Happy New Birth Day!

Daily Reading: Colossians 1, 2; Proverbs 13

Colossians 1:3-6; 9 (NIV)

3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints - 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the Word of truth, the Gospel 6 that has come to you. All over the world this Gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Good morning!

When I arrived home yesterday from work, I was greeted by three little smiles. I got a wet, slobbery kiss from my sweet five-month old Andrew, who seems to be cutting teeth way too fast for my liking. Joshua and Emily were starving, and ready to eat “chicken on the bone.” For those of you who are not familiar with this terminology, it is also known as Granny Deb’s fried chicken. Sometimes I feel like I’m a “chicken on the bone,” don’t you? They are here in St. Charles, helping me celebrate my birthday! What a wonderful gift to receive – the precious gift of time spent together. I’ve looked forward to this day all week long, and now, as they lay sleeping quietly and peacefully in their beds (a rare moment indeed), I am grateful for the perpetual love our Lord gives through the gift of family.

I stood by my bed last night and read the birthday cards that had arrived in yesterday’s mail. Do you like receiving mail? I read and answer e-mail every day. It is wonderful to be able to instantly communicate with family and friends around the world. With a simple double click of a mouse, we can send our greetings to each other and receive a reply almost immediately. I have to say that I enjoy receiving cards through the “snail mail” almost as much as I enjoy reading daily e-mail. There is something really special when we open and view a card or letter from a dear one, who thought about us long enough to make the time to write a note and drop it in the mail. I save cards and letters, placing them in scrapbooks and keepsake albums. It is a time-honored tradition to scrapbook here at the parsonage. We will be making memories today that will last forever in the scrapbooks we fill tomorrow.

Can you imagine how the Christians must have felt when they received this letter from Paul? He was happy to greet them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. His heart was moved by their faithfulness and love that sprang forth from the hope that was stored up in them from heaven, because they had heard the Word of truth! WOW! It is exciting to read so many faith-filled notes from those who have met the Lord Jesus Christ and are purposefully choosing to live for Him everyday. While we watch and wait for His imminent return, we encourage each other sharing the Good News around the world. Paul heard about the good work of his faith family in Colosse, and was quick to write and encourage them on. Are you feeling encouraged in your faith today by someone who cared enough to write and thank you?

Paul’s love letter was not just written to the Colossians. Paul speaks to every heart, who is serving our Lord today. If you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and friend and are seeking to share His love with others, then this letter was written just for you! I love reading these words out loud, and I would encourage you today to take this scripture passage to heart. Take a moment to pray these words right off the printed page. You can say it like this: “I always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when I pray for _______________ (fill in the blank with the name of someone you love), because I have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints – thank you for serving the Lord!

When we recognize Jesus Christ living in others and take time to tell them what this means, we share a blessing, giving the gift of a Happy New Birth Day. New birth reminds us of the very first time we felt our own hearts come alive in the love of our Lord. We renew our commitment to support each other, through the perfect love of Jesus. When we send up a prayer of thanksgiving for another human heart, we whisper the words of love into the holy ear of Almighty God.

Forty-nine years ago, at 7:00pm, a little tiny baby girl was born into the world. Today, that baby is celebrating a happy new birth day. I am filled with the love of my Lord Jesus Christ, who saves, covers, and redeems me for kingdom work. I think I’ll throw myself a party! It’s a grandmother’s prerogative, you know, and I think I should have cake and ice cream! It’s a bit unusual, but why not? God broke the mold when He made me. I’ve invited my grandchildren to come over to play with me. We will put on our party hats, and have balloons and noise makers, and watch Christmas videos together. I have a box of ornaments just waiting to be hung on the tree. Little hands will make it perfect. We’ll take lots of pictures and sing the songs we love to sing. Today is my new birth day, and it is my opportunity to thank the Lord for the ones who have helped me grow in grace day by day.

My dear ones, it is for this reason, since the day I first met you, I have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. I pray that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Thank you, dear friends, for serving the Lord. Amen.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: today to become your happy new birth day! You have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Now, get out there and tell the world about Jesus! There are people who need to hear a word of encouragement from you 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.

Embracing Suffering

Daily Reading: Philippians 3, 4: Proverbs 12

Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)

10 I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection of the dead.

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Colossians 3:4 (NIV)

When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Good morning!

I am having a miserable week. I managed to catch that sinus cold/ flu virus that has been going around. All of our grandchildren and children have been puny. For me, I just don’t always adjust well to sudden temperature changes. Eventually, my sinuses clear up, but it takes time. It started with a miserable migraine headache on Monday and went downhill from there, literally. I don’t think I’m a very pleasant person when I’m sick. I’m sure my sweet husband would agree.

