Just a little more love

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Hi thanks for visiting – nice to see you again. Do you remember the last time we spoke I wrote about two words – and Peter? You see, although it’s only two words it makes a world of difference… to me anyway, and maybe you too.

You may have noticed in the last story, I shared the four gospel accounts of the resurrection from the perspective of a conversation between Peter and Mary Magdalene. In each gospel an angel appears with instructions to go tell the disciples that Jesus is alive and He’s going to Galilee. The last account I shared was the one found in the gospel of Mark; and my personal favorite. And maybe; two of my favorite words in the whole Bible – and Peter.

The law of first mention in theological circles states that which is named first takes precedence. With this in mind it is interesting that in all the line ups in scripture where the disciples are listed Peter always stands in front. He is always listed first. Except now in this case in Mark, Peter is added with the conjuncture, and. As if Peter didn’t belong to the original group of disciples. This would make sense if they were talking about someone not a part of the group. For example, “Go and tell His disciples and Lazarus” or “Go and tell His disciples and Zacheus.” But Peter? Surely Peter was already a disciple - why mention him?

The example that blurs my vision is, “Go and tell His disciples and Doug.”

You see, although a different time and place, like Peter I walked with Him, I talked with Him and I grew up hearing His name. The home I grew up in was far from perfect but Jesus was the center of my world. I grew to love His Word written and spoken. Yet after all of that, I denied Him. I looked the other way when the wind blew and the waves grew.

If anyone should have been a disciple – it should have been me. I had all the opportunities. I had Bible school handed to me on a silver… I experienced His miracles and felt His love…yet in my night, before the rooster’s crow – I turned the other cheek and walked away. And like Peter, I figured there’s no way I could be considered one of His own. Not anymore, not after all I’ve done.

But then one day I heard a scratchy voiced teary eyed preacher say… “People say God loves everybody the same. Well, I’m here to say, He doesn’t. Sometimes God loves some people just a little bit more. And Peter needed a little more love right about then. And God gave it. He does the same today for anyone who will receive it. Put your name in that spot in place of Peter’s and think about this; God knows your faults before you do them, He is not surprised at your sin, He meets you at your worst and ugliest place and lays down on an old rugged cross right there and dies the worst and ugliest death - just for you.”

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8






Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends. John 15:13

If you’re feeling like you need just a little more love today. Well then, this was written just for you.



I’ve already prayed for you and if you’d like I’d be happy to pray with you. Direct e-mail is dougspurling@aol.com.

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and...

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Tell me again.
I told you. He said He was going to Galilee…You should go too.

Who said, a man, an angel, Jesus, who?

A man, no wait an angel – actually two angels and then, Jesus! It was Him I know it!

Tell me exactly what was said; from the beginning. Word. For. Word.

Alright, just as we neared the tomb there was an earthquake; an angel rolled back the stone and sat on it. His face was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. The guards shook, and became like dead men. The angel said, “Do not be afraid, I know you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; He is risen. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. Now go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen and He is going into Galilee.”

So we went out quickly from the tomb. And when we turned we saw Him. He, He, He looked so wonderful, He was glowing. But, at first, sorrow and fear blinded me. I couldn’t see The Truth standing right in front of me. But, then, my eyes were opened and there He was. Wonderful. Counselor. Prince of Peace. ALIVE. In the flesh! He is alive! You’ve got to believe me.

He said, “Rejoice!” We held Him by the feet and worshiped. “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brethren to go to Galilee, and there they will see Me.” And then He was gone. Just like that.

Nothing else? No mention of…are you sure that’s everything?

Well, early this morning, like I already told you, the stone was rolled away from the tomb. We went in. And two men stood by in shining garments. Then, in fear we bowed our faces to the earth, they said to us, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but is risen! Remember how He spoke to you saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.”And we remembered.

And then, there He was standing outside the tomb, He was dressed in white; He didn’t look like He’d just been crucified. He was fresh, clean… He spoke with such strength, such love; it was as if He were speaking with His eyes. And now, I’ve told what I have seen and heard, but no one will believe me. You – of all people – should believe.

How can this be? What have they done? Why should I believe...who am I to believe? Where is He? What…

“Woman, why are you weeping?” As I wept, one of them asked why I was weeping. I said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” And then I turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but, I didn’t know at first it was Him. “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?”

I thought He must be the gardener, so I said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said, “Mary!” He said my name. He was smiling; His lips weren’t swollen like before…He was beautiful.

