The Songs of Deborah
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Judges 4, 5; Psalms 56, 57
Judges 4:4-5 (NIV)
4 Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. 5 She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites came to her to have their disputes decided.
Judges 5:3 (NIV)
3 “Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I will sing to the Lord, I will sing; I will make music to the Lord, the God of Israel.”
Good morning!
I had to laugh out loud this morning when I read the Grand Sweep commentary for today’s scripture passage. Professor J. Ellsworth Kalas, pastor, professor, gifted teacher, author and lover of Jesus Christ, writes these heartfelt words: “How does one explain a woman like Deborah?” Thirty years ago when my husband Jeff married me, he had lots of hair. Now, he has no hair left at all. There is a reason for that, my friends. He chose to marry a Deborah! Think about your name for a minute. Does it suit your personality?
As many of you may know, I was adopted as an infant. My adoptive parents had tried for many years to have biological children, to no avail. For a short time, they volunteered their time as foster parents. It takes a special person to be a foster parent. It is an awesome opportunity to care for children in crisis; it is also a time of gut wrenching sadness, especially when you must say goodbye to a child that has simply melted your heart. I admire and applaud foster parents who willingly open their homes to children in need. What an amazing gift of love to give to another human being!
In December of 1958, my mother received an urgent telephone call from the State of Missouri. They said a tiny baby girl had been born prematurely and needed immediate permanent placement. She may have ongoing health issues to overcome. Would they be interested in adopting this child? My mother didn’t hesitate to accept an invitation to open her heart to this tiny, helpless baby girl. She had been spending considerable time studying the Book of Judges and was impressed with the woman named Deborah, a prophetess and judge, mediator and spiritual leader of the Israelite people. It was as if she knew my name before she even saw my face. When you were naming your babies, did the Lord whisper their names into your ear before you saw them for the very first time? Great emphasis has been placed throughout scripture in the naming of God’s children. It is a privilege to help select the name your child will carry with them for the rest of their life. Your name is a precious gift from above.
The Prophetess Deborah was an encouragement to her people Israel. She inspired the community to seek God’s face and live each day of their lives seeking to serve, honor and obey His holy Word. Deborah was willing to go into battle for the Lord, even if it meant she might fight alone. The Israelites were drawn to seek Deborah’s counsel and they knew right where to find her. She was sitting every morning under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel. The people would come for counsel and guidance. Deborah waited patiently and faithfully as she sought out the Lord in every matter. She listened with her spirit and spoke the words He gave her to say.
Deborah knew that the Lord had given Sisera into Barak’s hand. The Lord had gone before the Israelites into battle, as Sisera’s army was exterminated one by one. Sisera left his chariot and fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber, the Kenite. He begged for sanctuary within her home and fell sound asleep, exhausted from the battle. It was the courageous woman Jael, who pounded a tent peg through Sisera’s skull and ended his life.
It is Deborah’s Song that resonates within my heart today. Lifting her voice in praise and thanksgiving, Deborah sings, “Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I will sing to the Lord, I will sing! I will make music to the Lord, the God of Israel.” Are you a Deborah? Do you raise your voice and sing praises to the Lord God Almighty every morning? Are you willing to rise up and fight, even if you are the only one in the ring? Will you listen for His still, small voice, and speak the words you hear Him say? Are you willing to passionately love the children of God, guiding them to daily seek His face and obey His Word?
May we each find a little piece of Deborah living within our hearts and lives today.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: clarity of call. The Lord God Almighty is whispering in your ear. Can you hear Him? Will you answer? You can be a Deborah to the people God has placed in your life. Sing to the Lord this morning! Give Him everything you’ve got. Worship the Lord!
____________________________
© 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 23, 2007
Sleeping in!
Grand Sweep Daily
Judges 1:20-21 (NIV)
20 As Moses had promised,
Good morning!
Do you like to sleep in? When I was younger, my mother would drag me out of bed at the crack of dawn just because. I never got to sleep in at home. What parent wouldn’t let their child sleep an extra hour or two on Saturday morning? The house would have been much quieter. Oh, but my mother was different. She thought everyone should be up with the chickens. Can you tell she was raised on a farm? She believed human beings should be up long before the rooster crows. Are you a night owl or an early riser?
When my children were little, I decided to employ a different sleep strategy. I encouraged my babies to sleep in. “Please baby, just go back to bed and sleep for another hour. It’s way too early to get up. Mommy is tired.” Can I tell you - it never worked. My precious angels would be up before daybreak on Saturday morning, ready to have Mommy cook a big breakfast and then head outside to start their play day. Then, without warning, my babies became teenagers, and my, how everything changed. I couldn’t bulldoze them out of bed before
The Lord God Almighty had made a way for His children
God expected obedience from His children. He wanted nothing less than 100% of their life. Fatigue and fear held the Israelites back in their fight for the land. There were times when they simply did not fight hard enough, allowing the enemy to survive. God told them to destroy the Jebusites along with their idols. When the Israelites refused to obey, they fell into disunity with one another and succumbed to the temptations that surrounded their lives.
