Grace to let go

Daily Reading: II Timothy 1, 2, 3, 4

II Timothy 1:7 (NIV)

7 For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Good morning!

Last night, I spoke with my daughter Rachel over the telephone. It was the first time we actually got to chat since she and Dave returned from their vacation to the Riviera Maya. There is a sweet story behind the planning of this trip. On a hot Sunday morning last August, Rachel found herself lying on a gurney in the emergency room of a local hospital, hemorrhaging uncontrollably from cervical cancer. Her husband Dave tried to find some way to distract her from the fear they were both experiencing at that time. He flipped on the television set above her bed, and a beautiful beach appeared on the big screen. They found themselves caught up in the travel channel, and watched it together in teary silence, allowing the view to draw them away from a harsh and scary reality.

Dave leaned over and whispered in Rachel’s ear, “Honey, when you beat this cancer, I’ll take you anywhere in the world you want to go.” Rachel pointed to the beach on the screen and softly said, “That looks pretty good to me.” When Rachel received the news that she was cancer free, Dave promptly drove to their local travel agent and booked the vacation. What a wonderful testimony to love! I have a great son-in-law. There is no doubt of his love and commitment to our daughter, and their children.

Rachel was looking forward to the trip for many reasons. Their pictures are breathtaking. One of the excursions they made was a rip cord ride through the jungle. I have a hard time envisioning this in my mind, but I’ve seen it done on television. It must be very exciting to fly through mid-air attached to a harness and bungee tether, embracing the beauty of the jungle as you fly by on a cord. I wondered how Rachel would handle this experience. Rachel said, “Mom, I let go of the rope and flew upside down, hands free!” Oh boy! Sometimes we get just a little too much information from our kids. I can tell you I did not need to know that particular detail of their trip!

It takes a lot of grace to learn how to place complete trust in the Lord. I learn these lessons best in moments of adversity. I think many human hearts try to avoid conflict, if possible. It is hard to be put to the test. We tend to stress over lots of stuff; some of it is trivial in the grand scheme of life. But there are other times, when we may face a life-threatening illness or injury, that faith in Christ emerges front and center. We have ask ourselves the question, “How much are we really willing to let go completely and let God lead, no matter where the journey takes us?”

I would guess the reason Rachel was able to let go of that cord is because she has had a lot of practice in letting go and trusting God this year. The Apostle Paul encourages all Christians to not live with a spirit of timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline. We must be willing to trust the Lord enough to let go of the things we cannot change, and hold on to the only one who can change us. Rachel is living proof that even when we experience the darkest moments of our days, we have a life net in our Savior and Lord. We can let go and trust Him completely, in all things. He is able to guard what we entrust to Him for each day (I Timothy 1:12b).

This is a great time of year to let go and trust God. There is so much more to Advent than holiday preparation and gift giving. The only gift we need to receive is the love of our Lord Jesus Christ. Won’t you let go of the things that are weighing you down today and place complete trust in Jesus?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: grace to let go! Let go of the things that hold you back, keeping you tied up in knots with worry and fear. There is nothing so great that Jesus cannot handle.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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 gift of faith

Daily Reading: I Timothy 4, 5, 6

I Timothy 4:9-10 (NIV)

9 This is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance 10 (and for this we labor and strive), that we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, and especially of those who believe.

Good morning!

Our house was so quiet last night, the lack of noise was deafening! Joshua, Emily and Andrew went home to be with their parents. Vacations are wonderful experiences; and yet, there is just no place like home. Isn’t it wonderful to be able to crawl into the comfort of your own bed after having been away for awhile? We kept the grandkids very busy while their parents took a little break and did some world traveling. I’m not certain who kept whom busier, but we were definitely busy together! It was an action-packed experience for all of us.

Our lives are filled with action-packed experiences. We choose how we will maneuver through our days. Last night, I stopped by the store to pick up a Secret Santa gift, and noticed a pretty young lady skating down the aisle in a pair of tennis shoes with wheels! Those shoes look like a lot of fun, and I wished I had them when I was younger. My balance was better then. It’s probably a good thing I don’t own a pair today. I’d be crashing into the aisle racks and knocking down Christmas displays for sure! That sweet little girl seemed happy, as she moved through the store aisles at quite a clip. When I shop, I have to think about what I’m actually purchasing. I stop to read the labels, price tags, and compare the cost. My husband hates shopping with me because I take the long way around the store. I look at everything, sometimes twice. We have a lot of fly-buy shoppers in our world. People who really are just flying through their lives, simply getting by the best way they know how. I believe there are moments when we have to slow down and pay closer attention to what we are doing. When we speed skate through our days without making time to enjoy precious moments of grace, we miss out on many of the “blue light” specials – some of the best deals in life are acquired when we purposefully choose to slow down.

