Saturday, August 15, 2009

A community where needs are met

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:34-35 (NIV)

34 There were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned lands or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales 35 and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone as he had need.

Good morning!

Can you imagine what it might be like to live in a community where all needs are addressed and met by its people? This is why I believe being part of a local church congregation is so important. There is a community spirit that draws us into service; and together, we can accomplish much more than we can do on our own. I’ve had the privilege of helping assist with a Habitat for Humanity® project through the United Methodist Churches of the Gateway Regional District in Missouri. I know very little about carpentry, plumbing or electrical wiring, but I do know how to cook a meal and deliver food to volunteers who are building homes for families in our community. One December day, my husband I delivered food to a worksite where thirteen people were out in the freezing cold, working knee deep in mud and snow, to finish a house before its January deadline. A pot of chili and a peanut butter sandwich can mean a lot to a cold and tired volunteer. A thermos of coffee and a plate of homemade apple muffins disappeared in a matter of minutes, and then the workers returned to their posts. It is an amazing thing to see how hearts and hands in a labor of love can raise up a new home for a family who might otherwise be living on the streets in the dead of winter.

Many of our local congregations are small in numbers. We see the needs of our community and we wonder how to meet them. This is when we see the possibilities of uniting hearts and hands together in service with other local churches. This is how we can impact our communities for Christ! There is a job for everyone in the family of God. While many offer financial resources to help fund projects, there are others who are gifted in construction and building. Many can cook, sew, and teach. When I traveled to Mexico with my local congregation to build a concrete block home for a family living in a makeshift tin hut, I was not physical capable of lifting the heavy concrete blocks or mixing the mortar by myself. I contributed to the team by handing tools to workers laying bricks and I participated in a Vacation Bible School for the community children, whose parents had come to watch and help their neighbors raise a home. When we all work together, we can accomplish the task at hand and successfully meet the need.

At Faith United Methodist Church, we regularly ask ourselves this question: If our church were to suddenly close its doors, would our community even miss us? It is my sincere prayer that we will continue to find new ways to reach beyond the walls of our church, and share Christ’s love in the community. If you are looking for a faith family where you can experience the love of Jesus Christ, grow in grace, and share your gifts and talents with others, we would love to have you come and be our guests in worship this weekend. Please contact me and I will be happy to give you directions to our church. We worship on Sunday mornings at 8, 9 and 11am.

Come experience a brand new way of life as we share our gifts together through the ministries of the local 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.

Friday, August 14, 2009

The testimony of new life

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:33 (NIV)

33 With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all.

Good morning!

What is your life’s testimony? How do you live it out each day?

The world has been captivated this week by the outpouring of stories shared by family and friends who are remembering the amazing life of Eunice Kennedy Shriver. It was the impact of her own grief and heartbreak for her older sister Rosemary that prompted Eunice to make a difference for children suffering with developmental disabilities and their families. She launched the first Special Olympics in 1968 at Soldier’s Field in Chicago. That single event, which started with 1,000 athletes, has grown to over 3 million participating athletes in the last forty years. Eunice Kennedy Shriver saw intrinsic worth and value in every human heart. It was her faith in Jesus Christ that allowed her to reach out with His love and touch a hurting world. Her visionary leadership and unwavering hope ushered in a new way of life for families touched by disabilities all around the world. What a beautiful testimony and tribute to a woman of great faith.

A few weeks ago, a young Christian wife and mother was seriously injured in a biking accident. Her husband continues to publicly pray and praise God daily for His healing mercies even in the midst of a catastrophic, life-changing circumstance. There is no greater faith example than the people who choose to toss personal fear and anxiety aside and live out what they believe day by day. This is the life example and legacy of Peter and John and all the apostles, who continually testified to the resurrection of Jesus Christ with great power and grace, even in the midst of personal tribulation and adversity.

