Childlike Faith

Today’s Reading: John 14:11 (NIV)

[Jesus said], “Believe me when I say that I am in the Father and the Father is in me; or at least believe on the evidence of the miracles themselves.”

Good morning!

Four year old Emily was playing on the carpeted great room floor near the feet of her Mommy, who had stretched out on the sofa to rest. It had been a long day, and Rachel was tired. Emily was playing with her toy cell phone that Granny Deb and Grandpa Jeff had given her on her birthday. Every girly girl needs a bright pink cell phone, with all the ringing bells and whistles and silly jingles that go with it. Emily was happily taking one telephone call after another. “Hello,” she said, in her squeaky, high-pitched voice. “Yes, Mommy’s here. Do you want to talk to her?” Emily stood up, handing Rachel the phone. “Mommy, Meredith from heaven is calling to talk to you.” Surprised by Emily’s words, Rachel took the phone to her ear and said, “Hello?” Emily began to speak the words she heard Meredith say in her heart. “Hi Mommy, this is Meredith from heaven calling just to say I love you and I’m watching over you. Don’t be sad, Mommy. I’m with Jesus now and Buddy and me are having a great time!” (Buddy was their family dog who went to heaven last winter.) I am truly convinced that a four year old can teach all of us much more about matters of faith than most of the adult types I know.

You see, Emily sees things from a totally different perspective. She is able to see the miracle for what it is. Emily knew that even though Meredith is no longer here with us physically, she is ever present with Jesus - happy, experiencing a love and freedom that she could not even begin to imagine while on earth. Her paralysis is completely gone now; the pain has stopped. Breathing free takes on a whole new meaning in the light and love of the Savior. This miracle is obvious to a four-year-old, yet the adults in Emily's life still struggle to understand it.

Just like His disciples, they really didn’t want to hear the words of their Master. They didn’t want to let go or face the fact that He would die. Longing to hold on to the Savior just a little bit longer, the disciples were not hearing what Jesus was trying to convey. Jesus pleaded with them to believe. “Just believe by faith. I’m telling you the Father is in me, and I am in Him, and if you don’t understand this, then just believe on the evidence of the miracles you’ve already seen.” It is a miracle that we wake up each morning, with the possibilities of a brand new day. It is a miracle that we have the potential to reach out and touch another human heart with the Gospel. It is a miracle that God loves us so much that He would go to the absolute ends of the earth to save us, and He did. The miracle is the present, and the present is our priceless treasure.

This morning, I’m thanking God for all the children in my life. At Faith Church, I am one of four teachers in the 4-7 year age group for Jesus Break, our children’s Sunday school program; yet, I can assure you that it is the children who teach me. If a four year old can understand what it means to believe, then maybe we should reconsider the perks of childlike faith.

Do you believe what Jesus is saying to you today through His Word?

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.

Comfort

Today’s Reading: John 14:10 (NIV)

[Jesus said], “Don’t you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing His work.”

Good morning!

Comfort is the one word I would use to describe Meredith’s memorial service yesterday at the VA Complex at Jefferson Memorial. The place was packed out (standing room only) with family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, scrapbook buddies, and all who had come to know and love my friend through the years. We gathered to honor and remember the woman who had touched so many lives with her outgoing personality and genuine compassion. I heard lots of funny stories about Meredith, and some of the nuances of how she lived out her days. I think one of the most profound statements about her life came from one of her supervisors, who simply said that Meredith “paid attention.” She paid attention to everyone around her, and was more concerned about how they were doing, than how she was doing. It is a rare quality to live a selfless life. I believe this is why Meredith stood out in the crowd.

Our daughter Rachel was there. We sat on the back row together with her husband David, and shared a box of Kleenex tissue. Rachel was determined to get to the memorial service, even after she had an outpatient procedure earlier that day. I know it was an extraordinary effort on her part, and yet, Meredith’s family was worth it. I believe they were truly touched by the outpouring of love for their daughter. In times of grief and sorrow, it is comforting to know that others care. My friend would have been just a little embarrassed by all the fuss and I think she would have been pleased knowing her parents and sister are being taken care of in such a wonderful way.

