Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Straight talk

Today’s Reading: John 16:29-30 (NIV)

29 Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you come from God.

Good morning!

Studying for philosophy class has been a real trip. I have a mid term tomorrow, and I’ve been wading through the deep waters of St. Anselm’s Proslogion, Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason, and David Hume’s A Treatise of Human Nature. Every now and then, I resurface for air, hoping for a little straight talk. These brilliant minds think deep. My mind does not. I prefer a more simplistic approach to faith. Yet, we seem to have some commonality by sharing a sincere hunger to know and experience God in a way that explains the purpose for our human existence. Why are we here? That is question of this hour.

I had a dream last night. Researchers say that many people dream every night, but we don’t often remember our dreams. I have learned to pay close attention to the dreams that stay with me until morning. Sometimes they make no sense at all, but when they do, I treasure them for the message it brings. I was attending a prayer meeting with twelve women, and we were sitting around a table, praying for the needs of loved ones who were suffering with health-related issues. A husband slipped into the room unnoticed and stood behind his wife as she continued in prayer. Suddenly and without warning, he began to pray over her. It was as if he had been gone for a very long time, for when she looked up and saw his tear-stained face, they held each other close and cried together as if they had not seen each other in the longest time. It was the most touching moment I have ever witnessed.

I realize that this was no mere dream. It is a glimpse of what it will one day be like when the bridegroom comes for His bride. She will be waiting patiently, praying prayers of hope, seeking to save the lost, and living out her faith by word and deed. He will appear at a moment when we least expect Him, and He will scoop us up in His arms and tears of joy will stream down our faces. It will be the last tears we cry this side of heaven.

How wonderful it must have been when the greatest philosophers who ever lived met the Lord Jesus Christ, when they were finally able to see the Father’s face for the very first time. Their deep thoughts are but a tiny glimpse into the shadow of the Almighty. For what we see now is just a glimmer into the beautiful realm of what is coming.

I’m beginning to like philosophy. I think I must be crazy.

Anyone interested in a little straight talk this morning? Come and sit down with the Savior. You will be glad you did.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

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