The end result

Daily Reading: Revelation 11, 12, 13

Revelation 11:16-18 (NIV)

16 And the twenty-four elders, who were seated on their thrones before God, fell on their faces and worshipped God, saying: “We give thanks to You, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and who was, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign. 17 The nations were angry; and Your wrath has come. The time has come for judging the dead, and for rewarding Your servants the prophets and Your saints and those who reverence Your name, both small and great – and for destroying those who destroy the earth.”

Good morning!

There is something wonderful about seeing the end result. We work hard to accomplish a goal. We follow a dream, hoping to see its fruition one day. I could help but notice the wonder of end results during this Advent season. God is good, all the time.

Some believe that the twenty-four elders mentioned in Scripture represent the completion of faith. There were twelve tribes of Israel and twelve Apostles. They represent two halves of a whole, faith from beginning to the end. Jews and Gentiles together, worshipping the Lord. It is the completion of all time; one cycle, one day, one lifetime. 12 + 12 = 24. The end result will soon be here.

There were four generations gathered in our home this Christmas. I sat on the sofa, looking around at the people I love in this room, and couldn’t help but remember when I was the little one, playing on the floor, ripping pretty Christmas papers and enjoying the bliss of receiving a very special gift. I remembered the very first Christmas I spent with my husband’s family. We were dating then, and his parents gave me a large, overstuffed teddy bear. It continues to be one of my very favorite Christmas gifts. We were young. My boyfriend actually had hair then! I’m not so young anymore. I see the children we dreamed of having one day, all grown up with children of their own. Their lives are more precious than anything I could have ever imagined. There are simply no words to describe the inexpressible the joy in watching a brand new generation grow up in God’s grace and love. The end result is always worth waiting for.

Last night, we welcomed our grandson Jett home. He had only been away for a week and a half, but this boy looked like he had grown several inches. We watched him play with his Christmas treasure, and laughed at his little sister, Madison, as she took her first steps toward construction and demolition. Jett would put it together, and Maddie would tear it down. Oh, the wonder of sibling rivalry! One day, they will be good friends, sitting together on the sofa, watching their grandchildren open presents. I wonder if they will feel the very same things I’m feeling at this priceless stage of my life.

There will soon come a day when we will all experience the fruition of God’s great master plan. His completion is coming upon the world. Every generation will one day rise up and praise the Lord together. As we enter into the end of the age, we long for and embrace a brand new heaven and earth, promised to the faithful ones. It is our long-awaited eternity spent in the never ending light of our Lord. As the days of this year begin to dwindle away and we look with anticipation to the New Year ahead, may God give us His vision to see glimpses of the end result. He will bring us full circle into His master plan of life eternal.

Dream big, my friends! The very best is yet to be.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: completion! God has created a marvelous work in you. He has given you life, and the possibilities for a new life lived by faith. If you do not yet know Jesus Christ, this is a perfect day to ask Him to be your Savior and Lord. God is completing His work in you and me. It’s time to take a peek at the end result.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Rumblings

Daily Reading: Revelation 8, 9, 10

Revelation 8:3-5 (NIV)

3 Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. 4 The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel’s hand. 5 Then the angel took the censer, filled it with fire from the altar, and hurled it on the earth; and there came peals of thunder, rumblings, flashes of lightning and an earthquake.

Good morning!

There are rumblings all over the earth today. Do you realize that the prayers of all the saints can cause such a stir? Last night, I watched one of my favorite Christmas special reruns, filmed by the Billy Graham Association. In this program, we visit a Children’s hospital, a prison ministry, and a poor community in South Africa. There, we see the Gospel message being gift-wrapped and delivered in a variety of ways. To see a child’s face light up with pure joy as they unwrap a gift of unconditional love, is truly an indescribable moment. That same look appeared upon the faces of many of the prison inmates, as they experienced their first real Christmas, when they gave their hearts to Jesus. My favorite segment is when Joni Eareckson Tada visits a hospital wing and sings a song of hope to the children who suffer day after day with physical limitations and infirmities. She gently reminds all who hear, that the greatest gift of all is the gift of adversity, which forces us to depend completely upon the Lord.

The prayers of all the saints continue to rise up to the golden altar before the throne of God. They become as sweet incense to the Lord. The Scripture says that when the prayers and smoke are mixed with the holy fire from God’s hand and hurled upon the earth, great rumblings occur everywhere. Are you experiencing His holy rumbling today?

