Straight talk

Today’s Reading: John 16:29-30 (NIV)

29 Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech. 30 Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you come from God.”

Good morning!

Studying for philosophy class has been a real trip. I have a mid term tomorrow, and I’ve been wading through the deep waters of St. Anselm’s Proslogion, Immanuel Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason, and David Hume’s A Treatise of Human Nature. Every now and then, I resurface for air, hoping for a little straight talk. These brilliant minds think deep. My mind does not. I prefer a more simplistic approach to faith. Yet, we seem to have some commonality by sharing a sincere hunger to know and experience God in a way that explains the purpose for our human existence. Why are we here? That is question of this hour.

I had a dream last night. Researchers say that many people dream every night, but we don’t often remember our dreams. I have learned to pay close attention to the dreams that stay with me until morning. Sometimes they make no sense at all, but when they do, I treasure them for the message it brings. I was attending a prayer meeting with twelve women, and we were sitting around a table, praying for the needs of loved ones who were suffering with health-related issues. A husband slipped into the room unnoticed and stood behind his wife as she continued in prayer. Suddenly and without warning, he began to pray over her. It was as if he had been gone for a very long time, for when she looked up and saw his tear-stained face, they held each other close and cried together as if they had not seen each other in the longest time. It was the most touching moment I have ever witnessed.

I realize that this was no mere dream. It is a glimpse of what it will one day be like when the bridegroom comes for His bride. She will be waiting patiently, praying prayers of hope, seeking to save the lost, and living out her faith by word and deed. He will appear at a moment when we least expect Him, and He will scoop us up in His arms and tears of joy will stream down our faces. It will be the last tears we cry this side of heaven.

How wonderful it must have been when the greatest philosophers who ever lived met the Lord Jesus Christ, when they were finally able to see the Father’s face for the very first time. Their deep thoughts are but a tiny glimpse into the shadow of the Almighty. For what we see now is just a glimmer into the beautiful realm of what is coming.

I’m beginning to like philosophy. I think I must be crazy.

Anyone interested in a little straight talk this morning? Come and sit down with the Savior. You will be glad you did.

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.

Homecoming Joy!

Today’s Reading: John 16:28 (NIV)

28 [Jesus said,] “I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”

Good morning!

Yesterday was a wonderful day to renew friendships, make new friends, and enjoy family. There were two very special celebrations happening simultaneously just a few short miles from each other. Faith Church celebrated Pastor Appreciation Day by hosting an incredible covered dish dinner. Our Lindenwood friends came to celebrate, and they brought family and friends with them. Our extended families came. Pastor Kim and Ken were surrounded by members of their family. Granddaughter Taylor entertained us all with her bubbly personality and sweet disposition. She is such a cutie! Our daughter Rachel and her children and our son Benjamin, Kari and their kiddos came. Our niece Courtney, her Adam and sweet Kyndahl, along with Jeff’s sister Linda and husband Bob, and Jeff’s parents ate with us. Our son David made it just in time for dessert at the parsonage. It kind of felt a little like Christmas, having all of our grandchildren under one roof at one time. The desserts were fabulous and the kids indulged in just a little too much sugar. Fortunately, Faith Church built a strong and sturdy parsonage. It is still standing today in the afterglow of yesterday’s festivities.

The first church Jeff served as a student pastor while in college also had a huge celebration yesterday. Stephan Memorial celebrated 100 years of ministry. We were married in that church 31 years ago, and it was hard not to be there. Pastors and friends and members of the youth group that Jeff had worked with all gathered for a special worship service with our Bishop and their new superintendent. They praised and thanked God for the lives who were touched in the last 100 years through ministry and mission of this congregation. We were blessed to catch up with one two families from Stephan who became our mentors and dear friends at dinner last night. We heard delightful stories of their celebration and who they saw, and what a good time it was. We were trying to figure out just how long it had been since we had last seen Phyllis and Joe. They had traveled from Wasilla, Alaska, where they live, just to be there for the 100th anniversary homecoming. I’m not sure, but I think this may have been thirty years since we've seen Phyllis, and can I tell you, she has not changed a bit.

