Waiting for Him

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Numbers 1, 2, 3; Psalm 38

Numbers 2:1-2, 34 (NIV)
1 The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: 2 ”The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting some distance from it, each man under his standard with the banners of his family.”
34 So the Israelites did everything the Lord commanded Moses; that is the way they encamped under their standards, and that is the way they set out, each with his clan and family.

Psalm 38:15 (NIV)
15 I wait for you, O Lord; you will answer, O Lord my God.

James 1:2-4 (NIV)
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Good morning!

Humanity spends a lot of time preparing for the challenges and surprises encountered through daily living. We prepare presentations to present to our colleagues at work, and for classes at school. We prepare meals to serve to our family. We plan for, prepare and practice exit strategies in the event of an emergency. We prepare ourselves to assume new and greater responsibilities in our vocations through study and practice. We plan for and prepare to marry, for the arrival of a new little life; we persevere with our children and grandchildren while raising them up. We give them the resources and guidance needed to develop a greater desire to learn and grow; to find out not only who they are, but whose they are. Through every phase of life, we focus our energies in preparation, practice and perseverance. We set the goal before us, and we move toward it, day by day.

The Israelites spent some much needed practice time in the Lord’s campground. The Lord instructed Moses to conduct a census, counting the numbers in the various tribes and clans, and creating a special place for them in community. Every tribe had a special assigned seating arrangement around the perimeter of the Tent of Meeting. The Tent of Meeting and the Tabernacle of the Lord was their focal point for life. Knowing and worshipping God was their single most important goal. Everything they did was to bring honor and to glorify the One who truly deserves all of their attention, time, and devotion. When we learn to focus our hearts and minds upon the one thing that truly matters, everything else falls into place.

Waiting is never easy. We spend a lot of time waiting in line at the grocery store, or sitting in a traffic jam on the highway. We wait for our turn in the doctor’s office; we wait on hold for lengthy periods of time while trying to reach a customer service representative who is really alive and not a computerized voice message service. We wait for our loved ones to arrive home safely after a long day at work. Learning to wait with patience is a lesson that is only learned through the adversities we face. I don’t know anyone who personally looks forward to suffering some sort of setback, financial blow, or illness. Yet, some of the greatest values in life are borne from the adversities we live out in our daily lives.

As we begin to grow in our relationship with the Lord, we learn to wait for Him, sometimes for years, as God reveals Himself through the many life experiences we endure. It is hard to be joyful in a journey that is difficult. Things happen. People go away. They come back. We become ill. We get well. We fail. We succeed. We struggle. We hope. We grow. We live. We die. We live again. James says that we should count every experience, good or bad, as pure joy. The things we face in life helps us learn to persevere. It is the benchmark for maturity and completion. Jesus Christ came to complete the circle of relationship between God and man. He is the perfection of our faith. We can trust Him no matter where we are, if we place Him in the center of our life, focus on His love, praise Him for His wonderful work, and learn to live daily in His presence. When we learn to do this, all of the other things we experience become secondary. The only thing that truly matters is finding your life in relationship to the Lord. Do you know Him? Is He the centerpiece of your life? Is your goal to know Him more? Are you willing to wait for Him, seek Him out, practice and persevere in what He teaches, setting your life’s goal to love and adore Him?

My prayer for you is that you will count your life experience as pure joy, while you practice perseverance and wait for Jesus Christ to complete your life as He would see fit. You are His priceless treasure. Is His love priceless to you?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a willing and joyful heart, as you learn to practice perseverance while waiting for the Lord. He will complete His mighty work in you, if you are willing to give your life to Him. Will He be your centerpiece today? His love is so worth waiting for. Jesus Christ is the only way, He is the only truth, and He is the only life you will ever need! Come to Jesus and live! 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.

Soul Patrol

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Leviticus 25, 26, 27

Leviticus 26:11-13 (NIV)

11 I will put my dwelling place among you, and I will not abhor you. 12 I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people. 13 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.

Luke 1:68 (NIV)

68 Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because He has come and has redeemed His people.

Romans 8:25-27 (NIV)

25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27 And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.

Good morning!

