How did He know?

Today’s Reading: John 4:16-18; 25-26 (NIV)

16 He told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” 17 “I have no husband,” she replied. Jesus said to her, “You are right when you say you have no husband. 18 The fact is, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. What you have just said is quite true.”

25 The woman said, “I know that Messiah” (called Christ) “is coming. When He comes, He will explain everything to us.” 26 Then Jesus declared, “I who speak to you am He.”

Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Good day!

The truth is not always pretty. We do our best our best to tuck the things we are ashamed of away in the recesses of our hearts, where no one can see it. When we meet someone for the first time, we hope to leave a good first impression. That first point of contact can potentially make or break a relationship. This woman knew the stranger was someone special. After all, He did stop and speak to her! He cared enough to ask her for a drink of water. Surely, this man could tell who she was just by her physical appearance. Samaritans and Jews never interact. So why would He even bother to talk to her?

How did He know? How did he know about her personal living arrangement? It was as if he could see everything she had ever done. He saw past the failed marriages and recognized her broken heart. She had a deep longing to be loved, and the stranger knew it! How could this man, whom she had just met, know so much about her life? Was He a prophet? Could He be the Messiah?

Do you remember the first time you fell in love? A wonderful feeling wells up inside when you begin to realize that someone really knows and understands you, and loves you anyway! What kind of love is this? This realization occurs when you meet Christ for the first time at the well of your life. The woman had carried a lot of pain and regret around for years. If she had been able to simply dump it into the well that day, her pain would have completely filled it up. There are times when I’m sure you wonder where God is in the middle of your suffering and grief. Believe me, Jesus shows up just when we need Him the most and when He reveals Himself, there is no doubt of His extravagant love. He knows and understands your heart, and He loves you anyway!

Our relationship with Christ begins in love. It is the one love that will never ever die. We love Him, because He first loved us. There is no flaw you can hide from His eyes. He sees you; He knows you, just as you are, and loves you! Jesus loves you! Our relationship grows deeper in daily worship, devotion and praise. We speak to Him out of our heart’s desire, trying to somehow express how we feel; and yet, He knows what we think before a word is whispered from our lips.

How do you describe a love like this? Could He be the Messiah? Is He standing at the well of your life today, offering you at drink of living water?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Help me trust you enough, Jesus, to drink living water and give You my heart today. 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.

Living water

Today’s Reading: John 4:13-15 (NIV)

13 Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14 but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” 15 The woman said to him, “Sir, give me this water so that I won’t get thirsty and have to keep coming here to draw water.”

Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Good day!

Our family likes to drink bottled water. Tap water is great; yet it often leaves an aftertaste. We like bottled water because it is so refreshing and pure. There are some bottled waters that are actually sweeter to the taste than others. The back label of my water bottle endorses its unique purification system. It must be something special, because the water I drink every day is the sweetest, most refreshing water I’ve ever tasted. How do they do it? This morning, I was trying to calculate approximately how much money we spend per month on bottled water, and was astounded at the dollar amount. No matter how much I want to, I simply cannot develop a liking to tap water. Lord, have mercy on me.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have an unlimited supply of pure water to drink? The woman at the well wanted to receive the living water Christ offered. She didn’t want to have to make trips to and from Jacob’s well each day. What a gift it is to never thirst again! She didn’t quite understand it, but this woman knew what she wanted, and the offer of living water was simply too good to pass by.

As our spirit grows in daily study and prayer, Christ’s love roots us even deeper in the river of life. His is the wellspring that will never run dry. We can receive a free drink, because Christ paid the price for you and me at Calvary. Yet, living water has a steep price. It will cost you everything you have. Yet, if you are willing to lose the life you once knew for abundant and everlasting life with Jesus, then this living water is what you need to survive. When you taste it for the very first time, you will not want to drink anything else. The difference between drinking tap and bottled water is its purification process. When Christ purifies your life with His living water, no other water will do.

