Sowing Seeds
Psalm 126:5-6 (NIV)
5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. 6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.
Good morning!
Do you like to plant flowers and vegetables in the spring? When I was a young girl, our family spent hours outside turning the soil and planting seeds. After the soil was turned, watered and fertilized, we would shake seed packets over the garden bed and cover the tiny seedlings up with a layer of fresh dirt. Every plant was important, as we spent time preparing, planting, and watching our garden grow.
My mother loved to sing while working in the garden. One of her all-time favorite gardening songs is “Bringing in the Sheaves.” We would march around the garden bed together, swinging our arms and singing our garden song with such a passion! I thought the words and melody helped those little seeds spring up into the sheaves we would one day harvest for our dinner table. I had no idea that these words meant so much more.
The regeneration of life is an amazing thing. We witness the cold, hard ground become green again as grass begins to grow. Stately trees bud out, covered in an array of newly-formed leaves and flowers. The smell of new life blankets the air. Rains come to water new growth, and the sun appears, beckoning growth. Does it not take your breath away every time we experience spring time?
We cannot begin to comprehend how God restores life to the dead. How does He take something so dry and brittle, and make it spring forth again? Our God can take the hardest heart and soften it with His forgiveness, love, and power. He can take something that was dead and bring it back to life! Even the coldest, hardest soil cannot keep us from the love of God, for He is the master gardener.
We share God’s love with our neighbors, as we plant seeds of faith, water the soil with love, and prepare for His ultimate harvest. Every person is precious and valued to our Lord. We sow our faith seeds with tears and in joy, knowing that Christ will return to earth someday to harvest His sheaves, and take them home to the Master Gardener’s banquet table.
The Lord is watching and waiting and counting on you and me to sow seeds of kindness, every morning, every evening, as we wait for His glorious harvest. Knowles Shaw wrote the words to Bringing in the Sheaves in 1874. May you sing these words with gusto as you share what Jesus Christ has done to create new life in you!
Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness, sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve;
Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping, we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows, fearing neither clouds nor winter’s chilling breeze;
By and by the harvest, and the labor ended, we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Going forth with weeping, sowing for the Master, though the loss sustained our spirit often grieves;
When our weeping is over, He will bid us welcome, we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves, we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves, we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: God to use your life, as you plant the seeds of faith for others today.
Friday, November 24, 2006
Unstuck
I Corinthians 15:2 (NIV)
2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the Word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
John 8:36 (NIV)
36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!
Good morning!
Do you like a good scavenger hunt? Our children loved hiding little clues all over the house which, in turn, led us to the secret treasure. It seems our grandchildren are enjoying the adventure of scavenger hunting now. One Sunday afternoon after church, our grandson Joshua wanted to hunt for Jesus. We went from room to room, looking for pictures and figurines of Christ and for crosses hanging on the wall. Stopping at a large crucifix by the master bedroom, Joshua looked up at me with a grief-stricken face. “Nanny,” Joshua said emphatically, “Jesus is stuck! We need to get Him down from there!” The words rolling off his little three-year old tongue caught me off guard. I choked back a giggle and grin, knowing this wise little one was absolutely right.
The memory of that conversation with Joshua has stayed in my mind’s eye for months now. I mentioned it today at the Thanksgiving table. My sister-in-law Gail reminded me that for many Christians, Jesus still hangs on the cross. They never fully claim His power for daily living. Some hold on to their salvation experience but go no further in faith. Many Christians draw the line by leaving the Lord dangling and refusing to allow His resurrection to change their life completely. They believe Jesus died to save them from eternal separation. They repent of their sins, receiving complete forgiveness; yet choosing to leave the Savior hanging; unwilling to step out in faith.
Change can be a scary thing. Change can happen at a moment’s notice. We find ourselves changing jobs, changing schools, relocating from one town to another. We change the laundry, change our clothes, change our hairstyle, or change an unsavory habit. All of these changes affect our life. How has your faith changed you? When you asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, were your changed by that decision? Does it change you every morning when you sit in His holy presence? Or is Jesus a secret treasure you keep tucked away, hidden from the people around you?