I’ll never forget the day I sold my 1988 Mercury Cougar. It had 238,000 miles logged when I drove it onto the car lot. That V-8 engine had a hum that I’ve never heard in other cars. It was a powerful machine and it was fun to drive! I had replaced almost every major part in this car and probably could have repurchased it twice over with the money I spent to keep it running. I’ll never forget the look of sheer satisfaction on the face of the dealer after he took a little test drive. Hopping out of the vehicle, he exclaimed, “Mrs. Spaulding, that car still has pick up!” Oh, yes Lord! I’m a sentimental fool and I’m not ashamed to say that I get attached to my automobiles. For four years, I drove my baby back and forth between Saint Louis and Salem, Missouri. I averaged about 32,000 miles per year and this car became my worship center. I prayed and sang praises to the Lord in this car. I devoured Bible teaching tapes while driving to and from the city. I traveled in all kinds of weather, and there were times when I believed the autopilot of my car could have taken me back and forth without any assistance from me. I truly believe there were angels sitting next to me, on the hood of the car, and at the corner of each bumper. Of course, selling my Cougar was a painful experience. My husband says I’m the only woman who weeps on a dealership parking lot not because of the new car I’m going to buy, but because of the old car I’m giving up.

I spend a lot of time on the road, and it is time well spent. While flying down the highway in my lean, mean prayer machine, I offer intercession for my brothers and sisters on the road – especially the ones that use special hand gestures as they pass me by. I’ve witnessed plenty of road rage out there. My car could have taken their car any day, but somehow, there are a lot of people on the roadway who really have no appreciation with drivers who try to drive at the posted speed limit. Could we really be in that big of a hurry? Prayer time is an integral part of my weekly commute. I pray for the people in the towns I drive by. I pray for my family at home and at church. I pray for mercy in inclement weather, and I pray for help when I’m in imminent danger. I pray for the deer not to run out in front of my vehicle. The Lord teaches me the value of fly-by prayer. Some people like to prayer walk. I do my own thing prayer driving.

Is your car a worship center? Do you meet the Lord in your automobile every morning when you leave for work or school? I’m finding that my God lives in the most unusual spaces. His Spirit is ever present and with me as I drive down the highway of life. Driving a prayermobile is an empowering experience. I love placing myself in the Lord’s hand and giving Him full reign to do whatever He wants. My fellow commuters have no idea what is happening as they pass me by on the road. I’m praying for their souls. I’m asking the Lord of life to grab them right where they are, sitting in their vehicles, armed and dangerous with their Starbucks cup in one hand and cell phone in the other. They don’t have chance if I’m in the next lane. They’re going to have an encounter with Jesus, because I’m praying it and He is doing it. There is no way I can possibly know my neighbor’s specific need, but I know that Jesus knows and that is more than enough information for me to act on in prayer. When the Lord spoke to Moses and gave Him the law for the Israelites, the Great I Am promised He would dwell with His people – they would be His and He would be theirs. He redeemed His children at a heavy cost and loves them with a passion. It is a privilege to pray for souls. Through Jesus Christ, we have His power to bring people to Him. The next time someone flips you off on the highway of life, open your mouth and ask the Lord to touch them, heal them, love them, and bless them. We can be the soul patrol right where we live! Enjoy the ride, my friends. Why don’t you let the Lord drive for awhile?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: Jesus Christ to invade the space of your fellow commuters and the cities you pass through in your daily commute. We may not know specifically what to pray for, but if the Lord wills to be in relationship with His precious children, we can ask for it in Jesus name. And in the name of Jesus, all things are possible!

____________________________

© 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.

A Sure and Certain Light

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Leviticus 22, 23, 24

Leviticus 24:3-4 (NIV)
3 Outside the curtain of the Testimony in the Tent of Meeting, Aaron is to tend the lamps before the Lord from evening till morning, continually. This is to be a lasting ordinance for the generations to come. 4 The lamps on the pure gold lamp stand before the Lord must be tended continually.

Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Acts 26:18 (NIV)
I am sending you to them 18 to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.

Good morning!

The Tent of Meeting is a hot topic of discussion in our home. Jeff and I spent some time on the Internet looking at visual aids illustrating the dimensions and elements of this holy place. Jeff downloaded a screensaver of the Tent of Meeting that is truly fascinating. In the picture, the fire of the Lord is pouring out of the sky and down into the Holy of Holies within the Tent of Meeting. The Israelites had pitched their tents around the perimeter of the Tabernacle, each tribe assigned to a specific location and duty. No matter where they were camped, the light of the Lord is visible and clear. The Great I Am first appeared to Moses in the form of a burning bush. He continues to reveal Himself through fire and flame. His light is sure and certain and it will never end.

