Eternal optimist

Today’s Reading: Acts 13:1 NIV

1 In the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.

Good morning!

While visiting The Holy Land Experience® in Orlando, Florida, I purchased a 500 piece jigsaw puzzle entitled, Approaching Storm. It is a picture of Jesus, Peter, James and John, on a fishing boat, gazing out over the Sea of Galilee. If I were headed into a life storm, I would definitely want to be in the boat with Jesus.

I love working puzzles! I enjoy looking at the various shapes and colors of each piece and dreaming of how they will one day all fit together to create one miraculous picture. When my friend, Samantha, came to visit earlier this week, I couldn’t wait to open this brand new puzzle and begin putting the pieces together with her. I told Sam that I thought the two of us could finish it in just a few hours. I saw the look of dismay creep across her face. Let’s just say she was not quite as optimistic as I was. If you know me well, then you know that I am and will always be an eternal optimist!

We probably started the puzzle too late in the day to give it our best effort. Earlier, we had spent several hours visiting with my mother, and my daughter’s family. We went shopping together at one of our favorite local discount stores, and enjoyed hot soup and sandwiches at a nearby deli. There was so much to do and so little time to do it! When we arrived home, it was dark and cold outside. It took an eternity just to find and finish the framing pieces of my new jigsaw. Neither of us could locate one missing piece in the frame, and it is still missing today. Samantha contends that Jesus must have stolen it! I insisted that Jesus doesn’t steal puzzle pieces; He steals our hearts. Who couldn’t help but fall totally in love with the Master puzzle maker, as He authors and perfects our very lives?

In the church at Antioch, we know there were five very unique men, who came from completely different backgrounds and life experiences. Together, they possessed a spiritual gift mix that created a beautiful picture of what the church of Jesus Christ should be around the world. It is imperative that we recognize the intrinsic spiritual beauty of each and every person who falls in love with the Lord Jesus Christ. It may seem a little like a disjointed jigsaw puzzle at first, when you look at the all the players clumped together in a huddle. We wonder how in the world our Lord could take this motley group of people, many with rough edges, and fashion a beautiful portrait of the Father’s love for all the world to see! Every person is vital to the spreading of Christ's Gospel message.

I need help finding that one missing piece! Just as this puzzle cannot be a finished picture until all pieces are on the table and accounted for, the Father longs for all people, everywhere, to give their whole hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ. What will you do to help reach your family, friends and neighbors, and lead them to the foot of the cross today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2010, 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.

John Mark's gift

Today’s Reading: Acts 12:25 NIV

25 When Barnabas and Saul had finished their mission, they returned from Jerusalem, taking with them John, also called Mark.

Good morning!

What is it like to learn from the best of the best? One of the most enjoyable aspects of attending college as an older adult is gleaning information and tidbits of wisdom from the pastors, professors and students who willingly share their own personal life experiences. Taking Bible classes at Lindenwood University® has made an everlasting mark in my life. I am thankful for the dreams and gifts that are borne through higher education.

John Mark is credited for writing the first Gospel account of Jesus Christ. A gifted writer, Mark focused his thoughts on Christ’s healing miracles, especially the miracle of rebirth which can only come through accepting Jesus as your personal Lord and Savior. His family opened their home as a meeting place for new Christian converts, where Mark listened with great interest to the thoughts of those who had given their hearts to the Lord. Through his Christian “home schooling” experience, John Mark became a missionary apprentice to Paul and Barnabas, traveling with them on their first Gospel-spreading journey. He could not have had better teachers to guide him in The Way.

Name the people in your life who led you to Jesus Christ and encouraged you to follow Him. Say a special prayer of thanksgiving for each of these precious ones today. There is no greater gift than the gift of salvation! Now go, and share the Gospel message with others, in Jesus’ name.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2010, 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.

Star Gazing

Today’s Reading: Matthew 2:10-11 NIV

10 When [the wise men] saw the star, they were overjoyed! 11 On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

Good morning!

The stars were spectacular last night! Did you see them? On a clear winter's night, one can see amazing constellations in the sky. It was way too cold to stand outside for long in near zero degree temperatures; yet, for one brief moment, the skies came alive with blazing white light.

