Inspiration

         This word has interesting meanings. It can be a matter of breathing in, as of air into the lungs. It can be an inspiring or being inspired naturally or emotionally, as by special people. Then we think of inspiring influences – any stimulus to creative thought or action. Typically, a sunrise, or a piece of art or music can “lift” or inspire our mood. Some similar words from a thesaurus are incentive, motivation, hearten, reassure, encourage, embolden, move, induce, prompt, fire, inflame, etc.
       In Theology, inspiration is a Divine influence upon certain humans of history, as resulting in the writing of the Scriptures. And I find the Scriptures to be “Inspiring”, and yes, fascinating too. Especially, as I grow older. Someone has said, “no one ever outgrows the Scriptures – The Book widens & deepens with our years,” and gives more “inspiration”. Now the concept of Inspiration of Scripture is immensely important. All evangelical Christian doctrines are derived from the Bible. A prominent theologian of the last century, L Boettner referred to “Inspiration” as; “the mother and guardian of all other doctrines.” Is it any wonder that our adversary the devil works thru atheists & liberals to neutralize “inspiration,” and lower the Bible to the level of just an ancient book?? I call this MAL inspiration . . . Another prominent theologian said, “In the small compass of God’s Word there is stored more wisdom (and inspiration) that will stand the test of eternity, than all thinking done by man since his creation.” Arthur W Pink. Please let me offer some inspiring refs. from the Book:
-- Psalms 19:1 “The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork.”   --- Psalms 12:6 “The promises of the Lord are promises that are pure, as silver refined in a furnace on       the ground, purified seven times.”
-- Psalms 84:11 “The Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he     withhold from them that walk uprightly.”
-- Jeremiah 29:11 “I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to     give you a future and a hope.”
-- Lamentations 3:25 “The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul that seeks him.”
-- Matthew 4:4 “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from     the mouth of God.’” Jesus said that.
-- Luke 21:33 “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” Jesus Christ
-- Acts 20:32 “Now I commend you to God and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up          and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified.”
-- Romans 15:4 “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that by                  steadfastness and the encouragement of the scriptures we might have hope."        
      The monks of Europe’s monasteries from Egypt all the way north to Moscow, Russia are in the monastic way of life for Biblical/spiritual “inspiration”.  Their prayer mantra is the Jesus prayer – “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” I believe that prayer is the ESSENCE of saving faith in the whole Christian church, Catholic and Protestant, AND the key of Biblical “inspiration”. Choose Jesus and His Word, they inspire.  See also “Comfort From Above” link 136.

Many other Titles:  www.gospelnotes.org                                                                      * * F. J. Stone * * 
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