Saturday, October 06, 2007

When Jesus calls, I hope my hearing aids are on and working

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Mark 4, 5, 6

Mark 4:9 (NIV)

Then Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”

Matthew 13:14-15 (NIV)

In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:

“You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. 15 For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.”

Good morning!

I don’t wear hearing aids YET but I know the day is coming. Sometimes, when people are talking to me, their words do not seem very clear. There are moments when I don’t hear the phone ringing at work. I have trouble distinguishing tones. There was a time when I was much better at this; but not so much any more. Why does our hearing become dull over time? Why does our vision lack the acuity to see what was once clear? Why can’t we hold onto the physical and spiritual gifts of sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell?

My mother is deaf now. She is an amazing lady at eighty-four. How I hope to be as well preserved as she is at eighty-four. She walks every day, enjoys Tai Chi classes with her friends, and is busy with service opportunities at her church and in the retirement community where she lives. After my father died eleven years ago, Mom struggled to get by on her own. She had never really been alone. After Mom graduated from high school, she, along with four of her very best friends, moved into a tiny apartment in Memphis, Tennessee, where they worked in factories building fighter jets for the war. Mom was known as a Rosie the Riveter, because she was small enough to fit into the nose of the plane, and work on the drilling there. I don’t know if the noise from that kind of work contributed to her hearing loss, but even with the help of modern technology, she struggles to hear my voice. She cannot hear me unless she is looking at me. Mom has become an amazing lip reader.

Jesus’ miracles were amazing, miraculous, uncanny works of God in a world where people were unaccustomed to seeing and hearing Good News. Many were starving for a love, a peace, true hope and joy that only God can give. When Jesus showed up in the flesh, it was hard to take it all in. The disciples were right there, watching every touch, hearing His every word, and yet, they could not understand it. We read His Word on the printed page. We see the mysteries unfold. Why can’t we let go of our doubts just long enough to trust the One who can heal our hearts completely? We need help to truly hear the Lord speak.

This morning, I’m praying for Holy Spirit power: the kind of power that transforms my imperfections in Christ. I’m asking for Jesus to clear up my hearing, correct my near-sighted vision, and tame my tongue just long enough so I can hear His still small voice speak. I don’t want to miss out on His Word for my life. I know my senses are flawed and weak, from the wear and tear of daily living. It’s going to take a miracle, and He is the only miracle worker I know who can heal me. And so I’m asking for the Holy Spirit covering. I don’t want to miss out when He speaks.

When my mother doesn’t hear me, she often stops, and says something like, “Huh?” “What did you say?” I find myself asking God the same questions in prayer. I need the Holy Spirit power to turn up my senses and calm any doubt or fear I may have, especially when God is trying to convey His will for my life. We are so blessed to have the Holy Spirit power. Jesus promises that if we will just see with our eyes and hear with our ears, He in turn, will heal us.

Are you ready to be healed?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: ears to hear and eyes to see what God is doing in your life! Ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart, mind, and soul to the possibilities that the Lord has planned for you. He is calling out your name today. Can you hear Him? Ask the Holy Spirit to turn your spiritual hearing aids up, so you don’t miss out on a single Word from the Lord.

____________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Friday, October 05, 2007

The beauty of baptism

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Mark 1, 2, 3

Mark 1:9-11 (NIV)

9 At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 As Jesus was coming up out of the water, He saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

Good morning!

We had another baptism at Faith Church last Sunday. I love baptisms! It is such a joy to see families come to the altar together, lifting their children up to the Lord for holy baptism. Baby Ethan was wide-eyed and attentive throughout the service. God does something that we cannot do for ourselves at the moment of baptism: He sends His sweet Holy Spirit down and we are covered in His grace and love. One day, baby Ethan will make a decision whether to follow the Lord for the rest of his life. Our responsibility as the body of Christ is to help him grow in faith and encourage him to walk daily with Jesus. The act of Christian baptism is a reminder to all of our personal initiation into the body of Christ.

