Large and in charge

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 6, 7, 8

Deuteronomy 8:6-9 (NIV)
6 Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in His ways and revering Him. 7 For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land – a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.

Good morning!

I am beginning to realize that I am definitely a direct descendant of the Israelites. I seem to have a lot in common with them, especially when I try control not only the direction of my own life, but the direction of all those around me. Sometimes I think if I could just make others do what I think they should do, this world would definitely be a much happier place [for me]. I’d be happier, because everything would work out my way, and we all know that my way is not only the right way, it is the only way! Where is that nail? Okay Lord, I’m squeezing it hard this morning.

God must have known what was about to become a commonplace attitude with the children He led through the wilderness. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to cry out to God when life is difficult? The Israelites wandered in that hot and dry desert for forty years. God provided them food, water, direction, encouragement, a set of laws to keep them healthy and happy and working together as a community of faith. During that time, the people grumbled and complained, and thought if they could just move on or go back, their life would get better. They didn’t like their leadership, they didn’t like the weather; they didn’t like their next door tent dwellers. Never satisfied, they sacrificed practically all their livestock just to keep themselves in an atoning spirit with the Lord. It just was never perfect enough, and many of them, just like me, thought they had a better plan. Ironically, even in those difficult moments of desert wandering, the Lord heard and answered their angry and self-centered prayers. At least they were praying. Do you pray angry prayers to God? Is that about the only time you give Him any attention at all?

God warned the people to not forget Him when life improved. He was leading them into a land, flowing with milk and honey. He was providing them a very special place to live. God was blessing His children not only with the necessities of life, but with abundant life. He knew they would turn away from the Him as life became easier, forgetting the Lord God Almighty all together. The Israelites might even try to take credit for the wealth and prosperity the Lord had graciously given them. Are you are large and in charge? Do you want to be? Do you find it easier to take control, or relinquish it?

More times than I can count, I have done exactly that. I’ve imposed my own will, not only on my family and friends, but I’ve demanded that God Almighty bow down to me. I expected God to give me everything I ever needed or wanted. Can I tell you a secret? I sometimes forget that God owes me absolutely nothing; yet, He chooses to equip me with everything I need to walk toward Him. When I look to the Lord, every minute of every day, and depend upon His Word and will for my life; when I stop trying to analyze and fix my family and every circumstance surrounding me; when I choose to focus my heart completely upon praising and obeying and glorifying the Lord, He fills me up with total peace and contentment. His love surrounds me like a warm, woolen blanket. I am happiest when I’m sitting in my Father’s lap, completely absorbed in His awesome beauty and majesty. The things around me just don’t seem so bad, as I continue to look into His magnificent face. His comfort and loving kindness sustain me, not only in the tough times, but when the journey is easier, and life is sweet.

Do you ever find yourself ignoring the Lord when things are running smoothly in your life? Do you take credit for something you really didn’t do? Would you prefer to be large and in charge, or are you willing to hand over the reigns to God? How many years will we have to wander around in the desert before we learn how to listen, obey and honor the Lord?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the Lord to shake you up, if that is what it takes, to get you to turn around and follow Him. Listen to the Word of the Lord this morning, and know that He is all you will ever need. He is leading all of us to a perfect place, where tears are wiped away, and His holy presence is all we long for. Why not give up your controlling nature and let the Lord lead for a 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.

Mirrored Reflection

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 4, 5; Psalm 49

I Corinthians 13:12 (NIV)
12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

James 1:22-25 (NIV)
22 Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
23 Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror
24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.

Good morning!

Standing at the bedroom mirror in my childhood home, I rechecked my appearance one more time. I wondered if he will like me - what will this boy see when he looks at my face today? Who is he really? I wonder what he believes? Does he have faith? Will I see it in his eyes? Is there more to him than mere good looks, a kind disposition and sweet-smelling cologne? On March 4, 1974, I went on my very first date. The sun was shining and it was a perfect Saturday to have lunch and shop with a new friend. I remember this moment as if it were just yesterday. That young man who dared to ask me out for a lunch date is the gentleman who now sits on the sofa with me every night. Thirty-three years ago today, I took his hand in mine. I still cling to his guiding hand today. I married Jeff because I saw something much greater while looking at his mirrored reflection. I found the love of Jesus Christ radiating from his heart, and it was that love that made all the difference for me.

Jeff gave me a very special card this morning. It said, “When you look into the mirror today, I want you to see the same beautiful face I see whenever I look at you.” We have looked at each other for a long, long time. That very first date has carried us through thirty years of marriage. Jeff has seen me at my worst and best. He has stood with me in all accomplishments, and held me close as I mourned my many failures. He loves me when I’m not very lovable. He listens to me when I speak. He hears and understands the words I say; although I must admit it is easier to communicate with him now if he uses a hearing aid! His passion and compassion for me never seems to end. Jeff walks with me; we grow together every day in love, sharing the blessings of family and friendship. I am no longer a fifteen-year old girl. The only resemblance I bear to the exuberant child I once was is held captive in the recesses of my heart song. How is it possible that my husband can still see it when he looks through the mirrored glass at my face? Could it be that even in this stage of my life, the beauty of our first love is an everlasting and timeless art form? Will the look on my face always remind him of the child within? As he looks at me through the mirrored glass of time, will He always see the love of Christ radiate from my heart?

What do you think God sees when he looks at you? Whose reflection do you carry into the world each morning? In our Lord’s eyes, we are His perfect creation, even as we are perfectly flawed. We bear the lifelines of experience and the marks of age upon our faces. The scars that are left from the hurts we have experienced can cloud even the brightest light. Our life’s choices continue to shape our daily walk. Is it possible that God looks beyond the present circumstance and sees the exuberant child He fashioned in His hand long ago? When you look in the mirror this morning, will you see the perfection of the Lord radiating from your face?

Lord Jesus, help me never to forget your perfect law, your teaching and command to go and share the Good News! I invite you this day, and every day, to come and live within my heart. May the light of your perfection and the joy that comes from knowing you wash over me, filling me afresh with your sweet Holy Spirit. I ask that you to take my mirrored reflection and mold it into whatever you would have me be. I will always be your exuberant child, even as I grow in grace and maturity. Thank you for loving me in every facet of my life. Help me to see what you see in me as you look at my mirrored reflection. Amen.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the Lord to reveal His perfect love for you as you look in the mirror this morning. What will the world see when they look at your face today? Will they see Jesus in you? I’ll be looking for your face at 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.

The forty-year move

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 1, 2, 3; Psalm 48

Deuteronomy 2:7 (NIV)
7 The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast desert. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.

Psalm 48:1 (NIV)
1 Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, His holy mountain.

