Living in the prison of guilt

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Job 10, 11, 12

Job 11:7-12 (NIV)

[Zophar said,] 7 “Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? 8 They are higher than the heavens – what can you do? They are deeper than the depths of the grave – what can you know? 9 Their measure is longer than the earth and wider than the sea. 10 If he comes along and confines you to prison and convenes a court, who can oppose Him? 11 Surely he recognizes deceitful men; and when He sees evil, does He not take note? 12 But a witless man can no more become wise than a wild donkey’s colt can be born a man.”

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 are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came through Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in His blood.

Good morning!

You know your real friends when they stick with you, especially through the tough stuff in life. I have a girl friend that I have known for years. Nancy and I met while working downtown seventeen years ago. One day, I complimented her hair color. She was a redhead, and I admired that color, because I also had auburn hair. I have always believed that redheads have brilliant minds and they tend to be extraordinarily loyal and devoted to their family and friends! That moment of meeting and the commonality we shared through the color of our hair turned into a sisterhood that will never be broken. Nancy is blonde now, and I forgive her for that. I’m still a redheaded wannabe, in spite of all those pesky gray streaks. Still, I know our friendship will last forever. Someday Nancy and I will stand side by side in heaven praising the Lord of life for His grace and mercy. We are blessed to be sisters through Jesus Christ, and He has made us a part of the family of faith.

Zophar’s words were tough for Job to hear. He thought he was doing his best to help a brother out. From all appearances, Zophar came to the conclusion that Job had sinned, and his sins had caught up to him big time. Do you ever feel like you are a walking advertisement - a flashing marquee for sin? Everyone was passing judgment on poor Job. They saw his suffering and pain. They wondered whether his loyalty to the Lord had somehow been compromised and now God was making him pay for his mistakes. Job was beginning to resent the Lord. Somehow, he couldn’t understand how God could let this happen to him. More importantly, Job had become totally disgusted with his friends. Was Zophar was trying to be a true friend to Job, by encouraging him to confess and repent? Or was Zophar’s only motivation to point the finger at his brother, just to take the spotlight off of his own sin and shortcomings?

When we are suffering from the sins eating away at our life, it is always good to hear the truth from someone who loves us, even when it hurts. My friend Nancy is gifted at knowing how to love a sinner, while hating the sin. She always finds a way to speak the truth in love. I listen to her, even when I do not like what I hear. She holds me accountable, and yet, never stops loving me. We could all use a friend like Nancy in our life.

When Jesus Christ made Himself known to the world, He brought all of us a message of great hope. No matter how good we want to be or try to be, every one has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. Even Job, who worked tirelessly to please God and honor Him with his life, was not completely without sin. For those of us who are still incarcerated in the prison of guilt, Jesus is the key. He can free you, once and for all, through the power of His cleansing blood. He can cover your sin and shame once and for all. There is just nothing we can do to earn God’s grace or favor. We can try to live good and honest lives, but it will not be enough apart from knowing the Lord Jesus Christ.

This is the Good News of the Gospel we just have to share with a world imprisoned in its many diversities and cultures. None of us will ever be good enough all by ourselves. Dear friends, we are all going down on the same sinking ship. Jesus Christ is the only way, the only truth, and the only life, and He will make a way for you today if you ask Him to save you.

This weekend, I will be standing next to my sister Nancy, along with 15,000 other sisters in the Scott Trade Center in downtown Saint Louis, worshipping Jesus and praising His holy and awesome name. He is the key to unspeakable joy, a never-ending love, and a peace that cannot be explained with human words. If you find yourself locked up in the prison of guilt this morning, ask Jesus to set you free. He will do it! And that’s a promise you can count on!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: salvation! Jesus Christ will set you free from the sin and suffering in your life. You can know what it means to be forgiven. There is joy in the journey, even when the road is rough. Be thankful for the people God has placed in your life, who love you enough to tell you about the Lord.

I will be at the Women of Faith Conference this weekend in St. Louis. I hope to see you there! May the Lord bless and keep you, until we meet again online.

________________________________

© 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.

When God is silent

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Job 7, 8, 9

Job 7:19-21 (NIV)
19 “Will you never look away from me, or let me alone even for an instant? 20 If I have sinned, what have I done to you, O watcher of men? Why have you made me your target? Have I become a burden to you? 21 Why do you not pardon my offenses and forgive my sins? For I will soon lie down in the dust; you will search for me, but I will be no more.”

Matthew 27:46 (NIV)
46 About the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” – which means, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”

Good morning!

Have you ever questioned God? Did you blame Him for a miserable moment you experienced somewhere along life’s path? It is an easy thing to do, especially when we are in extreme pain. We cannot see things objectively or understand why God would allow this awful thing to happen to us. Job had based his entire life on purposefully honoring the Lord. He wanted to please God more than anything else. He wanted His family to bring God honor by the way they chose to live each day of their lives. Job had worked very hard at this. What happens when, one day, we realize that all of our good work is simply not enough? Do we wonder, like Job, who could ever possibly please the Lord God Almighty?

I admit that there have been times when I have held my angry and wounded heart up to the Lord, waiting for Him to speak. I longed to see the bigger picture, but my tiny mind would not let me move past the pain. Suffering catches us where we are the most vulnerable and holds us in a death grip as we try unsuccessfully to wiggle free. Morning after morning, Job had come to know the Lord He loved. How could His God do this to him? What had he done to deserve such judgment and ridicule from the Lord, the giver of life? Why would His heavenly Father, who had walked side by side with him all those years, suddenly become silent and elusive just when Job needed Him the most?

Job was angry and bewildered. He was questioning his beliefs; wondering if He had misplaced his faith after all those years. Job went directly to the Lord, shaking his fist and demanding answers. Have you ever shaken your fist in anger at God? Were you hurting so much that you wondered how a God of mercy and grace could possibly exist while allowing unspeakable grief to ravage your life?