Joshua is right. We need to help Jesus get unstuck in our hearts. He died on a cross to save us. The really good news is that Jesus rose again! He lives and reigns forever – the grip of death has been broken and new life is waiting for all believers, not only in the hereafter, but for each day! Christ changed it all up for humanity. Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, watching and loving us all the time.
The Apostle Paul reminds us to hold firm to the Word – the Word which is our Christ. His gospel saves and frees us to live for Him today, tomorrow, and forever. Is Jesus stuck in your heart? Will you allow your salvation experience to move you from acceptance to joyful obedience, to honor and glorify your Lord? If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: courage to allow the risen Christ to change how you live out your life, beginning this morning. May the Lord give you grace to tell His story to everyone you know!
___________________________
© 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.
I Corinthians 15:2 (NIV)
2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the Word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
John 8:36 (NIV)
36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!
Good morning!
Do you like a good scavenger hunt? Our children loved hiding little clues all over the house which, in turn, led us to the secret treasure. It seems our grandchildren are enjoying the adventure of scavenger hunting now. One Sunday afternoon after church, our grandson Joshua wanted to hunt for Jesus. We went from room to room, looking for pictures and figurines of Christ and for crosses hanging on the wall. Stopping at a large crucifix by the master bedroom, Joshua looked up at me with a grief-stricken face. “Nanny,” Joshua said emphatically, “Jesus is stuck! We need to get Him down from there!” The words rolling off his little three-year old tongue caught me off guard. I choked back a giggle and grin, knowing this wise little one was absolutely right.
The memory of that conversation with Joshua has stayed in my mind’s eye for months now. I mentioned it today at the Thanksgiving table. My sister-in-law Gail reminded me that for many Christians, Jesus still hangs on the cross. They never fully claim His power for daily living. Some hold on to their salvation experience but go no further in faith. Many Christians draw the line by leaving the Lord dangling and refusing to allow His resurrection to change their life completely. They believe Jesus died to save them from eternal separation. They repent of their sins, receiving complete forgiveness; yet choosing to leave the Savior hanging; unwilling to step out in faith.
Change can be a scary thing. Change can happen at a moment’s notice. We find ourselves changing jobs, changing schools, relocating from one town to another. We change the laundry, change our clothes, change our hairstyle, or change an unsavory habit. All of these changes affect our life. How has your faith changed you? When you asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, were your changed by that decision? Does it change you every morning when you sit in His holy presence? Or is Jesus a secret treasure you keep tucked away, hidden from the people around you?
Joshua is right. We need to help Jesus get unstuck in our hearts. He died on a cross to save us. The really good news is that Jesus rose again! He lives and reigns forever – the grip of death has been broken and new life is waiting for all believers, not only in the hereafter, but for each day! Christ changed it all up for humanity. Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, watching and loving us all the time.
The Apostle Paul reminds us to hold firm to the Word – the Word which is our Christ. His gospel saves and frees us to live for Him today, tomorrow, and forever. Is Jesus stuck in your heart? Will you allow your salvation experience to move you from acceptance to joyful obedience, to honor and glorify your Lord? If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: courage to allow the risen Christ to change how you live out your life, beginning this morning. May the Lord give you grace to tell His story to everyone you know!
___________________________
© 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.
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Carried Away
Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Good morning!
Whenever my four-year old grandson Joshua comes to visit, he greets me in the most amazing way. Joshua runs as fast as he can and jumps right up into my open arms. Wrapping himself around me like a little teddy bear, he gives me one of the biggest hugs ever. Our two-year old granddaughter Emily loves to be carried. She doesn’t jump up like Joshua, but raises her arms to be picked up. She will bury her head on my shoulder, and pat my back with her hands. Emily loves to be held, especially when she gets sleepy.
It takes a strong back to carry little ones around. As a grandparent, I always ask for a little extra strength when I’m with my grandbabies. Do you remember what it is like to be carried by your grandparent? Being held in the arms of my grandmother brought great comfort and peace to my heart, especially when I was sad or hurting, and needed to receive just a little extra encouragement.
