Marching orders

Today’s Reading: John 7:33-34(NIV)

33 Jesus said, “I am with you for only a short time, and then I go to the One who sent me. 34 You will look for me, but you will not find me; and where I am, you cannot come.”

Good day!

When I was a little girl, I wanted to go to work with my daddy. He got up at 6am each morning. I can remember listing to the sounds of KMOX® Radio crooning on the air waves every day. The first song I would hear was the Lord’s Prayer, followed by a John Philip Susa patriotic march. In the first five minutes of the 6am hour, we received our marching orders for the day. We learned that the first order of business was to pray, and the second, to march right out of bed and get ready to go to school and work.

I didn’t want daddy to leave me behind, so one dark and chilly morning, I got up before KMOX came on the air. I grabbed my coat and boots and put them on over my pajamas. I carried my pillow and doll to the doorway in front of my parents’ bedroom, where I laid down and went back to sleep. I remember how my parents laughed at me when they emerged from their sleeping chamber and saw me on the floor. I didn’t think it was funny. It’s a wonder they didn’t trip over me stumbling into the bathroom! I really wanted to go with him, but it wouldn’t have been safe for him to take me to the construction site. I thought I was ready to go, but it was obviously not the right time.

The disciples yearned to go where Jesus was going, and He understood their deepest need. Jesus reminded them that He would only be with them a short while in the flesh before returning to the One who had sent Him. Jesus said that one day, they would look for Him but would not find Him, because where He is, they could not yet come.

We search for Him, crying out to the One who gives us new life. We often forget that He finds us first, and it is in His love that we are drawn closer to Him each day. If you are seeking the risen Christ this morning, I have good news for you! You wouldn’t be looking for Him if He had not already sought you out. That means that He is right here, right now! Look up and see your salvation smiling back at you! Jesus Christ finds us first. He gives us the deep desire to seek His face, following wherever He leads. It’s time to take up our morning marching orders.

Rise and shine, baby! This is the perfect day to follow Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, 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.

Vital statistic

Today’s Reading: John 7:28-29 (NIV)

28 Then Jesus, still teaching in the temple courts, cried out, “Yes, you know me, and you know where I am from. I am not here on my own, but He who sent me is true. You do not know Him, 29 but I know Him because I am from Him and He sent me.”

Good day!

Which high school did you graduate from? This seems to be a vital statistic for people living in the “Show-Me” state. It is a common thread, linking Midwesterners, particularly Missourians. I am often asked about where I went to high school. My answer will reveal the area in which I grew up, and the social status of my family. I want you to know that I am a proud graduate of McCluer Senior High, class of 1977. What does this say to you about who I am?

The people thought they knew who Jesus was. Many watched this man grow up in Nazareth. He was the son of Joseph and Mary, a carpenter by trade. They questioned his religious training, knowing He had not spent time studying with the religious teachers of the law. Jesus suggested even though they knew where He grew up and who raised Him, they did not know the One who had sent Him. This was a confusing testimony to understand. They asked amongst themselves, “By whose authority had Jesus been sent?”

Remember how Jesus was rejected by His own community? We humans tend to hold preconceived notions about what people will become, based upon their upbringing and culture. While moral and spiritual values (for better or worse) are instilled during our childhood years, the God we serve has all power to transform every heart to a heart that radiates His love. When we know the ultimate transformer, we are not so surprised when the transformation occurs. Jesus said, “I am not here on my own, but He who sent me is true. You do not know Him yet, but I do, because I am from Him and He sent me to you.”

Maybe we should learn to not place so much emphasis where we were raised and educated. Maybe the better question should be, “In whom do you place your faith and hope?” Do you know who Jesus Christ really is? Have you met the One who sent Him here?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, 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.

Mere appearances

Today’s Reading: John 7:24 (NIV)

24 Stop judging by mere appearances and make a right judgment.

Good day!

We make judgment calls every day. We choose to watch a television show or movie based upon a thirty-second sneak preview, or maybe because we like the lead actor. We select books to read for enjoyment based upon topic or because it has a catchy title and cover page. We develop friendships with people who appeal to our own unique personalities. Some are drawn to outgoing, life-of-the-party people, while others prefer a somewhat subdued and reflective person, who chooses to purposely hold back and quietly observe their environment.