Repeatedly during the course of the memorial service, it was said that we can carry Meredith inside our hearts and share her love with others by how we choose to live out the rest of our days. Isn’t that what Jesus was trying to convey to His disciples that night? He said, “Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and He is in me?” Jesus came to share the Father’s love with a world desperate to know Him. Jesus is fully human, yet fully divine, making available God’s perfect love in human flesh. His love is relational – the kind of love that puts on skin and expresses itself in ways that we can see and touch and truly understand. When we fall in love with Jesus, He comes and lives inside our hearts. In His love, we reach out and share the Father’s love the people He has placed in our path.

Meredith did this very well, and for me, this was a term of endearment. I pray this morning that my friends, family and coworkers will experience the love of Christ in me. Who knows – they may even glimpse Meredith’s goofy smile radiating from my face.

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.

Sticky Agape

Today’s Reading: John 14:9 (NIV)

Jesus answered, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.”

Good afternoon!

This morning, I received the news that my dear friend Meredith, who has fought cancer for the last seven years of her life, lost her earthly battle and won the victory in Jesus. She has gone home to glory, where there is now no more pain or suffering or tears of sadness. She is forever in the embrace of our Lord, and that brings me great comfort and joy. Yet, even with that assurance, my heart is breaking for her family and for all of us who knew and loved her. I met Meredith on the campus of Saint Louis Community College at Meramec the summer of 2000, when we enrolled in the same summer computer class. She had taken HTML and understood a computer language that was foreign to me. The two of us would sit in the back of the computer lab together, giggling and whispering as we struggled through course work together. If it had not been for her encouragement and support, I would not have passed that class. Our friendship simply grew from there. We became avid scrapbooking buddies, hanging out together on Saturdays, filling our scrapbooks with pages and pages of pictures and recording our precious memories of life and love, family and friends. Meredith had two nieces that she adored, and I heard all about her family’s adventures, especially after she would return home from a holiday visit or after a summer’s vacation. Meredith became an integral part of my family, and our Faith family here in St. Charles. She helped resolve some of the church’s website issues, and frequented our worship services and Sunday school classes. Someday, I will pass from this world into the arms of Jesus, and I know whose face I will see at the gate, standing there, waving for me to come on in. I can’t wait to see Meredith! I may not recognize her at first, but there will be no mistaking her sweet smile and contagious laughter. Her life intersected with mine in a deep and meaningful way. I will carry her spirit within my heart for the rest of my days. I miss her already.

I cried through most of worship this morning. Everything I heard and saw reminded me of my sweet sister in Christ. God, in His awesome master plan, continues to bring some really special people into my life just when I needed them the most. Laura Beth, who now attends school with me at Lindenwood University, has come to my rescue on more than one occasion. She sat next to me in the pew today, as I blubbered into a box of Kleenex I borrowed from the choir room. During the offertory, Laura Beth leaned over and whispered, “You do know what this is, don’t you?” I shook my head and waited for her reply. Just then, she smiled and softly said, “Sticky agape.” I laughed out loud, because at that very moment, I knew exactly what she meant. Every time the Holy Spirit moves, my nose runs, and when I cry, my face swells up and my nose gets red, and I tend to blubber uncontrollably. It’s not pretty. Still, the Father has given us bittersweet tears and lots of sticky agape, just to remind us of His love, especially when we’re hurting and broken hearted, and in pain. It is His gentle nudge that lets us know we are so not alone, even when life does not turn out the way you had hoped it would.

Jesus seemed surprised when He asked Philip the question, “Don’t you know me, Philip, even after I have been among you such a long time? Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” I know now that when I was in the presence of my dear friend Meredith, I was in the presence of my Lord. You see, He lived in her heart then, and He lives in her heart now. Knowing this should change everything about how we feel about the ones God has placed in our lives. Every person is precious and beautiful and valued in the Father’s eyes.

Do you recognize the Lord in the faces of your family and friends? Can you see Him working in the lives of those you share community with? Don’t miss out on His very best for you. Take a good look, and make time today for the people He has given you to love! Be blessed in His presence through the presence of your family and friends.

Dear Meredith, thank you for being my friend. I’ll see you soon, sister!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

How much is enough?

Today’s Reading: John 14:8 (NIV)

Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father and that will be enough for us.”

Good morning!