Are you thirsting for something more? Come to the wellspring – the river of life. Like a well-rooted tree planted by streams of living water, your soul can be nourished in His love. It is God’s gift of new life for you and me. Jesus Christ invites you to come and drink deeply today.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Thank you, Father, for living water. May my life be purified in Jesus Christ. 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.

If we only knew Who asked

Today’s Reading: John 4:7-10 (NIV)

7 When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, “Will you give me a drink?” 8 His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9 The Samaritan woman said to Him, “You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus answered her, “If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked Him and He would have given you living water.”

Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Good day!

Can you imagine the surprise the Samaritan woman must have felt at the well? She had tried to sneak out unnoticed around noon, knowing others would not come out in the heat of the day just to draw water. She just wanted to get her water and go home, where she could spend the rest of the day in solitude and peace. She got tired of the sneers and looks of disgust by her neighbors. She couldn’t help that she was a half-breed, and eventually began to live up to the attitudes and judgments the community had afforded her. All she really wanted was to love and to be loved. It did not matter how hard she tried or who she gave her heart to, brokenness plagued her very existence. She certainly didn’t expect to meet anyone at the well. Who was this man and why would he ask her for a drink?

If we only knew Who asked, we would gladly drop whatever we were doing and answer Him. Has Jesus ever asked you for a drink? Our bodies need water to survive. Our kidneys cannot function properly without water, flushing our organs and removing the impurities that collect in our flesh. It is the most refreshing and nourishing drink we can consume. It was no coincidence that Jesus was at the well that day, waiting for this woman to arrive. He knew her need before she asked. He offered her living water, and the one true love she longed to receive.

Jesus asks today, “Will you give me a drink?” We take the gift of clean water for granted. There are thousands who suffer every day from drinking contaminated water. People ingest parasites, knowing the water their bodies crave may actually kill them. Their need is great. If we are willing, we can offer clean drinking water to those who are dying of thirst right now.

Christ extends living water to anyone who will ask Him for a drink. His love is for every person, no matter their race, culture, or past. Christ broke the barrier of every known prejudice to offer living water to all in need. This Gospel is for you and it is for me. If we only knew Who was asking, we would gladly stop what we are doing and answer Him.

Do you know where to find the spring of living water today? His is the well that never runs dry. His water is fresh and uncontaminated. It has supernatural healing properties, and when you taste it, this water will quench your thirst and set you free!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Your living water is all I’ll ever need. Quench my insatiable thirst and wash away my sin today, dear Savior. 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.

Shedding a little light on the matter

Today’s Reading: John 3:16-21 (NIV)

[Jesus said,] 16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. 18 Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but men loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. 20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that His deeds will be exposed. 21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what He has done has been done through God.”

Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Good day!

Today is a great day to count the miracles in your life! Many of us can quickly revisit the struggles and problems we encountered yesterday. It is human nature to remember difficult moments, while shoving little rays of light underneath our mind’s floor mat. Do you find yourself focusing on the problems that distress you more than the things that bring great joy to your heart?

When Jesus spoke to Nicodemus, he knew this man was yearning to understand and accept God’s Word. He wanted to know the truth, and Jesus spoke the truth in no uncertain terms. How would Nicodemus recognize the truth? Jesus simply said, “Whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be seen plainly that what He has done has been done through God.”

The truth presents itself, plain as day, and we miss it! We are so caught up in the evil that surrounds us that we forget to see the good. We really want to see it, but often, we don’t know where to look. Our culture is entrenched in darkness. We are plagued by holy wars, sicknesses, poverty, intrinsic evils of murder, incest, lying, cheating, stealing, and the aftermath of those caught in the wake of catastrophic natural disasters. It is hard to see the good when suffering surrounds us like a thick blanket of darkness. It can block the light of His Truth, if we let it. When we look beyond the struggle and begin to see the truth for who He really is, the darkness begins to fade away until the light overshadows it completely.

This is why Christ came. He is the Truth. He is the Light. He came to offer hope to the hopeless, healing to the sick, love to the unloved, and peace to those who find themselves at war. He calls humanity to emerge from the darkness and follow Him into everlasting light. When we choose to live by the Truth, we come into His light, and that light will dispel the darkness once and for all.

