Friday, March 07, 2008

Who is your daddy?

Today’s Reading: John 8:19 (NIV)

19 Then they asked Him, “Where is your Father?” Jesus replied, “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.”

Good day!

I’ve often wondered about who my biological parents are. You see, I was adopted as an infant, and I’ve never met them. I would love to thank my mother and father for giving me life. I cannot imagine the range of emotions that come with making a conscious decision to give up a newborn baby. I’ve been told that my biological mother was young and unmarried, and that my daddy played with a band. I’ve often thought about trying to trace my biological background. If I had the opportunity to thank my mother personally, I would tell her how grateful I am that she chose not to abort me. She chose to give me life! What a sacrifice of love she made in carrying me to term, then offering me to a family who was not able to have biological children of their own. One sweet day, I believe I will be thanking her in heaven, face to face.

Do I look like my biological parents? Do I emulate their character and disposition? Is my love for music a direct link to my dad? Even though I’ve never met my biological parents, I believe they are part of who I am, and I carry pieces of each of them inside my heart. I’ve passed their traits along to my children and grandchildren. I may not physically be able to point them out in a crowd, but they are precious to me. My biological parents are a significant part of who I am.

When the Pharisees asked, “Who is your daddy?” Jesus replied, “If you knew me, you would know my Father also.” When we fall in love with Jesus Christ, we begin to love and honor the Father who sent Him. You cannot help but love the Father when you really know the Son. We experience amazing relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the Three in One!

If you’re looking for the Father today, you will see Him in His Son. Take a closer look at Jesus Christ today. Do you know His Daddy?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© 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, March 06, 2008

Selective hearing

Today’s Reading: Romans 10:14-15; 17-18(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?

17 Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the Word of Christ. 18 But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did.

Good day!

Do you ever have trouble hearing? I live with people who are hearing impaired. My mother, mother-in-law and husband all wear hearing aids to help them hear more clearly. I know they hear much better with their hearing aids than I do now. I have three children who have selective hearing, a genetic trait they’ve inherited from their mother’s side. I have been fighting an uphill battle with hearing since I caught the flu in late January. When people talk to me, it sounds like they are speaking through a long, narrow tube. I hear the strangest sounds. Don’t worry, I’ve had my head examined and I’m told I have a brain and that it is partially functioning. Whew! That’s a relief.

There are times when I struggle to hear God clearly. How do you listen for His still, small voice? The Apostle Paul reminds us that we will hear clearly when we listen to the Word of Christ. Seeking His still, small voice is something I do from the minute I get up until I turn out the light at the end of the day. I look for Him everywhere, and in everything I do. Sometimes, even when I’m trying, God has to take out His 2x4 and bop me on the head a few times just to get my attention. No wonder I have this ringing sensation going on right now. I’ve been fighting with selective spiritual hearing for most of my life. It may be easy to hear what I want, but not so easy to hear what I may need to understand.

Every one of us has a special call on our lives. We were created by the hand of God for a specific plan and purpose. Do you know what you’re supposed to be doing with your life? I’m still trying to figure it all out. I’m 49 years old, and at the rate I’m going, I’ll be asking the same question at age 99. Where will He take me in the next 50 years of my life? What specific plan and purpose does He have for me to fulfill on earth? Will I hear Him if my ears are plugged up? If my heart is not open to His realm of His possibilities, will I miss out on the one thing He has called me to do?

There is one place I need to go to find the answers I’m seeking. Will you join me there today, as we study God's Word together? Don’t miss out on all He has planned for you. Get into the Word today, and He will speak, I guarantee it.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© 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, March 05, 2008

Measuring Truth

Today’s Reading: John 8:15-16(NIV)

15 “You judge by human standards; I pass judgment on no one. 16 But if I do judge, my decisions are right, because I am not alone; I stand with the Father, who sent me.”

Good day!

