The seventy-year itch

Today’s Reading: Isaiah 64:4 (NIV)

Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides You, who acts on behalf of those who wait for Him.

Dear Father, you know how I like the challenge of a fixer-upper. I try to fix the things that are broken. But here I am Lord, broken before You this morning, and I need You to fix me up. You know how I don’t like to wait. Of all the sins I’ve ever committed, waiting for You has been the greatest weakness in my life. I want to wait for You, Lord; really I do; but not really. If I really wanted to wait, I wouldn’t run out ahead of You, seeking an alternative route. I like having Plans A, B and C in place. I’ll plan to Z if You’ll let me (and You always do), but it does me no good if I’m not willing to wait for You. Teach me how to wait in Your holy presence today. Can I just sit here for awhile and experience Your peace?

I admit I have the seventy-year itch, Lord. Jeremiah once prophesied Your Words, “When seventy years are completed in Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:10-13). Jeremiah’s prophecy in the midst of what seems to be an unmovable mountain gives me hope for a brighter day. I’ll be seventy years old in twenty years, eleven months and six days, but who’s counting? Help me, Lord. Teach me how to wait patiently for You. Help me discern Your will for my life in this moment, for this day.

You created an awesome woman when you made my Mom. She is the most patient person I’ve ever known. She’s waited a long time to see her prayers answered. I would have loved inheriting that spiritual tenacity from her. Do you ever get tired of hearing me moan, dear Lord? I have some affinity for my Israelite relatives. They walked in the wilderness for forty years; yet, here I am on the seventy-year track. Teach me how to wait for You - even if it means I must wait seventy-times-seven years. Oh Lord, if I’m going to have to wait that long, I will need Your holy heart to survive. Create in me a new heart, O Lord, and renew a right spirit within me.

I’ve been dialing 911 a lot lately. Thank You for always answering when I dial Daddy 911. It is Your love that draws me back to You, even when I’m not very patient. You bring comfort to me each morning, with every single breath, walking with me every step of the way. You wait, knowing I will seek Your face, asking for mercy and forgiveness and grace. When I don’t understand why, You hold me, and it is enough. This is Your master plan for my life. I was created to worship and glorify You. You are all I need for this day and for every tomorrow. You hold my life and for the ones I love in Your hand. Help me learn sweet patience as You make it all happen in Your time.

At the end of this, my seventy year itch, I know it will be Your love alone that heals my broken heart. Today I experience a taste of perfect love, and You lift me high above the chatter in this world. Your love has the power to heal every broken and hurting heart. You are the Great fixer-upper. I don’t have to try so hard Lord, because You already have it in hand. Thank You for helping me let go.

I’m ready to wait for You now. Teach me to wait patiently.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

You have a master plan for me and my kin. Teach me to wait patiently in You as you bring it all to pass. In Jesus’ precious name, I pray, 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.

The sweetness in silence

Today’s Reading: John 5:25 (NIV)

25 I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live.

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

Good day!

My mother has said I’ve been blessed with the gift of gab. I chattered from the moment I got up in the morning until I lay my head down on the pillow at night. My favorite baby doll was Chatty Cathy®. She was the first of many dolls who could talk back to me. My husband of thirty years will confirm I never grew out of that “chatty” phase. He has this furrowed brow look, and I see every now and then, when he simply wants me to shut up. God love him! I wonder if he knew just how much time he would spend listening to me chatter when he said, “I do.” It’s my fault he has to wear hearing aids now. I’ve literally talked his ears off.

A wise and discerning pastor once said, “If you want to hear God, you must first be willing to listen.” We get so very busy, caught up in the chatter of our days that we don’t realize we are dying on the vine. We cannot hear God’s voice if we do not stop and listen. I’ve been studying the spiritual gift of solitude. Solitude is a spiritual discipline that has to “grow on you,” especially if you like to chatter. My favorite time of day is between 4 and 5am. In the early morning hours, just before the sun comes up, I enter into His holy presence with praise and prayers of confession, repentance and intercession. Then, I sit and wait. It is in the waiting I feel closest to my Lord. I can sit for an hour and experience the breath of His love. It is in this silence that I experience His peace that passes all understanding and it guards my heart and mind in Christ Jesus. His Word is the only words I hear. I look for the morning light to come, knowing the Father has already planned for my steps for this day.