It’s hard to imagine what Christ went through to save us. He willingly took on our human condition out of perfect, genuine love. Fully God, and fully man, Jesus knew no sin, yet experienced every trial and temptation we face today. Our human condition does not make for a pretty picture. Christ knew first hand what it was like to get sick, to suffer, to hurt, and to be tired. He willingly gave Himself up, even dying on a cruel Roman cross of torture, so that humanity may receive the Father’s forgiveness, redemption and everlasting life. My sinus cold seems rather trivial, when I put it in perspective with what Jesus did for me.

I’m such a wimp! Paul knew what it was like to suffer for the cross. When Jesus appeared to Paul on the Damascus road, his life was forever changed. A holy shift occurred. Not only did Paul recognize what Christ had done for him, Paul felt compelled to preach the Gospel message wherever the Lord would send him, even if it meant he would be punished or killed for his faith. How many times did Paul suffer beatings, stoning, starvation, imprisonment, and cruel, harsh treatment? Did it deter him? Not even a little bit. Paul willingly suffered. I don’t suffer willingly. I would much rather choose to not suffer at all. I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. But I’m sitting here at my computer desk, blowing my nose every minute or two, not letting the bottle of Excedrin® migraine leave my sight, and I wonder how much I’m actually willing to share in the fellowship of Christ's suffering today. Am I really a willing participant when it comes to pain, putting myself out there in the world, ready to go wherever He calls, knowing I’m probably going to get beaten up along the way? Am I willing to suffer in order to spread the Gospel? Do I have any right at all to expect that following Christ would somehow make my life easier, more comfortable? Was Christ comfortable as He hung on the cross, spilling His life's blood for me?

I couldn’t take my eyes off a passage of Scripture that was read last night in class. It resonates with me for so many reasons. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. The first phrase was what held my undivided attention, When Christ, who is my life. He is life. Jesus Christ, in me. When Christ is in me. He lives in me! I realize that my longing for Him is a seed planted by the Holy Spirit. Following Christ, especially when it means I’m going to suffer at some point, is not something I would choose to do on my own. I’d much rather be comfortable. But Christ doesn’t call us to live in comfort. He calls us to follow Him. He gave us a living example and now its up to us to choose whether we are willing to go. Only the love of Jesus could convince my heart to get out there, even when it’s scary and painful, and totally unattractive. If I’m following Him, I can expect I’m going to get hurt. The greater question is: will I choose to be a willing participant as I share in His pain?

Paul lay in the cold, dark prison cell, bleeding on the floor, after taking yet another beating. The scars on his back were so thick that every beating brought greater physical agony. If you have ever had to undergo surgery in the same location where you have been cut before, then you may have some affinity for the suffering of Paul. As he lay there in the dark, he did not whimper or fear. Paul sang songs of praise to His Savior, and the other prisoners couldn’t help but listen. Are you willing to sing even in the midst of intense suffering?

There was a time in my life when I was not willing to suffer for Christ. Every morning, the Holy Spirit moves me just a little bit closer to the Lord I love. I thank Him for living inside of me - the biggest wimp that ever walked the face of the earth. Jesus lives in me! Is that not amazing? He continues to reveal Himself moment by moment. I am learning how to embrace suffering, because I can see Christ just a little bit clearer through the pain. Colds are temporary. Suffering is only for a season. Living in the light of Christ is eternal. On this day, I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me.

It’s time to blow my nose and go to work.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: Christ to strengthen you through your suffering. If you are anything like I am, you may try to avoid pain and suffering at any cost. Remember that when Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Be very glad. He has big things planned for you, but you must be willing to embrace suffering. Are you willing to suffer for the Lord?

___________________________

© 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.

Up front faith

Daily Reading: Ephesians 4, 5, 6

Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

Matthew 21:21-22 (NIV)

21 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.

Good evening!

Have you ever tried to move a mountain with a mustard seed? Tonight during prayer meeting, Jeff passed around a heart-shaped mustard seed necklace that he had picked up at the Bible book store several years ago. It was still seated in its original jewelry box, in mint condition. I held the container in my hand and took another long look at the tiny mustard seed inside the heart pendant. I thought that mustard seed must have shrunk in size from the last time I saw at it. Jeff asked me how my vision was doing. This week has not been good for me. I’m having trouble seeing clearly into the distance. I think it is because there is a mountain in the way, blocking my view of the Son. Mustard seeds are generally pretty small in size, but the one in the jewelry box is barely recognizable. Can you imagine trying to move anything with something not much larger than a speck of dust?