And He said, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’”

Mary – He said, Mary? Is there more? What about m...

His eyes were the same yet deeper, stronger…Sabbath was past, I carried spices. I was startled and I dropped them. “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. But go, tell His disciples—and Peter—that He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him, as He said to you.”

Oh, now I see...

 Mary’s eyes filled moist with understanding…and. She whispered.

He appeared first to Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons. This same Mary once filled with demons but now filled with love, reaches out with both hands and lifts the hanging head of a dejected disciple.

“Yes, Peter He said your name. He said  Peter. He said Go tell my disciples…and Peter.”

And He knows your name.

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Whenever the disciples are mentioned in scripture Peter is positioned at the front of the line. He is always mentioned first. Except for now; this is the only time he stands at the back of the line. And not only does he stand in back; he stands apart “….disciples and Peter.”

If I had been the risen Lord, I might have found a Pharisee or two first and showed them a thing or two. Or maybe I’d have dropped something on the head of the soldier that fashioned the crown of thorns – but not Jesus. He chose the outcast, the one He cast demons from. He chose to say her name, Mary. And He directed the angel to make special mention of another, one with a broken heart, one that felt like a cast aside good for nothing; the one who needed a little more love. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. He still seeks to reveal Himself to the hurting. He still reaches out a nail scarred hand to those who’ve fallen, to those in need of a little more love.

If anyone is qualified to be a disciple it’d be Peter. But Peter felt disqualified. Has anyone else ever felt that way? Peter was the one who walked on water; the one to whom Jesus said, "Blessed are you Simon… upon this rock I will build my church"; he was close to Jesus. But…he’s also the one who looked at the wind and waves and sank; he’s the one to whom Jesus said, “Get behind me Satan.” And Peter is the one who denied the Christ, three times. Yet, he is the one the risen Lord calls by name.

Have you walked (or sank) in his shoes?

Has anyone else ever denied Him?

Have you ever sank at the sight of the waves?
Well, you’re not alone.

And the One who walks on water, calms the sea, defeats our enemy and forgives our sins…calls your name.

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I've already prayed for you, if you'd like I'd be happy to pray with you. You can leave a comment or send an e-mail directly to me dougspurling@aol.com.

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Wake-up

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I write and tell stories with purpose. After years of hearing and not understanding my daughter recently said; “Dad, I finally get why you told your stories. They never made sense – but now they do. Wow.”

Likewise, the stories I tell here, with you, have purpose. That purpose is not explained but left unsaid for the reader to ponder. However, insomnia has beckoned an explanation for the story we shared a few days ago titled I AM. I may regret this tomorrow. But here goes.

In that story I shared how I mildly rebuked a young man for driving like the devil just before pulling into the church parking lot. Thank-you for kind words of encouragement via comments and e-mail etc. But…

What about Truth? What about integrity? What about what’s right – just because it’s right? No one mentioned that he shouldn’t have been driving like the devil and that letting him know may have thwarted a future wreck – may have saved the life…of the next Billy Graham, or you, or Johnny, or…?

He was speeding – he was driving recklessly. If a police officer had seen him; giving him a ticket would have been the right thing to do. So why, was a mild rebuke from me - a thing to repent of? He was rude telling me to go back where I came from – and the behavior went unnoticed, even by me, why? He was using my correction as an excuse rather than a reason – to stay in mire rather than climb higher. He was using my rebuke as a vehicle to carry him away from rather that toward salvation – and we applaud his efforts and rebuke mine. Why is this?

And I’m not really talking about this young man. I’m not even talking about moving violations. I’m talking about sins of the heart. Selfish disregard for others while speeding full steam ahead. About complacency.

“For the turning away of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them” Proverbs 1:32

“ And it shall come to pass at that time That I will search Jerusalem with lamps, And punish the men Who are settled in complacency, Who say in their heart, ‘ The LORD will not do good, Nor will He do evil.’ Zephaniah 1:12

1) Look-up. Was I wrong – yes. Was he wrong – yes. And that is the point. We all have sinned and come short of the glory of God. We all are wrong. And The Lord is All Right. The point I was trying to make was that I AM is The Answer. The answer cannot be found in us. We cannot be good enough or nice enough or whatever enough…it’s not in us.