When we’ve died to our sin and have been raised with Christ through the power of His blood, we will hear His voice and live! His peace waits for you in sweet silence. This is your moment to be still and listen to God.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

I can hear You speak when I stop and listen. Thank you Jesus, for Your holy presence in the silence of this day. 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.

Remixing His message

Today’s Reading: John 5:24 (NIV)

24 I tell you the truth; whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life.

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

Good day!

I take the gift of hearing for granted; yet, I’m more cognizant of its benefits now that I’ve begun to actually lose it. I just don’t hear as well as I used to. It is especially noticeable when I’m in room with lots of noise, or if someone is whispering, and I can’t make out their words.

Jesus said that if we are to receive eternal life and not be condemned, we must do two things: hear and believe. It’s not just enough to hear something – we must believe it in our hearts. Preachers can preach until they turn blue in the face; but if we choose not to believe what they’re saying, it does no good. We can read the pages of our Bible over and over again; yet, if we pick and choose what we accept or reject, the Word cannot penetrate our lives. We all enjoy hearing about God’s unending love and favor for all. He is also a God who angers against a sinful and hard-hearted humanity. Some things are easier to accept than others. Christ calls us to hear Him and believe what He says is The truth.

I’ve decided that I make a really lousy witness for Jesus Christ. I say I believe, but then I don’t follow through. Or I say I believe the things I want to believe, and pay little attention to the words that I really don’t want to hear. I read His Word, but don’t practice His teachings every day. I tell of His love, mercy and grace, while harboring resentment, frustration, and unforgiveness inside. Like Paul, I am the worst of sinners – a complete hypocrite. You know, there are times when I wonder why God would even bother using someone like me to share the Good News. Do you ever wonder about that? He continues to speak to my heart, even in my gross imperfections. He covers me with His blood. Christ takes my hearing impediment and lack of faith and transforms it by His grace. God’s love is greater than any love we can even begin to comprehend. He loves us so very much that He sent His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16).

Today, I’m praying for an extra measure of Christ’s mercy and grace. I’m asking forgiveness for only hearing what I want to hear and picking the Gospel apart – choosing what I will and won’t believe. I’m praying for His forgiveness for trying to remix His Message in such a way that is appealing to my own personal preferences and desires.

Lord, have mercy; Christ, have mercy; Lord, have mercy.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Create in me a clean heart, and renew a right spirit within me. I believe you, Lord! Help my unbelief. 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.

Learn something new? Follow through.

Today’s Reading: John 5:19 (NIV)

19 Jesus gave them this answer: “I tell you the truth; the Son can do nothing by Himself; He can do only what He sees His Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.

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

Good day!

“Ah ha!” moments seem to come in groups of three. And the Good Lord has to work extra hard to make it stick in my thick skull. I learned something significant about myself this weekend, and how I often fail at imitating Jesus Christ in my life. This is definitely a paradox worth exploring.

I heard three great messages this weekend about what it looks like to be radically hospitable to others, especially in our churches. Mulling over the Bishop’s comment on Saturday at the Conference Office, I remembered his words, “When congregations first examine the five practices of fruitful congregations, they will believe they are doing it all right… but they are not.” At first, I thought that was an unusual statement; but then I wondered if I was exactly the kind of person he was describing in his remark. Like most mathematical equations, his words were not calculating correctly in my tiny little brain.

