Saturday, August 04, 2007

A good night's sleep

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Jeremiah 31, 32, 33; Psalm 113

Jeremiah 31:23-26 (NIV)

23 This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel says: “When I bring them back from captivity, the people in the land of Judah and in its towns will once again use these words: ‘The Lord bless you, O righteous dwelling, O sacred mountain.’ 24 People will live together in Judah and all its towns – farmers and those who move about with their flocks. 25 I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.” 26 At this I awoke and looked around. My sleep had been pleasant to me.

Good morning!

Do you struggle to get a good night’s sleep? I grew up in a family where sleeping was a disciplined ritual. As a child, I was expected to be in bed with my eyes closed by 8pm (9pm on weekends.) I wonder how many teenagers do that today! My Mother, God bless her heart, never ever let us sleep in. It’s no wonder I’m an early riser now. She set an alarm on Saturday morning and we were expected to be up and ready to move no later than 6:30am On school days, it was earlier, but on the weekends, 6:30 was IT. Sleeping in was only allowed when we were sick. I imagine this came from her years of responsibility in taking care of all the farm animals before heading off to school each day. My mother is 84 years young and I have a hard time getting her to sit down when she comes to visit me at my house. She always wants to be doing something productive. It makes me look like a total bum, just because I’d like to put my feet up for five minutes and she is always in constant motion. sharp.

My father never slept well. He insisted all of us go to bed early, but he was up very late every night. It was not uncommon for him to lie on the floor in our living room watching old reruns well into the early hours of the morning. He made it on very little sleep, God love him. I’m not sure how he managed to do that for so many years. He was another one who could not sit still. My mother complains that when she tries to go to bed at a certain time each night, she is awakened a short time later, and unable to go back to sleep for hours. She says her mind continues to work, even when her body wants to quit. Do you ever feel like that?

I believe we often hear God’s still, small voice, in the moments when our body finally relaxes and our minds clear of the day’s events. We slip into a restful state, when the Holy Spirit can capture our undivided attention. There are many who feel closest to the Lord when they are in bed dreaming. How does God speak to you?

Jeremiah’s sleep had been interrupted every night by the Lord. The messages God gave Jeremiah to speak were not pleasant; in fact, they were hard to swallow. The people had been walking in darkness and they didn’t even recognize it. We get so caught up in our day-to-day activities, that sometimes we miss the most important thing because our distractions keep us from seeing the truth. Jeremiah wasn’t sleeping well. And then he heard the Word of the Lord, offering hope for His people. They would one day be free from the things that hold them captive to sin. A day was coming when His people would live in the righteous dwelling of the Lord. They would live together in harmony, with hearts and hands focused upon praise, worship and thanksgiving to God. He promises to watch over His people, bringing refreshment and satisfaction to the road weary and faint-hearted ones. It was then that Jeremiah awoke from his dream, feeling fully rested and thankful to have had a pleasant night’s sleep.

Sleeping aids, counting sheep, drinking warm milk, reading boring books and pacing the floor, will never bring us the kind of rest we long for. If you are looking for a good night’s sleep, take the advice of our friend and prophet, Jeremiah. When we trust Him to carry us, we can let go of the frustrations that keep us awake at night. If you are struggling to sleep, ask God to give you a message of hope and comfort. When you confess your sins and ask the Lord of life to give you a brand new start, He promises to bring you out of captivity and grant you a good night’s rest.

And that is a true gift from above!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a good night’s sleep tonight. How long has it been since you have been able to lay it all down and truly rest in the arms of the Lord? He promises to refresh the weary soul. Come to Him today. Hand Him your burdens, and enjoy a long overdue siesta.

___________________________________________

© 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, August 03, 2007

Terminal sin

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Jeremiah 28, 29, 30

Jeremiah 30:12-17 (NIV)
12 This is what the Lord says: “Your wound is incurable, your injury beyond healing. 13 There is no one to plead your cause, no remedy for your sore, no healing for you. 14 All your allies have forgotten you; they care nothing for you. I have struck you as an enemy would and punished you as would the cruel, because your guilt is so great and your sins so many. 15 Why do you cry out over your wound, your pain that has no cure? Because of your great guilt and many sins I have done these things to you. 16 But all who devour you will be devoured; all your enemies will go into exile. Those who plunder you will be plundered; all who make spoil of you I will despoil. 17 But I will restore you to health and heal your wounds,” declares the Lord.

