tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-364410432024-02-20T19:19:06.148-06:00Song of DeborahDevotionals for daily livingSong of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.comBlogger957125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-71366902445118474552011-02-05T10:34:00.002-06:002011-02-05T10:49:39.446-06:00<strong><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;">Frozen Pulpits</span></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Today's Reading: Isaiah 40:9 NIV</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">9 You, who bring good tidings to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You, who bring good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, "Here is your God!"</span><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Good morning!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">The blizzard in Northern Missouri dumped two feet of fresh snow before it traveled north and east. While viewing some of the pictures posted on Facebook, I smiled with empathy for my pastors and friends who live in that area and are still trying to dig out. One pastor had to literally build a wall of snow just so folks could access the stairs to enter the sanctuary for Sunday worship. I suggested he build a large ice pulpit in the front of the church and he thought maybe he could carve out the pews as well! I've never seen so much snow fall in one place.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Snow in general seems to diminish weekend worship attendance during the winter months. It is frustrating from the pastor's standpoint. They really want their congregants to be safe and use good judgment when coming out into the winter weather; yet, they really hope everyone will come to worship no matter what the weather! It is not right to sleep in and neglect our worship time with the Lord, simply because of a nasty forecast. Real worship can and does happen every day, and especially in inclement weather!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">John Wesley, Methodism's founder, spent much time agonizing over frozen pulpits in England. He was ordained in the Anglican ministry, where field preaching was banned among clergy. During his ministry in the mid-1700s, only certain classes of people were allowed inside the church for worship each week. The extreme poor, and working class, those who were labeled "street scum" were turned away from Christ's message of salvation. Wesley realized that Christ's commission must be carried out no matter the personal cost. God's redeeming, saving love is not just for some, but for all people, everywhere! His intinerent preaching took him way outside the walls of churches, into fields and graveyards, and anywhere folks were willing to gather to hear the Word of God. People were starving to hear about Jesus, to know that He loves them and wants to be in a real and personal relationship with them right now. When the Bishop of Bristol (Wesley's boss) threatened to expel Wesley from all Anglican pulpits, he simply replied, "The world is my parish."</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Almost three hundred years later, I have to wonder how many of our pulpits remain stoic and frozen, excluding some folks while embracing others. Shouldn't our churches be havens of refuge for the least, the last and the lost? This is a place to learn about our Lord's teachings, the wages of sin, and the penalty Christ paid for our salvation. Wouldn't it be awesome if our church buildings were filled to overflow every weekend with friends and neighbors from all walks of life who live in our cities? Why are we not opening our doors in this winter weather to house the homeless in our worship centers, offering warm blankets, cots and hot food to families in crisis? Are our pulpits frozen so hard they cannot melt with the warmth of God's amazing grace for all?</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">The prophet Isaiah spoke God's holy Word to the people. His Word must be proclaimed not just behind our pulpits; it must be taken outside the walls, even in this cold snowy winter. We need not be afraid when the Lord Jesus Christ sends us to shout on top of the mountain, "Here is your God!" </span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">It is high time for a spiritual thaw.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Grace and peace,</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Deb Spaulding</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</span></strong><br /><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/"><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">www.songofdeborah.com</span></strong></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">_____<span style="font-family:arial;">_______________________________________</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Copyright 2011, Deb Spaulding</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">All rights reserved</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Articles may not be printed in any "for profit" publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via email, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and website information intact with copied articles.</span>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-45962557468622632342011-02-04T10:20:00.002-06:002011-02-04T10:39:03.963-06:00<strong><span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;">Prayer Power</span></strong><br /><br />Toda<span style="font-family:arial;">y's Reading: Isaiah 40:1-2 NIV</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">1 Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. 2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem, and proclaim to her that her hard service has been completed, that her sin has been paid for, and she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.</span><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Good morning!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">I was browsing through the video library at the Family Bookstore recently when I happened upon a DVD entitled <em>Mother Teresa: In the Name of God's Poor.</em> This film gives a small glimpse into the life and heart of Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Mother Teresa. She dedicated her life's work to service the people that no one else wanted in India's slums. If you have not yet seen this DVD, I would highly recommend it for your home video library.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">As Mother Teresa was preparing to leave the safety of her convent to live among the poorest of the poor, she chose to wear a simple white habit, a head covering with blue stripes around the band. In this film, Father prays over her new head covering, asking God to bless and protect it and the one who wears it, as a symbol of Christ's ministry and healing in the world. The filmmaker spent time making a point about the selection of the fabric used, for it was the least expensive and non-ornate fabric available at the marketplace. As Mother Teresa's outreach ministry grew to worldwide proportions, the nuns who served along side her wore the same simple head covering, a simple white fabric with a solid blue stripe around the edge.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">In the last month, I have experienced a series of medical tests in two different hospitals. During each test, I was offered warms blankets to cover my body. I immediately noticed the white fabric with blue stripes and realized that I was being covered in Mother Teresa's habit - the fabric covered in prayer and blessing. It was designed specifically to promote healing and wholeness. I wondered if the medical attendants and nurses prayed over these blankets before they used them to cover their patients. This holy moment reminded me that I was being wrapped in a blanket of prayer power; I had absolutely no doubt this beautiful symbol was a gift from God and a specific affirmation from the Lord for me.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">On Sunday afternoons, a group of ladies from Faith Church St. Charles meet in the great room of our home to crochet prayer shawls for the sick and shut-ins in our community. Every stitch is handmade and every shawl is prayed over by each member of the group. Not every stitch is perfectly sewn; yet, every shawl is perfected in faith. I have been the recipient of one such prayer shawl. It was given to me several years ago by a dear saint who has passed on into God's eternal light. Every time I put this beautiful blue shawl around my shoulders, I feel as if I'm receiving a big hug from Miss Elsie and a prayer for healing. Simply a symbol, it is a mirror of God's love for me, and it draws me ever closer to my Lord, the giver of new life.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">We do not need to look far to see what suffering does in war torn countries. The Middle East faces a pivotal moment in its nation's history, today! Just this week, a cyclone demolished parts of Australia, leaving the terrain flooded and muddy. The weather maps indicate that much of the continental United States is buried in snow drifts and ice. One year after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, thousands are still living in makeshift tents, still struggling to survive. Where do the homeless go when there are no shelters to protect them? Where do you house the homeless in your own communities? With so many needs in so many places, where do we begin?</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">There is Power in the blanket of community prayer. God comforts His people through the words of Isaiah the prophet, tenderly speaking to the ones who have long suffered the tragedies of war and illness, starvation and unimaginable need. Every one of us has the ability right now to reach out to hurting hearts around the world by offering up a simple prayer of intercession on their behalf. What seems a human impossibility is possible with God. He can calm the storms, provide help for the helpless, and heal our war-torn countries. This single act of contrition and humility is the single most powerful thing we can do as believers in the body of Jesus Christ. We can become an intricately woven prayer shawl, sewn together by three strands: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. We can be the pure blanket of healing and wholeness for all people everywhere.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Won't you make time today, to fall down on your knees and seek God's help in bringing comfort and tender care to our neighbors who have urgent and dire needs? Prayer power is what our world needs right now.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Grace and peace,</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Deb Spaulding</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</span></strong><br /><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/"><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">www.songofdeborah.com</span></strong></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">________________________________________</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Copyright 2011, Deb Spaulding</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">All rights reserved</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Articles may not be printed in any "for profit" publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via email, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and website information intact with copied articles.</span>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-9182767489034761752011-02-03T07:58:00.002-06:002011-02-03T08:16:44.912-06:00<span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"><strong>Feisty Faith</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Today's Reading: Isaiah 40:11 NIV</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">11 He tends His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries them close to His heart; He gently leads those that have young.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Good morning!</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>When I first heard the noise outside our parsonage early this morning, I presumed God was waking me up to write. Then I noticed that our pretty kitty Faith had also reacted to the sounds outside. Was the Holy Spirit speaking to her too? Shortly thereafter, a second snowball crashed hard against our bedroom window. Jeff and I went outside together in the darkness and watched a young someone disappear into the shadows at the edge of our back yard. With cigarette in hand, he left a fresh trail of footprints in the frozen snow. Someone was obviously feeling a bit feisty today.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Our kitty Faith has a feisty disposition. She often vies for the attention with our sweet cocker spaniel, Ginger. During the day, they fight over which adult type will hold and pet them. Quite often, if Ginger is sitting with me, Faith will pounce onto my lap, scaring both of us, and forcing Ginger to move. Faith makes herself comfortable in the warm spot Ginger has left behind. Faith always a finds a way to get what she wants.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>It never fails. Whenever I'm cooking, Faith tries to snoop around the hot stove. She doesn't understand why I place her in kitty time out while I'm working in the kitchen. It is only for her protection and our general health that she is banned to the bedroom. There, she has her toys and bed, her food and water, and kitty litter box. It is a virtual kitten heaven back there, but there are many times when she is not satisfied with what we've provided for her. Faith can become instantly moody and feisty, especially in the evenings after she has spent some time in the bedroom alone.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Jeff and I had just crawled into bed for the night. Ginger leapt onto the covers and curled up next to me. Faith was being playful, pouncing on Jeff's bare toes. She has a foot fettish, that kitty of ours, and it has truly become a term of endearment. Jeff pulled Faith from his feet and tried to love on her some. Faith obviously had something else in mind. Without as much as a warning, Faith flew into attack mode and bit Jeff hard on the arm. It was actually a scary thing to watch. I presumed she was out of sorts and angry with me for having put her in kitty time out during dinner. What happened in the next moment was amazing to me. Jeff pulled Faith close to his bleeding arm and began to gently massage her forehead and chin. Speaking words of kindness and love to her, Faith began to relax in his arms. She calmed down and peacefully fell asleep in her master's protection and love.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Isn't this exactly how the Lord loves us? He protects us like a shepherd, from the things in life that will ultimately harm us. He wants nothing but our very best. The Father gave us commandments to obey and when we choose to break them, we suddenly find ourselves separated from the loving Master. Have you ever lashed out irrationally at the One who loves you and laid down His life to save you?</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>When we choose willful disobedience, sporting our feisty, self-centered attitudes, the loving shepherd does not let us simply disappear into the darkness. No matter how hard we may try to fight Him, Jesus has a wonderful way of drawing us back, holding us close with His nail-scarred hands. Christ's sacrificial blood covers all our imperfect ways; He bridges the gap between human sin and the Father's perfect will. It is only His love that can give us a restful night's sleep, peace in the middle of our storms, and a hope for the promise of eternal day.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>I would presume that our early morning visitor must have had a rough time sleeping last night. Why else would he show up in our back yard in sub-zero temperatures, pounding our bedroom window with snowballs? A steamy cup of hot chocolate and a kind conversation may have soothed his feisty spirit. Yet, he chose to run off into the darkness alone. He may be able to run away from me, but I know He is never too far away that my Savior cannot find and bring him back home.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Sweet Faith is snoozing peacefully in the chair where I sit writing today. She knows she is safe and loved, no matter what her general mood may be. And I know, without a doubt, that my Lord loves me right where I am, in the middle of my circumstance. He loves my feisty disposition and He will never let me go.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Lord Jesus, how amazing is your love for me!</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Grace and peace,</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Deb Spaulding</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</strong></span><br /><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>www.songofdeborah.com</strong></span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">_______________________________________</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Copyright 2011, Deb Spaulding</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">All rights reserved</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Articles may not be printed in any "for profit" publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via email, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and website information intact with copied articles.