The Good Li_e
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 10, 11, 12; Psalm 63
II Samuel 11:27b (NIV)
27b But the thing David had done displeased the Lord.
Psalm 63: 6-8 (NIV)
6 On my bed I remember you; I think of you through the watches of the night. 7 Because you are my help, I sing in the shadow of your wings. 8 My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.
Matthew 5:27-28 (NIV)
27 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Do not commit adultery.’ 28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart.”
John 8:7 (NIV)
7 When they kept on questioning Him [Jesus], he straightened up and said to them, “If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”
Good morning!
One of my favorite things to do every night after work is to talk to my prayer partners online. One of the many joys of email is that you can speak with friends from all over the world, in tiny quips. Of course, I tend to write mini-novels, but I’m sure you already know that. Email is definitely different from any other form of communication. When we engage one-on-one with a person, either over the telephone or in person, one must devote a block of time to listening and responding. This is a time-consuming process that can sometimes go on for hours on end. Email technology is a unique relational format. I can open my email in-box and read a message from my sister, write a response and press send. Then I leave the computer to do laundry, eat dinner, watch a little television, or read a book. When I return to check my in-box later that evening, I am delighted to see that my friends have replied! Email is a beautiful thing!
I love chatting with my prayer partners. We focus on how Jesus speaks to us each day, through the study of His Word and in prayer. We discuss the things that get in the way of our relationship with Him, and look for ways to overcome the inconsistencies of our faith walk. We pray for each other online. I know in my heart that when I need a spiritual sister to talk to, I can find her waiting online to listen and respond. The prayer partners I have come to know and love, adore Jesus Christ, and it is apparent every time I read their words.
Last night when I opened an e-mail from my prayer sister in Kansas City, she was talking about the struggle of not letting your possessions possess you. She was typing quickly and meant to type the phrase “the good life.” When she went back to spell check her work, she discovered that she had typed “the good li_e.” Many might call that a Freudian slip; personally, I think God allows us to “slip up” just to make a point. More than anything else, I believe that our Lord wants us to be completely devoted to Him. Jesus set the bar at purity by the time He spent in seeking out His Father’s face. Jesus spent hours upon hours alone with God in prayer. They were connected in ways that we can only begin to understand in the human realm. If we truly want to serve the Lord, we must commit to putting Him first in every area of our life – laying down the things that hinder or bind us, and purposely walking away from the temptation to sin.
Like David discovered, it can be easy to fall into the sin pit. The good life becomes a lie, especially when we take our eyes off the Master. We allow greed and self-centeredness to dictate our behavior. Whenever I take my eyes off the Lord, there is no doubt that I’m headed for a fall. He absolutely has to be my center and focus, each and every day. When David recognized his sin for what it truly was, he confessed and repented. Have you ever tried to lie to God? Did you try to bargain with Him, reason out why your moral failure could be justified based upon your life’s circumstances? How does it feel to allow that line of communication to become severed over time? There is no justification when we break God’s law. And scripture and life experiences teaches that every one of us has broken His law, many times over.
The Good News today is that God’s mercy endures forever. If we will humble our heart, confess our sin, seek forgiveness, and turn around, the blood of Jesus can cleanse and redeem us, once and for all. Late at night, as I lay on my bed, I remember with great regret the times I chose my way over His way. I’m thankful that He remains with me through the watches of the night. Because Christ is my only help, my soul clings to Him, and His right hand upholds me every step of the way.
Let’s not mince words. Every time we turn away from the Lord to follow our own selfish desires, we commit spiritual adultery. God wants our complete and undivided attention as we walk through this life. What we think may be a good life could be just a good lie. Stop kidding yourself. Christ waits for you to come home to Him. I’ll see you at church this weekend!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: forgiveness! When we confess our sins, He is faithful to hear and forgive us. Let the blood of Christ pour over your heart today. Turn around and follow the Lord!
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Resurrecting a dead dog
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 7, 8, 9
2 Samuel 9:7-8 (NIV)
7 “Do not be afraid,” David said to him [Mephibosheth], “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” 8 Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?”
I Corinthians 15:55-58 (NIV)
55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Good morning!
David’s ability to honor and forgive the ones who hurt him was uncanny. How does someone forgive what seems to be unforgivable? How do we know when forgiveness is genuine and heart felt? Have you ever spent time wallowing in the mud puddle of resentment and self-righteous anger, unwilling to give your hurts over to the Lord once and for all?
There was a time in my life when I was consumed by anger. Like Mephibosheth, I allowed the anguish and hurt of days gone by to paralyze my spirit. This little boy lost his father and grandfather when he was just five years old. He carried the evidence of unforgiveness and grief in his physical body. Have you ever experienced such pain that it keeps you from standing up and walking tall? Why do we allow the anguish that comes from an unforgiving spirit to consume us like a fire that will not be extinguished?
David had every right to be angry with Saul. Still, he loved Jonathan like a brother, and Saul like a father. David recognized how sin kills us bit by bit. It is like a creeping paralysis, stiffening our necks, hardening our hearts, and paralyzing us in fear. David was determined to not allow his painful past to keep him from embracing the future whole-heartedly. He chose forgiveness, over and over again. Do you think David understood the magnitude of what it means to be truly forgiven?
We get so caught up in obeying the rules, that we allow our self-righteous attitudes to prevail, while we point the finger at another screwed up person. Does it really make us feel that much better believing our sin and moral failures cannot possibly be as great as the sins of our neighbors? The law was created by God to help people find happiness and fulfillment in daily living. Like Saul, there have been moments when I have stepped out of the legal box, running at a “break-neck” pace into a brick wall. I don’t bounce well when I hit that wall full force. In fact, those bricks in my life become the stones that smash my soul. Only the Lord can remove the bricks that block you from living in forgiveness and grace.
The Apostle Paul understood that the sting of death is sin. It is sin that continually cripples our spirit and leaves us paralyzed. Sin cuts us to the quick and separates us from a holy and perfect God. We give sin the power to prevail in our misinterpretation of His law. There are many people out there who are good neighbors, who possess strong character and good moral judgment. Yet, these people are lost without the life-giving relationship that can only come from God. They may do all the right things, but for all the wrong reasons. They shake their fingers at the law breakers around them, believing these people deserve the punishment they have earned. The next time you find yourself pointing a finger at someone else and passing judgment on them, take your hand and turn that finger around, pointing it at your heart. When we choose to condemn our neighbor, we have hammered yet one more nail into the precious body of our Lord Jesus Christ.