I’ve always enjoyed the light of a warm and toasty fire on a cold winter’s night. There are nights when the only light in our home is shadowed in the hue of the flames streaming from the fireplace and the candlelight dancing upon the hearth. There is something compelling about the flickering flame. The candlelight brings clarity and visual acuity in what might otherwise be total darkness. If you’ve ever jumped up in the middle of the night and stubbed your toe on a piece of furniture, you may appreciate having the light of a candle to guide your path and protect you from the dangers in the dark.

When the Apostle Paul defended his actions before King Agrippa, he repeated the words of Jesus as he experienced him on the Damascus road. This single encounter became the benchmark for Paul’s faith. He set his course by the light of Jesus Christ and the call to serve. Paul willingly gave his life over to the light of Christ, allowing that light to consume him. Every word Paul spoke was offered so that people might hear the Good News and believe in Jesus, thereby receiving forgiveness for sin and new life in Him. The light of Christ provides daily strength to overcome the power of darkness. Just like Paul, eyes are opened and hearts are changed when people see the living Christ shining brightly in you and me.

It is no wonder that the Lord gave specific instruction to Moses that Aaron and the priests must continually tend to the lamps on the pure golden lamp stands. His light must never go out. It was His light that would draw His children home. They would look for it, long for it, and live in it. Jesus Christ teaches that we are the light of the world. Is your faith a flame that continually burns? Does the light of the Lord shine brightly in you so that those around you can see the way to go? Are you a city on a hill that cannot be hidden?

God’s light is continual, it is certain, and it will never end. Allow the light of Jesus Christ to fill you up with His love today. May you prepare your heart to be a home where Jesus can live and reign and work through you. Are you willing to be His light bearer?
Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the light of Jesus Christ to become your benchmark for daily living.
____________________________
© 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.

His love is worth the wait!

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Leviticus 19, 20, 21; Psalm 37

Leviticus 19:1-2 (NIV)

1 The Lord said to Moses, 2 “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the Lord your God, am holy.’”

Psalm 37:3-4, 7, 34 (NIV)

3 Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and enjoy safe pasture.

4 Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.

7 Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for Him; do not fret when men succeed in their ways.

34 Wait for the Lord and keep His way.

Good morning!

When Jeff and I were dating, we used to write sappy love letters to each other. Whenever we could eek out five extra minutes between classes or take a break at work, we would pick up our pens and write the craziest stuff to each other. This, of course, was before the age of cell phones and blackberries. Yes, my friends, there was life and love before wireless technology took over our world. And the 70’s was a grand time to be hopelessly devoted and head-over-heels in love. Have you ever written a love letter? I used every flowery adjective I could think of. About a year ago, I was pilfering through some boxes in the basement and came across letters that we had saved from our dating years. Being the avid scrapaholic that I am, I took those time-honored notes and begin placing them in scrapbooks. Now they are preserved forever for our children and grandchildren and their children to laugh over and enjoy. Not only will our family will have proof positive of Granny Deb and Pa’s romantic inclinations, they will know that we were both certifiably in love.

Because of our crazy school and work schedules, we did not get to see each other every day. Talking on the phone was not always possible. I loved waiting for the mail to arrive. Waiting and anticipating another letter from my “hunk of burning love” was an amazing experience. You know you are going to receive something really special and it is so worth waiting for. Jeff’s letters never disappointed me. I knew he was thinking about me even when we were apart, and that was all the affirmation I needed! The joy of being in love is a glorious, beautiful, and wonderful experience – it is matchless in every way.

Every morning when I awake, I look for just the right words to describe the love I have for my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Sometimes, I am simply at a loss with the words in my English vocabulary that even comes close to describing what I feel in my heart for Him. The Lord must giggle when he reads my heartfelt, sappy and flowery sentiment. I long to find a way to convey just how much He means to me; how thankful I am that He cared enough to give His life in exchange for mine. I’ve never known a greater love than the love of Jesus Christ. I am convinced there will never ever be a greater love. He is everything to me.

When I pray, I hear Jesus whispering in my ear. He gently says, “Wait for me.” The joy of waiting for Him brings color to my cheeks, a bounce in my step, and a hopeful anticipation of His return. Jesus is so worth waiting for! While I sit in His awesome presence, I prepare and wait for the love of my life to come. I know that when I see His face, the time I spent waiting and welcoming Him into my heart will be worth it. There is a holiness that comes with waiting patiently for the Lord. I am physically, emotionally and spiritually creating a sacred space for Him to dwell in my life. As I center my mind on Christ’s love, I am drawn deeper into His presence. It is like having heaven here on earth, while I wait with eager anticipation for His presence to fill my life. I don’t know how He does it, but those priceless moments of waiting for Him and daily meditating on His Word is what frees me for joyful living! How can I not share this experience with the world? I want to shout it from the roof top – I’m in love with the One who gives me a reason to live! My Redeemer lives and He lives for me and for you! Come and meet the One who will sweep your heart away forever. Jesus is wonderful, Jesus is beautiful, and Jesus is glorious. There is no other love like the love of my Savior. Why don’t you take a moment and write Him a love letter today? Give Jesus Christ your heart.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: Christ’s presence to fill you up, keeping you safe and warm while you wait for His imminent return. Open your Bible this morning and read out loud His love letter written just for you. Won’t you give Jesus your very best? Give Him your heart 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.

