“Wanting”

Today’s reading - Acts 12:20-23 (NIV): Then Herod went from Judea to Caesarea and stayed there a while. 20He had been quarreling with the people of Tyre and Sidon; they now joined together and sought an audience with him. Having secured the support of Blastus, a trusted personal servant of the king, they asked for peace, because they depended on the king's country for their food supply.

21On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public address to the people. 22They shouted, "This is the voice of a god, not of a man.

23Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.

Wanting can be crippling if a person allows it to creep into their lives. Here we see that the people wanted for peace, so they ‘used’ someone to try to get peace. Herod wanted to be powerful over everyone so he used his kingship to advance. Then there are those that wanted security and they shouted that Herod was a god.

They all received the opportunity, whether they believed or didn’t believe, to actually see God put an angel of the Lord into action. Wow, I’d like to see an angel. Actually I believe that we do see the angels that God chooses to send to us. With our minds and hearts open and willing to believe, God grants us opportunities to experience His angels. They surround is always, watching over us, protecting us, praising God on our behalf, singing hallelujah awaiting us to join the angel choir some day.

During this winter season, scan the dark night sky looking to the heavens and enjoy the stars; which them glimmer, recognize hope in them and realize the God of the universe is the God of heaven and nature, then sing your angel song, wanting for nothing because you have everything through Christ Jesus.

Dorothy Drago Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, Mo.
www.aldersgatechurch.com

"Person of Infuence"

Today’s reading - Acts 12:16-19 (NIV): 16But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. 17Peter motioned with his hand for them to be quiet and described how the Lord had brought him out of prison. "Tell James and the brothers about this," he said, and then he left for another place.

18In the morning, there was no small commotion among the soldiers as to what had become of Peter. 19After Herod had a thorough search made for him and did not find him, he cross-examined the guards and ordered that they be executed.

By a simple motion of his hand, Peter had everyone present captivated and hushed ready to listen. Then there is Herod, by a critical examination, he had people on the hunt to execute the guards. Both men had people listen and follow the orders given – what a powerful influence these two men had, but so vastly different.

Sometimes people search for ways to be influential and powerful, just to feel empty and breathless. Others serve with humility, standing in the background, unnoticed feeling hopeful for the future. What we do in life, is not what is important; what is important is how we serve and live our lives. The power to influence belongs to God. His power and mercy and grace are freely given to everyone. How these gifts are received and used for His kingdom influences all of eternity.

Make it a point to be influenced by God’s power and share how He released you from the bondage of sin and death.

Dorothy Drago Brucks
Aldersgate UMC, Nixa, Mo.
www.aldersgatechurch.com

"Am I?"

Today's reading - Acts 12:15 (NIV): 15 "You're out of your mind," they told her. When she kept insisting that it was so, they said, "It must be his angel."

I have strayed from writing the daily devotional from scriptures of the book of Acts. As with all of you, I have been extremely busy and that is my excuse. I haven’t forgotten that our friend Deb had been allowing me to continue this journey in her stead as she heals, I just simply had other responsibilities that took a great deal of my time. But today is the day to start afresh, right where we left off.

“Are you out of your mind?” is a question I have asked myself and others thousands of times in the past and I never knew I was quoting scripture! In that context, I think this verse is humorous, but let’s look at it in a different light.

There are many days that I keep insisting ‘yes you did, no I did not, did too, are you sure’ (because I usually don’t remember but feel the need to defend myself). Perhaps that is self protection, asserting my right to never admit I can’t remember something. I use to have such a vast memory bank, but not any more.

Just this morning about 1 ½ hours into work, I said out loud to my co-workers “I don’t remember what I did with my lunch.” I went back to my car and did not find them so at this point I couldn’t remember if I got it out of the refrigerator or not. Yes I did, I know I did, then Phil calls, guess what is on the kitchen table dear?

I too must be out of my mind just as this servant girl was being accused of being. I love how she exclaimed that ‘it must be his angel.” In our daily lives we too should call upon the angels of God, the ones singing praises to the King of the Jews, praising God always, eternally.

Let’s you and I live in the moment of angels always, and may we never forget to do just that. If we claim it out loud, maybe someone will say “You’re out of your mind,” and we can respond, yes, we are in the mind of the Holy one, always loved and cared for and for that we are praising His name, Emmanuel.

Dorothy Drago Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, Mo.
www.aldersgatechurch.com

Roses of healing

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 3:20-21 NIV

20 Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to His power that is at work within us, 21 to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Good morning!

I peeked out my sparkling clean bedroom window this morning, and gazed in amazement at the beautiful blooming roses in my garden. Several days this month have been so very warm and unusually beautiful for this time of year, and a dear friend offered to come and clean my windows so I could sit and enjoy the changing season in its wondrous splendor. I don’t exactly know how to thank her for the gifts she has given me through the years. Today I find myself so very thankful for all of the friends in my life.

It is a very chilly morning; most of the leaves have fallen from the trees and the billowing clouds in the sky remind me of the winter air that will soon be upon us. Still, on my beautiful rose bush just outside the bedroom window, I have several dozen beautifully formed red roses, reminding me that life goes on and on, even at this particular season in my life.

I’ve been struggling to regain full use of my right hand and arm for awhile. There are days when I wonder if I will awake to new sense of feeling, new life being reborn once again. Just when I begin to think it may not be possible, His Word reminds me of the wonderful promises we have in Christ Jesus, our King. We know that even in the coldest, darkest days, He is breathing new life into our hearts, our bodies, and our minds. Just like these beautiful roses of fall, we can see His healing touch shining in and through the love of His treasured ones.

