Cold feet
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Ruth 1, 2, 3, 4
Ruth 3:5-11 (NIV)
5 [Ruth said to her mother-in-law Naomi] “I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. 6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do. 7 When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down. 8 In the middle of the night something startled the man, and he turned and discovered a woman lying at his feet. 9 “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are my kinsman-redeemer.” 10 “The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. 11 And now, my daughter, do not be afraid. I will do for you all you ask.”
Good morning!
Thirty years ago on May 28, 1977, I stood in the parlor of Stephan Memorial United Methodist Church, gazing at my reflection in the dressing room mirror. My wedding gown had been pressed and hemmed. It was perfect! The gown was embellished with appliqué daisies and seed pearls. The neckline and sleeves were transparent, made from sheer, silky fabric. A satin ribbon bow complimented the back of the beaded bodice. I wore a full-length veil, trimmed in daisy edging. I was afraid to sit down for fear I would wrinkle the back of my gown. I wore white sandals that day. It had rained earlier that morning, but now the sun was shining brightly through the stained glass windows of the church’s sanctuary.
The night before my wedding, I sat for the last time in my childhood bedroom, giving myself a pedicure and thinking about how the next twenty-four hours would change my life forever. My feet were really cold. Was I nervous? There were no butterflies in my stomach. Should I have been scared? No, I was convinced I had made the right choice. Yet, my feet felt like ice cubes. I wondered if they would ever warm up.
Do you have cold feet occasionally? This is something I have suffered with for as long as I can remember. I wondered if Ruth's feet were cold when she buried her husband in Moab. I could not imagine how Ruth must have felt when she chose to stay with her widowed mother-in-law, and traveled with her to Bethlehem. What kind of compassion did this brave young woman have? She had lost her inheritance, her family, her home. Yet, Ruth made the right choice when she committed to stay with Naomi. Still, she must have been a bit nervous. Ruth did not know what the future would hold, but she trusted in the One who held her future. Ruth’s obedience and faithfulness to Naomi is impressive. Would I have been so brave had I walked in Ruth’s footsteps?
Ruth obeyed Naomi’s instruction and went to the threshing floor that night, full of faith. As an act of respect for Israel’s custom and law, she chose to lie down at her master’s uncovered feet. By doing so, Ruth acknowledged Boaz to be her kinsman-redeemer. He was the one she would trust and obey, knowing Boaz had a good and honest heart. He would take exceptional care of her family. I wonder if Ruth had cold feet that night. It was the uncovering of Boaz’s feet that probably woke him in the middle of the night. When my feet get cold, I cannot sleep. Can you imagine how Boaz must have felt when he saw young Ruth, sleeping peacefully at his feet?
I remember my wedding day as if it were yesterday. When I think about that special moment thirty years ago, I am reminded that I am preparing my heart for an even greater wedding someday. It is that precious moment when I will forever be transformed. I will lay myself down at the feet of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I wonder if my feet will be cold on the day when I see my Savior face-to-face. I hardly think so. If God can melt my heart each morning as I sit in my earthly home worshiping Him, I’m certain that when I walk the streets of gold with Him, my feet will never be cold again.
Trusting and obeying the Lord is not always easy. We may not see the future clearly now, but we can see the feet of our master shining in the distant light. He is worth following, even when my feet are cold. Will you choose to go to the Lord’s threshing floor today, and lay yourself down at the feet of Jesus?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: faith to follow the Lord in every circumstance. He can take your cold feet and warm them up in the light of His amazing love. Do not be afraid! Jesus Christ will take care of you; He will be there for you, every step of the way.
____________________________
© 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 30, 2007
A new pathway
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Judges 20, 21; Psalm 60
Judges 19:23-24 (NIV)
23 The owner of the house went outside and said to them [the wicked men of the city], “No, my friends, don’t be so vile. Since this man is my guest, don’t do this disgraceful thing. 24 Look, here is my virgin daughter, and his concubine. I will bring them out to you now, and you can use them and do to them whatever you wish. But to this man, don’t do such a disgraceful thing.
Judges 20:3b (NIV)
3 Then the Israelites said, “Tell us how this awful thing happened.”
Psalm 60:1 (NIV)
1 You have rejected us, O God, and burst forth upon us; you have been angry – now restore us!
Good morning!
This passage of scripture is a prime example of radical hospitality running amuck. The homeowner intended to protect his house guest no matter what. He willingly gave his own little girl away along with the guest’s concubine, in exchange for the security of his guest. Who would do such a thing? How does one determine the intrinsic worth of a human being? Do we compartmentalize a person’s value based solely upon gender, race, class, or belief system? Does the actions and sinfulness of the tribe of Benjamin continue to plague our culture today?