There is not one person I know who doesn’t have a mountain to move in their life. We struggle with decisions and choices, some of which have lifelong consequences. Sometimes the pressure to perform well becomes a crisis, rendering a capable person into a non-functioning state. We wonder how to move the mountains that manage to block our vision, and squash what little hope we hold inside. One five-minute phone call from the doctor can change a person’s outlook on life. A broken heart can overwhelm even the strongest soul. We lose someone we love and find we no longer have the will to live ourselves. Maybe you’ve been asked to do what seems to be impossible - at work, in school, or even at church. You feel ill-equipped; maybe you lack the skill sets or educational background to do the job you’ve been given. The mountain continues to grow. How in the world can we move it?

The truth is - we can’t move it, not on our own. There is nothing this world has to offer than can move the mountains you face in life. I know someone who can and does move mountains every day. When Jesus cursed the fig tree for not bearing good fruit, His disciples were amazed. They wondered what kind of authority Jesus had over all the earth. He told His followers if they had faith and DID NOT DOUBT, not only could they make the fig tree wither with one word, but they could say to that mountain, ‘Go and throw yourself into the sea,’ and it would be done. If they believed, they would receive whatever they asked for in prayer.

Do we pray mountain-moving prayers or do we hold back for fear of failure? Are you afraid to ask God for a miracle, because the situation may not play out the way you think it should? If you fail in your prayers because God did not answer the way you thought He should, would it make you feel like a praying fool? Mountain-moving miracles requires complete trust in the Lord, who is our miracle-maker. There are times when we need to have a mountain so large that the only way to deal with it is to ask God for His divine intervention.

Up front faith takes more than mere words. We can read it in the pages of our Bible; yet, it takes a bold and unbridled trust coupled with the determination not to doubt, even and especially when our prayers seemingly dissipate into thin air. Sometimes, we are like that fig tree. People are hungry; they are starving to know there is Savior who can change the direction of their life forever. Is the body of Christ so shriveled up and brittle, that we are unable to offer a mustard seed of hope for those facing fear and despair? What will it take for you to let God free your faith and bring you into a deeper, more intimate fellowship with Him? Are you willing to get out of the way, let go of your rope completely, and allow God to move the mountain that is eating you alive?

It is easy to get sidetracked by the mountains we face. We must look beyond what we see, and choose to obey the Lord, even in our fear. Up front faith says that we will trust the mustard seed God planted inside of our hearts, to do whatever it takes to move the mountain aside and wash it out to sea. The Father promises we will receive His answers, if we believe and do not doubt. Are you ready to stand on His Word? Are you willing to trust the Lord Jesus Christ completely now?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: up front faith! It all begins with a simple prayer. Father, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the Word, and I know your power will move these mountains out of the way. I’m asking you for greater faith, a faith only You can give. I need Your courage not to look back, up, down, or away from Your holy face. Help me not to focus on the mountain. Help me to look at you alone. I offer this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

___________________________

© 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.

Less than the Least

Daily Reading: Ephesians 1, 2, 3

Ephesians 3:7-9 (NIV)

7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

Good morning!

Do you ever wonder why God might choose to reveal Himself to you? Maybe you have experienced God’s grace and mercy during a time when you probably least deserved it. He seems to speak to my heart, especially in times when I’ve totally messed up. He continues to teach me daily, as I purposefully seek to become more like Him each day. I know that I must fully rely on the Lord for all that I am and all I hope to be. Yet, it is very easy to get sidetracked and pulled off center. Do you know what I mean?

The Apostle Paul writes that we are “dead” or separated in our transgressions and sins when we become willfully disobedient. We begin to rely upon our own efforts rather than following God’s instruction manual. When we refuse to obey His Word, we single-handedly open the door to the spirit of darkness, and that spirit keeps us from hearing His still, small voice. I have experienced seasons in my life when God’s voice was seemingly gone. It was not because He disappeared out of my life; I had turned and walked away from Him.

My heart resonates with the words of Paul. I also feel I am less than the least, especially when it comes to sharing the Gospel. I’ve been in the presence of many fine pastors and teachers throughout my life. I am blessed to be married to a man who answered Christ’s call at age seventeen, to go and share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in pastoral ministry. I have friends my age whom I’ve watched pick up their families and leave their “day jobs” behind to go and serve the Lord wherever He sent them. I distinctly remember one family that moved into the married student housing unit on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. This couple moved three teenage children into the space of what I would consider to be a crackerbox, a two-bedroom apartment about the size of our parsonage bedroom, so their father could study God’s Word and follow the call of Christ in his life. And my children thought it was tough moving from parsonage to parsonage! They have no earthly idea what this family sacrificed to serve the Lord. I have friends who are now missionaries. They left the comfort and familiarity of their family and friends to offer assistance and hope to the poorest of the poor. I find it absolutely surprising and amazing that Christ could possibly choose someone like me, ahead of time, knowing my heart better than I do, and not give up on me long, long ago. I can’t even come close to the integrity of these fine people; I lack their character and stamina. The only thing I can do is look directly into the face of the Lord I love, and long for more and more of Him each day. When I trust Him completely to lead, He allows me to share His message of salvation with the world around me.