Do you know what it is like to pick up with someone right where you leave off? Yesterday reminded me of just how precious the family of God is. We can be separated through the years and in time, and yet, when we all get together again, it’s as if we were never apart. I truly believe this is a glimpse of how it will one day be in heaven, when we will all be together, face to face, in the physical presence of our Lord. It will be as if we have never been apart. The Stephan family impacted our lives and ministry when we were just beginning our journey. Part of who we are today is because of this church, and there are no words to express our thanks and gratitude for what they mean to us. Faith Church continues to nurture and sustain us in ministry today. We are growing together in community as we reach out to our neighborhood in the name of Jesus. How blessed we are to be part of this family called Faith.

How Jesus must have looked forward to going home to see His Father. Can you hear it in His voice as He describes His imminent homecoming? What a celebration we have to look forward to!

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 Father's Thumbprint

Today’s Reading: John 16:26-27 (NIV)

26 [Jesus said,] “In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. 27 No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God.”

Good morning!

Radical gifts of hospitality can happen just when you least expect it. Have you ever received a special present, and it’s not even your birthday? At a class I attended yesterday, every participant there received a goody bag filled with candy and a little plastic container of Play-Doh®! How I love playing with Play-Doh®! I could tell this was going to be a great day!

We were asked to take the Play-Doh® and create a personal symbol of faith. You should have seen the artwork displayed on the table at the end of the class. There were several intricate roses, a cross, and a beautiful pitcher sitting in a basin with a towel. The creation I left was not quite as detailed as so many of the others. My Play-Doh® design was a simple thumbprint heart with a tiny cross in the middle. I made a Shepherd’s staff and placed it next to the heart.

I know that God has placed His thumbprint on my heart. In a way that only He can do, Jesus came and saved me, while I was still sinning. He loved me this much, that He would bear my sins on the cross of shame. What kind of love is this that Christ would die for me? My heart is forever changed in the light of His mercy and grace. Jesus said that the Father loves us because we love Him and believe that Jesus came from the Father. Oh, Jesus loves me, this I know! There is no greater love ever.

Has Jesus Christ captured your heart today? This morning, we celebrate the amazing gift of God’s grace as evidenced in the lives of our Pastors. Thank you, Pastors, for serving the Lord! You lead the way toward Jesus through preaching and teaching and sharing the Gospel message with us each and every day! We can see His unique thumbprint engraved upon your hearts. It is the Father's "new birth" day present given to all who believe. This is a radical gift of hospitality.

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.

Figurative speech

Today’s Reading: John 16:25 (NIV)

25 [Jesus said,] “Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father.”

Good morning!

Speaking figuratively has become quite the art form in American culture. We learn to answer questions by asking yet another question; telling stories in such a way that are designed to convey tidbits of truth. We often speak from life experience; yet, we often speak without having first-hand experience to rely upon. We attempt to tell others about the people we have come to know best in life. How would you try to describe your Father to someone who had never met him? Would they come to know something about your Father’s life, his thoughts and his heart through the words you speak? What impressions would you leave about your Father’s character by the way you choose to live?

Jesus is trying to convey an important truth to His disciples. He is speaking about the precious bond of relationship between His Father, and the love He holds for His children. This is a unique relationship; unlike anything humanity has ever known or experienced. Before Christ came in the flesh, people relied upon the words of the prophets and the priests who offered sacrifices on their behalf. Now, Jesus says that His Father longs to have a personal, intimate relationship with every human heart. Through Jesus Christ, we can approach the Father directly! He is the bridge between God and man. The chasm that sin brought into the world is being miraculously closed through this one perfect sacrifice. Do you think the Disciples understood what Jesus was trying to say? Do we understand it clearly today?

Jesus said He no longer needs to speak in figurative terms about the Father. We would come to know and understand the kind of love the Father has for us through a personal relationship with Jesus. If you have not yet experienced the love of the Father through His Son, this is a great day to come and meet the Lord face to face! He is waiting with open arms to forgive, redeem and love you right where you are. There is nothing you can do to earn God’s favor or grace. Your sins have been carried to the cross by Christ, and it is only through Him that you can be saved. Claim your salvation gift today.

