Saturday, December 16, 2006

The song of Simeon

Luke 2:16 27-32 (NIV)
27 Moved by the spirit, he [Simeon] went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for Him what the custom of the Law required,

28 Simeon took Him in his arms and praised God saying,
29 Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace.
30 For my eyes have seen your salvation,
31 which you have prepared in the sight of all people,
32 a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory to your people Israel.”

Good morning!

Simeon had waited a long time to see the face of His Lord and the consolation of Israel. He was an old man, faithful and devout in prayer, worship and praise. The Holy Spirit was with Simeon on the day baby Jesus was brought the temple to receive his blessing and circumcision, as required by the law. The Spirit had revealed to Simeon that he would not die before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

When Simeon entered the temple courts that day, Mary and Joseph brought the baby Jesus to him. Simeon picked the child up, held Him in his arms, and began to sing a song of praise to the Lord, prophesying who this child really was and what incredible things would occur in his life. Simeon recognized that Jesus was the one he had waited for; that his people Israel were waiting for, and that Jesus would be Israel’s glory, and a light to all the Gentiles. He knew that the Christ would cause the rising and falling of many people, and the thoughts of all hearts would be revealed through Him. Simeon knew that Mary would suffer because of baby Jesus’ rejection and her soul would be pierced by the sword of grief.

Simeon’s song is often referred to in Latin as the Nunc Dimittis. The words to the Nunc Dimittis are captured in the first phrase of Simeon’s song, “Nunc Dimittis servum tuum, Domine,” meaning, “Now thou dost dismiss thy servant, O Lord.” There was no doubt that Simeon had seen God as he held the Savior of the world in his arms that day, revealed to him by the power of the Holy Spirit. This was a song of affirmation for the glory of God, and confirmed what Mary and Joseph knew to be true in the hearts. This child is the very presence of God in their midst. Their influence in His life would help shape and form Him as he grew in wisdom and in grace. His life would change their lives forever. What a powerful song sung by a faithful and loving servant of God.

While we may never hold the baby Jesus in our arms as Simeon did that day, the Holy Spirit works in our hearts to reveal Jesus, the risen Christ. We rejoice, knowing that the baby Jesus was indeed the fulfillment of all prophecy. He is the long-awaited Messiah, our Emmanuel. He is God with us, and we can worship Him for who he really is. Come to church with me this weekend, and see for yourself what God has done. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart, so that you can sing the song of Simeon as we gather to worship our Savior.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the power of the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and reveal in your heart what you know to be true – Jesus Christ is the Holy Son of the Living God! He came to give us life, today and for every tomorrow. Let us sing the song of Simeon together as we worship our Savior and Lord.

____________________________
© 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, December 15, 2006

Singing in my sleep

Isaiah 12:1-3 (NIV)
1 In that day you will say: “I will praise you, O Lord. Although you were angry with me, your anger has turned away and you have comforted me.

2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The Lord, the Lord, is my strength and my song; He has become my salvation.
3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.”

Good morning!

Isn’t this a great day to be alive! I woke up this morning singing. Do you ever wake up singing praise to God? Sometimes the words and melodies to my favorite praise songs will run through my mind and I just can’t help singing them, even in my sleep. I know I’m weird. You can pray for me!

This morning’s music is courtesy of author/composer Thomas O. Chisholm. He penned the words to one of my favorite hymns, Great Is Thy Faithfulness. William M. Runyan crafted the melody for these beautiful words, and the hymn was first published in the Songs of Salvation and Service, a collection of Runyan’s favorite praise songs. Ironically, the words that kept running through my mind while I slept were a phrase in the third verse of this hymn, “Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow.” It is no coincidence that I would hear these words, especially on a day like today.

Strength is something I wish I had a little more of, especially upper body strength. After I had neck surgery, I was cautioned by my physician not to do a lot of heavy lifting and pulling. I used to be a whole lot stronger; unfortunately what little upper body muscle I once had is now mush. There was a time when I could move heavy furniture with ease. I could rearrange the living room all by myself. Not now – it is a stretch to move the sofas so I can vacuum.

