Cold feet

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Ruth 1, 2, 3, 4

Ruth 3:5-11 (NIV)
5 [Ruth said to her mother-in-law Naomi] “I will do whatever you say,” Ruth answered. 6 So she went down to the threshing floor and did everything her mother-in-law told her to do. 7 When Boaz had finished eating and drinking and was in good spirits, he went over to lie down at the far end of the grain pile. Ruth approached quietly, uncovered his feet and lay down. 8 In the middle of the night something startled the man, and he turned and discovered a woman lying at his feet. 9 “Who are you?” he asked. “I am your servant Ruth,” she said. “Spread the corner of your garment over me, since you are my kinsman-redeemer.” 10 “The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. 11 And now, my daughter, do not be afraid. I will do for you all you ask.”

Good morning!

Thirty years ago on May 28, 1977, I stood in the parlor of Stephan Memorial United Methodist Church, gazing at my reflection in the dressing room mirror. My wedding gown had been pressed and hemmed. It was perfect! The gown was embellished with appliqué daisies and seed pearls. The neckline and sleeves were transparent, made from sheer, silky fabric. A satin ribbon bow complimented the back of the beaded bodice. I wore a full-length veil, trimmed in daisy edging. I was afraid to sit down for fear I would wrinkle the back of my gown. I wore white sandals that day. It had rained earlier that morning, but now the sun was shining brightly through the stained glass windows of the church’s sanctuary.

The night before my wedding, I sat for the last time in my childhood bedroom, giving myself a pedicure and thinking about how the next twenty-four hours would change my life forever. My feet were really cold. Was I nervous? There were no butterflies in my stomach. Should I have been scared? No, I was convinced I had made the right choice. Yet, my feet felt like ice cubes. I wondered if they would ever warm up.

Do you have cold feet occasionally? This is something I have suffered with for as long as I can remember. I wondered if Ruth's feet were cold when she buried her husband in Moab. I could not imagine how Ruth must have felt when she chose to stay with her widowed mother-in-law, and traveled with her to Bethlehem. What kind of compassion did this brave young woman have? She had lost her inheritance, her family, her home. Yet, Ruth made the right choice when she committed to stay with Naomi. Still, she must have been a bit nervous. Ruth did not know what the future would hold, but she trusted in the One who held her future. Ruth’s obedience and faithfulness to Naomi is impressive. Would I have been so brave had I walked in Ruth’s footsteps?

Ruth obeyed Naomi’s instruction and went to the threshing floor that night, full of faith. As an act of respect for Israel’s custom and law, she chose to lie down at her master’s uncovered feet. By doing so, Ruth acknowledged Boaz to be her kinsman-redeemer. He was the one she would trust and obey, knowing Boaz had a good and honest heart. He would take exceptional care of her family. I wonder if Ruth had cold feet that night. It was the uncovering of Boaz’s feet that probably woke him in the middle of the night. When my feet get cold, I cannot sleep. Can you imagine how Boaz must have felt when he saw young Ruth, sleeping peacefully at his feet?

I remember my wedding day as if it were yesterday. When I think about that special moment thirty years ago, I am reminded that I am preparing my heart for an even greater wedding someday. It is that precious moment when I will forever be transformed. I will lay myself down at the feet of my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I wonder if my feet will be cold on the day when I see my Savior face-to-face. I hardly think so. If God can melt my heart each morning as I sit in my earthly home worshiping Him, I’m certain that when I walk the streets of gold with Him, my feet will never be cold again.

Trusting and obeying the Lord is not always easy. We may not see the future clearly now, but we can see the feet of our master shining in the distant light. He is worth following, even when my feet are cold. Will you choose to go to the Lord’s threshing floor today, and lay yourself down at the feet of Jesus?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: faith to follow the Lord in every circumstance. He can take your cold feet and warm them up in the light of His amazing love. Do not be afraid! Jesus Christ will take care of you; He will be there for you, every step of the way.
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

A new pathway

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Judges 20, 21; Psalm 60

Judges 19:23-24 (NIV)
23 The owner of the house went outside and said to them [the wicked men of the city], “No, my friends, don’t be so vile. Since this man is my guest, don’t do this disgraceful thing. 24 Look, here is my virgin daughter, and his concubine. I will bring them out to you now, and you can use them and do to them whatever you wish. But to this man, don’t do such a disgraceful thing.

Judges 20:3b (NIV)
3 Then the Israelites said, “Tell us how this awful thing happened.”

Psalm 60:1 (NIV)
1 You have rejected us, O God, and burst forth upon us; you have been angry – now restore us!

Good morning!

This passage of scripture is a prime example of radical hospitality running amuck. The homeowner intended to protect his house guest no matter what. He willingly gave his own little girl away along with the guest’s concubine, in exchange for the security of his guest. Who would do such a thing? How does one determine the intrinsic worth of a human being? Do we compartmentalize a person’s value based solely upon gender, race, class, or belief system? Does the actions and sinfulness of the tribe of Benjamin continue to plague our culture today?

It is a harsh reality when we begin to see the tragic choices we have made through the years. When our congregations begin to care more about preserving their own traditions rather than spreading the Good News of the Gospel, we get lost in self-service. We’ve missed the point. We get so caught up in the motions of religion that we fail to seek out the holy presence of the Lord. God has a plan and purpose for our life’s work. Do we really want to know His will for our life or is it easier to run away? The story of the tribe of Benjamin could have been our story. Is it your story?

Forty years is a long time to wander around in the wilderness. I’ve done a lot of wandering in the last forty years of my life. I’ve sat idle and watched the staggering decline of our church membership. I’ve seen first hand what happens when we miss the point, fall short of the mark, and begin to sink into the pit we have dug for ourselves. Thank God for visionaries. Praise the Lord for the people who are listening to His still small voice day by day, and are willing to stand up and shout, “Turn around!”