How much is enough and will we recognize it when we have it? This is the burning question I find myself asking this morning. Because I live in the “Show-Me” state, it is no wonder that this Missourian would entertain such a thought. I remember the famous slogan that emerged in the 1996 film entitled, Jerry Maguire: “Show me the money!” After its release into theatres, people began touting this expression, which I have coined an American euphemism. Living in a struggling US economy that appears to be stretching itself to the absolute breaking point, people are daily praying for God to show them the money simply to put food on their tables and gasoline in their cars. How much is enough and how far will we reach to get it? Are we willing to share our gifts and resources with each other so that all of us can survive through this difficult time together? Would I be willing to put my own comfortable life on hold long enough to reach out and help a neighbor in need? How much is enough and will I know it when I have it?

Philip asks a great question. The disciples longed to see the Father. Just like you and me, they were seeking God out in their lives, putting their families and futures aside, just to know the Master Creator in a deeper way. They thought if they could just see His face, it would be enough. Their longing for the Lord had trumped all earthly desires. And yet, God was right there in the midst of them, and they did not recognize Him! How is it that the Father can be right in front of our very eyes and we somehow miss seeing Him, even when we’re looking! The Lord has given us the evidence we need to know Him fully, yet somehow, we’ve danced around His everlasting gift of life, leaving the pretty wrapping paper untouched and the gift box unopened. The Father was with Philip, standing right next to Him, and after three years of walking together in the flesh, Philip still didn’t recognize His face.

Father, help me see You today in a brand new way. Please do not let me walk by You this morning and not recognize You. My deepest longing is forever satisfied in knowing that You are here with me right now. In Your holy presence, I know I have received the greatest gift of all: Your unconditional love for me. You are all I need from now to eternity. Help me share the overwhelming abundance of Your rich mercy and grace with the people you’ve placed in my life. There is plenty for all. I ask this today 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.

The Way Home

Today’s Reading: John 14:6-7 (NIV)

Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 7 If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him.”

Good morning!

Jeff and I sat on the edge of the twin bed together, enjoying the picturesque view from the window of the Windsor Nursing Home in Terrell, Texas. We were visiting our friend Hollis, whom we had not seen for many years. We have fond memories of the time we spent with Hollis and his wife Lillian, who has now entered into life eternal. Hollis had lots of trouble hearing our voices, and his fading vision did not permit him to see our faces clearly. Yet, even in his advanced years, Hollis had not changed all that much. He was obviously thinner, with a few more wrinkles and age spots. I would have recognized his extraordinary voice anywhere.

My eyes were immediately drawn to the many pictures that decorated Hollis’ room. We knew his children and many of his grandchildren. Hollis caught us up on the news of his family; his words conveyed a deep appreciation and love for each of them. As I admired the photographs, I was amazed by the striking resemblance of his family. Daughter Linda looks so much like Lillian now, that she could have passed for her twin sister. The boys resembled their papa, not just in height; they had inherited their father’s kind and loving eyes. Young Natalie is as beautiful as a young mother as she was a young child. Her face radiates her grandparents’ unconditional love, which is now being passed along to her own babies. The pictures remind me of the strong ties that bind us together as a family. No matter our age or stage along life’s journey, we are part of a generational thread that links us together to the past, present and future.

In every human heart, there is a deep yearning to know who you are and whose you are. Jesus knew His Father. He knew that when the people saw Him as the Son of God, they would then recognize their Father for who He truly is. Jesus came to show the world the way home to our heavenly Father, who loves us so. He is the tie that binds us together as family. No one can know the Father unless they know the Son.

The Father loves you so much that He sent Jesus, His Only Son, to show you the way home. You are precious, priceless, cherished and loved. Come to Jesus today, and meet your Father. He is waiting to love on you right now.

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.

Where are you going?

Today’s Reading: John 14:5 (NIV)

5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?”

Good morning!

“Where am I going?” This is a question I ask myself more often than I’d like to admit. If you are “directionally challenged” like me, then maybe you will understand what I’m talking about here. Once I manage to locate the car keys in the bottom of my big white purse and connect them to the automobile ignition switch, I pause to ask myself a very important question: “Where am I going, and which is the most fuel-efficient, expedient way to get there?” All of us need to have some sense of direction before we pull out of our driveways, especially if we are planning to arrive at the appointed destination on time.