Making a conscious decision whether to sin or obey is a daily, moment-by-moment battle. It is hard work, and it can be exhausting. We may understand the rules; yet, we refuse to follow them, excusing our behavior while whining to anyone who will listen. When we continue to excuse our bad behavior and not turn around to try again, our actions erode our relationship with God. As Christians, we must commit to fighting the good fight, for however long it takes. We must not allow ourselves to become so tired and complacent that we will not stand up against wrong. Take time today to rest in the love of the Lord. Let Him be your strength as you move forward. Recommit yourself to strive toward perfection in everything you say and do. If we are willing to trust and obey Him, He will help you fight the good fight and win the victory.
Are you too tired? Don’t give up. Get out of bed and worship the Lord! I’ll see you at church!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: a fighting spirit! When we trust and obey, we can find ultimate strength in the Lord to do the work He has given us to do. It’s time to get up my friends!
____________________________
© 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 22, 2007
Full service or self-serve?
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 22, 23, 24
Joshua 24:14-15 (NIV)
14 Now fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
Good morning!
When I was a young girl, I enjoyed riding in the car with my father to the filling station. I liked going there because I knew that my father would buy me an ice cold soda pop from the machine sitting just outside the cashier’s desk. This was when Coca-Cola came in glass bottles, and you could actually return them and receive a rebate for your recycling effort. Every filling station had full-service attendants. We were greeted by a smiling face every time we pulled up to the pump. The attendants went out of their way to provide our family with quality automotive service. It seemed as if they were always waiting in the wings for our arrival. Running out to our car from inside the station, they would meticulously wash our windshield; check the air in our tires, oil for the engine, while happily pumping our gasoline. Sometimes, the attendant would pull a piece of hard candy from their pants pocket and slip it into my hand. No matter what the weather, we could depend upon the faithful and friendly service of our filling station attendants.
When self-service pumps became popular in the mid 1970s, going to the filling station was no longer the same enjoyable experience. There were no smiling faces or helpful hands to greet us when we arrived. We couldn’t sit in the car any more and wait to be pampered by an automotive professional. “Get it yourself,” seemed to be the prevailing message. Even the Coca-Cola bottles were replaced by aluminum cans. Now, in the age of “pay at the pump” stations, we no longer have to go inside to pay our bill. We can simply pull up to the pump and buy our gasoline without experiencing any human contact at all. No smile, no warm greeting, no one to thank. Full service has become a fleeting memory, as the age of serving oneself is ushered in.
Joshua was dying. He had faithfully led the Israelites into the Promised Land while providing instruction and guidance from the Lord. Now, in his final appeal, Joshua reminds the people to get rid of the man-made idols that distract and prayed His people would choose this day and every day thereafter to serve the Lord God Almighty. For those who turned away, there would be devastating consequences. People would perish outside the fold. Do you know of anyone who may be perishing today because they have placed a greater value on their man-made idols than on the Lord?
Our church is like a full-service filling station. People come to worship each week with a desire to be filled up with the Holy Spirit of the Lord. Seeking a closer walk with God, they pray and confess their sin, looking to receive God’s forgiveness, and to glean teaching and instruction that will help them through the days of their life. Is your church a full-service filling station, where congregants willingly serve the Lord by happily serving each another? Or would you describe your church as a self-service station, where human contact is limited; every person pays at the pump and leaves with a half-empty tank and nothing else?
Man-made idols are carved from the self-centeredness in our hearts. Will we choose be more like the gasoline attendants from years gone by, who did not hesitate to offer a helping hand to the stranger in need? Will our genuine smiles and outstretched hands reveal the living Christ in us? Choose this day whom you will serve. Are you serving yourself or are you serving the Lord?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: God to reveal the things that separate you from Him. Ask the Lord to give you the grace and wisdom needed to identify and release the man-made idols in your life. When we humble our hearts and turn around, He is waiting to receive us once again.
____________________________
© 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.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 22, 23, 24
Joshua 24:14-15 (NIV)
14 Now fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.
Good morning!
When I was a young girl, I enjoyed riding in the car with my father to the filling station. I liked going there because I knew that my father would buy me an ice cold soda pop from the machine sitting just outside the cashier’s desk. This was when Coca-Cola came in glass bottles, and you could actually return them and receive a rebate for your recycling effort. Every filling station had full-service attendants. We were greeted by a smiling face every time we pulled up to the pump. The attendants went out of their way to provide our family with quality automotive service. It seemed as if they were always waiting in the wings for our arrival. Running out to our car from inside the station, they would meticulously wash our windshield; check the air in our tires, oil for the engine, while happily pumping our gasoline. Sometimes, the attendant would pull a piece of hard candy from their pants pocket and slip it into my hand. No matter what the weather, we could depend upon the faithful and friendly service of our filling station attendants.
