declares it is finished, Jesus in the garden, the red letters of Jesus | Leave a comment

Go Ahead, Bother the Teacher!

Those of you with children can relate with me I am sure, when they want something, they may hint around about it, but when they really want something they may tend to hover, follow you around, looking for just the right opportunity to ask. We as adults are somewhat the same, when we really want something, we pursue after it. When it is of dire NEED we pull out all the stops and hunt-it-down!

Yet for some of us we may hesitate in going after something with the mindset of not wanting to bother others to get it. We stop short. We find this (almost happening) in Mark chapter 5. To set the context: Jesus is in a crowd, He has just healed the woman with the issue of bleeding, remember her? She wanted… NEEDED to touch Jesus. She got in as close as she could and reached out and touched His clothing. The result? He healed her.

He is still speaking to the moment when He overhears a conversation between a few men and a fellow name Jairus, he too had come to see and hopefully speak with Jesus. We pick up in verse 35 “Some men came from the house of Jairus, the synagogue ruler.’ They said… “Your daughter is dead, why bother the teacher anymore.” It says Jesus ignored what they said and addressed Jairus directly, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.”

Jesus takes Peter, James and John and they go to the gentleman’s home. When they get there, many are crying and wailing aloud because the girl is dead. He goes in and takes the girl by the hand, saying to her “Little girl, I say to you, get up!” Immediately she gets up. All were completely astonished, wowed, in awe!

As I read this, the Lord began to speak to me about persistence, why do we stop short? Why do we not pursue certain things, things found on the ‘God list.’ What caught my eye was when the men said “Why bother the teacher.” You can almost see them reach out and take Jairus by his cloak and gently pull him away and can you hear Jesus turn and say… ‘go ahead … bother the Teacher!’ Notice Jesus doesn’t address the men who made the statement? He speaks directly to the father of the girl, the man in need.

When the men said, “Why bother the teacher anymore.” They were basically saying, “DON’T!” It’s a lost cause, it is too late, don’t waste your time, why even go to the trouble, it is over. Beloved, nothing is beyond Jesus, even if it looks final!

If I am to ‘bother Jesus’, I want to know how to go about it. The men said not to ‘skyllo’ (in the Greek) the teacher. Meaning to trouble, bother, annoy as we would think, but it is more… it is to crowd in. Hm… crowd in… get in as close as I can! It is not hanging back in the crowd (if you will) and hoping to catch His eye from afar. I am like the gusty gal with the bleeding issue, I too get in as close as I can and reach for Him. James 4:8 says “Come near to God and He will come near to you.” Hebrews 4:16 ‘Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” One commentator says “To practice persistence does more to change our hearts and minds, it helps us understand and express the intensity of our need.” We N-E-E-D Him. May we allow the process of persistent pursuit bring us to HIM.

What is it that you and I want or NEED from Jesus? Those things we think are either too small, too big or hold the mindset that God is too busy with other things to be concerned with us. Or perhaps we are listening to those around us, whispering we are facing a lost cause or speak ‘little’ of our God and His capability. Do not stop short.

I believe Jesus is saying to us, “Go ahead … Bother the Teacher!” Come near, come boldly, CROWD in.

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

Posted by Inspired Fountain | March 7, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: Persistently pursuing Jesus, seek Jesus | Leave a comment

Getting God’s Gear On

This week our pastors wife left me in charge to lead the evening bible study. OH NO! REALLY! WAS THAT WISE? I’ll have you know the church is still standing. No one ran from the room in tears or confused over the doctrine of ‘Milk Chocolate is the Key to True Joy.’ Seriously. It is the key to true joy. Just kidding.

We are studying the Armor of God found in Ephesians 6 and currently looking at the Helmet of Salvation. Following our viewing of the DVD teaching series, I took the liberty to use a visual aide in my wrap up and challenge to the ladies. Stepping forward with a … well… hm… one might say, BLINGED out bike helmet. Sitting awkwardly on my head, one in which is WAY to big for me and kept sliding to one side. Helmet teetering, I continued to share with the gals about ‘ill-fitting’ gear. Taking us to 1 Samuel 17, just prior to the show down between David and the Giant Goliath. King Saul tries to get young David to wear his armor, his helmet, but it doesn’t fit and David is not used to it. Strapping on Saul’s sword, David tried to walk around, but it was too cumbersome. David told Saul, “I cannot go in these” while taking the gear off. Saul’s armor was uncomfortable, unfamiliar and unusable. THAT’S what we get for trying to ‘fit into another’s garments.” (THAT is another study in itself)

We looked at God’s armor in Isaiah 59:15-16 “He (God) saw that there was no one, he was appalled that there was no one to intervene … He put on righteousness as his breastplate, and the helmet of salvation on his head…” Paul says back in his letter to the Ephesians, “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power, Put on the full armor OF GOD, so that you can stand against the devils schemes.” (v 11, emphasis mine)

The armor we put on is God’s, (belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit) unlike Saul’s unfitting armor, God’s armor is ‘One size fits all’, a PERFECT fit for the believer. We HAVE to remember the armor is HIS, not ours. It is to be worn ‘as purchased’ (by the blood) and just as ‘recieved’ by us. We as women tend to do what with our wardrobe? BLING BABY! We alter, embellish and want to accessorize. I asked the gals to think of our walk with God as I read the definitions of the changes we attempt to make. Embellish is to make something more attractive by adding details or features. When accessorizing we add additional items to make it more useful and complete. Altering is modifying or adjusting for a better fit.

Isn’t this true? We do it! We do these to ‘personalize’ our stuff, personalize us. Allowing OUR character to come through. We do this in the Kingdom as well, we add and decorate until we feel comfortable. Make adjustments and perhaps add some shiny bling as a distraction to help us cover our insecurities (metaphorically speaking) We color and mask to hide our true selves. Don’t get me wrong God wants – even invites us, wanting our character and personalities to shine through to help share His message. Yet, there are things that are HIS and His alone, we take and use as is. The armor of God is one, there is NO embellishing, accessorizing or altering needed, I would even say ‘allowed’ to the prescribed gear. We don’t need to make God’s armor more attractive, slapping on some decals. Nothing needs to be added, it IS complete. It is HIS truth, HIS righteousness, HIS gospel of peace, our faith in HIM, HIS salvation offered and HIS word. It is God’s stuff, we don’t mess with it. Often if we alter something it’s ‘use’ (or purpose) is changed as well. Folks we’d mess it up! Paul is very clear, ‘Take up the FULL armor of God!” Nothing is needed to accessorize, it is complete. (Slide helmet back in place) There is an ugly-icky EVIL enemy that wants nothing more then to kill us, steal from us and destroy us. GOD’s armor protects (as is)

As we put on and wear God stuff, may we remember it is HIM we wear not us. It is already most attractive, useful and complete. Fitting just right. Gear up!

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

Posted by Inspired Fountain | March 2, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: Armor of God, dont decorate God's stuff, Helmet of salvation, His armor not ours | Leave a comment

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

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

Latest

Email Subscription

Categories