It is a harsh reality when we begin to see the tragic choices we have made through the years. When our congregations begin to care more about preserving their own traditions rather than spreading the Good News of the Gospel, we get lost in self-service. We’ve missed the point. We get so caught up in the motions of religion that we fail to seek out the holy presence of the Lord. God has a plan and purpose for our life’s work. Do we really want to know His will for our life or is it easier to run away? The story of the tribe of Benjamin could have been our story. Is it your story?
Forty years is a long time to wander around in the wilderness. I’ve done a lot of wandering in the last forty years of my life. I’ve sat idle and watched the staggering decline of our church membership. I’ve seen first hand what happens when we miss the point, fall short of the mark, and begin to sink into the pit we have dug for ourselves. Thank God for visionaries. Praise the Lord for the people who are listening to His still small voice day by day, and are willing to stand up and shout, “Turn around!”
Tomorrow morning, a special session of the Missouri Area Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church will meet in Columbia, Missouri, to discuss a new Pathway. We have been challenged to refocus our faith on the only One who can save us, our Lord Jesus Christ. The purpose of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We have an opportunity to let go of our petty differences and lofty ambitions. We can be truly united through the power of His saving blood. If we are brave enough to let go of our personal agenda and allow Jesus Christ to lead us, I am convinced the life blood of our denomination will return. Where the presence of the Lord is, the people will come. The power of the Holy Spirit draws us to Him, especially when we focus our hearts and minds on the Lord.
With one voice in concert tomorrow morning, the people of the United Methodist Church in Missouri will lift our prayers and petitions before the throne of God. Oh God, restore us! May you find His strength in knowing that He hears and answers our prayers. There is a fresh wind moving among us. Like the blossoms of springtime, new life is being renewed. Can you feel it? The Lord will help us, as we cry out to Him with humble and penitent hearts. Oh God, restore us! Teach us how to love each other. Give us passion to tell the whole world about you. Touch us with flames of fire. Help us to only seek your face and discernment to understand your will and direction for our future, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: This is where new life begins. If you find yourself running toward a dead end, turn around! Ask Jesus to be the Lord of your life. If you seek Him, He will find you. Are we ready to take a new Pathway?
____________________________
© 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: Judges 20, 21; Psalm 60
Judges 19:23-24 (NIV)
23 The owner of the house went outside and said to them [the wicked men of the city], “No, my friends, don’t be so vile. Since this man is my guest, don’t do this disgraceful thing. 24 Look, here is my virgin daughter, and his concubine. I will bring them out to you now, and you can use them and do to them whatever you wish. But to this man, don’t do such a disgraceful thing.
Judges 20:3b (NIV)
3 Then the Israelites said, “Tell us how this awful thing happened.”
Psalm 60:1 (NIV)
1 You have rejected us, O God, and burst forth upon us; you have been angry – now restore us!
Good morning!
This passage of scripture is a prime example of radical hospitality running amuck. The homeowner intended to protect his house guest no matter what. He willingly gave his own little girl away along with the guest’s concubine, in exchange for the security of his guest. Who would do such a thing? How does one determine the intrinsic worth of a human being? Do we compartmentalize a person’s value based solely upon gender, race, class, or belief system? Does the actions and sinfulness of the tribe of Benjamin continue to plague our culture today?
It is a harsh reality when we begin to see the tragic choices we have made through the years. When our congregations begin to care more about preserving their own traditions rather than spreading the Good News of the Gospel, we get lost in self-service. We’ve missed the point. We get so caught up in the motions of religion that we fail to seek out the holy presence of the Lord. God has a plan and purpose for our life’s work. Do we really want to know His will for our life or is it easier to run away? The story of the tribe of Benjamin could have been our story. Is it your story?
Forty years is a long time to wander around in the wilderness. I’ve done a lot of wandering in the last forty years of my life. I’ve sat idle and watched the staggering decline of our church membership. I’ve seen first hand what happens when we miss the point, fall short of the mark, and begin to sink into the pit we have dug for ourselves. Thank God for visionaries. Praise the Lord for the people who are listening to His still small voice day by day, and are willing to stand up and shout, “Turn around!”