It is not uncommon to be judged by mere appearances at work. If you’ve ever sat through a job interview, then you may relate to how it feels in having several sets of eyes fixed upon you, as you field a variety of questions relating to educational background, general knowledge and work experience. The way you answer these questions and the body language you emit will determine whether you are the “proper” candidate for the open position. At one interview, I was seated in a glass-walled conference room, surrounded by an aesthetically modern and eloquently appointed office space. Employees and guests who were seated near this room could see me from every angle, during the entire interview. Talk about swimming upstream in a virtual fishbowl! I met in that room on three separate occasions before I was offered the position I had applied for. We are judged by mere appearances, which may only be a shadowed reflection of who we truly are.

The Pharisees had passed judgment on Jesus for healing a man on the Sabbath. They contended He broke the law of Moses by choosing to perform miracles on a required day of rest. Christ inquired why it was permissible to circumcise a young child on the Sabbath. This single act signifies the baby’s identity with the body of believers, who is then accepted as a member of God’s covenant people. Why was it not all right to heal the whole man on the Sabbath, bringing him into a right relationship with the Father, and setting him free from the suffering he endured? Jesus demanded that we stop judging others by mere appearance, but take a deeper look and recognize the truth within them.

I am thankful that the Lord who heals me didn’t pass judgment based on mere appearance. He cares enough to go beyond this shallow exterior of mine and He sees straight into the depths of my heart. No greater friend will you ever find than the One who forgives completely, offering a brand new start. Come to Christ today, and let Him love you from the inside out. He will completely transform your life, if you let Him.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, 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.

The letter of the law

Today’s Reading: John 7:19 (NIV)

19 Has not Moses given you the law? Yet not one of you keeps the law. Why are you trying to kill me?

Galatians 3:14 (NIV)

14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.

Good day!

I’m guessing those religious leaders really did not like it when He said that no one keeps the law given by Moses. OUCH! That must have ruffled some self-righteous feathers. I know it shakes me up every time I reread this particular passage of Scripture. And then, of course, Jesus chases it with a question that completely pierces the soul – He asks why they are trying to kill Him. I don’t think the crowd even knew what the Pharisees were thinking about at that particular moment. Isn’t it amazing how Jesus Christ manages to go straight to the heart of the matter? For a man who often talks in parables, He sure knows how to make a point.

We’ve created all these rules to follow. God gave Moses the big Ten and we have somehow managed to expand them into large volumes of ordinances, constitutional amendments, and by-laws. Commentaries have been written on how to uphold the laws that have been put into place throughout the generations. We amend what seemingly no longer applies, looking for loopholes to get around the letter of the law. There is no getting around the law of God. We can try to clean up its language, making it more palatable to our own personal taste. Yet, truth has a way of dispelling the dark. When the crowds came, Christ’s Word cut them to the quick. Some left quickly. Others stood by and grumbled. Some continued to listen and seek out the greater meaning for their lives. There were a few who regretted they had failed to keep God’s law. And some even repented and received Christ’s grace and forgiveness, in spite of themselves.

A little bit of faith goes a long way when it comes to Christ’s redeeming love. For what is impossible with man is possible with God. And while we were stuck in a rut, Christ came to redeem us from our sin. This is Good News indeed for you and me!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, 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.

Bigger faith

Today’s Reading: John 7:17-18 (NIV)

17 If anyone chooses to do God’s will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own. 18 He who speaks on his own does so to gain honor for himself, but he who works for the honor of the One who sent him is a man of truth; there is nothing false about him.

Good day!

When I was a little girl, I used to dream about the day I would grow up and be an adult. Now that I’ve been an adult type for a very long time, I find myself dreaming about being a child again. Is there some strange irony to these brief, fleeting thoughts? Just yesterday, I was reminiscing with a friend about my love of growing up in Missouri. We had four distinct seasons here. Springtime was glorious, with fresh air and blue skies and lots of baby birds chirping wildly from their safe nests tucked between the slats of a trellis amid the thorns of a climbing rose bush. We looked forward to Easter dresses and pretty white bonnets for Sunday morning worship. We hunted eggs in the back yard amid the blooming buttercup daffodils and tulips. Summer time was dreadfully hot, with brilliant blue skies and shade trees bursting forth with sweet fruit. Apples and plums would fall from its branches, just waiting to be consumed by the children who played in its shade. We would go swimming every afternoon, and the refreshing water transformed a hot summer’s day into a virtual festival of warmth and sunlight. The brilliant, bright colors of changing leaves made the fall a beautiful time of year, as they blanketed the virtual playground of our back yard. My grandfather would spend hours raking piles of sweet color for his grandbabies to jump in. The glory of fall was by far, my favorite season of the year. The blanket of white winter snow and the cold north wind made hot chocolate an enticing heavenly drink, especially after building snowmen in the front yard and making snow angels on the ground. The snows were deeper and lasted longer than they do today. Life was so much bigger when I was a little child.

