Inside Scoop on Constant Source

One of my favorite ice breaker questions is what is your favorite dessert? The answer that follows this question is important because it tells a lot about a person. There are a lot of ways to go. Fruity or creamy? Cold or hot? Fancy or traditional? Complicated or simple? The list of potential options is endless. So, when someone names one dessert as their favorite, it's a big deal.

Anyway, as a bit of a project ice breaker, I thought that a mini series of blog posts on Constant Source was in order. This series will begin with the what and the why behind Constant source and will end with a sneak peak on the how. To get us started, I thought I would explain the name - Constant Source - and why it was chosen. Constant Source is a bit of a double entendre.

Meaning One:

Upon first glance Constant Source describes the nature of the tool that we are trying to build. The goal of Constant Source is to equip parents to be the spiritual leaders in their homes. This happens through bolstering theological understanding and helping parents tie it all together. That way parents are ready when those tricky questions about God come up with their kids. Constant Source seeks to provide a consistent stream of helpful information. And hopes to be a sustainable resource for your family for years to come. But, most importantly, Constant Source wants to provide the tools needed for parents to live into their biblical call. In Deuteronomy 6:5-9, God instructs the Israelites to pass on their faith to their kids through their daily actions:

5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. 6 Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. 7 Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise. 8 Bind them as a sign on your hand, fix them as an emblem on your forehead, 9 and write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates. (Deuteronomy 6:5-9 NRSV)

We recognize the importance of parents holding the Word of God close. Because consistency breeds familiarity and familiarity breeds confidence. Constant Source aims to inspire confidence that we believe will spill over into your conversations with your kids and, in turn, will help them grow.

Meaning Two:

Second, Constant Source also theologically describes God. As we will talk about often, our relationship with God is the source for our hope, love, and purpose in life. And it is only because of the life of Jesus Christ and his work on the cross that we get to take part in this relationship. There are many Scripture references that present this truth in the Bible, but one of my favorites is John 4. In John 4, Jesus defies cultural norms to talk to a woman who is drawing water from the well. The Bible tells us that she is their in the hottest (read: least populated) part of the day because, as we soon find out, she is a sinner just like the rest of us. But it doesn't matter to Jesus. In spite of her sin, he was there to extend a promise to her. The promise is found in John 4:13-14:

3 Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, 14 but those who drink of the water that I will give them will never be thirsty. The water that I will give will become in them a spring of water gushing up to eternal life. (CEB)

Jesus uses the water being drawn from the well as analogy for being in relationship with the right things. The same promise extended to her is also extended to us. The life that is found in Jesus Christ is never ending. The reality is that those who seek a relationship with Christ never thirst again. He is an abundant and 'gushing' source.

All we have to do is tap into the source. Our hope is that Constant Source lives fully into its name and becomes a tool that makes our relationship with God and our access to God's promises as easy as possible.

Today, we've taken a quick look at where Constant Source gets its name. Next time, "Inside Scoop on Constant Source" will take a look at the research that inspired this project.

A quick note before we go: One of the ways we are helping connect you with God is through our "Devotional Moment" section of the blog. If you haven't had the opportunity to read our most recent entry, check it out here.

As always, I'd love to interact with you in the comments below. If you are wondering where to start, I hear your favorite dessert might be a good choice to post below ;)

Oh, what's my favorite dessert? Not so fast, you'll have to make it to the end of the series to find out. But I'll give you a hint, it's typically served cold.