When self-service pumps became popular in the mid 1970s, going to the filling station was no longer the same enjoyable experience. There were no smiling faces or helpful hands to greet us when we arrived. We couldn’t sit in the car any more and wait to be pampered by an automotive professional. “Get it yourself,” seemed to be the prevailing message. Even the Coca-Cola bottles were replaced by aluminum cans. Now, in the age of “pay at the pump” stations, we no longer have to go inside to pay our bill. We can simply pull up to the pump and buy our gasoline without experiencing any human contact at all. No smile, no warm greeting, no one to thank. Full service has become a fleeting memory, as the age of serving oneself is ushered in.
Joshua was dying. He had faithfully led the Israelites into the Promised Land while providing instruction and guidance from the Lord. Now, in his final appeal, Joshua reminds the people to get rid of the man-made idols that distract and prayed His people would choose this day and every day thereafter to serve the Lord God Almighty. For those who turned away, there would be devastating consequences. People would perish outside the fold. Do you know of anyone who may be perishing today because they have placed a greater value on their man-made idols than on the Lord?
Our church is like a full-service filling station. People come to worship each week with a desire to be filled up with the Holy Spirit of the Lord. Seeking a closer walk with God, they pray and confess their sin, looking to receive God’s forgiveness, and to glean teaching and instruction that will help them through the days of their life. Is your church a full-service filling station, where congregants willingly serve the Lord by happily serving each another? Or would you describe your church as a self-service station, where human contact is limited; every person pays at the pump and leaves with a half-empty tank and nothing else?
Man-made idols are carved from the self-centeredness in our hearts. Will we choose be more like the gasoline attendants from years gone by, who did not hesitate to offer a helping hand to the stranger in need? Will our genuine smiles and outstretched hands reveal the living Christ in us? Choose this day whom you will serve. Are you serving yourself or are you serving the Lord?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: God to reveal the things that separate you from Him. Ask the Lord to give you the grace and wisdom needed to identify and release the man-made idols in your life. When we humble our hearts and turn around, He is waiting to receive us once again.
____________________________
© 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 21, 2007
Keeping His Promise
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 19, 20, 21; Psalm 55
Joshua 21:43-45 (NIV)
43 So the Lord gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. 44 The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord handed all their enemies over to them. 45 Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
22 Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.
Good morning!
I’ve discovered that I am my own worst enemy. Have you ever stepped in the way of God’s Will for your life? I cannot tell you the number of times God points me in one direction; and instead of waiting for Him, I run ahead or pull at His coat tail and say, “You go this way, and I’ll go that way, and we can meet in the middle!” I often try to bargain with the Lord. I say I want His will for my life, but I think sometimes I may want my way a little more. How do we discern the will of God for our lives?
God speaks through the power of His holy Word. Are you thankful for the Bible this morning? God speaks to me when I study His Word. When I let His thoughts sink into my heart, He teaches me everything I need to know about His will. Someone once said, “When all else fails, read the directions.” Maybe we should read God’s directions first, before we launch out into the deep. Headstrong hearts and minds tend to gloss over or ignore the Lord completely while they seek to make their own pathway. We are like mice in a maze, blinded by our own pitiful sense of direction, and running into dead end alleys. Hear me. When we fail to listen and obey God’s Word, we will always run into a dead end.
God speaks to me in prayer. There are many moments when I sit in total silence, happy to be worshiping the Lord in His presence. I am content not to hear anything at all, as I wait for Him to whisper to my heart. There are other times when He speaks loud and clear, especially when I’m listening to my pastors’ teaching. I can hear Him speak through the hymns and praise songs I sing. I can hear Him in my dreams. He whispers to me in the most unusual moments. Have you ever had a “feeling” to go and do something that might break your daily routine, just because? There are times when we cannot explain it, except to say that we were led to make that phone call, visit a neighbor, or stop a total stranger on the street and speak with them. How does God speak to you?
It is comforting to know that God always keeps His promises. When we read about the journey of the Israelites from Egypt into the Promised Land, we see a repetitive theme. God instructs, humanity tries and fails, and God always comes through. He is faithful, even when we are not. When He says He will do something, He does it. We can rest assured that His promises will not fail, even when refuse to trust Him completely. Many mornings, I find myself on my knees, asking the Lord to increase my capacity to trust Him. I may say, “I place my trust in you, O Lord, this day. Please help me to trust you all the more.”
When we confess our faith in Jesus Christ, and place our lives under the covering of His blood, we can stand boldly before God, clothed in Christ's righteousness alone. God will not let the righteous fall. He will guide and protect us as we maneuver through the many mazes of life. When we reach a dead end, He will help us turn around and try a new pathway. We can change direction when we ask Him to lead. We can discern the way He would have us go.
