Saturday, March 20, 2010

Grandmother's Ring

Today’s Readings: Acts 13:40-41 NIV

40 [Paul said,] “Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: 41 ‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’”

Good evening!

I gently pulled the rings off my mother’s swollen fingers. She had broken her wrist in a fall, and, as we waited for the first set of x-rays, I began to worry her precious rings might not come off. She had lost a considerable amount of weight over the last few months. I had grown accustomed to seeing the rings flip around in circles around Mom's shrinking fingers. This was not the scenario tonight. Granddaughter Rachel applied some silky smooth hand lotion to Gigi's rings, and with a few gentle tugs, the jewelry slipped off her fingers and into my hand.

I knew the story behind her wedding set. Mom had tossed my father’s engagement ring into the trash can, thinking he had mailed an empty box to her for some strange reason. It was only after she received the telegram which followed a day later that she and her five girlfriends spent hours poking holes in a trash dumpster searching for that precious box. The ring was finally found and my father never knew Mom had almost thrown it away. Was it pure luck that she found the ring? Not hardly. Nothing has ever happened in my mother’s life by happenstance.

I did not know the history behind my mother’s dinner ring. She told me it belonged to my grandmother. I did not recall Miss Mary ever wearing any kind of jewelry. Sometime after my grandfather had passed away, she treated herself to a designer ruby ring. Mom said it was the only extravagant purchase my grandmother ever made. As Grandmother spent her final days in a hospital bed, she passed the ruby ring to my Mother and asked her to wear it always in remembrance of her. I carefully examined the ruby ring, now in the palm of my hand. Caked in lotion, this piece was in obvious need of cleaning. Mom let me take the ring home for safekeeping, since she wouldn’t be able to wear it for awhile. It had not been off her finger for over thirty years, and it broke my heart to have to remove it after all this time.

I could not believe my eyes, when I saw just how beautiful the ring was, once polished. Its intricate design is truly exceptional. I wondered whether my grandmother had the ring custom made just for her. I took a tiny jeweler’s brush and began polishing each of the grooves. To my amazement, the gold inlay was tiny spokes, encapsulating intricate open pockets – I couldn’t even see this until the ring had been thoroughly examined. The ruby is a mere chip, encrusted with tiny shining diamonds; the ruby mounting is slightly raised to accentuate its brilliant color. What a perfect compliment to a timeless heirloom! I put the ring on my finger and realized that the ring which fit my Grandmother and Mother also fit me! I felt an immediate and special connection to these precious women, while admiring my Grandmother’s ruby ring.

It is not always easy to see and understand the Father’s master plan. If we are not careful, we may miss out on His precious Truth. What appears on the surface, caked in intellectual doubt and misconception, is the Father’s bright and shining Morning Star. We need Christ’s help to look beyond the physical and see His Cornerstone shining within. Paul warned his listeners not to take lightly something they may never believe, even as they had been forewarned by the prophets of old. Will we die wandering in our own misguided direction, while Jesus Christ is standing right there in front of us?

The Word of God cuts through thick crusty layers of sin and reveals Himself perfectly. Do not let your own human eyes stand in the way of seeing the living Christ. Will you throw your faith away without digging deeper? Jesus is the Cornerstone; our bright and shining Morning Star. When it comes to seeking the Lord, absolutely nothing occurs by happenstance.

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.

Friday, March 19, 2010

Acting like a two year old

Today’s Readings: Acts 13:39 NIV

39 [Paul said,] “Through Him, everyone who believes is justified from everything you could not be justified from by from the law of Moses.”

Good morning!

