Fear Not!

Luke 2:10 (KJV)
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

Good morning!

Have you ever been scared? Do you ever worry about your life or about someone whom you love? Have you ever felt frozen in fear?

When I was a child, I used to dream in technicolor. I used to have this repetitive, roller-coaster nightmare which involved riding in a really fast car with my father. We were traveling eighty miles per hour on a windy, hilly Ozark road, up and down, brakes squealing around every little curve. Suddenly, we would go up a hill and find ourselves flying through the air toward the river. The bridge was out, and there was nothing we could do to stop in time. The car would careen over the edge of the bridge and head nose first into the cold water. That recurring dream has a profound effect on the way I drive my automobile today, and how I feel about bridges in general. If it had not been for my parents’ insistence, I might have chosen not to apply for a driver’s license. Having a healthy fear is a good way to protect oneself from potential harm. Allowing fears to immobilize you can steal the many joys of living life to its fullest measure.

Fear is defined as a basic emotional sensation and response system initiated by an aversion to some perceived risk or threat. People experiences fear in many forms and under certain situations, such as a fear of darkness, or a fear of failure. Feelings of fear can be overwhelming. Fears can protect, immobilize, and create a panic inside that is simply impossible to ignore.

What does it mean to fear the Lord? When we regard our God with reverence and awe, we stand in fear of His holy Word. A healthy fear may keep us from the sins that separate us from God. We stand amazed in the presence of the One who created us for life. He knows all, sees all, and loves us with a love we cannot begin to understand. He guides and directs us, as we seek to know Him even more. We yearn to walk closer to the Lord, with trembling and fearful hearts. He is holy and perfect and awesome. We are not. It is only through His grace that we can stand in His presence today.

When the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, she was filled with fear. God saw something very special in Mary’s heart, and knew she would willingly agree to the task He needed her to complete. And what a job it was – to carry, give birth and raise the Savior of the world! Mary was to be the earthly mother of God incarnate. Her love of God was enough to calm her fears and give her courage to do what the Lord asked of her. When God calls your name, are you able to lay aside your fear and serve Him wholeheartedly?

Every day He calls us to share the Good News with others. Do not be afraid to answer His call. Fear not!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the ability to set aside your fears and serve the Lord with all your heart. He calls you today to be His light to a dark world. Will you answer the call?

________________
© Copyright 2006, 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.

God With Us

Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)
14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.

Matthew 1:22-23 (NIV)
22 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23 The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means, “God with us.”

Good morning!

Good news travels fast! I love getting letters and telephone calls from family and friends telling me about the arrival of the newest little ones in their life. “We have a new baby girl and she is a beauty! He’s a strapping young lad, and such a big boy! We are so very blessed.” There is nothing like the experience of standing outside the birthing room, cell phone in hand, waiting with great anticipation to share the good news of the birth of our grandbabies with family and friends.

Seven hundred years before the birth of Jesus Christ, the prophet Isaiah wrote about the coming of Immanuel – God with us. The Lord would be with us, not just in spirit, but in the flesh; walking and talking in human form. God could be seen and touched – fully divine yet fully human. This is one of the greatest mysteries of all time.

When King Uzziah died, Isaiah was given a vision of the Lord. He saw the awesome power and absolute holiness of God, and cried out in utter despair. Isaiah knew he was not worthy to be in the Lord’s holy presence, much less to speak of His greatness. One of the seraphs, guarding the throne of the Almighty, took a live coal from the altar and touched Isaiah’s lips, removing his guilt and atoning for Isaiah’s sin and human frailties. Then God asked Isaiah whom He should send to speak His Word. Isaiah offered up his life to be the Lord’s messenger.

The prophet Isaiah was willing to speak and write God’s Word as he received it, knowing his people would not listen or understand. God assured Isaiah that someday, some of the people would pay attention. Can you imagine the kind of joy Isaiah must have felt knowing that “God with us” would become a reality for all people? The greatest gift of all, the gift of life, was coming!

As we prepare to receive the greatest gift of all time into our hearts this Christmas, remember the words of the prophet Isaiah, and be joyful! Immanuel, God with us, is coming! He is coming in the flesh, for you and for me. He is our Good News, our gift of life, now and forevermore. Are you ready to receive Him?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: joy to fill your heart, as you prepare to receive the greatest gift ever given – the gift of Immanuel – God with us. He is with you and He is with me, today, tomorrow and forever

__________________________
© Copyright 2006, 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.

Out on a limb

Matthew 1:18-21 (NIV)
18 This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.
19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
20 But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
21 She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.

Good morning!

Are you a risk taker? To a certain degree, all of us take risks from time to time. We risk our lives every time we get behind the wheel of a car. We make choices each day that will have consequences affecting our future. For instance, what made you choose whether to go to college or go to work full time? If you went to college, where did you go and why? We make calculated risks about where to live, whether to rent or buy a home, whether to marry, and have a family. We risk our hearts in relationships, knowing when we choose to love another person, we may actually get hurt in the process. There are calculated risks to almost every life decision we make.

Joseph was a man of strong conviction. He was a descendant of family of King David, and grew up in a home where demonstrating integrity and being obedient to the Father was a vital part of daily living. The scripture tells us that Joseph was a righteous man. When he learned that his betrothed was with child, Joseph took a risk to save two lives. Hurt and disillusioned, Joseph cared more for Mary’s plight than he did for the ridicule and judgment he might face from those around him. He chose to divorce her quietly rather than expose Mary and her child to public disgrace and probable punishment by death. Joseph took a huge risk when he made this decision. He went out on a limb to save their lives. Under these circumstances, would you have done the same?

It is no coincidence that God hand-picked Joseph to be the earthly father of His only Son, Jesus Christ. God sent an angel of the Lord to Joseph in a dream, encouraging him to take Mary as his wife. Joseph took a risk, and assumed the responsibilities to become a husband to Mary and earthly father to our Lord. Joseph raised Jesus as his own, training him in carpentry, and raising him in the faith.

