Friday, April 10, 2009

The thing we do not want to do

Today’s Reading: John 21:19 (NIV)

19 Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then He said to Him, “Follow me!”

Good morning!

Jesus often calls us to do the things that we do not want to do. His life, death and resurrection is the living example we long to see working in our lives today. As we grow up in grace, we begin to understand that suffering is a part of life. I have come to appreciate my scars through the years, because they represent one more area iwhere the Lord has worked His healing power in me.

There is nothing fair about Good Friday. We see the Holy One physically and emotionally abused. As the Soldiers carried out the death sentence in a most vicious and cruel fashion, Christ loved them and forgave them for their actions. All of us are responsible for the actions at Calvary. It wasn’t just the people who came to place judgment, or the verdict of the High Priest, or the money that changed hands in the betrayal. We must hold ourselves responsible. Every time we turn a deaf ear to God’s Holy Word, it is as if we are wielding the hammer and plunging the nails into Christ’s flesh.

He died for the world. He died for the people who were lost and living in ignorance. He died for you and He died for me. But it doesn’t stop there. His earthly mission may have been finished that day when Jesus breathed his last and gave His spirit up to the Father. Jesus did an amazing, miraculous thing in the three days that followed. He literally conquered sin and death forever. His perfect sacrifice freed the sin sick souls of all who would believe and receive Him into their hearts. This is the Easter message we carry into the world today.

I am doing something this morning that I would rather not do. I believe it is a bigger part of God’s healing mercy in my life and I am looking for an amazing healing miracle in just three days. Walk with me through this Good Friday observance, and remember the lengths Jesus Christ went to save you from your sin. Make time today to repent, confess and believe!

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.

Thursday, April 09, 2009

No greater love

Today’s Reading: John 21:18 (NIV)

[Jesus said] 18 I tell you the truth, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.”

Good morning!

Have you ever been led to a place where did not want to go?

Sometimes people choose the harder path, knowing the consequences may cost them their jobs, disrupt their family life, and maybe even place themselves in harm’s way. We look at the courage of our men and women in military service, and find ourselves amazed at their deep desire to serve and protect our country’s freedoms and the people who live in its land. There is no greater sacrifice than when someone lays their life down to save another.

When I was younger, I made decisions about how I wanted to live my life. I fell in love and married my high school sweetheart, postponing college for myself and I worked to pay for his tuition while he earned his Bachelor and Master’s degrees. I often think about how much easier it might have been had I earned my college degree when I was younger and had a lot more physical energy! I chose a line of work that, in many ways, has taught me the importance of integrity, dedication, and perseverance to the task at hand. Still, there have been times when I would have much rather walked away than stayed. Something deep inside held me to the commitment I made. Do you ever wonder where that deep determination to hold on comes from, even in the most difficult of circumstances?

The disciples didn’t know that Jesus was referring to His imminent suffering and death. They didn’t know their great teacher and miracle worker would soon become the Lord and Savior of the world. Christ knew that His death and resurrection was necessary in fulfilling His Father’s plan for salvation. He willingly left His throne in heaven out of obedience and love for His Father. Jesus became fully human, and fully God. His entire earthly life and ministry prepared Him for the moment of His death and physical resurrection from the grave. He willingly took on the sins that separate man from a holy and perfect God, knowing that He too, would suffer separation and torment. Christ conquered that sin and freed us from our eternal bondage. Did He want to walk this road? Jesus chose to go there out of His perfect love for you and me.

My prayer for you is that you will experience Christ’s perfect love as we walk through this Holy Week together. There is no greater love than the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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, April 07, 2009

The love note

Today’s Reading: John 21:17 (NIV)

17 The third time He said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep.”

Good morning!

My mother’s hearing is all but gone now. She made a decision several months ago to forego the frustration of wearing hearing aids. Mom says that in public, they can be a real nuisance because the sound is so loud that all she hears is noise, with no clarity. I do think the hearing aids help her in quiet rooms and participating in one-on-one conversations; yet, she insists it makes no difference. Maybe it is wishful hope on my part. I end up repeating every sentence to her at least twice, sometimes three times, before she understands what I’m trying to say. It can be frustrating for both of us. I do not have a loud, resonating voice, so I have to work extra hard to get her to understand me. It is almost impossible to speak to her while I’m driving. She cannot hear me at all, unless she can see my lips moving.

