Saturday, November 17, 2007

Holy heart burn!

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: I Corinthians 8, 9, 10

I Corinthians 12b-14; 16-17 (NIV)

12b On the contrary, we put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ. 13 Don’t you know that those who work in the temple get their food from the temple, and those who serve at the altar share in what is offered on the altar? 14 In the same way, the Lord has commanded that those who preach the Gospel should receive their living from the Gospel

16 Yet, when I preach the Gospel, I cannot boast, for I am compelled to preach! Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel! If I preach voluntarily, I have a reward, if not voluntarily, I am simply discharging the trust committed to me.

Good morning!

I almost didn’t send this message today, because I don’t think it is really meant for anyone other than me. But if these thoughts happen to speak to your heart, please write to me and let me know. Lord, have mercy! Christ, have mercy! Lord, have mercy!

I’ve been thinking a lot about the gift of preaching. I’ve been blessed to observe and learn from many fine pastors and teachers through the years, who preach and teach His Word faithfully every day. I’ve seen what the Father can do through a humble and willing heart; someone who is open to the leading of the power and presence of the Holy Spirit in their lives. I’ve watched in awe as the Holy Spirit prompts members from my Faith family to rise up and leave the comfort of their own pews behind, to preach His Word in other churches, other faith communities, and even in other nations. As a certified lay speaker, I’ve enjoyed participating in many seminars and classes that encourage and support all who feel compelled by Christ to move forward in faith. They teach how to effectively communicate the Gospel message with the spiritual gifting you have been given. These classes are invaluable and worthwhile experiences, and I would encourage every Christian to sign up and take a lay speaking class soon.

For several years now, I have heard the Spirit whisper to my soul in prayer, “Go to the millions.” I don’t pretend to understand completely what that means, but I do know, without a doubt, that Christ calls me to seek Him out every day, and to purposefully choose to honor and glorify Him with my life. Jesus commands me to express His love through all that I say and do, especially with the people He has placed in my home, in school, at work, and in my church. It has become a profoundly joyful journey, as I yearn for more of the Lord and less of me. This one thing has become my daily focus and life’s prayer.

So when I read Paul’s words this morning, my heart began to burn, like it always does when the Father takes His holy Word and hits me squarely between the eyes. Sometimes God has to do that just to get my attention. He picks up that heavy Bible I carry around and hits me with His Word! Does God ever get in your face with His Word? Have you ever experienced a really nasty heart burn, and you know exactly where it is coming from? It wasn’t the spicy food you ate last night for dinner, barking back at you today. Holy moments are unmistakable, and when we experience God’s Word speaking directly to us, we just know it is Him. It’s kind of like John Wesley’s strange heart warming he experienced that night on Aldersgate Street. He definitely had the taste of God’s holy heart burn!

I am soft spoken by nature. My voice doesn’t carry into a crowd. My husband has to use hearing aids just to hear my voice! How, Lord, can I possibly go the millions? How will they ever hear me? I get tongue tied and red faced a lot when I speak. My husband overcame an annoying studder he struggles with whenever he preaches. Most people do not even realize he fights this problem daily. Jeff learned in oral speaking to tap his foot on the floor, keeping a rhythm while he speaks. It slows him down enough so that the words do not come out all jumbled up. When the Lord calls me to preach His Word, He has to slow my mind down so that I can speak with clarity and conviction of heart. There is no way I can rely upon my own effort when it comes to speaking His Word to the millions. My words will surely fall away, but His Word lasts forever. My own efforts will fail time and time again. When we allow the Lord to do the work through us, He speaks! When I allow myself to comfortably sit in the pew like a bump on a log and refuse to open my mouth when He tells me to, I know that He will make the rocks cry out! If God gives sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, and a voice to the dumb, then He can certainly use someone like me to go to the millions. And I know, without a doubt, He can and will use you too! It is only a matter of time – His time, that is.

I hope that you will pray with me, as I offer this prayer to my Lord this morning:

With a grateful heart for all that you’ve done, all that you are, and in the fulfillment of all your promises to come, I give you thanks and praise Lord Jesus! I offer my life back to you now. It is with a humble heart and willing spirit that I promise, with your help, to go and preach your message of salvation and hope to the millions. I will learn how to become a living sermon. I will speak your Word whenever you want, wherever you choose, and in whatever way you wish. I will follow you wherever you lead. All praise and glory and honor be unto you dear Father, Son and Holy Spirit! You are my glory hallelujah! Amen!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: His Word to speak through you! A little holy heart burn can be a good thing. Do not hesitate to answer when He calls you to go preach.

___________________________

© 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.

