Saturday, January 06, 2007

Motivation

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Genesis 9-11; Psalm 9

Genesis 11:4 (NIV)
4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves and not be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”

Psalm 9:13-14 (NIV)
13 O Lord, see how my enemies persecute me! Have mercy and lift me up from the gates of death, 14 that I may declare your praises in the gates of the Daughter of Zion and there rejoice in your salvation.


Good morning!

What inspires you to get out of bed every morning and go? What helps you get your creative juices flowing each day? Maybe it’s a caffeine jolt. Do you have a daily routine that keeps your life in balance and all your bills paid? Do you micromanage your time and/or the time of those who serve you? Do you enjoy working hard, or hardly working? Are you seeking higher education and specialized training so that you can receive that long-awaited promotion at work? Are you climbing the corporate ladder of success? Maybe you are a collector of things. What toys do you surround yourself with at home? Do you pride yourself on the money you’ve saved through the years? What motivates you to live?

The people of Babel believed in hard work. They enjoyed their community and culture. They were proud of who they were. Unfortunately, the people of Babel forgot whose they were. This close-knit community banded together to build a great city, with a tower that would reach all the way to Heaven. Their motivation for building was purely selfish, by making a name for themselves. They coveted the praises of all people. “Look at us – look at what we’ve accomplished! We built a tower all the way to Heaven’s gate. We are great, just like God.”

There is nothing wrong with being motivated to do your best work, continuing your educational pursuits, and striving to be the best person you can be. We cross the line when we become prideful, arrogant, and self-absorbed in our daily endeavors. We may achieve a long-awaited goal, and suddenly find our hearts are filled with pride and conceit. How do we avoid becoming our own worst enemy?

King David was wise beyond his young years. There were many who really didn’t like this royal boy, and David spent a chunk of time simply running for his life. When he prayed, David asked the Father to have mercy and lift him up from the gates of death. He begged to be spared for the sole purpose of praising the Lord and rejoicing in His salvation. David’s faith and love for God surpassed his fear of death and destruction. He wanted to live so that he could spend his days praising the Master. There was nothing more important for David than to raise the Lord’s name high, telling all the world of His amazing love.

Take a good look at the towers you have built in your life. Who are they for? Do they serve any meaningful purpose? Remember who you are and whose you are. Make time to praise the One who gives you life and helps make sense out of your nonsense. Put your toys down now and spend some time praising the Lord. Let your selfish ambitions go; give Him your whole heart, mind and soul.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: willingness to let your life magnify the Lord. Will you sacrifice your selfish motives for His will in your life? Give it up for God today.
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Friday, January 05, 2007

Walking by Faith

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Genesis 7-8; Psalm 8

Genesis 6:9 (NIV)
9 This is the account of Noah. Noah was a righteous man, blameless among the people of his time, and he walked with God.

Genesis 8:15-17 (NIV)
15 Then God said to Noah, 16 “Come out of the ark, you and your wife and your sons and their wives. 17 Bring out every kind of living creature that is with you – the birds, the animals, and all the creatures that move along the ground – so they can multiply on the earth and be fruitful and increase in number upon it.”

Hebrews 11:7 (NIV)
7 By faith Noah, when warned about things not yet seen, in holy fear built an ark to save his family. By his faith he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.


Good morning!

Could you live on a boat for a year with your wife, your sons and daughter-in-laws, and every living animal on earth? Imagine the noise, the stench, and even worse, the cranky disposition of eight tired and seasick souls. The faithfulness of Noah and his family is astounding. Noah was the great grandson of Enoch. Enoch’s faithful witness was passed on through his lineage and now, we see Noah walking with God. How much faith would it take to build an ark at six hundred years of age and be confined within its walls for a year? Noah did not know what God had planned. He trusted the Lord to take care of his family, even when he could no longer see dry land. His sure footing was not the soil beneath his feet. Noah set his feet upon the firm foundation of God and did not waiver from it.

My husband would like to take a Caribbean cruise someday. We’ve talked about it on several occasions. We’ve heard wonderful cruise stories from his parents, and our assistant pastor and their family. Their cruise trips are some of the best stories I’ve ever heard! Yet, I cannot even begin to imagine being totally surrounded by water, even for a few days. I like dry ground! I like being able to keep my feet planted on solid ground at all times. I spent too many hours holed up in a fishing boat with my parents and sister on the water as a child, feeling queasy and getting sunburned. Honestly, I don’t know if I could muster the kind of faith it took for Noah and his family to trust God and live in a boat with wild animals for an entire year. No dry land in sight, nothing but rain and clouds and water everywhere. Just thinking about it makes me shake.