Many people gave their hearts to God this Christmas. In the twinkling of the starlight, shadowed underneath the light of beautiful luminary candles lining the parking lot of Faith Church, several hundred souls came to worship and glorify the Lord of life. There is no greater gift than the welcome Jesus brings to all who whisper prayers of adoration, confession, thanksgiving and supplication. He hears and answers every one. Think about it. Your prayers rise up to the golden altar, where they are mixed with the smoke of holy fire, and become incense to the Father. He can taste your pain. He hears your every word. God understands. He sends His Son to earth to answer the prayers of the saints, who cry out for mercy and peace. Come, Lord Jesus, come and bring your harvest home this day!

There is a holy rumbling occurring throughout every nation in the world. People are praying with expectation and great longing. There is no doubt that our prayers are not only heard but answered. We see it in the manifestation of thunder, lightning, earthquakes, and rumblings. A new era is about to be birthed. Can you feel it?

No matter who you are, or where you live, God is not so far away that He cannot hear your quiet whispers. He knows your heart’s desire. Do you desire more of God in your life? Are you looking forward to the brand new year with expectation and hope? Is it your heart’s desire to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others? How many prayers have you prayed for the ones who do not yet know the Savior of the world? God hears and knows the desires of every heart. He answers every prayer. What prayer will you lay upon His golden altar this morning?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: God’s plan and purpose to come full circle, as we wait for the fulfillment of all He has promised to do in the days ahead.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Christmas puzzle

Daily Reading: Revelation 6, 7; Proverbs 30

Revelation 7:13-17 (NIV)

13 Then one of the elders asked me, “These in white robes – who are they, and where did they come from? 14 I answered, “Sir, you know.” And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore, “they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple; and He who sits on the throne will spread His tent over them. 16 Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd. He will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eye.

Good morning!

Every year, I look forward to working the “Christmas puzzle.” This has become a time-honored tradition in our home. Many years ago, a dear friend told me that I needed to “practice” putting puzzles together. I simply wasn’t very good at it. I had trouble seeing how the different shapes fit together. The colors were all so similar, and I couldn’t distinguish between its subtle hues. I like detail and intricacy, and the finished product never ceases to amaze. It’s kind of like writing a story or knitting a sweater – you just never know how it may turn out until you add the very last stitch. Putting that last piece into the puzzle brings a sense of accomplishment to all who labor to bring it to life.

Working puzzles can become a love/hate relationship for my children. It challenges our creativity, and sometimes holds us to our chairs longer than we would have liked to sit. We literally spend hours together, pouring over each piece and trying to see the bigger picture together. My grown children are quick at putting large puzzles together. When we work together, it can actually cut the puzzle construction time in half.

Some of my favorite pieces of art are the puzzles we’ve put together. I invest a little money in a good frame, non-glare glass, and a perfect matting to enhance its lifespan. Every time I hang a Christmas puzzle, I am reminded of the hours we spent together creating a beautiful work of art that now decorates our homes. I couldn’t help but notice yesterday, how our family continues to grow and expand with each new piece being added every year. We were not all together this time. Some of our most important pieces were missing. My brother-in-law is in the hospital, suffering with a pulmonary embolism. Two of my boys, my sister, niece, son and son-in-law, were working, helping others on Christmas Day. My father has not been with us for eleven Christmases now, and yet, the memory of his life fuels our fellowship each year. He would have loved having seen all the grand babies and great nieces. If he had been here, I imagine he would have been on the floor, rolling around with them, and playing like a little kid himself.

The Apostle John was trying to wrap his mind around the future vision. As he walked alongside the angel, John simply could not comprehend who those people were, standing there in their white robes, praising God. The angel replied, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” [Rev. 7:14] They are the ones whose lives were given in martyrdom to faith in Christ. They survived the most horrific of all circumstances, and suffered cruel and inhumane deaths to carry the Gospel message in the world. They were refined by fire, and now are clothed in Christ’s righteousness alone. Their finished art form is the most magnificent of all and completes God's masterful handiwork.

Our lives are intricate pieces of humanity's puzzle. In His creation, we embrace the love of God through His only Son, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Our puzzle pieces may have rough edges now and our unique shapes may not seem to fit well together, at first. As we continue to grow in grace and learn to love each other, we watch in wonder as He places our life’s piece in the proper place at just the right moment in history. He is recreating a beautiful work - His Work of art for our lives. We are all important to Him, every piece critical to the completed design.