I think it is natural for human beings to rely on their own strength for so many of the day-to-day things we do. It takes discipline and determination to get up every day and function. Our work ethic and desire to excel in everything we do develop from an inner strength and sense of self-worth that prompts us to always do our best and never give up. Sometimes it is not enough to be strong-willed. In my life, there have been moments of sheer success, followed by a resounding failure. Did I intend to bomb out? Was my inner strength and determination any different from the day before? No. For me, I inch forward only to take a couple of steps back. I’ve learned that relying on my own strength to accomplish the job I have to do will never be enough. I need to tap into the well of salvation, God’s unlimited power source of strength, comfort and joy.

Today, I find myself facing a little piece of the unknown. I don’t know that I have the strength I need to do what needs to be done. I do know where my strength will come from – it will come from Christ in me. His love and salvation will sustain me all day long. I may not feel very strong today, and yet, I can rely on His amazing strength to see me through. He is my song, my life and my light. His faithfulness to me is great, and the strength he gives today fills me with hope for each and every tomorrow. I will trust Him and I will not be afraid.

If you find yourself needing a little extra strength to do what God has called you to, ask Him to give you His strength today. You may find yourself singing in your sleep!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: an extra measure of God’s strength, as you sing His praises and revel in your salvation. Christ died for you! Isn’t this a great day to be alive in 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.

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Locked out!

Luke 10:36-37 (NIV)
36 “Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers?”
37 The expert in the law replied, “The one who had mercy on him.” Jesus said, “Go and do likewise.”

Good morning!

Have you ever locked your keys in the car? It has happened twice to me in the last six months. I wish I could blame it on circumstance, or at least pass the buck to somebody else, but the truth is, I managed to do this all by myself.

It happened again last night. I stopped at the market on my way home from work to pick up a few things for dinner. My arms were full, clutching the wallet with my right hand, and two grocery bags and the car keys in my left hand. I popped the trunk to my car, dropped the bags inside, and shut the lid quickly. I heard the keys clank inside the grocery bag just as the trunk lid locked. I remembered muttering something I should have never said, especially out loud, and I really hope no one else heard me besides God. He hears everything, you know.

Fortunately, I had some quarters in my wallet and I went inside the store to call my husband for help. I wondered how he might react since I was calling him during his favorite television show, but that man is one great guy; he didn’t even get upset with me! Jeff made a quick call to our friend Terry, who has a heart of gold and is always willing to help. He is a local car dealer, and we purchased our automobiles from him. Terry dropped what he was doing at work, met us at the parking lot, with trusty tools in hand. It took a few minutes, but he managed to pick the lock on my car door, pop the trunk lid and rescue my keys. Jeff and Terry really helped me out of a jam last night. Thank you!

Sometimes, we find ourselves standing in the need of a little mercy and grace. Jesus once told a story about a man, traveling alone on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho. Along the way, he was robbed, beaten and left for dead. A priest and a Levite passed the injured man by, and didn’t even stop to help. In fact, they crossed over to the other side of the road to avoid the situation entirely. Then, a Samaritan man came along and when he saw the injured man, his heart was stirred with compassion. He went and bandaged his wounds, helping the man onto his donkey, and took him to a nearby inn. He paid the innkeeper for a room and asked him to look after the man. The next day, the Samaritan returned to the inn to check on the invalid, and pay the innkeeper any additional expense. Jesus asked the experts of the law which of the three men was a true neighbor to the one who needed help, and they replied, “The one who had mercy.”

A little mercy and grace can go a long, long way when we make time to reach out to someone else. There are moments when we may find ourselves locked outside the door of God’s love and forgiveness. We’ve messed up, and know we don’t deserve a second chance. The greatest miracle occurs when someone cares enough to cross the line and rescue a neighbor in need. This is exactly what Jesus Christ did for you and me. And he tells us to “go and do likewise.” We all make mistakes. Will you make time today to help someone else unlock the door to faith? Will you share the keys to the Kingdom with someone who may be locked out, and is crying out for help?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: mercy and grace, to help those who feel locked outside of God’s loving care and forgiveness. He can use your life to help you unlock the door for someone else. Will you share the love of Jesus today?