God had allowed a plague of evil to overshadow Job. Why would God do such a thing? The Lord allowed Satan to slither inside a good man’s family, forging a path of death and destruction upon them, and Job could not see or understand why. How could he accept this cup of bitterness from the God he loved? Like Job, there is a time when we come to the realization that all of our good works and deep desires to please Him simply pales in comparison to His greatness and glory. Who can understand the Lord? Are we fully able to comprehend His master plan for humanity and the people who surround us every day? Are we willing to trust Him, even in moments of utter despair? Is it possible that God can take our broken hearts and use it to help heal someone else’s pain? There are some things in life we will never fully understand. Are you willing to allow your pain to bring comfort to someone else who is crying out for help today? Will we allow our compassion to become living action as we reach out in love to a hurting world?

If you have ever lost someone you love, or suffered with a painful illness or infirmity that plagues you every single day, you may not realize it now, but God is allowing a greater plan to emerge from your life experience. He can give you a heart of compassion for those who suffer, if you let Him. True relationship evolves from the life experiences we share. It is a common thread that unites us. Has Job’s life example made a difference for you? Can you relate to the suffering of this humble servant of God?

When God is silent, do not despair. Trust Him enough to know there is a greater plan beyond the things you are experiencing today. We can choose to love our Lord all the more, knowing without a doubt He holds our hearts and bears our grief. He will not let us go, especially when we are suffering. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, understands our pain. He knows what it feels like when God is silent.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: wisdom to know that even in the silence, God speaks. His plan and purpose is so much larger than anything we can possibly understand. Trust Him today, knowing He has not abandoned you. God understands your suffering. He sees your face. He loves you and will not forsake you, even when evil touches your life. Let God turn your pain into compassion that births action for another hurting soul. Won’t you hand Him your hurt 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.

Choosing to be bitter or better

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Job 4, 5, 6

Job 6:8-10 (NIV)

8 [Job said,] “Oh, that I might have my request, that God would grant what I hope for,

9 that God would be willing to crush me, to let loose His hand and cut me off!

10 Then I would still have this consolation – my joy in unrelenting pain – that I had not denied the words of the Holy One.

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)

6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Good morning!

Poor Job! He was living a nightmare. In one fell swoop, he lost his material wealth, earthly possessions, the children he adored, and his health. Now Job was losing his friends. It is easy to sit back and point the finger at someone who is struggling. We humans have a tendency to try to explain away the ills of the world. Job’s three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad and Zuphar, adopted the cause and effect theory; they believed Job must have done something very wrong to bring about his suffering. It is human nature to want to know why things happen the way they do, and it is easier to place blame and turn away, than choose to hold the hand of the hurting one and suffer alongside them. There are some circumstances in life that we may never fully understand why. For instance, why are babies born with cancer? Why are mass numbers of people starving to death around the world? Why would anyone ever choose to abuse and exploit an innocent, trusting child? These questions resonate in my heart. There are many mornings when I sit weeping at the master’s feet. He catches the tears of my grief as I mourn for a suffering humanity. I especially grieve for the children. There are some things in this life that I will never understand.

It was doubly difficult for Job to find peace. He had searched his heart over and over again, wondering why the Lord would pull life’s blessings away from him, allowing his family to experience long suffering and unending misery. Have you ever been so distraught and in so much pain that you simply wanted to die? Overwhelming grief and excruciating physical pain can cause us moments of extreme despair. Job loved the Lord. The thought that he might have sinned against the God He adored was more unbearable than the physical and emotional suffering he experienced. He never meant to break God’s heart, and Job was beginning to feel responsible for the situation he found himself in. After all, his friends kept telling him so. Has anyone ever tried to tell you that your unfortunate circumstance or situation may not have happened because of something you did or said in your past?

It is easier to give up and bail out when we find our life dangling by a thread in extreme situations. In my life, there are some things that God never intended for me to fully understand. He wants me to trust Him, not just when times are good, but especially when life is hard. We can become our own worst enemies, allowing ourselves to be cynical and bitter. This attitude can eventually lead us to blame God for the troubles in our life. Isn’t it good that God understood the condition of Job’s heart! He will not abandon us in our season of suffering and grief. We must choose to trust the Lord in the things we do not understand. He can reach us if we are willing to lay our hearts before His throne of mercy and grace. He will use our story to bring Him glory. Are we willing to tell it? Are we able to share our most painful and private hurts, if it might bring hope to a sister or brother who is suffering in silence today?

We tend to look at the outward circumstance and pass judgment all too quickly based upon our limited knowledge. Isn’t it good that the Lord God Almighty does not look on the outside? He looks upon the heart and He knows who you are and whose you are, even when you cannot see Him clearly.

It is a miserable thing to suffer and grieve. When pain tells me to quit, this is when my faith kicks in and keeps me going. Through Jesus Christ, He gives me the assurance and hope in knowing one day, the hurting will end and He will dry every tear with His holy hand. There are some things we simply cannot control in our life. We do have the power to choose whether to let our circumstances make us bitter or better. How far am I willing to let it go, in order to honor the Lord I love? Is it possible that my story might bring hope to someone who is struggling to survive? Jesus speaks through our pain. Will you let the story of your life bring God glory today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: peace that passes all understanding. We can choose to be better, rather than bitter, especially in times of suffering. When we stop focusing on ourselves and look to the Lord for our constant hope and help, He will give us perfect peace, especially when we are suffering. Quit focusing on your situation, and look up! Jesus is waiting for you to give Him all your pain, 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.

The difference between happiness and joy

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Job 1, 2, 3

Job 1:20-22 (NIV)
20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” 22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

James 1:2-3 (NIV)
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the test of your faith develops perseverance.

Good morning!

There is a distinct difference between joy and happiness. Happiness is the effect one feels depending upon their particular circumstance. I have a new grandson, and that makes me very happy! If my grandson Andrew were not with us yet, would I still feel the same happiness I feel this morning? I doubt it. I would be waiting with baited breath for the baby to be born, and I would be praying for a safe delivery and a healthy boy. True joy is a gift from God and it has no bearing on the situation we find ourselves in. We can rejoice in knowing a baby is coming and all that means to our family! A new life changes everything! There is great joy when we anticipate the future and know for sure that the blessing is on its way.