In May of 1979, Jeff and I were attending a church picnic outside on the lawn, sampling the culinary delights of our Texas United Methodist Women. It was homecoming weekend, and folks had traveled from far away to attend worship, have a picnic, and decorate the graves of their loved ones in the cemetery behind the church. I was due to deliver our daughter Rachel within a couple of weeks. While walking across the grass, I accidentally stepped into a small hole and fell head over heels to the ground. It was not one of my more graceful moves. Two men ran across the church yard to help me up. I was very embarrassed, but grateful for their immediate assistance. They picked me up and carried me to a lawn chair, where I sat down to rest. I was very lucky that day, and I found myself forever grateful to the two gentlemen who did not hesitate to help pick me up.
When Jesus came into my life, He picked me up, held me close to His heart, and set my feet back on solid ground. He carried my sin all the way to Calvary, and died to set me free forever! The Apostle Paul said that when we carry each other’s burdens, we are fulfilling the law of Christ. We imitate our Lord by reaching out in faith, offering to carry each other through the difficult times of life.
If you have been set free today, then praise the Lord, who lifts you up, holds you close, and will never let go. His gift of love just keeps on giving whenever we reach out in faith to share the burdens of others. Who will you help carry today?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: a little extra strength to reach out and extend a helping hand to your neighbor. You can share Jesus with someone who took a tumble, stepped off into a hole, and needs a lift back to solid ground.
____________________
© 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.
Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Good morning!
Whenever my four-year old grandson Joshua comes to visit, he greets me in the most amazing way. Joshua runs as fast as he can and jumps right up into my open arms. Wrapping himself around me like a little teddy bear, he gives me one of the biggest hugs ever. Our two-year old granddaughter Emily loves to be carried. She doesn’t jump up like Joshua, but raises her arms to be picked up. She will bury her head on my shoulder, and pat my back with her hands. Emily loves to be held, especially when she gets sleepy.
It takes a strong back to carry little ones around. As a grandparent, I always ask for a little extra strength when I’m with my grandbabies. Do you remember what it is like to be carried by your grandparent? Being held in the arms of my grandmother brought great comfort and peace to my heart, especially when I was sad or hurting, and needed to receive just a little extra encouragement.
In May of 1979, Jeff and I were attending a church picnic outside on the lawn, sampling the culinary delights of our Texas United Methodist Women. It was homecoming weekend, and folks had traveled from far away to attend worship, have a picnic, and decorate the graves of their loved ones in the cemetery behind the church. I was due to deliver our daughter Rachel within a couple of weeks. While walking across the grass, I accidentally stepped into a small hole and fell head over heels to the ground. It was not one of my more graceful moves. Two men ran across the church yard to help me up. I was very embarrassed, but grateful for their immediate assistance. They picked me up and carried me to a lawn chair, where I sat down to rest. I was very lucky that day, and I found myself forever grateful to the two gentlemen who did not hesitate to help pick me up.
When Jesus came into my life, He picked me up, held me close to His heart, and set my feet back on solid ground. He carried my sin all the way to Calvary, and died to set me free forever! The Apostle Paul said that when we carry each other’s burdens, we are fulfilling the law of Christ. We imitate our Lord by reaching out in faith, offering to carry each other through the difficult times of life.
If you have been set free today, then praise the Lord, who lifts you up, holds you close, and will never let go. His gift of love just keeps on giving whenever we reach out in faith to share the burdens of others. Who will you help carry today?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: a little extra strength to reach out and extend a helping hand to your neighbor. You can share Jesus with someone who took a tumble, stepped off into a hole, and needs a lift back to solid ground.
____________________
© 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.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Feed my sheep
John 21:15 (NIV)
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Good morning!
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the whole year. I love to see happy people sharing love and life with their family, friends and neighbors. It is great fun listening to my coworkers as they share their plans to visit loved ones, the house-cleaning marathons they undertake, and the special meal preparations, observing a time-honored, annual tradition. Do you share a special Thanksgiving tradition with your family? What does Thanksgiving mean to you?
