The devoted things
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 7, 8, 9; Psalm 54
Joshua 7:1 (NIV)
1 But the Israelites acted unfaithfully in regard to the devoted things; Achan son of Carmi, the son of Zimri, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took some of them. So the Lord’s anger burned against Israel.
2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)
14 If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Good morning!
When my toddlers were first learning to pull up and walk, there was a period of time when I felt like the only thing that consistently came out of my mouth were words like, “Don’t touch that! No, no, no! Mommy said no!” They were so very curious. If they could get their hand around it, they might be able to put into their mouth. Colorful, shiny, tempting attractive things to touch and feel and play with – oh, the joy of possession! One of the first words I heard our son Benjamin say was not Mommy or Daddy. “M – I – N – E “ was his word of the hour. He would sing it out loud with a sinister grin plastered across his little face as he reached for something the things he should not have. That little guy delighted in the challenge of acquisition. If Benjamin could grab it, then he believed it was his for the keeping.
Have you ever tried to pry something out of a child’s hand when they do not want to let it go? It is not a pretty sight. Screaming and flailing around, they throw their little temper tantrums. We see the words written all over their not-so-sweet faces: I want it, I want it, I want it! I’m not giving it back! It’s mine! I earned it! I found it! Yikes!
Isn’t it amazing how the things that we see in our children are reflected in our own hearts as children of the living God? As parents, we discern what is safe and not safe for our children. We steer them from danger, hoping they will listen to us and not suffer the consequences and pain of helping themselves to something that truly does not belong to them. And yet, we think we can take the things that truly belong to the Lord and He is not going to notice?
When Achan took the “devoted things” from the plunder of Jericho, his disobedience caused a serious separation between the people of Israel and the Lord. God said, “Don’t take it” but Achan just had to have it. He took a beautiful robe from Babylonia, two hundred shekels of silver and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels and buried them in the dirt inside his tent. It was bad enough that Achan felt he had to take something that belonged to God alone, but to bury it in his tent – what good did that do? What he thought he could steal and keep would never be hidden from the eyes of the Lord.
It has been said that mothers have eyes in the back of their head. Even when they have turned away from their children, many of them can still see what is going on behind their back. Simple intuition – knowing as soon as you turn around, your sweet little angel is going to try and pull a fast one. As children of the living God, we do the same thing with Him. When will we realize that we cannot hide our sin from Him? He has eyes that see us no matter where we are, or what we are doing. He knows the scoop, and when we choose to disobey His command, there will always be a consequence for our disobedience.
Have you been trying to take something that does not belong to you? Do you withhold your tithe from Him so that you can buy something for yourself instead? Have you been coveting the possessions of your neighbors? Have you ever taken something that you knew was not yours for the taking, but you did it anyway?
The Good News is that while we are prone to disobedience, when we confess our sin, seek His face and turn from our wicked and sinful ways, the Lord will hear our prayers from heaven, forgive us, and heal our land. As the body of Christ, we need to give the devoted things of God back to Him. Hand Him your heart this morning, along with all your regrets, your hurts, and your wrongdoing. He will hear your prayers and forgive you, if you are genuinely sorry. Are you sorry? Are you willing to turn around this morning?
When the Lord says, “Don’t do it,” we need to obey.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the desire to become obedient to the Lord’s leading. Ask Him to help you. On our own steam, we will not succeed. But with God’s help and our sincere desire to follow His way, all things are possible!
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Friday, March 16, 2007
Ready, aim, fire!
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 4, 5, 6
Joshua 6:20-21 (NIV)
20 When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city. 21 They devoted the city to the Lord and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it – men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep and donkeys.
Psalm 100 (NIV)
1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God, It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. 5 For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Good morning!
How much do you trust in the Lord? Listen to my words and ask yourself again: How much do you really trust Him?
When the Lord told Joshua to take the city of Jericho, He said, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands.” The battle had already been won! Still, the Lord commanded the Israelites to take their armed men and march around the city once, for six days in a row, as the seven priests carried their rams’ horn trumpets in front of the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times, while the priests blew the trumpets. At the long blast, the people were commanded to shout to the Lord and watch how He would take out the wall of the city so they could enter in.
I’ve been running into brick walls most of my life. I must be a real glutton for punishment! I take a good, hard look at the problem that is placed in my path, and with great determination, I assess the issue, place a helmet of protection on my head, clinch my fists and take off running toward the wall with every ounce of strength I have. I’m determined to take that wall out. Unfortunately for me, when I try to do it on my own steam, I invariably end up hitting the bricks full force, only to bounce off the wall and land with my face in the mud. I realize that I didn’t even leave a mark! However, I allowed that wall to leave a permanent mark on me.
If God knows our need before we ask; if He has a plan to help us bring down the walls that separate us from Him, why is it that we try to take the walls down on our own and not place our total trust Him to lead? Can you identify a wall or two that you are up against this morning? Do you have a plan on how to take it down?
I live approximately 1/2 mile from Faith Church. I can walk to worship on Sunday mornings. As I move along the sidewalk, I see the evidence of a brand new day dawning. My neighbors are waking up. Some are sitting on their porches, drinking coffee and reading the paper. Others are letting their dogs out for a romp in the back yard. Many are hopping into their cars to head out for the day. In every home, there is a precious family that the Lord loves. He sees their need and He waits for us to reach out to them in Christian love. Do you ever pray for the people in your path? We may not always know the walls they face; yet, we know that God knows and if we obey Him, we will march around our subdivision, blanketing each home in prayer, as we wait for the Lord’s magnificent lead.
I like making noise for Jesus. I am learning day by day how to hand Him the walls I face in life. He knows my need. The solution is already there. He understands the things I face and expects that I will trust Him enough to go before me to lead the way. Prayer is the powerful weapon that allows God to take the walls out for us. When we pray, seeking His will for our life, and as we intercede for our neighbors’ salvation, we can trust that He will bring these walls down around our feet. We can march over the rubble, reach out, and take the hand of a precious child and introduce them to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Do you think the walls in your life are just too big? Remember, with God, all things are possible. Take your wall to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to remove the barrier so that you share the Good News with others. Pray, pray and pray! Pray until you hear the Lord tell you to shout it out! When you wait for His lead, and act when He says to go, He will make a way! It's shouting time!
Ready, aim, fire!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: patience! Pray without ceasing! Wait for it, and when He says to go, GO! Shout to the Lord this morning! Will you pray for the salvation of your neighbor today?
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 4, 5, 6
Joshua 6:20-21 (NIV)
20 When the trumpets sounded, the people shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the people gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so every man charged straight in, and they took the city. 21 They devoted the city to the Lord and destroyed with the sword every living thing in it – men and women, young and old, cattle, sheep and donkeys.
Psalm 100 (NIV)
1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before Him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God, It is He who made us, and we are His; we are His people, the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise; give thanks to Him and praise His name. 5 For the Lord is good and His love endures forever; His faithfulness continues through all generations.
Good morning!
How much do you trust in the Lord? Listen to my words and ask yourself again: How much do you really trust Him?
When the Lord told Joshua to take the city of Jericho, He said, “See, I have delivered Jericho into your hands.” The battle had already been won! Still, the Lord commanded the Israelites to take their armed men and march around the city once, for six days in a row, as the seven priests carried their rams’ horn trumpets in front of the Ark of the Covenant. On the seventh day, they were to march around the city seven times, while the priests blew the trumpets. At the long blast, the people were commanded to shout to the Lord and watch how He would take out the wall of the city so they could enter in.
I’ve been running into brick walls most of my life. I must be a real glutton for punishment! I take a good, hard look at the problem that is placed in my path, and with great determination, I assess the issue, place a helmet of protection on my head, clinch my fists and take off running toward the wall with every ounce of strength I have. I’m determined to take that wall out. Unfortunately for me, when I try to do it on my own steam, I invariably end up hitting the bricks full force, only to bounce off the wall and land with my face in the mud. I realize that I didn’t even leave a mark! However, I allowed that wall to leave a permanent mark on me.
If God knows our need before we ask; if He has a plan to help us bring down the walls that separate us from Him, why is it that we try to take the walls down on our own and not place our total trust Him to lead? Can you identify a wall or two that you are up against this morning? Do you have a plan on how to take it down?
I live approximately 1/2 mile from Faith Church. I can walk to worship on Sunday mornings. As I move along the sidewalk, I see the evidence of a brand new day dawning. My neighbors are waking up. Some are sitting on their porches, drinking coffee and reading the paper. Others are letting their dogs out for a romp in the back yard. Many are hopping into their cars to head out for the day. In every home, there is a precious family that the Lord loves. He sees their need and He waits for us to reach out to them in Christian love. Do you ever pray for the people in your path? We may not always know the walls they face; yet, we know that God knows and if we obey Him, we will march around our subdivision, blanketing each home in prayer, as we wait for the Lord’s magnificent lead.
I like making noise for Jesus. I am learning day by day how to hand Him the walls I face in life. He knows my need. The solution is already there. He understands the things I face and expects that I will trust Him enough to go before me to lead the way. Prayer is the powerful weapon that allows God to take the walls out for us. When we pray, seeking His will for our life, and as we intercede for our neighbors’ salvation, we can trust that He will bring these walls down around our feet. We can march over the rubble, reach out, and take the hand of a precious child and introduce them to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Do you think the walls in your life are just too big? Remember, with God, all things are possible. Take your wall to the Lord in prayer. Ask Him to remove the barrier so that you share the Good News with others. Pray, pray and pray! Pray until you hear the Lord tell you to shout it out! When you wait for His lead, and act when He says to go, He will make a way! It's shouting time!
Ready, aim, fire!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: patience! Pray without ceasing! Wait for it, and when He says to go, GO! Shout to the Lord this morning! Will you pray for the salvation of your neighbor today?
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
Melting Heart
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 1, 2, 3
Joshua 2:10-11 (NIV)
10 We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. 11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.
Hebrews 11:31 (NIV)
By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.
Good morning!
Wouldn’t you love to be able to spend a day looking through the lens of God’s eye? He sees the most amazing things in some of the strangest people. God chooses to reveal Himself to Rahab, a prostitute residing in the city of Jericho. Now, here was a woman who was well-known in town! Her home was built into the wall of the city, a strategic location to run a lucrative business. Her combination bed, breakfast and brothel may have paid the bills but it could not satisfy Rahab’s broken heart. Her lifestyle left her hanging off the edge of a corrupt and immoral society. Rejected by many, and used by so many more, Rahab was beginning to feel extraordinarily vulnerable. She feared for the safety of her family, and she knew it was only a matter of time before what little life she had left would be lost forever. Rahab opened her mind to the possibility that the God of the Israelites was indeed, the Almighty Lord of all. She chose to take a risk of faith, and by doing so, God completely melted her heart, transforming this woman into someone He could use for Kingdom work.
Rahab opened her home to the spies, hiding them on the roof and lying to protect them. She put feet to faith, by sending the Jericho patrol on a wild goose chase outside the city walls, and bartering with the spies for the security and protection of her family. She begged for salvation. God graciously gave Rahab the desire to receive and believe. Because of her generosity to the Israelite spies, Rahab and her family were spared in the destruction of the city. They received immunity and were given permanent residence within the Israelite community of faith.
I can relate to Rahab. Her story could have been mine. For many years, I modeled a hard and callous heart. Angry and bitter, I chose to blame everyone around me for my circumstance in life. It took a supernatural act of God to straighten me out. When His love finally got hold of me, my heart melted like butter in a thirty-second microwave moment. Every morning when I get on my knees, I am reminded that I did not deserve a second chance; therefore, total abandon and complete trust is the least I can offer to my Jesus in return.
If the Lord can melt a heart like Rahab, or even a heart like mine, just imagine what He can do for you! Jesus came to save the sick, the lost, the lonely, and even the strange ones! If you call on Him today with a sincere and humble heart, He will melt you down and transform you into a child He can use. Believe me; life is so much sweeter when we let our defenses drop at the foot of the cross. Jesus hung on a tree in shame and agony to take away your sin. He gives each of us a second chance today. What will it take for you to give your heart completely to Jesus?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the Lord to melt your heart and mold it into something beautiful that He can use for His kingdom work. Are you willing to be transformed into His likeness? Will you make a leap of faith today?
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 1, 2, 3
Joshua 2:10-11 (NIV)
10 We have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. 11 When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below.
Hebrews 11:31 (NIV)
By faith the prostitute Rahab, because she welcomed the spies, was not killed with those who were disobedient.
Good morning!