Being in relationship with the One who loves me completely, even at the age I’m at, and in the place I find myself; He is the One who never gives up on all He has created me to be in Him. The love of Christ is more precious and beautiful than anything this world could ever offer. I may be less than the least; but God had a plan for me long before I was a glimmer in my mother’s eye. And just like me, He has a plan for you too.

I’m celebrating a birthday this weekend. I’ll be a whole year older on Saturday. Even now, at my age, as my vision fades, and my hearing is not as sharp as it once was, the Father finds new ways to capture my undivided attention, through the love of His Son. He continues to pull love out of this old heart, a love that He can only give. Maybe you find yourself sinking deep into the routines and complacency of your daily life. You’ve just been so busy and distracted with other stuff that you’ve not been hearing that still, small voice crying out to you. Maybe you don’t believe God could love you this much. Do you believe you are less than the least? I am here to tell you today that you have a Heavenly Father who longs for you to come home to Him now. No matter who you are, or where you’ve been, there is a Savior, who gave His life’s blood just to reach you. Jesus Christ is calling you today. He can and will call you to follow Him at any age. There is not a secluded spot on the face of this earth that can separate you from the One who knows you better than you know yourself.

Advent is just around the corner. Christ is coming to us again. Can you hear the baby’s cry in the cold night air? He is crying out to you. Ask Him to come inside your heart. As long as you have breath in your body, it is not too late to give your life back to the Lord.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a love that will not let you go, at any age, no matter where you live, no matter what you’ve done. He will lead you on an amazing journey, one that was hand-picked for you, long before you ever took your first breath. Will you let the Lord Jesus Christ lead you 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.

Yeast infection

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Galatians 3, 4, 5, 6

Galatians 5:9 (NIV)

9 A little yeast works through the whole batch of dough.

Good morning!

I’ve always believed a little fungus is a good thing. Before the days of pizza delivery service, my mother made the best homemade pizza in the State of Missouri! Saturday night was pizza night at our house. It became a time-honored tradition and our family looked forward to pizza night every weekend. Mom’s “secret” recipe had been handed down by her brother, who owned a thriving hometown restaurant in Monticello, Mississippi. My aunt was a fabulous cook, and she knew exactly what her customers liked. The pizza crust was baked to absolute perfection, emerging from the hot oven with a thick and chewy sweet crust, covered in a spicy red tomato sauce and topped with layer upon layer of mushrooms pieces and grated mozzarella cheese.

We would sit down at the kitchen table and watch mother mix and knead the dough. To get a thick and chewy crust, she would add a packet of yeast to the flour mixture, just before adding a little water and milk. That packet of yeast went a long way to help the dough rise up as it baked in the oven. Fresh yeast is a must. Any yeast packet past its expiration date was tossed straight away into the trash can. It took a lot of muscle to knead the dough by hand. The flour mixture would turn shiny and pliable after Mom spent several minutes beating it down with her fists. When my sister and I got fidgety in our chairs, she would hand us a little chunk of Mozzarella and a mushroom slice to nibble on. What a great snack! I liked cold mushrooms almost as much as I liked them cooked.

After I married Jeff, I began to follow in my mother’s footsteps and cook with mushrooms. I added them to spaghetti sauce and tossed lettuce salads. Mushroom-based gravy was prepared and served over roast beef, baked chicken and grilled steak. I even liked mushrooms mixed with steamed vegetables. Unfortunately, Jeff did not like mushrooms at all. He would spend a good deal of time simply picking them out of his food, shifting what I considered the best part of the meal to one side of his plate. When we were newlyweds, he never complained about those pesky ‘shrooms. He would simply smile, and try to eat around them. Jeff never cleaned his plate at dinner time and I knew his mother would not be pleased. After many years of suffering in silence through my mushroom-laced meals, Jeff grew weary of the hunt and began to make a little noise. I learned new and creative ways to add fungus to my meals, while keeping Jeff’s food virtually “mushroom” free. Yesterday, while dining at a Chinese restaurant, I was reminded of Jeff’s strong aversion to mushrooms. I had almost forgotten what that was like for him, until I offered him some of my hot and sour soup. After he tried a couple spoonfuls, Jeff made the comment, “There sure are a lot of mushrooms in that soup, but I couldn’t taste them!” However, he didn’t finish eating the soup. God love him!

