Saturday, December 30, 2006

The Best Gift Ever

Acts 2:38-39 (NIV)
38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off – for all whom the Lord our God will call.

Romans 3:22-24 (NIV)
22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.


Good morning!

I carry a small, shiny stone in my jacket pocket. I take it with me, everywhere I go. It is a tangible reminder of an incredible gift, given to me many years ago. I can feel the stone bouncing around in my jacket pocket. Occasionally, I will hold the stone in my hand, and remember with a grateful heart the best gift I have ever received.

Have you ever made a mistake – said or did something that you later regretted? Have you caused undue pain and hardship for someone else out of your own selfishness? Has anyone ever hurt you? Have you found yourself feeling resentful and defensive, afraid if you let your guard down for even a minute, you might get hurt again? These actions and consequences are the cause and effect of sin. When we sin, we miss the mark. There are times when we will make mistakes; and yet, the effect of our actions will leave a scar. There are other times when we choose to say or do something we know we shouldn’t. We do not think about how our words and our choices will affect the ones around us or how they may rip at our own heartstrings in the years to come. The Apostle Paul wrote that all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. God is perfect and we are not. Our sin gets in the way of relationship with Him. What can we do to overcome our human condition?

Jesus Christ came for this very purpose. He knew our imperfections would divide us eternally from a relationship with God. Jesus willingly laid His life down for you and for me. He took the sins of the world and bore them on the cross of Calvary. His blood was shed to wash our sin away and free us from the things that bind us on earth. Through His gift of life, we can be free from the pain that sin brings. We can be free to forgive those who hurt us, and free to forgive ourselves for the mistakes we have made. The freedom that comes from confession, repentance and baptism is by far the very best gift I know. His forgiveness and love for me is overwhelming. I am free to be the child He has created me to be, and I am covered by His precious blood.

The stone in my pocket reminds me of the water that was poured over my head many years ago when I received the sacrament of Christian baptism. I took that stone from a pool of water during a worship service when I remembered my baptism and how God washed my sin away. I confessed my sin to the Lord and asked Him to forgive me. When I was baptized with water as a child, I received God’s amazing gift of His Holy Spirit. And as I continue to grow in grace, I rely more and more upon His Spirit to lead and direct my life. When I experienced the gift of salvation and the freedom that total forgiveness and grace brings, it was the most precious and tender moment of my life. Every time I touch that stone in my pocket, I remember, and His love washes over me like the baptism water that was poured over my life many years ago.

This is a very special weekend in the life of our grandchildren, Jett and Madison. They will receive the sacrament of Christian baptism tomorrow morning at Faith Church. Last summer, Jett asked Jesus to come into his heart and forgive his sin. I have watched the power of the Holy Spirit work in his young heart and I have seen him extend forgiveness for things that truly seemed unforgivable. Only the love of Christ can do something like this.

If you have never experienced the gift of salvation, Jesus holds a package in His hand with your name on it. Invite Christ to come into your life today. Confess your sin and tell Him you’re sorry for missing the mark. Ask Him to forgive you. He will do it! Then go and experience the freedom of new life through the sacrament of Christian baptism. There is new life waiting for you. Won’t you come to the water of life?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the promise to be fulfilled in your heart today. Experience the gift of rebirth through God’s salvation and the forgiveness that only Jesus Christ can give. He holds a special package with your name on the tag. Will you receive it?

____________________________
© 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 29, 2006

Comfort and joy

Isaiah 49:13 (NIV)
13 Shout for joy, O heavens; Rejoice, O earth; Burst into song, O mountains! For the Lord comforts His people and will have compassion on His afflicted ones.

Good morning!

My grandparents lived in an old two-story farmhouse just outside of Eldon, Missouri for many years. Their farm was situated atop of a hill, surrounded by several small ponds, and green meadows covered in an array of wild flowers. The view from their back porch was incomparable. I loved visiting their farm each weekend, and I especially enjoyed the beauty of each season.

Wintertime at the farm was spectacular. Sometimes, it was a challenge just getting there. It took hours to maneuver the snow and ice-packed roads up the hill to the farm. When we would come to visit, my grandfather and uncle would have to plow a way with the tractor. It was a three-mile stretch of gravel roadway, winding up and down the Ozark hills. There were times when they would meet us at the edge of the gravel road, and we would slowly creep behind the tractor all the way up the hill to the farm. Once inside, we would sit by the pot-belied wood-burning stove to warm up. Our faces would become rudy and chapped from the dry wood crackling inside the stove. Grandma and Grandpa did not have central heating, and consequently, the upstairs bedrooms could be very chilly at night. I loved climbing up onto the large feather bed, and sinking down underneath the warm comforters my grandmother had lovingly quilted. Her comforters were some of the finest in the county. Brightly colored piece quilts, thick with warm batting, blanketed the four poster bed where I slept at night. No matter how much ice and snow covered the ground outside, I knew Grandma’s quilts would keep me safe and warm inside.