My mother was laughing hysterically from across the dinner table last week. I glanced up, and found she was totally engaged with her two year old great grandson Andrew. He, of course, was sitting next to me, and I was trying to keep him still and in his seat while waiting patiently for his macaroni and cheese to cool. Our Andrew is a very busy boy. It is fascinating to watch his changing persona as the day wears on. In the morning, after his older siblings go to school, Andrew is rather subdued. He plays with his Matchbox® cars and loves to look at books. He will sit for fifteen minutes at a time, totally engaged while Nanny Deb reads to him out loud. Andrew is often quite sleepy and ready for a nap right after lunch. When he awakes, sweet Andrew comes into his own. He is full of combustible energy, and cannot wait to launch late afternoon full-throttle attacks on big brother, sister, and the family cat, Patches. He is relentless in his quest to make everyone around him miserable. You wonder where that sweet little boy disappeared to in his zeal to conquer and divide! He is relentless in his pursuit and often finds himself in time out long before the dinner bell rings. Amazingly, when supper time comes, Andrew folds his little hands and prays like an angel. If only his prayers would last a couple of hours! It has been said that children learn by example. How did Andrew “learn” to act like a two year old?

Observing two year old behavior can help us better understand why we fail so miserably with God’s law, given through His servant, Moses. The law was never intended as a stumbling block; rather, it was a road map for living. God gave the law on tablets of stone. The newly carved tablets were broken almost instantaneously, as God’s people willfully disobeyed. Like a two year old on a tear, we find ourselves beginning each day with good intentions, only to build up self-propelled steam that takes on a life of its own as the day presses on. We lash out irrationally at the people we love most. We vigorously choose our way over another. We come to the dinner table acting like two year olds, in need of grace, mercy and forgiveness. Often, we go to bed with tears stinging our eyes, regretting something we said or did in anger that cut another heart to the quick. Our human nature gets in the way of a seemingly good start.

We failed to keep God’s law. Constantly placing ourselves first in line, we lost sight of the Father’s plan for daily living. There was no justification for our failures; no reprieve for the sins we committed against God and each other. But when Jesus Christ came, the wages of sin and death were forever broken by grace. Jesus took upon Himself our human sin nature; our imperfections, failures, and willful disobedience – He willingly became the sacrificial scapegoat for our sin. God loves us so much that He sent His Only Son, and whoever chooses to believe in Him will not die; He will receive the gift of everlasting life! What a present we have to share! Without Christ, it was impossible to fully follow the law. We are not good enough, even on our best days, to right the wrongs we’ve committed in thought, word and deed. Through Christ alone, we have His divine help to set our path toward selfless living. We no longer need to act like two year olds; we are maturing in faith and we have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit to guide us in the way that leads to life everlasting.

Having a rough day today? Take a moment to stop and thank the Father for His Son, Jesus Christ. Ask Him to create in you a clean heart, a fresh start, and a clear sense of direction. What a great gift! Will you ask Jesus to be Lord of your life 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.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Blood pressure rising

Today’s Readings: Acts 13:38 NIV

38 [Paul said,] “Therefore, my brothers, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you.”

Good morning!

Paul has presented the Gospel in a clear and succinct manner. He knew the men who were listening to his message were formulating a decision in their minds that would affect the rest of their lives. It is difficult to speak with great conviction, knowing the end result is not up to you. I imagine Paul was silently praying, “Lord, send your Holy Spirit to touch them, to help them believe!” Before Christ ascended into heaven, He instructed His followers to go and make disciples of all nations. Paul, who once persecuted new Christian converts, was instantly changed the moment Jesus Christ stepped into his path. He knew firsthand the power of the Holy Spirit and what could happen in an instant. He scanned the room and looked into the eyes of all who were glued to his every word. Paul wondered if the Word of Truth had pierced their hearts the way it did for him that day on the road to Damascus.

Imagine that you are sitting in the juror’s box today, while Paul, servant of the Lord Jesus Christ, is finishing his final summation as defense counsel for the Gospel of Jesus Christ. You were not really thrilled when you received your service of summons in this case, because you knew it would impact your daily life. Christ’s case had become a hot topic around town and your friends and family were eagerly watching to see how you would vote. The decision made today would obviously impact the future of your family, your current job, your comfortable lifestyle, and your future security. You could lose your life over the decision rendered in today’s courtroom. Has his testimony been compelling? Will you find in favor of the defendant?

The judge instructs the jury as they prepare to deliberate privately. A set of jury instructions is given to help guide the jury in reaching a fair verdict. As you read these words aloud, you can feel the pulse of your heartbeat quicken, “The evidence which you are to consider in this case consists of the testimony of the witnesses, the exhibits, and any facts admitted or agreed to by counsel.” Your blood pressure rises as you begin to evaluate the evidence presented in court. The veins are now obviously pulsing in the carotid arteries; you are acutely aware of migraine pain forming at the base of your neck.