David knew what God can do through true forgiveness and mercy. Returning kindness after kindness, especially when it is not deserved, it a God-like quality. Mephibosheth asked the King why he would even bother noticing and caring for a dead dog like him. I’ve asked the Lord that very same question in prayer. Why would you care enough to take my broken spirit and hard heart, and melt it in the palm of your Hand? Why would you heal my stiff neck, bring life to my dry and brittle bones, giving me a new body - one that dances each day in the light of your healing grace and love? What have I ever done to deserve this grace?
The Lord invites all of us today to come and eat at His banquet table. He invites us to experience the joy of new life and true forgiveness. Like Mephibosheth, I was a dead dog, wallowing in the muck of sin. If our God can love me enough to pick me up, wash me off, reinvigorate my paralyzed and stiff body with His breath of His cleansing fire, He can do it for you too. Jesus knows how to resurrect a dead dog like you. Won’t you give Him your pain, once and for all?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the Lord to resurrect the dead dog that lies within your hard heart today. Come and eat at the Master’s banquet table. I will save you a place at the altar!
____________________________
© 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.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 7, 8, 9
2 Samuel 9:7-8 (NIV)
7 “Do not be afraid,” David said to him [Mephibosheth], “for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.” 8 Mephibosheth bowed down and said, “What is your servant, that you should notice a dead dog like me?”
I Corinthians 15:55-58 (NIV)
55 “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
Good morning!
David’s ability to honor and forgive the ones who hurt him was uncanny. How does someone forgive what seems to be unforgivable? How do we know when forgiveness is genuine and heart felt? Have you ever spent time wallowing in the mud puddle of resentment and self-righteous anger, unwilling to give your hurts over to the Lord once and for all?
There was a time in my life when I was consumed by anger. Like Mephibosheth, I allowed the anguish and hurt of days gone by to paralyze my spirit. This little boy lost his father and grandfather when he was just five years old. He carried the evidence of unforgiveness and grief in his physical body. Have you ever experienced such pain that it keeps you from standing up and walking tall? Why do we allow the anguish that comes from an unforgiving spirit to consume us like a fire that will not be extinguished?
David had every right to be angry with Saul. Still, he loved Jonathan like a brother, and Saul like a father. David recognized how sin kills us bit by bit. It is like a creeping paralysis, stiffening our necks, hardening our hearts, and paralyzing us in fear. David was determined to not allow his painful past to keep him from embracing the future whole-heartedly. He chose forgiveness, over and over again. Do you think David understood the magnitude of what it means to be truly forgiven?
We get so caught up in obeying the rules, that we allow our self-righteous attitudes to prevail, while we point the finger at another screwed up person. Does it really make us feel that much better believing our sin and moral failures cannot possibly be as great as the sins of our neighbors? The law was created by God to help people find happiness and fulfillment in daily living. Like Saul, there have been moments when I have stepped out of the legal box, running at a “break-neck” pace into a brick wall. I don’t bounce well when I hit that wall full force. In fact, those bricks in my life become the stones that smash my soul. Only the Lord can remove the bricks that block you from living in forgiveness and grace.
The Apostle Paul understood that the sting of death is sin. It is sin that continually cripples our spirit and leaves us paralyzed. Sin cuts us to the quick and separates us from a holy and perfect God. We give sin the power to prevail in our misinterpretation of His law. There are many people out there who are good neighbors, who possess strong character and good moral judgment. Yet, these people are lost without the life-giving relationship that can only come from God. They may do all the right things, but for all the wrong reasons. They shake their fingers at the law breakers around them, believing these people deserve the punishment they have earned. The next time you find yourself pointing a finger at someone else and passing judgment on them, take your hand and turn that finger around, pointing it at your heart. When we choose to condemn our neighbor, we have hammered yet one more nail into the precious body of our Lord Jesus Christ.
David knew what God can do through true forgiveness and mercy. Returning kindness after kindness, especially when it is not deserved, it a God-like quality. Mephibosheth asked the King why he would even bother noticing and caring for a dead dog like him. I’ve asked the Lord that very same question in prayer. Why would you care enough to take my broken spirit and hard heart, and melt it in the palm of your Hand? Why would you heal my stiff neck, bring life to my dry and brittle bones, giving me a new body - one that dances each day in the light of your healing grace and love? What have I ever done to deserve this grace?
The Lord invites all of us today to come and eat at His banquet table. He invites us to experience the joy of new life and true forgiveness. Like Mephibosheth, I was a dead dog, wallowing in the muck of sin. If our God can love me enough to pick me up, wash me off, reinvigorate my paralyzed and stiff body with His breath of His cleansing fire, He can do it for you too. Jesus knows how to resurrect a dead dog like you. Won’t you give Him your pain, once and for all?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the Lord to resurrect the dead dog that lies within your hard heart today. Come and eat at the Master’s banquet table. I will save you a place at the altar!
____________________________
© 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.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Presence Based Worship
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 4, 5, 6
II Samuel 6:20-23 (NIV)
20 When David returned home to bless his household, Michal, daughter of Saul, came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” 21 David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel – I will celebrate before the Lord. 22 I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.” 23 And Michal, daughter of Saul, had no children to the day of her death.
Luke 10:38-41 (NIV)
38 As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Good morning!
Michal and Martha must have been related. Here are two incredibly talented women; they are loving, loyal, and resourceful people. They recognized the real deal when they saw it. For Michal, it was her love for David, the young warrior, who slew one hundred Philistines and stole her heart away. When Martha met the Master, she immediately invited Him into her home, where she could serve and honor Him there. These women believed in putting faith into action. Their works took precedence over matters of faith. Michal’s anger kept her from understanding David’s heart as she watched him worship the Lord on the day when Israel brought the ark of the covenant home. Martha became angry because her sister Mary chose to sit and listen to Jesus, rather than help her with the entertainment detail. Martha’s service was appreciated, but it was her presence that the Lord coveted.
