Song of Deborah

2011-02-05T10:34:00.002-06:00

Frozen Pulpits

Today's Reading: Isaiah 40:9 NIV
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!"

Good morning!

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.

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!

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."

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?

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!"

It is high time for a spiritual thaw.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO
www.songofdeborah.com

____________________________________________
Copyright 2011, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any "for profit" publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via 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.

2011-02-04T10:20:00.002-06:00

Prayer Power

Today's Reading: Isaiah 40:1-2 NIV
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.

Good morning!

I was browsing through the video library at the Family Bookstore recently when I happened upon a DVD entitled Mother Teresa: In the Name of God's Poor. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO
www.songofdeborah.com

________________________________________
Copyright 2011, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any "for profit" publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via 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.

2011-02-03T07:58:00.002-06:00

Feisty Faith

Today's Reading: Isaiah 40:11 NIV
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.

Good morning!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

Lord Jesus, how amazing is your love for me!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO
www.songofdeborah.com

_______________________________________
Copyright 2011, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any "for profit" publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via 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.

2011-01-30T05:42:00.002-06:00

Preparing the way

Today's Reading: Isaiah 40:3-5 NIV
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.

Good morning!

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO
www.songofdeborah.com

______________________________________
Copyright 2011, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any "for profit" publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via 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.

2011-01-16T06:35:00.004-06:00

Resolving Conflict

Today's Reading: Acts 15:5-6 NIV
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.

Good morning!

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.

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.

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?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO
www.songofdeborah.com

_____________________________________
Copyright 2011, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any "for profit" publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via 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.

2011-01-15T07:29:00.002-06:00

The Good News Brothers

Today's Reading: Acts 15:3-4 NIV
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.

Good morning!

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.

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!

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!

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!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO
www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________
Copyright 2011, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any "for profit" publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via 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.

2011-01-14T08:15:00.003-06:00

The thing about salvation...

Today's Reading: Acts 15:1-2 NIV
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.

Good morning!

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?

There are some really great people out there. On many of our evening news broadcasts, there are five minute segments, like NBC's "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?

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 Jahweh. 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?

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.

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 where ever 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.

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 NKJV.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO
www.songofdeborah.com

________________________
Copyright 2011, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any "for profit" publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via 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.

2011-01-13T06:27:00.002-06:00

Opening the Door of Faith

Today's Reading: Acts 14:27-28 NIV
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.

Good morning!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO
www.songofdeborah.com

_____________________
Copyright 2010, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any "for profit" publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via 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.

2011-01-12T08:37:00.002-06:00

Hands

Today's Reading: Acts 6:6-7a NIV
6 They presented these men to the apostles, who prayed and laid their hands on them. 7 So the word of God spread.

Good morning!

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO
www.songofdeborah.com

______________________________
Copyright 2011, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any "for profit" publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via 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.

2010-05-17T08:02:00.001-05:00

Graduation day

Today’s Reading: Acts 14:26 NIV

²⁶From Attalia they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been committed to the grace of God for the work they had now completed.

Good morning!

I enjoy looking at all the graduation photos being posted online. Graduation Day is such a great way to celebrate the completion of many years of hard work. What an accomplishment! Congratulations to all who are receiving your diplomas and certificates of achievement! Well done!

There is nothing more affirming than completing a project, no matter how trivial that project may be. Just recently, I committed to cleaning out and reorganizing my bedroom closet. 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!” She was playing hide-and-seek with her little brother, totally unaware that I had made a special provision just for them! One simple word of praise can go a long way for someone who has tried to make a little extra room for another.

Today, our family will celebrate the gift of life as we remember with love my father-in-law, Clayton. He has now accomplished his life’s purpose on earth and we will forever treasure him in our hearts forever. My father-in-law had a clear vision for what one day would be. Even though his eyes were growing dim with age and disease, Pop glimpsed a plan for all the generations who would follow after him. He has now graduated to life eternal in the Lord Jesus Christ. Pop was committed to the grace of God in completing his life’s call.

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. They knew that in every miracle, every newly saved soul, there is God’s gift of grace in and through Christ Jesus. Yet, it had to be humbling to know He would choose to use their imperfect hands to help spread His Word throughout the nations. 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.

We celebrate all of life’s big accomplishments together, praising our Lord Jesus Christ for His gift that makes life worth living. He has made room for all who will humble their hearts, repent of their sin and daily seek His face. 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! 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. Let Jesus show you what clean can really be! Jesus will change you from the inside out, helping you complete every good work, as you commit yourself daily by the grace of God. May you find yourself standing before the Lord on your eternal Graduation Day, hearing Him say, “Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your Master’s happiness!”

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.

2010-05-16T06:05:00.000-05:00

The dance master

Today’s Reading: John 11:25-26 NIV

²⁵Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies, ²⁶ and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Good morning!

My father-in-law received his new birth into life eternal yesterday. 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. I couldn’t help but thank the Lord that he had not fallen down or suffered any broken any bones. 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.

When I was fifteen years old, I think Pop was the tallest man I knew. Standing over six feet tall, Pop towered over me. 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. I learned to waltz to Big Band music playing on their eight-track tape deck in his study. I don’t think I embarrassed Jeff too much at senior prom, since he decided to continue the dance with me all these years. Pop was a great dance instructor, indeed. The last time I danced with Pop was on the church parking lot just a few months ago. You see, a great instructor does not need music or a ball room floor to display his vocational gift. One cannot help but want to leave worship dancing and singing! It seemed so natural to do a little two step on the black top under the shadow of the Faith Church steeple.

Pop was a great lead. He gently would take my hand in his, and show me, by example, how to move gracefully across the dance floor. 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. Through the years, it was Pop who was there to pick me up whenever I fell down. His willingness to listen and encourage me, especially through some really tough times, is a gift I will treasure forever. He may have been my father-in-law by marriage, but I am proud to have called him Daddy.

Pop’s life example and servant leadership mirrored the example of our Heavenly Father. I’m pretty sure he took his life’s lead from Him. A good provider, a stern but loving disciplinarian, Pop possessed a kind and humble heart. When Pop chose love, he chose it for a life time. He made life’s dance look easy, and we all know it is not. The last few years of Pop’s life were a struggle. He recovered from some very serious bone breaks that may have kept many in the confines of a wheel chair or walker. Pop never gave up; determined to dance again, he partied with reckless abandon at his granddaughter Katie’s wedding. 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. I have several photographs of Pop in my scrapbook, doing the monster mash with his daughter Linda and granddaughter Courtney. I laugh out loud every time I look at these wonderful pictures, honoring the memory of the dance master.

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.” Pop raised his voice to speak while tears streamed down his cheeks. This was remarkable because Pop did not cry in public. 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.” 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. 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.

Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?” We can all take a dance lesson today from Pop. Let the Lord take the lead; for He will guide you every step of the way, if you will choose to believe.

Thank you Pop, for teaching me how to dance.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-05-12T10:10:00.000-05:00

Post-It® note Preaching

Today’s Reading: Acts 14:24-25 NIV

²⁴After going through Pisidia, [Paul and Barnabas] came into Pamphylia, ²⁵ and when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down to Attalia.

Good morning!

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). 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. How did we ever learn to preach before the creation of the Post-It® note? Post-It® notes are pieces of stationery with a strip of adhesive on the back, designed to temporarily stick on documents. They come in a wide variety of colors, shapes and sizes; they can easily be attached and removed without leaving permanent marks or residue. The Post-It® note is one great way to preserve Scripture and keep track of your sermon notes all at the same time.

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. His Bibles are kept in pristine condition. The binding on my Bibles are often broken and the pages become loose because I write in them all the time. I sure hope the Lord will forgive me for being so hard on His Word.

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. 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. He did not have artificial amplification to carry his voice into the crowd. The convictions of his heart coupled with the Holy Spirit power carried his voice in a way that all who gathered could hear. He had no computer, big screen, or PowerPoint® software to enhance his presentation. Folks were simply glued to the holy glow across Paul’s face, as he spoke about the love of the Savior. There are times when I think we rely far too much on our own human effort when speaking God’s Word. 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.

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. Yet, I need to learn how to rely less upon my own simple, finite thoughts and fully lean into God’s Holy Word. I am convinced that our personal witness is the most powerful way we can convey God’s love through Jesus Christ. How has the Lord changed your life? If I were to ask you to tell me about how you know Jesus, what would you say? Put your notes down, look me in the eye, and tell me your story.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-05-08T10:40:00.001-05:00

Sincere faith

Today’s Reading: 2 Timothy 1:4-6 NIV

⁴Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy. ⁵I 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. ⁶For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands.

Isaiah 26:3 KJV

³Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

Good morning!

My mother has given me some very special gifts through the years, and none of them were purchased at the store. 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. I think often about the sweet inner peace she possesses, and I know from whom she receives it. That, in and of itself, is a timeless and precious gift.

Yesterday, Mom and I stopped at our local Walgreens® to purchase a few things on our way home from the doctor’s office. I picked up a hair net for Mom to use at night. Every week, she visits my friend Sammi, who works at a hair salon not far from our home. Sammi does an amazing job making my mother look beautiful. She washes and rolls her hair, teases and sprays it just so, hoping it will last her through the weekend, especially for worship. Mom spends a lot of time during the day cat napping, and, quite often, her hair gets messed up while she sleeps.

Last night, Mom went to put on the hair net and accidentally picked up her arm sling instead. Without her glasses, Mom could not figure out how to apply the hair net “sling” to her head. She worked on it for quite some time before finally giving up and going to bed. This morning, she told me how disgusted she was with her brand new hairnet. 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. I tried hard not to laugh at her as I walked back to the bedroom and picked up the hairnet on her changing table. “Is this what you tried to put on?” I asked. “No! I thought that was my underwear!” she quickly replied. A moment of dark confusion crossed her face before she burst into hysterical laughter. “I do hope you are writing all this down, dear,” she said, looking at me through a teary grin. I told her not to worry, I had it covered. We sat together at the breakfast table, laughing over the arm sling/hairnet story. Mom’s ability to laugh over something that might have otherwise terribly upset her is a gift from God above. She knows that life is very confusing right now and yet, she handles every situation with grace and dignity. It makes me realize just how beautiful she is inside and out, and how someday, I hope to be just like her.

Mom’s sincere faith has now become the faith I hold. She has faced many difficult moments with the quiet confidence of Mary, who chose to ponder all things in her heart. Mom worked hard like Martha, and sat at the feet of the Master, listening carefully, like Mary. She loved to sew like Priscilla, and was once the finest cook in our neighborhood, just like Lydia. 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. In the twilight of her life, Mom has bloomed into the unique, fragrant perennial the Lord created her to be. Even in sheer moments of confusion, Mom knows that her Redeemer lives! Jesus gives her the courage and strength to master every moment with a smile. And Mom knows she does not face tomorrow alone.