There is no greater welcome than the welcome we receive when we choose to place our faith on the rock solid foundation of Jesus Christ. You are invited today to set aside the darkness in your life, and come into His light. Count your miracles! Jesus gave Himself willingly so that you might receive abundant life today and eternal life for all your tomorrows. That is the greatest miracle of all! Take a look at what God has given you through the Son. How will He use you to shed a little light in the dark today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Help me to carry Your light into the world today, dear 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.

The miracle of new birth

Today’s Reading: John 3:1-8 (NIV)

1 Now there was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the miraculous signs you are doing if God were not with Him.” 3 In reply Jesus declared, “I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” 4 “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely he cannot enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Good day!

I have not yet met a person who can clearly remember the day they were born. Our memories are pieced together through the stories and photographs of those who were there, watching the miracle unfold! We share lots of “birth day” stories in our family. I have been blessed to see the live births of three of my five grandchildren. I watched them take their very first breath of life and I heard their first squeal. I held them in my arms when they were just minutes old. Jett James was a handful. He had our son Benjamin’s big head, and furrows his eyebrows and forehead just like his father does just before he cries. Jett was born hungry; this child was ready to eat! I remember standing at the NICU with my mother, gazing at little Joshua David in the incubator just on the other side of the window. How it brought back memories of our son David, and the time he spent in that same NICU seventeen years ago. I was amazed at the head of hair our granddaughter Emily Maria had. She was so covered in matted hair during the birth, that the doctor had a hard time determining where her little face was at. Little Madison Marie cried before she was even free from her mother. Once that child adjusted to the bright light of day, she calmed down and began to grin. I’ve never seen a newborn grin the way Madison Andrew Joseph looked like a larger model of his older brother Joshua. He had bright, inquisitive eyes, and was very alert from the moment he was born. Content and quiet, Andrew spent the first two hours of his life just looking around and watching all of us. He is the happiest and most content baby I have ever known. Do you have precious memories from the day you were born? did.

Nicodemus met Christ in the late night shadows. He had questions that only Jesus could answer. Nicodemus was a Pharisee and member of the Sanhedrin, the Jewish ruling council. While many of his peers rejected the teachings of Jesus, Nicodemus was seeking to better understand the man from Nazareth. He had seen the miracles with his own eyes and yearned to know more. Jesus said, “No one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” Nicodemus did not understand what He meant. How is one born again? This is the question every seeking heart asks before they embark upon the journey of spiritual rebirth in Christ.

When we are born, we have no say in the timing of our entry into the world. Our bodies are pushed out by the powerful contractions of the uterine muscle inside our mother’s abdomen. We emerge, in many instances, not wanting to leave the comfort we once knew. It is a traumatic experience for both mother and child. There is great joy in the bringing forth of new life; yet it is the infant that must learn to acclimate in its new environment. The second birth, rebirth in Christ, is a choice. God offers it to all who will believe, but every heart makes the decision whether to trust Christ and be born again. Like the tiny infant emerging from our mother’s womb, we step into new life, not completely sure of what the future may hold. It is enough to know who holds our future, and we find comfort in knowing Jesus is with us always. Hearts are forever changed and sins are forgiven. The former self is gone, and the new, abundant life is come. We remember with joy the day we said yes to Jesus. Even if you were raised in a Christian home and never had a time of not knowing about Jesus Christ, every heart will come to a place when they will reaffirm their faith.

If you have not yet asked Jesus to become Lord of your life, this is your day to be reborn! I know it can be scary, but faith is the gift of the Spirit that you receive when you believe. The Scripture says, “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 11:1 NIV). Jesus Christ invites you to be reborn today. If you are ready to take this step of faith, pray this prayer with me now: “Lord Jesus, I believe you are the living Son of God, and you came to free me from my sin. Forgive me for everything wrong I’ve ever done. I love you, and want to serve you all the days of my life. Lord, by faith I accept the salvation you offer and from this moment forward, I promise to follow You. Thank you for saving me. Amen.”