I’ve learned to laugh at myself through the years. And my husband Jeff and I make quite the pair. Talk about two peas in a pod! He likes to drive, yet he constantly asks me which way to turn, as if I know! We get so turned around out there on the highway of life – it’s amazing we find our way anywhere! Brothers and sisters, I can testify that divine intervention is alive and well and at work in our lives - Praise God!

My heart resonates with Thomas’ timeless question. He was totally confused by Jesus’ words. He had absolutely no idea where His Lord was going and wondered how in the world he could possibly know the way. Thank God I’m not alone. The Good News is that Jesus doesn’t want us to plan out our life’s journey, or head off trusting in our own sense of direction. All we have to do is follow the Master, and we’ll get to where we need to be! Jesus is the way and the truth and the life, and no one finds the Father except through Him. So, if we know the Savior, we know the way!

A global positioning system, a dash full of city maps, and a compass on the front of our windshield will not help us one little bit when it comes to finding the kingdom of God. We only need to know our Savior, Jesus Christ, and He will get us to our destination at the appointed time.

Where are you going today? My friends, I pray you will choose to follow 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.

Willing to go?

Today’s Reading: John 14:3-4(NIV)

3 [Jesus said,] “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. 4 You know the way to the place where I am going.”

Good morning!

I was thankful to be seated in the upper balcony of First United Methodist Church in Dallas, Texas, on Saturday morning, July 19, 2008. We had the perfect place to see the service of consecration of our newly elected Bishops to the South Central Jurisdiction. From the balcony, we could see the mass youth choir seated on both sides of the balcony and in the front of the sanctuary. We looked down upon the altar area, where Bishops would gather to lay hands upon and pray for our newly elected and appointed shepherds.

As I listened to the Gathering Music, “Living Water of Life” sung by two hundred voices of the North Texas Annual Conference High School Youth Choir, tears of joy began to slide down my face, dripping off my chin and onto the bulletin and Bible sitting in my lap. With no Kleenex in sight, I was wishing for my grandmother’s hankie, the one with the crocheted edging. I saw a future with hope as I gazed upon the faces of our future, singing praise to God Almighty. Jeff and I knew the choir director well - he was a member of our youth group at Stephan Memorial United Methodist Church in Overland, Missouri, thirty years ago. I saw how the Lord was working in his life as he willingly leads youth to Christ through pastoral service in the church. I thought about the history that was unfolding before me. Here I was, sitting in a worship service that was steeped in historical and time-honored tradition. Bishops are appointed to help lead people into a personal and lifelong relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ and we are participating in covenant ministry as part of this holy observance.

How awesome, that God could take a humble human heart and raise him up for servant leadership within the church of Jesus Christ! How awesome that God could use all of us for His plan and purpose in the world! How awesome is the awesome One who forgives, heals, and loves unconditionally! What kind of love would lay His life down so that we might live forever?

I was struck by the power of new life within the sanctuary. I felt the Holy Spirit dance throughout the body, touching every heart in a new way. In this moment, I was acutely aware that Jesus Christ Himself has prepared a special place for every one of us, in this world and in the world to come. A unique and extraordinary gift mix, we are the body of Christ, led by His Spirit. Jesus said that we know the way to the place where He is going.

Where will He lead us? Are we willing to go?

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.

Perfect Place

Today’s Reading: John 14:2(NIV)

2 [Jesus said,] “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.”

Good morning!

There are many rooms to enjoy at the Hilton Anatole in Dallas. This five-star facility offers 344,638 sq. ft. of meeting and banquet room space, including 77 meeting rooms and an additional 128,000 sq. ft. of dedicated exhibit space. There are 1,606 guest rooms, including 130 beautifully appointed suites. When Jeff finished his master’s degree at Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in 1981, we celebrated his achievement by taking a mini-vacation at the Anatole. What a treat it was for us to return to this hotel last week for the South Central Jurisdictional Conference. We were surprised by the hotel’s expansion, which included a new atrium, colorful boutiques and pretty indoor garden restaurants.

The centerpiece of our guest room was an oversized king bed, decorated with soft pillows and plush sheets. Two comfortable chairs were perfectly positioned in the sitting area just across from the floor to ceiling entertainment center. Even with all its amenities, I was ready to leave the hotel and come home. There’s just something truly special about being in your own space, sleeping in your own bed, and knowing you can find your way around in the dark night.