We celebrate and remember the journey of three wise men visiting the infant King on January 6^th. It is commonly referred to as the Epiphany, which means “appearance” or “manifestation.” This is a celebration of Christ’s birth and the visitation by Persian priests to Bethlehem. This date commemorates Jesus’ baptism in the River Jordan and the miracle of water to wine at the wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. Epiphany is a celebration of great light and new life.

Just as the astronomers from the east followed a star which led them to the newborn king, we follow Christ’s light into this brand new year. The wise men were willing to follow the star wherever it went, even amid uncertain times. Are you willing to seek out and follow the light of Christ on a day like today?

In this world of uncertain times, there is one thing we can be sure of. Christ’s light, the light of the world, is shining brightly today. He will lead us straight into the Father’s arms, if we are willing to look up and follow His light. Our life’s circumstances may seem bleak, as the winter wind whips around your heart. Do not be discouraged. Jesus Christ walks where you are. He understands your fear. He will not leave you nor forsake you. If you choose to place your full trust Him, Jesus Christ will be the light of your life; He will lead you safely home.

What a great evening to do a little star gazing! Open the door of your heart and see the amazing miracle shining in the night sky!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2010, 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.

Gospel Truth

Today’s Reading: Acts 12:24 NIV

24 But the Word of God continued to increase and spread.

Good morning!

On New Year’s Eve, Jeff and I were wandering around in a very large crowd of people along the sidewalks of Epcot®, a part of the Walt Disney World® theme parks and resort located in Orlando, Florida. We were there with our daughter Rachel and family, spending time together during Christmas break. This was my second trip to Disney World; my parents took me to the Magic Kingdom® in the summer of 1975. A lot has changed since then! Of the theme parks we visited at Disney World®, Epcot was clearly my favorite. The park was crowded early when we arrived, and families continued to pour into the park as the day grew longer. By lunch time, there were so many people walking through the World Showcase that it was difficult to find a place to sit down and rest. Jeff and I grabbed a sandwich at a Norwegian kiosk, and tried to get comfortable on the concrete curb next to the lake. We enjoyed eating our sandwiches in the near perfect 75 degree weather, while watching people pass us by.

It became readily apparent that this theme park belongs to the whole world. We saw thousands of families visiting from different countries, gathering together here on this, the last day of 2009. I heard many different languages spoken all at once. When you travel the world showcase, you have an opportunity to visit twenty different countries, experience a little of its unique culture and traditions, and sample their foods. As crowded and chaotic as the park had become, folks seemed to show respect for each other. It is not always easy to be in such a crowded area and demonstrate human kindness to your neighbors. People were extraordinarily nice that day, as we sat in showcase plaza.

I took a moment to close my eyes and listen with my heart. How I longed to be able to understand the words of my brothers and sisters as they passed me by. The various languages, all spoken at once, were beautiful to hear. I thought about the day the Apostle Peter testified to the thousands gathered together that morning in the square. Every nationality could hear the Gospel message spoken in their native tongue and wondered how this could be. Many presumed the men had consumed too much wine! And from what I could see, there was plenty to drink at Epcot® on this, the last day of 2009.

Sometimes we may feel a bit discouraged, wondering if the salvation message we proclaim is being heard and understood around the world. Many good men and women lost their lives translating and distributing Scripture into words which the common man could read and understand for themselves. We continue to find new ways to get the Gospel into the hands of everyone, everywhere! Even though we may struggle to communicate, it is Christ’s Words changes lives, for all people, everywhere. Even amid the many adversities we face, the Word of God continues to increase and spread.

How will Jesus Christ choose to use you to share His Gospel Truth with the world today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2010, 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.

Grave danger

Today’s Reading: Acts 12:21-23 NIV

21 On the appointed day Herod, wearing his royal robes, sat on his throne and delivered a public service address to the people. 22 They shouted, “This is the voice of a god, not of a man.” 23 Immediately, because Herod did not give praise to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.

Good morning!

There is a fine line between taking pride in the work you do, and becoming prideful in it. Our parents and teachers encourage us to take stock of the time and effort we put into our homework, coming prepared to class, or fine-tuning a specific skill for an upcoming competition. Our supervisors at work admonish employees to take personal ownership for the work they do. They encourage their team to show self-confidence while emulating integrity as part of becoming a winning team. Personal and professional achievement is a great thing, until it becomes useless when compromised by our own prideful sin nature.