My prayer for you today is that you will take a moment, wait for the Lord, and ask Him to redirect your life this morning. Stop what you are doing and allow the Lord to take the lead. Living within His Will for your life is a daily encounter. I never know exactly where He will send me each day. I am happiest and the most contented when I totally place my trust in His plan, not mine. I may wonder what tomorrow may bring, but I know that my Jesus goes before me, and that is more than enough information for me to choose to follow Him.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: direction! Open His Word this morning and allow the Lord to speak to you. Ask Him to open your mind, ears and eyes to whatever it is He is trying to tell you. If you are at dead end today, turn around, and walk a new pathway. He will lead you, if you let Him.
____________________________
© 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.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 19, 20, 21; Psalm 55
Joshua 21:43-45 (NIV)
43 So the Lord gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. 44 The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord handed all their enemies over to them. 45 Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.
Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
22 Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.
Good morning!
I’ve discovered that I am my own worst enemy. Have you ever stepped in the way of God’s Will for your life? I cannot tell you the number of times God points me in one direction; and instead of waiting for Him, I run ahead or pull at His coat tail and say, “You go this way, and I’ll go that way, and we can meet in the middle!” I often try to bargain with the Lord. I say I want His will for my life, but I think sometimes I may want my way a little more. How do we discern the will of God for our lives?
God speaks through the power of His holy Word. Are you thankful for the Bible this morning? God speaks to me when I study His Word. When I let His thoughts sink into my heart, He teaches me everything I need to know about His will. Someone once said, “When all else fails, read the directions.” Maybe we should read God’s directions first, before we launch out into the deep. Headstrong hearts and minds tend to gloss over or ignore the Lord completely while they seek to make their own pathway. We are like mice in a maze, blinded by our own pitiful sense of direction, and running into dead end alleys. Hear me. When we fail to listen and obey God’s Word, we will always run into a dead end.
God speaks to me in prayer. There are many moments when I sit in total silence, happy to be worshiping the Lord in His presence. I am content not to hear anything at all, as I wait for Him to whisper to my heart. There are other times when He speaks loud and clear, especially when I’m listening to my pastors’ teaching. I can hear Him speak through the hymns and praise songs I sing. I can hear Him in my dreams. He whispers to me in the most unusual moments. Have you ever had a “feeling” to go and do something that might break your daily routine, just because? There are times when we cannot explain it, except to say that we were led to make that phone call, visit a neighbor, or stop a total stranger on the street and speak with them. How does God speak to you?
It is comforting to know that God always keeps His promises. When we read about the journey of the Israelites from Egypt into the Promised Land, we see a repetitive theme. God instructs, humanity tries and fails, and God always comes through. He is faithful, even when we are not. When He says He will do something, He does it. We can rest assured that His promises will not fail, even when refuse to trust Him completely. Many mornings, I find myself on my knees, asking the Lord to increase my capacity to trust Him. I may say, “I place my trust in you, O Lord, this day. Please help me to trust you all the more.”
When we confess our faith in Jesus Christ, and place our lives under the covering of His blood, we can stand boldly before God, clothed in Christ's righteousness alone. God will not let the righteous fall. He will guide and protect us as we maneuver through the many mazes of life. When we reach a dead end, He will help us turn around and try a new pathway. We can change direction when we ask Him to lead. We can discern the way He would have us go.
My prayer for you today is that you will take a moment, wait for the Lord, and ask Him to redirect your life this morning. Stop what you are doing and allow the Lord to take the lead. Living within His Will for your life is a daily encounter. I never know exactly where He will send me each day. I am happiest and the most contented when I totally place my trust in His plan, not mine. I may wonder what tomorrow may bring, but I know that my Jesus goes before me, and that is more than enough information for me to choose to follow Him.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: direction! Open His Word this morning and allow the Lord to speak to you. Ask Him to open your mind, ears and eyes to whatever it is He is trying to tell you. If you are at dead end today, turn around, and walk a new pathway. He will lead you, if you let Him.
____________________________
© 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 20, 2007
What are we waiting for?
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 16, 17, 18
Joshua 18:3 (NIV)
3 So Joshua said to the Israelites: “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?”
Esther 4:13-14 (NIV)
13 He sent back this answer, “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”
Good morning!
Every time I stand up to speak to a group of people, I get nervous. Every single time! I would much rather play the piano and sing than stand up and speak. I’m often asked to give presentations at work, especially when I’m launching a new database or training others to use the software. I am willing to lead when I’m called upon to do so. But that doesn’t mean that I like it. I find myself giving three to five oral presentations per quarter in the classes I’m taking at Lindenwood University. I think the teachers must do this on purpose just to make my stomach hurt. Do you ever get a belly ache when its time to stand up and speak?
