Saturday, April 03, 2010

A lot at stake

Today’s Reading: Luke 23:11-12 NIV

11 Then Herod and his soldiers ridiculed and mocked [Jesus]. Dressing Him in an elegant robe, they sent Him back to Pilate. 12 That day Herod and Pilate became friends – before this they had been enemies.

Luke 23:11-12 The Message

11-12Mightily offended, Herod turned on Jesus. His soldiers joined in, taunting and jeering. Then they dressed him up in an elaborate king costume and sent him back to Pilate. That day Herod and Pilate became thick as thieves. Always before they had kept their distance.

Good morning!

It was hard to breathe last night, sitting in a darkened sanctuary, listening to the pounding of stakes into the three wooden crosses at the altar. The pastor invited us to come forward, pick up a stake and hammer, and nail our sin to the tree. As I looked up toward the ceiling, I saw the gruesome scene in shadows on the ceiling. There, the crosses loomed and I watched as people pounded their sins into the tree. The noise was deafening; you couldn’t escape it. It was as if I could smell the stench of blood and vomit floating in the air; I could hear the screams of the people and the unending suffering of one sinless man. There was a lot at stake the day Christ carried the sins of the world on the cross at Calvary.

I saw the tears and heard the weeping all around me. It echoed like a sad song throughout the sanctuary. A young mother sat quietly to my left. The tears rolled down her cheeks faster than she could wipe them. I am certain she was thinking about her little boys, and what it must have been like for Jesus’ mother Mary, to live through that awful, wondrous day. I couldn’t help but think about my children and grandchildren, praying that they would nail their sins to the cross and find complete wholeness and forgiveness, covered in the precious blood of the Lamb. For all mothers everywhere, there is a lot at stake this Holy week.

Isn’t it ironic how two rival rulers become the best of friends by allowing the cruel death of God just to keep civil peace? Surely this would never happen again, would it… could it? The lengths we humans go to remain in the good graces of our neighbors are inexcusable, especially when it comes to sacrificing faith in trade for the popular vote. There was a lot at stake here. Two sinful men became the best of friends in their grave decision.

Jesus Christ forgave us all as the Roman guard pounded the stakes into His flesh, and left Him on a cross to die. As the Father turned away, Jesus continued to cry out, revealing His undying faith in His own dying moment. Can you imagine the cost Christ paid for your salvation? This is the moment of decision. Will you pick up a spike and hammer, and nail your sins to the tree? Your soul’s salvation is hanging in the balance.

If you have invited the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart, then I would urge you to spend this day praying for those who do not yet believe. Christ calls each and every one of us as witnesses to His death and resurrection. My friends, there is a lot at stake 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.

Friday, April 02, 2010

Eternal commitment

Today’s Reading: Luke 23:44-46 NIV

44 It was now about the sixth hour, and darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 for the sun had stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

Revelation 5:12-13 NIV

In a loud voice they sang: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!” 13 Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: “To Him who sits upon the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power for ever and ever!”

Good morning!

It was dark in the sanctuary. The altar had been stripped of everything that adorned it – the communion elements were gone. The meal had been served; our Lord had been taken away. I couldn’t help but wonder what it would be like to live in a world without Christ’s love to guide us. For a moment, I felt so lost. Then I remembered the words from a familiar passage of Scripture, and my heart began to sing, “Worthy is the lamb who was slain… to Him who sits upon the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power for ever and ever!” The dark night of the soul no longer seemed so ominous. I knew sins chains had been broken once and for all. The light is returning; there is victory in Jesus; there is hope for a lost world!