This is the story of Job, a holy man of God, who had walked in the light of God's love all his days. Job was happily married. He and his wife had seven sons and three daughters, all of whom they were very proud of. He managed a large farm with lots of livestock. Job honored the Lord with his life, and everyone who knew them had great respect for his family.

Have you ever felt like everything was going your way – you were living the life many can only wish for? Job’s desire to please God burdened him so that he would rise up early in the morning and offer sacrifices for each of his children, just in case they may have sinned or cursed God the day before. The Lord knew Job’s heart and was pleased with his consistent and sincere devotion. When the accuser said that Job would not be faithful to the Lord in a season of suffering, God allowed him to attack Job and his family. Like Job, we all experience moments in time when we come under a spiritual attack. Did God stop loving Job when Job’s life began to fall apart? No - God’s love for Job had not changed. He allowed the evil one to enter into Job’s family as a test of faith.

It is easy to love God when life is good. Are you as willing to love Him wholeheartedly when things are not going so well? Happiness may all but disappear when we lose the ones we love to illness, death, and destruction. One day we have a paycheck – the next day, we are beating the pavement, looking for work. One moment, our home is full of love and laughter – the next minute, the house is silent and lonely. We feel great today, only to receive a dreaded phone call from our family physician, indicating the test results were not what we hoped for. Happiness can fade in the blink of an eye; in the breath of a second. True joy comes from knowing and trusting the One who holds our future in the palm of His hand. The things we face in life today are only a fleeting moment in time. We have seen the child – the gift of everlasting life. We hope for His imminent return, knowing it will not be long until we can be reunited with Him forever. The pain and suffering we endure here on earth is only for a moment. The love and joy we experience in eternity makes the difficult moments manageable. They will pass. God remains. Through Christ, we live again. True joy exists in knowing and loving the Savior of the world.

Are you happy today? Your happiness may disappear, but no one can take your joy, unless you let the evil one steal it away from you. Do not let your circumstances control your heart. Give your pain to the Lord. He understands your suffering and will fill you with His joy in every circumstance. The Apostle Paul understood the gift of true joy. Even while he was imprisoned, he considered it pure joy in trials and tribulation.

There is true joy in the journey of life. His name is Jesus. Do you know Him today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: joy to fill you up and send you out into a world where happiness may not exist. Give the Lord Jesus Christ your heart today and experience true joy in 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.

Hanging the hatred of Haman in me

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Esther 7, 8, 9, 10

Esther 5:9 (NIV)
9 Haman went out that day happy and in high spirits. But when he saw Mordecai at the king’s gate and observed that he neither rose nor showed fear in his presence, he was filled with rage against Mordecai.

Esther 7:8-10 (NIV)
8 Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, “Will he even molest the queen while she is with me in the house?” As soon as the word left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face. 9 Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, “A gallows seventy-five feet high stands by Haman’s house. He had it made for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king.” The king said, “Hang him on it!” 10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s fury subsided.

Matthew 5:43-45 (NIV)
[Jesus said,] “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.”

Good morning!

Shortly after Jeff and I moved to Dallas, Texas, to attend seminary, a new night-time soap opera called Dallas made its mark in television history. The story of the Ewings, a family whose fortune was made in the drilling and manufacturing of crude oil, became a Friday evening phenomenon. Before the age of video recording, people stopped what they were doing each week just to catch the next episode of the Ewing family’s ongoing saga. While there were some really cutthroat characters, the one person everybody loved to hate was J. R. Ewing. The oldest son of Jock and Ellie Ewing, J. R. had inherited his fortune and was proud of it. He was a sly and cunning businessman, who knew how to get what he wanted when he wanted it. J. R. took what he could get and would stop at nothing to get his way. He left a trail of deceit and broken hearted people everywhere he went. One of the series cliffhangers provided a lot of speculation and wonder as the world waited with baited breath to learn who shot J. R.

Haman is the man we all love to hate in the Book of Esther. He was an arrogant, evil soul, consumed with pride and a self-serving attitude that carried the aroma of a scared skunk on a two-lane country road. One can smell the stench of evil a mile away. This man, who believed he was better than all the others, wielded self-avowed power and authority over many innocent lives. Haman was a coward and a fool. We can learn a lot from this man’s story, if we’re willing to take a closer look at him. Is it possible that a little piece of Haman exists in you and me?

The Jewish community in Susa was about to be annihilated through the sneaky and cunning work of Haman. He had managed to pull the wool over the king’s eyes; yet Mordecai could see the truth smacking him in the face. Mordecai knew what he must do. Rather than take the issue into his own hands and act, Mordecai fasted and prayed before the Lord. He got word to his young cousin, Esther, and with the prayers of her people, she found the courage and strength to ask the king to spare her life and the lives of her people. God single-handedly foiled the evil plot of a self-absorbed, haughty man. Haman lost his life on the gallows he had constructed for Mordecai. Why did Haman hate Mordecai so? Because Mordecai refused to pay Haman honor. Mordecai loved the Lord God Almighty with his heart, soul, mind, and strength, and refused to raise up any man, including the king.

There is nothing harder than to show love and kindness to someone who truly seems to hates you. We make excuses to avoid these people, while squinting our eyes and murmuring about them behind their backs. Mordecai could not be controlled by Haman’s wrath. He didn’t seem to care that Haman was large and in charge. As far as Mordecai was concerned, Haman did not deserve his respect. Mordecai chose to pray and fast, allowing God to handle the evil in this man’s heart. Because Mordecai trusted God to effect change, He did not place his fear on what he could see with his own eyes; he trusted the Lord to resolve the situation and reveal the truth for what it is.

We must learn how to hate the sin and love the sinner. Jesus said that we must learn to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us. I need to hang the hatred of Haman in me out to dry. It has no place inside my heart. My prayer today is that I will allow the Lord to handle the evil that seems to swim around me today. I am asking the Lord to teach me how to love the ones who resent me; those who wish to bring evil and harm to my life. He can fight all my battles, when I’m willing to give it to Him and let it go. Are you holding a little hatred in your heart that needs to be hung out to dry? Ask the Lord God Almighty to help you truly love your enemy this morning.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: A Holy Spirit intervention! It is impossible to learn to love our enemies on our own steam. We need to let our hatred go, as we seek the Lord’s heart to forgive and forget. Haman was hung out to dry because he simply couldn’t get over himself. If you are feeling just a little bit proud today, don’t let your heart end up like his. Give your pain to the Lord, and let Him teach you how to love the sinner, while hating the sin.
________________________________
© 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.