Tomorrow morning, a special session of the Missouri Area Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church will meet in Columbia, Missouri, to discuss a new Pathway. We have been challenged to refocus our faith on the only One who can save us, our Lord Jesus Christ. The purpose of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We have an opportunity to let go of our petty differences and lofty ambitions. We can be truly united through the power of His saving blood. If we are brave enough to let go of our personal agenda and allow Jesus Christ to lead us, I am convinced the life blood of our denomination will return. Where the presence of the Lord is, the people will come. The power of the Holy Spirit draws us to Him, especially when we focus our hearts and minds on the Lord.
With one voice in concert tomorrow morning, the people of the United Methodist Church in Missouri will lift our prayers and petitions before the throne of God. Oh God, restore us! May you find His strength in knowing that He hears and answers our prayers. There is a fresh wind moving among us. Like the blossoms of springtime, new life is being renewed. Can you feel it? The Lord will help us, as we cry out to Him with humble and penitent hearts. Oh God, restore us! Teach us how to love each other. Give us passion to tell the whole world about you. Touch us with flames of fire. Help us to only seek your face and discernment to understand your will and direction for our future, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: This is where new life begins. If you find yourself running toward a dead end, turn around! Ask Jesus to be the Lord of your life. If you seek Him, He will find you. Are we ready to take a new Pathway?
____________________________
© 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 29, 2007
What's your thing?
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Judges 17, 18, 19
Judges 17:6 (NIV)
6 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.
Good morning!
In the summer of ‘69, the Isley Brothers had a mega hit on the pop music charts entitled It’s YourThing. Do you remember the words to this song? I remember the hours I spent that summer at the community swimming pool, sunbathing and listening to the transistor radio sitting next to my swim bag. I can still hear the melody and the words of this song ringing in my ears, as if it were just yesterday: “It’s your thing (it’s your thing), do what you wanna do; I can’t tell you who to sock it to. Let me hear you say - it’s my thing (it’s your thing), I do what I wanna do.”
We hear a lot about diversity, especially in the workplace and through our news media. There are a lot of people out there trying to find their way. They keep searching for something or someone they can believe in. Humans long to find a comfortable place where they can say, I belong here. They invest their life’s energy into the pursuit of this dream. Most of the people I know tend to do their own thing. I watch and pray while they climb career ladders, pursue many hobbies and love interests with reckless abandon. I let them skip down the garden path knowing it will lead them to a dead end. I can see them falling; yet, out of respect for our culture, I remain silent. What is up with that? Our society teaches that it is disrespectful to speak up against the practices and belief systems of others, even when we are convicted to share the Good News. When I refuse to share Jesus, am I really acting out of respect for others, or am I disrespecting the Lord in my disobedience to follow His instruction? How much do I really care about the spiritual condition of my neighbor?
If we could see our brothers and sisters the way our Lord sees them, maybe we would feel an urgency to tell them about Jesus. Why do we hesitate to share the best gift we have ever received? Why do we wait for someone else to reach out, when we are standing right next to them? Do we not have enough trust in Christ to reach out in love? Last night, right before I fell asleep, I read the following words written by Pastor Rick Warren. I am quoting an excerpt from the book entitled, “The Complete Evangelism Guidebook.” I’m allowing these words to simmer in my heart today, and I pray they will obliterate the lyrics of the song I learned as a child in the summer of ‘69 at the community swimming pool.
The Bible says, “God does not want anyone to be lost, but He wants all people to change their hearts and lives” (2 Peter 3:9 NCV). As long as you know one person who doesn’t know Christ, you must keep praying for that person, serving him or her in love, and sharing the Good News. And as long as there is one person in your community who isn’t in the family of God, your church must keep reaching out. The church that doesn’t want to grow is saying to the world, “You can go to Hell.” Warren 64-65.
If we don’t tell them about Jesus, who will?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the Lord to give you the desire to share what you know to be true. Jesus gave us the Great Commission. For those of us who believe, it is not an option – it is His command. Will you choose to share the saving love of Jesus with someone 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: Judges 17, 18, 19
Judges 17:6 (NIV)
6 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.
Good morning!
In the summer of ‘69, the Isley Brothers had a mega hit on the pop music charts entitled It’s YourThing. Do you remember the words to this song? I remember the hours I spent that summer at the community swimming pool, sunbathing and listening to the transistor radio sitting next to my swim bag. I can still hear the melody and the words of this song ringing in my ears, as if it were just yesterday: “It’s your thing (it’s your thing), do what you wanna do; I can’t tell you who to sock it to. Let me hear you say - it’s my thing (it’s your thing), I do what I wanna do.”
