Thursday, October 25, 2007

Going home

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: John 14, 15, 16, 17

John 14:1-6 (NIV)

1 [Jesus said,] “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 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. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going. 5 Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Good morning!

I am blessed to live in the State of Missouri. I’ve lived in various parts of Missouri my entire life, with the exception of a four year period when Jeff and I moved to Texas while he attended Southern Methodist University. One of the things I so appreciate about our state is its four distinct seasons. How I love the festive colors of fall, when the temperature drops just enough that the leaves begin to turn to shades of crimson red, buttercup yellow and bright orange. A sweet treat awaits me at home after a nice long walk at the park on a crisp fall day. There is nothing nicer than to curl up in front of the fireplace on a chilly evening. I grab one of my grandmother’s hand-quilted comforters and drape it over my lap, while holding a cup of steaming hot tea in one hand and a good book in the other. From my back door, I watch the beautiful tree-lined street fade into quiet stillness as the night settles in. It has been said, “There is no place like home.” I agree.

Home is a place we draw near to, a haven for the road weary. I have a very busy life. When I’m not at work, I’m at school, or at the library studying. When I’m not studying, I am at church, singing, praying, and enjoying the company of my Faith family. Home is a place where I can reconnect with my family and share life together. Home is a sacred space where I retreat at the end of the day to rest and relax. It is a place where I know I am welcome to simply be me. My creativity pours out at home, where I spend time making scrapbooks, cooking meals, and writing. I don’t have to worry about staying dressed up – I can put on a pair of comfy pajamas and big furry slippers and not worry about what the neighbor thinks, unless they ring my doorbell! Home is a place of peace, a welcome respite, a haven of love. What does “home” mean to you?

The disciples listened intently as Jesus talked about a house with many rooms, a special space lovingly created just for them. Jesus was going there soon, to prepare for their arrival. Thomas and Philip had questions. Their hearts were burning with emotion. Where was He going? How would they find Him? They longed to see the place that Jesus described, but wondered how they would ever find it. Thomas asked, “We don’t know where you are going, so how can we possibly know the way?” At that moment, Jesus revealed Himself in a way they had not yet experienced. He simply said, “I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

For those who believe, Jesus is the home we long for. He is the only shelter we need. Jesus is our rest, our peace, our final destination. Through His death and resurrection, He has created a special place reserved especially for you and me. We follow Him there, looking forward to experiencing eternal peace in the light of His love. The journey home may seem long and difficult, but it will be worth it all when we see His holy face, inviting us to join Him at the banquet table.

As much as I love each season of the year, I know it will pale in comparison to that special place that Jesus has prepared just for me. He is the way home. Are you ready to go?

There is no place like our home in Christ.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a change of season. Be aware that your life here on earth is only for awhile, but your home with the Lord is forever and ever. Jesus is the way, the truth and the everlasting life. He offers it to you and to me today. Are you ready to go home?

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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, October 24, 2007

Recognizing the Judas in me


Grand Sweep Daily Reading: John 12, 13; Psalm 144

John 12:3-6 (NIV)

3 Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of perfume. 4 But one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, who was later to betray him, objected, 5 “Why wasn’t this perfume sold and the money given to the poor? It was worth a year’s wages.” 6 He did not say this because he cared about the poor but because he was a thief, as keeper of the money bag, he used to help himself to what was put into it.

Good morning!

Some lessons can only be learned the hard way. I’ve been known to take “the long way around the block” occasionally. Have you ever taken the easy way out, just to avoid the harder path? Were you honest enough to admit your “wrong turn,” and then correct it?

Judas somehow believed he had the Lord fooled. That’s an amazing thing to think about. Jesus had put Judas in charge of the disciples’ money bag, knowing he would either choose to overcome his temptation to steal, or he would fall hard into sin’s grip. Judas thought he could divert unwanted attention on him by focusing on Mary’s deed. Judas claimed that she had wasted a year’s wages on a jar of perfumed ointment, as she wiped the Lord’s feet with her hair. The money used to purchase the ointment should have been given to the poor. The pure nard she used was a costly gift, imported from the mountains of India. It cost Mary a great deal, and she willingly and lovingly gave it all to the Lord she loved. Isn’t it ironic how Judas publicly condemned Mary’s gift, while knowingly helping himself to the disciples’ discretionary fund? And he thought Jesus didn’t know?

How often do we think we can fool God while double-dipping into the temple treasury?

I remember the guilt I carried as a young mother, trying to take care of a sick baby with money I didn’t have to spend. One little hospitalization can push a young family into desperate need. We experienced a financial crisis after our son David was born. He spent ten days in the NICU of a local hospital, fighting to live. When the bills began to pour in, I felt like we were “robbing Peter to pay Paul.” I said that quite often, as I poured over the mounting stack of invoices, wondering how we would ever pay the medical providers for saving our son’s life. God trusted me to be faithful in tithing, yet I found myself pulling my tithe away to pay medical bills. I tried to justify it in my mind, believing that God would want me to pay off the indebtedness for David’s medical expenses. I was robbing God, and I knew it in my heart. He knew it too. God saw my lack of faith in His power to handle the medical bills. Had I just been willing to give Him my first fruits, He would have taken care of the rest. He promises it over and over again in His Word. But I didn’t trust Him enough, and that little mistake took me down a road I did not want to travel.