The Apostle Paul understood that living faith is a verb! For faith to be living and active inside of us, it takes action on our part, but that action may not have as much to do with the fast-paced schedules we keep. We must labor to encourage others to daily place their faith in Jesus Christ, the hope of the world. It is especially important to encourage acts of faith with the body of believers. We’ve been given a very special gift – it is the gift of faith, and the Lord expects us to use the gift we’ve been given to the fullest.

I believe living faith is borne in the slower moments of our days. It is a time to return home to the One who is our gift-giver. Did you take time this morning to stop and thank God for all that He has done in your life? Did you spend a few holy moments reading and meditating upon His Word, praying for guidance, and asking for His Spirit to guide you throughout the day? I pray that you will slow down just a enough to experience a renewing of your faith today. It is a busy of time of year. We are preparing for something big – a celebration that is just around the corner. May you find the gift of faith in the simple, quiet moments of your day. If there are no quiet moments to be had, maybe the slow down plan will help. A lack of noise can become sweet music to your ears. Steal away, and crawl under the comforter of God’s grace. He is waiting to renew your faith, so that you can be a faith-filled witness for others.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: faith! Pray for holy moments where your faith is rekindled, even in the business and busyness of our days. He gives us His gift of faith when we believe and trust Him completely. Slow down, and don’t miss out on His gift, given especially for you.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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 church of the second chance

Daily Reading: I Timothy 1, 2, 3

I Timothy 2:1-8 (NIV)

1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone – 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all men – the testimony given in its proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle – I am telling the truth, I am not lying – and a teacher of the true faith to the Gentiles. 8 I want men everywhere to lift up holy hands in prayer, without anger or disputing.

Good morning!

In her novel, Saint Maybe, Author Anne Tyler tells a poignant story about a young man named Ian Bedloe, who struggles with feelings of guilt after the untimely death of his older brother. In Ian’s quest to find peace, he chooses to drop out of college to raise his brother’s three step-children, who were orphaned when their mother passed away shortly after his brother’s death. Ian discovers a renewed hope and sense of direction at a storefront church called the Church of the Second Chance. In 1998, a made-for-television movie captured the life of the Bedloe family in Saint Maybe. The movie is playing on the Hallmark® channel this month. If you can find it, I would encourage you to take a couple of hours to watch the movie. I believe the message will bless your heart.

As I watched the movie, I couldn’t help but reminisce over my own preconceived notions and failed attempts to love unconditionally. These were the things that eventually led me back to the foot of the cross, weighed down in guilt and shame. You may find this hard to believe, but many God-fearing, church-going families miss out on the deeper meaning of God’s love for the world. It is hard to entertain the notion that God might choose to extend His mercy to the ones who have caused you deep pain. It is only when we begin to see how much God has forgiven us that we can understand how His mercy and grace is available to every human heart. The question is, are we really willing to share His message with everyone? Are we willing to become the Church of the Second Chance?

In Paul’s letter to Timothy, he reiterates the amazing gift of grace extended through Christ. Paul’s heart was forever transformed the day Jesus appeared to him along the Damascus Road. When confronted with his sin, Paul received something he did not expect – God’s rich mercy and grace. It was so totally undeserved; and yet, the risen Christ forever changed Paul’s heart and the direction of his life. Paul counted himself the worst of the worst when it came to sinners; the least deserving of God’s grace, forgiveness and love. Paul knew if Jesus could save someone like him, He had the power to save us all! Paul encouraged Timothy to teach new believers to become the Church of the Second Chance.

Scripture teaches that Jesus Christ builds His church. I think we sometimes assume responsibility for the work that is not ours to do. Christ commands His followers to go and preach the Gospel to all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and to teach everything He has commanded. Jesus Christ is the Savior – we are His messengers. Through the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, people are confronted and transformed by the Lord Himself. They are not forever changed by the words of the preacher, or the great Bible stories told in Sunday school. Their hearts are not converted by the praise songs sung during worship. We have no power to save the souls of others - only Jesus can do that. It really takes the pressure off, when we realize that it is Christ alone that does the saving. IF we are truly the Church of the Second Chance, will we open our hearts and hands to every person, trusting our Lord to do the transforming work that only He can do?