Do we get so busy doing the work of the Lord that we forget how important it is just to sit in His holy presence and wait for Him to speak? Are you willing to let go of the trivial, and waste your day on simply loving the Lord? King David understood the power of worshiping the Lord with all his might. He danced and sang before the Lord. He was willing to publicly humiliate himself if it would bring God the glory. Sometimes, when we lay ourselves at the foot of the cross with no hidden agenda, no honey-do list or plea for urgent help – we come simply to honor and glorify the Lord in His presence – some people may not understand what we are doing. Jesus honored Mary’s choice to sit in His presence, even when the expectation would have been for her to rise up serve the meal with her sister. Mary knew the real meal was right in front of her, and she could not pull herself away from Him. This is what presence-based worship is. It is a hunger that will not be satisfied except through seeking the Lord’s face each day. It is when we can do nothing to help ourselves other than run to Him, falling on our faces before His holy throne and crying out in overwhelming praise and thanksgiving.
Are you a Michal, bitter and envious of those people who worship the Lord full throttle? Do you resent those who would dance and sing in worship, raising holy hands to heaven, making what may seem a public spectacle of themselves, even if their actions bring ultimate glory to the Lord? What if the Lord told you to get up and dance in the aisle at church this Sunday – would you humble yourself and do it for Him? Or would you be more concerned about what your family and friends might say? Would fear of rejection stop you from answering His call on your life?
Are you a Martha, operating in a works-righteousness mode? Meticulous in the details of daily service, will we miss out on the main event because we’re just too busy to stop what we are doing and spend time listening to Him? No one can possibly earn salvation through any work of their own. That gift was given to us by Jesus Christ; He alone can save us. It is good to serve Him with all we are. In order to serve Him well, He must become the centerpiece of our day-to-day life. How much time do you spend in the presence of the Lord? What would you be willing to give up out of your very busy day to spend time seeking His face? Would you give up a baseball game on television? Would you be willing to give up that extra hour in bed to wait for Him to reveal Himself to you in praise and prayer? Would you take a lunch hour to prayer walk with Him at the mall, or in a subdivision, offering intercession for the people you pass along the way? How do you experience the presence of the risen Christ in your life?
May our lives become living worship as we humbly seek His face, glorifying His name in prayer and praise, every day in every way.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the desire to spend time in His presence today. He will carve out the time for you, if you are willing to sacrifice your day to Him. Let us become totally undone as we seek nothing more than to be in His presence today. He will change your life, if you let Him. I know this, because He has changed 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.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 4, 5, 6
II Samuel 6:20-23 (NIV)
20 When David returned home to bless his household, Michal, daughter of Saul, came out to meet him and said, “How the king of Israel has distinguished himself today, disrobing in the sight of the slave girls of his servants as any vulgar fellow would!” 21 David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose me rather than your father or anyone from his house when he appointed me ruler over the Lord’s people Israel – I will celebrate before the Lord. 22 I will become even more undignified than this, and I will be humiliated in my own eyes. But by these slave girls you spoke of, I will be held in honor.” 23 And Michal, daughter of Saul, had no children to the day of her death.
Luke 10:38-41 (NIV)
38 As Jesus and His disciples were on their way, He came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to Him. 39 She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what He said. 40 But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” 41 “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Good morning!
Michal and Martha must have been related. Here are two incredibly talented women; they are loving, loyal, and resourceful people. They recognized the real deal when they saw it. For Michal, it was her love for David, the young warrior, who slew one hundred Philistines and stole her heart away. When Martha met the Master, she immediately invited Him into her home, where she could serve and honor Him there. These women believed in putting faith into action. Their works took precedence over matters of faith. Michal’s anger kept her from understanding David’s heart as she watched him worship the Lord on the day when Israel brought the ark of the covenant home. Martha became angry because her sister Mary chose to sit and listen to Jesus, rather than help her with the entertainment detail. Martha’s service was appreciated, but it was her presence that the Lord coveted.
Do we get so busy doing the work of the Lord that we forget how important it is just to sit in His holy presence and wait for Him to speak? Are you willing to let go of the trivial, and waste your day on simply loving the Lord? King David understood the power of worshiping the Lord with all his might. He danced and sang before the Lord. He was willing to publicly humiliate himself if it would bring God the glory. Sometimes, when we lay ourselves at the foot of the cross with no hidden agenda, no honey-do list or plea for urgent help – we come simply to honor and glorify the Lord in His presence – some people may not understand what we are doing. Jesus honored Mary’s choice to sit in His presence, even when the expectation would have been for her to rise up serve the meal with her sister. Mary knew the real meal was right in front of her, and she could not pull herself away from Him. This is what presence-based worship is. It is a hunger that will not be satisfied except through seeking the Lord’s face each day. It is when we can do nothing to help ourselves other than run to Him, falling on our faces before His holy throne and crying out in overwhelming praise and thanksgiving.
Are you a Michal, bitter and envious of those people who worship the Lord full throttle? Do you resent those who would dance and sing in worship, raising holy hands to heaven, making what may seem a public spectacle of themselves, even if their actions bring ultimate glory to the Lord? What if the Lord told you to get up and dance in the aisle at church this Sunday – would you humble yourself and do it for Him? Or would you be more concerned about what your family and friends might say? Would fear of rejection stop you from answering His call on your life?
Are you a Martha, operating in a works-righteousness mode? Meticulous in the details of daily service, will we miss out on the main event because we’re just too busy to stop what we are doing and spend time listening to Him? No one can possibly earn salvation through any work of their own. That gift was given to us by Jesus Christ; He alone can save us. It is good to serve Him with all we are. In order to serve Him well, He must become the centerpiece of our day-to-day life. How much time do you spend in the presence of the Lord? What would you be willing to give up out of your very busy day to spend time seeking His face? Would you give up a baseball game on television? Would you be willing to give up that extra hour in bed to wait for Him to reveal Himself to you in praise and prayer? Would you take a lunch hour to prayer walk with Him at the mall, or in a subdivision, offering intercession for the people you pass along the way? How do you experience the presence of the risen Christ in your life?