Friday, November 16, 2007

Redefining who I am

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: I Corinthians 4, 5, 6, 7

I Corinthians 4:1-5 (NIV)

1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. 2 Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. 3 I care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. 5 Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

Good morning!

Do you ever wonder or worry what other people might think or say about you? Sometimes, I find myself wondering how I am perceived by others. What do people think when they take a long, hard look at my life? Am I known by the community where I live? Do family and friends view me as someone who is sincerely genuine and honest? Do I share a message worth listening to? Am I consistent in my walk and talk? Do my neighbors even know who I am? Does Jesus Christ, the Lord I’ve given my life to, reveal Himself through the words I speak, in the work I do, and in every aspect of my life? Every human heart longs to be accepted and loved. Every voice yearns to be heard. We just want to know that somebody out there truly cares. We often form inaccurate perceptions and opinions of the people in our lives. It is healthy to care about what other people think, to a point. But isn’t it more important to ask the Lord what He sees and thinks as He looks inside my heart?

The United Methodist Church, of which I am a member, has been trying to redefine itself, especially during the last forty years of its mission and ministry in the world. I’m forty-eight years young, so this journey has been ongoing and developing through most of my earthly life. I’ve watched our denomination lose three million members over the last forty year stretch. Every heart is a precious creation of the living God. Millions of people made a conscious decision to join and then leave our denomination. When they left, some placed their memberships with other Christian congregations. Others chose to leave their faith in Christ behind and walk away. Many wonderful people fell off our church’s radar screen and then off our membership rolls through difficult charge conference action. Was it because they no longer took an active interest in our churches, or did we just not care enough to seek them out and listen to what they had to say? The condition of every human soul is of utmost importance to the Lord our God. Because Christ loves us, we are commanded to love and care for each other. So I’m wondering this morning, where did all these people go and why did they leave? In the midst of our denomination’s forty-year journey toward self-definition, we’ve managed to somehow lose sight of the only One who truly defines whose we are.

I’ve been looking forward to reading the report of our United Methodist Connectional Table. The report entitled, An Invitation to an Upright Charitable and Discreet Conversation: State of the Church 2007, is now available online. You can find the report by copying and pasting this link into your web browser: http://media.umcom.org/umcorg/2007/State_of_the_Church/Final_SOTC%20BOOKLET.pdf

If you are a United Methodist, or if you are asking questions about the United Methodist Church, it is worth your time to read the data provided in this report. I believe every heart should be asking the harder questions about who it is we are serving. The Apostle Paul told the church at Corinth that “Men should regard us as servants of Christ and those entrusted with the secret things of God.” What does Paul mean by secret things? The plan of salvation was not revealed until Christ came in human flesh, carrying human sin to the cross as the ultimate, perfect sacrifice. He defeated death in resurrection and now offers eternal life to all who believe! It is through the blood of Christ alone, that we attain salvation. For those who have placed their faith in Jesus, we are called to serve Him by daily by dying to things of self and seeking new ways to serve and love each other in and through the power and presence of His Holy Spirit. The secret of salvation was out, but many Christians in the early church were confused. They were missing out on the main thing, and spent their lives bickering over whose footsteps they should follow. Should they emulate the thoughts and life example of Paul or Peter, Timothy or Barnabas? The same questions of theology continue to divert our attention from the main thing. The debates continue on, even in our denomination today.

The Apostle Paul said that he really didn’t care if other people chose to stand in judgment over his life’s work. Even Paul’s own self-evaluation was unimportant in the bigger plan. The only opinion that truly mattered to Him is the opinion of His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

So today, I’m asking a harder question. What does Jesus Christ think of me? Am I living a life that He would be pleased with? Am I seeking to serve Him first and foremost in all that I do? What does Jesus Christ think of the people of the United Methodist Church? Are we answering His Great Commission to make disciples in the world? Who are we choosing to follow? Like Paul, I can truly say that my conscience has been cleared through grace, but it does not make me innocent. We are all responsible for the millions who have lost along the way. I can do better at this. My church can do better. I know that the Lord judges the motivations of my heart. He alone stands in judgment of my church. I think it’s time to change my focus. There are lots of issues that separate and divide us, but there is only One who can truly unite our hearts in love. When we redefine who it is we are serving, the direction of our very lives will change. The direction of my denomination will change. It is my daily prayer. Come Lord Jesus and be our guest! Breathe on us, breath of God!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a change of direction. Forty years is long enough to wander around in a spiritual wilderness. It’s time to cross over into the Promised Land. If we will focus our open hearts, open minds and open doors on the Lord Jesus Christ, everything will change. Can you feel it? There’s a shift occurring right 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.

Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Hotline to holiness

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: I Corinthians 1, 2, 3

I Corinthians 1:10 (NIV)

10 I appeal to you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another so that there may be no divisions among you and that you may be perfectly united in mind and thought.

I John 2:9-11 (NIV)

9 Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness. 10 Whoever loves his brother lives in the light, and there is nothing in him to make him stumble. 11 But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks around in the darkness; he does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded him.

Good morning, I think!

I choose to make a spiritual s-t-r-e-t-c-h. It was truly an exercise of faith. It’s one thing for me to worship in the privacy of my home, in pajamas, late at night, when I can simply crawl under the covers and not worry about anyone seeing me except the Lord God Almighty. And believe me, He knows what I look like late at night and it is not a pretty sight. But it is totally something different to choose to attend worship with a group of young Christian adults, most of whom I’ve never met, at a service that doesn’t even begin until 10pm. These people go to bed about the time I’m getting up. This was painfully apparent to me as I walked into the upper room on campus last night for the Interface Unified Worship Service. I used to get away with stuff like this, especially when I was in my thirties, but honestly, now that I’m tipping the 50 year mark, I have to admit I stuck out like a sore thumb on a perfectly shaped hand.

I was happy to take a seat on the front row. I always see better when I sit up front. The worship team had a giant screen, and I could easily read the words. This is one good reason to memorize your Scripture and music lyrics now, while you can still read the printed page. My eyes just don’t focus well anymore, especially at night. The words were rolling across the wall in a super large font, and thankfully, I could read it! What a wonderful gift it is to be able to see! I noticed a few typographical errors in the printed lyrics. There was one typo in particular that immediately spoke to my spirit. The intended word was holiness, but it was spelled “hotline.” At that moment, the Father gave me a vision of His living Vine, crying out to God for unity as we plugged into His hotline to holiness. We were all gathered together there, asking for the very same thing – Christ’s peace, love, forgiveness and grace. I could see Jesus on the faces of everyone gathered there. His holy presence filled the room. The spiritual connection had been made! We were linked to a virtual hotline, plugged into His holiness through our intentional worship, prayers, and praise.

It’s amazing how the Holy Spirit can just simply fall upon a group of people who purposefully link hearts, minds, and souls to worship Him with one voice, in one accord. This is a brand new building on campus and I have no doubt it is structurally sound. Yet, I could physically feel the room vibrating by His awesome power, and it was not because of any reverb from the guitar amps. Christ’s holy current was recharging our spiritual batteries. We were being changed through His amazing, healing love.

There’s a song we teach our children in Jesus Break Sunday school that says, “The prayers go up and the blessings fall down.” I know I did not pray with the same conviction and courage in my early adulthood, like these adults now possess in their personal prayer life. It was our sole desire to worship the Lord in unity and in truth. Every scripture, and every song, adored the Lord Jesus Christ, whom I love. We cried out to the Lord to make us one, to love as one, to live in holiness before Him. We begged for our lives to honor Him in everything we say and do. Less of me and more of the Lord became our worship theme. We are all ambassadors of His holiness, and the message we deliver becomes flawed whenever we allow our opinions and human imperfections to step out in front of His glory. I am convinced that every person in the room last night was truly seeking to let go of self, and cling completely to the cross of Jesus Christ.

After worship, I met a really nice guy from Interfath Ministries, and I stopped to shake his hand. He asked me which group I was with. I really didn’t want to be rude, but how I longed to say, “I’m with the Christians.” I smiled and said, “Well, actually, I’m a junior here at Lindenwood.” He tried hard to hide his surprise, and I giggled in my spirit. I do that a lot at school – it has become a survival tactic. I then said, “And I’m a member of Faith United Methodist Church in St. Charles.” He seemed even a little more surprised at that; yet, without hesitation, he offered me an ice-cold glass of chocolatey milk and I knew we would be forever friends. Leave it to the young at heart to know about heavenly manna. I pray that we will have lots of milk and cookies in heaven. I kept thinking, “This is an awesome idea; especially for Christmas Eve services! We could serve milk and Christmas cookies in the narthex, as we send the saints out into the world to celebrate the birth of our Savior and Lord. We could serve milk and cookies at our watch night services, and after 24 hour prayer vigils. My goodness, we could serve milk and cookies after every worship service!” I kind of felt like I had come home, padding around in my pajamas, with a late night snack in hand and a heart absolutely overflowing with love for my Lord.