Acts 17:28 (NIV)
28 For in Him, we live and move and having our being.

Good morning!

Do you enjoy the challenges of moving? Jeff and I have had lots of “moving” experiences in our thirty years of marriage. We moved out of our parents’ homes and into an apartment together after we were married. One year later, we moved from St. Louis, Missouri, to Dallas, Texas, to the campus of Perkins School of Theology at SMU. About six months after we settled into the dorm, Jeff was appointed as a part-time pastor to a growing United Methodist Church forty miles east of Dallas, and we moved into their church parsonage. When Jeff graduated three years later, we moved back to Missouri. In full-time ministry after seminary, Jeff has pastured five Missouri United Methodist congregations. Moving has become an art form for us. I’ve learned how to pack and unpack our home in record time. Let’s face it - moving your family is hard work. It takes great physical and emotional stamina, flexibility, and good organizational skills with a game plan that includes not only a plan a, but plans b through z. We’ve moved in winter ice and snow. We moved in 100 degree temperatures in mid-June. Every move has had its own unique and memorable challenges. I can say, in all honesty, that every move has brought forth blessing after blessing in our life. If you have trouble seeing the silver lining on moving day, sometimes, you just need to know where to look.

Our daughter Rachel and son-in-law Dave moved their home this week. This was an interesting move for them. Rachel and Dave have 2.7 children; we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of a brand new baby who should make its debut in the next few weeks. Their family has fallen in love with the community where they live. They have been blessed with some great neighbors. Their children are close friends with the children who reside in their subdivision. Rachel and Dave had an opportunity to purchase a larger home just up the street from where they were living. This home would give them the much-needed space for their rapidly expanding family. On Wednesday, Dave’s firefighting community and Rachel’s co-workers from her radiology clinic converged upon the Dacus home and helped to physically move their stuff from one house to the other. They made the move in one full day, carrying their furnishings, clothing, and collectibles up the hill and across the street.

Can you imagine picking up your home and moving it around whenever the Lord said to go? This was the forty-year journey of our Israelite brothers and sisters. They wandered around the desert, guided by the cloud of the Lord and His command to move on. When God said to go, the Israelites simply packed up their tents and went. They may have only traveled a couple of miles across the desert before the Lord would command them to stop and set up housekeeping. Has God ever asked you to move out in faith for Him? Have you heard the Lord calling out to you to pack up your tent, and move into unknown territory? Were you willing to go?

No matter where I am, I rely upon the Lord’s leading for my life. I know that when I listen and obey Him, I find peace, contentment and joy in the journey. I may not always know where He is taking me; yet, I choose to live and move and have my very being planted in the center of His love. Following the Lord Jesus Christ is worth any inconvenience, difficulty or challenge. Living outside of His love is not where I want to be. I trust Him in all things, even when He calls me to move out of my comfort zone and step up in faith for Him.

Are you ready to move? Can you hear the Lord calling out to you? Will you go with a happy heart, seeking His direction for your life? What would it take for you to pack up your tent and follow Him?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: courage to answer God’s call to go! When His love burns like unquenchable fire in your heart, will you stand up and say, “Here I am, Lord. Send me!” Have a happy moving day in the light of His love.
____________________________
© 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.

Cities of Refuge

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Numbers 35, 36; Psalm 47

Numbers 35:1-3 (NIV)
1 On the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho, the Lord said to Moses, 2 “Command the Israelites to give the Levites towns to live in from the inheritance the Israelites will possess. And give them pasturelands around the towns. 3 Then they will have towns to live in and pasturelands for their cattle, flocks and all their other livestock.”

Psalm 47:1-4 (NIV)
1 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. 2 How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth! 3 He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet, 4 He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom He loved.

Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Good morning!

Have you ever been the beneficiary of an inheritance? It is commonplace to pass personal possessions and property from one generation to the next when a person dies. Today, legal documents are prepared in advance of a property owner’s death. Distributions of money, property, and personal effects are pre-arranged based upon the last wishes of the deceased. The inheritance represents a tangible blessing for the ones who receive it. Our churches can become the blessed beneficiary of financial gifts and property when a decedent leaves a portion of their estate for the continuing work of evangelism and mission in the world. We have witnessed large sums of money become seeds sown to help train and equip pastors and teachers. Monies are used to expand building programs, purchase sound systems, music equipment, and educational supplies to better equip a church to meet the needs of its growing faith community. Much-needed funds to continue essential mission work, providing necessities of life for the poor, become available through estate planning gifts. There are many people whose gifts will become a living example of faith, even after their death.

God instructed Moses to command the Israelites to care for their pastors (Levites) by providing them with a place to live and raise livestock; plant a garden, and live comfortably. Levites did not share in the inheritance of land from their relatives. They relied completely upon the tithes of the people and the Lord’s inheritance to sustain them throughout their earthly life and ministry. Jeff and I have been blessed throughout his pastoral ministry to live in parsonages provided by our church family. In Texas, the church parsonage was fully furnished. That was a huge blessing for us, while we were tuition poor. We did not have money to buy furniture; we invested our monthly income into Jeff’s continuing education. There were farmers in our church who consistently stocked our freezer with meat and fresh vegetables for our table. When I was pregnant with Rachel and Benjamin, several women from the church gave of their time and talent to make my maternity clothes. There are no words to describe how much this meant to us. The congregation took care of our family’s physical needs in ways we could not even begin to repay. If you have ever received a gift of grace, then you may understand just how meaningful your gift of blessing can bring to the life of another human being.

There is an even greater gift of grace that we can give to each other, every morning when we awake. In January, I attended a prayer conference and listened with great intent to the teaching of a pastor, author and intercessory prayer warrior, who has totally given his life to the Lord and spends his days training up people in intercessory prayer ministry. Pastor Terry Teykl desires nothing more than to teach Christians around the world the importance of linking hearts to the Lord in prayer, and supporting one another through the act of daily, concerted intercession. In his book, The Presence Based Church, Teykl reveals the power source that explodes when we daily invite the living presence of God into our hearts, homes, and churches. As we seek the Lord out in prayer, waiting for Him to come and fill our lives with unspeakable joy, we can extend His presence with our pastors, teachers, leaders, by building cities of refuge around them. As we pray for one another, we erect a spiritual hedge of protection as we depend completely upon the power and healing touch of our Lord and Savior. If you have not yet read Teykl’s book, I would invite you to pick up a copy and read it. Please consider praying for your pastor daily. Pray for his or her family. Pray for your Sunday school teachers, ministry team leaders, and missionaries. Pray for your brother and sister who sits across from you on Sunday morning. Pray for the sick, pray for the not-yet Christians who are seeking meaning and relationship and who may actually walk in off the street this weekend, looking for the Lord Jesus Christ in your church.