You may be missing your Mom today. Maybe you never got to know your mother and you wonder what her life had been like. Maybe your childhood memories are not so pleasant. 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. 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. 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. We can learn much from looking closely at a mother’s heart.

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-05-05T07:44:00.001-05:00

Pray today!

Today’s Reading: Acts 14:23 NIV

²³Paul 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.

Luke 6:12-13a (NIV)

¹²One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. ¹³When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles.

Good morning!

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. That syllabus became my map for the semester. I often made several copies of the syllabus, just in case I might misplace it. 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. I would transfer the due dates from the syllabus to my date book, highlighting the test dates in yellow. 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.

I learned how to organize my work by trial and error. There were times when I did not pay as close attention to the syllabus as I should have. I missed a couple of assignment deadlines, which adversely affected my overall semester grade. I walked into class one evening, not realizing a mid-term examination was going to be given. Because I had not studied the material in depth earlier that week, I was unprepared to adequately answer the questions asked. It pays to look at the syllabus in advance and come to class prepared. Why waste the time you’ve been given to complete the assignments? The one thing none of us can get back is the gift of time. How we choose to spend the time we have been given is critical to our overall learning experience.

Jesus Christ set the bar at how he chose to spend His personal time. He traveled throughout Galilee, healing the sick and preaching the Good News. At the end of the day, Jesus needed time alone with the Father to prepare for the many decisions tomorrow would bring. Jesus would often go to a secluded place spending the night alone, on His knees, yielding to His Father’s will in prayer. Jesus chose not to go anywhere or do anything without first seeking out His Father’s heart. Prayer became His life’s syllabus. 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?

Jesus asked for the Father’s help to discern who of His disciples should be made Apostles. Likewise, Paul and Barnabas only appointed elders of the church after seeking the Father’s will in prayer and fasting. They chose to implement Christ’s life example using their time wisely in every daily decision. They chose not to show up for the work of ministry totally unprepared. They asked the Father for His will and then chose to follow His lead.

Let this be the day you choose a different direction. Do you have important decisions to make? Are you concerned about your own life, or the life of someone you love? Make time to pray today about the work of tomorrow. Stop wasting time – choose to use the Master’s syllabus! Do not spend another minute unprepared to successfully complete your life’s work. Pray today!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-05-02T06:36:00.000-05:00

Standing in the gap for faith

Today’s Reading: Acts 14:21-22 NIV

²¹They preached the good news in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, ²² strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said.

Good morning!

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. I knew there was something serious happening somewhere last night when my husband’s cell phone kept blinking on and off. 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. 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. They are up and running, working tirelessly, to protect all of us from harm.

I hope you’ve never had to face true hardship. In our human struggle for survival, we learn and grow from the adversities we experience. I’ve yet to be homeless or hungry, but am well aware that it could happen in just a mere matter of seconds. There are hundreds of thousands of families worldwide who have lost everything in the wake of hurricanes, fires, tornadoes and flooding. Our world’s economy seems to be crumbling before our very eyes, causing a human crisis greater than anything I’ve ever known before. People are diligently working to provide adequate food and shelter for families who have nowhere else to turn. Selfless souls continue to work tirelessly in food banks and church soup kitchens, providing meals for the hungry. Large quantities of clothing, food and medical supplies are being gathered and shipped to neighboring countries trying to heal from catastrophic disasters. People are reaching out, helping people everywhere. Many are risking their own lives to make a difference for someone else. Can you see the warning signs flashing right before your eyes? What can you personally do to ease the pain of another hurting heart today?

The Apostles were very concerned over the welfare and discipleship of new converts to the Way. 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. They willingly returned to these cities, bringing His Word of encouragement and hope to those who desperately needed to hear it. Paul knew he would risk great hardship for the Gospel, yet never hesitated to protect and defend the early Church. He gave his whole heart to the work of our Lord, caring more about others than he did for himself. 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. Are you willing to set aside your life so that someone else might experience the love of Jesus today? Who stood in the gap for you, when you took that first step of faith?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-05-01T08:37:00.000-05:00

Dying to be heard

Today’s Reading: Acts 14:19-20 NIV

¹⁹Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. ²⁰ But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe.

I Timothy 4:16 NIV

¹⁶ Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save both yourself and your hearers.

Good morning!

You probably haven’t figured this out yet, but I tend to be a rather opinionated person. This character trait gets me into trouble a lot! Do you hold strong beliefs in your heart? Is there something you refuse to waiver on, even if it means you may get nailed for it? Often, when I feel the need to speak up, I get tongue tied or succumb to a sudden brain freeze. 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?

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. We have been given minds to think and hearts that beat; we are united by the blood pulsing through our veins. We breathe and move and we learn by the living examples of others. Our traditions and culture leads us to base conclusions of faith upon our own personal experience. Opinions are formed early on, in large part, by what we are exposed to in life as little children. Is it possible to see beyond what we’ve come to know, and potentially grasp hold of a greater Truth? What would it take for you to be willing to change your mind?

Paul got stoned for saying what he believed. Because of Paul’s humanness, he must have felt some fear. He knew he would be openly rejected to the point of being tortured and even killed for his strong, unwavering doctrine of faith. It is an amazing thing to see the life of someone who has had been truly converted. Paul was relentless in preaching about the person he, at one time, persecuted with all his being. If Jesus Christ had not personally appeared to Paul on the Damascus road, Paul’s beliefs could not have changed so dramatically. It often takes a close, personal encounter to see life from a totally different perspective. Human hearts can change instantly, when we meet the Master face to face.

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. The Jews who came to stone Paul held strong convictions. They saw this man as someone trying to destroy the truth of Scripture as they knew it. He was, in their eyes, a blasphemer, a liar, and, according to their traditions, Paul deserved to die. Ironically, Paul understood their sentiments better than they did. For he once believed what they believed, until Jesus Christ came and changed his hardened heart. 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. What a miracle it was, when Paul got up and walked back into the city, well enough to journey on. How could they not believe in Jesus after witnessing such an incredible miracle?

It is important to know in whom you believe and why you believe. 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. Some may try to tell you that the way you live is far more important than the convictions of heart you hold. 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. 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.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-04-27T08:17:00.001-05:00

The color of new life

Today’s Reading: Acts 14:16-18 NIV

¹⁶In the past, He let all nations go their own way. ¹⁷Yet He has not left Himself without testimony. ¹⁸ Even with these words, they had difficulty keeping the crowd from sacrificing to them.

Good morning!

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. The colors of spring are more brilliant to me than ever before. No one does green like God. 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.

Every year, I am amazed by the climbing clematis vines on the anniversary trellis Jeff installed for me on our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. I always cut the vine back to the ground after the first frost. By then, all of the blooms have faded and quite often, its leaves have crumbled off the vine. We mow it over, and place a fresh layer of mulch to protect its tender root system throughout the cold winter months. One would never guess that this vine could return year after year with such splendor and lasting beauty. Out of no where, deep in the cold, hard earth, new life begins to well up and sprout. Within a few short weeks, the vine has literally taken over our trellis, with brand new growth and big, beautiful purple flowers. This morning, I went outside to count its blooms. There are over fifty flowers opened and just about as many are waiting in the wings. The sparrows love to sit in its shade; occasionally, we get a nest or two lodged within the shelter of its foliage.

I have nothing to do with the rebirth of this beautiful plant year after year. I tend to it, but new life can only come from the One who gives it; the Master Gardener. He does not leave Himself without testimony. How can we not see Him in the beauty of His creative work? 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? When you witness the colors of spring after a long, cold winter, can you not sense the love of the Father for His children?

The greatest gift of new life was given when the Father gave His Son, Jesus Christ, for the world’s redemption. Whenever someone gives their heart to the Lord, a brand new life is birthed deep down inside. 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. How can we miss seeing the Master’s hand alive and at work in His beautiful garden of new life?

Do not look to human hands for the colors of life that surround you today. Stop, and give thanks to the only One who can take what was dead and make it rise up for all eternity. You have been given a great gift this spring. Thank the Father today for the colors of new life that have been birthed in you through our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-04-25T07:53:00.000-05:00

Worthless things

Today’s Reading: Acts 14:14-15 NIV

¹⁴But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard of this, they tore their clothes and rushed out into the crowd, shouting: ¹⁵“Men, why are you doing this? We too are only men, human like you. 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.”

Good morning!

Sometimes I get sidetracked. I really don’t mean to lose my focus. And I could blame it on my aging brain cells, but that wouldn’t be true. I’ve gotten sidetracked before; it simply has more to do with my own human weaknesses than the number of years I’ve lived.

I got sidetracked last week in my daughter’s closet. I was putting some of Rachel’s shoes away when I spotted a great pair of sandals on the shoe rack. They were really cute, and I suddenly found myself wanting a pair of sandals just like hers. I think this is called “coveting” on the Lord’s Big Ten! 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. My mother brought me back to a stark reality when she raised the question, “Don’t you have enough shoes in your closet already?” Of course, she was right. Mothers are always right. I do have plenty of shoes to wear. I just don’t have Rachel’s shoes. So why did I need yet another pair of sandals to put in my closet? The reality is this: I need to stop focusing on something relatively worthless and reconnect with what is truly important.

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. 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? 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? 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? We tend to get side-tracked easily, wasting our resources petty, worthless things.

The town witnessed an amazing miracle but missed meeting the miracle maker! They thought it was Paul and Barnabas, coming to them as gods. Paul and Barnabas didn’t cause the miracle healing to happen. Paul and Barnabas introduced the lame man to Jesus Christ; He is the only one with the power and authority to heal! I would say the folks got a little sidetracked, but it didn’t take them long to get back on track. 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.

Let go of the worthless and cling to the only One who makes living worth while. Give your heart to Jesus Christ today! There is plenty of room at the foot of the cross for you. Please join me today as we confess our sins and worship the Lord at Faith Church. He can take the worthless stuff of our lives and make life worth living, if you will simply invite Him into your heart today.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

2010-04-22T07:50:00.000-05:00

Shaky pedestals

Today’s Reading: Acts 14:11-13 NIV

¹¹When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” ¹²Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker. ¹³The 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.

Good morning!

I remember my first grade teacher, Miss Lane. She helped me learn to read, opening up a whole new world for me. I loved reading out loud to Miss Lane. She listened and helped me sound out every syllable, every vowel. In my young, seven year old mind, I was convinced that Miss Lane had super powers – she could do anything! I imagined she could float through the air on a cloud of fluffy white snow. She was, by far, the prettiest and smartest teacher ever. I wanted Miss Lane to teach me everything she knew. If only I could have stayed in her classroom all through grade school!