Like Ian Bedloe, our lives are forever changed when the Lord performs a holy transformation. He calls each of us at different times and places in our lives. None of us experience Jesus in exactly the same way, and we don’t have to! His transformation is a gift of grace. It is revealed through whose we are and by how we choose to respond to His call. There is no mistaking a transformed soul. When Ian felt the grace of God come upon him, he began to refocus his life’s direction, caring more for the needs of his brother’s children than he cared for his own personal career path. As we prepare to celebrate the birthday of our risen King, may we trust our God all the more, to do what He promises He will do. We can choose to care more about our neighbor than we care for our own personal gain. Will we care more for others than we do for ourselves? We can become the Church of the Second Chance right now. We are His message bearers. Let us introduce the world to the only One who can forever remove their guilt and shame, and give them a second chance at new life. We need to tell the story of God’s amazing grace.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the body of Christ to become the Church of the Second Chance. All of us struggle with preconceived notions, prejudices, and pain. We bear our battle scars, from hurts caused by others. God offers grace and redeeming love to all, through His Son, Jesus Christ. He alone can transform hearts and forever change lives. This Advent let us become Christ’s message bearers, offering His love to the world.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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.

Rapid delivery challenge

Daily Reading: II Thessalonians 1, 2, 3

II Thessalonians 3:1-3 (NIV)

1 Finally, brothers, pray for us that the message of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you. 2 And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men, for not everyone has faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

1 Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

Good morning!

There is something refreshing in observing the unconditional faith of a child. This morning, my grandson Joshua woke up early and wanted to watch cartoons. We recently switched from cable to satellite service, and I am all thumbs when it comes to viewing and selecting the appropriate channel. While struggling with the enemy (my term of endearment for what is known as the remote control), Joshua suggested I wake up Pa for help. Even young Joshua’s faith in my electronic capabilities only goes so far. I have been known to lay hands on the television monitor and pray for supernatural intervention. This morning, I believe Joshua needs to pray for me.

Where does faith come from? It is a gift of God, for those who place their hope and trust in Him. It is given in incremental measure. We gain faith through exercising faith. We trust Him all the more, especially when we cannot see the tangible, physical results. The Apostle Paul had heard of the faith of his Christian friends at Thessalonica, and how they continued to stand strong amid ongoing persecution. Paul didn’t have a satellite television from Corinth where he could tune in and watch the news unfold across a big screen. I’m sure he could managed a remote control much better than I do; yet, Paul relied upon the Holy Spirit’s leading to speak and encourage those who were dying for faith. How much faith does it take for you to follow a holy nudge of the Lord?

During this season of Advent preparation, we have an urgent message to deliver. Jesus is counting on us to spread the Good News around the world! He commanded believers to go and make disciples of all the nations. How can we spread the news rapidly in our world today? We face faithless people everywhere we go. We need Christ’s protection and strength now. When my faith seems shallow, I get down on my knees and ask God for a greater measure of His faith, to face the things I simply don’t understand, even the remote controls of my life. We all have them – the things of life that seem so very difficult to get around. Greater faith is a gift of God. Ask Him for more today. It will make the job move much faster.

I am grateful for the many networks and stations that broadcast the Gospel message around the world. For someone like me, who is “remotely” challenged, they would not hire me to manage their satellite system. Even in my own inadequacies and struggles, there is a childlike faith just waiting to emerge. May you find the message of our Lord emerging in your life today, no matter what challenges you may face. And if it is a problem with your remote control, you can always call on Pa. He is The Answer!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: greater faith! We need to send His message around the world, and today is the day to do it. Ask God to give you greater faith - just what you need at the right moment, so that you can share Jesus with the people you meet today.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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.

Becoming a model of faith

Daily Reading: I Thessalonians 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

I Thessalonians 1:4-7 (NIV)

4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that He has chosen you, 5 because our Gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord, in spite of severe suffering, and you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia.

Good morning!

I’m learning to do things differently as a grandparent. I think I’m a better “parental type” the second time around. Are there lessons learned while raising your kids that you might do differently if you had the chance to do it again?