____________________________
© 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, December 13, 2006

Gray hair days

Isaiah 46:4 (NIV)
4 Even to your old age and gray hairs I am He, I am He who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you.

Psalm 71:17-18 (NIV)
17 Since my youth, O God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. 18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me O God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your might to all who are to come.

Proverbs 16:31 (NIV)
31 Gray hair is a crown of splendor; it is attained by a righteous life.


Good morning!

I give up. It’s going to be a gray hair day today. As I was dressing for work, I took a look in the mirror and groaned. Mirrors have a way of doing that. Our reflection is not always what we would like it to be. I remember the day I pulled my first gray hair out at twenty-two years of age. I was mortified! I had just delivered our second child, a son, and I should have known he would was going to be a handful then! Now, twenty-five years later, I have more gray hair than I can pull. In fact, I can’t even keep it covered with a little color; the only thing I know to do is add a few highlights and hope for the best.

Some folks have gorgeous gray hair. My grandmother turned completely white headed as a teenager. She had the face of an angel, framed with a beautiful head of silvery white hair, like a halo, shadowing her face. If my gray hair could look like my grandmother’s, I don’t think I’d be complaining. My gray hair is unruly. Some of it likes to stick straight up in the mornings. Fortunately, I have a wonderful hairdresser who knows how to tame the gray hair days of my life. She studied long and hard at cosmetology school to help people just like me.

King David, King Solomon and the prophet Isaiah must have known something about gray hair days. Isn’t it comforting to know that our heavenly Father, who loves us in our youthful exuberance, sustains us as we age? Our God carries us through the years, crowning us with wisdom and splendor. Sometimes the mirror can be deceiving. While it may reflect our outward physical appearance, it cannot begin to capture the utter joy that comes from experiencing abundant life. True beauty has very little to do with how we look; it has everything to do with knowing the One who makes all things beautiful in His time.

Is your spirit as shiny as the gray hairs on top of your head? When people see you today, will they only notice the gray on your head, or the song in your heart? There are days just like today, when I must remind myself that my gray hair is a gift from God. It reminds me of the work He continues to do in my life, as I grow in wisdom and grace. Even when I’m old and gray, God has a purpose for me to fulfill. When you find yourself facing a gray hair day, remember to look beyond the reflection of the mirror. Can you see the amazing miracle God is creating in you?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: God to give you the grace to share the joy in your heart, no matter what your age. You can be His witness to the world, even on a gray hair day!

____________________________
© 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, December 12, 2006

Upper room moments

Luke 22:10-12 (NIV)
10 He replied, “As you enter the city, a man carrying a jar of water will meet you. Follow him to the house that he enters, 11 and say to the owner of the house, “The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room, where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” 12 He will show you a large upper room, all furnished. Make preparations there.”

Good morning!

This is final week at Lindenwood University, where I attend school. For the last three months, twelve of us have gathered on the third floor in a corner room of Romer Hall to discuss matters of faith. It is a struggle climbing those stairs each week. By the time I get to the top floor, I’m out of breath. Obviously, I need more exercise and less time in front of the computer. Of all the classes I’ve taken, this class in particular reminds me of what the Upper Room must have been like.

Our instructor is a United Methodist pastor serving a local church in O’Fallon, Missouri. He has a heart for lost people and a desire to reach them for Jesus Christ. Through his teaching ministry, he has guided our class in the area of personal evangelism and witnessing our faith to others. We have spent hours studying the Word and seeking greater understanding of the work God has for each of us to do. We gather together in the large upper room to prepare.

