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Taught by God

‘Theodidaktos’ Kind of rolls off your tongue. A word Paul seems to coin, meaning ‘taught by God.’ “Now about brotherly love we do not need to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love each other.” 1 Thess 4:9 Jesus speaks of this in John 6:45 “It is written in the Prophets: ‘They will all be taught by God.’ Everyone who listens to the Father and learns from Him comes to Me.” (speaking of the words of Isaiah 54:13)

One might think how complex can ‘taught by God’ really be? But it has the most amazing word picture. Defined as to set the mind right with the intent to influence the understanding of the person. That sounds pretty formal, we could soften it by saying, the gentle ‘persuasion’ of the Holy Spirit. This ‘influence’ is that of discipline. Discipline with the expectation that the learner takes possession of it and makes it their own. We actually DO IT! God’s intent when teaching us, is that we would indeed ‘DO’ something with the information He gives us.

One resource defines this action so intense, that our reach can be as if to ‘seize’ it. I would liken this to the woman with the bleeding issue, remember her? She KNEW that if she just touched the hem of Jesus’ robe, she WOULD be healed. Her reaching and touching was not a mere swipe of the hand, it could be rendered she grasped so hard that it made an indentation of her fingers on the garment. (Lk 8:43) Do we reach for God, do we GRASP Him?

Being taught of God is as if God takes His own character qualities, placing them in front of us, stepping forward we place our hands, arms and whole being in it for a good fit. His teaching us is on going. He keeps Himself in front of us, conveying it is a daily putting on.

Another way to see it (in the negative) would be when King Saul suggested young David wear his armor, David tried it on and tried to make it his own, but it didn’t fit. It wasnt intended for him. (1 Sam. 17:38-39) However, God qualities are intended for us.

Are we positioning ourselves in HIS classroom, in His word, in prayer, in His presence. Are we seeing God in front of us with His stuff? Are we so wanting it that we are reaching for it? Putting it on, taking His stuff and making it our own. Everyday! If people were to examine our life, would they call us a disciple (student) of Jesus?

Oh to be taught of 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 | April 16, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: classroom of God, God as our teacher, Taught by God | Leave a comment

Utterly ALL of YOU

Often we quickly read through something and some of the initial intent can get lost in the translation. “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” – Deut. 6:5 If we slow it down and read from a ‘word for word’ translation from the original language (Hebrew) “You love Yahweh Elohim in all of the heart of you, in all of the soul of you and in all of UTTERLY you.” (Interlinear NIV Hebrew-English OT, bolding emphasis mine) Paints a stronger picture, love God with ALL of you, leaving n-o-t-h-i-n-g behind. One scholar defines this loving strength, as loving God with ‘muchness!’ We are to put forth EXCEEDINGLY great effort into loving God ‘very very much.’ There’s a popular saying in the sports world, “Leave nothing on the field!” Athletes will exert everything they have mentally and physically to win. All energy and effort playing beyond 100% . Utterly.

Interestingly, Moses uses the same word when describing God’s creation, “God saw all that He had made, and it was VERY good. And there was evening, and there was morning, the sixth day.” (Gen. 1:31) Very good, utterly! Not just the meeting of a standard, but boy it flashes in bright neon colors, as we would say today, “You ROCKED it!” Yes, God ROCKED creation, utterly!

The word is ‘meod’, (meh-ode) it literally is ‘muchness’, conveying it exceeds, goes beyond. The word picture is as if a target stands about 100 feet out in front of you, raising the bow, taking aim, you shoot the arrow ‘beyond’ the target, exceeding pass by many many many yards.

We see this in Ephesians 3:20, Paul describes the powerful work of Christ in the believer, “Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.” The compound word is huperekperissos (hooper / ek / pear-e-sauce) Oh my, it is a dandy, it literally means, exceedingly, exceedingly, exceedingly. It was like Paul under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit could not find words to fill how great it is! Our extravagant God throws PASS what we think, ask or even hope for.

With THIS in mind, all that He does in us, through us and for us, where do we stop in our loving God? Do we slow down when it begins to be uncomfortable or inconvenient or unpopular? (OUCH!) Why? Does our obedience to Him lesson due to selfishness? Do we give our all, emptying ourselves, leaving NOTHING on the field of life.

Loving God, God’s people, God’s purpose pass the stuff, further still, giving ALL we have, utterly!

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

Posted by Inspired Fountain | April 9, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: Loving God with all our strength, what does it mean to love God with all our strength | Leave a comment

Discipleship

Discipleship. We are called to it and called to give it. “Go…and make disciples of all nations…” Matt 28:1 NOT just telling about Jesus, but telling HOW to love Him, follow Him and obey wholeheartedly by in-depth teaching from His book. What does it mean to have a relationship with God, what is MY part in it?

OSL (Operation Solid Lives) is a phenomenal discipleship program for ALL levels in their walk with God. Whether you just heard the gospel or your shoes wear tattered from the beaten path. Are YOU hungry for more of God & His word? “You know God to the level that you love God.” – Pastor Judah Smith. Why do we stop short in our pursuit of Him? What ‘if’ our passion for His word were to grow? What would happen if we turned the TV off and spent time with Him. My Beloved and I are walking through this program together as husband & wife. Foundational truths offered with a fresh engaging presentation.

We memorize scripture, participate in daily devotional times, listen to outstanding teaching, and gather in the local church for fellowship, encouragement and hearing of the Word.