As a parent of adult children who are now raising children of their own, I’m beginning to experience the gift of faith in a whole new way. When our babies were young, we were given an opportunity and responsibility to shape and mold their young hearts, by encouraging them to place their faith in the arms of the Savior. As they grew into young adults, our children began making their own life choices. Parental beliefs are not always popular with the kids. Some embrace faith while others run as far away from it as possible. Parents learn that while we are planting the seeds of faith, we do not have ultimate authority whether our sprouts will grow to their fullest potential in faith or somehow be choked out by the weeds surrounding them.

Christ came to offer new life to all people, knowing some would never accept His teaching or the authority in which He spoke. Because I love my children and want them to experience life with the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal Savior, I am given a tiny taste into how our heavenly Father must feel as His children turn a deaf ear to the living Word.

It seems that adults have asked the same question over and over again since the days when our Lord lived in human flesh on earth: Is Jesus Christ the real deal? Is He the fully human yet fully divine Son of the living God? Truth takes on a whole new meaning when truth makes Himself known through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit.

If we must become like little children again to experience the beauty of a bigger faith, then let it be so, dear Lord, this day.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, 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.

Higher education

Today’s Reading: John 7:12-13 (NIV)

15 The Jews were amazed and asked, “How did this man get such learning without having studied?” 16 Jesus answered, “My teaching is not my own. It comes from Him who sent me.”

Good day!

My father was born during the depression, when the necessities of life were scarce and precious commodities. Daddy went to school with his brothers and sisters in a one-room school house four miles from their family farm. His teacher was a distant relative; one of his mother’s cousins. It was there he learned to read and write and work math problems on a small, slate chalkboard. Daddy learned as much as he could and graduated from that one-room school house with an eighth-grade education. Daddy supported his family for forty years as an electrician and carpenter, with the eighth grade education he received.

An eighth grade education will not take you very far by today’s standards. A prospective employee will have a much better opportunity at getting the job they want if they can produce a college degree and continued education (such as a master’s work or specialization studies) on their personal resume. Higher education carries great weight in today’s workplace. One may not have a specific degree for the position to they are applying, but having completed a college degree may make all the difference in being considered for the position. Likewise, not having that degree may very well keep you from the job opportunity you’ve always wanted.

The Jews kept questioning Jesus’ teaching. Some thought He was prophet and others believed He was the Messiah. Jesus’ curriculum vitae did not include having studied at synagogue under the wing of a personal tutor. They wondered how one man could gain so much wisdom without having studied with the best religious teachers in the land. Jesus contended that His teaching was not His own. It came from the Father who had sent Him.

When it comes to higher education, there is no greater instructor than our heavenly Father. We can spend thousands upon thousands of dollars and invest years of study toward the pursuit of degrees and certificates and pieces of paper that confirm we are capable, qualified, and basically certifiable. Someone once said that God does not call the qualified; He qualifies the called. God may choose to use an uneducated, unqualified candidate by cultural standards to spread His Word around the world. He does it all the time throughout Scripture. He does it even today. God will not disqualify you from serving Him simply by what may or may not be written on your personal resume. He looks deeper than the piece of paper you hold in your hand, and chooses to personally examine your heart.

Is the Father preparing you for His kingdom’s work? Can you hear Him calling out your name?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, 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.

Widespread Whispering

Today’s Reading: John 7:12-13 (NIV)

12 Among the crowds there was widespread whispering about Him. Some said, “He is a good man.” Others replied, “No, He deceives the people.” 13 But no one would say anything publicly about Him for fear of the Jews.

Good day!