Jesus knew what it would be like to return home to the Father and He was more than ready to go. I know that my Father’s house must be bigger than anything I can possibly imagine; even larger than the Hilton Anatole! Jesus was going home to prepare rooms for all of us to join Him one day. And soon, we will all make that final trip home and experience God’s perfect love in ways we cannot comprehend. Our heavenly home will be a place of perfect beauty and peace, where we can rest in the shadow of God’s amazing grace.

Jesus was returning home, to prepare a place for us here and now. Like a diamond sitting snugly in a tiny jewelry box, every heart is precious and loved by God. Christ lived, died and rose again so that we could be in relationship with Him here and now. He has made a sacred space for each of us where we can run to Him, enter into His holy presence, and live in relationship with Him. We do not have to make the journey home alone.

If you’re looking for that perfect space, a place you can call home, look no further. Jesus is only a prayer away, and He has prepared the perfect place just for you. Are you ready to follow Him there?

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.

Worship Central

Today’s Reading: John 14:1(NIV)

1 [Jesus said,] “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.”

Good morning!

Early Saturday morning, one of the jurisdictional delegates from Texas spoke to me as I stood at the concierge desk of the Hilton Anatole hotel in Dallas, Texas. “Are you going to worship?” she inquired, noticing I had my Bible tucked under one arm. “Yes, I am,” I replied, smiling back at the face of my new friend. She said, “It looks to me as if you are already in worship.” I understood exactly what she meant.

The entire conference began with a celebratory worship service and Holy Communion. Today, we would gather once again in the sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Dallas, Texas, to celebrate the consecration of three newly elected Bishops. Every session of conference had been bathed in all kinds of prayer: intercessory prayers for the delegates, many breath prayers uttered by our Bishops; in songs of praise, in silent prayer time, waiting with expectation to hear the voice of God speak. There were group prayers breaking out everywhere. Delegations around the room conducted prayer huddles, circling up together with arms reaching around the shoulders of each other. Some delegations held hands together and prayed, and one delegation in particular dropped to its knees with heads bowed out of reverence for the Lord. Worship was a continuum throughout this conference. It is unique and sets us apart from the other business conventions taking place in the hotel. People were being prayed for constantly, and the presence of the Holy Spirit could be sensed, even in the atrium lobby of the Hilton Anatole. At this very moment, we are standing in worship central, right here and now.

We gathered at the appointed time to elect three new Bishops to fill the vacant slots of two retirees and one dear Episcopal leader who had crossed over from the church into the church triumphant. We heard many good reports, and conducted the business of this jurisdiction, spending our time in fellowship with each other. Many of the delegates had been here before, but I was brand spanking new. As a first-time delegate to this conference, every moment was special to me. I realized that even amid the business and busyness of this event, we had continued to worship outside the walls, even as we stood in line in the hotel lobby, waiting to speak with the concierge on duty.

Jesus saw His disciples struggling to understand what was coming, and longed to offer a word of encouragement and hope. Jesus did not want His followers to be troubled by the things happening around them; He longed for His redeemed ones to simply place full trust in the Father, and also in the Son.

How do you incorporate holy worship moments into your day-to-day life? How can you take a rather ordinary moment and transform it into a worship experience? It all begins and ends with prayer. Today, I am praying especially for you, that you will find time to pray at every possible moment, during the day. Let Jesus become your sweet security as you begin to experience His awesome love in a brand new way.

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.

Leap into the deep

Today’s Reading: John 13:37-38(NIV)
37 Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” 38 Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!”

Good morning!

Have you ever felt led to take a leap of faith to accomplish something vitally important, only to have it come back and bite you in the caboose? Some call this exercise trial and error. Retrospect can be revealing, even alarming as we try to sort out the things we say and do.

I don’t know about all of you, but this is certainly the story of my life. At some point, one has to leap into the deep if they intend to test their survival skills. We won’t know our true potential unless we are willing to risk the possibility that we may very well fail. It is far easier to not try at all than to take a flying leap. I don’t always see that brick wall coming, even when it is only inches from my face. Do you run into brick walls, like I do? Choices have consequences. Can you see how the choices you make today will affect the lives of those around you in the years to come?