I wrote Miss Lane gushy thank you notes and frequently turned them in to her each week. My mother expressed concern to Miss Lane about my behavior at a mid-term parent-teacher conference. Miss Lane smiled and told my mother not to worry. She said that young children, when they are learning and growing, are sometimes filled with great gratitude for the one who is helping them. Miss Lane said that I was raised to have a grateful heart, and it showed. 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. Imagine that!

The people of Lystra were blown away by the healing of the lame man in their village. 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. What they did not yet understand is that Paul and Barnabas had no ability in and of themselves to heal anyone. 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.

Christians help us grow in faith; our pastors and teachers, and covenant friends whom we meet along the way. 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. 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.

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.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

2010-04-16T08:37:00.000-05:00

Faith healing

Today’s Reading: Acts 14:8-10 NIV

⁸In Lystra there sat a man crippled in his feet, who was lame from birth and had never walked. ⁹He listened to Paul as he was speaking. Paul looked directly at him, saw that he had faith to be healed ¹⁰and called out, “Stand up on your feet!” At that, the man jumped up and began to walk.

Good morning!

In 1975, Jeff and I attended a Kathryn Kuhlman healing service in downtown St. Louis. 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. Kuhlman broadcast a weekly television program during the 1960-70s called, I Believe In Miracles. She spent her life traveling around the world, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ and praying for healing over the sick and infirm. I was just a teenager when Kuhlman died of complications from open heart surgery in 1976. What we experienced at the revival that night is a memory that will be etched in my mind’s eye forever.

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. 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. 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. 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.

Kuhlman never claimed that she had the power to supernaturally heal anyone. She proclaimed the healing power of Jesus Christ. As she prayed, you could hear a pin drop all over the stadium. I had my head bowed and eyes shut, when I began to hear weeping and shouting coming from the floor. 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. He had suffered with muscular dystrophy for years. I turned to look at Jeff and saw his first reaction to what had just occurred. We thanked God together for Christ’s healing power as evidenced in this miracle moment. 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. It is a question I still ponder today.

Paul saw something extraordinary in the character of the man who had never walked before. The Scripture says that he saw that this man “had faith to be healed.” What kind of faith does it take to believe that God can heal you? Jesus Christ has been given all power and authority to heal our broken and imperfect lives. Our healing was purchased two thousand years ago on Calvary’s tree, when Jesus shed His precious blood to cover our sin. Faith in Christ’s healing power comes through believing His Word. 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.

Paul wrote about his own thorn in his flesh. We do not know whether Paul’s thorn was some physical or emotional adversity, we just know he was suffering with it. Paul prayed three times to the Lord and asked God to remove it. The Lord said no to Paul. 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. 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. Is it then possible to be living out supernatural healing even amid physical pain and suffering? I believe there are no limits to God’s grace, mercy and healing power. My heart resonates today with the words of the author of the Book of Hebrews, who said: “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV) 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.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

2010-04-15T08:03:00.000-05:00

The plot thickens

Today’s Reading: Acts 14:5-7 NIV

⁵There was a plot afoot among the Gentiles and Jews, together with their leaders, to mistreat [Paul and Barnabas] and stone them. ⁶But they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding country, ⁷where they continued to preach the Good News.

Good morning!

What is it about a divisive plot line that captures our undivided attention? There seems to be a greater public demand for captivating plot lines in the films we watch and the books we read. 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. One cannot help but notice the increased demand for reality television programming, considered by many as popular entertainment. Why are we so intrigued by the thickening plot line?

My mother was an avid soap fan. When I was a little girl, housework promptly stopped from 1-3pm each afternoon so she could watch her “stories.” It is relatively easy to get sucked into the problems of others on television. The popularity of daytime soaps led to the production or prime time soaps, which became extremely popular in the early eighties. People were truly captivated by these notorious cliffhangers, leaving John Q. Public wondering which soap star would survive into the new fall season. Were you one of the millions who tuned in to find out who shot J.R.?

It is easy to miss the message while trying to stone the messenger. The plot line can certainly distract us from the main point, if we let it. This was certainly the situation for Paul and Barnabas. They were out there, taking the Good News of Jesus Christ into the world; yet, faced a stronger opponent – the brunt of public opinion. This well-rooted, generational dissent causes a thickening plot line that mesmerizes many today. 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. 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. As the plot thickened, folks were caught up in a public frenzy, many missing out on the true message of the Good News. Folks, it is still happening today.

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. 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.

Are you more interested in seeing the lynching of these men, or meeting the One whom they speak of? The plot thickens…

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

2010-04-14T07:59:00.000-05:00

The great divide

Today’s Reading: Acts 14:4 NIV

⁴The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the Apostles.

Psalm 78:13 NIV

¹³He divided the sea and led them through; He made the water stand firm like a wall.

Good morning!

How far would you go to keep peace in your family? 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.” This was a required rule of thumb in our home. 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. Voicing our beliefs and differences of opinion in public today has become a sad form of public entertainment. 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.

We do not have to look far to recognize the stark divisions and differences of opinion existing in our world today. Questions of right and wrong, good and evil - are served up daily on the dockets of our Chiefs of State. 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. 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. Tomorrow’s news and how we respond as a generation will become the historical legacy we leave for our children and grandchildren. I fervently pray they are smarter than we are.

There is no doubt in my mind that we live in difficult times. I would like to suggest that our generation is not so far removed from generations before us. 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. 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. Many followed Moses reluctantly to the sea, fearing they would surely die. A great impasse is no match for God. His ways are not our ways; what we have yet to dream He has already done. 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. When our imperfections are humbly relinquished into the hands of the only powerful One, answers to life’s questions become crystal clear. The ultimate solution has come.

Paul and Barnabas were sharing their life testimony; it changed them from the inside out. They knew Jesus Christ would divide the city and potentially put them in harm’s way. Christ’s Great Commission was far too important not to share. The long awaited Messiah had come to free His people from the slavery of sin forever. Jesus died and rose again – He lives so that we might live with Him now and forever! 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.

The only answer to our human situation is standing right in front of us; and we are missing His Message. It is time to relinquish our imperfect human ways and fully rely upon the Lord. If we humble ourselves and repent, He will heal our land. THE GREAT I AM is ready to divide the sea once again and lead His people through. Are you ready to take a leap of faith across the great divide?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

2010-04-10T07:20:00.001-05:00

The double portion

Today’s Reading: Acts 14:3 NLT

³But 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.

Good morning!

After my mother’s fall, a dear friend loaned her a walker to use while her broken pelvic bone mended. It took a lot of encouragement for Mom to use this health aide, at first. She had grown accustomed to walking independently for eighty-seven years, and the walker initially seemed like a burden rather than a blessing. She conveniently forgot to use it quite often. You need to understand that my mother is a very stubborn person. I’ve inherited some of that tenacity from her and this is a character trait I am proud to pass along. Two months to the day of her fall, Mom’s physician agreed to let her set the awkward walker aside.

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. 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. My sister and I are making plans now to color coordinate it with her wardrobe! Until then, Mom chooses to lean on her colorful daughters’ arms. They have become her walker, a daily source of daily balance in a confusing situation. 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.

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. The doctor’s exchange said we should come immediately to his office for an examination. My husband went to the tax meeting in Mom’s place while I drove her to the doctor. The purple cast had to come off. The noise of the electric saw was so loud that I promptly removed Mom’s hearing aids. Mom began to scream at the top of her lungs as the determined assistant cut through the hard plaster exterior. I asked Mom if she was in pain. She looked up at me, a little surprised, and emphatically said, “No.” I asked her why she was screaming. Mom flashed a feisty smile my way and replied, “The tax man cometh while my left hand goeth. Blessed be the name of the Lord!” I laughed out loud! She may be eighty-seven years young, but my mother hasn’t skipped a beat! 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. Praise God from whom all blessings flow!

Barnabas was a born encourager. When he accepted Jesus Christ as His personal Lord and Savior, Barnabas was immediately filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. He allowed the Spirit to use him wherever he went. 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. Barnabas went with Paul on his first missionary journey, walking with him every step of the way. He became the mediator extraordinaire between Paul and John Mark; it was because of Barnabas’ constant encouragement they were later reunited in missionary travels.

If Barnabas were speaking to us today, I imagine he would probably shrug his shoulders and wonder what all the fuss is about. I believe he would probably tell us that he received the greater blessing – so much more than he ever gave away. 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. 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. There will come a day when you and I will need a little extra help to walk the road. Be sure to look for new ways to encourage the people God has placed on your path. This gift of encouragement is a daily presence that keeps on giving and giving. It is the double portion.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

2010-04-09T07:59:00.000-05:00

Tracking changes of the heart

Today’s Reading: Acts 14:2 NIV

²But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.

Acts 14:2 CEV

²But the Jews who did not have faith in him made the other Gentiles angry and turned them against the Lord's followers.

Good morning!

I was on my way to pick up Mom from the beauty shop yesterday when my cell phone rang. A friend was on the other line, seeking assistance with the “track changes” feature in a Word® document. 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. Without warning, her text lit up the monitor with color-coordinated strike-through marks and underlines across the page. She had absolutely no idea what it was or how to remove it. I did not have my laptop with me, but was familiar with the feature she was describing. I made a suggestion and told her I would pray as she made the needed change. A few minutes later, she called me back and confirmed that the document had been saved and all is well.

How do we track changes of the heart? Our insatiable “need to know” has sparked a cultural worldview and media frenzy unlike any other in history. 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. There were no magazine subscriptions or newspapers on the street corners for people to purchase. 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. 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. Many, at first, disagreed with their personal testimonies. Have you ever been swayed by the popular vote? Did you choose to go with the crowd just to keep peace and not stand out as a lone dissenter? How many do you think had a serious change of heart after they had the opportunity to stop and weigh the evidence?

Paul and Barnabas knew what the Holy Spirit power could do. They had personally experienced a change of heart in their own lives. 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. 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. This was his life’s testimony; and it was stirring up the belief system of his brothers. Planting seeds of faith will often fall on rough and rocky soil. 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.

It may take years and we may not fully realize the eternal impact our words have now. Parents, do not give up teaching your children in the way they should go. The Word promises that when our children are old, they will not depart from it. 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. You never know how or when the Holy Spirit will move in and set His Word aflame. Keep looking up and do not look back. I am a witness who has experienced a deep and personal change of heart in my own life. This is what I testify to today. Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth and the Life and no one comes to the Father but by Him.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

2010-04-07T08:29:00.000-05:00

Well spoken!

Today’s Reading: Acts 14:1 NIV

¹ At Iconium Paul and Barnabas went as usual into the Jewish synagogue. There they spoke so effectively that a great number of Jews and Gentiles believed.