Matthew 8:16-17 (NIV)
16 When evening came, many who were demon-possessed were brought to [Jesus] and He drove out the spirits with a Word and healed all the sick. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah: “He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases.”


Good morning!

Every Labor Day weekend when I was a young girl, my family would take a road trip to Rockford, Illinois, to visit Aunt Margaret, Uncle Earl, and cousins, Jeff and Brad. They were my Godparents, and I would have loved to live with them. I adored Aunt Margaret. She epitomized the Proverbs 31 woman in real life! This woman could work all day at a factory, come home at night and cook gourmet meals to eat. She made everyone’s clothes. An expert seamstress, she made suits for her husband and boys to wear to church. Her love of quilting was displayed on every bed in her home. She kept a spotless house, and supplied shuttle service to every football, soccer and tennis match at school. She welcomed neighbors and friends into her home and no ever left there hungry. I don’t know how she made time to do all of these incredible things. I love her even more today. The time I spent with them in Rockford is very precious to me.

There was a weekend when I was injured while playing with my cousins. We were riding bicycles together in the subdivision behind Aunt Margaret’s home. My cousin Jeff was pedaling while I sat on the handlebars. This was not a smart thing to do, but we were having fun together and I didn’t think about the potential consequences of doing such a dangerous thing. Somehow, as Jeff pedaled down the block, I caught my left foot in the spoke of the bicycle wheel and I couldn’t free my ankle. Every time he pedaled, the spokes dug deeper into my foot. I was screaming and bleeding, but Jeff didn’t realize what was happening. We went another half block before he stopped pedaling. He couldn’t brake because my foot wouldn’t let him. We eventually fell over into the street. Jeff ran for help. I was stuck in the spokes and unable to move. I prayed I wouldn’t be hit by an oncoming car. I don’t remember much about how I got from the sidewalk back to my aunt’s house. I do remember that Jeff found a neighbor lady who just happened to be a nurse, and she was able to free my foot from the bicycle and call for help. The bicycle spokes had cut through to the bone and I couldn’t walk. This seemed to be a wound that simply would not heal. My parents made me soak it in Epsom Salts. Can I tell you how much it hurt? You have no idea what that felt like. There just wasn’t enough skin to stitch over the open sore, and so it had to heal that way. It took weeks to close up. I ended up using crutches for awhile, until I could put weight on my foot again. I’m lucky I didn’t break my ankle.

Have you ever made a foolish mistake that left you when an open and bleeding sore? Did you ever fully heal from the pain that it caused? When Jeremiah spoke the Word of the Lord, he said, “Your wound is incurable; an injury beyond healing.” This is what sin does in our life. We run headlong into it, not thinking about the potential consequences. We do not realize that it will permanently scar us for life, and without the touch of the master healer, our open wounds will never close up completely.

The Father knew His people had to turn around and change their ways, if they were ever going to experience healing and wholeness in their life again. Many people did not like the prophet Jeremiah. He was just the messenger. We need to learn not to shoot the messenger in the foot! He is speaking the Word of God and we need to listen, even when the message is painful. God’s Son, Jesus Christ, willingly came to earth in human flesh, to heal our terminal sin. He has the power and authority to remove the scars from your heart and close up the open sores that sin has left behind. It doesn’t matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done. Jesus loves you, and He is willing to heal you now, if you will only ask Him to come inside your heart, clean up your act, and be the Lord of your life.

Sin is a painful thing. It may look like fun, but it cuts to the quick. There is only one way to be healed, and that is through the cleansing blood of the Lamb.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


Pray for: healing! That terminal sin you are suffering from can be washed away today. Won’t you ask the Lord of life to heal you, once and for 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.

Thursday, August 02, 2007

Everyone's nightmare

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Jeremiah 25, 26, 27

Jeremiah 25:32 (NIV)

32 This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Look! Disaster is spreading from nation to nation; a mighty storm is rising from the ends of the earth.”

2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

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

Good morning!

