Saturday, July 05, 2008

Be blessed!

Today’s Reading: John 13:16-17(NIV)

16 [Jesus said,] “I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than His master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed IF you do them.

Good morning!

I have been looking forward to this day since I attended the Missouri United Methodist Annual Conference in June. I’m taking a road trip today to visit my friends Dorothy and Phil in Nixa, Missouri. I plan to watch and learn as Dorothy prepares the videotape to be used in the contemporary Christian worship service on Sunday morning at Aldersgate United Methodist Church. And. as an added bonus, I get to hear her husband Phil deliver the sermon tomorrow in worship! I’m enrolled in summer classes at Lindenwood University, and one of the course requirements is that I critique seven pastors as they deliver their weekend messages. Phil doesn’t know it yet, but I’m going to be recording every word he says tomorrow. Please don’t tell him I said that.

We can learn so much from each other. True confession: I’m electronically challenged. It took me years to learn how to flip the “on” switch to our family television set without messing it up. My husband Jeff would tell you that this has NOT improved. Last weekend, I was cleaning out a spare bedroom, and I came across what I thought was an old cable box, no longer in use, still plugged into the wall. The box was warm to the touch, and I figured we didn’t need it, so I simply unplugged it, tossed it in a storage container, and placed it downstairs in the basement. Later that weekend, Jeff flipped on the television set to watch one of his favorite programs, and, for some reason, the satellite didn’t work! It was a beautiful, sunny day outside we were not having any severe wind. We couldn’t figure out why the satellite was not working until I remembered the box. Yes, you guessed it - I unplugged the satellite and we actually had to call David and ask him to come and fix it for us. D’oh! When it comes to electronics, I need all the heavenly help I can get!

Each one of us has been given a special gift to use for kingdom work. My gift is obviously not electronics, but my friend Dorothy is awesome at it! She will teach me a lot this weekend. And I will encourage her every step of the way, because that is a gift that God has given me to use. We can compliment each other, simply because God has brought us together in friendship, and in ministry. Together, we have the incredible opportunity to touch hearts and reach out with Christ’s love around the world. Can you imagine what would happen if our churches pooled their resources, gifts and willing service, working together to spread the Gospel message? It is happening everywhere! Folks are sharing ideas and offering help to help others grow, for the glory of God alone! This is exactly what Jesus told us to do. And it is such a privilege to be part of a body of believers that are not locked in a dead heat competition, but who are more than willing to help each other grow and learn and share.

You know, I probably shouldn’t be the one to plug in the computer tomorrow morning just before worship, because we want it to work! But I will be praying and cheering my friend on. And Dorothy will teach me what I need to learn so that I can be more effective in the work God has called me to do. We can help each other, and the end result is a beautiful thing. Jesus said, “No servant is greater than His master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. So now that you know these things, you will be blessed IF you do them.”

Today is an awesome day to be doubly blessed! Thank you dear Father, for the gifts you give each of us. We offer ourselves to you today. Teach us how to help each other as we spread Your love around the world together. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

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.

Friday, July 04, 2008

First steps

Today’s Reading: John 13:15(NIV)

15 [Jesus said,] “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.”

Good morning!

There is nothing more exciting than seeing a baby turned toddler take its first steps. Last night, Grandpa Jeff and Granny Deb sat on the soft carpeting of the living room floor, cheering and encouraging our youngest grandson Andrew on, as he took his very first steps to us. Rachel said that Andrew took two steps over the weekend, but had not been brave enough to try again. I think he needed an older, more mature audience. He was high-stepping it last night! It’s funny – the wee ones get so excited that they begin to laugh and then they lose their balance and fall down. It helps when there is someone there to pull you back up on your feet and encourage you to try again. Andrew really liked all the applause. He would stop midway between us and start to clap for himself, knowing we would clap along with him. Isn’t it great to experience some sense of accomplishment, even as you’re learning how to walk the steep path set before you?

I read an inspiring article today on the United Methodist News Service wire entitled, “Pittsburgh Church Helps Amputees in Sierra Leone” – the link is listed below:

http://www.umc.org/site/apps/nlnet/content3.aspx?c=lwL4KnN1LtH&b=2072

The congregation of Mount Lebanon United Methodist Church was able to watch a video clip and see for themselves their mission gifts of love at work. They experienced the wonder of awesome transformation as young children fitted with prosthetic legs are now able to walk, run and play with their families and friends. First steps are all the more precious when courageous hearts dare to make a difference in the lives of others.

