Saturday, March 17, 2007

The devoted things

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 7, 8, 9; Psalm 54

Joshua 7:1 (NIV)
1 But the Israelites acted unfaithfully in regard to the devoted things; Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the Lord’s anger burned against Israel.

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.


Good morning!

When my toddlers were first learning to pull up and walk, there was a period of time when I felt like the only thing that consistently came out of my mouth were words like, “Don’t touch that! No, no, no! Mommy said no!” They were so very curious. If they could get their hand around it, they might be able to put into their mouth. Colorful, shiny, tempting attractive things to touch and feel and play with – oh, the joy of possession! One of the first words I heard our son Benjamin say was not Mommy or Daddy. “M – I – N – E “ was his word of the hour. He would sing it out loud with a sinister grin plastered across his little face as he reached for something the things he should not have. That little guy delighted in the challenge of acquisition. If Benjamin could grab it, then he believed it was his for the keeping.

Have you ever tried to pry something out of a child’s hand when they do not want to let it go? It is not a pretty sight. Screaming and flailing around, they throw their little temper tantrums. We see the words written all over their not-so-sweet faces: I want it, I want it, I want it! I’m not giving it back! It’s mine! I earned it! I found it! Yikes!

Isn’t it amazing how the things that we see in our children are reflected in our own hearts as children of the living God? As parents, we discern what is safe and not safe for our children. We steer them from danger, hoping they will listen to us and not suffer the consequences and pain of helping themselves to something that truly does not belong to them. And yet, we think we can take the things that truly belong to the Lord and He is not going to notice?

When Achan took the “devoted things” from the plunder of Jericho, his disobedience caused a serious separation between the people of Israel and the Lord. God said, “Don’t take it” but Achan just had to have it. He took a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels and buried them in the dirt inside his tent. It was bad enough that Achan felt he had to take something that belonged to God alone, but to bury it in his tent – what good did that do? What he thought he could steal and keep would never be hidden from the eyes of the Lord.

It has been said that mothers have eyes in the back of their head. Even when they have turned away from their children, many of them can still see what is going on behind their back. Simple intuition – knowing as soon as you turn around, your sweet little angel is going to try and pull a fast one. As children of the living God, we do the same thing with Him. When will we realize that we cannot hide our sin from Him? He has eyes that see us no matter where we are, or what we are doing. He knows the scoop, and when we choose to disobey His command, there will always be a consequence for our disobedience.

Have you been trying to take something that does not belong to you? Do you withhold your tithe from Him so that you can buy something for yourself instead? Have you been coveting the possessions of your neighbors? Have you ever taken something that you knew was not yours for the taking, but you did it anyway?

The Good News is that while we are prone to disobedience, when we confess our sin, seek His face and turn from our wicked and sinful ways, the Lord will hear our prayers from heaven, forgive us, and heal our land. As the body of Christ, we need to give the devoted things of God back to Him. Hand Him your heart this morning, along with all your regrets, your hurts, and your wrongdoing. He will hear your prayers and forgive you, if you are genuinely sorry. Are you sorry? Are you willing to turn around this morning?

When the Lord says, “Don’t do it,” we need to obey.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


Pray for: the desire to become obedient to the Lord’s leading. Ask Him to help you. On our own steam, we will not succeed. But with God’s help and our sincere desire to follow His way, all things are possible!
____________________________
© 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, March 16, 2007

Ready, aim, fire!

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 4, 5, 6

Joshua 6:20-21 (NIV)
20 When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city. 21 They devoted the city to the Lord and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it – men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep and donkeys.

Psalm 100 (NIV)
1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God, It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. 5 For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.


Good morning!

How much do you trust in the Lord? Listen to my words and ask yourself again: How much do you really trust Him?

When the Lord told Joshua to take the city of Jericho, He said, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands.” The battle had already been won! Still, the Lord commanded the Israelites to take their armed men and march around the city once, for six days in a row, as the seven priests carried their rams’ horn trumpets in front of the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times, while the priests blew the trumpets. At the long blast, the people were commanded to shout to the Lord and watch how He would take out the wall of the city so they could enter in.