True relationship begins with a simple prayer, prayed in faith. Father, I believe that Jesus died for me. I’m crossing this bridge by faith. How I yearn to know you more. Forgive me for the mistakes I’ve made along life’s way. I come to you now, in the name of Jesus. Thank you for saving me. 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.

Complete joy!

Today’s Reading: John 16:24 (NIV)

24 [Jesus said,] “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.”

Good morning!

I’ve been reading in my Old Testament Class about the miraculous rescue of the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt. It is a story that never grows old. I couldn’t help but notice how every miracle begins with a sincere cry for help. It was the Israelite’s repeated prayers that prompted the Lord to enlist the services of His servant Moses by arranging a forty-year tour to the Promised Land. It was their deep longing for salvation that led the Lord to part the Red Sea waters, as His people crossed over from Egypt, fully protected, into the desert. When they became hungry and thirsty, the Lord provided manna and quail and water out of a rock as an answer to their need. This is a living witness to every day miracles in the making. God answers His people when we ask Him for help. What have you asked God for this week? Have you seen the answer to your prayers?

Tuesday nights are quickly becoming my favorite night of the week. I am watching a miracle unfold before my very eyes; so incredible, it is hard to describe on paper. At the Loft last night, I watched in wonder as students from all over the Lindenwood campus led Christian worship through music, poetry and testimony. It was a great night – we ran out of food and water and had to make an extra grocery store run. This is a very good thing! There is an incredible hunger for the Lord here, and we are witnessing the evidence of Christ’s love for all who came to share.

It was just a few short months ago that we joined hands and hearts with several churches in our neighborhood to pray together and offer ourselves as a living witness to share Jesus Christ with the student body on the Lindenwood college campus. As I sat on the sofa last night listening to the music inspired by the Lord God Almighty Himself, I realized that these students were here, sharing their faith with me. I was the recipient of an answered prayer; a witness to a real miracle in the making. The joy I experienced last night in my heart will stay with me for the rest of my life.

What happens when we choose to put our complete and total trust in the Lord? Jesus said that we should always ask for what we need in His name. When we ask in the name of Jesus, we will receive the Father’s answer and our joy will be made complete. He isn’t kidding!

Are you ready for His miracle? Ask, in Jesus’ name, and see what the Father will do through you.

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.

Final exam preparation

Today’s Reading: John 16:23 (NIV)

23 [Jesus said,] “In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name.”

Good morning!

At the end of the professor’s lecture, he paused and said, “Do you have any questions?” The room was filled with a strange and uncomfortable silence. I surveyed the classroom quickly; no one flinched, not one hand went up in the air. I could see there were some who were trying to think of something to say, but the words had simply evaporated into the time gap. “No questions?” he asked, as the Professor’s eyebrows furrowed in surprise. “Well then, good luck on next week’s test,” and with that, he dismissed class.

Students grabbed their backpacks and left the classroom quickly. I thought to myself how incredibly surreal this moment was with such an abrupt ending. The professor was standing right there, reviewing material for the upcoming final exam. When he asked if we had questions, the opportunity to obtain critical information in preparation for the exam was simply missed, because no one bothered to ask.

Why do we choose to pass up a golden opportunity to ask, especially when we need the answer to help us pass the final exam?

Jesus knew that one day, we would stop asking questions. We continue to write on pages of our present, which will become tomorrow’s world history. Are we asking the right questions? Will our concerns about world economy, the suffering of starving nations, and the wars that rage around us, be answered in such a way that we can learn not to repeat this cycle once again? Have we stopped asking questions all together because we simply do not know what to say?

There is only one answer to all of life’s questions. We need to ask in the name of Jesus. For it is only in Jesus’ name that the Father will hear and answer our prayers. Are you struggling to find the right words as you spend time in holy conversation with the Father? Cry out to Jesus! His name is the only answer you need to pass your final exam.

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.

When faith somehow slips away

Today’s Reading: John 16:22 (NIV)

22 [Jesus said,] “So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy.”

Good morning!