Peter was alarmed at Jesus’ words. He couldn’t possibly understand why the disciples couldn’t follow Him right then and there. Impulsively and without hesitation, Peter exclaimed that he would lay his life down for the Lord he loves. Jesus knew Peter so much better than Peter knew himself. Jesus knew that even with the best of intentions, Peter would fail to keep his word. He wasn’t yet ready or equipped to leap into the deep. Jesus knew that in Peter’s impulsiveness, he would become discouraged, disgusted, and yes, even devastated by his rash decision. Christ encouraged Peter to look beyond his own human weakness, and learn to rely more fully upon Christ’s presence and power. If Peter could simply let go and step out of His way, Jesus could work great things in and through him. How do you think Peter learned to let go and let God?

A leap of faith is never easy. We can be our own worst enemies, getting in the way of the Holy Spirit; trying to make things happen the way we want it to, rather than how God wills it into being. If we can simply learn to let go of our own desires and let God move in and through us, taking a leap into the deep might not be quite so scary. We will find that in Christ, through Christ, and by Christ, we will live, and move and have our being. Isn’t this awesome news on a day just like today?
Who’s in control of your life? Are you willing to leap into the deep for 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.

Everlasting hope

Today’s Reading: John 13:36-37(NIV)

36 Simon Peter asked him, "Lord, where are you going?" Jesus replied, "Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later."

Good morning!

Standing under a large oak tree yesterday afternoon, just inside the gates of the College MoundCemetery, I could feel the Texas breeze blowing gently against my face. I viewed many stone markers of friends who have gone on before me; people I had come to know and love while living in the College Mound parsonage some thirty years ago. I marveled at the beauty of this sacred space; the rolling hills lined with remembrances of the faithful - people who had lived and worked and loved each other right here at the College Mound United Methodist Church just outside of Terrell, Texas. I closed my eyes and imagined what it would be like here when the trumpet sounds and their graves would suddenly open, their physical bodies bursting forth from ash and dust, rising up to meet our Lord in the sky. What a wonderful sight to behold! His promises are faithful and true. One day, it will happen, just as the Father has said.

Last night, I stood in the beautiful sanctuary of the First United Methodist Church of Dallas, Texas, remembering our dear friend and pastor, Rhymes. How I miss him, even today. His servant leadership and walk with the Lord inspire me to go deeper daily in faith. He trusted Jesus in all things, in life and in death. Rhymes was a willing and faithful servant here on earth, and I look forward to hugging his neck and thanking Him for the example he set when I reach heaven’s holy ground. I reflected upon the many who have gone on before me, and their legacy of faithful service that they have left to our continuing nurture and care. May we yearn to follow in their footsteps, as we serve the Savior of the world.

Jesus told Simon Peter that where He was going, he could not follow now, but he would follow later. We have a future with hope; Christ is our eternal destiny; and in Him, there is everlasting life. Do you know 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.

MUSTGO

Today’s Reading: John 13:34-35(NIV)

34 [Jesus said,] “A new command Igive you: Love one another. As I haveloved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this all men will know that you are mydisciples, if you love one another.”

Good morning!

“What’s for dinner, Mom?” It seems to be the question of the hour, especially when tiny growling tummies are waiting for Mom to come through the garage door into the kitchen. The anticipation of dinner time is sometimes even better than the actual meal, especially when Mom is not a gourmet chef. Our children would have been happy had I said the word “PIZZA!” every night. And if my husband had it his way, he could have eaten pizza every night. We have an adult son who now manages a well-known fast food franchise that serves pizza twenty-four hours a day. Dad knows exactly who to call when he wants “pizza” for dinner. You should have seen their beaming faces droop when the answer to the question of what’s for dinner was the word MUSTGO. What is MUSTGO, you ask? Simply stated, “It must go.” Leftover nights were not nearly so popular. It meant that Mom might warm up left over vegetables from the night before, adding a salad and some fresh fruit to the table fare. Maybe Sunday’s barbecued chicken would be served cold, with extra paper towels for those messy little fingers. I don’t know why MUSTGO was such a dreaded word. Some foods taste better the next day, and why waste it? My favorite MUSTGO was cold meat loaf sandwiches on thick wheat bread. Now that’s a meal you can sink your teeth into.