There is a vibrant, living, hotline to holiness, and if you want to get plugged in, all you need to do is ask Jesus Christ to give you more of Him and less of you. We can celebrate our unity in worship, as we lay down the things that divide our hearts and choose to love one another as Jesus loves us.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a spiritual connection! Choose to plug into His hotline to holiness today. Your spiritual battery will be transformed by the renewing of your faith. We may be at different places as we walk the road that leads to life, but we are all one in and through Jesus Christ our Lord. Praise Him!

___________________________

© 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, November 13, 2007

An extra helping of hope

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Romans 15, 16; Proverbs 5

Romans 15:13 (NIV)

13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Good morning!

I spent the last night with my mom. She is almost 85 years young, and I have more gray hair than she does. I find that absolutely amazing! We went to the store to purchase turkeys and trimmings for our annual Faith Church Thanksgiving dinner. Helping to prepare and serve food for the needy and shut-ins of St. Charles County I cannot think of any place I’d rather be on Thanksgiving morning than with my Faith family, peeling potatoes in the fellowship hall, and praising God for all He has done. on Thanksgiving Day has become a very special and important tradition in my life.

Last night, we sat in The Bread Company restaurant, enjoying a bowl of soup together, and I couldn’t help but reminisce over my mother’s flair for holiday entertaining. She was always a fine cook, and loved to feed the masses. I think she came by it naturally, due in part to her large and ever-growing family. She was one of seven siblings, and when her aunt and uncles, grandparents and cousins all gathered together for holiday feasts, it was a true celebration indeed. They didn’t have a lot of money to spend on fancy food or lavish decorations, but they were very creative with what they had. Lots of rice dishes and sweet potato casseroles were mainstays at their family gatherings. Fresh fruit was a delicacy and only available on very special occasions. Nobody made shrimp gumbo like my mom. The sauce was thin in consistency but rich in flavor, and it had a hot and spicy bite that would cause even the sturdiest stomach to chase it down with a cup of ice cold water. This was one good reason to be very thankful for outdoor plumbing! My children have absolutely no point of reference for this. What a shame…

In everything she did, Mom displayed a spirit of hope and peace. She emulated love in the work of her hands in the kitchen, while serving others the bread of life. Mom always welcomed the stranger to our table, fed whoever was hungry, and gave up her own chair to make sure everyone had a seat at the table. The power of the Holy Spirit was working in and through her, especially as she slaved over a hot stove to feed our growling stomachs and nourish our ever-growing souls. We always stopped to thank the Lord before we ate. Mom knew the One who gave her eternal peace and hope, even in the midst of physical poverty, and she thanked God for His providence and great riches every day. She set a good example for me. I’ll never be able to cook like she did, but I do have her heart and spirit. I think we make a pretty good team.

As you prepare to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday with your family and friends, remember to welcome the presence of the Holy Spirit and the love of Christ into your home, by serving those you love an extra measure of hope, joy and peace. It is the best gift you will ever give, and it will be remembered with gratitude in the years to come.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: those who emulate Christ in their lives! This Thanksgiving, remember who it is you are serving, and offer your sacrifice of praise with a heart full of joy, hope and peace. If you wrap your life around the Lord Jesus Christ, He will fill you up with His sweet Holy Spirit, and you the hope you have inside will overflow to everyone around you.

___________________________

© 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, November 12, 2007

Shepherds in shades

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Romans 12, 13, 14

Romans 12:9-21 (NIV)

9 Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. 11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13 Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. 18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. 19 Do not take revenge; my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written, “It is mine to avenge, I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Good morning!

I had a little taste of Christmas cheer yesterday. Jesus Break, our children’s Sunday school, had a dress rehearsal for the Christmas pageant scheduled for the second Sunday in December at Faith Church. Miss Cindy arranged to have a petting zoo visit Faith Church. Outside, in the makeshift stable, I was delighted to find baby goats, two really cute but persnickety donkeys, a baby calf, and even a spitting llama. They were a noisy bunch, especially as the children converged to pet and love on them a little bit. Our wee ones dressed up in Christmas finery, colorful robes and scarves, custom made by our choir director. We had little shepherds and angels running around everywhere! Mary and Joseph looked absolutely radiant, holding the newborn King, while being photographed in the stable surrounded by animals. I love listening to the children, as they reacted to their surroundings. This truly was the most fun I had all weekend!

I’ve often heard that llamas can be really nasty, especially when they spit. This llama was spitting out the wrong end and, let me tell you, it was gross! God knew it was a spiritual stretch for me to stand in the stable, holding the tether of a very restless donkey in my hands. As I stood there smiling, I was praying fervently for grace and peace. I heard during the covered dish dinner that my New Testament professor is planning to bring one of his precious pets to class on Thursday. Thank God we have charge conference at the church! I just don’t know if I have enough spiritual strength to handle a donkey and a snake all in one week. Lord, have mercy!