I love watching babies play with balloons. It’s such a sweet thing, to see a wee one so entertained and delighted with a brightly colored balloon attached to their stroller or wrist. Our children loved birthday balloons. It was risky business, trying to get a sugar coated child with their birthday balloon home from the party intact. Quite often, the balloon would burst if it touched hot metal or a jagged edge inside the car. While trying to buckle our children safely in their car seats, the balloon in their hands would suddenly slip away and we would watch it fly for miles in the sky above our heads. Have you ever tried to comfort a little one who has just let go of their prized possession? It’s the thing that we want to hold onto; yet, somehow it seems to slip through our fingertips and fly away. Has anyone ever tried to burst your balloon?

When I first accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior as a young teenager, I felt like a little child playing with a colorful balloon! I was so delighted with God’s amazing gift of grace, covering my imperfections; my sin. For the very first time, I knew I was loved beyond any human love imaginable. Yet, there were some who were definitely not impressed with my new found faith in Jesus. In fact, someone very close to me asked me this question one day, as I verbally expressed unhappiness and discontent over a situation I was facing at home. This was their question posed to me: “How can you say that, if you are truly saved?” Her words were as sharp as the metal frame in our old, un-air-conditioned 1966 four-door Chevrolet and this faith balloon that I had just received as an unconditional gift of love suddenly burst into thin air. Isn’t it amazing how we allow the judgments of others to affect what we know to be true inside our heart of hearts?

There is a lot of grief in the world today. Two trillion dollars of hard-earned retirement funds evaporated last week on Wall Street. World markets are crumbling; businesses are going belly up, and the banking industry is as unstable as I have witnessed it. Folks are asking questions and wondering where God is in the midst of this financial crisis. Faith balloons are flying out the window, seemingly unreachable to the human heart. Don’t you let anyone steal your joy! Jesus Christ died to set you free, and when you are free, you are free indeed! Do not worry, even if you happen to let faith slip between your fingers! I know His love will find you, because even when we let go, God hangs on.

Now is the time of grief, but we will see our Savior again, and He will make our joy complete!

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.

Affirmation

Today’s Reading: John 16:21 (NIV)

21 [Jesus said,] “A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world.”

Good morning!

How much suffering would you be willing to go through if you knew the end result would be new life? There is nothing more painful or exciting than the birth of a baby. Medical technology has greatly improved the labor and delivery experience for women as they physically labor to give birth. Even with epidural spinal blocks, Lamaze training, extra oxygen and free-flowing IVs, the birthing process is not a pain-free experience. New life always comes at a cost. Mothers do not forget the nine months of extreme fatigue before the act of childbirth, or the waves of nausea and dizziness that forced them to spend a great deal of time in their first trimester hugging the porcelain throne. They remember every stretch mark and itchy belly rash, and the way it felt when their baby moved in the womb for the first time. The pain quickly fades away as a mother sees her baby’s face and holds that little life in her arms and feels its first breath against her skin. Would you be willing to endure the pain if you knew the end result is a newborn life?

I saw it last night for the very first time as I walked past the Loft. A wet drizzle and thick blanket of moisture was suspended all around campus. It had rained all day and the sidewalk had become quite slippery. Leaves lined the path, and I averted my eyes toward the sidewalk, watching my step to keep from slipping on the pavement. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a light coming from the side of Butler Hall, and I glanced up quickly to see its source. What I saw made me stop on the sidewalk and do a double-take. The vision took my breath away for a moment, but this is one image that will stay with me forever. The light had cast a shadow along the wall of the building, and I could see the shape of the Shepherd’s staff, belonging to the One I love, leaning against the wall of Butler Hall. Upon closer inspection, I realized it was a water pipe firmly affixed to the side of the building. Yet, in that hazy glow, surrounded by the spotlight shining brightly in the night, there was no doubt in my mind that the new life being birthed in this building each week belongs to the Shepherd.

Affirmation often comes in quiet moments, just when we least expect it. I see new life happening at the Loft. Hearts are softened in the power of the Holy Spirit, and warmed as people experience the Gospel message each week. As students and instructors pass through Butler Hall everyday, I am convinced that a birthing process is happening there from within its walls. The coffeehouse ministry is not just a labor of love; it is the delivery room for a brand new life.

