Friday, May 15, 2009

Hand-holding session

Today’s Reading: Acts 2:3-4 (NIV)

3 They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Good morning!

For what little good it did, it appeared as if I were speaking in gibberish. No one seemed to understand what it was I was trying to convey. Have you ever felt passionate about sharing faith in Christ; yet, when you try to convey it, the words seem to fall upon deaf ears? How I praise the Lord for His perfect timing and master plan!

A good example is what happens when we try to teach Christ-like love to little children. Quite often, they hear what you are saying, but don’t really want to get it. This seems to be a character trait of all God’s children, no matter what our age! Our family used to take long road trips each summer with our wee ones cloistered in the back seat, restrained in seat belts and shoulder harnesses. After awhile, the children stopped listening, and it didn’t take long for them to become cranky and restless. They would pick on each other incessantly until I would say in my stern, motherly voice, “We will hold hands until we can love and respect each other for real! Now sit still, and show your brother some love!” I longed for little Holy Spirit fire - it could do us all some good about now. Have you ever been forced to hold hands with someone whose beliefs are different from yours? Have you ever reached out to someone who truly dislikes you and love them unconditionally, just like Jesus Christ loves you? Maybe we need to try a little world-wide hand-holding session today. Whose hand do you need to reach out and take in yours today?

When the Holy Spirit came on the day of Pentecost, people started holding hands and hearts around the world for the very first time. Through the miraculous enabling of the Spirit, the Word was spoken in other tongues, and all who were present could really hear and understand the Gospel message in words that made real sense. There was no gibberish going on here! The Apostles were able to share faith in a meaningful and life-changing way, and thousands were converted in that breathtaking moment to Jesus Christ.

How far would you be willing to go to offer Christ’s love to the people whom the Father has placed in your life? The Holy Spirit power helps link hands and hearts with family members, friends, co-workers, and even the strangers who do not yet know you or the Jesus whom you serve. He equips us to share Christ with people of all nations, races and ages. What happened on the day of Pentecost is still happening right now. And all you have to do to receive His Holy Spirit power is to ask the Father for it…

Dear Father, I pray today for an outpouring of your Holy Spirit. Fill us up with Your Word, so that we may share the love of your Son, Jesus Christ with the world! Give us a desire and determination to reach outside our personal comfort zone and hold hands with our neighbors, especially the ones with whom we do not see eye to eye. Give us your eternal love language today, for it is only Your Word that draws all people to you. I ask this in the name of my precious Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who died to save us all, Amen.

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, May 14, 2009

Violent wind

Today’s Reading: Acts 2:2 (NIV)

Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting.

Good morning!

As I walked across the hospital parking lot last night, the winds were so strong that I felt it might lift me up and carry me clear across the street. I’m certainly not a feather weight, and the mystery of something unseen yet so strong has always been a true fascination for me. It is tornado season in the Midwest. We are witnesses to its path of destruction caused in part, by violent winds.

If you’ve ever heard a violent wind, you may recall the loud and scary sound it makes. When I was a little girl, a tornado ripped through the subdivision where we lived. When the siren sounded, we went immediately to the basement and sat huddled together in a corner, listening intently to the sounds of a mighty rushing wind. The noise reminds me of a freight train passing through our back yard. Our house was shaking and even the concrete flooring was vibrating underneath our feet. The wind was so loud! We couldn’t carry on a normal conversation even sitting as close as we were to each other. This was not the time to whisper a silent prayer. I prayed to the Lord out loud using my outside voice. Within two to three minutes, the noise stopped and the shaking subsided. We climbed the stairs and looked outside our living room picture window. Our home had survived the storm while several neighbors had suffered roof and window damage. We found shattered pieces of glass and shingles strewn across our front yard. I remember seeing trees limbs and debris all across the street. Just six blocks away, a couple of homes had been completely demolished. In a matter of seconds, our lives had suddenly changed.