Wouldn’t you love to be able to spend a day looking through the lens of God’s eye? He sees the most amazing things in some of the strangest people. God chooses to reveal Himself to Rahab, a prostitute residing in the city of Jericho. Now, here was a woman who was well-known in town! Her home was built into the wall of the city, a strategic location to run a lucrative business. Her combination bed, breakfast and brothel may have paid the bills but it could not satisfy Rahab’s broken heart. Her lifestyle left her hanging off the edge of a corrupt and immoral society. Rejected by many, and used by so many more, Rahab was beginning to feel extraordinarily vulnerable. She feared for the safety of her family, and she knew it was only a matter of time before what little life she had left would be lost forever. Rahab opened her mind to the possibility that the God of the Israelites was indeed, the Almighty Lord of all. She chose to take a risk of faith, and by doing so, God completely melted her heart, transforming this woman into someone He could use for Kingdom work.
Rahab opened her home to the spies, hiding them on the roof and lying to protect them. She put feet to faith, by sending the Jericho patrol on a wild goose chase outside the city walls, and bartering with the spies for the security and protection of her family. She begged for salvation. God graciously gave Rahab the desire to receive and believe. Because of her generosity to the Israelite spies, Rahab and her family were spared in the destruction of the city. They received immunity and were given permanent residence within the Israelite community of faith.
I can relate to Rahab. Her story could have been mine. For many years, I modeled a hard and callous heart. Angry and bitter, I chose to blame everyone around me for my circumstance in life. It took a supernatural act of God to straighten me out. When His love finally got hold of me, my heart melted like butter in a thirty-second microwave moment. Every morning when I get on my knees, I am reminded that I did not deserve a second chance; therefore, total abandon and complete trust is the least I can offer to my Jesus in return.
If the Lord can melt a heart like Rahab, or even a heart like mine, just imagine what He can do for you! Jesus came to save the sick, the lost, the lonely, and even the strange ones! If you call on Him today with a sincere and humble heart, He will melt you down and transform you into a child He can use. Believe me; life is so much sweeter when we let our defenses drop at the foot of the cross. Jesus hung on a tree in shame and agony to take away your sin. He gives each of us a second chance today. What will it take for you to give your heart completely to Jesus?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the Lord to melt your heart and mold it into something beautiful that He can use for His kingdom work. Are you willing to be transformed into His likeness? Will you make a leap of faith today?
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Morning!
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 33, 34; Psalms 52, 53
Psalm 53:1-3 (NIV)
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. 2 God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. 3 Everyone has turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.
Good morning!
What does God see when He opens the curtains in heaven every morning and looks down upon His created ones? Are the prayers of His children wafting up through the rafters like the smell of sizzling bacon frying on the stove? Can He see His children on their knees in prayer, crying out, “Lord Jesus, I know you are here. Come inside my heart and play with me today. Come fill me up with your sweet Holy Spirit. I am yours and I am willing to go. Lead me. Teach me. Hold me. Guide me.”
The world is such a busy place. Many of my co-workers are already sitting at their desks this morning, reading e-mails, writing briefs, and pushing paper across their desks. How did they begin their day? Did it start with a moment of prayer? Did they hop on their elliptical machine and flip to CNN on the television monitor? Maybe they jumped into the shower while listening to the Oldies playing on the FM dial. What does God see when He looks down from heaven every day? Is there anyone looking up toward Him?
As I read the Psalm this morning, I am reminded that our lives are stuck in a rut. We were stuck thousands of years ago, and we are still stuck today. We bury ourselves in the daily monotony of life. We depend upon massive doses of caffeine to peal us out of bed in the morning and push us through the day. Our families, educational pursuits, and career paths take over our life. We focus on the non-essentials, believing we have our priorities straight. We work hard, long hours. We give up our time and energy to what we believe is the pursuit of happiness. Are we happy? Are we doing something that, in the ebb and flow of the river of our life’s journey, makes any difference at all?
Being good will never be good enough. We can pursue higher education, discipline ourselves, keep to a strict schedule, and purpose in our hearts to make a mark. We can also choose to be lazy, complacent and apathetic with the people who surround us each day. Either way, we lose. What motivates you to live? Where do you find the strength to get out there and go?
Every morning, I seek out the Lord before I look in the mirror, take a shower, or fix my bed hair. Without Him, I may as well stay in bed with the blankets pulled up over my face. There is nothing I can accomplish without Him. I may appear to have all the right moves, and yet, if He does not take the lead in my life, what difference does it really make? There are people out there going through the motions but they do not know motion maker. Are you one of them?
My Jesus is stronger than the blackest cup of coffee. He is sweeter than the donuts we consume on the run. His love is worth waiting for. Take a break. Get down on your knees and ask Him to be the Lord of your life today and every day, first thing, when you get up out of bed. His life will be all the life you need to find purpose and meaning for each new day. You can be the spark that sets the world ablaze for Him. Are you ready to rock the windows of heaven? Let us pray.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: time! We are given twenty-four hours a day. How will you spend the time you’ve been given? Are you willing to hand it all over to the Lord this morning?
____________________________
© 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: Deuteronomy 33, 34; Psalms 52, 53
Psalm 53:1-3 (NIV)
1 The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, and their ways are vile; there is no one who does good. 2 God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God. 3 Everyone has turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.
Good morning!
What does God see when He opens the curtains in heaven every morning and looks down upon His created ones? Are the prayers of His children wafting up through the rafters like the smell of sizzling bacon frying on the stove? Can He see His children on their knees in prayer, crying out, “Lord Jesus, I know you are here. Come inside my heart and play with me today. Come fill me up with your sweet Holy Spirit. I am yours and I am willing to go. Lead me. Teach me. Hold me. Guide me.”
The world is such a busy place. Many of my co-workers are already sitting at their desks this morning, reading e-mails, writing briefs, and pushing paper across their desks. How did they begin their day? Did it start with a moment of prayer? Did they hop on their elliptical machine and flip to CNN on the television monitor? Maybe they jumped into the shower while listening to the Oldies playing on the FM dial. What does God see when He looks down from heaven every day? Is there anyone looking up toward Him?
As I read the Psalm this morning, I am reminded that our lives are stuck in a rut. We were stuck thousands of years ago, and we are still stuck today. We bury ourselves in the daily monotony of life. We depend upon massive doses of caffeine to peal us out of bed in the morning and push us through the day. Our families, educational pursuits, and career paths take over our life. We focus on the non-essentials, believing we have our priorities straight. We work hard, long hours. We give up our time and energy to what we believe is the pursuit of happiness. Are we happy? Are we doing something that, in the ebb and flow of the river of our life’s journey, makes any difference at all?
Being good will never be good enough. We can pursue higher education, discipline ourselves, keep to a strict schedule, and purpose in our hearts to make a mark. We can also choose to be lazy, complacent and apathetic with the people who surround us each day. Either way, we lose. What motivates you to live? Where do you find the strength to get out there and go?
Every morning, I seek out the Lord before I look in the mirror, take a shower, or fix my bed hair. Without Him, I may as well stay in bed with the blankets pulled up over my face. There is nothing I can accomplish without Him. I may appear to have all the right moves, and yet, if He does not take the lead in my life, what difference does it really make? There are people out there going through the motions but they do not know motion maker. Are you one of them?
My Jesus is stronger than the blackest cup of coffee. He is sweeter than the donuts we consume on the run. His love is worth waiting for. Take a break. Get down on your knees and ask Him to be the Lord of your life today and every day, first thing, when you get up out of bed. His life will be all the life you need to find purpose and meaning for each new day. You can be the spark that sets the world ablaze for Him. Are you ready to rock the windows of heaven? Let us pray.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: time! We are given twenty-four hours a day. How will you spend the time you’ve been given? Are you willing to hand it all over to the Lord this morning?
____________________________
© 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, March 13, 2007
He's got your back!
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 30, 31, 32
Deuteronomy 30:2-4 (NIV)
2 And when you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey Him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, 3 then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where He scattered you. 4 Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and bring you back.
Good morning!
The book of Deuteronomy is filled with instruction. We read about blessings and curses, assertion of free will and the consequences our choices bring. The Lord continually invites His people to come back to Him. If they will just honor and obey Him in all things, putting His will first in their life, He will gather them up and bring them back home.
It is truly comforting to know that when I’m daily seeking His face, worshipping Him with all my heart and serving Him with my life, God has my back. He promises to watch over me, walk with me, and He sustains me, even unto death. I have the promise of everlasting life through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. No matter where I am or what circumstance I may face, the Lord never leaves. His love and forgiveness is the greatest fortune I will ever receive. The Father’s compassion and mercy lift me up every morning. Do you know what it feels like to be gathered up and brought back into the loving hand of the Lord?
I’ve been reading an awesome book entitled Total Abandon. The author, Gary Witherall, shares his story of sold-out faith and total abandon to the Lord Jesus Christ. Together, he and his wife Bonnie felt a call of the Lord to serve as missionaries in Sidon, Lebanon. It was there that Bonnie was martyred for her faith. How far would you go to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others? Would you leave the safety of your home and travel into dangerous territory to tell others about Christ? Are you willing to love your enemies, even if it means losing your own life? This is a question I ask myself every morning when I get up. When the Lord calls me to go, will I answer Him? Would you answer His call?
When we walk into unfamiliar territory, the Lord goes before us. He clears the path and makes a way. It is time for the Israelites to cross over into the Promised Land. Will they go into a dangerous place, trusting and obeying the Lord’s lead? Can they see that He will cross over ahead of them, and watch their back? Interestingly, it takes the “cross over” to move from death to everlasting life. Without the bridge gap of the cross of Jesus Christ, we would all be stranded in the desert forever. Crossing over into the Promised Land is something we choose to do every day. Are you crossing over or staying put?
Jesus Christ went to the cross so that we could move forward today with confidence. He has our back, and will be with us every step of the way. All we have to do is say, Yes, Lord. I’ll trust you to lead. Help me to follow you without fear or hesitation. Let me always look to you for direction. You are my compass – point me in the way you would have me go. Give me your words, make my heart your home. You gave new life to me and now, I give it back to you. Amen.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: Courage! The Lord your God goes before you and He has your back. Will you choose to follow Him today?
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 30, 31, 32
Deuteronomy 30:2-4 (NIV)
2 And when you and your children return to the Lord your God and obey Him with all your heart and with all your soul according to everything I command you today, 3 then the Lord your God will restore your fortunes and have compassion on you and gather you again from all the nations where He scattered you. 4 Even if you have been banished to the most distant land under the heavens, from there the Lord your God will gather you and bring you back.
Good morning!
The book of Deuteronomy is filled with instruction. We read about blessings and curses, assertion of free will and the consequences our choices bring. The Lord continually invites His people to come back to Him. If they will just honor and obey Him in all things, putting His will first in their life, He will gather them up and bring them back home.
It is truly comforting to know that when I’m daily seeking His face, worshipping Him with all my heart and serving Him with my life, God has my back. He promises to watch over me, walk with me, and He sustains me, even unto death. I have the promise of everlasting life through the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ. No matter where I am or what circumstance I may face, the Lord never leaves. His love and forgiveness is the greatest fortune I will ever receive. The Father’s compassion and mercy lift me up every morning. Do you know what it feels like to be gathered up and brought back into the loving hand of the Lord?
I’ve been reading an awesome book entitled Total Abandon. The author, Gary Witherall, shares his story of sold-out faith and total abandon to the Lord Jesus Christ. Together, he and his wife Bonnie felt a call of the Lord to serve as missionaries in Sidon, Lebanon. It was there that Bonnie was martyred for her faith. How far would you go to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others? Would you leave the safety of your home and travel into dangerous territory to tell others about Christ? Are you willing to love your enemies, even if it means losing your own life? This is a question I ask myself every morning when I get up. When the Lord calls me to go, will I answer Him? Would you answer His call?
When we walk into unfamiliar territory, the Lord goes before us. He clears the path and makes a way. It is time for the Israelites to cross over into the Promised Land. Will they go into a dangerous place, trusting and obeying the Lord’s lead? Can they see that He will cross over ahead of them, and watch their back? Interestingly, it takes the “cross over” to move from death to everlasting life. Without the bridge gap of the cross of Jesus Christ, we would all be stranded in the desert forever. Crossing over into the Promised Land is something we choose to do every day. Are you crossing over or staying put?
Jesus Christ went to the cross so that we could move forward today with confidence. He has our back, and will be with us every step of the way. All we have to do is say, Yes, Lord. I’ll trust you to lead. Help me to follow you without fear or hesitation. Let me always look to you for direction. You are my compass – point me in the way you would have me go. Give me your words, make my heart your home. You gave new life to me and now, I give it back to you. Amen.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: Courage! The Lord your God goes before you and He has your back. Will you choose to follow Him today?
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Monday, March 12, 2007
Wandering or wondering?
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 27, 28, 29
Deuteronomy 27:9-10 (NIV)
9 Then Moses and the priests, who are Levites, said to all Israel, “Be silent, O Israel, and listen! You have now become the people of the Lord your God. 10 Obey the Lord your God and follow His commands and decrees that I give you today.”
Good morning!