If you struggle today to see the bigger picture, may I encourage you today to begin a brand new tradition. Put a Christmas puzzle together with your family. See how the pieces of history fit perfectly into God’s master plan. Pursue the finished product with everything you’ve got. At just the right moment, God can take a transformed heart and give you a brand new robe, purified in Christ. We will one day stand in His righteousness alone. His puzzle will be complete and beautiful to behold. What we may not see clearly now is being formed in the palm of the Master’s hand.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: vision, to see His bigger picture! Every person has a special and unique place in the Father’s creative work. Let us celebrate God’s family today. Together, we can fulfill His call on our lives, if we are willing to persevere through a little tribulation.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Revelation!

Daily Reading: Revelation 1, 2, 3

Revelation 1:1-3 (NIV)

1 The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending His angel to His servant John, 2 who testifies to everything he saw – that is, the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed in the one who reads the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

Luke 2:4-7 (NIV)

4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Good morning!

What is a revelation? The dictionary defines the word as an act of revealing or disclosing; something revealed, especially a dramatic disclosure of something not previously known or realized. In theology, it is said that a revelation is a manifestation of divine will or truth. Revelations can occur in the most unexpected moments. All of us struggle to answer the greater questions of life. Why am I here? What is my greater purpose? Is there a master plan, and if so, how do I fit into it? Who is the master creator? Does He love me?

Revelations come through simple life experience. Something extraordinary happens and suddenly, you realize there is more to learn, see and experience. Truth is often experienced in our hopes and dreams. We begin to ponder matters of faith, and in our pondering, we seek His truth. The answer may be right in front of us, but for many, it takes a lifetime of seeking to find it. Revelation happens just when we least expect it.

The greatest revelation we will ever know is the gift of Jesus Christ, our Savior, God’s only Son. Thousands of years ago, people of faith were anticipating the arrival of their King. It had been foretold there would be One who would one day come to save the world; yet who could have imagined God sending a tiny little baby? We remember the birth of our infant King, especially today, in a strange and foreign land, with no place sleep, except inside a cold, dark stable. God’s greatest gift was revealed to the shepherds out in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks that night. Wise men followed a star for years, looking for the king that had come. While many slept peacefully in their beds, the miracle of all miracles occurred, and only a handful of people knew! Revelations are like that – they are never mere coincidence. Just when we least suspect it, God reveals Himself to the world. It is a holy mystery.

Have you experienced the revelation of God the Father in Jesus Christ?

John, the beloved disciple of Jesus, was given a vision of a time when His Lord would return to earth once more to claim His redeemed. John received a message of great hope, and even though his words are confusing, we begin to see God’s greater plan unfolding in the world to come.

This Christmas, I pray that you will receive a special revelation of God through His Son, Jesus Christ. Today, we celebrate the infant’s love, and the joy of knowing He is with us forever, our Emmanuel. May you be surprised at the wonder of sweet Salvation. Jesus came for you and for me. Open your heart to the Lord today, and let Him reveal His love in a brand new way.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: Revelation! God’s Son, Jesus Christ, is born to save the world from sin. Come and worship the newborn King! I’ll see you tonight as we light the candles of hope around the world.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Following the light of life

Daily Reading: Jude; Proverbs 27, 28

Jude 1:17-25 (NLT)

17 But you, my dear friends, must remember what the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ said. 18 They told you that in the last times there would be scoffers whose purpose in life is to satisfy their ungodly desires. 19 These people are the ones who are creating divisions among you. They follow their natural instincts because they do not have God’s Spirit in them. 20 But you, dear friends, must build each other up in your most holy faith, pray in the power of the Holy Spirit, 21 and await the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ, who will bring you eternal life. In this way, you will keep yourselves safe in God’s love. 22 And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. 24 Now all glory to God, who is able to keep you from falling away and will bring you with great joy into his glorious presence without a single fault. 25 All glory to him who alone is God, our Savior through Jesus Christ our Lord. All glory, majesty, power, and authority are his before all time, and in the present, and beyond all time! Amen.

Good morning!

