Melting heart

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Isaiah 13, 14, 15, 16

Isaiah 13:6-7 (NIV)

6 Wail, for the day of the Lord is near; it will come like destruction from the Almighty.

7 Because of this, all hands will go limp, every man’s heart will melt.

Isaiah 16:4b-5 (NIV)

4 The oppressor will come to an end and destruction will cease; the aggressor will vanish from the land. 5 In love a throne will be established; in faithfulness a man will sit on it – one from the house of David – one who in judging seeks justice and speeds the cause of righteousness.

Good morning!

Have you ever noticed how quickly an ice cream cone melts in the hot summer’s sun? I remember listening every afternoon for the singing bells of the ice cream truck as it made its way down our street. Bomb Pops and Brown Cows, Drumsticks and Popsicles were my favorite summertime treats. The kind-hearted ice cream man would pull to the side of the road and wave the children near. We would follow him around, like the pied piper, with nickels and dimes burning in our hands, just waiting to be spent on a cool and refreshing treat. He opened his little freezer, and the breath of ice cold air would evaporate into the heat of the day. Those frozen treats, rock solid at first, would melt in our hands and all over our play clothes, if we didn’t consume them quickly. Have you ever experienced a brain freeze, from eating something really cold way too fast? It can be a very unpleasant experience.

I wonder what it will take for the Lord to melt my heart. I live in a comfortable home, surrounded by the beauty of well-manicured subdivision. My neighbors are friendly and very busy, as they live out the days of their life, doing the things they love most. I work and I go to school. I visit my children and grandchildren. I am surrounded by the love of my husband. Yet, it appears that I’m frozen solid in the shell of a self-absorbed lifestyle. So very busy doing the things that make me happy, I seem to forget to look around and see the suffering of my neighbor. One does not have to look very far to realize that humans are crying out in need all around us. But when I choose step out of the comfort of my air-conditioned home, the Son of God begins to melt my heart like the ice cream cone that dripped down my fingers on a hot and sticky summer day not so long ago.

This is the seventh day of the seventh month of the year 2007. The time is 7:07am and I find myself on my knees praying for forgiveness. How I long for the Lord to melt my heart today. How I want to become a little less self-centered and a lot more selfless. If time could stop for just a moment so that I could see beyond my busyness and begin to care more about the people who surround me, my hard and frozen heart might thaw in the light of God’s love and grace.

This is my humble prayer. Melt my heart, O God. Let me be a sticky sweet mess just for you. Take my life and send me wherever you would want me to go. Help me not be so busy that I cannot see the tears in my neighbor’s eyes. Teach me how to forgive the ones who have hurt me. Help me to love them, especially when I don’t want to. Melt my hard and frozen heart. Make me more like you.

There is a day in the not so far off future when the people of Christ will hear the sweet sound of bells coming down the street where we live. That long trumpet blast will melt our hearts as the Lord of Life returns for His flock. Isaiah reminds us through prophetic Word that He is coming back one sweet day. How I long to meet my Jesus face to face. I need His warmth and love more now than ever before. May the risen Christ find you wherever you may be, and call you out of your comfortable life to serve Him with a passion and purpose. Are you ready to let your heart melt in the light of God’s grace and love?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the Son to melt your heart this morning. Let Him have all of you. Choose this day to love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. Are you willing to let Him be Lord of your entire life?

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© 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.

Drinking from the wells of salvation

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Isaiah 10, 11, 12

Isaiah 12:1-3 (NIV)

1 In that day you will say: “I will praise you, O Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me. 2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation. 3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”

Proverbs 4:20-23 (NIV)

20 My son, pay attention to what I say; listen closely to my words. 21 Do not let them out of your sight, keep them within your heart; 22 for they are life to those who find them and health to a man’s whole body. 23 Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.

Good morning!

When I was a little girl, I enjoyed visiting my grandparents’ farm. No matter what the weather, we would pile into our family automobile and make a three and one-half hour journey along the rural highways to their farm, located just outside of Eldon, Missouri. My grandparents lived in two-story house, situated at the top of their property, overlooking some of the finest land in the Ozarks. It was an idyllic location, where every season of the year was simply breathtaking from where I sat, playing with my dolls, on the screened-in back porch.

My grandparents drank water from the well they dug together as newlyweds. My grandfather built the enclosed back porch around the water well so my grandmother would not have to step outside every time she needed another bucket. Drawing water from the well was a two-man job, unless, of course, you had the elbow grease of my grandmother. She was one strong woman! She could pump the well with her left hand, while pulling the heavy bucket of water up from the ground by the rope with her right hand. This water was sweeter than any bottled water I’ve ever tasted, and it was always ice cold. Refreshing and thirst-quenching, that water nourished our bodies and souls. And to my delight, this well never ran dry! Whenever we needed another drink of water, we knew we could count on the wellspring rising up from the ground below.

