Saturday, April 07, 2007

Woman, why are you crying?

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: I Samuel 19, 20, 21, 22

John 20:13 (NIV)
They asked her, “Woman, why are you crying?”

Hebrews 11:1 (KJV)
Now faith is the substance of all things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.


Good morning!

Salome sat up and rubbed her eyes. She could feel the sting from the hours spent crying yesterday. The Master that she loved more than herself, was gone. Just forty-eight hours ago, Salome had helped prepare the Passover feast for her Lord to eat. She, along with Mary Magdalene and Mary, the Mother of Jesus, prayed together that night, asking for strength and understanding. That meal had been really strange. Jesus had taken a slice of unleavened bread from the basket she placed on their table, and she watched as He broke it into two pieces. Jesus held the bread up toward the heavens and said, “This is my body, which is given for you.” He knew he was going to die, but why this? Salome had many questions and no one to ask. Jesus used to answer all of Salome’s questions, as she sat at His feet, listening for hour upon hour as He spoke. “His body will do him no good now,” she thought, as she washed her hands in the large bowl, sitting near the upper room window overlooking the city. The streets were quiet - really quiet. The joy of children playing and birds singing had vanished. Would she ever feel joy again?

Salome stayed at the cross with Mary. She wondered who had suffered more – the mother or her Son. No mother should have to experience the loss of a child, and especially on a hill called Golgotha, the place of the skull. When the Roman guard finally allowed Jesus’ body to be taken down from the tree, Salome was relieved. She could not bear to watch the vultures feast on His flesh. Salome helped wrap her Lord in the burial clothes. The blood of Christ had left stains under her fingernails and on the palm of her hands. Jesus’ body had literally been shredded by the cruel lashing he received just before he was crucified. Salome wondered if she would ever be able to completely wash His blood from her hands. Maybe she didn’t want to. It was all she had left of her Lord.

“How strange,” Salome thought, as she stared at the city gate from the window. “Jesus rode through the beautiful gate on a donkey just a few days ago. The people worshipped and praised His coming. The very same people who shouted ‘Hosanna’ were the ones who shouted ‘Crucify Him’ before Pilate. How can a person’s heart change so quickly?” Salome wiped the tears rolling down her cheeks once again. She wondered whether the tears would ever end.

Like Salome, we sit in our prayer closets today, wondering why Jesus had to die, especially the way He did. His disciples and faithful followers had all fallen away in fear that day. They thought Jesus had come to reclaim the city for God, to overthrow the heavy hand of Roman rule, and to make the temple a place where people could pray and worship the Father. Salome’s vision was blurred as she wept with a sad heart. Sometimes, we struggle with our vision too. We read the words of the Easter account and find our hearts are filled with grief and pain. His sacrifice is more than we can bear. Salome had no idea what was about to happen. We sit and wait with Salome, desperately seeking the dawn of a new day.

The greatest miracle was happening right before her very eyes, and Salome couldn’t see it. Can you see what is happening? Are you ready to experience the power of our risen Christ, and be totally transformed? New life awaits. Hope is hanging in the wings.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


Pray for: courage to share the Good News with everyone you know. Will you hide behind your salvation, fearing what may happen if you share it with someone else, or will you jump up and down, waving your hands and singing, He is alive! He is alive!
____________________________
© 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, April 06, 2007

The Last Word

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: I Samuel 16, 17, 18

I Samuel 16:7 (NIV)
7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

John 1:1-5 (NIV)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

Revelation 19:11-13 (NIV)
11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on His head are many crowns. He has a name written on Him that no one knows but He himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and His name is the Word of God.


Good morning!

Are you the type of person who always has to have the last word? When I was growing up, my father always had the last word at our house. We learned very early not to question or dispute him. If we chose to disagree and voice our opinion, our home became an unhappy haven rather quickly. When I was learning to drive, the law said that I must wear a seatbelt and my passengers were also required to wear a seat belt. I didn’t have the self-confidence to believe that I might not have an automobile accident and I did not want to risk another person’s life. My father never wore a seat belt. He thought they were cumbersome and useless. I remember a time when he was going to let me drive the car on our family vacation. I got into the driver’s seat and put my seatbelt on. Looking at him, I said, “Daddy, I need you to fasten your seatbelt. I will feel better about driving this car if I know you are protected.” He replied, “Then you are not driving.” That was his last word on the subject. Thank goodness my mother always wore her seatbelt. I might not have ever learned to drive!

