Saturday, November 10, 2007

Following the paths of the righteous

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Romans 7, 8; Proverbs 4

Romans 8:1-4 (NIV)

1 Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin an death. 3 For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending His own son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so He condemned sin in sinful man, 4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit.

Proverbs 4:18 (NIV)

The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining ever brighter till the full light of day.

Good morning!

While sitting in the church sanctuary yesterday, I couldn’t help but think about the man I came to remember with gratitude and love. Many people gathered together to thank God for the gift of Pastor Jim. He was someone who truly understood what it meant to live, not according to the flesh, but according to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Now he knows in full what I can only see in part. Carried home in the arms of perfect love, his soul will now spend an eternity praising the Lord Jesus Christ. I think I have a small understanding of why it takes an eternity to adore the perfect, sinless, Lamb of God. There could never possibly be enough time to worship Him, and so our praise and thanksgiving will go on and on, forever and ever. Someday, I will join in the eternal chorus and sing the everlasting song of the redeemed.

Pastor Jim was an awesome writer. He wrote from his heart, with a whit and whim that captured his unique and creative soul. Even though Pastor Jim is no longer with us in the flesh, his written thoughts and words will continue on. Many people who suffer from cancer will be blessed by the insights of one who knew full well what it was like to fight a terminal illness. Jim’s words will not only comfort his family, but also those who may never have known him. His written words remind us of the prize he has acquired in full through Christ Jesus. His writing will live on the hearts of future generations. It was one of his greatest gifts, and we treasure it, especially today.

As I worshipped the Lord, I also thanked the Lord for another dear sister used to send a daily scripture message out by e-mail each morning. I met Rita many years ago when my husband Jeff was pastor at the United Methodist Church in Salem, Missouri. She was a kind, loving soul, who suffered terribly from the ravages of emphysema. There were days when it took everything she had just to get out bed and move to the computer sitting on the desk by the picture window. She wore an oxygen mask, and there were days when she struggled for every breath. Even when she was too weak to open her mouth and speak, this precious child of the living God spread the Gospel message of Jesus Christ all over the worldwide web. She sent scripture passages faithfully, every day. Because of the leading of the Holy Spirit in her life, God’s Word was sent out into the worldwide web of cyberspace. When Rita went home to be with the Lord, I knew she was finally breathing free in the arms of her Savior. She no longer needed that oxygen mask, because He had become her breath of life for all eternity. There is not a day that goes by when I don’t miss hearing from Rita online. She prayed me through some really difficult moments, and in her quiet, compassionate love, made a lasting imprint in my daily walk with the Lord.

These people exemplified faith-filled living. They were not perfect – no, not even close. They made lots of mistakes, just like you and me, and even confessed it occasionally! Yet, when they gave themselves full over to the pursuit of a personal and intimate fellowship with Jesus, the Holy Spirit filled them up with His presence. They made a choice to walk in obedience to His Word and share His love with everyone. Their recorded thoughts became living legacies. as they experienced abundant life through Christ. What a gift it is to share God’s uncompromised, authoritative, holy Word! It was written for you and for me, for our children, and their children, and for all generations to come. It has been passed down through the years as a divine help and life cycle guide. We have His instruction manual right in front of us! And when we make a commitment to read His Word, allowing it to sink deeper into our hearts each day, the Holy Spirit begins to lead us in the journey. We are no longer condemned under the law, because our lives are given over completely to the Lord Jesus Christ. As we pick up the pace and pass the torch from one to another, the Word becomes our life’s breath, our only assurance and everlasting hope.

God sends His ultimate love letter to you today. It is yours for the keeping. Will you open His Word today and read it? What a wonderful gift it is to read the words of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Have you read The Book? Do you know Him?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the Word to totally permeate every part of your life. What Word would you share with the people God has placed in your path? Oh, how I pray you will give them the opportunity to know Jesus through His Holy Word.

___________________________

© 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, November 09, 2007

If the key fits, turn it

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Romans 4, 5, 6

Romans 5:1-6 (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. 3 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance, 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out His love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom He has given us. 6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

Good morning!

This morning while I was praying, I saw a vision. I’m a visual person, and it helps when I can see things in Technicolor. The Lord who recreates my heart every morning knows just what mental images to send in times of intense prayer and soul longing. He helps me grasp the concept of His grace, in tiny little bits. It’s like putting a large puzzle together. The pieces may go together slowly at first. With a lot of perseverance and trust that every piece will fit perfectly together, the Lord will complete His masterpiece in me one day soon.

