Saturday, June 06, 2009

Will call

Today’s Reading: Acts 2:38-39 (NKJV)

38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to all and to all your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.

Good morning!

When I was a little girl, my mother would take us shopping for school clothes in the spring time, when the winter clearance sales would begin. She insisted we buy a size or two larger than what we actually wore. We would fill our shopping cart up with tennis shoes, socks, undergarments, gym shorts, jumpers and pretty print blouses. Mother would then walk to the back of the store and place every item we selected on top of the will call counter. A very happy store clerk would be there to greet us. She seemed to know my mother on a first-name basis. After ringing up our purchases, she placed the merchandise in large bags with a “sold” sticker and our last name against the back wall of the store. Handing my mother a receipt, the clerk would whisper the total amount she had promised to pay and the time frame she had to pay the debt in full. During the course of the summer, my mother would stop in to the will call counter, paying regularly on her account. When it was time to go back to school, my mother would make the final payment on the amount owed and we would have a whole new wardrobe of clothes to last us throughout the next school year. What a blessing it was to have new clothes that fit to wear back to school!

It was the Father’s perfect layaway plan that made provision for all who would choose to follow Christ in the days to come. His Son, Jesus Christ, paid the ultimate price for humanity’s sin, from the very first man to the last. He spilled His blood to cover the sins that plague generations of people from here to eternity. It is His good will to pay for all, our parents and grandparents, our children and grandchildren, and their children too, and to all who may be far off today – as many as the Lord will call into relationship with Him.

Like any good layaway plan, God knew there would be a day when we would grow beyond anything the world could possibly offer. We would one day long to find the One who creates our innermost being, who loves us with a love that will not let us go. God knew we would need a larger garment to cover our ever-seeking hearts. Jesus Christ became the purchase price on the will call counter of life, shedding His precious blood just so that one day, we could be redeemed from the back of the store. Our Father knew that the world would need a great layaway plan, so He provided His very best – He gave us His only Son.

Back to school time is just around the corner. Your layaway has already been purchased and it is waiting for pickup today. There is an eternal gift just for you at the Lord’s will call counter. Your name is in His book and your ticket has already been purchased. All you need to do to redeem it is ask.

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.

Friday, June 05, 2009

Heart problem

Today’s Reading: Acts 2:37 (NKJV)

37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?”

Good morning!

How do you fix a heart problem? For many who suffer daily with coronary artery disease, this is the question of the hour. Diet, exercise, medications, and even surgery may be considered as viable options for the patient longing to survive. With the gifts of advanced medicine and all the treatment regimens available, sometimes even the best laid plans cannot thwart a heart attack, just waiting in the wings.

So what do we do with a broken heart?

Peter had addressed the issues succinctly that day, in front of thousands of men and brethren who had journeyed into the city for the upcoming festival. Each one of them had an underlying heart condition, and many did not even realize it existed until that moment. Like a silent heart attack just waiting to happen, we often think we are perfectly healthy until we find ourselves crumpled on the ground, unable to pick ourselves back up. Peter’s words about Jesus Christ had cut them to the very heart. For the first time, they realized they had sentenced and executed the Savior of the World. He was truly the Son of God. What could they possibly do to fix the irreversible damage?

Fortunately, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit had a different plan of attack. They knew there was nothing man could do to earn or deserve the grace that comes through His saving blood. Jesus willingly gave His life and poured out His blood so that every person with a heart condition could receive forgiveness for the sins they have committed in thought, word and deed against the Father. Christ's blood was enough to fix the worst heart conditions imaginable. Successful bypass surgery occurred that day when Jesus rose from the grave, healing every broken human heart who cried out to Him in faith. His gift is freely given to all, and now the time had come for all of us to receive by faith Jesus Christ’s amazing gift of a new and whole life.

Jesus is the only fix for your heart problem. All of us suffer with an underlying heart condition. It is the condition of sin. Christ paid the sin price for you and me at Calvary. When we seek His forgiveness by faith, the Son of God will completely heal your broken and bleeding heart, once and for all. Won’t you trust the Lord Jesus Christ to heal 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.

Thursday, June 04, 2009

One Word

Today’s Reading: Acts 2:34-36 (NIV)

34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, “’The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand 35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.”’ 36 “Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

Good morning!

Have you ever made a mistake you’ve regretted your entire life?

There is not a day that goes by when I’m not reminded what one simple word can do to totally ruin another’s life. One selfish motive leads to another. Misunderstandings and seasons of anger and unforgiveness can simmer inside like an unquenchable fire, until it simply boils over, burning all who stands in the path of destruction. It is no surprise that the sins we commit today not only affect our own lives, but the lives of those around us: our parents, spouses and children; even our grandchildren suffer from one poor choice acted out in anger.

