Saturday, November 18, 2006

Family Time

Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Good morning!

I love it when our grandchildren come to visit. When I know my grandchildren are coming, I try to stop the clock, drop whatever I’m doing, and give them my complete and undivided attention. As parents, we try to balance the responsibilities of home, work, school and outside activities with raising children. We lead such busy lives. Sometimes when our children beg for thirty minutes of play time, it is easier to say something like, “Maybe later dear, I need to do this first.” How often did I say that to my own children? I regret those lost moments, when I could have stopped the clock to play. Do you feel regret over time you may have lost with the ones you love?

I cannot wait for our grandchildren to come over and play. If there is any way I can postpone or curtail other activities, I do it, just so I can spend time with them. We will chase each other around the great room, play hide and seek, build tents with blankets and sheets, color Spiderman and Princesses, play dress up in crazy costumes, drink hot chocolate, eat lots of popcorn, and make a colossal mess. It’s all good. Eventually we will get to the clean up, but until then, spending time with those beautiful babies becomes more valuable and precious to me everyday. I absolutely treasure the time we spend together.

Setting aside time to be with family is important. We share life - our laughter, tears, and our love. A family bond can be supportive and encouraging as we share the story of our lives together.

When we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, He becomes the story of our life. He brought us into a forever relationship with our heavenly Father and He is our family. As His children, we are now an important part of the family of God. It is important that we make time to spend in corporate worship, service, and sharing life with each other. It is time well spent – being together with the family of God.


Won’t you make time today to be an active part of the family of God? Go to church this Sunday and enjoy the company of your Christian brothers and sisters. Set aside the things that keep you busy and preoccupied, and give your time to your family who loves you, needs you, and wants you to be there with them. The Apostle Paul reminds us to not give up on meeting with each other, because that becomes a bad habit. We need to be together for encouragement, support, and fellowship.

If you do not have a church home, I invite you to come and worship Christ with me! I would love to introduce you to my kin at Faith Church. See you Sunday!


Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: the desire to be in relationship with the family of God. You are an important part of His body, and without you, we are not complete. Won’t you come home to church this weekend?

© Copyright 2006, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved. Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Friday, November 17, 2006

Holy Smoke

John 14:15-17 (NIV)
15 If you love me, you will do what I command. 16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.

Good morning!

We had a little excitement at the parsonage last night. Our son David decided to have a little late-night snack. He decided to fry a few hamburgers in the kitchen. He’s a 21-year old growing boy, being over six feet tall, and of course, a growing boy has to eat. We were back in the bedroom reading when I noticed the wafting smell of hamburgers frying on the stove. A few seconds later, our smoke detectors began to scream all over the house. Have you ever played with your smoke detector when changing the batteries? They flash and squeal and make some of the worst noise I have ever heard.

I ran down the hallway toward the kitchen, where David stood looking mighty guilty, with spatula in hand. He was shaking his head, saying, “I don’t get it – there is no fire!” But, the kitchen was smoky. We turned on the exhaust fan, opened a couple of windows, and he ran to get the step stool to check the incessant noise makers. Fortunately, the squealing stopped within a few seconds. I glanced at the old frying pan and realized it probably was time to replace it. This pan had seen better days, and I was sure part of the problem may have been the pan itself.

Smoke detectors are wonderful tools. They warn us when there may be an imminent dangerous situation. Smoke detectors save lives. The warning signal grabs our attention, while we seek to identify the situation and remedy it. Make sure to change your smoke detector batteries every spring and fall. It is especially helpful late at night, when your son decides to cook.

Jesus promised his disciples that the Father would send a Counselor, the Spirit of truth, to keep them company on their journey. He knew the world would not accept something it could not see, but for those who believe, the Holy Spirit would be with them, living in their hearts. The Holy Spirit is a true comforter, knowing we are never without the Father’s love. He wraps our hearts in the warmth of his love and keeps us strong in times of testing. He is the Christian’s smoke alarm, sending out a warning signal whenever we walk too close to the flame, or do not see the imminent danger that lies ahead. The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God living in our lives. Even though we cannot see Him with our eyes, we experience His holy presence every moment of the day.

Fortunately, we do not have to worry about changing His batteries. We can, however, receive a power-packed charge from the Holy Spirit as we spend time with our Lord in worship, prayer and reflection. He gives us exactly what we need, at just the right moment, to do what He has called us to do as we go into the world to share the love of Christ with all people.

Is the Holy Spirit protecting you from the smoke in your life? Do you need a power-packed charge today? Ask God to give you the power of the Holy Spirit to help you live the life. Our God is faithful, and He will do what He promises. Holy Smoke! We have everything we need to survive and thrive, through the grace of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: The Holy Spirit to be very real to you today. He will protect, defend, comfort, and convict you. He’s speaking to you this morning. Can you hear Him?

© Copyright 2006, 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.