We hear a lot about diversity, especially in the workplace and through our news media. There are a lot of people out there trying to find their way. They keep searching for something or someone they can believe in. Humans long to find a comfortable place where they can say, I belong here. They invest their life’s energy into the pursuit of this dream. Most of the people I know tend to do their own thing. I watch and pray while they climb career ladders, pursue many hobbies and love interests with reckless abandon. I let them skip down the garden path knowing it will lead them to a dead end. I can see them falling; yet, out of respect for our culture, I remain silent. What is up with that? Our society teaches that it is disrespectful to speak up against the practices and belief systems of others, even when we are convicted to share the Good News. When I refuse to share Jesus, am I really acting out of respect for others, or am I disrespecting the Lord in my disobedience to follow His instruction? How much do I really care about the spiritual condition of my neighbor?
If we could see our brothers and sisters the way our Lord sees them, maybe we would feel an urgency to tell them about Jesus. Why do we hesitate to share the best gift we have ever received? Why do we wait for someone else to reach out, when we are standing right next to them? Do we not have enough trust in Christ to reach out in love? Last night, right before I fell asleep, I read the following words written by Pastor Rick Warren. I am quoting an excerpt from the book entitled, “The Complete Evangelism Guidebook.” I’m allowing these words to simmer in my heart today, and I pray they will obliterate the lyrics of the song I learned as a child in the summer of ‘69 at the community swimming pool.
The Bible says, “God does not want anyone to be lost, but He wants all people to change their hearts and lives” (2 Peter 3:9 NCV). As long as you know one person who doesn’t know Christ, you must keep praying for that person, serving him or her in love, and sharing the Good News. And as long as there is one person in your community who isn’t in the family of God, your church must keep reaching out. The church that doesn’t want to grow is saying to the world, “You can go to Hell.” Warren 64-65.
If we don’t tell them about Jesus, who will?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the Lord to give you the desire to share what you know to be true. Jesus gave us the Great Commission. For those of us who believe, it is not an option – it is His command. Will you choose to share the saving love of Jesus with someone 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 28, 2007
Living Water
Grand Sweep Daily
Judges 15:19a (NIV)
19 Then God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned and he revived.
Psalm 59:16-17 (NIV)
16 But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. 17 O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.
Good morning!
When my mother was a little girl, growing up with her six siblings in the back woods near
My grandparents drew their daily water from a well located near the back porch of their farm. Fresh, clean water was drawn from a bucket attached to a rope and pulley. Scooping well water into large metal cups, this culinary delight could quench a powerful thirst. Our bodies need water to survive. Have you ever experienced dehydration, either from illness or from hard work in the heat of day? That cup of fresh water may be your life saver!
Samson was exhausted. Fighting the Philistines was hard work, even for a young man with extraordinary strength. Samson slew one thousand with the jawbone of a donkey. His reputation preceded him, no matter where Samson traveled. Even this strong warrior recognized his dependence upon water for survival. Crying out to the Lord for help, Samson experienced the enjoyment of living water flowing out from the hollow place at Lehi. As he drank, Samson’s strength was renewed and he was revived. What does living water taste like? Have you ever been so spiritually dry that you wondered whether your soul would survive the heat?
The water of life is a gift of God. He extends it today to all who are thirsty and come to Him for refreshment. The Lord can quench your thirst, if you are willing to go to the river and drink. Would you like to take a dip in the river of life? He offers us living water, the kind that quenches your thirst and fills you up to overflowing with His precious Holy Spirit.
Are you thirsty this morning? Come and immerse yourself in the revival and refreshment of the Lord.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: living water to flow into your life today, bringing you refreshment and renewal. His water will change your life forever. It’s hot outside! Are you ready to take a dip in the cool waters that flow from the river 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.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Lumpy dough!
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Judges 12, 13, 14
Judges 13:24-25 (NIV)
24 The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the Lord blessed him, 25 and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him while he was in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.
Good morning!
Before the days of a Kitchen Aid food processing system, my mother and I used to stand at the kitchen table in our matching aprons, holding spatulas in our hands while stirring the cake batter in the bowl. My mother was a fabulous cook! We kneaded dough with our bare hands. We would often find flour splashed on our faces and in our hair, as we put a little muscle into the mixing. Mom used to be a real stickler on making sure the lumps were all gone and every bit of the batter was smooth and creamy. Her hot cross buns melted in your mouth; chocolate cakes were light and moist. The neighbors knew when my mother was baking. The sweet smell of warm bread would drift out from the kitchen window and into the back yard. Do you remember the days when it took hours to prepare a meal and every recipe was made from scratch?
