Friday, January 04, 2008

Saving the best for last

Today’s Reading: John 2:7-10 (NIV)

7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. 8 Then He told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned to wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Good day!

Do you like to host parties? Jeff and I attended several Christmas open houses and a lavish wedding last month. Every party had been meticulously planned. One cannot help but feel a sense of genuine hospitality and welcome when we stop to recognize and appreciate the detail and effort that is placed in the planning and preparation of a special event. You are the honored guest, and every minute detail is offered for your benefit and enjoyment.

As the host or hostess of an upcoming event, you may spend months in advance, planning the menu, preparing invitations, purchasing party favors and gifts, and selecting the entertainment. If you are hosting the party in your home, cleaning and decorating becomes a top priority. Many people work tirelessly to remove every speck of dust from the furniture, polishing their floors and wiping down windows and woodwork. There is nothing more welcoming than to enter a clean space, arrayed in holiday trim.

Have you ever run short on food or drink at a party you were hosting? We have found that our family and friends all have very strong opinions about their choice of drink. My husband and sister-in-law only drink Pepsi products. My mother and father-in-law will drink soda IF they are caffeine-free. My grandchildren generally don’t consume soda; they prefer Bug Juice or Chocolate milk. Bug juice, for those who do not know, is glorified sugar water in a variety of colors. If you’ve never had a bug juice to drink, you are missing out on a very sweet treat! It doesn’t take long to realize that party drinks can become an expensive venture! I may not be the gracious hostess I once was. I used to fret over whether I had purchased enough variety to please everyone who came to visit. Now, I simply serve coffee, tea, lemonade and ice water and pray no one dies of excessive thirst and/or caffeine withdrawal. I have a lot to learn a lot from the Lord’s miracle at the wedding in Cana.

Why do you think Jesus turned the water into wine? I believe it had more to do with quenching spiritual thirst. Jesus knew, while meeting the physical needs of the wedding party, He could transform souls. The guests obviously were not going to die of thirst. After all, they had clean water, and lots of it to drink. The party had gone on for hours, and most of the guests had been drinking heavily for some time. It might have ended a little sooner had the master of the event not had any more wine to serve his guests, and yet, Christ saw the greater need. He created a complete transformation of water to wine, right before the servants’ eyes. Jesus performed this first of many miracles right in front of the servants, but the host and the bridegroom didn’t even realize what had happened. Pure water became living water, the kind of drink that quenches soul thirst forever. The host was surprised that the bridegroom had saved the best drink for last. What an amazing gesture of hospitality!

There is no doubt that our Lord reserves His best for last. With extraordinary love, Christ gave everything He had to save the world. He offered His flesh and blood as a sin offering for all who believe. He promises to prepare a special place for His people. There is a banquet being prepared right now for you and for me. It will be a party like nothing we’ve ever experienced here, and I can guarantee you, His fountain of living water will never run dry.

This is one party you do not want to miss. Come and experience Christ’s best. He offers it to every soul who chooses to repent and place their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Lord Jesus, thank you for saving the best for last. Quench my thirst with living water today. Amen.

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, 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, January 03, 2008

Jacob's ladder

Today’s Reading: John 1:47-51 (NIV)

47 When Jesus saw Nathaniel approaching, he said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.” 48 “How do you know me?” Nathaniel asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49 Then Nathaniel declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” 50 Jesus said, “You believed because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that.” 51 He then added, “I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Good day!

When I was eight years old, my parents purchased a piano and had it delivered to our home. It sat in our living room, where I spent hours sitting on the bench, practicing and playing music. One of the first hymns I learned to play was the great Negro spiritual, Jacob’s Ladder. The song was easy to play and sing because there were only four major chord changes in the song. The rich harmonies filled our home and wafted out the open screen door into the front yard. The words to the song stayed with me all day long. I found myself singing them out loud on my way to and from the bus stop at school. I imagined I was climbing with the angels on that ladder of life which stretches from heaven to earth. I am a soldier of the cross.

When Philip found Nathaniel, he could hardly contain the good news: “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the law and about whom the prophets also wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathaniel ran with Philip to see for himself whether this man was indeed, the Son of God. Don’t you wonder what song Nathaniel was singing as he made his way down the dirt path toward the Lord?