When God gave His only Son up to be the sacrificial lamb for all humanity, He took a huge risk that we would choose to turn around and follow Him home. Jesus literally went out on a limb to save us from eternal sin and separation. Our God is the greatest risk taker of all. Now it is our turn to decide whether we will risk it all to serve Him, love Him, and share His light and life with the world. Are you a risk taker? Are you willing to go out on a limb for the one who came to save you?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding
www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: courage and determination to go out on a limb today for Jesus. If you are willing to assume the risk, God will help you share your faith with people who desperately need to hear the Good News. Are you willing to take a risk for Jesus?

___________________________
© Copyright 2006, 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.

Foot Washing!

John 13:3-5; 17 (NIV)
3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God;
4 so He got up from the meal, took off His outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist.
5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.
17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Good morning!

If you are looking for a good movie to see during the holidays, be sure to check out the Nativity Story. It opened in theatres across the country on December 1st. One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Mary washes Joseph’s feet. They are on their way to Bethlehem from Nazareth, and it is a very long trip. They stop to rest by the river’s edge, and Joseph, exhausted from the journey, falls sound asleep. Mary removes Joseph’s sandals and discovers his feet are covered in dirt, blisters and cuts. She takes a wet cloth and begins to clean his feet. She is thankful that Joseph is committed to taking such good care of her and the child she carries inside. Washing his feet was a genuine expression of Mary’s love and gratitude.

Our feet really take a beating everyday. We walk, run, and jump. They carry us every place we need to go. Our feet come in different lengths and widths. They are as unique to each individual as our personalities are. My family likes to make fun of my feet. I have a small foot and short little toes that they claim “never touch the ground.” Begging for a foot rub at home was a no win situation. Nobody wanted to touch my feet. Thank goodness for professional pedicures.

Jesus did an amazing thing for His disciples that night during the Passover feast. He loved His disciples and knew that He would be leaving them soon. Setting the supreme example of servanthood, Jesus removed His outer garments, wrapped a towel around his waist, and knelt down before each of His disciples. He gently and lovingly washed their tired, sore and dirty feet with His hands.

Can you imagine what it is like to let the Lord of Life wash your feet? In an act of selfless love, the Master gently removes the dirt crusted around your toes and ankles. He gently cleanses the scrapes, blisters and calluses that have built up through daily wear and tear. He helps restore circulation through rubbing and massaging the muscles. Your dirty, tired feet begin to have a pink, healthy glow once again. You feel like a new person! And when you let the Master wash your feet, you become a new person, inside and out.

Jesus calls us to serve one another – we are to wash the feet of our brothers and sisters. I saw a lot of foot washing going on at church yesterday. Women had baked cookies for a Christmas cookie exchange to help raise funds for a mission trip to Pharr, Texas in the spring. Men were outside on ladders hanging Christmas decorations and stringing lights. Pastors were in their offices finishing lesson plans and sermon notes for Sunday worship. People were there, serving Christ and each other. It was foot washing at its very best. Jesus said that no servant is greater than his master and if we understand that, then we will be blessed if we choose to serve one another.

We only get to keep what we give away. Are you willing to serve the Lord by washing your neighbor’s feet? How will you show Christ’s love to a world who desperately needs to know Him? Come to church today and worship with me. We can be the body of Christ together, by washing each other’s feet and extending His love to the world.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: willingness to act on what you know to be true. Give your life back to the one who breathes life into you. Share the love of Christ today.

________________
© Copyright 2006, 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.

Unfamiliar Territory

Romans 15:13 (NIV)
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Good morning!

When I was in the fifth grade, I had the opportunity to accompany my vocal choir on the piano. I wanted to do a great job. So I practiced and practiced and memorized the music from the first to last note. I did not want to make a mistake or let my choir down. The day before the concert, we were standing on the stage, ready to rehearse, when my best friend stepped up and said, “I thought I was going to play this piece of music. I practiced it and I’m ready.” I was crushed. In an effort to keep peace, our teacher offered me another piece of music to play. She knew that I would go home that night and practice all night, if that was what it took to get the music learned. It was a very hard piece of music, and I didn’t want to say no or miss an opportunity to play. So I took the music home and I practiced really hard, and then I got down on my knees and prayed to the Lord for help.

The next day at the concert, my friend played the accompaniment that I had memorized. She played beautifully. There were no mistakes, and she was very proud. When I sat down to play the accompaniment for the next song, we made it to the middle of the first page and that was when I began making mistakes. I couldn’t keep up with the group. I got lost on the page, and they kept on singing. I blushed, as I felt the tears welling up in my eyes and running down my face.

I found where they were at on the last line of the song and finished the music with them. I could see the look in my teacher’s face – I knew I had let her down. Some of the boys on the back row began to giggle and point at me. I left the stage and went into an adjoining classroom where I sobbed, broken-hearted and embarrassed. “I failed. I let my choir down. I shouldn’t have tried. Why did this have to happen?”

My teacher came to me and gave me a big hug. She said, “Deborah, you were very brave today. I asked you to do something yesterday that was not fair or easy to do. You accepted the challenge to play a piece of music that you were not familiar with, and showed great courage in trying.” I’m very proud of the choir, and I am very proud of your effort.” She wiped my tears away, and promised that I would be the class pianist for the sixth grade musical in the fall. When I returned to the group, everyone stood up and applauded. She taught me a very valuable lesson in life that day, and it is one that I will never, ever forget.

There are moments when I don’t feel I’m offering the Lord my best effort. Have you ever been confronted with a problem or a need that you were not prepared to meet? Have you ever had to “shoot from the hip” and know that whatever you give, will have to be the best you can do at that time?

When we reach out to others for Jesus Christ, we may not always have a perfect pitch, but we do have the perfect Savior. He can take our tiniest effort and turn it into something beautiful, when we trust Him to lead us. Jesus gives us joy in the journey, and we can place our hope in Him. The Holy Spirit will gift and guide us, as we step out in faith, even when we may not feel qualified or capable of doing the job He has asked us to do.

When you find yourself in unfamiliar territory, put your trust in the one who saves and redeems you, and give it your best shot. He can take your humble offering, and multiply it for the work of His kingdom here on earth.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: grace to trust Him in every circumstance. He will give you what you need when you need it most. You can make a difference. Trust the Lord to take your offering and use it for His work in the world.

____________________
Copyright 2006, 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.

Snow Day!

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (NIV)
He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.

Good morning!