Tomorrow morning, a special session of the Missouri Area Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church will meet in Columbia, Missouri, to discuss a new Pathway. We have been challenged to refocus our faith on the only One who can save us, our Lord Jesus Christ. The purpose of the church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ. We have an opportunity to let go of our petty differences and lofty ambitions. We can be truly united through the power of His saving blood. If we are brave enough to let go of our personal agenda and allow Jesus Christ to lead us, I am convinced the life blood of our denomination will return. Where the presence of the Lord is, the people will come. The power of the Holy Spirit draws us to Him, especially when we focus our hearts and minds on the Lord.

With one voice in concert tomorrow morning, the people of the United Methodist Church in Missouri will lift our prayers and petitions before the throne of God. Oh God, restore us! May you find His strength in knowing that He hears and answers our prayers. There is a fresh wind moving among us. Like the blossoms of springtime, new life is being renewed. Can you feel it? The Lord will help us, as we cry out to Him with humble and penitent hearts. Oh God, restore us! Teach us how to love each other. Give us passion to tell the whole world about you. Touch us with flames of fire. Help us to only seek your face and discernment to understand your will and direction for our future, through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: This is where new life begins. If you find yourself running toward a dead end, turn around! Ask Jesus to be the Lord of your life. If you seek Him, He will find you. Are we ready to take a new Pathway?
____________________________
© 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.

What's your thing?

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Judges 17, 18, 19

Judges 17:6 (NIV)
6 In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as he saw fit.

Good morning!

In the summer of ‘69, the Isley Brothers had a mega hit on the pop music charts entitled It’s YourThing. Do you remember the words to this song? I remember the hours I spent that summer at the community swimming pool, sunbathing and listening to the transistor radio sitting next to my swim bag. I can still hear the melody and the words of this song ringing in my ears, as if it were just yesterday: “It’s your thing (it’s your thing), do what you wanna do; I can’t tell you who to sock it to. Let me hear you say - it’s my thing (it’s your thing), I do what I wanna do.”

We hear a lot about diversity, especially in the workplace and through our news media. There are a lot of people out there trying to find their way. They keep searching for something or someone they can believe in. Humans long to find a comfortable place where they can say, I belong here. They invest their life’s energy into the pursuit of this dream. Most of the people I know tend to do their own thing. I watch and pray while they climb career ladders, pursue many hobbies and love interests with reckless abandon. I let them skip down the garden path knowing it will lead them to a dead end. I can see them falling; yet, out of respect for our culture, I remain silent. What is up with that? Our society teaches that it is disrespectful to speak up against the practices and belief systems of others, even when we are convicted to share the Good News. When I refuse to share Jesus, am I really acting out of respect for others, or am I disrespecting the Lord in my disobedience to follow His instruction? How much do I really care about the spiritual condition of my neighbor?

If we could see our brothers and sisters the way our Lord sees them, maybe we would feel an urgency to tell them about Jesus. Why do we hesitate to share the best gift we have ever received? Why do we wait for someone else to reach out, when we are standing right next to them? Do we not have enough trust in Christ to reach out in love? Last night, right before I fell asleep, I read the following words written by Pastor Rick Warren. I am quoting an excerpt from the book entitled, “The Complete Evangelism Guidebook.” I’m allowing these words to simmer in my heart today, and I pray they will obliterate the lyrics of the song I learned as a child in the summer of ‘69 at the community swimming pool.

The Bible says, “God does not want anyone to be lost, but He wants all people to change their hearts and lives” (2 Peter 3:9 NCV). As long as you know one person who doesn’t know Christ, you must keep praying for that person, serving him or her in love, and sharing the Good News. And as long as there is one person in your community who isn’t in the family of God, your church must keep reaching out. The church that doesn’t want to grow is saying to the world, “You can go to Hell.” Warren 64-65.

If we don’t tell them about Jesus, who will?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the Lord to give you the desire to share what you know to be true. Jesus gave us the Great Commission. For those of us who believe, it is not an option – it is His command. Will you choose to share the saving love of Jesus with someone 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.

Living Water

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Judges 15, 16; Psalms 58, 59

Judges 15:19a (NIV)

19 Then God opened up the hollow place in Lehi, and water came out of it. When Samson drank, his strength returned and he revived.

Psalm 59:16-17 (NIV)

16 But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble. 17 O my Strength, I sing praise to you; you, O God, are my fortress, my loving God.

Good morning!

When my mother was a little girl, growing up with her six siblings in the back woods near Brookhaven, Mississippi, one of their favorite places to go was the creek just beyond their farm. On a hot, humid day, after spending hours picking cotton, the children would race each other to the water for a swim. Pine trees and kudzu are plentiful in Mississippi, and this creek bed was lined with both. Swinging from vines into the clear, cool stream, the children experienced invigorating and refreshing moments together, splashing and playing together in the water. What does it feel like to jump into a pool of cool water on a hot summer’s day?

My grandparents drew their daily water from a well located near the back porch of their farm. Fresh, clean water was drawn from a bucket attached to a rope and pulley. Scooping well water into large metal cups, this culinary delight could quench a powerful thirst. Our bodies need water to survive. Have you ever experienced dehydration, either from illness or from hard work in the heat of day? That cup of fresh water may be your life saver!

Samson was exhausted. Fighting the Philistines was hard work, even for a young man with extraordinary strength. Samson slew one thousand with the jawbone of a donkey. His reputation preceded him, no matter where Samson traveled. Even this strong warrior recognized his dependence upon water for survival. Crying out to the Lord for help, Samson experienced the enjoyment of living water flowing out from the hollow place at Lehi. As he drank, Samson’s strength was renewed and he was revived. What does living water taste like? Have you ever been so spiritually dry that you wondered whether your soul would survive the heat?