Jesus welcomed Nathaniel in a most unusual way. He said, “Now here’s a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.” Nathaniel couldn’t figure out how Jesus could possibly know anything about him. He thought they were strangers, meeting together for the very first time. “How do you know me?” Nathaniel asked with great curiosity. Jesus said, “I saw you under that fig tree before Philip ever called you.” It was at that moment when Nathaniel recognized Jesus as the Son of God, the King of Israel. When did you first realize who Jesus really is? What words did He speak that changed your life forever?

As we look for God to make a way for us to introduce Christ to the strangers in our lives, we can take a welcoming lesson from the Lord. Jesus immediately focused upon the condition of Nathaniel’s heart. Christ knew Nathaniel was an honest man. When we meet new people for the first time, we may not know anything about them, but we do know they have a heart that God loves. How do we welcome the stranger? Are we willing to look beyond our first impressions and focus upon the condition of their hearts?

I invite you this morning to take a look at a blog site written by one of my pastors. Jeff Brinkman is a United Methodist minister serving Woods Chapel Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. He writes a daily message entitled, “Can you hear the birds sing?” Last week, Pastor Brinkman spent some time in New Orleans working at a mission site. Check out his post dated December 30, 2007 entitled Walgreens. Pastor shares a brief encounter he had with a stranger while shopping for supplies. You can find it at http://www.canyouhearthebirdssing.blogspot.com/

We climb Jacob’s ladder every day: at work, in school, and even at home. We are bound to pass a few strangers along the way. It only takes one brief encounter to leave a lasting impression. How will you choose to offer the love of Christ to the stranger in your midst?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Dear God, help me to welcome others the way you welcome me. 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.

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

The breath of dawn

Today’s Reading: John 1:40-43 (NIV)

40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which translated, is Peter). 43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, He said to him, “Follow me.”

Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Good day!

The sentiment behind my simple greeting seems a bit understated. This is a GREAT day to be alive! Can you feel the breath of dawn blowing across your face? It is cold and windy this morning here in the Midwest. It would be hard to miss the breath of dawn today. The freezing temperatures outside remind me of the warmth of God’s love inside. His love can melt even the coldest heart. Yes my friends, this is going to be a great day indeed!

In case you did not know, I am a morning person. I delight in early mornings, when the parsonage is quiet and dark. All I hear is the wind whipping around the window panes in our study, and the drip of the coffee maker in my kitchen. I feel the heat kick on from the furnace in our basement, and it reminds me of how sometimes God must “jump-kick” His love inside me each day. I wake up each morning to His quiet welcome. He beckons, “Come, Deb. Come and sit at My feet now.” There is no place I would rather be than in His holy presence. Mornings spent with the Lord are absolutely awesome!

Not everyone feels the way I do, about the morning time, that is. My husband is so NOT a morning person. He prefers the quiet shelter of a late night rendezvous’ with the Bible and a bottle of Diet Pepsi® on the nightstand next to his bed. He finds solace and comfort in late night moments of quiet calling and reflection. If I pick up the Scripture and begin reading after 10pm, I will be asleep within five minutes, guaranteed. What time of day do you hear God urging you to come and follow Him?

Christ’s invitation to come and follow is a welcome unlike anything I have ever experienced. His still, small voice can be missed in the business a/k/a busyness of our days. We must be willing to listen and respond when the invitation is extended. Do you find yourself wondering where God is at times? I can assure you He has never left your side. It is hard to hear a whisper amid the roar of the freight train we ride on each day. The Psalmist sings out Christ’s call, offered for you and for me: Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10). Can you hear Him today?

Everything changes when Jesus calls out your name. His call abruptly altered the lives of Andrew, Simon Peter and Philip. When Jesus said, “Follow me,” they dropped what they were doing and went. What would it take for you to drop what you are doing today to follow Christ? Would hearing His sweet voice be enough to help you wake up early, or stay up late into the night? Would you give up your lunch hour to worship Him? Maybe you will find the Lord speaking to you on the commute to and from work. Would you be willing to turn your radio off today and spend your travel time in prayer?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Jesus, let me feel and know Your holy breath of dawn today. Give me the desire to stop, listen, and follow You whenever You call my 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.

Tuesday, January 01, 2008

What do you want?

Today’s Reading: John 1:35-39 (NIV)

35 The next day, John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” 37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi,” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Why do people follow Jesus? What it is about this man that causes the curious to follow? Two of John the Baptist’s followers were eager to learn more about the man John called, “the Lamb of God.” They left John and followed the Lord from a distance, until Jesus Himself turned around and asked them a pointed question: “What do you want?”