On Sunday morning, I listened with great interest as our assistant pastor told “a tale of two churches,” and the story of a missionary friend. He came by invitation to observe and participate in a Christian congregation for three months, sharing his observations of how their church was faring in outreach ministry efforts. This particular church apparently had “state-of-the-art” everything, and they lacked nothing inside their walls to create a warm and welcoming environment for their honored guests. They only thing missing was their guests. Then, the pastor asked, “Who did you bring with you to church today?” I glanced at the empty space next to where I was sitting and thought to myself, “Why didn’t I phone my neighbors and last night and invite them to worship? Yikes! I could have made a five-minute phone call.” I’m always happy to be at Faith Church! The sermon was great, and there was plenty of comfortable seating space for others. Sitting there, I realized I had failed to offer radical hospitality simply by neglecting to invite someone else. God was serving me an Ah hah! moment, right there in the pew. I think I tried to shrink down in my seat just a little bit more, but I couldn’t escape my pastor’s eyes. How do pastors do that? It’s like they bore holes into your very soul. Sometimes its easier just to close your eyes and pray really hard they won’t call on you to speak!

And if that wasn’t enough fun for one morning, I stayed for the next worship service, and found a place up front to sit, next to a dear friend who had been visiting her daughter for several months. This was Sylvia's last Sunday at Faith Church before she returned home, and I wanted to be with her today. Her presence has been such a blessing to me, and I know I’m going to miss having her worship with us at Faith Church. The pastor was smack dab in the middle of an awesome message on how we can show radical hospitality, when suddenly, I noticed a visiting couple sitting across the pew, as their toddler slip off the padded pew and hit his head on the offering envelope rack. I knew from his muffled screams that the little boy was hurt. His mother lifted him up into her arms and quickly whisked him to the back of the sanctuary. I sat there frozen for about ten seconds. What should I do? I knew there were ushers and greeters in the foyer to offer assistance. At that moment, my pen ran out of ink. I closed my Bible and made a hasty exit to the back of the building. There, I found our guest, standing in the corridor, rocking her son while he wailed. It was an awkward moment – the ushers were there, but here was our honored guest with no place to sit and she was holding her hurting child. I immediately went up to her and offered to get her a chair and asked if he was okay. I looked at the crying child and said, “What’s your name?” “Adam,” he replied between screams. I said, “Adam, do you have an owwee? Would you like some ice for your boo boo?” Immediately, that grandmotherly instinct kicked in. What would I want for my grandchild if they hit their head on the pew during worship? Ice! The young mother looked at her son and said, “Would you like some ice, honey?” “Yesssssss,” he cried. I ran as fast as I could to the kitchen to get a baggie with some ice and paper towels. Mother seemed genuinely grateful for the ice, and after a few minutes, little Adam stopped crying. I returned to the sanctuary and sat down next to my friend. Picking up my pen, I was delighted to see it was working just fine!

Only God can take the paradoxes of our lives and turn them for His good. Jesus walked the earth, imitating His Father, every step of the way. Because we love Christ, we too must learn to how to imitate Him, not only with our words, but in actions. I realized those sermon notes will not do me one bit of good if I don’t practice them myself.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Thank you Lord! You love me unconditionally. Help me to always ask the question, What would You do, and then do it. 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.

Sabbath rest

Today’s Reading: John 5:16-17(NIV)

16 So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jews persecuted Him. 17 Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I, too, am working.”

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

Good day!

I encountered an amazing Sabbath rest while attending a seminar yesterday at the Missouri Area Conference Office in Columbia. Our Bishop, Robert Schnase, spoke about the purpose and vision for his new book, Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations. I listened intently to the Bishop’s compelling words. I relaxed in a warm and inviting meeting area, sitting in a comfortable chair with a cup of hot coffee in hand, served in a glass coffee mug, while snacking on warm, homemade granola. It was the coldest day of the year in Missouri, and I appreciated the warmth inside. I rested, while our Conference Staff worked hard to provide a radically hospitable and welcoming environment for all who came to learn. Our Bishop didn’t get a day off to rest. He spoke for two hours, expressing his deep conviction and desire to somehow to reach the people in Missouri with the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. His urgency compelled all of us to get out there and do the same. We need to follow in this man’s footsteps. He travels many miles every week to share, motivate and inspire Christians to emulate Christ in their lives. He has a horrific schedule to keep. It was obvious to me that the Holy Spirit has given him supernatural strength to move forward in faith each day.

