Saturday, January 19, 2008

Perfect timing!

Today’s Reading: John 5:14-15(NIV)

14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

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

Good day!

Last night when I came home from work, I sat down on the sofa in our living room and listened intently to a woman being interviewed on television. She told a story of the miraculous healing she received from stage 3 colon cancer five years ago. During a biopsy procedure, she told about how she saw her Lord sitting at her side on the operating table just before they put her to sleep. The last thing she remembered was holding onto His robe and crying out the name, Jesus.

The invalid whom Jesus healed at the pool of Bethesda didn’t know his healer’s name, at first. We may receive healing and not have a clue how it happened. Bringing people into the presence of Christ is something we are called to do, because we know from our own experience that when we meet the Lord Jesus Christ face to face, everything changes. Nothing remains the same.

Isn’t it interesting Jesus chose to heal the man’s physical infirmities first, and then instructed him to stop sinning. I think we get that part backwards in our minds and in our churches. Many believe we have to stop sinning first before we can come to the Lord in faith. It’s not true! Christ died for us while we were yet sinning, and that proves His love toward us. That’s why there are NO perfect people in church. It’s really okay to show up there; we’re all in good company. We meet Jesus at our most desperate need, sometimes lost in the pit of our own making. We meet Jesus on hospital gurneys as we wait, terrified, for the testing to begin. We wonder if the results will lead us to death or new life. I meet Jesus when I least expect Him to be there. He is the only One I know who has picture perfect timing. He meets my need before I ask. He is right here with me now, and He is also with you.

As the body of Christ, we need to embrace the concept of radical hospitality. Learning to love others unconditionally and without reservation is a Christ-like quality. We may not always understand the person sitting next to us in church. We may not know them well, but God knows them intimately. He knows our neighbors, our cranky relatives, and He knows the condition of our hearts! Christ wants all to receive forgiveness and restoration for our bodies and souls. When we recognize that our need is so much greater than our temporary circumstance, we begin to understand the importance of knowing who Jesus is.

If you are looking for healing today, Jesus is the only name you need to know. Cry out to Him. He offers healing and wholeness to all who believe. Turn away from the sins the separates you from the Lord who longs to give you new life. He will do it, if you will cry out to Jesus right now.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Lord Jesus, thank you for healing my body, mind and spirit, today. I love you, Lord, 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.

Friday, January 18, 2008

Taking a step of faith

Today’s Reading: John 5:8-11(NIV)

8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, 10 and so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” 11 But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’”

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

Good day!

There is nothing more thrilling than watching a baby-turned-toddler walk unassisted for the very first time. Wobbly little sailor legs begin to gain stability, as tiny toes grip the carpeted floor. Their look of sheer joy denotes a sense of accomplishment and pride. When a child walks, parent and grandparents stop to cheer! There are no words for such a historic moment in time.

For the ones who are daily confined to bed or in a wheelchair, there is nothing more glorious than the hope of one day rising up and walking unassisted. We see the possibilities of miraculous transformation. It was that hope alone that brought the invalid to Bethesda every day. Can you imagine the inexpressible joy he must have felt as he picked up his mat and walked for the very first time in thirty-eight years? How in the world could such a miracle be seen as sin? The Jews who watched him with their very own eyes were more concerned about the breaking of a Sabbath rule than the healing that had just occurred in the man’s life. How would you respond to such a convoluted question? If you were suddenly free to stand up and walk after years of confinement, would you honestly be more concerned about whether you should carry a mat, or be about telling the world what Christ has done for you?

Be careful! It is easy to get wrapped up in our rituals, traditions and protocol, that we somehow miss recognizing the miracle happening right before our eyes. We must be willing to risk laying down our sacred cows, if we want to experience the freedom that comes with rising up in His Spirit. What things hold you back from receiving God’s best for you today?

When Christ calls you to get up, pick up your mat and walk, do not let that mat get in your way from receiving God’s best. A step of faith begins with simple obedience.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

I long to lay aside manmade rules and fully receive the miracle you have fashioned for me. Help me to rise up and walk, in Jesus’ name, 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 17, 2008

Get up!

Today’s Reading: John 5:6-9 (NIV)

6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” 7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” 8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

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

Good day!

Hopeless! Sometimes I look at the stack of school work on top of my desk and that voice inside my head begins to sing a little song of lament. “Why try? You’ll never get through that stack of reading material. Oh, and by the way, you have two papers due at the end of this week. Now, you tell me, little girl, when are you going to have time to write those papers? After work! Right… We’ll just see how many hours you can sit at that computer and type.” It plays over and over like a broken record, repeating its sad, silly tune. In case you haven’t already figured it out, I suffer with multiple vocal personality disorder. I hear these voices, and they sing in three-part harmony, but it is NOT a sweet sound and no matter how hard I try, they won’t shut up…

We need to listen to ourselves moan, and laugh out loud! We give up way too easily on the things of life, both trivial and important. My problems are nothing compared to the plight of my brothers and sisters who are fighting for their lives in Kenya today. There are children starving all over the world. Christians are being persecuted, tortured and martyred for their faith. People are dying every minute. Do they have a relationship with Jesus Christ? Will they find ultimate healing and freedom in His holy presence or be forever lost, in total separation from God?

