Saturday, August 02, 2008

Me first


Today’s Reading: John 14:13-14 (NIV)


[Jesus said], “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”


Good morning!


What’s in it for me?


Let’s face it: we live in a “me-first” mentality. I see this happy attitude poignantly demonstrated every day as I drive to and from work and school. Folks are hard pressed and committed to getting where they need to be as quickly as possible, oblivious to the people traveling next to them on the highway of life. Our thoughts are centered upon the things we must accomplish: the meetings, presentations, and general busyness of our daily lives. We are so preoccupied with our own personal agenda, to-do lists and project deadlines. We cannot spare an extra second to make that telephone call to a friend, or take time to walk across the yard and speak to our next-door neighbor. We pull into our garages and lower the door before exiting our vehicles. We could care less about the stranger stuck in traffic in the car behind us, whom we’ve just managed to cut off. Is our time more precious than theirs? We just want to get ahead. What’s in it for me? Our morning rush is so much more important than anyone else’s. What is it inside of the human heart that drives us to total distraction? How can we be glued to that time clock ticking, yet somehow miss hearing the warning alarm ringing frantically in our ears?


My relationship with Jesus would never have happened had He not wanted to be in relationship with me. This is a complete reversal from the “me-first” mentality. Pastor Terry Teykl writes about the purpose of the Christian walk in his book, The Presence Based Church. Unlike any other bond we form in life, the sacred and holy expression of faith is borne, not from anything we do, but from what God does for each one of us. We should not seek out a relationship with the Lord because of what we may need; rather, we should honor and serve the Father faithfully because of what He does for us. Teykl said that when we pray, we are to pray the prayers that God would have us pray. Getting ourselves out of the way so that the Father can work in and through us is the real miracle, and it only occurs as Christ-like living becomes our soul’s greatest motivation and desire. That “me-first” attitude must melt away, so that Christ-first can become front and center every day.


Jesus said, “I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.” In the human realm, many feel this is the ticket to personal prosperity. Can we really ask God for anything, guaranteed that He will do it in Jesus’ name? I encourage you to take a closer look at His Word and examine your “me-first” motivation behind the request. Are you praying for your will to be done or for the Father’s will on earth, as it is in heaven?



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, August 01, 2008

The Super in our Natural


Today’s Reading: John 14:12 (NIV)


[Jesus said], “I tell you the truth - anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father.”


Good morning!


It’s amazing what a little faith in Jesus Christ can do. I’ve seen it happen over and over again – supernatural power in a simple, human heart. A little faith in Jesus can change everything! And when we possess a little faith in Christ, we have His power to change the world. My pastor says, “Jesus puts the super in our natural.” Extraordinary, ordinary people who possess His gift of faith, hope and love, can literally move mountains in the name of Jesus. Barriers are broken, and impenetrable walls crumble to the ground. People learn how to love each other completely, just like the Father loves each and every one of us. Because Jesus was making His return flight to the Father, believers now have the potential and ability to do what He accomplished on earth; to share the Father’s love with people around the world.


My friend Kim is a living example of what can happen when someone experiences a little faith in Christ. Just a few short years ago, she was sitting in a Disciple Bible Study class, reading through the Word with her small group, and asking lots of questions. Kim told me that many nights, she could not sleep, thinking about the Scripture and what God was speaking into her life. Kim would sit up half the night reading and praying and listening for His still, small voice. It wasn’t long before she knew that the Father had a special assignment for her. Now, Kim serves Faith Church in pastoral ministry, and continues her studies at the seminary level. Kim leads Sunday morning worship, teaches Sunday school class and small group Bible studies. She spends time listening and loving on the people God has placed in her path. Because Jesus returned to the Father, He makes a way for Kim to carry on the ministry, following in His steps. When I look at my pastor, I see Jesus Christ living in her. Isn’t it amazing what a little faith can do?


I wonder what the Father has planned for your life… Just a little faith in Jesus Christ will make all the difference. Pick up His Word today and let Him speak. Yes, Jesus is the super in our natural, and He can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine according to His power that is at work within you. A little faith can go a long way! Are you ready to step into God’s extraordinary plan for your life?