Today is a very special day. When I woke up this morning, I looked outside and saw the thick blanket of snow and ice covering our subdivision. Every time it snows, I am amazed by the intricacy of each flake. Tiny, frozen ice crystals colliding with moisture in the clouds form exquisite snowflakes. The shape of each flake is affected by the moisture in the clouds where the ice crystals form, the air temperature and the speed in which it falls through the atmosphere. Snowflakes are beautiful reminders of God’s craftsmanship. He is the master artist.

I love playing in the snow. When I was a little girl, my mother used to dress me in a snow beast jumpsuit. She was determined to keep me dry and warm while playing in the cold. Do you remember your first snow suit? I had difficulty walking, and my arms stood straight out – I couldn’t hardly bend them because of the thickness and stuffing stitched into the suit. I always wore ear muffs, a stocking cap, and the hood of my snow suit securely fastened under my chin. It’s a wonder I could swallow. The ensemble was not complete without a pair of sturdy snow boots. My boots were fire engine red, matching the snow suit trim and my cold nose. I had to have help standing up and staying in an upright position, especially in large snow drifts. Some of my favorite moments were spent outside making snowmen, complete with carrot noses, button eyes, and raisin lips.

In the book of Ecclesiates, King Solomon said that there is a time for everything; a season for every activity under heaven. Just like each unique and intricate snowflake, God’s creativity appears in every human being. He has a plan for you and for me. He knew the day you would be born, and he knows the day you will return to Him. He sets aside time for each of us to experience success and failure, happiness and heartbreak. God prepares us for times of laughter and moments of silence, a time for illness and a time for healing. God takes each moment of our life, and makes it beautiful, in His time. Through every struggle, every blessing, and at any age, we can see the handiwork of God’s creativity in our heart.

Like the snowflakes that fell overnight, we are shaped by the hand of the Master Designer. We join our brothers and sisters on earth, creating a beautiful and intricate tapestry. We are God’s creation, and our lives are a mere reflection of His face. As the sun rises and gives warmth to the frozen ground, snowflakes melt and form pools of living water, returning to the one who sent it. When the Son rises in our hearts, he melts away the hard and frozen places of our life and bathes us in His love. We become like pools of living water, sharing the love of our creator with the world.

Today is a very special day. It is my birthday, and I know God has a plan for my life. He knew the day I was born, and the day I will die. The Father has taken every part of my life – the good and the bad, and made it beautiful in His time. I am His intricate and unique creation, just like the snowflakes blanketing the ground today. I praise Him for my life and I will praise Him in death, and I will praise Him forevermore.

Have a great snow day, and remember just how special you are to God.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: God to reveal His plan for your life. You are His unique creation, and He has a purpose for you to fulfill.

________________
© Copyright 2006, 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.

Candlelight

Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)
14 You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Good morning!

Are you a candle burner? I enjoy lighting candles, especially at home in the evening after a long, hard day at work. The flickering flame of a fragrant candle can calm a restless heart, provide hours of enchanting entertainment and restore a sense of rest and well-being. Friday nights are big candle burning nights at the parsonage. A cup of hot tea, a good book, and a brightly burning candle can make an ordinary day simply extraordinary.

When we light a candle, the darkness suddenly disappears. It only takes a few candles to light an entire room. If you’ve ever lost electricity in a thunderstorm, well-placed candles can provide the light you need to see clearly. Every Christmas Eve at Faith Church, we light candles in the darkened sanctuary while singing the hymn Silent Night. The beauty of the candles held high in praise to our Savior, becomes the only light we need to help us see clearly.

Jesus was born into a dark and lonely world, and He became light and life to all who believe. Jesus said that we are the light of the world. We cannot hide our faith under a bushel basket. His light shines through us as we seek to serve Him by reaching out in love. Are you providing a light for someone you know? Is it your flame that keeps your neighbor from stumbling into the dark places of life? Will they see Jesus through the reflection of your light?

We can extend God’s light to others by simply loving them. Will you let Christ shine through you today? He can take the darkest places of our hearts and illuminate it with His amazing love. You can be His light for the world to see and follow. Are you ready to shine for Him?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: Jesus Christ to be the only light you will ever need. Light your life with His love, and share Christ with everyone you know today.


____________________
© Copyright 2006, 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.

Magnificent Moments

Psalm 139:16 (NIV)
All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Good morning!

This is a very busy time of year. We find ourselves coming and going, as we try to cram in the many activities that holiday time affords. We shop, wrap, bake, decorate, and go! Holiday schedules can be simply exhausting, and the season of Advent is just beginning. Are you feeling a little overwhelmed by it all?

When we bring our infant children home from the hospital, the first thing we try to do is get them on a feeding schedule. A set routine every three-to-four hours is a blessing for the mom who needs a power nap between diaper changes, burping, and nursing. Babies begin to develop a daily pattern. Parents are relieved when their babies begin sleeping through the night. Do you recall how challenging it is to get an infant on a routine feeding and sleeping schedule?

Our days are better balanced when we adhere to daily disciplines and a well-worn routine. We tend to function better with a calendar, and a list of “to-do” items that can be checked off each day. Our Day Timer lists, Blackberry calendars, and Outlook task screens help keep us on track. Yet, we find our hectic and fast-paced schedules can create such a blur that we may miss out on some of the magnificent moments in life.

In Psalm 139, David acknowledges God’s intimate plan for every human life. He is present with us all the time, and His timing is perfect in all things. No matter how busy we are, God is there. He is with us in our coming and going. He planned for our moments long before we even existed. God waits patiently for you and I to come into His presence each day, allowing His love to renew and direct us. We can meet God face-to-face as we make time to listen, study and pray. He reveals Himself to us in the magnificent moments of life.

If your schedule keeps you from enjoying this day, take a break and talk to God. Ask Him to reveal what He has planned for you. He will help you slow down, step back, renew your spirit, and give you a clear sense of direction to meet today's challenges. He has planned some magnificent moments just for you. Will you let God take the lead?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: God’s direction to be clear as you seek to live out the magnificent moments He has planned just for you.

© Copyright 2006, 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.

Are you ready?

Luke 21:28 (NIV)
28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.

Good morning!