For such a time as this

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Esther 4, 5, 6

Esther 4:12-16 (NIV)
12 When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, 13 he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”

15 Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16 “Go, gather all the Jews together who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.”

Matthew 10:39 (NIV)
[Jesus said,] “Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”

Good morning!

It is easy to feel rather insignificant in the world we live in. I don’t know about you, but I have wondered from time to time whether I could really make any difference in the life of another. After all, I’m just one little person out of billions of people around the world.

I got married when I was eighteen years old! I had fallen in love with the boy of my dreams, and I was convinced we were perfect for each other! Sometimes we find the love of our life at the most inopportune time. God was gracious and protected our marriage through some really difficult moments, as we grew up in love together. My husband married a baby girl, and I had an awful lot to learn about loving a husband. I don’t think our parents could have stopped us from getting married – we were determined and so they relented. Funny how parents do that… we step back and let our children make life choices knowing they will grow up and become mature one way or another. Parents learn how to pray really hard as their babies grow up. Now that I’m an empty nester, I find myself on my knees all the more, as I continue to pray for each of my children and their precious families every day.

I wondered where our life together would take us. As I’ve grown older, I find every day to be an incredible adventure. You just never know who you might meet or what you will learn. Still, there are times when we all wonder whether our life's work will have a positive effect in the heart of another. The Book of Esther is one of my favorite books in the Bible. This is the story of a young girl, orphaned at a child. I can relate to that since I too, was an orphan. She was adopted by her older cousin Mordecai. He took on the huge responsibility of raising a frightened child. She adored Mordecai, and learned from his life example. Mordecai taught Esther the importance of faith through practice and example. He told her stories of the rich traditions of their people, and practiced the presence of God in prayer, fasting, and study at home and in worship. Mordecai lived in a place where publicly practicing his faith in God could potentially lead to death. He taught his young cousin to trust the Lord in all things and be assured that God’s master plan is greater and more powerful than any simple scheme of man.

In an amazing sequence of events, Esther finds herself placed in a position of power. How did this happen to a poor Jewish orphan? So many times, we believe our ability to reach out and lead is limited by gender, class, and the society in which we live. Isn’t it amazing that when we give our lives over to the Lord, we find a newfound freedom in His master plan. It is a holy moment indeed, when we realize that God has a special plan for you to fulfill. He gives each one of us a future and a hope. It is up to you to decide whether you will hand Him your whole heart, trusting God to lead you, or whether you will try to control our own future all by yourself. Either way, the things we say and do have a profound affect on the people who are placed in our path. With God’s help, we can extend the love of Christ by telling His story around the world. For such a time as this, God calls you and I to share Jesus with the world.

The opportunity to serve the Lord Jesus Christ is more important than anything else we will ever do in our lifetime. If we are willing to trust God enough to hand Him our future, we can know for certain that He will walk with us every step of the way. We may not always understand the why and how of it, but can be sure that He will reward our faithfulness. Eternity is just around the corner.

You can be an Esther today. God has called you to live for Him, for such a time as this.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the faith of Esther, to look past your personal circumstance and see what God sees in your potential! He placed Esther in a position that by faith and obedience, she would make a lasting difference in the lives of her people. If God can do that for a young orphan girl, imagine what He can do in 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.

The sin of self-righteousness

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Esther 1, 2, 3; Psalm 97

Psalm 97:12 (NIV)

12 Rejoice in the Lord, you who are righteous, and praise His holy name.

Matthew 6:33 (NIV)

33 But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Philippians 1:9-11 (NIV)

9 And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, 10 so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, 11 filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ – to the glory and praise of God.

Good morning!

“God doesn’t like ugly!” I first heard this phrase as I was watching the movie “The Preacher’s Wife” on the big screen several years ago. Dudley, the angel sent by God to bring hope to a depressed pastor and his discouraged family one Christmas, spoke these words in response to their self-serving, unhappy attitudes. I love this quote, because it resonates in my life. Have you ever felt justified in your own self-righteous behavior? When I begin to spout my opinions to anyone who will make time to listen, I begin to look a little like Pigpen in those Charlie Brown cartoons. The dirt simply gravitates to me, clumping up and making me totally miserable inside and out.

When I was a child, I learned early on that it was inappropriate to express an opinion contrary to that of my elders. When I became a parent, I thought it might be a good thing to allow our children freedom of expression without fear of retaliation. I wanted them to be self-motivated, free-thinkers; able to choose what they believed and to make sound decisions about life and how they would go about living it. I thought I was doing them a favor. Was I ever wrong! Good intentions only go so far. Let me share a little secret with you: I have three of the most opinionated children on the face of God’s green earth! There are times when I need to carry a fire-proof shield to protect myself from the fiery darts they fling in moments of self-righteousness and revelation. I admit I find myself just a little embarrassed because I know that deep down inside, they are only emulating their mother, and they do a really good job at it! Watching my children spar with each other is a whole lot like looking in a mirror. It is a good thing the Lord did not bless us with ten children, because I’m here to tell you there is no way I would have ever survived.

Ironically, this is what happens when God gave all of us the free will to choose right from wrong. The Lord, the giver of life, created each one of us, and set us free to live out our days in the light of His love. He leaves it up to you and to me to choose whether to follow Him or reject Him. Somewhere along the way, we begin to lose sight of our Creator. We take authority over the things of our life. We make choices that define who we are. We begin to form opinions through life experience and educational pursuits. It is easy to become self-absorbed at times, even to the point of believing that we have the ability to fix and manage whatever comes our way, all by ourselves. We begin to think that we deserve the best of everything, worthy to climb to the top of the ladder, no matter who we step on to get there. We stop caring about our neighbors. We ignore the children who are hurting. We live life large – we are in charge and as long as we get what we need, it is all that really matters. We forget that the sum of our daily living is a gift from God, and that He has a greater plan for each of us to pursue. We get sidetracked trying to do our own thing, and we forget who is truly in charge. Have you ever found yourself living in a place of self-service?