Kneading bread dough was always a challenge for me. Not a speck of flour was left as it formed the shiny dough ball. The consistency of the dough was important if we wanted the bread to rise. It was not always easy kneading the doughy batter. It takes lots of elbow grease and a determination of will. Conquer and divide was the battle cry of the bakers!
When the Lord stirs up His spirit within me, He often starts from scratch. Sometimes He has to work really hard to get all the lumps out. I'm talking about all of the doughy places where I bear resentment or animosity. He takes my bowl of lumpy batter and kneads it into a smooth and shiny substance, which will someday rise and emit a sweet and fragrant scent. The consistency of my life lived for Christ is born in the kneading and molding of my heart song. The Lord does this, sometimes with great force, because my stubbornness, self-centered attitude, and hard heart needs a strong arm to reshape the sharp edges of my life. There are other times, when the Lord stirs my spirit in a gentle way, nudging me to step out of my box and spill into the stream of everyday living.
When my heart is lumpy and brittle, he kneads me back to fullness of life. Through His Word and in prayer, I find elasticity and flexibility within His holy hand. I may not enjoy the kneading process, but I love what the Lord is shaping in my life. He never gives up on me. I love the Lord so much when He stirs His Holy Spirit up in my heart!
Over and over again, we see the Lord stirring up the Spirit in the hearts of the people. God had a plan for young Samson. He has a plan for you too. The next time you feel like the Lord's kneading is a little rough, take joy in knowing He is preparing you to rise with Him in perfection and praise. Is your spirit being stirred today? What is He preparing you for? Are you willing to be poured out for Him?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: God to take the lumps in your life and smooth them out, so that you can be a heart He can use in kingdom work. Let the Lord stir your spirit up today. Ask Him to mold you into the child He has created you to be.
____________________________
© 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: Judges 12, 13, 14
Judges 13:24-25 (NIV)
24 The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the Lord blessed him, 25 and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him while he was in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.
Good morning!
Before the days of a Kitchen Aid food processing system, my mother and I used to stand at the kitchen table in our matching aprons, holding spatulas in our hands while stirring the cake batter in the bowl. My mother was a fabulous cook! We kneaded dough with our bare hands. We would often find flour splashed on our faces and in our hair, as we put a little muscle into the mixing. Mom used to be a real stickler on making sure the lumps were all gone and every bit of the batter was smooth and creamy. Her hot cross buns melted in your mouth; chocolate cakes were light and moist. The neighbors knew when my mother was baking. The sweet smell of warm bread would drift out from the kitchen window and into the back yard. Do you remember the days when it took hours to prepare a meal and every recipe was made from scratch?
Kneading bread dough was always a challenge for me. Not a speck of flour was left as it formed the shiny dough ball. The consistency of the dough was important if we wanted the bread to rise. It was not always easy kneading the doughy batter. It takes lots of elbow grease and a determination of will. Conquer and divide was the battle cry of the bakers!
When the Lord stirs up His spirit within me, He often starts from scratch. Sometimes He has to work really hard to get all the lumps out. I'm talking about all of the doughy places where I bear resentment or animosity. He takes my bowl of lumpy batter and kneads it into a smooth and shiny substance, which will someday rise and emit a sweet and fragrant scent. The consistency of my life lived for Christ is born in the kneading and molding of my heart song. The Lord does this, sometimes with great force, because my stubbornness, self-centered attitude, and hard heart needs a strong arm to reshape the sharp edges of my life. There are other times, when the Lord stirs my spirit in a gentle way, nudging me to step out of my box and spill into the stream of everyday living.
When my heart is lumpy and brittle, he kneads me back to fullness of life. Through His Word and in prayer, I find elasticity and flexibility within His holy hand. I may not enjoy the kneading process, but I love what the Lord is shaping in my life. He never gives up on me. I love the Lord so much when He stirs His Holy Spirit up in my heart!
Over and over again, we see the Lord stirring up the Spirit in the hearts of the people. God had a plan for young Samson. He has a plan for you too. The next time you feel like the Lord's kneading is a little rough, take joy in knowing He is preparing you to rise with Him in perfection and praise. Is your spirit being stirred today? What is He preparing you for? Are you willing to be poured out for Him?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: God to take the lumps in your life and smooth them out, so that you can be a heart He can use in kingdom work. Let the Lord stir your spirit up today. Ask Him to mold you into the child He has created you to be.
____________________________
© 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 26, 2007
Dying to be king!