Moses did not feel qualified to speak for the Jews in Egypt. He bartered with the Lord to allow his brother Aaron, who did not have a stammering tongue, to speak to the Pharaoh. I find it comforting to know that someone whom I love is standing in the wings, praying for me as I speak. In every situation, I call upon the Lord for help. If He calls me to it, He will see me through it and I pray that the words I speak are His. I remind myself constantly that I am just the messenger. Please don’t shoot the messenger!
Does God ever ask you when you are going to finally stand up and tell what you know to be true? Joshua asked the very same question to the Israelites. How long will you wait? God has given you the land – now get up and take it! If we truly believe that the Lord of life has saved us from our sin, and has created a pathway to everlasting relationship with the Father, what are we waiting for? Jesus instructed his disciples to go and tell the Good News. Why is it so hard to share the best thing that has ever happened to you?
Sometimes we wait for our pastors to lead. After all, we pay them to do this work; they can spread the Gospel for us. We sit in our comfortable chairs at church, waiting for our neighbor to raise their hand and volunteer to fill a slot, fix a meal, or give a love offering for a worthy cause. It is easier to let someone else make the commitment for us, thereby removing us from the proverbial fish hook. Are we really off the hook with God? How long must we squirm on the end of the fishing line before we dive into the deep? Will we continue to dangle our toes over the edge, checking to see if the water is warm, before we jump in and swim? When we know that the battle is already won, what in the world keeps us from launching into the deep with wild abandon?
My experience teaches me that a little nervous anxiety is a blessing from above. If I were too self-assured, I might rely on my own steam instead of the Lord to say the words that need to be said. You see, without the saving grace of Jesus Christ, I would have nothing to offer you or anyone else. This has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with me. The mercy I’ve experienced could not be earned. I don’t deserve the love He has shown me over and over again. I stand up and speak today because the Lord Jesus Christ has done an incredible work within my heart. It is His love that lifts me out of my chair. It is His grace that pours from my mouth. It is His life that I want to emulate. I would be very happy to simply melt in a puddle on the floor and just allow the risen Christ to be seen and heard in my stead. He gives me grace, knowing that when I open my mouth, I may insert my foot. Yet, if I rely on Him to speak through me, I know that whatever is said was from Him. And I can tell you, He is the only one worth listening to.
How long will you wait before you speak up? Have you heard the risen Christ calling out your name? We may be living for such a time as this. If you could offer someone eternal hope today, what would you say?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: courage to get up and speak! If you ask the Lord to help you, He will do it. This is your moment. You can make an everlasting difference in the life of another human being. What are you waiting for?
____________________________
© 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.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 16, 17, 18
Joshua 18:3 (NIV)
3 So Joshua said to the Israelites: “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?”
Esther 4:13-14 (NIV)
13 He sent back this answer, “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”
Good morning!
Every time I stand up to speak to a group of people, I get nervous. Every single time! I would much rather play the piano and sing than stand up and speak. I’m often asked to give presentations at work, especially when I’m launching a new database or training others to use the software. I am willing to lead when I’m called upon to do so. But that doesn’t mean that I like it. I find myself giving three to five oral presentations per quarter in the classes I’m taking at Lindenwood University. I think the teachers must do this on purpose just to make my stomach hurt. Do you ever get a belly ache when its time to stand up and speak?
Moses did not feel qualified to speak for the Jews in Egypt. He bartered with the Lord to allow his brother Aaron, who did not have a stammering tongue, to speak to the Pharaoh. I find it comforting to know that someone whom I love is standing in the wings, praying for me as I speak. In every situation, I call upon the Lord for help. If He calls me to it, He will see me through it and I pray that the words I speak are His. I remind myself constantly that I am just the messenger. Please don’t shoot the messenger!
Does God ever ask you when you are going to finally stand up and tell what you know to be true? Joshua asked the very same question to the Israelites. How long will you wait? God has given you the land – now get up and take it! If we truly believe that the Lord of life has saved us from our sin, and has created a pathway to everlasting relationship with the Father, what are we waiting for? Jesus instructed his disciples to go and tell the Good News. Why is it so hard to share the best thing that has ever happened to you?
Sometimes we wait for our pastors to lead. After all, we pay them to do this work; they can spread the Gospel for us. We sit in our comfortable chairs at church, waiting for our neighbor to raise their hand and volunteer to fill a slot, fix a meal, or give a love offering for a worthy cause. It is easier to let someone else make the commitment for us, thereby removing us from the proverbial fish hook. Are we really off the hook with God? How long must we squirm on the end of the fishing line before we dive into the deep? Will we continue to dangle our toes over the edge, checking to see if the water is warm, before we jump in and swim? When we know that the battle is already won, what in the world keeps us from launching into the deep with wild abandon?