People will be drawn into the presence of the Lord as we pray for them daily. We can become a living conduit, (the live wire), for His healing power, grace, and forgiveness, as we seek Christ’s holy face in worship and prayer. Are you willing to create a city of refuge, a hedge of spiritual protection, for your church? It is a gift of grace, and we, as the body of Christ, can extend it to each other today.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: time to intercede in prayer for the people you love, those who help you grow in faith, and for the ones in your community who do not yet know the power and love of Jesus Christ. Will you give a gift of grace today? Will you pray with me?

____________________________
© 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.

American Idols

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Numbers 32, 33, 34

Numbers 33:50-53 (NIV)
50 On the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho the Lord said to Moses, 51 “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When you cross the Jordan into Canaan, 52 drive out all the inhabitants of the land before you. Destroy all their carved images and their cast idols, and demolish all their high places. 53 Take possession of the land and settle in it, for I have given you the land to possess.’”

Revelation 9:20-21 (NIV)
20 The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshipping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood – idols that cannot see or hear or walk. 21 Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts.

Good morning!

We are now one week into the season of Lent. Have you been squeezing your nail? I’m surprised that I don’t have a permanent imprint of that nail in my hand from holding it so tight, especially when I’m driving down the highway. What a sacrifice by the One who loves us so much more than we can even begin to comprehend! Our Creator gives His children the gift of life, the ability to inhabit and care for His land and each other; freedom to acknowledge and receive our spiritual inheritance. The Lord blesses us with a daily desire to seek relationship with Him. He meets our needs one by one by supplying food and water, shelter and shade, sunlight for seeing and darkness for resting – blessing upon blessing. He extends forgiveness to the child who chooses to repent and turn around; He gives everlasting life through the blood sacrifice of His only Son, Jesus Christ. Then the Lord God Almighty does an even greater thing. He whispers in the wind and flame, “Will you choose me in all things?” He who has ultimate power, the ruler of all; the one who has final authority and to whom every knee shall bow, gives humanity the most perplexing gift of all – free will.

God told Moses to instruct the Israelites to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan when they cross the Jordan River into the land He has promised. They were to destroy the carved, graven images of man-made, manufactured gods, bringing false hope to a lost and hurting world. Any idol that diverted their attention from the Lord God Almighty was to be destroyed. What idols have I placed in front of the Lord today? If God loves His children with such fervor, shouldn’t I love them too? Do I worry more about the money in my personal bank account, or will I write that check to help a stranger pay for rent and utilities they cannot afford? Do I care more about my hungry neighbors pushing all their worldly possessions around in grocery carts and sleeping under cardboard boxes in city alleys, than which fast food restaurant I will stop at for dinner tonight? Am I more interested in getting a manicure, having a face lift, or accessorizing my wardrobe than feeding a starving child? If God loves every person the way He loves me, shouldn’t I be able to see His holy face in the lives of my co-workers, supervisors, extended family and next-door neighbors? Am I shortchanging God? When I allow someone to die from lack of medical care or starvation, am I committing murder?

We face greater and more devastating plagues than the spoils of war, fires, floods, famines, and earthquakes. The plagues that seethe within the depths of our hearts – self-centeredness, intolerance, bigotry, neglect and sheer apathy – these idols will eat us alive and separate us from the Lord if we do not lay them down at the foot of the cross now.

Today, I find myself on my face, repenting. How much will you choose to give up during this season of Lent? How hard are you willing to squeeze the nail? Will you choose to worship and serve the Lord by reaching out to your lost and hurting neighbor? Would you lay down your comfortable lifestyle, your collectibles, priceless treasures, your wish list and all of those precious American idols, to honor and obey the Lord?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: compassion. How far will you choose to reach in order to help your neighbor live, in the name of Jesus?

____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

The slippery slope

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Numbers 28, 29, 30, 31

Numbers 31:21-24 (NIV)
21 Then Eleazar the priest said to the soldiers who had gone into battle, “This is the requirement of the law that the Lord gave Moses: 22 Gold, silver, bronze, iron, tin, lead 23 and anything else that can withstand fire must be put through the fire, and then it will be clean. But it must also be purified with the water of cleansing. And whatever cannot withstand fire must be put through that water. 24 On the seventh day wash your clothes and you will be clean. Then you may come into the camp.”

Mark 1:40-44 (NIV)
40 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” 41 Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured. 43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44 “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.”

Good morning!

Have you ever felt so dirty that you wondered whether you would ever be clean again? When I was in junior high, our class took a trip one rainy, spring day, to a nearby park. We were there to explore a nature trail. It was really wet outside. Fortunately, the temperature was comfortable, even in the pouring rain. There was a downhill slope that our teacher probably should have asked us to avoid. Maybe she knew it would do no good. We took turns sliding down that muddy trail, and I can tell you that I became one big mud ball with nature that day. My poor mother had to bring me clean clothes to change into after we returned to the school. I had mud caked in my long hair, ground into my clothing, and stuck under my fingernails. I’ve never been fond of mud wrestling, but I could have been the winner that day! I think I even surprised my teacher. What had started as innocent fun in the rain became a huge mess and very hard to clean up. It took several good scrubbings that week to remove the last of the mud stains. My clothes had to be thrown away; they were simply ruined. I even had to buy a new pair of tennis shoes. I had no idea how hard it was going to be to get clean.

I think about that experience and it reminds me of just how hard it is to wash away the stains of sin that we bring upon ourselves in the poor choices we make with our lives. It may look like fun at first, as we begin to slide down that slippery, muddy slope. We get dirty; so filthy that we become almost unrecognizable to the people who know and love us. All of a sudden, we are in so deep, we get stuck in the muck and mire of that stinky sin hole, and we wonder how in the world we are ever going to get out. We begin to drown. Thank you, Jesus, for your amazing, saving grace. Without it, we would be lost forever in the pit of sin.

When the Israelite soldiers returned from war, they had unclean hands. Moses had instructed the Lord’s priests in the purification ritual required of one’s heart when the stains of death and destruction separate us from the Lord. Our gold and silver, our treasures on earth, must be purified by holy fire. The bronze metals, our achievements, successes and recognition, were to be laid at His holy altar. Our iron-hard heads, stubbornness, self-centeredness, and prideful ambition had to be purged by the holy fire. Our tin hearts and lead feet must be melted and reshaped into hearts and feet that He can use. And the water of life, the pure water of salvation must be poured over our bodies, minds and souls, to completely cleanse and free us from the build-up of sin and separation of death. On the seventh day, the Lord’s Day, we are to wash our clothes and put on His robe of righteousness. Then, we will finally be clean; free from stains of sin. When God cleans up our act, we receive admission into His camp. Can you imagine what it is like to be so very dirty, inside and out, only to be cleansed and purified once and for all by the Savior of the world?