In the morning after a hearty breakfast, we would don our snow beast suits and ride sleds down the hill to the pond. We would slip and slide across the frozen water, tossing snowballs and watching the deer strolling through the woods nearby. After getting chilled through, I looked forward to wrapping up in Grandma’s colorful comforters while sitting by the fire and thawing out. Her steamy hot chocolate covered in marshmallow goo made coming inside worthwhile. The older I get, the colder my hands and feet become. I find myself longing to wrap up in the warmth and love of my Grandmother’s handmade comforters.

God’s love is like a warm, handmade comforter. He wraps us in His mercy and grace, and keeps us safe and warm through the dark, cold nights of winter. He shows compassion on the afflicted, and our hearts sing out with great joy. My grandmother knew the Lord. With every perfect stitch, she told His story time and again. She used her talent to express God’s love to each of us, and we saw Him through her handiwork. God’s comfort is extended through the hearts of those who love Him. I may never quilt a comforter as warm as my grandmother’s, but I can extend the warmth and welcome of Christ through love.

Share the warmth of God’s comfort with someone you know today. His compassion is everlasting, and His love never fails. We are safe in the shelter of His hand. Come inside and thaw out. He is waiting to warm you with the light of His love.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: His comfort to wrap you up, keeping you safe and warm, as He fills your heart with songs of joy. The Lord comforts His people and His compassion will never fail.

____________________________
© 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 28, 2006

Morning Moments

Psalm 59:16 (NIV)
But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love;
For you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.

Matthew 18:2-3 (NIV)
2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: “I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”

Good morning!

Early in the morning, after I good night’s sleep, our grandchildren will tiptoe quietly down the hall and look for me in the study. They know I am there, reading, praying and writing. As they peek around the corner, a sheepish grin crawls across their sleepy faces. I hear them whisper, “Good morning Nanny.” Six year old Jett will flash a smile that melts the cobwebs from my heart. He wraps his arms around my neck and whispers, “I love you so, so much.” Our four year old Joshua will jump up on my lap and ask, “Is it morning time yet, Nanny?” And he will bury himself on my lap and sit there for the longest time. Two year old Emily, will lift her arms up signaling that she wants to be picked up and held. Sometimes, she falls asleep again in my arms. Emmy will bat her baby blue eyes, nod her head and say in a pronounced tone, “Nanny, I had a good rest!” She always asks if I will make her breakfast. Jett loves bacon, eggs and pancakes with lots of syrup. Joshua likes cold cereal and juice. Emily doesn’t care what I fix as long as I hold her while I do it. It won’t be long before our sweet baby Madison will be visiting Granny Deb and Pa for a Friday night pajama party. I look forward to those wonderful first of the morning moments with her. I can think of no better time of day than when the first ray of sunlight streaks across the morning sky and my grandchildren greet me with a sweet hug and kiss.

I awake very early each morning. Like my grandbabies, I tiptoe down the hall and greet my Lord and Savior with a sheepish grin and sleepy eyes. I feel like a little child again, crawling up into the arms of my Lord. He holds me, loves me, and talks to me through the wonder of His holy Word. I can think of no better way to start my day than to praise and worship Him. He is my strength, my fortress, my refuge and my song. The precious morning moments are the best of my entire day, and I cannot imagine living life without Him.

Jesus said that we must change and become like little children if we want to enter into the kingdom of Heaven. Every morning, I come into His holy presence in my pajamas, praising the Lord Jesus in the dark. I am His little child. Christ’s love for me rises up with the first ray of sunlight, streaming across His cotton candy creation. If I had my choice, I would sit on His lap all day long; yet He sends me out into His world with a song in my heart and a purpose to fulfill. I look for His face in the people I meet and greet. I hear His voice quietly reminding me He is with me. I share the Good News of His love with everyone I see. Jesus has made His home in my heart, and I, with childlike faith, love to live in His holy presence all day long.

Take time to enjoy a morning moment with the Lord today. Become a little child again. Experience God’s love in a fresh, new way. Let Him hold your heart and fill you with His everlasting love. He will hear you when you whisper, “I love you so, so much.”

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: childlike faith. Come into the presence of the Lord this morning and experience His amazing love. Jesus is waiting for you. Will you seek Him in the morning?

____________________________
© 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 27, 2006

Exposing our heart

Psalm 19:14 (NIV)
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.


Good morning!