My experience teaches me that a little nervous anxiety is a blessing from above. If I were too self-assured, I might rely on my own steam instead of the Lord to say the words that need to be said. You see, without the saving grace of Jesus Christ, I would have nothing to offer you or anyone else. This has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with me. The mercy I’ve experienced could not be earned. I don’t deserve the love He has shown me over and over again. I stand up and speak today because the Lord Jesus Christ has done an incredible work within my heart. It is His love that lifts me out of my chair. It is His grace that pours from my mouth. It is His life that I want to emulate. I would be very happy to simply melt in a puddle on the floor and just allow the risen Christ to be seen and heard in my stead. He gives me grace, knowing that when I open my mouth, I may insert my foot. Yet, if I rely on Him to speak through me, I know that whatever is said was from Him. And I can tell you, He is the only one worth listening to.
How long will you wait before you speak up? Have you heard the risen Christ calling out your name? We may be living for such a time as this. If you could offer someone eternal hope today, what would you say?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: courage to get up and speak! If you ask the Lord to help you, He will do it. This is your moment. You can make an everlasting difference in the life of another human being. What are you waiting for?
____________________________
© 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 19, 2007
Giving it up for the Lord
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 13, 14, 15
Joshua 13:14 (NIV)
14 But to the tribe of Levi He gave no inheritance, since the offerings made by fire to the Lord, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, as He promised them.
Matthew 25:34-36 (NIV)
34 Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.
Good morning!
I woke up singing the words to Fanny Crosby’s “Blessed Assurance” this morning. I love it when the Lord wakes me up singing! What an inheritance we have in Jesus. Through His blood, we receive everlasting life and a home filled with His light – it is a love relationship that will never, ever end.
Yesterday afternoon, we were flipping the television channels, and stopped on a show called “Cribs.” I’ve not seen this program before. Apparently, this program features the mansions and lifestyles of some very wealthy people. I had no idea who these people were; yet, my eye was immediately drawn to the extravagance and luxury of their surroundings. One of the homeowners gave us a tour of her closet. This space looked like a boutique one might find in an exclusive shopping mall. She had more shoes on her shelf than I’ve ever owned (and I like shoes). Honestly, how many feet do we have? Here is what really surprised me. This woman has a full-time closet organizer, and I’m not talking about the shelving you buy at Target for $99. She introduced the television viewers to her full-time hired help, whose only job is to hang out in her closet and organize her stuff! Okay, I’m having a really hard time going there in my mind. I could use a closet organizer too. Actually, I just need to spend a little more time cleaning out my closet and giving away what I don’t need. Think about this for a minute – just how much stuff do we really need to live?
Do you ever find yourself buried in stuff? There are many people who enjoy hobbies and keeping collections. I admit I enjoy having a peculiar hobby to tinker with. If you saw my scrapbook room, you would understand what I mean by the word “peculiar.” For those of you who know my husband, you may recall seeing his “Simpson” collection displayed in the parsonage study. I’ve often thought of charging admission for room tours, yet, I cannot fathom anyone wanting to pay money to see this! Maybe I’ll give the producer of the show “Cribs” a call.
When Jesus taught His disciples about the final judgment, He said there is a special inheritance for those who truly love Him. How do we love Him? It has nothing to do with the words we speak. It has everything to do with how we choose to care for one another. When we feed the starving, clothe the naked, provide clean water for thirsty people, and nurse our sick and infirm back to health, we are demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ. When Moses gave the Lord’s inheritance to the tribes of Israel, the Levites (the priests) received no tangible personal property. Their inheritance was the fire of the Spirit, which came from the offerings and sacrifices to the Lord. As I sit and meditate on these scriptures today, I am reminded that the only treasure I need to receive is the eternal gifts that the Lord gives. Every other material possession is simply immaterial.
I don’t need a closet full of shoes or a place called scrapbook central. I can be content not owning a home, or having lots of personal possessions. The only inheritance I need is the Lord Jesus Christ. Will you pray with me? Father, forgive me today. I have cared more about my needs than the needs of my brothers. Help me give it up for you. The only thing I need is your love. Teach me perfect submission. Help me to understand today what it means to be purchased by you and show me how to live it out in this life.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: Jesus Christ to be the only inheritance you desire. How much are you willing to give up for the Lord 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.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 13, 14, 15
Joshua 13:14 (NIV)
14 But to the tribe of Levi He gave no inheritance, since the offerings made by fire to the Lord, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, as He promised them.
Matthew 25:34-36 (NIV)
34 Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.
Good morning!
I woke up singing the words to Fanny Crosby’s “Blessed Assurance” this morning. I love it when the Lord wakes me up singing! What an inheritance we have in Jesus. Through His blood, we receive everlasting life and a home filled with His light – it is a love relationship that will never, ever end.
