Friday, October 24, 2008

A little peace

Today’s Reading: John 16:33 (NIV)

33 [Jesus said] “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Good morning!

How much would give for a little peace? We don’t have to look far to see the trouble we’re in. Wars rage on and children continue to go to bed hungry. The weather is changing, and for those who have no home to live in, this is a dreaded time of year. The stock market continues to tumble, and many are wondering whether their life’s savings from years of sacrifice and discipline will suddenly vanish. We are bombarded in the United States with political ad campaigns. Wouldn’t you like to see our politicians take their ad campaign money and use it to make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering around us? It is not enough to hear and see their faces 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on every news show and commercial coming across the wire. They are there, every time we log in on our computers, and just in case we might forget, we are deluged with telephone calls and flyers posted on our doors, reminding us to get out and vote. We wonder if this frenzy will ever come to an end. It’s enough to make one want to withdraw into seclusion until these elections are over. No, there is very little peace to be found in the chaos we find ourselves facing this day.

I found His peace this week at JC’s Java, Lindenwood’s coffeehouse. It’s every Tuesday night, and this has quickly become my favorite night of the week. Between work and studying for a midterm exam, I was a little road weary and ready to kick back with a cup of Java and simply listen to the songs and souls of some of my new friends on campus. Holding a hot cup of hazelnut coffee in my hand, I curled up on the sofa and began to unwind, as I listened to the students read poetry, perform a little hip hope, and sing. One of the singers announced to the group, “Now this song is a hand-clapper!” I put my cup down and got ready to experience a musical treat. As the boys began to sing the chorus to “I’ll Fly Away,” students got up and started dancing with each other! All across the room, folks were clapping, singing, laughing and dancing, celebrating the wondrous peace they have found in Jesus Christ. Now this is my kind of community! Nothing outside had really changed that night; the world’s situation was still as bleak as it is this morning. But in that very room, there was something different happening all around us. I could a sense a strong current of hope emerging out of complacency, sadness and fear. This change of heart is what our world truly needs.

I wonder if the disciples danced when they heard Jesus say they would find their peace in Him. How they must have been thrilled to know that even in this world of trouble, they could take heart, because Jesus Christ has overcome the world! We need His overcoming right now! If we are to find the peace that passes all human understanding, we must find it in Jesus. Now, this is news worth dancing for! Jesus will fill you with His peace, right now, right where you are. And all you have to do is ask.

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, October 22, 2008

A life puzzle worth finishing

Today’s Reading: John 16:31-32 (NIV)

31 “You believe me at last!” Jesus answered, 32 “But a time is coming, and has come, when you will be scattered, each to his own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.”

Good morning!

Cleaning up has its challenges, but nothing was harder than trying to put the children’s puzzles back together, at night before they went to bed. At first, it wasn’t all that difficult. But as they grew older, their 10-piece puzzles became 500-piece puzzles, and we would somehow manage to lose small pieces, scattered around the floor and under the furniture. There were times when we gave up trying to put the puzzle back together. Have you ever given up trying to find that one missing piece?

It is the same thing with the body of Christ. Every person is uniquely important – a valued and integral part of our community of faith. No one should be scattered or lost on a whim. In order to function properly, we need each and every person to be complete. Jesus knew that when they were all together, believers would be stronger, bonded together in love. Yet, there would come a time in the not so far off future when the body would be scattered, like tiny puzzle pieces on the floor. Hearts would unintentionally be lost in the fray, and there would be vital missing pieces in action.

If you have somehow found yourself separated from the body of Christ, it is important for you to know just how much we miss and need you. Your presence and all that you bring to community is vitally important to the work God has prepared for us to do. You are precious and loved by God. He created you specifically with a plan and purpose, and together, we can help each other live out His call in community. We are incomplete when you are not here. Won’t you please come back to Faith?

One day, the Lord will return and bring His scattered ones home. He will take the fragmented in faith and bind them together into one glorious body, as we worship the Lord together in Spirit and in Truth for all eternity. The Father will reveal His greatest work through the Son, as the redeemed are made perfectly whole in Jesus Christ. Now this is a life puzzle worth finishing!

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, October 21, 2008

Straight talk

Today’s Reading: John 16:29-30 (NIV)

29 Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you come from God.

Good morning!

Studying for philosophy class has been a real trip. I have a mid term tomorrow, and I’ve been wading through the deep waters of St. Anselm’s Proslogion, Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason, and David Hume’s A Treatise of Human Nature. Every now and then, I resurface for air, hoping for a little straight talk. These brilliant minds think deep. My mind does not. I prefer a more simplistic approach to faith. Yet, we seem to have some commonality by sharing a sincere hunger to know and experience God in a way that explains the purpose for our human existence. Why are we here? That is question of this hour.

I had a dream last night. Researchers say that many people dream every night, but we don’t often remember our dreams. I have learned to pay close attention to the dreams that stay with me until morning. Sometimes they make no sense at all, but when they do, I treasure them for the message it brings. I was attending a prayer meeting with twelve women, and we were sitting around a table, praying for the needs of loved ones who were suffering with health-related issues. A husband slipped into the room unnoticed and stood behind his wife as she continued in prayer. Suddenly and without warning, he began to pray over her. It was as if he had been gone for a very long time, for when she looked up and saw his tear-stained face, they held each other close and cried together as if they had not seen each other in the longest time. It was the most touching moment I have ever witnessed.