Speaking publicly about faith matters is not always an easy thing to do. When I attended public grade school, I was not allowed to sing songs about Jesus, or pray together with my classmates during class. I was, however, allowed to pray on my own, and that became an important part of each day, especially at test-taking time. No one around me probably even noticed the closed eyes, folded hands and hushed whispers of my petition before I began taking each written examination. School prayer meetings, for a time, was something we read about in our history books. Then, some of us found ways to meet together outside, before classes began, to circle up and pray together each morning.

In the early sixties, when I was just a young girl, my dad had a firm house rule and it was adhered to explicitly by the members of my family. He was the only one allowed to express verbal opinions regarding politics or religion in our home. Our job was to keep quiet, pay close attention, and agree with him. As I grew older (and not necessarily wiser, I might add), this became a hard rule for me to adhere to. Every now and then, I would challenge Dad to a spirited conversation. Most of these discussions ended rather abruptly, with no real resolution or dialogue. Sometimes, we couldn’t even agree to disagree. Rejection is tough stuff, no matter how we try to dress it up, and most of us would rather walk a mile out of our way than cause unwanted strife within our family, in friendships and even in the communities where we live.

Jesus’ time had not yet come. Some wanted the Master to get out there and perform amazing miracles that would change hearts and lives forever. Others wanted Christ not to say a word, because His teachings were believed to contradict their religious traditions and culture. The people whispered together in secret, sharing initial observations of a man they didn’t really know. In public, they kept their mouths shut, for fear of retaliation by the Jewish religious leaders in their community.

Has fear of rejection ever kept you from sharing your faith with others? When we invite Jesus to become Lord of our lives, we cannot help but share His love with those around us. Fear subsides as our relationship deepens. I would encourage you today to share your heart. The only rejection you need to fear is the words of our Master as you stand before Him on the day of reckoning. Christ promises to acknowledge us before the Father, if we are willing to acknowledge Him before others.

Choose to be courageous today. Do not be afraid to tell others about Jesus.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, 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.

Heart condition

Today’s Reading: John 7:67-69 (NIV)

67 “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Jesus asked the Twelve. 68 Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 We believe and know that You are the Holy One of God.”

Good day!

I have a heart condition. You have it too. For generations now, this insidious disease has run rampant among human hearts around the world. It is no respecter of age, race, gender, or social class. It steals our very lives away, cutting our time here on earth short and leaving us wondering about the world to come. Advances in modern medicine have not found a cure for this dreaded disease. There is only One anecdote, and it is not packaged in pill form. In fact, you cannot purchase it anywhere. The cure was paid in full when Jesus Christ paid the ultimate price for every broken heart on Calvary’s tree. Are you looking for the cure that will heal your heart completely?

The disciples had given up their lives to follow the teacher from Nazareth. The crowds grew initially, but as Jesus taught about living bread, weak flesh, and life in the Spirit, many began to turn away. They wanted to believe Him, but they just didn’t like what they were hearing. Some were offended. Others couldn’t begin to understand or accept it. Suddenly, and without warning, the crowd split into two distinct groups of people: those who yearned to learn more and those who rejected Christ’s message. Many left the healer day, in total disbelief. Others stayed on, longing to experience healing, and the words of the healer. When Christ looked up and saw the crowds fading away, He asked the twelve, “You do not want to leave too, do you?”

If you are struggling with a heart condition today, this is the perfect time to give your heart to the great healer. Jesus stands at the door of your life and knocks. Will you choose to answer the door? He can make you whole again, if you will simply let Him into your life. On this special day, when we celebrate the gift of love, Christ invites you to experience amazing love that heals human heart conditions forever.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, 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.

The narrow gate

Today’s Reading: Matthew 7:13-14 (NIV)

13 “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. 14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life and only a few find it.”

John 10:9a (NIV)

9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved.

Good day!

I had a dream last night. I think it lasted maybe thirty seconds, but I can see it just as clearly today as I did when the images first crossed my mind. In this dream, there was nothing but darkness, with the exception of one bright light shining through the slats of a tiny gate. It resembled the size of a small mouse hole, and I got down on my hands and knees to see if I could tell what was on the other side. Immediately, I was reminded of a family film that our children enjoyed watching at home, entitled “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids!” Do you remember how Dad’s crazy human dehydrating machine managed to shrink his children down to bite size morsels for the family’s pet hamster?