It is a true joy to participate in a very special Thanksgiving tradition at our church. For the last twenty years, the people of Faith Church gather together early Thanksgiving morning to prepare and serve free Thanksgiving dinners to families in Saint Charles County, Missouri. Lots of turkeys are cooked in advance of the meal preparation. Homemade rolls and pumpkin pies are baked and stand ready to be sliced and packaged. We become potato peeling people. Many of us come armed with our favorite potato peelers in hand. Sitting together in large circles, we peel ten-pound bags of potatoes in chorus, allowing the peelings to drop on the newspaper in the center of the floor. Others are waiting to take the buckets of peeled potatoes to the kitchen sink for scrubbing and cleaning. Large pots filled with boiling water stand ready to cook the potatoes. When they are finished, the potatoes are placed in the hands of our expert potato masher, who is armed and ready with electric mixer and spatula in hand.
All the while, large pots of green beans are cooking on the stove. Dressing and sweet potato casseroles are baking in the oven. Cans of cranberry sauce are being sliced and packaged in delivery containers. We even have a host of honorary can smashers – those people who love to remove the lids from the green bean and cranberry sauce cans, preparing them for recycling.
The men and women who make the gravy and maneuver the heavy pots from stove to counter are my all-time favorite heros. They stand behind the hot stove, using their muscle to assist in food preparation. I can hardly lift a turkey out of the oven, much less pick up a large pot of green beans from the burner by myself. Without the help of everyone, this meal would be impossible to prepare. Within a few short hours, all of the food has been cooked, packaged, boxed, and stands waiting to be delivered.
Families come together to deliver the food to their ultimate destinations. Thank goodness for our computer geeks, who understand how to get up-to-date directions online. A list is prepared with the names of recipients, and a map to their homes. This year, Faith Church will be delivering 640 meals all over Saint Charles County. It is a blessing to share our abundance with the people of our community.
Our Lord Jesus asked Simon Peter if he loved Him. When Peter answered, Jesus commanded him to “feed my sheep.” As we gather together with family and friends this Thanksgiving, let us remember Christ’s instruction. Won’t you make time to share your love with others by feeding His sheep? We have so much to give. Let us feed each other with grateful hearts, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with our world.
Have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: help from above, as you seek share the love of Christ with your family, friends and neighbors this Thanksgiving. Will you feed His sheep?
____________________
© 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.
John 21:15 (NIV)
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”
Good morning!
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the whole year. I love to see happy people sharing love and life with their family, friends and neighbors. It is great fun listening to my coworkers as they share their plans to visit loved ones, the house-cleaning marathons they undertake, and the special meal preparations, observing a time-honored, annual tradition. Do you share a special Thanksgiving tradition with your family? What does Thanksgiving mean to you?
It is a true joy to participate in a very special Thanksgiving tradition at our church. For the last twenty years, the people of Faith Church gather together early Thanksgiving morning to prepare and serve free Thanksgiving dinners to families in Saint Charles County, Missouri. Lots of turkeys are cooked in advance of the meal preparation. Homemade rolls and pumpkin pies are baked and stand ready to be sliced and packaged. We become potato peeling people. Many of us come armed with our favorite potato peelers in hand. Sitting together in large circles, we peel ten-pound bags of potatoes in chorus, allowing the peelings to drop on the newspaper in the center of the floor. Others are waiting to take the buckets of peeled potatoes to the kitchen sink for scrubbing and cleaning. Large pots filled with boiling water stand ready to cook the potatoes. When they are finished, the potatoes are placed in the hands of our expert potato masher, who is armed and ready with electric mixer and spatula in hand.
All the while, large pots of green beans are cooking on the stove. Dressing and sweet potato casseroles are baking in the oven. Cans of cranberry sauce are being sliced and packaged in delivery containers. We even have a host of honorary can smashers – those people who love to remove the lids from the green bean and cranberry sauce cans, preparing them for recycling.
The men and women who make the gravy and maneuver the heavy pots from stove to counter are my all-time favorite heros. They stand behind the hot stove, using their muscle to assist in food preparation. I can hardly lift a turkey out of the oven, much less pick up a large pot of green beans from the burner by myself. Without the help of everyone, this meal would be impossible to prepare. Within a few short hours, all of the food has been cooked, packaged, boxed, and stands waiting to be delivered.