One of my favorite family vacations is a trip that we have made several times to Bailey, Colorado. Bailey is located forty-five miles southwest of Denver, at an altitude of 7,750 feet. Situated on the Platte River, the tiny town of Bailey is a picturesque place to visit. When we visit Bailey, we stay at a rustic log cabin resort called Glen Isle. My in-laws have traveled there for years, and on several occasions, we packed up the station wagon with our small children and pets and joined them in the mountains for a family getaway. Three years ago, we took our entire family, including our parents, our children and their families, to Bailey for a week. It was a wonderful trip. We were surrounded by the beauty of the mountains, with a cold, babbling river running near our cabin. There were trails to explore, wildflowers to pick, and blue skies to enjoy. We went in September, and ironically, on the day we arrived, it snowed. I have never seen anything more beautiful in all my life.

Even in the midst of this glorious mountaintop moment, all four generations seemed to find ways to tap on my last nerve. The truth is, no matter where I am, when I’m cloistered in a room with my family, I need to remember that not everyone is going to agree with me on every single topic of discussion. I don’t know why not! In fact, my family may not agree with me on much of anything. In situations like this, it is good to learn to agree to disagree. It is even better if I keep my mouth shut – a lesson which I am still struggling with.

Noah knew the source of all righteousness, and because he walked with God, Noah lived within His shelter. Noah set the bar at faith walking, by trusting God to be God and obeying everything just as He commanded. Noah didn’t have all the answers. He had the only answer that mattered, and that was more than enough for him and for his family.

Do you have the faith of Noah? If God asked you to build an ark, gather up your kin and stay cloistered with them for a whole year surrounded by nothing but water, could you do it?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: faith to do the things God calls you to, even when you do not understand why or how. Look to the Lord and ask Him to cover you in His righteousness, as you seek to serve Him with your life.

____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Thursday, January 04, 2007

Walking With God

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Genesis 5-6; Psalm 7

Genesis 5:21-24 (NIV)
21 When Enoch had lived sixty-five years, he became the father of Methuselah. 22 And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God three hundred years and had other sons and daughters. 23 Altogether, Enoch lived three hundred sixty-five years. 24 Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away.

Hebrews 11:5 (NIV)
5 By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he was commended as one who pleased God. 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.


Good morning!

One of my favorite things to do is take a morning stroll at the crack of dawn. We are blessed to live in a beautiful subdivision with tree-lined streets, meticulously kept gardens, and a nearby park to play in. Our assistant pastor and several prayer warriors have spent some wonderful moments taking prayer walks around our church, praying for each family and home. Ever since that prayer walking experience, I have found myself enjoying a morning stroll with the Lord and listening for His still small voice early in the day. It is such a privilege to come before the Lord every morning in prayer. He invites each of us to walk with Him, and there is no greater invitation on earth!

The color of baby green grass and the fresh, minty leaves on the trees remind me of the tender skin of a newborn baby. So soft and pure are the first greens of spring. How does He do it? Early in the morning, before the sun has fully risen, one can gaze upon the rainbow pastels streaking across an icy blue sky and see His miraculous hand painting the dawn in captivating hue. Every morning is new with Him. The Father’s creative work leaves me breathless. How do we adequately offer praise to the One who gives new life each day? He is the Master Designer, Creator, and my dearest friend.

Our grandchildren love to get up at the crack of dawn on Saturday morning. After breakfast, we slip into our tennis shoes and race each other to the park. They cannot wait to play on the playground before it gets crowded with the neighborhood children. I don’t think many families in our neighborhood get up quite as early as we do. Spaulding babies generally have the pick of playground equipment around 7am. Our morning stroll takes us along the park path, by a picturesque gazebo and lush flower beds. From there, we watch the bunnies hop across the field, and laugh at the squirrels jumping from one branch to another just above our heads. Sometimes we kick a few acorns, skip a rock or two along with water’s edge, and look for hidden treasure buried in the dirt. The delights of an early morning stroll are greatly enhanced by the sweet laughter of my grandbabies.

