Personal reference

Today’s Reading: Acts 9:27-28 NIV

27 But Barnabas took [Saul] and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28 So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord.

Good morning!

A personal reference can make all the difference when it comes to finding a new job. When I was hired three years ago by my present employer, one of the attorneys I had worked with at a former law firm took the time to send an email reference to the legal team I was meeting with in advance of my scheduled interview. It was a positive personal reference, citing several instances where I had made a positive impact with their legal team. I have no doubt of the weight it carried when I received a job offer. A good personal reference can carry far greater weight than even a professionally prepared resume, especially when the endorser speaks from the heart.

It is really hard to live down a negative reputation. By God’s grace, people can and do change every day. Yet, human nature teaches us to bear grudges, not trusting that the person who may have previously misled or disappointed others had actually changed! The Apostles and new believers were understandably hesitant when it came to trusting Saul. His reputation for killing new Christian converts preceded his alleged instantaneous conversion. Was it possible that this man, who had hurt so many, was now saved by Jesus Christ?

Thank God for Barnabas. He recognized Saul’s transformation and knew, without a doubt, that he had accepted Jesus as His Lord. Barnabas was well aware of Saul’s tarnished reputation in the Christian community. More than anything else, Saul needed someone who was well-respected to vouch for him in the inner circle. Barnabas was not afraid to bridge the gap between Saul and his skeptics. Have you ever had someone, who knew of your past mistakes, stand up and speak in your favor simply because they believe you are no longer the same?

If you find yourself longing to serve the Lord, yet, do not know how to adequately convey your change of heart to the inner circle, you need a rock-solid endorsement. Let the power of the Holy Spirit speak for you. Time and again, doubters were convinced that someone who may not have been a trustworthy candidate has, in fact, been changed by faith.

Christ is calling you to be a Barnabas to someone who needs a word of encouragement and support today. Do you believe it is possible for a person to truly change? Are you willing to risk your life on it? Father, help us to discern and acknowledge the faith You have planted in the hearts of your servants today. Help us not judge each other on the past mistakes we’ve made, but on the life-changing power that transforms sinners into saints for kingdom work. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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“What about reputation?”

Today’s reading: Acts 9:23-26 (NIV) 23After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him, 24but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. 25But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.

26When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple.

Celebrities have a following and they also have a reputation. Does it matter which comes first? Perhaps Saul’s reputation prior to becoming a believer was daunting and his reputation after he began preaching was in question. The footnote in the Bible I use states that when Saul left Damascus preaching he went to Arabia (north) and was there for three years. I don’t think I ever picked up on that before. I look at Saul’s calling a little differently now knowing he spent three years with God before he began to fulfill his ministry.

Jews were still plotting to kill Saul even though he had developed a following, he had to be careful. Others risk their lives to help Saul stay out of reach of the Jewish people who wanted him dead. I can’t imagine living with a bounty on my head! I can’t even comprehend what that might be like. The fear he and his followers must have had caused issues for them all. God was in charge of this though, we know that, for Jesus spoke to Saul and Saul was changed. He had plans unknown for Saul, He had you and me in mind.

When he made his way to Jerusalem, he longed to be with the disciples who had lived and served with Jesus. His reputation impacted his acceptance and they were afraid to believe if his transformation was real or would he revert to his old ways.

You and I need to live our lives so that our reputations do not hinder the spread of the gospel. Reading and studying God’s word daily helps us to be able to share biblical examples with others. Truths such as creation, prophecy, chosen people, temple building, leadership of Kings, lineage of David, immaculate conception, birth, life, crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The page is turning now; Saul has come to Jerusalem and will use his leadership skills and knowledge with the divine guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Dear Saul, I am so glad that I don’t have to look for an opening in the wall so my friends can bring me in to share the gospel message. Thank you Saul for doing that for us.

Your friends in Christ,
All Christians


Dorothy Drago Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, Mo.
www.aldersgatechurch.com

"Jesus is the Christ"

Today’s reading Acts 19:20 – 22: “Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21All those who heard him were astonished and asked, "Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?" 22Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.”

For several years now, I have attended the Women of Faith Conferences, a weekend retreat of sort, with inspiring speakers and worship and praise music - a day and a half with other Christian women. A Walk to Emmaus weekend is a time away with other believers to re-vitalize your walk with Jesus and gain a better understanding of God’s grace. Saul too spent several days with the disciples, perhaps, learning about Jesus on a personal and spiritual level.

We all need energizing sometimes and there is nothing wrong with that. What is important is that we recognize when we need to draw nearer to the Lord and not ignore whatever signs there are that indicate we have this need.

I know I fall short of living the way that pleases the Lord. Perhaps time away with other disciples would help me free myself of judging others or complaining about people and circumstances that I find myself in. I tend to lean towards being an opinionated person and sometimes my expression isn’t that of living a Christ-like example.

What I desire, is that everyday someone might say, I see love in Dorothy, I see that she has compassion and a caring heart. I don’t want these things for me personally; I want them so that others see Jesus and not Dorothy.

Surrounding myself with other Christians’ feeds my soul, but if I only use that time for myself to grow, the ultimate purpose is wasted. We must be like Saul was at this juncture in his life; spend time with other disciples, grow spiritually and intellectually, go and share what Jesus has done for you and how your life has changed as a result. Share it in acts of compassion and kindness, being open and honest, humble yourself from pride and show love to others in genuine ways. Jesus will change the lives of others when they are introduced to Him. Don’t let them miss out because of your actions. Jesus is the Christ!

Dorothy Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, Mo.
www.aldersgatechurch.com

"Let your journey begin today"

Today’s reading Acts 9: 17 – 19: “ 17Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength.”

After my first mission trip to Mexico, I was hooked. I had learned that I too could serve with what skills that I had and the Holy Spirit would provide the place. I have to admit, I was terrified crossing the border, praying for green light rather than red light so we would not be pulled aside to be searched. On each of the four mission trips to Mexico that I was part of, our luggage was filled with lots of different items for the community; clothes, diapers; medicine, books and more, items that could have caused an issue at the border. Only on one trip did our entire bus have to unload and walk through the line, but only a few were searched with no issues. Praise God!

I imagine Ananias was fearful just as I was when the voice came to him for his mission to go and greet Saul. Saul’s reputation preceded him and fear was in the minds of both Jew and Gentile. We know from these verses that Ananias indeed heard God’s voice and followed Him. His tender greeting of “Brother Saul” shows the compassion and genuine man of God that Ananias was.

In my life time I have had some disagreements with others that turned pretty ugly; some of you may have also. What I learned from those situations is that it takes time to heal, it takes time to regain trust, it takes time to see again, to see the real person inside and it takes time for the spirit to work. I have also found that it is worth every ounce of energy I put into it to experience the God ordained result. Which is what Ananias is witnessing, the God ordained baptism of Saul and his filling of the Holy Spirit. What a privilege for Ananias and those around him.