Families come together to deliver the food to their ultimate destinations. Thank goodness for our computer geeks, who understand how to get up-to-date directions online. A list is prepared with the names of recipients, and a map to their homes. This year, Faith Church will be delivering 640 meals all over Saint Charles County. It is a blessing to share our abundance with the people of our community.
Our Lord Jesus asked Simon Peter if he loved Him. When Peter answered, Jesus commanded him to “feed my sheep.” As we gather together with family and friends this Thanksgiving, let us remember Christ’s instruction. Won’t you make time to share your love with others by feeding His sheep? We have so much to give. Let us feed each other with grateful hearts, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with our world.
Have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: help from above, as you seek share the love of Christ with your family, friends and neighbors this Thanksgiving. Will you feed His sheep?
____________________
© 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.
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
The Robin's song
Matthew 10: 29-31 (NIV)
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.
30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Good morning!
When I was a little girl, I spent a lot of time standing in my parents’ bedroom, gazing out the window into the lattice rose trellis outside. Nestled snugly in between the climbing rose bush vines and thorns was an intricate and well-placed Robin’s nest. If I stood really still, I could watch the Robins as they cared for their babies, without scaring them away. I loved watching the birds every spring, as they continued to build their nests, lay their eggs, and care for their young.
Robins’ eggs are a beautiful baby blue color. Mother Robin would sit for hours, keeping them warm and safe, while Father Robin would bring worms for Mother Robin to eat. She was content to wait while her babies prepared to be born. Sheltered in the seclusion of the rosebush, they would have not been seen from the ground. Only the little girl saw their family unfold while standing at the bedroom window, observing their every move. How much more does God see as He watches over each of us, every moment of the day?
Isn’t it amazing how we can find contentment and security in the most unusual of places? These robins were smart – they built their home in the middle of a thorny rosebush, to protect themselves from becoming prey, and to give their young an opportunity to survive and thrive amid the thorns. As parents, we try to protect our children from the things that may hurt them, but we know we cannot shelter them completely from the hardships maturity and adulthood brings. Like the Robins, we give our children a solid foundation and faith to sustain them as they encounter the prickly, sharp edges of the thorns we face in our daily living.
When the Robin eggs cracked and the baby birds hatched, Mother Robin would spend the day grooming her babies, feeding them worms whenever their mouths would fly open. She kept them warm, and protected them until they were big enough to fly. Their songs of love filled the air. I love listening to the baby robins chirping away in their nest. I wondered about their happy and joyful melodies – were they praising their creator? Did their joy-filled songs come out of gratitude for life, breath and the ability to fly? Is that why their red breasts glowed, because God filled their hearts with a love they could not hide?
At the appropriate time, Mother Robin would push her young out of the nest, praying they would spread their wings and fly away. Challenging your children to “spread their wings and fly” from the family home is a bittersweet moment. We want to care for them forever, yet we recognize the greater need to allow our children the opportunity to mature and follow their hearts as they live the life God designed for each of them.
Two sparrows were only worth a penny to some. Jesus said that the Father would not let one of them fall to the ground apart from His will. If God loves the tiny sparrows so, how much more does He care for you and me? We are His precious creation. He loves us with a greater passion than we will ever be able to comprehend or understand this side of Heaven. God nurtures our lives, preparing us for the day He will set us free, hoping we will choose to fly back to Him. Are you ready to fly with God? Will your flight pattern honor your Creator, Redeemer and friend?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: wings to fly and songs to sing as you live amid the thorns of life. Remember the value God places on the tiny sparrows; how much more He loves and cares for you!
© 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.
Matthew 10: 29-31 (NIV)
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.
30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.
Good morning!
When I was a little girl, I spent a lot of time standing in my parents’ bedroom, gazing out the window into the lattice rose trellis outside. Nestled snugly in between the climbing rose bush vines and thorns was an intricate and well-placed Robin’s nest. If I stood really still, I could watch the Robins as they cared for their babies, without scaring them away. I loved watching the birds every spring, as they continued to build their nests, lay their eggs, and care for their young.