I hate nightmares. When I was a little girl, I used to wake up screaming in the middle of the night. Beads of sweat would dampen my hairline and the pillow case would be soaked with my tears. Most children dream about monsters lurking under their beds or in their closets. I would dream the same dream every night. I have no doubt that the monster in my dream is very real.

My nightmare takes place in our automobile. I am a passenger in an automobile driven by a relative. We were flying on a winding, two-lane road, up and down, up and down, moving far too fast for my taste. Suddenly, we would come up over a hill and there, just in front of us, was a washed out bridge. Into the river we would plummet. I would awake screaming, just as the car hit the water. I have never enjoyed traveling over bridges. I can drive it and I can ride as a passenger, but there are times when that dream becomes so very real, that it makes me shake to think about it.

This morning, I watched the videotape of the bridge collapse yesterday in Minneapolis. It was as if my awful dream had somehow become a reality. I have spent the last hour on my knees for the people who are trapped in the water and I’m praying search teams will find more survivors today. This is everyone’s nightmare. We are eye witnesses to the suffering of those who encounter natural disasters, like tornadoes, hurricanes, floods and fires. We hope and pray the devastation will one day stop and our families and friends will remain safe and protected from the eye of the storms.

Maybe the natural disaster you are experiencing came with a phone call from your doctor, who tells you that your test results were not what they had hoped for. You may be sick and in the hospital this morning, undergoing medical treatment. You are feeling discouraged and wondering if you will ever get well. You may be preparing to bury a loved one today. Grief can be overwhelming, especially when death touches our life.

Jeremiah, like the prophets before him, spoke God’s Word to a hard-hearted people. If they would just turn around and look to the Lord for help, they would not face the natural disasters of daily living alone. I don’t know of anyone who wants to lose their home in a fire, or see their land washed away by flood waters, or die in an automobile accident. Our bridges are collapsing all around us, and yet, there is one bridge that will never fail. This bridge will never fall. It is the foundation of our faith. His name is Jesus, and is the bridge gap between our sin and God’s perfection. Jesus Christ extends the gift of salvation to all who would turn, confess, repent, and believe.

If you are experiencing a nightmare today, you are not alone. You do not have to look far to see the suffering of those around you. Won’t you take some time today to kneel before the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to be real and bring comfort to those who have lost loved ones in Minneapolis this morning, and for those who continue to suffer from the nightmare in their life. Jesus Christ will not leave us or forsake us. We are not alone. We have the bridge. Trust Jesus enough to let Him have your fears and your pain. He will see you through whatever nightmare you may be facing today.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: assurance! Jesus will not fail you, especially when the nightmares become real. Take His hand this morning, and hold on tight. He will not let you go.

___________________________________________

© 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, August 01, 2007

There is comfort in the dark

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Jeremiah 22, 23, 24; Psalm 112

Psalm 112:4 (NIV)

Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for the gracious and compassionate and righteous man.

Good morning!

When I was a young girl, I had collection of stuffed animals. They proudly sat on my bed, leaning against the purple and pink pillow sham next to the head board. I would say that Jeremiah Benjamin, an oversized teddy bear, was my favorite. Jeff’s parents gave me this teddy bear on Christmas morning in 1974. April May was a cute little yellow elephant that I purchased from a shop at Six Flags over Mid-America. I had a red turtle, a couple of floppy-eared puppy dogs, and a furry cat named Chloe. Whenever I was sad, or tired, or even a little lonely, those precious toys kept me company and provided a safe place where I could cuddle up and share my many thoughts and dreams. Do you recall having a favorite stuffed animal in your life?

My granddaughter Emily carries a baby doll named Honey with her everywhere she goes. That doll was the first baby doll her mother ever owned. Rachel’s grandmother gave Honey to her on her very first Christmas, when Rachel was barely six months old. Honey is a little worn, but she washes up well, and now Emily carries her around, saying, “This is my honey.” There is a joy that comes with passing down something so precious to our children and grandchildren. It is a priceless heirloom, and while it may not look like much, that baby doll has tremendous sentimental value.

