New Jerusalem
Ezekiel 48:30-35 (NIV)
30 These will be the exits of the city: Beginning on the north side, which is 4,500 cubits long,
31 the gates of the city will be named after the tribes of Israel. The three gates on the north side will be the gate of Reuben, the gate of Judah and the gate of Levi.
32 On the east side, which is 4,500 cubits long, will be three gates: the gate of Joseph, the gate of Benjamin and the gate of Dan.
33 On the south side, which measures 4,500 cubits, will be three gates: the gate of Simeon, the gate of Issachar and the gate of Zebulun.
34 On the west side, which is 4,500 cubits long, will be three gates: the gate of Gad, the gate of Asher and the gate of Naphtali.
35 The distance all around will be 18,000 cubits. And the name of the city from that time on will be: THE LORD IS THERE.
Yesterday, Faith Church was blessed to have southern gospel singer Darla McFadden share her testimony in word and song. One of the songs she chose to sing was entitled “Jerusalem”. The words of the song described the New Jerusalem, and the hope of all who seek eternal relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ.
The prophet Ezekiel was taken into captivity in Babylonia around 597 BC, after the defeat of young King Jehoiachin. Ezekiel grew up in Judah, and was preparing for a vocation in the priesthood when he found himself transplanted to a foreign land. God gave Ezekiel a vision and directive to take His Word to the captives. Ezekiel listened to God and obeyed. He challenged the people to repent, turn around, and worship God.
Have you ever turned and walked away when God was calling your name? Sometimes it is far easier to walk away, or run as fast as you can, than to listen and follow the call of the Lord upon your life. Because Ezekiel chose to obey, God sent an angel with an amazing vision of the promise for a new temple and a New Jerusalem. The vision was specific, providing detailed measurements, naming each gate after a specific tribe of Israel. The best part of the vision is the name which God gave the city, “The Lord Is There.”
When the Israelites ignored God’s voice, His holy presence departed from them. If you find yourself feeling a little lost and alone today, confused about the direction in which you should go, invite Jesus into your life and ask Him for directions. He is there, calling out your name.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: People who have lost their way
Monday, August 14, 2006
Make a Joyful Noise Today!
Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)
15 Be careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise,
16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit.
19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
20 Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Good morning!
Do you like to sing? I love to sing praises to the Lord. I find myself singing praises all the way to work, from work, to sleep, and especially, when I get up in the morning. I love the morning time. If you asked, my children might tell you some of their recollections about the joy of early mornings in the Spaulding home. They, of course, wanted to sleep in, but their mother was singing with great joy in the kitchen, the bathroom, the laundry room, and therefore, no one slept! When they complained, I reminded them that when we all get to Heaven, we'll all have perfect pitch!
There's something about the rising of the sun in the morning that makes me want to leap out of bed and praise the one who created the splendor of the world I live in, the one who died and rose again and walks with me each and every day! I wake up knowing He never sleeps. He is watching over you and me 24-7. Doesn't that just want to make you jump to your feet and belt out a verse of "How Great Thou Art?"
I know, my children thought I was pretty strange too! As Paul suggests in Ephesians, singing and making melody to the Lord in my heart all day long keeps my mind focused on Him. He reveals His will for my life as I walk beside Him. No matter where I'm at, who I am with, or where I may be heading. I am not alone. Neither are you.
Some days can be overwhelming, balancing family, work, school, rest and recreation. All of us face daily pain and frustration, difficult situations and relationships that deserve our time and attention. How can we make the most of our day? I have found that when I invite the Lord into my life early each morning, my day is easier to manage, mostly because I've given the management over to the Lord. I just need to show up and live it. Some may think I'm just a bit goofy. I assure you, I'm not drunk with wine. I'm enjoying life in the Spirit!
This morning, I would encourage you to make a joyful noise to the Lord. Let Him be the center of your day today. Take Him with you to the garden, the park, the shopping mall, the grocery store, and to everyone you meet. Sing psalms and hymns and sing joyful praises to your Lord!
This is the day the Lord has made - let us be glad and rejoice in it!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: People who praise the Lord with their lives
_______________________
© Copyright 2006, 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.
Ephesians 5:15-20 (NIV)
15 Be careful, then, how you live - not as unwise but as wise,
16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.
17 Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is.
18 Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit.
19 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord,
20 Always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Good morning!
Do you like to sing? I love to sing praises to the Lord. I find myself singing praises all the way to work, from work, to sleep, and especially, when I get up in the morning. I love the morning time. If you asked, my children might tell you some of their recollections about the joy of early mornings in the Spaulding home. They, of course, wanted to sleep in, but their mother was singing with great joy in the kitchen, the bathroom, the laundry room, and therefore, no one slept! When they complained, I reminded them that when we all get to Heaven, we'll all have perfect pitch!
There's something about the rising of the sun in the morning that makes me want to leap out of bed and praise the one who created the splendor of the world I live in, the one who died and rose again and walks with me each and every day! I wake up knowing He never sleeps. He is watching over you and me 24-7. Doesn't that just want to make you jump to your feet and belt out a verse of "How Great Thou Art?"
I know, my children thought I was pretty strange too! As Paul suggests in Ephesians, singing and making melody to the Lord in my heart all day long keeps my mind focused on Him. He reveals His will for my life as I walk beside Him. No matter where I'm at, who I am with, or where I may be heading. I am not alone. Neither are you.
Some days can be overwhelming, balancing family, work, school, rest and recreation. All of us face daily pain and frustration, difficult situations and relationships that deserve our time and attention. How can we make the most of our day? I have found that when I invite the Lord into my life early each morning, my day is easier to manage, mostly because I've given the management over to the Lord. I just need to show up and live it. Some may think I'm just a bit goofy. I assure you, I'm not drunk with wine. I'm enjoying life in the Spirit!
This morning, I would encourage you to make a joyful noise to the Lord. Let Him be the center of your day today. Take Him with you to the garden, the park, the shopping mall, the grocery store, and to everyone you meet. Sing psalms and hymns and sing joyful praises to your Lord!
This is the day the Lord has made - let us be glad and rejoice in it!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: People who praise the Lord with their lives
_______________________
© Copyright 2006, 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.
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