Why did Jesus need to be baptized? He was God made man, perfect in every way. There were no sins for the Father to forgive. Jesus was sinless. And yet, He came to the river to be baptized by his cousin, John. It was Christ’s public initiation and answer to the call – a call that had been etched in His heart since the beginning of time. Jesus came to fulfill all Scripture. He did this to honor the Father He loves. Christ did not come to be saved, but to save all of us. Can you imagine what it must have been like to see the Holy Spirit descend upon the Lord like a dove when Jesus emerged from the underneath the water?

For the first time, human eyes got their first glimpse of Father, Son and Holy Spirit, united and together as one. How often do you sense the presence of Father, Son and Holy Spirit in your life?

Every time a person comes forward for baptism, we have an opportunity to renew our commitment to Christ. The next time you see and hear the holy water pouring over the life of another, look for the miracle happening inside of you. God reaches down through the love of Christ, by pouring out His Holy Spirit upon your life. He loves you with a passion and purpose. He is calling out your name, urging you to move into a deeper relationship with Him. Christ set the supreme example for our lives. Won’t you come to the water today, and find rebirth in His love?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the baptism of the Holy Spirit to fall over you, like a dove descending from the hand of God. Jesus is calling you to renew your baptism today. Won’t you give him your heart?

____________________________

© 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, October 04, 2007

Who handed the master over?

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Matthew 26, 27, 28

Matthew 26:2 (NIV)

2 [Jesus said,] “As you know, the Passover is two days away – and the Son of Man will be handed over to be crucified.”

Isaiah 53:4-6 (NIV)

4 Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted. 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.”

John 3:16 (KJV)

16 For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Good morning!

I have a confession to make. I’ve never been able to sit through the Passion of the Christ movie. I understand what Jesus did for me on the cross. I’ve read the Gospel accounts over and over. I’ve heard the Gospel many times and seen it lived out in the lives of those I love. As I read His Word, I can accept this truth by faith. Still, one would think I could, at the very least, sit and watch what my sins did to the Lord I love. I find myself asking the same question: Why don’t I have enough courage to watch Christ suffer and die? Is it some lack of faith on my part? Is it pure fear that I will never be able to go to sleep again after watching the film? I know He died for me and that it is my sin that held Him there. How I wish there had been another way.

We like to play the blame game, especially when the stakes and consequences are high. Someone suffers as a result of some wrongdoing, and humans tend to point the finger or pass the buck. It is easier to deny our involvement than to see how we may have contributed to another person’s pain. For instance, how many times have you turned your back and refused to help a co-worker who is struggling with their work? We shake our heads, gossip about their ineffectiveness with our peers over lunch, offering little to no assistance when this person might appreciate some help. When they are terminated, do we even stop to wonder whether we could have made a positive difference in this person’s life? Someone just lost their income, health insurance, and the ability to care for the needs of their family, and we simply blow it off, look away, and move on. What is it in our humanness that causes us not to want to see the bigger picture?

Many have speculated through the years who handed Christ over to be crucified. Should we blame the crowd, who shouted for the life of Barabbas, a known felon, in exchange for one, Jesus of Nazareth? Was it some sort of religious and governmental conspiracy? Was Pilate responsible? Were the Pharisees and Scribes, who plotted to kill Jesus long before the Passover, to be blamed? Were the ruthless and blood-thirsty Romans the problem? Maybe we should blame Judas Ischariot, one of the twelve disciples. After all, he did betray the Lord in the worst possible way.

I know deep down inside that none of these people were any worse than me. I was the reason Jesus suffered. Every time I refuse to love my neighbor, I become the crucifier. I take out the hammer in my pocket and swing at the nails piercing God’s flesh. It was me, and I know full well what I’ve done.

Jesus Christ did not wait for anyone to hand Him over. He willingly came into the world for one purpose and one purpose only: to save us from our sin. It was God’s love for the world that prompted Christ to become the perfect sacrifice, covering all people, throughout every generation. He died for me. He continues to cover my sin with a greater love than I can begin to understand. He waits for my response.

I pray one day, as I stand before the Lord at the final judgment, He will forgive me for not being able to sit and watch His crucifixion on the big screen. It is all I can do to kneel at His nail-pierced feet and thank Him for His gift of mercy and grace. He has asked us to get out there and tell His story to everyone we know. He commands that we love and care for each other, the way He loves and cares for us. He is the reason I write to you today. He is the reason I live.