The Psalmist shares some comforting words in Psalm 112. He reminds us that even in the darkness, when we feel lost and alone, the light will dawn for those who are gracious, compassionate, and walk with integrity. Like a soft, cuddly teddy bear, these words provide hope and comfort for those of us who are stumbling around in the darkness, looking for the light. God promises that His light is coming, and if we will just hang on for a little while longer, we can get through the dark places of our life.

If you find yourself stumbling around in the dark today, I’ll share my teddy bear with you. Do not be afraid. God is there, even when we cannot see Him. And there is promise that His light will dawn, and the one day, the darkness will fade away, once and for all.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: comfort! The Lord sees you. He knows who you are. He will not leave you alone in the dark. Grab onto His love, and hold on for dear life. He will shelter you in the everlasting arms.

___________________________________________

© 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, July 31, 2007

Fire in the Whole

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Jeremiah 19, 20, 21

Jeremiah 20:7-9 (NIV)

7 O Lord, you deceived me, and I was deceived; you overpowered me and prevailed. I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me. 8 Whenever I speak, I cry out proclaiming violence and destruction. So the Word of the Lord has brought me insult and reproach all day long. 9 But if I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.”

Philippians 1:12-14 (NIV)

12 Now I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the Gospel. 13 As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. 14 Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the Word of God more courageously and fearlessly.

Good morning!

When I was a little girl, my family would visit Silver Dollar City® in Branson, Missouri. Our favorite time to visit was in the fall, while the leaves were turning into a flame of brilliant color all along the Ozark Mountains. I fell in love with the annual craft festival. My favorite booth was the glass blowing booth. I’ve never seen anything like it – how something so beautiful and resilient is borne from a hot flame and the breath of a master glass blower.

A trip to the theme park would not be complete without taking a ride on the “Fire in the Hole!” This mysterious roller coaster/water ride was buried inside a dark and looming cave. We would board the cable cars and travel slowly in the darkness of a cool and damp tunnel, while listening to the eerie cries of captives in the darkness. They would shriek and scream, appearing out of nowhere as we rode by. If that wasn’t enough to scare you silly, one would find themselves climbing slowly up a hill at a very slow pace. The cave was so dark you could not see the hand in front of your face. Just when we would reach the top of the steep climb, a loud voice would shout, “Fire in the hole!” And down, down, down we plummeted as fast as any roller coaster could go, through a wall of flame and into the cool waters flowing down from the waterfall up above. On a hot summer’s day, this was the perfect way to cool off. My father used to have this sinister laugh going during the ride. His voice would echo throughout the cave. I can still hear it in my head today. Total darkness is frightening, even for the bravest people I know.

Jeremiah was angry with God. He felt he had been deceived. The Lord filled Jeremiah’s heart with His Word and he willingly went and spoke what he heard God say. The people rejected Jeremiah’s teaching. They refused to listen to his voice. He was insulted, reproached and abused on a daily basis. Yet, despite Jeremiah’s deep-seated anger, he simply could not help himself from speaking the Message. It was as if Jeremiah’s heart was on fire, totally consumed; and the flames would not be quenched. He felt the fire in the whole of his life, buried deep inside his bones. Jeremiah could not contain himself. The Word of God must be proclaimed.

The Apostle Paul understood the fire that burned within Jeremiah. He received His baptism on the road to Damascus, when the risen Lord appeared and said, “Saul, why do you persecute me?” In times of dire punishment and physical pain, Paul wrote these words, “Because of my chains, most of the brothers in the Lord have been encouraged to speak the Word of God more courageously and fearlessly.” (Phil. 1:14 NIV) Paul knew that the fire in the whole of his life was the flame that would ignite a mission and ministry around the world. His passion for preaching the Gospel message would catch hold of the hearts of those who were seeing Jesus Christ for the very first time. Son of God, Son of Man, Emmanuel, offering salvation to humanity that had turned away from Him. Paul saw his suffering as a ray of hope for those who found themselves burning to preach the Gospel message.