Transformation from the inside out

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Leviticus 16, 17, 18

Leviticus 17:34 (NIV)

34 This is to be a lasting ordinance for you: Atonement is to be made once a year for all the sins of the Israelites. And it was done, as the Lord commanded Moses.

II Corinthians 3:12-18 (NIV)

12 Therefore, since we have such a hope, we are very bold. 13 We are not like Moses, who would put a veil over his face to keep the Israelites from gazing at it while the radiance was fading away. 14 But their minds were made dull, for to this day the same veil remains when the old covenant is read. It has not been removed, because only in Christ is it taken away. 15 Even to this day when Moses is read, a veil covers their hearts. 16 But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 18 And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.

Good morning!

The Lord gave Moses specific and detailed instructions surrounding the annual ritual known as the Day of Atonement. Once a year, Aaron was only allowed into the Most Holy of Holy places to offer sin and guilt offerings for himself, his family, and for the Israelite people. On this special day, Aaron would follow the instruction of the Lord, and sacrifice a young bull for the sin offering and a ram for the burnt offering. He would bathe and dress in the special garments to be used only for the purpose of fulfilling the sacrifice of atonement. Two goats would be presented; one would be sacrificed as a sin offering and the other goat became the scapegoat, bearing the shame and guilt of all the people. This goat would then be taken to a deserted place and let loose to wander and die alone. All the while, Aaron would sprinkle the blood of the offerings around the atonement cover. Without the blood, these offerings would not bring forth the much-needed forgiveness for sin.

Aaron’s act of worship created an environment for change inside the tabernacle. By welcoming God through the sacrifice of worship, he laid the foundation for God to forgive and forget. It is an amazing thing when God forgives and forgets. What a blessing it is to serve the One who loves us that much.

When Jesus grabs hold of your heart, everything changes. He is the fulfillment of all Scripture. It is His love that overcame sin and death once and for all. His blood contains the cleansing power necessary to wipe away our sin and free us for life! His sacrifice is the ultimate and only sacrifice needed. He became the scapegoat for all of our guilt and shame. When we call upon the name of Jesus, profess Him as the Lord and Savior, confess our sins and ask Him to forgive, our hearts are transformed from the inside out. His power is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Unlike the Israelites, we don’t have to wait for the annual Day of Atonement. He is here. He is now. Jesus is God, the Son – the One who sets us free!

In the tabernacle, the veil was placed before the Holy of Holies as a protective shield. When Jesus died, the veil in the temple was torn. Now there is no separation between God and man, through the bridge gap of Jesus Christ. He made the way – a direct link for you and for me to experience the Father’s love. We cannot find Him without calling upon the name of Jesus. When we call on His name, our hearts begin to burn with His glory. We become like little lightening bugs, shining into the darkness of the world. His holy fire begins to purify our lives as the Lord of life takes up residence in our heart. Sin is dealt with and destroyed. Our faces radiate His glory, as we are transformed by the Holy Spirit.

If you would like to experience the glory of God for yourself, invite Jesus to come and live within your heart today. He not only forgives your sin when you sincerely repent; our God forgets it forever! Our mistakes are washed away by the power of the blood. Transformation is an amazing thing. I have experienced the redemptive love of Jesus Christ in my life. He lives within my heart, and I am on fire with His love. The old is gone and the new has come. Won’t you step behind the veil and be transformed by Jesus this morning - you will never be the same again!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: transformation to occur from the inside out. When Jesus grabs hold of your heart, your life will change forever! Our Father, through the powerful blood of Jesus Christ, forgives and forgets! Won’t you come to Christ 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.

Priceless Treasure

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Leviticus 14, 15; Psalm 36

Psalm 36:5-9 (NIV)
5 You love, O Lord, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies. 6 Your righteousness is like the mighty mountains, your justice like the great deep. O Lord, you preserve both man and beast. 7 How priceless is your unfailing love! Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings. 8 They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights. 9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.