Worship is a powerful thing. It touches our intellect and emotion; worship helps us recognize our total unworthiness and the amazing gift of grace that we have received. The Easter Sunday celebration that is coming is chalked full of praise and beauty and celebratory music! There will be dancing and laughter, and wonderful preaching! Pastors get pumped on Easter, and for good reason. This is the reason we celebrate – Christ’s death and resurrection is the final and sufficient means for all people to experience salvation! Bells will peal from church steeples. Parade goers will fill the streets of Jerusalem, heading toward the empty tomb. Even with all the upcoming revelry, I find myself drawn deeper to the somber remembrance of Christ’s suffering. His anguish should have been mine. Christ willingly gave His life as the perfect sacrifice for my sins. His cross should have been my cross; His shame was mine. Jesus willingly did this so that I might experience a right relationship with The Father. I deserved His punishment; yet Jesus chose to save my life! Who could not help but rejoice in the greatest gift ever! When we receive Jesus into our hearts, we receive His promise of new life, for today, and all our tomorrows. Even in the looming darkness of this hour, I knew the morning Son would come again. And it is for this reason, I hold onto His promise. It can be yours today for the asking. Are you ready to make an eternal commitment to Jesus Christ?

Today, we remember the Lamb that was slain. May Christ’s blood cover you in grace, as you kneel at the foot of the cross. Pray this prayer with me, “Father, I do not deserve to come into your presence, but your Son, the Lamb of God, has made a way for me. For I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who came to take away the sins of the world; my sins, forever and ever! Thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me! I will praise and serve you with everything I am; this is my eternal commitment. Amen.”

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, April 01, 2010

Living worship

Today’s Reading: Luke 22:19-20 NKJV

19 And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.” 20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.

Good morning!

Today is the day we remember and celebrate the Passover meal. The Father gave specific instruction to Moses on how to prepare and share this special dinner. The people prepared for the promise of their ultimate release from captivity, while awaiting God’s promise of full salvation. The perfect lamb was prepared; its blood preserved and placed over the door posts as a protective shield. When the angel of death came that night, it would pass over the children covered under the blood. The Passover meal is an act of living worship, celebrated in hope and wonder, as we prepare our hearts for the fulfillment of God’s salvation to all who are protected under the blood covering of the Lamb.

Jesus and his disciples came to Jerusalem to celebrate the Passover feast together. This special meal was the last time Christ would eat with the disciples before His death. Advance preparations had been made for their time together. Jesus sent Peter and John to find a special place to share the Passover meal. As Christ prepared Himself to bear the sins of the world, the women prepared food, according to the traditions passed down from their forefathers. This is a humble act of living worship; Jesus prepares human hearts as we humble ourselves before the Father, protected under the blood of His perfect, spotless Lamb.

Living worship is the outward expression of genuine love for God. It is a beautiful thing to see; more precious to do. Living worship is a verb. It is not something we hope to experience while sitting in church; it is what we offer in return to the One who has given us His all. What does living worship mean to you?

We see Christ’s expression of living worship as He washes the feet of His friends, knowing in a few short hours they would scatter like lost sheep, denying any relationship with Him. Jesus dipped his hand in the cup with the One whom He knew would betray Him into the hands of angry, evil men. Jesus fully understood the impact His act of living worship would bring, watching as His disciples shared in the Passover meal together.

What will you bring as your act of living worship to His table? Will you place full faith in the promise of salvation through the perfect, sinless Lamb of God? Won’t you give your whole heart to Jesus right now? Christ invites all who are willing to come and eat at His banqueting table. This is, by far, the most important meal you will ever eat. May you find new life today in Christ’s act of living worship, sheltered under the blood of the Lamb.

You are cordially invited to attend living worship with me tonight at 7pm at Faith Church, 2950 Droste Road, St. Charles, MO. We will break bread together as we remember the sacrifice of our Lord.

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.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Real life experience

Today’s Reading: Acts 13:48-49 KJV

48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord was published throughout all the region.

Acts 13:48-49 The Message

When the non-Jewish outsiders heard this, they could hardly believe their good fortune. All who were marked out for real life put their trust in God—they honored God's Word by receiving that life. And this Message of salvation spread like wildfire all through the region.

Good morning!

I was checking the employment opportunities online today and noticed that in almost every job description, the words, “experience necessary” were printed in bold type. Many of the open positions go as far to identify the number of years of experience they are looking for in a qualified applicant. I wondered as I read the ads, why they do not place greater emphasis on “life experience.”