The Saint Louis metropolitan area experienced one of its largest snowfalls yesterday in March history. Ranking among the top five March snow accumulations ever in St. Louis, measurements ranged from 3-12 inches, depending upon where you live. I work just a few miles from my home, just across the Missouri River. When I stepped onto the parking lot to scrape off my car, I was surprised by the accumulations on my windshield and car roof. I waded through snow that came up over the tops of my snow boots. It fell so quickly, that I had no idea just how bad the weather had become in such a short period of time. With the added wind and freezing road conditions, there were moments when I literally could not see a few feet in front of me, as I crept along the highway toward my home in St. Charles.

Neighbors were outside with their snow shovels and measuring sticks, trying to determine just how much snow fell in their front yards. By human standards, our measurements will vary, depending upon the wind gusts in your neighborhood and how the storm tracked in your neck of the woods. Still, it was a beautiful snow, picture perfect for building snowmen and sledding. I hope you made time to play in the new-fallen snow, even if it was only for a few minutes.

The people were measuring Jesus by human standards, and their measurements were as varied as the opinions being spoken. Some thought He was just a man, while others saw a Savior’s heart, recognizing the Lord whom they had long been waiting for. Many were threatened by His teaching. They were fearful of His authority and supernatural power. Jesus didn’t need a groundswell of support from the crowd. He came to offer God’s love to the world, hoping they would hear and receive His message of salvation. Jesus knew His Father was walking right beside Him, every step of the way, and this is the only accurate measurement He needed.

Like the beautiful snowfall, Christ’s Word falls fresh on us all. Some will mark His Words as Gospel Truth and will choose to follow Him wherever He leads. Others may not pay attention, and miss out on the beauty of His amazing love. When you step outside today, take a minute to play in the snow, remembering that our human measurements and opinions cannot begin to compare to the Truth that is given through God’s Word, in the person of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© 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, March 04, 2008

Perfect Score!

Today’s Reading: John 8:14(NIV)

14 Jesus answered, “Even if I testify on my own behalf, my testimony is valid, for I know where I came from and where I am going.”

Good day!

Do you enjoy taking tests? Prior to a written or oral examination, I spend hours reading, taking notes, making flash cards, and memorizing definitions. Before the test is administered, I pray, asking for His divine intervention. I know if my test-taking abilities depended upon my skill sets alone, I would surely fail. I cannot say that I enjoy taking tests. I do, however, appreciate a passing grade when I receive it. There is something about that letter grade that reminds me that I worked hard to achieve a particular goal. A perfect score may not be completely out of our reach, when we focus on the goal. It can become your benchmark for daily living, as you prepare for every test you take in life.

I heard a pastor once say, “Your test will become your testimony.” This struck a chord within my soul. Whether we are in school, taking written examinations, or whether we are passing tests in our daily life experiences, we begin to testify to the tests we have taken. In many instances, our testimony is evidence of our failures. My supervisor reminds me that we learn best when we make a mistake and seek to correct it. I find this to be absolutely true in my own life. I may not remember the value of each lesson learned if it didn’t come with a bump or two in the road. It is because of those tests that I continue to grow and learn a little more each day.

Jesus’ testimony is absolute Truth. He and the Father and the Spirit were together before the beginning of time. They will be here through all eternity. Jesus knew where He had been, what He was doing, and where He was headed. Our Lord has the power and authority to testify on His own behalf. Not everyone chose to believe His testimony; yet, there was no doubt He was surpassing every test that had been placed along the Way.

Fully human yet fully divine, all wrapped up in a body of flesh, with a perfect, loving heart, Jesus’ test became His living testimony. He appeared with the perfect score, revealing Himself and the Father who sent Him to a sinful, fallen world. Jesus Christ came to set the record straight, once and for all. Will knowing the Lord change your life’s testimony?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© 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, March 03, 2008

Improper testimony

Today’s Reading: John 8:13(NIV)

13 The Pharisees challenged Him, “Here you are; appearing as your own witness; your testimony is not valid.”

Good day!