Isaiah understood the sheer joy of drawing eternal water from the wellspring of salvation. By our Lord Jesus Christ, we can receive new life through water and the Spirit. It is the thirst-quenching song of salvation we raise each day to the One who saves us. Surely it is God who saves me; I will trust in Him and not be afraid. The Lord of life-giving water is my sure strength. He is my song. With joy I will draw from the deep, from the wells of salvation, and my thirst will be forever quenched by His amazing grace, forgiveness and love.

There is nothing better than the wellspring of life we experience in relationship with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Are you thirsty this morning? Are you looking for someone to quench the thirsting in your soul? Sing the song of Isaiah with me, and let the love of God through Jesus pour over your heart today. He will meet your deepest longing and give you a brand new life, when you choose to take a drink from the wellspring of salvation.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a thirst-quenching drink from the well-spring of life. Jesus came to draw the water for you and for me. Take time to be refreshed in His Word today. Are you ready to taste and see that the Lord is good?

___________________________________________

© 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.

Watch out for falling rock!

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Isaiah 7, 8, 9

Isaiah 8:11-14a (NIV)

11 The Lord spoke to me [Isaiah] and with His strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people. He said: 12 “Do not call conspiracy everything that these people call conspiracy; do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. 13 The Lord God Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, He is the one you are to fear, He is the one you are to dread, 14 and He will be a sanctuary; but for both houses of Israel He will be a stone that causes men to stumble and a rock that makes them fall.”

Revelation 22:12-13 (NIV)

12 “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.”

Good morning!

If you’ve ever driven Missouri Ozarks highways, you may have noticed signs posted along the side of the road saying, “Watch out for falling rock.” My father used to tell us a story about a disappearing Indian named Falling Rock. Every time we passed by a rocky crag near the roadway, he would recite the story. My sister and I would strain our eyes to see if the disappearing Indian was sitting on horseback at the top of the hill, waiting to head our automobile off at the pass. My father loved folklore, and he was quite the story teller.

When the people of Judah and Israel heard the stories of Isaiah, many did not believe him. This preacher turned prophet cried out to a generation who refused to listen to the only truth worth hearing. God spoke through his servant Isaiah, warning His children to look beyond what it visible, and to catch a glimpse of what is everlasting and infinite. We tend to focus on the people and things that trip us up in life; they get in our way of what we believe as true success and happiness. We fear the troubles in life that will only last a short while; but forget to honor the One is who lives and reigns forever and ever.

When a falling rock moves into our path and we stumble and stub our toes on the jagged stepping stones, why can’t we see the Lord is trying to get our undivided attention? We worry and fret about the people who cause us pain and wonder if their evil agenda will ever end; and yet, we forget to focus on the only One we really need to fear. Have you ever been so distracted by a nasty neighbor, a mean-spirited co-worker, or a controlling family member, that you lose sight of what is truly important? That falling rock may be crashing down on top of you; but you are so busy fighting the trivial that you miss seeing the boulder hanging over your head.

The Lord God Almighty is holy. He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end. He is the first and He will be the last. We are His people, and He longs for us to pay Him the attention He rightly deserves. Do not get caught up in the fear of things that will soon pass away to the exclusion of the One who reigns forever. We travel along life’s pathway for such a short time before we enter into an eternal realm; a place where we will be in a forever relationship with the Lord, or separated from Him forever. He gives each of us some time to choose. Which rock will you focus on? Whom will you serve and honor with your life?

Whenever you see a sign along the highway that says, “Watch out for falling rock,” think about the Rock of Ages. Do you only know about Him, or do you know Him? Is He your Savior? The words of Isaiah speak. That falling rock can save you, if you’ll cry out to Him today.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the stumbling stone to trip you up and the falling rock to block your way! The Lord God Almighty is trying to get your attention. He is so much more important than the tales you are spinning your life’s story on. Stop worrying about the trivial and look up! He is trying to get your attention right now. Won’t you cry out to Him and live!

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© 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.

Celebrating Freedom

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Isaiah 4, 5, 6; Psalm 104

Isaiah 6:5-8 (NIV)

[Isaiah said] 5 “Woe to me!” I cried. “I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips, and my eyes have seen the King, the Lord Almighty.” 6 Then one of the seraphs flew to me with a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with tongs from the altar. 7 With it he touched my mouth and said, “See, this has touched your lips; your guilt is taken away and your sin atoned for.” 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!”