Acts 14:1 New Century Version

¹ In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went as usual to the synagogue. They spoke so well that a great many Jews and Greeks believed.

Good morning!

I was taught how to give an effective oral presentation in school. 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. My professors preferred I use some mode of visual aide, to help draw the listeners in. 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. No matter how much I prepared and practiced in advance, I always got nervous just before I stood up to speak. Knowing the butterflies were coming helped me better focus on each important point of the presentation. 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.

My husband Jeff has an extraordinary gift for teaching and preaching. If you asked him, Jeff would tell you that he also experiences Sunday butterflies, often evidenced by a slight stutter. Jeff will tap his foot on the floor to keep a steady pace as he articulates the words God has given Him to speak. His deep voice carries well in a crowded room; without a microphone, my squeaky little voice tends to fade away into the crowd. My mother can even understand Jeff and she is profoundly deaf! There is something very special about the sound of a pastor’s strong voice - it is truly a gift from God.

Jeff sometimes wonders after worship, whether his delivery of Christ’s saving message is clear and convincing for all who came to listen. Some weekends are obviously easier than others. 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. Obviously, he didn’t know his elbow was broken until after church. He refused to take his suit jacket off and let me assess the damage until after he had finished delivering his Sunday sermons. 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. The triage nurse was alarmed that it had been over seven hours before Jeff sought medical treatment. His quiet response, “I had to preach,” seemed to surprise her. After living with this preacher man for thirty-two years, nothing surprises me anymore!

Paul and Barnabas walked from Antioch to Iconium, a small town located in modern day Turkey. There was some sense of familiarity as they entered the synagogue together. Paul and Barnabas were literally surrounded by a group of strangers, whose culture, traditions and beliefs were somewhat similar. The Jews and Greeks came that day with one common goal; to listen, learn and worship. 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. 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. Do you think Paul and Barnabas had a case of the butterflies before they spoke?

The power of the Holy Spirit was evident, filling the room with a fresh breath of new life. 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. Let go of your butterflies and allow the Lord Jesus Christ to use you for a well spoken Word. Ask the Lord to fill you with His sweet Holy Spirit today. It is the Father’s gift, given freely to all who receive Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

2010-04-06T07:13:00.002-05:00

Pot stirrers

Today’s Reading: Acts 13:50-52 The Message

^50-52Some of the Jews convinced the most respected women and leading men of the town that their precious way of life was about to be destroyed. Alarmed, they turned on Paul and Barnabas and forced them to leave. Paul and Barnabas shrugged their shoulders and went on to the next town, Iconium, brimming with joy and the Holy Spirit, two happy disciples.

Acts 13:51 NIV

So they shook the dust from their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.

Good morning!

A little bit of pot stirring has the power to incarcerate Christ’s message, if we choose to let it. Paul and Barnabas knew it would be hard for their Jewish brothers to let go of their time-honored traditions and religious rules long enough to see the salvation that has come through Jesus Christ. While many people experienced the breath of a Holy Spirit flame, there were others who could not and would not open their hearts to the possibility of new life. And, as a result, they began to stir up a riot against two innocent men who cared enough to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in their community.

Have you, in anger, ever stirred the proverbial pot against another, sharing confidential and personal information adding a little bit of your own unsavory slant? Did your words and actions cause someone else to reject that person out of disgust? Our words and our actions have weight. We can cut others to the quick in the mere blink of an eye. Have you ever been the primary target of a pot stirring?

It is not always easy in today’s culture to share our faith with others. We have created copious laws to protect people’s rights to believe what they want to believe without a balanced response from others who may see things differently. Unfortunately, we humans have placed a personal gag order on our own ability to share personal faith experiences with the people God has placed in our lives. The fear of rejection is never an easy pill to swallow; I think it hurts the most when we are rejected by the people with whom we are closest to. Paul and Barnabas knew the high cost of personal rejection. They knew they were putting their lives on the line for Christ. Yet, they cared more about getting His Word out than remaining safe and popular inside the walls of their own religious sect. They also had been given permission to simply walk away, if necessary.

It is a good thing that we are not responsible for the act of salvation. The Father’s plan is already in place. Jesus Christ, His Only Son, took care of salvation once and for all on Calvary’s tree. The power of the Holy Spirit is not subject to the laws of man. We can put up our brick walls, but the Spirit moves where it will, and if the walls are going to fall, they will – not by man’s efforts but by God’s glory! Human hearts can be changed in a moment’s notice. Our timing is certainly not God’s timing and His ways are not our ways. Paul and Barnabas continued to plant seeds of faith, knowing the seed would fall and take root in the fertile hearts of men and women who were earnestly seeking the Savior. No amount of pot stirring or back stabbing could stop the winds of the Spirit moving in and through their cities. Faith in Christ did not hinge on human words alone, nor did it need to instantly convert everyone in its hearing to validate Christ’s message.

When it comes to sharing our faith in Jesus Christ, we can follow the lead of Paul and Barnabas even today! Do not hesitate to share your personal witness, for your faith story is the most important truth you will ever tell. Do not worry whether folks choose to believe you, or if they decide to stir the proverbial pot against you. We do what the Lord asks us to, and when we’re finished, we simply shake the dust from our feet, and move on in faith. Our joy is not bound to statistical tables and cultural trends; all of these are man’s markers for perceived successes or failures. Our only joy; our only hope is in the full obedience of sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with the world, and trusting our Lord completely for His harvest. Paul and Barnabas were two very happy disciples, as they left Antioch and moved on to Iconium. Have you found true happiness in the Lord Christ Jesus today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

2010-04-04T08:38:00.000-05:00

Free blood transfusions today!

Today’s Reading: Ephesians 1:7 The Message

⁷ Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, his blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we're a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free!

Good morning!

Have you had to have a major surgery? Last fall, while waiting in the pre-op holding area, I had to sign a form release for permission to receive blood in the event I would lose too much blood during the surgical procedure. Blood is a precious commodity to the health of our bodies and without enough of it, we die.

This morning, I arrived to the church just as the pianist was finishing her beautiful praise medley to honor our risen Lord. I looked up at the cross, draped in a white sash. I could smell the fragrance of the Easter lilies wafting around the sanctuary. I knew the blood He shed on the cross over two thousand years ago was still giving new life to people all over the world. I came today to receive His free blood transfusion in my life.

Before I became severely anemic, I regularly donated blood to The American Red Cross®. I was told at the blood bank that for every pint I gave, my gift could potentially save three people from an untimely death. Blood donations are not always the easiest to give. Some folks get sick and dizzy; others pass out at the sight of blood. I found it was a privilege to give something that someone else might need in a medical emergency. I often thought about what it would be like if my child was in a terrible car accident and, upon arriving to the emergency room, there was no extra supply of blood to treat him. Would he die there because there was no blood available for him?

The Father gave Moses life-giving law, who then instructed the people to sacrifice the blood of an unblemished lamb as a means for atonement of their sins. Yet, it took something far greater than an animal to completely cover the sins of the whole world. This is why Jesus came; His blood for you and for me is unending; there is enough to cover your sins and mine. His death and resurrection is the only blood transfusion you need to receive new life and freedom from sin and death forever. The never-ending supply continues to give to all who will receive Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord.

The gift of human blood is a priceless gift to someone who is physically dying. The gift of Christ’s blood is a priceless gift to someone who is dying in their sins, forever separated from the Father’s love. Would you like to receive a free blood transfusion today? You do not need a medical insurance card to receive His precious gift of new life. The cost was completely paid for on Calvary by the only One who could give it – God Himself. Come and experience a brand new life today at the foot of the cross. May you find healing and wholeness in Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns forever! Tell everyone you know, free blood transfusions are available for the taking today!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-04-03T06:37:00.001-05:00

A lot at stake

Today’s Reading: Luke 23:11-12 NIV

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

Luke 23:11-12 The Message

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-04-02T08:10:00.000-05:00

Eternal commitment

Today’s Reading: Luke 23:44-46 NIV

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

Revelation 5:12-13 NIV

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-04-01T07:57:00.000-05:00

Living worship

Today’s Reading: Luke 22:19-20 NKJV

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-03-29T08:05:00.000-05:00

Real life experience

Today’s Reading: Acts 13:48-49 KJV

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

Acts 13:48-49 The Message

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-03-28T09:24:00.001-05:00

Light of life

Today’s Reading: Acts 13:47 NIV

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

Isaiah 49:6 NIV

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-03-27T07:49:00.002-05:00

Word games

Today’s Reading: Acts 13:46 NIV

46 Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles.”

Good morning!

One of my favorite things to do is spend some time playing word games with my grandchildren. Jett and Joshua are reading well now, and they like to read out loud to Nanny whenever we get together for a visit. Emily is just beginning to read; she enjoys reading a new word and copying it on paper. Madison and Andrew like to be read to. Two year old Andrew will sit on my lap for as long as twenty minutes, engrossed in the pages of a good book. He will pronounce the last word of every sentence after I say it! This is quite an accomplishment with a wee one who struggled with verbal expression only six months ago. It is a challenge to read to Madison; she would much rather tell the story to me. She is flamboyant in her conversation – Maddie has to be up and moving while she tells the story. I’m convinced she took a speed speaking class for three year olds. Maddie gets on a verbal roll and often it is very difficult for Nanny to understand her.

It does not matter who is reading the book – one thing is for certain: the words leap off the page in bold print! Joshua and Jett read with conviction. I hear inflection and emphasis on the very important words of each sentence. Emily likes to use punctuation to emphasize the selected word she is learning to write. Madison cannot stand still while sharing her story. She will stand for nothing less than your complete, undivided attention. If you happen to look away while she is telling her story, Maddie will put both hands on your face and pull you back toward her, so that she has eye contact with you. This little girl has a shot at becoming a fine political lobbyist one day. Andrew pronounces every third word with great conviction and determination. He could become the next great conductor/composer. His words are filled with passion, in a steady rhythmic flow. We better understand the words we read and speak when they are conveyed with heart.

Why did Paul and Barnabas feel compelled to speak the bold Word of salvation to the Jews first? The Father’s plan provided a means for His chosen people to lead all people into a personal relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, His Son. Paul was brought up in a Jewish home. He had a great understanding of the law and prophets; his upbringing and heritage enabled him to convey the fulfillment of Scripture to his brothers who were worshipping in the synagogue. Unfortunately, there were many who refused to recognize Jesus as God’s Messiah; they would not accept the idea that Jahweh would offer His saving grace for all people. It took a holy boldness for Paul to stand before his brothers and proclaim God's Word with such compelling force. Sometimes, we need His Word to hit us between the eyes, to pierce our hardened hearts, so that we might know and understand the Truth.