It is hard to imagine what the Apostles heard that day, as the sound of God’s mighty rushing wind entered the place where they were praying. Sometimes the Father has to shake us up a bit to get our undivided attention. He is present and working in the power of the Holy Spirit; the One who picks us up and propels us into mission and ministry – we cannot see it or fully explain it, yet we know He is here. When the Holy Spirit wind kicks up, He can lift even the heaviest heart and carry it high and above the daily problems we face. Sinfulness is exposed and destroyed, addictions are broken, bodies and minds are miraculously healed, and human hearts are drawn deeper in love through Christ Jesus. When the Holy Spirit wind gets hold of your heart, everything changes.

Do not fear the Holy Spirit winds whipping around you today. The Father has sent His Spirit as a precious gift, to convict us of wrong thoughts and actions. He comforts us with the love of Jesus Christ. He will not let you go, especially when you feel helpless and ill-equipped to stand the storms you face in life. The Holy Spirit frees us to boldly speak of God’s love to everyone, everywhere. When the sound of a mighty rushing wind picks you up and propels you into kingdom work, be grateful for the gift that lives within you. You may not be able to adequately explain it, but just like a violent wind, we do not have to see it to know it is here.

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, May 13, 2009

The gathering table

Today’s Reading: Acts 2:1 (NIV)

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place.

Good morning!

I remember the day I first saw the gathering table on display at the furniture store. The dark wood grain of the table and the soft leather chairs immediately caught my eye. I liked how this table seated eight people comfortably; it took up less space than my own kitchen table; yet, it sat two more people. It was all I could do to dial Jeff’s cell phone quickly enough. “Honey,” I exclaimed, “I’ve found the perfect table for our kitchen!” The salesman provided me with some information on the table; its manufacturer, warranty, and lot number. I carried the materials home for Jeff to review, and I prayed over this table for almost a year before we decided to place our final order. I would say that the selection of a gathering table is the single most important piece of furniture you will ever purchase.

My grandmother’s table was by far, the largest table I had ever seen. It had to be especially made just for her. This table seated sixteen people. It took up the entire room; there was a small perimeter of walking space between the table, chairs, and wood burning stove and sink. I watched my grandmother roll pie dough on this table top; she and the girls would gather around the table to chop vegetables and prepare fruits for canning. It took two people on either side to wipe the table down after meal preparation. There was always room at the gathering table for one more hungry soul. The prayers that were prayed in around this table still resonate in my heart today. Homework was completed here; timeless stories of family and friends were told at the table. My favorite memories were of Saturday nights, when Grandmother would serve piping hot cups of coffee and tea with homemade chocolate chunk cookies to the women and children at the table. Some of us played Canasta and Crazy Eights, while others observed the revelry as they sat crocheting baby blankets and sweaters. There was no place I would rather be than surrounded by my family at the gathering table.

Something extraordinary happens when we come together at the gathering table. On the day of Pentecost, the family was gathered all together in one place. In my minds’ eye, I can see the disciples relaxing around the gathering table, sharing stories of Jesus with each other. They were all together in one place, placing their hopes and fears on the table for all to see. Folks were sitting shoulder to shoulder; some were joining hands while others embraced in holy hugs. No one was turned away from Christ’s everlasting love, freely served to all in the bread and the wine.

My favorite time of the week is when our evangelism team gathers around the gathering table in prayer. Sometimes it feels as if the parsonage roof is going to blow away in the swirling and twirling of His Holy Spirit comfort. Whenever I come to the gathering table, I know my Savior is waiting there for me. He allows me to bring life’s backpack of stuff and dump it out for Him to see. Jesus hears and answers my every prayer. I know that one day His precious family will all be gathered together again in one place at the banqueting table, with Jesus Christ seated at the head. Until then, we come together to share our very lives, enjoying the meal that has been set before us, as we tell the stories of Jesus and wait for the Father’s will to be done at the gathering table.

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, May 11, 2009

Decision making tools


Today’s Reading: Acts 1:23-26 (NIV)

23 So they proposed two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. 24 Then they prayed, “Lord you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen 25 to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs. 26 Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.

Good morning!

The resumes of two strong candidates were handed out at the department meeting for review. Both applicants had received a good education and held diplomas for their work at the university. Each had experienced life in the work place and brought to the table a wealth of professional experience with former employers. Both candidates possessed the skill sets necessary to meet the needs of the open position. A decision must be made. How would you decide which candidate to choose?