The older I get, the more I realize there is not a lot self-manufactured good in me. Whenever I try to live on my own steam, basking in self-righteousness, I find myself drowning due to the millstone wrapped securely around my neck. The sheer weight of it pins me face down on the floor. It gets lonely there. For one thing, when I’m looking at the floor, it is difficult to look up. There is no one to talk to but myself, and I don’t even want to listen to me when I pop an “ugly” attitude. Whenever I step out on my own steam, trying to right the wrongs of the world, with all that hot air blowing out of my mouth, I end up getting burned. No, I have learned the only righteousness that lives within me is the righteousness of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. When I gave my life to Him, He took my heart and began to reshape it. As I study His life and teachings, I begin to wonder how He might respond in certain situations. What kind of choices would He make with the people placed in my path? His message of repentance and forgiveness reverberates into my very being. It is His righteousness that I long for. My self-service is just that – self-service. And that, my friends, is utterly worthless. My Jesus is worth emulating. He is the only one able to lead me back home.

The next time an “ugly” attitude pops into your brain, ask yourself whether this thought is self-serving or if it is serving others. We fall into the sin of self-righteousness when we forget to look at the One who is truly sinless. Thank God for the righteousness of Jesus Christ. He covers all my sin and self-serving behavior. And it is with that assurance, that I can live my life within the umbrella of His righteousness alone. Less of me and more of Him; this is my prayer today.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: God to grab your heart, convict you of the ways in which you may be living in a self-centered environment, and give you the desire to lay it all out before Jesus at the foot of His cross. His blood will cover your sin and help you let go of the “ugly” things that keep you separated from Him. Won’t you let Jesus Christ become your only righteousness 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.

Clear Vision

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Nehemiah 11, 12, 13

Nehemiah 13:19-22 (NIV)

19 When evening shadows fell on the gates of Jerusalem before the Sabbath, I ordered the doors to be shut and not opened until the Sabbath was over. I stationed some of my own men at the gates so that no load could be brought in on the Sabbath day. 20 Once or twice the merchants and sellers of all kinds of goods spent the night outside Jerusalem. 21 But I warned them and said, “Why do you spend the night by the wall? If you do this again, I will lay hands on you!” From that time on, they no longer came on the Sabbath. 22 Then I commanded the Levites to purify themselves and go and guard the gates in order to keep the Sabbath day holy.

Remember me for this also, O my God, and show mercy to me according to your great love.

Good morning!

Do you recall when the Sunday blue laws were repealed? It was as if the gates had suddenly been pried open by the merchants and shop owners in the communities where we live. Nehemiah didn’t like what He was seeing at all. The Lord God Almighty had commanded Israel not to work on the Sabbath. They were to take a break – to stop and rest and remember from whence they came. It was through the Lord’s mighty hand of creation and the Israelites’ departure from Egypt that His people truly became His people. God chose them first, and waited for His chosen ones to come back to Him.

We often become so busy with the stuff in our lives that we forget to stop and look at where we have been. It is hard to know where you are going, if you are not sure which direction you came from. We must use our eyes, not only to see the rich traditions of our past, but to capture a glimpse of the future that lies ever before us. Last weekend at the Missouri Area Annual Conference, we celebrated our past, looked forward with faith toward the future, and rejoiced in the present moment. Our pastors and worship leaders have been gifted with a vision and hope that draws us into the future with faith. We are the culmination of a rich history, as we step forward into His light of life – it is a light that shines in the darkness and sweeps every shadow away.

Sometimes, my vision is blurry. There are moments when I cannot see clearly, no matter how hard I try. I had an experience like that this week, as I tried to read the numbers posted on the big screen at annual conference. It’s got to be a mental block with me – you put a group of number up on the board, and my brain screams “this does not compute!” Not only could I not see the numbers clearly, but even the names became blurry and out of focus. Thank goodness someone else with greater vision than I could see the clear writing projected on the wall. There are moments when our vision becomes skewed and we forget what is most important of all. It takes a strong leader to pull us back into focus, to see the value of where we’ve been and where we are headed. We need to set aside a block of time to celebrate our life within the shelter of our Savior’s hand. We need to stop what we are doing and worship Him wholeheartedly. We need to feel the love of Christ and experience His presence every moment of every day.

I sat and held my daughter’s hand as we watched our little Joshua graduate from preschool. He wore a blue cap and gown with a gold tassle dangling as he processed. Joshua proudly carried his diploma in his little hands. He, along with his classmates, stood and recited the alphabet and counted from one to twenty. They spoke the days of the week in English and in Spanish. Then they counted to fifteen in Spanish. I sat there in absolute wonder as I watched this precious boy. It seemed like yesterday that I held him in my arms; all five pounds of him. His head was so tiny that I could cup it in one palm. Now, our Joshua is preparing for kindergarten, and I am simply amazed to see where this boy is headed. As I held his tiny baby brother Andrew in my arms, I knew Joshua’s vision would carry our family forward. Joshua represents our future. I am proud to be his grandmother, the foundation of his past.

We are a family of faith. When your vision becomes compromised and you struggle to see the hand in front of your nose, take a moment to grab hold of the root. Jesus Christ is our sure foundation. He is the cornerstone of our faith. When we celebrate our past, and carry it into the future, we become a living and healthy vine. Our vision becomes clear again, and we can see through the eyes of faith, the eternity that waits for each of us in Christ.

If you are looking for a family of faith, I would invite you to come join us for worship this weekend at Faith Church. Take some time this weekend to celebrate where you have been, who you are, and where you are headed in Christ Jesus. Won’t you come and worship the Lord with me?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: vision, not only to see where you’ve been, but where you are headed. If you are struggling to read the numbers on the wall, look to a strong leader for help. Ask the Lord of life to be your true vision 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.

Kaleidoscope

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Nehemiah 9, 10; Psalm 96

Psalm 96
Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth.
Sing to the Lord, praise His name; proclaim His salvation day after day.

Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous deeds among all peoples.
For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; He is to be feared above all gods.

For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens.
Splendor and majesty are before Him; strength and glory are in His sanctuary.

Ascribe to the Lord, O families of nations, ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
Ascribe to the Lord the glory due His name; bring an offering and come into His courts.

Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness; tremble before Him, all the earth.

Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
He will judge the peoples with equity. Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
Let the sea resound, and all that is in it; let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them.

Then all the trees of the forest will sing for joy; they will sing before the Lord, for He comes,
He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His truth.

Good morning!

This is my favorite time of day. I love creeping out of bed before the sun rises, just to enjoy watching a new morning dawn. The Father takes His paint brush, dips it into the soft hue of amazing love, and gently changes the backdrop of darkness into subtle lights, reflecting across the entire sky. Every new morning is His creative work of genius, given as a gift to each one of us to simply enjoy. Our God loves us more than we can ever begin to comprehend.

The reflection of God’s countenance is filled with His splendor and majesty. It is His kaleidoscope, multi-faceted and timeless. Kaleidoscopes emerged with the ancient Greeks, and were reinvented and patented by Sir David Brewster in 1817. The kaleidoscope was intended for use as a science tool to study light polarization, but quickly became a popular children’s toy. It is a tube of mirrors containing loose, colored beads. When we look inside the tube, the light from the opposite end catches the beads’ reflection, causing an intricate and colorful pattern that dances from within. The kaleidoscope is the culmination of color, complemented by a variety of beaded shapes, lighted mirrors and subtle hues.

I am reminded of His amazing love whenever I see all of God’s children dancing together around the world. Think about it. When you pick up a kaleidoscope and begin to turn it in the light, the beads begin to move, some in opposite directions. Colors take shape and change as the tube is turned from side to side. Beautiful images appear; some are symmetrical; others are obscure and shapeless. Every piece is vital to the total picture. God’s creation, His humanity, is the kaleidoscope on which He sets His heart. We are the dance and He is the choreographer. We are the painting; He is the master artist. We are His people, and He is our Lord and Savior.

There is a kaleidoscope of color emerging from every faith-filled church around the globe. No matter where we live, every congregation has an important function in the body of Christ. Together, we dance. Together, we emulate life and light to a dark and lonely world. We demonstrate what it means to live, move and have our being within the power source. We offer our Jesus to all people, everywhere. We are His kaleidoscope, emulating His love, through the dance!

Last night at small group, the Holy Spirit came to rest upon our hearts. Each one of us is a unique and vital part of His creation. We bring different gifts and graces to the table. Together with Christ, we can offer His plan of salvation to our friends and neighbors in the community where we live. We lift high His light of hope and love redeemed. We are part of the living; a piece of the eternal. We are kaleidoscope. It is the name He gave that describes us best.

Come and join in the dance! Without you, a piece of the picture is missing. Jesus invites all of us who places our total faith, hope and trust in Him, to be His living kaleidoscope to all the world. Through our unique colors and hue, we can dance together as we reach out to the world for the glory of our God.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: vision! God’s amazing grace offered through His Son Jesus Christ is a gift for you and me. Won’t you join in the dance today? If you are looking for a small group where you can plug into the power source, Kaleidoscope is waiting for just for you. Come join us this weekend at Faith Church.
________________________________
© 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.

Can He have our undivided attention please?

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Nehemiah 7, 8; Psalms 94, 95

Nehemiah 8:2-3 (NIV)
2 So on the first day of the seventh month, Ezra the priest brought the Law before the assembly, which was made up of men and women and all who were able to understand. 3 And all the people listened attentively to the Book of the Law.

Psalm 95:19 (NIV)
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought joy to my soul.

II Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

Good morning!

I need to practice listening attentively. Do you ever have trouble focusing? Sometimes I wonder just how much I might be missing out on from the Lord, because I’m simply not focused on Him. God likes to speak to me early in the morning. I know for some of you, this might stretch your sensibilities a bit far. Still, He tends to wake me up somewhere in the vicinity of 4am, sometimes a little earlier. He has been doing this for years. I like to get out of bed and stagger into His holy presence, with a Bible and cup of coffee in hand. I am learning how to wait for Him. I confess, however, I’m a slow learner. It's not always easy to drag out from under the covers in the middle of the night. I'm a lot like my crock pot, I keep simmering in the palm of His hand for hours on end. I wonder if I’ll ever be done enough to serve! Do you struggle with listening attentively to God? Can you hear Him when He speaks to you?

I wrestle with the constant chatter occurring every day in every way. When I’m not writing, I’m working, playing, reading, running, baking, cleaning, chatting online, and sleeping. Business and busyness keeps me from focusing my undivided attention upon Jesus. I truly believe the Lord wants each of us to give Him our undivided attention. Just how far will you allow the Lord to stretch you? How far would you go just to make time to sit in His presence for even an hour? Is He worth getting up for in the morning? Is He worth turning off the television for in the evening? Would you give up a lunch hour just to sit and talk to Him in your car? When your cell phone rings, I often wonder whether He is on the other end of that wireless transmission. If God spoke to your heart today, would you hear Him, or would your business and busyness get in the way of a heart-to-heart connection? How many of us are willing to make time on Saturday or Sunday to enter into a worship experience with the redeemer of our souls?

For me, it is a tug of war between selfishness and selflessness. The more time I spend focusing on me and the stuff of my life, the less time I spend bathing in the light of His love. When I shift my total focus and praise to my Lord, not seeking anything for myself other than the joy of sitting at His feet, all of the other stuff of life seems to fade away. It is not so important. People who lead busy lives have to prioritize well. It is the only way they can accomplish what they need to do in a twenty-four hour time slot. Hear me when I say that the Lord God Almighty is timeless. His timing is perfect in all things. He holds the moments of our lifetime in His hand. Every minute is a gift from Him. How can I not make time for my Savior, redeemer and dearest friend?