Yesterday afternoon, we were flipping the television channels, and stopped on a show called “Cribs.” I’ve not seen this program before. Apparently, this program features the mansions and lifestyles of some very wealthy people. I had no idea who these people were; yet, my eye was immediately drawn to the extravagance and luxury of their surroundings. One of the homeowners gave us a tour of her closet. This space looked like a boutique one might find in an exclusive shopping mall. She had more shoes on her shelf than I’ve ever owned (and I like shoes). Honestly, how many feet do we have? Here is what really surprised me. This woman has a full-time closet organizer, and I’m not talking about the shelving you buy at Target for $99. She introduced the television viewers to her full-time hired help, whose only job is to hang out in her closet and organize her stuff! Okay, I’m having a really hard time going there in my mind. I could use a closet organizer too. Actually, I just need to spend a little more time cleaning out my closet and giving away what I don’t need. Think about this for a minute – just how much stuff do we really need to live?
Do you ever find yourself buried in stuff? There are many people who enjoy hobbies and keeping collections. I admit I enjoy having a peculiar hobby to tinker with. If you saw my scrapbook room, you would understand what I mean by the word “peculiar.” For those of you who know my husband, you may recall seeing his “Simpson” collection displayed in the parsonage study. I’ve often thought of charging admission for room tours, yet, I cannot fathom anyone wanting to pay money to see this! Maybe I’ll give the producer of the show “Cribs” a call.
When Jesus taught His disciples about the final judgment, He said there is a special inheritance for those who truly love Him. How do we love Him? It has nothing to do with the words we speak. It has everything to do with how we choose to care for one another. When we feed the starving, clothe the naked, provide clean water for thirsty people, and nurse our sick and infirm back to health, we are demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ. When Moses gave the Lord’s inheritance to the tribes of Israel, the Levites (the priests) received no tangible personal property. Their inheritance was the fire of the Spirit, which came from the offerings and sacrifices to the Lord. As I sit and meditate on these scriptures today, I am reminded that the only treasure I need to receive is the eternal gifts that the Lord gives. Every other material possession is simply immaterial.
I don’t need a closet full of shoes or a place called scrapbook central. I can be content not owning a home, or having lots of personal possessions. The only inheritance I need is the Lord Jesus Christ. Will you pray with me? Father, forgive me today. I have cared more about my needs than the needs of my brothers. Help me give it up for you. The only thing I need is your love. Teach me perfect submission. Help me to understand today what it means to be purchased by you and show me how to live it out in this life.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: Jesus Christ to be the only inheritance you desire. How much are you willing to give up for the Lord 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 18, 2007
The greatest miracle of all!
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 10, 11, 12
Joshua 7:1 (NIV)
Joshua 10:13b-14 (NIV)
The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. 14 There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a man. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!
Matthew 27:50-53 (NIV)
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52 The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
Good morning!
Do you recognize a miracle when you see one? I was trying to count the miracles I witnessed yesterday, but I think I lost track. There were some amazing moments. Jeff and I were headed to our daughter’s home in Arnold to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary and enjoy the delights of our first backyard barbecue of the season. The weather in Missouri has been lovely. The grass is beginning to spring up with life; tulip bulbs are about four to six inches above the ground in my garden bed. We thought it would be a lovely day to sit outside in lawn chairs and smell the aroma of hickory charcoal, beef burgers and hot dogs sizzling on the grill. As we drove, we noticed the large, flowery snowflakes falling from the sky. Snow in March? Our first backyard barbecue of the year was beautifully decorated with God’s creative work. We had a delightful feast amid a cold snow shower, and enjoyed watching our grandchildren catch snowflakes on their tongues.
Rachel’s home was full of family. Looking around the room, I was touched by the new little ones we have welcomed into our life in the last six years. Joshua and Emily, Rachel and Dave’s children are now four and three. Their new baby is due to be born very soon. My niece Courtney had her beautiful daughter Kyndahl, was dressed in green Saint Patrick’s Day attire. Six months old, this precious baby girl sported a large green hat and a dashing shamrock headpiece. She was all smiles, while playing with our new granddaughter, Madison Marie. These girls were born just six days apart. Maddie and her big brother Jett were there with Kari, our daughter-in-law. Joshua’s cousin Ethan, who was born just a couple of months before Josh, was busy playing with the fire trucks. He was all smiles, happily playing with his cousins on the floor. All of these children were given to our family by the hand of God in just six short years. What a miracle and testimony to life!
I experienced miracles in worship. We celebrated new life in our denomination as we gathered together to hear our Bishop speak. His visioning, coupled with a willingness to put forth the work necessary to shepherd our congregations into the future was heartwarming. I felt a spirit of love, forgiveness and unity emerge from many who had gathered to praise the Lord and listen to our Bishop speak. It is a new day. There is life here!