Psalm 104:33-34 (NIV)

33 I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. 34 May my meditation be pleasing to Him, as I rejoice in the Lord.

Good morning!

Today is the day our nation celebrates its freedom! I’ve been thanking God for the freedoms I enjoy in my life. A great price was paid for the privilege to live in a democratic society, where we can freely worship the Lord and speak of His amazing love without fear of stoning, maiming or death. Christian brothers and sisters in other parts of the world struggle each day to share the Gospel message. By sharing their faith, they understand they place themselves and their families in harm’s way. I applaud their courage and faithfulness to Christ even in extreme adversity. I’ve never personally experienced that difficult test of faith. Have you?

When the Lord called Isaiah to speak His Word to the people, he was scared to death! He wondered why God would choose him, a man of unclean lips. Scripture teaches that our lips express what the heart truly believes. Isaiah knew he needed cleansing from the inside out. When the angel of the Lord touched Isaiah’s lips with the burning coal from the heavenly altar of sacrifice, Isaiah realized that it was God who purified him in that holy moment. When we humble our hearts and confess our imperfections, God touches us with the fire of His Holy Spirit, and we know, without a doubt, we’ve been purified from the inside out.

There is a freedom in knowing that your sins have been cleansed by the Master’s hand. It is easier to say yes to the Lord when you know, without a doubt, you’ve been washed from the inside out. When the Father said, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” It was Isaiah who answered without hesitation, “Here am I. Send me!”

For many Americans, the holiday will be spent grilling meat over a hot barbecue grill, swimming and playing in the sun, followed by an evening of spectacular lights and sounds erupting in the skies above. While we celebrate our freedom, our men and women in military service are giving themselves sacrificially to the cause of freedom and democracy around the world. We must remember with grateful hearts those who have answered the call to serve, and have lost their lives in the process.

Jesus Christ, the only Son of the Living God, came to earth and sacrificed His life so that we could experience true freedom and everlasting life in Him. Take time today to thank the Lord of life for the freedom you have in Him. When Jesus sets you free, you are free indeed!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: ears to hear the Lord calling your name. He has purified your heart with His blood, and now He is calling out your name. Who will go for us? Whom shall I send? Are you ready to answer, “Here am I. Send 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.

The trivial pursuit of faith

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Isaiah 1, 2, 3

Isaiah 1:13-17 (NIV)

[The Word of the Lord conveyed through Isaiah, His prophet] 13 Stop bringing meaningless offerings! Your incense is detestable to me. New Moons, Sabbaths and convocations – I cannot bear your evil assemblies. 14 Your New Moon festivals and your appointed feasts my soul hates. They have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. 15 When you spread your hands out in prayer, I will hide my eyes from you; even if you offer many prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are full of blood; 16 wash and make yourselves clean. Take your evil deeds out of my sight! Stop doing wrong, 17 learn to do right!

Good morning!

Do you like playing the game Trivial Pursuit? It’s a great way to spend a couple of hours. I’m not very good at it; yet every time I play, I learn something new. Our church occasionally hosts a trivia night. This is a fun way to spend an evening! I realize how little I actually know after listening to my friends around the table answer questions about people, places, events and history. I like Bible trivia, because it tests my knowledge of His Word. Even after all this time, I still get stumped with some of those Bible questions. No matter how hard I study, I wonder if I’ll ever get it all straight in my head. It’s a good thing Christ offers me grace. I’d surely be lost without it!

Isaiah was called on by the Lord to deliver a sharp and pointed message to His people. Even though this Word was written approximately 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, His word resonates in our hearts today. God is not impressed our superficial faith; no, not so much. This is a hard message, especially for all of us perfectionists out there. We follow all the rules but forget to follow the rule maker. We throw our full weight against Scripture, reason, tradition and experience, only to pull back in fear when controversies erupt within our church. Sometimes, we get so fed up with trying, that we stop. We give up. And like many of our Israelite brothers and sisters, we find ourselves living in the muck of selfish sin, rebelliousness; eventually we become spiritually bankrupt. We wonder why God refuses to accept our ritual worship each week, or our one minute microwavable prayer before we fly out the door to get on with the business of our life. We don’t understand how He could be so offended by the one hour we give each week in worship. Isn’t that more than enough time for the Lord? Our culture teaches us that we discover physical and emotional health, wealth and happiness as we live within a balanced lifestyle, and strive take care of ourselves, first and foremost. So why can’t we convince God that our way of living is really the right way? Is our way the right way?