The words we speak and the words we hear have a profound effect on our lives. God gave us the gift of self-expression. We learn to speak words from listening to the words of the people who surround us. Children emulate the words of their parents, much to their dismay, at times. Our wee ones may repeat something they heard us say, when we didn’t know they were listening. Have you ever spoken a harsh word, only to hear it repeated by an innocent child, with the same inflection they heard coming out of your mouth? As we continue to receive education, we learn to read and write words. We study grammar in school. While we define and refine our sentence structure on the printed page, our words begin to define us. Words have the power to set the tone for the way we choose to live our lives. Take some time today to think about the words you say. Do they accurately reflect the condition of your life?

Scripture teaches that in the beginning, the Word lives. He is the only Word that matters. Our simple and finite words will die with us one day. Our tongues will become silent, our thoughts a fleeting memory. As life passes into death, there will be only one Word that saves. That Word is Jesus. Death does not have the last Word, thanks be to the resurrection power of our Lord! On this Good Friday, take time to remember and mourn the suffering and physical death of our everlasting Word. May we find our hope in knowing His Word conquered the grave! His Word is true. He will return one day, coming out of the clouds on a white horse and all people will know His Word is faithful and true.

Jesus Christ will have the last Word. He is the beginning and the end, the Alpha and Omega. His Word is the only Word worth knowing. When we cry to out Jesus, He hears and answers our heart’s desire! He heals our wounded and broken lives. He restores us, once and for all. Jesus walks with us as we experience new life in Him. When we place our hope in Jesus, we have His Word that He we will be us forever, even to the end of the age.

There is only one Word that you need to know today, and that Word is Jesus.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


Pray for: the Word to become a real and living presence in your life. Jesus died for you. His passion and compassion for a lost and dying world is poured out upon the cross of Calvary today. The Word was made flesh and he dwelled among us. He is the sinless Lamb of God, and it is His Word that pays the ransom for your soul this morning. He will rescue you, if you cry out to Him in faith. Jesus! Jesus! Jesus!
____________________________
© 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, April 05, 2007

Internal Combustion

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: I Samuel 13, 14, 15

I Samuel 14:6 (NIV)
6 Jonathan said to the young armor-bearer, “Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few.

Isaiah 53:5 (NIV)
5 But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His wounds we are healed.

Luke 22:41-44 (NIV)
41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but your will be done. 43 An angel from heaven appeared to Him and strengthened Him. 44 And being in anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.


Good morning!

Fear has held me back more times than I can count. I grew up with an overwhelming fear of animals. Anything that had four legs, teeth and claws scared me to death. My mother used to say that I would run out into the street in front of a moving vehicle before I would let a dog come near me on the sidewalk. I can speak about this fear now, even though I do not understand it. The Lord has helped me stand up and face the things that scare me, even to the point of death. Have you ever been so frightened that you felt totally frozen with fear?

Jonathan took one look at the narrow pathway between the cliffs of Bozez and Seneh, and he was scared. He knew he would have to eliminate the Philistine soldiers if he and his armor bearer were to survive passing through. There were so many soldiers waiting to take his life. Jonathan knew in his heart that His God was greater than any human power, and He placed total trust in the Lord’s ability to win the battle.

Whenever I feel fear, it is always good to have an encourager; someone who I can trust to walk with me in faith. Jonathan turned to his armor bearer said, “Climb up after me; the Lord has given them into the hand of Israel.” As Jesus went one last time to the garden to pray, He took His armor bearers, the disciples whom He loved, and told them to keep watch while He prayed. Who are the armor bearers in your life? Who watches your back while you are fighting the fears that keep you from receiving God’s best for your life?