I’ve been known to arm-wrestle a couple of Christmas trees in my life. One Christmas seems to stand out, when I did pulled out every trick I knew to get an OLD artificial tree to stand for just one more Advent season. It kept falling over even after I tried several different tree stands. I was determined to find a way to make it last. I ended up tying the top of the tree to the ceiling and hiding my tether with a great big star. It was not a happy moment. I remember doing a lot of muttering that year. This tree must have fallen at least once a week throughout the holidays. It got tossed on December 26^th.

This year, we’ve encountered a little “light situation” with our tree. After giving up on that invalid Tannenbaum, we purchased an “Everlast” pre-lit tree at the after-Christmas sale. I looked forward to setting the tree up the following year. It came with a lifetime warranty, guaranteeing its stability and reliability. If you ever see those two words together in a warranty, buyer beware! The only stable and reliable One I know is the One who died for me.

We began to lose our guaranteed pre-lit lights during the last holiday season. Obviously, twinkle lights have a lot shorter life span than I do. I thought maybe I had simply wired the tree incorrectly. Electrical plugs only seem to work well when connected in a certain order, and I confess, I have been known to struggle with order occasionally. This year, I realized these pre-lit tree lights only worked at the very top and bottom of its branches. I didn’t let this little issue ruin my tree trimming fun. I simply added some lights to the middle of the tree, and it looked absolutely beautiful, that is, until the pre-lit lights went out this weekend at the very top and bottom of the tree. My tree looks a little sad, and now, I find myself wondering just two days before Christmas whether I should take it apart and begin again. Aren’t the holidays fun? Lord, have mercy.

Have you ever noticed how some things can look really good at first, and then, after a little observation, begin to fade with time? If we listen carefully to the words of our brother Jude, he makes an important point for all of us to hear. There are some who, at first sight, appear to be following Jesus Christ, the light of life. Somehow, in their journey, they lose sight of the Lord, and begin focusing on their own little light, instead of His. Just like our pre-lit Christmas tree that comes with a “lifetime guarantee,” those who bear false light begin to burn out prematurely. People become dismayed and wonder whether they can ever know the Way, the Truth and the Life. When a brother or sister’s faith begins to waiver, Jude reminds us that we are to be merciful. We are exercise caution, remembering to love the sinner, while hating the sin. Whenever we take our eyes off the true Light of Life and focus our hearts on what is temporary, we risk losing our souls in the dark.

Maybe someone you know is struggling to find the one true light. We can count on His everlasting light, not only for this world, but in the world to come. He is the only light worth finding and following. Mercy is the word of the day.

Lord, teach us how to be merciful with the ones who have lost sight of Your light. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the light of life to be your light – the only One who will not fade with time. Help us to share Christ’s light with the world, this Christmas. He is the only guarantee that will stand the test of time. Show a little mercy to those who have lost their way.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

A story worth sharing

Daily Reading: 2 John; 3 John; Proverbs 26

2 John 1:1-6 (NIV)

1 To the chosen lady and her children, whom I love in The Truth – and not I only, but also all who know The Truth – 2 because of The Truth, which lives in us and will be with us forever: 3 Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in Truth and love. 4 It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in The Truth, just as the Father commanded us. 5 And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning. I ask that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk in obedience to His commands. As you have heard from the beginning, His command is that you walk in love.

Good morning!

I want to share with you an anonymous Christmas story I read on the Internet this morning. It was forwarded to me from a dear friend. I wish I knew who penned these words so I could give them credit. If you know who wrote this story, please send me the author’s name so I may send a personal thank you for this blessing. I pray these words will become our story this Christmas. May you be blessed as we hear and do the work Christ calls us to do each day.

About a week before Christmas, our family bought a new nativity scene. When we unpacked it, we found two figures of the Baby Jesus. "Someone must have packed this wrong," mother said, counting out the figures. "We have one Joseph, one Mary, three wise men, three shepherds, two lambs, a donkey, a cow, an angel and two babies. Oh, dear! I suppose some set down at the store is missing a Baby Jesus because we have two."

"You two run back down to the store and tell the manager that we have an extra Jesus. Tell him to put a sign on the remaining boxes saying that if a set is missing a Baby Jesus, call 7126. Put on your warm coats, it's freezing cold out there." The manager of the store copied down mother's message and the next time they were in the store they saw the cardboard sign that read, "If you're missing Baby Jesus,
call 7126." All week long we waited for someone to call. Surely, we thought, someone was missing that important figurine. Each time the phone rang, mother would say, "I'll bet that's about Jesus," but it never was.