Prepare yourself – we are entering the busiest season of the year! Decorations are beginning to spring up around town. Christmas lights shine brightly against the dark, midnight sky. People are cleaning, shopping, baking, singing, and running like crazy to cram in as much “stuff” as they possibly can before the big day. Who are they preparing for? It appears that company is coming, and everyone is getting ready!

Christmastime meant “craft time” in my childhood home. My mother would buy several yards of red and green felt, white rick-rack, sparkly sequins and beads, and begin making Christmas tablecloths and tree skirts for our home. We would spend hours cutting out Christmas trees, silver bells, and holly leaves from felt. Using a bottle of Elmer’s Glue and a needle and thread, we would decorate the felt shapes with sequins, buttons, and ribbon, and affix them onto the table runners. One year, my mother made matching red skirts for all of us, and we decorated them with our sequins and beaded decorations. I loved making these keepsakes as a child, and appreciate them even more today as I prepare our home for the holidays.

My grandmother was an expert at tatting and crocheting. I regret that she did not teach me how to tat. Grandma could sit for hours with a tatting hook and thread in hand, laughing and talking and not even concentrating on the beautiful pattern she was weaving. Her hands moved so fast that I could not figure out the sequence of stitches. She made some of the most beautiful doilies and Christmas booties I have ever seen. I have a set of tiny Christmas booties that hang on my tree every year. They look as if they were brand new, even though they are at least forty-five years old. Decorating is a family tradition, passed along from one generation to the next. It is a joyful legacy I hope to leave with my children and grandchildren.

Christians around the world are preparing for something big. Advent is a holy season in the life of the church, set aside as a time to make preparation. How are you preparing for the big day? Jesus told His disciples that there would be signs of His return in the sun, moon, stars, and in the tossing of the sea. Nations would wage war against each other, causing humans to become fearful in the days ahead. Jesus told His disciples that when these things happen, they should stand up, look up, and watch with anticipation for His imminent return.

As we decorate our homes and rush through the next twenty-eight days, remember to set aside time each day to prepare your heart for the best gift you will ever receive – the gift of Christ’s return. Open your scripture today, and let the Lord speak to your heart. Will you be ready to receive Him this Christmas?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: time to properly prepare your heart for the coming of Christ. Remember to look up, for your redemption is drawing near!
____________________
© Copyright 2006, 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.

Tattletale!

I Thessalonians 3:12-13 (NIV)
12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
13 May He strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all His holy ones.

Good morning!

“Tattletale!” I can still hear the words ringing in my mind. “I didn’t do it – she did it!” I cannot remember how many times I said those words to my mother. Telling on my little sister was easy to do. She was an inquisitive and mischievous child, allowing her curiosity to lead the way in her many adventures.

I’ll never forget the day Pammy conquered the Christmas tree. She was barely two years old at the time. Decorating the Christmas tree was a special time. Our parents would select the perfect tree from a nearby Christmas tree lot and bring it home to decorate. My father would strategically place the tree in the basement, right next to the stairwell. We would spend hours stringing popcorn, cranberries, and baking gingerbread cookies to decorate our tree. We cut strips of brightly colored construction paper, making chains to drape around the tree. My mother cut triangles from felt and created miniature candy cones. She would fill the cones with gumballs, fashion a hook from pipe cleaners, and we would hang them on the tree. A set of antique glass ornaments handed down from their families were added as a finishing touch. Silver tinsel was carefully placed on each branch. We loved how the lights would make the tinsel shimmer at night. Decorating the Christmas tree was a special treat we enjoyed every December.

Little Pammy loved to eat Christmas cookies. She especially liked to help herself to a little mid-afternoon snack right from the Christmas tree. “Mom, Pammy is eating the Christmas tree cookies again,” I would announce in a matter-of-fact voice. Mom decided that the cookies needed to be moved up a little higher, just out of baby’s reach. “Don’t eat those cookies,” Mother shook her finger at both of us. “They are decorations, and not for snacks.”

With a sparkle in her eye, Pammy knew there must be another way to reach the coveted prize. One chilly December afternoon, Mommy and I were upstairs in the living room when we heard a huge crash. The sound of breaking glass crackled through the air. We raced to the basement, only to find little Pammy sitting on top of the toppled Christmas tree, enjoying a cookie and grinning from ear to ear. Apparently, she decided to squeeze through the slats on the stairwell to reach one of those cookies Mom had moved up high, lost her balance, and rode the tree down! Broken ornaments and shards of Christmas lights covered the linoleum floor. Pammy wasn’t hurt, thank goodness, but the tree was an absolute disaster. When Mom realized that Pammy was not hurt, she began to laugh and cry at the same time. They lost almost every antique ornament that year; yet the memory of their little girl perched on top of the toppled tree, eating a Christmas cookie, was a sight we would never forget.

It is hard to imagine standing before the presence of the Lord, holy and blameless. Jesus understands how tempting sin can be. We take things that don’t belong to us; we disobey when we know better. Our Lord sees it all and He knows the depth of our hearts. He gave himself as a living sacrifice, taking on our sin and imperfections. He chose to hang on that tree, His blood flowing down, covering all of our sin. Now we can stand before the Father holy and blameless, clothed in the righteousness of Christ alone.

As we prepare to decorate our Christmas trees this year, take a moment to step back and remember the tree that held our Savior as He bled and died and rose again. He did this, so that we could stand blameless before the Father on the day of His return.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: the sweetest treat you will ever receive – the love of Christ! You don’t have to swipe it from the tree – it is His gift, freely given for you and for me.

____________________
©Copyright 2006, 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.

Second chance

Luke 16:27-29 (NIV)
27 He answered, “Then I beg you Father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,
28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.”
29 Abraham replied, “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.”

Good morning!

Have you ever wished for a second chance to get something right? I find myself wishing for a do-over every now and then. How I longed for that “second chance” in math class. The blackboard was a scary place to undertake public problem solving. Thirty pairs of eyes are focused on the one working a complicated equation. Hoping to get it right the first time, I put forth my very best effort. Even my most sincere attempt was not good enough. I failed at the blackboard, and longed for a reprieve from the humiliation that comes with making a miscalculation for all to see and judge.

I observed my grandson’s frustration as he tried to work an online computer puzzle. The pieces were not fitting together properly, and Jett was becoming agitated. At one point, he threw up his hands in despair and said, “Grandma, I can’t do this. The pieces don’t fit together!” Jett was determined to finish the puzzle. He made a sincere effort, but it wasn’t enough, and the puzzle was left unfinished.