Jesus experienced internal combustion that long night in Gethsemane. His flesh wanted out. He did not want to endure the hours of pain and anguish that were imminent. More than that, Jesus knew that bearing the sins of the world would separate Him from a holy and sinless Father. The victory was always His. Still, Jesus began to sweat blood, as he cried out to the Father for help. Our Lord was obedient to the Father’s will, even to death on a Roman cross. When I think of the courage our Lord showed in the face of fear, I find strength to face and conquer the fears in my life. I may not always understand why things happen the way they do, but I know who in whom I place my trust. And He is more than enough to inspire me to lay my fears aside and step up in His will and go.

Have you ever heard the Lord calling you to speak up, and you hesitated for fear of what others may think? How will my family feel? Will my friends run and hide if I share my heart and soul with them? How do I find the courage to share what the risen Christ has done for me? Am I willing to go and spread the Gospel to perfect strangers; people who are “not yet” Christians, just waiting for someone to introduce them to the Lord and giver of new life? What if God calls me to risk my own life for Him? Will fear hold me back or will faith move me forward?

When Jesus prayed for help, the Lord sent an angel from heaven to strengthen Him. Like the armor bearers in our lives, God sends angelic intervention just when we need Him the most. This weekend is a holy moment waiting to happen in the lives of Jews and Christians around the world. We remember and rejoice in the blood of our sacrificial Lamb, and the courage of our forefathers to follow in faith. We have an opportunity to speak up, to reach out, and love our neighbors the way Jesus Christ loves us.

If you find yourself on your knees this morning, praying to the Father for help, look up! Allow the strength of Jesus Christ to become your strength and voice today. If you ask Him to help you, He will do it. When the Lord calls you to go, and He will call you, if you hesitate and allow your fears to keep you back, be prepared to internally combust. He will not let us sit idle. Friends, there is a lot of work to do out there. People need the Lord, and we need to share His love now.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


Pray for: faith to conquer fear. Don’t allow anything to get in the way of doing your Father’s will. Choose this day whom you will serve. Internal combustion is not a pretty sight. Let it out! Share Jesus every day in every way. May the Lord bless you and keep you, as you seek to serve Him with your life.
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Wednesday, April 04, 2007

Inseparable

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: I Samuel 10, 11, 12; Psalm 61

I Samuel 10:2b (NIV)
2b And now your father has stopped thinking about them and is worried about you. He is asking, “What shall I do about my son?”

Psalm 61:1-2 (NIV)
1 Hear my cry O God; listen to my prayer. 2 From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

Mark 15:34 (NIV)
34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” – which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”


Good morning!

They were inseparable, the two of them. He was a young father, and that baby boy of his was the light of his life. I can remember watching them walk past my store front every Saturday morning. They were headed to their secret place; a fishing hole on the other side of the lake. Daddy held tightly to the hand of his little one, as they carried their poles and a can of freshly dug worms. They would spend hours together, watching the ripples in the water while casting their lines into the deep. Even when the fish weren’t biting, there they sat, father and son, sharing a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, and speaking to each other in soft tones, so as not to scare the fish away. It was their special time; those sweet moments where relationships grow and each minute suspends itself in timeless memory.

I wonder if the time spent at the fishing hole will be a pleasant recollection for my friend someday. I can think of nothing to say to him, as he tearfully stands by his son’s bed side. The monotonous and rhythmical sounds of the breathing apparatus keeping the young man’s heart pumping and lungs filling with oxygen increases the despair felt inside his hospital room. He was such a good boy. Surely he did not deserve to endure this unbearable pain. Was there no one who could save him? Why did that sweet child have to die? In his solemn and overwhelming sorrow, my friend picked up the clipboard and signed his name to the form authorization. He stood at the foot of the bed, watching the doctor unplug the breathing apparatus. As his son’s heart beat began to quiver and fade away, the father turned his face and left the room weeping. I watched in horror as his son took one last breath and observed a silent, flat line on the monitor above his bed. The boy he loved with all his heart was gone.

As a parent, there is nothing worse than the sense of grief that flows from separation and loss. I would give anything to keep my children safe and free from suffering. I would die for them a thousand times over if they could live a happy and fulfilled life. How I long to give them the gift of life that lasts forever.