Paul’s example, along with the prophet Jeremiah, continues to fan the flame in the lives of Christians everywhere. Do you have a fire in the whole of your life? Have you found that you simply cannot contain the Word of God any longer? Is He giving you a message to speak? It is not always easy sharing that fire with others. Some will judge you harshly, and others will simply ignore the message. If God has called you to speak His Word, do not be afraid of the fiery darts of your neighbor. The greater pain is when we do not allow the Word of God to flow from our lives for fear of judgment or rejection. That flame which burns inside your bones is the catapult to finding living water. Do not be afraid to tell what you know to be true.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: courage to speak the Word! God did not deceive Jeremiah and He will not deceive you. His Word has been given for all people everywhere. If you feel that fire burning in your bones this morning, do not put Him off another minute. Get out there and tell His story. You may not win any popularity contests in this life. Christ promises that the living water He offers will fill you up, quench your thirst, and send you out to share the love of the Lord with a world who desperately needs to know 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.

Monday, July 30, 2007

The Potter's House

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Jeremiah 16, 17, 18

Jeremiah 18:1-4 (NIV)

1 This is the word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord: 2 “Go down to the potter’s house, and there I will give you my message.” 3 So I went down to the potter’s house, and I saw him working at the wheel. 4 But the pot he was shaping from the clay was marred in his hands; so the potter formed it into another pot, shaping it as seemed best to him.

Jeremiah 18:14-15a (NIV)

14 Does the snow of Lebanon ever vanish from its rocky slopes? Do its cool waters from distant sources ever cease to flow? 15 Yet my people have forgotten me.

Good morning!

Have you ever forgotten something really important? I’ve been known to record some meetings on my calendar on the wrong day or time. The Daytimer® I carry is packed with work, school and family commitments. Sometimes I meet myself coming and going. We are in such a hurry to see and experience all life has to offer and there are moments when the schedule seems far too busy. Do you ever overbook yourself?

There are times when I simply forget to write things down. The older I become, the more important this is. What I was once able to retain by memory, even ten years ago, may not stick today if I don’t write it down on paper. I’ve learned to take copious notes in meetings, during worship, and especially at school. My scribbles help me remember what was said. Do you struggle to remember the details of your life?

The Lord gave Jeremiah a message for the people of Israel. As I read His Word today, I realize Jeremiah recorded this message for me as well. Jeremiah went to the Potter’s House, and watched the master creator at the wheel. In His hand was a clump of clay, misshapen and useless. As the Potter threw the clay onto the spinning wheel and began to reshape its disfiguring flaws, a new vessel emerged through one touch of His hand. God reminds Jeremiah that He has given His people cool waters and snow capped peaks, and yet, His people have forgotten Him. Have you ever forgotten the most important thing in your life?

Sunday is by far, my favorite day of the week. I look forward to worshiping at Faith Church. Coming into the sanctuary and sitting in the Lord’s holy presence, is for me, an inexpressible joy. I can’t wait to get there each week. Yesterday, I was helping Jeff lead worship in the 8am service. At the 9am service, we had a guest pastor join us in worship, and I wanted to hear more about the good work that is happening through his ministry in the city. I began to do what I always do. I took copious notes. I listened carefully. I learned many new things. And I became so wrapped up in what he was telling me, that I lost track of someone very important in my life. I had promised a very special person that I would pick her up for worship that day, and somewhere in the middle of my note taking, I forgot to keep my word. Have you ever forgotten to keep a promise to someone you love?

God said that His people have forgotten Him. They were so busy meeting their obligations and taking notes and doing the good work, that somewhere in the mix of things, they forgot the One they were seeking to serve. The Lord God Almighty is more important than any plan we make, any schedule we keep, or any accomplishment we achieve. For all we say and do pales in comparison to being in His presence and sitting at the Master Artist’s feet. Have we forgotten the One who gives you new life each day through water and Word?

I need the Potter’s touch today. I am desperate to have Him reshape my heart, mind and soul. I want to be conformed to His plan – not mine. To the only One who truly matters, I’m handing Him my life, the date book I carry, and all of my hard work and effort. Without Him, what I’m doing means nothing. I don’t ever want to forget what is most important, ever again. Do you?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: forgiveness. When I forgot to remember, I asked for forgiveness once again. With undeserving grace, I was drawn back into the arms of my Lord. Take a trip with me today to the Potter’s House. Stand outside the window and watch as the master artist takes a lump of useless clay and transform it into something beautiful, unique, and useful for His Kingdom work.