Jesus told his disciples a parable about a rich man’s plight in the ever after. This man had more than he could ever want or hope for on earth. He pampered himself with the finest things that money could buy. His neighbor, a poor, blind beggar named Lazarus, lay outside the gate of the city, starving and in pain, wishing that someone would care enough to stop and help him. When both men died, the rich man found himself in an eternal place of torment, while the beggar walked alongside Father Abraham, in a place where pain was no more. The rich man cried out for help from above. Father Abraham reminded the rich man that he was comforted in life with so many good things, while his neighbor Lazarus suffered tremendous pain. Now, Lazarus is receiving his comfort in heaven, while the rich man remains in eternal separation and agony.

The rich man regretted his self-centered lifestyle and knew he had set a poor example for his brothers. He begged Father Abraham to send Lazarus to his family, hoping they would believe a dead man and follow the Lord, rather than their own selfish ambitions. Father Abraham reminded the rich man that every person has the opportunity to choose to faith or folly. The life work of Moses and the prophets were more than enough to guide people into relationship with the Father. These ordinary men sacrificed their own personal comfort to follow God’s call on their life, and were justly rewarded for their faithfulness.

Do you need a second chance today? Is your formula for living based on faith or folly? If the puzzle pieces of your life are not fitting together the way you know they should, God offers you a do-over today, through His son Jesus Christ. As long as you have breath in your body, it is not too late to turn around and ask Jesus to help you. He suffered, died and rose again, because of His love for you and for me. Jesus gives us the second chance we all long for. Won’t you give your heart to Him today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: a second chance to live your life for Jesus. He will help you! Jesus offers us a do-over today. Will you take a chance on Him?

____________________
© Copyright 2006, 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.

Sowing Seeds

Psalm 126:5-6 (NIV)
5 Those who sow in tears will reap with songs of joy. 6 He who goes out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with him.

Good morning!

Do you like to plant flowers and vegetables in the spring? When I was a young girl, our family spent hours outside turning the soil and planting seeds. After the soil was turned, watered and fertilized, we would shake seed packets over the garden bed and cover the tiny seedlings up with a layer of fresh dirt. Every plant was important, as we spent time preparing, planting, and watching our garden grow.

My mother loved to sing while working in the garden. One of her all-time favorite gardening songs is “Bringing in the Sheaves.” We would march around the garden bed together, swinging our arms and singing our garden song with such a passion! I thought the words and melody helped those little seeds spring up into the sheaves we would one day harvest for our dinner table. I had no idea that these words meant so much more.

The regeneration of life is an amazing thing. We witness the cold, hard ground become green again as grass begins to grow. Stately trees bud out, covered in an array of newly-formed leaves and flowers. The smell of new life blankets the air. Rains come to water new growth, and the sun appears, beckoning growth. Does it not take your breath away every time we experience spring time?

We cannot begin to comprehend how God restores life to the dead. How does He take something so dry and brittle, and make it spring forth again? Our God can take the hardest heart and soften it with His forgiveness, love, and power. He can take something that was dead and bring it back to life! Even the coldest, hardest soil cannot keep us from the love of God, for He is the master gardener.

We share God’s love with our neighbors, as we plant seeds of faith, water the soil with love, and prepare for His ultimate harvest. Every person is precious and valued to our Lord. We sow our faith seeds with tears and in joy, knowing that Christ will return to earth someday to harvest His sheaves, and take them home to the Master Gardener’s banquet table.

The Lord is watching and waiting and counting on you and me to sow seeds of kindness, every morning, every evening, as we wait for His glorious harvest. Knowles Shaw wrote the words to Bringing in the Sheaves in 1874. May you sing these words with gusto as you share what Jesus Christ has done to create new life in you!

Sowing in the morning, sowing seeds of kindness, sowing in the noontide and the dewy eve;
Waiting for the harvest, and the time of reaping, we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Sowing in the sunshine, sowing in the shadows, fearing neither clouds nor winter’s chilling breeze;
By and by the harvest, and the labor ended, we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Going forth with weeping, sowing for the Master, though the loss sustained our spirit often grieves;
When our weeping is over, He will bid us welcome, we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves, we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.
Bringing in the sheaves, bringing in the sheaves, we shall come rejoicing, bringing in the sheaves.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: God to use your life, as you plant the seeds of faith for others today.

Unstuck

I Corinthians 15:2 (NIV)
2 By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the Word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

John 8:36 (NIV)
36 So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed!

Good morning!

Do you like a good scavenger hunt? Our children loved hiding little clues all over the house which, in turn, led us to the secret treasure. It seems our grandchildren are enjoying the adventure of scavenger hunting now. One Sunday afternoon after church, our grandson Joshua wanted to hunt for Jesus. We went from room to room, looking for pictures and figurines of Christ and for crosses hanging on the wall. Stopping at a large crucifix by the master bedroom, Joshua looked up at me with a grief-stricken face. “Nanny,” Joshua said emphatically, “Jesus is stuck! We need to get Him down from there!” The words rolling off his little three-year old tongue caught me off guard. I choked back a giggle and grin, knowing this wise little one was absolutely right.

The memory of that conversation with Joshua has stayed in my mind’s eye for months now. I mentioned it today at the Thanksgiving table. My sister-in-law Gail reminded me that for many Christians, Jesus still hangs on the cross. They never fully claim His power for daily living. Some hold on to their salvation experience but go no further in faith. Many Christians draw the line by leaving the Lord dangling and refusing to allow His resurrection to change their life completely. They believe Jesus died to save them from eternal separation. They repent of their sins, receiving complete forgiveness; yet choosing to leave the Savior hanging; unwilling to step out in faith.

Change can be a scary thing. Change can happen at a moment’s notice. We find ourselves changing jobs, changing schools, relocating from one town to another. We change the laundry, change our clothes, change our hairstyle, or change an unsavory habit. All of these changes affect our life. How has your faith changed you? When you asked Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, were your changed by that decision? Does it change you every morning when you sit in His holy presence? Or is Jesus a secret treasure you keep tucked away, hidden from the people around you?

