Thursday, March 27, 2008

Legacy of faith

Today’s Reading: II Timothy 1:5 (NIV)

5 I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also.

Good morning!

Yesterday was a very special day in the life of our family. We gathered together to celebrate my Mother’s 85th birthday. I look at this woman and find it hard to believe she is 85 years old. She has a few more wrinkles, a little less bounce in her step, but for the most part, she continues to run circles around me. She needs a hearing aid to hear her family speak audible words, but even when her hearing aid is off, she can feel the beating of our hearts. She carries with her a grace and beauty that is borne from years of life experience, and it is that wellspring which brings beauty to each new day.

My mother thought she would grow up and one day serve the children as a missionary in another country. When she married my father in 1945, Mom thought her missionary dream had ended. She had no idea that her vocational work was just beginning in earnest when she raised two little girls. I think of the times she rocked us in that old, squeaky rocking chair, singing Sunday school songs and reading Bible stories until she could hardly move. She made the little things of life extraordinarily special. Mom was not a perfect person, but I can tell you she was perfect for me.

Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren made special gifts of love to honor the birthday girl. Mom has always preferred a handmade gift to something store bought, probably because she made so many gifts herself. She was pleased with the beautiful wreath for her door, a bag of homemade cookies, and special pieces of artwork. The sketches and tiny hand prints were made just for her, and they reflect the image of her hands and heart in motion. One of her grandchildren sketched Christ at Calvary, framed it and gave it to her as a gift. When she saw it, Mom was moved to tears. This is just one simple reminder of how our lives are bound together in God’s amazing grace and love.

Just like Timothy, we carry the love of our mothers and grandmothers throughout our lives. When we choose to share this precious gift with those God has placed in our path, they begin to experience a glimpse into the lives of the ones we cherish. It is our legacy of faith.

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 26, 2008

Do not be afraid!

Today’s Reading: Matthew 28:5-7 (NIV)

5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here; He has risen, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see Him.’ Now I have told you.

Good morning!

Are you afraid to talk about Jesus outside of church? Do you worry that your faith might become an issue at work, within your circle of friends, or even amongst your own family?

The women who went to the garden tomb had to be very frightened. They knew the Romans were watching them. There were still plenty of angry Jews in Jerusalem; some of them were their own family members and friends. Because they had chosen to follow the Lord, they became aliens within their own community. It didn’t stop them from falling in love with the One who had set them free from sin. They witnessed His miracles and learned from His teaching for three years. They knew without a doubt He was God’s promised Messiah, and so they continued to walk, especially on a morning just like this.

The angel who greeted them at the empty tomb gave the women four simple instructions. He said, “Do not be afraid; He is not here; Come and see; Go quickly and tell.” The women were looking for Christ’s physical body. They did not yet see that they had been transformed to Christ’s living body of believers. They were the body of Christ! He was no longer in the tomb; Christ is alive and living within every believer’s heart. Come and see for yourself; don’t take my word for it! Open the Bible and read the evidence; weigh it against everything you know to be true. I challenge you to ask God to reveal the truth of Christ to you. Now go, and quickly tell. Do not hesitate to share your faith with others. Only Jesus Christ can save. As members of His body, we are responsible for spreading the Gospel message to all who will listen. Some will reject Him, others will turn away. Do not let that stop you from sharing what you know to be true. Find new ways to share the truth of Christ by your words, deeds, behaviors, and simply loving people the way Christ continually loves you.

This is your day not to be afraid! Jesus Christ is alive! Come and see it for yourself, and then go spread the Good News!

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 25, 2008

Mission possible!

Today’s Reading: John 20:20b-21 (NIV)

20b The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord! 21 Again, Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.”

Good morning!

In 1966, our family would gather around the black and white Motorola television set to watch our favorite show together. Do you remember seeing the original Mission Impossible series? The story follows the mission of the Impossible Missions Force (IMF), a team of secret agents employed by the US government to combat criminal activity around the world. Occasionally, the IMF would conduct private covert operations for the benefit of its own team.

The director of the IMF was the only constant role that remained throughout the series, even when it was brought back in the 1988-90 revival. Who could forget the leadership styles of Dan Briggs and Jim Phelps? A variety of multi-talented and versatile agents were hired to do the hard work. No two agents were exactly alike. Unique personalities bonded even with their own quirky mannerisms and giftedness, as they accomplished what seemed to be an impossible feats of valor. I decided right in front of that television set that one day, I would apply for the position of secret agent Cinnamon Carter.

Would you like to participate in the greatest commission ever? Want to experience the resurrection power in your life? If so, I have Good News to share! We have been employed by the greatest leader of all, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to rescue the lost. Just as Jesus was sent by the Father to complete what seemed to be a mission impossible, He now sends you and me out into the world each day to share His commission with the world. We are as unique as the disciples that gathered behind locked doors. They were afraid of the Jews. They were afraid of the Romans. They didn’t know what to do next, where to go, and they did NOT want to unlock the door. Jesus gave them the key when He breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” It is in Christ’s Holy Spirit that we are one team, we are One in Him. Though we who are many, are One in Christ Jesus our Lord. We have been duly commissioned and we have His power to succeed. What more could we possibly ask for or need? Will you accept your mission possible today?

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 23, 2008

Seeing is believing!


Today’s Reading: John 20:8 (NIV)

8 Finally the other disciple, who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.

Good morning!

Sometimes we just have to see it to believe it. When I left for sunrise service this morning, I opened the garage door and noticed a white haze floating across the dark sky. It was obviously raining outside. The driveway was soaked, yet something about the wet weather seemed strange. Pulling out of the garage, I began to notice the big white snowflakes falling gently down, melting across my windshield. I realized I was seeing an Easter morning snow! I haven't seen it snow on Easter for years, not since I was a child. If I had not seen it with my own eyes today, I might not have believed it. Easter snow reminds me of Christ's great love for all the world. He died to cleanse me from my sin; He rose so I might live with Him forever and ever. I am washed in His blood. I can stand in Christ's righteousness alone. He covers me in His grace today. Seeing is believing!

Don't you wonder who the other disciple was that ran with Simon Peter that day to the empty tomb? Many believe "the other disciple" was John, the one who stayed with Jesus at the foot of cross; the one who held Mary's hand as she watched her son die; the one who penned this Gospel account. He was the first to arrive at the tomb, yet he hesitated. Something stopped John in his tracks. What kept him from entering the garden tomb first?

Following Peter inside, John saw the grave clothes folded neatly at the place where Jesus' body had been. He had not yet seen the risen Christ with his physical eyes, but something inside his heart confirmed what he already knew. John saw and believed!

Come and take a peek inside the empty tomb today! See how God's grace flows down to cover your sin. Christ is risen! Come see and believe!

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.