This is no Word game. Paul and Barnabas are speaking God’s Word as the Holy Spirit gives them utterance. Are we able to fully comprehend what they are conveying to us today? Jesus Christ became the sin scapegoat for all people. Christ’s death and resurrection is proof positive that we can receive new life right now. If you have not yet asked Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior, please pray these words: “Father, I believe that Jesus Christ is your only Son, and that He came to save me from my sin. I invite Christ into my heart today. Wash my sin away in Your precious blood. Thank you, Lord Jesus, for saving me. Amen.”

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-03-25T08:04:00.001-05:00

Spiritual tick

Today’s Reading: Acts 13:45 NIV

45 When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy and talked abusively against what Paul was saying.

Good morning!

Ticks are annoying little creatures, wouldn’t you agree? They are tiny, blood sucking parasites, commonly found in wooded areas and tall grass. Whenever our family went camping, Mom and Dad would make me and my sister line up for a “tick” check before bed. If a tick buries itself in human flesh and goes undetected, one can become seriously ill with Lyme disease or Rocky Mountain spotted fever. It can kill you if left untreated. Whenever Daddy found a tick hanging out on one of our extremities, he would take his cigarette lighter and hold it near our skin. The warmth of the flame would most often force the tick to let go of us and run! Sometimes we had to dig them out with a needle. To be brutally honest, I really don’t care for ticks at all.

There are other types of ticks that seem to distract and annoy. The constant ticking of a clock can be a deterrent when we’re trying to maintain focus in an otherwise quiet room. Our dishwasher cycle has a rhythmic ticking sound when running which often causes me leave the room during its cycle. The sound is short lived; yet that particular noise can really distract me, especially if I’m fighting a headache or trying to read or write.

I was listening to one of my favorite worship services broadcast over the radio, while driving in my car. The Pastor had what I would classify as a spiritual tick running throughout his sermon. If my own pastor, during the course of preaching a sermon says, “Now listen,” my mind immediately focuses and my ears listen carefully to the next word he speaks. I do not want to miss the main point of his message. This is an effective way to instantly attract the attention of your listener. However, when the pastor says, “Now listen” twenty-eight times during the course of a sermon, it becomes a mere distraction. I found myself counting the number of times the radio preacher said, “Now listen” than really paying attention to what he was actually trying to convey. It was truly unfortunate, because God’s Word of grace was somehow getting lost in the spiritual tick of a passionate preacher’s heart.

Many people who heard Paul speak, could not get past their own spiritual tick to hear the message. They were much more concerned about refuting Paul's personal testimony than listening and receiving Christ’s message of salvation. I wish we could say that we have learned to let go of spiritual ticks as we’ve gained knowledge throughout the generations but I would be lying through my teeth if I told you so. The danger of leaving a spiritual tick unchecked is that it can cost you eternal life. What seems to be a simple difference of opinion can fester into an eternal life choice. How often do we get so wrapped up in our own pat theological rhetoric and philosophies that we cannot see the Savior standing right in front of us? He trips us up like tiny wrinkles buckling over the carpet of lives. We over analyze faith, becoming way too entrenched in the way things were, to open our hearts to the reality that Messiah has truly come. Jesus Christ’s life, death and resurrection is a clear and convincing revelation of the fulfillment of the Father’s everlasting promise; yet, many miss this message because they cannot get past the distractions of their own spiritual ticks.

Father, we need your help to lay down our spiritual ticks at the foot of the cross. We really want to hear, understand, and obey Your Word. Help us not be so distracted by the incessant noise of this world that we miss the glorious Good News of Your Son and Our Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-03-24T09:13:00.000-05:00

Sweet dreams

Today’s Reading: Acts 13:44 NIV

44 On the next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the Word of the Lord.

Good morning!

My mother is quite a dreamer! She talks in her sleep all the time. When she was a little girl, Mom recalled how her brothers slept in one bedroom and she and her sisters in the bedroom next door. Mom shared a large poster bed with her two younger sisters. Mom’s place in bed was next to the wall of her brother’s room. She insists her parents often teased her because she and her younger brother Hayward would have conversations together while sleeping in separate rooms. They would ask questions and answer each other from separate bedrooms. Mom still dreams out loud today. Yesterday afternoon, while napping on my sofa, she was having a friendly conversation with Jesus. Her eyes were closed, yet, she conversed with Him as if He were right there sitting next to her. She was laughing and using hand gestures, in between snores. I didn’t get whole gist of her conversation, but she seemed so happy, smiling and enjoying sacred time with her forever friend.

Yesterday morning, we visited an assisted living facility not far from where Jeff and I live. The administrator told me about her mother’s home going. She said that her mother had lived a very active and long life. When the ravages of a stroke left her virtually immobile, she lay comatose for three days, struggling for every breath she took. Cathy and her sister were sitting on the bed with their mama, whispering that it was okay to go home and be with Jesus. The paralyzed woman, who couldn’t even move her toes, drew her very last breath, and as she did, lifted her right arm high above her head, as if she were taking the hand of her best friend. This was such a holy moment, precious and unscripted. Cathy learned a lot about faith through as she watched her own Mother pass from the life into eternity.

God’s Word speaks to us, in Sabbath moments and heartfelt dreams. Through His sweet, loving Spirit, we communicate with the Lord fully awake and in rim cycles, when our hearts are quiet and open to His still, small voice. The sweet dreams we dream become ingrained in our lives as we open our hearts and minds to His perfect Will.

Do you talk to Jesus when you sleep? Can you remember what He whispers in your ear? Be sensitive to the Holy Spirit speaking to you today in moments of worship, prayer and rest. May you find yourself caught up in a sweet dream with the Lord.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-03-23T08:01:00.000-05:00

Continuing in the grace of God

Today’s Reading: Acts 13:43 NIV

43 When the congregation was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who talked with them and urged them to continue in the grace of God.

Good morning!

What drives your passion for living? Has something or someone compelled you to move forward in faith?

My sister-in-law recently received a prestigious lifetime achievement award for her years of service teaching high school English. Her skill sets go far beyond the blackboard and classroom. It is her life’s passion, lived out in the vocation to which she has been called, leaving an everlasting mark on the lives of her students. Can you name the one teacher who profoundly impacted the direction of your life’s work?

My mother recently entered the hospital urgently. Her personal physician was out of town at the time she was admitted for treatment. Her case was promptly assigned to a physician whom we had never met. I was humbled by his devoted attention to Mom’s treatment plan and care. Our doctors give their lives to assessing the health needs of all who come to receive restored health and hope. They often work long hours, with precious little time to spend with their own families. What a remarkable gift he gave to my Mother! It is certainly possible that he may not remember her name next week; yet, I will remember with a thankful heart her physician’s name and face, as I pray for him in the days and weeks to come.

It is clear from Scripture that Paul and Barnabas were compelled to preach Christ boldly wherever they went. Because of their religious upbringing, they longed to share the Good News of grace with their Jewish brothers first. It must have been extraordinarily encouraging for these young evangelists to watch their kinsmen receive new life as they accepted Christ. They knew from whence the power came; if there were any new converts, it is only because of the power and support of the Holy Spirit moving and working in seeking hearts.

I am daily blessed by the encouraging words of my pastors, teachers, mentors and Christian friends, who share new life and live it out in tireless devotion for others. I can see Jesus living and working within you. May you be encouraged today in the faith, as you share your passion for Jesus Christ with the world.

A little encouragement makes all the difference as we step up in faith. Christians receive encouragement from the Holy Spirit, who comes to us in a rushing wind, igniting us with holy fire. May you find the strength you need in the Lord who calls you to live your life with passion and purpose, continuing in the grace of God.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-03-21T22:13:00.002-05:00

Soul-winning recipe

Today’s Readings: Acts 13:42 NIV

42 As Paul and Barnabas were leaving the synagogue, the people invited them to speak further about these things on the next Sabbath.

Good evening!

“Pass the potatoes, please!” I have no personal preference as to how it is served; they are absolutely delicious mashed, smashed, baked, broiled, skewered, or boiled. While I do enjoy German potato salad, potato soup, mashed potatoes with gravy, baked potatoes with margarine, potato casserole, hash brown potatoes, thick-cut French fries and/or cheesy scalloped potatoes, my favorite potato is a plain baker, with a dash of salt, pepper and a little margarine on the side. The potato is an amazing food source, loaded in carbohydrates and vitamins. Much of what we add to the potato is not healthy for our bodies; yet, I attest that the perfect potato is simply a divine culinary taste treat!

Just as our physical bodies need food for fuel, our souls need spiritual food that recharges and propels us forward by faith. Paul and Barnabas were cooking up a little soul food smorgasbord at the synagogue that day; and many who heard Paul speak craved more. The people instinctively recognized Jesus Christ working in and through these men, as they spoke about the Lord. They witnessed miraculous healings and knew the testimony was true. The people asked Paul and Barnabas to stay through the week and speak again on the following Sabbath. One simple serving of the Gospel message was not nearly enough to feed the need.

Spiritual nourishment can come in a garden variety of ways. We consume it at church, in Sunday school, at in-home Bible Studies and small group meetings. We worship in a variety of different community settings; sometimes we are fed through a Christian radio or television broadcast. We do not have to look far to find the Word of Christ online. Wherever Christian believers are, Jesus Christ enters into the mix and feeds us all.

I feel compelled by the Holy Spirit to especially encourage my friends - especially my pastors, teachers, and mentors who daily serve the Lord. Sometimes, we think we have to dress up the Gospel to make it palatable within our rapidly changing culture. We are constantly reinventing how we do worship; we speak, using culturally relevant terminology; we worry about our praise worship and whether the music will appeal to every generation. We hope to supernaturally meet every personal preference on the planet. Did Jesus appeal to all whom He encountered as He walked the earth in human flesh? Our Lord has not changed. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. His Daddy is the Great I AM. We get so lost in looking for a new edge, that we forget Christ’s Word is the only edge we will ever need. Just like the potato is a perfectly healthy food source, Jesus Christ is the perfect soul food for every hungry human heart. We don’t need to dress Him up to make Him more appealing. His Word alone is relevant today! If we are willing to serve up the Gospel with the same fervor of Paul and Barnabas, we can count on the Holy Spirit to do all the wooing. The people will come, because they are starving to hear the Truth. This is a natural craving birthed into every human heart, and only Jesus Christ can fill it.

Please make His Message simple. When folks realize who the Lord truly is and who we are in relationship to Him; as we are compelled to repent of our sins and seek Jesus Christ as our personal Lord and Savior, spiritual taste buds burst open with the flavorful goodness of His grace! There is only One Way to the Father, and it is through the Son. Praise the Lord for His soul-winning recipe.