May our lives become living worship as we humbly seek His face, glorifying His name in prayer and praise, every day in every way.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the desire to spend time in His presence today. He will carve out the time for you, if you are willing to sacrifice your day to Him. Let us become totally undone as we seek nothing more than to be in His presence today. He will change your life, if you let Him. I know this, because He has changed 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.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Robbing God
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 1, 2, 3; Psalm 62
Psalm 62 (NIV)
1 My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
3 How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him down this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
4 They fully intend to topple him from his lofty place; they take delight in lies, with their mouths they bless, but in their hearts, they curse.
5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.
9 Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath.
10 Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
11 One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: that you, O God, are strong,
12 And that you, O lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done.
Good morning!
Have you ever tried to take something that did not belong to you? I have found that the Lord reveals His truth through life experience. This is how He chooses to deal with my heart. God not only sees my actions – He sees the motivation behind what I say and do. Who do we think we’re kidding when we speak the right word at just the right time, but do not really mean it? We may be fooling ourselves and all those around us, but we cannot fool the Father. Hear me – He sees the depth and/or shallowness of every heart song and He will judge each and every one of us according to our “hidden” motivation.
I remember when Jeff and I returned home after a long day at seminary. We were tired, and ready to go home and kick back for awhile. We did not have an electric garage door opener, and it was a cold and rainy night. Jeff hopped out of the car to open the garage door. I unfastened Rachel’s seat belt and scooped my sweet baby girl up into my arms. I walked through the laundry room and into the kitchen as Jeff pulled the car into the garage. I stood there for a moment, not really understanding what I was seeing. Every cabinet and countertop drawer had been pulled open. The house was cold, I could feel a breeze blowing through the room and I wondered what had happened in our home while we were gone.
When Jeff came through the back door, I looked at him and said, “Someone has been here. I think we’ve been robbed.” In total disbelief, we walked through the parsonage, seeing the handiwork of an unwanted visitor. For a moment, we wondered whether the intruder was still in the house. Jeff called the Sheriff’s Department and an officer was dispatched to us. The back picture window had been broken, and shattered glass was scattered all across the living room floor. Handmade quilts and bedspreads that covered our beds were gone. Wrapped Christmas presents had been taken, along with many of our wedding gifts. Our jewelry boxes had disappeared. Jeff lost his high school class ring and his grandfather’s pocket watch. Our original wedding rings were taken. We were tuition poor, and most of what we owned had been given to us at our wedding. A silver coffee service given to me by my mother, and the violin that I played for years, had vanished.
What was taken from us was never returned. We never met the perpetrators. I often wondered if the ones who broke into our home that day had taken what little we had to sell so they could buy food to feed their hungry family. Maybe they were feeding a drug or alcohol addiction. I will never know who did this, or why it happened, but I know that God knows. He understands the consequences of human sin - when we steal from our brothers, and lie to cover up our many weaknesses and character flaws. God knows what a pride-filled heart can accomplish when one sets out to destroy the heart of another.
I shed a lot of tears, the first few days after the robbery. As I look back on that day, I began to get a glimpse of how the Father must feel when we steal from Him. He loves us so much more than we can begin to comprehend. He has given us every good thing we need to serve Him faithfully; to share the Good News of our risen Savior with the people who do not know Him yet. We choose disobedience when we ignore His Word in our life. We nickel and dime the Lord by taking what belongs to Him and using it for our own self-satisfaction. We pretend to love Him while placing our own selfish ambitions ahead of His call on our life. Why do we steal from God? Does the heart of my Lord grieve the way I did when we were robbed? Things can be replaced, but a person’s life is not replaceable. How much more does God’s heart break as He watches His precious children die in disbelief and find themselves eternally separated from Him?
Trust in the Lord. Take some time today to examine the motivation behind your actions. Try to see with your spirit what God sees when He looks at you. Turn around now. Repent and believe.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the truth to hit you squarely between the eyes. What does it look like to rob the Lord? Do you know how much He loves you? Choose this day to return that which belongs to Him. Won’t you give Him your heart?
____________________________
© 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.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: 2 Samuel 1, 2, 3; Psalm 62
Psalm 62 (NIV)
1 My soul finds rest in God alone; my salvation comes from Him.
2 He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
3 How long will you assault a man? Would all of you throw him down this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
4 They fully intend to topple him from his lofty place; they take delight in lies, with their mouths they bless, but in their hearts, they curse.
5 Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him.
6 He alone is my rock and my salvation; He is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
7 My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge.
8 Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge.
9 Lowborn men are but a breath, the highborn are but a lie; if weighed on a balance, they are nothing; together they are only a breath.
10 Do not trust in extortion or take pride in stolen goods; though your riches increase, do not set your heart on them.
11 One thing God has spoken, two things I have heard: that you, O God, are strong,
12 And that you, O lord, are loving. Surely you will reward each person according to what he has done.
Good morning!
Have you ever tried to take something that did not belong to you? I have found that the Lord reveals His truth through life experience. This is how He chooses to deal with my heart. God not only sees my actions – He sees the motivation behind what I say and do. Who do we think we’re kidding when we speak the right word at just the right time, but do not really mean it? We may be fooling ourselves and all those around us, but we cannot fool the Father. Hear me – He sees the depth and/or shallowness of every heart song and He will judge each and every one of us according to our “hidden” motivation.
I remember when Jeff and I returned home after a long day at seminary. We were tired, and ready to go home and kick back for awhile. We did not have an electric garage door opener, and it was a cold and rainy night. Jeff hopped out of the car to open the garage door. I unfastened Rachel’s seat belt and scooped my sweet baby girl up into my arms. I walked through the laundry room and into the kitchen as Jeff pulled the car into the garage. I stood there for a moment, not really understanding what I was seeing. Every cabinet and countertop drawer had been pulled open. The house was cold, I could feel a breeze blowing through the room and I wondered what had happened in our home while we were gone.
When Jeff came through the back door, I looked at him and said, “Someone has been here. I think we’ve been robbed.” In total disbelief, we walked through the parsonage, seeing the handiwork of an unwanted visitor. For a moment, we wondered whether the intruder was still in the house. Jeff called the Sheriff’s Department and an officer was dispatched to us. The back picture window had been broken, and shattered glass was scattered all across the living room floor. Handmade quilts and bedspreads that covered our beds were gone. Wrapped Christmas presents had been taken, along with many of our wedding gifts. Our jewelry boxes had disappeared. Jeff lost his high school class ring and his grandfather’s pocket watch. Our original wedding rings were taken. We were tuition poor, and most of what we owned had been given to us at our wedding. A silver coffee service given to me by my mother, and the violin that I played for years, had vanished.