The leper begged Jesus to heal him. He fell to his knees and prayed, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” He submitted his life to the cleansing power of Jesus Christ, and allowed the Lord to purify him, inside and out. When the Lord cleanses you, from head to toe, heart and soul, and the sin that covered your life is suddenly gone, what do you do? There is just nothing left except to thank Him, praise Him, and tell everyone you know what He has done to redeem your life.

If you have been freed from the slippery slope, run to your pastors and tell them! Let them see what the Lord has done for you. If you need a good scrubbing today, you can begin the process by falling on your knees right here, and right now. Ask the Lord Jesus Christ to cleanse and heal your life. He is willing and He is waiting for you to cry out to Him today. Don’t you want to be clean – really clean – forever clean? Come to Jesus and live!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: help! Ask the Lord Jesus Christ to pull you out of the mud and free you from the stain of sin, once and for all. You can be free and clean 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.

Power Source

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Numbers 25, 26, 27

Numbers 27:18-21 (NIV)
18 So the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him. 19 Have him stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence. 20 Give him some of your authority so the whole Israelite community will obey him. 21 He is to stand before Eleazar the priest, who will obtain decisions for him by inquiring of the Urim before the Lord. At his command he and the entire community of the Israelites will go out, and at his command they will come in.”

Romans 15:13 (NIV)
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Good morning!

Every time I read a passage in the Old Testament about a man or woman who is identified by the Spirit living in their hearts, I am so totally overjoyed! We know that the Father, Son and Holy Spirit were there, the three in one, even before the beginning of the Cosmos. We know that the Holy Trinity will be there throughout all time and eternity, even to the end of the age. Jahweh identifies and raises up His children, not necessarily based upon their unique skill sets or physical or intellectual attributes. God looks upon their hearts and gifts them with the power and presence of His Holy Spirit to lead them through life. It is an extension of His grace, given freely to the ones who know and respect Him. They seek to obey and follow the Lord by faith, even when they do not understand why or how. They trust the Lord to provide whatever they may need to face each new day in His presence. Being in His holy presence is more important to the spirit-filled child than living life according to the set expectations of culture or society. No matter what the struggle, their love for Him sets the tone in how they will choose to live out their lives. These people are not flawless. They live within His grace and mercy. When they mess up, they repent. When they succeed, they give the glory to God. When they serve, they look to Him for direction. When they love, they share the Lord with those whose lives they touch. When they worship, they raise His holy name high in prayer and praise. The presence of the Holy Spirit in the lives of His people is contagious. Wherever the Lord is, people will be drawn to Him. Can you see the power of the Holy Spirit actively at work in the people God has placed in your life?

Next to the gift of forgiveness of sin, redemption and eternal life, the gifting of the Holy Spirit is a miraculous extension of God’s grace to those who fear and obey Him. Have you ever walked into church and were immediately drawn to someone there? Maybe this person is sitting quietly, praying, or maybe it is their contagious smile that catches your eye. A warm personality, eager to welcome you to worship, invites you to sit with them during the service. It could be the handshake of an usher or greeter at the front door that sparks something in your heart. Maybe you felt the Holy Spirit touch you when the person sitting next to you in worship takes your hand while praying the Lord’s Prayer. Someone lays a hand on your shoulder, and you immediately know that you have been touched by the Holy Spirit of God through them. The presence of the Holy Spirit may manifest itself through the people you do not meet, the ones who are kneeling down in a prayer room across the hall, begging God to move and touch lives, heal hearts and draw people to Him during the worship experience.

We can hear the voice of the Holy Spirit speak to us through the words of our pastors and teachers. Our hearts beat just a little faster as we listen to a spirit-filled choir singing praises to God, lifting the name of Jesus Christ higher and higher. We see the presence of the Holy Spirit in the eyes of our wee ones, our children and grandchildren, as they praise God. Their prayers, exceptionally simple and sincere, draw us to a greater understanding of what it means to totally trust in His love.

When Moses asked the Lord to provide a successor, someone who could lead the next generation into the Promised Land, God selected Joshua, son of Nun, by the spirit that lives within his heart. When Moses commissioned Joshua before the people, they saw what God already knew. This man had a heart for Him, and a desire to serve and please the Lord. He was willing to step up in faith.

If God called your name today, would you be willing to step up faith for Him? Where would you find the courage and grace needed to do what He calls you to do? Ask the Lord to fill you with His Holy Spirit this morning. When we humble our hearts, seek forgiveness for our sin, and turn around, desiring to obey and honor Him with our lives, He will give us the presence and power of the Holy Spirit so that we are equipped to do the work He calls us to. Do you know what it feels like to be filled with the Holy Spirit of God?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the Holy Spirit to become the power source of your life, as you seek to love, honor and obey the Lord. Will you step up today, by the power of the Holy Spirit, for Jesus Christ our Lord?

____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Palm Pilot

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Numbers 22, 23, 24

Numbers 22:34-35 (NIV)
34 Balaam said to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned. I did not realize you were standing in the road to oppose me. Now if you are displeased, I will go back.” 35 The angel of the Lord said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but speak only what I tell you.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak.

Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV)
7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Good morning!

Isn’t it amazing how the Lord God Almighty reveals Himself to people? Balaam had been summonsed by King Balak of Moab, to curse the new arrivals from Egypt. The king feared for his people’s safety and placed his trust in the sorcery of Balaam, begging him speak a curse on the entire Israelite encampment. Balaam positioned his faith in any god who would help him make a quick buck and a name for himself. When confronted with the Lord God Almighty, Balaam recognized that the Israelites were blessed. They could not be defeated because the Lord was with them. Even with this great understanding, Balaam could not comprehend that Jahweh was greater and more powerful than all the manufactured gods of the world. Balaam listened, responded and followed the instruction of the Lord’s angel, but it wasn’t enough to convert his heart.

Is it possible that the Lord is standing right in front of us today, and we may not see Him for who He truly is?

In an age where instant gratification and self-proclamation is the norm, where selfishness and ladder-climbing are commonplace characteristics of our communities, we rely and place our trust on anything and everything except God. It is a sad situation when we fail to see the Truth, especially even when it is standing directly in front of us. Balaam used divination and sorcery as his life’s palm pilot and spiritual guide. It was not enough for the angel of the Lord to reveal the awesome, mighty power of God. Balaam recognized the Lord’s presence only after his faithful donkey refused to move forward. Balaam heard the Word of the Lord and was able to repeat it to the King without wavering. Yet, Balaam’s revelation did not produce any real faith in the Great I Am. As a result, he lost his very own life in the Israelite invasion.