Saul was a religious man, well taught and feared the Christian movement would ruin Judaism. God was now ready to use all of Saul for the gospel. It is indeed a privilege to serve Jesus, to respond unconditionally to God’s calling; we are changed forever. No matter how religious we think we are how much we know about scripture and truth, the way we serve Jesus Christ, must be His way. We must serve the Lord with gladness and for the Glory of God.

Your missionary journey today is to go and share the gospel with someone. Will you say yes?

Dorothy Drago Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, Mo.
www.aldersgatechurch.com

"To hear the voice of God"

Today’s reading: Acts 9:9-11 9For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.
10In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!" "Yes, Lord," he answered.

11The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight."

13"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name."

15But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."

Singer, songwriter Wayne Watson sings a song that contains these lyrics - “For such a time as this, I was placed upon the earth, to hear the voice of God, to do his will, whatever it is,…” I fell in love with this song about 1997 and for me it became my mission statement, to use a catch phrase from the business world. I played that song over and over, listening with an intent heart and soul. If you aren’t familiar with it, take a few moments and listen to it from this link Wayne Watson - For Such A Time As This or Google the title.

The spoken word of God came to Ananias – pure, divine, and clear. Even as Ananias questioned the Lord, Ananias still heard the voice of God declaring that this horrible man Saul is to be healed to become a follower of Jesus Christ and God’s chosen one to lead.

The very first mission trip that I went on to Mexico was not by my choice. I had said no many times, then 7 days before a departure to build a church, someone became ill and I was asked if I could go. I had no passport, no building skills, feared flying and worked fulltime, so I knew I could not go. For some reason, I asked at work if I could get off, and everyone was fine with it, I was assured a passport at that time was not necessary for we were within a certain radius of the border. Nothing stood in my way, so I said yes.

God intended for me to serve Him and made every obstacle able to be overcome. Jesus’ divine message toward the cold, heinous hearted man named Saul struck him blind for three days. You see, God can change whatever and whomever He chooses. He sent me, he sent Ananias and He chose Saul. “For such a time as this, I was placed upon the earth, to hear the voice of God to do His will!”

Each of us is here for God’s purpose and nothing else. Follow where He takes you because it is in His will, whatever it is.

Dorothy Brucks
Aldersgate Church
Nixa, Mo.
www.aldersgatechurch.com

"Anticipating More"

Today’s reading: Acts 9: 7 – 9 7 The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

We know in yesterday’s scripture reading that Saul had an encounter with Jesus because they spoke to one another. In these verses the men only heard they did not see what was seen by Saul, but it is safe to say they saw (witnessed) what happened to Saul as they led him on into Damascus. Verse 17 which we haven’t read yet, confirms that not only did Saul speak with Jesus, he saw Jesus as He appeared to him.

Phil and I have two dogs, both boxers that we adopted through a rescue organization. I love them both, they have a way of getting really close to you, love on you, shake that hind end of theirs, perk up their ears and you just know they depend on you for everything in their life. That is a great relationship and a great friendship to have.

Jesus has great relationships and friendships also. He gets just close enough to you, whispers He loves you, tells you He died for you, shakes with delight when you speak to Him, perks up His ears when you pray to him and you just know He depends on you to accept the love He has for you.

We have the opportunity to see Jesus in the scriptures. We also see Him in the love of others, in their actions and in their spirit. We must get up off the couch to see Jesus, if we aren’t getting up earlier on Sunday for worship, perhaps we should.

Relationships take work; each must give 100% to the relationship for it to flourish. We just can’t have a great relationship with only part time investment. Saul, a non-believer in Jesus as the messiah, was serving God as a Pharisee in the only may he knew how. His friends were now assisting him down the road towards a relationship that will forever direct the Christian faith.

Anticipating more!

Dorothy Drago Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, MO.
www.aldersgatechurch.com

“Suddenly – death – prayer”

Today’s reading: 3As he (Saul) neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"
5"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked.
"I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. 6"Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."

Tons and tons of rain just kept coming and coming across Missouri all day yesterday and all night last night. Heavy downpours drenched every speck of dirk and filled every sink hole and the James River has overflowed its banks into the driving range across the highway. Some reports say up to 9 inches and more fell in 30 hours. That is a ton of rain bringing havoc to everyone.

The rain turned into thunder storms around 10 PM and sky began to light up. I don’t believe that is the type of storm Saul was experiencing however. He was traveling, so most likely it was day time. The word suddenly takes on meaning here; it means this light from the sky (in Saul’s mind) came out of no where for now reason – bam – it was there. It shocked him so much he fell to the ground.

With the storm yesterday also came sudden death, three young teens were killed in an auto accident due to the slick pavement. I imagine as friends and family began to hear this sudden tragic news, they fell to the ground. I know I would have if it had been my children or friends. I was stunned not even knowing them.

One moment our lives are moving right along and the next moment, suddenly everything changes in an instance. Forever changed! There are probably a lot of questions of ‘why’ being lifted upward in the aftermath of this storm. Saul had every right to ask ‘who are you Lord” because he was stunned and thrown to the ground and heard a voice - something he never expected.

The families and friends of these teens need our prayers. I pray that they will look to the Lord for their strength and question him when they feel the need. Not only question why but question the Lord to help them, to ask Him to stand beside them, to carry them through this awful storm and tell them what to do. The Lord is our light from heaven, we know that, but not everyone does. Saul didn’t know yet when the light suddenly came out of nowhere. As a result of this tragedy in southwest Missouri, it is our responsibility to pray them through this time.

In offering my prayers I fall to the ground.


Dorothy Drago Brucks

Aldersgate UMC

Nixa, MO.

http://www.aldersgatechurch.com/

"Breath of God"

Today’s Reading: Acts 9: 1 – 2 1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem.


Have you ever been on a rampage to get something done on time? Or perhaps you have watched an episode of Bridezilla? Or you have received an ugly, hateful phone call from someone you don’t even know, yelling and threatening you.


People want control. People think their opinions are right and sometimes will barrel right through another person to get their point across wanting things their way. Have you sat at an athletic event when the fans don’t like the referee’s call on the final play? Choice words come firing out the mouths of parents, friends, community members, students with some of them breathing fire like dragons. (Remind you of Saul?)


Why is it that when we think we are ‘right’ some just keep pushing other people’s buttons? Control! Saul continued his murderous threats against the Jews who had become Christians, he sought the help of the high priest so he could arrest them and takes them as prisoners to be tried and killed. The determination and zeal of Saul in these two verses must be turned around, it simply isn’t right. We should be exclaiming the good news as profoundly as we do our complaints.


To put this scripture to work in our lives, let’s take a moment and think about the unchurched in our communities. We could ask a friend to mail an encouraging letter to someone; we could seek the support of the congregation to invite the unchurched to visit some Sunday morning. Instead of trying to be right all the time, we could pray Father; forgive me, for I have not introduced anyone to you this week.


As believers in Jesus Christ, we must tell about our relationship with God, remember our spiritual gift of kindness when talking to difficult people, draw on our relationship with Jesus to make right choices, think spiritually and converse encouragingly with those around us. We should breathe the breath of God in our everyday conversations as strongly as Saul did his threats.