The invalid spoke truth to the Master. He said, “I have no one to help me get into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” God love this man for trying! Every day he crawled to the pool at Bethesda, hoping to receive his miracle. For thirty-eight years, he would go all the way to the edge, and then stop. That little voice of defeat kept him from getting in and experiencing full release. Did he not have enough faith to take the final plunge? Is it easier to stay stuck where we are, rather than trusting Jesus to free us once and for all?

Jesus said, “Get up!” His Word speaks to you and me today. No matter what you face, you are not alone. Christ has gone on before you. He knows your situation; the pain you are living in. You don’t have to look far to see suffering and pain. Will you trust Jesus enough to get up, pick up your life, and walk?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Teach me, Lord, to trust you enough to get up, pick up my life, and walk for you 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.

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Do you want to get well?

Today’s Reading: John 5:2-6 (NIV)

2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3 Here, a great number of disabled people used to lay – the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed. 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

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

Good day!

“Do you want to get well?” That seems like a strange question for Christ to ask the lame man near the pool of Bethesda. The Scripture tells us that this man had suffered for a long time with an infirmity that kept him from walking. Wouldn’t he long to be whole again? Isn’t that why he drug himself to the pool every day, hoping to receive a healing miracle in the water?

It must have taken an extraordinary effort for him to get there; yet, he never made it into the pool. People go to great lengths to “fix” the pain in their lives. I don’t know anyone who personally enjoys living with daily pain and suffering. We look for ways to ease our hurt; some even become proactive with their physical bodies. They choose to eat a healthy diet, making time to exercise, and taking vitamin supplements to improve their quality of life. Others carry pain pills in their purses and pockets, just for the moments when horrible headaches or muscle aches suddenly occur. We spend our money each year on health care assistance and medical insurance, seeking the advice of doctors, counselors, athletic trainers, and holistic healers, trying to overcome our chronic pain. We do long to be well, don’t we?

For some, we drag ourselves to the water each day, but stop just short of getting in. We long for wholeness, yet fail to take that final step of faith. Sometimes it is just easier to stay the way we are. Like an old friend, we become comfortable in our present circumstance. Do you know of anyone who would rather continue the way they are going rather than risk the possibility of receiving a whole new lease on life? Is that someone you?

To understand the gift of healing, we must first know what it is like to hurt. We cannot fully appreciate the gift of healing unless we have endured pain. Maybe healing doesn’t come the way we expect or want it to. Maybe we don’t recognize the gift when it is given. How would you answer Christ’s question, “Do you want to get well?”

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Help us to experience complete healing and wholeness through the love of Jesus Christ, 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.

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Taking Him at His Word

Today’s Reading: John 4:49-53 (NIV)

49 The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus replied, “You may go. Your son will live.” The man took Jesus at His Word and departed. 51 While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news the boy was living. 52 When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour.” 53 Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and all his household believed.

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

Good day!

The royal official was willing to do anything he could to save his sick child. He had tried every home remedy to heal the boy. Out of sheer desperation, he put his sandals on and walked twenty miles to see the great teacher. His need to believe and receive was greater than that helpless little voice of defeat playing in the back of his mind. He would not give up his son without a fight. The man knew if he could just get to Jesus, his boy would be healed.

Have you ever stayed up all night with a sick baby in your arms? Their pitiful cries in pain are heart-breaking to hear. When they become too weak to cry out loud and we wonder if they are still breathing, we move from anxiety to urgency. We brought our three-year old son David home from the hospital after having had yet another surgery. While holding him in my arms, David began to hemorrhage at the surgical site. We were miles away from the hospital; yet, we knew if we could just get him to his physician,, he could stop the bleeding. Our anxiety turned to urgency, as we raced back to the emergency room that day.

It is that same sense of urgency that prompts Christians to pray for people to know Jesus Christ. Our world is hemorrhaging in sin. People are in pain and bleeding to death in our streets. Hearts are broken and lying shattered on the ground. We know the One who has the power and authority to heal, cleanse and forgive. We’ve experienced His love, and out of sheer desperation, we race to the emergency room, dropping to our knees, and seeking Christ for the world. Have you ever prayed fervently for someone you love to come to the Lord? Maybe your prayers have been ongoing for years. Our anxiety turns to urgency, as we see their desperate need. Just like the royal official, we know if we can just get our loved ones to Jesus, He will save them.