Even the adults got into the spirit of the season, as they dawned their regal crowns and robes of fine purple. The shepherds arrived in groups of three, carrying their staff in hand. The shepherds wore shades! It was one class act, those wise guys, kneeling before the tiny infant King, in their turbans and sunglasses. How often do we shade our eyes from the Lord? Sometimes, the truth is so piercing that we react by putting our blinders on. Maybe if we just don’t look too hard or too long, we won’t have to really see the truth, because, if we understood it completely, we might have to make a change in the way we live our life! Oh, there was a sermon just waiting to be birthed behind those shades. Yes, indeed.

The children told the nativity story with sincere and loving hearts. Do we tell others about the life of Christ with sincere and loving hearts? Do we show honor and respect for one another, even when they may not be very respectful of us? Jesus’ poured out his entire earthly life as a love offering for the lost and the lame ones, like you and me. He forgave us over and over again. The compassion in his eyes could not be dismissed. It is the same compassion with which we seek to love each other. On a scale of one to ten, how are we doing in the area of sincere and loving hearts?

Maybe the llama said it best when he spit. Oh Lord, help us learn to sincerely love each other. For it is only in sincere, brotherly, love, that your heart is revealed in the world. Come Lord Jesus, be our guest.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: sincere love to become a way of life. Take your shades off today and dare to look full into the face of Jesus Christ. He can teach us how to love each other, if we will simply let Him. Christmas is coming! Can you see the signs?

___________________________

© 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, November 11, 2007

Thank you Lord for pastors

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Romans 9, 10, 11

Romans 10:14-15 (NIV)

14 How, then, can they call on the One they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the One of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? 15 And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”

Good morning!

Every Sunday morning, I spend a few quiet moments thanking God for the pastors in my life. When I was a little girl, I used to shrink back in the pew and bury myself in my mother’s suit jacket when the pastor would begin to raise his voice, thumping the pulpit with his Bible in hand. He looked really big up there, standing underneath what looked like some sort of heavy crown suspended in mid-air, hanging right over the pastor’s head. I often wondered what might happen if God heard the pastor say something from the pulpit He didn’t like. That cord holding that heavy piece of concrete might suddenly snap, falling on the pastor and squish him mid-sentence! Isn’t it amazing where one’s mind can wander during a sermon?

It took awhile for me to realize that pastors were not really scary people after all. Pastor Murrell made a truly positive impression on me. He had a kind and humble heart, and he was very friendly! When Pastor Murrell walked into a room, his smile was the only light we needed. And how this man could sing! I could sit and listen to him sing all day long. His favorite scripture verse was John 3:16 and he found a way to preach it every Sunday in worship. I think it was one of the first verses of Scripture I memorized, and I’m certain Pastor’s weekly messages helped me hold on to this treasure in my heart.

It’s a good thing I grew out of my fear of pastors, especially since I married one. Here is what I’ve learned about pastors. They are just ordinary people, who answer the call to serve the Lord Jesus Christ with their lives. When my husband Jeff answered his call to ministry, he was seventeen years old. We were dating then, and I have to say, neither of us had a clue what full-time ministry would look like. Yet, Jeff knew in his heart that the Lord was calling him to serve, so he pursued it with a passion. Pastors are like that. Their primary focus is to introduce people to Jesus Christ, encouraging them to accept the Lord as their personal Savior. Pastors have a variety of spiritual gifts. Every pastor has a unique and distinct gift mix, and not all pastors are alike. They don’t look alike, and they certainly don’t think or act alike. Yet, every pastor has one very strong and similar characteristic. They love the Lord Jesus Christ more than anything else in life, and you can see it when you take a close look at their heart.

Pastors are everywhere. Some serve in a professional capacity, as ordained clergy, leading worship services each week. Others are serving the Lord in full-time mission ministries. Some pastors are full-time teachers in our colleges and universities. Many spend their days serving the poor and hungry in local shelters and at food banks. No matter where they are serving, the invitation is always the same: Come! Come and meet the One who has totally changed my life. Let me introduce you to my very best friend. Let me tell you about Jesus.

Today, I’m truly thankful for pastors everywhere, who take the Gospel message into the world every day. I don’t think we say thank you enough for the faithful work they do. Make time today to thank the pastors in your life, who dare to share the Gospel with the world.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: pastors everywhere! They need our encouragement. Remember to say thank you to the pastors who serve the Lord faithfully by offering Jesus Christ to you and me, every day.

___________________________

© 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.