Take a look. [ http://www.oslonline.com/ ] Find a church near you offering the classes. Or consider having the program in YOUR local church. [ http://www.oslpartnership.com/partners/ ]

Blessings,

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

Posted by Inspired Fountain | April 4, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: Discipleship classes, OSL | Leave a comment

In a Restfully Fixed Position

I have been asked “Why do you close your writings with “In Him, DeDe” What is the ‘In Him’ part all about? What a great question. I began using ‘In Him’ years ago following a study of the book of Ephesians. I LOVE Ephesians! Multiple times the lil phrase appears throughout the New Testament, but here in Ephesians Paul uses the small, yet powerful phrase to convey strong meaning. To name just a few: “For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight.” (1:4) “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” (1:7) “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in Him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” (1:13) And one of my favorites, “In Him and through faith in Him we may approach God with freedom and confidence.” (3:12) WOW, I get ALLLL this, the list is vast … In Him.

While looking at this phrase in the verses something potent stood out to me. In the Greek, just like our English language there are elements used to convey a primary thought, such as nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs and prepositions. In the Greek, there are common connecting prepositions ‘on, at, with, by and among.’ As I dug, I found that ‘in’ (‘en’ in the Greek) held a specific defining difference. ‘En’ declares fixed position, with the primary idea of rest. Unlike other Greek prepositions (‘eis, ek’) which implies motion, while ‘en’ remains in place. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, paints a wonderful picture of our position ‘in’ Christ.

Let’s read that again in context to our verses above, may I be so bold as to paraphrase: “I can rest, knowing that having believed in Him, my position is fixed and remains in place with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit.” And most assuredly, “Due to my faith in Him and position that remains in place, I may approach God with freedom and confidence.”

Remember when we were children and for Mothers Day, our teacher would place our hand on a rolled out pile of wet clay, that pressed hand print now forever etched. THAT is what we are ‘In Him.’ As one whom believes in my heart that God raised Jesus from the dead and confessed with my mouth that Jesus is Lord, then I am forever pressed into Him. As the verses say above, I am chosen, redeemed, forgiven, marked, sealed and free to approach my God with confidence. Can I get a HARDY Amen! “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.” – 2 Cor 1:20 Does this mean that life is rosey and smells of vanilla fields all the time. No! No matter how stormy, or swirly life is around me, I am still found in Him. Like the lil pressed clay hand print, I am most definately fixed in my position as a Daughter of the King.

Regardless of how you sign your name, may you too find yourself ‘In Him.’

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

Posted by Inspired Fountain | April 3, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: Christian position in Jesus, In Him | Leave a comment

Now What? Post Easter.

Cracked plastic colored eggs, squishy marshmallow Peeps, earless chocolate bunnies. Post Easter. Now what? Do we just rummage through the calendar for another holiday or event to look forward to? What excites us for the future or even … daily? For some of us, it is the planning and anticipation that is as exciting as the event. May I be so bold in asking, what causes our insides to burn with excitement, what consumes our mind and emotions for … today? Post Easter.

Jesus’ resurrection. AMAZING! WONDERFUL! But let’s not stop there. There’s MORE! Let’s unpack this in brief summary. Stay with me, this is good! Luke 24, it speaks of the women going to the tomb, being a little freaked out by the angels notifying them that Jesus was no longer there, they go back to tell the others. Peter, as energetic as he was, runs to go see and confirm. Just following that, (v13) it says “Now that same day…” It proceeds to unfold the story of the two walking to Emmaus, who unknown to them at first, encounter Jesus. They are flabbergasted that this Stranger didn’t know what had just transpired in Jerusalem. They shared their disappointment, “We had hoped that he was the one who was going to redeem Israel.” Going on they explained how Jesus’ body was not found. Verse 27, “Then he (Jesus) started at the beginning, with the Books of Moses, and went on through all the Prophets, pointing out everything in the Scriptures that referred to him.” WOW, I’d love a one on one instant Bible study from the lips of the Master!

It wasn’t until Jesus was seated at their table, in their home and they accepted the bread He offered that their eyes were opened and they knew who He was. I LOVE their response, “They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” (v32, emphasis mine)

Their hearts burning within them. I want spiritual heart burn! I want my soul, mind, thoughts, passions, desires and appetites to burn with Him and His word! The word Luke chooses to use here for ‘burning’ is very colorful. It doesn’t just mean to strike a match and light the kindling and watch it slowly give off heat. It RAVISHES through the wood and consumes it! It can be liken to the Hebrew word imagery found in Psalm 39:3 as King David shares “… my insides got hotter and hotter…”

Yet some would argue that the two didn’t even recognize Jesus when He shared the WORD with them. However, the author of Hebrews declares strongly, “For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” – Heb. 4:12 To have the very Son of God, His presence and He b-r-e-a-t-h-e these words to them, THAT would cause their heart to burn. Notice that Jesus didn’t lay hands

on them, put mud on their eyes. He simply… walked with them.

For us? The next time we find our seat at church or open the Bible for devotion time, let’s not day dream off to another place, or become bored with it. Let’s receive the bread Jesus offers, allow, INVITE Him to ‘point out everything in scriptures’ and take a walk with Him. May we breathe a whisper to the Holy Spirit, two words, just two life changing words.. BURN LORD! With your Presence, with Your word. May our heart get hotter and hotter and consumed with You! We will be AMAZED at how exciting the word is, how exciting Jesus is.

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

Posted by Inspired Fountain | March 31, 2016 | Categories: * Miscellanous Stuff | Tags: heart burning for God, Road to Emmaus | Leave a comment

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

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