I’ve been running into brick walls most of my life. I must be a real glutton for punishment! I take a good, hard look at the problem that is placed in my path, and with great determination, I assess the issue, place a helmet of protection on my head, clinch my fists and take off running toward the wall with every ounce of strength I have. I’m determined to take that wall out. Unfortunately for me, when I try to do it on my own steam, I invariably end up hitting the bricks full force, only to bounce off the wall and land with my face in the mud. I realize that I didn’t even leave a mark! However, I allowed that wall to leave a permanent mark on me.

If God knows our need before we ask; if He has a plan to help us bring down the walls that separate us from Him, why is it that we try to take the walls down on our own and not place our total trust Him to lead? Can you identify a wall or two that you are up against this morning? Do you have a plan on how to take it down?

I live approximately 1/2 mile from Faith Church. I can walk to worship on Sunday mornings. As I move along the sidewalk, I see the evidence of a brand new day dawning. My neighbors are waking up. Some are sitting on their porches, drinking coffee and reading the paper. Others are letting their dogs out for a romp in the back yard. Many are hopping into their cars to head out for the day. In every home, there is a precious family that the Lord loves. He sees their need and He waits for us to reach out to them in Christian love. Do you ever pray for the people in your path? We may not always know the walls they face; yet, we know that God knows and if we obey Him, we will march around our subdivision, blanketing each home in prayer, as we wait for the Lord’s magnificent lead.

I like making noise for Jesus. I am learning day by day how to hand Him the walls I face in life. He knows my need. The solution is already there. He understands the things I face and expects that I will trust Him enough to go before me to lead the way. Prayer is the powerful weapon that allows God to take the walls out for us. When we pray, seeking His will for our life, and as we intercede for our neighbors’ salvation, we can trust that He will bring these walls down around our feet. We can march over the rubble, reach out, and take the hand of a precious child and introduce them to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Do you think the walls in your life are just too big? Remember, with God, all things are possible. Take your wall to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to remove the barrier so that you share the Good News with others. Pray, pray and pray! Pray until you hear the Lord tell you to shout it out! When you wait for His lead, and act when He says to go, He will make a way! It's shouting time!

Ready, aim, fire!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


Pray for: patience! Pray without ceasing! Wait for it, and when He says to go, GO! Shout to the Lord this morning! Will you pray for the salvation of your neighbor 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.

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Melting Heart

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 1, 2, 3

Joshua 2:10-11 (NIV)
10 We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. 11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.

Hebrews 11:31 (NIV)
By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.

Good morning!

Wouldn’t you love to be able to spend a day looking through the lens of God’s eye? He sees the most amazing things in some of the strangest people. God chooses to reveal Himself to Rahab, a prostitute residing in the city of Jericho. Now, here was a woman who was well-known in town! Her home was built into the wall of the city, a strategic location to run a lucrative business. Her combination bed, breakfast and brothel may have paid the bills but it could not satisfy Rahab’s broken heart. Her lifestyle left her hanging off the edge of a corrupt and immoral society. Rejected by many, and used by so many more, Rahab was beginning to feel extraordinarily vulnerable. She feared for the safety of her family, and she knew it was only a matter of time before what little life she had left would be lost forever. Rahab opened her mind to the possibility that the God of the Israelites was indeed, the Almighty Lord of all. She chose to take a risk of faith, and by doing so, God completely melted her heart, transforming this woman into someone He could use for Kingdom work.

Rahab opened her home to the spies, hiding them on the roof and lying to protect them. She put feet to faith, by sending the Jericho patrol on a wild goose chase outside the city walls, and bartering with the spies for the security and protection of her family. She begged for salvation. God graciously gave Rahab the desire to receive and believe. Because of her generosity to the Israelite spies, Rahab and her family were spared in the destruction of the city. They received immunity and were given permanent residence within the Israelite community of faith.

I can relate to Rahab. Her story could have been mine. For many years, I modeled a hard and callous heart. Angry and bitter, I chose to blame everyone around me for my circumstance in life. It took a supernatural act of God to straighten me out. When His love finally got hold of me, my heart melted like butter in a thirty-second microwave moment. Every morning when I get on my knees, I am reminded that I did not deserve a second chance; therefore, total abandon and complete trust is the least I can offer to my Jesus in return.