Aren’t you grateful knowing that while God took time to rest on the Sabbath, He never stopped doing good? Our Lord leads us by example. Every heart needs time away to rest and regroup from the drama of our daily routine. We see Christ making time to pray and celebrate intimate relationship with His Father. Yet, His hospitality and welcome does not end during a Sabbath rest. Christ continues to do good, love freely, and offer forgiveness to all who seek Him. Should we not offer our very best to the ones who come to worship in our sanctuaries each weekend?

Bishop Schnase said, “The most important hour of each week in the life of our visitors is the worship hour.” How will we welcome the Lord’s guests to worship today? Will we lead by the example of Jesus? He was not afraid to speak to those who were seeking Him out, answer their prayers, heal the sick and forgive sin, especially on the Sabbath. Thank God for His mercy and grace that is available to all of us twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.

Radical hospitality is the key to emulate Christ’s unconditional love for all. How will you choose to share the love of Jesus with the people you meet in worship today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Teach me, Father, to be radically hospitable, expressing Your unconditional love for all people every day of the week, but especially on the Sabbath, when we come to honor and glorify You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. 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.

Perfect timing!

Today’s Reading: John 5:14-15(NIV)

14 Later Jesus found him at the temple and said to him, “See, you are well again. Stop sinning or something worse may happen to you.” 15 The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had made him well.

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

Good day!

Last night when I came home from work, I sat down on the sofa in our living room and listened intently to a woman being interviewed on television. She told a story of the miraculous healing she received from stage 3 colon cancer five years ago. During a biopsy procedure, she told about how she saw her Lord sitting at her side on the operating table just before they put her to sleep. The last thing she remembered was holding onto His robe and crying out the name, Jesus.

The invalid whom Jesus healed at the pool of Bethesda didn’t know his healer’s name, at first. We may receive healing and not have a clue how it happened. Bringing people into the presence of Christ is something we are called to do, because we know from our own experience that when we meet the Lord Jesus Christ face to face, everything changes. Nothing remains the same.

Isn’t it interesting Jesus chose to heal the man’s physical infirmities first, and then instructed him to stop sinning. I think we get that part backwards in our minds and in our churches. Many believe we have to stop sinning first before we can come to the Lord in faith. It’s not true! Christ died for us while we were yet sinning, and that proves His love toward us. That’s why there are NO perfect people in church. It’s really okay to show up there; we’re all in good company. We meet Jesus at our most desperate need, sometimes lost in the pit of our own making. We meet Jesus on hospital gurneys as we wait, terrified, for the testing to begin. We wonder if the results will lead us to death or new life. I meet Jesus when I least expect Him to be there. He is the only One I know who has picture perfect timing. He meets my need before I ask. He is right here with me now, and He is also with you.

As the body of Christ, we need to embrace the concept of radical hospitality. Learning to love others unconditionally and without reservation is a Christ-like quality. We may not always understand the person sitting next to us in church. We may not know them well, but God knows them intimately. He knows our neighbors, our cranky relatives, and He knows the condition of our hearts! Christ wants all to receive forgiveness and restoration for our bodies and souls. When we recognize that our need is so much greater than our temporary circumstance, we begin to understand the importance of knowing who Jesus is.

If you are looking for healing today, Jesus is the only name you need to know. Cry out to Him. He offers healing and wholeness to all who believe. Turn away from the sins the separates you from the Lord who longs to give you new life. He will do it, if you will cry out to Jesus right now.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Lord Jesus, thank you for healing my body, mind and spirit, today. I love you, Lord, 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.

Taking a step of faith

Today’s Reading: John 5:8-11(NIV)

8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. The day on which this took place was a Sabbath, 10 and so the Jews said to the man who had been healed, “It is the Sabbath; the law forbids you to carry your mat.” 11 But he replied, “The man who made me well said to me, ‘Pick up your mat and walk.’”

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

Good day!

There is nothing more thrilling than watching a baby-turned-toddler walk unassisted for the very first time. Wobbly little sailor legs begin to gain stability, as tiny toes grip the carpeted floor. Their look of sheer joy denotes a sense of accomplishment and pride. When a child walks, parent and grandparents stop to cheer! There are no words for such a historic moment in time.