Dorothy Drago Brucks

Aldersgate UMC

Nixa, MO.

www.aldersgatechurch.com

"Transforming Power"

Today’s Reading: Acts 8:36 - 40 36As they traveled along the road, they came to some water and the eunuch said, "Look, here is water. Why shouldn't I be baptized?" 38And he gave orders to stop the chariot. Then both Philip and the eunuch went down into the water and Philip baptized him. 39When they came up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord suddenly took Philip away, and the eunuch did not see him again, but went on his way rejoicing. 40Philip, however, appeared at Azotus and traveled about, preaching the gospel in all the towns until he reached Caesarea.


The Holy Spirit is God’s greatest gift to us as believers in Jesus Christ as our savior. When we receive the spirit we receive the giver also. The eunuch wanted more than to believe, he wanted a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Notice he did not ask Philip to baptize him, he asked him why shouldn’t he be baptized? Totally different question.


So Philip did not hesitate, he went to the water and baptized the eunuch and the spirit was present as they came up out of the water. Philip did not deny him baptism because of who he was or where he was from, for baptism is for all believers. Baptism of the spirit connects us forever to the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ and we are given the gift of eternal life.


On a personal level, I know with certainty that I am a different person because of the holy spirit. He is constantly guiding me and helps me through the struggles of life and he brings joy into my life. My mother passed away two years ago at the age of 88. She had been healthy and had every memory imaginable until a virus attacked her intestines as a result of high doses of antibiotics. It was a senseless virus that took her earthly life.


She was a believer, loved the Lord and knew she would be seeing Jesus soon, she just needed to let go of me. That night, I crawled into the hospital bed with her, I told her I knew God would take care of me, so we prayed out loud together, asking the Holy Spirit to come and to take her to Jesus. I found out later, that earlier that day she had asked three people that visited her to be sure to take care of me.


You see, the power transforms us, takes us through our lives and teaches us to spread the good news of Jesus Christ. Although I didn’t see the Holy Spirit take my mother I sensed his presence and he assists me every day so that I can go on rejoicing in the Lord, just like he did for the Ethiopian eunuch in this scripture.



Dorothy Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, Mo

http://www.aldersgatecurch.com/

"Teachable hearts"

Today’s reading: Acts 8:30-35 (NIV) 30Then Philip ran up to the chariot and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. "Do you understand what you are reading?" Philip asked. 31"How can I," he said, "unless someone explains it to me?" So he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.

32The eunuch was reading this passage of Scripture: "He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and as a lamb before the shearer is silent, so he did not open his mouth. 33In his humiliation he was deprived of justice. Who can speak of his descendants? For his life was taken from the earth."

34The eunuch asked Philip, "Tell me, please, who is the prophet talking about, himself or someone else?" 35Then Philip began with that very passage of Scripture and told him the good news about Jesus.

To some degree there is a teacher in me. I seem to be drawn into starting groups or studies, get them on their feet and then God calls me in another direction and off I go. Example, I had felt the calling to start a new Sunday School class a few years ago, so I began to process of choosing a topic, getting a couple people interested, advertised and began the class. It took three different launches to get off the ground but we made it and the core of that group is still together today.


As the class grew, it filled with men and women, couples, widows, singles and they were all older than me. I found the age thing a bit strange as I felt most of them were much more capable of teaching than myself. I soon found out the people had hearts ready to hear the gospel. We used the bible as our studying, usually a particular book.


There was one particular retired woman in the class who knew the scriptures well and always contributed. One day she told the class that she had never been baptized and wanted to know what everyone thought. Out of that discussion it was decided they wanted to study the trinity. So I sat out to study and prepare and four weeks later we were taking on the trinity. The class was somewhat like the eunuch, having read the word but not yet understanding how some parts fit together.


God provided a spirit-filled Philip to help the eunuch to understand the coming of the messiah. When a person is ready and open to listen to scripture, God provides them a way, a friend or leader to help instruct them. God also provides the means in which to prepare, study and teach. As we take the opportunity to admit we don’t understand, we are taking another step in our spiritual journey with our savior. It is essential to learn of the savior and to acknowledge Jesus as the Messiah. How would we have known if we had not heard? How would we have heard if someone had not read? How would we have read if someone had not listened? Take a few minutes today to read and then another few minutes to listen and another few minutes to tell.

By the way, 2 years later, at age 77, she was baptized in the name of the Father, Son & Holy Spirit!



Dorothy Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, Mo.

www.aldersgatechurch.com

"Go - and stay near it."

Today's reading: Acts 8:26-29 (NIV) 26Now an angel of the Lord said to Philip, "Go south to the road—the desert road—that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza." 27So he started out, and on his way he met an Ethiopian eunuch, an important official in charge of all the treasury of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians. This man had gone to Jerusalem to worship, 28and on his way home was sitting in his chariot reading the book of Isaiah the prophet. 29The Spirit told Philip, "Go to that chariot and stay near it."

Earlier in Acts we read that the good news would be spread to the ends of the earth. Biblical commentary tells us that it was believed that Ethiopia was to the ends of the earth. I wonder if Philip knew how far he was to go, the scripture doesn’t say, it only tells us that Philip received a divine direction to head down the desert road. And so he did.

Philip was willing to do this for Jesus. He wanted to give his all to Jesus and carry the message of salvation to everyone; it didn’t matter to him where or when, only for whom mattered. Philip trusted the Lord to give him the Holy Spirit to understand the message of scripture and the message of salvation. Philip was living in God’s will, he was free from repression, quilt, sin in his life, he was living for Jesus.

Communion Sunday is a day for me to take a deep look at who I am and what I do before I ever step up to the altar to accept the gift of Holy Communion. I want Jesus to be the person in my life that I look to as the only example of what I should be. I want my ambition to be His ambition for me. I must be living in God’s will so that I can be free to accept the elements of Holy Communion.

Jesus, gave everything for me, all that I am and all that I have or desire to become must be based on living my life for the Lord. In hearing the divine calling to come to the table of communion is much like Philip’s calling. He sets out on his way and it isn’t long before he see’s a man in a carriage reading scripture and the spirit spoke to Philip saying ‘go to that chariot and stay near it.’

God calls each one of us to the table and desires us to accept the gift of his body and blood. He wants us to stay near him, and he made a way for us to do that. He also wants us to understand His love for us. Receiving communion is a spiritual act of acknowledging Jesus’ crucifixion, death and resurrection for the forgiveness of our sins. I am called to the table to lay myself down at his feet, share with him my frailty and seek forgiveness for my sins. I am like the Ethiopian Eunuch; I have come to worship and am moved to read the scripture. It is at this table of Holy Communion that we receive the spirit in yet another way. Go to the table and stay near it!

Dorothy Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, Mo.
www.aldersgatechurch.com

"In Peter and John's Footsteps"

Today's reading: Acts 8:18-27 (New International Version) 18When Simon saw that the Spirit was given at the laying on of the apostles' hands, he offered them money 19and said, "Give me also this ability so that everyone on whom I lay my hands may receive the Holy Spirit."