Our upper room is drafty, and it’s a stretch to get there each week. The Holy Spirit is ever present in our Upper Room. Every person there has been touched in an amazing way by the Lord. They come each week to explore how God can use their life to reach others for Christ. Some of the people in this room will become pastors; others will be teachers. Some will continue to work outside the walls of the church, sharing their faith with the people they meet each day. Gathering together in the Upper Room to study, pray and share our hearts has been time well spent and a precious moment that will not be forgotten.

When Jesus gathered His disciples together in the Upper Room to celebrate what would be His last Passover on earth, they did not realize how their lives would be forever changed. This would be the last time they would gather with Jesus Christ, Son of God, in human flesh. He would be taken from them, tortured and crucified on a wooden cross, and He would die. His death would bring confusion, grief and loss to each heart gathered in the Upper Room that night. His resurrection would reunite them as one body and ignite a ministry that would transcend all time. Alpha and Omega, the fulfillment of prophecy, and the indescribable love of our Heavenly Father would be born from the suffering and death of our sacrificial lamb. Jesus sought a place, a guest room, where He could spend one more night with His people. He was counting on them to carry the Word into the world. He knew they would be faithful in the end. And He loved them more than life itself.

Upper Room moments can occur in the walls of our sanctuaries and Sunday school classrooms, at home in our prayer closets, and even at school. Whenever we take time to sit at the Master’s feet, study His Word and pray, we can experience the Upper Room in our life.

As we prepare for the coming of the Christ child this Advent season, may we find ourselves experiencing Upper Room moments, reveling in the joy of our salvation. It would be easier to stay in that room and never leave. God calls each of us to come out of the Upper Room and share what we know to be true with others.

Will you join me in spreading the news? Jesus Christ, the only Son of our Heavenly Father, came to earth in human flesh. He took our sin upon Himself and gave up His life so that we could live in relationship with the Father. He died, and rose again, and reigns forevermore. He will save you, when you call on His name, confess Jesus is Lord of all, and seek forgiveness for your sin.

Come to the Upper Room with me today. Jesus Christ is waiting there, just to be with you.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com


Pray for: your salvation. If you ask Him to, Jesus will come into your heart today. He will change your life, and you will spend an eternity worshipping Him in the Upper Room.

____________________________
© 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, December 11, 2006

Roller Coaster Ride

Isaiah 40:3-5 (NIV)
3 A voice of one calling: “In the desert prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God.
4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.
5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.”

Good morning!

Do you like to ride the roller coaster when you visit a theme park? Two of my three children absolutely love the roller coaster rides. They tell me there is something extraordinary in experiencing the thrill of going up high, and coming down fast, and being tossed about and jerked from side to side. It only took a couple of roller coaster rides for me to realize this was definitely NOT my thing. Roller coasters make me queasy. I have enough excitement in my life without adding a roller coaster ride to the mix, thank you very much.

The last roller coaster I rode was at Six Flags over Texas. Jeff and I had just moved to Dallas and we went to Six Flags with his sister and brother-in-law when they came for a visit. This roller coaster had become very popular because it introduced two complete loops. At a high rate of speed, the avid roller coaster rider could hang upside down while experiencing the back-to-back loops. The wind whipped Jeff’s glasses right off his face and I crushed them with my feet accidentally. I wondered whether I had made a conscious decision that day to meet my maker because this ride seemed to last for an eternity. When the roller coaster finally came to a halt, we literally crawled off the ride, and all four of us found nearby park benches to lie down on. We didn’t move. I tried really hard not to breathe. This was definitely something I could live without ever experiencing again.

Sometimes our lives can be like a roller coaster ride. We travel in high speed, as we try to maneuver the many obligations that come with being part of a family, working outside the home, going to school, and serving others through charitable and civic opportunities. Our lives can be twisted and turned literally upside down when we experience a rough patch of life. Someone we love becomes ill, or passes away suddenly, and we are not prepared for how that may affect our daily living. We change jobs, relocate our families, and struggle to re-establish a rhythm and routine. We try to milk an extra hour or two into our twenty-four hour days, and sometimes, we get lost on the tracks. It is all we can do to hold on for dear life and hope the ride comes to a stop. Do you ever feel like you are living large on the roller coaster of life?