Next week, the Vine will host its first “open mike” night at JC’s Java, the Lindenwood Tuesday night coffeehouse. Come experience a fresh breath of new life that comes by knowing the Shepherd. Jesus suffered, died and rose again, to give us a brand new life in Him. There is no doubt the Shepherd is here - I saw His staff leaning against the wall.

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 face on the fridge

Today’s Reading: John 16:19-20 (NIV)

19 Jesus saw that they wanted to ask Him about this, so He said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see Me no more, and then after a little while you will see me?’ 20 I tell you the truth; you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy.”

Good morning!

We have lots of family photos displayed in the parsonage. Precious moments, captured from days gone by: these are the ones we know and love, some who have gone on before us to be with the Lord. Every morning as I sit down and write, I am surrounded by the people I love captured in photographs on my computer table. My friend Meredith is here, along with Pastor Slagg and my mother, aunt, cousin, husband and children. The children we feed in Nicaragua are smiling back at me, and our eight year old Melvin, a young man from El Salvador whom we’ve sponsored now for almost four years. These are the faces of the people dearest to me. When I look in their eyes, I can see Jesus clearly.

Yesterday afternoon, we had a princess party at the parsonage. Our granddaughters Emily and Madison came over to play with Granny Deb and Pa. We dressed up in pretty jewelry and shared snacks and tea together. In the kitchen, four year old Emily stopped by the refrigerator to admire the picture magnets and art work decorating the door. Next to the faces of our five beautiful grandchildren, is a drawing of Jesus, our Super Hero, a photograph of my husband Jeff sitting in his favorite reading chair, and a picture of my parents, taken when they came to visit our family in Texas twenty-eight years ago. Emily was identifying all of the faces on the fridge, when she suddenly stopped, looked up and exclaimed, “Nanny, look! There’s Gigi and Great Grandpa!” Without hesitation, she said: “Great Grandpa is with Jesus, right Nanny?” I smiled at her and said, “Yes, Emily, he is.” She replied, “Nanny, I just miss him so much.”

Little Emily never knew my dad. He had passed away eight years before she was born.

Jesus understood that when He died, His disciples’ grief would be overwhelming. He also knew that their joy would be made complete when He rose again. For what they could not see clearly now, they would one day know and understand in full. We miss the One whom we’ve not seen with physical, earthly eyes. He is with the Father in glory, and we know that He lives and reigns and works within our hearts. One day soon, we will see Him again, face to face. Like Emily, I miss my Jesus so much. His earthly, human life ended long before I was born, and yet, He lives in my heart. More than a photograph in a frame, Jesus is alive! And I have His Word that one day soon, I will be with Him and the Father in heaven, forevermore.

There’s a face on your fridge this morning, smiling back at you. Look closely; can you see the One you love?

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.

I don't get it!

Today’s Reading: John 16:17-18 (NIV)

17 Some of His disciples said to one another, “What does He mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” 18 They kept asking, “What does He mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what He is saying.”

Good morning!

Jesus could have been speaking Greek that day, for all the disciples knew. In fact, some of the disciples may have understood and spoken Greek well, and maybe they would have understood Jesus better had He spoken these words in Greek. They just didn’t get it, and sometimes, I feel like that. I’ve been known to pray these exact words: Dear Lord, I just don’t get it! What is Your point?

Maybe I just don’t want to understand it. Sometimes I think I may know more than I want to admit. Or maybe I don’t want to face the knowledge that is buried deep inside my heart. Jesus wasn’t telling a Parable, a story to make a point; He was speaking plainly, as one friend would speak to another. Jesus said, “In a little while, you are not going to see me, but soon, you will see me again.” His words are not hard to understand, unless you really don’t want to. The disciples did not want not to see Jesus leave at all. They wanted Jesus to stay with them every minute of every day. Somehow, they knew as long as Jesus was there, everything would be okay. They loved watching Him walk and talk and break bread in the evenings, seeing miracles unfold in the people He touched along the way. Oh, not having Jesus there, even for a little while, was a thought they did not wish to entertain. So, it was much easier to say, “I just don’t get it,” than “I won’t accept it. Lord, you have to stay here. You cannot leave us alone.”