When Jesus walked the earth in human flesh, people were watching and gossiping and trying to figure out just who He was. Some folks trusted Him wholeheartedly, believing His every Word and following Him without even the slightest hesitation. There were others who refused to listen or be convinced of anything Jesus Christ had to say. They stood in opposition to all He represented, unwilling to let go of their time-honored, theological traditions long enough to recognize that Jahweh had truly sent the Messiah, His Son, in the person of Jesus Christ. Others didn’t know for sure what to think. They heard the rumors and all the talk, and followed the crowd out of sheer curiosity, seeking some prime time entertainment. When Jesus arrived at the Passover feast on the back of a small donkey, the streets were lined with well-wishers and the curious, praising God and singing, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord!” Not even a week later, the same people who had praised the Lord’s arrival were shouting in the city courtyard, “Crucify Him!” One common vote; a shift in public opinion, and one condemning word now holds each and every one of us personally responsible for the suffering and death of our Lord.

There are some mistakes we cannot forget no matter how hard we try. The Father promises His forgiveness to every broken, hurting heart who sincerely cries out to Jesus, seeking forgiveness for the wrong choices they have made in life. Even in this precious gift of forgiveness, we remember the pain that we caused with one wrong word. Without Christ’s blood, there could be no forgiveness for sin. Without Christ’s suffering, death and resurrection, the grave would be left unconquered. Without God’s amazing love for His creation and Christ’s obedient heart, we would be forever lost in sin.

Thanks be to God for the gift of His Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! Because He lives, we can live forever in Him. One Word can heal a lifetime sin, and that Word is Jesus. Cry out to Him in faith today. His name is the one Word you will never regret saying.

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.

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

The amazing gifts of God

Today’s Reading: Acts 2:33 (NIV)

33 Exalted to the right hand of God, [Jesus] has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

Good morning!

In her prime, my mother was one of the finest cooks in the world. Mom always had to taste everything she cooked before she put it on the table! Even today, when she comes into my kitchen, the first thing she does is reach for a spoon from the silverware drawer and personally tastes the simmering foods cooking on top of my stove. And she doesn’t hesitate to pull a spice or two from the turntable and season it to taste.

Ever noticed how a young baby will put everything they see and touch into their mouth? For them, understanding comes through taste and texture; the way something feels. More than just squelching a hunger or teething pain, a taste of life helps our wee ones better comprehend what it is they are holding in the palm of their hands.

The Father has given us the sensory gifts of sight, hearing, taste, touch and smell. Some gifts are stronger than others, yet all gifts work together for good, so that we may experience life at its fullest measure. The Holy Spirit had been promised to the Son, and when the Son sat at the right hand of the Father, He poured out the gift of the Spirit upon all who believe. It is through this amazing sensory gift that we can now spiritually see, hear, taste, touch and experience a real and personal relationship with our Lord Jesus Christ today.

The end result of my mother’s fussing over a simmering dinner was a perfectly seasoned spaghetti sauce - a tempting taste treat for every pasta lover sitting at the table. The end result of a baby’s ability to suck and taste is the comfort he receives in the experience. The end result of a believer who receives the gift of the Holy Spirit is a greater sensitivity to the things of God. They will see things just a little differently, hear what many miss, and taste the love of Christ in ways that some simply cannot understand. They are ultra-sensitive to sin, more apt to confess and repent frequently, and are constantly drawn to a deeper and closer walk with the Lord. It is the sensory gifts of the Holy Spirit that changes hearts from the inside out, comforts us daily, and leads us into each new experience with His gift of holy boldness. The Spirit made all the difference in a scared bunch of disciples who did not know what to say. Everything changes when the Holy Spirit comes.

Christ continues to pour out the gift of His Holy Spirit upon all who truly and earnestly seek Him. O, taste and see that the Lord is good! Ask Jesus today to pour out His Holy Spirit on your life right now. Come and taste for yourself the amazing gifts of God.

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.

Monday, June 01, 2009

We are all witnesses to the fact

Today’s Reading: Acts 2:31-32 (NIV)

31 Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses to the fact.

Good morning!

There was no doubt in my mind after yesterday's worship service, that we are all witnesses to the fact that God raised Jesus to new life. I heard it over and over again in the personal testimonies shared by our seven confirmands leading worship. I’ve known these young people for the last nine years of their lives. When Jeff and I came to Faith Church, most of these children were in preschool, some had just begun Kindergarten. They sang about Jesus in several Christmas musicals. I remembered one Christmas program in particular, when they were all dressed up as angels. I couldn’t help but think of that day, and the spiritual growth that had occurred in their hearts and minds in such a short span of time.