Sharing Christ’s message of salvation is not nearly as difficult as we human types make it. Father, please forgive us. Fill your Church with a holy hunger to obediently serve your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, by sharing your perfect soul food with the world. The Gospel will speak for itself. Our job is simply to GO. I ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, for He is the source of our strength, Amen.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

2010-03-20T22:48:00.000-05:00

Grandmother's Ring

Today’s Readings: Acts 13:40-41 NIV

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

Good evening!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

2010-03-19T08:13:00.000-05:00

Acting like a two year old

Today’s Readings: Acts 13:39 NIV

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

2010-03-18T08:59:00.000-05:00

Blood pressure rising

Today’s Readings: Acts 13:38 NIV

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

2010-03-17T08:13:00.000-05:00

The changing seasons

Today’s Readings: Acts 13:36-37 NIV

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

2010-03-13T08:21:00.001-06:00

Proof of purchase

Today’s Readings: Acts 13:35 NIV

35 [Paul said,] “So it is stated elsewhere: ‘You will not let your Holy One see decay.’”

Good morning!

Nothing remains brand new for long. When we purchase a new automobile, the moment we drive it off the lot (even if the sticker is still attached to the passenger seat window) its face value depreciates exponentially. My father’s brother worked for one of the best car dealers in town. Daddy bought every car he owned from my Uncle, because Daddy knew he could trust Tom to offer the best value for the buck. Daddy never financed any of his automobiles – he paid cash for every car he ever owned. Have you learned how to live debt-free?

A new pair of shoes cannot be returned to the store if they have been worn once outside. Shoes are no longer considered new once you walk in them. You may be able to return clothing, as long as the tags have not yet been removed from the garment, and you must have a receipt. Even the finest of clothiers will not honor a return without proof of purchase.

The Father watched His Only Son become the scapegoat for humanity’s sin. His body was torn to shreds by a Roman whip and punctured clean through with stakes of iron. Jagged splinters from the tree pierced His raw flesh, reminding Christ of all the times we’ve willfully disobeyed our Father’s commands. Jesus became our proof of purchase for sin; He knew full well what the exact cost would be. How much proof do you actually need to know that your debt was fully paid on the cross of Calvary? Do we really have any conceptual understanding of how much it cost the Savior to purchase our way home?

Unlike the depreciation we see in the things of this world, there is intrinsic value added to a life saved by grace. When one repentant sinner kneels at the foot of the cross, what was once an indebted, decaying form, now receives His newness of life. Our sticker price exponentially increases in value! In fact, God calls His creation “priceless” because He is willing to redeem us with His very own blood. The Father keeps His Word. He did not allow His Holy One to decay; nor will He allow our lives to fall prey to death and destruction, IF we are willing to confess our sins, repent and turn, placing complete faith in the Only One who can truly save us. Ask the Lord Jesus Christ to change your sticker price right now. He will do it with open arms when you choose to receive Him as your personal Lord and Savior. Unmerited favor, so undeserved, is offered to all who will ask and receive.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

2010-03-12T06:26:00.000-06:00

Hearing His Voice

Today’s Readings: Acts 13:34 NIV

34 [Paul said,] “The fact that God raised Him from the dead, never to decay, is stated in these words: ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’”

Psalm 16:9-10 NIV

[David said,] “9 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will rest secure, 10 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay.”

Good morning!

This was not the diagnosis I wanted to hear. The audiologist emerged from the soundproof booth with a look on her face that I have grown accustomed to. “The stroke has severely limited your mother’s ability to understand words,” she said. “I am going to try to tweak her hearing aids to help her as much as I can.” I knew what she meant. The best medical technology available cannot restore dead brain cells, no matter how much we want it for our loved ones. Nerve stimulators, pacemakers and hearing aids are all amazing medical technology. They give hope and help to the patient, but cannot in and of itself fix the problem. Our earthly bodies will not last forever. Spare parts wear out with time. Our ability to live life without limitation becomes harder as time passes.

Mom’s cognitive thinking was compromised the day she fell and broke her pelvic bone. It is uncanny to see how one adverse life event can instantly change our course of direction. When our physical bodies fail, it does not quench the life-giving spirit soaring within. Just like King David, we find real joy in knowing we are not alone: The Lord is our keeper, deliverer, comforter, and friend. He will never let us go, even as our bodies give way to earthly decay.

I’ve watched Mom struggle through the years to hear. It was frustrating at first, because I found myself repeating words over and over again. We would be driving together in the car, but I could not adequately communicate with Mom. She needed to see my lips move to fully understand what I was saying, and I couldn’t turn toward her enough to help. Raising my voice made no difference at all; it was just loud and irritating noise to her. Eventually, Mom grew to accept the silence that surrounded her. I thought it was a tragedy, until she told me how God speaks to her in the quiet. What a precious gift we have in Christ, knowing He is right there with us; we can hear Him speak, even as our physical bodies fail. Isn’t it amazing that even as the sounds of earth fade away, we hear the voice of the Lord clearly speaking to our hearts! Oh, to hear Jesus over the incessant chatter of life! What a gift!

When Jesus conquered sin and death through His miraculous resurrection, new hope was borne! We now see beyond our earthly decay, we hear His Word and know it to be true: Jesus will perfect our imperfections; we will receive new life washed in His blood; our souls restored to full health and wholeness. Our joy will be made complete as our understanding is set on His firm foundation alone. Christ’s peace will be our peace; the only thing we need rely on throughout this earthly journey and into all His eternal promise.

Mom’s faith in Christ alone gives me great joy, for I know she hears Him perfectly. Believe and receive the Lord Jesus Christ. He lives so that we may live in His fullness, even in our earthly imperfections. Won’t you trust Him completely for your new life today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

2010-03-11T08:02:00.000-06:00

The Gift of Adoption

Today’s Reading: Acts 13:32-33 NIV

32 [Paul said,] “We tell you the good news: What God promised our fathers 33 He has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: ‘You are my Son: today I have become your Father.’”

Good morning!

The greatest gift of all is the gift of adoption. When I was a little girl, my mother used to sit me on her lap and tell me just how special I was. She said, “Most mommies and daddies go to the hospital and have their babies. They do not get to pick and choose. But we got to go to the hospital and pick you out of the crowd!” And this was very true – my folks got a call from a social worker indicating that I had been born prematurely and would remain in the hospital for a period of time. Would they consider adopting me when I was well enough to leave the hospital? Not only did they agree, they got to go to the hospital and see me before I was released to the children’s home. Isn’t it amazing how the love of family can supersede our genetics?

I did not have my parent’s bloodline, but I certainly picked up many of their mannerisms through the years. Our son Benjamin reminds me a great deal of my father, whose name was Benjamin; yet, there is no genetic link whatsoever. Ben actually looks like my dad, walks like him, and sometimes he even acts like him. Our daughter Rachel married a man that resembles my dad in many ways. His hardworking nature and devotion to home is an uncanny reflection of my father’s life. My father kept a meticulous lawn, and my son-in-law is very particular about how his yard is kept throughout all seasons. Our son-in-law looks a lot like my husband, Jeff. In photographs, many of our friends think Dave is our son. We do have a son named David and he resembles Jeff’s dad, Clayton. Our son-in-law Dave looks like Jeff. Now isn’t that amazing!

My sister actually bears a great deal of physical resemblance to both of our parents, yet she was adopted too. Neither she nor I share the same bloodline, but we do share great love. We are about as different as daylight and dark. This was something that I thought might separate us, but I have learned through the years that we compliment each other far more than I would have ever imagined possible. You see, adoption makes us family, in spite of our unique differences.

When I was adopted into the family of God, I did not deserve such a great gift. I was a sinner in need of saving. God was my Father, just waiting to win my heart and take me in. Jesus, His Son, was the only One who could make us blood kin. I know, without a doubt, that I bore some resemblance to my heavenly Father, who made me, loves me, and welcomes me home through His Son, Jesus Christ. He is the Great I Am, and because He is, I live! The life I’ve been given continues to be such a blessing – and the people who are in my adopted family continues to grow exponentially every day. I have brothers and sisters all over the world who have been adopted into the family of God through the saving blood of Jesus Christ. If you have received Jesus as Lord and Savior, that makes us family. Isn’t that good news on a day like today?

Family is a gift from God. Regardless of whether you grew up in a happy home or a place filled with anxiety and turmoil, the life we share together can be healed with His love. We are amazed at just how precious the healing love of God can be when we see it cover our family, both biological and adopted. So undeserved and unworthy, riddled with mistakes and regrets, the love of Christ and His shed blood covers and unifies us all, even in the midst of diversity.

The best gift you will ever receive is adoption into the family of God. Won’t you ask Jesus Christ to become Lord of your life today? He can heal your family, mend your fences, and give you a whole new community of faith-filled believers to complete the person He has created you to be!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

2010-03-10T07:28:00.000-06:00

High Heeled Days

Today’s Reading: I Corinthians 16:13 NIV

13 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be men of courage; be strong.

Good morning!

I fell in love with high heeled shoes the moment I was given my very first Barbie® doll. Her feet were perfectly suited to all those colorful slip-ons. My doll had a built in high arch that made her sandals look so appealing. I wanted to wear shoes that would make my feet look just like hers. I had no earthly idea just how hard it would be to walk in slip on shoes with high heels. This was one life lesson God knew I would have to learn the hard way.

When I took my first job, I noticed my co-workers choice of footwear. A conservative pump with a two inch heel seemed to be the shoe of choice for the women working in the office. At that time, one could accessorize a tasteful navy pump with a clip on white bow and a shiny blue and white leather handbag. I set aside a portion of my paycheck each month just to go shoe shopping. Today, I am reminded of those shopping excursions every time I set foot into my favorite shoe store. Styles have certainly changed through the years; but the classic pump with a two inch heel has found its rightful place on the footwear hall of fame shelf in the back of my bedroom closet.

“You are ruining your feet.” I chose not to listen to the repeated warnings of my physician. He wanted me to wear a more protective, conservative shoe, with better arch and heel supports. I was far too busy trying to look good than wanting to heed his word. I proudly wore my pumps everywhere – to work during the day and to church at night; to my son’s soccer games – I waded across the mud-caked fields and left a trail of heel marks on the path. My husband knew if I had arrived before him – all he had to do was follow the heel marks. I learned to make my way along the city sidewalks with heels and toes clicking as I took each glorious step. I loved the look, the sound, and the feel of my high heeled days, for a season. I slowly began to experience foot pain just the way my physician said I would. How did he know? I tried to ignore the unbearable pain at first. But as my arches flattened, I began to develop painful heel spurs caused from a common foot problem known as Plantar Fasciitis. My high heeled shoes were not nearly as appealing as they were before. I could no longer stand in them. What will it take for you and me to truly listen and obey the Word of our Great Physician?