Knowing of the Lord and knowing the Lord are two totally different things. We can learn a lesson from Balaam today. If you are seeking faith, ask the Lord to reveal His truth to you today. Ask Him to open your spirit to His Word. If you seek Him, He will find you.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the Lord to open up your heart, remove the blinders from your eyes, and the wax from your ears. He is standing right in front of you today. Won’t you place your faith in Jesus?

____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

I'm free! I'm free!

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Numbers 21; Psalms 45, 46

Psalm 46:4-7 (NIV)
4 There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells.
5 God is within her, God will help her at break of day.
6 Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; He lifts His voice; the earth melts.
7 The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Good morning!

My doorbell rang yesterday morning around 10:00am. When I opened the door, I saw the sweet face of my three-year-old granddaughter Emily, all decked out in party attire, grinning from ear to ear. “Nanny, I’m three! I’m three!” she shouted, jumping up and down while giggling. Indeed, it was Emily’s third birthday, and she was ready to start the party! Do you remember what it was like to be three years old? The world is your playground at three. Everything seems bigger and brighter. Emily’s excitement rubbed off on all of us. She was delirious with joy. Emily was three, she had arrived, and it was time to celebrate!

Of course, Emily wanted a pink cake with a candle to make a wish, her favorite princesses to play with - Cinderella, Snow White, Ariel and Belle, party balloons to pop, and a few presents to open. It was a very rainy and chilly day outside, but Emily’s smile warmed the entire room. She was the picture of springtime in her pale blue sundress and matching scarf wrapped around her long, banana-curls. She wore a dress that swished and was happy to twirl around the room for all of us. I listened to Emily as she chatted with her aunts, uncles and grandparents. All day long, in almost every conversation, I watched the light shine brightly from her big, baby-blue eyes, as she continued to exclaim, “This is my special day!”

Every morning when I awake, my heart leaps with joy. This is the Lord’s special day, and it is my desire to serve and praise Him with everything I am. My heart sings, “I’m free! I’m free!” I put on His robe of righteousness and dance around the throne. His light will never be extinguished and His love is everlasting to everlasting. I remember my spiritual birthday, the day I asked Jesus to come into my heart, to save and free me from the chains of sin and separation, and to fill me up with the power of His Holy Spirit! Every morning is a birthday surprise when I open His Word and read the love letter he gave for you and for me. Listen to these words from the mouth of the Lord: There is a river where streams of life flow down from the city of God, that holy and beautiful place inhabited by the glory of God. He lives within her, and she will not fall. When He lifts up His voice, the earth melts into the palm of His holy hand.

That river of life flows into my heart every morning. This is our special day! We are free to serve Him! We are free to sing and dance and praise the One who came. We are free from the sins of our past, present and future. We are free to live with the Three in One – Father, Son and Holy Spirit! Happy Birthday! Happy new life! It is time to rock the house, my dear sisters and brothers in Christ! Will you join me for the greatest celebration we’ll ever know? Won’t you come to the house of the Lord and celebrate the love of Jesus Christ? I’ll see you at church! I’ll be the one with the party hat and noise makers!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: His joy to overwhelm you, overtake you, and live within you, each and every day! The party is on my friends, and you have been invited to praise and worship the One who sets you free indeed! Today is a very special day. Come celebrate Jesus Christ!
____________________________
© 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.

Altar Call

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Numbers 19, 20; Psalms 43, 44

Numbers 20:27-29 (NIV)
Moses did as the Lord commanded: They went up Mount Hor in the sight of the whole community. 28 Moses removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar. And Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain 29 and when the whole community learned that Aaron had died, the entire house of Israel mourned for him thirty days.

Psalm 43:3-4 (NIV)
3 Send forth your light and your truth, let them guide me; let them bring me to your holy mountain, to the place where you dwell. 4 Then will I go to the altar of God, to God, my joy and my delight. I will praise you with the harp, O God, my God.

Good morning!

Moses and Aaron gave their entire lives in obedience to the Lord God Almighty. From their Egyptian journey to Pharaoh and the unfolding of the plagues, to the Passover of the Lord, and through the forty-year wilderness walk, these men learned to rely on the presence and power of the Lord. God expected complete and total obedience and nothing less than their utmost was accepted. It must have been an extremely disappointing moment for Moses and Aaron when the Lord punished them at the waters of Meribah. God told Moses to speak to the rock and it would give water to all who thirst. When Moses took his staff and struck the rock twice, suggesting he and Aaron would provide the water of life, God punished their disobedience in requiring their death in the desert. God refused to allow Moses, Aaron or their generation to cross over to the Promised Land. Have you ever disobeyed the Lord by trying to take credit for His perfect work in your life?

I enjoy visiting the theatre with my husband, especially during the holidays. It is a treat to observe the artistry of talented actors and actresses perform on the main stage. It takes an enormous effort to prepare and produce a quality show. The screenwriters, stage crew, lighting and sound team, costume designers, choreographers and musicians all play important parts to bringing the story alive. The conductor’s lead and his timing are essential to the success or failure of the show. At the curtain call, the cast appears one more time to take a final bow. Their hard work and efforts are applauded as people stand in obvious appreciation for the gift. When the story ends, the baton is passed. The master conductor pours a firm foundation, as the team learns to fully rely upon his direction and leadership skills. Without implementation of the big plan, their efforts will fail – the show will bomb. When the cast and crew give their full attention and obedience to the direction of the master conductor, the show comes together successfully.

The Lord chose Eleazar, Aaron’s son, to take his father’s place as spokesman and leader for the next generation of Israelites. God saw the potential and purity in Eleazar’s heart. He paid attention to his father and uncle through the years, learning from their example. Moses and Aaron submitted to the Lord’s lead, passing the baton to their son and nephew. They knew the Lord would see their people through, just as He promised. They trusted in the master conductor’s instruction, even unto death.

Do you trust God enough to obey Him when he cries out to you? Have you taken credit for the many gifts God gives you each day? Your intellect, skill sets, personal possessions and even your physical body comes from the one who made you. He has a plan and a destiny for your life. Will you allow the master conductor to lead? When He calls you to His altar, will you willingly lay your life down as a sacrifice for His glory? Come to the altar today. God is calling out your name. Can you hear Him? Will you choose to answer?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a willing heart and obedient spirit to answer the altar call of the Lord. He planned your life with a plan and purpose that only you can fulfill. Come to His altar this weekend at church. He is waiting to meet you there.
____________________________
© 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.