For the ones who are daily confined to bed or in a wheelchair, there is nothing more glorious than the hope of one day rising up and walking unassisted. We see the possibilities of miraculous transformation. It was that hope alone that brought the invalid to Bethesda every day. Can you imagine the inexpressible joy he must have felt as he picked up his mat and walked for the very first time in thirty-eight years? How in the world could such a miracle be seen as sin? The Jews who watched him with their very own eyes were more concerned about the breaking of a Sabbath rule than the healing that had just occurred in the man’s life. How would you respond to such a convoluted question? If you were suddenly free to stand up and walk after years of confinement, would you honestly be more concerned about whether you should carry a mat, or be about telling the world what Christ has done for you?

Be careful! It is easy to get wrapped up in our rituals, traditions and protocol, that we somehow miss recognizing the miracle happening right before our eyes. We must be willing to risk laying down our sacred cows, if we want to experience the freedom that comes with rising up in His Spirit. What things hold you back from receiving God’s best for you today?

When Christ calls you to get up, pick up your mat and walk, do not let that mat get in your way from receiving God’s best. A step of faith begins with simple obedience.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

I long to lay aside manmade rules and fully receive the miracle you have fashioned for me. Help me to rise up and walk, in Jesus’ name, 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.

Get up!

Today’s Reading: John 5:6-9 (NIV)

6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?” 7 “Sir,” the invalid replied, “I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” 8 Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” 9 At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked.

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

Good day!

Hopeless! Sometimes I look at the stack of school work on top of my desk and that voice inside my head begins to sing a little song of lament. “Why try? You’ll never get through that stack of reading material. Oh, and by the way, you have two papers due at the end of this week. Now, you tell me, little girl, when are you going to have time to write those papers? After work! Right… We’ll just see how many hours you can sit at that computer and type.” It plays over and over like a broken record, repeating its sad, silly tune. In case you haven’t already figured it out, I suffer with multiple vocal personality disorder. I hear these voices, and they sing in three-part harmony, but it is NOT a sweet sound and no matter how hard I try, they won’t shut up…

We need to listen to ourselves moan, and laugh out loud! We give up way too easily on the things of life, both trivial and important. My problems are nothing compared to the plight of my brothers and sisters who are fighting for their lives in Kenya today. There are children starving all over the world. Christians are being persecuted, tortured and martyred for their faith. People are dying every minute. Do they have a relationship with Jesus Christ? Will they find ultimate healing and freedom in His holy presence or be forever lost, in total separation from God?

The invalid spoke truth to the Master. He said, “I have no one to help me get into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.” God love this man for trying! Every day he crawled to the pool at Bethesda, hoping to receive his miracle. For thirty-eight years, he would go all the way to the edge, and then stop. That little voice of defeat kept him from getting in and experiencing full release. Did he not have enough faith to take the final plunge? Is it easier to stay stuck where we are, rather than trusting Jesus to free us once and for all?

Jesus said, “Get up!” His Word speaks to you and me today. No matter what you face, you are not alone. Christ has gone on before you. He knows your situation; the pain you are living in. You don’t have to look far to see suffering and pain. Will you trust Jesus enough to get up, pick up your life, and walk?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Teach me, Lord, to trust you enough to get up, pick up my life, and walk for you 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.

Do you want to get well?

Today’s Reading: John 5:2-6 (NIV)

2 Now there is in Jerusalem near the Sheep Gate a pool, which in Aramaic is called Bethesda and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. 3 Here, a great number of disabled people used to lay – the blind, the lame, and the paralyzed. 5 One who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”

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

Good day!

“Do you want to get well?” That seems like a strange question for Christ to ask the lame man near the pool of Bethesda. The Scripture tells us that this man had suffered for a long time with an infirmity that kept him from walking. Wouldn’t he long to be whole again? Isn’t that why he drug himself to the pool every day, hoping to receive a healing miracle in the water?