Sometimes I find it is easier to listen intently when I need to be consoled. Do you find yourself only turning to the Good Book for answers to problems you have created all on your own steam? We are definitely our own worst enemy. I have found an amazing freedom in Christ. When I lay myself down at the foot of the cross, His amazing, cleansing blood pours over me, and I can walk with Him, fully clothed in His righteousness alone. When you experience the covering of His righteousness over your heart, the desire to seek His presence becomes more and more important, and the things we do to please ourselves here on earth seem rather insignificant.

Take time to pick up the Word today and read it. If you do not like to read or fear you cannot make the time, invest in a good Bible CD. Would you be willing to turn off the radio talk shows and listen to God speak on your way to work today? When you seek His holy presence, He finds you, no matter where you are. Do not be surprised if the Lord begins to whisper in your ear while you sleep. The next time you wake up in the middle of the night with a foot cramp, back ache, or find yourself tossing and turning, realize that God may simply be trying to get your attention. He will keep your heart and mind in perfect peace, when you focus your whole heart on Him.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the desire to lay aside some time each day to focus your whole heart on Jesus. He is trying to get your attention. Will you find time to sit in His holy presence 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.

Extreme Faith

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Nehemiah 4, 5, 6

Nehemiah 6:15-16 (NIV)
15 So the wall was completed on the twenty-fifth of Elul, in fifty-two days. 16 When all our enemies heard about this, all the surrounding nations were afraid and lost their self-confidence, because they realized that this work had been done with the help of our God.

Ecclesiates 3:11 (NIV)
11 He has made everything beautiful in His time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Good morning!

Yesterday morning, I listened with great interest to the words and teaching of Rev. Zefanias Chulume, a United Methodist pastor from the country of Mozambique. He came to the Missouri Area Conference of the United Methodist Church to bring greetings from his United Methodist Churches in Mozambique, and to tell us how the Gospel of Jesus Christ is spreading throughout their land. He reminded our delegation that we must completely rely upon the Holy Word of God as contained in scripture to learn and understand God's will for each of our lives.

In Mozambique, class meetings occur in the homes of its church members. As a class begins to outgrow the space within each home, they break off into new groups. This is a requirement of every class meeting. The same principle is applied to every United Methodist Church and the districts where the churches are located. Pastor Chulume suggests that the rapid growth of United Methodist Christians in Mozambique is due to their intentional aggressive hospitality, love and empathy for all people, extreme giving, and joyful worship. He said, “What if our hospitality became so great that we would be recognized as Christians solely because of our acts of human kindness?”

The people of Mozambique struggle to survive. Many die every day due to the spread of disease, unclean water, and lack of basic human needs. These people live in extreme poverty; yet, they understand what it means to be extreme givers. When visitors are welcomed into homes, they are fed first. If the food runs out, the children do not eat. Little ones often ask their parents, “Why do you bring strangers into our home and share our food with them when we barely have enough for ourselves?” Their mother’s reply is simple. “I know you have had food today, but I do not know if or when our guest has last eaten.” Can you imagine being so concerned about whether a stranger in your midst has had a meal that you might choose not to feed your own children so the stranger in your midst may eat?

Their churches continue to grow at a rapid pace, because the people of Mozambique have found that the Lord Jesus Christ is bigger than their greatest need. Pastor Chulume said, “We believe that the gift of abundant life is eternal and even in the midst of our disasters and death, we have a faith that we can rejoice in; the suffering of the present day will not even begin to compare to the glory to come.”

I could have listened to this pastor speak all day long. His congregation participates in holy worship for hours, while he teaches the Word of God to them. I have never struggled the way my brothers and sisters in Mozambique have. I do not know what it is like to not have food to eat each day or clean water to drink. When I become ill, I am able to seek immediate medical attention. When they become ill, many of them die. To have a faith that overcomes even the greatest of need is a gift that only comes from the Lord. The people of Mozambique are waiting for the Lord’s perfect timing in all things. Please join with me in prayer for our brothers and sisters around the world. Pastor Chulume assures us that his congregations are praying for you and me.

When we place our total trust in God, He helps us to accomplish what seems to be impossible. Faith grows in adverse situations. You and I can make a difference in the life of someone we may never meet face to face. Are you willing to trust in God’s perfect timing? Will you take on a piece of the impossible today, knowing Jesus Christ can make all things beautiful in His time? Let us lift our hands and hearts toward our brothers and sisters who are struggling to survive in the country of Mozambique.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the people of Mozambique, who have so little yet give so much. May they find comfort in strength in the Lord Jesus Christ today. Would you be willing to give up a meal so they could eat? Would you provide the materials and resources needed to help the people build wells for clean water to drink? Extreme faith is borne from extreme need. Are you willing to give sacrificially, show extreme hospitality in the worst of situations? We can learn a lot from the life example of our brothers and sisters in Mozambique.
________________________________
© 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.

The fruit of the month club

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Ezra 9, 10; Psalm 93

Psalm 93:5 (NIV)
Your statutes stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days, O Lord.

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
22 But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Revelation 22:1-2 (NIV)
1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb, 2 down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.

Good morning!

I like living in Missouri! We have four distinct seasons in our state – spring, summer, fall and winter. The change of seasons and temperatures tend to play havoc on my sinuses. Even so, I enjoy experiencing the first greens of spring, the deep blue skies of summer, the radiant turning foliage of fall, and the icy cold blanket of winter white. We have it all here in the show-me state, and no matter what each season may bring, I enjoy every minute of every day. What a gift it is to live out our days in seasons of change.

One of our parishioners would give our family a subscription to the Fruit of the Month Club every Christmas. Have you ever been the recipient of such a wonderful gift? Each month, we would receive a shipment of the finest fruits from all over the United States. No matter what the weather was like in Missouri, we could count on a sweet, tropical treat arriving on our doorstep around the 5th day of every month. I looked forward to the boxes of large, lush grapefruit and oranges, and large walnuts just waiting to be cracked. Some months, we would receive passion fruit, kiwi, and melons. A delicious piece of fruit is a sweet treat, especially in the cold and snowy winter months when we are not producing much fruit in Missouri.