I wish I could paint what I see. That is so not my gift. Hopefully, I can capture His image with words. I found myself wading in a beautiful, clear lake. This was no ordinary water. It was sweet to the taste. The reflection of the sun over the water was so bright it was hard to look at. The texture of the lake was thicker than running tap water. It was warm to the touch, with the consistency of a Menthol gel. If you’ve ever used a vapor rub to break up a deep-seated cold, then you will understand what the texture of the water felt like – cool to the immediate touch, but immediately warm, with a fragrance that carried me far beyond where I sat in my prayer closet.

The Lord revealed to me that I was standing knee deep in grace. This isn’t the kind of grace we receive when we get an extension on a loan payment for school, or extra time to complete a project at work. It’s not the grace one receives when, after having been pulled over to the side of the road for speeding, the officer gives a warning instead of a traffic citation. No, this grace is much richer and fuller than the grace and mercy we experience when we’re late for a meeting, and the participants wait patiently for us to show up.

How can we be justified through our faith? Sometimes, my faith comes in waves. There are days when I feel stronger than others. Sometimes, I have weak knees. When you feel a little weak in the knees, it’s a good time to kneel down and pray. It’s not quite so far to fall when you are on your knees, and when I’m feeling weak and tired, getting down on my knees reminds me just how strong my Lord is. I can feel His strength running through me, while wading in His grace. It is so undeserved – my meager faith does not hold a candle to the miraculous faith of Christ. Still, He pours it into me day by day, as I wade through the waters of my life. It is His grace that cleanses my sin and covers me. His grace makes peace between a holy God and a not-so-holy human girl. I find myself gaining access by His faith into amazing grace, the grace on which I now stand. The key to finding grace is in having a personal and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ. He is the only key that will open the door to everlasting life in the arms of our Father.

While floating around in the riches of His grace this morning, Jesus reminds me that there are many who have His key tucked away in their back pocket, but they forget to pull it out and and use it. I’ve never been very good with keys. Sometimes I have to practice how to unlock a door repeatedly before I finally get it right. More often than not, I lose the key and find myself frantically searching for it. There are times when I don’t even realize I’ve lost it. Do you struggle to hold onto the key of faith? Do you know how to use it?

There is great glory in the hope of our salvation. We are covered in His grace today. Like a warm, soothing lake, we are moving toward a perfection that can only come by divine transformation. Grace covers my rough edges. Grace brings me peace with the Father. Grace-filled living allows me the privilege to walk hand-in-hand with my brothers and sisters. Do you know what it is like to wade through the waters of His grace by faith?

Jesus invites you to take hold of His key and turn it today. Come inside and experience the fellowship of His unending mercy and grace. Allow His love to wash over you, as He removes the barriers that keep you from knowing Him more fully. Look up and see the brilliance of His love; the love He extends to you today. Take some time to pray and praise Him. Offer your sin up to the altar. Watch how He washes it away completely. Allow yourself to feel extraordinarily thankful. You have every reason to be grateful to the One who saves you, day by day.

At just the right moment, while we were powerless to help ourselves, Christ died for the ungodly. He is the only key you will ever need to unlock salvation’s door. He is the only way to the Father. He is the magnificent One! Jesus! Come, Lord Jesus. Wash over us with your unending reservoir of grace, mercy and love now.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the water of His unending grace and mercy to wash over you today, cleansing your soul and freeing you for joyful, obedient living. If He is calling you to serve Him today, do it with a joyful and glad heart. This is my humble prayer, and I offer it up in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. 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.

Thursday, November 08, 2007

There is unity in grace

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Romans 1, 2, 3

Romans 3:21-25 (NIV)

21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and we are justified freely by this grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement through faith in His blood.

Good morning!

Questionnaires are often used categorize people into various groups. Some may ask: Are you male or female? What is your race? Where do you live? How old are you? What is your income level? Do you have a religious preference? Have you ever committed a felony? The society in which we live often separates people and classifies them into sub-groups. Many people, who have strong opinions and biases on social issues and beliefs, are labeled by the community where we live. That label is based on a particular point of view. In the world of politics, you may be known as a proud Democrat, Republican, or Independent. You may be labeled a liberal or conservative in your theological stance. Why do we human beings go to such lengths to segregate ourselves from each other?