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Judges 9, 10, 11
Judges 9:51-53(NIV)
51 Inside the city, however, was a strong tower, to which all the men and women – all the people of the city – fled. They locked themselves in and climbed up on the tower roof. 52 Abimelech went to the tower and stormed it. But as he approached the entrance of the tower to set it on fire, 53 a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and cracked his skull.
Good morning!
Some people go to great lengths to climb the ladder of "success." Have you experienced the wrath of a power-hungry person in your family, at work, or even at church? Self-righteous indignation is a dangerous attitude to model, and can eventually lead to deep regret and self-destruction. Just how far would you go to climb the tower of power? Who would you gladly step on to reach the top?
Abimelech had a lot to prove. Self-esteem issues burned within his heart, as Abimelech continued to cultivate the seed of hatred for his father's actions and the half-brothers whom he resented. Labeled a half-breed, Abimelech received no rightful inheritance, and was well-known as the black sheep of his family; a by-product of an unholy interlude between his father Gideon and a concubine. Through no fault of his own, Abimelech suffered cruelly from the insults and humiliating prejudices held by father's family and friends. With great determination, Abimelech allowed poor judgment and a deep desire for revenge to overtake his life. If he could just be king, maybe Abimelech's need for revenge could be quenched. If he could just control the people around him, maybe he could protect his broken heart. Abimelech wanted control, and he was willing to take it, even at the expense of his very life.
Abimelech chose to rally electoral support by pitting his mother's clan against his father's brothers. Lobbying for support, Abimelech elected himself king. He obtained much needed financial support for his campaign of treachery, and invested the monies to purchase the services of a hit man, who took the lives of Abimelech's brothers. Abimelech believed if he could eliminate the competition all together, he could retain the power and control he so desperately needed to survive. Abimelech thought his revenge would be sweet; that he would finally experience peace of mind. His ruthless attitude and overconfident ego cost Abimelech his very life.
When a snake is striking at your heel, where do you run? The people of Thebez ran to a strong tower inside their city. They fled there on foot, seeking sanctuary and protection from the evil Abimelech and his band of thugs. The Lord God Almighty is a strong tower. We can run to Him and find solace in the secret place of His everlasting love. The snares of the wicked cannot touch our souls when we rest in the shelter of His almighty hand. As Abimelech prepared to set the tower ablaze, a woman dropped a millstone from the top of the tower onto the power hungry head of this wanna-be king. Dying in shame and agony, Abimelech's last request was that his armor-bearer would end his pitiful life, so that he would not be remembered as the king was killed at the hand of a woman.
Abimelech is a sad example of one who spent his entire life seeking revenge, bearing animosity toward his brothers, and looking for self-esteem in all the wrong places. When we cannot forgive the ones who hurt us, we become miserable people. There are some things that seem impossible to forgive. When we confess our sinful thoughts and behaviors to the Lord of life, handing Him our heart strings, He can take even the deepest hurt and heal it within the shelter of His care. The love of Christ can mend a heart that has been shattered into tiny slivers. He can restore relationships, removing our need to control those around us. He is a strong and mighty tower and we can run to Him every single day.
Will you run to the Lord this morning? Will you give Him the things that keep you stirred up in anger? Or will you choose to live a life like Abimelech, seeking revenge and control at every turn? A true leader is never elected. When we raise our personal agenda over God's Word, we will fall. It is simply a matter of time.
Find a way to forgive your brothers today. Ask the Lord Jesus to help you. Forgiving the unforgivable is a Christlike quality and marks a true leader. Will you choose to forgive, or will you continue to take out the people in your path as you seek to become a self-avowed king?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: a humble heart and contrite spirit. We can learn from Abimelech's poor choices as we recommit our lives to servant leadership and Christlike behavior. Will you let go of your desire to control and give your heart completely to 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: Judges 9, 10, 11
Judges 9:51-53(NIV)
51 Inside the city, however, was a strong tower, to which all the men and women – all the people of the city – fled. They locked themselves in and climbed up on the tower roof. 52 Abimelech went to the tower and stormed it. But as he approached the entrance of the tower to set it on fire, 53 a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and cracked his skull.
Good morning!
Some people go to great lengths to climb the ladder of "success." Have you experienced the wrath of a power-hungry person in your family, at work, or even at church? Self-righteous indignation is a dangerous attitude to model, and can eventually lead to deep regret and self-destruction. Just how far would you go to climb the tower of power? Who would you gladly step on to reach the top?
