How much is enough?

Today’s Reading: John 14:8 (NIV)

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

The Way Home

Today’s Reading: John 14:6-7 (NIV)

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Where are you going?

Today’s Reading: John 14:5 (NIV)

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Willing to go?

Today’s Reading: John 14:3-4(NIV)

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Perfect Place

Today’s Reading: John 14:2(NIV)

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Worship Central

Today’s Reading: John 14:1(NIV)

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Leap into the deep

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace,


Deb Spaulding
Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO
www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________
© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding
All rights reserved
Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Everlasting hope

Today’s Reading: John 13:36-37(NIV)

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

Grace and peace,



Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

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Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

MUSTGO

Today’s Reading: John 13:34-35(NIV)

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, DebSpaulding

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Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

One day soon

Today’s Reading: John 13:33(NIV)

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Surreal moments

Today’s Reading: John 13:31-32(NIV)

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Foiled schemes

Today’s Reading: John 13:27-30(NIV)

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

Good morning!

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

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

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

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

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

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

The honored guest

Today’s Reading: John 13:26(NIV)

26 Jesus answered, “It is the one to whom I will give this piece of bread when I have dipped it in the dish.” Then, dipping the piece of bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon.

Good morning!

Imagine you are sitting around a festive dining room table filled with all your favorite holiday foods, celebrating the season with your family and friends. The tone of the evening’s festivities has somehow shifted and the room has grown strangely silent. People are trying to avoid the one topic that has captured their undivided attention. Trying to hide your emotions behind the napkin placed squarely on your lap, you do not want anyone to know how you really feel about that deadbeat brother of yours. The honored guest at the table offers you his very best piece of pie, and you find yourself faced with a difficult decision. Will you wilingly let your animosity go and gladly accept this gift from him with joy? Someone’s secret sin is about to be revealed here at the table. Does he know how you truly feel? Can you not find forgiveness in your heart, especially at a special time like this?

I listened in hushed wonder as a pastor shared his personal encounter about his near-death experience. He told of the morning a car wreck nearly took his life. The night before, he had an argument with his spouse, and as he left for work the next day, he not only refused to speak to her, but continued to bear unresolved anger and bitterness in his heart. Pastor was distracted by his emotions, which may explain in part why he ran the red light at the crossroads of life. When his car hit the truck at full speed, traveling in the opposite direction, the pastor immediately watched his spirit man rise up above his mangled body inside the demolished automobile. He immediately saw himself in a place of total darkness. He could hear the anguished cries of men and women surrounding him, suffering in agony and intense pain. An angel appeared, pointing toward the dark abyss. “Is this hell?” the pastor asked, surprised at the scene unfolding before him. He was a believer in Jesus Christ and had preached the Gospel message of salvation his entire life. “How could this happen to me?” he asked the angel in sheer disbelief. He heard these words of condemnation he had not anticipated, “Because you have no forgiveness in your heart for your wife, if you were to die today, this would be your portion.” At this, the pastor prayed for one more chance to truly forgive, and he believes that his life was physically spared that day by the paramedics who worked to save his life, and spiritually by the Savior of all, who is Lord of our second chance.

Will your refusal to forgive the ones who have hurt you in this life keep you from being forgiven for all eternity? Are you willing to let go of the anger, the pain and the hurt you’ve carried all these years, allowing the Savior to heal your heart once and for all at the banquet table?

The honored guest has dipped the bread into the cup and he holds it out for you today. He is the Lord of the second chance. Will you accept His gift with gratitude or continue to hold unforgiveness in your heart? The choice is yours.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Who is it?

Today’s Reading: John 13:23-25(NIV)

23 One of them, the disciple whom Jesus loved, was reclining next to Him. 24 Simon Peter motioned to this disciple and said “Ask Him which one He means.” 25 Leaning back against Jesus, He asked Him, “Lord, who is it?”

Good morning!

Sometimes I miss seeing the obvious. Do you ever do this? When I have a project to do, I will focus all my energy on that project, determined to complete it. I’ve learned how to multitask out of sheer necessity, but my preference has always been to give my full attention to one thing at a time. I prefer to complete one task before moving to the next line item on my to-do list. It doesn’t work that way in my employment. From the moment I arrive until I walk out the door at the end of the day, I am there to answer questions and assist others, while completing my specific job duties so that my co-workers can do the work they are assigned to do. It is truly a team effort; yet, there are moments when it is not a smooth transition. Sometimes I get so focused on what I’m doing that I may miss seeing the obvious. It may be right in front of my nose, and I still couldn’t see it. How very frustrating!

Jesus knew who would betray Him, long before He entered His three year formal ministry. Jesus invited Judas into His intimate circle of friends, knowing he would be the one who would hand Him over to the Roman authorities. Still, Jesus offered Judas perfect love and committed friendship, as they walked together along the road of life. Jesus never gave up on him, even when Judas’ chose to act in disobedience. The disciples were so focused on their Lord and the work He had called them to do, that they missed seeing the obvious in one of their own people. They did not know who the Master was referring to in the Upper Room during their Last Supper with Him, and they wondered, “Is it I?”

We ask this question in times of human blindness. Maybe we are the ones betraying Christ, by our own selfish acts of pride or greed. Maybe we’re the Judas in the room, bent on seeing faith our way rather than God’s way. Maybe it’s our own willful disobedience that makes us the betrayer. We become so focused on our plan of action that we somehow miss out on recognizing His will for our lives. Is your lifestyle so inflexible and your schedule so busy that you would not answer the call from the Lord to pick up your cross and follow Him?