When I sat down this morning to read and pray, the room seemed very dark to me. I glanced at the free-standing lamp next to the rocking chair and noticed four of the five light bulbs had burned out. No wonder the room was dark! Fortunately, I had several spare light bulbs in the storage closet. Isn’t it amazing how much more we can see when we change the light bulb? What was once a shadowy, dark space is now filled with a bright light! It is much easier to see with the lights on.
As the Israelites were preparing to cross over into the land that God had promised them, Moses and the Levites cautioned the people to be silent and listen to what the Lord was saying. Things were different now. Their wandering and wondering was about to end. They had become the people of God and as such, they were held to a higher expectation and privilege. Moses and the priests reminded the faithful to obey the Lord’s lead and command in every aspect of their daily life. The faithful would receive blessing after blessing. The unfaithful would experience curse after curse. It was time to choose to live in the light of God’s love or to continue their wandering and wondering in the dark.
What is it like to grope around in the dark? There were times in my life when I felt much more comfortable feeling my way. Living in darkness was much easier because I didn’t have to see my sin and shortcomings in the bright light of day. During worship service Sunday, my pastor made a profound statement. He said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Do you find it easier to take a long, hard look at your imperfections and address them, or would you prefer to feel your way in the shadowy darkness where your flaws can be somewhat concealed?
I have spent many years wandering and wondering in the dark. It might be easier to hide from the world there, but the truth is, I was never able to hide from the Lord. If I looked for the most secluded and dark space I could find, it would not be too far from the light of His love. God seems to find me wherever I am. He exposes my flaws, lights a path, and extends His loving arm to me every morning. He allows me the freedom to choose His way or my way. I can continue to wander around in the dark and accept the consequences for that choice, or I can choose to reach up, take His hand, and allow Him to lead the way.
Personally, I like His light. It is much easier to breathe when I’m standing in the light of His love. I can see the dangers around me and am able to avoid falling into the snares of sin when I trust the Lord to lead. His hand is strong and His way is sure. I am at peace, knowing that He will never forsake or abandon me, even in the most difficult of situations.
Are you wandering around in the dark? Do you need to change the light bulb? Stop and listen to the Word of the Lord. He is calling out to you. Can you see His hand? You may be sitting in the darkness right now, but you are not alone and you cannot hide from His love. Choose this day to look up and take His hand. He will lead you into the brilliant Sonlight. Allow the light and life of Jesus Christ to become your light and life as you choose to trust and obey Him this morning. Stop wandering around in the dark, and choose to be lost in the wonder of His mercy and grace!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: When we face our sin, confessing it to the Lord, He will forgive and lead us out of the darkness and into His light. It’s time to change the light bulb. Choose life! Choose to follow Jesus Christ today.
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 27, 28, 29
Deuteronomy 27:9-10 (NIV)
9 Then Moses and the priests, who are Levites, said to all Israel, “Be silent, O Israel, and listen! You have now become the people of the Lord your God. 10 Obey the Lord your God and follow His commands and decrees that I give you today.”
Good morning!
When I sat down this morning to read and pray, the room seemed very dark to me. I glanced at the free-standing lamp next to the rocking chair and noticed four of the five light bulbs had burned out. No wonder the room was dark! Fortunately, I had several spare light bulbs in the storage closet. Isn’t it amazing how much more we can see when we change the light bulb? What was once a shadowy, dark space is now filled with a bright light! It is much easier to see with the lights on.
As the Israelites were preparing to cross over into the land that God had promised them, Moses and the Levites cautioned the people to be silent and listen to what the Lord was saying. Things were different now. Their wandering and wondering was about to end. They had become the people of God and as such, they were held to a higher expectation and privilege. Moses and the priests reminded the faithful to obey the Lord’s lead and command in every aspect of their daily life. The faithful would receive blessing after blessing. The unfaithful would experience curse after curse. It was time to choose to live in the light of God’s love or to continue their wandering and wondering in the dark.
What is it like to grope around in the dark? There were times in my life when I felt much more comfortable feeling my way. Living in darkness was much easier because I didn’t have to see my sin and shortcomings in the bright light of day. During worship service Sunday, my pastor made a profound statement. He said, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” Do you find it easier to take a long, hard look at your imperfections and address them, or would you prefer to feel your way in the shadowy darkness where your flaws can be somewhat concealed?
I have spent many years wandering and wondering in the dark. It might be easier to hide from the world there, but the truth is, I was never able to hide from the Lord. If I looked for the most secluded and dark space I could find, it would not be too far from the light of His love. God seems to find me wherever I am. He exposes my flaws, lights a path, and extends His loving arm to me every morning. He allows me the freedom to choose His way or my way. I can continue to wander around in the dark and accept the consequences for that choice, or I can choose to reach up, take His hand, and allow Him to lead the way.
Personally, I like His light. It is much easier to breathe when I’m standing in the light of His love. I can see the dangers around me and am able to avoid falling into the snares of sin when I trust the Lord to lead. His hand is strong and His way is sure. I am at peace, knowing that He will never forsake or abandon me, even in the most difficult of situations.
Are you wandering around in the dark? Do you need to change the light bulb? Stop and listen to the Word of the Lord. He is calling out to you. Can you see His hand? You may be sitting in the darkness right now, but you are not alone and you cannot hide from His love. Choose this day to look up and take His hand. He will lead you into the brilliant Sonlight. Allow the light and life of Jesus Christ to become your light and life as you choose to trust and obey Him this morning. Stop wandering around in the dark, and choose to be lost in the wonder of His mercy and grace!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: When we face our sin, confessing it to the Lord, He will forgive and lead us out of the darkness and into His light. It’s time to change the light bulb. Choose life! Choose to follow Jesus Christ today.
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Firstfruits
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 24, 25, 26
Deuteronomy 26:16-19 (NIV)
16 The Lord your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. 17 You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in His ways, that you will keep His decrees, commands and laws, and that you will obey them. 18 And the Lord has declared this day that you are His people, His treasured possession as He promised, and that you are to keep all His commands. 19 He has declared that He will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations He has made and that you will be a people holy to the Lord your God, as He promised.
Psalm 53:2 (NIV)
2 God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
Good morning!
When I was a young girl growing up, my mother was determined to mold me into a domestic diva. She liked a squeaky-clean and organized home. I can remember walking home from school on a sunny, spring day, and catch a whiff of Pine Sol® floating through the windows from my house and dancing its way down the driveway. Mom would open every window while she cleaned. The laundry drying on the back clothes line had this sweet, clean scent. I loved folding the sheets outside and placing them in the linen closet just outside my bedroom door. That sun-dried fragrance made everything smell good.
I used to be better at housecleaning, especially when I was younger. Keeping a clean house is hard work! It takes time, effort and lots of determination. Dust bunnies will settle under the sofa if one neglects to sweep it regularly. Dishes can pile up at the sink if the cook forgets to how to load the dishwasher. And laundry is a four-lettered word; that is why it is not only a noun but also a verb – wash! If we let the wash pile up, it can take days to get through it. Do you like a clean home? Are you organized, meticulous, maybe even a little obsessive-compulsive? Or do you let things sit sometimes, like I do?
The Israelites had a lot to learn about holiness. There is no doubt how much God loves them. Over and over again, the Lord pours Himself out into their everyday life, with guidance and instruction. He teaches them how to be obedient, what to do when they find themselves in the need of forgiveness. He commands them to take care of the widow and orphan, the homeless, and the poor. God expects they will provide full support to their clergy, who spend their lives interceding for their sin. The Levites give up their inheritance to serve the Lord, through prayer, praise, and intercession for the community, and it is the community’s obligation to care for their needs.
When you offer God the best of who you are, what will He find in your offering plate? Do you give Him consistent praise and prayer? Do you neglect or shortchange God in your daily devotional time with Him? Has your spiritual laundry piled up due to laziness or apathy? When the Lord takes a whiff of your life’s offering, will He smell a sweet, clean scent, or will your meager efforts smell more like the gym socks sitting in the boy’s locker room after a football game?
A firstfruit should not be like the leftovers in our refrigerator. God doesn’t say “please” or “will you” when He instructs His people in daily living. He expects His children to seek Him out every day in every way. He demands our undivided attention to detail. This means that we cannot afford to become lazy or selfish in the time and talents we return to Him. He wants us reading and studying His Word, and He wants us to imprint His Word upon our hearts and apply them daily to our lives.
When you were a little child growing up, someone, somewhere was praying for you. They were praying that you would meet the Lord of life; that He would become your Way of life; and that your heart would be a heart He could use to lead others to Him. It is time to return the blessing. Take a spiritual inventory today. Is your house clean, or is it dusty? Do we need to do a little laundry, wash a few dishes, and sweep under the sofa? When the window to your soul is opened, will the Lord God Almighty smell a pleasing scent floating up toward heaven?
Firstfruits is a way to give back to the Lord for all He has given you. Will you make time daily to return to the Lord what you owe Him?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: help! Make a commitment to work hard and put forth every effort to honor and glorify the Lord God Almighty. He gave you this life – don’t you think you should offer it back to Him today? Come and worship the Lord with me. I’ll see you at church!
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 24, 25, 26
Deuteronomy 26:16-19 (NIV)
16 The Lord your God commands you this day to follow these decrees and laws; carefully observe them with all your heart and with all your soul. 17 You have declared this day that the Lord is your God and that you will walk in His ways, that you will keep His decrees, commands and laws, and that you will obey them. 18 And the Lord has declared this day that you are His people, His treasured possession as He promised, and that you are to keep all His commands. 19 He has declared that He will set you in praise, fame and honor high above all the nations He has made and that you will be a people holy to the Lord your God, as He promised.
Psalm 53:2 (NIV)
2 God looks down from heaven on the sons of men to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.
Good morning!
When I was a young girl growing up, my mother was determined to mold me into a domestic diva. She liked a squeaky-clean and organized home. I can remember walking home from school on a sunny, spring day, and catch a whiff of Pine Sol® floating through the windows from my house and dancing its way down the driveway. Mom would open every window while she cleaned. The laundry drying on the back clothes line had this sweet, clean scent. I loved folding the sheets outside and placing them in the linen closet just outside my bedroom door. That sun-dried fragrance made everything smell good.
I used to be better at housecleaning, especially when I was younger. Keeping a clean house is hard work! It takes time, effort and lots of determination. Dust bunnies will settle under the sofa if one neglects to sweep it regularly. Dishes can pile up at the sink if the cook forgets to how to load the dishwasher. And laundry is a four-lettered word; that is why it is not only a noun but also a verb – wash! If we let the wash pile up, it can take days to get through it. Do you like a clean home? Are you organized, meticulous, maybe even a little obsessive-compulsive? Or do you let things sit sometimes, like I do?
The Israelites had a lot to learn about holiness. There is no doubt how much God loves them. Over and over again, the Lord pours Himself out into their everyday life, with guidance and instruction. He teaches them how to be obedient, what to do when they find themselves in the need of forgiveness. He commands them to take care of the widow and orphan, the homeless, and the poor. God expects they will provide full support to their clergy, who spend their lives interceding for their sin. The Levites give up their inheritance to serve the Lord, through prayer, praise, and intercession for the community, and it is the community’s obligation to care for their needs.
When you offer God the best of who you are, what will He find in your offering plate? Do you give Him consistent praise and prayer? Do you neglect or shortchange God in your daily devotional time with Him? Has your spiritual laundry piled up due to laziness or apathy? When the Lord takes a whiff of your life’s offering, will He smell a sweet, clean scent, or will your meager efforts smell more like the gym socks sitting in the boy’s locker room after a football game?
A firstfruit should not be like the leftovers in our refrigerator. God doesn’t say “please” or “will you” when He instructs His people in daily living. He expects His children to seek Him out every day in every way. He demands our undivided attention to detail. This means that we cannot afford to become lazy or selfish in the time and talents we return to Him. He wants us reading and studying His Word, and He wants us to imprint His Word upon our hearts and apply them daily to our lives.
When you were a little child growing up, someone, somewhere was praying for you. They were praying that you would meet the Lord of life; that He would become your Way of life; and that your heart would be a heart He could use to lead others to Him. It is time to return the blessing. Take a spiritual inventory today. Is your house clean, or is it dusty? Do we need to do a little laundry, wash a few dishes, and sweep under the sofa? When the window to your soul is opened, will the Lord God Almighty smell a pleasing scent floating up toward heaven?
Firstfruits is a way to give back to the Lord for all He has given you. Will you make time daily to return to the Lord what you owe Him?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: help! Make a commitment to work hard and put forth every effort to honor and glorify the Lord God Almighty. He gave you this life – don’t you think you should offer it back to Him today? Come and worship the Lord with me. I’ll see you at church!
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
The mercy seat
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 21, 22, 23; Psalm 51
Psalm 51:1-4 (NIV)
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.
Good morning!
Regrets run deep when it finally hits home. Have you ever said or done anything that you sincerely regret?