You close your eyes and rub your temples, to shade yourself from the bright sunlight streaming through the window near your seat. In your mind’s eye, you see Jesus Christ hanging on the cross with blood pulsing out of his body, pouring out forgiveness for all who will receive Him. You cannot escape His Truth; Jesus died for the forgiveness of your sin. Now you see Jesus reaching out to you in love. How can this be? Unimaginable love for a sin sick humanity, the Father cared enough to send His very best – Jesus Christ, the unblemished Lamb of God. He willingly gave His life for you and me. Will you believe and receive His forgiveness today? Are you willing to claim Christ’s Truth in a court of law?

It is now time to cast your vote. Written ballots are passed around the table. You have received your card and you hold it in the palm of your hand. The evidence has been presented and is before you now. Your blood pressure is rising, as Christ’s blood is washing you clean. What is your testimony before the Lord? Have you reached a decision 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.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

The changing seasons

Today’s Readings: Acts 13:36-37 NIV

36 [Paul said,] “For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his fathers and his body decayed. 37 But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay.”

Good morning!

His philosophy on death flooded my mind that night, as I made the cold midnight drive into the city. I remembered standing next to my father, watching him dig a small grave for our pet hamster. A man of few words, Daddy looked me in the eye and said, “Death is the natural end to a beautiful beginning. We can be thankful for our pets, but try to understand that death is simply part of life.” It certainly wasn’t the most eloquent funeral eulogy I’ve ever heard. Daddy seemed satisfied with this concept. The whole thing seemed much more complicated to me. After all, I had just lost the first pet I had ever learned to love. This hamster was my very best friend. He was soft and furry, and loved me unconditionally. Who would I tell all my secrets to now?

Daddy enjoyed the changing of seasons. He loved being outdoors and was never bothered by extreme heat or cold. A born hunter and avid fisherman, Daddy would roll out of bed at 3am, put on a pair of waders, and stand in the icy cold river waiting for that loud 5am start siren to sound. He wanted to see if he could catch his limit in thirty minutes or less. Quite often, Daddy would be back at the camper before dawn with supper on a string. He blended into nature like the deer that disappears into a wooded thicket just beyond the open field. Concepts of life and death and the changing of seasons seemed absolute in Daddy’s human heart. I felt there had to be more to understanding life and death than mere thoughts of nature simply running its course.

I know Daddy would have made a lousy patient. He would have hated being attached to all the life saving equipment, and for what? Death was a natural part of life. I tried to justify his sudden and unexpected death in my mind while driving home in the cold. One minute, he was here, and the next, gone. Mother kept repeating the words over and over again, “I didn’t get to say goodbye.” She sounded so alone; I could find no words to comfort her broken heart. Life begins and ends when we least expect it. My mother had lost her very best friend. Who would she tell all her secrets to now?

When David served out God’s plan and purpose in the generation to which he was born, he fell asleep in the loving arms of His Father. Today I find this Scripture extraordinarily comforting, knowing that every human heart is born with God’s greater plan and purpose. We live, serving the Lord in this generation, and when the appointed time comes, we fall asleep in the arms of our Heavenly Father. David dreamed of the day when the promised seed, the Holy One, would come and defeat the sting of death forever. I knew that night, without a doubt, my Father’s spirit was no longer bound within failing earthly flesh; the only One who conquered death forever had come to take my Daddy home. Sin, sickness and imperfections are forever conquered in the arms of Christ. There is new hope for the hopeless; our earthly goodbyes are no longer necessary.

All honor and praise be given to the Lord Jesus Christ, who completes the human circle of life! He is the reason we live and move and have our being. Death’s grip is broken, now and forever. You were born with a purpose, specifically for this time, and the Father longs to see you live each day in the light of His love. Choose life! Choose Christ! He calls you to give Him your all, and His promises are sure. He will hold your heart through the changing seasons.

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.