God wants more from us than just a trivial pursuit of Him. He wants us to know more about who He is and whose we are in Him. We may just be scratching the surface in our relationship with the Lord. Is He your solid foundation, or just someone to cry out to when life is tough? Is He your first love or a fleeting thought? Is God’s work an obligation to grudgingly fulfill, or the spark that gives true meaning to your life? Isaiah calls all of us into account for our superficial faith. Take some time today to redefine your relationship with the Lord. Is it just a game, a trivial pursuit in your life, or are you serious about following Jesus Christ?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the truth to hit you right between the eyes. Take some time today to pour over the Word of the Lord delivered through Isaiah the prophet. Are you brave enough to take a serious look at your relationship with Jesus? If we are willing to honestly confess our sin and admit those things that have separated us from a perfect and Holy God, Jesus Christ will be waiting with open arms to offer forgiveness and grace to every humble, repentant heart. He is waiting for you today. Are you ready to move past the superficial and into the deep?

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© 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 Lion King

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Song of Solomon 7, 8; Psalm 103

Psalm 103:17-18 (NIV)

17 But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear Him, and His righteousness with their children’s children; 18 with those who keep His covenant and remember to obey His precepts.

Deuteronomy 6:5-9 (NIV)

5 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be upon your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. 8 Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. 9 Write them on the door frames of your houses and on your gates.

Good morning!

“Princess, your chariot awaits!” I announced as I arrived yesterday afternoon for a play date with my granddaughter. Three-year-old Emily looked like a little porcelain doll, ready to experience a magical moment. Mommy had dressed Emily up in the yellow Easter dress she wore this spring, adorned with satin ribbons and bows. She wore her gold princess crown. It kept her long, curly locks of hair from falling in her sweet face. Big brother Joshua was snapping photographs of Emily with Mom. She looked at me through those great big blue saucer eyes, and while batting her eyelashes, said, “Nanny, you are taking me to the Box.” “The Fox, Emily,” I said, giggling under my breath. “We are going to the Fox Theatre to see The Lion King!” Emily jumped up and down with excitement! It was time.

We walked hand-in-hand along the sidewalk of Grand Avenue and Washington Street We were slipping inside the theatre just before the last curtain call, and it was important we reach our seats before the processional of animals began. Even in our rush, I couldn’t help but notice the look of amazement on Emily’s face as we moved toward the big stage of the Fox Theatre. I remember the very first time I saw it myself. I was just a little girl myself, and it was Christmastime in the city. We were there to see the Nutcracker Suite. If you’ve never been to the Fox Theatre in Saint Louis, Missouri, make plans to visit. The architecture and décor of this theatre will take your breath away. yesterday.

I had never seen the Broadway version of The Lion King, and was looking forward to experiencing the “circle of life” as a play. I found myself drawn to watching the look on young Emily’s face as she experienced her Broadway moment for the very first time. The music was loud, and some of it was rather scary. She sat still for the first half of the program. After intermission, Emily got real fidgety, but we were able to hang on to the very last curtain call. The costuming, set changes, lighting, and music were absolutely phenomenal. The actors were awesome. Emily took a shine to young Simba, a little lion cub with a great big voice and a personality to match. She was too young to understand the theme of the play; yet, I would imagine Emily will never forget those magical moments, sitting on grandmother’s lap, while taking in all the sights and sounds of the production. Besides the elephants and giraffes, we especially liked the dancers who flew around the stage in mid-air during the love songs.

The Lion King story reminds me of our rich inheritance as precious children of the King of Kings. We are all born into this world with a greater plan and purpose to fulfill. We learn how to live out our days through the examples set by our family and friends. As we grow and mature, we experience fear, death, pain, and confusion. Sometimes it is easier to run away than face the truth. Like young Simba, he thought his life had ended the day his father died. As he grew into adulthood, Simba learned from adversity that he was called to be a leader. By overcoming fear with faith, a little lion cub became the Lion King.

We live in a circle of life and love; a precious gift designed by the hand of the Master Architect. Do not be afraid to share your faith with the wee ones in your life. They will learn about the Lord through your stories and life example. We can emulate God’s love by the love we share with others. Simba went home to protect his kingdom and lead by love. Are you ready to return to the Lord, pick up your mantle and run? It is time.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: courage to live out God’s plan for your life. He is counting on you to share your faith in Christ with the ones who have lost their way. Do not be afraid to turn around, especially if you have been running away! It is not too late to climb the mountain of faith. Simba would tell you that the view from the top is worth the effort.