</span>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-70571840818199864992011-01-30T05:42:00.002-06:002011-01-30T06:05:10.075-06:00<span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"><strong>Preparing the way</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Today's Reading: Isaiah 40:3-5 NIV</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">3 A voice of one calling: "In the desert prepare the way for the Lord, make straight in the wilderness a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain. 5 And the glory of the Lord will be revealed, and all mankind together will see it." For the mouth of the Lord has spoken.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Good morning!</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>I've been studying the book of Isaiah this year with my friends at Bible Study Fellowship International. Every Wednesday morning my friend Vickey picks me up and we ride together. I've attended a lot of different Bible studies over the years, but this one is truly special. The Word of God literally leaps off the page each week as we discuss the assigned chapters. I am thankful to be a participant in this group.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>The Holy Scripture sometimes speaks literally to you and me. I had this experience with Scripture just last week. If you are fifty years or older, you may be able to relate to the story I am about to share. Once we baby boomers reach this perfect age, we get the joy and privilege of experiencing a medical test known as colonoscopy. For those who may not be familiar, a colonoscopy checks the health of your colon. It is a very important medical test and could very well save your life. The test itself is not so bad: you sleep right through it and it is virtually pain free, with the exception of a little indigestion and gas afterward. The worst part of this test is the preparation. In order for the surgeon to get a good look at what is going on inside your colon, you need to be really clean, and that is not an easy thing to accomplish when it comes to your colon.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>The large intestine is made up of four main sections: the ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon and the sigmoid colon. The total length of the large intestine is approximately six feet. It winds around inside your abdomen, doing the work of eliminating undigested food and other waste products in your body. It is a challenge to clean out an entire colon, and to do it, one must stop eating for a period of time, drink only clear liquids, and ingest laxatives to flush the colon of its waste. Sounds like fun, doesn't it?</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Last week, I underwent a colon cleanse to prepare for my second colonoscopy. The first colonoscopy was performed three years ago, and at the time, I had several precancerous polyps removed. The doctor probably saved my life that day during the procedure. Unfortunately, I had a complication after the test, a hemorrhage which took me back to the hospital for a week, followed by iron replacement for a year. As you may imagine, I was not looking forward to this second colonoscopy.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Before I started the prep, I began to pray for the Lord's help in cleansing out the dark places inside my belly. I began to pray out loud the words of Isaiah, as he prophesied of the coming Savior: "Dear Lord," I cried, "In this desert, prepare the way. Make straight in the wilderness a highway for my God. Every valley shall be raised up and every mountain and hill made low, the rough ground shall become level and the rugged places a plain. For the glory of my Lord will be revealed in this test." All day long, I repeated these words as I focused on how God was cleaning out the nasty stuff inside of me. You see, expunging sin is not an easy process. It hurts to let go of the things that are literally killing you. Just like a diet rich in fat and red meat can clog and contaminate your colon, a life of sin can clog and contaminate your heart. Only God can fully cleanse us from the sins that are eating us alive, but the process of letting go of our hurts and hang-ups is not a pleasant experience.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Sometimes we need to deal with our sins head-on. We need to hurt and cramp and feel sickened by the rotten things we've said and done. It takes a sincere repentance, not just mere words, to reach the Father's ear. He knows us from the inside out. He created us with the uncanny ability to be honest about who we are and whose we are. It is only after we've confessed our sins, let go of our stuff, and humbly ask for His healing, that our lives become truly clean.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>My procedure went better than expected. It was necessary to take a few biopsies of the colon to ensure there were no diseases to address. What amazed me were the pictures taken during surgery: what a change from just three years ago! Healthy, pink tissue replaced darkened scars from the polyps removed back then. Not only was I healed, the scars were gone! God absolutely healed me from the inside out. What could have once taken my life is no longer a threat, and for this gift, I am forever grateful to the Master healer.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>The surgical report said, "Excellent bowel prep." The doctor told me in recovery that I was squeaky clean! I would imagine that is not always the case with folks who come in for colonoscopy. I knew that my God had cleaned me out from top to bottom. He made the rough places straight. God can do this for you too - all you have to do is ask.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>I couldn't help but imagine what it will be like on the day when I am completely free from sin, rising up from this world and flying straight into the arms of my Savior, Jesus Christ. His blood completely heals me. He covers me and makes me righteous and clean before the Father. I cannot do this by myself. It's certainly not about being good enough or earning this privilege. I don't even deserve God's gift of salvation. Only Jesus can remove my imperfections forever. It's a matter of grace.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>I would strongly encourage all of you to get a routine colonoscopy. I have a great doctor and would be happy to share his contact information if you are looking for a great physician. I would beg you to let Jesus Christ cleanse you from the sins you carry around in your life. He can free you to be the person you were created to be. Ask Jesus to wash you clean from the inside out today. It will be an experience you will never ever forget.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Grace and peace,</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Deb Spaulding</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</strong></span><br /><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>www.songofdeborah.com</strong></span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">______________________________________</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Copyright 2011, Deb Spaulding</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">All rights reserved</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Articles may not be printed in any "for profit" publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via email, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and website information intact with copied articles.</span>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-7458766944615440582011-01-16T06:35:00.004-06:002011-01-16T06:53:42.910-06:00<span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"><strong>Resolving Conflict</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Today's Reading: Acts 15:5-6 NIV</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">5 Then some of the believers who belonged to the party of the Pharisees stood up and said, "The Gentiles must be circumcised and required to obey the law of Moses." 5 The apostles and elders met to consider the question.</span><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Good morning!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">When our children were younger, we used to struggle with differences of opinion and hot topic issues. Do you have a specific method for resolving conflict in your own home? We would often call family meetings at the kitchen table, especially when something of great importance had become a source of disagreement. We worked to create a safe space where everyone could express themselves on a particular question or situation, and then make a decision on how to move forward together. When emotions run high, it is often difficult to keep the safe space open to honest communication. I have often seen it crumble away more times than I can count. It is a hard thing to resolve conflicts within our own families, and quite often, someone walks away from the table frustrated with the group's ultimate decision. Even when we agree to disagree, it is critical for all to accept the overall decision of the group and abide in it. If we can somehow learn how to better deal with conflicts and differences of opinion in a healthy way within our own family units, we have a much better chance at learning how to do the same thing at work, in school, and even in church. Often, we see angry and disenchanted folks leave their places of employment or higher educational institutions because they can no longer support and abide by the decisions of the governing administration. The ironic thing about family units is that no matter what our differences are, we are yoked together in a strong cord of love. Every broken promise, any hurtful word can mend itself in love IF we are willing to let go of our hurts and let the Lord heal our families. God's plan for His children is as strong today as it was 2000 years ago. We are meant to be together forever, and no one should be left out of the circle. As a society, we can do a much better job learning how to respect and value each other, especially in times of disagreement.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">The early church set a great example in resolving conflict. They didn't back away from the tough issues, ignore them, or refuse to speak to the pointed questions at hand. They allowed every voice to be heard, and prayerfully considered all opinions. Every four years in the United Methodist Church, a delegation is elected from each annual conference to attend a worldwide General Conference. One thousand delegates, half clergy and half laity meet to hear petitions and make recommendations to reject, adopt or amend, through humble acts of prayer, discernment and holy conferencing. The delegates strive to interpret and discern every issue raised at Conference. Having served on the 2008 delegation from Missouri, I can attest that not every delegate agreed on all the decisions made; yet, we find ourselves drawn together by Christ's precious blood. It is His love for all people that helps us better learn how to love each other unconditionally.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">The early church model can teach us how to covenant together when addressing the deep seated issues we face today. Learning how to love each other the way Christ loves us is paramount in resolving conflicts. You and I are precious to the Lord. He loves us all so very much. Isn't it time we give unconditional love another try?</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Grace and peace,</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Deb Spaulding</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</span></strong><br /><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/"><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">www.songofdeborah.com</span></strong></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">_____________________________________</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Copyright 2011, Deb Spaulding</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">All rights reserved</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Articles may not be printed in any "for profit" publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via email, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and website information intact with copied articles.</span>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-72787543303226941792011-01-15T07:29:00.002-06:002011-01-15T07:43:06.726-06:00<span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"><strong>The Good News Brothers</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Today's Reading: Acts 15:3-4 NIV</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">3 The church sent them on their way, and as they traveled through Phoenicia and Samaria, they told how the Gentiles had been converted. This news made all the brothers very glad. 4 When they came to Jerusalem, they were welcomed by the church and the apostles and elders, to whom they reported everything God had done through them.</span><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Good morning!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">I purchased a t-shirt from one of the many displays at the United Methodist Congress on Evangelism held in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina this month. The caption on the t-shirt front really caught my eye. It says, "John and Charles Wesley - The Good News Brothers" with a picture that somewhat resembles John and Charles in a Blues Brothers costume! The back of the shirt exclaims, "On a mission from God." As soon as the weather warms up here in the arctic tundra of Missouri, my friends from Faith Church St. Charles will see me wearing this t-shirt around town. John and Charles Wesley were responsible for igniting the Methodist movement in England, Europe and the United States during the mid-1700s. They knew how to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ around town in worship and song. If you have a chance, take a minute or two to read about John and Charles Wesley online. If you would like to know more, visit your local United Methodist Church, where you will find additional resources available which tell about the brothers' lives and beliefs.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">At the Congress on Evangelism, I heard amazing stories of people from around the world, who were accepting Jesus Christ and having their lives totally transformed. I heard several pastors and teachers tell about changed lives in their communities and classrooms; my heart jumped for joy as they shared their stories and experiences of faith. We tend to dwell on all the bad stuff happening in our world and we sometimes forget how God continues to move in and through the people all around us. What an encouragement it is to hear some Good News for a change!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Paul and Barnabas were certainly the Good News brothers of their day. Everywhere they went, Paul stopped to share the faith stories with the community of faith and anyone else who would make time to listen. People were excited to hear of how the Holy Spirit was sweeping across the region, saving souls of both the Jewish tradition and Gentiles alike. When folks realized that God's love through Jesus Christ was meant for all people everywhere, the apostles' stories became a lifeline of hope and a source of healing to all who listened and believed. Good News travels fast!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">How will the Lord choose to use you today in sharing a little Good News with the people in your life? Ask Him to help you share stories of faith-filled living with everyone you know. Like the Good News brothers, you too can be a bearer of Good News, just like John, Paul, Charles and Barnabas! (And you thought I was going to say, "George and Ringo." Gotcha!</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Grace and peace,</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Deb Spaulding</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</span></strong><br /><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/"><strong><span style="font-family:georgia;">www.songofdeborah.com</span></strong></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">___________________________</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Copyright 2011, Deb Spaulding</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">All rights reserved</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Articles may not be printed in any "for profit" publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via email, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and website information intact with copied articles.</span>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-26629657044547111752011-01-14T08:15:00.003-06:002011-01-14T13:37:18.629-06:00<span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"><strong>The thing about salvation...