The water of life is a gift of God. He extends it today to all who are thirsty and come to Him for refreshment. The Lord can quench your thirst, if you are willing to go to the river and drink. Would you like to take a dip in the river of life? He offers us living water, the kind that quenches your thirst and fills you up to overflowing with His precious Holy Spirit.

Are you thirsty this morning? Come and immerse yourself in the revival and refreshment of the Lord.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: living water to flow into your life today, bringing you refreshment and renewal. His water will change your life forever. It’s hot outside! Are you ready to take a dip in the cool waters that flow from the river of life?

____________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Lumpy dough!

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Judges 12, 13, 14

Judges 13:24-25 (NIV)
24 The woman gave birth to a boy and named him Samson. He grew and the Lord blessed him, 25 and the Spirit of the Lord began to stir him while he was in Mahaneh Dan, between Zorah and Eshtaol.

Good morning!

Before the days of a Kitchen Aid food processing system, my mother and I used to stand at the kitchen table in our matching aprons, holding spatulas in our hands while stirring the cake batter in the bowl. My mother was a fabulous cook! We kneaded dough with our bare hands. We would often find flour splashed on our faces and in our hair, as we put a little muscle into the mixing. Mom used to be a real stickler on making sure the lumps were all gone and every bit of the batter was smooth and creamy. Her hot cross buns melted in your mouth; chocolate cakes were light and moist. The neighbors knew when my mother was baking. The sweet smell of warm bread would drift out from the kitchen window and into the back yard. Do you remember the days when it took hours to prepare a meal and every recipe was made from scratch?

Kneading bread dough was always a challenge for me. Not a speck of flour was left as it formed the shiny dough ball. The consistency of the dough was important if we wanted the bread to rise. It was not always easy kneading the doughy batter. It takes lots of elbow grease and a determination of will. Conquer and divide was the battle cry of the bakers!

When the Lord stirs up His spirit within me, He often starts from scratch. Sometimes He has to work really hard to get all the lumps out. I'm talking about all of the doughy places where I bear resentment or animosity. He takes my bowl of lumpy batter and kneads it into a smooth and shiny substance, which will someday rise and emit a sweet and fragrant scent. The consistency of my life lived for Christ is born in the kneading and molding of my heart song. The Lord does this, sometimes with great force, because my stubbornness, self-centered attitude, and hard heart needs a strong arm to reshape the sharp edges of my life. There are other times, when the Lord stirs my spirit in a gentle way, nudging me to step out of my box and spill into the stream of everyday living.

When my heart is lumpy and brittle, he kneads me back to fullness of life. Through His Word and in prayer, I find elasticity and flexibility within His holy hand. I may not enjoy the kneading process, but I love what the Lord is shaping in my life. He never gives up on me. I love the Lord so much when He stirs His Holy Spirit up in my heart!

Over and over again, we see the Lord stirring up the Spirit in the hearts of the people. God had a plan for young Samson. He has a plan for you too. The next time you feel like the Lord's kneading is a little rough, take joy in knowing He is preparing you to rise with Him in perfection and praise. Is your spirit being stirred today? What is He preparing you for? Are you willing to be poured out for Him?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: God to take the lumps in your life and smooth them out, so that you can be a heart He can use in kingdom work. Let the Lord stir your spirit up today. Ask Him to mold you into the child He has created you to be.
____________________________
© 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.

Dying to be king!


Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Judges 9, 10, 11

Judges 9:51-53(NIV)
51 Inside the city, however, was a strong tower, to which all the men and women – all the people of the city – fled. They locked themselves in and climbed up on the tower roof. 52 Abimelech went to the tower and stormed it. But as he approached the entrance of the tower to set it on fire, 53 a woman dropped an upper millstone on his head and cracked his skull.

Good morning!

Some people go to great lengths to climb the ladder of "success." Have you experienced the wrath of a power-hungry person in your family, at work, or even at church? Self-righteous indignation is a dangerous attitude to model, and can eventually lead to deep regret and self-destruction. Just how far would you go to climb the tower of power? Who would you gladly step on to reach the top?

Abimelech had a lot to prove. Self-esteem issues burned within his heart, as Abimelech continued to cultivate the seed of hatred for his father's actions and the half-brothers whom he resented. Labeled a half-breed, Abimelech received no rightful inheritance, and was well-known as the black sheep of his family; a by-product of an unholy interlude between his father Gideon and a concubine. Through no fault of his own, Abimelech suffered cruelly from the insults and humiliating prejudices held by father's family and friends. With great determination, Abimelech allowed poor judgment and a deep desire for revenge to overtake his life. If he could just be king, maybe Abimelech's need for revenge could be quenched. If he could just control the people around him, maybe he could protect his broken heart. Abimelech wanted control, and he was willing to take it, even at the expense of his very life.

Abimelech chose to rally electoral support by pitting his mother's clan against his father's brothers. Lobbying for support, Abimelech elected himself king. He obtained much needed financial support for his campaign of treachery, and invested the monies to purchase the services of a hit man, who took the lives of Abimelech's brothers. Abimelech believed if he could eliminate the competition all together, he could retain the power and control he so desperately needed to survive. Abimelech thought his revenge would be sweet; that he would finally experience peace of mind. His ruthless attitude and overconfident ego cost Abimelech his very life.

When a snake is striking at your heel, where do you run? The people of Thebez ran to a strong tower inside their city. They fled there on foot, seeking sanctuary and protection from the evil Abimelech and his band of thugs. The Lord God Almighty is a strong tower. We can run to Him and find solace in the secret place of His everlasting love. The snares of the wicked cannot touch our souls when we rest in the shelter of His almighty hand. As Abimelech prepared to set the tower ablaze, a woman dropped a millstone from the top of the tower onto the power hungry head of this wanna-be king. Dying in shame and agony, Abimelech's last request was that his armor-bearer would end his pitiful life, so that he would not be remembered as the king was killed at the hand of a woman.