Today is the first day of a brand new year. This is the day we can begin once again. It is an opportunity to start over with a clean, fresh slate. We time each New Year to ask the question, “What do I want to achieve this year?” Many will choose to lose weight and they will make it their number one goal. They begin with a new purpose and a plan of action to eat sensibly and exercise faithfully each day. Others will want to find new ways to decrease spending and increase saving. Debt reduction is their primary focus in the months ahead. Some may choose to downsize their belongings, to share their abundance with others in need. There are people who will purposefully look for love in the New Year. They are tired of living life alone and long to find themselves intertwined in a secure and happy relationship; linked with another kindred heart. What do you want on this, the first day, of a brand new year?

Jesus knew He was being followed. He could see the men out of the corner of his eye. He could hear their footsteps creeping along the pathway. Instead of ignoring the inquisitive hearts, He turned and asked the men one simple, yet profound question: “What do you want?” Can you imagine their surprise? How would you have answered Him? The men replied, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” It was at that moment Jesus extended a radical invitation, “Come, and you will see.”

We don’t have to look far to see that people are searching for answers in life. Our schools and universities are packed with people seeking greater knowledge and understanding. Scientists work tirelessly, seeking the one missing link which will cure cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. We continue to look for life’s answers within our families, the communities where we live, and in our world. What do you want? What are you looking for today?

Jesus invites all to come and see who He truly is. Christ extends an invitation to the curious and inquisitive. He offers life to those who seek it. What do you want? Jesus sees your heart and hears your questions. He knows your suffering. Christ understands your pain. Do you want to know where He is? He has invited you personally to come and see for yourself.

As you ponder the possibilities and seek an answer to life’s questions in this brand new year, I pray that you will come and see Jesus. Find out for yourself who He really is. Jesus said, “What do you want? Come, and you will see.”

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© 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, December 31, 2007

Living Devotion


Daily Reading: Revelation 21, 22

Revelation 22:13-14 (NIV)

13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.

Good morning!

This special day marks the end of yet another year, and the beginning of something new. Around the world, people are remembering the past and ringing in the new with hope and anticipation for what is yet to be. Some people make resolutions, set goals, and promise to do better in the year to come. Are you closer to your life’s goal than you were three hundred and sixty four days ago?

The people of Faith Church made a commitment one year ago to read through the Bible in a year. The staff selected J. Ellsworth Kalas’ The Grand Sweep, as a corporate Bible study guide for our congregation. This study has been a personal blessing to my life, and I pray that Dr. Kalas’ thoughts and the study guide he prepared is a help to you in your daily reading has blessed you too. If you journeyed through the Bible with me this year, I would like to hear how it impacted your life. I hope you will write and share your personal experience with me. You may contact me at songofdeborah@hotmail.com.

John’s vision ends where it begins, at the tree of life, where the light of God will be our one true light. The darkness will no longer exist. There will be no more pain and suffering, no more separation and loneliness. This is a holy space where sin is abolished outside the gates. The believers will be forever changed. The old will pass away as we step into newness of life, just as He promises. Jesus Christ will perfect us in His love, and this is all we will ever need. It is the beginning of a brand new age.

All of us have experienced life at its best and worst in the last year. We have loved and been loved by others. We welcomed new life and we gave our loved ones back to the Lord in death. Illnesses have marked not only the patients, but their caregivers. Families are impacted when someone we love suffers from sickness. We’ve watched the plight of our brothers and sisters around the world. People have helped each other feed the hungry and house the homeless. Many good men and women have given their lives for freedom’s sake. Persecuted Christians have suffered and died while offering the saving Gospel message of Jesus Christ around the world. The need is great. Our Lord is greater. How will you choose to help those who suffer in the year ahead?

The Word was with us in the beginning. The Word is with us now. The Word reigns for all eternity. The Word is Jesus Christ. He is the living Word of God. God’s perfect love is revealed in the gift of a child. His death and resurrection opens the door to salvation and everlasting life to those who believe. Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ?

My hope for the brand New Year is simply this: I long to be His living devotion. I pray that Jesus, the living Word of God, will be engraved upon my heart and mind; that I will desire and seek a closer walk with Him every day. There is nothing in life I cannot face when He is the rock on which I stand. Christ lives in me! He loved me long before I was born, and He loves me even now. I have His Word that He will love me forever in the brand new season to come. I want to be ready when He calls my name.