Sometimes the ways of the world seem attractive to little girls playing with dolls. We dream of the day when we will accessorize our own wardrobes with doll clothes and shoes. We begin to think that if we could just dress up in a certain size, and sport a particular shoe, that we would perfectly fit into what our culture deems appropriate. Who are we trying to please in our high heeled days? You know, life’s illusions will not last forever. We will reap the consequences for every poor choice, and that includes the type of shoe we choose to wear. What kinds of spiritual damage have your feet suffered when you chose to walk the culturally acceptable path of life – the road that leads to utter destruction?

It is imperative that we guard our hearts and stand firm in the faith. We cannot do this standing on stilts; for if we try, we are headed for the fall. What may seem normal to our world is certainly not the way of the Master. We lose sight of the narrow path as we run headlong down the sidewalk of life, leaving a tiny trail of heel marks behind in the dirt. Eventually, we come to a place where we can no longer stand on our own two feet. We’ve ruined ourselves, totally distracted by the world’s way. We need to receive new pair of shoes; the kind that protects and saves us. We need to take a walk on a brand new path.

If you have worn out all those high heeled shoes, you are so not alone! The Lord Jesus Christ knew the life path you would choose to take. That’s why he died to save you. And Jesus stayed right there with you, every step of the way. Even when you didn’t see the imprint of His nail-scarred feet, He never left your side. When those pretty shoes have caused blisters on our feet and we find ourselves in the place where we can no longer stand, Jesus is there to pick you up. He washes our feet in His blood and resets our path to the way the leads to life eternal. Jesus Christ is the healer of broken bones, broken hearts, and broken lives.

Take a step of faith today – let go of your high heeled days! Jesus will heal your heart, once and for all, and He will give you a new path to walk on right now. All you have to do is turn around and say, “Help me, Lord!”

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

2010-03-08T07:36:00.000-06:00

Being seen

Today’s Reading: Acts 13:30-31 NIV

30 [Paul said,] “But God raised Him from the dead, 31 and for many days He was seen by those who had traveled with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem. They are now His witnesses to our people.”

Good morning!

Did you happen to catch a part of last night’s Academy Awards on television? Hollywood’s elite were all there dressed to the nines, caught up in a frenzy photo shoot while taking their time-honored walk upon the red carpet. The Academy nominated some very interesting movies for this year’s Oscars. Which film most impressed you?

Being seen is an important facet of our culture. We want our co-workers, friends and family to see us at our very best, especially when it comes to holiday parties, reunions and awards ceremonies. We clean up, dress up, and make ourselves up so that we will leave a lasting impression with the ones who see us. There is absolutely nothing wrong with making the effort to look our best. We often allow our own vane self image to corrode the broken and bleeding heart we tuck away, sight unseen, from the inquisitive eyes of the world. Are we really real with each other? Is it possible to be seen for who we truly are and still be loved?

Jesus kept His Word. He said He is the Messiah, and fulfilled every prophetic Scripture written. His death and resurrection were living proof that He is the Son of God, our everlasting Savior, Redeemer and friend. His precious blood is the only covering for sin. He loves us not for how we look, but for whose we are. It is critical that He be seen, especially by the ones who had followed His ministry from Judea into Galilee, and throughout the streets of Jerusalem. Ironically, the disciples who loved Jesus the most did not immediately recognize Him. It was only when Jesus broke the bread, or spoke a Word, that His true identity was revealed. Why did His disciples first struggle to recognize the Lord? Would you recognize Jesus Christ if He approached on the street corner, or sat at the table next to you in the coffee shop?

The Father who created you, who loves you, sees your heart. He knows you from the inside out. The Father sent His Son and the Son sent His Spirit to love you. He does not see your imperfections; He believes in your possibilities! God recognizes you with or without makeup. You do not need a fancy wardrobe or a red carpet accolade to win His personal favor. Grace was poured out at Calvary and the victory over sin and death conquered forever the moment Jesus arose from the grave. And no broken arrow from Satan can change what The Father has already done. He calls you and me to come and see Him for who He truly is. Won’t you give your heart to the Lord? He is the only One who can take the one thing that has been bruised, broken and shattered, and create something beautiful and brand new in you. Open your heart to the perfect love of Jesus Christ. Ask Him to be your Lord and Savior today.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-03-07T08:06:00.002-06:00

Junk food junkie

Today’s Reading: Acts 13:29 NIV

29 [Paul said,] “When they had carried out all that was written about Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a tomb.”

Good morning!

What do you like to do just for fun? When Jeff was in seminary, the city theater offered dollar night tickets to pastors and their families in town. We were able to go to the dollar show every Friday night and enjoy watching all the new releases. Some of the new films were not worth the dollar we paid for admission, and yet, we called it our date night out and ignored what our minds were consuming. It was only after our children began to go with us to the theater that we became painfully aware of our own poor movie choices.

It just doesn’t seem right to go into a theater and not indulge in a little junk food. My favorite snack is hot buttered popcorn with a cold diet soda. I know this is really bad for my body, but that doesn’t always stop me from eating it. Do you ever choose to consume the things that you know will hurt you? Whenever I choose to indulge, I become a junk food junkie by default.

It would seem that a public crucifixion brought some sick sort of entertainment value for many families living in and near the city gates. Many came just for the spiritual entertainment being served. I’m sure that the brutality and suffering of one convicted felon was publicly displayed to instill a bold lesson about the consequences of disobedience. Yet, it would seem that many came to the hill just to participate in the sadistic sport of it. I cannot imagine having to watch someone die such a cruel death, or sitting in the stands, cheering and jeering while watching another human being getting pinned to that shameful tree. Some of the religious rulers may have felt it was spiritually uplifting to see convicted sinners punished for their crimes. Would their insatiable appetite of this tasteless spiritual junk food somehow cover the sins that were hidden in their own hearts?

Spiritual junk food junkies can get trapped in the ritual, while missing the message. We can see ourselves falling into a spiritual spiral when we attend church just to be seen, and not really to worship. People come to church for many reasons. We go to be entertained, enjoying a time of singing and dancing with a great praise band; we consume all of the spiritual pats on the back spoken by our preacher, and leave feeling a whole lot better about ourselves. We begin to consume spiritual junk food, thinking our token offerings are enough to please the Lord God Almighty. You see, worship is so not about you – it is all about glorifying the Father who sees your heart and knows you better than you know yourself! It is a time for repentance and heartfelt prayer, confession of sin, and asking for God’s mercy and grace. This is the time to be brutally honest with God, to see and care more about the needs of those who surround us, and choosing to do something about it; this is the time to begin life anew with the Lord. If we are too busy getting caught up in the church’s entertainment value, we are choosing to swallow a whole new menu of spiritual junk food. It will permanently scar our bodies, minds and souls. Don’t let it consume you!

Here are some of the spiritual junk foods I have swallowed whole and without hesitation in my own life: half-hearted worship; reciting memorized prayers with no personal investment in the recitation of the words; refusing to put Christ first in my life in the giving of time, talent and treasure; reading the Scriptures without truly consuming His Word; making excuses for my bad behaviors by pointing my own forked finger at someone else’s sin. What kinds of spiritual junk food have you allowed yourself to eat?

Worship, study and prayer is not an option – it is God’s commandment for all His creation. We need to stop playing church and be the Church that Jesus Christ has called us to be. Sugar coating His Word and helping people feel good about who they are is not the purpose of the Church. Let go of the spiritual junk food you’ve been eating and let us worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth! Help us, Jesus!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-03-06T06:32:00.001-06:00

Hung Out to Dry

Today’s Reading: Acts 13:28 NIV

28 [Paul said,] “Though they found no proper ground for a death sentence, they asked Pilate to have [Jesus] executed.”

Good morning!

Have you ever been betrayed by someone you trusted? Maybe it was a co-worker or a supervisor at work, wanting to somehow level the playing field and protect their perceived territory. Maybe it was someone in your family: a spouse, a child, a parent. Maybe it was your very best friend. Betrayal hurts, no matter who the perpetrator is; yet, it is far worse when it is someone you know and love.

Sometimes the people who love us most see our bad behavior and will seek to find ways to constructively help us help ourselves. When someone rats us out, it often feels like we’ve been betrayed at first; yet, after time passes, we begin to realize the intent was not to harm us but to help save us from our own bad choices and behaviors. Children often feel betrayed and misunderstood by their parents, especially when they are caught in a flurry of bad choices. We learn to love and appreciate each other even more when we are able to set aside our anger and look beyond the initial pain we feel.

Many times, people act out of pure selfishness and personal gain. They are afraid of you, afraid that you might actually be better suited for their job, or better equipped to take care of the situation at hand. Maybe they are afraid of your popularity, that they are not nearly as well-liked as you. Often, people retaliate against each other simply because they are greedy and will not stop until they have it all. Regardless of how you are wronged, the truth remains that it is a devastating life experience when we are hung out to dry.

The religious leaders were concerned that Jesus’ overwhelming popularity with the people would cause an uproar in the living environment and culture they had created. They thought if they could somehow sway the people against Him, it would put an end to His mission, His life. Even Jesus’ disciples were terrified to the point of denying their relationship with the Lord, fearing they would also suffer and die by default. The crowd that welcomed Christ into the city streets just one week earlier decided they were now ready to conduct a lynching. There was nothing fair or right about it. Jesus Christ was being hung out on a cross to dry.

One of the greatest miracles occurred in the moments that followed the kangaroo court and all the injustices leveled against a sinless man. Jesus Christ forgave them all! He bore no animosity against His accusers. As a matter of fact, He loved them so much that He willingly allowed them to kill His body, because Jesus knew He was the Only Way they would find eternal peace with the Father. When we think about all the healings that Christ performed throughout his earthly ministry, we sometimes forget to see the greatest healing occurring at His crucifixion. His blood was spilled out for you and for me.

If you are struggling to forgive someone who has hurt you, ask the Lord Jesus Christ to forgive Him through you. Jesus gave you His blood as a covering for all the mistakes you’ve ever made, and He will help you forgive those who have hurt you. Only Jesus can heal your heart and restore your life in full. Ask Jesus Christ to be the Lord of your life today.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-02-25T07:32:00.001-06:00

Missing the message

Today’s Reading: Acts 13:27 NIV

27 [Paul said,] “The people of Jerusalem and their rulers did not recognize Jesus, yet in condemning Him they fulfilled the words of the prophets that are read every Sabbath.”

Good morning!

I think I must have inherited some of my strong, opinionated ways from my dad. Our parents certainly have a way of impacting their children’s lives by the things they say and do. They make their contributions, for better or worse, and we must choose what to accept and reject. Daddy carried some very strong convictions on life in general and did not hesitate to share his worldview with us, most often, at the dinner table. We learned at a very early age not to engage Daddy in any conversation regarding religion, race, politics and especially labor-relations. Do you have family members and/or friends who hold strong views and are unafraid to verbalize them? Do their words sometimes irritate you to the point that you cannot keep an open mind?