Abimelech is a sad example of one who spent his entire life seeking revenge, bearing animosity toward his brothers, and looking for self-esteem in all the wrong places. When we cannot forgive the ones who hurt us, we become miserable people. There are some things that seem impossible to forgive. When we confess our sinful thoughts and behaviors to the Lord of life, handing Him our heart strings, He can take even the deepest hurt and heal it within the shelter of His care. The love of Christ can mend a heart that has been shattered into tiny slivers. He can restore relationships, removing our need to control those around us. He is a strong and mighty tower and we can run to Him every single day.

Will you run to the Lord this morning? Will you give Him the things that keep you stirred up in anger? Or will you choose to live a life like Abimelech, seeking revenge and control at every turn? A true leader is never elected. When we raise our personal agenda over God's Word, we will fall. It is simply a matter of time.

Find a way to forgive your brothers today. Ask the Lord Jesus to help you. Forgiving the unforgivable is a Christlike quality and marks a true leader. Will you choose to forgive, or will you continue to take out the people in your path as you seek to become a self-avowed king?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a humble heart and contrite spirit. We can learn from Abimelech's poor choices as we recommit our lives to servant leadership and Christlike behavior. Will you let go of your desire to control and give your heart completely to the Lord today?
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any "for profit" publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Excuses!

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Judges 6, 7, 8

Judges 6:14 (NIV)
14 The Lord turned to [Gideon] and said, “Go in the strength you have and save Israel out of Midian’s hand. Am I not sending you?”

Good morning!

I experienced some of the best Bible teaching I’ve ever heard last year at the Women of Faith Conference in Saint Louis, Missouri. Patsy Clairmont spoke about Gideon’s life during the Friday morning Bible study. It was so dark in the auditorium that I was unable to take good notes; yet, it would have been difficult to take my eyes off of this gifted teacher. For those of you who have never seen or heard Patsy Clairmont speak, she is a living example of what a little stick dynamite can do in the hand of a Big God. Patsy is a tiny woman, overflowing in the power of the Holy Spirit. She made Gideon come alive for all of us as she shared how the Lord moved in her life many years ago. God took someone with not a lot of physical strength or self-confidence and lifted her up to speak His Word to thousands of women all over the world. Like Gideon, Patsy struggled with fear. Gideon didn’t think he had what it would take to save Israel from the Midianites. Gideon measured his clan against the other clans of Israel. He compared his body size and type to the strapping, strong warriors around him. Gideon could not understand how the Lord would possibly choose to use him in a leadership capacity. Have you ever felt like Gideon - too little and too weak to break the chains that bind and separate you from receiving complete freedom in the living God?

God’s action plan for Israel helped Gideon see that even with only three hundred faithful men, He was more than able to route the Midianites and conquer the land. The Lord may not send you into battle with what you think you need to win. Our Lord has the power to succeed, even in spite of our lame excuses. If He can prove faithfulness over and over again by turning what seems to be an impossible situation into a victory, why do we struggle so to place our complete trust in His will? Gideon hid behind his imperfections. The Lord God Almighty overcame each and every one.

Are you a Gideon? Has the Lord been calling out your name but you continue to make excuses? Stop looking at the obvious and take a leap of faith today. Place your trust in His still small voice and offer up a willing and humble heart. When you do this, the Lord will fill you up with the power of the Holy Spirit and you can become a Gideon in the battle for souls. If you have never attended a Women of Faith Conference, check out www.womenoffaith.com for a 2007 tour schedule. If you live in the Saint Louis area, the Amazing Freedom conference will be held June 15-16, 2007 at the Scotttrade Center in downtown St. Louis. Our Women of Faith from Faith Church will attend this conference together, and I invite you to come and join us! If you are interested in making a reservation for you and your girlfriends, please e-mail me at songofdeborah@hotmail. com and we will be happy to reserve your spot. I need to hear from you no later than March 31st. This is not an exclusive event to women only; men are also welcome to attend and I promise, they will be treated like royalty! Do we have a few brave men who would like to join thousands of spirit-filled women for a weekend in Saint Louis? Your ear drums and your hearts will never be the same again.

If God could take a fearful soul like Gideon and use him to free the Israelites, don’t think He can use you too?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: courage! When you hear the voice of God calling out your name, answer Him! He created you with a purpose and a plan. Won’t you trust the Lord enough to give Him your life 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.

The Songs of Deborah


Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Judges 4, 5; Psalms 56, 57


Judges 4:4-5 (NIV)
4 Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was leading Israel at that time. 5 She held court under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites came to her to have their disputes decided.


Judges 5:3 (NIV)
3 “Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I will sing to the Lord, I will sing; I will make music to the Lord, the God of Israel.”


Good morning!


I had to laugh out loud this morning when I read the Grand Sweep commentary for today’s scripture passage. Professor J. Ellsworth Kalas, pastor, professor, gifted teacher, author and lover of Jesus Christ, writes these heartfelt words: “How does one explain a woman like Deborah?” Thirty years ago when my husband Jeff married me, he had lots of hair. Now, he has no hair left at all. There is a reason for that, my friends. He chose to marry a Deborah! Think about your name for a minute. Does it suit your personality?


As many of you may know, I was adopted as an infant. My adoptive parents had tried for many years to have biological children, to no avail. For a short time, they volunteered their time as foster parents. It takes a special person to be a foster parent. It is an awesome opportunity to care for children in crisis; it is also a time of gut wrenching sadness, especially when you must say goodbye to a child that has simply melted your heart. I admire and applaud foster parents who willingly open their homes to children in need. What an amazing gift of love to give to another human being!