The Apostle Paul spent a chunk of his life persecuting Christians. He held on to his conviction that Christ’s followers were out to destroy the time-honored traditions and laws of Jewish culture and belief. He did not realize that Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of all prophecy. So Paul put on his battle armor, drew a line in the dirt and began a relentless quest to rid the world of born-again Christians.

When we separate ourselves from others, we begin to run with blinders on. We can’t see where we are headed because we are way too busy focusing on our differences rather than our commonality. It took a miraculous encounter with the risen Christ and a time of physical blindness for Paul to clearly see the truth. What will it take for you and me to lay down the things that separate us, so that we can share the Lord Jesus Christ with the world?

When Paul wrote to the church in Rome, he said, “There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” What does this mean? There are no differences between us? All of us suffer from time to time with physical illness and limitations. Every person struggles to survive, from the moment we are conceived in the womb. Some people struggle harder than others. Many do not have the necessities of life. Others seem to have an overabundance of necessities. Every human being gets hungry and longs to be fed. In the winter, we get cold. In the blistering heat of summer, we sweat. Human beings share the same fears – fear of death, fear of failure, and fear of being hurt by the people we love. We may not look, think, or act alike, but we all have the same predisposition to sin.

The sins we commit may vary, but sin is sin. It doesn’t matter whether you struggle with unsavory words coming out of your mouth or if you just think them inside your head. It does not change the sin factor. Maybe you are apathetic and self-centered, not caring much for the needs of your neighbor, or maybe you are a big giver, but expect to receive something in return for the gifts you give. A little recognition is always a good reason to give, isn’t it? We hide the unsavory behind our acts of mercy. It is our motivation and the condition of our heart song that cannot be hidden from the God who created us.

Through Jesus Christ our Lord, we share a common bond through the grace that came through His sacrifice on the cross. It is Christ alone that justifies us, and He covers our sin, before a holy God. We can share Christ’s redemption work with others today, if we will simply choose to look beyond the labels that separate us and see with spirit eyes, the souls of those who long to experience the joy of their salvation.

If you are struggling to look beyond the differences that separate you from others, ask Jesus Christ to help you see the commonality, our similarities, and our desperate human need. He gives an extra measure of grace, whenever a willing and humble heart sets aside their personal preferences and chooses to love others the way Jesus loves them.

How far are you willing to go with matters of faith? Do you trust the Lord enough to change your heart today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: holy help! Every human being needs to know the love of Christ. Ask God to help you lay aside the things that separate us from each other, and learn to love the way Jesus Christ loves you.

___________________________

© 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, November 07, 2007

Weathering the storms of life

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Acts 27, 28; Proverbs 3

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.

Acts 27:9 (NIV)

9 Much time had been lost, and sailing had already become dangerous because by now it was after the Fast [the day of Atonement.]

Good morning!

Do you ever feel like you are out there all alone, trying to swim upstream against a strong under current? I admit I have moments of spiritual despair. Yet, I found great encouragement and support this past weekend at the Presence Based Church seminars led by Dr. Terry Teykl. He encourages worship based prayer for every Christian and to seek God’s holy presence in all they do. Praying God’s Word, the Holy Scripture, is emphasized at the Teykl seminars. Everything begins and ends with prayer. Dr. Teykl says that we are to pray the prayers the Lord would have us pray. What are you praying for today?

My understanding is so very limited. No matter how much time I spend reading, studying and writing, I lack the wisdom I long for. King Solomon prayed to the Lord for wisdom. Some say He was the wisest man that ever lived. My limited vision keeps me from seeing the bigger picture. I struggle to gain not just wisdom, but His wisdom. How I long to see things the way Christ sees them. Oh, to have the perfect vision of our Lord. Maybe you are praying for wisdom today.

Our journey is never safe or easy. We are risk takers, from the moment we breathe our very first breath, until we die and rest in the everlasting arms. The Apostle Paul knew what it was like to travel a treacherous path. He, along with some other prisoners, boarded a ship that was sail along the coast of Asia. It was in the fall of the year, when weather patterns were rapidly changing. Ships in early days were not built with the sophisticated compass and tracking systems we now have at our disposal. Captains relied upon the stars to navigate their boats in the water. Overcast weather made travel very, very dangerous, even impossible at times. The Day of Atonement had come and gone. Colder weather, shorter days and cloudy nights caused a great panic on the ship in which Paul was sailing. Tossed about in the wind and waves, and caught in what is known as a “northeaster,” everyone aboard gave up on any hope of being saved. Have you ever felt like giving up on God’s promise of salvation? Is your life being tossed about by the difficulties and problems you face? Where can one sail to seek safe harbor in the storms of life?