As I knelt there, wondering how I would ever get through such a small space, I heard the voice of my Savior say, “Come.” My first inclination was to cry out, “I can’t Lord! It is way too small a space for me to squeeze through.” Yet, I know the Lord has the power to melt my heart down to size, shrinking me to fit, so that I might walk narrow paths and enter through that gate. Nothing is impossible with my God.

Last night, one of my precious pastors left this world for the Promised Land. He was, by far, the happiest guy I’ve ever met. His smile could instantly light up a room, and oh, how he loved to tell his jokes! I can only imagine the delight His soul must have felt as he took his last steps on the narrow path that leads from this world into life eternal. I could see him there, sitting with Jesus, telling jokes together and modeling the colorful socks he wore every Sunday morning to church. This man’s heart was filled with love for his family, friends, and the Lord whom he served faithfully every day of his life. The gate is narrow, but Moe got through, because he knew the gatekeeper well.

Knowing the gatekeeper makes all the difference if you’re longing to pass through to the other side. I look forward to that glorious day when Christ will shrink-wrap my heart down to perfect size, so that I might fit through the narrow gate and run full-speed into the arms of my Savior forever.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, 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.

The rumblings of a grumbling

Today’s Reading: John 6:43 (NIV)

“Stop grumbling among yourselves,” Jesus answered.

Good day!

I have a nasty little habit and I may as well confess it right now: I’m a grumbler. Sometimes I grumble a lot. I find myself grumbling about the most insignificant things, especially when I don’t feel good. Our whole family was quarantined this weekend because of some crazy little stomach virus that kept all of us locked inside the bathroom with the plague. It’s a good thing I had a big bottle of Lysol® just waiting in the laundry room closet for a moment such as this. I needed all the disinfecting help I could get. Have you ever been so sick yourself, and found that you were also taking care of others who were sick too? I grumbled a LOT this weekend. It’s really hard to stay healthy when you find yourself swimming upstream in a sea of sickness.

You see, I come from a long line of grumblers. I know it’s a nasty little habit. I could sit here and make excuses for my potty mouth by passing the proverbial buck, because, in all honesty, I’ve learned to grumble well by example. I might even go as far as to blame my genetic makeup for this unsavory little character trait. Actually, since it does seem to be in my genes, traced all the way from back to Adam and Eve in the garden, then maybe then I should applaud it, contending there’s nothing wrong with this grumbling fettish of mine. Who said it’s not okay to grumble? In fact, everybody should accept it as a societal norm. It is who I am and therefore, I should be proud of it! Anyone who disagrees with my grumbling tyrades must obviously hate me. I guess that makes anyone who refuses to accept my grumbling rumblings, a "grumblephobe."

I know deep down inside that I’m a hard egg to crack. It's going to take a miracle to change the condition of my heart. You see, there are moments when I’m grumbling, and I can get on a real roll! I've learned to grumble with the best of them and hold my ground. But even then, I admit I’m just miserable on the inside. It’s like that nasty churning inside my stomach that I suffered with all weekend long. I wondered if it would ever end, wanting it to stop. Enough is enough.

Jesus knew a good grumble when He heard it. His very own community of faith was grumbling about Him AGAIN. They just couldn’t move past the notion that Jesus could actually be divine. They only saw him in the physical realm. Their faith lenses were clouded by their comfortable religious traditions. They knew Messiah would one day come, but this guy didn’t fit their Godlike mold and they weren’t about to accept anything He had to say.

Jesus responded, “Stop grumbling among yourselves.” He didn’t elaborate or give a good reason why. He simply said, “Stop it.” Let me tell you - I really needed this passage of Scripture today. It not only helped settle my queasy, upset stomach, but it helped calm my churning soul.

Thank you, dear Father, for loving me enough to correct me when I’m wrong. Stop me before I even start. Disinfect me with Your Word, I pray. Please give me Your grace and strength to overcome the rumblings of a grumbling that begins with a single thought, simmers inside my heart, and spews out the mouth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, 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.

Overwhelming joy

Today’s Reading: John 6:40 (NIV)

[Jesus said,] “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in Him shall have eternal life, and I will raise Him up at the last day.”