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 31, 2008

Childlike Faith


Today’s Reading: John 14:11 (NIV)


[Jesus said], “Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.”


Good morning!


Four year old Emily was playing on the carpeted great room floor near the feet of her Mommy, who had stretched out on the sofa to rest. It had been a long day, and Rachel was tired. Emily was playing with her toy cell phone that Granny Deb and Grandpa Jeff had given her on her birthday. Every girly girl needs a bright pink cell phone, with all the ringing bells and whistles and silly jingles that go with it. Emily was happily taking one telephone call after another. “Hello,” she said, in her squeaky, high-pitched voice. “Yes, Mommy’s here. Do you want to talk to her?” Emily stood up, handing Rachel the phone. “Mommy, Meredith from heaven is calling to talk to you.” Surprised by Emily’s words, Rachel took the phone to her ear and said, “Hello?” Emily began to speak the words she heard Meredith say in her heart. “Hi Mommy, this is Meredith from heaven calling just to say I love you and I’m watching over you. Don’t be sad, Mommy. I’m with Jesus now and Buddy and me are having a great time!” (Buddy was their family dog who went to heaven last winter.) I am truly convinced that a four year old can teach all of us much more about matters of faith than most of the adult types I know.


You see, Emily sees things from a totally different perspective. She is able to see the miracle for what it is. Emily knew that even though Meredith is no longer here with us physically, she is ever present with Jesus - happy, experiencing a love and freedom that she could not even begin to imagine while on earth. Her paralysis is completely gone now; the pain has stopped. Breathing free takes on a whole new meaning in the light and love of the Savior. This miracle is obvious to a four-year-old, yet the adults in Emily's life still struggle to understand it.


Just like His disciples, they really didn’t want to hear the words of their Master. They didn’t want to let go or face the fact that He would die. Longing to hold on to the Savior just a little bit longer, the disciples were not hearing what Jesus was trying to convey. Jesus pleaded with them to believe. Just believe by faith. I’m telling you the Father is in me, and I am in Him, and if you don’t understand this, then just believe on the evidence of the miracles you’ve already seen.” It is a miracle that we wake up each morning, with the possibilities of a brand new day. It is a miracle that we have the potential to reach out and touch another human heart with the Gospel. It is a miracle that God loves us so much that He would go to the absolute ends of the earth to save us, and He did. The miracle is the present, and the present is our priceless treasure.


This morning, I’m thanking God for all the children in my life. At Faith Church, I am one of four teachers in the 4-7 year age group for Jesus Break, our children’s Sunday school program; yet, I can assure you that it is the children who teach me. If a four year old can understand what it means to believe, then maybe we should reconsider the perks of childlike faith.


Do you believe what Jesus is saying to you today through His Word?


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, July 30, 2008

Comfort


Today’s Reading: John 14:10 (NIV)

[Jesus said], “Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing His work.”

Good morning!

Comfort is the one word I would use to describe Meredith’s memorial service yesterday at the VA Complex at Jefferson Memorial. The place was packed out (standing room only) with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, scrapbook buddies, and all who had come to know and love my friend through the years. We gathered to honor and remember the woman who had touched so many lives with her outgoing personality and genuine compassion. I heard lots of funny stories about Meredith, and some of the nuances of how she lived out her days. I think one of the most profound statements about her life came from one of her supervisors, who simply said that Meredith “paid attention.” She paid attention to everyone around her, and was more concerned about how they were doing, than how she was doing. It is a rare quality to live a selfless life. I believe this is why Meredith stood out in the crowd.

Our daughter Rachel was there. We sat on the back row together with her husband David, and shared a box of Kleenex tissue. Rachel was determined to get to the memorial service, even after she had an outpatient procedure earlier that day. I know it was an extraordinary effort on her part, and yet, Meredith’s family was worth it. I believe they were truly touched by the outpouring of love for their daughter. In times of grief and sorrow, it is comforting to know that others care. My friend would have been just a little embarrassed by all the fuss and I think she would have been pleased knowing her parents and sister are being taken care of in such a wonderful way.