“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.”

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: courage to recognize what Jesus Christ has done for you. Ask Him into your heart today. It is as simple as praying this prayer: “Lord Jesus, I believe that you willingly gave your life to save me from my sins. Please forgive me. I offer my heart to you today and I promise I will follow you all the days of my life. There is nothing I can do to repay you for this amazing gift. Thank you. Amen.”

____________________________

© 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, October 03, 2007

Every good gift is a gift from above

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Matthew 24, 25; Psalms 128, 129

Matthew 25:35-40 (NIV)

35 “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” 37 Then the righteous will answer Him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go visit you?’ 40 The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’

Hebrews 13:15-16 (NIV)

15 Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise – the fruit of lips that confess His name. 16 And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.

Good morning!

Last night as I was working at the computer, a storm blew through St. Charles. Suddenly, and without warning, I lost satellite connectivity and my computer crashed. Reluctantly, I retired to the bedroom, crawled into bed, but could not go to sleep. I had unfinished business to attend to, but it would have to wait. Do you ever feel like you need to finish what you’ve begun? Sometimes we lose our light, and find ourselves stuck in a dark space. After laying in bed for twenty minutes, I got up and went back to the computer. I was able to log in for just a few minutes, but those minutes were precious and valuable. God was still speaking and I needed to pay closer attention to Him.

Sometimes, in the storms of life, we lose our connectivity with God. The problems we face can become overwhelming and we lose our grip and focus on what we are called to do. Thank God for the body of Christ! These people give me a tiny glimpse of what heaven will one day be like. They go about their business, looking for ways to bring the Word of hope to others. Their kindnesses do not go unnoticed or unappreciated, especially in times of great need.

When two of our children became ill this summer, the body of Christ was there. There were moments when I wasn’t sure I could even think clearly, much less find the time to take care of everything that needed immediate attention. Our Faith family and Christians from all over the United States found ways to help us. I’m forever grateful for the outpouring of prayers, time and talents of those who have helped us walk through a very dark valley. When we didn’t have time to prepare meals or shop at the store, our Faith family brought food and snacks and games in for our grandchildren each day. They came and stayed in our home while we were at the hospital, spending time with our wee ones and entertaining them. Someone did our laundry. I have no idea who made time to wash our clothes. We were never alone at the hospital. Our Faith family was there to hold our hands, listen and pray with us. Cards, letters, monetary gifts, gift cards, handwritten notes and letters to our children continue to pour in each day. Flowers, candy, love notes, words of caring and hope – every kind act is such a precious treasure to us. Have you ever been the recipient of a gift so wonderful you could not possibly repay it?

I confess that sometimes God has to leave me in the dark for awhile so that I can see a little more clearly. In every storm, there is a lesson to be learned. Sometimes that lesson comes through allowing yourself to be loved on, to be the grateful recipients of an undeserved gift.

One of my favorite internet stories is about the man who is looking into two rooms, trying to discern the difference between heaven and hell. In both rooms, a large banquet table is prepared with a feast fit for a king. Every delicacy imaginable is elegantly served on a table with white linens, fine silver, beautiful china, and crystal goblets. The guests at both tables are unable to feed themselves, due to some deformity in the length of their arms. They were not long enough to bring the food from the table to their mouths, even when using silverware. In one room, the guests are staring at the banquet feast set before them. Looking very pale and hungry, they seem to be starving to death. In the other room, the guests are laughing, and talking and enjoying their meal. Unable to feed themselves, they are simply feeding each other by spooning the food into their neighbor’s mouth.

Random acts of kindness may seem trivial. Our Father in heaven notices. The Lord Jesus Christ notices. You can offer water to the thirsty, food to the hungry, and a prayer for those in need today. God delights in the love and compassion we share with each other. Find a way today to be a blessing for someone you know, and if you find yourself the recipient of an undeserved gift, remember to thank God for the giver.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: help! When you find yourself in a dark space and feeling just a little bit disconnected and lost, do not be afraid to ask for a little help from above. God sends His angels everyday, and many of them are the people you know and love. Thanks be to God! He is the author and giver of every good gift.

