Today’s Reading: Acts 3:13-15 (NIV)
13The God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified his servant Jesus. You handed him over to be killed, and you disowned him before Pilate, though he had decided to let him go. 14You disowned the Holy and Righteous One and asked that a murderer be released to you. 15You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. We are witnesses of this.
Good morning!
We stood in line for hours with our daughter Rachel, David and the children to meet and greet to meet the world famous author and television star, Nanny Deb, from Nanny 911®. My son-in-law is a great guy. He surprised Rachel on her birthday one year with tickets to attend a book signing with Nanny Deb at the Barnes and Noble® bookstore. Nanny Deb is Rachel’s hero. Like the infamous writing of Dr. Spock for my mother’s generation, Nanny Deb is the expert extraordinaire on matters of child rearing today. Rachel is a dedicated follower of Nanny 911®, never missing her television show. So enamored with this woman, Rachel started coaching my grandchildren to call me “Nanny Deb” at a very early age. It is a term of endearment that has stuck. Three of my grandchildren know me as “Nanny.” As a matter of fact, when we finally reached the book table and shook author Nanny Deb’s hand, my grandson Joshua proudly introduced me as his very own “Nanny Deb.”
You see, Nanny Deb is a life coach. She encourages healthy behaviors and good moral values for children. She teaches little ones how to listen and show respect for their parents and siblings, admonishing them to obey instructions and choose to do the right thing. She teaches parenting classes, coaching mothers and fathers through the tough and confusing issues that come with training up a child in the way they should go. Many of the families that Nanny Deb has worked with have been eternally grateful for the life skill lessons they have acquired. Their children were dangerously out of control, unable to discern right from wrong. Confused and frustrated parents, not really knowing what to do next, turned to Nanny Deb as a last resort. It helps to have an outsider’s unbiased opinion to identify the deeper issues, allowing for healing, restoration, and a new sense of direction to emerge. Nanny Deb’s advice and guidance through her books and reality television continues to positively impact families around the world today.
The Apostle Peter, through the power of the Holy Spirit, found himself speaking to the people of Jerusalem on behalf of Jesus Christ as a new life coach. He reiterated how Jesus Christ, the holy and righteous Son of God, was killed, just as the people demanded it. Because of their persistence, they convinced Pilate to reverse his decision to have Jesus flogged and let go. They demanded the immediate release of Barabbas, a convicted murderer, instead. Peter was able to see the deeper issues, identifying the origin of the spiritual problem at hand. His longing was for all people to fully understand and own their sin, so they could recognize and see Jesus for who He is – the Savior of the world. Peter knew if they would simply repent and completely trust Jesus Christ, their lives would be forever changed.
We killed the author of life, yet God raised His Son Jesus from the dead! Christ’s resurrection from the grave changed the course of humanity forever. We no longer have to live in separation from the Father’s love. Won’t you ask the new life coach to come in and clean up your mess? He will teach you how to trust and obey. Ask Jesus to help you! He is only a 911 prayer away.
Grace and peace,
Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO
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