Whenever I would hear their moans and, I would encourage my children to pretend they were enjoying these leftover delicacies for the very first time. Remember how good the barbecue smelled on Sunday? Remember how much you liked the broccoli with Mommy’s homemade cheese sauce? Remember? Reminiscing seems to prepare the palate for a mouth-watering morsel. MUSTGO might actually be okay tonight. In fact, it might taste pretty good! Of course, if this didn’t work, I could always remind them of all the starving children around the world. And, when that failed, the choice to eat and enjoy or go to bed without dinner became a viable option. Yes, I confess I said it and meant it.

When Jesus told the disciples that He was giving them anew commandment, it wasn’t really new. He wanted His disciples to really love each other, like He loves them. This love is a radical remix of the most wonderful gift the Father has ever given to the world. We love not when we extend trite lip service without action. Love is not real when we mutter mean-spirited comments under our breath orbehind our brother’s backs. Genuine love is not some show. Jesus was serving up a little MUSTGO that night, insisting that unhealthy attitudes and preconceived notions needed to stop now. Prejudice and judgmental behaviors MUST GO.

Genuine love does not grow stale with time. It is fresh and new each day, and it tastes marvelous because it is really REAL. When we choose to follow Jesus Christ, we MUST GO into all the world, loving each other the same way He loves each of us. Come and taste the real deal; we’re having MUSTGO today!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, DebSpaulding

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.

One day soon

Today’s Reading: John 13:33(NIV)

33 [Jesus said,] “My children, I will be with you only a little while longer. You will look for me, and, just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going you cannot come.”

Good morning!

“Daddy, take me with you!” I remember standing at the back screen door with tears streaming down my cheeks. I wanted to go with my father. Every week day morning at 6:30am, Daddy would walk out the back door of our home with his tool belt, lunchbox and thermos in hand, tossing his stuff into our family’s tan, four-door Chevrolet automobile. I could see him wave goodbye to Mommy and me from the back door. Daddy was gone all day long and I had no idea where he was going. One morning, I was determined to be ready and waiting when Daddy got up to leave. I put my raincoat and boats on over my pajamas. With hair still in rollers and my favorite doll tucked snugly underneath my arm, I made a makeshift bed with pillows just in front of Daddy’s bedroom door, and listened for the morning alarm clock to sound. When Daddy emerged from the bedroom that morning, he nearly tripped over my tiny body, sleeping peacefully on the hallway carpet. “I’m ready to go with you, Daddy!” I exclaimed with a yawn. He smiled, gave me a hug and said, “I wish I could take you with me, honey, but you cannot go with me today.” “Can I go with you tomorrow, Daddy?” I asked, wondering whether He would ever agree to let me tag along. Daddy bent over and kissed my cheek while patting my head. “One day, soon,” he whispered in my ear.

Jesus had spent the last three years of his life teaching about the kingdom of God. He formed close relationships with the twelve disciples who left everything to follow Him. Jesus cared for the women who daily cared for the needs of His mission team. They followed and listened to His every word, yearning to know and understand all that Christ said and did. More than anything else, they longed to go with Him, wherever He went. How totally devastating it must have been for his friends and family to hear Jesus say, “I am only with you for a little while longer… and where I am going, you cannot come.”

It was the coldest January day on record according to the National Weather Service in 1996. Daddy had carried the kitchen trash outside, walking across eight inches of frozen snow covering the back yard. When he didn’t come back inside, Mom peered out the back door to see if she could see where Daddy had disappeared. His footprints stopped short of the edge of our driveway, where Daddy had met Jesus Christ face to face. His earthly walk ended that evening in the new fallen snow. His someday with the Lord had come, as Daddy crossed over from this life’s journey into His eternal rest. How my mother longed to go with him that night; how she hated being left behind. Kneeling on the cold hard ground weeping, she heard the words of Jesus whisper in her heart, “One day, soon, honey.”

There will come a day when we will take the step that leads us from here to eternity. May Jesus Christ find us ready and waiting for Him when He returns one day soon.

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.

Surreal moments

Today’s Reading: John 13:31-32(NIV)

31 When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified and God is glorified in Him. 32 If God is glorified in Him, God will glorify the Son in Himself, and will glorify Him at once.”

Good morning!