If you have a beating heart, then you unequivocally possess life experience. Our lives are unique, impacted by our family, environment, geographical location, and the culture in which we are raised. Yet, we all share a commonality in our life’s breath. We all bleed, we cry, we hurt, and we love. We learn how to overcome insurmountable obstacles; we find a way to care and share with our extended families, even while caring for ourselves. We understand the importance of our interpersonal relationships and learn how to choose our friends wisely, especially after experiencing a disappointment. Growing in grace helps folks admit their weaknesses and focus on their inherent strengths; grace allows us to cut each other a little slack. I think life experience is an important part of who we are and whose we are, and it should count for something, wouldn’t you agree?

How do you find real life? Many folks believe real life is attained through the things we possess, or the lifestyles we keep. Take away an executive’s blackberry and suddenly, all life seems lost without his contacts and appointment times. Remove a name plate from the desk where someone sat at for fifteen years and suddenly, their identity seems lost in the whirlwind of a stark unemployment reality. What if real life for you consisted of scavenging for food to eat, a roof over your head, and help for extreme medical needs? If you are reading this blog, you probably have a computer within your possession. How many people in the world live without electricity to power such an expensive piece of equipment, much less have the necessities they need to live? What is real life? Is it possible for all to receive it?

A loving Father never denies His treasured possession a cup of real life. He offers His love freely to all who will accept His gift. For God so loved the world, He gave Jesus, His Only Son, that whoever would believe and receive Him, would inherit eternal life, real life! No matter who you are or where you live; it does not matter whether you have zero income or are listed in the top ten of the Fortune 500®, real life is a package deal, and its ready and waiting just for you. The Good News of Christ’s death and resurrection is that He is the real deal. He offers real life, not just to a certain class of people or culture. He offers real life to all of us who will receive Him today. You cannot purchase real life; you will not find what you are looking for in a cheap date or a pill bottle. Real life comes through life experience; we struggle and search for greater meaning, intrinsic value, self-worth, and the only One who can adequately fill our void is the Son of God, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus came for all people, not just for His people, but for all people, everywhere. You see, I am a non-Jewish outsider, and today I find myself extraordinarily thankful for Christ’s gift of real life, eternal life, given to me. We honor the real life we’ve been given by receiving His gift with humble, grateful hearts. Real life is available – it is free for you and me! This is the kind of news that we should spread like wildfire! Won’t you help me share the Good News of Christ this week with the people you know and love?

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.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

Light of life

Today’s Reading: Acts 13:47 NIV

47 [Paul said,] “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’”

Isaiah 49:6 NIV

He says, “It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”

Good morning!

Palm branches are waving all over town. Folks stood in the streets of Jerusalem, waiting to welcome Jesus of Nazareth into their city. We see Him riding on the back of a donkey, as folks huddle together, trying to catch a glimpse of the great teacher and healer. His fame had spread throughout all of Galilee like wild fire. The curious, the sick, the scoffers and mere spectators lined the city streets like paparazzi, shouting “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”

What a day this must have been for the people of Jerusalem. The light of life had come; yet, in the frenzy of a ticker tape parade, many folks didn’t see it! There was a great current of expectation moving through the crowds. The sick, lame and lost – all of them hoping for a miraculous, supernatural healing. To finally be set free of the bondage of their physical limitations was more than they could imagine. To be free to live life in wholeness of heart, leaving their lives of emotional distress behind was their heartfelt prayer. Would they finally see their miracle as they looked in the eyes of the one riding into their city? Could Jesus of Nazareth offer them more than they could ever possibly hope for?

Jesus came into the city to fulfill His Father’s plan for all people. He longed to see His people healed from the sins eating them alive. More than anything else, Jesus wanted them to know and love His Father, their Father - our Father. He already knew how His life would end and begin again. Jesus could have healed them all in an instant; yet, they would never fully understand the real gift of salvation without His ultimate sacrifice. How His heart must have wept that day, on a day like no other, when the light of life rode into the city and the people could not see Him for who He truly is.

Christ fulfilled every prophetic word; every promise made. He is the light of the world and in Him is no darkness at all. We have His Word that He will return one day soon to reign in the Holy City, forever. His kingdom of light and life will never end. When Jesus returns, will you be standing in the street waiting? Jesus will give you a brand new life right here and right now. All you have to do is ask Him to forgive you, to wash you; ask Him to come into your heart 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.