____________________________

© 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, October 02, 2007

A tall-order faith

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Matthew 21, 22, 23

Matthew 21:21-22 (NIV)

21 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”

Good morning!

Casting mountains into the sea and watching fig trees shrivel up with one word is one tall order for this tiny little mustard-seed. I’ve often wished I could be taller in life. As long as I can remember, I’ve had to use a foot stool to reach most of the dishes in the kitchen cabinets above my head. I would like to reach the gas pedal without having to virtually sit on top of the steering wheel. My legs keep growing, but not in the direction I would like them to. When I make clothing purchases, I have to alter every long sleeved-jacket, and shorten the length of every pair of dress pants. Sometimes, I get lucky with blue jeans, but not often. So how can I, a precious child of the Great I Am, begin to develop a tall-order faith that moves mountains aside and causes dysfunctional growth to wither away, once and for all? The answer is: I can’t. But He can do it through me, if I’ll simply believe.

There’s nothing simple about faith. It takes lots of courage and brut strength to believe. Even the simplest trust can be shredded into tiny pieces when we allow a little doubt to creep inside our minds. Do you find yourself doubting the Word of God often? When you read His Word each day, do you cling to every phrase, putting the passage to memory and noting its chapter and verse for future reference? Or is it more of a comfort, to simply hear the words speak as they fall across the page, hoping and praying they might be written especially for you. Maybe the Word makes no logical sense at all. You begin to question the probability or possibility that something so strange could actually happen. God can do anything – He has the power to move mountains and causes fig trees to wither away. But how could He expect someone like you and I to do the same?

So what if it was possible? Could that tiny little faith seed I have inside my heart grow to the place where mountains would step aside as I passed through each valley? What if God could take that mustard seed and make it grow? He might be able to stretch my faith and make me tall enough to stand firm in the face of fear and not retreat when life gets rough. Is it really possible?

The Word says that all things are possible for those who believe. When you first gave your heart to the Lord, what was it that convinced you to believe? We all want evidence, especially my friends and neighbors in Missouri. After all, we live in the Show-Me State. Just prove it! We want solid, foundational proof that God is who He says He is; that Christ not only lived a fully human and fully divine existence, but that He gave His life for all humanity and rose again in fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation. The proof is there, and for every person who seeks Him, Christ will reveal Himself in amazing ways. But was that the lightening bolt that took you from initial doubt to a full faith? For me, it had more to do with simple trust. I was a child when I first gave my heart to the Lord. I don’t remember needing to be convinced of His mercy and love. There have been seasons in my life where faith was harder to hold onto. And there were times when I allowed self-doubt to overshadow the faith I profess. With time, error, and His forgiveness and grace, I’ve learned to depend more and more upon His Word, and to trust Him, especially when my world is falling apart. It is not anything I can do on my own; faith comes by hearing. Faith grows by the grace of God alone.

I want you to know that I’m planning to be taller one day. I’m going to stop growing out and start growing up in the Lord! I’ve already put in my request for my new, perfect body in the life to come. Since I’m spending an eternity in heaven, I plan to be at least six inches taller, so I don’t have to climb up a ladder just to see the Lord walk by. I am leaving behind adult acne, ingrown hair, cellulite, and corrective contact lenses. I’m looking for perfect health, perfect vision, perfect hearing, no more tears, and no more pain.

I’m holding onto His peace that passes all human understanding. It is the same peace I cling to today. If Jesus says that I can move mountains and receive what I ask for in prayer by faith, I have no reason not to believe Him. Jesus has never failed me, and He will never fail you.

What mountains are in your way? Is there some dysfunction in your life that needs to wither? Maybe you are struggling with an addiction, a broken heart, an illness or injury that is keeping you frozen in doubt and fear. By yourself, there is just nothing you can do to overcome this struggle. When you place your faith in the Lord, He changes everything. Ask Him to help you trust Him all the more. Look to Christ for mustard-seed faith that moves mountains. So often we pray about our problems. Today, let’s pray the answers instead.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: greater faith! Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me.” Jesus said, “If you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it will obey you.” (Luke 17:6). Pray the Scripture today. Take those words from the printed page and claim them for yourself in prayer. You may find yourself possessing a tall-order faith!