During a trial, objections can be raised by counsel during examination and cross-examination of a witness. During examination and cross-examination, opposing counsel may raise a verbal objection based upon a particular rule of law. The judge then determines whether to sustain or overrule the objection being raised. Every day, we are faced with making judgment calls based upon what we see and hear. We read our newspapers, listen to media accounts of stories on television and online. We listen to the opinions and thoughts of others. At some point, we make up our own minds about what is true and what is not. The Pharisees were considered experts in the law. Many relied upon their word in determining the truth of a matter. When it came to believing Jesus, the crowd was clearly divided. The Pharisees dismissed the testimony of this man from Nazareth as improper, because he could not possibly testify for himself.

Were there no other witnesses to confirm Christ’s holy Word? Some believed He was the Messiah, the Promised One who had been long awaited by the Jews. He would appear one day as a mighty warrior, overthrowing Roman rule, and ushering in a new way of life. There were many who believed. They could not explain it away; just listening to this prophet’s teaching and witnessing His healing power was enough to convince them that His Word was Truth. But there were others who would not accept His testimony. The law would not allow their minds to see a Messiah that did not fit snugly inside the man-made boxes they had constructed. The Promised One should be known and recognized by all. His own personal testimony would not be necessary.

Closed mindedness is a costly highway to drive upon. When it comes to knowing the Lord Jesus Christ, we must look with our spirit eyes, listening intently with our hearts. Can you hear Him speaking to you today? The Pharisees were convinced that Jesus of Nazareth was a liar. The Pharisees, like many others, could not accept the possibility that Christ might be telling the Truth. Do you believe that Jesus’ Word is improper, especially when it comes to your own personal life experience and circumstances? Have you even considered the possibility that His Word might be the Truth, the whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth?

Is Jesus’ testimony valid? Your decision about the man from Nazareth is the single most important judgment call you will ever make. Be sure to get the facts.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© 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, March 02, 2008

Power nap

Today’s Reading: John 8:12(NIV)

12 When Jesus spoke again to the people, He said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Good day!

We had a sleepover last night. Several years ago, Jeff and I created a special place for our little overnight visitors. We purchased a set of bunk beds, a twin bed and a crib. Our miniature dormitory is filled with games, toys and lots of good books. Stuffed animals and posters decorate this special place. When our grandchildren visit, we spent hours making castles out of bed sheets and blankets, erect secret hideaways with pillows, and gaze out the single-framed window in wonder, watching the stars twinkle brightly in the dark midnight sky.

Last night, Granny Deb prayed away all the scary things that keep little eyes wide awake. It took an hour to get Emily to fall asleep. Joshua dozed off after three drinks of water and two bathroom breaks, but our Emily was hanging on. She wanted nine-month old Andrew to come back to the bedroom, but Granny Deb was determined to keep him in the other room until this little one was sound asleep. Finally, around 11:00pm, all three children were dreaming had entered their rim cycle of peaceful sweet dreams. I had tucked Andrew under the blanket and had tiptoed to my bedroom, hoping I would catch a power nap myself. Five minutes just wasn’t long enough. I realized this boy was not going to sleep alone. All the prayers of protection were not working to comfort this wee one. Andrew wanted to know someone was right there with him. As long as he could feel my hand on his chest, and my breath blowing across his face, Andrew could sleep. When I tried to put him back in the crib, he was inconsolable. So Granny Deb curled up with her sweet little bed fellow and we took a power nap together.

Sometimes, we just need to know that the Lord is with us. We long to feel His hand holding us up. We need the reassurance of His breath gently breathing new life into our bodies, giving us His eternal hope. Just like baby Andrew, I am inconsolable until I feel Christ’s holy presence surrounding me, allowing me the freedom to really rest in His eternal love.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” When things get dark and the path seems unclear, we can call upon The light of The World. He gives us His light, which is the light of life, and all who come to Him can rest assured in His holy presence. Come and take a power nap in the presence of the Lord. We can all relax now. Jesus is right here with us.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© 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.