Herod Agrippa had a problem with pride, and it cost him his life. The spread of Christianity throughout the region caused great distress for the Jews, as they observed large numbers of Gentiles converted daily. In an attempt to win the popular vote, Herod ordered Roman guard to persecute and kill new believers, including the Apostle James. Under his rule, the Apostle Peter was thrown into prison. Herod’s quest for power and prestige superseded his ability to see the Truth. While in Caesarea, Herod delivered a speech perceived to be godlike by the people who heard him speak. When Herod accepted their acclimation, full of pride and self-satisfaction, an angel of the Lord immediately struck him with a case of worms that literally ate him alive from the inside out. Herod was dead within a week.

There is grave danger in becoming prideful. Jesus gives each of us unique gifts and abilities to use for His glory and honor alone. When we twist the truth to build up our own ego and take credit for the things of God, we place our life in eternal jeopardy. Herod had potential and promise, but tossed it all away through his prideful sin against God.

Do you struggle with pride? There is only one remedy and you will find it at the foot of the cross. If you are willing, the Lord will use you for His kingdom work: you must be willing to give Him all the honor, glory and praise. Jesus Christ can take the splendid gift mix that the Father uniquely planted inside of you, and multiply it to reach others with His Gospel Truth. Are you willing to lay your own self-righteous pride at the feet of Jesus today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2010, 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.

Everlasting Arms

Today’s Reading: Hebrews 12:10-13 NIV

10 Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. 12 Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. 13 Make level paths for your feet, so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed.

Good morning!

The cold weather is a constant reminder that my body is just a temporary shell, and not built to last forever. Does the cold, winter weather make your joints and muscles ache? A few months ago, I slipped and fell in my garage at home and did some major rearranging to my neck and right shoulder. The below freezing temperatures are reeking havoc with my old and brittle bones this morning. Can you feel it too?

Because I have always had full use of my arms and hands, it never really occurred to me what it might be like not to have full range of motion, or the ability to lift and move in certain directions without pain. The fall has impacted every aspect of my life on many levels, even apart from where my bones intersected with the hard concrete floor. In the split second when my sandal broke and the force of gravity carried me down, I managed to reach upwards, attempting to catch myself before I hit the concrete. In that fleeting moment, I tore the bicep muscle away from the bone in my right arm. I really didn’t know the extent of this injury until after I had an opportunity to see the shredded muscle in the arthroscopy pictures taken during surgery. I was amazed at the damage that was caused from one missed step. Have you ever missed a step in your life that caused irreparable damage to yourself, your family, and friends?

There is a photograph hanging in one of the gift shops of the Holy Land Experience® in Orlando, Florida. It is a picture of Jesus, on the cross, looking at His outstretched arm, pinned by a large stake pounded through His flesh. I am reminded of Christ’s suffering in this picture, as I see how His muscles were literally pulled away from the bones by the sheer force of gravity. I can sense the unrelenting muscle spasms and pain He felt in every nerve ending running up and down His arms. He willingly, obediently gave His life for you and me! Whenever my shoulder twinges, I think about the agony of Christ’s suffering and I receive a small glimpse of what He endured just to save me from my sin.

His arms are everlasting to everlasting. His reach extends far beyond the depths of the earth. He will catch you when you fall! Jesus Christ is the only One who has the power to raise you up again. One day, I know this flesh will fail me. Jesus made all the difference when He died and rose again! Because He lives, I have His Word that I will receive a brand new, perfect body; there will be no more muscles aches, pain, or tearing of flesh away from the bone. I have been grafted into the vine of New Life! I was purchased at a great price, and His gift was given freely to me. This is why I love the winter time! I know that the physical pain I feel is a blessed reminder of Jesus’ love for me. I say, “Let it snow!”

If you have fallen away from your faith, today is a perfect day to begin anew with the Lord. He will pick you up and carry you, if you will only cry out to Jesus today. Come and worship the Lord with me! Our earthly flesh will one day fail us, but Jesus Christ has conquered all sin; He heals our flesh, and gives us everlasting life! Ask Him to be your Lord and Savior right now.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2010, 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.