We live in an imperfect world. When we learn to fully rely upon the Lord Jesus Christ for our source of help and hope, we can find strength together and help in time of need. God can and will use you to make an everlasting difference in the life of another human heart. Are you willing to look beyond your circumstance, and see all the possibilities for His hope in the world? Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Do not be afraid to share what Jesus has done for you. Your testimony of faith may just be the catalyst to restore new life to another human heart.

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, August 12, 2009

Time, talent and treasure

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:32 (NIV)

32 All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.

Good morning!

In an effort to cut costs in the purchase of office supplies, a group of administrative assistants pitched a proposal to its management team, which has literally saved its company thousands of dollars in the last year. Every department had been given an annual operating budget which included a specific dollar amount for essentials, such as paper, writing tools, printer supplies, etc. Each department tried to be respectful of another department’s resources, keeping their supplies marked and separated. Everyone needed supplies in order to do their job. Why not pool the resources and distribute and use what had been purchased company wide? On the surface, this seemed to be an impossibility, especially with so many different site facilities and teams. Is it possible to centralize office supplies and provide them to various personnel as needed? Departments began to gather their goods, organizing paper, notebooks, pens and other essentials on open shelves. Emails began floating around the company asking if someone might have a ream of canary colored paper, or a box of hanging file folders. Instead of coveting department supplies, groups began to share their accumulated wealth with others. When this idea became a reality, it made an indelible impression in my mind as I witnessed a mindset occur. People were willingly and happily sharing their resources. The sincere desire to help a coworker in need is what impressed me most of all.

A couple of weeks ago, our mission team organized a church wide garage sale for the benefit of our community. It was not intended to be a large fundraiser; rather, an attempt to pool our resources for the benefit others of our community. Faith families cleaned out their closets and basements, donating extra clothing, shoes, toys, games, furniture and appliances, and hauling their items to the church the week before the sale began. Coupons were distributed to families in the community who were receiving assistance at local food pantries and shelters. They were able to come to Faith church the evening before the sale and whatever their family needed at no charge. Within two hours, almost everything that had been donated was gone. It was humbling to see the great need. As we closed our doors that evening, many of us went home and looked for more things to donate for the Saturday sale. Who ever thought that willingly and joyfully giving something away of personal value could mean so much for the giver? I wondered if this is what it feels like to be part of the early Christian church that Luke describes so eloquently in the book of Acts.

What kinds of things do you have stashed away that someone else could use? Would you be willing to donate an hour each week to a college student who is far from home, and needs an adult to listen and care? Could you bake a double portion of your famous Sunday casserole, and share it with a neighbor, just because? How much time does it take to send a get well card, make a telephone call, or say a prayer for someone you do not know half way around the world? Are you willing to share your time, talent and treasure?

It is an interesting assumption, when we stop to think about what we have to give. None of us knows how much time we have left here on earth. Every day is a new opportunity to pool and share our gifts with others. When we begin to realize that the time we spend here is not really our own, sharing it becomes a lot of fun!

I double-dog dare you to ask yourself this question: What will I joyfully give away today? I encourage you, in the name of Jesus, to give from the abundance of your life, because your life and the time you spend here is not really yours – it is a precious gift from the Lord.

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 10, 2009

Holy boldness

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:30-31 (NIV)

30 Stretch out your hand to heal and perform miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus. 31 After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.

Good morning!

Holy boldness cannot be taught in a college classroom. It is not a skill set one acquires on a debate team or while attending an employee training event. Holy boldness is a gift of the Spirit, and it comes through faith in Jesus Christ.

We often think of a bold person as someone who is outspoken in their convictions. One example may be a pastor who is offering his Sunday morning sermon in a loud, animated voice. Is this really what it means to be holy bold? I personally believe there are other manifestations that speak much louder than words.

The gift of holy boldness is evident in the heart of a penitent spouse, as they seek forgiveness and restoration for the wrongs they have committed against their family. We see proof of holy boldness at work, when a wife forgives her husband for infidelity and chooses to love him when he is least lovable. When a wayward child finds his father’s arms wide open, longing to welcome him home, we see the positive effect of holy boldness in the healing of a broken heart. The gift of holy boldness is absolutely evident when innocent victims choose forgiveness over revenge.