If the Lord can melt a heart like Rahab, or even a heart like mine, just imagine what He can do for you! Jesus came to save the sick, the lost, the lonely, and even the strange ones! If you call on Him today with a sincere and humble heart, He will melt you down and transform you into a child He can use. Believe me; life is so much sweeter when we let our defenses drop at the foot of the cross. Jesus hung on a tree in shame and agony to take away your sin. He gives each of us a second chance today. What will it take for you to give your heart completely to Jesus?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the Lord to melt your heart and mold it into something beautiful that He can use for His kingdom work. Are you willing to be transformed into His likeness? Will you make a leap of faith 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.

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Morning!

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 33, 34; Psalms 52, 53

Psalm 53:1-3 (NIV)
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. 2 God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. 3 Everyone has turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.


Good morning!

What does God see when He opens the curtains in heaven every morning and looks down upon His created ones? Are the prayers of His children wafting up through the rafters like the smell of sizzling bacon frying on the stove? Can He see His children on their knees in prayer, crying out, “Lord Jesus, I know you are here. Come inside my heart and play with me today. Come fill me up with your sweet Holy Spirit. I am yours and I am willing to go. Lead me. Teach me. Hold me. Guide me.”

The world is such a busy place. Many of my co-workers are already sitting at their desks this morning, reading e-mails, writing briefs, and pushing paper across their desks. How did they begin their day? Did it start with a moment of prayer? Did they hop on their elliptical machine and flip to CNN on the television monitor? Maybe they jumped into the shower while listening to the Oldies playing on the FM dial. What does God see when He looks down from heaven every day? Is there anyone looking up toward Him?

As I read the Psalm this morning, I am reminded that our lives are stuck in a rut. We were stuck thousands of years ago, and we are still stuck today. We bury ourselves in the daily monotony of life. We depend upon massive doses of caffeine to peal us out of bed in the morning and push us through the day. Our families, educational pursuits, and career paths take over our life. We focus on the non-essentials, believing we have our priorities straight. We work hard, long hours. We give up our time and energy to what we believe is the pursuit of happiness. Are we happy? Are we doing something that, in the ebb and flow of the river of our life’s journey, makes any difference at all?

Being good will never be good enough. We can pursue higher education, discipline ourselves, keep to a strict schedule, and purpose in our hearts to make a mark. We can also choose to be lazy, complacent and apathetic with the people who surround us each day. Either way, we lose. What motivates you to live? Where do you find the strength to get out there and go?

Every morning, I seek out the Lord before I look in the mirror, take a shower, or fix my bed hair. Without Him, I may as well stay in bed with the blankets pulled up over my face. There is nothing I can accomplish without Him. I may appear to have all the right moves, and yet, if He does not take the lead in my life, what difference does it really make? There are people out there going through the motions but they do not know motion maker. Are you one of them?

My Jesus is stronger than the blackest cup of coffee. He is sweeter than the donuts we consume on the run. His love is worth waiting for. Take a break. Get down on your knees and ask Him to be the Lord of your life today and every day, first thing, when you get up out of bed. His life will be all the life you need to find purpose and meaning for each new day. You can be the spark that sets the world ablaze for Him. Are you ready to rock the windows of heaven? Let us pray.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


Pray for: time! We are given twenty-four hours a day. How will you spend the time you’ve been given? Are you willing to hand it all over to the Lord this morning?
____________________________
© 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, March 13, 2007

He's got your back!

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 30, 31, 32

Deuteronomy 30:2-4 (NIV)
2 And when you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey Him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, 3 then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where He scattered you. 4 Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and bring you back.

Good morning!

The book of Deuteronomy is filled with instruction. We read about blessings and curses, assertion of free will and the consequences our choices bring. The Lord continually invites His people to come back to Him. If they will just honor and obey Him in all things, putting His will first in their life, He will gather them up and bring them back home.

It is truly comforting to know that when I’m daily seeking His face, worshipping Him with all my heart and serving Him with my life, God has my back. He promises to watch over me, walk with me, and He sustains me, even unto death. I have the promise of everlasting life through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. No matter where I am or what circumstance I may face, the Lord never leaves. His love and forgiveness is the greatest fortune I will ever receive. The Father’s compassion and mercy lift me up every morning. Do you know what it feels like to be gathered up and brought back into the loving hand of the Lord?