Last night was one of those nights. When our children were young, I did a lot of decorating for holidays – Christmas and Easter were huge celebrations in our home. One of my favorite memories while growing up was making a big deal about the holidays in our home. We spent hours preparing for the big celebration, not only by decorating, but also in cooking, planning, inviting, and welcoming our neighbors into our home. Now that I’m a little bit older, I don’t do as much holiday decorating or baking as I once did, but whenever the grandkids visit, I go out of my way to make it special for them too. How I want these children to have a similar sense of the importance of preparation, as we await the wondrous gift of our Lord. The Christmas tree is a sacred space where we place our memories, tell our stories, and hang all our hopes and dreams for the world to come. Under the tree, we place a hand-carved nativity set, fully stocked with animals, shepherds, wise men and angels, all adoring the newborn baby King. I’ve collected a lot of breakable ornaments. When my children were little, I would only let them hang the plastic ornaments, for fear they might drop a glass globe and have it shatter on the floor. This year, I realized I had done the decorating all wrong. Ornaments tell a story, and if those stories are precious to us, how much more precious are they in the eyes of a child? I sat on the floor, admiring the glass ornaments as I pulled them from the plastic storage box. We have nativities under glass; angels, crosses, bells, snowflakes, and dated baby ornaments, all breakable and every one a precious memory. The ornaments of our life are shared in the story of our salvation. I watched in wonder as I handed each glass ornament to my five year old grandson and three year old granddaughter. They are not very tall, and I knew the tree would be bottom heavy with lots of sparkling glass ornaments. Do you want to know where they placed almost every sparkling globe? The children hung them near the nativity on the bottom branches of the tree. Not one ornament was broken last night. They decorated the tree with loving care. How in the world did I miss out on such a blessing? Why was I so frightened that something might get broken, that I refused to let my own precious children hang their glass ornaments on the tree of life?

We become models of faith through risk-taking mission and ministry. Love reveals itself best in the simplicities of our daily lives. Sometimes it is hard to change a time-honored tradition. We fear that in the changing, something may become broken, displaced, or lost forever in the mix. If we choose to reach out to the world and be the hands, feet, eyes and heart of our Lord Jesus, we must be willing to let go of our fears, and allow change to occur in some of the traditions that may keep us from experiencing the fresh breath of God in our lives. Are we willing to risk a little broken glass, if it means we can effectively turn hearts to the Lord?

The Thessalonians understood full well the meaning of risk-taking mission and service. There was no doubt of their call; it was evidenced not only through their words, but by works produced in faith, prompted by love, and the sheer endurance in their suffering. Sometimes change can hurt, yet, it may bring forth a double blessing. When the Holy Spirit comes upon you with deep conviction, you cannot help but do things differently. Lives are touched when we are willing to let go of some of the things we hold dear, and allow new ideas and new ways of doing ministry emerge.

Our grandchildren had a great time decorating Granny Deb and Pa’s tree last night. I sat on the floor and watched them in amazement. I’ve never seen the tree look so beautiful. I was always more concerned about safety and the strategic placement of each ornament. By taking this risk, I watched the evidence of faith emerge as my grandbabies placed their most treasured ornaments around the face of the Christ child. It is where all of our ornaments belong, and ironically, there was no broken glass to clean up.

May we learn in this holy season of Advent what it means to become models of faith, as we risk the willingness to change, so that we can win souls for our Lord.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the desire to become a living model of faith. With the power of the Holy Spirit, you can turn hearts toward Christ right now, right where you are at. Won’t you ask Christ to give you the desire and determination to be a risk taker for Him today?

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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.

Sharing our toys

Daily Reading: Colossians 3, 4; Proverbs 14

Colossians 3:17 (NIV)

17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Colossians 4:2-6 (NIV)

2 Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. 3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. 4 Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. 5 Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. 6 Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.

Good afternoon!

This morning was White Gift Sunday at Faith Church. Every year, on the first Sunday of Advent, we bring gifts to give to our brothers and sisters through the good work of Kingdom House in St. Louis. It is a privilege and a lot of fun to go shopping and buy presents for children that we may never meet face to face. Joshua and Emily helped me wrap the gifts before church. They really liked what Granny Deb had purchased. There was one gift in particular that Joshua wanted to keep for himself. He had a hard time understanding why I would want to give away such a fun toy, especially since he didn’t have it and wanted it for himself. I tried three times to explain to him why we were giving these gifts, but I wonder if he really understood why we need to share our toys.

After Joshua and Emily had been bathed, dressed and were waiting for slowpoke Granny Deb to finish getting baby Andrew ready, they began to play a not-so-friendly game of tug of war with a toy truck. Of course, they didn’t want to take turns sharing the toy. When our children were little and they couldn’t play nice together, we used to insist they sit down on the floor and hold hands until they could get along and play nice again. There was no worse punishment in the world than a Spaulding brother having to hold his older sister’s hand, even for a few seconds. I did not make my grandchildren sit down and hold hands, but I sure thought about it. How do we teach the children to willingly share what they have with each other when we have such a difficult time sharing our own resources with others? Some people share without hesitation, but I don’t know of anyone who doesn’t try to count the cost in advance. We try to pre-determine just how much time an outreach opportunity may take, how many dollars we will need to raise before we can do the work, and how many people we need to adequately staff the project. Many good and worthwhile outreach opportunities fall by the wayside simply because our congregations cannot come up with what they need in advance to effectively share resources with those whom we may never meet. So why is it so hard to share our toys with those in need? Do we need to sit down on the floor and hold hands for a little while?