What was taken from us was never returned. We never met the perpetrators. I often wondered if the ones who broke into our home that day had taken what little we had to sell so they could buy food to feed their hungry family. Maybe they were feeding a drug or alcohol addiction. I will never know who did this, or why it happened, but I know that God knows. He understands the consequences of human sin - when we steal from our brothers, and lie to cover up our many weaknesses and character flaws. God knows what a pride-filled heart can accomplish when one sets out to destroy the heart of another.
I shed a lot of tears, the first few days after the robbery. As I look back on that day, I began to get a glimpse of how the Father must feel when we steal from Him. He loves us so much more than we can begin to comprehend. He has given us every good thing we need to serve Him faithfully; to share the Good News of our risen Savior with the people who do not know Him yet. We choose disobedience when we ignore His Word in our life. We nickel and dime the Lord by taking what belongs to Him and using it for our own self-satisfaction. We pretend to love Him while placing our own selfish ambitions ahead of His call on our life. Why do we steal from God? Does the heart of my Lord grieve the way I did when we were robbed? Things can be replaced, but a person’s life is not replaceable. How much more does God’s heart break as He watches His precious children die in disbelief and find themselves eternally separated from Him?
Trust in the Lord. Take some time today to examine the motivation behind your actions. Try to see with your spirit what God sees when He looks at you. Turn around now. Repent and believe.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the truth to hit you squarely between the eyes. What does it look like to rob the Lord? Do you know how much He loves you? Choose this day to return that which belongs to Him. Won’t you give Him your heart?
____________________________
© 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.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
The Anecdote
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: I Samuel 29, 30, 31
I Samuel 30:8 (NIV)
8 And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” He answered. “You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.”
I Samuel 31:4 (NIV)
4 Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and run me through and abuse me.” But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it.
Good morning!
Have you ever experienced a spiritual attack? Sometimes we encounter these fiery darts in the most unsuspecting ways. Mere coincidences begin to take on a tangible shape that we can see with our spirit eyes. We begin to recognize how the selfish ambition and hateful ways of another may be grieving and cutting us to the quick. We shrink back in fear and despair. A spiritual attack may only last for a moment. Or, it could last for days, weeks, months and even years. Sit down with a piece of paper this morning and map out your past. Focus on the time when life seemed to be the most difficult for you. Identify the reason why it was so hard to get through, and list how your circumstance was resolved. Are you still fighting this or has it been laid to rest forever? Did you give your pain to the Lord in prayer? How did He answer you? Were you unwilling to completely relinquish control to the Lord? What kept you from finding His favor in your time of turmoil? How long did it take before grace and peace set in?
When Jeff and I moved to Terrell, Texas to serve College Mound United Methodist Church in the fall of 1978, we were fortunate to have a pharmacist in our active fellowship. B. F. White was a tall, lanky man, with a heart of pure gold. He had helped many people fight disease through the power of prayer and in the filling of prescription medications. This is a pharmacist you would want to know. He had a personal relationship with the Great Physician. If you came to the pharmacy for a refill on your script, he not only filled that prescription - B. F. White provided an even greater anecdote, and that little gift was free of charge. The power of intercessory prayer is alive and well in Terrell, Texas.
We had never encountered the sting of a scorpion until we moved to College Mound. They blended so well with their environment that they were not always easy to see. I can remember getting up in the middle of the night to nurse our daughter Rachel, only to find a sneaky scorpion climbing up the side of crib where she lay sleeping. B. F. White told us to keep an anecdote handy in the parsonage medicine cabinet, in case our children were ever stung. In an adult, a scorpion sting can make you deathly ill. In infants, it can be fatal if not treated within the first five minutes of the sting. We discovered that many scorpions came through the electrical outlets in our home. We had the parsonage exterminated twice a year, and we plugged every outlet that was not in use. That helped, but we still had to shake our sheets every night before we went to bed, and we never left our shoes on the floor. In fact, we always checked our shoes before putting them on to make sure we did not have an unwanted visitor lurking near our toes.
There are scorpions lurking in the shadow of our lives today. Sometimes, they blend in so well that we cannot see them clearly with our physical eyes. We must open our spirit to the power of the presence of Christ, so that we can protect ourselves from the sting of evil that threatens our daily walk. A scorpion’s tail, when it is outstretched, can be several inches to a foot long, depending upon its overall size. The scorpion’s sting is a painful reminder of what happens when we place ourselves in a position of vulnerability, where we leave our lives unprotected. We must put on the Word of God and glean the power and authority of Christ each and every day, if we intend to counteract the poisonous sting of the enemy. If you commit to stand in enemy territory, seeking nothing more than to offer the gift of salvation of lost souls, then you need an armor-bearer who is willing to fight to protect you. The name of Jesus is a powerful weapon. He is the only anecdote we need to thwart the schemes of evil surrounding us every day.
B. F. White went to be with the Lord many years ago. I will never forget his compassion and love for our family. I never knew what B. F. stood for, until we brought our son Benjamin home from the hospital. On the way home, we stopped to visit B. F. With tears rolling down his face, he held our baby boy in his arms and said, “I cannot believe you named this boy Benjamin.” “Why not,” we asked, a little surprised by his comment. “Do you know what my name is?” B. F. looked at us through a teary hue. I shrugged my shoulders and shook my head no. “My mother named me Benjamin Franklin White. Benjamin means, ‘Son of my right hand.’” He kissed our baby’s face and whispered in his ear, “Little Benjamin, you will be the son of your Father’s right hand.” B. F. handed my son back to me, leaned over and said, “Take care of this child. Protect him from the scorpion's sting.”
We are called to help protect each other by offering prayers of intercession against the sting of evil that exists all around us. The name of Jesus is the only anecdote we need. Will you cry out to Him today, interceding in love for the ones who are being attacked?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: an anecdote to sin! Ask Jesus to help you clearly see the evil before it stings you. Call out His name every morning, as you pray for those who daily live in harm’s way, and rejoice in your spiritual protection! Jesus is the name above every name, and He will be your Great Physician, when you completely let go and trust Him. Do you trust Him to be the Lord of your life?