Regardless of how I might feel physically today, I can wholly depend upon His Word and know without a doubt that Jesus Christ is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine according to His Power that lives within each of us. Just look outside and see the roses blooming. Do not ever doubt in the miraculous healing power of Jesus.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, 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.

A gooey mess of sin

Today’s Reading: Matthew 8:24-25 NIV

24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against the house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.

Good morning!

Reluctantly, my husband Jeff brought me a chocolate protein shake that I asked for while lying in bed and he handed it to me with a stern warning, “Now Deb, do not fall asleep before you drink it.” I heard him say the words, and I really meant to heed them, but just a few short minutes later, I found myself covered from head to toe in cold chocolate goo. Why do we listen yet refuse to obey? What keeps us from following the good instructions our Daddy gives us?

Jesus gave us great instructions for living. His words were clear and plain. I don’t know whether we’re simply tone deaf, too tired to pay attention, or just plain sin sick, but often, we ignore the rules and find ourselves soaked in a gooey mess of trouble. I was pretty embarrassed when my youngest son came to check in on me that morning and found me sound asleep in a pool of chocolate. He must have thought that was some crazy dream I was having. Who wouldn’t want to jump into a vat of yummy chocolate and swim around in it for awhile? The problem with chocolate is that it stains everything it touches. My sheets were ruined. My favorite pajamas had to be tossed. It took two shampoos to get it all out of my hair, and believe me, it is so hard to raise the arm I just had surgery on to wash my hair, that I was truly regretting my silly mistake before I was washed completely clean.

There are no silly sins in life, but we are often silly in perpetrating them. Jesus tells us to listen and we somehow forget to listen and follow His instruction. If we would just do what we were told, we wouldn’t find ourselves in such a sticky mess.

The next time your husband tells you not to drink a chocolate protein shake in bed, be sure to pay attention. And the next time Jesus tells you to hear His Word and put it into practice, do the right thing, and obey His Word.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, 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.

The music of love

Today’s Reading: Psalm 107:1 NIV

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.

Good morning!

This has been a very sad and painful time in my family’s life. Last week, I had a second surgery, which I had hoped and had prayed to the Lord I might avoid. The surgeon was brilliant and the procedure was a success. Now the recovery begins, and with God’s strength, I will heal. The day after my surgery, my mother fell at home and broke a bone that will not mend easily. She is in a great deal of pain, and yet, the Lord is right beside her, every step of the way. Sometimes I don’t understand why things happen the way they do. Just at the time when she needs me most, I am unable to help her. Maybe there is a greater plan here which I do not yet understand. One thing I know for certain – God is good, especially in the tough times of our lives, and His love endures forever.

The medications I take to help with pain make me weepy. I seem to have a bottomless well of tears rising up from seemingly out of nowhere. My husband hates it when I cry. It makes him sad to see me sad. Even in our tears, we can laugh, knowing God is wiping every tear away and He will bring us great joy in the morning. Jeff did a really sweet thing for me last night and I just wanted you to know what his random act of kindness meant to me. I fell asleep in the Lazy Boy® recliner yesterday afternoon and didn’t wake up until 3:30 this morning. By then, I had missed two doses of medication and, as you might imagine, I was in excruciating pain. Hobbling back to the bedroom, moaning every step of the way, Jeff crawled out of bed to find my medicine. He tucked me into bed and put on my favorite Christmas CD. The first sounds I heard were the sound of church chimes ringing from a distance. Soon, my sobbing turned to tears of joy as I heard tenor Josh Groban sing of my Savior’s birth. Like a beautiful lullaby, I fell asleep listening to the Scripture sung in perfect harmony. What a wonderful reminder of the gift of new life that is given each and every day for all who believe.

Even though I cannot be physically present with my mother every minute of the day, I have His promise that He has not forsaken her. She hears the same beautiful melodies that I am listening to now. We are not alone, especially in times of suffering.

On this day, I am thankful for my Lord Jesus Christ. He is good and His love endures all things, forever and ever. Be thankful with me and rejoice, for we are not alone. We have a Savior and He loves us with a love that will not let us go.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, 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.

“Top Three”

Today's reading - Acts 12:12-14 (NIV): 12When this had dawned on him, he went to the house of Mary the mother of John, also called Mark, where many people had gathered and were praying. 13Peter knocked at the outer entrance, and a servant girl named Rhoda came to answer the door. 14When she recognized Peter's voice, she was so overjoyed she ran back without opening it and exclaimed, "Peter is at the door!"

This is really an exciting moment for the servant girl. Most likely she had been doing her chores and had not been praying with the others. But she knew who Peter was by his voice and was excited to announce his appearance! How wonderful for her.

I would certainly be a changed person if I recognized Jesus’ voice each time He sends a message to me through someone. There are ways that I can improve my hearing.

• First - Awareness is vital. I must be aware of Christ’s presence in my surroundings, aware that the people I come in contact with are divine appointments to do something with.
• Second – Praying for that awareness is essential. I can’t recognize the voice, if I don’t ask Him to help me.
• Third – Acknowledge the message and ask the Lord if it is His will.
  

The list can go on and on, but these are the top three for me. I want to recognize the voice of God because He is calling me! Take a moment and decide your top three.

Dorothy Drago Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, Mo.
www.aldersgatechurch.com