I have a true confession to make. When I was a child, I had a mean streak! Sometimes I would go way out of my way to set my little sister up for a fall. We picked at each other constantly. Sibling rivalry is not exactly the term I would use to describe our relationship and behavior – there were times when it was all-out war. The competitive spirit between us was, at times, hurtful and cruel. We took stabs at each other which left raw and open wounds. What prompts us to do the selfish things we do? Whatever possesses us to skin each other alive with sharp, harsh words and wrong behaviors? We tear one another apart just to build up our own selfish ego. Do you find satisfaction in beating your brother to the finish line?
Sometimes we apologize without meaning it. We get caught and apologize, not really meaning it. We cross our fingers and toes and eyeballs, and anything else we can cross. Crossing ourselves is worthless when we stand in the grip of grace that can only come through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. What happens when, for the maybe the first time ever, we begin to see our sin for what it really is? How do you feel when you begin to realize that your poor words, actions, and self-centered motivation has not only hurt your family and friends, but that we have grieved the very heart of God?
I will never forget the weekend I began to experience sincere regret over my selfish ambition and hateful actions. I was attending a youth revival. Sitting in a room with fifty of my peers, the director began to talk about the condition of his heart. He said that he needed to take a closer look on the inside of his life to see what God sees when He looks at him for real. Pulling a chair from the corner of the room, he had all of us sit in a large circle. He placed the chair in the center of the room. With a humble and contrite heart, this humble man shared that God reached down from heaven when Jesus Christ died on a cross to save him from the messes he made in his life. He said the Lord touched Him by revealing his mean spirited behavior toward his brothers and sisters. He didn’t know whether any of us had regret over the things we may have said or done in our past, but He knew that without God’s mercy and grace, he simply could not go on. Then, he did something amazing. He sat down on the mercy seat. With tear-stained cheeks, he asked all of us to come and pray for him. I was stunned. I saw an adult that I respected sit in a chair in the middle of a large youth meeting, and confess that he had made some serious mistakes in his life. Not only did he confess, but he asked all of us to pray for him! My mind was racing a million miles per minute. The group inched toward our director, one by one, touching his shoulder, the chair, his head, each other, and we prayed out loud. Some of my friends began to cry. People were sniffling and shaking all around me. One by one, we cried out to God for His grace and mercy. We asked the Lord to forgive our youth leader and help him feel forgiveness for the sins he had committed throughout his life. He sat motionless, with his head buried in his hands. I could see the tears falling from his face and dripping on his pants leg.
After a few moments, he stood up from the chair, thanked all of us for praying, and said that he knew, without a doubt, that God had forgiven him right then. The chair sat empty – I couldn’t help but stare at it. He asked us a question – was there anyone else in the room who needed to know God’s healing love and mercy? Was there anyone else willing to take their place on the mercy seat? When I sat down on the chair that night and one hundred hands reached out to me in prayer, it was as if gravity had ceased to exist and that chair was literally lifted by the prayers and petitions of my friends, all of them focused on my healing and forgiveness. I didn’t realize just how miserable I felt until I experienced what it was like to have that guilt and shame taken up. This was the very first time I experienced what it meant to lay my sin out in the open before the foot of the cross and beg Jesus Christ to come into my heart, and forgive me.
The mercy seat sits empty this morning. There are people on their knees in prayer right now, waiting for you to come. Will you choose to sit on the mercy seat? Will you allow your brothers and sisters to pray for you, crying out to the Father on your behalf? Will you humble your heart, take a good look at the sin that eats away at your soul, and confess it once and for all before the One who can forgive and redeem you?
Come sit on the mercy seat today. There is a special place waiting just for you, in the sanctuary of the Lord. Won’t you come and worship the risen Christ with me today?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: new life! Jesus Christ died to set you free from the sins that separate you from Him. The mercy seat is for you and for me. Come sit with me! I’ll see you at church.
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 21, 22, 23; Psalm 51
Psalm 51:1-4 (NIV)
1 Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. 4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you are proved right when you speak and justified when you judge.
Good morning!
Regrets run deep when it finally hits home. Have you ever said or done anything that you sincerely regret?
I have a true confession to make. When I was a child, I had a mean streak! Sometimes I would go way out of my way to set my little sister up for a fall. We picked at each other constantly. Sibling rivalry is not exactly the term I would use to describe our relationship and behavior – there were times when it was all-out war. The competitive spirit between us was, at times, hurtful and cruel. We took stabs at each other which left raw and open wounds. What prompts us to do the selfish things we do? Whatever possesses us to skin each other alive with sharp, harsh words and wrong behaviors? We tear one another apart just to build up our own selfish ego. Do you find satisfaction in beating your brother to the finish line?
Sometimes we apologize without meaning it. We get caught and apologize, not really meaning it. We cross our fingers and toes and eyeballs, and anything else we can cross. Crossing ourselves is worthless when we stand in the grip of grace that can only come through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary. What happens when, for the maybe the first time ever, we begin to see our sin for what it really is? How do you feel when you begin to realize that your poor words, actions, and self-centered motivation has not only hurt your family and friends, but that we have grieved the very heart of God?
I will never forget the weekend I began to experience sincere regret over my selfish ambition and hateful actions. I was attending a youth revival. Sitting in a room with fifty of my peers, the director began to talk about the condition of his heart. He said that he needed to take a closer look on the inside of his life to see what God sees when He looks at him for real. Pulling a chair from the corner of the room, he had all of us sit in a large circle. He placed the chair in the center of the room. With a humble and contrite heart, this humble man shared that God reached down from heaven when Jesus Christ died on a cross to save him from the messes he made in his life. He said the Lord touched Him by revealing his mean spirited behavior toward his brothers and sisters. He didn’t know whether any of us had regret over the things we may have said or done in our past, but He knew that without God’s mercy and grace, he simply could not go on. Then, he did something amazing. He sat down on the mercy seat. With tear-stained cheeks, he asked all of us to come and pray for him. I was stunned. I saw an adult that I respected sit in a chair in the middle of a large youth meeting, and confess that he had made some serious mistakes in his life. Not only did he confess, but he asked all of us to pray for him! My mind was racing a million miles per minute. The group inched toward our director, one by one, touching his shoulder, the chair, his head, each other, and we prayed out loud. Some of my friends began to cry. People were sniffling and shaking all around me. One by one, we cried out to God for His grace and mercy. We asked the Lord to forgive our youth leader and help him feel forgiveness for the sins he had committed throughout his life. He sat motionless, with his head buried in his hands. I could see the tears falling from his face and dripping on his pants leg.
After a few moments, he stood up from the chair, thanked all of us for praying, and said that he knew, without a doubt, that God had forgiven him right then. The chair sat empty – I couldn’t help but stare at it. He asked us a question – was there anyone else in the room who needed to know God’s healing love and mercy? Was there anyone else willing to take their place on the mercy seat? When I sat down on the chair that night and one hundred hands reached out to me in prayer, it was as if gravity had ceased to exist and that chair was literally lifted by the prayers and petitions of my friends, all of them focused on my healing and forgiveness. I didn’t realize just how miserable I felt until I experienced what it was like to have that guilt and shame taken up. This was the very first time I experienced what it meant to lay my sin out in the open before the foot of the cross and beg Jesus Christ to come into my heart, and forgive me.
The mercy seat sits empty this morning. There are people on their knees in prayer right now, waiting for you to come. Will you choose to sit on the mercy seat? Will you allow your brothers and sisters to pray for you, crying out to the Father on your behalf? Will you humble your heart, take a good look at the sin that eats away at your soul, and confess it once and for all before the One who can forgive and redeem you?
Come sit on the mercy seat today. There is a special place waiting just for you, in the sanctuary of the Lord. Won’t you come and worship the risen Christ with me today?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: new life! Jesus Christ died to set you free from the sins that separate you from Him. The mercy seat is for you and for me. Come sit with me! I’ll see you at church.
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Friday, March 09, 2007
Standing firm on my knees
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 18, 19, 20
Deuteronomy 20:2-4 (NIV)
2 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. 3 He shall say, “Hear O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. 4 For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Good morning!
Once upon a time, not so long ago, a precious little girl muffled her sad and fearful sobs in the pillow she clung to underneath her bed. Night time was a frightening time for little Emma. She much preferred playing in the bright sunlight, where she could see her enemy clearly and run away, if need be. Night time was different, when the darkness dripped like melting wax from the burned-out candle on the fireplace hearth. Little Emma shivered in fear. The only safe hiding place she could find was underneath her bed. If she cuddled up in the far corner next to the wall, maybe no one would be able to reach her there. On that cold, hard floor, Emma wrapped her favorite blankie around her shoulders, burying her little face in the soft, wet pillow. She listened intently for the sounds she did not want to hear. Little Emma kept watch every night in the dark. “Are you there, God?” Emma whispered into the night air. “Here I am, God, under my bed again. Can you hear me? I’m so scared, dear God. Please come and stay with me tonight.”
Our world is full of hurting and frightened children, crying out to the Lord in the dark every night. There are many children who went to bed last night on an empty stomach. They hunger and thirst for a little food to eat and clean water to drink. Other children are hiding under the beds because they hear the gunfire and explosions of war surrounding their community. They try to sleep amid the noise of gunfire, as the smell of death and destruction seeps through the walls and into their bedroom. Some children are sleeping underneath the stars, on a dirt floor with a makeshift tin and cardboard roof. They have no bed to hide under, because they have no bed at all.
There are children who live in the lap of luxury. They have plenty of food and water, toy boxes full of toys and games to play with, and their very own bed to sleep in. Yet, many of these children cry out to God, begging Him to come and protect them from the terrors of the night. Have you ever looked into the eyes of a child whose innocence has been taken from them? Have you ever seen their bruises, touched their broken bones, or dried their tear-stained cheeks?
All of God’s children face incredible battles every day. Some of them are battling just to survive. They do not have the necessities that sustain life. There are other children fighting the forces of evil around them. The people who they love and trust may not be trustworthy, and they find themselves in imminent danger day after day. When children grow up in communities where violence prevails, whether it be in a war-torn country or a war-torn family, they carry the scars of their pain with them. It weighs them down like bricks wrapped around their neck. Many children will not survive the terror of the night.
We can make a difference for the children who suffer. It begins when we stand firm on our knees, putting on the full armor of God. He equips to us to fight not only the physical wars we face in our world today, but the even greater spiritual wars brought forth by the evil one in our midst. Behind every abused child is a lost and hurting caregiver. We can seek God’s heavenly protection as we pray for those who desperately need safety and shelter today. We can reach out together with our hands and hearts as we find new ways to help support our brothers and sisters who do not have what they need to survive. We can encourage hurting adults to seek the help they need to overcome the demons they face every night. We can pray like we’ve never prayed before.
That child underneath the bed may be someone you know. Will you put on the full armor of God this morning and pray with me? Will you intercede for the safety of all the little Emmas who are hiding under their beds in fear?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: courage to take on the powers of evil and darkness in your life. We are standing firm on our knees today, praying prayers of intercession for all of God’s children who are suffering. Who will stand in the gap for the innocent ones today? Will you be Jesus to them?
____________________________
© 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: Deuteronomy 18, 19, 20
Deuteronomy 20:2-4 (NIV)
2 When you are about to go into battle, the priest shall come forward and address the army. 3 He shall say, “Hear O Israel, today you are going into battle against your enemies. Do not be fainthearted or afraid; do not be terrified or give way to panic before them. 4 For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.”
Ephesians 6:10-13 (NIV)
10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.
Good morning!
Once upon a time, not so long ago, a precious little girl muffled her sad and fearful sobs in the pillow she clung to underneath her bed. Night time was a frightening time for little Emma. She much preferred playing in the bright sunlight, where she could see her enemy clearly and run away, if need be. Night time was different, when the darkness dripped like melting wax from the burned-out candle on the fireplace hearth. Little Emma shivered in fear. The only safe hiding place she could find was underneath her bed. If she cuddled up in the far corner next to the wall, maybe no one would be able to reach her there. On that cold, hard floor, Emma wrapped her favorite blankie around her shoulders, burying her little face in the soft, wet pillow. She listened intently for the sounds she did not want to hear. Little Emma kept watch every night in the dark. “Are you there, God?” Emma whispered into the night air. “Here I am, God, under my bed again. Can you hear me? I’m so scared, dear God. Please come and stay with me tonight.”
Our world is full of hurting and frightened children, crying out to the Lord in the dark every night. There are many children who went to bed last night on an empty stomach. They hunger and thirst for a little food to eat and clean water to drink. Other children are hiding under the beds because they hear the gunfire and explosions of war surrounding their community. They try to sleep amid the noise of gunfire, as the smell of death and destruction seeps through the walls and into their bedroom. Some children are sleeping underneath the stars, on a dirt floor with a makeshift tin and cardboard roof. They have no bed to hide under, because they have no bed at all.