2) Love-up. What I said was correct technically. However my sin was not walking in love. In assuming that Speedy was a Christian – love would assume that a Christian would not behave in such a rude and unlawful manner. A Christian should be held to a Christ like Christ –ian standard.(Yes – I meant to step on your toes if you back-slide when you drive; if you break the law you are not being a good example of a Christian. Period. If you’re going to drive like the devil take the “I Love Jesus” bumper sticker off your car, put an “I love Baal” one instead and witness in reverse.)Where was I? Oh yeah, about my rebuke. Love believes all things, hopes all things. Love would have prayed, and thought; this young couple must be in need of salvation and they’re in a hurry to get to it. God Speed! I could have more tactfully introduced myself… as a police officer and told them that since it was Sunday and since they were going to church – I’d let them off the hook. No, wait. I guess I shouldn’t lie while I’m discussing being a Christian example. O.K. So, I should have introduced myself, shook hands, apologized for pulling out in front of his fast self and extended grace and acceptance, love and forgiveness. Then if the love of God would allow I’d lay a Dougism on him, “If you take your time – you’ll get there faster.” I might have reaped better results.

3) Pray-up. Either way those kids have gotten a heap of prayer at least from me that they didn’t have before. Sometimes we’re put in positions to help others that rub us the wrong way just to smooth out our rough edges and help them through  a rough spot. Most of the time this is a call to prayer. Discernment is necessary to know when to hold ‘em and know when to fold ‘em; when to speak and when to keep our peace. Prayer is the key.


4) Wake-up. Addressing sin is not wrong. Have we forgotten that the law reveals our wicked hearts? And in so doing makes us aware of our need for a Savior? The desire to just-fit-in and make everybody happy has caused Christianity to become watered down milk toast. And lukewarm looses in both arenas – neither hot nor cold is good for nothing but to be spewed out.


This post is not being written in parable. Let me say it in plain simple English.

If God is God then serve Him. If Baal is God then serve Him.

We are sinners. Period.

We need a Savior. Period.

Jesus is The Savior. Period.

It's high time. Period.

Some folks quit listening when they read words like this because they figure, “I don’t need that no more – I’m already saved by golly.” And they speed on by, head held high– no time for the world, a pious eye to the sky… they trip over pride. Others hear - not my voice, another sees - not my words; but the Words of Another. And that is why I tell my stories.


Today if you hear His voice harden not your heart because today is the day of salvation. Tomorrow never comes. Someone is driving like himself to take you out. The devil prowls about like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour.


I’ve already prayed for you and if you’d like I’d love to pray with you. You can quietly slip an e-mail directly to me at dougspurling@aol.com
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i am

i am so sorry

i am an idiot

i pray what i am

never keeps you from

I AM.

i wrote the note and wrapped it in a twenty dollar bill. i could see their backs perfectly, about ten rows up and to the left of the isle.

Inspired by the dance to I AM performed by our Youth Impact Ministry. And convicted by the impact i made on a young couple before church.

It all started on the corner of Egret and Thunderbird road. i pulled up and checked the traffic on Thunderbird; no one to the left and a pick up quite a ways off to the right. i hit the accelerator and at the same time calculated the pick up to be driving too fast and accelerating. It was too late for me to stop since i was already committed into the intersection. So i sped up quickly to the speed limit of 45 miles an hour before the pick-up caught up to me. We had about a quarter mile until we turned off into the church parking lot on the left.

i didn’t think he would do it because this road at this time is full of church traffic. But he did. In a gap between traffic he flew around me; hit his brakes to slow for the car in front of me. We were now only about two blocks from the church. He again sped around the next car – and again had to hit his brakes for a line of cars waiting their turn to cross into the church parking lot.

My wife said wouldn’t it be something if he turns into the church after all that. He did. Ironically we were directed to park directly behind him by the parking lot attendants.

Maybe it was because my friend’s twenty-one year old grandson Johnny recently got killed by a drunk driver. Or maybe it was because too many of my loved ones say they stay away from God because they don't want to be like those who claim to be His children - hypocrites. Or maybe it’s because i’m a great sinner. Whatever it was – i had to say something to Speedy Gonzales.

“Kind-of in a hurry to get to church huh?” i said to the young man with the lead foot. He appeared to be about the same age as Johnny.

“Yes sir.” He said very politely.

i said; “You know, it’s not a very good Christian example for you to drive like the devil and then pull in here acting all holy.”

He said to the young lady with him, “Let’s go. I don’t want to go here if this is what it is.”

She said; “Sir, you pulled out in front of us. We’re running a little late and.”