Robins’ eggs are a beautiful baby blue color. Mother Robin would sit for hours, keeping them warm and safe, while Father Robin would bring worms for Mother Robin to eat. She was content to wait while her babies prepared to be born. Sheltered in the seclusion of the rosebush, they would have not been seen from the ground. Only the little girl saw their family unfold while standing at the bedroom window, observing their every move. How much more does God see as He watches over each of us, every moment of the day?
Isn’t it amazing how we can find contentment and security in the most unusual of places? These robins were smart – they built their home in the middle of a thorny rosebush, to protect themselves from becoming prey, and to give their young an opportunity to survive and thrive amid the thorns. As parents, we try to protect our children from the things that may hurt them, but we know we cannot shelter them completely from the hardships maturity and adulthood brings. Like the Robins, we give our children a solid foundation and faith to sustain them as they encounter the prickly, sharp edges of the thorns we face in our daily living.
When the Robin eggs cracked and the baby birds hatched, Mother Robin would spend the day grooming her babies, feeding them worms whenever their mouths would fly open. She kept them warm, and protected them until they were big enough to fly. Their songs of love filled the air. I love listening to the baby robins chirping away in their nest. I wondered about their happy and joyful melodies – were they praising their creator? Did their joy-filled songs come out of gratitude for life, breath and the ability to fly? Is that why their red breasts glowed, because God filled their hearts with a love they could not hide?
At the appropriate time, Mother Robin would push her young out of the nest, praying they would spread their wings and fly away. Challenging your children to “spread their wings and fly” from the family home is a bittersweet moment. We want to care for them forever, yet we recognize the greater need to allow our children the opportunity to mature and follow their hearts as they live the life God designed for each of them.
Two sparrows were only worth a penny to some. Jesus said that the Father would not let one of them fall to the ground apart from His will. If God loves the tiny sparrows so, how much more does He care for you and me? We are His precious creation. He loves us with a greater passion than we will ever be able to comprehend or understand this side of Heaven. God nurtures our lives, preparing us for the day He will set us free, hoping we will choose to fly back to Him. Are you ready to fly with God? Will your flight pattern honor your Creator, Redeemer and friend?
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: wings to fly and songs to sing as you live amid the thorns of life. Remember the value God places on the tiny sparrows; how much more He loves and cares for you!
© 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.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Follow the leader
Joshua 1:6; 9 (NIV)
6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.
9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Good morning!
When I was a child, we used to play “Follow the Leader” on the school playground at recess. Someone would be picked to be the leader. Everyone else would follow and imitate whatever the leader did. If the leader began to march, we marched. If the leader turned in circles, we turned in circles. If the leader led us in a maze around the playground equipment, we followed. It was great fun getting a chance to be the leader, watching everyone imitate the silly things I did. It was also cool to be a follower, trying to emulate the one standing in front of me. Good leaders are hard to find. Leadership seems easy when you are playing “Follow the Leader” at recess. In reality, strong leadership takes a lot of work, determination and courage. A good leader is willing to step out of the box, even if it means risking failure.
Every one of us has the potential to be strong and courageous leaders. We lead by example. Who immediately comes to mind when you think of someone possessing courageous leadership skill sets? Who did you want to be like when you grew up? Who do you want to be today? Has God called you to be a leader in your family, in your career or vocation? Would you prefer to be a leader or a follower?
Joshua was a strong and dependable military leader. His relationship with God was rare. Joshua placed himself in complete submission to God. Being completely submitted in obedience is a tough thing to do. It means giving up personal agendas, selfish ambitions, and fear of failure, by yielding our life’s work to God. Joshua listened and obeyed the Lord, even when he didn’t understand the logistics. Joshua accepted the Lord’s leading and followed Him every step of the way. Can you imagine what your life might be like if you were to humble your heart and seek to be completely obedient to God in all things?
God’s promise is sure: if you are willing to let go and let Him take over, He can and will use your life as an example for others to follow. If we trust and obey His Word, God will be with us wherever we go. Do not be discouraged or terrified when you step out of the box and allow the Lord to lead you. Follow Joshua’s leadership example today. Trust God, even when the directions do not seem clear. He has a master plan for your life and has given you every good gift to become a strong and courageous leader for Him.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: courage! Seek the Lord with all your heart, your mind, your strength, giving Him complete reign over your life. He will lead you, and through your example, you will lead others to 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.