Can you imagine walking with God, enjoying His holy presence, for three hundred sixty-five years? The scripture states that Enoch walked with God. We know very little about the particulars of Enoch’s life. His firstborn, a son, was named Methuselah, and Enoch was blessed with many other sons and daughters. The most important thing that Enoch did was to walk with God. His morning stroll became a way of life. Walking with God is not something we can compartmentalize into a few brief moments each day. He is our life breath. Even before the building of the tabernacle, God created a sanctuary in the heart and mind of His servant Enoch.

Wouldn’t you love to walk with God the way Enoch walked with God? His faith in the Lord solidified an amazing friendship. One day, Enoch simply disappeared into the arms of His maker and was no more. Enoch spent his life seeking God’s face. The Lord invites us to walk with Him every morning. Will you choose to walk with God today? Will you seek His presence not only in the morning, but all the day long?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: time to walk with God each day. Take a morning stroll – feast on His Word, enjoy God’s awesome creation and thank Him for the gift of life.

____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Wednesday, January 03, 2007

The fruit of temptation

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Genesis 3-4; Psalms 5, 6

Genesis 3:4-6 (NIV)
4 “You will not surely die,” the serpent said to the woman. 5 “For God knows that when you eat of it, your eyes will be opened and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 When the woman saw that the fruit of the tree was good for food and pleasing to the eye, and also desirable for gaining wisdom, she took some and ate it. She also gave some to her husband, who was with her, and he ate it.

I Corinthians 10:13 (NIV)
13 No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, He will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.


Good morning!

“Know-it-all!” Those words still sting in the memory of my mind. I resented being called a “know-it-all” in school. I didn’t really know it all, but there were times when it would have helped. It would have been easier to have the answers before I took the test. I would have liked to have known when the pop quizzes were being given, so I could prepare myself for the “surprise” exam. If only I had the math questions in advance of my trip to the blackboard, maybe I could have solved the equation at my desk and not been embarrassed in front of the entire class. Sometimes it would be great just to have the inside scoop. Wouldn’t it?

Humans possess a curiosity for the unknown, and this desire begins very early in life. There was a period of time when I found myself saying no repeatedly to my young children. I would repeat the words over and over again: “Don’t touch this,” or “You must leave this alone!” A mobile baby who has discovered they can reach and grab, wants nothing more than to touch and taste the objects just out of their reach. As parents, we see the imminent danger and recognize how our child might be in harm’s way. We say no with good reason; yet, it doesn’t always deter the child from reaching up and taking something they shouldn’t have.

When Eve saw the fruit hanging from the tree in the middle of the garden, she was hungry. It looked good and smelled delicious. But this fruit was different. God gave instructions not to eat from the fruit of the tree in the middle of the garden. The tempter suggested she should eat from it despite God’s instruction, because this fruit would give Eve the one thing she really wanted: the inside edge. Eve could be just like God. She would recognize good and evil for what it truly is. Eve longed for this wisdom because it might place her in a position of control. She wanted to be in the know. Eve took the fruit and ate it. She was generous enough to share some with her husband, who apparently didn’t hesitate to take a bite when she offered it to him. They were not prepared for the consequences of their disobedience. Their eyes were immediately opened, and they were filled with shame and embarrassment. Their relationship with the Lord had been broken, and life as they knew it was about to change abruptly.

Our sight is limited. We may not always understand the reason behind God’s instruction, and there may be a time when we may think we know better or ought to have more control over the direction of our life. The Lord wants us to be obedient to His Word, especially when we don’t understand. Being tempted is not a sin - acting on the temptation is. When you find yourself teetering between obeying God or choosing your own path, stop and ask Him for help. God’s Word will help you avoid the fruit of temptation.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: an obedient heart. If you ask, God will help you overcome the temptation to sin.

____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Tuesday, January 02, 2007

Perfect Peace

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Genesis 2; Psalms 3, 4

Psalm 4:8 (NIV)
I will lie down and sleep in peace, for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.

Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)
Thou wilt keep Him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because He trusteth in thee.


Good morning!

Perfect and peace are two words that I find hard to wrap my mind around. When I think of perfection, I think of Jesus Christ. He walked the earth in human flesh, and yet was without sin or blemish. Jesus overcame temptation, experienced the pangs human emotion and need, and He suffered tremendous pain. Jesus separated Himself from His heavenly Father when He took on humanity’s sin and bore it on the cross as a living sacrifice for all people. He conquered the grave and took the keys to Hell by his death and resurrection. He is perfect and holy in every way.