I pray that your life will become a living devotion in this brand new year. Come, Lord Jesus! Come and live in our hearts today. May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. (Rev. 22:21 NIV).

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: new life! Jesus is waiting for you to give Him your heart. Won’t you ask the Lord to wash your robes and remove the sin from your life? Won’t you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior today? This is the beginning of the end. It is the dawning of a brand new year and abundant life He has promised to all who believe. I wish you all a very Happy New Year, in the name of Jesus. 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.

Sunday, December 30, 2007

A wedding celebration to remember

Daily Reading: Revelation 18, 19, 20; Proverbs 31

Revelation 19:6-10 (NIV)

6 Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and loud peals of thunder, shouting: “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. 8 Fine linen, bright and clean, was given her to wear.” (Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of the saints.) 9 Then the angel said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!’ And He added, “These are the true words of God.” 10 At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Do not do it! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

Good morning!

Yesterday morning, I attended one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever been to. Christmas weddings are always special, but this one will stay in my mind’s eye forever. The bridesmaids wore black gowns with burgundy sashes that trailed behind their dresses and pooled around the heels. Each maid carried a lit candle, encased in a hurricane globe, adorned with fresh white poinsettias and green garland. The men wore black top hats and tails, looking very regal, as they walked at the maids’ side. They took their places at the front of the altar, waiting expectantly for the bride to arrive. Behind them were a sea of flaming red poinsettias, and the twinkling lights of the Chrismon tree. The little flower girl, the brides’ sweet baby, was dressed just like her mama, floating down the center aisle, in a white ballerina gown, complete in a flowing, tool netting skirt. She smiled and touched the hands of the wedding guests as she toddled toward her handsome daddy. Some moments cannot be captured with film. This is one of those very special memories.

The wedding was especially touching for two reasons. This was an extravagant celebration of love, and celebrations of love are always touching. Yet, this event was more – it was the reaffirmation of wedding vows taken two years before, but now in the presence of the couple’s family and friends. Holy moments occur in the daily reaffirmations of our lives. Are there special memories in your life that you would want to reaffirm with your family and friends today?

Holy communion was served during the wedding celebration. I imagined what it would be like one sweet day, to walk toward the Lamb, finally ready to marry the love of my life. It will be a holy reaffirmation of all I long for, as I stand, clothed in Christ’s righteousness alone. My life will be adorned only in His grace; my heart given completely over to the bridegroom forever and ever. You see, I made a vow many years ago and there were moments when I took that vow for granted, seemingly losing my first love. Sometimes we make vows with the very best of intentions only to turn away in sin. Praise God for His holy reaffirmation! The Father, in love, gave all of us a second chance. Without Jesus Christ’s perfect sacrifice, there would be no wedding feast of the Lamb. Hallelujah!

The radiant beauty of the bride simply pales in comparison to the love which she holds for her bridegroom. The love of Christ is more beautiful than anything I could ever hope for, and so I stand in the shadow of His perfect love, adoring the One who gave me a second chance. It was with that simple remembrance, that I took part in His holy communion.

One year ago this weekend, we celebrated the baptism of our granddaughter Madison Marie, at Faith Church. Today, we will celebrate the dedication of our grandson Andrew Joseph, to the Lord. It is yet another reaffirmation of the love that draws us closer to Christ day by day. Soon, we will attend the magnificent wedding supper of the Lamb. In a holy blink of the eye, we will fall at His feet, face to face, to worship our Savior and Lord. His testimony is the spirit of all prophecy. It will be like no other wedding we’ve ever attended before.

I am beginning to think about the New Year, which is less than forty eight hours away. I want to be ready for the reaffirmation celebration with my true love. Like the bridesmaids in waiting, I want to be certain I have plenty of oil for my lamp, as I watch and wait for Christ’s imminent return. I pray that you will prepare your hearts for the reaffirmation celebration of love that is coming soon. It will be the culmination of every hope and dream you’ve ever longed for. In Christ alone, we find perfect love. Won’t you join me at the wedding supper of the Lamb? It is your personal invitation, extended by the true Word of God.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a holy reaffirmation! If you have breath in your body, there is still time for you to recommit your heart to the Lord today. His is the only love you need. Prepare yourself now for the wedding supper to come. Come and reaffirm your faith today. I will see you at Faith Church!

___________________________

© 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.