I explained to Joshua that because Jesus gave us His gifts of love, mercy and grace, He would want us to share our gifts with other children, especially the ones who do not have toys to play with, food to eat, or clothes to wear. Joshua and Emily have two working parents, and they’ve never gone a day without adequate food, clothing or shelter. For those of us who have been so fortunate to be blessed with the necessities of life, it is hard to understand the importance of what it means to willingly open our hearts and hands to share with those in need. It is my prayer that you and I will embrace every opportunity to share our toys, our gifts, and unconditional love with the strangers in our midst. We must be wise, not allowing any opportunity to serve pass us by because we do not want to share. I believe it will help if we link our hands and hearts together, through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a holy and seasoned conversation, so that we may know how to answer the harder questions. How can we teach our children to share their toys when we are unwilling to share ourselves with others? In the name of Jesus Christ, I pray for a generous and giving heart. Give me a greater desire to give, share and love unconditionally, no matter what the need may be. Ignite a spark in me that will spread your love to a world that desperately needs to know the Lord. Amen.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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.

Happy New Birth Day!

Daily Reading: Colossians 1, 2; Proverbs 13

Colossians 1:3-6; 9 (NIV)

3 We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, 4 because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints - 5 the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the Word of truth, the Gospel 6 that has come to you. All over the world this Gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God’s grace in all its truth.

9 For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Good morning!

When I arrived home yesterday from work, I was greeted by three little smiles. I got a wet, slobbery kiss from my sweet five-month old Andrew, who seems to be cutting teeth way too fast for my liking. Joshua and Emily were starving, and ready to eat “chicken on the bone.” For those of you who are not familiar with this terminology, it is also known as Granny Deb’s fried chicken. Sometimes I feel like I’m a “chicken on the bone,” don’t you? They are here in St. Charles, helping me celebrate my birthday! What a wonderful gift to receive – the precious gift of time spent together. I’ve looked forward to this day all week long, and now, as they lay sleeping quietly and peacefully in their beds (a rare moment indeed), I am grateful for the perpetual love our Lord gives through the gift of family.

I stood by my bed last night and read the birthday cards that had arrived in yesterday’s mail. Do you like receiving mail? I read and answer e-mail every day. It is wonderful to be able to instantly communicate with family and friends around the world. With a simple double click of a mouse, we can send our greetings to each other and receive a reply almost immediately. I have to say that I enjoy receiving cards through the “snail mail” almost as much as I enjoy reading daily e-mail. There is something really special when we open and view a card or letter from a dear one, who thought about us long enough to make the time to write a note and drop it in the mail. I save cards and letters, placing them in scrapbooks and keepsake albums. It is a time-honored tradition to scrapbook here at the parsonage. We will be making memories today that will last forever in the scrapbooks we fill tomorrow.

Can you imagine how the Christians must have felt when they received this letter from Paul? He was happy to greet them in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. His heart was moved by their faithfulness and love that sprang forth from the hope that was stored up in them from heaven, because they had heard the Word of truth! WOW! It is exciting to read so many faith-filled notes from those who have met the Lord Jesus Christ and are purposefully choosing to live for Him everyday. While we watch and wait for His imminent return, we encourage each other sharing the Good News around the world. Paul heard about the good work of his faith family in Colosse, and was quick to write and encourage them on. Are you feeling encouraged in your faith today by someone who cared enough to write and thank you?

Paul’s love letter was not just written to the Colossians. Paul speaks to every heart, who is serving our Lord today. If you know Jesus Christ as your personal Savior and friend and are seeking to share His love with others, then this letter was written just for you! I love reading these words out loud, and I would encourage you today to take this scripture passage to heart. Take a moment to pray these words right off the printed page. You can say it like this: “I always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when I pray for _______________ (fill in the blank with the name of someone you love), because I have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints – thank you for serving the Lord!

When we recognize Jesus Christ living in others and take time to tell them what this means, we share a blessing, giving the gift of a Happy New Birth Day. New birth reminds us of the very first time we felt our own hearts come alive in the love of our Lord. We renew our commitment to support each other, through the perfect love of Jesus. When we send up a prayer of thanksgiving for another human heart, we whisper the words of love into the holy ear of Almighty God.