____________________________

© 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, October 01, 2007

The seventy-times-seven principle

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Matthew 18, 19, 20

Matthew 18:32-35 (NIV)

32 Then the master called the servant in. “You wicked servant,” He said, “I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?” 34 In anger His master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”

Good morning!

Ouch! It’s bad enough that I have to forgive my brother Lord, but from way down in the depths of my heart! Say its not so! I can tell you that, from time to time, my self-righteous indignation has gotten me into big-time trouble with the Lord. It sounds easy to forgive, but just how easy is it? What does Jesus mean when He says we must forgive seventy times seven times?

Have you ever signed a promissory note or borrowed money from someone? Maybe you’ve bought a car or house that required you sign a promissory note indicating your intention to repay the money you’ve borrowed from the lender for the property you are purchasing. Car notes can run upwards of seven years now. It is a long time to pay for a vehicle that might wear out before you’ve paid it off. Mortgages may run 30-40 years, almost half a lifetime. With every good intention, we take on financial debt to guarantee a place where our family can live comfortably. What happens when a sudden illness or job loss occurs and you can no longer afford to pay for the things you’ve promised to pay?

My sister and I used to fight a lot when we were younger. We did not get along, especially in our formative years. Of all the things I regret in life, how I wish I could go back and erase some of that sibling rivalry from our childhood. It doesn’t matter today who said what to whom. It took me forty-eight years to figure out that our sisters and brothers can be a rich blessing, supporting one another throughout our lives, even when they don’t see eye to eye. We can agree to disagree and still love each other in spite of our differences. Those childish things we used to do to irritate each other somehow need to be set aside, wiped away, and forgotten. It is really hard to completely forgive someone when we refuse to forget their hurtful words or behavior, If I cannot find it in my heart to completely forgive my own family for things said and done in anger a long time ago, how in the world will I ever learn how to forgive a stranger, a co-worker, or even a fellow church member?

We become indebted to the Lord when we recognize our sin for what it is. We bear the scars of our not-so-happy attitudes etched upon our hearts and in our minds. We need to somehow wipe the slate clean, to undergo supernatural heart surgery to remove the painful scars that have left us set in our ways. There just isn’t anything I can do to change what has already occurred. Only a master lender can forgive the kind of debt I’ve accumulated in my life. He created me for a special purpose, hoping I would somehow find a way to return to Him interest one day. Still, I’ve made so many mistakes, not only in my check book, but in life’s checks and balances, that without His complete forgiveness, returning to Him one day would be truly impossible.

This is why Jesus came. He came to pay our indebtedness, once and for all, at Calvary. He offers us a chance to wipe the slate clean with the people we’ve hurt along the way. He can heal the hearts of sisters and brothers who bicker and bear resentment toward each other. He can restore right relationships between parents and siblings, with His amazing seventy times seven principle. If you have experienced grace and forgiveness at the foot of the cross, can you not find it in your heart to forgive the mistakes of those who have hurt you?

If you are living in daily torment, you are most likely living with unforgiveness in your heart. Seek forgiveness for the hurtful words you have said, and choose to forgive and forget the ones who have hurt you. They may not be willing to forgive you just yet, and maybe they never will. Peace comes when we choose to obey God’s Word. Don’t worry about your brother. Leave the rest to the Lord. True forgiveness is freedom! It is like taking in a breath of fresh, clean air, after being locked in a musty-smelling room. It is the warm and comfy feeling we experience after taking a nice hot shower on a cold winter’s night. It is the clean and fragrant smell of a beautiful garden outside, after a refreshing spring shower. There is nothing better than knowing all your debts have been forgiven and wiped away forever.