There are children who live in the lap of luxury. They have plenty of food and water, toy boxes full of toys and games to play with, and their very own bed to sleep in. Yet, many of these children cry out to God, begging Him to come and protect them from the terrors of the night. Have you ever looked into the eyes of a child whose innocence has been taken from them? Have you ever seen their bruises, touched their broken bones, or dried their tear-stained cheeks?
All of God’s children face incredible battles every day. Some of them are battling just to survive. They do not have the necessities that sustain life. There are other children fighting the forces of evil around them. The people who they love and trust may not be trustworthy, and they find themselves in imminent danger day after day. When children grow up in communities where violence prevails, whether it be in a war-torn country or a war-torn family, they carry the scars of their pain with them. It weighs them down like bricks wrapped around their neck. Many children will not survive the terror of the night.
We can make a difference for the children who suffer. It begins when we stand firm on our knees, putting on the full armor of God. He equips to us to fight not only the physical wars we face in our world today, but the even greater spiritual wars brought forth by the evil one in our midst. Behind every abused child is a lost and hurting caregiver. We can seek God’s heavenly protection as we pray for those who desperately need safety and shelter today. We can reach out together with our hands and hearts as we find new ways to help support our brothers and sisters who do not have what they need to survive. We can encourage hurting adults to seek the help they need to overcome the demons they face every night. We can pray like we’ve never prayed before.
That child underneath the bed may be someone you know. Will you put on the full armor of God this morning and pray with me? Will you intercede for the safety of all the little Emmas who are hiding under their beds in fear?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: courage to take on the powers of evil and darkness in your life. We are standing firm on our knees today, praying prayers of intercession for all of God’s children who are suffering. Who will stand in the gap for the innocent ones today? Will you be Jesus to them?
____________________________
© 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, March 08, 2007
Grace Full
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 15, 16, 17
Deuteronomy 15:7-11 (NIV)
7 If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. 8 Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. 9 Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, in near,” so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing. He may then appeal to the Lord against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. 10 Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. 11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
Romans 5:1-2 (NIV)
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Good morning!
When I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a prima ballerina. I longed for the day when I would be able to stand tall in a pair of toe shoes and float like a feather across the stage. I imagined when I grew up that I would be tall and thin, with great dexterity and strong ankle support. My mother enrolled me in ballet and tap dancing lessons, and I danced for years. Every spring our dance troupe would perform on the stage of the American Theatre in downtown St. Louis. We would dance on the stage of the Admiral showboat, when the Admiral actually cruised along the banks of the Mississippi River. I was a vision in my leotard and tutu. My mother would spend hours weaving my long hair into a tight bun, adorned with satin ribbons and bows. I was the teapot, definitely typecast - short and stout with a matching handle and spout. My mother said I was cute! Most mothers think their children are cute. Actually, I think God must pay them to feel this way. A sad revelation began to emerge within my heart. When I stopped growing “up” at age thirteen, and remained just a smidge over five feet tall, I recognized that long, thin legs were not part of the package I would receive from the Father above. To add insult to injury, I was not flexible at all, and my ankles were weak. Toe dancing was an art from that I would have to enjoy from the front row seats of the theatre. Alas, my dancing days were numbered. After several years, I buried the dream in the back of the closet along with the ballet slippers I once wore.
I’ve not always been a graceful person. Fumbling, mumbling and stumbling is a much better description of my daily walk. I tend to trip and fall a lot. It might help if I watched where I stepped, but that might be too easy. Grace is a funny thing. I have found that true grace is an undeserved gift from the Father above. Try as I might, it is something I will never be able to earn.
The Lord instructed His children to be graceful with each other. Every seven years, the Israelites were to cancel each others’ indebtedness, with a stamp that reads – PAID IN FULL. To forgive someone completely after providing seven years of support, food, land, clothing, and all the necessities of daily living, might seem like an impossible thing to do. Grace is extended to a poor and needy brother or sister, who has nothing with which to begin to repay their indebtedness to you. The Lord called His children to not only forgive them, but to do it without bearing a grudge. Are you good at forgiving the indebtedness of your neighbor? Do you place value added on the people you know, based solely upon their worldly possessions or the size of their investment portfolio? Are they more valuable to you than a poor, homeless heart? Who would you rather be in relationship with? Which person would you choose to befriend? Which person are you willing to serve?
No matter how much I wanted to dance, I could not physically make myself grow the long legs I needed to do the job well. I wanted to be tall, but I’m not. When Jesus Christ came to the earth, He looked for short people just like me to love on. He looked way beyond my physical attributes, skill sets, worldly possessions, and even my sharp and rough edge. Jesus looked upon my heart and proclaimed that I was worth His return. He was willing to lay down His very life just for me! He took my sin upon Himself and died on the cross of Calvary so I could live forever free! He gave me new legs upon which I stand in faith. It is only by his grace that I live today. He made me Grace Full when he took my indebtedness and stamped it PAID IN FULL with his blood.
I will never be a prima ballerina, but I can choose to dance before His holy throne today, singing praises to the One who lives and reigns! Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He can be your way, your truth and your life, if you call upon Him this morning in faith. Let the Lord forgive your sin, free you to live, and give you a grace-filled life. He exemplifies the great Jubilee. Our Lord forgives us when we call upon His name in faith, humble ourselves, confess our sin, and turn around. He bears no grudge. Praise Jesus Christ, our Lord!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: Jesus to fill you with His love, forgive your every sin, and free you for Grace Full living today. Come and join in the dance of the redeemed!
____________________________
© 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: Deuteronomy 15, 16, 17
Deuteronomy 15:7-11 (NIV)
7 If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the Lord your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. 8 Rather be openhanded and freely lend him whatever he needs. 9 Be careful not to harbor this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for canceling debts, in near,” so that you do not show ill will toward your needy brother and give him nothing. He may then appeal to the Lord against you, and you will be found guilty of sin. 10 Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to. 11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
Romans 5:1-2 (NIV)
1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God.
Good morning!
When I was a little girl, I dreamed of becoming a prima ballerina. I longed for the day when I would be able to stand tall in a pair of toe shoes and float like a feather across the stage. I imagined when I grew up that I would be tall and thin, with great dexterity and strong ankle support. My mother enrolled me in ballet and tap dancing lessons, and I danced for years. Every spring our dance troupe would perform on the stage of the American Theatre in downtown St. Louis. We would dance on the stage of the Admiral showboat, when the Admiral actually cruised along the banks of the Mississippi River. I was a vision in my leotard and tutu. My mother would spend hours weaving my long hair into a tight bun, adorned with satin ribbons and bows. I was the teapot, definitely typecast - short and stout with a matching handle and spout. My mother said I was cute! Most mothers think their children are cute. Actually, I think God must pay them to feel this way. A sad revelation began to emerge within my heart. When I stopped growing “up” at age thirteen, and remained just a smidge over five feet tall, I recognized that long, thin legs were not part of the package I would receive from the Father above. To add insult to injury, I was not flexible at all, and my ankles were weak. Toe dancing was an art from that I would have to enjoy from the front row seats of the theatre. Alas, my dancing days were numbered. After several years, I buried the dream in the back of the closet along with the ballet slippers I once wore.
I’ve not always been a graceful person. Fumbling, mumbling and stumbling is a much better description of my daily walk. I tend to trip and fall a lot. It might help if I watched where I stepped, but that might be too easy. Grace is a funny thing. I have found that true grace is an undeserved gift from the Father above. Try as I might, it is something I will never be able to earn.
The Lord instructed His children to be graceful with each other. Every seven years, the Israelites were to cancel each others’ indebtedness, with a stamp that reads – PAID IN FULL. To forgive someone completely after providing seven years of support, food, land, clothing, and all the necessities of daily living, might seem like an impossible thing to do. Grace is extended to a poor and needy brother or sister, who has nothing with which to begin to repay their indebtedness to you. The Lord called His children to not only forgive them, but to do it without bearing a grudge. Are you good at forgiving the indebtedness of your neighbor? Do you place value added on the people you know, based solely upon their worldly possessions or the size of their investment portfolio? Are they more valuable to you than a poor, homeless heart? Who would you rather be in relationship with? Which person would you choose to befriend? Which person are you willing to serve?
No matter how much I wanted to dance, I could not physically make myself grow the long legs I needed to do the job well. I wanted to be tall, but I’m not. When Jesus Christ came to the earth, He looked for short people just like me to love on. He looked way beyond my physical attributes, skill sets, worldly possessions, and even my sharp and rough edge. Jesus looked upon my heart and proclaimed that I was worth His return. He was willing to lay down His very life just for me! He took my sin upon Himself and died on the cross of Calvary so I could live forever free! He gave me new legs upon which I stand in faith. It is only by his grace that I live today. He made me Grace Full when he took my indebtedness and stamped it PAID IN FULL with his blood.
I will never be a prima ballerina, but I can choose to dance before His holy throne today, singing praises to the One who lives and reigns! Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, is the Way, the Truth and the Life. He can be your way, your truth and your life, if you call upon Him this morning in faith. Let the Lord forgive your sin, free you to live, and give you a grace-filled life. He exemplifies the great Jubilee. Our Lord forgives us when we call upon His name in faith, humble ourselves, confess our sin, and turn around. He bears no grudge. Praise Jesus Christ, our Lord!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: Jesus to fill you with His love, forgive your every sin, and free you for Grace Full living today. Come and join in the dance of the redeemed!
____________________________
© 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, March 07, 2007
Thankful Heart
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 12, 13, 14; Psalm 50
Psalm 50:14-15 (NIV)
14 “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, 15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will honor me.”
Colossians 3:15-17 (NIV)
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Good morning!
A thankful heart is a beautiful thing. Do you know someone who lives in constant thanksgiving and praise? Their joy, even in the most difficult of situations, can be infectious. Through the years, I’ve been blessed to meet some really thankful and happy people of God. They are the ones who find happiness in the little joys of everyday living. They share a peace that cannot be quenched. There is no way to humanly manufacture the joyful spirit they walk in each day. Their peace is a precious gift from the Lord, and it dwells with them as they seek His holy presence in daily prayer and praise.
I enjoy taking my grandchildren to the park to play. It is fun to watch the joy creep across their faces as we near the swing set and slide. Pure happiness seems to simply invade their space as they run and jump and play in the bright sunlight. Just when I think that their energy level has reached a combustable peak, they move to the next level. The happier they are, the harder they play. Running, laughing and shouting, there is no greater joy than watching a child express their happiness on the playground of life. When it is time to leave the park, my grandchildren do not want to go. They are happy and content there. Sometimes, I’ll carry a large blanket and a picnic basket filled with peanut butter sandwiches, deviled eggs and lots of bottled water. We’ll find a shady spot underneath a large oak tree where we can have a snack and enjoy the view. With tiny sweat beads running down their faces, my happy and contented grandchildren stop to rest awhile in the shade. It reminds me of what it is like to experience the joy He gives when I spend time worshipping and praising His name.
It is really hard to be unhappy when I take a serious look at where I’ve been and where I’m going. Because of God’s saving grace, my life will never be the same again. All of the things that used to trap me in places of despair and loneliness no longer exist. I feel His holy presence surround me every minute of the day, even in the most difficult and trying moments. I can run to Him with a thankful and joyous heart. He allows me the privilege of coming into His holy presence, as I lift up my praise and worship to Him. He fills my heart with pure joy, and sometimes I tingle from the tips of my toes to the top of my head as His Spirit consumes me. The love Christ is a shelter that remains with me twenty-four hours a day. I have learned that if my joy disappears because of someone’s harsh words or an unfortunate situation, it is only because I took my eyes off of the Lord. Humans cannot steal the joy of the Lord away from those who know and love Him unless we let them. He will never let you go. We need to make a conscious decision every morning to focus our heart and mind upon His plan and purpose for our life. When we honor the Lord with songs of praise and thanksgiving; when we pray for His will and not ours, trusting Him to lead us out into the world to tell others what the saving blood of Jesus can do for them, He gives us a thankfulness and peace that is indescribable.
Do you know the Lord and giver of new life? Let me tell you about my Jesus. The peace that comes from knowing Him will change your life forever. Won’t you come with me today and experience true joy in the wonder of His love?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the peace and joy that can only come from knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you know Him today?
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 12, 13, 14; Psalm 50
Psalm 50:14-15 (NIV)
14 “Sacrifice thank offerings to God, fulfill your vows to the Most High, 15 and call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you will honor me.”
Colossians 3:15-17 (NIV)
15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. 17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.
Good morning!
A thankful heart is a beautiful thing. Do you know someone who lives in constant thanksgiving and praise? Their joy, even in the most difficult of situations, can be infectious. Through the years, I’ve been blessed to meet some really thankful and happy people of God. They are the ones who find happiness in the little joys of everyday living. They share a peace that cannot be quenched. There is no way to humanly manufacture the joyful spirit they walk in each day. Their peace is a precious gift from the Lord, and it dwells with them as they seek His holy presence in daily prayer and praise.