</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Today's Reading: Acts 15:1-2 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">NIV</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">1 Some men came down from Judea to Antioch and were teaching the brothers: "Unless you be circumcised, according to the custom taught by Moses, you cannot be saved." 2 This brought Paul and Barnabas into sharp dispute and debate with them. So Paul and Barnabas were appointed, along with some other believers, to go up to Jerusalem to see the apostles and elders about the question.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Good morning!</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>In the 1982 blockbuster hit film, E.T.: The Extra Terrestrial, the lovable alien E.T. pointed a gnarly glowing finger at his little friend Gertie and said in a long, monotone voice, "Be good." There's something to be said about being good, choosing to do the right thing. After all, young Elliott saw his strange new friend as someone he needed to protect from a harsh reality. Elliott took it upon himself to provide shelter and protection for a stranger in need. Isn't that what we are taught to do - to take care of each other, and provide for the least, the last, and the lost ones in our world today?</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>There are some really great people out there. On many of our evening news broadcasts, there are five minute segments, like <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">NBC's</span> "Making a Difference," where we learn about some folks who do incredibly unselfish acts simply to reach out and help others. Is it enough to be good, or is there something else necessary to turn God's all-seeing, all-knowing eye?</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>For centuries, the Jewish tradition taught their people to strictly follow the laws of Moses. For them, it wasn't just a matter of being good or doing the right thing; it was an imperative in order to receive God's favor and mercy in the last days. God gave His commandments for right living and directed His people how to live out their days. Folks who chose to step outside of the boundaries God had drawn were punished for their sins. The act of circumcision identified every male Jew as a follower and keeper of the laws of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jahweh</span>. To abolish that custom and time-honored tradition seemed unacceptable to the God-fearing Jews in Antioch. Do you believe that one must be circumcised to be recognized by God as His precious child? Does wearing a cross around one's neck today, or having a Christian symbol tattooed on one's body help the Lord identify who His children really are?</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>I can only imagine the kinds of arguments that erupted in Antioch that day, as Paul and Barnabas arrived. It probably sounded a lot like some of the conversations I listened to at the 2008 United Methodist General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. Passionate people with positional statements of what they believe, why they believe it, and why others should too, can set the tone for a spirited, heated debate. There are just some things that must be discussed. Paul and Barnabas were appointed along with some others, to go back to Jerusalem and ask the other apostles and elders of the church about their burning question. As United Methodist Christians all over the world prepare for the 2012 General Conference, may we be compelled into daily prayer over the burning issues that will be discussed at length and acted upon at this meeting.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Paul and Barnabas had experienced God's amazing grace when Jesus Christ became Lord and Savior of their lives. They knew that while the teachings of Moses were very important and should not be simply set aside, that submitting to the rules alone was not enough to save. All of us can try to follow the rules or morality, of our country and community. We should all try to do good <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">where ever</span> we can, and we can wear our symbols of faith as evidence of what we believe. And yet, this would never be enough to gain salvation. The law cannot save in and of itself. It is only by grace through faith in Jesus Christ that we can receive full salvation. And when you receive it, your life will never be the same.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>So what thing must you let God have before you can fully accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior? Jesus said, "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." John 3:16-17 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">NKJV</span>.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Grace and peace,</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Deb <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Spaulding</span></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Faith <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">UMC</span> - St. Charles, MO</strong></span><br /><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>www.songofdeborah.com</strong></span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">________________________</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Copyright 2011, Deb <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Spaulding</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">All rights reserved</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Articles may not be printed in any "for profit" publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via email, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and website information intact with copied articles.</span>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-70551326891799024932011-01-13T06:27:00.002-06:002011-01-13T06:42:55.495-06:00<span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"><strong>Opening the Door of Faith</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Today's Reading: Acts 14:27-28 NIV</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">27 On arriving there, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done through them and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they stayed there a long time with the disciples.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Good morning!</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Yesterday my spirit was renewed as I sat with a fellow lay speaker at the hospital, waiting for word about his wife, who was having cancer surgery. We met last spring at a United Methodist lay speaking training event held at Faith Church in St. Charles. He and his wife were both taking classes together, and I was blessed to make the acquaintance of this family. We've kept up with each other and our respective local churches activities online since meeting last year. They were able to attend a summer lay ministry seminar in Fayette, Missouri, which I had missed. The keynote speaker was Dr. Tom Albin of the Upper Room Ministries in Nashville, Tennessee. During our visit yesterday, I was able to tell my friend that I actually did get to meet Dr. Albin and hear him speak on his Wesleyan studies last week at the United Methodist Congress on Evangelism in South Carolina. It is a good thing to always compare notes. We can learn so much from each other as we hear the stories of how the love of Jesus impacts our daily lives.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>The Lord has given my friends an extra measure of peace at this difficult time. This hospital visit could have been a very frightening experience. I am always amazed by the hope Christ gives to all who have chosen to place their lives in His loving care. Concerns and worries were talked about but not focused on. These emotions had no hold upon my friend's heart. He was able to look beyond the situation and see His Savior right there, holding his hand. Christ's love frees us to rejoice even in the darkest times of our lives. Together, we can find His hope. We cannot help but be encouraged by the love of God.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>When Paul and Barnabas arrived in Antioch, after suffering great personal tribulation, they were gathered into the arms of their community of faith, who loved and encouraged them. Paul and Barnabas did not focus their hearts on fear, but fixed their eyes upon the Lord, the author and giver of new life. They rejoiced together that God had somehow used them to spread the saving message of Jesus Christ with the people in Attalia. They were having such a good time, they chose to stay there, to rest and be refreshed in the fellowship of believers.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>If you are going through a rough patch right now in your life, there is one place where you can turn to find hope and help in time of need. Your local church is right there in your neighborhood, just around the corner from where you live. Maybe you've even driven by the building a thousand times and thought out loud, "I wonder what is going on inside those walls?" Isn't it time you come and experience it for yourself? Your local church is filled with folks just like you, who have found Christ's peace that passes all human understanding. And that's pretty amazing stuff when you consider the world in which we live today.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Won't you open the door of faith this weekend and worship with me at Faith Church - St. Charles - I look forward to meeting you there.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Grace and peace,</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Deb Spaulding</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</strong></span><br /><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>www.songofdeborah.com</strong></span></a><br /><br />_____________________<br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Copyright 2010, Deb Spaulding</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">All rights reserved</span><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">Articles may not be printed in any "for profit" publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via email, 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.</span>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-63607306612658076002011-01-12T08:37:00.002-06:002011-01-12T09:02:52.122-06:00<span style="font-family:georgia;font-size:180%;"><strong>Hands</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">Today's Reading: Acts 6:6-7a NIV</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;">6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 So the word of God spread.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Good morning!</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>It would seem that my hands are not what they used to be. When I was a young woman, I could tackle an arpeggio at a tempo of 110 without skipping a beat. I could hold a violin up high on my left shoulder and remain perfectly comfortable while in a three hour rehearsal. My fingers moved and beautiful music filled the air. As I recall, there was no debilitating pain; only joy in the journey. I knew this special gift was from God, He gave me hands to use as I praised Him in worship and song.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Once upon a time I typed 121 words per minute with less than two errors. Fortunately for me, that particular timed test occurred while I was interviewing for a job! My poor posture never kept me from finishing a legal brief or preparing correspondence for signature. I took great care in my work product; for perfection is always the goal.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>My hands don't work the way they used to. They are scarred from surgeries where doctors cut tight and irritated tendons, freeing nerve endings and muscles for renewed service. The end result was the belief that I would once again feel the tips of my fingers and the constant burning would miraculously disappear. A new strength would return where it no longer existed. Repositioning the ulnar nerves at the elbows would allow for wretched muscle spasms to cease; yet, only time would truly tell. How long does real healing take? Can God still use broken and scarred hands?</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>The disciples, prior to knowing Jesus, relied upon their hands to provide food and shelter for their families. Fishermen spent endless hours in their boats, pulling ropes and catching fish with bare hands. Tax collectors used their hands to collect funds from every person living in their city. Carpenters bore splinters and cuts as they turned dead pieces of wood into tables, chairs and crosses for the Roman government. Who would have thought that Jesus could transform their scarred and imperfect hands into healing machines, where one touch would transform a humble heart into a called servant? Broken, imperfect and bruised hands were changing lives by the power of the Holy Spirit. God was doing a new thing in each of them. God can do new things in you and me too, if we will simply ask Him to help us.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>It was tough, last spring, when I stopped writing devotional messages online. My father-in-law had just passed away, and my mother-in-law was in need of receiving immediate hospice care. My mother was living with us, recovering from a fall she had taken in the spring. We created a "mother-in-law hall" in our home, where both of my mothers could have a place to rest and be cared for. It was during this time that my physician suggested I give my hands a rest! At his instruction, I let go of the things I could. I stopped trying to play piano. I stopped typing devotional messages. God used my broken hands to praise Him in a very different way. My weakened hands became the caring hand for my mothers. I prepared food every day for them to eat. I held their hands at the table while we prayed and watched the birds frolick in the yard. I helped them button their night shirts and tucked them into bed each night. You see, when we learn to let go of our familiarity, God can take a gift we may not even recognize and draw it out of us in new, life-giving ways.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>My mother became stable enough to move to assisted living not far from our home. My sister helped me relocate her that summer. I know where I get my fighting spirit from. My mother is doing remarkably well and she teaches me what it means to push on, every single day. My mother-in-law remained in our care until the Lord Jesus Christ returned to bring her into His everlasting arms in August. Every day was a treasured gift, and I marveled at what God was able to do with my imperfect hands.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>How is God using your hands for Kingdom work? It may be a simple as sending a card or note to someone who is ill, or hurting. Maybe He will use your hands to cook a simple meal for some really hungry college students. Did you know that feeding your family is a ministry in and of itself? Maybe God will choose to use your hands to call another life into full-time ministry. The Word of God spreads when we allow Him to use our broken, imperfect hands.</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Grace and peace,</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong></strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Deb Spaulding</strong></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</strong></span><br /><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><strong>www.songofdeborah.com</strong></span></a><br /><strong></strong><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">______________________________</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Copyright 2011, Deb Spaulding</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">All rights reserved</span><br /><span style="font-family:arial;font-size:78%;">Articles may not be printed in any "for profit" publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via email, 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.</span>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-52920244036564724022010-05-17T08:02:00.001-05:002010-05-17T08:02:51.224-05:00<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;">Graduation day</span></span><br /><br /><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today’s Reading:<span style=""> </span>Acts 14:26 NIV</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>26 </sup>From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Good morning!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I enjoy looking at all the graduation photos being posted online.<span style=""> </span>Graduation Day is such a great way to celebrate the completion of many years of hard work.<span style=""> </span>What an accomplishment!<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Congratulations to all who are receiving your diplomas and certificates of achievement!<span style=""> </span>Well done!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">There is nothing more affirming than completing a project, no matter how trivial that project may be.<span style=""> </span>Just recently, I committed to cleaning out and reorganizing my bedroom closet.<span style=""> </span>No one really knew about my cleaning expedition, until I heard my six year old granddaughter open the closet door and exclaim, “Wow Nanny, this is really clean!”