Today, our nation celebrates and remembers its first steps on this Independence Day holiday. We are reminded of our country’s struggle toward freedom, the many times when we’ve fallen down, only to be helped up by an encouraging neighbor. We lend our support to help others who are struggling to get back up again, knowing that when we link hands and hearts together, we succeed in taking those crucial first steps of faith. Jesus said, “I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” May we find new ways each day to encourage and support each other, as we imitate the example of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May our first steps begin and end in His love.

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, July 03, 2008

Getting caught in the spin cycle

Today’s Reading: John 13:13-4(NIV)

13 [Jesus said,] “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you should also wash one another’s feet.

Good morning!

Can you imagine what the world might be like if every human heart cared more about their neighbors than themselves? What if we lived out our days with a single purpose to make a lasting and positive difference in the life of another human heart?

We are very busy people. Our days are filled to the brim with commitments we’ve made to our families, our employers, and even to our passions and hobbies. We get to where we’re going, but we find it hard to connect. And even when we’re physically present, we may not be completely accounted for. It’s as if our minds are so busy that we cannot seem to engage and focus on the present moment, completely distracted by the things we are trying to cross off our to-do list. Now that gasoline prices have reached to a whole new level, many families are planning stay-cations this summer. What a novel approach to relaxation! Take your vacation by staying home and enjoying time off with your family in a familiar surrounding. Clean out a closet; donate some of those things that have been collecting dust on a shelf to a local charity. Cook a meal and share it with a neighbor. Spend a few days helping to build a Habitat home, or volunteer to cook and serve some meals at a homeless shelter. We sometimes forget how to be in relationship with others because we cannot seem to stop the busy cycle of our lives. It’s kind of like what happens when your washing machine gets caught in spin mode. Eventually, the laundry gets all knotted up inside the washer and the machine takes on a life of its own as it begins to walk itself across the room, bouncing and banging all the way. Is your life so busy that you are being tossed about in a never-ending spin cycle? Are you willing to set aside some time for someone else?

Jesus loves us. He loves us so much that He sets a picture perfect example of servant leadership. He stoops down to the ground and washes the feet of all who will let Him. None of us deserve to have our feet washed by the Lord of life, and yet, Jesus doesn’t hesitate to wash even the dirtiest of feet. He takes on the role of a faithful servant, not looking for accolades or compliments or even remuneration for a job well done. He didn’t ask the question, “What’s in it for me?” when He knelt at the feet of His disciples and washed their feet. Jesus cared so much more for the condition of their “souls” that He would lay aside His very life to cleanse and redeem them. What kind of love cares more about someone else than they care about themselves?

It’s time to move past the spin-cycle and do some serious foot-washing. Lord Jesus, help me follow in Your footsteps today. Show me how to serve You by becoming a willing and faithful foot-washer. Amen.

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, July 01, 2008

Unconditional love

Today’s Reading: John 13:12(NIV)

12 When He had finished washing their feet, [Jesus] put on His clothes and returned to His place. Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.

Good morning!

When a parent gives their child a gift, they may not fully realize the full impact or the sacrifice that was made when the gift is given. I remember when our daughter Rachel had an opportunity during high school to receive supplemental vocational training at a local cosmetology school. The tuition was more money than we had in our checking account, and because she had not yet graduated, we were unable to receive a student loan for the up-front fees. Rachel longed to attend, so Jeff and I looked for ways to quickly raise the tuition due. I sold our piano. The money we received for the sale was just enough to pay her enrollment fees. I have never regretted this choice. It was worth the sacrifice, just to see the joy and self-confidence that Rachel received from attending these classes. She loved learning, and it certainly gave her the added motivation to move forward and continue her education beyond high school. If I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t hesitate to give whatever I had to help my children achieve their fullest potential. Like every parent, we hope that our children will one day step up to the plate in the World Series of life and hit a home run that will make a lasting difference for others.

After Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, He returned to the place at the table and asked a question: Do you understand what I have done for you? Jesus was living proof of the sacrifice He would soon make for the ultimate benefit of humanity. His suffering did not begin on the cross. Leaving a perfect heaven and choosing to enter into an imperfect world; to become the holy atonement for humanity’s sin is almost more than I can understand. What loving parent would give everything they had to save a disobedient and wayward child from total destruction? How far would a parent’s love extend to the prodigal who is lost and cannot find their way home without divine help?

Do you understand the supreme sacrifice that the Father, through Jesus, made for you? How can we begin to thank Him for His gift of unconditional love?

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.