Joshua 1:6; 9 (NIV)
6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.
9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.
Good morning!
When I was a child, we used to play “Follow the Leader” on the school playground at recess. Someone would be picked to be the leader. Everyone else would follow and imitate whatever the leader did. If the leader began to march, we marched. If the leader turned in circles, we turned in circles. If the leader led us in a maze around the playground equipment, we followed. It was great fun getting a chance to be the leader, watching everyone imitate the silly things I did. It was also cool to be a follower, trying to emulate the one standing in front of me. Good leaders are hard to find. Leadership seems easy when you are playing “Follow the Leader” at recess. In reality, strong leadership takes a lot of work, determination and courage. A good leader is willing to step out of the box, even if it means risking failure.
Every one of us has the potential to be strong and courageous leaders. We lead by example. Who immediately comes to mind when you think of someone possessing courageous leadership skill sets? Who did you want to be like when you grew up? Who do you want to be today? Has God called you to be a leader in your family, in your career or vocation? Would you prefer to be a leader or a follower?
Joshua was a strong and dependable military leader. His relationship with God was rare. Joshua placed himself in complete submission to God. Being completely submitted in obedience is a tough thing to do. It means giving up personal agendas, selfish ambitions, and fear of failure, by yielding our life’s work to God. Joshua listened and obeyed the Lord, even when he didn’t understand the logistics. Joshua accepted the Lord’s leading and followed Him every step of the way. Can you imagine what your life might be like if you were to humble your heart and seek to be completely obedient to God in all things?
God’s promise is sure: if you are willing to let go and let Him take over, He can and will use your life as an example for others to follow. If we trust and obey His Word, God will be with us wherever we go. Do not be discouraged or terrified when you step out of the box and allow the Lord to lead you. Follow Joshua’s leadership example today. Trust God, even when the directions do not seem clear. He has a master plan for your life and has given you every good gift to become a strong and courageous leader for Him.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: courage! Seek the Lord with all your heart, your mind, your strength, giving Him complete reign over your life. He will lead you, and through your example, you will lead others to 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.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Once and for all
Hebrews 10:11:14 (NIV)
11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.
13 Since that time He waits for his enemies to be made His footstool,
14 because by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
Good morning!
Have you ever taken time to reflect on how you spend the minutes of your day? Our lives are busy and full, marked by daily routines, schedules to follow and commitments to honor. Every morning, I wake up at approximately the same time. I spend the first couple of hours praying, reading, and writing. I put a pot of tea on, hard boil a couple of eggs, and hop in the shower. I eat on-the-run, hoping traffic will be light as I travel to work. I spend the next 8-10 hours focusing on the needs of my employer, and the work I have to do. I try to take an hour in the middle of the day to unplug and refresh. A brisk walk around the block and a healthy lunch gives me the energy to continue with my day. When I leave the office, the sun has set and it is dark outside. This makes the commute back home a little longer. My week night evenings are filled with family, school work, classes, and church functions. I fall into bed at approximately the same time every night, looking forward to a good night’s rest so I can get up and start all over again. How do you spend your day? Can you see a repetitive pattern in the life you live?
I love a clean house. Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of time to clean. Isn’t it mysterious how we can spend an hour dusting furniture and vacuuming the floors, only to find the dust has returned within a few hours? It does not matter how many times we pick up the dust mop, we can be sure that the dust will return within a very short period of time. Wouldn’t it be great to do the job one time, and it would be finished, once and for all?
The writer of Hebrews observed the priests, as they went about their daily repetitive worship. Day after day, they performed the same sacrifices, said the same prayers, and carried out their daily religious duties. What have they accomplished? Did the sins of the people disappear? Did their consistent acts of worship absolve them from the mistakes they make each day? Like the dust that settles shortly after you've mopped, their sin remained. When Jesus, the great high priest, offered His life as a sacrifice for the sins of all men, the hard work was finished, once and for all. It is only through Christ's blood that we could be completely cleansed, once and for all.