<span style=""> </span>She was playing hide-and-seek with her little brother, totally unaware that I had made a special provision just for them!<span style=""> </span>One simple word of praise can go a long way for someone who has tried to make a little extra room for another.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today, our family will celebrate the gift of life as we remember with love my father-in-law, Clayton.<span style=""> </span>He has now accomplished his life’s purpose on earth and we will forever treasure him in our hearts forever.<span style=""> </span>My father-in-law had a clear vision for what one day would be.<span style=""> </span>Even though his eyes were growing dim with age and disease, Pop glimpsed a plan for all the generations who would follow after him.<span style=""> </span>He has now graduated to life eternal in the Lord Jesus Christ.<span style=""> </span>Pop was committed to the grace of God in completing his life’s call.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I believe Paul and Barnabas had to feel some sense of accomplishment, careful not to take personal credit for the many healings and conversions happening all around them.<span style=""> </span>They knew that in every miracle, every newly saved soul, there is God’s gift of grace in and through Christ Jesus.<span style=""> </span>Yet, it had to be humbling to know He would choose to use their imperfect hands to help spread His Word throughout the nations.<span style=""> </span>Looking back at their first missionary journey, Paul and Barnabas had to feel affirmed while receiving Christ’s vision for what would one day be for all people, everywhere.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">We celebrate all of life’s big accomplishments together, praising our Lord Jesus Christ for His gift that makes life worth living.<span style=""> </span>He has made room for all who will humble their hearts, repent of their sin and daily seek His face.<span style=""> </span>We can now come into the presence of the Father with joy, because of Christ’s work on the cross; you can be transformed today, right now!<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>This is the time to invite Jesus Christ to become Lord of your life; let Him sweep out the cobwebs of sin and shame buried deep inside.<span style=""> </span>Let Jesus show you what clean can really be!<span style=""> </span>Jesus will change you from the inside out, helping you complete every good work, as you commit yourself daily by the grace of God.<span style=""> </span>May you find yourself standing before the Lord on your eternal Graduation Day, hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant! <span style=""> </span>You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things.<span style=""> </span>Come and share your Master’s happiness!”<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Grace and peace,</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Deb Spaulding</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/" target="_blank">www.songofdeborah.com</a></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;">___________________________<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">© Copyright 2010, Deb Spaulding</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">All rights reserved</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author.<span style=""> </span>Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission.<span style=""> </span>Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.</span></span></p>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-7093989670026794332010-05-16T06:05:00.000-05:002010-05-16T06:06:12.007-05:00<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;">The dance master</span></span><br /><br /><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today’s Reading:<span style=""> </span>John 11:25-26 NIV</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>25 </sup>Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life.<span style=""> </span>He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, <sup>26</sup> and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.<span style=""> </span>Do you believe this?”</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Good morning!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">My father-in-law received his new birth into life eternal yesterday.<span style=""> </span>He passed as so many of us hope to – sleeping soundly in his bed next to his wife of sixty-five years, curled up underneath warm blankets.<span style=""> </span>I couldn’t help but thank the Lord that he had not fallen down or suffered any broken any bones.<span style=""> </span>It is never easy losing the people we love the most, and early this morning, I am wide awake, reliving many wonderful moments spent with Pop throughout the years.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">When I was fifteen years old, I think Pop was the tallest man I knew.<span style=""> </span>Standing over six feet tall, Pop towered over me.<span style=""> </span>I’m not sure that Pop was wild at first about me dating his son, but when it came time to go to Jeff’s senior prom, it was Pop who volunteered to teach me how to do the two-step.<span style=""> </span>I learned to waltz to Big Band music playing on their eight-track tape deck in his study.<span style=""> </span>I don’t think I embarrassed Jeff too much at senior prom, since he decided to continue the dance with me all these years.<span style=""> </span>Pop was a great dance instructor, indeed.<span style=""> </span>The last time I danced with Pop was on the church parking lot just a few months ago.<span style=""> </span>You see, a great instructor does not need music or a ball room floor to display his vocational gift.<span style=""> </span>One cannot help but want to leave worship dancing and singing!<span style=""> </span>It seemed so natural to do a little two step on the black top under the shadow of the Faith Church steeple.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Pop was a great lead.<span style=""> </span>He gently would take my hand in his, and show me, by example, how to move gracefully across the dance floor.<span style=""> </span>If you know me well, then you know my middle name is not Grace, and I struggle with gliding; I’m actually much more adept at tripping and falling.<span style=""> </span>Through the years, it was Pop who was there to pick me up whenever I fell down.<span style=""> </span>His willingness to listen and encourage me, especially through some really tough times, is a gift I will treasure forever.<span style=""> </span>He may have been my father-in-law by marriage, but I am proud to have called him Daddy.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Pop’s life example and servant leadership mirrored the example of our Heavenly Father.<span style=""> </span>I’m pretty sure he took his life’s lead from Him.<span style=""> </span>A good provider, a stern but loving disciplinarian, Pop possessed a kind and humble heart.<span style=""> </span>When Pop chose love, he chose it for a life time.<span style=""> </span>He made life’s dance look easy, and we all know it is not.<span style=""> </span>The last few years of Pop’s life were a struggle.<span style=""> </span>He recovered from some very serious bone breaks that may have kept many in the confines of a wheel chair or walker.<span style=""> </span>Pop never gave up; determined to dance again, he partied with reckless abandon at his granddaughter Katie’s wedding.<span style=""> </span>He had worked hard that fall in physical therapy just so that he could dance the night away with his daughters and granddaughters that night.<span style=""> </span>I have several photographs of Pop in my scrapbook, doing the monster mash with his daughter Linda and granddaughter Courtney.<span style=""> </span>I laugh out loud every time I look at these wonderful pictures, honoring the memory of the dance master.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I would have to say that my most cherished recollection with Pop was a moment of faith sharing, as we sat together in the church fellowship hall, listening to a group discussion of Mel Gibson’s “Passion of the Christ.”<span style=""> </span>Pop raised his voice to speak while tears streamed down his cheeks.<span style=""> </span>This was remarkable because Pop did not cry in public.<span style=""> </span>He said, “I felt compelled to see this film because I knew if Jesus could suffer that way and die for me, the least I could do is to see it for myself.”<span style=""> </span>I know it is his sure faith in Jesus Christ that helped him finish life’s dance, and begin the new song that will last for all eternity.<span style=""> </span>He is doing the two-step with His Savior, and this morning, I can hear their heels clicking together as they laugh out loud in unending joy, gliding along the streets of gold.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life.<span style=""> </span>He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.<span style=""> </span>Do you believe this?”<span style=""> </span>We can all take a dance lesson today from Pop.<span style=""> </span>Let the Lord take the lead; for He will guide you every step of the way, if you will choose to believe.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Thank you Pop, for teaching me how to dance.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Grace and peace,</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Deb Spaulding</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/" target="_blank">www.songofdeborah.com</a></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;">___________________________<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">© Copyright 2010, Deb Spaulding</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">All rights reserved</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author.<span style=""> </span>Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission.<span style=""> </span>Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-54060675586043180012010-05-12T10:10:00.000-05:002010-05-12T10:12:09.224-05:00<p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold; font-family: arial;font-size:180%;" >Post-It® note Preaching</span><br /></p><p class="ecxMsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal">Today’s Reading:<span style=""> </span>Acts 14:24-25 NIV</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><sup>24 </sup>After going through Pisidia, [Paul and Barnabas] came into Pamphylia, <sup>25</sup> and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal">Good morning!</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal">I asked one of my Pastors if he would send me a copy of his sermon notes on The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20).<span style=""> </span>Chuckling under his breath, Pastor intimated that his sermon notes generally consist of a few scribbles on a piece of paper and some well placed Post-It® notes in his Bible.<span style=""> </span>How did we ever learn to preach before the creation of the Post-It® note?<span style=""> </span>Post-It® notes are pieces of stationery with a strip of adhesive on the back, designed to temporarily stick on documents.<span style=""> </span>They come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes; they can easily be attached and removed without leaving permanent marks or residue.<span style=""> </span>The Post-It® note is one great way to preserve Scripture and keep track of your sermon notes all at the same time. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal">My husband would probably prefer I use Post-It® notes in my Bible instead of scribbling notes and highlighting passages of Scripture with pens and colored highlighters.<span style=""> </span>His Bibles are kept in pristine condition.<span style=""> </span>The binding on my Bibles are often broken and the pages become loose because I write in them all the time.<span style=""> </span>I sure hope the Lord will forgive me for being so hard on His Word. </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal">I would imagine that the preaching of Paul and Barnabas in Galatia was compelling in part, because of the way in which they presented the Gospel.<span style=""> </span>While it is certainly possible that Paul used notes to convey the Gospel, as he was an avid writer himself, I would guess he gave his personal testimony without any need for sermon notes or a detailed outline.<span style=""> </span>He did not have artificial amplification to carry his voice into the crowd.<span style=""> </span>The convictions of his heart coupled with the Holy Spirit power carried his voice in a way that all who gathered could hear.<span style=""> </span>He had no computer, big screen, or PowerPoint® software to enhance his presentation.<span style=""> </span>Folks were simply glued to the holy glow across Paul’s face, as he spoke about the love of the Savior.<span style=""> </span>There are times when I think we rely far too much on our own human effort when speaking God’s Word.<span style=""> </span>If we know what we know because the Son of God has personally impacted the direction of our lives, we must know that He will speak in and through us, if we simply get out of the way and allow Him to use us as instruments of His will.<span style=""> </span></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal">I understand the need for Post-It® note preaching, because I personally know how hard it is to keep my own thoughts on track while sharing God’s Word with others.<span style=""> </span>Yet, I need to learn how to rely less upon my own simple, finite thoughts and fully lean into God’s Holy Word.<span style=""> </span>I am convinced that our personal witness is the most powerful way we can convey God’s love through Jesus Christ.<span style=""> </span>How has the Lord changed your life?<span style=""> </span>If I were to ask you to tell me about how you know Jesus, what would you say?<span style=""> </span>Put your notes down, look me in the eye, and tell me your story.</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal">Grace and peace,</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal">Deb Spaulding</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal">Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/" target="_blank">www.songofdeborah.com</a></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;">___________________________<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">© Copyright 2010, Deb Spaulding</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">All rights reserved</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author.<span style=""> </span>Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission.<span style=""> </span>Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-23843958295254046392010-05-08T10:40:00.001-05:002010-05-08T10:40:45.478-05:00<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sincere faith</span></span><br /><br /><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today’s Reading:<span style=""> </span>2 Timothy 1:4-6 NIV</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>4</sup>Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. <sup>5</sup>I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. <sup>6</sup>For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Isaiah 26:3 KJV</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> <sup>3</sup>Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Good morning!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">My mother has given me some very special gifts through the years, and none of them were purchased at the store.<span style=""> </span>Oh, she loved to shop and buy our family beautiful things we have enjoyed through the years, but those monetary gifts pale in comparison to the quality gifts we’ve received: her time and talents, incredibly funny moments and her daily sense of humor.<span style=""> </span>I think often about the sweet inner peace she possesses, and I know from whom she receives it.<span style=""> </span>That, in and of itself, is a timeless and precious gift.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Yesterday, Mom and I stopped at our local Walgreens® to purchase a few things on our way home from the doctor’s office.<span style=""> </span>I picked up a hair net for Mom to use at night.<span style=""> </span>Every week, she visits my friend Sammi, who works at a hair salon not far from our home.<span style=""> </span>Sammi does an amazing job making my mother look beautiful.<span style=""> </span>She washes and rolls her hair, teases and sprays it just so, hoping it will last her through the weekend, especially for worship.<span style=""> </span>Mom spends a lot of time during the day cat napping, and, quite often, her hair gets messed up while she sleeps. </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Last night, Mom went to put on the hair net and accidentally picked up her arm sling instead.<span style=""> </span>Without her glasses, Mom could not figure out how to apply the hair net “sling” to her head. <span style=""> </span>She worked on it for quite some time before finally giving up and going to bed.<span style=""> </span>This morning, she told me how disgusted she was with her brand new hairnet.