20Peter answered: "May your money perish with you, because you thought you could buy the gift of God with money! 21You have no part or share in this ministry, because your heart is not right before God. 22Repent of this wickedness and pray to the Lord. Perhaps he will forgive you for having such a thought in your heart. 23For I see that you are full of bitterness and captive to sin."

24Then Simon answered, "Pray to the Lord for me so that nothing you have said may happen to me."

25When they had testified and proclaimed the word of the Lord, Peter and John returned to Jerusalem, preaching the gospel in many Samaritan villages.

Simon must be a bitter man. Something or some situation in his life inflicted him with evil spirits of jealousy and cold heartedness. He is wanting it all and is willing to offer money for whatever it takes to be in power. Some people just don’t get it, and that is truly sad.

I love watching “Extreme Makeover Home Edition” and tonight’s episode was especially meaningful as the home was built for a local family here in southwest Missouri. The family on the receiving end of the gift was in need and I admire that builder and all of those people that put in their time, goods and equipment for free for this deserving family they had never met. They get it!

Peter told Simon that he needed to pray for forgiveness for money can not buy God’s work. He still hadn’t faced the fact that the Lord was graciously giving the Holy Spirit to those that became believers with sincere hearts. Each one of us is given the opportunity to share God’s love and how He has blessed us. Giving of our time and energy and resources does make a difference. The disciples were making a difference by continuing Jesus’ ministry through the power of the Holy Spirit.

You and I can begin to breakdown cycles, the cycles of poverty, hunger, inadequate housing, and families with no electricity or water. The United Nations has chosen this Monday, October 5th to be World Habitat Day - a day to stand up and let it be known that affordable, adequate housing should be a priority everywhere. By writing about this in today’s devotional is to raise awareness about this global problem. It is my first step in making sure that everyone in my realm of influence knows there is a way to assist and see that everyone everywhere has a safe and decent place to call home.

John and Peter kept preaching the gospel message because the Lord sent them; where ever the Lord sends you to assist others, go, take the step to share your heart and your time, God will bless your endeavors however large or small they may seem to be. Most of us will not be able to build a home for someone in 7 days for free and pay off mortgages and give full college scholarships, but we can give where the Lord wants us to. Blessings to you as you continue in Peter and John’s footsteps in sharing the gospel to many.


Dorothy Brucks
Aldersgate UMC, Nixa, Mo.

www.aldersgatechurch.com

If you desire more information about Habitat for Humanity check out their website: http://www.habitat.org/

Holy Spirit Power

Today’s Reading: Acts 8:14-17 NIV

14 When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them. 15 When they arrived, they prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit, 16 because the Holy Spirit had not yet come upon any of them; they had simply been baptized into the name of the Lord Jesus. 17 Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit.

Good morning!

Something miraculous happens when believers lay hands on you and pray. It is hard to adequately describe the wonder-working power of a Spirit-filled prayer.

The Sunday before I had neck surgery to repair crushed discs in my cervical spine, our Faith congregation gathered in the middle of the church aisle to lay hands on me and pray in community for my physical healing. Pastors Kim and Jeff held my hands and shoulders, as folks stood behind, placing their hands on the shoulders of the people standing next to them. The entire room was filled with praying believers, asking for the power and the presence of the Holy Spirit to illuminate my life; to heal my body and work through the gifts of the physicians, who would be the hands of Christ in the operating room the next day. I knew I was healed before I ever left the sanctuary on Sunday morning. I had the confirmation of the Holy Spirit working within me, telling me so.

Why is it important to seek out the Holy Spirit in your life? We cannot help but be drawn to the stories of the Apostles in the Book of Acts, as it was their sure defense against an unbelieving world. It is only through the Holy Spirit power, alive and working within them, that made an everlasting difference for all people.

The Holy Spirit provides courage in the midst of danger and adversity. The Spirit helps us discern Truth and speak it with power and authority; this can only come from faith in Jesus Christ. When we fail to make right choices, it is the Holy Spirit’s prompting within that helps us turn around and repent. But the most important piece of the Spirit’s life song is how He draws us into deeper relationship with Christ every minute of every day. When I pray in the morning, I realize I have no ability with which to reach out and connect to my kinsman redeemer. He reaches into me through the wonder working power of His Spirit, and I am immediately drawn to Him; when I ask to come into His presence, it is His call that I respond to. Believing in Jesus Christ is a choice all of us must make; yet choosing comes only by and through the Holy Spirit power. If you want to walk with Jesus every day, you must not hesitate to ask for the gift of the Spirit power to convict, cleanse, and comfort you. We learn just how important it is to trust in His direction, as we journey toward life everlasting.

The Holy Spirit was moving and shaking in the pre-op area of the hospital Monday morning. Just before I was taken from the holding area into the operating room, Jeff, Cindy and I took the hands of the physicians and anesthesiologists, and we prayed over the healing miracle that would unfold during surgery. It was comforting for me to feel Christ in that room and I witnessed that same presence fall down and touch the hearts of my doctors. They wiped tears from their eyes while pushing my gurney down the hallway. I just couldn’t help but sing! The medication had already started to make me sleepy; yet, I was determined to praise the Lord with every breath I had. So I sang an entire verse and chorus of Great is Thy Faithfulness. I remember the anesthesiologist saying to me, “You are a singer – you have a beautiful voice.” I looked at him and whispered, “I love to praise the Lord with my life.” Even in this moment, I was given yet another opportunity to share Christ with praise and thanksgiving, and it was only because of the Holy Spirit power working within my body and soul.

The gift that Jesus gave to His Apostles is available to you and me today. You can have His Holy Spirit power right now. The Samaritans are proof positive that this gift is for all who believe. Do not hesitate to invite the Holy Spirit to come into your life today. It is Christ’s gift, given to you.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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"Performance or Genuine Faith"

Today's reading: Acts 8:9-13 (NIV) 9Now for some time a man named Simon had practiced sorcery in the city and amazed all the people of Samaria. He boasted that he was someone great, 10and all the people, both high and low, gave him their attention and exclaimed, "This man is the divine power known as the Great Power." 11They followed him because he had amazed them for a long time with his magic. 12But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13Simon himself believed and was baptized. And he followed Philip everywhere, astonished by the great signs and miracles he saw.

Scene I: Hey you – look over here at what I am doing! I am Simon and I can do amazing things because I have the power. Watch me, I will perform magic, I can tell you about your future, I know when it will rain and where a good place to plant your crops are. Come back everyday, I will have a new message for you and I want you to see what I can do for you.

Scene II: Sir, I believe you are new in town, may I help you? Do you and your friends need a place to stay or food? No, we are fine; we have enough for the Lord God has been providing for us. We have joined together and share our food and belongings and help each other and all our needs are met. We believe in Jesus Christ, the son of God, who was crucified in Jerusalem, have you heard about him? You haven’t, well let me tell you about Jesus.