When our Heavenly Father allowed His only Son, Jesus Christ to die for the sins of the world, He knew the price He would pay. They were Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the three in one, holy perfection personified on earth and in heaven. They were inseparable. The Father loved his created ones with a passion and purpose. He breathed life into their bodies and give them hearts, bones and flesh. God provided every good gift for their ultimate happiness and well-being. He wanted nothing more than to spend their days together, sitting by the river of life, sharing the in the sweet communion that comes from intimate and holy relationship. His children chose to run away, over and over again. How the Father must have suffered watching his precious ones turn away, refusing to listen and follow. It was more than He could bear.

The Father’s Son felt His suffering and grief. He said, “I will go and bring them back to you. I would rather die for all of them than to see this chasm of separation and despair continue. Let me be their bridge. I will gladly sacrifice my life for each and every one of them, so they can come back to you. Let me go, Father. I am willing.” It was in that moment of utter separation when our Heavenly Father turned His face from the Son he loved more than life itself. In that holy moment, the sinless Lamb of God bore the sins of the world, choosing to separate Himself from a perfect and holy God. He gave up His life so that we could have forgiveness, restoring our relationship with Him, and experience the joy of everlasting life in the presence of our creator, redeemer and friend.

How much does God love you? He loves you enough to separate Himself from the Son He adores. God watched His perfect child take on the sin of the world on the cross. Jesus did this to bring you new life. Are you able to understand the high price that was paid for your salvation?

It was the pain of separation and loss of relationship that sent Jesus to the cross for you and me. He offers us a new life today. God misses you. He longs for you. Won’t you choose to come home to the Father through the blood of Jesus Christ?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


Pray for: forgiveness. There is no greater love than the love of our Savior. God loved us so very much, that He sent His only Son to bridge the gap of sin that separates us from Him. He promises that when we call upon the name of Jesus, our relationship will be restored once and for all, and we will live forever with 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, April 03, 2007

Grudge Bearer

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Samuel 7, 8, 9

I Samuel 8:7 (NIV)
7 And the Lord told him, “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. 8 As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you.

Matthew 27:32 (NIV)
32 As they were going out, they met a man from Cyrene, named Simon, and they forced him to carry the cross.

Mark 15:21 (NIV)
21 A certain man from Cyrene, Simon, the father of Alexander and Rufus, was passing by on his way in from the country, and they forced him to carry the cross.

Luke 23:26 (NIV)
26 As they led Him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus.


Good morning!

He was never good enough for them. Those miserable complainers wandering around the city couldn’t recognize a holy miracle even as He hung, bleeding and dying, right in front of their very eyes. Are we so busy grumbling and complaining, that we miss seeing the Savior of the world, pouring out His life’s blood for you and for me?

Simon of Cyrene was simply passing through Jerusalem that day. He didn’t recognize the condemned. He knew nothing of the crimes this man was accused of. Certainly he didn’t have any business picking up this man’s cross and carrying it up the hill to the place of the skull. “Why me,” Simon thought to himself as he drug the heavy cross through the dirt and up the hill. The weight of the beams left Simon’s back bruised and full of splinters. He had a strong and healthy body; yet, the weight of this cross almost seemed too much for anyone to bear. He glanced back at the face of the condemned one limping behind him. Simon was startled by the look of love radiating from his bloody and tear-streaked face. How could one suffering such a cruel punishment display such a look of love? Does this man not bear any animosity toward his killers? How could he ignore the cruel and hateful words pouring out of the mouths of the masses, gathering on the hillside to watch him die? It is not possible for any man to show a shred of compassion in his heart for the ones who inflicted such pain.

Simon found himself taking a detour to a place he did not want to go. He could not bear to leave this man alone. He stood, helpless and confused, watching the soldiers as they pounded stakes through the captive’s flesh. How could he willingly lay there on those beams? Why did this man have to die? Can his accusers not see He has committed no crime?

Simon watched as the cross was raised up over the city. He listened to the hateful words of the Roman guard. He watched the women weep near the foot of the cross. Suddenly, Simon felt ill. He could not stand there one more minute. Falling to his knees, he cried out in anguish and shame, “Why him?”

Jesus came for one purpose. He came to save all of the grudge bearers, back stabbers, ladder climbers, movers and shakers. The jealous and conceited, the haughty and proud; the sins of every man, woman and child - Jesus bore on the tree. He died for you and He died for me. The liars and the cheats, slave drivers and thieves; controlling, manipulative sin sick souls, He came to free. He was the lifeline for every drowning victim sinking in the sin of pride, flailing about in self-centeredness and spite. Jesus died for all of these. He died for you and He died for me.