Standing Between the Living and the Dead

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Numbers 16, 17, 18

Numbers 16:46-48 (NIV)
46 Then Moses said to Aaron, “Take your censer and put incense in it, along with fire from the altar, and hurry to the assembly to make atonement for them. Wrath has come out from the Lord; the plague has started. 47 So Aaron did as Moses said, and ran into the midst of the assembly. The plague had already started among the people, but Aaron offered the incense and made atonement for them. 48 He stood between the living and the dead, and the plague stopped.

Hebrews 7:25 (NIV)
25 Therefore, He is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede for them.

Good morning!

Grumbling will get us into trouble every time! I’ve been carrying a nail with me since our Ash Wednesday worship service. Pastor Jeff suggested that we take a nail from the basket at the altar, keeping it in a place where we could see it, feel it, and think about the price that was paid for our salvation. He asked the congregation to pick that nail up and squeeze it in their hand every time they grumbled, complained, or murmured. The nail reminds us that it is our thoughts and words, motives and greed that pinned our Savior to the tree. Jesus willingly traded our sin for His righteousness. He bore it all on the cross, totally separating himself from a perfect and Holy Father, just to give us new life and relationship with God. Jesus died and rose again, conquering death once and for all. He did this for you and for me. If we truly understand the cost, how can we continue to grumble, gripe, and complain?

The Israelites were not happy campers. It wasn’t enough that the very presence of God hovered over their lives in the visual form of a cloud by day and fire by night. Ungrateful for the daily manna they received each day from the hand of heaven, the Israelites continued to distrust the faithful leadership of Moses and Aaron. Their negative and nasty attitude thrust them into open rebellion with God Almighty. Moses and Aaron spent a lot of time falling face down, begging God to forgive their ignorance and haughty, disrespectful spirit.

Oh, to have a great, high priest stand between the living and the dead, crying out for our souls in intercessory prayer! Moses instructed Aaron to take his censer, fill it with incense and fire from the altar of the Lord, and run to the assembly to make atonement for them. The Lord’s anger filled the desert as a plague began to consume humanity. Almost 15,000 people died before the Lord accepted Aaron’s prayers for atonement. Grumbling and complaining can wipe out an entire nation, separating the body through division and strife. When we take our eyes off the great high priest and begin to banter with God, disaster is sure to strike. Do you really think you have a better game plan than the Lord? Have you ever experienced the cause and effect when the redeemed ones choose to take their eyes off the main thing and insist on doing things their own way?

When you find that sin and separation is far too heavy to bear, turn around and take a long, hard look at the Great High Priest who intercedes for you. Jesus Christ died to set you free! He offers you everlasting life, relationship with the Father, and a peace that surpasses all human understanding. His life can light your way. Squeeze the nail in your hand today, and ask the Lord to forgive your sin and help you trust Him all the more. Let Jesus Christ tame your tongue, control your thoughts, and lead you home.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the Great High Priest, who is holy, blameless, pure, and set apart from sin, to redeem your body, mind and soul today. Won’t you invite Jesus Christ to come and live inside your heart and be the Lord of your life?
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Sabbath-Breaker 1:9 - Do you copy?

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Numbers 13, 14, 15

Numbers 15:32-36 (NIV)
32 While the Israelites were in the desert, a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. 33 Those who found him gathering wood brought him to Moses and Aaron and the whole assembly, 34 and they kept him in custody, because it was not clear what should be done to him. 35 Then the Lord said to Moses, “The man must die. The whole assembly must stone him outside the camp.” 36 So the assembly took him outside the camp and stoned him to death, as the Lord commanded Moses.

Good morning!

Have you ever broken a law, bent a rule, or tiptoed around a tradition? There is something in our human nature that leads all of us to be little rebels now and then. Sunday morning worship was a challenge when our children were young. For many years, my husband led worship services at two different churches every Sunday morning, and he did his best to split his time equally between both congregations. Sunday school overlapped with one early morning worship, and I wanted our children to have an opportunity to attend Sunday school. There were many weeks when I didn’t get to attend one church because of Sunday school. In some respects, it was a good choice, especially for our young children; yet, I found it to be a difficult decision. I loved the people in both congregations and knew if I missed seeing them on Sunday, I might not get to visit with them for at least another week, maybe even longer. Life experience taught me that not everyone enjoys an early morning rush, and my children were no exception to this. Getting three Spaulding babies out of bed, fed and dressed, hair combed, teeth brushed, presentable and happy at 6am made getting to early worship an even greater dilemma. I think our family may have been direct descendants of our Israelites because we certainly seemed to have the corner on grumbling! Some of those blessed car rides to early morning worship permanently scarred my ear drums. When I close my eyes, I can still hear the unhappy bickering coming from the back seat of our station wagon. What a way to begin a worship experience!

Do you ever skip out of worship? I know many people who work in service professions find that their jobs require they be at work on Sunday morning. Personally, I am thankful we have churches in our community who celebrate worship services throughout the week, and even on Saturday. We need to take advantage of every opportunity to spend time together in the presence of God – it is essential to our daily walk. When we miss the corporate worship experience, regardless of our reason, our lives become imbalanced.

The man gathering wood on the Sabbath may have been hungry and needed a fire to cook food. Maybe he was cold. Maybe he was too busy to set aside the day to worship and praise the Lord. God instructed the people to stone this man to death outside the city gates for his obvious disobedience to God’s command. I’ve personally never been stoned for missing Sabbath worship, but I know how heavy my heart feels when I choose to put other things ahead of God. Sabbath worship has become the focal point of my life. I yearn to be in worship with Him. So much so, that I am drawn not only to weekend worship, but I find it is not enough to go once a week. I need Him every hour of every day. Making time to pray and praise Him every day is a joy and a gift that I cannot adequately describe. Have you ever sacrificed time during the week to worship the Lord? The precious moments fill my days with wonder and my nights with peace. Living worship is living joy. I long to worship my Lord not only on Sunday, but each and every day. If I miss this time, the rhythm of my life becomes bumpy. My happy attitude disappears. I find fault and become critical of the ones I love. I take my eyes off the prize for even a moment, and life just isn’t the same. Separation from God is a choice that can bring about a fatal error.

Fellowship with our Christian brothers and sisters, spending time praising Jesus, praying together as the body of Christ, attending Bible study, and receiving solid, foundational teaching is our life breath. It is our food. It gives us the energy to get out there and share His love with others. We need this time together. During the next forty days of Lent, will you make Sabbath worship a priority?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the desire to spend time in worship each week. Make the Lord your number one priority. If you make time for Him, the Lord God Almighty will change the direction of your life. I’ll see you at 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.

The short arm of the Lord

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Numbers 11, 12; Psalms 41, 42

Numbers 11:23 (NIV)
23 The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you.”