<span style=""> </span>I believe she used the term “worthless” as she shook the arm sling in her fist, demanding I take it back to the store for a full refund.<span style=""> </span>I tried hard not to laugh at her as I walked back to the bedroom and picked up the hairnet on her changing table.<span style=""> </span>“Is this what you tried to put on?” I asked.<span style=""> </span>“No!<span style=""> </span>I thought that was my underwear!” she quickly replied.<span style=""> </span>A moment of dark confusion crossed her face before she burst into hysterical laughter.<span style=""> </span>“I do hope you are writing all this down, dear,” she said, looking at me through a teary grin.<span style=""> </span>I told her not to worry, I had it covered.<span style=""> </span>We sat together at the breakfast table, laughing over the arm sling/hairnet story.<span style=""> </span>Mom’s ability to laugh over something that might have otherwise terribly upset her is a gift from God above.<span style=""> </span>She knows that life is very confusing right now and yet, she handles every situation with grace and dignity.<span style=""> </span>It makes me realize just how beautiful she is inside and out, and how someday, I hope to be just like her.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Mom’s sincere faith has now become the faith I hold.<span style=""> </span>She has faced many difficult moments with the quiet confidence of Mary, who chose to ponder all things in her heart.<span style=""> </span>Mom worked hard like Martha, and sat at the feet of the Master, listening carefully, like Mary.<span style=""> </span>She loved to sew like Priscilla, and was once the finest cook in our neighborhood, just like Lydia.<span style=""> </span>She learned life lessons well from her own mother and grandmother, and all these things she has passed down to my sister and to me.<span style=""> </span>In the twilight of her life, Mom has bloomed into the unique, fragrant perennial the Lord created her to be.<span style=""> </span>Even in sheer moments of confusion, Mom knows that her Redeemer lives!<span style=""> </span>Jesus gives her the courage and strength to master every moment with a smile. And Mom knows she does not face tomorrow alone.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">You may be missing your Mom today.<span style=""> </span>Maybe you never got to know your mother and you wonder what her life had been like.<span style=""> </span>Maybe your childhood memories are not so pleasant.<span style=""> </span>There are no perfect families in this world, and all of us struggle with experiences and painful memories we would like to somehow wipe out away.<span style=""> </span>Regardless of your situation, make time today to think about and honor a woman who has invested her life in you, whether she is your birth mother, an adopted mother, or simply a great friend.<span style=""> </span>Take time to thank the Lord for her character and love, for it is that gift which draws us closer to each other and to Christ.<span style=""> </span>We can learn much from looking closely at a mother’s heart.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Grace and peace,</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Deb Spaulding</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/" target="_blank">www.songofdeborah.com</a></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;">___________________________<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">© Copyright 2010, Deb Spaulding</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">All rights reserved</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author.<span style=""> </span>Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission.<span style=""> </span>Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-60112347080841736772010-05-05T07:44:00.001-05:002010-05-05T07:44:50.367-05:00<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;">Pray today!</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today’s Reading:<span style=""> </span>Acts 14:23 NIV</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>23 </sup>Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Luke 6:12-13a (NIV)</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>12 </sup>One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><sup>13 </sup>When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Good morning!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">On the first day of class, my college professors would pass out a syllabus covering a brief outline of the course curriculum, highlighted topics of discussion, homework assignments and test dates, as well as ethical warnings as required by the University.<span style=""> </span>That syllabus became my map for the semester.<span style=""> </span>I often made several copies of the syllabus, just in case I might misplace it.<span style=""> </span>I kept the original in my course notebook, placing a copy of the outline with each book, for ease in identifying the week’s reading assignments.<span style=""> </span>I would transfer the due dates from the syllabus to my date book, highlighting the test dates in yellow.<span style=""> </span>I knew when to expect the next examination, for I did not want to walk into class and be surprised with a test I had not adequately prepared for.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I learned how to organize my work by trial and error.<span style=""> </span>There were times when I did not pay as close attention to the syllabus as I should have.<span style=""> </span>I missed a couple of assignment deadlines, which adversely affected my overall semester grade.<span style=""> </span>I walked into class one evening, not realizing a mid-term examination was going to be given.<span style=""> </span>Because I had not studied the material in depth earlier that week, I was unprepared to adequately answer the questions asked.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>It pays to look at the syllabus in advance and come to class prepared.<span style=""> </span>Why waste the time you’ve been given to complete the assignments?<span style=""> </span>The one thing none of us can get back is the gift of time.<span style=""> </span>How we choose to spend the time we have been given is critical to our overall learning experience.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus Christ set the bar at how he chose to spend His personal time.<span style=""> </span>He traveled throughout Galilee, healing the sick and preaching the Good News.<span style=""> </span>At the end of the day, Jesus needed time alone with the Father to prepare for the many decisions tomorrow would bring.<span style=""> </span>Jesus would often go to a secluded place spending the night alone, on His knees, yielding to His Father’s will in prayer.<span style=""> </span>Jesus chose not to go anywhere or do anything without first seeking out His Father’s heart.<span style=""> </span>Prayer became His life’s syllabus.<span style=""> </span>Would the direction of your life change if you followed Christ’s example by seeking out the Father’s heart on every matter, spending precious time with Him on your knees in prayer? </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jesus asked for the Father’s help to discern who of His disciples should be made Apostles.<span style=""> </span>Likewise, Paul and Barnabas only appointed elders of the church after seeking the Father’s will in prayer and fasting.<span style=""> </span>They chose to implement Christ’s life example using their time wisely in every daily decision.<span style=""> </span>They chose not to show up for the work of ministry totally unprepared.<span style=""> </span>They asked the Father for His will and then chose to follow His lead.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Let this be the day you choose a different direction. <span style=""> </span>Do you have important decisions to make?<span style=""> </span>Are you concerned about your own life, or the life of someone you love?<span style=""> </span>Make time to pray today about the work of tomorrow.<span style=""> </span>Stop wasting time – choose to use the Master’s syllabus!<span style=""> </span>Do not spend another minute unprepared to successfully complete your life’s work.<span style=""> </span>Pray today!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Grace and peace,</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Deb Spaulding</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/" target="_blank">www.songofdeborah.com</a></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;">___________________________<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">© Copyright 2010, Deb Spaulding</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">All rights reserved</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author.<span style=""> </span>Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission.<span style=""> </span>Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-2733524086771556852010-05-02T06:36:00.000-05:002010-05-02T06:37:34.860-05:00<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;">Standing in the gap for faith</span></span><br /><br /><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today’s Reading:<span style=""> </span>Acts 14:21-22 NIV</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>21 </sup>They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples.<span style=""> </span>Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, <sup>22</sup> strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith.<span style=""> </span>“We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Good morning!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I am grateful beyond words when I think of all the courageous men and women who put their lives on the line every day to defend and protect people.<span style=""> </span>I knew there was something serious happening somewhere last night when my husband’s cell phone kept blinking on and off.<span style=""> </span>Technology is so advanced now that, quite often, when a late breaking news flash comes across the wire, I am well aware of it even before I get up to check the web for email updates.<span style=""> </span>I am not fond of waking up to flashing lights on the night stand; on the other hand, the incessant blinking prompts me to pray, because I know there is someone else out there who is not sleeping.<span style=""> </span>They are up and running, working tirelessly, to protect all of us from harm.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I hope you’ve never had to face true hardship.<span style=""> </span>In our human struggle for survival, we learn and grow from the adversities we experience.<span style=""> </span>I’ve yet to be homeless or hungry, but am well aware that it could happen in just a mere matter of seconds.<span style=""> </span>There are hundreds of thousands of families worldwide who have lost everything in the wake of hurricanes, fires, tornadoes and flooding.<span style=""> </span>Our world’s economy seems to be crumbling before our very eyes, causing a human crisis greater than anything I’ve ever known before.<span style=""> </span>People are diligently working to provide adequate food and shelter for families who have nowhere else to turn.<span style=""> </span>Selfless souls continue to work tirelessly in food banks and church soup kitchens, providing meals for the hungry.<span style=""> </span>Large quantities of clothing, food and medical supplies are being gathered and shipped to neighboring countries trying to heal from catastrophic disasters.<span style=""> </span>People are reaching out, helping people everywhere.<span style=""> </span>Many are risking their own lives to make a difference for someone else.<span style=""> </span>Can you see the warning signs flashing right before your eyes?<span style=""> </span>What can you personally do to ease the pain of another hurting heart today?</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The Apostles were very concerned over the welfare and discipleship of new converts to the Way.<span style=""> </span>So much so, they were willing to return to the places where they had been tortured and nearly put to death, to ensure the continued growth and teaching of those who had placed their lives into the hands of Jesus.<span style=""> </span>They willingly returned to these cities, bringing His Word of encouragement and hope to those who desperately needed to hear it.<span style=""> </span>Paul knew he would risk great hardship for the Gospel, yet never hesitated to protect and defend the early Church.<span style=""> </span>He gave his whole heart to the work of our Lord, caring more about others than he did for himself.<span style=""> </span>Paul was willing to lay down his life to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ to hungry and homeless souls who needed to meet the Savior.<span style=""> </span>Are you willing to set aside your life so that someone else might experience the love of Jesus today?<span style=""> </span>Who stood in the gap for you, when you took that first step of faith?</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Grace and peace,</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Deb Spaulding</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/" target="_blank">www.songofdeborah.com</a></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;">___________________________<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">© Copyright 2010, Deb Spaulding</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">All rights reserved</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">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 withou</span></span>t further permission.<span style=""> </span>Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.</span></p>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-50038261788864578972010-05-01T08:37:00.000-05:002010-05-01T08:38:11.605-05:00<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;">Dying to be heard</span></span><br /><br /><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today’s Reading:<span style=""> </span>Acts 14:19-20 NIV</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>19 </sup>Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over.<span style=""> </span>They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead.<span style=""> </span><sup>20</sup> But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city.<span style=""> </span>The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I Timothy 4:16 NIV</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>16</sup> Watch your life and doctrine closely.<span style=""> </span>Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Good morning!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">You probably haven’t figured this out yet, but I tend to be a rather opinionated person.<span style=""> </span>This character trait gets me into trouble a lot!<span style=""> </span>Do you hold strong beliefs in your heart?<span style=""> </span>Is there something you refuse to waiver on, even if it means you may get nailed for it?<span style=""> </span>Often, when I feel the need to speak up, I get tongue tied or succumb to a sudden brain freeze.<span style=""> </span>What is it about our own fears of rejection that may stifle us from sharing deep convictions of faith with people who may not agree?</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">We are all born into this world as innocent babies; we do not get to choose our parents, the culture in which we are raised, or the country where we live.<span style=""> </span>We have been given minds to think and hearts that beat; we are united by the blood pulsing through our veins.<span style=""> </span>We breathe and move and we learn by the living examples of others.<span style=""> </span>Our traditions and culture leads us to base conclusions of faith upon our own personal experience.<span style=""> </span>Opinions are formed early on, in large part, by what we are exposed to in life as little children.<span style=""> </span>Is it possible to see beyond what we’ve come to know, and potentially grasp hold of a greater Truth?<span style=""> </span>What would it take for you to be willing to change your mind?</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul got stoned for saying what he believed.<span style=""> </span>Because of Paul’s humanness, he must have felt some fear.<span style=""> </span>He knew he would be openly rejected to the point of being tortured and even killed for his strong, unwavering doctrine of faith.<span style=""> </span>It is an amazing thing to see the life of someone who has had been truly converted.<span style=""> </span>Paul was relentless in preaching about the person he, at one time, persecuted with all his being.<span style=""> </span>If Jesus Christ had not personally appeared to Paul on the Damascus road, Paul’s beliefs could not have changed so dramatically.<span style=""> </span>It often takes a close, personal encounter to see life from a totally different perspective.<span style=""> </span>Human hearts can change instantly, when we meet the Master face to face.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">As we journey along the path, we must be very careful to filter and sort fact from fiction, able to see and understand Truth for what it is.<span style=""> </span>The Jews who came to stone Paul held strong convictions.