Father tried to explain, there are thousands of these scattered over the country and the figurine could be
missing from a set in Florida or Texas or California. Those packing mistakes happen all the time. He
suggested we just put the extra Jesus back in the box and forget about it. "Put Baby Jesus back in the box! What a terrible thing to do" we children said. "Surely someone will call," mother said. "We'll just keep the two of them together in the manger until someone calls."

When no call had come by 5:00 on Christmas Eve, mother insisted that father just run down to the store to see if there were any sets left. "You can see them right through the window, over on the counter," she said. "If they are all gone, I'll know someone is bound to call tonight." "Run down to the store?" father thundered. "It's 15 below zero out there!" "Oh, Daddy, we'll go with you," Tommy and Mary began to put on their coats. Father gave a long sigh and headed for the front closet. "I can't believe I'm doing this," he muttered.

Tommy and Mary ran ahead as father reluctantly walked out in the cold. Mary got to the store first and pressed her nose up to the store window. "They're all gone, Daddy," she shouted. "Every set must be sold." "Hooray," Tommy said, "The mystery will now be solved tonight!" Father heard the news still a half block away and immediately turned on his heel and headed back home.

When we got back into the house we noticed that mother was gone and so was the extra Baby Jesus figurine. "Someone must have called and she went out to deliver the figurine," my father reasoned, pulling off his boots. "You kids get ready for bed while I wrap mother's present." Then the phone rang. Father yelled, "Answer the phone and tell 'em we found a home for Jesus." But it was mother calling with instructions for us to come to 205 Chestnut Street immediately, and bring three blankets, a box of cookies and some milk. "Now what has she gotten us into?" my father groaned as we bundled up again. "205 Chestnut. Why, that's across town. Wrap that milk up good in the blankets or it will turn to ice before we get there. Why can't we all just get on with Christmas? It's probably 20 below out there now. And the wind is picking up. Of all the crazy things to do on a night like this."

When we got to the house at 205 Chestnut Street it was the darkest one on the block. Only one tiny light burned in the living room, and the moment we set foot on the porch steps, my mother opened the door and shouted, "They're here, oh thank God you got here, Ray! You kids take those blankets into the living room and wrap up the little ones on the couch. I'll take the milk and cookies." "Would you mind telling me what is going on, Ethel?" my father asked. "We have just walked through below zero weather with the wind in our faces all the way."
"Never mind all that now," my mother interrupted. "There is no heat in this house and this young mother is so upset she doesn't know what to do. Her husband walked out on her and those poor little children will have a very bleak Christmas, so don't you complain. I told her you could fix that oil furnace in a jiffy."

My mother strode off to the kitchen to warm the milk while my brother and I wrapped up the five little children who were huddled together on the couch. The children's mother explained to my father that her husband had run off, taking bedding, clothing and almost every piece of furniture, but she had been doing all right until the furnace broke down. "I been doin' washin' and ironin' for people and cleanin' the five and dime," she said. "I saw your number every day there on those boxes on the counter. When the furnace went out, that number kept goin' through my mind -- 7162, 7162. Said on the box that if a person was missin' Jesus, they should call you. That's how I knew you were good Christian people, willin' to help folks. I figured that maybe you would help me, too. So I stopped at the grocery store tonight and I called your missus. I'm not missin' Jesus, mister, because I sure love the Lord. But I am missin' heat. I have no money to fix that furnace."

"Okay, Okay," said father. "You've come to the right place. Now let's see. You've got a little oil burner over there in the dining room. Shouldn't be too hard to fix. Probably just a clogged flue. I'll look it over, see what it needs." Mother came into the living room carrying a plate of cookies and warm milk. As she set the cups down on the coffee table, I noticed the figure of Baby Jesus lying in the center of the table. It was the only sign of Christmas in the house. The children stared wide-eyed with wonder at the plate of cookies my mother set before them. Father finally got the oil burner working but said, "You need more oil. I'll make a few calls tonight and get some oil. Yes ma'am, you came to the right place," father grinned.