Numbers 12:6-8 (NIV)
“When a prophet of the Lord is among you, I reveal Myself to him in visions. I speak to him in dreams. But this is not true of My servant Moses; he is faithful in all my house. With him I speak face to face, clearly and not in riddles; he sees the form of the Lord. Why then, were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?”

Psalm 42:7 (NIV)
7 Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and breakers have swept over me.

Good morning!

During worship at Faith Church last Sunday, Pastor Jeff challenged the congregation to participate in a Lenten fast. The fast will last the entire forty-day period of Lent. This is not a fast of food or water. Pastor asked us to fast our words – the ones that lead to grumbling, griping and complaining! How long can you go without oozing negativity, spitting up some cynical or belligerent chorus in a well-timed moment? Is the substance of who we really are revealed through the thoughts of our minds and the words pouring out from our lips?

The Israelites had become Complaining Pros. Check out the road sign at the entrance to their campground: “Dissatisfied with your life? Tired of eating Manna? Call 1-800-G-R-U-M-B-L-E. We’ll help you discover the sharper side of dissatisfaction. Be the best complainer you can be. Call 1-800-G-R-U-M-B-L-E. We are there to take your complaints!

Within seventy-two hours of their miraculous delivery out of Egypt, team Israel began to complain. Scripture reveals that they not only rose up in distrust against their cruise director and his family, the Israelites shook their self-righteous fist at the Lord God Almighty. It wasn’t enough to taste manna from heaven, or be satisfied with the gift of life and the promise of a new land. They had been freed from the bondage of slavery, and the presence of Almighty God dwelled within their camp. Still, God’s chosen ones rose up in anger. From their mouths poured vile, malicious words. In one large chorus the people proclaimed their lack of trust, not only in Moses, but to the God who saves them.

One critical word can cut us to the quick. Our tongues become lethal weapons when we lash out in anger and discontent. Is our dissatisfaction a result of the incompetence of our Creator or the people He has placed in our path to guide and direct us? Could it be that our unhappiness runs deeper than our circumstances? Are we heartbroken and disgusted with our inability to let go of the controls and choose to trust the Lord completely?

The fast begins right here, right now. Take the pastor’s challenge. Examine the words that spew from your mouth. Think about why the words flow out so easily. Is there a motive behind your madness? Is there a deep-seated hurt that needs His healing touch? Can we trust our God enough to see that His arm is long enough to save, redeem, and raise us?

Will you choose to trust the Lord completely during the next forty-days of your life?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: God to take control of your words, thoughts, and negative mannerisms. May you find new life and a wellspring of joy rising up and washing over you, as you begin to go deep with the Lord. Will you take the Pastor’s challenge? Will you lay down your discontent at the foot of the cross and leave it there?
____________________________
© 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 Golden Trumpets of Prayer

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Numbers 9, 10; Psalm 40

Numbers 10:8-10 (NIV)
8 “The sons of Aaron, the priests, are to blow the trumpets. This is to be a lasting ordinance for you and the generations to come. 9 When you go into battle in your own land against an enemy who is oppressing you, sound a blast on the trumpets. Then you will be remembered by the Lord your God and rescued from your enemies. 10 Also at your times of rejoicing – your appointed feasts and New Moon festivals – you are to sound the trumpets over your burnt offerings and fellowship offerings, and they will be a memorial for you before your God. I am the Lord your God.”

Psalm 40:1-3; 16
1 I waited patiently for the Lord; He turned to me and heard my cry, 2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; He set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 3 He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord. 16 But may all who seek you rejoice and be glad in you; may those who love your salvation always say, “The Lord be exalted!”

Good morning!

I never learned how to play the trumpet when I took instrumental music in school. It takes a lot of pucker power to help shape and affect the sound quality of each note played. A good trumpeter possesses the ability to control his breathing while maintaining the chain of melody in a musical line. The sound of a trumpet is distinct and unique. Its tone can enlist a call to arms; urgency is emulated within its razor-sharp sound. The Lord instructed His priests to play the trumpets within the Israelite camp. They were to play when they went into battle against an oppressive enemy. The trumpet blast is a reminder that God is in control and through His powerful hand, they will be delivered. When the people heard the blast of the trumpet, they knew the Lord was at work for them. Their hopes and dreams rose with the peal of the trumpet call sounding throughout their encampment. Trumpets were used to celebrate life’s blessings, as an offering of thanksgiving for the bounty of His forgiveness and ongoing, intimate relationship with His people. Trumpets were employed as a tribute to remembrance in death, resurrection, and deliverance. We listen for the trumpet call even today, as we seek God out through our prayers and petitions.

When we pray, we raise our spiritual trumpets to heaven, asking God through the power of Jesus Christ to take authority and rule in every circumstance, situation, or need. We cry out to Him in urgent tones, trusting in His providence and ability to answer every plea for help. We place our faith in His care, relinquishing personal desires to His will in each circumstance. We stand on His promise to answer us, knowing His ultimate plan will prevail. We trust His perfect timing, relinquishing our personal timelines and long-range plans. Our prayers are powerful and effective when we give the Lord full reign to be the Lord of our lives. As we trust God to be God and seek His will for our world, His answers come. Hearts are changed. People are saved. Healing occurs. Do you believe that Jehovah-Jireh, our provider and redeemer, is big enough to answer your prayers?

Throughout scripture, we see what happens when people pray and trust in the Lord. When we yield ourselves to the One who has the power to effect change, we hand over the reigns to Him. We open our hearts and minds to the realm of possibility that He gives through His Son, Jesus Christ. There is no problem too hard for our Lord to handle. When we trust that He knows our needs before we even ask, we can run to Him, believe in His Word, and place our urgent petitions into His hands.

How many prayers will you pray today? Will you offer up the lives of your family and friends to God in prayer? Will you ask Him to heal someone who is suffering? Will you trust Him to save your lost loved one? Are you willing to lay down personal goals, timelines, and future plans and give God full reign over the direction of your life? Will you learn to play the trumpet He has given you? Do you believe in the power of breakthrough prayer?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the ability to trust God completely as you lay your prayers and petitions before Him today. In the name of Jesus Christ, we have the power to pray effective prayers and we can witness the results of His Almighty hand. He not only hears us when we play our trumpets; our God answers!
____________________________
© 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 voice of the Lord

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Numbers 7, 8; Psalm 39

Numbers 7:89 (NIV)
89 When Moses entered the Tent of Meeting to speak with the Lord, he heard the voice speaking to him from between the two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the Testimony. And he spoke with Him.

Psalm 39:3-4 (NIV)
3 My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:
4 “Show me, O Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.”