Jesus had a very important reason for going away. This was His entire purpose for His coming. You see, Jesus has been with humanity all along from beginning to the end; He is with the Father and the Spirit – the Three in One, a holy mystery, offering an amazing love unlike any other ever known. Jesus was there with Moses walking across the wilderness; He was on the ground with Isaiah, for long three years, as he prophesied God’s Word to all who would hear it. Jesus was the One Jacob wrestled with all night long; He was with the angels who visited Abram and Sarai outside their tent. Jesus made the perfect entrance into an imperfect world one night in a cold cave just outside of Bethlehem, beneath a cloud of angelic host and a bright North Star. The Shepherds saw Him there; did you? Jesus is with us today, even when we’re not certain we see Him clearly. But if you look closely, you will see that He is sitting with the starving child; He is resting under the bridge with the homeless; He tries to come into our churches on Sunday, but we have this nasty habit of locking the doors behind us, only letting in the folks we are most comfortable being around. It forces our Lord to wait outside the walls, as He peers through the window waiting for us to respond. Jesus looks at me every Sunday as I sit in the sanctuary and gaze at the stained glass window above the altar. Can you see Him there? He came to reveal the Father to a broken and lost world. We had lost touch with our Master Creator. Jesus came to redeem us from sin, to purchase back what was stolen from Him, and to give us new and everlasting life in His presence forever.

Jesus had to go away for a little while, but He came back, just like He said He would. Do you get it? What will it take for you to understand what Jesus meant? Oh Lord, help me see what You want me to see; Help me understand the Word you are speaking into my heart today. 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.

In a little while

Today’s Reading: John 16:16 (NIV)

16 [Jesus said,] “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”

Good morning!

“Where did Grandpa go?” I asked my mother over the telephone. In our hallway, on a small ledge just above the heater vent, sat a black, rotary dial telephone. The cord attaching the phone to the wall stretched all the way from the hallway into the living room. I sat on the sofa next to my Father, and he held the ear and mouth piece up to my face, while I talked to my mother several hundred miles away. We shared a party line with our neighbors, and occasionally, I could hear snippets of others’ conversations. I did not completely understand the words my mother was saying to me. I thought it was because of all the interference over the party line. She said that Grandpa had died and gone to heaven to be with Jesus, but she was certain that one day soon, we would see him again. My eight year old mind didn’t get it then, and I’m not sure I completely understand it even now, forty-one years later.

I remember that cold winter day when we took Mommy and Pammy to the train station. It was just after Christmas. My grandfather had been rushed to the hospital in Brookhaven, Mississippi, just a few miles away from his family farm. He had been diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor which caused him to suffer a massive stroke. Grandpa slipped into a coma and lingered there for weeks, before he passed away. My mother wanted to be there with her family during this sad time. I was in the middle of the winter term of my second grade year when Grandpa got sick, and my little sister was not yet in school. So she traveled with my Mother to Mississippi, and stayed at the farm with Grandma, while Mommy stayed with Grandpa at the hospital round the clock and took care of him. I remained behind in Missouri, alone with my Dad. It was a long winter at home without my mother and sister there. They were gone for two whole months, and there were moments when I wondered if they would ever come back home again. “Mommy, when are you coming back?” I asked her on the telephone, with a sad and heavy heart. “In a little while, honey,” she said, just before the operator cut into the conversation on our party line.

Jesus did his best to prepare the Disciples for the devastating loss they would experience when He died. He wanted them to know that death was not the end, but the beginning of a brand new life. Jesus assured them that even though He was going away for just a little while, they would see Him again one day soon. I imagine they were just as puzzled as I was, as I listened to the sounds of my mother crying on the other end of the rotary dial telephone.