The man said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” His prayer was direct and to the point. He prayed with more than simple hope, knowing Jesus had the power to heal. He took Jesus as His Word. Will we trust God enough to take Him at His Word today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Sir, come down before my loved one dies. In Jesus’ name I pray, 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.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Your personal testimony is important

Today’s Reading: John 4:39-42 (NIV)

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

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

Good day!

I have a dear friend who loves to tell about the testimony of the Samaritan woman, and the impact it made in her community. It must have been a difficult thing for this woman to go and tell her neighbors, who truly hated her, about the man she met at the well and how He changed her life. It took courage for her to share this Good News, knowing she may be rejected. It was worth the risk. She knew if they could just meet Him for themselves, their hearts would be forever changed. Because she was willing to share her personal testimony, many in her community were saved that day. Jesus was warmly welcomed in the Samaritan village and he stayed there for two days, offering living water to all who were thirsty.

Your personal testimony is very important. We often assume our family and friends know how we feel, but if we are unwilling to talk about what we believe and why we believe it, they may not know! It is not always a comfortable thing to share what you believe with someone else. Being rejected is never a pleasant experience, and many of us choose not to risk it, for fear of failure. Do we really fail when we share the Gospel with someone and they turn away? Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave His disciples one final instruction, known as The Great Commission. You can find His words at Matthew 28:18-20. Christ called His faithful followers to go and preach the Gospel to all the nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and to teach them to obey everything He had taught them. And Jesus promised He would be with them always, even to the end of the age. Once we get our job description straight, the fear of failure subsides. It is not our job to do the saving. The power of the Holy Spirit enables a seeking heart to accept Christ and follow Him. Jesus simply instructed us to go and tell the Good News. We need to tell others what Christ has done in our lives.

My family and friends would be the first to tell you that I have not lived a perfect life. I’ve made many mistakes along the way. The amazing gift of God’s grace through Christ’s sacrifice has changed me! Like the Apostle Paul, I was the worst of sinners, and He died for me, even while I still sinning. That alone proves just how much He loves us. If there is anything good in me at all, it is Jesus, living in me. He takes broken hearts and heals them, remodeling us for His glory. Jesus Christ saved me! And I know if He can save someone like me, He can save you too!

It could be your personal testimony today that opens the door for someone you know to meet Jesus Christ. If you could offer someone one gift that would give them peace and joy today and assurance of hope for every tomorrow, wouldn’t it be a risk worth taking?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Help me share Your love Lord, through my personal testimony today. In Jesus’ name, 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.

Sunday, January 13, 2008

Feeding the need with His love

Today’s Reading: John 4:27; 31-33 (NIV)

27 Just then His disciples returned and were surprised to find Him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

31 Meanwhile, His disciples urged Him, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” 33 Then His disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought Him food?”

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

Good day!

When the disciples returned and saw Jesus talking to the Samaritan woman, they were concerned. Thinking Jesus may have become overheated and weak, they thought a little food might somehow help him regain his senses. Jesus knew what they were thinking. Once again, He encouraged them to open their minds and hearts to see the greater need. By example, Jesus showed genuine compassion for the least, last and lost. As followers of Christ today, do we care for every person unconditionally and without reservation?

Robert Schnase, Bishop of the Missouri Area of the United Methodist Church, wrote and published a book in 2007 entitled, “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations.” He coins the first practice as “Radical Hospitality.” Schnase makes this important observation: “At every turn, the disciples seem ready to draw boundaries and distinctions that keep people at a distance from Jesus. They have a thousand reasons to ignore, avoid, and sometimes thwart the approach of people, reminding Jesus that some of these people are too young, too sick, too sinful, too old, too Roman, too blind, or too Gentile to deserve His attention.” [pg.13] We have lots of comfortable, newly padded pews in our sanctuary at Faith Church. We have ample space for people to come and worship the Lord. I wonder why there are so many empty spaces. Is it because, like the Samaritan woman, we didn’t know how to radically welcome the least, last and lost into our church?

Christians have a nasty little habit of forming preconceived assumptions about whom they believe Christ calls into His kingdom. We base those assumptions in part by how we are raised, through our cultural lens, and time-honored traditions. If we could only see others the way Jesus sees them, our world would be a radically hospitable place to live. Our churches would be overflowing with grateful hearts, worshipping and thanking the Lord for His love. It’s the kind of world I’d like to be a part of. Wouldn’t you?

This morning, I would encourage you to look beyond what you see with your physical eyes, setting aside your personal opinion, and begin to truly recognize the heart that God loves. We can taste the bread of life as we choose to embrace radical hospitality in our families, churches, communities, and the world.

A little unconditional love goes a long way. Will you choose to love like Jesus loves you?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Help me, Lord Jesus, to love people unconditionally, just like the way You love me. 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.