Abimelech had a lot to prove. Self-esteem issues burned within his heart, as Abimelech continued to cultivate the seed of hatred for his father's actions and the half-brothers whom he resented. Labeled a half-breed, Abimelech received no rightful inheritance, and was well-known as the black sheep of his family; a by-product of an unholy interlude between his father Gideon and a concubine. Through no fault of his own, Abimelech suffered cruelly from the insults and humiliating prejudices held by father's family and friends. With great determination, Abimelech allowed poor judgment and a deep desire for revenge to overtake his life. If he could just be king, maybe Abimelech's need for revenge could be quenched. If he could just control the people around him, maybe he could protect his broken heart. Abimelech wanted control, and he was willing to take it, even at the expense of his very life.
Abimelech chose to rally electoral support by pitting his mother's clan against his father's brothers. Lobbying for support, Abimelech elected himself king. He obtained much needed financial support for his campaign of treachery, and invested the monies to purchase the services of a hit man, who took the lives of Abimelech's brothers. Abimelech believed if he could eliminate the competition all together, he could retain the power and control he so desperately needed to survive. Abimelech thought his revenge would be sweet; that he would finally experience peace of mind. His ruthless attitude and overconfident ego cost Abimelech his very life.
When a snake is striking at your heel, where do you run? The people of Thebez ran to a strong tower inside their city. They fled there on foot, seeking sanctuary and protection from the evil Abimelech and his band of thugs. The Lord God Almighty is a strong tower. We can run to Him and find solace in the secret place of His everlasting love. The snares of the wicked cannot touch our souls when we rest in the shelter of His almighty hand. As Abimelech prepared to set the tower ablaze, a woman dropped a millstone from the top of the tower onto the power hungry head of this wanna-be king. Dying in shame and agony, Abimelech's last request was that his armor-bearer would end his pitiful life, so that he would not be remembered as the king was killed at the hand of a woman.
Abimelech is a sad example of one who spent his entire life seeking revenge, bearing animosity toward his brothers, and looking for self-esteem in all the wrong places. When we cannot forgive the ones who hurt us, we become miserable people. There are some things that seem impossible to forgive. When we confess our sinful thoughts and behaviors to the Lord of life, handing Him our heart strings, He can take even the deepest hurt and heal it within the shelter of His care. The love of Christ can mend a heart that has been shattered into tiny slivers. He can restore relationships, removing our need to control those around us. He is a strong and mighty tower and we can run to Him every single day.
Will you run to the Lord this morning? Will you give Him the things that keep you stirred up in anger? Or will you choose to live a life like Abimelech, seeking revenge and control at every turn? A true leader is never elected. When we raise our personal agenda over God's Word, we will fall. It is simply a matter of time.
Find a way to forgive your brothers today. Ask the Lord Jesus to help you. Forgiving the unforgivable is a Christlike quality and marks a true leader. Will you choose to forgive, or will you continue to take out the people in your path as you seek to become a self-avowed king?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: a humble heart and contrite spirit. We can learn from Abimelech's poor choices as we recommit our lives to servant leadership and Christlike behavior. Will you let go of your desire to control and give your heart completely to 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 25, 2007
Excuses!
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Judges 6, 7, 8
Judges 6:14 (NIV)
14 The Lord turned to [Gideon] and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”
Good morning!
I experienced some of the best Bible teaching I’ve ever heard last year at the Women of Faith Conference in Saint Louis, Missouri. Patsy Clairmont spoke about Gideon’s life during the Friday morning Bible study. It was so dark in the auditorium that I was unable to take good notes; yet, it would have been difficult to take my eyes off of this gifted teacher. For those of you who have never seen or heard Patsy Clairmont speak, she is a living example of what a little stick dynamite can do in the hand of a Big God. Patsy is a tiny woman, overflowing in the power of the Holy Spirit. She made Gideon come alive for all of us as she shared how the Lord moved in her life many years ago. God took someone with not a lot of physical strength or self-confidence and lifted her up to speak His Word to thousands of women all over the world. Like Gideon, Patsy struggled with fear. Gideon didn’t think he had what it would take to save Israel from the Midianites. Gideon measured his clan against the other clans of Israel. He compared his body size and type to the strapping, strong warriors around him. Gideon could not understand how the Lord would possibly choose to use him in a leadership capacity. Have you ever felt like Gideon - too little and too weak to break the chains that bind and separate you from receiving complete freedom in the living God?