Have you ever looked back on an experience in life and felt that it was a surreal moment captured in time? Today is definitely one of those days for me. Twenty-seven years ago, on July 14, 1981, my husband and I were living in Terrell, Texas, about forty miles east of Dallas. He was a seminary student at Perkins School of Theology at SMU and I was employed as a church administrative assistant for a local Disciples of Christ Church. At 6am, the sun was just coming up over the hillside, and we were driving into the city together, eagerly anticipating the birthday celebration to come. At 12:51pm that afternoon, our son Benjamin took his very first breath of air in the delivery room of Medical City Hospital in Dallas, Texas. He was absolutely perfect, tipping the scales at 7 pounds 12 ounces and 22 inches long. Bald as a bucket, with big beautiful blue eyes, we were smitten with our newborn cabbage patch kid. Today, Jeff and I will return to Dallas, to celebrate this special day together and remember with joy the precious gift of life that was given to us twenty-seven years ago today.

While we are there, we plan to visit the College Mound United Methodist Church in Terrell. This congregation really knew how to love a student pastor’s family. They were so good to us! We were very young then, with a new family and a dream of one day graduating and returning to our Missouri home for our first full-time pastoral appointment. Wide-eyed with anticipation of what the future would hold, we loved the time we spent at College Mound; these were moments of growth and change for all of us. We hope to catch up to some of our old friends, meet some new people, and enjoy some time revisiting an important part of our family’s history. Surreal moments are important measurements in the days of our lives.

There was no doubt Jesus knew where He was going. He knew things were about to change forever, not only for Himself, but for a dying world. Looking back, Jesus remembered where He had been and His purpose in coming. The events of the next forty-eight hours would change the course of earthly life forever. He was anticipating going home, taking His last breath on earth and His first new breath in heaven. His vision was clear; and His mind was made up. Jesus was standing on the cusp of a surreal and holy moment, purposefully stepping up into the Father’s master plan in obedience and with holy, perfect love.

As we remember the love of our Savior today, may our lives glorify the man in the glory, Jesus Christ, the One who willingly laid down His life for you and me. How will you choose to celebrate your new birth day? Will you join me in glorifying and praising 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.

Foiled schemes

Today’s Reading: John 13:27-30(NIV)

27 As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. “What you are about to do, do quickly,” Jesus told him, 28 But no one at the meal understood why Jesus said this to him. 29 Since Judas had charge of the money, some thought Jesus was telling him to buy what was needed for the Feast, or to give something to the poor. 30 As soon as Judas had taken the bread, he went out. And it was night.

Good morning!

Ah, the plot thickens! Satan thinks he has it all figured out. Somehow, he believes if he can just kill the Son of Man, he will bring God’s plan of salvation to an abrupt halt. What Satan didn’t seem to understand, was the importance of Christ’s death to the Master’s plan. Satan’s scheme was foiled again. He played right into the Master’s holy hand.

We can try to blame Judas’ poor judgment on Satan, the great deceiver. We can say with some assurance that “the devil made him do it,” but the harder truth is recognizing that Judas allowed himself to be used by evil for evil. I don’t think that was Judas’ original intent. If he thought he could simply push the Savior into a confrontation with the Roman authorities, then Christ would rise up as a great warrior, revealing Himself as the true Son of the Living God. I think Judas wanted the world to believe in Jesus Christ.

But maybe his true motivation went even deeper than this. Judas wanted proof positive for his own disbelief. He was uncomfortable with Jesus’ teachings on possessions and how people should handle the gifts they’ve been given in life. Living a completely selfless life seems foreign to one who struggles daily with self-centered motivations and domineering pride. Did Judas want Christ to be raised up for the Father’s glory alone? Do we?

Have you ever prayed a selfish prayer? Christian believers today are living in what theologians have coined the “Church Age,” and many are looking toward the heavens waiting with eager anticipation for Christ to fulfill His promise to return to the earth for His redeemed. Have you ever wondered whether we might be pushing God to act before His appointed time? Is it wrong for us to want heaven’s kingdom on earth now, rather than later? Is there not just a little bit of Judas’ selfish motivation running rampant in each and every one of us?

Today, I am particularly grateful that God continues to foil every human scheme with His perfect love. His ways are greater than our ways, His plan is so much more than we can comprehend. Your will, O Lord - I pray this prayer today. I will wait patiently for You, knowing that Your divine plan for my life is the only direction I need. Teach me to honor You as I submit to the authority of Your Word. Protect my heart from the subtle deceit of the evil one. Open my eyes Lord today, in Jesus’ name I pray, 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.