Joshua is right. We need to help Jesus get unstuck in our hearts. He died on a cross to save us. The really good news is that Jesus rose again! He lives and reigns forever – the grip of death has been broken and new life is waiting for all believers, not only in the hereafter, but for each day! Christ changed it all up for humanity. Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, watching and loving us all the time.

The Apostle Paul reminds us to hold firm to the Word – the Word which is our Christ. His gospel saves and frees us to live for Him today, tomorrow, and forever. Is Jesus stuck in your heart? Will you allow your salvation experience to move you from acceptance to joyful obedience, to honor and glorify your Lord? If the Son sets you free, you are free indeed!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: courage to allow the risen Christ to change how you live out your life, beginning this morning. May the Lord give you grace to tell His story to everyone you know!

___________________________
© Copyright 2006, 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.

Carried Away

Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

Good morning!

Whenever my four-year old grandson Joshua comes to visit, he greets me in the most amazing way. Joshua runs as fast as he can and jumps right up into my open arms. Wrapping himself around me like a little teddy bear, he gives me one of the biggest hugs ever. Our two-year old granddaughter Emily loves to be carried. She doesn’t jump up like Joshua, but raises her arms to be picked up. She will bury her head on my shoulder, and pat my back with her hands. Emily loves to be held, especially when she gets sleepy.

It takes a strong back to carry little ones around. As a grandparent, I always ask for a little extra strength when I’m with my grandbabies. Do you remember what it is like to be carried by your grandparent? Being held in the arms of my grandmother brought great comfort and peace to my heart, especially when I was sad or hurting, and needed to receive just a little extra encouragement.

In May of 1979, Jeff and I were attending a church picnic outside on the lawn, sampling the culinary delights of our Texas United Methodist Women. It was homecoming weekend, and folks had traveled from far away to attend worship, have a picnic, and decorate the graves of their loved ones in the cemetery behind the church. I was due to deliver our daughter Rachel within a couple of weeks. While walking across the grass, I accidentally stepped into a small hole and fell head over heels to the ground. It was not one of my more graceful moves. Two men ran across the church yard to help me up. I was very embarrassed, but grateful for their immediate assistance. They picked me up and carried me to a lawn chair, where I sat down to rest. I was very lucky that day, and I found myself forever grateful to the two gentlemen who did not hesitate to help pick me up.

When Jesus came into my life, He picked me up, held me close to His heart, and set my feet back on solid ground. He carried my sin all the way to Calvary, and died to set me free forever! The Apostle Paul said that when we carry each other’s burdens, we are fulfilling the law of Christ. We imitate our Lord by reaching out in faith, offering to carry each other through the difficult times of life.

If you have been set free today, then praise the Lord, who lifts you up, holds you close, and will never let go. His gift of love just keeps on giving whenever we reach out in faith to share the burdens of others. Who will you help carry today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: a little extra strength to reach out and extend a helping hand to your neighbor. You can share Jesus with someone who took a tumble, stepped off into a hole, and needs a lift back to solid ground.

____________________
© Copyright 2006, 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.

Feed my sheep

John 21:15 (NIV)
15 When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you truly love me more than these?” “Yes Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.”

Good morning!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of the whole year. I love to see happy people sharing love and life with their family, friends and neighbors. It is great fun listening to my coworkers as they share their plans to visit loved ones, the house-cleaning marathons they undertake, and the special meal preparations, observing a time-honored, annual tradition. Do you share a special Thanksgiving tradition with your family? What does Thanksgiving mean to you?

It is a true joy to participate in a very special Thanksgiving tradition at our church. For the last twenty years, the people of Faith Church gather together early Thanksgiving morning to prepare and serve free Thanksgiving dinners to families in Saint Charles County, Missouri. Lots of turkeys are cooked in advance of the meal preparation. Homemade rolls and pumpkin pies are baked and stand ready to be sliced and packaged. We become potato peeling people. Many of us come armed with our favorite potato peelers in hand. Sitting together in large circles, we peel ten-pound bags of potatoes in chorus, allowing the peelings to drop on the newspaper in the center of the floor. Others are waiting to take the buckets of peeled potatoes to the kitchen sink for scrubbing and cleaning. Large pots filled with boiling water stand ready to cook the potatoes. When they are finished, the potatoes are placed in the hands of our expert potato masher, who is armed and ready with electric mixer and spatula in hand.

All the while, large pots of green beans are cooking on the stove. Dressing and sweet potato casseroles are baking in the oven. Cans of cranberry sauce are being sliced and packaged in delivery containers. We even have a host of honorary can smashers – those people who love to remove the lids from the green bean and cranberry sauce cans, preparing them for recycling.

The men and women who make the gravy and maneuver the heavy pots from stove to counter are my all-time favorite heros. They stand behind the hot stove, using their muscle to assist in food preparation. I can hardly lift a turkey out of the oven, much less pick up a large pot of green beans from the burner by myself. Without the help of everyone, this meal would be impossible to prepare. Within a few short hours, all of the food has been cooked, packaged, boxed, and stands waiting to be delivered.

Families come together to deliver the food to their ultimate destinations. Thank goodness for our computer geeks, who understand how to get up-to-date directions online. A list is prepared with the names of recipients, and a map to their homes. This year, Faith Church will be delivering 640 meals all over Saint Charles County. It is a blessing to share our abundance with the people of our community.

Our Lord Jesus asked Simon Peter if he loved Him. When Peter answered, Jesus commanded him to “feed my sheep.” As we gather together with family and friends this Thanksgiving, let us remember Christ’s instruction. Won’t you make time to share your love with others by feeding His sheep? We have so much to give. Let us feed each other with grateful hearts, sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ with our world.

Have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: help from above, as you seek share the love of Christ with your family, friends and neighbors this Thanksgiving. Will you feed His sheep?

____________________
© Copyright 2006, 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 Robin's song

Matthew 10: 29-31 (NIV)
29 Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.
30 And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.
31 So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.

Good morning!

When I was a little girl, I spent a lot of time standing in my parents’ bedroom, gazing out the window into the lattice rose trellis outside. Nestled snugly in between the climbing rose bush vines and thorns was an intricate and well-placed Robin’s nest. If I stood really still, I could watch the Robins as they cared for their babies, without scaring them away. I loved watching the birds every spring, as they continued to build their nests, lay their eggs, and care for their young.

