Friday, March 27, 2009

Fish fry!

Today’s Reading: John 21:8-9 (NIV)

8 The other disciples followed in the boat, towing the net full of fish, for they were not far from shore; about a hundred yards. 9 When they landed, they saw a fire of burning coals there with fish on it, and some bread.

Good morning!

After a fishing expedition, my father would set up a large fryer at the end of the picnic table, and as the oil heated, he would gut and filet the fish we had caught that day. Mother would stand beside him with her hands dipped in the bowl of corn meal and spices, ready to roll the fish and drop them into the vat of hot grease. Within minutes, we would have ourselves a fish fry, and the campground neighbors would stop by for a sample. On the table, we set a plate of sliced, homegrown tomatoes, a tossed salad with French dressing, and a hot crock of macaroni and cheese. This meal would not be complete without a little tartar sauce and catsup for dipping. I can still smell the fish frying today.

There’s nothing like the taste of a little homegrown hospitality. The joy my Father felt as he served his family and friends the catch of the day may have seemed a bit trivial to some; yet, this is what he lived for. He could use a razor sharp knife like a trained master chef. It was an art form that I never picked up on. How he could remove the spine and tiny bones from a fish in one fell swoop, leaving no “hangers” to pull out of your teeth as you bite into the culinary delight, was beyond me. I watched him do it a million times, but I never learned how.

We can learn from the Master when we take a closer look at His banqueting table. Jesus had cooked breakfast for the boys. He lovingly prepared the table in advance for them, even as they worked for their catch of the day. What would you give to have a sit down meal with the Lord Jesus Christ as your heavenly host? Can you imagine the warm welcome you receive, walking through the sand toward the campsite that has already been prepared? The fire has been started, the fish is cooking on the coals, and fresh bread has been broken and is waiting to be consumed. I imagine the grin on the Master’s face was just as wide as my father’s smile as he served up his world famous fried fish.

Jesus is the master of radical hospitality. He offers Himself up as a humble servant, feeding the hungry and inviting all to His table today. This is a heavenly feast that will feed our rumbling bellies and hungry souls. Take a break from what you are doing and come to the table; for the Lord Jesus Christ has set a special place and is waiting just for you.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, 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, March 25, 2009

Seeing the Master in the miracle

Today’s Reading: John 21:7 (NIV)

7 Then the disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord!” As soon as Simon Peter heard him say, “It is the Lord,” he wrapped his outer garment around him (for he had taken it off) and jumped into the water.

Good morning!

Does it take a miracle for us to recognize the risen Lord?

It is miracle that I woke up this morning. The simple fact that I have been given another day is a gracious gift from God. As I lay in semi-conscious slumber, I heard the rain beating in gentle rhythmic movements against the shingles on our parsonage roof. Rainfall births new life; we need the water so that soil will be fertile and ready to receive new seed. Springtime rain fills our rivers, increases our water supply, and prompts tiny seeds to grow and sprout into grass, flowers, and vegetation of all kinds. It is a miracle when tiny raindrops fall.

Which miracle was greater that morning when the disciples saw their Lord on the shore? Was it the fish in their nets or the risen Savior standing on the bank, waiting for them to come to Him? Do we need to see a miracle first in order to know that the Lord is alive and here with us now?

A baby’s tiny yawn; the love we receive from a devoted furry friend; the blessings of family, especially the quirky ones, who light up our lives with joy and laughter – all of these are miracles. The birds know it this morning; as they sit under soggy tree limbs drenched in the chilly rain, they sing their praises to the Lord in sweet harmony. We have a nest in our ornamental pear tree just outside my front window. It won’t be long before little baby beaks will emerge from the warmth of its twig bed, waiting for mama and daddy to feed them. New life is a miracle, but if we are not careful, we may miss recognizing the gift that has been given.

One disciple, the disciple whom Jesus loved, recognized the Lord first. Was it the familiarity of a great catch, or the voice of the one calling to him? Was it the miracle that made the Master real, or was it the Master who made the miracle real?

What miracle will it take for you to recognize the Lord Jesus Christ today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, 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, March 24, 2009

Big nets needed!

Today’s Reading: John 21:5-6 (NIV)

5 He called out to them, “Friends, haven’t you any fish?” “No,” they answered. 6 He said, “Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some.” When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.”

Good morning!

Obeying Christ makes all the difference when it comes to successful soul fishing. Look at the disciples: they had been in the boat all day and all night with not one fish to show for their effort. What probably started out as a simple, fun excursion, became even more urgent as the hours wore on. I imagine they were a bit tired and cranky, and maybe a little disturbed by the time the stranger approached them from the shoreline. When He inquired about their catch of the day, I bet their response was a little on the sarcastic side! “No! Does it look we caught any fish to you? Are our nets full? Do you see anything flopping around in the bottom of our boat?”

We can become frustrated in our faith sharing efforts when we rely upon our own steam rather than the Lord’s. We need to remember this is about the Lord – He will welcome all who cry out to Him in repentance and faith. It is by the power and presence of His Holy Spirit that draws people in; we can cast our nets, but if we do not cast them in the power of the Spirit, our nets will come back empty every time.