In December of 1958, my mother received an urgent telephone call from the State of Missouri. They said a tiny baby girl had been born prematurely and needed immediate permanent placement. She may have ongoing health issues to overcome. Would they be interested in adopting this child? My mother didn’t hesitate to accept an invitation to open her heart to this tiny, helpless baby girl. She had been spending considerable time studying the Book of Judges and was impressed with the woman named Deborah, a prophetess and judge, mediator and spiritual leader of the Israelite people. It was as if she knew my name before she even saw my face. When you were naming your babies, did the Lord whisper their names into your ear before you saw them for the very first time? Great emphasis has been placed throughout scripture in the naming of God’s children. It is a privilege to help select the name your child will carry with them for the rest of their life. Your name is a precious gift from above.


The Prophetess Deborah was an encouragement to her people Israel. She inspired the community to seek God’s face and live each day of their lives seeking to serve, honor and obey His holy Word. Deborah was willing to go into battle for the Lord, even if it meant she might fight alone. The Israelites were drawn to seek Deborah’s counsel and they knew right where to find her. She was sitting every morning under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel. The people would come for counsel and guidance. Deborah waited patiently and faithfully as she sought out the Lord in every matter. She listened with her spirit and spoke the words He gave her to say.


Deborah knew that the Lord had given Sisera into Barak’s hand. The Lord had gone before the Israelites into battle, as Sisera’s army was exterminated one by one. Sisera left his chariot and fled on foot to the tent of Jael, the wife of Heber, the Kenite. He begged for sanctuary within her home and fell sound asleep, exhausted from the battle. It was the courageous woman Jael, who pounded a tent peg through Sisera’s skull and ended his life.


It is Deborah’s Song that resonates within my heart today. Lifting her voice in praise and thanksgiving, Deborah sings, “Hear this, you kings! Listen, you rulers! I will sing to the Lord, I will sing! I will make music to the Lord, the God of Israel.” Are you a Deborah? Do you raise your voice and sing praises to the Lord God Almighty every morning? Are you willing to rise up and fight, even if you are the only one in the ring? Will you listen for His still, small voice, and speak the words you hear Him say? Are you willing to passionately love the children of God, guiding them to daily seek His face and obey His Word?


May we each find a little piece of Deborah living within our hearts and lives today.


Grace and peace,


Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


Pray for: clarity of call. The Lord God Almighty is whispering in your ear. Can you hear Him? Will you answer? You can be a Deborah to the people God has placed in your life. Sing to the Lord this morning! Give Him everything you’ve got. Worship the Lord!

____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Sleeping in!

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Judges 1, 2, 3

Judges 1:20-21 (NIV)

20 As Moses had promised, Hebron was given to Caleb, who drove from it the three sons of Anak. 21 The Benjamites, however, failed to dislodge the Jebusites, who were living in Jerusalem; to this day the Jebusites live there with the Benjamites.

Good morning!

Do you like to sleep in? When I was younger, my mother would drag me out of bed at the crack of dawn just because. I never got to sleep in at home. What parent wouldn’t let their child sleep an extra hour or two on Saturday morning? The house would have been much quieter. Oh, but my mother was different. She thought everyone should be up with the chickens. Can you tell she was raised on a farm? She believed human beings should be up long before the rooster crows. Are you a night owl or an early riser?

When my children were little, I decided to employ a different sleep strategy. I encouraged my babies to sleep in. “Please baby, just go back to bed and sleep for another hour. It’s way too early to get up. Mommy is tired.” Can I tell you - it never worked. My precious angels would be up before daybreak on Saturday morning, ready to have Mommy cook a big breakfast and then head outside to start their play day. Then, without warning, my babies became teenagers, and my, how everything changed. I couldn’t bulldoze them out of bed before noon! I had FINALLY succeeded in mastering the art of becoming an early riser. Now, they don’t want to get up! I’m sitting there, having my coffee at 6am, waiting for the pitter patter of little feet, and I wait, and wait and wait some more. When I wanted them to sleep in, it wasn’t going to happen. When I wanted them to wake up, I needed a fog horn to get them moving. Either way, there was mumbling and complaining in the Spaulding camp. “I’m t-i-r-e-d,” my babies would moan as we got ready to leave the house. Tell me the truth - do you ever whine when you’re tired?

The Lord God Almighty had made a way for His children Israel to receive their inheritance. The hard work had already been accomplished by the hand of God; yet, it was up to Israelites to take possession of the land. The work was hard, and it is no surprise that they were often fatigued. When I’m tired, I don’t always do my best work. Sometimes, I let things slide a bit because I don’t seem to have the steam to get up and go. I compromise and give in when I normally would wave a banner and shout out my battle cry. Do you ever give up or give in when the mountain is steep and you feel you are too tired to climb over another hurdle?

God expected obedience from His children. He wanted nothing less than 100% of their life. Fatigue and fear held the Israelites back in their fight for the land. There were times when they simply did not fight hard enough, allowing the enemy to survive. God told them to destroy the Jebusites along with their idols. When the Israelites refused to obey, they fell into disunity with one another and succumbed to the temptations that surrounded their lives.

Making a conscious decision whether to sin or obey is a daily, moment-by-moment battle. It is hard work, and it can be exhausting. We may understand the rules; yet, we refuse to follow them, excusing our behavior while whining to anyone who will listen. When we continue to excuse our bad behavior and not turn around to try again, our actions erode our relationship with God. As Christians, we must commit to fighting the good fight, for however long it takes. We must not allow ourselves to become so tired and complacent that we will not stand up against wrong. Take time today to rest in the love of the Lord. Let Him be your strength as you move forward. Recommit yourself to strive toward perfection in everything you say and do. If we are willing to trust and obey Him, He will help you fight the good fight and win the victory.

