Saturday, August 08, 2009

The only cure for a sweet tooth

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:26-27 (NIV)

26 The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together against the Lord and against his Anointed One. 27 Indeed Herod and Pontius Pilate met together with the Gentiles and the people of Israel in this city to conspire against your holy servant Jesus, whom you anointed.”

Good morning!

Most folks do not enjoy having the mistakes they’ve made in private publicly proclaimed. The media uses humiliation and embarrassment to sensationalize its headline stories; people seem to thrive on a little dirty laundry. Let’s face it; we like to point the finger at each other, hoping to move the spotlight away from where we stand. Have you ever been publicly judged?

Herod and Pontius Pilate are taking the heat over Jesus’ conviction, crucifixion and death. There is no doubt that they, along with most members of the Sanhedrin and many of Jerusalem’s citizens, exercised their right to kill the Father’s anointed one. If you’ve been fence-sitting on where to place blame, Peter and John make a convincing sales pitch. The greatest “whodunit” is being solved right now, in the middle of town square. Are you relieved that the focus of this particular conversation is not about you?

My father loved eating ice cream. After dinner, mother would empty a gallon carton of vanilla ice cream into a large serving bowl. She would pour a 16-ounce can of syrup over the ice cream until all you could see was rich, gooey chocolate. We watched in utter amazement as Daddy devoured its contents in record time. The ice cream never had time to melt! We never really understood how Daddy didn’t suffer a brain freeze as he licked the bowl clean. When the evidence of his indiscretion had been swallowed, it was hard to prove the truth, until Daddy tipped the scales at his annual physical. You see, there are just some things we cannot hide no matter how fast we try to consume it.

This is what exercising “free will” is all about. Some of us are much more disciplined when it comes to making right choices. Others of us are simply swayed by our sweet tooth. We act upon impulse and we make decisions we might otherwise pass by, because it is sitting there, tempting us to take another bite. For Herod and Pontius Pilate, their political careers were hanging by a mere thread. They feared the overall popularity of this man Jesus, and wondered if they might lose complete control of the city if he were allowed to live. There was only one solution, they thought, and it seemed like a sweet deal at first. They acted upon an opportunity as John Q. Public’s opinion swayed back and forth like the pendulum of a grandfather clock. They are now forever remembered as their choices are weighed upon the scales of injustice; the ultimate unforgivable act of gluttony and greed. How will your life’s choices be recorded for all to remember and judge?

When it comes to exercising “free will,” the path of the spotlight suddenly expands to include more than just a group of people situated within a certain culture and geographic locale. If you’ve ever found yourself swayed by a sweet tooth and turned away from His Truth, you are as guilty as Pilate and Herod. Every time we choose our own way over His Way, we assume ultimate responsibility for nailing Jesus to the tree.

It is time to exercise your free will at the foot of the cross, and invite Jesus Christ to become the Lord and Savior of your life. Give Him your sweet tooth today. He can cure your temptation to sin, as you taste the miraculous sweetness of His amazing love.

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, August 07, 2009

The believers' prayer

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:24-25 (NIV)

24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. “Sovereign Lord,” they said, “you made the heaven and the earth and the sea, and everything in them. 25 You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “’Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?”’

Good morning!

Even with all our unique cultural distinctions, we share a common bond when it comes to pain. No one likes to hurt, and most of us feel a deep sense of compassion for those who are suffering.

Lately, I have been spending time at local hospitals, visiting and praying for the sick and suffering. In a hospital, one does not have to look far to see the anguish of patients and their families. As medical providers work tirelessly to diagnose and properly treat the ill, families and friends huddle close in hallways and waiting rooms, crying together, praying for miracles, and resting. One evening after work, I went to the hospital to visit my friend. He had been badly injured in an accident and was placed on the trauma ward. This floor of the hospital is where the most critically injured patients are cared for while their bodies mend. Families generally do not leave; they wait for word of their loved ones in the intensive care waiting rooms, camping out with sleeping bags, pillows and suitcases. When the elevator door opened, I immediately noticed the packed waiting area. The lights had been dimmed and folks were sleeping everywhere. There is hope when human hearts offer a ministry of presence to those who are struggling to survive a season of suffering.

New converts to The Way were struggling with the harsh realities in which they found themselves. People whom they love and admire were being taken into chains, tortured mercilessly, and killed. The soldiers were meticulously carrying out orders, believing these people were fools to proclaim that Jesus of Nazareth was the Son of the living God. Family and friends remained huddled close together, praying for the physical release of their teachers and friends. There is amazing power when human hearts join hands in a believers’ prayer.

When Peter and John returned alive and unharmed, a prayer of praise immediately filled the room. There was an expression of thanksgiving to the One who miraculously protected their teachers, followed by a spiritual war cry for the injustices they were suffering. Why do the nations rage and the people plot in vain? Why do new believers have to suffer so? Will this suffering ever end?