Peace is something I know little of. The Korean War had ended just a few short years before I was born. Since that time, I’ve watched and prayed for brave men and women and their families who have fought and died in the Vietnam War, the Islamic Revolution, the Gulf War, the attack on American soil on 9/11/2001 and the war in Iraq. I witnessed an end to the long-fought Cold War and viewed the destruction of the Berlin Wall in 1989 on the evening news. We pray for the peace of our beloved Israel. I grieve for little children who have suffered and died in the crossfire for power and control. Acts of terrorism occur virtually every day. Innocent people are being tortured and murdered. There is a loss of regard for the dignity of human life. Suicide bombings, hijacked airplanes, and the beheadings of innocent hostages diminish our hope for real peace on earth. There are millions of people starving to death. Disease rages in countries where there is no clean water to drink. Hunger and poverty prevail. Will human suffering ever end? Will our world ever experience a time of perfect peace?

The prophet Isaiah and King David lived in a time of famine, war and destruction. They saw the plight of human need. And yet, in the midst of chaos, they experienced the gift of perfect peace. Isaiah and David intimately knew the source of all peace. They knew the Lord. They knew Him by placing their faith and trust in Him. They looked beyond what their physical eyes saw - the reality of war, the hatred and bitter jealousies of mankind, and the suffering of those who lack the necessities of life. The looked with eyes of faith to see the wonder and beauty of perfect peace. King David found himself on the run repeatedly. It was hard for him to lie down and rest, knowing his life was in imminent jeopardy. David said, “I will lie down in perfect peace, for you, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” He could sleep peacefully through the toughest of times. His safety net was in the arms of the Lord. The prophet Isaiah said if we trust the Lord and focus on His everlasting love, we would experience perfect peace. Peace during the storms of life; peace in the midst of suffering; peace to carry us when we are dying. Perfect peace does exist, even in times of war.

Do you have trouble sleeping at night? Does the fear of the future hold you in captivity? Is there pain from your past that cuts your heart to the quick? Did you know there is perfect peace waiting for you in the arms of Jesus Christ? Run to Him today. Jump up into His arms and let Him hold you. He offers all of us perfect peace, if we will seek and trust Him day by day. Look beyond what you see with your eyes. Look to Jesus and find perfect peace in Him.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the Lord to give you His perfect peace, as you trust Him more and more each day.

____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Monday, January 01, 2007

Reflection of His Glory

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Genesis 1; Psalms 1, 2

Genesis 1:27 (NIV)
So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.

2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV)
And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.


Good morning and Happy New Year!

I enjoy seeing little children come to church during the holidays. Little boys dressed in colorful Christmas sweaters, dress shirts and big boy ties; little girls twirling in fancy party dresses with colorful ribbons dangling from their hair. They all look so cute, decked out in their holiday finery. If you’ve ever tried to dress a child and keep them clean and neat on a Sunday morning, then you may have an even greater appreciation of the time and effort parents invest in their child’s appearance. For many families, the ritual may begin as early as Saturday night, when children are coerced into the bathtub for a good scrubbing. A few select bath toys may help this process along. The washing and drying of hair can be a chore, especially for little girls. To get those cute little banana curls, Moms may have to resort to foam rollers and hair nets to attain the desired Sunday morning effect. Fingernails and toenails are gently trimmed while children squirm and try to break free from their parents’ grip. On Sunday morning, after breakfast and just prior to walking out the door, each child is arm-wrestled into their Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes. I can remember feeling like I needed another shower myself, after I finished dressing the children for church. Let’s face it – looking good is a lot of work. I think back on that crazy time and laugh out loud. I’m so glad my children are getting to share this priceless experience with their wee ones today. Oh, the joy of dressing up!

We learn the value of cleanliness from our parents and caregivers. They encourage us to put our best face forward every morning. Be sure to brush your teeth, wash behind your ears, and comb your hair. Some men find it easier to shave their heads than comb their hair. Jeff tells me I could save a lot of money on trims and color if I would just allow him to shave my head. He makes a good point, but I just don’t think I’d look nearly as good as he does bald. I remember a time when Jeff buzzed our grandson for a cool summer look, and it took months for that child’s hair to grow back. That one haircut saved his parents a lot of barber shop money!