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: I Samuel 29, 30, 31
I Samuel 30:8 (NIV)
8 And David inquired of the Lord, “Shall I pursue this raiding party? Will I overtake them?” “Pursue them,” He answered. “You will certainly overtake them and succeed in the rescue.”
I Samuel 31:4 (NIV)
4 Saul said to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and run me through, or these uncircumcised fellows will come and run me through and abuse me.” But his armor-bearer was terrified and would not do it; so Saul took his own sword and fell on it.
Good morning!
Have you ever experienced a spiritual attack? Sometimes we encounter these fiery darts in the most unsuspecting ways. Mere coincidences begin to take on a tangible shape that we can see with our spirit eyes. We begin to recognize how the selfish ambition and hateful ways of another may be grieving and cutting us to the quick. We shrink back in fear and despair. A spiritual attack may only last for a moment. Or, it could last for days, weeks, months and even years. Sit down with a piece of paper this morning and map out your past. Focus on the time when life seemed to be the most difficult for you. Identify the reason why it was so hard to get through, and list how your circumstance was resolved. Are you still fighting this or has it been laid to rest forever? Did you give your pain to the Lord in prayer? How did He answer you? Were you unwilling to completely relinquish control to the Lord? What kept you from finding His favor in your time of turmoil? How long did it take before grace and peace set in?
When Jeff and I moved to Terrell, Texas to serve College Mound United Methodist Church in the fall of 1978, we were fortunate to have a pharmacist in our active fellowship. B. F. White was a tall, lanky man, with a heart of pure gold. He had helped many people fight disease through the power of prayer and in the filling of prescription medications. This is a pharmacist you would want to know. He had a personal relationship with the Great Physician. If you came to the pharmacy for a refill on your script, he not only filled that prescription - B. F. White provided an even greater anecdote, and that little gift was free of charge. The power of intercessory prayer is alive and well in Terrell, Texas.
We had never encountered the sting of a scorpion until we moved to College Mound. They blended so well with their environment that they were not always easy to see. I can remember getting up in the middle of the night to nurse our daughter Rachel, only to find a sneaky scorpion climbing up the side of crib where she lay sleeping. B. F. White told us to keep an anecdote handy in the parsonage medicine cabinet, in case our children were ever stung. In an adult, a scorpion sting can make you deathly ill. In infants, it can be fatal if not treated within the first five minutes of the sting. We discovered that many scorpions came through the electrical outlets in our home. We had the parsonage exterminated twice a year, and we plugged every outlet that was not in use. That helped, but we still had to shake our sheets every night before we went to bed, and we never left our shoes on the floor. In fact, we always checked our shoes before putting them on to make sure we did not have an unwanted visitor lurking near our toes.
There are scorpions lurking in the shadow of our lives today. Sometimes, they blend in so well that we cannot see them clearly with our physical eyes. We must open our spirit to the power of the presence of Christ, so that we can protect ourselves from the sting of evil that threatens our daily walk. A scorpion’s tail, when it is outstretched, can be several inches to a foot long, depending upon its overall size. The scorpion’s sting is a painful reminder of what happens when we place ourselves in a position of vulnerability, where we leave our lives unprotected. We must put on the Word of God and glean the power and authority of Christ each and every day, if we intend to counteract the poisonous sting of the enemy. If you commit to stand in enemy territory, seeking nothing more than to offer the gift of salvation of lost souls, then you need an armor-bearer who is willing to fight to protect you. The name of Jesus is a powerful weapon. He is the only anecdote we need to thwart the schemes of evil surrounding us every day.
B. F. White went to be with the Lord many years ago. I will never forget his compassion and love for our family. I never knew what B. F. stood for, until we brought our son Benjamin home from the hospital. On the way home, we stopped to visit B. F. With tears rolling down his face, he held our baby boy in his arms and said, “I cannot believe you named this boy Benjamin.” “Why not,” we asked, a little surprised by his comment. “Do you know what my name is?” B. F. looked at us through a teary hue. I shrugged my shoulders and shook my head no. “My mother named me Benjamin Franklin White. Benjamin means, ‘Son of my right hand.’” He kissed our baby’s face and whispered in his ear, “Little Benjamin, you will be the son of your Father’s right hand.” B. F. handed my son back to me, leaned over and said, “Take care of this child. Protect him from the scorpion's sting.”
We are called to help protect each other by offering prayers of intercession against the sting of evil that exists all around us. The name of Jesus is the only anecdote we need. Will you cry out to Him today, interceding in love for the ones who are being attacked?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: an anecdote to sin! Ask Jesus to help you clearly see the evil before it stings you. Call out His name every morning, as you pray for those who daily live in harm’s way, and rejoice in your spiritual protection! Jesus is the name above every name, and He will be your Great Physician, when you completely let go and trust Him. Do you trust Him to be the Lord of your life?
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Monday, April 09, 2007
The Bittersweet Taste of Revenge
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: I Samuel 26, 27, 28
I Samuel 26:15-16 (NIV)
15 David said, “You’re a man, aren’t you? And who is like you in Israel? Why didn’t you guard your lord the king? Someone came to destroy your lord the king. 16 What you have done is not good. As surely as the Lord lives, you and your men deserve to die, because you did not guard your master, the Lord’s anointed. Look around you. Where are the king’s spear and water jug that were near his head?”
Matthew 5:43-47 (NIV)
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”
Good morning!
When I was a little girl in grade school, I liked to play pretend games on the play ground with my friends. As soon as the recess bell would ring, we would run as fast as we could to the jungle gym in the middle of the play ground. Crawling inside the imaginary hut, we would hold tea parties in our princess mode, where no boys were allowed. Of course, the he men who wanted our full attention would proceed to climb all over the top of the gym set, whooping and hollering at us, making fun of what we were doing. We ignored them; at least we tried to. There was this one little boy: he had wirey red hair, and was covered in freckles. This kid was an annoyance to me. His name was Jimmy and I think he must have secretly liked me, although boys sure do have a funny way of showing it. Every time I ran on that play ground, he would chase me, and if he caught up to me, I could expect to be tackled to the ground. I learned rather quickly that I needed to be faster than him. And I was - most of the time. This boy was a pain in my life, and one day, I decided I had enough of this kid.