When the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, people listen! There is something miraculous about God’s word and it has nothing to do with being magical. There are no tricks when God’s word is spoken or read or heard. They are God’s word, nothing less than divine!

Have you known someone like Simon with the attitude of it’s all about me? Trying to have a conversation with them is difficult and often doesn’t last long. I find myself trying to stay away from those conversations, probably not the right thing to do.

How about knowing someone like Philip? Perhaps a friend or acquaintance whose mere presence, behavior, character, kindness and compassion all exude a deep spiritual life. Those are the kind of people I love to be around, they encourage me to be better, they are the type of person I want to strive to be, I want to grow spiritually because of what I witness in them.

This is possibly the type of person Philip was, for people listened to him and they believed. The scripture does not tell us what type of speaker he is or if he is a leader, it tells us of the power behind him and the truth of the message he shared. It tells us that the Holy Spirit is at work in Philip, in the hearts and mind of the Samaritans and even in Simon. They believed and were baptized. Do you know someone that needs to hear about Jesus so they too will be baptized?

If you do, be Philip and share Christ with others.

Dorothy Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, Mo.
www.aldersgatechurch.com

"Samaria comes Alive"

Today's reading: Acts 8:4-8 (NIV) 4Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. 5Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Christ there. 6When the crowds heard Philip and saw the miraculous signs he did, they all paid close attention to what he said. 7With shrieks, evil spirits came out of many, and many paralytics and cripples were healed. 8So there was great joy in that city.

I am so glad that the preachers did not give up when the people were scattered into Judea and Samaria. I can not imagine what might have happened to the gospel message and Christian faith as we know it today.

My faith is largely affected by my own past experiences. I recall the years in high school when I first became interested in God. I starting taking bible study at a local Episcopal church and eventually joined that church my senior year. That was my very first faith step taken by my own choice.

Later in my adulthood is when my heart opened wide to the Lord and I began my spiritual journey with Christ. When God’s word is preached and taught, amazing things happen. Verse 6 is evidence of this for sure. But why Samaria, not the place one would think these new Christians would have traveled to, since Jews and Samaritans hadn’t mixed well. That is preciously where God wanted them to travel in order to share the message of the resurrection with those that had not yet believed.

Each time I take a step to share about the love Jesus has provided for me, I know that God is providing my courage (miraculous sign vs 6). If the conversation continues and someone asks me more, or I sense they are seeking (paying close attention vs. 6), I dig a little more and share a deeper personally and ask questions of them. At times like these I am very close to God, He draws me into Him.

When joy is present in one’s life greater things are yet to come (from a familiar contemporary song). As the spirit of God fills the hearts of the congregation ministry is done by more and more. Crowds begin to come to hear about this joy. Our pastors preach the gospel and reveal how others too can receive the joy.

The kingdom of Samaria came alive with belief as Philip shared in his ministry. The church is alive today because of the ministry of many over the generations, because God wants every last individual to have the opportunity to hear the Good News! Won’t you share it?

Dorothy Brucks
Aldersgate Church, Nixa, MO.
www.aldersgatechurch.com

"Better reasons to go house to house."

Today’s reading: Acts 8:1-3 (NIV)

1And Saul was there, giving approval to his death. On that day a great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. 2Godly men buried Stephen and mourned deeply for him. 3But Saul began to destroy the church. Going from house to house, he dragged off men and women and put them in prison.

Stephen’s death was peace-filled and is an example to us of how we can face our own mortality, desiring to make ourselves ready to see Jesus at the right hand of God. However, for those around him war was breaking out and the Jewish people were executing their prisoner. Over the past 3 – 4 decades there have been many prisoners of war in these modern times. We have heard their stories of capture, torture, death, trial and for some, return. Not much has changed.

What has changed as a result of Stephen’s ministry and his willingness to claim Jesus as the savior is the fulfillment of the Christ’s message in Acts 1:8 ‘you will receive the power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’ Stephen declared Jesus as Lord and revealed him as worthy of worship and praise. Luke the writer, shares this message because he desperately wants people to see Jesus to believe in His divine nature.

I found it interesting how Luke introduces Saul by name, saying Saul was there and approved of the stoning. The writer makes mention of him by name to draw attention to him as a man of influence. God has another plan in mind about Saul and he wanted everyone to remember his name and what he had done, thus it was spoken and written.

As I open my heart to allow the presence of the Holy Spirit in, He gives me strength and He gives me peace. When you recognize what a strong man of God Stephen was, we take that with us, we must remember why he endured to the end. When we need to endure the challenges we face, remember the face of Stephen and draw upon his example.

Many left the area; many stayed to be sent to prison and killed. I want to follow in Stephen’s steps and share the gospel message, not scattered or kept from sharing the gospel. As believers we must be in prayer and we must start at home. Our pastor Dennis prays weekly with 5 other pastors of other denominations here in Nixa and they pray for each other in ministry, their congregations, the community and how together we can reach the un-churched, to serve them and introduce them to Christ. They do this because it is the right thing to do. Christians are scattered over our land and have the common thread of the Holy Spirit. Introducing someone to have an opportunity to meet Christ is what God commanded us to do. We must care for the orphans and widows and go and make disciples.

Every opportunity you have, look up into the sky, whether it is cloudy, sunny or filled with dull gray storm clouds, know that Jesus is sitting at the right hand of God and is directing your life every moment of every day. Go house to house as Saul did, only go in the name of the Lord God Almighty.


Dorothy Brucks
Aldersgate UMC, Nixa, MO.

www.aldersgatechurch.com

"Enjoy the Light"


Today's reading: 2 Samuel 22:29-30 (NIV)


29 You are my lamp, O LORD; the LORD turns my darkness into light. 30 With your help I can advance against a troop with my God I can scale a wall.


As I opened a book on my desk this evening, I came across this scripture and decided that before we start the next chapter in Acts, I would share a bit about darkness and light.


It seems as though there are experts everywhere in front of us, newspapers say so, advertising tell us that, television shows try to heal us, etc. Bookstores have a giant array for self-help books on any topic. Who are the people writing or speaking these messages that millions of people receive? What is truth and what isn’t; what is reality and what isn’t; what message is really being received? Reality is, people can believe lots of things from lots of people and still find themselves failing.


I visited with Deb tonight on the phone and if you have ever had a conversation with her in person or on-line or over the phone, you just know deep within that she would never want to say anything or write anything that would lead you astray. She only wants to bring God’s light into the world, and I mean literally the world. The Lord has been her lamp throughout her life and most recently in this place she and Jeff have found themselves.


Deb sends her love to each of you and says a warm thank you for your prayers these last few weeks. Feeling has come back to several of her fingers now and one last finger, as she puts it ‘is thawing out.” She knows that God has scaled this wall with her just as He did for David in his written song of praise. God has been her helper.


Please continue your prayers for Deb and her family for yet other health issues of their children have come to the forefront this week. Their daughter Rachel had a difficult surgery today to repair her body after her cancer surgery of two years ago. Their son David had an MRI today to help doctors get his seizures back under control.