Are you too tired? Don’t give up. Get out of bed and worship the Lord! I’ll see you at church!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a fighting spirit! When we trust and obey, we can find ultimate strength in the Lord to do the work He has given us to do. It’s time to get up my friends!

____________________________

© 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.

Full service or self-serve?

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 22, 23, 24

Joshua 24:14-15 (NIV)
14 Now fear the Lord and serve Him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.

Good morning!

When I was a young girl, I enjoyed riding in the car with my father to the filling station. I liked going there because I knew that my father would buy me an ice cold soda pop from the machine sitting just outside the cashier’s desk. This was when Coca-Cola came in glass bottles, and you could actually return them and receive a rebate for your recycling effort. Every filling station had full-service attendants. We were greeted by a smiling face every time we pulled up to the pump. The attendants went out of their way to provide our family with quality automotive service. It seemed as if they were always waiting in the wings for our arrival. Running out to our car from inside the station, they would meticulously wash our windshield; check the air in our tires, oil for the engine, while happily pumping our gasoline. Sometimes, the attendant would pull a piece of hard candy from their pants pocket and slip it into my hand. No matter what the weather, we could depend upon the faithful and friendly service of our filling station attendants.

When self-service pumps became popular in the mid 1970s, going to the filling station was no longer the same enjoyable experience. There were no smiling faces or helpful hands to greet us when we arrived. We couldn’t sit in the car any more and wait to be pampered by an automotive professional. “Get it yourself,” seemed to be the prevailing message. Even the Coca-Cola bottles were replaced by aluminum cans. Now, in the age of “pay at the pump” stations, we no longer have to go inside to pay our bill. We can simply pull up to the pump and buy our gasoline without experiencing any human contact at all. No smile, no warm greeting, no one to thank. Full service has become a fleeting memory, as the age of serving oneself is ushered in.

Joshua was dying. He had faithfully led the Israelites into the Promised Land while providing instruction and guidance from the Lord. Now, in his final appeal, Joshua reminds the people to get rid of the man-made idols that distract and prayed His people would choose this day and every day thereafter to serve the Lord God Almighty. For those who turned away, there would be devastating consequences. People would perish outside the fold. Do you know of anyone who may be perishing today because they have placed a greater value on their man-made idols than on the Lord?

Our church is like a full-service filling station. People come to worship each week with a desire to be filled up with the Holy Spirit of the Lord. Seeking a closer walk with God, they pray and confess their sin, looking to receive God’s forgiveness, and to glean teaching and instruction that will help them through the days of their life. Is your church a full-service filling station, where congregants willingly serve the Lord by happily serving each another? Or would you describe your church as a self-service station, where human contact is limited; every person pays at the pump and leaves with a half-empty tank and nothing else?

Man-made idols are carved from the self-centeredness in our hearts. Will we choose be more like the gasoline attendants from years gone by, who did not hesitate to offer a helping hand to the stranger in need? Will our genuine smiles and outstretched hands reveal the living Christ in us? Choose this day whom you will serve. Are you serving yourself or are you serving the Lord?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: God to reveal the things that separate you from Him. Ask the Lord to give you the grace and wisdom needed to identify and release the man-made idols in your life. When we humble our hearts and turn around, He is waiting to receive us once again.
____________________________
© 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.

Keeping His Promise

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 19, 20, 21; Psalm 55

Joshua 21:43-45 (NIV)
43 So the Lord gave Israel all the land He had sworn to give their forefathers, and they took possession of it and settled there. 44 The Lord gave them rest on every side, just as He had sworn to their forefathers. Not one of their enemies withstood them; the Lord handed all their enemies over to them. 45 Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to the house of Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.

Psalm 55:22 (NIV)
22 Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.

Good morning!

I’ve discovered that I am my own worst enemy. Have you ever stepped in the way of God’s Will for your life? I cannot tell you the number of times God points me in one direction; and instead of waiting for Him, I run ahead or pull at His coat tail and say, “You go this way, and I’ll go that way, and we can meet in the middle!” I often try to bargain with the Lord. I say I want His will for my life, but I think sometimes I may want my way a little more. How do we discern the will of God for our lives?

God speaks through the power of His holy Word. Are you thankful for the Bible this morning? God speaks to me when I study His Word. When I let His thoughts sink into my heart, He teaches me everything I need to know about His will. Someone once said, “When all else fails, read the directions.” Maybe we should read God’s directions first, before we launch out into the deep. Headstrong hearts and minds tend to gloss over or ignore the Lord completely while they seek to make their own pathway. We are like mice in a maze, blinded by our own pitiful sense of direction, and running into dead end alleys. Hear me. When we fail to listen and obey God’s Word, we will always run into a dead end.

God speaks to me in prayer. There are many moments when I sit in total silence, happy to be worshiping the Lord in His presence. I am content not to hear anything at all, as I wait for Him to whisper to my heart. There are other times when He speaks loud and clear, especially when I’m listening to my pastors’ teaching. I can hear Him speak through the hymns and praise songs I sing. I can hear Him in my dreams. He whispers to me in the most unusual moments. Have you ever had a “feeling” to go and do something that might break your daily routine, just because? There are times when we cannot explain it, except to say that we were led to make that phone call, visit a neighbor, or stop a total stranger on the street and speak with them. How does God speak to you?

It is comforting to know that God always keeps His promises. When we read about the journey of the Israelites from Egypt into the Promised Land, we see a repetitive theme. God instructs, humanity tries and fails, and God always comes through. He is faithful, even when we are not. When He says He will do something, He does it. We can rest assured that His promises will not fail, even when refuse to trust Him completely. Many mornings, I find myself on my knees, asking the Lord to increase my capacity to trust Him. I may say, “I place my trust in you, O Lord, this day. Please help me to trust you all the more.”