On the way home father did not complain about the cold weather and had barely set foot inside the door when he was on the phone. "Ed, hey, how are ya, Ed? Yes, Merry Christmas to you, too. Say Ed, we have kind of an unusual situation here, I know you've got that pick-up truck. Do you still have some oil in that barrel on your truck? You do?" By this time the rest of the family were pulling clothes out of their closets and toys off of their shelves. It was long after our bedtime when we were wrapping gifts. The pickup came. On it were chairs, three lamps, blankets and gifts. Even though it was 30 below, father let us ride along in the back of the truck.

No one ever did call about the missing figure in the nativity set, but as I grow older, I realize that it wasn't a packing mistake at all.

Jesus saves, that's what He does.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the people who have extreme need. Help us Lord, to share the love of Christ by providing food, clothing, blankets, heat and shelter to all who are cold and hungry. Help us share the warmth of your love not only at Christmas, but each and every day. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Christmas greeting cards

Daily Reading: I John 3, 4, 5; Proverbs 25

I John 4:7-9 (NIV)

Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 9 This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son into the world that we might live through Him.

Good morning!

I enjoy receiving Christmas greeting cards during Advent. The message of hope fills up our mail boxes and chatters across e-mail internet space. If we listen carefully, we can hear that message broadcast over the loud speakers at our local shopping malls.

For some, sending a greeting of hope is an annual constitution. People lead busy lives. We have a hard time catching up to family and friends; we get so busy living out our days that when Christmas time rolls around, we long to make contact again with the ones we love. When I send out Christmas greeting cards or e-mail greetings, I am reminded of the love I feel for the precious ones in my life. I want to tell them how much they mean to me.

The Lord sends His Christmas message of love to us today through the power of His Word. Whenever I open my Bible to read, it is as if God has written a love letter and sent it especially for me. He is writing to you today, through the words of John. I memorized the Scripture passage, I John 4:7-8 in youth group when we would sing Scripture songs together. I had to sing this one out loud just to write it down. Can you name this tune?

Beloved, let us love one another.

For love is of God, and everyone that loveth

Is born of God and knoweth God.

He that loveth not, loveth not God, for God is love.

Beloved, let us love one another…I John 4:7-8.

This is the holy greeting that God has sent for each and every one of us this Christmas: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16 We have an opportunity to share the love of Christ with our family, friends, and even the strangers who cross our path today. This is the moment when we can share the gift of new life with the world. I would encourage you this morning, to take the message of salvation through Jesus Christ and spread it around, as we share the greatest gift ever given. Tell everyone you know, in any way possible, that Jesus Christ came into this world to redeem us from sin, and bring us into right relationship with our heavenly Father, who loves us so. KJV)

Merry Christmas! May you find the message of hope in His Word today.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the people you send Christmas greeting cards to. Pray for those who send you Christmas greetings! Jeff and I save our Christmas cards each year and keep them out in a prominent location. We draw a card from the stack and pray specifically for that family all year long. This is a wonderful way to share the Good News around the world.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Fruitcake!

Daily Reading: 2 Peter 1, 2, 3; Proverbs 23

2 Peter 1:5-8 (NIV)

5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But if anyone does not have them, he is nearsighted and blind, and has forgotten that he has been cleansed from his past sins.

Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

Good morning!

Many years ago, our church choir sang a little Christmas chorus, a recipe jingle entitled “Fruitcake.” I wish I could remember all of the words. Just like every well-worn recipe I’ve tried, our chorus had the makings of a glorious holiday fruitcake, and we knew how to put it all together! It was hard keeping a straight face while cooking up this little number with my friends.

Some of my very favorite recipes are not really recipes at all. When my grandmother baked, she didn’t have anything written down to double check. She baked from scratch, using her senses to determine the consistency of a perfect, gooey cake batter. She never messed it up, and I’ve yet to acquire that skill set. I need a measuring cup and a good set of measuring spoons, along with a recipe in large print sitting right in front of me. That is as close as I get to baking from scratch. My grandmother would have won the blue ribbon for her homemade biscuits or cinnamon rolls. She could have been famous like many of the television cooks who help us find new ways to prepare and serve food to our families today. Everything her hands touched turned to pure gold. Her hands were cracked and dry, swollen from arthritis and over use. She never sported a manicure or pretty nail polish on her nails. Her hands were well-worn from hours spent cooking the delicacies her children and grandchildren loved to eat. My grandmother’s hands were never too sore or tired to create yet another family feast. She baked from scratch every day of her life.