Forty-nine years ago, at 7:00pm, a little tiny baby girl was born into the world. Today, that baby is celebrating a happy new birth day. I am filled with the love of my Lord Jesus Christ, who saves, covers, and redeems me for kingdom work. I think I’ll throw myself a party! It’s a grandmother’s prerogative, you know, and I think I should have cake and ice cream! It’s a bit unusual, but why not? God broke the mold when He made me. I’ve invited my grandchildren to come over to play with me. We will put on our party hats, and have balloons and noise makers, and watch Christmas videos together. I have a box of ornaments just waiting to be hung on the tree. Little hands will make it perfect. We’ll take lots of pictures and sing the songs we love to sing. Today is my new birth day, and it is my opportunity to thank the Lord for the ones who have helped me grow in grace day by day.

My dear ones, it is for this reason, since the day I first met you, I have not stopped praying for you and asking God to fill you with the knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding. I pray that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and may please Him in every way, bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God. Thank you, dear friends, for serving the Lord. Amen.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: today to become your happy new birth day! You have been redeemed by the blood of the Lamb. Praise God from whom all blessings flow! Now, get out there and tell the world about Jesus! There are people who need to hear a word of encouragement from you right now!

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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.

Embracing Suffering

Daily Reading: Philippians 3, 4: Proverbs 12

Philippians 3:10-11 (NIV)

10 I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death, 11 and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection of the dead.

Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)

13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Colossians 3:4 (NIV)

When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.

Good morning!

I am having a miserable week. I managed to catch that sinus cold/ flu virus that has been going around. All of our grandchildren and children have been puny. For me, I just don’t always adjust well to sudden temperature changes. Eventually, my sinuses clear up, but it takes time. It started with a miserable migraine headache on Monday and went downhill from there, literally. I don’t think I’m a very pleasant person when I’m sick. I’m sure my sweet husband would agree.

It’s hard to imagine what Christ went through to save us. He willingly took on our human condition out of perfect, genuine love. Fully God, and fully man, Jesus knew no sin, yet experienced every trial and temptation we face today. Our human condition does not make for a pretty picture. Christ knew first hand what it was like to get sick, to suffer, to hurt, and to be tired. He willingly gave Himself up, even dying on a cruel Roman cross of torture, so that humanity may receive the Father’s forgiveness, redemption and everlasting life. My sinus cold seems rather trivial, when I put it in perspective with what Jesus did for me.

I’m such a wimp! Paul knew what it was like to suffer for the cross. When Jesus appeared to Paul on the Damascus road, his life was forever changed. A holy shift occurred. Not only did Paul recognize what Christ had done for him, Paul felt compelled to preach the Gospel message wherever the Lord would send him, even if it meant he would be punished or killed for his faith. How many times did Paul suffer beatings, stoning, starvation, imprisonment, and cruel, harsh treatment? Did it deter him? Not even a little bit. Paul willingly suffered. I don’t suffer willingly. I would much rather choose to not suffer at all. I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection. But I’m sitting here at my computer desk, blowing my nose every minute or two, not letting the bottle of Excedrin® migraine leave my sight, and I wonder how much I’m actually willing to share in the fellowship of Christ's suffering today. Am I really a willing participant when it comes to pain, putting myself out there in the world, ready to go wherever He calls, knowing I’m probably going to get beaten up along the way? Am I willing to suffer in order to spread the Gospel? Do I have any right at all to expect that following Christ would somehow make my life easier, more comfortable? Was Christ comfortable as He hung on the cross, spilling His life's blood for me?

I couldn’t take my eyes off a passage of Scripture that was read last night in class. It resonates with me for so many reasons. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. The first phrase was what held my undivided attention, When Christ, who is my life. He is life. Jesus Christ, in me. When Christ is in me. He lives in me! I realize that my longing for Him is a seed planted by the Holy Spirit. Following Christ, especially when it means I’m going to suffer at some point, is not something I would choose to do on my own. I’d much rather be comfortable. But Christ doesn’t call us to live in comfort. He calls us to follow Him. He gave us a living example and now its up to us to choose whether we are willing to go. Only the love of Jesus could convince my heart to get out there, even when it’s scary and painful, and totally unattractive. If I’m following Him, I can expect I’m going to get hurt. The greater question is: will I choose to be a willing participant as I share in His pain?