Do you think we were worth the price He paid? Were you worth it? It was an uphill battle that day - the day our Lord wiped out the law of sin and death forever. He conquered Satan; He bridged the gap. Because He died, we are free to live with Him forever.

Jesus Christ became the ultimate grudge bearer when He took every sin to the cross that day. He can take your heart of stone and give you a heart full of compassion and love, if you will call on the name of Jesus today. He died to set you free, once and for all! There is no greater love than this. Won’t you give Him your hurts and hand Him your pain. Jesus is waiting. Will you come to Him today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


Pray for: faith to see the miracle that is standing right in front of you today. Give your life back to the One who gives new life to you. Come to Jesus and live!
____________________________
© 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, April 02, 2007

Standing firm by faith

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Samuel 4, 5, 6

I Samuel 6:20 (NIV)
20 And the men of Beth Shemesh asked, “Who can stand in the presence of the Lord, this holy God? To whom will the ark go up from here?”

Psalm 24:3-6 (NIV)
3 Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in His holy place? Who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his idol or swear by what is false. 5 He will receive blessing from the Lord and vindication from God his Savior. 6 Such is the generation of those who seek him, who seek your face, O God of Jacob.

Romans 5:1-2 (NIV)
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.


Good morning!

Do you remember what it is like watch your little baby pull up and take its first steps? Every parent experiences a mixture of pride and fear as they watch their child become mobile. Watching tiny flat feet planted firmly on the floor, taking waddling steps with arms outstretched, is an eternal memory keeper for every parent. From where I sat as a mother, it was nerve-racking. Of course I wanted my child to stand firm, develop a sense of balance and walk without assistance. Yet, I was fearful my child might fall and get hurt. I would open my arms and coax Rachel to come to me. When she started to teeter, I would try to grab her before she went down. Sometimes, parents just have to let their children fall down so they can learn how to rise up again and stand firm.

Isn’t this what our Heavenly Father does with us?

Over the winter, I’ve learned what it feels like to be wobbly. Sometimes, if I get up too quickly or if I lean a certain way, I find myself grabbing onto whatever I can find to help me regain a sense of balance and control. It is a strange feeling when I begin to topple over. What was once a seemingly effortless part of life, has now become a daily challenge. Have you ever felt off-kilter? Where do you find the strength to stand firm and not fall down?

The Philistines made a huge error when they took the Ark of the Covenant into their cities. Their gods were no match for the Lord God Almighty. When their communities were riddles with plagues of tumors, the people looked for ways to rid themselves of this God. It never occurred to them to bow down and worship the only One that matters. They just wanted to get rid of Him as quickly as possible. Do you run from the Lord when He gets too close for comfort, or do you choose to bow down and worship His awesome presence?

Who can stand next to His majesty and holiness? There is only One who has earned the right to stand before the Holy presence of our God, His son, Jesus Christ. His death and resurrection remind us of the price that was paid for our sin. He willingly gave His perfect and holy body over to be shredded and pierced so that our imperfect bodies could be made whole in Him. Such an unbelievable act of love from the One who loves us! He would give it up for you over and over again just to restore your sense of balance. The blood of Jesus Christ is spilled out, to cover your sin, allowing you to stand firm by faith.

Have you experienced the cleansing power of Jesus Christ? Like a parent, Christ is reaching out to you today, urging you to come to Him. He knows that you may get wobbly and fall down. When you find yourself going down, reach up and grab onto the only One who can save you. He will do it! All you have to do is ask.