If you prayed this prayer, you are celebrating your second birth right now; your new birth in Jesus Christ. Congratulations! When you are born, your flesh is given life. When you are reborn in Christ, the Spirit is born afresh in you. Take your first new steps of faith. Find someone you can share your experience with. I would encourage you to talk with a Christian pastor, who can share your joy and walk with you as you begin to experience new life in the Lord.

Happy new birthday to you!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Thank you, Jesus, for saving me. 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.

Commission or submission?

Today’s Reading: John 2:13-18 (NIV)

13 When it was almost time for the Jewish Passover, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 In the temple courts He found two men selling cattle, sheep and doves, and others sitting at tables exchanging money. 15 So He made a whip out of cords, and drove all from the temple area, both sheep and cattle; He scattered the coins of the money changers and overturned their tables. 18 To those who sold doves He said, “Get these out of here! How dare you turn my Father’s house into a market!”

Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Good day!

There are certain circumstances when Christ does not demonstrate a warm and open welcome to the people He encounters along the way. Why would Jesus not have welcomed the money changers in the temple? After all, they were working in His temple. Why did they come? Whom were they serving? What did Jesus see that we somehow missed at first glance?

Sometimes I forget that God knows my heart better than I know it myself. He not only hears my words; He watches my actions. He understands the difference between what I say, and how I truly feel. If we spend a few minutes evaluating and observing the things we say and do and the motivation behind it, we may better understand why the Lord was unwilling to offer an open welcome to the money changers.

Why do we pray? Every Friday morning when I was a little girl, my mother kept a hair appointment at the beauty salon. It was her weekly pampering, and she never missed it. My sister and I would have to sit for two hours while the salon tech washed, rolled, dried and combed my mother’s hair. In the summertime, the salon was a very hot place to be. Women were there, getting beautified. Hair was being permed, teased and cut. The stinch of stiff hair spray wafted throughout the room and made the floor sticky and slippery. If you’ve ever sat in a hot salon, breathing in the fumes of preserving oils, creams and sprays, then you can imagine why I would have rather been anywhere else on Friday mornings.

I remembered a sermon I had heard on prayer one Sunday at church. I must have missed the part about personal sacrifice when the preacher said that I could ask anything in Jesus’ name, and God would grant my request. So I decided to try it. That Friday morning, I woke up early, got out of bed and got down on my knees. I prayed this heart felt and genuine prayer: Lord, you promised that if I asked ANYTHING in your name, You would grant it. I’m asking today to let me go to the neighbors’ house to swim instead of to the beauty shop with Mommy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

I waited by the telephone, believing our next door neighbor would call us out of the clear blue and invite Pammy and I over to swim. The minutes were ticking by and soon it was time to leave, and the phone had not yet rung. In exasperation, I ran across the street and rang my neighbor’s doorbell. I asked her as sweetly as I could, “I just knew you would invite us over today to swim, and if you do, then we won’t have to go with Mommy to the beauty shop today. Won’t you please ask my mother if we can come over now?” Our neighbor, being the kind-hearted woman she was, smiled, and said, “Of course, you can come over.” I ran home, believing God had FINALLY answered my prayer. Of course, when Mommy realized that I had forced the invitation, she refused to let us go swim. And off we went to the very hot salon where we sat and steamed for two long hours. I wondered why God didn’t answer my prayer. I was so disappointed. It was as heartfelt and sincere as I could have prayed it. I trusted Him to respond the way I wanted Him to. What was wrong with the motivation behind my words?

My prayer obviously wasn’t for God’s glory; it was for my benefit. I wanted God to do something good for me. I wanted Him to make my life easier, and more enjoyable. I didn't want to be stuck in a hot and uncomfortable place. I wanted to be in the swimming pool, having fun. I was much more concerned with my own needs and desires. Surely, God would see things my way. Those money changers in the temple may have justified selling animals in the court yard as a convenience to those who would come and offer sacrifices and prayers of repentance to God. Were they honoring God by providing this service or relying upon the needs of others as a way to make a quick buck? Were the money changers more interested in serving God or serving themselves? Are we working for a commission, or willing to fully submit to God's will, especially when life is not easy or comfortable?