God has a recipe just waiting to be whipped up in each of us. It is a baked-from-scratch delicacy, formed by His holy hands. You are His blue-ribbon masterpiece, a delightful “fruitcake” of gifts and graces. If you are willing to let Him be your Master Chef, He can create a living fruitcake in your heart. God begins with the seed of faith, planted long before you were ever the twinkle in your parents’ eyes. To that, He adds a healthy measure of goodness, knowledge, self-control, and perseverance, the preservative of life. He completes the mix with godliness, brotherly kindness, and tops it all off in love. For this batter to rise, it must be seasoned with a little salt, baking powder, baking soda, and yeast. The Father gives His leavening agents in increasing measure, so that we will continue to grow daily in the knowledge and love of Jesus Christ. These ingredients are not meant to stand alone, for the cake would surely fall without each ingredient working in tandem to compliment each other.

The Apostle Peter reminds us that a “rich welcome” is awaiting every believer into the eternal kingdom of Jesus Christ. There is something really special about being baked up from scratch. The Master baker has a recipe for your life. You cannot buy it in the grocery store, and no one will ever be able to duplicate the beautiful work He has begun in you. Are you ready to give your heart fully over to the Master creator today? He can take your gifts and increase them in proportion to the faith He has planted inside your heart.

Lord, help me become your secret recipe – the unique creation you have designed me to be! Bake up your fruitcake inside my heart today. Help me share Your love with the world during this season of Advent waiting. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: God to create His special fruitcake inside of you this day! He has given you everything you need to answer the call He has placed in your life. Let the master baker become Lord of your life right now. Come Lord Jesus!

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Daily Reading: I Peter 3, 4, 5

Christmas Rush

I Peter 4:12-13 (NIV)

12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when His glory is revealed.

I Peter 5:6-7 (NIV)

6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time. 7 Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.

Good morning!

When asked what he wanted most for Christmas, I heard the pastor reply, “Wouldn’t it be nice if our people rushed to worship like they rush to the malls for a great holiday deal? Wouldn’t it be awesome if folks lined up on the church property on Saturday night with their sleeping bags and pup tents, and camped outside in the cold, just to get a front row seat on Sunday morning? Wouldn’t it be something if people couldn’t wait to enter the sanctuary in anticipation of experiencing the holy presence of Almighty God?” How much would you be willing to spend this Christmas on a little peace of mind? What would it be worth to you in knowing someone paid the price for your sin? Wouldn’t it be strange to find yourself thanking God for the suffering and pain you endure, knowing His glory is being continually revealed in you?

We can get caught up in the hustle bustle of the holiday rush. We try to squeeze in just one more holiday party, attend another Christmas concert, and steal a few extra minutes in the coffee shop exchanging gifts with our friends. Why the hurry? What is it that makes us rush around so?

Many of the new Christian converts did not know Jesus in the flesh, as He walked on earth. Like you and me, they were told the story of his birth, life, death and resurrection by the apostles, and believed, by the power of the Holy Spirit. They celebrated new life together in community every day, knowing their faith would lead to eventual persecution and quite possibly, death. The Apostle Peter wrote to the church just before Emperor Nero began his incessant crusade against Christians in Rome and throughout the region. Peter had been on “both sides” of the fence. Fearing he might die at the hand of Roman guards, he denied knowing His Lord that awful night in Jerusalem, just before Jesus was crucified. In that horrifying moment, Peter discovered that separation from the Lord was a worse punishment than any pain he may endure on earth. As a word of encouragement to the fellowship of believers, Peter reminded them to hold fast in faith, especially in daily suffering, choosing not to forget the gift of grace they have received. He admonished the people to live each day in complete and total submission to the One who came to save.

Are we rushing around for the right reason? Wouldn’t it be incredible to see people flock to the church this weekend, so they can rededicate their lives to the Lord? Hungry for His gift that transcends all time, the people kneel down, and confess with their mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord of all. As you rush around this week, remember the gift of grace that has been given just for you. Maybe the Christmas rush is not such a bad thing after all, especially if we are rushing to share the message of salvation with the world.

How will you choose to share the gift of everlasting life with the people in your life? This is the week before Christmas. We have a message to share with the world. There is no greater gift than the gift of salvation. We cannot purchase it at the shopping mall, and there is no better holiday party than the one happening inside your local church. Grab your neighbors and family members and bring them out to worship the Lord. Share the gift that will never end.