God’s action plan for Israel helped Gideon see that even with only three hundred faithful men, He was more than able to route the Midianites and conquer the land. The Lord may not send you into battle with what you think you need to win. Our Lord has the power to succeed, even in spite of our lame excuses. If He can prove faithfulness over and over again by turning what seems to be an impossible situation into a victory, why do we struggle so to place our complete trust in His will? Gideon hid behind his imperfections. The Lord God Almighty overcame each and every one.
Are you a Gideon? Has the Lord been calling out your name but you continue to make excuses? Stop looking at the obvious and take a leap of faith today. Place your trust in His still small voice and offer up a willing and humble heart. When you do this, the Lord will fill you up with the power of the Holy Spirit and you can become a Gideon in the battle for souls. If you have never attended a Women of Faith Conference, check out www.womenoffaith.com for a 2007 tour schedule. If you live in the Saint Louis area, the Amazing Freedom conference will be held June 15-16, 2007 at the Scotttrade Center in downtown St. Louis. Our Women of Faith from Faith Church will attend this conference together, and I invite you to come and join us! If you are interested in making a reservation for you and your girlfriends, please e-mail me at songofdeborah@hotmail. com and we will be happy to reserve your spot. I need to hear from you no later than March 31st. This is not an exclusive event to women only; men are also welcome to attend and I promise, they will be treated like royalty! Do we have a few brave men who would like to join thousands of spirit-filled women for a weekend in Saint Louis? Your ear drums and your hearts will never be the same again.
If God could take a fearful soul like Gideon and use him to free the Israelites, don’t think He can use you too?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: courage! When you hear the voice of God calling out your name, answer Him! He created you with a purpose and a plan. Won’t you trust the Lord enough to give Him your life 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: Judges 6, 7, 8
Judges 6:14 (NIV)
14 The Lord turned to [Gideon] and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”
Good morning!
I experienced some of the best Bible teaching I’ve ever heard last year at the Women of Faith Conference in Saint Louis, Missouri. Patsy Clairmont spoke about Gideon’s life during the Friday morning Bible study. It was so dark in the auditorium that I was unable to take good notes; yet, it would have been difficult to take my eyes off of this gifted teacher. For those of you who have never seen or heard Patsy Clairmont speak, she is a living example of what a little stick dynamite can do in the hand of a Big God. Patsy is a tiny woman, overflowing in the power of the Holy Spirit. She made Gideon come alive for all of us as she shared how the Lord moved in her life many years ago. God took someone with not a lot of physical strength or self-confidence and lifted her up to speak His Word to thousands of women all over the world. Like Gideon, Patsy struggled with fear. Gideon didn’t think he had what it would take to save Israel from the Midianites. Gideon measured his clan against the other clans of Israel. He compared his body size and type to the strapping, strong warriors around him. Gideon could not understand how the Lord would possibly choose to use him in a leadership capacity. Have you ever felt like Gideon - too little and too weak to break the chains that bind and separate you from receiving complete freedom in the living God?
God’s action plan for Israel helped Gideon see that even with only three hundred faithful men, He was more than able to route the Midianites and conquer the land. The Lord may not send you into battle with what you think you need to win. Our Lord has the power to succeed, even in spite of our lame excuses. If He can prove faithfulness over and over again by turning what seems to be an impossible situation into a victory, why do we struggle so to place our complete trust in His will? Gideon hid behind his imperfections. The Lord God Almighty overcame each and every one.
Are you a Gideon? Has the Lord been calling out your name but you continue to make excuses? Stop looking at the obvious and take a leap of faith today. Place your trust in His still small voice and offer up a willing and humble heart. When you do this, the Lord will fill you up with the power of the Holy Spirit and you can become a Gideon in the battle for souls. If you have never attended a Women of Faith Conference, check out www.womenoffaith.com for a 2007 tour schedule. If you live in the Saint Louis area, the Amazing Freedom conference will be held June 15-16, 2007 at the Scotttrade Center in downtown St. Louis. Our Women of Faith from Faith Church will attend this conference together, and I invite you to come and join us! If you are interested in making a reservation for you and your girlfriends, please e-mail me at songofdeborah@hotmail. com and we will be happy to reserve your spot. I need to hear from you no later than March 31st. This is not an exclusive event to women only; men are also welcome to attend and I promise, they will be treated like royalty! Do we have a few brave men who would like to join thousands of spirit-filled women for a weekend in Saint Louis? Your ear drums and your hearts will never be the same again.
If God could take a fearful soul like Gideon and use him to free the Israelites, don’t think He can use you too?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: courage! When you hear the voice of God calling out your name, answer Him! He created you with a purpose and a plan. Won’t you trust the Lord enough to give Him your life 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.
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