I’ve been reading an awesome book entitled Total Abandon. The author, Gary Witherall, shares his story of sold-out faith and total abandon to the Lord Jesus Christ. Together, he and his wife Bonnie felt a call of the Lord to serve as missionaries in Sidon, Lebanon. It was there that Bonnie was martyred for her faith. How far would you go to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others? Would you leave the safety of your home and travel into dangerous territory to tell others about Christ? Are you willing to love your enemies, even if it means losing your own life? This is a question I ask myself every morning when I get up. When the Lord calls me to go, will I answer Him? Would you answer His call?

When we walk into unfamiliar territory, the Lord goes before us. He clears the path and makes a way. It is time for the Israelites to cross over into the Promised Land. Will they go into a dangerous place, trusting and obeying the Lord’s lead? Can they see that He will cross over ahead of them, and watch their back? Interestingly, it takes the “cross over” to move from death to everlasting life. Without the bridge gap of the cross of Jesus Christ, we would all be stranded in the desert forever. Crossing over into the Promised Land is something we choose to do every day. Are you crossing over or staying put?

Jesus Christ went to the cross so that we could move forward today with confidence. He has our back, and will be with us every step of the way. All we have to do is say, Yes, Lord. I’ll trust you to lead. Help me to follow you without fear or hesitation. Let me always look to you for direction. You are my compass – point me in the way you would have me go. Give me your words, make my heart your home. You gave new life to me and now, I give it back to you. Amen.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: Courage! The Lord your God goes before you and He has your back. Will you choose to follow Him 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.

Monday, March 12, 2007

Wandering or wondering?

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 27, 28, 29

Deuteronomy 27:9-10 (NIV)
9 Then Moses and the priests, who are Levites, said to all Israel, “Be silent, O Israel, and listen! You have now become the people of the Lord your God. 10 Obey the Lord your God and follow His commands and decrees that I give you today.”

Good morning!

When I sat down this morning to read and pray, the room seemed very dark to me. I glanced at the free-standing lamp next to the rocking chair and noticed four of the five light bulbs had burned out. No wonder the room was dark! Fortunately, I had several spare light bulbs in the storage closet. Isn’t it amazing how much more we can see when we change the light bulb? What was once a shadowy, dark space is now filled with a bright light! It is much easier to see with the lights on.

As the Israelites were preparing to cross over into the land that God had promised them, Moses and the Levites cautioned the people to be silent and listen to what the Lord was saying. Things were different now. Their wandering and wondering was about to end. They had become the people of God and as such, they were held to a higher expectation and privilege. Moses and the priests reminded the faithful to obey the Lord’s lead and command in every aspect of their daily life. The faithful would receive blessing after blessing. The unfaithful would experience curse after curse. It was time to choose to live in the light of God’s love or to continue their wandering and wondering in the dark.

What is it like to grope around in the dark? There were times in my life when I felt much more comfortable feeling my way. Living in darkness was much easier because I didn’t have to see my sin and shortcomings in the bright light of day. During worship service Sunday, my pastor made a profound statement. He said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Do you find it easier to take a long, hard look at your imperfections and address them, or would you prefer to feel your way in the shadowy darkness where your flaws can be somewhat concealed?

I have spent many years wandering and wondering in the dark. It might be easier to hide from the world there, but the truth is, I was never able to hide from the Lord. If I looked for the most secluded and dark space I could find, it would not be too far from the light of His love. God seems to find me wherever I am. He exposes my flaws, lights a path, and extends His loving arm to me every morning. He allows me the freedom to choose His way or my way. I can continue to wander around in the dark and accept the consequences for that choice, or I can choose to reach up, take His hand, and allow Him to lead the way.

Personally, I like His light. It is much easier to breathe when I’m standing in the light of His love. I can see the dangers around me and am able to avoid falling into the snares of sin when I trust the Lord to lead. His hand is strong and His way is sure. I am at peace, knowing that He will never forsake or abandon me, even in the most difficult of situations.