What made the difference for the disciples? I believe the change occurred when they took the Lord at His Word and cast their nets on the right side of the boat, fully obedient and with the expectation of a great return. This is a matter of faith – not just wishful thinking, but a pure faith completely rooted in Christ’s hope for the world. Folks can tell you what happens when faith is mixed with hope in the Lord: needs are met, bodies, minds and souls are healed, sins are forgiven, and there is a new and unquenchable desire to live each day with His plan and purpose in mind.

Faith sharing begins with a prayer. It is not so much the words we say or how we say it. What the Holy Spirit does in and through our obedience to Christ is more powerful than we can begin to comprehend. Are you ready to take a fishing trip with the Lord? Ask Him to help you today, to use your words and actions to spark a holy flame in another heart. There are lots of opportunities out there to share your faith. Don’t miss out on receiving His very best for your life.

Pray first, plant your seed in obedience, and wait with great expectation for the harvest that will happen. Oh, and be sure to carry a big net because you’re going to need it for the catch.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, 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, March 23, 2009

Early morning call

Today’s Reading: John 21:4 (NIV)

4 Early in the morning, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not realize that it was Jesus.

Good morning!

I love the early mornings, when I first stumble out of bed and tiptoe down the dark hallway to the study where I write. Now that daylight savings time has begun, the near morning haze begins as early as 5ish, and if I strain my eyes, I can see clearly outside my front picture window. What I always hear, even in the dark stillness of the night is the melodious chirping of the birds celebrating a brand new day. It is as if they cannot get on with the task at hand without first chirping their songs of praise to the Lord. They seem to have no problem recognizing and adoring their creator. Why do we?

The weather is warming up just enough now when early morning walks are actually quite enjoyable. Apart from the seasonal allergies that seem to make my nose run, I especially enjoy all the new spring bulbs sprouting through the cold, hard earth. It is amazing that something so tiny and tender can push through the hard crust of a frozen ground and then open into brilliant splendor as the sun emerges each day. They push through in praise and glory, adding significant beauty to the earth’s splendor. Only the Father could have created something so incredibly magnificent. Have you seen it?

How often does the Lord speak to us and we simply don’t realize it is Him?

I hear God speak through the mouths of precious children: the little ones who are starving, the contrary who are spoiled rotten, and the curious ones who long to learn and grow every day. Tiny hands reaching out from their beds early in the morning crying, “Mama, come get me! I’m awake! I’m awake!” Are we really awake to the gift of new life given each new day, or are we sleeping through a precious and holy moment? God speaks in the urgent messages of our clergy, delivered by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit of their lives. Voices resound with Christ’s words to go preach, teach, baptize and reach. Where have all the preachers gone? Why are our Christian schools and seminaries struggling to find students who long to learn and speak God’s Word to the world? Have we somehow grown deaf to the Lord’s early morning call? When was the last time you sat in church and your heart burned with an unquenchable fire to hear more?

Jesus calls us in the early morning. We can learn something of great value from the birds, the babies and the preachers in our lives. Wake up and give praise to God on high! Push past the slumbering sleep of your stagnant soul and recognize the Lord Jesus Christ for who He is. Calling from the shore, He speaks. Will you recognize Him when He calls out to you today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, 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, March 22, 2009

The proof is in the nets

Today’s Reading: John 21:2-3 (NIV)

2 It happened this way: Simon Peter, Thomas (called Didymus), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples were together. 3 “I’m going out to fish,” Simon Peter told them, and they said, “We’ll go with you.” So they went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

Good morning!

My father was a methodical fisherman. He had a method and followed it with no exceptions. It wasn’t easy fishing with him. To Daddy, it was not about kicking back and enjoying a lazy day on the river. He meant business every time he cast his rod and fully expected his catch to be something of great value as he reeled in the line. Daddy never gave up, even if it meant staying in the boat all day long.

It is an interesting thing to compare my father’s fishing expeditions with our meager attempts at personal evangelism. We often launch out into the deep not really expecting a big return for our effort. We’d rather kick back with our feet propped up, enjoying the day, holding a cold refreshment in one hand while pitching the Gospel with the other, and waiting rather impatiently for folks to come to Christ. Is this how it is supposed to work?

John Wesley wouldn’t have said so, and neither did my dad. Our fishing trips were not what I would classify as family fun. Daddy was all business when it came to fishing and he expected nothing less than a full commitment from his team. It probably was not the best exercise in bonding but there was never any doubt of our common purpose. I’ve learned a lot about my father’s level of commitment to the task at hand. He was relentless in his fishing pursuits, and knew if he put forth his very best effort, there was no doubt about the catch we would have that evening at camp.

How does this stack up with our desire to be fishers of men? Are we fully committed to sharing the Gospel, believing that every time we speak His Word, we expect and anticipate a great harvest of souls? Do we spend our daily prayer time begging the Lord to save our family, friends, neighbors and even the people we have not yet met, without truly believing that He can make it happen? How do you approach the task of casting your net upon the water?

On the Sea of Tiberius, the disciples spent all day long fishing, and that evening, they hadn’t caught anything. Do you think their level of expectation and the effort with which they approached their job may have been the reason for all those empty nets?

Lord Jesus, I pray that you will give us your heart’s desire; teach us how to fish for souls. Help us to stand upon Your Word with courage and faith. We claim hearts today in Jesus’ name, knowing you will give the increase when we trust and obey. You alone have the power to change lives, and we offer ourselves as willing servants in the world. We trust you completely for the result, knowing that we will see the proof in the nets.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, 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.