Each day as we face the next wall that is before us, we must remember there is only one expert for us to turn our lives over to and that is God and into His word. His word will never fail us or lead us astray for He turns our darkest times into light.


Enjoy the light!



Dorothy Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, MO

www.aldersgatechurch.com

"It is Not the Final Call"


Today's reading: Acts 7:54-60 (NIV) 54When they heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. 55But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. 56"Look," he said, "I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God."


57At this they covered their ears and, yelling at the top of their voices, they all rushed at him, 58dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. Meanwhile, the witnesses laid their clothes at the feet of a young man named Saul.


59While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." 60Then he fell on his knees and cried out, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them." When he had said this, he fell asleep.


The curtain rises for the climatic ending of Stephen’s ministry and the scene begins with the Sanhedrin men gnashing their teeth. The crowd went wild in response to Stephen’s testimony, fierce gnashing of teeth in anger and rage. Stage right we see Stephen, looking up, ever so confident in what he is seeing in front of his eyes; he goes on to announce to everyone “Look, I see the heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” What a power declaration in front of the entire audience that had gathered. Every last individual present heard his words and the men of Israel would not tolerate this claim.


What if, for 20 minutes, every ear in our houses of worship listened to every word of the sermon? What if, the good news was received by open hearts? Would the reaction of the people be as dynamic as with the scene at the end of Stephen’s life? Would the ones that hear rush with urgency to share the message? Or do many ‘cover our ears’ so to speak by nodding off during worship, or not opening our bibles to read the scripture, or write notes to the person next to us about where we are going to lunch after church?


The sand and dirt covered Stephen’s feet most likely, his clothes were torn as they drug him outside the walls of Jerusalem, cuts and wounds were gaping open as each stone hit his body. A familiar story is unfolding in front of the people’s eyes once again.


There is a difference this time; Stephen spoke of seeing the Glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. Stephen declares the divinity of Jesus and affirms his resurrection! The Sunday sermon should be so powerfully filled with this message! Our lives must live in response to this message!


In center stage Stephen turns, looks at the men stoning him and spoke to Jesus. As you watch him fall to his knees, he speaks again to the Lord asking ‘do not hold this sin against them’ and falls asleep. A peace-filled ending to Stephen’s earthly life, but the curtain hasn’t closed on the message; the characters are you and I. The story lives on and we have Stephen to thank, God to answer to and Jesus to praise!



Dorothy Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, MO

"Keep trying!"

Today's reading: Acts 7:51-53 (NIV)

51"You stiff-necked people, with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You are just like your fathers: You always resist the Holy Spirit! 52Was there ever a prophet your fathers did not persecute? They even killed those who predicted the coming of the Righteous One. And now you have betrayed and murdered him— 53you who have received the law that was put into effect through angels but have not obeyed it."

Stephen is exhausted and exasperated by now, his speech to the members of the Sanhedrin seemed to take forever and no one was really paying attention to him. He knows he must sum it up quickly. His words take on a different tone and right away two sentences end with exclamation marks.

There are times that I too exhaust myself emotionally when I am trying to explain myself with the right words but nothing happens. My voice gets louder, my speech quickens and I begin to repeat over and over the main point.

Stephen is trying to convince minds and save souls as he made this final attempt. He accused them of accepting God’s law but adamantly declared they did not follow it. Some of us can relate this to disciplining our children to have them remind us of our past indiscretions. Anger can take over and reactions are often harsh.

The foretelling of the coming of the Messiah runs throughout Old Testament scripture, and for the Jewish people to reject Jesus as the Messiah is to have uncircumcised hearts and ears. They adhered so strictly to the law of Moses that they just could not let their hearts be open to this revealed truth.

Why is it that we humans close our hearts and ears? We do it to each other; we do it to friends and family who are the very people we are closest to. Perhaps the Sanhedrin thought it a sign of weakness to believe the message that had come from their own scripture.

There will always be people so far from the Lord that we yearn for them to open their hearts. The Lord’s message of salvation is not over; we are His disciples just as Stephen was. We must embrace the power of the Holy Spirit and speak with all courage, power, wisdom and truth and the spirit will do the work of penetrating souls.

I don’t want to let my ego get the best of me. I want the Lord to have the best of me and that means I must continually seek opportunities to share the good news of the risen savior.

Dorothy Brucks
Aldersgate Church
Nixa, MO.
http://www.aldersgatechurch.com/

"Out of the temple & into the lives of man"

Today's reading: Acts 7:44-50 (NIV) 44"Our forefathers had the tabernacle of the Testimony with them in the desert. It had been made as God directed Moses, according to the pattern he had seen. 45Having received the tabernacle, our fathers under Joshua brought it with them when they took the land from the nations God drove out before them. It remained in the land until the time of David, 46who enjoyed God's favor and asked that he might provide a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. 47But it was Solomon who built the house for him.

48"However, the Most High does not live in houses made by men. As the prophet says: 49" 'Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool. What kind of house will you build for me? says the Lord. Or where will my resting place be? 50Has not my hand made all these things?
Worship is important to God. We see in the last half of verse 44 that God directed Moses how to make the tabernacle.

The tabernacle was important to the Israelites as the stone tablets given to Moses by God remained there and in their company; it had not been destroyed or forgotten over the years. Yet Stephen knows that there is more to worshipping God than protecting the stone tablets in a safe container in a temple. Stephen points out that God does not live in houses made by man, he resides in the heavens and his footprints touch the earth.

God’s footprints are part of creation and remain with us now as we live in the Kingdom of God. God is timeless and unlimited in His love. He desires to be known by us. God has no boundaries either. You and I can not keep him in a box or in our church buildings, nor should we attempt to keep him to ourselves.

Being a witness of the mighty acts of God is what our lives must become. As a witness, we are obligated to God to give testimony of our faith. That is what Stephen is doing here, sharing his testimony through the words of the Old Testament to his people, for it is what they would recognize. Stephen longed for his new faith in Christ to become the faith his people. He was offering them a gift and some rejected that gift and some accepted. God has designed worship to be what He needs it to be in order to bring people to experience his saving grace.

Man must not change what God desires, as we make feeble attempts to do that, we fail. The best is yet to come in this kingdom and we must be part of the people of God, standing with God, telling of God so that He will dwell in the hearts of many more people each and every day.

"Come, now is the time to worship

Come, now is the time to give your heart

Come, just as you are to worship

Come, just as you are before your God
One day every tongue will confess You are God

One day every knee will bow

Still the greatest treasure remains for those,Who gladly choose you now,

Come."

Dorothy Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, MO.

Come, now is the time to worship lyrics by Brian Doerksen

"Obedience - result of a lesson learned"


Today's reading: Acts 7:37-40 (NIV)


37"This is that Moses who told the Israelites, 'God will send you a prophet like me from your own people.' 38He was in the assembly in the desert, with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai, and with our fathers; and he received living words to pass on to us.

39"But our fathers refused to obey him. Instead, they rejected him and in their hearts turned back to Egypt. 40They told Aaron, 'Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who led us out of Egypt—we don't know what has happened to him!'