I have a true confession to make. There are times when I have opened my mouth and said something that I regretted the instant it rolled off my tongue. Have you ever done this before? Sometimes I find myself holding my tongue when I should speak up. Something happens; someone says something and I really want to respond. Yet, instead of voicing what I believe to be true in my heart, I choose to remain silent. Why do I do that?

Our thoughts and words define who we are. We take a risk every time we speak up and we take a risk when we choose to remain silent. We risk being rejected, and rejection can be a painful experience. There is a desire within every human heart to understand and to be understood. Is it easier for you to be elusive or honest? Do others know who you really are, or would you prefer to keep them at arm’s length?

Communication is a necessary element to building relationships that last. God created us for relationship. He gifts us with the ability of self-expression, through art, music, intellect and language. When we choose to take a risk by sharing our hearts, we open the door to the potential for amazing and everlasting relationships. When we choose to open our heart and mind to God through prayer, He hears us and answers our cries for help. Through prayer, our love for Him grows deeper day by day. We learn to trust Him completely as we express our innermost thoughts, dreams and desires. We risk exposing our imperfections, trusting Him to help us heal and change. Do you ever wonder if God might reject you, if He really knew your heart?

What would you say if you knew God was listening to every word you spoke? What would you think about if you realized that God discerns all of your thoughts from afar? There are times when my thoughts and words are not what I want them to be. This morning, I am asking Him to take my words and my thoughts, and make them pleasing to Him. He has the power to change my life, and when I trust Him with all that I am, He makes me into the person I truly want to be - His precious child.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: relationship that lasts. Ask God to take your thoughts, your words, and your imperfections and make them pleasing in His sight. There is no greater relationship than the one He offers you through faith in Jesus Christ. Won’t you risk your heart on Him 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.

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

The gift of life

Matthew 2:11 (NIV)
11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshipped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented Him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Good morning!

Part of the fun of the annual Christmas shopping excursion is seeking out the “perfect” gift for each family member. It really is a lot more fun than it looks. If any of you saw my picture plastered on the front page of the St. Louis Post Dispatch on Black Friday, please disregard the extraordinarily tired glare and the dark, black circles underneath my eyes. I really was having a great time (even though one might not guess that at first glance.) Of all the thousands of people out at 5am on Black Friday, I must have looked the most pathetic because the newspaper photographer took great delight in snapping my picture and posting it in the Saturday morning edition. Nothing says “Merry Christmas” quite like the perfect gift purchased at half price! Some things are worth getting up early for!

We spent a wonderful time with our children and grandchildren and our nieces, and their new babies yesterday. Pastor Jeff had the privilege of baptizing two of our great nieces on Christmas Eve. Little Samantha was sufficiently traumatized as she was taken from her mother’s arms by a big man in a black robe – she screamed the entire time! And on Christmas Day, every time she caught a glimpse of her great uncle, that precious baby girl started crying all over again! Sometimes, preachers can be very scary people.

We watched with delight as our grandbabies unwrapped their tiny treasures. The greatest gifts of all were not the presents wrapped in shiny Christmas paper embellished with ribbons and bows, sitting underneath the Christmas tree. Our children and grandchildren, parents and grandparents, nieces and nephews – they are our gift. Spending time with family and friends is the best present of all. There is no greater gift than the gift of life.

Wise men traveled a long way to see the newborn King. When they finally arrived at the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary. With great joy, they bowed down to worship Him. Then, they placed their very best treasure at His feet. Experiencing the gift of life always makes the journey worthwhile. Making time to worship the newborn King is time well spent. And the very best gift we can give our King is the gift of our heart. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life. Come and celebrate the gift today. Won’t you give the Christ child your greatest treasure? Won’t you give Him your heart?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: life! There is no greater gift than the gift of life that Jesus Christ offers to you. Give Him your heart, and receive the gift of everlasting life 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.

Monday, December 25, 2006

The Shepherd's Staff

Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Luke 2:8; 15 (NIV)
8 And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.
15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Merry Christmas!

The sanctuary at Faith Church was more beautiful last night than I had ever seen it before. The building architecture lends itself to a worshipful experience. When I first stepped into this sanctuary six years ago, I was immediately drawn to the presence of the Holy Spirit hovering above. It is no coincidence that this precious congregation bears the name, “Faith Church.” It is a perfect description of the family I have come to know and love. I have witnessed many souls come to Christ at the altar of Faith. I, along with countless others, have knelt for Holy Communion, recommitting our lives to Jesus Christ, repenting of sin, and feeling His forgiveness wash over us time and again. I have sat in its pews and observed the wedding ceremonies of many precious couples. Two of my children were married at Faith church. I’ve watched in awe as their children were presented for holy baptism. I have heard the testimonies of God’s great mercy within the walls of this sanctuary. I have listened to the prayers of the people. I have stood at the altar with a choir of angels, singing praises to the one who deserves all glory and honor. There is no place I would rather be than in this very room tonight, watching and waiting for the arrival of our infant King.