One young woman spoke on how answered prayer had impacted her family’s life. As a little girl, she longed to see her Father experience a personal, saving relationship with Jesus Christ. Children instinctively know and recognize real love and she wanted her Dad to know real love. When he gave his life to the Lord, it was all the confirmation she needed to completely give her life to the Lord. It was through the weekly encouragement of her elementary Sunday school teacher that kept this child on her knees, praying daily for her Dad.

Another young man told of God’s call upon his life to share the Gospel message with children everywhere through video ministry, using puppets to convey Christ’s love. Two others personally said thank you to their Sunday school teachers for their help and guidance that they received in understanding Scripture and experiencing the love of Christ. Teaching the Word is a high and holy calling, and it leaves a life mark that follows folks for the rest of our days. Who are some of the teachers you should thank today for the seeds of faith that was planted and cultivated in you?

King David was given the gift of prophetic insight, and a promise He knew the Father would keep. He believed with all his heart that there would be one from his lineage whose body would not decay in the grave. The Apostle Peter confirmed what David knew to be true; He was an eyewitness that God had indeed raised Jesus to life and that He lives today, conquering sin and death forever.

One of the most powerful witnesses in yesterday’s services was that of a young lady, who explained her faith in Jesus Christ in such a simple way. She said to imagine that you are standing on the edge of a cliff, looking down into the deep. Across the way, you can see God. He is standing right there, but you have no way to reach him from where you are. If you step off the cliff, you will surely fall and no one wants to do that. When Jesus died on the cross for my sin, that cross became the bridge covering the deep divide between a holy and perfect God and me. It was only when she realized that she could cross over the gap through Christ alone, that she could run full steam into her Father’s loving arms. And that is exactly what she did.

There is no greater gift than knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. Won’t you come to Him today in faith? He will bridge your way straight into the Father’s loving arms. Don't wait another minute - ask Him to be your Savior 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.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

His promise fulfilled

Today’s Reading: Acts 2:29-30 (NIV)

29 Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried and His tomb is here to this day. 30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne.

Good morning!

First impressions can be lasting impressions, especially in young children. Yesterday afternoon at Andrew’s second birthday party, my eight-year old grandson Jett walked in the front door, grinning from ear to ear. I was sitting on the sofa near some dear friends, who had driven a long way to celebrate Andrew’s birthday with our family. Bob and Gerry had adopted our children and loved them as their very own when we lived in Salem, Missouri. They were there when our first grandson, Jett James, was born, and it had been almost five years since they had seen Jett. He walked over to the sofa where I sat. I pointed to Bob and Gerry and asked Jett if he remembered who they were. Bob looked at me, shaking his head, and said, “It has been way too long. He hasn’t seen us in years.” I watched a little light bulb light up Jett’s happy face. “I remember,” he said enthusiastically. “We played with the frogs in your back yard.” Bob and Gerry were amazed that even after five years, Jett remembered his very first visit to their home when he was three years old. You see, real love has a way of sticking with you and leaving its impressive mark through the years.

Children do not often forget the promises their parents make. And they will hold them to it, even when hearts are hurt by broken promises. There is an everlasting hope between a father and son - real love will stand the storms of time; it will last when nothing else does. When David turned from His Father’s love, he knew he could count on His Father’s Word; God's oath is rock solid.

Here's the thing with the real love that exists between our Heavenly Father and all His children. God never breaks His Word. His oath is our sure foundation and reason for living. Human hearts have a way of breaking their promises, leaving scars that can last a lifetime. Our perfect and heavenly Father does not make an oath that He will not keep. His Word is sure. David knew it, long after he broke the Father’s heart when he chose to sin with Bathsheba. The Father forgave David, yet, David’s choice carried a lifetime of consequences as seen in the many generations that followed. David knew in his heart that God had promised him on oath that one of his descendants would be seated on the throne. And never forgot it, as long as he lived.

What promises has the Lord God Almighty made to you? Have you forgotten the Father’s oath over you and your descendants? I remembered a promise God whispered into my heart long ago as I gave birth to each of my three children. I am holding on to His hope that He will do what He has promised in my life and in the lives of my children and grandchildren and their descendants. Isn’t it good to know today that even when we fail, God’s love never fails. Even if our words are worthless, His Word is worthy and true. When we break the promises we make, God’s keeps His promises – they do not change and we can count on His Truth today, tomorrow and forever.

The Father kept His oath to David and to each and every one of us, when He sent His only Son Jesus, to redeem us from our own failed promises and human brokenness. He is the Lord, and is worthy of all our praise! May the Holy Spirit fall in tongues of flame today touching our lives with His Word, as we celebrate a brand new Pentecost! I’ll see you today at Faith Church.

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.