King Solomon understood that human understanding is limited. Without the Lord’s leading, we will all be lost to the relentless storms of life. He said, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.” We need to walk a straight path every day, as we seek His holy face in worship and praise. Only God can take the hairpin curves of our journey and straighten them out once and for all.

What does it take to trust the Lord with all your heart and not dwell upon the things we see in the physical realm?

When the seminar ended Sunday evening, Pastor Teykl gave me a hug goodbye and whispered in my ear, “You are not alone.” In that simple sentence, I could hear the voice of Christ filling me with reassurance and hope. We are not alone! We have God’s power and wisdom and His amazing strength to weather the storms in our lives and move forward to the task He has called us to. We can share the Gospel with others! We don’t have to rely upon our own abilities. The storms will always rage around us. We must choose whether to focus on the tidal wave we see in the physical realm or on the One who can calm the raging storm with one Word.

I’m fixing my eyes on Jesus today. Won’t you join me? If we hold hands, we can do this together.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: greater faith, to see beyond the storms of life and realize there is abundant and everlasting life in the power and presence of Almighty God. Won’t you worship and praise Him today?

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

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

Tuesday, November 06, 2007

There is freedom in chains

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Acts 25, 26; Proverbs 2

Proverbs 2:1-5 (NIV)

1 My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you, 2 turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding, 3 and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, 4 and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, 5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.

Acts 26:29, 32 (NIV)

29 Paul replied, “Short time or long – I pray God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”

32 Agrippa said to Festus, “This man could have been set free if he had not appealed to Caesar.”

Good morning!

I love to read about Paul and the amazing ministry Jesus called him to fulfill. He spent a good deal of his time behind bars, in chains, bleeding from beatings and being stoned in the streets. His battle scars were deep, and yet, it never seemed to stop him from speaking words of salvation. In fact, Paul chose to stay in chains because he knew his testimony would have a profound impact on the rulers and prisoners alike. Even in the chains that held Paul’s body captive, his soul was truly free!

Have you ever thought that maybe the burden you carry is actually an opportunity for ministry? Maybe you find yourself today in a dead-end job, totally discouraged and frustrated with your co-workers, or your supervisors. Maybe you deal with hateful people over the telephone each day, so much so, it makes you not want to pick up the receiver and answer. Maybe you are sitting in a classroom today, frustrated with the teacher who seems to be verbally attacking you in front of the entire class, or you are embarrassed by the students who continually make fun of you, whispering behind your back. Even pastors and those who work in the life of the church can run headlong into personality conflicts. We don’t think alike and we certainly don’t act the same. Still, there are some who believe a pastor’s gift mix should be all things to all people, and when their pastor doesn’t perform the way they think he or she should, they begin to carry resentment, maybe even bitterness. Some leave the church because they can’t stand to listen to the one preaching in the pulpit. Have you ever wondered whether God might be calling you to leave those chains on just a little bit longer, so that you might make a lasting difference in the heart of someone who is hurting you? Are you willing to return love for hate? Do you care more about the soul of that testy neighbor than personal payback? How much more could God use you in an adverse situation? Will you let Him use you?

When Paul was accused of breaking Jewish laws in court, Paul appealed his case to a higher authority. He appealed to Caesar. Standing before King Agrippa, Paul retold his life’s story, explaining how Jesus himself had appeared to him as he rode toward Damascus. Paul said, “I stand here on trial on account of my hope” (Acts 26:6). What was Paul’s hope? Was he hoping to be released? I believe Paul’s hope was to share the Good News of salvation with all the world, and that included the Roman government. He could do more living in his chains, than living free. Everyone’s eyes were on him as he spoke. Every ear was opened, listening intently to the prisoner’s words. Would you be willing to remain in chains if it meant someone might find Christ in the middle of your imprisonment?