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© 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 A Believer!

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Song of Solomon 4, 5, 6

Song of Solomon 4:7 (ESV)

7 You are altogether beautiful my love; there is no flaw in you.

I John 4:12(b)-13 (ESV)

12b If we love one another, God abides in us and His love is perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit.

Good morning!

In 1966, I had a crush on a boy band. The group that stole my heart was a pop-rock quartet from Los Angeles, who had their roots in England. Their television sitcom only ran for three years but I can tell you I did not miss an episode. The first time I heard the song I’m a Believer on the radio, I was hooked, and so was the rest of America. In 1966, I’m A Believer hit the #1 spot on the Pop Music Charts in the United States and Great Britain. Like many other wide-eyed eight year old girls, I believed that one day I would grow up and marry Davy Jones.

My grandfather had become gravely ill in Mississippi and my mother had taken my four-year-old sister and went back home to help care for her father in the last days of his life. I was in the second grade and because this happened during the school year, I ended up staying at home alone in St. Louis with my dad. He was not the cook my mother was, and quite often after he got home from work, we would go and have supper at the Steak N Shake on Lindbergh Boulevard in Hazelwood. I liked twirling on the big bar stool next to the juke box. My dad did not care for the Monkeys. He thought their hair was way too long and he really didn’t like the loud music and all those hysterical girls fainting at their feet. Still, he could see the twinkle in my eye every time I heard the Monkees’ music on the transistor radio. We would order my favorite food – a cheeseburger (plain) with French fries, and a large strawberry milk shake. When the food would arrive, Daddy would lean over and add some change to the jukebox, pressing the button next to the Monkees’ number one hit. I remember spinning around and around on that tall bar stool, laughing and singing, I’m A Believer with my Dad.

This was not a happy time in my life. My grandfather was dying and I knew I would never see him alive again. My mother and sister were far, far away, and I didn’t know when they were coming home to us. Oh, but how I treasured those wonderful dinners with my father at Steak N Shake. Every time I visit that restaurant today, it takes me back to those cheeseburger suppers in 1966, while rocking out to the amazing music of Davy Jones and the Monkees.

Last night I found myself literally transported back in time. While sitting in worship with my dear friend and prayer partner, the praise band began to play and sing the song I’m A Believer. They had changed the words up from the ones I remembered singing as a child, yet, I really liked their version much better! I knew I was showing my age as I sat there laughing and clapping, but I just didn’t care! Proclaiming that I’m a believer is one of the most joyful things I do in life! That song helped me through some really rough spots as a young girl, and now, in my forty-eighth year, it ministers to me today. Life may not be as sweet as we would like it to be. There are seasons when we find ourselves grieving losses, like the loss of a family member, the loss of our innocence, or the loss of time itself. Standing up and shouting, Well, I saw His face and now I’m a Believer! can take the edge off the most difficult circumstances of our life. We have faith! We have seen Him! We are believers!

In a time when things were less than perfect for me, God revealed His love through the melody of one simple childhood song. His love is perfected in our hearts. When are lives are not so perfect, God always is.

I hope you stand up and sing I’m A Believer in worship today. We are perfected through the love of Christ, where all things are made beautiful in Him.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: His joy! Do you know the perfect, holy Son of the living God? Jesus Christ can take your imperfections and transform them by the power of His love. Sing it with me - I’m a believer! Yeah, yeah, yeah!

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© 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 love song of the redeemed

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Song of Solomon 1, 2, 3; Psalm 102

Psalm 102:18 (NIV)

18 Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord.

Song of Solomon 3:1-2a (NIV)

1 All night long on my bed I looked for the one my heart loves; I looked for him but did not find him. 2 I will get up now and go about the city, through its streets and squares; I will search for the one my heart loves.

Good morning!

Have you ever sung a love song? Some of the most popular, celebrated songs are odes to love. Composers write lyrics to capture the heart strings of its listening audience through rhyme and words. Their melodies and words stay with us throughout our life.

We learn how to give and receive love from the moment of our birth. It is emulated by our parents, for better or worse. The infant’s need for love and care are first met by its mother, as she tenderly nurtures and feeds her child. The warmth of a parental hug becomes a comfort that young children desire most. There is a shoulder to cry on when life is hard, and a hand to hold when life is scary. A child receives and emulates the love they experience through example. When acts of love are distorted, meant to harm or deceive, it carries a profound effect upon the life of a young, innocent soul. True love is a sacred gift of God, and much of how we see Him as we grow and mature is fashioned from the life examples of those in our circle of family and friends.