I realize that this was no mere dream. It is a glimpse of what it will one day be like when the bridegroom comes for His bride. She will be waiting patiently, praying prayers of hope, seeking to save the lost, and living out her faith by word and deed. He will appear at a moment when we least expect Him, and He will scoop us up in His arms and tears of joy will stream down our faces. It will be the last tears we cry this side of heaven.

How wonderful it must have been when the greatest philosophers who ever lived met the Lord Jesus Christ, when they were finally able to see the Father’s face for the very first time. Their deep thoughts are but a tiny glimpse into the shadow of the Almighty. For what we see now is just a glimmer into the beautiful realm of what is coming.

I’m beginning to like philosophy. I think I must be crazy.

Anyone interested in a little straight talk this morning? Come and sit down with the Savior. You will be glad you did.

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, October 20, 2008

Homecoming Joy!

Today’s Reading: John 16:28 (NIV)

28 [Jesus said,] “I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.

Good morning!

Yesterday was a wonderful day to renew friendships, make new friends, and enjoy family. There were two very special celebrations happening simultaneously just a few short miles from each other. Faith Church celebrated Pastor Appreciation Day by hosting an incredible covered dish dinner. Our Lindenwood friends came to celebrate, and they brought family and friends with them. Our extended families came. Pastor Kim and Ken were surrounded by members of their family. Granddaughter Taylor entertained us all with her bubbly personality and sweet disposition. She is such a cutie! Our daughter Rachel and her children and our son Benjamin, Kari and their kiddos came. Our niece Courtney, her Adam and sweet Kyndahl, along with Jeff’s sister Linda and husband Bob, and Jeff’s parents ate with us. Our son David made it just in time for dessert at the parsonage. It kind of felt a little like Christmas, having all of our grandchildren under one roof at one time. The desserts were fabulous and the kids indulged in just a little too much sugar. Fortunately, Faith Church built a strong and sturdy parsonage. It is still standing today in the afterglow of yesterday’s festivities.

The first church Jeff served as a student pastor while in college also had a huge celebration yesterday. Stephan Memorial celebrated 100 years of ministry. We were married in that church 31 years ago, and it was hard not to be there. Pastors and friends and members of the youth group that Jeff had worked with all gathered for a special worship service with our Bishop and their new superintendent. They praised and thanked God for the lives who were touched in the last 100 years through ministry and mission of this congregation. We were blessed to catch up with one two families from Stephan who became our mentors and dear friends at dinner last night. We heard delightful stories of their celebration and who they saw, and what a good time it was. We were trying to figure out just how long it had been since we had last seen Phyllis and Joe. They had traveled from Wasilla, Alaska, where they live, just to be there for the 100th anniversary homecoming. I’m not sure, but I think this may have been thirty years since we've seen Phyllis, and can I tell you, she has not changed a bit.

Do you know what it is like to pick up with someone right where you leave off? Yesterday reminded me of just how precious the family of God is. We can be separated through the years and in time, and yet, when we all get together again, it’s as if we were never apart. I truly believe this is a glimpse of how it will one day be in heaven, when we will all be together, face to face, in the physical presence of our Lord. It will be as if we have never been apart. The Stephan family impacted our lives and ministry when we were just beginning our journey. Part of who we are today is because of this church, and there are no words to express our thanks and gratitude for what they mean to us. Faith Church continues to nurture and sustain us in ministry today. We are growing together in community as we reach out to our neighborhood in the name of Jesus. How blessed we are to be part of this family called Faith.

How Jesus must have looked forward to going home to see His Father. Can you hear it in His voice as He describes His imminent homecoming? What a celebration we have to look forward to!

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, October 19, 2008

The Father's Thumbprint

Today’s Reading: John 16:26-27 (NIV)

26 [Jesus said,] “In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.

Good morning!

Radical gifts of hospitality can happen just when you least expect it. Have you ever received a special present, and it’s not even your birthday? At a class I attended yesterday, every participant there received a goody bag filled with candy and a little plastic container of Play-Doh®! How I love playing with Play-Doh®! I could tell this was going to be a great day!

We were asked to take the Play-Doh® and create a personal symbol of faith. You should have seen the artwork displayed on the table at the end of the class. There were several intricate roses, a cross, and a beautiful pitcher sitting in a basin with a towel. The creation I left was not quite as detailed as so many of the others. My Play-Doh® design was a simple thumbprint heart with a tiny cross in the middle. I made a Shepherd’s staff and placed it next to the heart.

I know that God has placed His thumbprint on my heart. In a way that only He can do, Jesus came and saved me, while I was still sinning. He loved me this much, that He would bear my sins on the cross of shame. What kind of love is this that Christ would die for me? My heart is forever changed in the light of His mercy and grace. Jesus said that the Father loves us because we love Him and believe that Jesus came from the Father. Oh, Jesus loves me, this I know! There is no greater love ever.

Has Jesus Christ captured your heart today? This morning, we celebrate the amazing gift of God’s grace as evidenced in the lives of our Pastors. Thank you, Pastors, for serving the Lord! You lead the way toward Jesus through preaching and teaching and sharing the Gospel message with us each and every day! We can see His unique thumbprint engraved upon your hearts. It is the Father's "new birth" day present given to all who believe. This is a radical gift of hospitality.

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.