As I sat in worship last night, holding my three year old Emily and sitting next to my dear sister in Christ, I was once again reminded of the miracle of His love. While the pastor preached God’s Word, Emily looked up at me and said, “Nanny, is he speaking to me?” I shook my head in agreement. “Yes, Emmy. You need to listen to him.” It is a miracle when God speaks to us. It is an even greater miracle when He gives us ears to hear Him. To think that the creator of the universe would care enough to want to be in relationship with his creation is hard to comprehend. He loves us so much that He would go before us in battle. He will lead us, if we are willing to follow and obey Him. Like the Israelites, the Lord won the battle and led them to victory. The Lord listened to man and He answered their prayers. He still answers prayers today.
When Christ died to save us from eternal separation, the curtain in the temple was torn in two pieces. Jesus Christ bridged the gap between a holy God and sinful man. The earth shook and the rocks split. The dead were raised to life, and the hearts of men were changed forevermore. What a miracle we have in Jesus!
Have you experienced a miracle lately? I invite you, this morning, to come to church with me, and experience the inexplicable joy of knowing the author and giver of life! Come and worship the Lord Jesus Christ. I’ll see you there!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the Lord to open your eyes and ears to the miracles that He places in your life. Through Jesus, we can be born-again, and that, my friends, is the greatest miracle of all.
____________________________
© 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.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 10, 11, 12
Joshua 7:1 (NIV)
Joshua 10:13b-14 (NIV)
The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. 14 There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a man. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!
Matthew 27:50-53 (NIV)
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52 The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.
Good morning!
Do you recognize a miracle when you see one? I was trying to count the miracles I witnessed yesterday, but I think I lost track. There were some amazing moments. Jeff and I were headed to our daughter’s home in Arnold to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary and enjoy the delights of our first backyard barbecue of the season. The weather in Missouri has been lovely. The grass is beginning to spring up with life; tulip bulbs are about four to six inches above the ground in my garden bed. We thought it would be a lovely day to sit outside in lawn chairs and smell the aroma of hickory charcoal, beef burgers and hot dogs sizzling on the grill. As we drove, we noticed the large, flowery snowflakes falling from the sky. Snow in March? Our first backyard barbecue of the year was beautifully decorated with God’s creative work. We had a delightful feast amid a cold snow shower, and enjoyed watching our grandchildren catch snowflakes on their tongues.
Rachel’s home was full of family. Looking around the room, I was touched by the new little ones we have welcomed into our life in the last six years. Joshua and Emily, Rachel and Dave’s children are now four and three. Their new baby is due to be born very soon. My niece Courtney had her beautiful daughter Kyndahl, was dressed in green Saint Patrick’s Day attire. Six months old, this precious baby girl sported a large green hat and a dashing shamrock headpiece. She was all smiles, while playing with our new granddaughter, Madison Marie. These girls were born just six days apart. Maddie and her big brother Jett were there with Kari, our daughter-in-law. Joshua’s cousin Ethan, who was born just a couple of months before Josh, was busy playing with the fire trucks. He was all smiles, happily playing with his cousins on the floor. All of these children were given to our family by the hand of God in just six short years. What a miracle and testimony to life!
I experienced miracles in worship. We celebrated new life in our denomination as we gathered together to hear our Bishop speak. His visioning, coupled with a willingness to put forth the work necessary to shepherd our congregations into the future was heartwarming. I felt a spirit of love, forgiveness and unity emerge from many who had gathered to praise the Lord and listen to our Bishop speak. It is a new day. There is life here!
As I sat in worship last night, holding my three year old Emily and sitting next to my dear sister in Christ, I was once again reminded of the miracle of His love. While the pastor preached God’s Word, Emily looked up at me and said, “Nanny, is he speaking to me?” I shook my head in agreement. “Yes, Emmy. You need to listen to him.” It is a miracle when God speaks to us. It is an even greater miracle when He gives us ears to hear Him. To think that the creator of the universe would care enough to want to be in relationship with his creation is hard to comprehend. He loves us so much that He would go before us in battle. He will lead us, if we are willing to follow and obey Him. Like the Israelites, the Lord won the battle and led them to victory. The Lord listened to man and He answered their prayers. He still answers prayers today.
When Christ died to save us from eternal separation, the curtain in the temple was torn in two pieces. Jesus Christ bridged the gap between a holy God and sinful man. The earth shook and the rocks split. The dead were raised to life, and the hearts of men were changed forevermore. What a miracle we have in Jesus!
Have you experienced a miracle lately? I invite you, this morning, to come to church with me, and experience the inexplicable joy of knowing the author and giver of life! Come and worship the Lord Jesus Christ. I’ll see you there!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the Lord to open your eyes and ears to the miracles that He places in your life. Through Jesus, we can be born-again, and that, my friends, is the greatest miracle of all.
____________________________
© 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.
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