Matthew 6:19-21 (NIV)
19 Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasure in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Good morning!

There are some things that are priceless treasure to me. I love joining hands with my brothers and sisters in church when we pray the Lord’s Prayer together. This is truly a moment in worship that reminds me of what heaven will be like – when the children of the Lord gather to praise His holy name forever and ever. I love watching my grandchildren, especially when they say their prayers. Little eyes closed, hands folded in front of their faces; their words filling the air in genuine, heartfelt tones. The sincerity with which they pray tells me why I need to learn to pray like a little child again. Their hope and trust is simple and sincere. Watching my husband deliver a sermon is a priceless treasure. He surrenders himself to the power of the Holy Spirit as he speaks the words that the Lord would have him say. His face lights up with a holy glow and his eyes sparkle with His light as he teaches the truths contained in Scripture. There is such joy in loving Jesus with all your heart, mind and strength. He is my priceless treasure – I place my life in His hands.

The unfailing love of Jesus Christ is my priceless treasure. Last week, I found myself lying in a hospital bed, so weak I could barely lift my arms. It was hard holding my eyes open. Yet, I was surrounded by the comfort of His amazing grace and love. I could feel His strength take over, supporting my spirit even when my body seemed to be failing me. His presence was all I longed for or needed. I cannot imagine living apart from His love. There is no fear, resting in the shadow of His wing. It was the strangest thing – there were moments when I felt frightened, and then, His peace would just blow across my face. It was like a breath of fresh grace, and my fear would simply melt away. I was a little angry with myself for being scared. I’m going to chalk it up to literally being a pint low, and I know it’s a natural human emotion to feel afraid when things seem so out of control. But that is when the Lord does the greatest work in me – when I totally lose control and can do nothing except to depend upon Him completely. Have you ever been in a place where all you could do was cry out to Jesus?

The priceless treasure of sitting in His holy presence, thanking Him for every breath I take, and praising Him for my salvation is a fountain of life to my soul. I long to be in His light – and I know forever with Him is going to be absolutely amazing. Do you know the priceless treasure of Jesus Christ?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the love of Jesus to be your priceless treasure. No matter where you are or what you may be facing today, Jesus Christ is waiting for you to invite Him into your life. His love is all you will ever need. Come and experience the joy of your salvation. Worship and praise the Lord of all. Give your heart to 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.

Living Outside the Camp

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Leviticus 12, 13; Psalm 35

Leviticus 13:45-46 (NIV)

45 “The person with such an infectious disease must wear torn clothes, let his hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of his face and cry out, ‘Unclean, Unclean!’ 46 As long as he has the infection he remains unclean. He must live alone; he must live outside the camp.”

Psalm 35:27-28 (NIV)

27 May those who delight in my vindication shout for joy and gladness; may they always say, “The Lord be exalted, who delights in the well-being of His servant.” 28 My tongue will speak of your righteousness and of your praises all day long.

Psalm 51:7 (NIV)

7 Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.

Good morning!

When my children were babies, I purchased a special laundry detergent called Ivory Snow® to wash their diapers, clothing and bedding. This amazing powder detergent, which resembled snowflakes in your hand, had the ability to clean stains, while leaving a baby fresh scent and soft, silky feel to the laundry. I could smell the wonderful fragrance of Ivory Snow® in my linen closet, whenever I would retrieve clean blankets or sheets for the nursery. I also liked the scent of Downy® fabric softener, especially when I hung sheets out on the clothes line to dry. It has been a long time since I’ve hung laundry outside on a clothes line to dry. Do you remember that squeaky clean smell?

At some point during their infancy, my babies suffered from some form of diaper rash. It did not seem to matter whether I used cloth or disposable diapers; the rash seemed unavoidable. Our pediatrician recommended several types of preventative creams and ointments to help clear the rash and make my babies feel better. I felt sorry for them, especially when their skin would become so chapped and raw. If you have ever experienced a skin rash, sunburn, dry skin, acne or eczema, then you might have some affinity for the pain it can bring. It was especially embarrassing to suffer from teenage acne. There were many times I would have preferred to pull a paper bag over my head before leaving home during those wonderful teenage years. Do you know what I mean?

The Lord gave specific instructions in identifying and treating infectious disease. In many instances, those suffering with leprosy, a bacterial skin infection that could cause loss of feeling in extremities and permanent paralysis, were forced to live outside the camp. Shunned by their family and friends, a leper was required to publicly announce that they were unclean, so that others could be protected from this malady. To be isolated, rejected, and alone in a time of illness and suffering must be the worst feeling ever. Have you experienced rejection at a time when you really needed someone to reach out and care for you?