There will be great joy one glad morning when His glory is fully revealed. Until then, we can expect to endure suffering. Do not be surprised or afraid to rush toward the Lord. Every Christian should be in a great big hurry right now. We should be much more concerned about sharing the Good News of the Gospel, to those who may be feeling a sense of separation and loneliness. Peter understood what it was like to be scared, to the point he would choose to deny the Lord. Listen to the words of the Apostle today, and renew your sense of urgency, not in the time-honored traditions of our culture, but in the everlasting promise of our Redeemer.

There is an immediate need to spread the Gospel around the world. We should feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and bring hope to the hopeless, especially in this season of light. This Christmas season, I pray that people will line up at the doors of the church to experience the best holiday party ever. This is the celebration of Emmanuel, God with us. It’s is Christ’s birth day. And it can be your new birth day, if you’ll simply ask Him to come and live in your heart today.

This, my friends, is my Christmas prayer for you.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the holidays to become true holy days in your life. Find a new way to share faith in Christ with the people you meet. Start a new tradition! Break with the old, and ring in the new, even if it brings you a little pain and suffering in the process. The best gift we can give is the salvation message of our infant King.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Genuine faith

Daily Reading: I Peter 1, 2; Proverbs 22

I Peter 1:6-9 (NIV)

6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. 7 These have come so that your faith – of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire – may be proved genuine and may result in Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, 9 for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Good morning!

I love this passage of Scripture. The Apostle Peter must have been praying just for me when he wrote it! Isn’t it amazing how God’s Word burns like fire in our hearts, 2,000 years later? That is evidence of the power and presence of the Holy Spirit working in our lives.

The older I grow, the more I long to have my faith refined in the fire. It sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Who willingly wants to suffer for God? Okay, lets not have everyone raise their hands all at once. If you are anything at all like me, you would probably try to avoid suffering at any cost. I’ve been known to walk way around the block, to keep from having to jump into the briar thicket and push my way through. Suffering is not fun. It hurts, a lot. Yet, I have a longing to know that my faith is not just some trivial word rolling off my tongue; that it is genuine and will stand up to the test of time. I want to know that the love I hold for Jesus Christ, which is greater than gold to me, will be the only assurance that completes my transformation as I move from my earthly life into His eternal presence.

There is no joy in meeting your goals if a little suffering is not included somewhere in the mix. I was reminded of this very thing today by a dear pastor who has been praying for me as I’ve been finishing the Bible class I began in August. This has been such a crazy time in my life. Our family members have walked through the fire on several occasions this year. We’ve been blessed with restoration of good health. We have a new grandson to celebrate! I’m learning new and exciting things at work each day; learning must always cost us something – our time, our talent, our determination to succeed. My house needs a good cleaning, and I’ve been so busy, I’m finding it hard to make time to scrub the floor. Oh, but does it ever need to be scrubbed! Since I’m having my entire family in for Christmas dinner, the floor will be a high priority this week. Faith is borne out of the adversities in life. We learn to trust the Lord even more in seasons of suffering. It is only when we know that we have absolutely no control that we can relinquish the tether and hand it over completely to the Lord. The blessings we receive far outweigh the challenges we face.

My troubles seem trivial compared with the persecution of the early church. People were dying in their passion to reach lost souls for Jesus Christ. Many of these converts were taken into custody. Considered lawbreakers, their entire families were tortured and martyred for their faith. Has my faith been refined by the fire, and is it genuine, pure gold, something of worth and value to the Lord who loves me?

Purification takes time. We learn to be patient, when we would much rather run up ahead. Trials and tribulations are not easy things to endure. For those who believe that Jesus Christ is Lord of all, we are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, and we are receiving the goal of our faith – the salvation of our souls.

In just one week, we will celebrate the holy mystery of new birth as we share the Christmas story together. I pray that your faith will be proved genuine through the trials of daily living. The birthing process can be painful, but the joy of a brand new life makes the pain worthwhile. May you find a genuine faith, refined by the trials in your life, as you journey toward Bethlehem this week.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: genuine faith! When we ask the Lord Jesus Christ to live in our hearts, He begins to refine who we are through trials and pain. There is an inexpressible joy that emerges from the ashes. It is a purified, holy faith, transformed in our hearts by the hand of God. Do not be afraid to face the struggles in your life, for through them, you are receiving the goal of your faith; the salvation of your soul.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.