I enjoy taking my grandchildren to the park to play. It is fun to watch the joy creep across their faces as we near the swing set and slide. Pure happiness seems to simply invade their space as they run and jump and play in the bright sunlight. Just when I think that their energy level has reached a combustable peak, they move to the next level. The happier they are, the harder they play. Running, laughing and shouting, there is no greater joy than watching a child express their happiness on the playground of life. When it is time to leave the park, my grandchildren do not want to go. They are happy and content there. Sometimes, I’ll carry a large blanket and a picnic basket filled with peanut butter sandwiches, deviled eggs and lots of bottled water. We’ll find a shady spot underneath a large oak tree where we can have a snack and enjoy the view. With tiny sweat beads running down their faces, my happy and contented grandchildren stop to rest awhile in the shade. It reminds me of what it is like to experience the joy He gives when I spend time worshipping and praising His name.
It is really hard to be unhappy when I take a serious look at where I’ve been and where I’m going. Because of God’s saving grace, my life will never be the same again. All of the things that used to trap me in places of despair and loneliness no longer exist. I feel His holy presence surround me every minute of the day, even in the most difficult and trying moments. I can run to Him with a thankful and joyous heart. He allows me the privilege of coming into His holy presence, as I lift up my praise and worship to Him. He fills my heart with pure joy, and sometimes I tingle from the tips of my toes to the top of my head as His Spirit consumes me. The love Christ is a shelter that remains with me twenty-four hours a day. I have learned that if my joy disappears because of someone’s harsh words or an unfortunate situation, it is only because I took my eyes off of the Lord. Humans cannot steal the joy of the Lord away from those who know and love Him unless we let them. He will never let you go. We need to make a conscious decision every morning to focus our heart and mind upon His plan and purpose for our life. When we honor the Lord with songs of praise and thanksgiving; when we pray for His will and not ours, trusting Him to lead us out into the world to tell others what the saving blood of Jesus can do for them, He gives us a thankfulness and peace that is indescribable.
Do you know the Lord and giver of new life? Let me tell you about my Jesus. The peace that comes from knowing Him will change your life forever. Won’t you come with me today and experience true joy in the wonder of His love?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the peace and joy that can only come from knowing the Lord Jesus Christ. Do you know Him today?
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Tuesday, March 06, 2007
There is a cure for that pain in your neck!
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 9, 10, 11
Deuteronomy 10:16-21 (NIV)
16 Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. 18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing. 19 And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt. 20 Fear the Lord your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name. 21 He is your praise; He is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.
Good morning!
Having a stiff neck can be an excruciating malady. Have you ever fallen asleep while riding in a car, an airplane, train or bus? Upon awaking from your nap, it becomes immediately apparent that you must have turned your head in an awkward position while resting. That sharp, shooting neck pain we feel can actually be debilitating. It radiates pain to other parts of your body, causing muscle spasms in your back, stomach upset and migraine headaches. The pain compromises your ability to turn from side to side, or to look up and down. Have you ever experienced a miserable pain in the neck?
When our youngest son David spent time in the hospital, there were nights when the best I could do was sit with him in bed and hold him while he tried to sleep. I had a stiff neck the entire time we were there, holding my three-year old while trying to cat nap. David’s favorite movie was E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. We watched that movie over and over again. It seemed to be the only thing that would take his mind off the pain he was feeling. For two solid weeks in the pediatric ward, David and I memorized almost every line in that film. The wonderful volunteers from the gift shop downstairs took a real shine to our son. In their display window, the shop owners hung a movie poster about E.T. in their window. Occasionally, I would take David for a ride in one of their hospital bed wagons. He wasn’t able to get up and walk with all the paraphernalia he was hooked up to, so I would pad the wagon with blankets and pillows and pull him around the hospital when he felt well enough to ride. He loved that picture in the gift shop window. Whenever we would stop in, he would point his little finger up to the sky and say, E.T. Phone Home! One day, the shop owner stopped by David’s room. They had taken the poster down from their display and hung it in his room. That was the best gift ever, and our little boy was thrilled! We took that poster home with us, and it stayed next to his bed for years.
David didn’t smile much during his hospital stay. I remember one time when the nurses had to change his dressing, and I was holding him on the bed to keep him from flailing around. David looked at me through teary eyes, and screamed, “I hate you. I hate you. I hate you.” I knew he meant it. I was his mother, and I was allowing these people to come in and inflict pain on my son. Even though I knew the dressing had to be changed, I couldn’t help but feel absolutely horrible. I looked at my child with tears rolling down my face, crying, “I’m sorry son. I love you. I love you. I love you.”
Sometimes we find ourselves hating God for the pain in our neck. Maybe your pain springs from a physical or emotional illness. It is possible that the pain you feel today is generated by the thoughtless words and acts of another person – maybe it is someone you truly love. Or, maybe the pain in your neck radiates from your own negativity and sinful behavior. When you choose to sin, do you get a pain in your neck? Do you ever feel like an alien, standing outside the circle of God’s love, not understanding how He could possibly love you enough to take you in, after all the poor choices you’ve made in the past?
There is a cure for that pain in your neck. God told Moses that if His people would simply hold on to Him, choosing to serve and honor Him with their life, showing respect and reverence in obedience to His law, the Lord would be their sustenance and deliverance every day. The people were to pray and praise Him, lifting God’s holy name high. He wanted His people to set aside their petty differences and stiff-necked views, and seek Him out in every aspect of their life. He wanted their trust and love and total devotion, more than anything else.
Give God your stiff neck this morning. Let Him heal your pain, once and for all. He has the capacity to soften and melt even the hardest heart when we relinquish our defenses, tear down the walls, stop making excuses and blaming others for our lot in life. Get down on your knees and ask the Lord to help you. He has the power to circumcise your heart if you are willing to follow Him every day. We may be aliens in this world; yet, we are never too far from God’s reach. He sees you. He hears you. Cry out to the Lord today. Even if you find yourself screaming, “I hate you, I hate you, I hate you,” stop and listen for His still-small voice. You will hear Him say, “I’m sorry, dear child. I love you, I love you, I love you.”
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: grace and mercy! The Lord came to heal the sick and save the lost. He loves you so much more than you know. Let Him remove the pain caused by your stiff neck, so you can turn around and see Him face to face. Will you let the Lord heal your heart this morning?
____________________________
© 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: Deuteronomy 9, 10, 11
Deuteronomy 10:16-21 (NIV)
16 Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and do not be stiff-necked any longer. 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. 18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the alien, giving him food and clothing. 19 And you are to love those who are aliens, for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt. 20 Fear the Lord your God and serve Him. Hold fast to Him and take your oaths in His name. 21 He is your praise; He is your God, who performed for you those great and awesome wonders you saw with your own eyes.
Good morning!
Having a stiff neck can be an excruciating malady. Have you ever fallen asleep while riding in a car, an airplane, train or bus? Upon awaking from your nap, it becomes immediately apparent that you must have turned your head in an awkward position while resting. That sharp, shooting neck pain we feel can actually be debilitating. It radiates pain to other parts of your body, causing muscle spasms in your back, stomach upset and migraine headaches. The pain compromises your ability to turn from side to side, or to look up and down. Have you ever experienced a miserable pain in the neck?
When our youngest son David spent time in the hospital, there were nights when the best I could do was sit with him in bed and hold him while he tried to sleep. I had a stiff neck the entire time we were there, holding my three-year old while trying to cat nap. David’s favorite movie was E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial. We watched that movie over and over again. It seemed to be the only thing that would take his mind off the pain he was feeling. For two solid weeks in the pediatric ward, David and I memorized almost every line in that film. The wonderful volunteers from the gift shop downstairs took a real shine to our son. In their display window, the shop owners hung a movie poster about E.T. in their window. Occasionally, I would take David for a ride in one of their hospital bed wagons. He wasn’t able to get up and walk with all the paraphernalia he was hooked up to, so I would pad the wagon with blankets and pillows and pull him around the hospital when he felt well enough to ride. He loved that picture in the gift shop window. Whenever we would stop in, he would point his little finger up to the sky and say, E.T. Phone Home! One day, the shop owner stopped by David’s room. They had taken the poster down from their display and hung it in his room. That was the best gift ever, and our little boy was thrilled! We took that poster home with us, and it stayed next to his bed for years.
David didn’t smile much during his hospital stay. I remember one time when the nurses had to change his dressing, and I was holding him on the bed to keep him from flailing around. David looked at me through teary eyes, and screamed, “I hate you. I hate you. I hate you.” I knew he meant it. I was his mother, and I was allowing these people to come in and inflict pain on my son. Even though I knew the dressing had to be changed, I couldn’t help but feel absolutely horrible. I looked at my child with tears rolling down my face, crying, “I’m sorry son. I love you. I love you. I love you.”
Sometimes we find ourselves hating God for the pain in our neck. Maybe your pain springs from a physical or emotional illness. It is possible that the pain you feel today is generated by the thoughtless words and acts of another person – maybe it is someone you truly love. Or, maybe the pain in your neck radiates from your own negativity and sinful behavior. When you choose to sin, do you get a pain in your neck? Do you ever feel like an alien, standing outside the circle of God’s love, not understanding how He could possibly love you enough to take you in, after all the poor choices you’ve made in the past?
There is a cure for that pain in your neck. God told Moses that if His people would simply hold on to Him, choosing to serve and honor Him with their life, showing respect and reverence in obedience to His law, the Lord would be their sustenance and deliverance every day. The people were to pray and praise Him, lifting God’s holy name high. He wanted His people to set aside their petty differences and stiff-necked views, and seek Him out in every aspect of their life. He wanted their trust and love and total devotion, more than anything else.
Give God your stiff neck this morning. Let Him heal your pain, once and for all. He has the capacity to soften and melt even the hardest heart when we relinquish our defenses, tear down the walls, stop making excuses and blaming others for our lot in life. Get down on your knees and ask the Lord to help you. He has the power to circumcise your heart if you are willing to follow Him every day. We may be aliens in this world; yet, we are never too far from God’s reach. He sees you. He hears you. Cry out to the Lord today. Even if you find yourself screaming, “I hate you, I hate you, I hate you,” stop and listen for His still-small voice. You will hear Him say, “I’m sorry, dear child. I love you, I love you, I love you.”
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: grace and mercy! The Lord came to heal the sick and save the lost. He loves you so much more than you know. Let Him remove the pain caused by your stiff neck, so you can turn around and see Him face to face. Will you let the Lord heal your heart this morning?
____________________________
© 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, March 05, 2007
Large and in charge
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 6, 7, 8
Deuteronomy 8:6-9 (NIV)
6 Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in His ways and revering Him. 7 For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land – a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.
Good morning!
I am beginning to realize that I am definitely a direct descendant of the Israelites. I seem to have a lot in common with them, especially when I try control not only the direction of my own life, but the direction of all those around me. Sometimes I think if I could just make others do what I think they should do, this world would definitely be a much happier place [for me]. I’d be happier, because everything would work out my way, and we all know that my way is not only the right way, it is the only way! Where is that nail? Okay Lord, I’m squeezing it hard this morning.
God must have known what was about to become a commonplace attitude with the children He led through the wilderness. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to cry out to God when life is difficult? The Israelites wandered in that hot and dry desert for forty years. God provided them food, water, direction, encouragement, a set of laws to keep them healthy and happy and working together as a community of faith. During that time, the people grumbled and complained, and thought if they could just move on or go back, their life would get better. They didn’t like their leadership, they didn’t like the weather; they didn’t like their next door tent dwellers. Never satisfied, they sacrificed practically all their livestock just to keep themselves in an atoning spirit with the Lord. It just was never perfect enough, and many of them, just like me, thought they had a better plan. Ironically, even in those difficult moments of desert wandering, the Lord heard and answered their angry and self-centered prayers. At least they were praying. Do you pray angry prayers to God? Is that about the only time you give Him any attention at all?
God warned the people to not forget Him when life improved. He was leading them into a land, flowing with milk and honey. He was providing them a very special place to live. God was blessing His children not only with the necessities of life, but with abundant life. He knew they would turn away from the Him as life became easier, forgetting the Lord God Almighty all together. The Israelites might even try to take credit for the wealth and prosperity the Lord had graciously given them. Are you are large and in charge? Do you want to be? Do you find it easier to take control, or relinquish it?
More times than I can count, I have done exactly that. I’ve imposed my own will, not only on my family and friends, but I’ve demanded that God Almighty bow down to me. I expected God to give me everything I ever needed or wanted. Can I tell you a secret? I sometimes forget that God owes me absolutely nothing; yet, He chooses to equip me with everything I need to walk toward Him. When I look to the Lord, every minute of every day, and depend upon His Word and will for my life; when I stop trying to analyze and fix my family and every circumstance surrounding me; when I choose to focus my heart completely upon praising and obeying and glorifying the Lord, He fills me up with total peace and contentment. His love surrounds me like a warm, woolen blanket. I am happiest when I’m sitting in my Father’s lap, completely absorbed in His awesome beauty and majesty. The things around me just don’t seem so bad, as I continue to look into His magnificent face. His comfort and loving kindness sustain me, not only in the tough times, but when the journey is easier, and life is sweet.