There is an infectious disease that permeates humanity, even today. It causes great pain and loss of feeling to those who suffer from it. If you examine the sufferer, you will find physical, emotional and spiritual evidence of the disease. Like a rampant rash, it can eat away at your heart and soul. This disease is known as sin. Humanity struggles with its imperfection. While some try to hide their disease behind a perfectly toned body, make-up rituals, cosmetic surgeries, and the perfect wardrobe, sin is something that cannot be hidden. It raises its nasty head at the most inopportune time. Some people run from it. They shun the sinner like a leper; refusing to extend love and mercy for fear that they might catch the dreaded disease. Others point their fingers and find their self-worth in humiliating and highlighting the suffering of another. It keeps the spotlight from shining on their sin, that will eventually expose itself in due time. Where can the imperfect find help? Who can relieve their pain, heal their scars, and give them a chance to live free from this horrible, dreaded disease?

There is a cure to the disease of sin. His name is Jesus and He came to set the sinner free, to heal the sick, and save the lost. He changes lives every day. I am living proof! Jesus took my sin, and the scars that I wore; He cleansed my life and made me whole. It is His blood that offers me admission into the camp. I no longer live outside the perimeter, crying, Unclean!

If you are struggling with the disease of sin today, there is hope! There is a cure for you. He will change your life. Cry out to Jesus, ask Him to heal you. He can take the ugliest sin and wash it away with His cleansing blood. Would you like to come inside the tent today? Come to church and experience the amazing, healing love of Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a cure-all! Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life you’ve always longed for. He will wash you, heal you, and free you to live in wholeness. He waits for you to come. Will you come to the Lord 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.

Set Apart for Worship

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Leviticus 10, 11; Psalms 33, 34

Leviticus 10:10-11 (NIV)

10 You must distinguish between the holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean, 11 and you must teach the Israelites all the decrees the Lord has given them through Moses.

Leviticus 11:45 (NIV)

45 I am the Lord who brought you up out of Egypt to be your God; therefore be holy, because I am holy.

Psalm 34:4-5 (NIV)

4 I sought the Lord, and He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears. 5 Those who look to Him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.

Good morning!

One of my friends from Faith Church snapped an amazing photograph while walking through the woods last fall. Beams of sunlight pour through the clouds into a tiny clearing. It looks as if the Lord has reached down to earth and touched it with His Almighty Hand. The photograph is framed and hangs by the entrance to the Faith Church office. If you haven’t seen the picture, stop by this weekend and take a closer look. Can you see the holiness of God?

We are set apart to worship the Lord in holiness. What does this mean? My Lord is pure and perfect. I am so unworthy and imperfect. I have no right of my own to enter into His holy presence, and yet, I’m drawn to Him each and every morning. In the book of Revelation, we hear the angels, ten thousand upon ten thousand, singing to the Lord, “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb. Amen! Praise and glory and wisdom and thanks and honor and power and strength be to our God forever and ever. Amen!” (Rev. 7:10-11).

When I approach the throne of my Lord in worship, I gain entrance not because of my work, achievements or sacrifice. I am allowed an audience with the Almighty because I am clothed in the righteousness of Jesus Christ. It is His blood alone that covers me; His perfection that I wear; His righteousness I proclaim; His love that sets me apart. I am His beloved, and He is my risen King. His blood is all I will ever need; it washes away my sin, cleanses my heart, and transforms me into a vessel that the Father can use to continue His saving work in the world. When you begin to understand how the blood covering of Christ works to bring you into His holiness and grace, it will change you forever. You will never be the same again.

Like the beams of sunlight shining along the wooded path, the Lord lights my life with His love and grace. I am free to worship Him in spirit and in truth. His redemptive work on the cross is more than enough to free me to become holy, as He is holy. I am no longer common and unclean. I am washed in the blood of the Lamb. It is His love that radiates from my heart. It is His life that I long for. It is His holiness of heart that I worship.

Will you come to worship the Lord in His holiness this weekend? Will you call upon the name of Jesus to save you, redeem you for His very own, and allow you to approach the throne of God clothed in His righteousness alone? We are set apart to worship Him in holiness. May our lives become living worship, as we radiate the love of Jesus to a world that desperately needs Him.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the holiness of Jesus Christ to capture your heart, clothe you in righteousness, and radiate from your life. May you find all that you’ve ever wanted and needed in Jesus. We are set apart to worship and glorify 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.