The busyness of life can distract us from the one who brings meaning to everything we do. Our God can take the roughest road and make it straight. The prophet Isaiah said that every valley will be raised up and every mountain and hill will be leveled, and the rough and rugged places along the way will become smooth and plain. When the road of life is twisting all around, turning you upside down and from side to side, God can make your path straight again. He has the power to comfort, pointing you in the right direction, and granting you peace along the way. The obstacles that keep you separated from Him are gently removed with His loving hand. He can make all things new again, if you will let Him.

Do you want to get off the roller coaster ride you’ve been on? Invite God into your heart today. If you ask Him to, He will take the rough and rugged road of your life and make it straight, and you will see the glory of the Lord like you have never seen Him before. He will be your light and your life. You’ll be surprised how the rhythm of life will become in sync when you purpose to put the Lord first in all you say and do.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the Lord to take your life and straighten it out, once and for all. He can conquer your roller coaster ride if you ask Him to. You can let go now.

____________________________
© 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, December 10, 2006

The secret of being content

Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV)
11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.
12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.
13 I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.

Good morning!

From the moment my first two babies came into the world, they were determined not to be content. Rachel wanted to be held every minute of the day and night. You put that child down even for a minute, and she had a set of lungs that could raise the roof of the parsonage. Our Benjie was a growing boy, and if he didn’t have something to chew on, it was hard consoling him. You would have thought we never fed that child. He still loves to eat. Thank goodness his wife loves to cook!

Then, along came our David. This child was the most contented baby I’ve ever seen. I never knew when he would awake from a nap. He would be upstairs in his crib and I would have the baby monitor on downstairs, so I could hear him when he would start to stir. I would get concerned because his nap had lasted much longer than I would have expected. So I’d sneak into his room to find him lying there, legs up in the air, looking at his mobile and smiling. The only time he cried was if he was in pain. David was perfectly content to lie on a blanket and observe everything around him. He seemed totally happy just to be.

Why do we struggle to be content in every circumstance? My parents grew up during the depression. It was a time when most Americans barely had enough food to eat. They had very few clothes to wear. My mother grew up in a family of seven siblings. She said it was not uncommon for them to wear the same thing every day. In the evening when they would put on their night clothes, their daily clothing would be washed and hung up to dry by the fireplace. The next morning, they wore the same thing over again. Mom talked about how the lack of material possessions never seemed to affect their family’s happiness. She grew up in a loving, Christian home. Sharing life together filled her family with true contentment. Mom said the Lord always provided enough food for the table, and they made do with what little they had.

The Apostle Paul shared an amazing little secret in his letter to the church at Philippi. Paul wrote that he had learned how to be content in any and every situation, regardless of whether he had plenty, or had nothing. Where did he find this peace? Paul knew the source of all happiness. He was in relationship with the one who gave his life true meaning and purpose. Paul knew the Lord Jesus Christ, the risen son of God. Jesus took his life and filled it with grace, forgiveness and overwhelming love. Paul found the source of true happiness and peace in His Savior’s care. He was content to be, no matter what the circumstance, walking daily with his Lord.

Just like Paul, we can experience the joy of true contentment today, as we spend time in relationship Jesus Christ. His love is all we need to do whatever He calls us to do. Jesus gives us the grace and strength to be the people He has called us to be, as we share His love with the world. If you find yourself feeling a little discontented today, hoping to discover true meaning and purpose for your life, why don’t you join me at Faith church this morning? I would like to introduce you to the one who gives me abundant life. Come worship Jesus Christ with me. I’ll save you a seat!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: Jesus Christ to fill your heart with the contentment and peace that only He can give. He is the Prince of Peace, and He will change your heart and give you a new direction, meaning and purpose for living, if you ask Him to. Have you found the source of true contentment? Do you know my Lord?

________________
© 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.