<span style=""> </span>They saw this man as someone trying to destroy the truth of Scripture as they knew it.<span style=""> </span>He was, in their eyes, a blasphemer, a liar, and, according to their traditions, Paul deserved to die.<span style=""> </span>Ironically, Paul understood their sentiments better than they did.<span style=""> </span>For he once believed what they believed, until Jesus Christ came and changed his hardened heart.<span style=""> </span>They left Paul for dead; his body must have been crushed and lifeless for the men to walk away believing he was no longer alive.<span style=""> </span>What a miracle it was, when Paul got up and walked back into the city, well enough to journey on.<span style=""> </span>How could they not believe in Jesus after witnessing such an incredible miracle?</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is important to know in whom you believe and why you believe.<span style=""> </span>Be prepared at all times to share the faith Christ has birthed in your heart, ready to defend and protect that which brings new life, so that you can avoid getting sucked into a web of false teachings and beliefs.<span style=""> </span>Some may try to tell you that the way you live is far more important than the convictions of heart you hold.<span style=""> </span>I believe we must lay our fears aside and be willing to tell others about Jesus, by the words we speak and the lives we live.<span style=""> </span>For if we refuse to share our doctrine for fear of rejection, we have failed the One who willingly laid down His life to redeem us forever from sin and death.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Grace and peace,</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Deb Spaulding</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/" target="_blank">www.songofdeborah.com</a></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;">___________________________<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">© Copyright 2010, Deb Spaulding</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">All rights reserved</span></span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-family: arial;">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 witho</span></span>ut further permission.<span style=""> </span>Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.</span></p>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-15422301894037036782010-04-27T08:17:00.001-05:002010-04-27T08:17:45.478-05:00<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;">The color of new life</span></span><br /><br /><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today’s Reading:<span style=""> </span>Acts 14:16-18 NIV</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>16 </sup>In the past, He let all nations go their own way. <sup>17 </sup>Yet He has not left Himself without testimony. <span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><sup>18</sup> Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Good morning!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">After what I would consider to be one of the most difficult winter seasons of my life, I have been absolutely awed by the beauty of new life this spring.<span style=""> </span>The colors of spring are more brilliant to me than ever before.<span style=""> </span>No one does green like God.<span style=""> </span>It is the Lord who has saved His very best for last, as I watch in wonder at the beginning of a whole new season.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Every year, I am amazed by the climbing clematis vines on the anniversary trellis Jeff installed for me on our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.<span style=""> </span>I always cut the vine back to the ground after the first frost.<span style=""> </span>By then, all of the blooms have faded and quite often, its leaves have crumbled off the vine. <span style=""> </span>We mow it over, and place a fresh layer of mulch to protect its tender root system throughout the cold winter months.<span style=""> </span>One would never guess that this vine could return year after year with such splendor and lasting beauty.<span style=""> </span>Out of no where, deep in the cold, hard earth, new life begins to well up and sprout.<span style=""> </span>Within a few short weeks, the vine has literally taken over our trellis, with brand new growth and big, beautiful purple flowers.<span style=""> </span>This morning, I went outside to count its blooms.<span style=""> </span>There are over fifty flowers opened and just about as many are waiting in the wings.<span style=""> </span>The sparrows love to sit in its shade; occasionally, we get a nest or two lodged within the shelter of its foliage.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I have nothing to do with the rebirth of this beautiful plant year after year.<span style=""> </span>I tend to it, but new life can only come from the One who gives it; the Master Gardener.<span style=""> </span>He does not leave Himself without testimony.<span style=""> </span>How can we not see Him in the beauty of His creative work?<span style=""> </span>When you hold a newborn baby in your arms for the very first time, are you not seeing the face our Lord smiling back at you?<span style=""> </span>When you witness the colors of spring after a long, cold winter, can you not sense the love of the Father for His children?<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The greatest gift of new life was given when the Father gave His Son, Jesus Christ, for the world’s redemption.<span style=""> </span>Whenever someone gives their heart to the Lord, a brand new life is birthed deep down inside.<span style=""> </span>We may not see the beauty of the vine at first, but with time and tender care, roots begin to take hold and blossom in the midst of a well-watered faith.<span style=""> </span>How can we miss seeing the Master’s hand alive and at work in His beautiful garden of new life?<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Do not look to human hands for the colors of life that surround you today.<span style=""> </span>Stop, and give thanks to the only One who can take what was dead and make it rise up for all eternity.<span style=""> </span>You have been given a great gift this spring.<span style=""> </span>Thank the Father today for the colors of new life that have been birthed in you through our Lord, Jesus Christ.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Grace and peace,</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Deb Spaulding</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/" target="_blank">www.songofdeborah.com</a></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;">___________________________<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">© Copyright 2010, Deb Spaulding</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">All rights reserved</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author.<span style=""> </span>Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission.<span style=""> </span>Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.</span></span></p>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-46749528868954057532010-04-25T07:53:00.000-05:002010-04-25T07:54:14.590-05:00<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;">Worthless things</span></span><br /><br /><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today’s Reading:<span style=""> </span>Acts 14:14-15 NIV</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>14 </sup>But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: <sup>15 </sup>“Men, why are you doing this?<span style=""> </span>We too are only men, human like you.<span style=""> </span>We are bringing you Good News, telling you to turn from these worthless things to the Living God, who made heaven and earth and sea and everything in them.”</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style=""> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Good morning!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Sometimes I get sidetracked.<span style=""> </span>I really don’t mean to lose my focus.<span style=""> </span>And I could blame it on my aging brain cells, but that wouldn’t be true.<span style=""> </span>I’ve gotten sidetracked before; it simply has more to do with my own human weaknesses than the number of years I’ve lived.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I got sidetracked last week in my daughter’s closet.<span style=""> </span>I was putting some of Rachel’s shoes away when I spotted a great pair of sandals on the shoe rack.<span style=""> </span>They were really cute, and I suddenly found myself wanting a pair of sandals just like hers.<span style=""> </span>I think this is called “coveting” on the Lord’s Big Ten!<span style=""> </span>So I followed my sinful heart to the nearest shoe stores in St. Charles County and began searching for a pair of sandals that looked just like Rachel’s. <span style=""> </span>My mother brought me back to a stark reality when she raised the question, “Don’t you have enough shoes in your closet already?”<span style=""> </span>Of course, she was right.<span style=""> </span>Mothers are always right.<span style=""> </span>I do have plenty of shoes to wear.<span style=""> </span>I just don’t have Rachel’s shoes.<span style=""> </span>So why did I need yet another pair of sandals to put in my closet?<span style=""> </span>The reality is this:<span style=""> </span>I need to stop focusing on something relatively worthless and reconnect with what is truly important.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">We human types tend to waste precious time and money on worthless things that may bring a bit of joy at first, but give no lasting value to our lives. <span style=""> </span>How many toys have you bought that ended up in a storage bin in your basement or on top of a closet shelf gathering dust? <span style=""> </span>Who will remember or even care about your all-time high score on the online computer game you seem to be glued to at night, when you are no longer playing it?<span style=""> </span>How important is that $500 designer suit hanging in your closet when your neighbor is living just down the street with no roof over their head and no bed to sleep in?<span style=""> </span>We tend to get side-tracked easily, wasting our resources petty, worthless things.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The town witnessed an amazing miracle but missed meeting the miracle maker!<span style=""> </span>They thought it was Paul and Barnabas, coming to them as gods.<span style=""> </span>Paul and Barnabas didn’t cause the miracle healing to happen.<span style=""> </span>Paul and Barnabas introduced the lame man to Jesus Christ; He is the only one with the power and authority to heal!<span style=""> </span>I would say the folks got a little sidetracked, but it didn’t take them long to get back on track.<span style=""> </span>And that is where I find myself today – refocusing my heart and mind on the things that are much more important than a new pair of sandals sitting on my closet shelf.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Let go of the worthless and cling to the only One who makes living worth while.<span style=""> </span>Give your heart to Jesus Christ today!<span style=""> </span>There is plenty of room at the foot of the cross for you.<span style=""> </span>Please join me today as we confess our sins and worship the Lord at Faith Church.<span style=""> </span>He can take the worthless stuff of our lives and make life worth living, if you will simply invite Him into your heart today.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Grace and peace,</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Deb Spaulding</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/" target="_blank">www.songofdeborah.com</a></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;">___________________________<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">© Copyright 2010, Deb Spaulding</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">All rights reserved</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author.<span style=""> </span>Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission.<span style=""> </span>Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.</span></span></p>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-41718729123556051102010-04-22T07:50:00.000-05:002010-04-22T07:51:05.137-05:00<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;">Shaky pedestals</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today’s Reading:<span style=""> </span>Acts 14:11-13 NIV</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>11 </sup>When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!”<span style=""> </span><sup>12 </sup>Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker.<span style=""> </span><sup>13 </sup>The priest of Zeus, whose temple was just outside the city, brought bulls and wreaths to the city gates because he and the crowd wanted to offer sacrifices to them.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Good morning!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I remember my first grade teacher, Miss Lane.<span style=""> </span>She helped me learn to read, opening up a whole new world for me. <span style=""> </span>I loved reading out loud to Miss Lane.<span style=""> </span>She listened and helped me sound out every syllable, every vowel.<span style=""> </span>In my young, seven year old mind, I was convinced that Miss Lane had super powers – she could do anything!<span style=""> </span>I imagined she could float through the air on a cloud of fluffy white snow.<span style=""> </span>She was, by far, the prettiest and smartest teacher ever.<span style=""> </span>I wanted Miss Lane to teach me everything she knew.<span style=""> </span>If only I could have stayed in her classroom all through grade school!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I wrote Miss Lane gushy thank you notes and frequently turned them in to her each week.<span style=""> </span>My mother expressed concern to Miss Lane about my behavior at a mid-term parent-teacher conference.<span style=""> </span>Miss Lane smiled and told my mother not to worry.<span style=""> </span>She said that young children, when they are learning and growing, are sometimes filled with great gratitude for the one who is helping them. <span style=""> </span>Miss Lane said that I was raised to have a grateful heart, and it showed. <span style=""> </span>She suggested that my “thank you notes” were remarkably well written for a first grader and that Mother should encourage me to continue writing at home.<span style=""> </span>Imagine that!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The people of Lystra were blown away by the healing of the lame man in their village.<span style=""> </span>They became overly zealous for the two men who had come to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, and they mistakenly presumed these men were gods.<span style=""> </span>What they did not yet understand is that Paul and Barnabas had no ability in and of themselves to heal anyone.<span style=""> </span>Our ultimate healing comes through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ alone, and it is His healing power that was evidenced in town that day.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Christians help us grow in faith; our pastors and teachers, and covenant friends whom we meet along the way.<span style=""> </span>When we receive a special gift from above, an anointing or healing, sometimes we mistakenly elevate the human heart helping us rather than our Lord.<span style=""> </span>There is no one like Jesus, and once we know the original Gift Giver, we are less likely to raise each other up on shaky pedestals that will crumble and fall. </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Be grateful to all who have helped you grow in grace; give thanks to the Only One who heals you perfectly from the inside out – our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Grace and peace,</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Deb Spaulding</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/" target="_blank">www.songofdeborah.com</a></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;">___________________________<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">© Copyright 2010, Deb Spaulding</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">All rights reserved</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author.<span style=""> </span>Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission.<span style=""> </span>Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.</span></span></p>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-18548489259568307922010-04-16T08:37:00.000-05:002010-04-16T08:38:34.822-05:00<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;">Faith healing</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today’s Reading:<span style=""> </span>Acts 14:8-10 NIV</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>8 </sup>In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked.<span style=""> </span><sup>9 </sup>He listened to Paul as he was speaking.<span style=""> </span>Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed <sup>10 </sup>and called out, “Stand up on your feet!”