I saw Jimmy coming toward me out of the corner of my eye. He was running as fast as he could across the play ground. I had my back toward him and my radar antenna was up and beeping. I knew I was his target. He had to have been traveling at light speed. This time, I refused to run. I dug my tennis shoes into the pavement and held my ground, preparing for impact. Just as he got within a couple of feet of me, I bent over and reached behind me for his outstretched arm. Momentum and velocity took that boy right over the top of my back and he landed in front of me on the ground. A victory cheer rose up from the children who saw me flip him. That look of shock on Jimmy’s face was enough to make me feel just a little bit guilt ridden. I just couldn’t leave him laying there. Reaching down, I grinned from ear to ear, offering him a hand up. I asked Jimmy if he was okay. This beet red boy said he was fine but I knew he had been defeated. I had embarrassed him in front of all of his friends. And wouldn’t you know it? He never chased me again! Sometimes, revenge seems sweet. But is it really?
David had the power to kill King Saul. God had opened every door for revenge; yet David never took advantage of the opportunity. In fact, David chose to honor the king who continued to make him live out his life on the run. It seemed like Saul really wanted to love this kid, but jealousy consumed his soul. He lost the favor of the Lord by his disobedience; Saul had no one to blame but himself. David understood the value of returning genuine acts of love for hate. He returned kindness after kindness to a man who obviously didn’t deserve even a second chance.
Jesus taught his disciples to love their enemies and to pray for those who continued to persecute them. In doing so, they would imitate the perfect heart of His Father in heaven. The next time you feel like lashing out at someone who is picking on you, remember the kind heart of young King David, and the words of our Lord. It may be easier and much more satisfying to attack, but that doesn’t ever make it right. If you feel like you are trying to outrun someone who is after you with everything they’ve got, stop right where you are, get down on your knees, and pray. Return their animosity with kindness. When we do this, Jesus says we will become perfect, like our Father in heaven.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: a heart that forgives over and over again. If you are struggling to love the ones who have hurt you repeatedly, ask the Lord of life to help you love them. He will do it for you every single time!
____________________________
© 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.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: I Samuel 26, 27, 28
I Samuel 26:15-16 (NIV)
15 David said, “You’re a man, aren’t you? And who is like you in Israel? Why didn’t you guard your lord the king? Someone came to destroy your lord the king. 16 What you have done is not good. As surely as the Lord lives, you and your men deserve to die, because you did not guard your master, the Lord’s anointed. Look around you. Where are the king’s spear and water jug that were near his head?”
Matthew 5:43-47 (NIV)
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”
Good morning!
When I was a little girl in grade school, I liked to play pretend games on the play ground with my friends. As soon as the recess bell would ring, we would run as fast as we could to the jungle gym in the middle of the play ground. Crawling inside the imaginary hut, we would hold tea parties in our princess mode, where no boys were allowed. Of course, the he men who wanted our full attention would proceed to climb all over the top of the gym set, whooping and hollering at us, making fun of what we were doing. We ignored them; at least we tried to. There was this one little boy: he had wirey red hair, and was covered in freckles. This kid was an annoyance to me. His name was Jimmy and I think he must have secretly liked me, although boys sure do have a funny way of showing it. Every time I ran on that play ground, he would chase me, and if he caught up to me, I could expect to be tackled to the ground. I learned rather quickly that I needed to be faster than him. And I was - most of the time. This boy was a pain in my life, and one day, I decided I had enough of this kid.
I saw Jimmy coming toward me out of the corner of my eye. He was running as fast as he could across the play ground. I had my back toward him and my radar antenna was up and beeping. I knew I was his target. He had to have been traveling at light speed. This time, I refused to run. I dug my tennis shoes into the pavement and held my ground, preparing for impact. Just as he got within a couple of feet of me, I bent over and reached behind me for his outstretched arm. Momentum and velocity took that boy right over the top of my back and he landed in front of me on the ground. A victory cheer rose up from the children who saw me flip him. That look of shock on Jimmy’s face was enough to make me feel just a little bit guilt ridden. I just couldn’t leave him laying there. Reaching down, I grinned from ear to ear, offering him a hand up. I asked Jimmy if he was okay. This beet red boy said he was fine but I knew he had been defeated. I had embarrassed him in front of all of his friends. And wouldn’t you know it? He never chased me again! Sometimes, revenge seems sweet. But is it really?
David had the power to kill King Saul. God had opened every door for revenge; yet David never took advantage of the opportunity. In fact, David chose to honor the king who continued to make him live out his life on the run. It seemed like Saul really wanted to love this kid, but jealousy consumed his soul. He lost the favor of the Lord by his disobedience; Saul had no one to blame but himself. David understood the value of returning genuine acts of love for hate. He returned kindness after kindness to a man who obviously didn’t deserve even a second chance.
Jesus taught his disciples to love their enemies and to pray for those who continued to persecute them. In doing so, they would imitate the perfect heart of His Father in heaven. The next time you feel like lashing out at someone who is picking on you, remember the kind heart of young King David, and the words of our Lord. It may be easier and much more satisfying to attack, but that doesn’t ever make it right. If you feel like you are trying to outrun someone who is after you with everything they’ve got, stop right where you are, get down on your knees, and pray. Return their animosity with kindness. When we do this, Jesus says we will become perfect, like our Father in heaven.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: a heart that forgives over and over again. If you are struggling to love the ones who have hurt you repeatedly, ask the Lord of life to help you love them. He will do it for you every single time!
____________________________
© 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.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Finding the Key to Salvation
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: I Samuel 23, 24, 25
Luke 24:1-3 (NIV)
1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
Matthew 16:19a (NIV)
19a I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.
Revelation 1:17-18 (NIV)
When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. Then He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead and behold I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
Good morning!