The disciples knew better than to trust their own judgment. Personal preference and posturing for position would only add to the confusion of their ultimate decision. They had two very qualified candidates, Justus and Matthias, to fill the open position left by Judas Iscariot. Bowing in prayer, they asked the Lord to show them which person He had chosen to take on this apostolic ministry. Then, they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias.

Bible scholars teach that the casting of lots is mentioned approximately seventy times in the Old Testament and seven times in the New Testament. In the Old Testament, the casting of lots was used most often to determine one’s inheritance. God instructed His people to cast lots to determine His will in particular situations. Lots were cast to determine who would fill certain positions of service in the Temple. Unfortunately, it became a form of gambling and a game to many, as evidenced by the Roman soldiers when they divided the Lord’s garment amongst themselves at the foot of the cross. When the Holy Spirit came, the casting of lots was no longer necessary. Believers could simply rely upon the leading of the Holy Spirit through prayer in discernment for daily decisions and future direction.

If you have an important decision to make, I would encourage you to seek out God’s plan and purpose for your life through prayer and discernment today. God has given us the tools we need to know which way to go. Ask the Lord Jesus Christ to give you His Holy Spirit power 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, May 10, 2009

Replacement needed - apply within

Today’s Reading: Acts 20b-21 (NIV)

20b and, “’May another take his place of leadership.’” 21 [Peter said,] Therefore, it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

Good morning!

The sign on the front window said, “Replacement needed - apply within.” I turned the brass door knob and pulled on the heavy plate-glass door. I took a step of faith and used all my physical strength just to open the heavy door. Once inside, I stood staring into an open reception area, sparely decorated. I immediately noticed the stark white walls and Linoleum flooring. As I walked, I could hear the echo of my shoe heels clicking across the room. There were no chairs to sit down; no standard office decor like magazine racks or coffee tables. The natural light streaming in through the large front window was the only light inside. The entry way was spotless. I walked toward the front counter and rang the polished silver bell. A pretty little girl with golden curly hair tied with a satin white bow, appeared out of nowhere. When she reached the front desk, she stepped up on a footstool so that she could see over the top of the clean counter. “May I help you?” she asked. I thought the child looked strangely familiar, although I could not put a name with her face.

“Good morning, Miss,” I said, smiling. She stared at me. “I would like to inquire about the replacement needed sign posted in your front window.” “What are your qualifications?” she asked. I wasn’t sure exactly how to respond to her question. The sign did not detail the type of replacement needed, nor was I certain about the requirements of the open position. “Miss, I have been looking for a long, long time to find the one thing I know I am supposed to do with my life. I’m not exactly sure about the replacement position you are offering, or whether I would have any qualifications that would fit your need. I was drawn inside simply out of sheer curiosity, and it took a leap of faith for me to see whether you could use someone like me. What specific replacement help do you need?”

The little girl’s lip began to quiver, ever so slightly. I could see the crocodile tears welling up inside her big blue eyes. I fumbled for a tissue inside my black bag, and handed it to her, wondering if I had said something to upset her. “We’ve been waiting for you to come inside,” she whispered. “The qualifications necessary for the replacement position requires a willing heart. You must possess a deep desire to grow, and enough faith to open really heavy doors and the courage to walk through them.” By this time, the sunlight had filled the front room and had formed a blinding white puddle on the Linoleum flooring. Its brilliance caught the corner of my eye and I glanced away to look at it. When my gaze returned to the child, instinctively I knew her. She stood there on the footstool, clutching a baby doll in her arms. Standing beside her was my Lord and Savior; and it was His light that filled the dark room. He had wrapped his arms around the child’s shoulders, holding her steady on the footstool. I couldn’t take my eyes off of His face. And in that holy moment I recognized that the child in me. I knew I had found my life's work here.

Peter was looking for a suitable replacement disciple, someone who had experienced the life, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. He would become a living witness to the Resurrection power.

What qualifications must you possess to be a living witness for Jesus Christ? You must have a willing heart, a deep desire to grow, and enough faith to open really heavy doors and the courage to walk through them. Have you received the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart today? If so, there is an open replacement position that only you can fill, and the Master is waiting for you to apply within right now.

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.