Robins’ eggs are a beautiful baby blue color. Mother Robin would sit for hours, keeping them warm and safe, while Father Robin would bring worms for Mother Robin to eat. She was content to wait while her babies prepared to be born. Sheltered in the seclusion of the rosebush, they would have not been seen from the ground. Only the little girl saw their family unfold while standing at the bedroom window, observing their every move. How much more does God see as He watches over each of us, every moment of the day?

Isn’t it amazing how we can find contentment and security in the most unusual of places? These robins were smart – they built their home in the middle of a thorny rosebush, to protect themselves from becoming prey, and to give their young an opportunity to survive and thrive amid the thorns. As parents, we try to protect our children from the things that may hurt them, but we know we cannot shelter them completely from the hardships maturity and adulthood brings. Like the Robins, we give our children a solid foundation and faith to sustain them as they encounter the prickly, sharp edges of the thorns we face in our daily living.

When the Robin eggs cracked and the baby birds hatched, Mother Robin would spend the day grooming her babies, feeding them worms whenever their mouths would fly open. She kept them warm, and protected them until they were big enough to fly. Their songs of love filled the air. I love listening to the baby robins chirping away in their nest. I wondered about their happy and joyful melodies – were they praising their creator? Did their joy-filled songs come out of gratitude for life, breath and the ability to fly? Is that why their red breasts glowed, because God filled their hearts with a love they could not hide?

At the appropriate time, Mother Robin would push her young out of the nest, praying they would spread their wings and fly away. Challenging your children to “spread their wings and fly” from the family home is a bittersweet moment. We want to care for them forever, yet we recognize the greater need to allow our children the opportunity to mature and follow their hearts as they live the life God designed for each of them.

Two sparrows were only worth a penny to some. Jesus said that the Father would not let one of them fall to the ground apart from His will. If God loves the tiny sparrows so, how much more does He care for you and me? We are His precious creation. He loves us with a greater passion than we will ever be able to comprehend or understand this side of Heaven. God nurtures our lives, preparing us for the day He will set us free, hoping we will choose to fly back to Him. Are you ready to fly with God? Will your flight pattern honor your Creator, Redeemer and friend?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: wings to fly and songs to sing as you live amid the thorns of life. Remember the value God places on the tiny sparrows; how much more He loves and cares for you!

© Copyright 2006, 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.

Follow the leader

Joshua 1:6; 9 (NIV)
6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their forefathers to give them.
9 Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Good morning!

When I was a child, we used to play “Follow the Leader” on the school playground at recess. Someone would be picked to be the leader. Everyone else would follow and imitate whatever the leader did. If the leader began to march, we marched. If the leader turned in circles, we turned in circles. If the leader led us in a maze around the playground equipment, we followed. It was great fun getting a chance to be the leader, watching everyone imitate the silly things I did. It was also cool to be a follower, trying to emulate the one standing in front of me. Good leaders are hard to find. Leadership seems easy when you are playing “Follow the Leader” at recess. In reality, strong leadership takes a lot of work, determination and courage. A good leader is willing to step out of the box, even if it means risking failure.

Every one of us has the potential to be strong and courageous leaders. We lead by example. Who immediately comes to mind when you think of someone possessing courageous leadership skill sets? Who did you want to be like when you grew up? Who do you want to be today? Has God called you to be a leader in your family, in your career or vocation? Would you prefer to be a leader or a follower?

Joshua was a strong and dependable military leader. His relationship with God was rare. Joshua placed himself in complete submission to God. Being completely submitted in obedience is a tough thing to do. It means giving up personal agendas, selfish ambitions, and fear of failure, by yielding our life’s work to God. Joshua listened and obeyed the Lord, even when he didn’t understand the logistics. Joshua accepted the Lord’s leading and followed Him every step of the way. Can you imagine what your life might be like if you were to humble your heart and seek to be completely obedient to God in all things?

God’s promise is sure: if you are willing to let go and let Him take over, He can and will use your life as an example for others to follow. If we trust and obey His Word, God will be with us wherever we go. Do not be discouraged or terrified when you step out of the box and allow the Lord to lead you. Follow Joshua’s leadership example today. Trust God, even when the directions do not seem clear. He has a master plan for your life and has given you every good gift to become a strong and courageous leader for Him.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: courage! Seek the Lord with all your heart, your mind, your strength, giving Him complete reign over your life. He will lead you, and through your example, you will lead others to Him.

© Copyright 2006, 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.

Once and for all

Hebrews 10:11:14 (NIV)
11 Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins.
12 But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God.
13 Since that time He waits for his enemies to be made His footstool,
14 because by one sacrifice He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.

Good morning!

Have you ever taken time to reflect on how you spend the minutes of your day? Our lives are busy and full, marked by daily routines, schedules to follow and commitments to honor. Every morning, I wake up at approximately the same time. I spend the first couple of hours praying, reading, and writing. I put a pot of tea on, hard boil a couple of eggs, and hop in the shower. I eat on-the-run, hoping traffic will be light as I travel to work. I spend the next 8-10 hours focusing on the needs of my employer, and the work I have to do. I try to take an hour in the middle of the day to unplug and refresh. A brisk walk around the block and a healthy lunch gives me the energy to continue with my day. When I leave the office, the sun has set and it is dark outside. This makes the commute back home a little longer. My week night evenings are filled with family, school work, classes, and church functions. I fall into bed at approximately the same time every night, looking forward to a good night’s rest so I can get up and start all over again. How do you spend your day? Can you see a repetitive pattern in the life you live?

I love a clean house. Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of time to clean. Isn’t it mysterious how we can spend an hour dusting furniture and vacuuming the floors, only to find the dust has returned within a few hours? It does not matter how many times we pick up the dust mop, we can be sure that the dust will return within a very short period of time. Wouldn’t it be great to do the job one time, and it would be finished, once and for all?

The writer of Hebrews observed the priests, as they went about their daily repetitive worship. Day after day, they performed the same sacrifices, said the same prayers, and carried out their daily religious duties. What have they accomplished? Did the sins of the people disappear? Did their consistent acts of worship absolve them from the mistakes they make each day? Like the dust that settles shortly after you've mopped, their sin remained. When Jesus, the great high priest, offered His life as a sacrifice for the sins of all men, the hard work was finished, once and for all. It is only through Christ's blood that we could be completely cleansed, once and for all.