There is freedom in the chains we carry. There is hope for the burdens we bear. If you are struggling today with an illness, a family crisis, a job that is simply difficult to do each day, take a minute to look beyond the pain and see the opportunity for servant leadership. You can make a difference right now, right where you are. Let the living Christ shine through you, not only in the things you say, but the things you do.

May God give your courage to tell your story to everyone you know. Share it with love. Remember who it is you are serving, and ask God to help you see others the way He sees them. Not only will you find His peace that passes all understanding, but you may leave an eternal mark in the life of another lost soul.

Jesus Christ is the Lord of my shame. He carried it all to the cross to save me from myself. And when I grow up, I want to be more like Him. This is my humble prayer today.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: courage to wear your chains well. His freedom exists, even in the most difficult of situations. Trust Christ completely to lead you today. Allow Christ to take your weakness and make you strong through it. He will do it, if you just ask Him. Ask Him to help you now.

___________________________

© 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, November 05, 2007

It's all Greek to me

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Acts 22, 23, 24

Acts 21:37-22:1 (NIV)

37 As the soldiers were about to take Paul into the barracks, he asked the commander, “May I say something to you?” “Do you speak Greek?” he replied. 38 “Aren’t you the Egyptian who started a revolt and led four thousand terrorists out into the desert some time ago?” 39 Paul answered, “I am a Jew, from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no ordinary city. Please let me speak to the people.” 40 Having received the commander’s permission, Paul stood on the steps and motioned to the crowd. When they were all silent, he said to them in Aramaic: 1 “Brothers and fathers, listen now to my defense.” 2 When they heard him speak to them in Aramaic, they became very quiet.

Good morning!

Sometimes I wonder if I’m speaking the right language. Have you ever tried to say something important, but all that comes out of your mouth is Greek? Unfortunately, I’ve had this experience on numerous occasions and it can be very, very frustrating. Have you ever tried to explain and reason with a stubborn, strong-willed child, and they look at you with this crazy, glazed over stare, like you are speaking in tongues? What happens to our communicative skills when we have something important to say, but it feels like we’re preaching into thin air?

Yesterday, as I sat in the Terry Teykl prayer seminar at Woods Chapel Church in Lees Summit, Missouri, I listened intently as the pastor shared a personal story about a clergy friend who had traveled to Mexico to preach the Gospel. He did not speak their language, and had engaged the services of an interpreter to help him deliver the message in Spanish. Due to some miscommunication, the interpreter did not show up. When it came time for the pastor to deliver the Word, he prayed and asked the Lord for divine intervention. As the pastor began to speak, the words came out of him in Spanish! Those who came to hear understood the message, and many gave their hearts to the Lord that day. This pastor had no formal training in Spanish. He knew the Lord had given him the right word, in the right language, at just the right moment, and because He trusted God completely on the delivery, the people heard and responded.

What kind of faith does it take to trust God completely? I took a road trip this weekend. The prayer conference is important to me, because I knew Pastor Teykl had been given an important message to deliver, as he continually responds to God’s call to “build the church in prayer.” Sunday morning, as my friend Laura Beth and I were having breakfast, we saw Pastor Teykl emerge from his room for a cup of coffee. I had seen this road weary look before. I’ve seen it on my husband’s face many times. Honestly, the pastor looked like he had been hit by a truck. He was dog tired. Pastor Teykl travels every week, sharing and teaching people how to connect with God in prayer. It is his commission, his passion, and his purpose for living. When we sit in church on Sunday mornings and hear a sermon, we may not see the frailty of the person behind the pulpit. They are human beings, just like you and I. They get tired, road weary, and yet, they go. Why? Why would anyone do this? I’ve seen pastors push through times of extreme fatigue, sacrifice their personal time and money, just to spend their lives speaking God’s Word. I imagine Pastor Teykl will sit down on his back porch this morning, with a cup of coffee in his hand, and wonder whether anyone really heard what he was saying. But the love of God grabs us by the heart and pulls us forward in faith. Just like the Apostle Paul, it is that same love that sends people like Pastor Teykl out into the world to teach and preach. It is prompting of the Holy Spirit that helps pastors and teachers get out of bed at 3am to pray and praise God. Has God called you to sacrifice your life to reach people with the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

The Apostle Paul was an amazing man, for a lot of reasons. But I admire him most for his tenacity to go and preach, even when he knew many would not hear or understand. It takes great faith to speak God’s Word every day, recognizing that it will be rejected by some, laughed at by others, and yet, someone out there will hear and receive the message of salvation by faith. And that one person makes it all worth while. Paul never quit. He continued to go and speak, and used every resource at his disposal to share Jesus Christ with the world.