Memory Verse: 1 How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (Psalm 84:1-2 NIV)

Good day!

Have you ever asked the question, “What is God’s will for my life?” I find myself asking God that very question in prayer. Longing to be found in the Father’s will is the believer’s utmost desire. When Jesus spoke about the Father’s true bread of heaven, the disciples longed to taste it, because Christ said this bread gives life to the world.

I got to play with eight-month old Andrew this morning. He is crawling everywhere, making little baby tracks from the family room into the kitchen. Andrew looks like a little centipede, sliding his legs along the floor. He has no trouble keeping up with his older siblings, Joshua and Emily. They get on the floor and crawl right along with him. When we seek a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ, He crawls along beside us, even when we slip and slide a bit. Our pursuit may seem a bit awkward at first, but the Lord stays right with us, every inch of the way.

Andrew was napping when I arrived today. After a little bit, I heard him cooing and playing in the Pack-N-Play® next to the front window. I went to where Andrew was laying and peeked over the top of his crib. As soon as that child saw me, his face absolutely lit up. The biggest grin appeared on his sweet face. He began to giggle and coo, raising his arms for Granny Deb to pick him up. Andrew gave me wet, slobbery kisses, and that alone, made my entire trip worthwhile. When we believe that Jesus Christ is God’s Only Son and Lord of all, we cannot hide our childlike love and affection. His overwhelming joy lights up our lives and gives us great hope for tomorrow. We simply cannot hide our affection and love.

What is God’s will for my life? The Father urges me to seek out a personal relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ, and believe. As I humble my heart and accept the Lord without reservations or conditions, He promises I will receive everlasting life with Him; that I will be raised up on the day of His return. This is the Father’s will for you and for me. I invite you to come and experience overwhelming joy in worship this weekend. Jesus is waiting for you to respond. Will you choose to seek Him out and believe?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

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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.

Walking through the valley

Today’s Reading: Psalm 23 (NIV)

1 The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. 2 He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, 3 he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. 4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. 6 Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

When I awoke this morning, I wondered how it could possibly be good.

It’s not often when I struggle to see the good, but I do have my moments. This has been a week filled with great tragedy. People are suffering all around me. Devastation erupted across the south in the rash of tornadoes. The death toll continues to rise, as families scramble to find loved ones and begin the process of rebuilding. An explosion at a refinery in Atlanta leaves hundreds dead and seriously injured. Several devoted public servants lost their lives last night n a tragic shooting in the Kirkwood City Hall in Saint Louis, Missouri. And just this week alone, I have prayed for the families of two young people, who were seriously injured in automobile accidents and lay comatose in intensive care units, fighting to live. Right now, a six year old boy is suffering through chemotherapy and radiation, trying to control the malignant tumor growing inside his brain. A wife loses her husband to a long battle with heart disease, and she feels lost today, wondering how she will face the future without him by her side.

We all experience helplessness as we stand in the shadow of death. It forces us to walk through dark valleys where we would rather not go. We ask questions and look for answers. Some questions can never be answered in this life. No matter how much strength and determination we muster, it does not stop death from coming. There is only One who walks with us through this valley and takes us to the other side. He offers hope for new life to all who believe. He is the one King David calls his shepherd. The good shepherd watches over His sheep. He is there, even as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. He brings hope and comfort to the comfortless. We count on Him to carry us home. Jesus will not leave or forsake us, especially when we find ourselves wandering in the valley of the shadow of death.

Christ is our only hope in the midst of hopelessness and despair. We can experience His indescribable peace, where no human peace exists. God’s love will find you, no matter where you are right now. There is a Savior, and He is walking with you through this valley. Cry out to Jesus, and allow the good shepherd to hold your broken heart and comfort you today.

May His peace, that passes all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, 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.

Mannarama

Today’s Reading: John 6:33 (NIV)

[Jesus said,] “For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.”

Memory Verse: 1 How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (Psalm 84:1-2 NIV)

Good day!

When our family traveled through Colorado together several years ago, we would pull the caravan over and stop to take pictures of the breathtaking countryside. Every woman in the Spaulding clan is a certifiable scrapaholic and habitual shutter bug. We took photos of the baby-blue sky, snow-peaked mountain tops, and flaming fields of golden Aspen trees, shimmering in the sunlit breeze. I have a hard time comprehending that heaven could be more any more beautiful than this.