“Honey, I cannot find my car key!” I am regularly sleuthing, at least once a week, scavenging the parsonage in a panic for that key. I lay it down and then I cannot remember where I put it. I’m certain this is some sort of medical disorder, like Sometimers (Sometimes I know, and Sometimes I don’t), or maybe it is just Satan playing with me. The Father must look down from Heaven and snicker. It’s a good thing that the master plan included permanently attaching my head to my body, for if the Lord had made that feature optional, I’m sure I’d lose it too. I confess that I have been known to be late to meetings and worship because I spent thirty minutes looking for that disappearing key. It’s a funny thing about automobiles: they just don’t run without them. Why is that? I’ve drug my spouse and children out of bed to help me look for them. That's one reason why my kids all moved out. Here's a tried and true secret to get your children out of the nest. Make them get up everyday and help you look for that key. It works! One time, I lost my car key in the car and I knew it was there, but I simply could not find it. My poor husband had to crawl around with a flashlight until he found it for me. He is a saint. Please don't tell him I said that. Ladies, can I tell you - this is not a term of endearment. I need to put a cowbell on that thing. Why is it so easy to misplace a key? I’ve tried using large key rings, leaving them in the same place every day, to no avail. If I didn’t know better, I would insist that key grew legs and walked right off the counter top. Do you ever lose your key? Probably not. I’m sure it’s just me.
When we study geography in school, the key helps us identify important markings on a map. For those of us who are actually willing to pull out a map and use it, the key can be a very resourceful tool. It’s kind of like learning how to read the directions first. Are you the personality type that picks up a set of instructions and spends five minutes reviewing the key before launching into a project? Or, do you prefer to open the box, pull out the one thousand easy-to-assemble parts and begin your own path to victory? I’m not exactly sure when I began to think I can do things by myself with no help; but it must have been around the age of twelve to eighteen months. Now that is maturity in motion!
The stone that barricaded the tomb where Jesus lay had to weigh a ton. Have you ever wondered how the women who went to the tomb on the first day of the week had planned on getting inside? Someone must have kept an automatic stone rolling device in their pocket - you know, like a garage door opener. Maybe the women believed that the Roman guard posted at the tomb would help them roll the stone away. They needed a key to get inside that morning. How ironic that the key to salvation had absolutely nothing to do with human effort. The Lord of life held the key in His nail-scarred hands.
If you know the Lord Jesus Christ, you have found the key to salvation! When Jesus died, He didn’t stay in the grave. He took a little detour to Hell and back, breaking the chains of sin and death forever. He defeated the evil one, once and for all. Jesus kept His Word. He is the key. If you are stuck somewhere today because you have lost the key and cannot seem to find it, pick up your Bible and read Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20. If you cannot find a Bible, come see me at Faith Church today. I will be giving them away to anyone who needs a key.
Jesus Christ is risen today! He holds the only key you will ever need to be truly free! Happy Easter, dear ones! I’ll see you this morning at Faith Church. Just look for the short lady in the green hat, dancing in the aisle!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: Jesus Christ to become your Lord and Savior today. If you ask Him, He will unlock the door that you’ve been longing to walk through. If you have lost your way, this is your lucky day! 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.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: I Samuel 23, 24, 25
Luke 24:1-3 (NIV)
1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb. 2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb, 3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.
Matthew 16:19a (NIV)
19a I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven.
Revelation 1:17-18 (NIV)
When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. Then He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last. I am the Living One; I was dead and behold I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.”
Good morning!
“Honey, I cannot find my car key!” I am regularly sleuthing, at least once a week, scavenging the parsonage in a panic for that key. I lay it down and then I cannot remember where I put it. I’m certain this is some sort of medical disorder, like Sometimers (Sometimes I know, and Sometimes I don’t), or maybe it is just Satan playing with me. The Father must look down from Heaven and snicker. It’s a good thing that the master plan included permanently attaching my head to my body, for if the Lord had made that feature optional, I’m sure I’d lose it too. I confess that I have been known to be late to meetings and worship because I spent thirty minutes looking for that disappearing key. It’s a funny thing about automobiles: they just don’t run without them. Why is that? I’ve drug my spouse and children out of bed to help me look for them. That's one reason why my kids all moved out. Here's a tried and true secret to get your children out of the nest. Make them get up everyday and help you look for that key. It works! One time, I lost my car key in the car and I knew it was there, but I simply could not find it. My poor husband had to crawl around with a flashlight until he found it for me. He is a saint. Please don't tell him I said that. Ladies, can I tell you - this is not a term of endearment. I need to put a cowbell on that thing. Why is it so easy to misplace a key? I’ve tried using large key rings, leaving them in the same place every day, to no avail. If I didn’t know better, I would insist that key grew legs and walked right off the counter top. Do you ever lose your key? Probably not. I’m sure it’s just me.
When we study geography in school, the key helps us identify important markings on a map. For those of us who are actually willing to pull out a map and use it, the key can be a very resourceful tool. It’s kind of like learning how to read the directions first. Are you the personality type that picks up a set of instructions and spends five minutes reviewing the key before launching into a project? Or, do you prefer to open the box, pull out the one thousand easy-to-assemble parts and begin your own path to victory? I’m not exactly sure when I began to think I can do things by myself with no help; but it must have been around the age of twelve to eighteen months. Now that is maturity in motion!
The stone that barricaded the tomb where Jesus lay had to weigh a ton. Have you ever wondered how the women who went to the tomb on the first day of the week had planned on getting inside? Someone must have kept an automatic stone rolling device in their pocket - you know, like a garage door opener. Maybe the women believed that the Roman guard posted at the tomb would help them roll the stone away. They needed a key to get inside that morning. How ironic that the key to salvation had absolutely nothing to do with human effort. The Lord of life held the key in His nail-scarred hands.
If you know the Lord Jesus Christ, you have found the key to salvation! When Jesus died, He didn’t stay in the grave. He took a little detour to Hell and back, breaking the chains of sin and death forever. He defeated the evil one, once and for all. Jesus kept His Word. He is the key. If you are stuck somewhere today because you have lost the key and cannot seem to find it, pick up your Bible and read Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20. If you cannot find a Bible, come see me at Faith Church today. I will be giving them away to anyone who needs a key.
Jesus Christ is risen today! He holds the only key you will ever need to be truly free! Happy Easter, dear ones! I’ll see you this morning at Faith Church. Just look for the short lady in the green hat, dancing in the aisle!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: Jesus Christ to become your Lord and Savior today. If you ask Him, He will unlock the door that you’ve been longing to walk through. If you have lost your way, this is your lucky day! 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.
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