Last night as I left the Missouri Area United Methodist Church conference, I happened to look up at the trees that had taken root and were thriving just in front of the complex. The sky was a beautiful dark chocolate, and the green foliage glistened against its backdrop, highlighted by the light radiating from the main entrance to the auditorium. Every leaf was intricate and unique; yet firmly connected and growing together on the branches. As I admired the leaves, I couldn’t help but think about the beautiful sweet fruit gathered inside the Expo Center in Springfield, Missouri this weekend. United Methodists from all over the state were there to praise the giver of all good fruit! Every person is a rare and unique reflection of our Lord. We spring up in chorus, and celebrate our unique diversity. We are His living fruit! When the love of Christ takes root in our hearts, we cannot help but ripen into a sweet resounding chorus, worshiping and glorifying Him.

We are His body, the leaves sparkling on every branch, reaching out in love to a world who desperately needs to know Him. Like every single leaf hanging from the branches, our uniqueness is a sweet treat! We bring our gifts to the altar and lay them down before the Lord. He blesses our faithfulness and gives us a sweetness that perpetuates itself all over our world. Of the thousand or so gathered, there is not one of us who think or behave exactly alike. We offer a distinct flavor wherever He plants us. We pray our witness and love will grow disciples for Jesus Christ. We hold a membership to His living fruit of the month club.

Won’t you come join us in the sweetest adventure of life? You can receive a fully paid, twelve month membership to the fruit of the month club today! It is the gift that keeps on giving. His blood was shed for you and for me on the cross over 2,000 years ago. My Jesus can take the hardest heart, the poorest soul, and ripen it for kingdom work. Let Jesus bless you with the fruit of the spirit today. Ask Him to come inside and clean up the cobwebs in your heart.

This is truly a season of change. Isn’t it amazing how the Lord of life can transform a shriveled up prune like me and make me sweet and whole again! If He can do that for someone like me, I can only imagine what He will do for you.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: God to give you a fully paid subscription to the fruit of the month club. He is waiting with open arms to receive your soul today. If you want to experience the sweet peace of forgiveness and grace, simply get down on your knees and invite Jesus into your heart. His fruit is the sweetest treat you will ever know. The fruit of the spirit is ripe and ready to be picked. You can be a sweet reflection of Him every moment of every day, and especially in the seasons of change.

_______________________________________
© 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.

Now where did I put those water wings?

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Ezra 9, 10; Psalm 93

Psalm 93:3-5 (NIV)

3 The seas have lifted up, O Lord, the seas have lifted up their voice; the seas have lifted up their pounding waves. 4 Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea – the Lord on high is mighty. 5 Your statutes stand firm; holiness adorns your house for endless days, O Lord.

Matthew 14:25-29 (NIV)

25 During the fourth watch of the night, Jesus went out to them, walking on the lake. 26 When the disciples saw Him walking on the lake, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost,” they said, and cried out in fear. 27 But Jesus immediately said to them, “Take courage! It is I. Do not be afraid.” 28 “Lord, if it is you,” Peter replied, “tell me to come to you on the water.” 29 “Come,” He said.

Good morning!

When I took a dip in the pool last weekend with my grandbabies, I couldn’t help but giggle when I saw four-year-old Joshua in his swim trunks. He was wearing a newfangled contraption called a body suit. It looks a little bit like a gymnastics leotard with shorts. Inside the chest area of this suit are two large floatation devices. They look like large balloons from the outside, yet, when I touched them, they felt like Styrofoam. This made young Joshua look like was ripped with chest muscles, kind of like the Incredible Hulk or Mister Incredible. The beauty of a built-in floatation device is that you no longer need those pesky water wings to keep you from sinking to the bottom of the pool. Isn’t it amazing what lengths parents will go to protect their children while they learn how to swim?

Jesus knew what His disciples would someday face as they traveled the dusty roads, preaching His message wherever they went. He wanted to give them a flotation device, something to hang onto, when the water became choppy and deep. It was no accident when Peter stepped out of the boat and began walking toward His Savior on the water. He almost made it, but suddenly became distracted at the disturbance occurring around his feet. When Peter took his eyes off the Lord and looked down, he began to drown.

I forgot to pack my water wings this weekend. I thought I had them with me; yet, I could not find them when I emptied out my suitcase. I would love to step out of the boat today and walk on the water toward Jesus. If I do, I wonder whether I will suddenly sink to the bottom like a two-thousand pound anchor. After the pasta dinner I consumed last night, it is certainly a possibility. I need some faith-filled floatation devices NOW! Do you know where can I find them? Do you know how much do they cost?

I can tell you there is a lot of water walking going on at Annual Conference this weekend. I have watched in awe as people across our state step out of their boats and walk on the water toward their Savior. It takes great courage and a strong sense of direction for some to do the things they are doing to spread the Gospel message around the world where they live. There is a gentleman in our conference who collects and recycles empty soda cans, and chops firewood to fill an ark with $5,000 for Heifer International each year. This water walker keeps asking why certain people do not have their fundamental needs met while others have far too much. Another United Methodist congregation in the inner-city has opened its doors to the homeless. A concrete sidewalk is not a comfortable place to lay your head at night. The church fixes and serves approximately 300 free meals every day and provides counseling and hope to those who have no place to turn. Water walking is costly. It means risking your life, comfort and security for someone else. Are you brave enough to step out of your boat today to help someone in need?

Whew! Thank God I found my water wings this morning. I’m going to need Him more now than ever before. I’m stepping out of the boat, and I won’t look down. I won’t look back. I will keep my eyes focused on the Lord Jesus Christ and the destination He is calling me to. I will read my Bible and I will believe what it says. I will seek the Lord every morning in sincere and humble prayer, trusting Him to be my floatation device. He is all I need to succeed! When Jesus calls you to come to Him today, will you be willing to get out of your boat and walk across the water?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: water wings that work! If you will trust in the Lord Jesus Christ with all your heart, all your soul and all your strength and seek to serve Him with your life, you can walk on water today. What can you do to help your neighbor find hope for tomorrow? How can you make a lasting difference in the life of another? Are you willing to get out of the boat this morning? Ask Him to help you. I’ll see you at church today with my water wings firmly attached.

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