To return love for hate, right for wrong, and mercy for retribution, is to move one step closer toward Jesus Christ. Won’t you walk the narrow path with me and forgive your brother today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: forgiveness. What we cannot do by ourselves, God through Christ can do in and for us. He can restore our hearts to a right relationship with Him and all those around us if we will just ask Him to help us apply the seventy-times-seven principle to our lives.

____________________________

© 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, September 30, 2007

The Great Healer

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Matthew 15, 16, 17

Matthew 15:29-31 (NIV)

29 Jesus left there and went along the Sea of Galilee. Then He went up on a mountain and sat down. 30 Great crowds came to Him, bringing the lame, the blind, the crippled, the mute and many others, and laid them at His feet; and He healed them. 31 The people were amazed when they saw the mute speaking; the crippled made well, the lame walking and the blind seeing. And they praised the God of Israel.

Psalm 103:2-4 (NIV)

2 Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits – 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion.

Good morning!

Eyewitness accounts of extraordinary life events leave lasting images engraved upon our hearts and in our minds. The Gospel of Matthew unfolds with an eyewitness account of one who experienced the greatest miracles of all – forgiveness, healing and love through a relationship with Jesus Christ, Lord of all. Imagine with me, for just a moment, what Matthew saw as he watched Christ heal the crowd.

A young man, blinded from birth, was escorted by his parents to the place where Jesus sat on the hill overlooking the town of Gennesaret. They had sought help for their son for years, visiting every physician available to them; pursuing home remedies and trying every possible solution to restore even a little eyesight to their child. They hated that their son could not experience for himself the colors and hues of the world around him. He was unable to see the bright rays of the early morning as it rose across the valley. He could feel the rain falling on his face, but could not observe how the droplets formed mud puddles along the path in front of their home. He had no idea how beautiful the colors of a rainbow were, painted across the sky just after a summer storm. How they longed for their son to be made whole. What parent wouldn’t want their child to see for themselves the beauty of God’s magnificent creation?

They had heard about a man who had the power to restore sight to the blind. He was the talk of the town, and now Jesus had finally arrived. Knowing how their family had been shunned for years, the boy’s parents wondered what their neighbors would think if Jesus had mercy on their son. They had been the community’s conversation piece for years, as good, God-fearing folk speculated about which sin they had committed that left their son with a life sentence in total darkness. They were grateful the boy could not see the glaring looks of their neighbors, especially as they climbed up the hill to meet the Lord.

They were surrounded by thousands who were suffering from horrible, awful diseases. There were those who could not walk, who had to be carried up the hill on stretchers. There were little children with missing limbs, broken and bleeding sores covering their bodies. People were crying out for help as far as they could see. How could one man change the lives of so many? Only God could give such an amazing gift.

With eyes of faith, the parents looked into the eyes of the Lord and saw what their child knew to be true in his heart: they were looking into the very eyes of God. In hushed awe, they watched as their prayers were answered in full. With one touch, one look, and one holy Word, their son could see. He could see! He could see clearly! Everything they had longed for became a reality as they gazed upon the Lord Jesus Christ, face to face.

The lame were dancing; and the deaf could hear the praises of all. New arms and legs were replacing bruised and bloody stubs. Sores were fading away; tumors were disappearing. One by one, each and every person who came by faith was healed that day on the mountain side. The praises and worship of those who were touched, continued on into the late night hours. No one wanted to leave Jesus. They held on to His every Word. As they looked at their Lord, they saw their salvation, and worshipped God out of overflowing, grateful hearts.

Matthew wrote this eyewitness account, understanding full well what the face of God can do in the life of lost soul. Just as Jesus saved and healed his life, Matthew observed how Jesus reached out to all people, everywhere. He loves them with a purpose and passion; just like He loves you and me.

How far would you reach to bring your child healing and wholeness? God Almighty reached even further to save His children from eternal separation and pain, by sending His only Son, Jesus Christ, to heal all of us, once and for all. Won’t you join me in the presence of the Savior who can heal your life today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: healing! By prayer, we bring those we love to His holy mountain, where Jesus Christ waits to forgive our sins, heal our hearts, and love us forever. We have a good reason to celebrate His love today. Won’t you come right now and receive your healing at the foot of the cross?

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© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

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