When we learn to pray the prayers that God wants us to pray, they begin to take on meaning. We focus not so much on our own personal need, but upon His glory and how we can honor Him with our lives. God gives us the ability to see beyond our personal circumstances and know, beyond a doubt, that we were created to worship and glorify Him. It is no longer about me, but Thee. And living to worship HIm becomes a pleasure and privilege as we submit to His will, especially when it is not convenient. We learn to honor God in our motivations. He sees and knows our heart. We may be able to fool ourselves and each other at times, but we will never fool God.

If you are trying to please the Lord with good works and words but wrong motivation, stop it right now. Ask Him to help you see the difference between praying selfish prayers and living a selfless life. Jesus knew the difference when He went into the temple court yard that day. And He knows the motivations of your heart right now. I’ve prayed some really childish prayers in my life. Today, I willingly submit to His will, not mine. After all, it is not about me.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Father, teach me to fully submit to Your will for my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, 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.

Saving the best for last

Today’s Reading: John 2:7-10 (NIV)

7 Jesus said to the servants, “Fill the jars with water.” So they filled them to the brim. 8 Then He told them, “Now draw some out and take it to the master of the banquet.” They did so, 9 and the master of the banquet tasted the water that had been turned to wine. He did not realize where it had come from, though the servants who had drawn the water knew. Then he called the bridegroom aside 10 and said, “Everyone brings out the choice wine first and then the cheaper wine after the guests have had too much to drink; but you have saved the best till now.”

Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Good day!

Do you like to host parties? Jeff and I attended several Christmas open houses and a lavish wedding last month. Every party had been meticulously planned. One cannot help but feel a sense of genuine hospitality and welcome when we stop to recognize and appreciate the detail and effort that is placed in the planning and preparation of a special event. You are the honored guest, and every minute detail is offered for your benefit and enjoyment.

As the host or hostess of an upcoming event, you may spend months in advance, planning the menu, preparing invitations, purchasing party favors and gifts, and selecting the entertainment. If you are hosting the party in your home, cleaning and decorating becomes a top priority. Many people work tirelessly to remove every speck of dust from the furniture, polishing their floors and wiping down windows and woodwork. There is nothing more welcoming than to enter a clean space, arrayed in holiday trim.

Have you ever run short on food or drink at a party you were hosting? We have found that our family and friends all have very strong opinions about their choice of drink. My husband and sister-in-law only drink Pepsi products. My mother and father-in-law will drink soda IF they are caffeine-free. My grandchildren generally don’t consume soda; they prefer Bug Juice or Chocolate milk. Bug juice, for those who do not know, is glorified sugar water in a variety of colors. If you’ve never had a bug juice to drink, you are missing out on a very sweet treat! It doesn’t take long to realize that party drinks can become an expensive venture! I may not be the gracious hostess I once was. I used to fret over whether I had purchased enough variety to please everyone who came to visit. Now, I simply serve coffee, tea, lemonade and ice water and pray no one dies of excessive thirst and/or caffeine withdrawal. I have a lot to learn a lot from the Lord’s miracle at the wedding in Cana.

Why do you think Jesus turned the water into wine? I believe it had more to do with quenching spiritual thirst. Jesus knew, while meeting the physical needs of the wedding party, He could transform souls. The guests obviously were not going to die of thirst. After all, they had clean water, and lots of it to drink. The party had gone on for hours, and most of the guests had been drinking heavily for some time. It might have ended a little sooner had the master of the event not had any more wine to serve his guests, and yet, Christ saw the greater need. He created a complete transformation of water to wine, right before the servants’ eyes. Jesus performed this first of many miracles right in front of the servants, but the host and the bridegroom didn’t even realize what had happened. Pure water became living water, the kind of drink that quenches soul thirst forever. The host was surprised that the bridegroom had saved the best drink for last. What an amazing gesture of hospitality!