My father was passionate about what he believed, and, as I think more about what he said today, I have a greater regard for his tenacity and courage in speaking up. Daddy drew some harsh conclusions that I still believe are wrong. If he were alive today, I’m not sure I’d try to rehash it with him. Do you ever wonder whether the battle is worth fighting?

Paul was speaking with the Holy Spirit power when he confronted the worshippers at the synagogue. He was making a point that was horribly distasteful to many in his hearing. And yet, he was speaking truth, clearly written in the Scripture. We, who crucified Jesus during Passover, did not recognize who He truly was. And, by doing so, the Scriptures were fulfilled just as it had been prophesied hundreds of years before.

Our strong will and personal opinions often work against us when we hear the Word of Truth. It is not always easy to hear truth spoken and readily accept it. Sometimes, our culture and family upbringing adversely affects our ability to fully open our hearts and minds to the words being spoken. There are times, almost every day, when I know I brushed up against the robe of my Master and did not recognize Him. I was shamefully way too preoccupied with my own personal thoughts and opinions. Are we missing the message because we’ve tuned out the messenger?

It is time to open our hearts to the truth of the matter. I have to have intervening help to be able to listen and learn. Won’t you join me in asking the Lord to help us set aside our preconceived notions, so that we can hear and understand what He is trying to speak into our hearts today.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-02-17T06:15:00.002-06:00

Pray before you play

Today’s Reading: Acts 13:26 NIV

26 [Paul said,] “Brothers, children of Abraham, and you God-fearing Gentiles, it is to us that this message of salvation has been sent.’”

Good morning!

Every Tuesday afternoon, my mother would pick me up from school and drop me off in front of Mrs. Roundtree’s home for a piano lesson. She lived just a few blocks from us; because of the traffic surrounding our subdivisions, Mom thought it might be too dangerous for me to walk alone. Mrs. Roundtree’s husband was a Nazarene Pastor; they lived in a modest, ranch home in a quiet neighborhood. In the fall, as we drove along the colorful tree-lined lane, I loved wading through the crunch of newly fallen leaves leading up to Mrs. Roundtree’s front door.

She was the only piano teacher I ever had who insisted on praying before every lesson. Her prayers were powerful! She would call upon the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, asking them for a meaningful lesson, drawing out the gifts they had planted in my heart, and the music we played would be a pleasing to the Lord. She always prayed in the name of Jesus, and I absolutely knew her piano bench was holy ground. If my feet could have touched the floor as I sat there on the bench, covered in His mercy and grace, I would have removed my socks and shoes.

I found it odd that her husband was generally home in the afternoons. My father never got home before 5:30pm. Rev. Roundtree was always there, waiting for his children to walk through the door from school. Just around the corner from where I sat, their family would gather together in the den and quietly discuss the events of their day together. It was somewhat distracting to me, not that they were loud, but because there were times when I longed to be in that room with them. He would gently ask each of his children about their day. As they replied, he would whisper “Praise God” to the good things, and “Let’s pray about it” when hurtful words of a sharp-edged teacher or the actions of a class bully made one of his children frustrated. Rev. Roundtree would then begin reading the Holy Scripture and discussing it openly with his children. Whenever he would begin reading Scripture, my ears would burn with excitement. I tried very hard to concentrate on my own piano lesson. Sometimes I would ask Mrs. Roundtree to demonstrate a particular part of the lesson, so I could really listen to God’s Word being spoken through words and music, all at the same time. Their family made a huge spiritual impact on my life. I will never forget their hospitality and loving kindness.

Every ear must have been burning that day, as Paul proclaimed the message of salvation is given not just to the children of Abraham, but to God-fearing Gentiles. It was as if a holy door had swung opened, bridging the gap between nations, customs, and culture. The Lord Jesus Christ had come for all people – not just those gathered in the inner circle or the outer chamber. He came for the folks standing in the streets, listening carefully to the words echoing throughout the city. Jesus came, not just for preacher’s kids, but for not so great piano students sitting in the other room. Jesus came to heal the sick, find the lost, and love the unlovable ones. This is really good news for someone just like me.

Are you ears burning? Do you long for the Savior to lead you in your life’s song? I invite you to follow the advice of Mrs. Roundtree: pray before you play. Invite Jesus Christ to be the Lord of your life right now. Make a daily commitment to dig deeper into His Word during this season of Lent, beginning this morning. If you will pray before you play, you will hear His voice, speaking to you all day long.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-02-14T08:04:00.001-06:00

A different perspective on dirty laundry

Today’s Reading: Acts 13:24-25 NIV

24 [Paul said,] “Before the coming of Jesus, John preached repentance and baptism to all the people of Israel. 25 As John was completing his work, he said, ‘Who do you think I am? I am not that one. No, but he is coming after me, whose sandals I am not worthy to untie.’”

Good morning!

I like doing laundry, most of the time. I enjoy the sweet scent of freshly washed clothes as I transfer the load from my automatic washing machine into the dryer. I have a friend who struggles to breathe whenever her neighbors use scented dryer sheets. The wafting fragrance blowing through the air makes her incredibly ill. When she told me this, I realized she had a totally different perspective on laundry, something I have taken for granted my entire life.

When our children were teenagers and still living at home, Saturdays were always big laundry days. Being away most of the week for work prompted me to spend a lot of time in front of our washer and dryer, loading and unloading clothes. I often wished for a second clothes dryer, knowing I could have done twice the laundry in half the time with one heavy duty washer and two dryers. By the time I got everything folded and upstairs, back into their respective closets and dresser drawers, I was tired – or at least I thought I was. I have a friend who lives on another continent. His life experience with laundry is very different from my own. He gently reminded me yesterday that they have no running water for laundry, no machines to do the washing or drying for them. They spend an entire day simply hauling water from a nearby river to a place where they can actually wash their clothes by hand. Then they must hang their clothing out to dry. It is a necessary, yet extremely difficult chore. This made me wonder just how many conveniences I take for granted. Sweet scents, machines that do all the work, the convenience of running water in my own home – and I found I was ashamed of my personal perspective on laundry. My view is definitely skewed.

It takes a different perspective to fully grasp the love of our Lord. No one could even begin to imagine the kind of love that the Father has for all of His children. How broken-hearted He must be, as He sees us continually disobeying His teaching, refusing to love our neighbors; choosing to live such self-centered lives. He went to such great lengths to give us clean hearts, clean hands, a clean slate – only His blood can provide the spotless covering we will wear one day when we stand before the judgment seat. If it were not for the love of the Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ, the foul stench of our own dirty laundry will be wafting through the air, unavoidable to all who have their keen sense of smell. John tried to explain the differences between a messenger and a Savior. Many of the people who heard him speak that day had no earthly idea how stinking filthy their lives had truly become.

The next time you run a load of laundry, stop and think about the stench of your dirty gym socks, and what it takes for you to get them really clean. How much bleach and scented laundry detergent will you use to bring them back to life? Remember your neighbors, both near and far, who physically struggle just to wash their clothes each week. Think about your neighbors who cannot breathe because of our own man-made, manufactured performed scents. Remember the cost of receiving a permanent stain remover for sin, and the sacrifice Christ made just to give us clean hearts. You may find a totally different perspective in how you handle your dirty laundry from here on out. Stop trying to hide your dirty laundry - come clean before the Lord Jesus Christ today! Ask Him to wash you, inside and out, once and for all. You see, His love is the only covering we need to become truly clean, now and forever.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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2010-02-10T08:16:00.002-06:00

Owie!

Today’s Reading: Acts 13:23 NIV

23 [Paul said,] “From this man’s descendants God has brought to Israel the Savior Jesus, as He promised.”

Good morning!

Our two year old grandson Andrew is especially fascinated with the scar on Nanny Deb’s neck. Fortunately, Andrew does not have any surgical scars on his body like the marks his mother, sister, and grandparents have. This is why I believe Andrew is particularly drawn to scars.

Last week, Emily cut her arm on a sharp toy edge. It poked her and she had a dribble of blood well up, just enough to really upset her. She ran into the kitchen asking for a Band-Aid®. Immediately, Andrew’s curiosity peaked. He had to see Em’s injury for himself. Without hesitation, Andrew lifted his jogging pants leg and pointed to his perfect little knee cap. “Nanny,” Andrew moaned, “Owie! Owie!” His little voice mimicked Patches, their calico cat, when she meows in a high pitched tone. This was a definite attention getter. I washed Emily’s arm and placed the bandage over her cut then turned my full attention to Andrew. “Do you have an owie too?” I asked, with a look of concern on my face. Andrew’s eyes were as large as coffee cup saucers. He pointed again to his perfect little knee, and said, “Owieeeee!”

Emily watched as I took two bandages from the box. I placed the first bandage running up and down the knee cap. I wrote the name of Jesus upside down on the second bandage and placed it across the first so he could see the name from his point of view. I asked Andrew if he knew what was written on the bandage. Without hesitation, Emily replied, “That says Jesus, Nanny!” Andrew looked at me with questioning eyes. “Jesus came to cover all of our owies.” When we get hurt, or make a mistake; when we wear scars that will not completely heal, we can always ask Jesus to come and cover our owie forever. Because He is God’s only Son, and the Savior of all, Jesus is the only One who can heal us.” I took another bandage out of the box and placed it across the scar on my neck. I said, “See how Jesus is healing my scar?” The children nodded their heads. I pulled the bandage back and said, “Is the scar still there?” “Yes,” Emily said, in a rather disgusted tone. “Well, there is a reason for that,” I replied, grinning ever so slightly. “You see, Jesus covers our scars, our mistakes, our hurts by His blood. We may still see the left over scar, but God no longer sees it when Jesus covers us in His love.” As the children ran off to play, I found myself admiring the bandage in the mirror, knowing how Jesus has forever covered my sin.

The Apostle Paul proclaimed that it was through God’s descendants that He sent His Only Son Jesus, the Savior. He lived, died and rose again, to pay the ultimate price for all of our sins. If you bear the scars of sin, sickness, sadness, guilt, grief, and pain, there is a perfect healing waiting for you at the foot of the cross today. Please pray this prayer with me right now, “Lord Jesus, I believe that you are God’s Only Son, the Savior of my soul. I know that you are the only One who can cover my sins now and forever. I’m so sorry for the things I’ve said and done that have hurt others, hurt myself, and most especially hurt you. I confess my sins and ask for your forgiveness. I believe your Word is faithful and true; I receive your healing power over my life today. I love you, Lord; I willingly give you my heart, for it is all I have to offer. Thank you, Jesus, for saving me. Amen.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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