Are you ready to stand firm in faith? Are you willing to take a few baby steps to start, and then begin to move freely about the room? Let Jesus be your compass. Let Him guide you today, as you seek His face. Are you wobbly this morning? Reach out to the Lord, and touch His nail pierced hands. He died and rose again for you.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


Pray for: balance! The Lord is waiting with open arms for you to come to Him. Do not be afraid. If you are a little wobbly this morning, reach up and take His hand. You can stand firm today by faith, covered in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. Thanks be to God!
____________________________
© 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, April 01, 2007

The prayer of faith

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Samuel 1, 2, 3

I Samuel 1:12-18 (NIV)
12 As she kept on praying to the Lord, Eli observed her mouth. 13 Hannah was praying in her heart, and her lips were moving, but her voice was not heard. Eli thought she was drunk 14 and said to her, “How long will you keep on getting drunk? Get rid of your wine.” 15 “Not so, my lord, “Hannah replied. “I am a woman who is deeply troubled. I have not been drinking wine or beer; I was pouring out my soul to the Lord. 16 Do not take your servant for a wicked woman. I have been praying here out of my great anguish and grief.” 17 Eli answered, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you what you have asked of Him.” 18 She said, “May your servant find favor in your eyes.” Then she went her way and ate something, and her face was no longer downcast.


Good morning!

Have you ever bargained with God in prayer? Hannah knew what it was like to keep a lifelong prayer vigil. Her heart’s desire was to bring forth a son, to honor her husband and remove her shame. She wanted a baby to hold, a life to love; a child’s heart to help mold into a heart that God could use. As Hannah prayed in the tabernacle in Shiloh, she promised the Lord if He would help her conceive and bear a son, she would gladly give her gift back to the giver of all life.

Have you ever prayed a prayer for years? Some time ago, I started keeping an intercessory prayer journal. I have experienced life-altering moments in the presence of God as I cry out to Him in prayer. He hears every uttered word, from the ones I shout out, to the silent whispers that float from my mind and become embedded in my heart each morning. There are some prayers that never seem to end. I pray prayers of repentance, prayers for healing, and prayers for His Will, not mine. I ask God for His sweet Holy Spirit to reach out and touch an unsaved soul. I beg Him for His perfect timing when telling the Good News to others. Sometimes there are no human words possible, only the words He gives to me to pray. A prayer journal is a daily reminder of where I’ve been. It reminds me of the needs of others and keeps me focused as I walk along the prayer path. It is a place of rejoicing in answered prayer. I can record praises to God for His miraculous work in the lives of my brothers and sisters. This journal invites me to run into His arms each day, knowing He hears and answers.

I wait. I listen. He speaks.

When Hannah prayed to the Lord that day, she knew that it was impossible for her to conceive without divine intervention. She understood that only the Lord could provide this all-consuming desire of her heart. Sometimes, we get so busy trying to do the work on our own and pushing to make things happen, that we forget to look up and trust the only One who has the power to do it. Hannah knew that her ONLY hope was in the Lord. As she prayed her prayer of petition, the priest noticed her presence and, at first glance, thought Hannah was drunk. There are times when the fire of the Lord makes me a little goofy too. Experiencing His power and presence through the work of His Holy Spirit is unique and precious for each individual. How would you describe your prayer path? How does the Lord speak to your heart?

Yesterday, I witnessed an answer to prayer that had been ongoing for many, many years in the hearts of Missouri United Methodists. I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit moving inside the room as we prayed together. Things are changing. God’s timing is perfect and His comfort and strength will sustain us in the difficult work that lies ahead. There is a greater degree of appreciation when we face the adversities that touch our lives, and receive His power to overcome them. I can be truly free, knowing that this is not about me. Every good gift comes from the Lord. I have been placed here to serve Him. He does the work; I have a willing heart. We know that only God can do it! Faith on fire; faith to trust even when we see the work will not be easy; determination to meet the needs of those who cry out for help; and our willingness to let the Lord lead, culminates in a powerful prayer moment. When the priest saw that Hannah’s heart was truly linked to God’s, he invited her to go in peace. And Hannah did just that. She left the tabernacle, trusting in the power of God to answer her prayer. She went about her day, with a smile on her face and an unquenchable joy in her heart.

Do you believe God can answer your prayer? How much do you really trust Him? Are you willing, this morning, to come to the tabernacle and pray your prayer to the Lord in faith? I’ll be waiting for you to come to the altar today at Faith Church.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


Pray for: faith! Pray like you’ve never prayed before! Do you trust the Lord to meet your need, direct your way, and answer your lifelong prayer? In the name of Jesus, may you experience the power and presence of the Holy Spirit as you worship and honor the Lord with your life.
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© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
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