Repeatedly during the course of the memorial service, it was said that we can carry Meredith inside our hearts and share her love with others by how we choose to live out the rest of our days. Isn’t that what Jesus was trying to convey to His disciples that night? He said, “Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and He is in me?” Jesus came to share the Father’s love with a world desperate to know Him. Jesus is fully human, yet fully divine, making available God’s perfect love in human flesh. His love is relational – the kind of love that puts on skin and expresses itself in ways that we can see and touch and truly understand. When we fall in love with Jesus, He comes and lives inside our hearts. In His love, we reach out and share the Father’s love the people He has placed in our path.

Meredith did this very well, and for me, this was a term of endearment. I pray this morning that my friends, family and coworkers will experience the love of Christ in me. Who knows – they may even glimpse Meredith’s goofy smile radiating from my face.

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, July 27, 2008

Sticky Agape

Today’s Reading: John 14:9 (NIV)

Jesus answered, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”


Good afternoon!


This morning, I received the news that my dear friend Meredith, who has fought cancer for the last seven years of her life, lost her earthly battle and won the victory in Jesus. She has gone home to glory, where there is now no more pain or suffering or tears of sadness. She is forever in the embrace of our Lord, and that brings me great comfort and joy. Yet, even with that assurance, my heart is breaking for her family and for all of us who knew and loved her. I met Meredith on the campus of Saint Louis Community College at Meramec the summer of 2000, when we enrolled in the same summer computer class. She had taken HTML and understood a computer language that was foreign to me. The two of us would sit in the back of the computer lab together, giggling and whispering as we struggled through course work together. If it had not been for her encouragement and support, I would not have passed that class. Our friendship simply grew from there. We became avid scrapbooking buddies, hanging out together on Saturdays, filling our scrapbooks with pages and pages of pictures and recording our precious memories of life and love, family and friends. Meredith had two nieces that she adored, and I heard all about her family’s adventures, especially after she would return home from a holiday visit or after a summer’s vacation. Meredith became an integral part of my family, and our Faith family here in St. Charles. She helped resolve some of the church’s website issues, and frequented our worship services and Sunday school classes. Someday, I will pass from this world into the arms of Jesus, and I know whose face I will see at the gate, standing there, waving for me to come on in. I can’t wait to see Meredith! I may not recognize her at first, but there will be no mistaking her sweet smile and contagious laughter. Her life intersected with mine in a deep and meaningful way. I will carry her spirit within my heart for the rest of my days. I miss her already.


I cried through most of worship this morning. Everything I heard and saw reminded me of my sweet sister in Christ. God, in His awesome master plan, continues to bring some really special people into my life just when I needed them the most. Laura Beth, who now attends school with me at Lindenwood University, has come to my rescue on more than one occasion. She sat next to me in the pew today, as I blubbered into a box of Kleenex I borrowed from the choir room. During the offertory, Laura Beth leaned over and whispered, “You do know what this is, don’t you?” I shook my head and waited for her reply. Just then, she smiled and softly said, “Sticky agape.” I laughed out loud, because at that very moment, I knew exactly what she meant. Every time the Holy Spirit moves, my nose runs, and when I cry, my face swells up and my nose gets red, and I tend to blubber uncontrollably. It’s not pretty. Still, the Father has given us bittersweet tears and lots of sticky agape, just to remind us of His love, especially when we’re hurting and broken hearted, and in pain. It is His gentle nudge that lets us know we are so not alone, even when life does not turn out the way you had hoped it would.


Jesus seemed surprised when He asked Philip the question, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” I know now that when I was in the presence of my dear friend Meredith, I was in the presence of my Lord. You see, He lived in her heart then, and He lives in her heart now. Knowing this should change everything about how we feel about the ones God has placed in our lives. Every person is precious and beautiful and valued in the Father’s eyes.


Do you recognize the Lord in the faces of your family and friends? Can you see Him working in the lives of those you share community with? Don’t miss out on His very best for you. Take a good look, and make time today for the people He has given you to love! Be blessed in His presence through the presence of your family and friends.

Dear Meredith, thank you for being my friend. I’ll see you soon, sister!


Grace and peace,


Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com