Saturday, November 29, 2008

New-birth day surprise!

Today’s Reading: John 18:8-9 (NIV)

8 “I told you that I am He,” Jesus answered. If you are looking for me, then let these men go.” This happened so that the words He had spoken would be fulfilled: “I have not lost one of those you gave me.”

Good morning!

My husband and children surprised me last night with a 50th birthday party! It came at a time when I least expected it. The Thanksgiving weekend is such a busy time. I can hardly believe they were able to secretly plan and throw a party over the Thanksgiving holiday. When we arrived at the church to supposedly check out a security alarm problem, I had no idea it had been set off by my family and dear friends, who were awaiting my arrival in the church’s fellowship hall. I could hear the coffeehouse music floating through the stairwell, and I wondered what was going on downstairs. It was the first inkling I had that something very special was about to happen. Sometimes, the miracle is standing right in front of us and we have absolutely no idea what it is.

My eighty-six year old mother was there, courtesy of my sister, niece and her fiancĂ©. I couldn’t help but imagine the joy she must have felt knowing her daughter had survived to enjoy her fiftieth birthday. I thanked her for making all of this possible. Our grandchildren were dancing to the music and playing with their cousins. My in-laws were there, sitting next to my sister-in-law, my nieces and nephew, great niece, and some very dear friends whom I have adopted into my extended family. Sister-in-law Gail had forgotten that she had attended my 16th birthday party thirty-four years ago, in the basement of her family home. Jeff had arranged for our church’s youth group to have a surprise party for me. Gail was my Sunday school teacher then and she and her boyfriend (now husband) Bruce, were our youth group sponsors. I know that we are aging toward perfection, but when I look at my sister-in-law today, I still see that same incredibly youthful spirit in her. Teaching school all these years has certainly kept her heart young.

We feasted on Bandana’s barbecue and a beautifully decorated birthday cake. Colorful balloon sprays and brightly colored party decorations made the fellowship hall a festive place to be. I received my first official red hat! I’ve waited my entire life to be 50. Now I can proudly wear my red hat and purple suit in style! I’m not only a senior in college, but I have crossed over into the world of senior citizen according to the AARP. The next 50 years of my life are going to be absolutely awesome!

Our son Benjamin captured the cake consumption on film. I am told there is blackmail material lurking in these pictures. It is definitely a scrapbook moment. Eighteen-month old Andrew decided not to wait for a fork before he picked up the entire piece of cake with his fingers and began to stuff his mouth. That boy enjoys eating his cake! And I think Andrew has the right objective in mind.

How many times are we surprised by the words of Christ? We read His Word daily, we hear His Word spoken, and yet, He completely surprises us time and time again. Jesus knew that even when we least expected it, He would be there to reclaim the ones He had been given. Jesus knew His presence with them would be misunderstood. While the people may not fully understand now His reason for living and dying, by His perfect sacrifice, the world was about to receive the biggest and best new-birth day surprise of all.

A brand new life is awaiting your arrival. Can you hear the music playing? The redeemed are waiting to welcome you home. Will you choose to open the door of faith and step into your new-birth day surprise?

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, November 27, 2008

Thanksgiving Day

Today’s Reading: John 18:7 (NIV)

7 Again He asked them, “Who is it you want?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.”

Good morning!

Today, America celebrates its Thanksgiving holiday. Parade goers will line the streets of many cities across the nation, embracing this season of light and hope. Yet, there are many who live on the streets of our cities; they have no warm place to sleep, no Thanksgiving meal to eat, and no real place to call home. Where will they find light and hope on a day like today?

Families and friends will gather together around tables full of festive holiday fare. Baked turkey and dressing, ham and potatoes, fresh vegetables and warm baked bread, fresh from the oven, will be the centerpiece of today’s celebration. The aroma of warm pumpkin, pecan and apple pies will fill the air with the sweet fragrance of hearth and home. Not far from America’s shores, there are many who are dying in the streets. Little children are starving, with no real hope for tomorrow. Many people live from day to day in great need. In this season of plenty and of want, what could you personally offer that would make a lasting difference in the life of another?

All of us are looking for someone to fix the catastrophic problems of our world. We long to stabilize an out-of-control economy, restore financial security to the world markets; to stop the wars that plague our nations and destroy human life. We want to feed all of the children, shelter our homeless, and restore human dignity to our elderly and orphans. We are looking for the answer, the hope of our world. Would we recognize Him, even if He were standing right there in front of us?

The Romans were looking for Jesus of Nazareth. There He was, and yet, they could not see Him for who He is. Isn’t it ironic, that the One they were seeking then is the same One we seek today? The answer is right in front of our very eyes, and we cannot see Him for who He truly is.

Who are you looking for on this Thanksgiving holiday? I pray that we will find the hope of our world 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.

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

In the grip of grace

Today’s Reading: John 18:4-6 (NIV)

4 Jesus, knowing all that was going to happen to him, went out and asked them, “Who is it you want?” 5 “Jesus of Nazareth,” they replied. 6 “I am He,” Jesus said. (And Judas the traitor was standing there with them.)

Good morning!

It must have been a very confusing and frightening moment for the disciples in the olive grove that night. Roman Soldiers came, marching into the garden dressed in full armor, bearing bright fiery torches, and drawn swords. With them was Judas Iscariot, leading the way to the Master. Why was Judas with them? Could he be the Master’s betrayer?