Physical death is a hard thing to understand, but Jesus promised that His death was not the end. If you’ve accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior, then you have His assurance that our earthly separation is only for a little while. We have His Word that when we die, we will share everlasting life with our Savior forever! For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him would not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16 KJV)

Are you missing Jesus today? Pick up the phone and call Him! Through God’s gift of prayer, we have 24/7 access to the Father’s ear. He understands our questions; and He truly knows our pain. Hold on to His promises today. We may not see Jesus for a little while, but He will return one day soon to take us home to be with Him forever. Death is not the end, it is a brand new beginning!

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.

Staying power

Today’s Reading: John 16:14-15 (NIV)

14 [Jesus said,] “He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you.”

Good morning!

I sat in class last night, holding that long-awaited syllabus in my hand. I was tired, having spent long hours reading and writing in preparation for this first class discussion. And I’ll confess I was little bit nervous. I wondered if I had the staying power to remain fully focused and committed to the work outlined on the printed pages before me.

I’ve been looking forward to this particular cluster with great anticipation. I recognize that this is the course curriculum that will frame the next steps of my education. It is thirteen weeks of intensive reading and writing. I’ve asked the Father for an extra measure of His wisdom and understanding; to discern and recognize Truth through the power of His Word. I know that if I glean even half of what I learn in this class room, I will graduate from Lindenwood University a much wiser person than I was when I enrolled three years ago as a full-time student. We will be studying the Old and New Testaments in their entirety, and read and discuss the published works of many great philosophers in history. The professor who teaches these classes in the day program recognizes the enormous amount of time and commitment it will take for evening students, who work full-time day jobs and have families and church work and other commitments, to complete this course curriculum in one short quarter. I think he wondered whether the students might take one look at his syllabus, stand up, and run out of the room in a sheer panic, yet everyone stayed!

I am convinced that this passage of Scripture that I’ve shared with you today was written especially for me. At Faith Church, we’ve been learning what extravagant generosity means, not just in theory, but in practice. There is a lot of disconcerting stuff happening right now. People are nervous about their financial futures, the world economy, and, of course, the upcoming US Presidential elections. Folks are struggling to find money to pay for necessities, like food, utilities, gasoline and mortgage payments. Especially in times of need, I realize all that I am and everything I have is a treasured gift from the Father. The resources I hold do not belong to me; they never have, nor will they ever be. If there is anything good in my life at all, it is because of the Lord. If I have anything to offer back by way of service to others, it is because God gave it first. His mercies are new each day, and I am completely and totally captivated by His never-ending love. Jesus said that all that belongs to the Father is His, and He willingly gives it to each of us through the power of the Holy Spirit. What an amazing gift, to experience His presence in such a powerful way each day! Jesus Christ has given you and me an awesome opportunity to exercise staying power, especially when times are tough. He allows us to press in and draw from His power and strength through His Holy Word; and it is His Word that will stand the test of time.

Come and experience true staying power in Jesus Christ today. He will give you just what you need when you need it the most. It is His free and unconditional gift to all who will choose to make Him Lord of their life. Feeling a little overwhelmed today? Christ will give you His staying power through the power of the Holy Spirit. All you have to do is ask.

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.

Looking for truth?

Today’s Reading: John 16:13 (NIV)

13 [Jesus said,] “But when He, the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all Truth. He will not speak on His own; He will speak only what He hears, and He will tell you what is yet to come.”

Good morning!

I had a dream last night. My father sent me to the train station to pick up a long, lost friend of his. Daddy had not seen her in years, and he wanted me to pick her out of the large crowd. She was to arrive on track number 8 at 11:57pm. I did not know what she looked like, how she would be dressed, or even her exact age. Daddy said I would recognize her when I saw her. It wasn’t much to go on; yet I went, out of pure obedience, trusting in his word.

I drove to the station alone, wondering how I might recognize a stranger I did not know. I scribbled her name on a large piece of cardboard with a black permanent ink marker I found in the bottom of my purse. When I walked into the station, I held the makeshift sign high above my head. I watched as the passengers disembarked from the three trains that had arrived simultaneously. I saw the crowd, and truthfully, their faces all looked alike. These were road weary travelers; the hour was late and folks just wanted to get to their final destination and rest. Mommies were carrying sleepy little ones in their arms who had fallen asleep on the train. Men were pulling brief cases behind them, with cell phones and blackberries glued to what could have been their free hand if they had been willing to let go of the control. People continued to pass me by; many glanced up and read my sign, but no one stopped. I stood there, gazing into each passing face, and wondering who thr mystery person would be.