Paul lay in the cold, dark prison cell, bleeding on the floor, after taking yet another beating. The scars on his back were so thick that every beating brought greater physical agony. If you have ever had to undergo surgery in the same location where you have been cut before, then you may have some affinity for the suffering of Paul. As he lay there in the dark, he did not whimper or fear. Paul sang songs of praise to His Savior, and the other prisoners couldn’t help but listen. Are you willing to sing even in the midst of intense suffering?

There was a time in my life when I was not willing to suffer for Christ. Every morning, the Holy Spirit moves me just a little bit closer to the Lord I love. I thank Him for living inside of me - the biggest wimp that ever walked the face of the earth. Jesus lives in me! Is that not amazing? He continues to reveal Himself moment by moment. I am learning how to embrace suffering, because I can see Christ just a little bit clearer through the pain. Colds are temporary. Suffering is only for a season. Living in the light of Christ is eternal. On this day, I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me.

It’s time to blow my nose and go to work.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: Christ to strengthen you through your suffering. If you are anything like I am, you may try to avoid pain and suffering at any cost. Remember that when Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Be very glad. He has big things planned for you, but you must be willing to embrace suffering. Are you willing to suffer for the Lord?

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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.

Up front faith

Daily Reading: Ephesians 4, 5, 6

Ephesians 6:10 (NIV)

10 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.

Matthew 21:21-22 (NIV)

21 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and it will be done. 22 If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.

Good evening!

Have you ever tried to move a mountain with a mustard seed? Tonight during prayer meeting, Jeff passed around a heart-shaped mustard seed necklace that he had picked up at the Bible book store several years ago. It was still seated in its original jewelry box, in mint condition. I held the container in my hand and took another long look at the tiny mustard seed inside the heart pendant. I thought that mustard seed must have shrunk in size from the last time I saw at it. Jeff asked me how my vision was doing. This week has not been good for me. I’m having trouble seeing clearly into the distance. I think it is because there is a mountain in the way, blocking my view of the Son. Mustard seeds are generally pretty small in size, but the one in the jewelry box is barely recognizable. Can you imagine trying to move anything with something not much larger than a speck of dust?

There is not one person I know who doesn’t have a mountain to move in their life. We struggle with decisions and choices, some of which have lifelong consequences. Sometimes the pressure to perform well becomes a crisis, rendering a capable person into a non-functioning state. We wonder how to move the mountains that manage to block our vision, and squash what little hope we hold inside. One five-minute phone call from the doctor can change a person’s outlook on life. A broken heart can overwhelm even the strongest soul. We lose someone we love and find we no longer have the will to live ourselves. Maybe you’ve been asked to do what seems to be impossible - at work, in school, or even at church. You feel ill-equipped; maybe you lack the skill sets or educational background to do the job you’ve been given. The mountain continues to grow. How in the world can we move it?

The truth is - we can’t move it, not on our own. There is nothing this world has to offer than can move the mountains you face in life. I know someone who can and does move mountains every day. When Jesus cursed the fig tree for not bearing good fruit, His disciples were amazed. They wondered what kind of authority Jesus had over all the earth. He told His followers if they had faith and DID NOT DOUBT, not only could they make the fig tree wither with one word, but they could say to that mountain, ‘Go and throw yourself into the sea,’ and it would be done. If they believed, they would receive whatever they asked for in prayer.

Do we pray mountain-moving prayers or do we hold back for fear of failure? Are you afraid to ask God for a miracle, because the situation may not play out the way you think it should? If you fail in your prayers because God did not answer the way you thought He should, would it make you feel like a praying fool? Mountain-moving miracles requires complete trust in the Lord, who is our miracle-maker. There are times when we need to have a mountain so large that the only way to deal with it is to ask God for His divine intervention.

Up front faith takes more than mere words. We can read it in the pages of our Bible; yet, it takes a bold and unbridled trust coupled with the determination not to doubt, even and especially when our prayers seemingly dissipate into thin air. Sometimes, we are like that fig tree. People are hungry; they are starving to know there is Savior who can change the direction of their life forever. Is the body of Christ so shriveled up and brittle, that we are unable to offer a mustard seed of hope for those facing fear and despair? What will it take for you to let God free your faith and bring you into a deeper, more intimate fellowship with Him? Are you willing to get out of the way, let go of your rope completely, and allow God to move the mountain that is eating you alive?