Have you ever trusted someone who is not trustworthy?

There are times when we suffer because we chose to trust another. We risk trusting the people who do not deserve it. A broken trust can occur within family circles, through friendships, and even in the communities where we live and work together. We want to believe that human kindness will ultimately prevail, yet we find ourselves sorely disappointed by the people with whom we’ve invested our life’s blood.

On the surface, we wonder why Jesus, who already knew what was going to happen, hand-picked Judas to be part of his traveling mission team. Was it because He wanted Judas to have every opportunity to make the right choice? Had the Lord somehow hoped that Judas’ hardened heart would melt with true compassion for all? Would he somehow perceive that change did not hinge simply upon the overthrow of an existing government?

Jesus knew that Judas would betray him, as well as all the others. He saw the fear welling up in the disciples’ eyes. He knew and understood their pain. Even knowing what would happen, Jesus showed no remorse. He was fulfilling His Father’s plan; to become the only perfect, living and holy sacrifice for the sins of the world. He knew their fears would soon turn to joy, and the death sentence for humanity would be raised into a new and everlasting life. Jesus was willing to risk it all on the cleansing power of His blood.

Are you willing to risk being hurt for the love of Jesus Christ? Would you choose to love another, even if you knew they might betray you? Would you be willing to forgive their words and actions, and offer them your wholehearted trust and love again? May we find ourselves in the grip of the Father's grace when Christ returns to claim His redeemed.

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, November 25, 2008

Carrying a torch

Today’s Reading: John 18:3 (NIV)

3 So Judas came to the grove, guiding a detachment of soldiers and some officials from the chief priests and Pharisees. They were carrying torches, lanterns and weapons.

Good morning!

Gladys Kravitz is the stereotypical nosy neighbor. She was known for her constant ridicule of subdivision neighbors Darrin and Samantha Stevens in the 1960s television situation comedy, Bewitched. Gladys was a character everyone could relate to! I laughed at Gladys each week as she waited by her living room window, snooping on the Stevens family from daylight until dark; trying to figure out just who they were and what they were up to. She could not convince her husband Abner to pay them any attention, even when she pleaded for him to come to the window and see for himself. Gladys carried a torch for the Stevens family. They were obviously different, and somehow, Gladys felt a burning desire to prove that she had been right about them all along.

People carry torches for a lot of different reasons; the most important is to light the way. Torches were used at night especially, so one could see what or who is up ahead. Torches could be used as weapons in the event of a sneak attack. Some carry torches to divert the light from their own lives onto something or someone else. It seems that when it gets just a little too hot, that a nice torch pointed in the opposite direction somehow takes the heat off the torch bearer. Pharisees were pretty good at torch bearing. They loved to point the finger at everyone around them. Do you think it helped them sleep any better at night?

Judas carried a torch for Jesus. Somehow, he thought if Jesus would confront the authorities, that He would rise up, take charge, and begin the ousting of an evil ruler in a military coup. Judas couldn’t understand it, even after Jesus told him that he had come to die. Setting the stage for the Lord’s arrest was one of the worst things Judas ever did. Yet, he thought he was doing it for all the right reasons.

Are you carrying a torch today? If so, who is it for? Does your torch illuminate the path you’re taking, or is it simply designed to divert attention away from you? Do you have a burning desire inside to make a point, to convince others that you were right all along? Take a closer look at the motivation behind your passion and ask yourself this question today: Whom am I trying to serve?

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, November 24, 2008

The Place

Today’s Reading: John 18:2 (NIV)

2 Now Judas, who betrayed Him, knew the place, because Jesus had often met there with His disciples.

Good morning!

When I was in elementary school, the girls in my class would gather together on the playground during recess in our secret place. We would huddle together underneath the jungle gym, pretending to be Nancy Drew, teenage super sleuth, as we unlocked yet another one of life’s incredible mysteries. No one had to tell us where to meet; we all knew where to find the place. And while we were not invisible to the children playing all around us, they seemingly could not touch us there. We were safe within its shelter. Every summer, when the playground was unusually quiet, I would ride my bicycle to the schoil and sit underneath the jungle gym, remembering the many adventures I shared there with my friends. I always looked forward to our first day back in September, knowing that we would rendezvous’ there, picking up the journey right where we left off last spring.

Jesus knew the olive grove well. It had become a personal refuge; His home away from home. This was where He often went to pray and wait in the Father’s holy presence. Jesus taught His disciples about the Father’s love from underneath the olive branches. It was not uncommon for Christ to spend all night in the olive grove, enjoying sweet communion with His Father. He was safe within its branches, sheltered by a love that would not let Him go.

Judas also knew the place where Christ would be. As a part of the inner circle, He had personally experienced Christ’s unconditional love in the place. Judas watched and waited as Jesus prayed all night long. It was no surprise that he and his lynch men would find the Master there. Whatever possessed Judas to betray His Lord in the place?

Do you know the Way? He is where the noise of this world fades; where real Truth and Life begins. The Savior is waiting for us to return to the place where we are safe, sheltered within the everlasting arms of love. Come with me this morning. Let us find our Lord together, in the place.

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.