Having your cake and eating it too!

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Leviticus 7, 8, 9

Leviticus 7:11-15 (NIV)

11 These are the regulations for the fellowship offering a person may present to the Lord: 12 If he offers it as an expression of thankfulness, then along with this thank offering he is to offer cakes of bread made without yeast and mixed with oil, wafers made without yeast and spread with oil, and cakes of fine flour well-kneaded and mixed with oil. 13 Along with his fellowship offering of thanksgiving he is to present an offering with cakes of bread made with yeast. 14 He is to bring one of each kind as an offering, a contribution to the Lord; it belongs to the priest who sprinkles the blood of the fellowship offerings. 15 The meat of his fellowship offering of thanksgiving must be eaten on the day it is offered; he must leave none of it till morning.

II Corinthians 4:14-18 (NIV)

14 Because we know that the one who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in His presence. 15 All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God. 16 Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. 17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

Good morning!

Birthday cakes are a big deal in our family. When our children were little, they looked forward to having a special birthday cake made especially for them. Every ingredient, including the flavor and color of the cake, was hand-picked by the birthday boy or birthday girl. Our Rachel loves strawberry cake. One of her favorite dolls was Strawberry Shortcake, and she had several birthday cakes made with strawberries and whipped cream icing. Her mother even made a Strawberry Shortcake costume for Rachel to wear. Our Benjamin likes lots of chocolate – the gooier the better! Our David didn’t have a big sweet tooth. His favorite desert was banana nut bread with cream cheese frosting. He still likes it when his momma makes him banana bread fresh from the oven.

The birthday cake marks a milestone moment. We celebrate with thankfulness the life of another. We taste the sweetness of the cake. This sugary confection reminds us of the sweetness wrapped up in the person whose life we celebrate. We embrace the culinary delight with joyful and happy hearts. The people in our lives are a gift from God and we find ourselves grateful for each and every loved one.

The Lord made specific provisions for His people to express thanksgiving, by means of a fellowship offering. This offering was a way to express thankful appreciation to the Father for healing and safety during a time of illness or danger. A vow offering signifies the celebration in the keeping of a holy promise. The freewill offering is just that – my free will chooses to praise and thank the Lord of all for of His amazing love and grace poured out in my life.

Do you have a thankful heart? My heart overflows with thanksgiving every morning when I awake. It starts bubbling up about the time my feet hit the floor, and after the first couple of hours, I find myself simply overflowing in thankfulness to Him. I just can’t help it! The Lord has been so very good to me. He is faithful in all things. He has never forsaken or abandoned me. He loves me even when I’m not very lovable. I don’t have to try to be something other than who I am when I’m sitting in His holy presence. His grace and mercy overwhelm me, and I live to praise Him each and every day.

His love for me is the sweetest thing I know. Because He lives, I can live with a thankful and grateful heart. No matter what my circumstance, regardless of my physical state, my soul tastes His sweet mercy and love every moment of the day. It is like having your cake and eating it too! Won’t you join me for a piece of God’s grace?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a taste of the mercy and grace through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord. Celebrate Jesus today! He is the sweetest treat you’ll ever know.

____________________________

© 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.

Unintentional Sin

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Leviticus 4, 5, 6

Leviticus 4:27 (NIV)

27 If a member of the community sins unintentionally and does what is forbidden in any of the Lord’s commands, he is guilty.

Numbers 15:28 (NIV)

28 The priest is to make atonement before the Lord for the one who erred by sinning unintentionally, and when atonement has been made for him, he will be forgiven.

Romans 5:6-8 (NIV)

6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. 7 Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Good morning!

The late great comedian Flip Wilson brought the character Geraldine to life with this time-honored quote, “The Devil made me do it!” I remember watching Geraldine on television as a child, and laughing hysterically every time I heard these words. It is so much easier to blame someone else for the mistakes we make than to take responsibility for our own actions. Have you ever glossed over your failures by passing the blame to someone else?

I confess that I spent a chunk of my life wallowing in the muddy circumstances of my childhood and placing blame for the poor choices I made upon my family. If I were to take a poll, I might learn that I’m not the only one who has done this very same thing. Sometimes, when we feel angry and a little self-righteous, we step up to the batter’s box and swing at the ball with all our might. Sometimes we choose to give sin a ride by our hateful choice of words, actions and schemes. There are other times when we experience momentary lapses in the things we do or say. In fact, we may find ways to justify our behavior. Many of my unintentional sins started with an innocent thought or deed that became the playground for self-centeredness and self-righteous indignation. Your mediation with the Almighty may sound something like this: If I’m right (and I know I am), this thought, motive or action could not possibly be wrong. God would never hold it against me. He knows my weaknesses, and He loves me. I’m sure God will make an allowance for me, just this one time. Won’t you Daddy? Won’t you turn your head the other way and let me slip down the slope without your noticing?