It is easy to get sidetracked by the mountains we face. We must look beyond what we see, and choose to obey the Lord, even in our fear. Up front faith says that we will trust the mustard seed God planted inside of our hearts, to do whatever it takes to move the mountain aside and wash it out to sea. The Father promises we will receive His answers, if we believe and do not doubt. Are you ready to stand on His Word? Are you willing to trust the Lord Jesus Christ completely now?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: up front faith! It all begins with a simple prayer. Father, I do not deserve to have you come under my roof. But just say the Word, and I know your power will move these mountains out of the way. I’m asking you for greater faith, a faith only You can give. I need Your courage not to look back, up, down, or away from Your holy face. Help me not to focus on the mountain. Help me to look at you alone. I offer this prayer in Jesus’ name. Amen.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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.

Less than the Least

Daily Reading: Ephesians 1, 2, 3

Ephesians 3:7-9 (NIV)

7 I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of His power. 8 Although I am less than the least of all God’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.

Good morning!

Do you ever wonder why God might choose to reveal Himself to you? Maybe you have experienced God’s grace and mercy during a time when you probably least deserved it. He seems to speak to my heart, especially in times when I’ve totally messed up. He continues to teach me daily, as I purposefully seek to become more like Him each day. I know that I must fully rely on the Lord for all that I am and all I hope to be. Yet, it is very easy to get sidetracked and pulled off center. Do you know what I mean?

The Apostle Paul writes that we are “dead” or separated in our transgressions and sins when we become willfully disobedient. We begin to rely upon our own efforts rather than following God’s instruction manual. When we refuse to obey His Word, we single-handedly open the door to the spirit of darkness, and that spirit keeps us from hearing His still, small voice. I have experienced seasons in my life when God’s voice was seemingly gone. It was not because He disappeared out of my life; I had turned and walked away from Him.

My heart resonates with the words of Paul. I also feel I am less than the least, especially when it comes to sharing the Gospel. I’ve been in the presence of many fine pastors and teachers throughout my life. I am blessed to be married to a man who answered Christ’s call at age seventeen, to go and share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in pastoral ministry. I have friends my age whom I’ve watched pick up their families and leave their “day jobs” behind to go and serve the Lord wherever He sent them. I distinctly remember one family that moved into the married student housing unit on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. This couple moved three teenage children into the space of what I would consider to be a crackerbox, a two-bedroom apartment about the size of our parsonage bedroom, so their father could study God’s Word and follow the call of Christ in his life. And my children thought it was tough moving from parsonage to parsonage! They have no earthly idea what this family sacrificed to serve the Lord. I have friends who are now missionaries. They left the comfort and familiarity of their family and friends to offer assistance and hope to the poorest of the poor. I find it absolutely surprising and amazing that Christ could possibly choose someone like me, ahead of time, knowing my heart better than I do, and not give up on me long, long ago. I can’t even come close to the integrity of these fine people; I lack their character and stamina. The only thing I can do is look directly into the face of the Lord I love, and long for more and more of Him each day. When I trust Him completely to lead, He allows me to share His message of salvation with the world around me.

Being in relationship with the One who loves me completely, even at the age I’m at, and in the place I find myself; He is the One who never gives up on all He has created me to be in Him. The love of Christ is more precious and beautiful than anything this world could ever offer. I may be less than the least; but God had a plan for me long before I was a glimmer in my mother’s eye. And just like me, He has a plan for you too.

I’m celebrating a birthday this weekend. I’ll be a whole year older on Saturday. Even now, at my age, as my vision fades, and my hearing is not as sharp as it once was, the Father finds new ways to capture my undivided attention, through the love of His Son. He continues to pull love out of this old heart, a love that He can only give. Maybe you find yourself sinking deep into the routines and complacency of your daily life. You’ve just been so busy and distracted with other stuff that you’ve not been hearing that still, small voice crying out to you. Maybe you don’t believe God could love you this much. Do you believe you are less than the least? I am here to tell you today that you have a Heavenly Father who longs for you to come home to Him now. No matter who you are, or where you’ve been, there is a Savior, who gave His life’s blood just to reach you. Jesus Christ is calling you today. He can and will call you to follow Him at any age. There is not a secluded spot on the face of this earth that can separate you from the One who knows you better than you know yourself.

Advent is just around the corner. Christ is coming to us again. Can you hear the baby’s cry in the cold night air? He is crying out to you. Ask Him to come inside your heart. As long as you have breath in your body, it is not too late to give your life back to the Lord.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a love that will not let you go, at any age, no matter where you live, no matter what you’ve done. He will lead you on an amazing journey, one that was hand-picked for you, long before you ever took your first breath. Will you let the Lord Jesus Christ lead you today?

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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.