Isaiah 6:8 (NIV)
8 Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” And I said, “Here am I. Send me!”

Good morning!

Try to imagine what it may have been like when Moses conversed with the Lord God Almighty. Moses had many audible conversations with the Lord. He first heard God’s voice crying out through a burning bush that would not be consumed. Conversations continued upon the mountain top, where Moses worshipped the Lord on holy ground. He received the very Word of the Lord written on tablets of stone by God’s hand. In the tent of meeting, Moses listened to God’s voice crying out between two cherubim above the atonement cover on the ark of the testimony. Through clear, audible tones, Moses experienced God in ways we may never fully understand. The Lord was a visible and audible presence to Moses and His beloved children wandering in the desert.

How do we hear God’s voice? Is it His still, small voice that sings in the wind, whipping through the treetops late at night? Can we hear Him in the crackle of a campfire, or in the rushing water of a clear mountain stream? Maybe the voice of God is revealed through the sweet sound of a newborn baby nursing at his mother’s breast for the very first time. Is God’s voice revealed in the tender melody of a little child singing the words, Jesus Loves Me, this I know? Have you heard the voice of God calling you? Can you hear Him crying out in the night?

A portrait of a pastor hangs in my husband's office at church. He is leading a worship service and is preaching the Gospel message with great fervor. He holds an open scripture in one hand; his other hand is outstretched toward heaven. The look on this pastor’s face radiates a holy glow that only comes from a deep and abiding love for God. Behind him, one can see the silhouettes of the apostles and prophets, who spoke the Word of the Lord before him. Standing directly behind him is the Lord Jesus Christ himself, offering prayers of intercession while laying His holy hand upon the pastor’s shoulder. It is Christ who whispers into the pastor’s ear. The anointing of the Holy Spirit is a true mystery; it is a gift from God. For those who yearn to listen with their spirit, they can hear the voice of the Lord speak through their pastor as they preach. When you sat in church this weekend, did you hear the audible Word of the Lord speaking directly to you? Could you see the holy glow radiating from your pastor’s face? Was the presence of the Lord powerful and effective? Could you reach out and touch Him with your hand?

Whenever I open my Bible to study, I can hear the voice of God speaking through His holy Word. The message leaps off the page and begins to transform my heart as I feed from its truth. When I listen to my Sunday school teachers who devote time and attention each week in exploring and unpacking the scripture for my benefit, I am grateful to experience the living Word of God through them. I can hear Him speak. I see Jesus in the eyes of my Faith family. They dearly love Him, know Him, and strive to live for Him each and every day. Through their life’s example, I am challenged to study and learn more.

My favorite moments with the Lord are spent when I simply sit in His presence and wait for Him. Spending time in prayer and meditation draws me into His loving arms. Sometimes my heart races with pure joy, knowing that He is near. There is an unspeakable comfort and peace; I experience rest in Him; and there is an everlasting, abiding love. In the silence as I wait for Him, Jesus whispers to my heart. Where there are no words, I can hear Him speak. Have you ever felt God speak to your spirit? Do you know the joy of His amazing love?

In the busyness of each day, take some time to listen for the voice of the Lord. He is all around you, ever present, waiting to reveal Himself to the ones who earnestly cry out for mercy and grace. We can experience the voice of the Lord through the people whom God has placed in our path. Listen to His Word as it is proclaimed from the pulpit of your sanctuary. Hear Him shake the rafters of your soul through the Scripture leaping from the pages you read each day. Wait for Him in the stillness of the night, as you pray and seek His face. If you draw near to the Lord, He will draw near to you.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: ears to hear, eyes to see, and a willing heart to answer when God speaks. Are you willing to answer the Lord when he speaks to you? Will you hear Him when he calls your name?
____________________________
© 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.

Robbing God

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Numbers 4, 5, 6

Numbers 6:21 (NIV)
21 This is the law of the Nazarite who vows his offering to the Lord in accordance with his separation, in addition to whatever else he can afford. He must fulfill the vow he has made, according to the law of the Nazarite.

Malachi 3:8-9 (NIV)
8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you rob me.” But you ask, ‘How do we rob you?’ “In tithes and offerings. 9 You are under a curse – the whole nation of you – because you are robbing me.”

Acts 5:3-4 (NIV)
3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.”

Good morning!

How much can you afford to give the Lord? An even greater question may be: How much can you afford not to give Him? As we read through the books of law and study the instructions God gave Moses to His people, we begin to realize the significance He places on our daily offerings. It is obvious that the Lord loves His children with a passion. He desires to extend His presence and blessing upon all those who choose to love and obey Him. Yet, there can be no lasting relationship or bond between God and man without their daily commitment, total devotion, and willingness to obey in every circumstance. From where I sit, that is a pretty tall order.

Do you ever cheat God intentionally? Some people believe if they give the Lord an hour of their time on Saturday or Sunday, they have fulfilled God’s required Sabbath expectation. Do you find the need to worship more of a weekly habit, an obligation to meet, or has it become a lifeline to your body, mind and spirit? Should the time we spend in worship ever really end?

There are some people who would much rather write a check to the church than offer their time to benefit the needs of others. While there is no doubt that monies are desperately needed to help fund projects that will make a lasting difference, sometimes we find it much easier to give a little more money, and a little less of ourselves. We believe our obligations have been fulfilled. Is it really enough? How much time does God realistically expect from you and me?

In my own walk with the Lord, I find that He sees right through me. Not only does God know the true desires of my heart, He sees my motivation or lack thereof. For me, it is not enough to give an hour, a seed offering, a thirty-second prayer, or even an occasional assist to someone who needs a helping hand. I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to give back enough to express the thankfulness I feel to the One who has saves and breathes new life into my heart every morning. The gift of forgiveness and relationship with Him is the most precious thing I have ever received. So why would I choose to cheat Him? Why would anyone choose to intentionally rob the Lord?

If I were to try and make a laundry list of every single time I didn’t give my all, I would be typing for all eternity. We defend our motives, justify our thoughts, and raise up our good deeds for all to see and applaud. We think we’re fooling those around us – we may even succeed at deceiving each other and maybe even ourselves. We will NEVER be able to fool the Lord. He reads us like an open book.

God knows I’m far from perfect. I miss the mark every day in every way. His grace and mercy is all I can possibly hope for. The righteousness of Jesus Christ is what I need. He took my every mistake, every intentional act of deceit, and hung naked on a Roman cross of torture and shame just so I could be free from sin and death. He purchased my soul on Calvary’s tree. Will my meager offering ever be enough? Is there anything I would purposely withhold from the One who gives me life?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: understanding. You have been bought with a heavy price. What will you offer the Lord today? Will you give Him your 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.