Then it occurred to me. Maybe this was his first time coming to church; maybe his girlfriend or wife or whoever she was had been praying for this moment for years and now she’s finally got him to come and my holier than thou attitude is about to chase him off. He could be the next Billy Graham and i just kicked him out of the church. i’m an idiot i thought.

“i’m sorry, you’re right. Please don’t leave. It’s my fault.”

He got out of the truck and started walking toward the church. “He said to me; “You’re not from around here are you? You need to go back where you came from.”

Then he must have changed his mind; “No I’m leaving.” He got back in the truck, his girlfriend followed. As she started to get in her side of the truck she turned to me and said in a not so pleasant tone; “Thanks a lot!”

“Don’t go.” i said. It was too late. i watched them drive away.

As my wife dropped our granddaughter off in children’s church it was all i could do to keep the tears at bay. And i was praying so furiously i’m sure it looked like i was talking to myself. i walked to the side of the church to spy the parking lot and to my relief i saw their pick up easing back in the lot.

Now, if only i could talk to them again. The church seats some five hundred folks and it was packed as usual. i waited outside watching for them to enter but couldn’t find them. Finally the service started and i went in, and back out again. The lights were down and i couldn’t see where my wife was seated. She saw me looking like i was lost, found me and we sat down.

And then i saw them, wrote this note and waited for the service to be over. i don’t know what the preacher preached about. i was too busy praying for God to forgive me and bless that young couple i had offended.

i was relieved to see that he didn’t raise his hand when they asked for all first timers to do so. i was also relieved to see they clapped their hands and acted kind-of “churchy” so i figured they must be somewhat familiar with the church setting.

But i still felt like a great sinner in need of a great savior. i felt like a scum-bag.

The service ended. i waited. They had to walk by me to exit. They didn’t. They just vanished. i looked when everyone stood to be dismissed and they were gone. i couldn’t find them anywhere. i stood by the exit door. i even held the door open for hundreds of folks as they exited, but they were nowhere to be found. Did they see me and exit another way? i don’t know. Maybe i could find their truck and stick my note on the windshield. i looked – no truck.

On the ride home i suppose i waited at each intersection so long a camel could have gotten us home quicker. But i didn’t pull out in front of anyone – you can be sure of that.

If only i would have thought: “Maybe they’re going through a hard time…maybe they’re not Christians…maybe they need acceptance not a sermon…maybe i should put myself in their shoes and not judge – Lord knows when i was his age i’d have been driving just like him.”

i wish i could have found them and given them my note and we would have become fast friends. A great testimony of forgiveness would be written and he would go on to be Billy Graham.

But i didn’t.

So what’s the answer…




If anyone is in need of I AM...i am.

Lyrics to:

I AM
(by Eddie James)

Verse 1:

I am the Lord, I’m the Almighty God

I am the One for when nothing is too hard

I am the Shepherd and I am the Door

I am the Good news to the bound and the poor

Chorus:

I am, I am, I am, I am

Verse 2:

I am the righteous One and I am the Lamb,

I am the Ram in the bush for Abraham,

I am the Ultimate Sacrifice for sin,

I am your Redeemer, the Beginning and the End

Chorus:

I am, I am, I am, I am

Verse 3:

I am Jehovah, and I am the King,

I am Messiah, David’s Offspring,

I am your High Priest, and I am the Christ,

I am the Resurrection, I am the Life

Chorus:

I am, I am, I am, I am

Verse 4:

I am the Bread, and I am the Wine,

I am your Future, so leave your past behind.

I am the One in the midst of two or three,

I am your Tabernacle, I am your Jubilee.

Chorus:

I am, I am, I am, I am

Verse 4:

I am the Bread, I am the Wine,

And I am your Future, so leave your past behind.

I am the One in the midst of two or three,

I am your Tabernacle, I am your Jubilee.

Chorus:

I am, I am, I am, I am

Verse 5:

I am Hope, I am Peace, I am Joy, I am Rest,

Oh I am your Comfort, and Relief from your stress,

I am Strength, I am Faith, I am Love, I am Power,

And today I am your Freedom, this very hour.

Chorus:

I am, I am, I am, I am

Verse 5:

I am Hope, I am Peace, I am Joy, I am Rest,

I am your Comfort, and Relief from your stress,

I am Strength, I am Faith, I am Love, I am Power,

I am your Freedom, this very hour.

Verse 5:

I am Hope, I am Peace, I am Joy, I am Rest,

I am your Comfort, and Relief from your stress,

I am Strength, I am Faith, I am Love, I am Power,

I am your Freedom, this very hour.