Are you wandering around in the dark? Do you need to change the light bulb? Stop and listen to the Word of the Lord. He is calling out to you. Can you see His hand? You may be sitting in the darkness right now, but you are not alone and you cannot hide from His love. Choose this day to look up and take His hand. He will lead you into the brilliant Sonlight. Allow the light and life of Jesus Christ to become your light and life as you choose to trust and obey Him this morning. Stop wandering around in the dark, and choose to be lost in the wonder of His mercy and grace!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: When we face our sin, confessing it to the Lord, He will forgive and lead us out of the darkness and into His light. It’s time to change the light bulb. Choose life! Choose to follow Jesus Christ 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.

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Firstfruits

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 24, 25, 26

Deuteronomy 26:16-19 (NIV)
16 The Lord your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. 17 You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in His ways, that you will keep His decrees, commands and laws, and that you will obey them. 18 And the Lord has declared this day that you are His people, His treasured possession as He promised, and that you are to keep all His commands. 19 He has declared that He will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations He has made and that you will be a people holy to the Lord your God, as He promised.

Psalm 53:2 (NIV)
2 God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.

Good morning!

When I was a young girl growing up, my mother was determined to mold me into a domestic diva. She liked a squeaky-clean and organized home. I can remember walking home from school on a sunny, spring day, and catch a whiff of Pine Sol® floating through the windows from my house and dancing its way down the driveway. Mom would open every window while she cleaned. The laundry drying on the back clothes line had this sweet, clean scent. I loved folding the sheets outside and placing them in the linen closet just outside my bedroom door. That sun-dried fragrance made everything smell good.

I used to be better at housecleaning, especially when I was younger. Keeping a clean house is hard work! It takes time, effort and lots of determination. Dust bunnies will settle under the sofa if one neglects to sweep it regularly. Dishes can pile up at the sink if the cook forgets to how to load the dishwasher. And laundry is a four-lettered word; that is why it is not only a noun but also a verb – wash! If we let the wash pile up, it can take days to get through it. Do you like a clean home? Are you organized, meticulous, maybe even a little obsessive-compulsive? Or do you let things sit sometimes, like I do?

The Israelites had a lot to learn about holiness. There is no doubt how much God loves them. Over and over again, the Lord pours Himself out into their everyday life, with guidance and instruction. He teaches them how to be obedient, what to do when they find themselves in the need of forgiveness. He commands them to take care of the widow and orphan, the homeless, and the poor. God expects they will provide full support to their clergy, who spend their lives interceding for their sin. The Levites give up their inheritance to serve the Lord, through prayer, praise, and intercession for the community, and it is the community’s obligation to care for their needs.

When you offer God the best of who you are, what will He find in your offering plate? Do you give Him consistent praise and prayer? Do you neglect or shortchange God in your daily devotional time with Him? Has your spiritual laundry piled up due to laziness or apathy? When the Lord takes a whiff of your life’s offering, will He smell a sweet, clean scent, or will your meager efforts smell more like the gym socks sitting in the boy’s locker room after a football game?

A firstfruit should not be like the leftovers in our refrigerator. God doesn’t say “please” or “will you” when He instructs His people in daily living. He expects His children to seek Him out every day in every way. He demands our undivided attention to detail. This means that we cannot afford to become lazy or selfish in the time and talents we return to Him. He wants us reading and studying His Word, and He wants us to imprint His Word upon our hearts and apply them daily to our lives.

When you were a little child growing up, someone, somewhere was praying for you. They were praying that you would meet the Lord of life; that He would become your Way of life; and that your heart would be a heart He could use to lead others to Him. It is time to return the blessing. Take a spiritual inventory today. Is your house clean, or is it dusty? Do we need to do a little laundry, wash a few dishes, and sweep under the sofa? When the window to your soul is opened, will the Lord God Almighty smell a pleasing scent floating up toward heaven?

Firstfruits is a way to give back to the Lord for all He has given you. Will you make time daily to return to the Lord what you owe Him?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: help! Make a commitment to work hard and put forth every effort to honor and glorify the Lord God Almighty. He gave you this life – don’t you think you should offer it back to Him today? Come and worship the Lord with me. I’ll see you at church!
____________________________
© 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.