I noticed the furrowed brows and puzzled looks of passengers as they passed by. “This is no joke,” I thought to myself. My Father said she would be here and I intend to find her, even if it takes all night. As the people began to disappear out the station door and into the dimly lit parking garage, I found myself standing there, all alone, with my cardboard sign raised high. It had felt like an exercise in futility. I was terribly disappointed, heart-broken and sad. A compassionate clerk from behind the ticket counter saw the look on my face and said, “Miss, who is it you are looking for?” “I don’t know,” I sighed. “She was a long lost friend of my Dad’s. Her name is Truth. Do you know her?”

How do we know the truth? Does your life board say, "I'm looking for truth! Do you know her?" I used to think that the truth was easily attained. As a parent, I could, at one time, look into the eyes of my young children and know instinctively whether or not they were telling me the truth. This is not as easy as it used to be. There seems to be a lot of gray matter sprinkled in between the large black letters imprinted on my pages of our lives. Are you struggling to know the truth today?

There was no doubt in the mind of Christ that each of us would need heavenly help to find and know the Truth. Jesus was there, in the flesh, standing right in front of them, and even His own disciples could not recognize the Truth for what it is. We needed some heavenly help from above, and that is why Jesus promised us His gift of the Holy Spirit. He would guide and direct us in all Truth, so that we could see, not just with our limited physical vision, but with Holy Spirit eyes. The Spirit will help us discern good from evil; right from wrong; the truth from a lie. With His help, we would know the Truth, and His Truth would one day set us free.

Don’t leave the station today without knowing the Truth. Jesus offers the free gift of His sweet Holy Spirit, so that you will not have to face this day alone. Are you seeking the Truth? You need not look any further than the Lord Jesus Christ. He is here, right in front of you, right now. Ask Him for the gift of His Holy Spirit 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.

Promise Keeper

Today’s Reading: John 16:12 (NIV)

12 [Jesus said,] “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear.”

Good morning!

It has been said that God will never give you more than you can bear. Do you believe this? If you lost a loved one this week, that statement may not feel very real to you right now. If you lost your home in the Hurricanes Katrina and Ike, maybe you would beg to differ. Maybe you’ve lost your job, and now you are wondering whether you will have a home to live in, especially with the news of a Federal bailout of the banking industry. Is this too much for you to bear?

Most people are born with an insatiable curiosity. We want to know what’s coming, when it’s coming, and how it will impact our lives. When we’re young, we dream about what we will be when we grow up! We long to finish school, take our first job, and find true love. We think about getting married, settling down, and having children. As we get older, we begin to try to picture what life will be like when we retire; we worry about where we will live, and if our children will care enough to be there to help us. We wonder if we’ve saved enough money to live on for forty plus years; we pray that we’ll not have to suffer from cancer or another dreaded disease, but we will peacefully pass on in our sleep. We worry and wonder and fret about the things yet to be. If you could know for sure how your earthly life will unfold from beginning to end, would you really want to?

Jesus knew what was coming. He is the first and the last, the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end. He knew the exact moment in time when He would hang on the cross as the perfect sacrifice for an imperfect humanity. He knows the exact moment when He will return to claim His people once and for all. Jesus knew the future would be far too overwhelming for you and I to understand it completely, at this moment in time; and He said so.

Our daughter Rachel hung a plaque in her family room last summer, after she was diagnosed with cervical cancer. It says: God doesn’t give you more than you can handle; He helps you handle what you’ve been given. There is a lot about the future that we do not understand. We can choose to wonder and worry or we can choose to hope and pray, placing our faith and trust in the One who sees all, knows all, and loves us like no one else can. We can place our trust in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus promised that He will never leave us or forsake us, no matter where we are or what we face. He is our Promise Keeper.

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.