When we confess our faith in Jesus Christ, and place our lives under the covering of His blood, we can stand boldly before God, clothed in Christ's righteousness alone. God will not let the righteous fall. He will guide and protect us as we maneuver through the many mazes of life. When we reach a dead end, He will help us turn around and try a new pathway. We can change direction when we ask Him to lead. We can discern the way He would have us go.

My prayer for you today is that you will take a moment, wait for the Lord, and ask Him to redirect your life this morning. Stop what you are doing and allow the Lord to take the lead. Living within His Will for your life is a daily encounter. I never know exactly where He will send me each day. I am happiest and the most contented when I totally place my trust in His plan, not mine. I may wonder what tomorrow may bring, but I know that my Jesus goes before me, and that is more than enough information for me to choose to follow Him.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: direction! Open His Word this morning and allow the Lord to speak to you. Ask Him to open your mind, ears and eyes to whatever it is He is trying to tell you. If you are at dead end today, turn around, and walk a new pathway. He will lead you, if you let Him.
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

What are we waiting for?

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 16, 17, 18

Joshua 18:3 (NIV)
3 So Joshua said to the Israelites: “How long will you wait before you begin to take possession of the land that the Lord, the God of your fathers, has given you?”

Esther 4:13-14 (NIV)
13 He sent back this answer, “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. 14 For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?”

Good morning!

Every time I stand up to speak to a group of people, I get nervous. Every single time! I would much rather play the piano and sing than stand up and speak. I’m often asked to give presentations at work, especially when I’m launching a new database or training others to use the software. I am willing to lead when I’m called upon to do so. But that doesn’t mean that I like it. I find myself giving three to five oral presentations per quarter in the classes I’m taking at Lindenwood University. I think the teachers must do this on purpose just to make my stomach hurt. Do you ever get a belly ache when its time to stand up and speak?

Moses did not feel qualified to speak for the Jews in Egypt. He bartered with the Lord to allow his brother Aaron, who did not have a stammering tongue, to speak to the Pharaoh. I find it comforting to know that someone whom I love is standing in the wings, praying for me as I speak. In every situation, I call upon the Lord for help. If He calls me to it, He will see me through it and I pray that the words I speak are His. I remind myself constantly that I am just the messenger. Please don’t shoot the messenger!

Does God ever ask you when you are going to finally stand up and tell what you know to be true? Joshua asked the very same question to the Israelites. How long will you wait? God has given you the land – now get up and take it! If we truly believe that the Lord of life has saved us from our sin, and has created a pathway to everlasting relationship with the Father, what are we waiting for? Jesus instructed his disciples to go and tell the Good News. Why is it so hard to share the best thing that has ever happened to you?

Sometimes we wait for our pastors to lead. After all, we pay them to do this work; they can spread the Gospel for us. We sit in our comfortable chairs at church, waiting for our neighbor to raise their hand and volunteer to fill a slot, fix a meal, or give a love offering for a worthy cause. It is easier to let someone else make the commitment for us, thereby removing us from the proverbial fish hook. Are we really off the hook with God? How long must we squirm on the end of the fishing line before we dive into the deep? Will we continue to dangle our toes over the edge, checking to see if the water is warm, before we jump in and swim? When we know that the battle is already won, what in the world keeps us from launching into the deep with wild abandon?

My experience teaches me that a little nervous anxiety is a blessing from above. If I were too self-assured, I might rely on my own steam instead of the Lord to say the words that need to be said. You see, without the saving grace of Jesus Christ, I would have nothing to offer you or anyone else. This has nothing, absolutely nothing to do with me. The mercy I’ve experienced could not be earned. I don’t deserve the love He has shown me over and over again. I stand up and speak today because the Lord Jesus Christ has done an incredible work within my heart. It is His love that lifts me out of my chair. It is His grace that pours from my mouth. It is His life that I want to emulate. I would be very happy to simply melt in a puddle on the floor and just allow the risen Christ to be seen and heard in my stead. He gives me grace, knowing that when I open my mouth, I may insert my foot. Yet, if I rely on Him to speak through me, I know that whatever is said was from Him. And I can tell you, He is the only one worth listening to.

How long will you wait before you speak up? Have you heard the risen Christ calling out your name? We may be living for such a time as this. If you could offer someone eternal hope today, what would you say?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: courage to get up and speak! If you ask the Lord to help you, He will do it. This is your moment. You can make an everlasting difference in the life of another human being. What are you waiting for?
____________________________
© 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.

Giving it up for the Lord

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 13, 14, 15

Joshua 13:14 (NIV)
14 But to the tribe of Levi He gave no inheritance, since the offerings made by fire to the Lord, the God of Israel, are their inheritance, as He promised them.

Matthew 25:34-36 (NIV)
34 Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in. 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.

Good morning!

I woke up singing the words to Fanny Crosby’s “Blessed Assurance” this morning. I love it when the Lord wakes me up singing! What an inheritance we have in Jesus. Through His blood, we receive everlasting life and a home filled with His light – it is a love relationship that will never, ever end.

Yesterday afternoon, we were flipping the television channels, and stopped on a show called “Cribs.” I’ve not seen this program before. Apparently, this program features the mansions and lifestyles of some very wealthy people. I had no idea who these people were; yet, my eye was immediately drawn to the extravagance and luxury of their surroundings. One of the homeowners gave us a tour of her closet. This space looked like a boutique one might find in an exclusive shopping mall. She had more shoes on her shelf than I’ve ever owned (and I like shoes). Honestly, how many feet do we have? Here is what really surprised me. This woman has a full-time closet organizer, and I’m not talking about the shelving you buy at Target for $99. She introduced the television viewers to her full-time hired help, whose only job is to hang out in her closet and organize her stuff! Okay, I’m having a really hard time going there in my mind. I could use a closet organizer too. Actually, I just need to spend a little more time cleaning out my closet and giving away what I don’t need. Think about this for a minute – just how much stuff do we really need to live?