Do you ever sin unintentionally? When you make a mistake, do you take responsibility for it, or do you blame someone or something else for your poor choices?

The Lord gave Moses detailed instructions for worshipping Him, and the necessary steps to receive forgiveness for sin. God knew that His people would sin, sometimes on purpose, and many times, not. God said that, as a community, we are responsible to our brothers and sisters for the sins we commit. Unlike Geraldine’s pat answer for every mistake she made, there are no excuses for the people of God. When we sin, we are guilty. God provided a means for forgiveness, through the sacrifice of the great high priest. Sin is serious business and it requires serious redemption. The sincere and humble confession of a sinner, offering up a sacrificial lamb and the spilling of its blood, would bring atonement and restoration. When Jesus Christ, the holy Lamb of God, sacrificed His life upon the cross of Calvary, He broke the curse of sin and death once and for all. We can be free once and for all from the chains of sin. We can learn to forgive one another. We can be free to forgive ourselves.

My friends, we need to quit giving Satan so much credit. Christ died for us while we were yet sinners, and that proves His love for us. In the name of Jesus Christ, you are forgiven!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the blood of the Lamb to cover you. He died just for you and me. For all of the past mistakes, present failings, and future foibles, His love never changes. Sin is sin. Confess, repent, and believe!

____________________________

© 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.

Your Life's Offering

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Leviticus 1, 2, 3

Leviticus 1:1-3 (NIV)

1 The Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting. He said, 2”Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘When any of you brings an offering to the Lord, bring as your offering an animal from either the herd or the flock. 3 If the offering is a burnt offering from the herd, he is to offer a male without defect. He must present it at the entrance to the Tent of Meeting so that it will be acceptable to the Lord.’”

Micah 6:6-8 (NIV)

6 With what shall I come before the Lord and bow down before the exalted God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

Good morning!

Are you a gift-giver? I enjoy giving gifts. I look for special ways to express my gratitude and say I love you to my family and friends throughout the year. Sometimes, I’m not quite sure what to give. The “perfect gift” may be more than I can afford. What do you give your special someone who seems to have everything? Gift cards were popular presents last Christmas. Who wouldn’t enjoy a free meal, a tank of gasoline, or a shopping spree at their favorite store?

Every Sunday when we gather for worship, an offering plate is available for collection of our gifts to God. Everyone is invited to give a gift that might be pleasing to the Lord, an offering that can be used to help others in Jesus’ name. The gift may be monetary, or it could be something tangible, like food, clothing, or other necessities of life. I handed my grandson a dollar bill one Sunday morning as the offering plates were passed from row to row. He looked at me with great excitement and said, “Nanny, can I keep it?” Do you ever find yourself wanting to hold onto your gift rather than giving it away?

At the tent of meeting, the Lord called to Moses and gave specific instructions regarding the giving of sacrificial gifts. Every detail was meticulously explained. The burnt offering was given as atonement for sin. The grain offering represented thankfulness for daily needs. The fellowship offering was a gift of gratitude for intimate relationship between Creator and creation. These offerings were not intended to be the leftovers from our cupboard; rather, it must be our first fruit, pure and without blemish. The Father wants us to give our very best. When we lay it all down upon His altar, the sacrifice becomes a sweet scent that is pleasing to Him. God knows when we give our very best, and He knows when we hold our very best back.

Do you struggle with the gift you present to God? Do you worry that your offering may not be acceptable in His sight? We know the Father is perfect and awesome and holy. The gifts we choose to bring to the giver of life must be something that is sacrificial and priceless, something of great value. We want our offerings to be pleasing to Him. What can we possibly give to the one who gives us life?

Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, became the sacrificial lamb for our sin. He laid down His life, and He bled and died to save us from our sin. It was His sacrifice that brings us into eternal relationship with God. If the Lord, the giver of life, can lay it all down for you, can you not give Him your life in return? Don’t delay. Give Jesus your heart.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: willingness to give your heart to the Lord. Lay yourself down on His altar and allow Him to purify you, body, mind and soul. Will you give your heart away to the One who gave His life for 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.