There is nothing wrong with keeping to a schedule. It is a good thing to have a check list, so that we can see where we’ve been, what we are doing, and where we are headed. Humans tend to function better within the rhythm of consistency. No matter how hard we work or how much time we spend in study, prayer, and service, there is nothing we can do to earn God’s grace and forgiveness. Jesus took care of that for us on the cross, once and for all, and we can thank Him daily for His undeserved favor. It makes my day worth living. Every morning I rejoice in His amazing love, and the relationship that He brings into my life. He gives me the desire and drive to get out there and do the work He has placed in my hands. I know that His ultimate work is accomplished. Getting the good news out is imperative.

Won’t you take a little time each day to love, thank and praise the one who saved your life for all eternity? Don’t forget to share your joy with all your friends and neighbors: Christ died for you and for me, and because He lives, we can face this day and every tomorrow in the light of His love.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: strength to do the things you are called to do each day, knowing that the hard work is finished, once and for all. Jesus gave up His life for us and we can now live in relationship with Him forever and ever. Wake up and enjoy your day, for you have been redeemed!

© Copyright 2006, 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.

Family Time

Hebrews 10:25 (NIV)
Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another – all the more as you see the Day approaching.

Good morning!

I love it when our grandchildren come to visit. When I know my grandchildren are coming, I try to stop the clock, drop whatever I’m doing, and give them my complete and undivided attention. As parents, we try to balance the responsibilities of home, work, school and outside activities with raising children. We lead such busy lives. Sometimes when our children beg for thirty minutes of play time, it is easier to say something like, “Maybe later dear, I need to do this first.” How often did I say that to my own children? I regret those lost moments, when I could have stopped the clock to play. Do you feel regret over time you may have lost with the ones you love?

I cannot wait for our grandchildren to come over and play. If there is any way I can postpone or curtail other activities, I do it, just so I can spend time with them. We will chase each other around the great room, play hide and seek, build tents with blankets and sheets, color Spiderman and Princesses, play dress up in crazy costumes, drink hot chocolate, eat lots of popcorn, and make a colossal mess. It’s all good. Eventually we will get to the clean up, but until then, spending time with those beautiful babies becomes more valuable and precious to me everyday. I absolutely treasure the time we spend together.

Setting aside time to be with family is important. We share life - our laughter, tears, and our love. A family bond can be supportive and encouraging as we share the story of our lives together.

When we accept Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, He becomes the story of our life. He brought us into a forever relationship with our heavenly Father and He is our family. As His children, we are now an important part of the family of God. It is important that we make time to spend in corporate worship, service, and sharing life with each other. It is time well spent – being together with the family of God.

Won’t you make time today to be an active part of the family of God? Go to church this Sunday and enjoy the company of your Christian brothers and sisters. Set aside the things that keep you busy and preoccupied, and give your time to your family who loves you, needs you, and wants you to be there with them. The Apostle Paul reminds us to not give up on meeting with each other, because that becomes a bad habit. We need to be together for encouragement, support, and fellowship.

If you do not have a church home, I invite you to come and worship Christ with me! I would love to introduce you to my kin at Faith Church. See you Sunday!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: the desire to be in relationship with the family of God. You are an important part of His body, and without you, we are not complete. Won’t you come home to church this weekend?

© Copyright 2006, 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.

Holy Smoke

John 14:15-17 (NIV)
15 If you love me, you will do what I command. 16 And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever – 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept Him, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him. But you know Him, for He lives with you and will be in you.

Good morning!

We had a little excitement at the parsonage last night. Our son David decided to have a little late-night snack. He decided to fry a few hamburgers in the kitchen. He’s a 21-year old growing boy, being over six feet tall, and of course, a growing boy has to eat. We were back in the bedroom reading when I noticed the wafting smell of hamburgers frying on the stove. A few seconds later, our smoke detectors began to scream all over the house. Have you ever played with your smoke detector when changing the batteries? They flash and squeal and make some of the worst noise I have ever heard.

I ran down the hallway toward the kitchen, where David stood looking mighty guilty, with spatula in hand. He was shaking his head, saying, “I don’t get it – there is no fire!” But, the kitchen was smoky. We turned on the exhaust fan, opened a couple of windows, and he ran to get the step stool to check the incessant noise makers. Fortunately, the squealing stopped within a few seconds. I glanced at the old frying pan and realized it probably was time to replace it. This pan had seen better days, and I was sure part of the problem may have been the pan itself.

Smoke detectors are wonderful tools. They warn us when there may be an imminent dangerous situation. Smoke detectors save lives. The warning signal grabs our attention, while we seek to identify the situation and remedy it. Make sure to change your smoke detector batteries every spring and fall. It is especially helpful late at night, when your son decides to cook.

Jesus promised his disciples that the Father would send a Counselor, the Spirit of truth, to keep them company on their journey. He knew the world would not accept something it could not see, but for those who believe, the Holy Spirit would be with them, living in their hearts. The Holy Spirit is a true comforter, knowing we are never without the Father’s love. He wraps our hearts in the warmth of his love and keeps us strong in times of testing. He is the Christian’s smoke alarm, sending out a warning signal whenever we walk too close to the flame, or do not see the imminent danger that lies ahead. The Holy Spirit is the very presence of God living in our lives. Even though we cannot see Him with our eyes, we experience His holy presence every moment of the day.

Fortunately, we do not have to worry about changing His batteries. We can, however, receive a power-packed charge from the Holy Spirit as we spend time with our Lord in worship, prayer and reflection. He gives us exactly what we need, at just the right moment, to do what He has called us to do as we go into the world to share the love of Christ with all people.

Is the Holy Spirit protecting you from the smoke in your life? Do you need a power-packed charge today? Ask God to give you the power of the Holy Spirit to help you live the life. Our God is faithful, and He will do what He promises. Holy Smoke! We have everything we need to survive and thrive, through the grace of Jesus Christ our Lord.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Pray for: The Holy Spirit to be very real to you today. He will protect, defend, comfort, and convict you. He’s speaking to you this morning. Can you hear Him?

© Copyright 2006, 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.