There is no doubt that our Lord reserves His best for last. With extraordinary love, Christ gave everything He had to save the world. He offered His flesh and blood as a sin offering for all who believe. He promises to prepare a special place for His people. There is a banquet being prepared right now for you and for me. It will be a party like nothing we’ve ever experienced here, and I can guarantee you, His fountain of living water will never run dry.

This is one party you do not want to miss. Come and experience Christ’s best. He offers it to every soul who chooses to repent and place their faith on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Lord Jesus, thank you for saving the best for last. Quench my thirst with living water today. Amen.

___________________________

© 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.

Jacob's ladder

Today’s Reading: John 1:47-51 (NIV)

47 When Jesus saw Nathaniel approaching, he said of him, “Here is a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.” 48 “How do you know me?” Nathaniel asked. Jesus answered, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” 49 Then Nathaniel declared, “Rabbi, you are the Son of God; you are the King of Israel.” 50 Jesus said, “You believed because I told you I saw you under the fig tree. You shall see greater things than that.” 51 He then added, “I tell you the truth, you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”

Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Good day!

When I was eight years old, my parents purchased a piano and had it delivered to our home. It sat in our living room, where I spent hours sitting on the bench, practicing and playing music. One of the first hymns I learned to play was the great Negro spiritual, Jacob’s Ladder. The song was easy to play and sing because there were only four major chord changes in the song. The rich harmonies filled our home and wafted out the open screen door into the front yard. The words to the song stayed with me all day long. I found myself singing them out loud on my way to and from the bus stop at school. I imagined I was climbing with the angels on that ladder of life which stretches from heaven to earth. I am a soldier of the cross.

When Philip found Nathaniel, he could hardly contain the good news: “We have found the One Moses wrote about in the law and about whom the prophets also wrote – Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” Nathaniel ran with Philip to see for himself whether this man was indeed, the Son of God. Don’t you wonder what song Nathaniel was singing as he made his way down the dirt path toward the Lord?

Jesus welcomed Nathaniel in a most unusual way. He said, “Now here’s a true Israelite, in whom there is nothing false.” Nathaniel couldn’t figure out how Jesus could possibly know anything about him. He thought they were strangers, meeting together for the very first time. “How do you know me?” Nathaniel asked with great curiosity. Jesus said, “I saw you under that fig tree before Philip ever called you.” It was at that moment when Nathaniel recognized Jesus as the Son of God, the King of Israel. When did you first realize who Jesus really is? What words did He speak that changed your life forever?

As we look for God to make a way for us to introduce Christ to the strangers in our lives, we can take a welcoming lesson from the Lord. Jesus immediately focused upon the condition of Nathaniel’s heart. Christ knew Nathaniel was an honest man. When we meet new people for the first time, we may not know anything about them, but we do know they have a heart that God loves. How do we welcome the stranger? Are we willing to look beyond our first impressions and focus upon the condition of their hearts?

I invite you this morning to take a look at a blog site written by one of my pastors. Jeff Brinkman is a United Methodist minister serving Woods Chapel Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. He writes a daily message entitled, “Can you hear the birds sing?” Last week, Pastor Brinkman spent some time in New Orleans working at a mission site. Check out his post dated December 30, 2007 entitled Walgreens. Pastor shares a brief encounter he had with a stranger while shopping for supplies. You can find it at http://www.canyouhearthebirdssing.blogspot.com/

We climb Jacob’s ladder every day: at work, in school, and even at home. We are bound to pass a few strangers along the way. It only takes one brief encounter to leave a lasting impression. How will you choose to offer the love of Christ to the stranger in your midst?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Dear God, help me to welcome others the way you welcome me. 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.

The breath of dawn

Today’s Reading: John 1:40-43 (NIV)

40 Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. 41 The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon son of John. You will be called Cephas” (which translated, is Peter). 43 The next day Jesus decided to leave for Galilee. Finding Philip, He said to him, “Follow me.”

Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Good day!

The sentiment behind my simple greeting seems a bit understated. This is a GREAT day to be alive! Can you feel the breath of dawn blowing across your face? It is cold and windy this morning here in the Midwest. It would be hard to miss the breath of dawn today. The freezing temperatures outside remind me of the warmth of God’s love inside. His love can melt even the coldest heart. Yes my friends, this is going to be a great day indeed!

In case you did not know, I am a morning person. I delight in early mornings, when the parsonage is quiet and dark. All I hear is the wind whipping around the window panes in our study, and the drip of the coffee maker in my kitchen. I feel the heat kick on from the furnace in our basement, and it reminds me of how sometimes God must “jump-kick” His love inside me each day. I wake up each morning to His quiet welcome. He beckons, “Come, Deb. Come and sit at My feet now.” There is no place I would rather be than in His holy presence. Mornings spent with the Lord are absolutely awesome!

Not everyone feels the way I do, about the morning time, that is. My husband is so NOT a morning person. He prefers the quiet shelter of a late night rendezvous’ with the Bible and a bottle of Diet Pepsi® on the nightstand next to his bed. He finds solace and comfort in late night moments of quiet calling and reflection. If I pick up the Scripture and begin reading after 10pm, I will be asleep within five minutes, guaranteed. What time of day do you hear God urging you to come and follow Him?

Christ’s invitation to come and follow is a welcome unlike anything I have ever experienced. His still, small voice can be missed in the business a/k/a busyness of our days. We must be willing to listen and respond when the invitation is extended. Do you find yourself wondering where God is at times? I can assure you He has never left your side. It is hard to hear a whisper amid the roar of the freight train we ride on each day. The Psalmist sings out Christ’s call, offered for you and for me: Be still and know that I am God (Psalm 46:10). Can you hear Him today?

Everything changes when Jesus calls out your name. His call abruptly altered the lives of Andrew, Simon Peter and Philip. When Jesus said, “Follow me,” they dropped what they were doing and went. What would it take for you to drop what you are doing today to follow Christ? Would hearing His sweet voice be enough to help you wake up early, or stay up late into the night? Would you give up your lunch hour to worship Him? Maybe you will find the Lord speaking to you on the commute to and from work. Would you be willing to turn your radio off today and spend your travel time in prayer?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Jesus, let me feel and know Your holy breath of dawn today. Give me the desire to stop, listen, and follow You whenever You call my 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.

What do you want?

Today’s Reading: John 1:35-39 (NIV)

35 The next day, John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said, “Look, the Lamb of God!” 37 When the two disciples heard him say this, they followed Jesus. 38 Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, “What do you want?” They said, “Rabbi,” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” 39 “Come,” he replied, “and you will see.”

Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Why do people follow Jesus? What it is about this man that causes the curious to follow? Two of John the Baptist’s followers were eager to learn more about the man John called, “the Lamb of God.” They left John and followed the Lord from a distance, until Jesus Himself turned around and asked them a pointed question: “What do you want?”

Today is the first day of a brand new year. This is the day we can begin once again. It is an opportunity to start over with a clean, fresh slate. We time each New Year to ask the question, “What do I want to achieve this year?” Many will choose to lose weight and they will make it their number one goal. They begin with a new purpose and a plan of action to eat sensibly and exercise faithfully each day. Others will want to find new ways to decrease spending and increase saving. Debt reduction is their primary focus in the months ahead. Some may choose to downsize their belongings, to share their abundance with others in need. There are people who will purposefully look for love in the New Year. They are tired of living life alone and long to find themselves intertwined in a secure and happy relationship; linked with another kindred heart. What do you want on this, the first day, of a brand new year?

Jesus knew He was being followed. He could see the men out of the corner of his eye. He could hear their footsteps creeping along the pathway. Instead of ignoring the inquisitive hearts, He turned and asked the men one simple, yet profound question: “What do you want?” Can you imagine their surprise? How would you have answered Him? The men replied, “Rabbi, where are you staying?” It was at that moment Jesus extended a radical invitation, “Come, and you will see.”