There is nothing wrong with keeping to a schedule. It is a good thing to have a check list, so that we can see where we’ve been, what we are doing, and where we are headed. Humans tend to function better within the rhythm of consistency. No matter how hard we work or how much time we spend in study, prayer, and service, there is nothing we can do to earn God’s grace and forgiveness. Jesus took care of that for us on the cross, once and for all, and we can thank Him daily for His undeserved favor. It makes my day worth living. Every morning I rejoice in His amazing love, and the relationship that He brings into my life. He gives me the desire and drive to get out there and do the work He has placed in my hands. I know that His ultimate work is accomplished. Getting the good news out is imperative.
Won’t you take a little time each day to love, thank and praise the one who saved your life for all eternity? Don’t forget to share your joy with all your friends and neighbors: Christ died for you and for me, and because He lives, we can face this day and every tomorrow in the light of His love.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: strength to do the things you are called to do each day, knowing that the hard work is finished, once and for all. Jesus gave up His life for us and we can now live in relationship with Him forever and ever. Wake up and enjoy your day, for you have been redeemed!
© 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.
Hebrews 10:11:14 (NIV)
11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.
13 Since that time He waits for his enemies to be made His footstool,
14 because by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
Good morning!
Have you ever taken time to reflect on how you spend the minutes of your day? Our lives are busy and full, marked by daily routines, schedules to follow and commitments to honor. Every morning, I wake up at approximately the same time. I spend the first couple of hours praying, reading, and writing. I put a pot of tea on, hard boil a couple of eggs, and hop in the shower. I eat on-the-run, hoping traffic will be light as I travel to work. I spend the next 8-10 hours focusing on the needs of my employer, and the work I have to do. I try to take an hour in the middle of the day to unplug and refresh. A brisk walk around the block and a healthy lunch gives me the energy to continue with my day. When I leave the office, the sun has set and it is dark outside. This makes the commute back home a little longer. My week night evenings are filled with family, school work, classes, and church functions. I fall into bed at approximately the same time every night, looking forward to a good night’s rest so I can get up and start all over again. How do you spend your day? Can you see a repetitive pattern in the life you live?
I love a clean house. Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of time to clean. Isn’t it mysterious how we can spend an hour dusting furniture and vacuuming the floors, only to find the dust has returned within a few hours? It does not matter how many times we pick up the dust mop, we can be sure that the dust will return within a very short period of time. Wouldn’t it be great to do the job one time, and it would be finished, once and for all?
The writer of Hebrews observed the priests, as they went about their daily repetitive worship. Day after day, they performed the same sacrifices, said the same prayers, and carried out their daily religious duties. What have they accomplished? Did the sins of the people disappear? Did their consistent acts of worship absolve them from the mistakes they make each day? Like the dust that settles shortly after you've mopped, their sin remained. When Jesus, the great high priest, offered His life as a sacrifice for the sins of all men, the hard work was finished, once and for all. It is only through Christ's blood that we could be completely cleansed, once and for all.
There is nothing wrong with keeping to a schedule. It is a good thing to have a check list, so that we can see where we’ve been, what we are doing, and where we are headed. Humans tend to function better within the rhythm of consistency. No matter how hard we work or how much time we spend in study, prayer, and service, there is nothing we can do to earn God’s grace and forgiveness. Jesus took care of that for us on the cross, once and for all, and we can thank Him daily for His undeserved favor. It makes my day worth living. Every morning I rejoice in His amazing love, and the relationship that He brings into my life. He gives me the desire and drive to get out there and do the work He has placed in my hands. I know that His ultimate work is accomplished. Getting the good news out is imperative.
Won’t you take a little time each day to love, thank and praise the one who saved your life for all eternity? Don’t forget to share your joy with all your friends and neighbors: Christ died for you and for me, and because He lives, we can face this day and every tomorrow in the light of His love.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Pray for: strength to do the things you are called to do each day, knowing that the hard work is finished, once and for all. Jesus gave up His life for us and we can now live in relationship with Him forever and ever. Wake up and enjoy your day, for you have been redeemed!
© 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.
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