It is that panoramic view that intrigues me as I’m photographing landscapes. Our camera lenses capture a particular vantage of a certain area when we open the shutter and snap the picture. When we look with our eyes, the unbroken view of the surrounding area simply surrounds us and we are drawn into its intrinsic beauty. It is like the imaginary experience of jumping right into the middle of a beautiful piece of painted art. We are part of a continual, unending scene, celebrated through the eyes of the enamored beholder. We become part of the picture.

The disciples were looking for a panoramic miracle from the Master. They retold the great miracle of how manna fell from the heavens and fed their forefathers in their wilderness wandering. Jesus reminded them that it was not Moses who gave them manna, but the Father who gives true bread from heaven. It is that bread that gives life to all the world. Just like our limited snapshots, the disciples had captured only a little piece of the bigger picture inside their hearts. Jesus spoke of God’s great mannarama – the endless bread of heaven that gives new life to all the world.

In our cozy log cabin, late at night, the Spaulding shutterbugs would gather around the table by the warm light emitting from the large, stone fireplace. Spreading our individual photographs out together, we were able to catch a glimpse of the bigger picture. Jesus calls us today to move beyond the boundaries and limitations we have imposed upon ourselves and begin to experience His mannarama. Jesus offered His very life up so that we might receive the bread of heaven. On this Ash Wednesday, may the Father give you a greater vision, so that you may embrace the intrinsic beauty of His mannaramic view.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, 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.

The gift of unconditional love

Today’s Reading: John 6:24-25 (NIV)

28 Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?” 29 Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.”

Memory Verse: 1 How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (Psalm 84:1-2 NIV)

Good day!

Our grandchildren have been grieving the loss of their family pets. Joshua, Emily and Andrew said goodbye to Buddy Boy, their ten-year-old, one-hundred pound German Shepherd, who passed away last week. Yesterday, our grandson Jett was very sad that his puppy, Duke, had died in an unfortunate accident. We love our pets so very much. They bring great exuberance and joy into our daily lives.

When Buddy was younger, before his legs became feeble and frail, he would run the full length of the yard where he played every day and chased cars that drove down their street. His bark and size was enough to scare off any stranger, and yet, Buddy was the most gentile animal I’ve ever met. I watched my grandbabies crawl over Buddy’s back, pull themselves up, while clinging to his fur coat. Sometimes, they would unintentionally pull out clumps of fur, as babies often do. Buddy never flinched or growled, or even acted like he was bothered by it. In fact, our Andrew had just started crawling after Christmas, and Buddy would purposefully place his body near the baby just in case Andrew toppled over. He made certain that baby would land on his body, cushioning the blow of his rolling directly onto the hard floor. Gentile, affectionate, and full of compassion for their masters, pets give us unconditional love. They instinctively trust the hand that feeds them.

Just like our pets know their master, we have the same capacity to know and love our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Father sent His Only Son to bridge the gap between God’s perfection and our human sinful state. It was a crevice way too deep and wide for human passage, apart from God’s amazing grace. For centuries, man has looked for ways to earn the right to win God’s favor. We’ve tried to build our own faulty bridges, somehow closing that gap that separates us from our Creator. We can’t work hard enough or long enough to fix the schism we have caused. Jesus Christ came to extend God’s amazing grace and love for all mankind; yes – he came for each and every one of us. Jesus demonstrated the Father’s great love by offering up His life so that we might experience perfect love like we’ve never known before. Christ protects us when we fall, and allows us the privilege to hold onto his nail-scarred hands, as we learn to stand by faith.

We can completely trust the hand that feeds us! The bread of life is offered for you and me today. We can learn a lot from the unconditional love of our pets. They daily demonstrate the unconditional love of our Savior and Lord. They faithfully keep us company; licking our tear-streaked faces, and loving us even when we are not very lovable. They wait patiently for us to come home at the end of a long day, and greet us with overwhelming exuberance and love. When the disciples asked their Master, “What must we do to do the work that God requires?” Jesus said, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.”

Will you choose today to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ? He is waiting patiently for you to come home to Him. Christ offers you His bread of life and a loving relationship like you’ve never experienced before. Just reach out in simple trust and ask Jesus to come into your heart and be your Master today.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, 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.