We cannot rob God and expect to get away with it. No matter what the reason, He knows our hearts better than we know ourselves. We can justify almost anything and make it palatable, but when we knowingly choose not to give Him our very best, that guilt can be overwhelming. I got really angry with God for something that He was clearly not responsible for. I should have been angry with myself for not trusting His Word completely. It was my attitude that needed realignment.

Thank God there is mercy and grace at the foot of the cross for you and for me.

Even though Jesus knew Judas’ heart, He chose to wash his feet that night along with the other disciples. Christ died to save the Judas in me. If you’ve ever robbed God, please know that Jesus Christ offers His grace and forgiveness when you choose to confess, repent, and turn around.

I have learned God’s blessings come with obedience. Help me Lord, to trust you more and more each day.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a conscience that convicts! God gives us free will to choose whether to obey or disobey Him. If you are feeling guilty this morning because you have not been giving Him your very best, it is not too late to turn around. Ask Him for forgiveness. Do it now.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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, October 23, 2007

Raising the dead

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: John 10, 11; Psalm 143

John 11:38-40 (NIV)

38 Jesus, once more deeply moved, came to the tomb. It was a cave with a stone laid across the entrance. 39 “Take away the stone,” he said. “But, Lord,” said Martha, the sister of the dead man, “by this time there is a bad odor, for he has been there four days.” 40 Then Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?”

Psalm 143:8(NIV)

8 Let the morning bring the Word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I lift up my soul.

Good morning!

How much faith does it take to believe Jesus Christ has the power to bring the dead back to life?

I’ve often wondered what Martha must have thought as she watched her brother Lazarus emerge from the grave all wrapped up in strips of linen, his face still covered with a burial cloth. He had been dead for four days when Jesus arrived in Bethany. Martha knew in her spirit that if Jesus had just been there, Lazarus would not have died. When Jesus asked Martha if she believed, Martha confessed, “Yes, Lord, I believe you are the Christ, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” (John 11:27 NIV). Martha knew the Lord had full authority. She had seen first hand what His living Word had accomplished in the life of her family, and in her heart, particularly. He was more than just the Savior of the world; Jesus Christ was her friend.

It must be a part of the human condition to give up on our brothers so easily. We watch in despair as the people we love suffer with uncontrollable addictions and diseases. We offer up our meager prayers, asking God to heal them, but not really trusting that He can. Our children wander away from faith, placing their ambitions and hopes in a material world. Too preoccupied for matters of faith, they place all their efforts into the acquisition of things. A virtual consumer’s market, the need and greed for money that can buy lots of stuff that will not satisfy the soul, is the sad condition of our culture. They may know of the Savior and, like Martha, even profess that He is the Christ, the son of the living God. Yet, they do not have enough faith to place their hearts in His healing hand. Have you ever watched someone you love walk the path toward destruction, completely self-absorbed and unaware of where they are headed?

Whenever we lift our family and friends in prayer, we utter the words of Mary and Martha, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” Jesus came to heal the sick and suffering. He came to restore new life to those who are dead in sin. There are times when we must walk through seasons of sickness, in order to better appreciate God’s healing touch in our lives. As a mother and grandmother, I have learned that I can take my babies to church, but I cannot make them believe. I can teach them the difference between right and what is wrong, but I cannot make them choose the right path. I can point them to new life in Christ, but only they will choose whether to follow Him. I can pray for them, but I cannot control their ways.

There was a season when I, like Lazarus, found myself covered in grave clothes. Had it not been for the faithful prayers of my family, I would have died in my sin. When Christ came for me, He rolled away the stone and offered a brand new life through His nail-scarred hand. Miracles still happen! I am proof positive that God can bring the dead back to life. If you are worried about your brother’s soul, stand upon the Word of God and claim healing over his life in the name of Jesus.

Jesus said, “Did I not tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?” Christ has the power and authority to perform a miracle in the life of the one you love. If Jesus can reach down into the pit and save someone like me, I know He has the power to save your loved one too.

How much faith does it take to believe Jesus Christ has the power to bring the dead back to life?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a miracle! Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live even though he dies, and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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, October 22, 2007

Blinded by the light

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: John 8, 9: Psalm 141

John 9:39-41 (NIV)

39 Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, so that the blind will see and those who see will become blind.” 40 Some Pharisees who were with Him heard Him say this and asked, “What? Are we blind too?” 41 Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.”

Psalm 141:8 (NIV)

8 But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign Lord; in you I take refuge – do not give me over to death.

Good morning!

I have struggled with nearsightedness and acute astigmatism most of my life. I started wearing glasses at eight years of age, and purchased my first set of contact lenses when I turned sixteen. I would love to have clearer vision. I’m a chicken when it comes to the notion of pursuing corrective lens surgery. I’m not sure I would be the best candidate or the best patient. Still, I think about it occasionally, but especially at this time of year, when allergies and pollens in the air really irritate my eyes.