Even Jeff and I struggle to communicate. His hearing deficit and my scattered brain sometimes gets in the way of our understanding each other completely. Fortunately, he hears me well with his hearing aids. On the other hand, there seems to be no fix for my comprehension deficit! I’ve learned that talking with him in the morning is probably not a good thing, especially if I need him to remember something important that I've tried to convey. We started using post-it notes on the bathroom mirror to help us communicate effectively with each other. A Post-It® note is an awesome way to convey a message and know for sure your hubby will see it before he shaves! Sometimes the note is as simple as, “I love you.” There is no greater or more welcomed morning message than this.

Peter was really frustrated. He probably wondered whether Jesus had his spiritual hearing aids on and turned up. Three times Christ asked the question, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Three times, Peter answered, “Lord, you know I do!” Why do you think Jesus asked this question over and over again? We sometimes think that our pat answers are clear, when we actually have no earthly idea what it is we are saying. What does it mean to love the Lord? And if we love the Lord with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind, and with all our strength, what does that love require in return?

Jesus’ reply was straight forward and to the point. “If you really, really love me, YOU will feed my sheep.”

Who will you share the Gospel with today? It is the Father’s love letter to the world. If you find yourself struggling to communicate the message, be sure to take some Post-It® notes with you. A love note from the Lord is a priceless treasure.

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, April 06, 2009

Food for thought

Today’s Reading: John 21:16 (NIV)

16 Again Jesus said, “Simon, son of John, do you truly love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.”

Good morning!

When Jeff and I were first married, every now and then, I would ask him, “Honey, do you love me?” I guess he knew the answer I was hoping to hear when he would respond, “You know I love you!” We begin to understand what love really is, not just by the words we say, but in the way we choose to live it out each day.

How do you know when someone really loves you? We often recognize signs of love through the little kindnesses we experience in life. Someone calls just to see how you are doing; an unexpected email arrives with a message from a long-time friend. We express our love by how we choose to treat others in public and in private. Take time today to be especially aware of how you intentionally show love to the people whom God has placed in your path. Will they see Jesus living in you?

Simon Peter was a bit perplexed when Jesus asked the very same question a second time. Of course, Peter loved the Lord! Jesus replied, “If you really love me, you will care for my sheep.” Jesus places the responsibility that comes with real love squarely upon our shoulders. It is not enough to simply say we love Him if we are not willing to follow through with intentional acts of kindness and care.

So, who are Christ's sheep? They are the people Jesus came to save.

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, April 05, 2009

Feeding the hungry

Today’s Reading: John 21:15 (NIV)

15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Good morning!

Do you know for certain what the Lord is calling you to do each day? For me, the answer is clear – I am called to feed the hungry.

There are a lot of hungry people out there. People are out of work; families have no money to buy food to feed their children. There is a greater need than ever before – food banks are struggling to handle the increased need. At Faith Church, our Missions team took on a ministry model of our sister church, First UMC in St. Charles. We filled zip lock bags with juice boxes, water, fruit cups, crackers and other non-perishable items, asking our congregation to carry them in their car. When they stop at an intersection where someone is looking for food, we have something tangible to hand them, along with a blessing and prayer for their lives. I gave my very first bag to a deaf woman whose signage read that she was trying to feed her family. What would you do if you knew your children were hungry? Would you be willing to stand in the street and ask for help?

Jesus knew all about humanity’s hunger. He had carried their hunger and great need to the cross, when He bore our sin. He didn’t just take a little of it – Jesus carried it all to the cross and clung there in agony to free us from our eternal starvation. Now that His mission was accomplished, Christ turns to His beloved and asks, “Do you really love me? If so, then get out there and feed the hungry.”

People are starving for food, both physical and spiritual. It is up to you and me to feed them. There are moments when I hear their cries for help in the middle of the night, and I know in my heart what I am called by Christ to do. Will you help me feed the hungry today? Come and worship the Lord Jesus Christ with me at Faith Church this morning! Pick up a bag of food to share with someone in need, and let us look for intentional ways to reach out and make an everlasting difference. We can do this better together.

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.