Have you ever been in love?

There is nothing more passionate than the first love of your life. My mother used to tell me stories about how she met my father. She was living in Memphis, Tennessee in an apartment with four of her best friends from high school. They were working downtown in a factory building aircraft for the service men fighting in World War II. She was affectionately labeled “Rosie the Riveter” because she could fit into the tight nose of the aircraft and finish its construction in a tight space. Her very first blind date was with a group of servicemen on leave. She and her girlfriends were waiting together for at the bus stop. As the young men stepped off the bus, Mom noticed a handsome young man, who was much shorter than the rest. She knew almost immediately that she would be paired with him, because she was also very short. She married him and spent the next fifty years of her life with this man before he passed on. Sometimes, we just know how the story will end before the beginning begins.

Have you ever sung a love song to the Lord?

Jesus Christ was the very first love of my heart. As a child, I remember singing the words “Jesus Loves Me! This I know! For the Bible tells me so!” Those words have stuck in my mind throughout the years. The love I have for my Lord is real. As I began to grow and mature, I started to re-examine why I believed in Christ. As any love relationship grows, we find ourselves sometimes in conflict. I’ve always loved my husband but I don’t always like him, especially when he refuses to agree with me. After all, the woman is always right, right? The same holds true with my Savior. As I’ve continued to seek the Lord out in my life, there are times when His Word is hard and what He would ask me to do and what I really want to do are two separate things. Yet, I know that my Jesus knows me better than I know myself. He loves me with a passion and purpose that I simply cannot abandon. His Word continues to grow inside my heart, and the relationship I seek with Him is more important than any other I will ever know in my life.

Every morning, I crawl out of bed in the darkness and find my Bible waiting for me in the study where I pray and write. His Word is a lamp to my sore and sleepy eyes. He lights my path and gives me direction for a new day. I cannot imagine living without Him. I am a better wife, mother and grandmother, because of His love for me. I look for ways to emulate Him in all I say and do. Very often, I miss the mark, but it is not for lack of trying. I wait for Him, because I know my Jesus will be coming back to take me home someday. And I look forward to living in the light of His love forever. It is all I can do to wait patiently for the time when I will see His face and He will take me up in His arms and hold me throughout eternity. He is my heart song, and I live to love Him just a little more each day.

As the generations come and go, we are created to praise the Lord. The love of Christ is like no other love you will ever experience. No matter where you’ve been or how love may have been demonstrated to you, there is an amazing Savior reaching out to you today. He knows your heart, and He sees your pain, your confusion, and your need. He can complete you, if you will trust Him enough to give Him your whole heart. There is no greater love song than the song of the redeemed. Won’t you sing it with me today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the greatest love song ever written to become a reality in your life! Cry out to Jesus today and He will give you a reason to sing! Our Lord and Savior invites you to experience the greatest love you will ever know, and His love will carry you throughout all eternity. Cry out to Jesus and live!

________________________________

© 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.

Running in faith circles

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Ecclesiates 10, 11, 12

Ecclesiastes 11:1; 9-10 (NIV)

1 Cast your bread upon the waters, for after many days you will find it again.

9 Be happy, young man, while you are young, and let your heart give you joy in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and whatever your eyes see, but know that for all these things God will bring you to judgment. 10 So then, banish anxiety from your heart and cast off the troubles of your body, for youth and vigor are meaningless.

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NIV)

13 Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

Good morning!

Do you ever feel like you are running in circles? Some of my days are absolute blurs and yesterday was one of them. I wonder where those hazy, lazy days of summer have gone. When I was a young girl, I loved swinging on the jungle gym in our back yard, nestled underneath the apple trees. Even on a really hot day, those enormous, leafy branches made the backyard a cool and shady refuge from the heat of the summer sun. From my perch on top of the swing set, I would spend hours just watching the clouds float by on a blue backdrop of unending sky. I saw the shapes and faces of the angels, glorifying God in the clouds. They were always there, floating around on those billowy pillows, and I could see them clearly then. Every time I hop on an airplane, I make sure to check out the cloud formations in the sky and I look for the angels. Even when I can’t see them clearly, I know they are there. How I love watching rainbows appear after a hard summer’s downpour. The smell of rain in the air reminds me of those incredible summer moments I enjoyed as a young child. It seems like it was just yesterday, but I know it’s been years since I’ve spent an afternoon swinging underneath the shade trees, watching my angels play in the sky above.

Where does time go?