Today, I am thanking the Lord for all pastors and teachers who are called to preach and who willingly and faithfully serve Christ each day. There are times when you may feel discouraged, and extraordinarily tired. Please don’t give up on all of us. You are speaking our language, and we will hear and understand you through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit working in and through you. Thank you for serving the Lord.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: pastors and teachers and leaders in your church. They need a little affirmation every once in a while, just to know they are being heard and understood.

___________________________

© 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, November 04, 2007

The light of His presence

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Acts 19, 20, 21

Acts 20:19-21 (NIV)

19 [Paul said,] “I served the Lord with great humility and with tears, although I was severely tested by the plots of the Jews. 20 You know that I have not hesitated to preach anything that would be helpful to you but have taught you publicly and from house to house. 21 I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus.

Good morning!

And what a beautiful morning it is! I’ve been up for awhile now, watching the sunlight move across the eastern sky. There is nothing more wondrous than seeing the sun rise up at the break of day, dispelling the darkness of night, reminding all God’s children that we walk in the light.

I listened intently yesterday to Pastor Terry Teykl teach on what it means to be a Presence Based Church. We long to welcome and invite the presence and power of Almighty God to fall upon the hearts of all who gather in worship to praise His holy name. How I long to be a presence-based church in my own heart, a space where Jesus Christ can live and reign inside of me. The single most important thing I do every morning is to pray for His presence to me up and send me out, so that I may tell others the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. How I long to be more like Christ, moving in tiny increments, just a little closer to Him each day. There is nothing more precious than sharing abundant life in Christ with the body of believers. We are everywhere, and when we get together to praise and glorify the risen Lord, His awesome presence becomes our greatest gift! What a present it is to be in an intimate, personal relationship with the Savior of the world.

This was Paul’s soul desire. As he prepared to leave Ephesus, Paul spoke to the saints in the new baby church. He spoke from his heart’s desire. He chose to preach and teach the importance of turning to God with repentant hearts, while lifting up the name of Jesus and His salvation message, not just to Jews, but to Greeks, and the whole world. When Christ got Paul’s attention on the road to Damascus, he not only received a heavenly name change, but a whole new way of seeing life. His eyes, once blinded, were now clear. His vision had improved. The Son had risen and taken full reign in Paul’s life. He was walking in the light of God’s amazing grace and love.

Can you imagine what would happen if faithful Christians around the world linked hands and hearts, with one desire only – to long for the presence of Christ to equip every member of the body to share the Gospel message around the world? What would happen to the church of Jesus Christ if every believer stopped to pray each day for the presence of God to become the presence in which they live and breathe? Inviting God’s presence into the life of my church begins with inviting God to be present in my heart each and every day.

Like the beautiful sunrise outside this morning, the prayers of all the saints are rising up right now. Hearts and hands are joined together, crying out to God for His mercy. We humble ourselves, asking for unmerited forgiveness, confessing our sins, while longing for His life to become our life. Is there any greater joy than knowing the way, the truth, and the life?

He is here right now. If you have never experienced the wonder of forgiveness and His peace that passes all understanding, then this moment has been lovingly created just for you. Living in His presence day by day, is an amazing gift from God. He is waiting for you to receive Him, invite Him into your heart, into your home, and into the life of your church. We don’t have to wait until we get to heaven to see Jesus. He is here. Can you sense His holy presence surrounding you today?

Today, we remember and honor the saints that have gone on before us. Our loved ones remind us of the hope we have in Christ, when we reach the place where there will never be darkness again, our tears will be dried forever, and the love we have in our hearts will be magnified exponentially. Living in His holy presence now prepares us for the joys of living with Christ forevermore. Can you hear the saints singing?

May His holy presence fall upon you today, as you seek to love Jesus Christ more and more each day. If you are longing for His presence and want to learn more, come and hear Pastor Teykl teach this afternoon at Woods Chapel United Methodist Church in Lees Summit, Missouri. The seminar begins at 2:30pm and we have an extra seat waiting just for you.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


Pray for: His presence to become the light you walk in every day. Praise the Lord with all your heart, and invite Him to become the light of your life. Christ’s presence will fall when He is welcomed in love.

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© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
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