<span style=""> </span>At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Good morning!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">In 1975, Jeff and I attended a Kathryn Kuhlman healing service in downtown St. Louis.<span style=""> </span>Kathryn Kuhlman was a well known evangelist and faith healer; she grew up in the Methodist Church at Concordia, Missouri, where she accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Lord and Savior at age fourteen.<span style=""> </span>Kuhlman broadcast a weekly television program during the 1960-70s called, <i style="">I Believe In Miracles.</i><span style=""> </span>She spent her life traveling around the world, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and praying for healing over the sick and infirm.<span style=""> </span>I was just a teenager when Kuhlman died of complications from open heart surgery in 1976.<span style=""> </span>What we experienced at the revival that night is a memory that will be etched in my mind’s eye forever.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jeff and I sat together in the nosebleed section of the arena, far removed from the main floor, where hundreds of wheelchairs lined the front rows.<span style=""> </span>There were people lying on stretchers on the floor of the facility; others hobbled in the side doors with the assistance of crutches and canes.<span style=""> </span>Sick children were carried inside the auditorium in the arms of their parents, who were praying and believing that this night would be the night their child would be made whole.<span style=""> </span>The arena was literally packed out; I have no idea how many thousands came that night to see and listen to the tiny red-headed woman speak.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Kuhlman never claimed that she had the power to supernaturally heal anyone.<span style=""> </span>She proclaimed the healing power of Jesus Christ.<span style=""> </span>As she prayed, you could hear a pin drop all over the stadium.<span style=""> </span>I had my head bowed and eyes shut, when I began to hear weeping and shouting coming from the floor.<span style=""> </span>Immediately, my attention was drawn to a man who, for the first time in his life, was able to stand up unassisted from his wheelchair.<span style=""> </span>He had suffered with muscular dystrophy for years.<span style=""> </span>I turned to look at Jeff and saw his first reaction to what had just occurred.<span style=""> </span>We thanked God together for Christ’s healing power as evidenced in this miracle moment.<span style=""> </span>When we left the service later that evening, I wondered why some people were instantaneously healed that night from their infirmities, while many others continued to struggle with physical limitations.<span style=""> </span>It is a question I still ponder today.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul saw something extraordinary in the character of the man who had never walked before.<span style=""> </span>The Scripture says that he saw that this man “had faith to be healed.”<span style=""> </span>What kind of faith does it take to believe that God can heal you?<span style=""> </span>Jesus Christ has been given all power and authority to heal our broken and imperfect lives.<span style=""> </span>Our healing was purchased two thousand years ago on Calvary’s tree, when Jesus shed His precious blood to cover our sin.<span style=""> </span>Faith in Christ’s healing power comes through believing His Word.<span style=""> </span>We no longer need to hold out for the evidence of a supernatural physical healing; we hold on to the Lord who does the impossible - for with God, all things are possible.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul wrote about his own thorn in his flesh.<span style=""> </span>We do not know whether Paul’s thorn was some physical or emotional adversity, we just know he was suffering with it.<span style=""> </span>Paul prayed three times to the Lord and asked God to remove it.<span style=""> </span>The Lord said no to Paul.<span style=""> </span>God’s answer to Paul may not have been the answer he had hoped for, but it was the one thing he needed to hear.<span style=""> </span>God’s strength becomes our strength in suffering; when we have no other choice but to fully rely on God for our very survival, His supernatural healing is evident and working in and through our lives.<span style=""> </span>Is it then possible to be living out supernatural healing even amid physical pain and suffering?<span style=""> </span>I believe there are no limits to God’s grace, mercy and healing power.<span style=""> </span>My heart resonates today with the words of the author of the Book of Hebrews, who said:<span style=""> </span>“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV)<span style=""> </span>May all of us learn to recognize Christ’s supernatural healing power evident and at work, not just in amazing physical healings, but also in our own imperfections and adversities, as we dig deep in faith.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Grace and peace,</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Deb Spaulding</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/" target="_blank">www.songofdeborah.com</a></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;">___________________________<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">© Copyright 2010, Deb Spaulding</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">All rights reserved</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author.<span style=""> </span>Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission.<span style=""> </span>Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.</span></span></p>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-10864457692492915752010-04-15T08:03:00.000-05:002010-04-15T08:04:29.432-05:00<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;">The plot thickens</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today’s Reading:<span style=""> </span>Acts 14:5-7 NIV</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>5 </sup>There was a plot afoot among the Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat [Paul and Barnabas] and stone them.<span style=""> </span><sup>6 </sup>But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country, <sup>7 </sup>where they continued to preach the Good News.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Good morning!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">What is it about a divisive plot line that captures our undivided attention?<span style=""> </span>There seems to be a greater public demand for captivating plot lines in the films we watch and the books we read.<span style=""> </span>We human types tend to thrive on aspects of conflict and resolution found in the personal problems we face, such as self-help, interpersonal relationships, professional workplace issues, or the ongoing disputes between the politics of various world leaders and the countries they serve.<span style=""> </span>One cannot help but notice the increased demand for reality television programming, considered by many as popular entertainment.<span style=""> </span>Why are we so intrigued by the thickening plot line?</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">My mother was an avid soap fan.<span style=""> </span>When I was a little girl, housework promptly stopped from 1-3pm each afternoon so she could watch her “stories.”<span style=""> </span>It is relatively easy to get sucked into the problems of others on television.<span style=""> </span>The popularity of daytime soaps led to the production or prime time soaps, which became extremely popular in the early eighties.<span style=""> </span>People were truly captivated by these notorious cliffhangers, leaving John Q. Public wondering which soap star would survive into the new fall season.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>Were you one of the millions who tuned in to find out who shot J.R.?</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">It is easy to miss the message while trying to stone the messenger.<span style=""> </span>The plot line can certainly distract us from the main point, if we let it.<span style=""> </span>This was certainly the situation for Paul and Barnabas.<span style=""> </span>They were out there, taking the Good News of Jesus Christ into the world; yet, faced a stronger opponent – the brunt of public opinion.<span style=""> </span>This well-rooted, generational dissent causes a thickening plot line that mesmerizes many today.<span style=""> </span>God-fearing Jews and Gentiles who believed it was wrong to kill, embraced laws to take out God-fearing Jews and Gentiles who now believe that Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of the Lord’s promised Messiah.<span style=""> </span>In the names of blasphemy and heresy, these men and women took it upon themselves to plot out a murderous end for the Apostles and their new converts.<span style=""> </span>As the plot thickened, folks were caught up in a public frenzy, many missing out on the true message of the Good News.<span style=""> </span>Folks, it is still happening today.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">In order to fully experience God’s grace and truth, we need to set aside the storyline of the Gospel and take a closer look at the Lord Jesus Christ himself: His life, ministry and mission for the world.<span style=""> </span>If we could just let go of the thickening plot line and kneel at the foot of the cross, we would be able to finally embrace the One whom Paul and Barnabas spoke so lovingly of.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Are you more interested in seeing the lynching of these men, or meeting the One whom they speak of?<span style=""> </span>The plot thickens…</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Grace and peace,</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Deb Spaulding</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/" target="_blank">www.songofdeborah.com</a></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;">___________________________<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">© Copyright 2010, Deb Spaulding</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">All rights reserved</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author.<span style=""> </span>Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission.<span style=""> </span>Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.</span></span></p>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-6570204510776457322010-04-14T07:59:00.000-05:002010-04-14T08:00:31.240-05:00<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;">The great divide</span></span><br /><br /><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today’s Reading:<span style=""> </span>Acts 14:4 NIV</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>4 </sup>The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the Apostles.</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Psalm 78:13 NIV</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>13 </sup>He divided the sea and led them through; He made the water stand firm like a wall.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Good morning!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">How far would you go to keep peace in your family?<span style=""> </span>When I was a young girl, my mother would insist we honor the adage, “If you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.”<span style=""> </span>This was a required rule of thumb in our home.<span style=""> </span>Basically, children were not allowed to express differences of opinion with their parents and grandparents, for it was viewed as an act of utter disrespect.<span style=""> </span>Voicing our beliefs and differences of opinion in public today has become a sad form of public entertainment.<span style=""> </span>Good people with passionate views are often categorized and labeled by society; this trendy undercurrent has caused a massive split - not only in individual family units, but in the communities where we live.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">We do not have to look far to recognize the stark divisions and differences of opinion existing in our world today.<span style=""> </span>Questions of right and wrong, good and evil - are served up daily on the dockets of our Chiefs of State.<span style=""> </span>We fight wars to keep peace; pass legislation that may, in and of itself, lead to the annihilation of two distinct generations - our young and old.<span style=""> </span>The crumbling world economy has slowed humanitarian efforts to provide adequate help for innocent victims caught up in catastrophic natural disasters; these emergent situations are occurring almost daily.<span style=""> </span>Tomorrow’s news and how we respond as a generation will become the historical legacy we leave for our children and grandchildren.<span style=""> </span>I fervently pray they are smarter than we are.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">There is no doubt in my mind that we live in difficult times.<span style=""> </span>I would like to suggest that our generation is not so far removed from generations before us.<span style=""> </span>When Moses was called by THE GREAT I AM to go into Egypt and demand the immediate release of His people, there was a deep divide brewing amongst the Hebrews.<span style=""> </span>Many were fearful of this proposed lifestyle change; they could not see that the Lord was answering their fervent prayers to end their days of slavery.<span style=""> </span>Many followed Moses reluctantly to the sea, fearing they would surely die.<span style=""> </span>A great impasse is no match for God.<span style=""> </span>His ways are not our ways; what we have yet to dream He has already done.<span style=""> </span>It takes a great leap of faith to cross the divide; to look beyond our finite human circumstances, and fully trust in the one thing we cannot control.<span style=""> </span>When our imperfections are humbly relinquished into the hands of the only powerful One, answers to life’s questions become crystal clear.<span style=""> </span>The ultimate solution has come.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul and Barnabas were sharing their life testimony; it changed them from the inside out.<span style=""> </span>They knew Jesus Christ would divide the city and potentially put them in harm’s way.<span style=""> </span>Christ’s Great Commission was far too important not to share.<span style=""> </span>The long awaited Messiah had come to free His people from the slavery of sin forever.<span style=""> </span>Jesus died and rose again – He lives so that we might live with Him now and forever!<span style=""> </span>Their prayers for the coming Messiah and all prophecy had been fulfilled before their very eyes; yet many could not let go of human time-honored traditions and rules to see His Truth revealed.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The only answer to our human situation is standing right in front of us; and we are missing His Message.<span style=""> </span>It is time to relinquish our imperfect human ways and fully rely upon the Lord.<span style=""> </span>If we humble ourselves and repent, He will heal our land.<span style=""> </span>THE GREAT I AM is ready to divide the sea once again and lead His people through.<span style=""> </span>Are you ready to take a leap of faith across the great divide?</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Grace and peace,</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Deb Spaulding</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/" target="_blank">www.songofdeborah.com</a></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;">___________________________<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">© Copyright 2010, Deb Spaulding</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">All rights reserved</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author.<span style=""> </span>Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission.<span style=""> </span>Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.</span></span></p>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-51867168474577482462010-04-10T07:20:00.001-05:002010-04-10T07:20:45.493-05:00<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;">The double portion</span></span><br /><br /><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today’s Reading:<span style=""> </span>Acts 14:3 NLT</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>3</sup>But the apostles stayed there a long time, preaching boldly about the grace of the Lord. And the Lord proved their message was true by giving them power to do miraculous signs and wonders.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Good morning!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">After my mother’s fall, a dear friend loaned her a walker to use while her broken pelvic bone mended.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span>It took a lot of encouragement for Mom to use this health aide, at first.<span style=""> </span>She had grown accustomed to walking independently for eighty-seven years, and the walker initially seemed like a burden rather than a blessing.<span style=""> </span>She conveniently forgot to use it quite often.