Do you ever find yourself ignoring the Lord when things are running smoothly in your life? Do you take credit for something you really didn’t do? Would you prefer to be large and in charge, or are you willing to hand over the reigns to God? How many years will we have to wander around in the desert before we learn how to listen, obey and honor the Lord?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the Lord to shake you up, if that is what it takes, to get you to turn around and follow Him. Listen to the Word of the Lord this morning, and know that He is all you will ever need. He is leading all of us to a perfect place, where tears are wiped away, and His holy presence is all we long for. Why not give up your controlling nature and let the Lord lead for a change?
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 6, 7, 8
Deuteronomy 8:6-9 (NIV)
6 Observe the commands of the Lord your God, walking in His ways and revering Him. 7 For the Lord your God is bringing you into a good land – a land with streams and pools of water, with springs flowing in the valleys and hills; a land with wheat and barley, vines and fig trees, pomegranates, olive oil and honey; a land where bread will not be scarce and you will lack nothing; a land where the rocks are iron and you can dig copper out of the hills.
Good morning!
I am beginning to realize that I am definitely a direct descendant of the Israelites. I seem to have a lot in common with them, especially when I try control not only the direction of my own life, but the direction of all those around me. Sometimes I think if I could just make others do what I think they should do, this world would definitely be a much happier place [for me]. I’d be happier, because everything would work out my way, and we all know that my way is not only the right way, it is the only way! Where is that nail? Okay Lord, I’m squeezing it hard this morning.
God must have known what was about to become a commonplace attitude with the children He led through the wilderness. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to cry out to God when life is difficult? The Israelites wandered in that hot and dry desert for forty years. God provided them food, water, direction, encouragement, a set of laws to keep them healthy and happy and working together as a community of faith. During that time, the people grumbled and complained, and thought if they could just move on or go back, their life would get better. They didn’t like their leadership, they didn’t like the weather; they didn’t like their next door tent dwellers. Never satisfied, they sacrificed practically all their livestock just to keep themselves in an atoning spirit with the Lord. It just was never perfect enough, and many of them, just like me, thought they had a better plan. Ironically, even in those difficult moments of desert wandering, the Lord heard and answered their angry and self-centered prayers. At least they were praying. Do you pray angry prayers to God? Is that about the only time you give Him any attention at all?
God warned the people to not forget Him when life improved. He was leading them into a land, flowing with milk and honey. He was providing them a very special place to live. God was blessing His children not only with the necessities of life, but with abundant life. He knew they would turn away from the Him as life became easier, forgetting the Lord God Almighty all together. The Israelites might even try to take credit for the wealth and prosperity the Lord had graciously given them. Are you are large and in charge? Do you want to be? Do you find it easier to take control, or relinquish it?
More times than I can count, I have done exactly that. I’ve imposed my own will, not only on my family and friends, but I’ve demanded that God Almighty bow down to me. I expected God to give me everything I ever needed or wanted. Can I tell you a secret? I sometimes forget that God owes me absolutely nothing; yet, He chooses to equip me with everything I need to walk toward Him. When I look to the Lord, every minute of every day, and depend upon His Word and will for my life; when I stop trying to analyze and fix my family and every circumstance surrounding me; when I choose to focus my heart completely upon praising and obeying and glorifying the Lord, He fills me up with total peace and contentment. His love surrounds me like a warm, woolen blanket. I am happiest when I’m sitting in my Father’s lap, completely absorbed in His awesome beauty and majesty. The things around me just don’t seem so bad, as I continue to look into His magnificent face. His comfort and loving kindness sustain me, not only in the tough times, but when the journey is easier, and life is sweet.
Do you ever find yourself ignoring the Lord when things are running smoothly in your life? Do you take credit for something you really didn’t do? Would you prefer to be large and in charge, or are you willing to hand over the reigns to God? How many years will we have to wander around in the desert before we learn how to listen, obey and honor the Lord?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the Lord to shake you up, if that is what it takes, to get you to turn around and follow Him. Listen to the Word of the Lord this morning, and know that He is all you will ever need. He is leading all of us to a perfect place, where tears are wiped away, and His holy presence is all we long for. Why not give up your controlling nature and let the Lord lead for a change?
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Sunday, March 04, 2007
Mirrored Reflection
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 4, 5; Psalm 49
I Corinthians 13:12 (NIV)
12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
James 1:22-25 (NIV)
22 Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
23 Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror
24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.
Good morning!
Standing at the bedroom mirror in my childhood home, I rechecked my appearance one more time. I wondered if he will like me - what will this boy see when he looks at my face today? Who is he really? I wonder what he believes? Does he have faith? Will I see it in his eyes? Is there more to him than mere good looks, a kind disposition and sweet-smelling cologne? On March 4, 1974, I went on my very first date. The sun was shining and it was a perfect Saturday to have lunch and shop with a new friend. I remember this moment as if it were just yesterday. That young man who dared to ask me out for a lunch date is the gentleman who now sits on the sofa with me every night. Thirty-three years ago today, I took his hand in mine. I still cling to his guiding hand today. I married Jeff because I saw something much greater while looking at his mirrored reflection. I found the love of Jesus Christ radiating from his heart, and it was that love that made all the difference for me.
Jeff gave me a very special card this morning. It said, “When you look into the mirror today, I want you to see the same beautiful face I see whenever I look at you.” We have looked at each other for a long, long time. That very first date has carried us through thirty years of marriage. Jeff has seen me at my worst and best. He has stood with me in all accomplishments, and held me close as I mourned my many failures. He loves me when I’m not very lovable. He listens to me when I speak. He hears and understands the words I say; although I must admit it is easier to communicate with him now if he uses a hearing aid! His passion and compassion for me never seems to end. Jeff walks with me; we grow together every day in love, sharing the blessings of family and friendship. I am no longer a fifteen-year old girl. The only resemblance I bear to the exuberant child I once was is held captive in the recesses of my heart song. How is it possible that my husband can still see it when he looks through the mirrored glass at my face? Could it be that even in this stage of my life, the beauty of our first love is an everlasting and timeless art form? Will the look on my face always remind him of the child within? As he looks at me through the mirrored glass of time, will He always see the love of Christ radiate from my heart?
What do you think God sees when he looks at you? Whose reflection do you carry into the world each morning? In our Lord’s eyes, we are His perfect creation, even as we are perfectly flawed. We bear the lifelines of experience and the marks of age upon our faces. The scars that are left from the hurts we have experienced can cloud even the brightest light. Our life’s choices continue to shape our daily walk. Is it possible that God looks beyond the present circumstance and sees the exuberant child He fashioned in His hand long ago? When you look in the mirror this morning, will you see the perfection of the Lord radiating from your face?
Lord Jesus, help me never to forget your perfect law, your teaching and command to go and share the Good News! I invite you this day, and every day, to come and live within my heart. May the light of your perfection and the joy that comes from knowing you wash over me, filling me afresh with your sweet Holy Spirit. I ask that you to take my mirrored reflection and mold it into whatever you would have me be. I will always be your exuberant child, even as I grow in grace and maturity. Thank you for loving me in every facet of my life. Help me to see what you see in me as you look at my mirrored reflection. Amen.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the Lord to reveal His perfect love for you as you look in the mirror this morning. What will the world see when they look at your face today? Will they see Jesus in you? I’ll be looking for your face at church!
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 4, 5; Psalm 49
I Corinthians 13:12 (NIV)
12 Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.
James 1:22-25 (NIV)
22 Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.
23 Anyone who listens to the Word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror
24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it – he will be blessed in what he does.
Good morning!
Standing at the bedroom mirror in my childhood home, I rechecked my appearance one more time. I wondered if he will like me - what will this boy see when he looks at my face today? Who is he really? I wonder what he believes? Does he have faith? Will I see it in his eyes? Is there more to him than mere good looks, a kind disposition and sweet-smelling cologne? On March 4, 1974, I went on my very first date. The sun was shining and it was a perfect Saturday to have lunch and shop with a new friend. I remember this moment as if it were just yesterday. That young man who dared to ask me out for a lunch date is the gentleman who now sits on the sofa with me every night. Thirty-three years ago today, I took his hand in mine. I still cling to his guiding hand today. I married Jeff because I saw something much greater while looking at his mirrored reflection. I found the love of Jesus Christ radiating from his heart, and it was that love that made all the difference for me.
Jeff gave me a very special card this morning. It said, “When you look into the mirror today, I want you to see the same beautiful face I see whenever I look at you.” We have looked at each other for a long, long time. That very first date has carried us through thirty years of marriage. Jeff has seen me at my worst and best. He has stood with me in all accomplishments, and held me close as I mourned my many failures. He loves me when I’m not very lovable. He listens to me when I speak. He hears and understands the words I say; although I must admit it is easier to communicate with him now if he uses a hearing aid! His passion and compassion for me never seems to end. Jeff walks with me; we grow together every day in love, sharing the blessings of family and friendship. I am no longer a fifteen-year old girl. The only resemblance I bear to the exuberant child I once was is held captive in the recesses of my heart song. How is it possible that my husband can still see it when he looks through the mirrored glass at my face? Could it be that even in this stage of my life, the beauty of our first love is an everlasting and timeless art form? Will the look on my face always remind him of the child within? As he looks at me through the mirrored glass of time, will He always see the love of Christ radiate from my heart?
What do you think God sees when he looks at you? Whose reflection do you carry into the world each morning? In our Lord’s eyes, we are His perfect creation, even as we are perfectly flawed. We bear the lifelines of experience and the marks of age upon our faces. The scars that are left from the hurts we have experienced can cloud even the brightest light. Our life’s choices continue to shape our daily walk. Is it possible that God looks beyond the present circumstance and sees the exuberant child He fashioned in His hand long ago? When you look in the mirror this morning, will you see the perfection of the Lord radiating from your face?
Lord Jesus, help me never to forget your perfect law, your teaching and command to go and share the Good News! I invite you this day, and every day, to come and live within my heart. May the light of your perfection and the joy that comes from knowing you wash over me, filling me afresh with your sweet Holy Spirit. I ask that you to take my mirrored reflection and mold it into whatever you would have me be. I will always be your exuberant child, even as I grow in grace and maturity. Thank you for loving me in every facet of my life. Help me to see what you see in me as you look at my mirrored reflection. Amen.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: the Lord to reveal His perfect love for you as you look in the mirror this morning. What will the world see when they look at your face today? Will they see Jesus in you? I’ll be looking for your face at church!
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Saturday, March 03, 2007
The forty-year move
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 1, 2, 3; Psalm 48
Deuteronomy 2:7 (NIV)
7 The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast desert. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.
Psalm 48:1 (NIV)
1 Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, His holy mountain.
Acts 17:28 (NIV)
28 For in Him, we live and move and having our being.
Good morning!
Do you enjoy the challenges of moving? Jeff and I have had lots of “moving” experiences in our thirty years of marriage. We moved out of our parents’ homes and into an apartment together after we were married. One year later, we moved from St. Louis, Missouri, to Dallas, Texas, to the campus of Perkins School of Theology at SMU. About six months after we settled into the dorm, Jeff was appointed as a part-time pastor to a growing United Methodist Church forty miles east of Dallas, and we moved into their church parsonage. When Jeff graduated three years later, we moved back to Missouri. In full-time ministry after seminary, Jeff has pastured five Missouri United Methodist congregations. Moving has become an art form for us. I’ve learned how to pack and unpack our home in record time. Let’s face it - moving your family is hard work. It takes great physical and emotional stamina, flexibility, and good organizational skills with a game plan that includes not only a plan a, but plans b through z. We’ve moved in winter ice and snow. We moved in 100 degree temperatures in mid-June. Every move has had its own unique and memorable challenges. I can say, in all honesty, that every move has brought forth blessing after blessing in our life. If you have trouble seeing the silver lining on moving day, sometimes, you just need to know where to look.
Our daughter Rachel and son-in-law Dave moved their home this week. This was an interesting move for them. Rachel and Dave have 2.7 children; we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of a brand new baby who should make its debut in the next few weeks. Their family has fallen in love with the community where they live. They have been blessed with some great neighbors. Their children are close friends with the children who reside in their subdivision. Rachel and Dave had an opportunity to purchase a larger home just up the street from where they were living. This home would give them the much-needed space for their rapidly expanding family. On Wednesday, Dave’s firefighting community and Rachel’s co-workers from her radiology clinic converged upon the Dacus home and helped to physically move their stuff from one house to the other. They made the move in one full day, carrying their furnishings, clothing, and collectibles up the hill and across the street.