New believers in the Way were subjected to the most inhumane of crimes. Because they believe that Jesus Christ is Lord of all, many new converts were forced to watch their children suffer unspeakable atrocities before they were put to death. It was only through the means of holy boldness they were able to withstand this pain and suffering, confessing Christ while knowing their confession would cost them their lives.

Have you ever wondered whether you would have enough holy boldness within to help you stand firm in the wake of a devastating life event? Will you live in holy boldness even if your spouse leaves you, your child becomes ill, or your best friend dies? We can learn much from the early church, as they prayed the believers’ prayer together. They place their hope in Jesus completely as He gives them holy boldness to profess faith even in times of suffering and grief. If you are in need of receiving His gift today, join me now in the believers’ prayer of faith: Father, I pray that you will fill us with your holy boldness, that we will stand firm against the threats of this world. We have seen your hand perform great miracles, especially when you saved us from ourselves. In Jesus’ name, help us not only speak Your Word but live our lives with a holy boldness that can only come through knowing you. 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.

Sunday, August 09, 2009

Pushing through the pain

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:28-29 (NIV)

28 They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen. 29 Now, Lord, consider their threats and enable your servants to speak your Word with great boldness.

Good morning!

Pain can be a disabling factor in our lives, when we allow it to distract us from the ultimate goal. I will always remember the face of my labor nurse, while I was in labor with my daughter Rachel. The reason we call it labor is because birthing babies is hard, hard work. It is truly a labor of love to give life to another human being. The pain can be excruciating, even with the help of modern day medicines. When I’m in constant pain, I have trouble focusing on much of anything else. It is as if that pain completely takes over my mind, disengaging me from the rest of the world. If we let it, our pain will totally consume us. My labor nurse was relentless in reminding me of the ultimate goal. She promised that if I would simply focus on her face and breathe through the contractions, I would soon see my newborn daughter. Whenever I’m hurting, I think about the face of my labor nurse and her words of eternal wisdom over my life.

It takes hard work and perseverance to plant and harvest a crop. The sweat and tears that come with turning hard soil, fertilizing and cultivating the ground, watering and tending to each new plant, can be very rewarding when the fruit produces on the vine. If we look to the end result with hope, we can endure the pain that is produced during the process.

I’ve been thinking about the pain and suffering of the new believers in the Way. Their families endured torture and death daily. They struggled to find the courage to share the Good News with a people who do not yet believe that Jesus Christ is Lord of all. The goal that kept them going was His hope assuring them that they would one day see Jesus face to face. They longed to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission – to share the Gospel with all the nations, knowing they would probably die by their admission of faith. Is it all that different for Christian believers today?

Believers are suffering for their faith all over the world today. Christians are being tortured and murdered for their profession of faith, especially in regions where Christianity is banned. Yet, faith has a way of revealing itself, amid the pain and torture believers endure. Is it so different for Christians living in a post-Christian culture? Do we not experience daily pain and suffering over the lack of knowledge and belief within our own communities? Is the Father calling us to step up and endure the pain of nonconformity, ridicule and rejection while sharing Christ’s salvation message with folks who do not believe they even need a Savior? I believe we have a lot more in common with the early church that one might think.

Father, we know that your plan and purpose will prevail against all time. There is no doubt that we will face the pain of rejection and ridicule from people who do not yet know Your Son. It is possible that our faith in Christ will place us in harms way. Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask that you enable your servants to speak Your Word with holy boldness. Block the spirit of fear that we hold in our hearts. Help us see you even when we feel the pain of rejection, intimidation, and judgment. We rely completely upon Your Word living in and through us to make a lasting difference in the lives of others. Help us focus on the goal, the spreading of Your Gospel to all the nations. For we know that in the end, we will run into Christ’s everlasting arms, where we will see you face to face and there will be no more tears, no more pain, and no regrets. In Jesus’ name, I pray, 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.