King Solomon understood the sheer joy of being young. Like the King, matters of faith came easier to me when I was a child. Everything was simpler to understand and accept. Faith can be marred in the adversities we face in life. When difficulties came along and the questions I asked were not being answered, I began to wonder whether what I had believed in was true. Have you ever questioned your faith? Why is it so important to know and love the Lord? Sometimes we run in faith circles, chasing ourselves up and down the hills of life. Busyness and business get in the way of seeking the answers to our deepest longings. Sometimes, we must return to the days of our youth, and remember what it was like to see the angels playing above us in the sky.

If you are feeling anxious today, running in circles and wondering when the merry-go-round will stop, take a moment and sit in the awesome presence of the Lord. Let Him speak to your heart. King Solomon reminds us that our entire duty in life is to fear the Lord with a healthy respect; to discover for yourself who He is and whose we are in Him, and to obey His commandments. If we don’t make time to study, pray and worship, how will we ever get to know the Lord? If we want to please God, we need to set aside the things that distract us from Him. Take some time today to love the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and to love your neighbor the way you love and care for yourself. Go outside, find a swing set to sit on, and look up. You may see an angel or two, floating around in the clouds, smiling back at you.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: your spirit to be refreshed today, in the amazing grace of God. Won’t you love Him with everything you’ve got? If you find yourself running in circles today, stop, breathe, and enjoy a time of faith, set apart, with your Savior, 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.

Good grief!

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Ecclesiastes 7, 8, 9

Ecclesiastes 7:3-6 (NIV)

3 Sorrow is better than laughter, because a sad face is good for the heart. 4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of pleasure. 5 It is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to listen to the song of fools. 6 Like the crackling of thorns under the pot, so is the laughter of fools. This too is meaningless.

Matthew 3:1-2 (NIV)

1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”

Luke 15:8-10 (NIV)

8 [Jesus said] “Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Good morning!

Hanging out in the House of pleasure is Hazardous to your Health! Oh, good grief! This is how the Lord speaks to me at 4am. Do you know what I’m talking about? Can you relate? Would somebody please shout Amen!

Some thought Solomon was having a pity party. Take a closer look at the words of a wonderful wise man. The King had discovered a truth that seems to elude most of us. He sees value in taking time to mourn the sins in our life. Now why would anyone want to do that?

We seem to enjoy talking about the God of love and forgiveness and grace and mercy. And He is all of those things. But God is also a holy, perfect God; He is righteous and He expects us to obey Him. If we are really serious about being in relationship with God, we have to get serious about the sins that separate us from Him. What things do you do that separate you from the Lord? For myself, I’ve learned through many, many mistakes, that whenever I put my own desires in front of the Lord, I’m committing sin. It can be like choosing to lie, steal, covet, hate, gossip, lust, and even ignore His still, small voice. I separate myself from Him when I choose not to make time for Him to read and pray first thing in the morning or late at night before I fall asleep. When I fail to help my neighbor, I’m ignoring the Lord’s call on my life. If I spend $30 on one nice meal for myself instead of offering it up to a food bank that could feed a family of five, am I listening to my belly rumbling, or the spirit of the Lord? If we take a closer look at how we spend each day, on a scale of one to ten, are we separating ourselves more than we are bonding with the Lord of our heart song?

Solomon says that it is better to heed a wise man’s rebuke than to sing the song of fools. I confess I’ve been known to sing a few bars of that deadly melody, and learned from experience that this King was right. It is far easier to glory in a God of love than be willing to see the coming judgment for what it truly is. We would rather live in harmony than ruffle another person’s feathers. Just live and let live. Let’s all get along and sweep the things that separate us from the Lord underneath the carpet. But what if that person was headed straight to hell in a hand basket and the Lord was depending upon you to say something that could change the direction of their life forever? Would you be brave enough to speak up? What if that person is in your family? What if they are your co-workers, or friends from school? What if Jesus was counting on you today to make an eternal difference in the life of someone else? How far are you willing to reach the world with the saving Gospel message of Christ?

I can tell you, had it not been for some really wonderful people who chose to put their faith on the line for me, I would not be saved today. Sometimes, we need to talk about the things that get in the way of our relationship with God. We need to own our sin – see it for what it truly is. We need to confess, admit our mistakes, and give it all up to the One who can cover it with His blood, once and for all. I think Solomon knew there was a better day coming, but at this particular moment in his life, all he could do was cry out, “This too is meaningless.”