Can you imagine picking up your home and moving it around whenever the Lord said to go? This was the forty-year journey of our Israelite brothers and sisters. They wandered around the desert, guided by the cloud of the Lord and His command to move on. When God said to go, the Israelites simply packed up their tents and went. They may have only traveled a couple of miles across the desert before the Lord would command them to stop and set up housekeeping. Has God ever asked you to move out in faith for Him? Have you heard the Lord calling out to you to pack up your tent, and move into unknown territory? Were you willing to go?
No matter where I am, I rely upon the Lord’s leading for my life. I know that when I listen and obey Him, I find peace, contentment and joy in the journey. I may not always know where He is taking me; yet, I choose to live and move and have my very being planted in the center of His love. Following the Lord Jesus Christ is worth any inconvenience, difficulty or challenge. Living outside of His love is not where I want to be. I trust Him in all things, even when He calls me to move out of my comfort zone and step up in faith for Him.
Are you ready to move? Can you hear the Lord calling out to you? Will you go with a happy heart, seeking His direction for your life? What would it take for you to pack up your tent and follow Him?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: courage to answer God’s call to go! When His love burns like unquenchable fire in your heart, will you stand up and say, “Here I am, Lord. Send me!” Have a happy moving day in the light of His love.
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 1, 2, 3; Psalm 48
Deuteronomy 2:7 (NIV)
7 The Lord your God has blessed you in all the work of your hands. He has watched over your journey through this vast desert. These forty years the Lord your God has been with you, and you have not lacked anything.
Psalm 48:1 (NIV)
1 Great is the Lord, and most worthy of praise, in the city of our God, His holy mountain.
Acts 17:28 (NIV)
28 For in Him, we live and move and having our being.
Good morning!
Do you enjoy the challenges of moving? Jeff and I have had lots of “moving” experiences in our thirty years of marriage. We moved out of our parents’ homes and into an apartment together after we were married. One year later, we moved from St. Louis, Missouri, to Dallas, Texas, to the campus of Perkins School of Theology at SMU. About six months after we settled into the dorm, Jeff was appointed as a part-time pastor to a growing United Methodist Church forty miles east of Dallas, and we moved into their church parsonage. When Jeff graduated three years later, we moved back to Missouri. In full-time ministry after seminary, Jeff has pastured five Missouri United Methodist congregations. Moving has become an art form for us. I’ve learned how to pack and unpack our home in record time. Let’s face it - moving your family is hard work. It takes great physical and emotional stamina, flexibility, and good organizational skills with a game plan that includes not only a plan a, but plans b through z. We’ve moved in winter ice and snow. We moved in 100 degree temperatures in mid-June. Every move has had its own unique and memorable challenges. I can say, in all honesty, that every move has brought forth blessing after blessing in our life. If you have trouble seeing the silver lining on moving day, sometimes, you just need to know where to look.
Our daughter Rachel and son-in-law Dave moved their home this week. This was an interesting move for them. Rachel and Dave have 2.7 children; we are anxiously awaiting the arrival of a brand new baby who should make its debut in the next few weeks. Their family has fallen in love with the community where they live. They have been blessed with some great neighbors. Their children are close friends with the children who reside in their subdivision. Rachel and Dave had an opportunity to purchase a larger home just up the street from where they were living. This home would give them the much-needed space for their rapidly expanding family. On Wednesday, Dave’s firefighting community and Rachel’s co-workers from her radiology clinic converged upon the Dacus home and helped to physically move their stuff from one house to the other. They made the move in one full day, carrying their furnishings, clothing, and collectibles up the hill and across the street.
Can you imagine picking up your home and moving it around whenever the Lord said to go? This was the forty-year journey of our Israelite brothers and sisters. They wandered around the desert, guided by the cloud of the Lord and His command to move on. When God said to go, the Israelites simply packed up their tents and went. They may have only traveled a couple of miles across the desert before the Lord would command them to stop and set up housekeeping. Has God ever asked you to move out in faith for Him? Have you heard the Lord calling out to you to pack up your tent, and move into unknown territory? Were you willing to go?
No matter where I am, I rely upon the Lord’s leading for my life. I know that when I listen and obey Him, I find peace, contentment and joy in the journey. I may not always know where He is taking me; yet, I choose to live and move and have my very being planted in the center of His love. Following the Lord Jesus Christ is worth any inconvenience, difficulty or challenge. Living outside of His love is not where I want to be. I trust Him in all things, even when He calls me to move out of my comfort zone and step up in faith for Him.
Are you ready to move? Can you hear the Lord calling out to you? Will you go with a happy heart, seeking His direction for your life? What would it take for you to pack up your tent and follow Him?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: courage to answer God’s call to go! When His love burns like unquenchable fire in your heart, will you stand up and say, “Here I am, Lord. Send me!” Have a happy moving day in the light of His love.
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Friday, March 02, 2007
Cities of Refuge
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Numbers 35, 36; Psalm 47
Numbers 35:1-3 (NIV)
1 On the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho, the Lord said to Moses, 2 “Command the Israelites to give the Levites towns to live in from the inheritance the Israelites will possess. And give them pasturelands around the towns. 3 Then they will have towns to live in and pasturelands for their cattle, flocks and all their other livestock.”
Psalm 47:1-4 (NIV)
1 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. 2 How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth! 3 He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet, 4 He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom He loved.
Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Good morning!
Have you ever been the beneficiary of an inheritance? It is commonplace to pass personal possessions and property from one generation to the next when a person dies. Today, legal documents are prepared in advance of a property owner’s death. Distributions of money, property, and personal effects are pre-arranged based upon the last wishes of the deceased. The inheritance represents a tangible blessing for the ones who receive it. Our churches can become the blessed beneficiary of financial gifts and property when a decedent leaves a portion of their estate for the continuing work of evangelism and mission in the world. We have witnessed large sums of money become seeds sown to help train and equip pastors and teachers. Monies are used to expand building programs, purchase sound systems, music equipment, and educational supplies to better equip a church to meet the needs of its growing faith community. Much-needed funds to continue essential mission work, providing necessities of life for the poor, become available through estate planning gifts. There are many people whose gifts will become a living example of faith, even after their death.
God instructed Moses to command the Israelites to care for their pastors (Levites) by providing them with a place to live and raise livestock; plant a garden, and live comfortably. Levites did not share in the inheritance of land from their relatives. They relied completely upon the tithes of the people and the Lord’s inheritance to sustain them throughout their earthly life and ministry. Jeff and I have been blessed throughout his pastoral ministry to live in parsonages provided by our church family. In Texas, the church parsonage was fully furnished. That was a huge blessing for us, while we were tuition poor. We did not have money to buy furniture; we invested our monthly income into Jeff’s continuing education. There were farmers in our church who consistently stocked our freezer with meat and fresh vegetables for our table. When I was pregnant with Rachel and Benjamin, several women from the church gave of their time and talent to make my maternity clothes. There are no words to describe how much this meant to us. The congregation took care of our family’s physical needs in ways we could not even begin to repay. If you have ever received a gift of grace, then you may understand just how meaningful your gift of blessing can bring to the life of another human being.
There is an even greater gift of grace that we can give to each other, every morning when we awake. In January, I attended a prayer conference and listened with great intent to the teaching of a pastor, author and intercessory prayer warrior, who has totally given his life to the Lord and spends his days training up people in intercessory prayer ministry. Pastor Terry Teykl desires nothing more than to teach Christians around the world the importance of linking hearts to the Lord in prayer, and supporting one another through the act of daily, concerted intercession. In his book, The Presence Based Church, Teykl reveals the power source that explodes when we daily invite the living presence of God into our hearts, homes, and churches. As we seek the Lord out in prayer, waiting for Him to come and fill our lives with unspeakable joy, we can extend His presence with our pastors, teachers, leaders, by building cities of refuge around them. As we pray for one another, we erect a spiritual hedge of protection as we depend completely upon the power and healing touch of our Lord and Savior. If you have not yet read Teykl’s book, I would invite you to pick up a copy and read it. Please consider praying for your pastor daily. Pray for his or her family. Pray for your Sunday school teachers, ministry team leaders, and missionaries. Pray for your brother and sister who sits across from you on Sunday morning. Pray for the sick, pray for the not-yet Christians who are seeking meaning and relationship and who may actually walk in off the street this weekend, looking for the Lord Jesus Christ in your church.
People will be drawn into the presence of the Lord as we pray for them daily. We can become a living conduit, (the live wire), for His healing power, grace, and forgiveness, as we seek Christ’s holy face in worship and prayer. Are you willing to create a city of refuge, a hedge of spiritual protection, for your church? It is a gift of grace, and we, as the body of Christ, can extend it to each other today.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: time to intercede in prayer for the people you love, those who help you grow in faith, and for the ones in your community who do not yet know the power and love of Jesus Christ. Will you give a gift of grace today? Will you pray with me?
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Numbers 35, 36; Psalm 47
Numbers 35:1-3 (NIV)
1 On the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho, the Lord said to Moses, 2 “Command the Israelites to give the Levites towns to live in from the inheritance the Israelites will possess. And give them pasturelands around the towns. 3 Then they will have towns to live in and pasturelands for their cattle, flocks and all their other livestock.”
Psalm 47:1-4 (NIV)
1 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. 2 How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth! 3 He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet, 4 He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom He loved.
Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV)
23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.
Good morning!
Have you ever been the beneficiary of an inheritance? It is commonplace to pass personal possessions and property from one generation to the next when a person dies. Today, legal documents are prepared in advance of a property owner’s death. Distributions of money, property, and personal effects are pre-arranged based upon the last wishes of the deceased. The inheritance represents a tangible blessing for the ones who receive it. Our churches can become the blessed beneficiary of financial gifts and property when a decedent leaves a portion of their estate for the continuing work of evangelism and mission in the world. We have witnessed large sums of money become seeds sown to help train and equip pastors and teachers. Monies are used to expand building programs, purchase sound systems, music equipment, and educational supplies to better equip a church to meet the needs of its growing faith community. Much-needed funds to continue essential mission work, providing necessities of life for the poor, become available through estate planning gifts. There are many people whose gifts will become a living example of faith, even after their death.
God instructed Moses to command the Israelites to care for their pastors (Levites) by providing them with a place to live and raise livestock; plant a garden, and live comfortably. Levites did not share in the inheritance of land from their relatives. They relied completely upon the tithes of the people and the Lord’s inheritance to sustain them throughout their earthly life and ministry. Jeff and I have been blessed throughout his pastoral ministry to live in parsonages provided by our church family. In Texas, the church parsonage was fully furnished. That was a huge blessing for us, while we were tuition poor. We did not have money to buy furniture; we invested our monthly income into Jeff’s continuing education. There were farmers in our church who consistently stocked our freezer with meat and fresh vegetables for our table. When I was pregnant with Rachel and Benjamin, several women from the church gave of their time and talent to make my maternity clothes. There are no words to describe how much this meant to us. The congregation took care of our family’s physical needs in ways we could not even begin to repay. If you have ever received a gift of grace, then you may understand just how meaningful your gift of blessing can bring to the life of another human being.
There is an even greater gift of grace that we can give to each other, every morning when we awake. In January, I attended a prayer conference and listened with great intent to the teaching of a pastor, author and intercessory prayer warrior, who has totally given his life to the Lord and spends his days training up people in intercessory prayer ministry. Pastor Terry Teykl desires nothing more than to teach Christians around the world the importance of linking hearts to the Lord in prayer, and supporting one another through the act of daily, concerted intercession. In his book, The Presence Based Church, Teykl reveals the power source that explodes when we daily invite the living presence of God into our hearts, homes, and churches. As we seek the Lord out in prayer, waiting for Him to come and fill our lives with unspeakable joy, we can extend His presence with our pastors, teachers, leaders, by building cities of refuge around them. As we pray for one another, we erect a spiritual hedge of protection as we depend completely upon the power and healing touch of our Lord and Savior. If you have not yet read Teykl’s book, I would invite you to pick up a copy and read it. Please consider praying for your pastor daily. Pray for his or her family. Pray for your Sunday school teachers, ministry team leaders, and missionaries. Pray for your brother and sister who sits across from you on Sunday morning. Pray for the sick, pray for the not-yet Christians who are seeking meaning and relationship and who may actually walk in off the street this weekend, looking for the Lord Jesus Christ in your church.
People will be drawn into the presence of the Lord as we pray for them daily. We can become a living conduit, (the live wire), for His healing power, grace, and forgiveness, as we seek Christ’s holy face in worship and prayer. Are you willing to create a city of refuge, a hedge of spiritual protection, for your church? It is a gift of grace, and we, as the body of Christ, can extend it to each other today.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com
Pray for: time to intercede in prayer for the people you love, those who help you grow in faith, and for the ones in your community who do not yet know the power and love of Jesus Christ. Will you give a gift of grace today? Will you pray with me?
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.
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