___________________________________________

© 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, July 29, 2007

Prayerful War

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Jeremiah 13, 14, 15

Jeremiah 15:19-20 (NIV)

19 Therefore, this is what the Lord says: “If you repent, I will restore you that you may serve me; if you utter worthy, not worthless, words, you will be my spokesman. Let this people turn to you, but you must not turn to them. I will make you a wall to this people, a fortified wall of bronze; they will fight against you but will not overcome you, for I am with you to rescue and save you.”

Good morning!

One of my all-time favorite Christian mentor and musician is Richard Wayne Mullins. He went to be with the Lord on September 19, 1997. For those of us who listened to his words and sang the songs the Lord gave him to sing, it was a melancholy moment. I did not want to see Mullins leave the world so suddenly, and yet, we all knew he was finally at home with the Lord. Some of his greatest inspiration came through the writing and life of St. Francis of Assisi. Mullins’ musical gifts led him to live on an Indian reservation in New Mexico, where he spent his time teaching music to the children. He chose to live a life of poverty, chastity and obedience. All profits from the sales of his records and musical tours were given to his church. The church gave Mullins a small salary with which to live (at Mullins’ request) and the rest of the money was given to charity. He gave to Compassion International and Compassion USA, It is through Compassion International that Jeff and I sponsor a precious little boy named Melvin, from El Salvador.

One of his works, “The World As I Remember It: Through the Eyes of a Ragamuffin,” Mullins speaks about his dream of “washing up” on the shores of heaven, unrecognizable to the world, but recognized to God. He talked about how Jesus’ body was literally ripped to shreds as a living sacrifice for the world. Mullins bore life’s battle scars as a mark of humility and devotion to God. He hoped that one day, when no one else would recognize him, that the Lord of life would still know his name. Mullins experienced exactly that on the day he died.

Last night, I sat in worship and listened as the pastor spoke about the battle scars he wears across his face, and the conditions for prayerful war. He along, with the prophets and apostles who have stood before him, realize that the wars we fight are not of flesh and blood, but of the spiritual forces of wickedness and evil that surround us each day. Satan does his best to distract, disrupt and destroy our faith. He will stop at nothing to redirect our attention away from God. After Jesus Christ had been raised from the dead, he told His disciples that all authority in heaven and on earth had been given to Him alone. If Christ has all authority, how much authority does that leave for Satan? It would seem that we spent far too much time worrying and not enough time raising the banner of praise! Pastor said that when we expose the devil for what he truly is, he flees. In the words of the Apostle James, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. (James 4:7 (NIV).

There is an attack going on, and many walk in oblivion through it each day. We do not realize that as long as we remain distracted, Satan can slip in and try to steal away our joy. What are some of the battle scars you bear in life? Is it the pain of a broken relationship, the loss of a loved one, an illness or injury keeping you from living life to its fullest? Are you lost and alone? Has your family abandoned you? What battle scars do you bear from journeying through life?

Rich Mullins was not ordained clergy. He was a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and He spoke the Word and emulated the Son of God in a humble way. For those of us who listened, we heard the voice of God through this pastor, teacher, musician and friend. Mullins can teach us a lot about bearing battle scars. When he washed up on the shores of heaven, Mullins had flipped his jeep, fallen out onto the pavement and was hit by an oncoming tractor trailer truck. I imagine he was not recognizable to anyone on earth. But Jesus Christ was there to pick up his soul and carry him into the arms of a loving Father. Mullins’ scars gave way to a new life, an everlasting life in Him. One day, I will wash up on heaven’s shores, and I’m looking forward to hearing the praise worship of my mentor, Rich Mullins. The most beautiful love song ever sung will be the melody I hear Rich Mullins sing to the Lord in praise on high.

We can fight evil through prayerful war. Do not be distracted, disrupted or destroyed by the circumstances surrounding your life. This is not the time to give up, give in, or turn back. Won’t you join me in singing the song of the redeemed?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: determination to march forward in faith. We are all ministers of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Let us bear our battle scars for Him, and shout out the battle cry of the redeemed! All praise to the Lord Jesus Christ, who has all authority in heaven and on earth. He deserves our focus, best effort, our adoration, and our unending praise!

___________________________________________

© 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.