Do you ever find yourself buried in stuff? There are many people who enjoy hobbies and keeping collections. I admit I enjoy having a peculiar hobby to tinker with. If you saw my scrapbook room, you would understand what I mean by the word “peculiar.” For those of you who know my husband, you may recall seeing his “Simpson” collection displayed in the parsonage study. I’ve often thought of charging admission for room tours, yet, I cannot fathom anyone wanting to pay money to see this! Maybe I’ll give the producer of the show “Cribs” a call.

When Jesus taught His disciples about the final judgment, He said there is a special inheritance for those who truly love Him. How do we love Him? It has nothing to do with the words we speak. It has everything to do with how we choose to care for one another. When we feed the starving, clothe the naked, provide clean water for thirsty people, and nurse our sick and infirm back to health, we are demonstrating the love of Jesus Christ. When Moses gave the Lord’s inheritance to the tribes of Israel, the Levites (the priests) received no tangible personal property. Their inheritance was the fire of the Spirit, which came from the offerings and sacrifices to the Lord. As I sit and meditate on these scriptures today, I am reminded that the only treasure I need to receive is the eternal gifts that the Lord gives. Every other material possession is simply immaterial.

I don’t need a closet full of shoes or a place called scrapbook central. I can be content not owning a home, or having lots of personal possessions. The only inheritance I need is the Lord Jesus Christ. Will you pray with me? Father, forgive me today. I have cared more about my needs than the needs of my brothers. Help me give it up for you. The only thing I need is your love. Teach me perfect submission. Help me to understand today what it means to be purchased by you and show me how to live it out in this life.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: Jesus Christ to be the only inheritance you desire. How much are you willing to give up for the Lord today?
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

The greatest miracle of all!

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Joshua 10, 11, 12

Joshua 7:1 (NIV)

Joshua 10:13b-14 (NIV)
The sun stopped in the middle of the sky and delayed going down about a full day. 14 There has never been a day like it before or since, a day when the Lord listened to a man. Surely the Lord was fighting for Israel!

Matthew 27:50-53 (NIV)
50 And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He gave up His spirit. 51 At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook and the rocks split. 52 The tombs broke open and the bodies of many holy people who had died were raised to life. 53 They came out of the tombs, and after Jesus’ resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many people.

Good morning!

Do you recognize a miracle when you see one? I was trying to count the miracles I witnessed yesterday, but I think I lost track. There were some amazing moments. Jeff and I were headed to our daughter’s home in Arnold to celebrate their sixth wedding anniversary and enjoy the delights of our first backyard barbecue of the season. The weather in Missouri has been lovely. The grass is beginning to spring up with life; tulip bulbs are about four to six inches above the ground in my garden bed. We thought it would be a lovely day to sit outside in lawn chairs and smell the aroma of hickory charcoal, beef burgers and hot dogs sizzling on the grill. As we drove, we noticed the large, flowery snowflakes falling from the sky. Snow in March? Our first backyard barbecue of the year was beautifully decorated with God’s creative work. We had a delightful feast amid a cold snow shower, and enjoyed watching our grandchildren catch snowflakes on their tongues.

Rachel’s home was full of family. Looking around the room, I was touched by the new little ones we have welcomed into our life in the last six years. Joshua and Emily, Rachel and Dave’s children are now four and three. Their new baby is due to be born very soon. My niece Courtney had her beautiful daughter Kyndahl, was dressed in green Saint Patrick’s Day attire. Six months old, this precious baby girl sported a large green hat and a dashing shamrock headpiece. She was all smiles, while playing with our new granddaughter, Madison Marie. These girls were born just six days apart. Maddie and her big brother Jett were there with Kari, our daughter-in-law. Joshua’s cousin Ethan, who was born just a couple of months before Josh, was busy playing with the fire trucks. He was all smiles, happily playing with his cousins on the floor. All of these children were given to our family by the hand of God in just six short years. What a miracle and testimony to life!

I experienced miracles in worship. We celebrated new life in our denomination as we gathered together to hear our Bishop speak. His visioning, coupled with a willingness to put forth the work necessary to shepherd our congregations into the future was heartwarming. I felt a spirit of love, forgiveness and unity emerge from many who had gathered to praise the Lord and listen to our Bishop speak. It is a new day. There is life here!

As I sat in worship last night, holding my three year old Emily and sitting next to my dear sister in Christ, I was once again reminded of the miracle of His love. While the pastor preached God’s Word, Emily looked up at me and said, “Nanny, is he speaking to me?” I shook my head in agreement. “Yes, Emmy. You need to listen to him.” It is a miracle when God speaks to us. It is an even greater miracle when He gives us ears to hear Him. To think that the creator of the universe would care enough to want to be in relationship with his creation is hard to comprehend. He loves us so much that He would go before us in battle. He will lead us, if we are willing to follow and obey Him. Like the Israelites, the Lord won the battle and led them to victory. The Lord listened to man and He answered their prayers. He still answers prayers today.

When Christ died to save us from eternal separation, the curtain in the temple was torn in two pieces. Jesus Christ bridged the gap between a holy God and sinful man. The earth shook and the rocks split. The dead were raised to life, and the hearts of men were changed forevermore. What a miracle we have in Jesus!

Have you experienced a miracle lately? I invite you, this morning, to come to church with me, and experience the inexplicable joy of knowing the author and giver of life! Come and worship the Lord Jesus Christ. I’ll see you there!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the Lord to open your eyes and ears to the miracles that He places in your life. Through Jesus, we can be born-again, and that, my friends, is the greatest miracle of all.
____________________________
© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

The 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.

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.