Throughout the generations, we profess our hope when we say the believers’ prayer together. Won’t you take my hand and pray with me now: Father, in the name of Jesus, we lift up all who are suffering for your sake today. We do not understand why the war rages on; yet, we trust in the powerful name of Jesus to see us through seasons of suffering and pain. Father, we ask for a supernatural miracle, to release the prisoners held in captivity; to bring healing and wholeness to those who are sick, and comfort to family members who stand by, watching and waiting for their release. Together, we offer up our believers’ prayer today, in Jesus’ name, 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.

Tuesday, August 04, 2009

Letter writing campaign

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:23-24a (NIV)

23 On their release, Peter and John went back to their own people and reported all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 When they heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God.

Good morning!

My mother set the bar at letter writing. Every afternoon when I would walk through the open front door after school, my mother would be sitting on the sofa with her note pad and pen, writing down all the good news she could think of to share with her parents, who lived seven hundred miles away. She was faithful to write and send letters each week, not only to her parents and siblings, but to her in-laws and their siblings. Handwritten notes are personal; they take time and effort to craft. I have always preferred to type my letters out as opposed to handwriting them, because my penmanship is not what it used to be. If I have trouble reading what I write, I can presume the intended recipient will not be able to make out my chicken scratch either! Now, with the advances of email, instant messaging, and social networking sites, the art of letter writing has definitely evolved. I can connect with family, friends, and Christians from around the world in a matter of seconds, simply by joining an online chat.

A few weeks ago, I was up very early writing and praying online. A pastor from India invited me to pray with him using the instant messaging tool. We began to pray for our congregations in tandem; I would type a couple of lines and press send; and within seconds, I would receive his prayerful response. We prayed like this together for almost fifteen minutes. The power of the Holy Spirit was so incredibly real that my fingers were struggling to keep up with all the words of praise filling my heart and mind. It was as if he were sitting right across from me, holding my hand, as we lifted our people up to the Lord in prayer. It is the blood of Jesus Christ that links hearts and hands together, so that we might reach across oceans and miles and share the Good News with people all over the world in real time.

Peter and John were ecstatic when they were released from custody. They returned to their people and shared the Good News! How awesome it must have been when Luke first penned these incredible words. When everyone heard, they raised their voices in tandem and prayed a prayer of thanksgiving to the Lord God Almighty. There is so much to be thankful for, especially in the struggles we face each day. We have a Savior who is with us always, no matter where we are or what is happening in our lives. If we are willing to trust Jesus completely, we know that no matter what happens today, He is large and in charge and we can stand firm on His Word. This is our virtual reality. We can encourage and support each other as we write and share our letters of faith with family, friends and faithful followers all around the world. This is the time to share the Good News! Won’t you join me in a letter writing campaign 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.

Monday, August 03, 2009

Quintessential


Today’s Reading: Acts 4:21-22 (NIV)

21 After further threats they let them go. They could not decide how to punish them, because all the people were praising God for what had happened. 22 For the man who was miraculously healed was over forty years old.

Good morning!

Last night, I was crawling into bed after a very busy weekend. I think every muscle and joint in upper torso was stiff and hurting. Jeff was listening to me moan about a nasty muscle cramp I experienced while doing something extraordinarily strenuous: steering my automobile along Interstate 70. After a few minutes of heavy-duty complaining, we looked at each other and suddenly broke into a fit of hysterical laughter. Now that we’ve reached the “Golden age,” it seems as if our physical bodies are falling apart! He keeps breaking bones and teeth, and I can hardly move. This is the price we pay for stumbling around in the dark, chomping on hard candy, and not exercising every day. The slogan, “Use it or lose it” has taken on a brand new meaning. Are you feeling your age today?

The physician Luke made specific note of the invalid’s age in this passage from Acts. How much more miraculous is it that God chose to heal a man who was over the age of forty years! People were living without the modern conveniences we have today. Folks had to walk wherever they needed to go, often barefooted, with minimal protection from sharp pebbles and hardened soil. Women hauled heavy jars of water on their shoulders to and from the wells each day. Men relied upon sheer physical strength to provide the “catch of the day.” There was no fast food in Jerusalem; no microwavable one-minute meals. The lame man had spent his entire life sitting in the dirt, relying upon the kindnesses of others just to survive. Begging for food was his virtual reality. It seemed that his body aged twice as fast as he sat there all alone, crumpled up beside the temple gate. Could God’s miraculous healing in the invalid’s body mean that He has a job for all of us to do, even if we’re past the age of prime time according to our culture? Is it possible that God sees intrinsic worth in folks over the age of forty years? Can we be of real service to Jesus Christ and make a difference for His kingdom, even if we have old bones?

God sees intrinsic value in the quintessential nature of His creation. When Christ saves us, we become a perfect example of God’s highest quality and class, no matter what our age. He sees great value in the broken and frail bones of the crippled, especially those who are over the age of forty years. You need to know that are very valuable to Jesus, no matter what your age or physical limitation may be. With one Word, the Father miraculously transforms us into the quintessential perfection that only comes in knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and Lord. If you are in need of a healing makeover, cry out to Jesus. He is perfection personified, and can restore quintessential wholeness to every human heart, no matter what your age may be. So being over forty isn’t as lame as we might think! Don’t make it your life’s excuse. Take a closer look, and know that Jesus has a plan and purpose for you, even if you are over the age of forty!

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.