Just a brief reminder, the scripture passages I have been writing about are those Stephen was speaking to the Sanhedrin. The footnote in my bible states Stephen used the word ‘ekklesia’ translated as ‘assembly’ to describe the congregation or people of God in the dessert. Stephen’s point was that the giving of the law through Moses to the Jews was the sign of the covenant and to continue to be God’s covenant people, they would have to be obedient.

Being obedient is not a simple task. Some toddlers in their growing years are searching the world they live in as if they were the only ones there and obedience makes no sense to them. As the Israelites waited for Moses to return from Mt. Sinai, they quickly became impatient and their lack of obedience to God was demonstrated in their rush to ‘carve’ their own God.

We have two dogs in our house, both rescued; one is here in her forever home, but Emmitt is a ‘foster’ that came to us from a pound. This is our first attempt of fostering a rescue and we agreed to try it thinking it would be fun! He definitely captured our hearts right away and he plays well with others but that is about it. We have taken him into our home and find ourselves with a boxer who behaves like a toddler. He is in his own world, trying to figure out our world and his past has definitely affected his progress. Obedience training is not going well.

The Israelites have also lived very hard lives in the past and Moses is offering them a way to follow God and be freed from bondage. As they approached their new territory and grew impatient, they strayed from obedience to God into refusal to wait for the Lord.

Obedience is the result of a lesson learned and from this comparison we learn that our lives and surroundings can change as abruptly as they did for the Israelites and for our dear Emmitt. God’s covenant offers us a way to be His people and we must push every struggle away; every evil force of wickedness must be casted out by God and not followed by man. If we begin to accept our own struggled lives and can’t seem to let go of the past issues, we are taking it on as a new possession, and begin to worship that possession.

There is nothing tangible in this world that we can take hold of that will offer us eternal life with our Lord and Savior. We must reach our hands out to the master, let His touch change us to be obedient to Him and life will be blessed!

Lord, let us not become an Israelite or an Emmitt and reject what is being offered to us freely; your love and grace through Jesus Christ our savior. You have blessed us, Amen.



Dorothy Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, MO.

"Where are you standing?"


Today's reading: Acts 7:30-36 (New International Version)


30"After forty years had passed, an angel appeared to Moses in the flames of a burning bush in the desert near Mount Sinai. 31When he saw this, he was amazed at the sight. As he went over to look more closely, he heard the Lord's voice: 32'I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.' Moses trembled with fear and did not dare to look.


33"Then the Lord said to him, 'Take off your sandals; the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34I have indeed seen the oppression of my people in Egypt. I have heard their groaning and have come down to set them free. Now come, I will send you back to Egypt.


35"This is the same Moses whom they had rejected with the words, 'Who made you ruler and judge?' He was sent to be their ruler and deliverer by God himself, through the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36He led them out of Egypt and did wonders and miraculous signs in Egypt, at the Red Sea and for forty years in the desert.


I am guessing at the time God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, Moses was about 55 – 60 years old, after all he was grown when fled Egypt and he had lived a lifetime in 40 years. We know from the book of Exodus that Moses married and had children during this forty years, but what I don’t know is if Moses had any regrets. I would hope not, I would hope that he recognized he was standing in God’s presence, living to fulfill God’s ultimate plan for his people.


I love the song “Standing on Holy Ground” especially sung by Barbra Streisand. I listened to it just a few nights ago which made this scripture especially meaningful. I want to imagine God’s voice speaking to Moses; I want to imagine the heat of the dessert sand on his feet. Something miraculous was happening at that moment - it was the presence of God speaking to Moses sending him forth to carry out His plan for Israel. The task Moses had ahead of him was to be the divine work of God.


When you and I respond to God we are in His divine plan, we are in His presence on holy ground. I can not say that I have heard the audible voice of God, but some people have. I recognize God’s voice speaking to me as the Holy Spirit’s nudge inside my heart and soul, and often time it is to become more involved in a specific ministry (His plan). His holy ground might also be a place where, or even when, something terrible has happened, which brings us to our knees and through which we humbly seek the presence of God, the redemptive power of God in the very midst of that terrible happening.


I don’t want to live my life out having regrets and I hope Moses didn’t. He had another forty years ahead of him in the wilderness, attempting to lead a group of people that often failed to believe in him and in God. We are told in the OT that Moses never entered the promise land. What I want to take from that is to always remember when I do what God calls me to do, what I do becomes a divine task. Where ever we recognize God's presence, that place becomes holy ground. Understanding this is to know I will have no regrets. Let us praise, praise God now, praise him anyhow, for we are standing in his sweet presence on holy ground.


Before I sign off, I want you to know Deb is at home recovering from her spinal surgery and says she is very tired but feeling much better. She sends her love and looks forward to getting back in communication with you.



Dorothy Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, Mo.

"Two questions - how do you respond?"

Today's reading: Acts 7:27-29 (New International Version)

27"But the man who was mistreating the other pushed Moses aside and said, 'Who made you ruler and judge over us? 28Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?' 29When Moses heard this, he fled to Midian, where he settled as a foreigner and had two sons.

These three verses describe true human nature. Instead of sounding like adults, they sound like children. “Who made you in charge?” is a question I often asked growing up, in an indignant tone of voice, of my brothers. No doubt they ask it of me, but of course I don’t remember that.

The man who questioned Moses is rejecting him totally by asking such a question in front of everyone. The scripture does not describe the crowd(s) but there must have been some unrest because of the murder the day before and because of the current mistreatment taking place. Upon being questioned very straightforwardly, Moses did what most humans would do, fled the scene. I can imagine it now, Moses saying to himself “I gotta get out of here, I really messed up and they are gonna kill me if they get a hold of me.”

I work in a fast-paced environment, some days it seems as if we can’t slow down to breathe with phones ringing, people walking into the office and questions coming from both sides. So it is definitely important for me to stay focused on my tasks, but also focus on the greater good. I must admit, I don’t always. My intentional prayers asking the spirit to be present with me all day and for me to recognize He is there easily get lost. Often, it is 4:30 p.m. and I have fallen short.

Even though Moses fled the scene, he could not flee from God and neither can you or I. God is there with us even when we don’t take the time to recognize his presence. Can you feel His mighty power and His grace? Of course we can, when we open our hearts and mind and souls to allow Him to penetrate us!

If someone were to ask you the second question Moses was asked - do you want to do to me what you did to him/her yesterday? (Paraphrase mine) – how would you feel? I think I would feel empty and embarrassed. The question itself would remind me of my previous failings and I would suddenly want to crawl under the desk and hide.

What do we do if we know we are headed down the wrong path? It is important to recognize it, own up to it and face the facts. Then we must reach out to God for help. Pray, ask a trusted friend to keep encouraging you, read God’s word daily to plant the seed of righteousness within your heart, recall how others have witnessed to you and build upon their experiences to grow yours. Determine what is right and what is wrong and make absolutely certain what you do and say helps to further the kingdom and give all glory to God.


Dorothy Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, MO.