In the beginning, the Master Artist formed a man and a woman from the dust of the earth, breathing into their nostrils the breath of life. He created male and female in His image; a mere reflection of His glory. I marvel at the amazing intricacy of His holy work. Our bodies are woven together in the womb of a woman, brought forth through the act of childbirth. As human beings, we share many similar characteristics; yet our unique physical features and individual personalities display the Lord’s creative genius. The reflection of His glory is seen in every single life. It is no wonder that when we gaze upon the face of a newborn baby, we see the reflection of God’s holy face.

He has created something beautiful in you and me. We are transformed daily by His love. Today is the first day of a brand new year. Take a good look inside. Can you see the reflection of God’s transforming glory in your life? God has done an amazing thing! He has set His image in your heart. Can you see it?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: Spirit eyes to see the glory of God in every human life. His creative touch is displayed for all to behold. Be aware of who you are in Him, and be transformed daily by His love for you. He is the Master Artist, and you are His priceless masterpiece.

____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.


Sunday, December 31, 2006

Living Water

John 7:37 (NIV)
37 On the last and greatest day of the Feast, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “If anyone is thirsty, let Him come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water shall flow within Him.”

Good morning!

When I stop to reminisce about the past year, I find myself a bit overwhelmed. We’ve seen tragedy through natural disaster and the rage of war that has taken so many of our country’s men and women away from their families. I’ve been impressed with the spirit of genuine compassion of those who stepped up to share their hearts and possessions with the ones who lost loved ones and livelihood to famine, floods, tornadoes, and fires. I have said goodbye to some wonderful people who have gone on before me, who are with the Lord in heaven today. I miss them for now, but I know I will see them again one day. I cherish the gift of new life, personally experienced through the birth of my new great nieces and granddaughter Madison. I look forward to welcoming a new little life in the spring, as we await the birth of yet another grandchild. I’ve changed jobs, finished another year of school, and I’ve met and made many new friends.

I’ve spent time in prayer, lifting up the hearts of those who haven’t met Jesus yet. There are times when I sit in front of my television set, eyes glued to the news, seeing the tragedy and sorrow of many, as their lives unfold across the big screen. I worry for their souls. I wonder what their life could be like if they just knew Jesus. He can melt the hardest heart and breathe life into lifeless form. If they really knew Him, would their life’s story become a living testimony and a beacon for others to see? Is my life a true reflection of the one who set me free? When people look at me, will they see Jesus living inside my heart?

Jesus went to the temple to preach during the Feast of the Tabernacles. He wanted nothing more than to share the gift of eternal life with all people. There were those who stood and listened, and they believed. There were others who whispered and suggested that this man came to deceive and lead people astray. Some assumed Jesus was demon-possessed and could not to be trusted. Our Lord could hear the words of His accusers, and the thoughts in the hearts of all men. He wanted nothing more than for the world to see Him for who He is, and to know and love the One who sent Him.

Jesus offers living water to all who are thirsty. If they will come to Him in faith, He promises to quench their unquenchable thirst forever. Streams of living water would flow out from their hearts, pulsing through their veins, giving new life and hope for each and every tomorrow. If every person could experience Christ’s redemption and love for themselves, things on earth would change. We would care more for our brothers and sisters needs than for our own selfish desires. We would share the Good News of Jesus Christ without hesitation or fear. If you have received the gift of everlasting life, wouldn’t you want to tell everyone you knew?

Today is a day of great hope. We watch and wait for the dawn of a new year and we wonder what lies ahead. Will there be peace on earth in 2007? Are we willing to share the love of Christ with the world? Is there someone out there just waiting to meet Jesus? Will God use you to tell them? Will you tell them?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: springs of living water to quench your thirst and fill your life with love. Jesus Christ is counting on you to spread His Word to everyone. Are you willing to lead another thirsty soul to the river of life in 2007? What will the risen Christ do through you next year?

____________________________
© Copyright 2006, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Good morning!

I'm very excited about Faith Church's initiative to read through the entire Bible in one year, 2007. I've been reading the Word from the time I was a young girl, and I am always amazed at how each day, this Book holds a special surprise just for me. It's almost like unwrapping a little gift from the Father!

We are blessed to have the Holy Scripture available to us. Many of us have Bibles located in several places; at home, at work, in our car... I cannot imagine living in a place where the Word was not accessible. My prayer is that you will take advantage of the gift God has given you. Open your scripture today and listen to what the Father has to say.


deb