We don’t have to look far to see that people are searching for answers in life. Our schools and universities are packed with people seeking greater knowledge and understanding. Scientists work tirelessly, seeking the one missing link which will cure cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. We continue to look for life’s answers within our families, the communities where we live, and in our world. What do you want? What are you looking for today?

Jesus invites all to come and see who He truly is. Christ extends an invitation to the curious and inquisitive. He offers life to those who seek it. What do you want? Jesus sees your heart and hears your questions. He knows your suffering. Christ understands your pain. Do you want to know where He is? He has invited you personally to come and see for yourself.

As you ponder the possibilities and seek an answer to life’s questions in this brand new year, I pray that you will come and see Jesus. Find out for yourself who He really is. Jesus said, “What do you want? Come, and you will see.”

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© 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.

Living Devotion

Daily Reading: Revelation 21, 22

Revelation 22:13-14 (NIV)

13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. 14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.

Good morning!

This special day marks the end of yet another year, and the beginning of something new. Around the world, people are remembering the past and ringing in the new with hope and anticipation for what is yet to be. Some people make resolutions, set goals, and promise to do better in the year to come. Are you closer to your life’s goal than you were three hundred and sixty four days ago?

The people of Faith Church made a commitment one year ago to read through the Bible in a year. The staff selected J. Ellsworth Kalas’ The Grand Sweep, as a corporate Bible study guide for our congregation. This study has been a personal blessing to my life, and I pray that Dr. Kalas’ thoughts and the study guide he prepared is a help to you in your daily reading has blessed you too. If you journeyed through the Bible with me this year, I would like to hear how it impacted your life. I hope you will write and share your personal experience with me. You may contact me at songofdeborah@hotmail.com.

John’s vision ends where it begins, at the tree of life, where the light of God will be our one true light. The darkness will no longer exist. There will be no more pain and suffering, no more separation and loneliness. This is a holy space where sin is abolished outside the gates. The believers will be forever changed. The old will pass away as we step into newness of life, just as He promises. Jesus Christ will perfect us in His love, and this is all we will ever need. It is the beginning of a brand new age.

All of us have experienced life at its best and worst in the last year. We have loved and been loved by others. We welcomed new life and we gave our loved ones back to the Lord in death. Illnesses have marked not only the patients, but their caregivers. Families are impacted when someone we love suffers from sickness. We’ve watched the plight of our brothers and sisters around the world. People have helped each other feed the hungry and house the homeless. Many good men and women have given their lives for freedom’s sake. Persecuted Christians have suffered and died while offering the saving Gospel message of Jesus Christ around the world. The need is great. Our Lord is greater. How will you choose to help those who suffer in the year ahead?

The Word was with us in the beginning. The Word is with us now. The Word reigns for all eternity. The Word is Jesus Christ. He is the living Word of God. God’s perfect love is revealed in the gift of a child. His death and resurrection opens the door to salvation and everlasting life to those who believe. Do you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ?

My hope for the brand New Year is simply this: I long to be His living devotion. I pray that Jesus, the living Word of God, will be engraved upon my heart and mind; that I will desire and seek a closer walk with Him every day. There is nothing in life I cannot face when He is the rock on which I stand. Christ lives in me! He loved me long before I was born, and He loves me even now. I have His Word that He will love me forever in the brand new season to come. I want to be ready when He calls my name.

I pray that your life will become a living devotion in this brand new year. Come, Lord Jesus! Come and live in our hearts today. May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen. (Rev. 22:21 NIV).

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: new life! Jesus is waiting for you to give Him your heart. Won’t you ask the Lord to wash your robes and remove the sin from your life? Won’t you receive Jesus as your Lord and Savior today? This is the beginning of the end. It is the dawning of a brand new year and abundant life He has promised to all who believe. I wish you all a very Happy New Year, in the name of Jesus. 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.