"To assume or Not to assume?"
Acts 7:20-26 (New International Version)

20"At that time Moses was born, and he was no ordinary child. [A]For three months he was cared for in his father's house. 21When he was placed outside, Pharaoh's daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. 22Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action.


23"When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his fellow Israelites. 24He saw one of them being mistreated by an Egyptian, so he went to his defense and avenged him by killing the Egyptian. 25Moses thought that his own people would realize that God was using him to rescue them, but they did not. 26The next day Moses came upon two Israelites who were fighting. He tried to reconcile them by saying, 'Men, you are brothers; why do you want to hurt each other?'"

I am not certain that we can truly understand this story if only read from the New Testament. At first read, there just seems to be something missing for me, perhaps it is the missing part about Moses floating in the basket amongst the reeds or the phrase he was powerful in speech. Since he decided to visit his fellow Israelites it seems he must know them quite well.


Moses was making an assumption of what his people would think, but he was wrong. Do we assume too much in our lives today? Making assumptions about other people is not a trait that I would want to pass on to my own children, but I know that I have. I am a strong willed individual and often share my opinions about situations and people when I probably should not. I need more education in the wisdom of God.


Arguments or disagreements with family, friends or co-workers are not good times unless we use them as a learning opportunity. The holiday season seems to be a time that families struggle with each other because of all the varying opinions we have about celebrating.


Oh come to my house, no – this year you have to travel or let’s have a small celebration without gifts this year. One of the best is – let’s go out to eat on Thanksgiving instead of preparing the entire meal. Don’t bring that last one up in our family, it won’t fly. We had to cook turkey and stuffing at home three days after my husbands double knee surgery, kids wouldn't have it any other way.


I believe I can safely say (or am I assuming) that most of us have had regrets about past assumptions. We should strive to learn from them by asking the important questions as Moses did – why do you want to hurt each other? They probably didn’t set out intending to hurt one another and neither do we, but it is a fact that despite all our good intentions, sometimes we do.


Our God of wonders is holy and just and He will teach us His ways. I have that faith and believe it - not merely assuming it of God. Go pick up the closest Bible to you and read any verse, in any chapter, in any book, in whatever version you choose and you will see that He WILL give you understanding and wisdom. When He knows you are ready, you be powerful in speech and action.


Dorothy Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, MO.

"The Song of Deborah"


Today’s reading: Daniel 4:1-2


King Nebuchadnezzar, 1”To the peoples, nations and men of every language, who live in all the world: may you prosper greatly! 2 It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.”


I am straying from the book of Acts today (I don't think Deb will mind) for I have miraculous signs and wonders to share with you. I spoke with Deb’s husband Jeff this evening. When he answered the phone his voice seemed upbeat, now I have never spoken to him on the phone before, so I really had no idea what his voice would sound like. But I was intent in my listening for a sign.


And Jeff spoke “Deb is doing very well, the surgeon was pleased, he did some things he was not expecting to do, but also did not have to do other things he had planned. It was a successful surgery.” I can imagine it was the physician’s pleasure to tell Jeff and their family this good news.


The experience of a day in a surgery waiting room is different for everyone. Since I work in a hospital, I have had the opportunity to work the waiting room desk, updating the families about the progress of their loved ones. I have waited in the surgery waiting room in the dark of night for a friend’s friend that I didn’t even know – well worth the wait as our friend expressed his gratitude. Over the course of 35 years of marriage, I have sat in the waiting area 8 times for surgery on my husband’s knees and one long period of time during open heart surgery of 5 bypasses. I guess you could say I have a bit of experience.

No matter how often Jeff has been in a waiting room with his parishioners over the years of his ministry, nothing, absolutely nothing can prepare you for the span of time while waiting for that sign and wonder you so desperately desire to receive about your spouse.


Something that weighed heavy on Deb’s mind was waking up from the anesthesia; for 8 years ago she was in a coma like state for a couple of days and had many struggles. By this evening, she was sitting up in her bed, talking and relaxing – oh what a wonderful Most High God we have! Staff had even found a recliner for Jeff, so he also had been cared for.


Much like King Nebuchadnezzar’s eager desire to tell of his blessing, Deb shares her devotions for daily living with the world, as people in 7 countries subscribe to her blog posting. Tonight as you say a gentle, peaceful prayer for Deb’s great fortune today, take note of the miraculous signs and wonders all around you.


Deb would want you to take pleasure in them!



Dorothy Brucks
Aldersgate UMC
Nixa, Mo.

"Wisdom from God"

Today's reading: Acts 7:9-19 (NIV)

9"Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him 10and rescued him from all his troubles. He gave Joseph wisdom and enabled him to gain the goodwill of Pharaoh King of Egypt; so he made him ruler over Egypt and all his palace.

11"Then a famine struck all Egypt and Canaan, bringing great suffering, and our fathers could not find food. 12When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent our fathers on their first visit. 13On their second visit, Joseph told his brothers who he was, and Pharaoh learned about Joseph's family. 14After this, Joseph sent for his father Jacob and his whole family, seventy-five in all. 15Then Jacob went down to Egypt, where he and our fathers died. 16Their bodies were brought back to Shechem and placed in the tomb that Abraham had bought from the sons of Hamor at Shechem for a certain sum of money.

17"As the time drew near for God to fulfill his promise to Abraham, the number of our people in Egypt greatly increased. 18Then another king, who knew nothing about Joseph, became ruler of Egypt. 19He dealt treacherously with our people and oppressed our forefathers by forcing them to throw out their newborn babies so that they would die.

Here we see that Stephen is continuing to remind the Sanhedrin the story of their ancestry, possibly to emphasize that the Lord God had been in control of His relationship with them from the beginning. He was taking a great risk doing this as they were teachers of the law and most certainly were aware of history and didn’t need Stephen to remind them.

I am a middle child, fitting between two boys; it was my older brother than I seemed to pick on when I was in first and second grade. We played outside a lot and for some reason, I had the ability to tie him to a tree and he couldn’t get loose. I’d go off with the rest of the neighborhood kids and the fun would continue. Inevitably my brother would get free and go tattle on me. Siblings sometimes do hang each other out to dry. Some things never seem to change.

What I see as important in this refresher course to the Sanhedrin is first, God gave Joseph wisdom and the goodwill of the king; secondly, Joseph eventually forgave his brothers for abandoning him and sent them for his father Jacob to bring the entire family out of the famine. This was a very rough society to live in, jealousy, even though not mentioned in the scriptures, had to be prevalent or why would the brothers have done such a thing, or why would the Pharaoh force the people to get rid of their newborn babies.

I have experienced jealousy in my own life in the past and I can say it is an emotion that can take everything good about a person and throw it to the wind. How we react to our jealous feelings certainly makes or breaks a relationship. God will give us wisdom if we only ask and He will also give us the ability to forgive our family members that become strangers to us. Take a little time this day and make a note of those family members you need to forgive or ask forgiveness from. Then begin the journey to release yourself from bondage and follow God’s direction knowing He will fulfill his promises to you.

Dorothy Brucks
Aldersgatechurch, Nixa, MO.