Chorus:

I am, I am, I am, I am

Ending:

I am

Psalm 91

Psalm 91

Safety of Abiding in the Presence of God

1 He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High

Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

2 I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress;

My God, in Him I will trust.”

3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler

And from the perilous pestilence.

4 He shall cover you with His feathers,

And under His wings you shall take refuge;

His truth shall be your shield and buckler.

5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night,

Nor of the arrow that flies by day,

6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness,

Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.

7 A thousand may fall at your side,

And ten thousand at your right hand;

But it shall not come near you.

8 Only with your eyes shall you look,

And see the reward of the wicked.

9 Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge,

Even the Most High, your dwelling place,

10 No evil shall befall you,

Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;

11 For He shall give His angels charge over you,

To keep you in all your ways.

12 In their hands they shall bear you up,

Lest you dash your foot against a stone.

13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,

The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.

14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him;

I will set him on high, because he has known My name.

15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him;

I will be with him in trouble;

I will deliver him and honor him.

16 With long life I will satisfy him,

And show him My salvation.”

 

Near To The Heart Of God

There is a place of quiet rest near to the heart of God.

There is a place of quiet rest,

Near to the heart of God.

A place where sin cannot molest,

Near to the heart of God.

Refrain

O Jesus, blest Redeemer,

Sent from the heart of God,

Hold us who wait before Thee

Near to the heart of God.

There is a place of comfort sweet,

Near to the heart of God.

A place where we our Savior meet,

Near to the heart of God.

Refrain

There is a place of full release,

Near to the heart of God.

A place where all is joy and peace,

Near to the heart of God

(Cleland B. McAfee.)

He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart. Isaiah 40:11

 
 
 
 
 
 
And while we were yet sinners (black sheep) Christ died for us.

Oh Happy Day

It's O.K. go ahead and have you one..A Happy Day. God's got it all under control.

That Moment

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Blank. That’s what I see...


Until I write the words you just read.


This white electric paper is starting to fill with black electric ink. I download my heart onto page. Prayers for a reader I may never see.

When words flow faster than I can write when electric ink pours onto page just right – in that moment my world is at peace. That moment is my sweet spot. That moment I feel like I’m doing what I’m meant to do. That moment I’m in the zone.

We all have that moment – that place where the world is right. For some it’s singing, preaching or giving a speech – but that may scare the begeebers out of others. For a golfer it’s the perfect swing. It may be working on cars, carving wood, bending steel, pulling teeth, cutting hair, or coaching little league. That moment may be rocking a baby to sleep or teaching a kid to ride a bike. Whatever it is – we’ve all got one; a sweet spot. And to find that time, that zone, that spot, that moment is a joy.

Wouldn’t it be nice to make this moment that moment every moment? But that kind of moment; when we’re doing what we love doing is only a moment. We can’t swing the perfect swing continuously. We have to do other stuff. That sweet precious baby we rock eventually has a stinky diaper to change.

However, that moment, that sweet spot is just an appetizer for the real deal. There is a place of sweet release a place of quiet rest; a place where the world is right (even when the world isn’t right.)

I learned this from watching my grandkids. They play. They enjoy the moment, nothing else matters. And when something goes wrong, when they get scared or sad or tired when their world gets off just a little – to Papa they run.

We don’t have to do anything – just be. And their world is all right again.

We can do the same.

And we don’t have to travel to get there. We don’t have to be involved in a certain activity to experience it.

It is.

When Moses asked God, “Who should I say sent me?” God answered, “I AM.”


God is: Omnipresent – everywhere present.

Where I am God is.

I AM is where I am.

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. (Proverbs 18:10). We have an ever present Papa we can turn to, abide with…in. In Him we live and move and have our being. (Acts 17:28)

In Him, our problems may not get smaller, but, we get bigger.

And then, when the golf swing’s a shank, the diaper’s runny and the hammer hits the wrong nail – we can know everything is still ok. Our world may be spinning, but not out-of-control, even if it looks that way. In the midst of the chaos we can be at peace, we can find joy. We can stop the clock and find our sweet-spot by making this moment that-moment-we-run-to-Him. And find rest for our soul.

Because Papa’s got it all under control.

Make this moment count my friend. The Best Company we could ever ask for is with us.

Ask and He will answer – I AM.

Where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. (2 Corinthians 3:17)

You will show me the path of life;In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Psalm 16:11

For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. 2 Chronicles 16:9

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I have prayed for you - I'd be happy to pray with you.
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