As I knelt in prayer before the Lord, I saw the sun fade into darkness, and the mystery of this holy night fall across the room. I gazed at the lights beaming brightly from the beautiful Chrismon tree, and marveled at the beauty of each burning candle. The tiny flames resembled angels, dancing for joy at the birth of Lord Jesus. I held the tiny Christ from the manger bed in my hand, and my heart was filled with thanksgiving for the greatest gift of all. This is the night we remember how our Lord came into the world, bringing light and life to all people. Would we see Him for who He truly is tonight? Will we begin to understand the magnitude of His amazing gift of His salvation?

I could not help but notice the Shepherd’s staff, nestled amid a sea of flaming red poinsettias, near the pulpit where the pastor would speak. It stands as a reminder of our Father’s loving hand, protecting and guiding us every day. From the pew, the Shepherd’s staff was difficult to see; as I approached the altar, the staff took on a distinct and holy presence. I found myself drawn to its simple beauty. The Shepherds carried a staff to rescue their sheep, which may have gone astray or were caught in thorny bushes. The staff is extended to the lambs who had slipped and fallen through the cracks of the earth’s broken ground. The Shepherd’s staff provides support and balance to every weary traveler, suffering from exhaustion and despair. It is a reminder of our faithful and good Shepherd, who revives us day by day. We are never too far from His reach. His staff gently comforts and protects us as we travel toward the light.

It is my prayer that you will reach out and take hold of the Shepherd’s staff this Christmas Day. Let the wonder of the Christ child transform your life. He resides in the hearts of all who call upon His name in faith. He will never let you go. Let His staff comfort you today, tomorrow and forevermore. The Christ child was born for you and for me. He is our Good Shepherd, our Savior and King.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the Christ child to be born in your heart today. Reach out and touch the Shepherd’s staff, and be transformed by the power of His amazing grace, mercy and love.
_________________
© 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 24, 2006

NO VACANCY

Luke 2:7 (NIV)
7 And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

John 14:2-3 (NIV)
2 In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.


Good morning!

Every year, Jeff and I try to find a few days to sneak away for a mini-vacation. Juggling school and work makes it difficult to find a suitable time to be away. There are times when we find ourselves traveling spur-of-the-moment, not having made hotel reservations in advance. Occasionally, and especially when we are traveling in inclement weather, we may choose to exit at the nearest town and begin to search for a place to stay, rather than travel on in the dark. There is nothing more agonizing than seeking out a hotel room on a cold, rainy night, only to see the red “NO VACANCY” sign lighting up the night sky.

The flashing marquee single-handedly pulls the welcome mat right out from under your feet. “There is no room for you; be on your way,” it screams at the road-weary traveler. One knows better than to stop and inquire, for it is a total waste of time. The hotel has been booked solid for weeks, and there is no room for you. Tired and anxious, we continue on in the dark, hoping to find a safe and warm place to stay just a few miles down the road.

On the night of Jesus’ birth, there were no vacancies in the tiny town of Bethlehem. People had traveled many miles to be counted in a census, as required by the Roman authorities. It was impossible to call ahead for a room reservation. Mary and Joseph found themselves with a true emergency; no one seemed to care to help them. A King was coming; yet no one made room for His arrival. The innkeeper, along with every other family in town, was too preoccupied with their own needs to extend a helping hand to Mary and Joseph. While many residents of this sleepy little town slept soundly in their beds, the Savior of the world was born that night in a cold and stinky cattle stall.

Jesus understood the importance of having a safe place to stay. He assured His disciples that in His Father’s house, there are many rooms, and He was going there to prepare a special place just for them. Isn’t it comforting to know that the Lord of life has planned and prepared a place just for you? Isn’t it amazing that Jesus Christ would go to prepare a special place just for us, when we could have cared less about Him?

Today is Christmas Eve – the long-awaited time of celebration has arrived! We gather together in worship and praise, celebrating the birthday of our infant King. Will Jesus find a “no vacancy” sign hanging around your neck when He arrives? Have you made space in your heart for His imminent return? Open up your heart today and ask the Lord to come inside and stay. He will fill your life with tender mercy and forgiveness, guiding you safely home to Him. Have you room in your life for the arrival of the Christ child?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: Jesus to live in you. He is waiting for an invitation to come inside and stay. Come home to Jesus for Christmas. I’ll see you at church!


____________________________
© 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.