I am blessed to be able to see at all. The American Foundation for the Blind states there are approximately 10 million Americans who suffer from blindness or who are categorized as visually impaired persons. Without the benefit of corrective lenses, I am considered one of 10 million. Do you struggle to see clearly?

When I read Scripture and pray early in the morning, I discover my vision is not as clear as I would like it to be. Sometimes I find myself leaning just a little bit closer to see the words floating across my computer screen. God uses these visual limitations to remind me that even in my weakness, He is strong. I rely on the Lord to be my vision, my hope, and my only light for daily living. Someday, I believe Christ will correct my vision once and for all. Until then, I wait patiently, gazing into the dimly lit mirror.

It is a scary experience to be blinded by intense sunlight while driving your automobile along the highway. Sometimes the light is so bright it makes it virtually impossible to see what is right in front of you. I imagine the Pharisees were feeling overwhelmed, trying to see the Savior of the World for who He is. They were asking lots of good questions, and yet, Christ’s answers made no logical sense to them. They were maneuvering along the road of life, completely blinded by Christ’s soul-piercing light. Have you ever been so self-absorbed, that you couldn’t see the Lord, even if He were standing right in front of you?

Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains.” How I long to stand before the Lord today guilt-free and with His visual clarity guiding my life. When God removes the blinders from our eyes, He holds us to a higher standard because we claim we can see Him more clearly. So why do we choose to behave like spoiled little children, self-centered and self-absorbed, who have no light with which to see?

Thank God there is grace and mercy for all at the foot of the cross. Choosing to walk by faith rather than relying on our skewed vision, is a mark of true discipleship. Jesus has the power not only to heal our nearsightedness, but to cover the guilt we carry in our hearts. If you find you are blinded by the light today, stop and ask the Lord of life to reveal Himself to you through the eyes of faith. He will do it, if you just ask.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: eyes of faith to see the Lord clearly! Trust the light of life to cover your sin, heal your heart, and lead you home.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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, October 21, 2007

Living water

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: John 4, 5; Psalm 140

John 4:39-42 (NIV)

39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in [Jesus] because of the woman’s testimony. “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to Him, they urged Him to stay with them, and He stayed two days. 41 And because of His words, many more became believers. 42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

Good morning!

How important is our testimony? Does it really matter what we say and do?

When Jesus stopped at Jacob’s well and asked the Samaritan woman for a drink, can you imagine her surprise? She had come to the well, at high noon, to draw water alone. This woman had a reputation in her community, and it was far easier to sneak out in the heat of day alone and draw water to drink knowing she would not have to face the stares and gossip of her cruel neighbors. She thought she was off the hook when she saw Jesus approach. Jews and Samaritans never speak. In fact, they would go way out of their way to avoid having to interact with each other. So why was this man, a practicing Jew, asking her for a drink? How could He not know who she was? The woman’s life story read like the pages of a lusty romance novel. Could He not see the torment and fear in her eyes?

All she ever wanted was to be loved and cared for. This woman had given her heart in marriage five times. With every failed attempt, she was reminded of her inadequacies. She felt so unloved and alone that it drove her to resigning herself to a live-in arrangement with a man whom she knew would eventually leave her one day. The guilt she carried was heavier than the jar of water she hoisted over her shoulder. She had no real friends. Her family had written her off long ago. No one even bothered to look at her and listen to her heart. What lasting difference would this woman’s testimony make in this town?

When Jesus shows up, it is never a mere coincidence. Even His disciples could not understand why their Lord ventured over to the Samaritan woman, and boldly asked her for a drink of water. Jesus Christ saw so much more. He not only knew this woman’s story, He knew her need. Jesus had come to save women and men just like the Samaritan. He offered her a drink of living water, the water that would never leave her thirsting for real love anymore. He offered her a new way of life, and this precious child of God, so lost and alone, recognized the real deal when she saw Him and immediately accepted Jesus Christ at His Word.

In that extraordinary moment, amid the speculation and cynicism of both Jews and Samaritans, a life was forever changed by the Lord of love. It was so apparent, that her words somehow cut through the judgment and harsh criticism of others. She proclaimed to her neighbors without fear, “Come, and meet a man who told me everything I have ever done. Could He be the Christ?” The miracle was not in the curiosity of the community that came out to meet Christ – the miracle was that her neighbors paid this woman any attention at all. Something remarkable happened at Jacob’s well. Fear turned to faith. Real love shattered distrust. Living water was offered and accepted by a people whose pagan culture knew very little of the Great I Am.

If you ever find yourself doubting whether God can use your testimony to change the heart of another human soul, remember the Samaritan woman who stood at the well alone, in seclusion and shame. Everything changes when Jesus Christ offers you a drink of living water.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a thirst quencher! No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, Jesus Christ knows your story, and He loves you enough that He carried your sin on the cross to give you new life in Him. Won’t you take a drink of living water today?

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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.