A year or so ago, our church staff formed a vocal group and it turned our congregation virtually upside down. It was pathetic. They called themselves, “The Staff Infection.” It was an infection all right. As they began to butcher what was once a beautiful hymn of praise, our folks began to giggle quietly, and some of them, like me, started to laugh uncontrollably. Before long, the entire congregation was hysterical. Some of us were wiping the tears from our eyes. A growing fungus can spread like wildfire and infect an entire group of innocent bystanders within a few short seconds. The gift of laughter can become an infectious disease!

The dictionary defines yeast as a group of single-celled fungi that reproduces by budding. A little budding yeast can go the distance in raising bread dough, pizza crust, and even a somber, quiet congregation. A little bit goes a long way. And if the yeast has expired, it will render itself useless in any given recipe.

We need a little budding fungus in every congregation. A yeast infection can be a good thing, when we follow God’s directions. His recipe is right there, in the Book. How did we miss it? The Apostle Paul says, “You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” If you keep on biting and devouring each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. (Galatians 5:13-15 NIV).

As humans often do, we place our own personal preferences above the needs of others. We end up biting and devouring each other instead of loving one another like we love ourselves. A little love can go a long way in raising the dead to life. It only takes a dash of yeast to raise an entire batch of dough. We need a little yeast infection today. Won’t you sprinkle Christ like love over the people He has placed in your path today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a yeast infection! This is not the kind that sends you to the doctor in agony, but an infection that spreads the love of Christ throughout the world. It all begins with a little selfless love, and a great sense of humor. And whatever you do, if the one you love doesn’t like to eat mushrooms, don’t make him eat them. And all God’s children said, “Amen!”

___________________________

© 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.

We need divine revelation

Grand Sweep Daily Reading: Galatians 1, 2; Proverbs 10

Galatians 1:11-12 (NIV)

11 I want you to know brothers that the gospel I preached is not something that man made up. 12 I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ.

Good morning!

Our grandson Andrew Joseph was baptized in Christ yesterday afternoon. It was a beautiful service. We gathered together to witness this holy mystery. Andrew Joseph is a precious gift of God, and we give thanks for his life and the promise of all he will become in the Lord.

The deacon reminded us that the act of baptism is not something we do for each other; rather, it is something Christ does in and for each of us. When little Andrew was just six weeks along in our daughter Rachel’s womb, she began to hemorrhage, and we wondered whether Rachel would miscarry. At three months into her pregnancy, we made an emergency trip to the hospital. We waited, for what seemed to be an eternity, while the medical team performed a pelvic ultrasound. We were praying they would find a heartbeat, but oh, there was so much more going on inside her womb. We were pretty sure the pregnancy had ended until we got a sneak peek at the baby, jumping up and down for joy inside his mother. That child was bouncing off the uterine walls in constant, rhythmic motion! He looked like a little Jack-in-the-Box! I laughed out loud when I saw the living presence of my grandchild in the secret place. This was all the reassurance I needed to know that this boy would not only survive, but thrive!

Six weeks after Rachel gave birth to a healthy seven pound eleven ounce baby boy, she was diagnosed and treated for an aggressive cervical cancer. At one point during the baptismal service, the deacon laid hands on Rachel’s head and prayed specifically for her. There was more than one miracle occurring in this very room. New life had been graciously given to not just one, but two. The mother and the son are survivors! Miracles can and still happen today.

Paul told the Christians at Galatia that the Gospel he preaches is not something men made up in their heads. It is not wishful thinking on the part of a humanity longing for something more. It wasn’t something taught to him at synagogue. He received the Gospel by divine revelation from Jesus Christ Himself. When Jesus Christ reveals Himself to you, it is a divine revelation! When you open your heart to Him and ask the Lord to become your Savior, Redeemer and friend, a holy mystery occurs. God uses all of us to teach others about the love of Christ and what He can do for the world. But only Christ can actually do the work we speak of. It is not within our power or authority to do anything other than to go and tell the Good News. If you have met the Lord Jesus Christ and He is living inside your heart today, then you can understand that it is His gift of grace and salvation alone that makes the difference.

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He commanded His disciples, saying, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 NIV). The Great Commission has begun in the life of our Andrew Joseph. May the Great Commission continue to grow in your heart, as you seek to love and serve the Lord Jesus Christ with your life.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a divine revelation from Jesus Christ! He is waiting to reveal Himself to you in a way that will change your life forever. If you will ask Him, the good work that was Christ begun in Paul can continue on in and through you today. Ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior 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.