Living a life separated from God is meaningless. Knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Savior restores meaning to a lifeless form. If you find yourself basking in the house of pleasure, yet find yourself dissatisfied and unhappy, step out of your box and be courageous enough to take a closer look at who you are and how you are choosing to live. It is when we no longer like what we see that amazing miracles occur. Won’t you confess, repent, and believe upon the Lord Jesus Christ today? Good grief can come from the tears you cry today. Give it all up to Jesus. Hand Him your heart.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the ability to see your life for what it is truly is. Without Jesus, we are all lost in a meaningless existence. Cry out to Him today! He can save you. Confess your sin, tell Him you are sorry, and ask Him to come into your heart and change your life. He will do it, and that’s a promise you can count on!

________________________________

© 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.

Finding The Way home

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Ecclesiastes 4, 5, 6

Ecclesiastes 6:1-6 (NIV)

1 I have seen another evil under the sun, and it weighs heavily on men: 2 God gives a man wealth, possessions and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires, but God does not enable him to enjoy them, and a stranger enjoys them instead. This is meaningless, a grievous evil. 3 A man may have a hundred children and live many years; yet no matter how long he lives, if he cannot enjoy his prosperity and does not receive proper burial, I say that a stillborn child is better off than he. 4 It comes without meaning, it departs in darkness, and in darkness its name is shrouded. 5 Though it never saw the sun or knew anything, it has more rest than does that man – 6 even if he lives a thousand years twice over but fails to enjoy his prosperity. Do not all go to the same place?

John 14:5-6 (NIV)

5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way, and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Good morning!

“I’m running away!” I heard my five-year old son announce one morning from the breakfast table, after he decided he did not want to obey me. I chuckled under my breath as I grabbed the cloth suitcase from the top of the closet shelf, so that Benjie could pack his things. He was angry with me because I told him no, and he didn’t like it, not one little bit. Benjie began to grab some favorite toys to put in the suitcase, as I stood by shaking my head. “No, son, you can’t take those things with you. They need to stay here.” “Why not?” Ben looked at me with tear-filled eyes. “They are not yours to take. They belong to all of us.” The look of surprise and dismay on his face is one I will never, ever forget. That look reminded me of a similar glance I’ve given to the Lord from time to time. Benjie grabbed his pajamas, his favorite blankie and the Donald Duck pillow my mother made him. He slept with his arms wrapped around his precious pillow every night. Then he zipped the suitcase shut. “Goodbye Mommy,” Ben said, as he struggled to carry the luggage down the hallway and out the front door. “I love you Benjamin, and I miss you already. Come home soon, “I replied, as I stood at the door and waved. I watched my son trudge down the driveway to the sidewalk in front of our house.

“What’s up?” Jeff had joined me at the doorway. “Benjie has decided to run away from home.” We stood at the door and watched, hoping and praying he would choose to turn around and come back before one of us would have to go after him. Free will can be a beautiful thing; it can also be one of the most difficult gifts God has ever given us.

Have you ever wanted to run away from God? He gives us life – then lets us choose how we will live it. He blesses us with prosperity, yet we must decide whether to embrace it, bless others with it, or squander it away. He shows us The Way home through the awesome love of His only Son, Jesus Christ; yet allows us the freedom to choose whether or not we will ask Him to come into our hearts. The disciples wanted to know where Jesus was headed. They did not seem to know the way home, even when He was standing right in front of them. Jesus said, “I am The Way, The Truth and the Life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”

Jesus is crying out to you and me today. Can’t you hear Him say: “I am the One you’ve been looking for your entire life. Follow me home! I can get you back on track. I can help heal the hurt in your heart. I can give you everything you’ve ever longed for, all that you need is through me. Come to me now! I’m waiting right here for you! I’m standing at your door and knocking – why won’t you let me in? Will you choose me, even when you don’t like my instructions? Will you follow me, even when the road is not easy? I’ve given you everything you need to be happy and free. You lack nothing through me – I have given it all up for you. Won’t you choose to come home?”

Benjie walked down the sidewalk slowly. After a slight hesitation and with tears streaming down his little face, he turned around and headed back toward the open front door. “Mommy, I’m coming home,” he cried. Running out onto the driveway in my pajamas, I scooped up that sweet little boy, hugged the stuffing out of him, and said, “I’m so glad you came home! I’ve missed you so much!” Hand-in-hand, we walked through the front door, where his father was standing, grinning at both of us. Benjie got a pat on the head and a hug from his dad. Sometimes, a hug is all we need to know what we’ve been missing out on all our life.

Are you ready to come home to Jesus Christ today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: courage to turn around and come home to the Lord of life. He can take even the most stubborn soul and soften it for kingdom work, if you will just invite Him to come in. He is standing at the door knocking. The rest is up to 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.