<span style=""> </span>You need to understand that my mother is a very stubborn person.<span style=""> </span>I’ve inherited some of that tenacity from her and this is a character trait I am proud to pass along.<span style=""> </span>Two months to the day of her fall, Mom’s physician agreed to let her set the awkward walker aside.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">A short time later, Mom took yet another spill, which resulted in a badly broken wrist, and the walker has been brought out of storage and dusted off.<span style=""> </span>Once her wrist heals to the place where she can bear weight, Mom has now decided that this walker is a much needed life accessory.<span style=""> </span>My sister and I are making plans now to color coordinate it with her wardrobe!<span style=""> </span>Until then, Mom chooses to lean on her colorful daughters’ arms.<span style=""> </span>They have become her walker, a daily source of daily balance in a confusing situation.<span style=""> </span>It is a great privilege to walk Mom everywhere she wants to go. Quite often, I find that she encourages me in ways she cannot even imagine as we walk this road together.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">We were supposed to be at the tax office on Friday morning, taking care of Mom’s 2009 income tax filing, when she began complaining of numbness and pain in her left hand.<span style=""> </span>The doctor’s exchange said we should come immediately to his office for an examination.<span style=""> </span>My husband went to the tax meeting in Mom’s place while I drove her to the doctor.<span style=""> </span>The purple cast had to come off.<span style=""> </span>The noise of the electric saw was so loud that I promptly removed Mom’s hearing aids.<span style=""> </span>Mom began to scream at the top of her lungs as the determined assistant cut through the hard plaster exterior.<span style=""> </span>I asked Mom if she was in pain.<span style=""> </span>She looked up at me, a little surprised, and emphatically said, “No.”<span style=""> </span>I asked her why she was screaming.<span style=""> </span>Mom flashed a feisty smile my way and replied, “The tax man cometh while my left hand goeth.<span style=""> </span>Blessed be the name of the Lord!”<span style=""> </span>I laughed out loud!<span style=""> </span>She may be eighty-seven years young, but my mother hasn’t skipped a beat!<span style=""> </span>So the purple cast came off; Mom got to keep her hand and, as an added bonus, didn’t owe any additional money to the US government.<span style=""> </span>Praise God from whom all blessings flow!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Barnabas was a born encourager.<span style=""> </span>When he accepted Jesus Christ as His personal Lord and Savior, Barnabas was immediately filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.<span style=""> </span>He allowed the Spirit to use him wherever he went.<span style=""> </span>When Paul came to Jerusalem following his conversion on the Damascus road, Barnabas risked his life to convince the Apostles of Paul’s change of heart.<span style=""> </span>Barnabas went with Paul on his first missionary journey, walking with him every step of the way.<span style=""> </span>He became the mediator extraordinaire between Paul and John Mark; it was because of Barnabas’ constant encouragement they were later reunited in missionary travels.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">If Barnabas were speaking to us today, I imagine he would probably shrug his shoulders and wonder what all the fuss is about.<span style=""> </span>I believe he would probably tell us that he received the greater blessing – so much more than he ever gave away.<span style=""> </span>When we choose to love each other the way Jesus Christ loves each of us, it is easy to be a strong arm for another.<span style=""> </span>Christ calls us to encourage each other in the faith; it is a true privilege to serve each other out of kindness and in Christian love.<span style=""> </span>There will come a day when you and I will need a little extra help to walk the road.<span style=""> </span>Be sure to look for new ways to encourage the people God has placed on your path.<span style=""> </span>This gift of encouragement is a daily presence that keeps on giving and giving.<span style=""> </span>It is the double portion.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Grace and peace,</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Deb Spaulding</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/" target="_blank">www.songofdeborah.com</a></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;">___________________________<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">© Copyright 2010, Deb Spaulding</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">All rights reserved</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author.<span style=""> </span>Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission.<span style=""> </span>Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.</span></span></p>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-5883519393893190812010-04-09T07:59:00.000-05:002010-04-09T08:00:36.722-05:00<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;">Tracking changes of the heart</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today’s Reading:<span style=""> </span>Acts 14:2 NIV</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>2</sup>But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 14:2 CEV</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>2</sup>But the Jews who did not have faith in him made the other Gentiles angry and turned them against the Lord's followers.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Good morning!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I was on my way to pick up Mom from the beauty shop yesterday when my cell phone rang.<span style=""> </span>A friend was on the other line, seeking assistance with the “track changes” feature in a Word® document.<span style=""> </span>She began to describe how the computer had seemingly taken on a life of its own when she innocently tried to find and replace one word with another in a document she had been editing.<span style=""> </span>Without warning, her text lit up the monitor with color-coordinated strike-through marks and underlines across the page.<span style=""> </span>She had absolutely no idea what it was or how to remove it.<span style=""> </span>I did not have my laptop with me, but was familiar with the feature she was describing.<span style=""> </span>I made a suggestion and told her I would pray as she made the needed change.<span style=""> </span>A few minutes later, she called me back and confirmed that the document had been saved and all is well.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">How do we track changes of the heart?<span style=""> </span>Our insatiable “need to know” has sparked a cultural worldview and media frenzy unlike any other in history.<span style=""> </span>Think about it – when the early church began to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth, they did not have the help of computers, text messaging, blackberries, or satellite television.<span style=""> </span>There were no magazine subscriptions or newspapers on the street corners for people to purchase.<span style=""> </span>No random opinion polls or surveys were being taken; and yet, the Word spread quickly, like a brush fire spreading through a parched and dry forest.<span style=""> </span>Even without the help of modern technology as we know it, people formed opinions of late breaking news and opinions about the men and women who were spreading it.<span style=""> </span>Many, at first, disagreed with their personal testimonies.<span style=""> </span>Have you ever been swayed by the popular vote?<span style=""> </span>Did you choose to go with the crowd just to keep peace and not stand out as a lone dissenter?<span style=""> </span>How many do you think had a serious change of heart after they had the opportunity to stop and weigh the evidence?</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul and Barnabas knew what the Holy Spirit power could do.<span style=""> </span>They had personally experienced a change of heart in their own lives.<span style=""> </span>Paul, who was formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, felt so vehemently offended by the early church and its beliefs, that he personally sought out and killed many of the new converts to the Way.<span style=""> </span>It was only after Christ appeared to him on the Damascus Road that he was able to truly track the change of heart in his own life.<span style=""> </span>This was his life’s testimony; and it was stirring up the belief system of his brothers.<span style=""> </span>Planting seeds of faith will often fall on rough and rocky soil.<span style=""> </span>We know that our own simple words, when prompted in and through the power of the Holy Spirit, can bring about a drastic change in the place where any change of the status quo seems virtually impossible.<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">It may take years and we may not fully realize the eternal impact our words have now.<span style=""> </span>Parents, do not give up teaching your children in the way they should go.<span style=""> </span>The Word promises that when our children are old, they will not depart from it.<span style=""> </span>Do not give up speaking the Truth to your friends and neighbors, even if it is difficult to track a change of heart right now.<span style=""> </span>You never know how or when the Holy Spirit will move in and set His Word aflame.<span style=""> </span>Keep looking up and do not look back.<span style=""> </span>I am a witness who has experienced a deep and personal change of heart in my own life.<span style=""> </span>This is what I testify to today.<span style=""> </span>Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life and no one comes to the Father but by Him.<span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span><span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Grace and peace,</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Deb Spaulding</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/" target="_blank">www.songofdeborah.com</a></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;">___________________________<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">© Copyright 2010, Deb Spaulding</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">All rights reserved</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author.<span style=""> </span>Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission.<span style=""> </span>Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.</span></span></p>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36441043.post-79003138677083176712010-04-07T08:29:00.000-05:002010-04-07T08:30:01.509-05:00<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family: georgia;">Well spoken!</span></span><br /><br /><p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Today’s Reading:<span style=""> </span>Acts 14:1 NIV</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>1</sup> At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue.<span style=""> </span>There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed.</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Acts 14:1 New Century Version</span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><sup>1</sup> In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went as usual to the synagogue. They spoke so well that a great many Jews and Greeks believed.</span></p> <p class="ecxMsoNormal"> </p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Good morning!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">I was taught how to give an effective oral presentation in school.<span style=""> </span>Once the subject matter was assigned, I would spend a considerable amount of time gathering research, weighing opinions, and learning as much as I could about the topic before preparing my outline.<span style=""> </span>My professors preferred I use some mode of visual aide, to help draw the listeners in.<span style=""> </span>The preferred presentation package would almost always include a PowerPoint® presentation, along with some tangible visual aide to help illustrate a particular point of the chosen topic.<span style=""> </span>No matter how much I prepared and practiced in advance, I always got nervous just before I stood up to speak.<span style=""> </span>Knowing the butterflies were coming helped me better focus on each important point of the presentation.<span style=""> </span>Even with a well-prepared outline in front of me, and a computer to keep my hands busy, I do not recall a single presentation when I didn’t feel a little bit shaky before speaking.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">My husband Jeff has an extraordinary gift for teaching and preaching.<span style=""> </span>If you asked him, Jeff would tell you that he also experiences Sunday butterflies, often evidenced by a slight stutter.<span style=""> </span>Jeff will tap his foot on the floor to keep a steady pace as he articulates the words God has given Him to speak.<span style=""> </span>His deep voice carries well in a crowded room; without a microphone, my squeaky little voice tends to fade away into the crowd.<span style=""> </span>My mother can even understand Jeff and she is profoundly deaf!<span style=""> </span>There is something very special about the sound of a pastor’s strong voice - it is truly a gift from God.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Jeff sometimes wonders after worship, whether his delivery of Christ’s saving message is clear and convincing for all who came to listen. <span style=""> </span>Some weekends are obviously easier than others.<span style=""> </span>I remember one particular Sunday when Jeff preached the morning services sporting a broken elbow from a fall he took early that morning before worship.<span style=""> </span>Obviously, he didn’t know his elbow was broken until after church.<span style=""> </span>He refused to take his suit jacket off and let me assess the damage until after he had finished delivering his Sunday sermons.<span style=""> </span>The only reason we even went to the ER that day was because he needed a few stitches and he kept wondering why he didn’t have enough strength in his hand to hold the Bible up.<span style=""> </span>The triage nurse was alarmed that it had been over seven hours before Jeff sought medical treatment.<span style=""> </span>His quiet response, “I had to preach,” seemed to surprise her.<span style=""> </span>After living with this preacher man for thirty-two years, nothing surprises me anymore!<span style=""> </span></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Paul and Barnabas walked from Antioch to Iconium, a small town located in modern day Turkey.<span style=""> </span>There was some sense of familiarity as they entered the synagogue together.<span style=""> </span>Paul and Barnabas were literally surrounded by a group of strangers, whose culture, traditions and beliefs were somewhat similar.<span style=""> </span>The Jews and Greeks came that day with one common goal; to listen, learn and worship.<span style=""> </span>These presenters did not have a smart board or PowerPoint® at their fingertips; there were no Kodak® photographs of the Lord Jesus Christ to pass around the crowd.<span style=""> </span>Every word that was spoken had to be clear and concise, painting a visual image in the hearts and minds of all who entered the synagogue that day.<span style=""> </span>Do you think Paul and Barnabas had a case of the butterflies before they spoke?</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">The power of the Holy Spirit was evident, filling the room with a fresh breath of new life.<span style=""> </span>It is this same power that works in and through our pastors and teachers, you and me, to help us convey God’s Word with a lost and hurting world.<span style=""> </span>Let go of your butterflies and allow the Lord Jesus Christ to use you for a well spoken Word.<span style=""> </span>Ask the Lord to fill you with His sweet Holy Spirit today.<span style=""> </span>It is the Father’s gift, given freely to all who receive Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Grace and peace,</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"> </span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Deb Spaulding</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia; font-weight: bold;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.songofdeborah.com/" target="_blank">www.songofdeborah.com</a></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;">___________________________<span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">© Copyright 2010, Deb Spaulding</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">All rights reserved</span></span></p> <p style="font-family: arial;" class="ecxMsoNormal"><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author.<span style=""> </span>Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission.<span style=""> </span>Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.</span></span></p>Song of Deborahhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04429052932199699245noreply@blogger.com0