Lord, who is it?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Freedom to choose

Today’s Reading: John 13:21-22(NIV)

21 After He had said this, Jesus was troubled in spirit and testified, “I tell you the truth, one of you is going to betray me.” 22 His disciples stared at one another, at a loss to know which of them He meant.

Good morning!

From the balcony of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church, I could see outside through the large windows at the top of their Family Life Center. I watched the people passing by the church in a big hurry on this beautiful, sunny Sunday morning. There were four large windows, each of them bearing a cross in its frame. The pastor’s words echoed throughout the room, “Today, we are declaring our total dependence upon Jesus Christ!” And as I listened, I saw lots of independent people asserting their freedom to choose, while driving their automobiles in the opposite direction from the church’s parking lot. I couldn’t help but wonder where they were headed. It was a long weekend – Americans were celebrating the Independence Day holiday in high style. Many had made plans with family and friends. Some of the SUVs and pickup trucks were pulling skiing boats and camper trailers behind them. I guessed they were probably headed to Lake Taneycomo for a day of frolicking in the sun. Sometimes, we all tend to leave the Lord of life behind as we place our personal priorities ahead of commitment to Christ and kingdom work. We leave Him hanging there on the cross while we do as we please, knowing He will be there waiting for us to come home. “Where were they going,” I thought to myself, disappointed these cars were not turning into the church parking lot to spend an hour thanking God for the freedom to choose.

I saw the smiling face of a happy little girl swinging on the swing set in the church’s playground. I could barely see her, except when she pumped her legs and the swing took her higher, towards the edge of the picture window. Her blond curly hair was flying in the breeze, and she looked peaceful in her new found freedom on that swing set. It was as if her childlike faith had simply set her free! She would appear in that window every five seconds or so, her frame shadowed just behind the cross. It was in that rare and holy moment when God began to reveal why Jesus Christ cared so much for humanity that He would lay down His life for even someone like me.

You see, Jesus knew that we would all betray Him at some point in time. Christ knew we might break our promises to make Him our first priority – the Lord and Savior of our lives. Jesus believes that every heart is worth dying for – every person is of infinite worth and value to the Father’s heart. He came in the flesh over 2,000 years ago to free that little girl who was swinging on the playground, so that she might fly higher in faith. He came to save the ones who were driving in the opposite direction from the church on Sunday morning, waiting patiently for them to turn their hearts around and follow Him. Jesus came to save the woman standing in the church balcony, peering out the window, thinking about what it means to be truly free in total dependence upon Jesus Christ. And if I had been the only one to betray Him, He would have died just to save me.

The disciples were at a loss for words when Jesus said that someone there would betray Him. He knew, even before He went to the cross that every heart would turn away, but it did not deter Him from submitting in obedience to the Father’s plan of salvation. As we reflect this week upon our independence as an American nation, one nation, under God, may Christ reveal to each of us our desperate need to place our total dependence upon His Word. This is not just for the freedoms we enjoy in the US, but for our freedom from sin and eternal separation: for the mistakes of our past, for the present of today, which is truly a gift, and for every tomorrow. Please turn around now and come back to the Lord.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Stain-free!

Today’s Reading: John 13:18-20(NIV)

18 [Jesus said,] “I am not referring to all of you; I know those I have chosen. But this is to fulfill Scripture: ‘He who shares my bread has lifted up his heel against me.’ 19 I am telling you this now before it happens, so that when it does happen you will believe that I am He. 20 I tell you the truth, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the One who sent me.”

Good morning!

Today is the first Sunday of the month. All around the world United Methodist Christians will gather to worship and share the bread and cup together. This is the time to remember Christ’s last supper with His disciples. It is a grace-filled moment, as we celebrate God’s awesome gift of salvation. We will gather at His table today, holding mustard-seed faith in the palms of our cupped hands, knowing He can and will make all things new. It is very hard for me to comprehend the physical and emotional suffering that Jesus endured on the cross. Yet, I wonder which hurt Him more – the nails driven through His flesh or the intense spiritual pain caused by knowing that someone who shares His bread at the table will turn away.

Have you ever broken God’s heart?

I’ve managed to break a few hearts in my life. I have said and done things that have unintentionally hurt others. There were times when I chose to act out in self-righteous indignation, causing another human heart to suffer. These are some moments in life that I will regret until the day I die. Still, there is nothing I can do to remove those set-in stains of hateful words or actions. It’s as if my sin has become part of my genetic DNA, ingrained in my heart like the unique fingerprints I bear. We wear our sin well, and there is no amount of concealing cover-up to hide it from the face of our Lord.

This is the reason why Jesus came. The Father knew only One perfect sacrifice could adequately cover all my hateful words, thoughts and actions. He knew that I would need His Son’s blood to cover my heart. It may have been Judas who ratted out the Lord that night in the Upper Room; yet, I knew I was the one at the table kicking up my heels while eating Christ’s meal.

How could He love me this much?

If I had been the only one at the table with Jesus that night, He would have died just for me. There was no doubt that all of us, at some point, will betray the Lord. Whether it is out of pure selfishness or our refusal to trust and obey His Word, Jesus loves us so much He took humanity’s sin, so that we might wear stain-free robes. It is only through the blood of Christ that I will one day live in a perfect body, in the Father’s holy presence. It is only through Christ that I can be finally free from the mistakes I’ve made.

Today is the day we wash our robes in the blood of the Lamb. Do not miss this awesome opportunity to come clean before Christ. He knows what you’ve done; Christ knows what you’re thinking. Jesus knows where you’ve been, and He knows where you are going. Christ welcomes you today with open arms and nail-scarred hands to His table of mercy and grace. Jesus is waiting for you to come join Him there.

Come to Christ’s table today. Experience for yourself the grace and mercy that is yours, if you will only repent, confess and believe.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.