It must have taken an extraordinary effort for him to get there; yet, he never made it into the pool. People go to great lengths to “fix” the pain in their lives. I don’t know anyone who personally enjoys living with daily pain and suffering. We look for ways to ease our hurt; some even become proactive with their physical bodies. They choose to eat a healthy diet, making time to exercise, and taking vitamin supplements to improve their quality of life. Others carry pain pills in their purses and pockets, just for the moments when horrible headaches or muscle aches suddenly occur. We spend our money each year on health care assistance and medical insurance, seeking the advice of doctors, counselors, athletic trainers, and holistic healers, trying to overcome our chronic pain. We do long to be well, don’t we?

For some, we drag ourselves to the water each day, but stop just short of getting in. We long for wholeness, yet fail to take that final step of faith. Sometimes it is just easier to stay the way we are. Like an old friend, we become comfortable in our present circumstance. Do you know of anyone who would rather continue the way they are going rather than risk the possibility of receiving a whole new lease on life? Is that someone you?

To understand the gift of healing, we must first know what it is like to hurt. We cannot fully appreciate the gift of healing unless we have endured pain. Maybe healing doesn’t come the way we expect or want it to. Maybe we don’t recognize the gift when it is given. How would you answer Christ’s question, “Do you want to get well?”

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Help us to experience complete healing and wholeness through the love of Jesus Christ, 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.

Taking Him at His Word

Today’s Reading: John 4:49-53 (NIV)

49 The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus replied, “You may go. Your son will live.” The man took Jesus at His Word and departed. 51 While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news the boy was living. 52 When he inquired as to the time when his son got better, they said to him, “The fever left him yesterday at the seventh hour.” 53 Then the father realized that this was the exact time at which Jesus had said to him, “Your son will live.” So he and all his household believed.

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

Good day!

The royal official was willing to do anything he could to save his sick child. He had tried every home remedy to heal the boy. Out of sheer desperation, he put his sandals on and walked twenty miles to see the great teacher. His need to believe and receive was greater than that helpless little voice of defeat playing in the back of his mind. He would not give up his son without a fight. The man knew if he could just get to Jesus, his boy would be healed.

Have you ever stayed up all night with a sick baby in your arms? Their pitiful cries in pain are heart-breaking to hear. When they become too weak to cry out loud and we wonder if they are still breathing, we move from anxiety to urgency. We brought our three-year old son David home from the hospital after having had yet another surgery. While holding him in my arms, David began to hemorrhage at the surgical site. We were miles away from the hospital; yet, we knew if we could just get him to his physician,, he could stop the bleeding. Our anxiety turned to urgency, as we raced back to the emergency room that day.

It is that same sense of urgency that prompts Christians to pray for people to know Jesus Christ. Our world is hemorrhaging in sin. People are in pain and bleeding to death in our streets. Hearts are broken and lying shattered on the ground. We know the One who has the power and authority to heal, cleanse and forgive. We’ve experienced His love, and out of sheer desperation, we race to the emergency room, dropping to our knees, and seeking Christ for the world. Have you ever prayed fervently for someone you love to come to the Lord? Maybe your prayers have been ongoing for years. Our anxiety turns to urgency, as we see their desperate need. Just like the royal official, we know if we can just get our loved ones to Jesus, He will save them.

The man said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” His prayer was direct and to the point. He prayed with more than simple hope, knowing Jesus had the power to heal. He took Jesus as His Word. Will we trust God enough to take Him at His Word today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Sir, come down before my loved one dies. In Jesus’ name I pray, 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.

Your personal testimony is important

Today’s Reading: John 4:39-42 (NIV)

39 Many of the Samaritans from that town believed in Him because of the woman’s testimony. “He told me everything I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans came to Him, they urged Him to stay with them, and He stayed two days. 41 And because of His words many more became believers. 42 They said to the woman, “We no longer believe just because of what you said; now we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this man really is the Savior of the world.”

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

Good day!

I have a dear friend who loves to tell about the testimony of the Samaritan woman, and the impact it made in her community. It must have been a difficult thing for this woman to go and tell her neighbors, who truly hated her, about the man she met at the well and how He changed her life. It took courage for her to share this Good News, knowing she may be rejected. It was worth the risk. She knew if they could just meet Him for themselves, their hearts would be forever changed. Because she was willing to share her personal testimony, many in her community were saved that day. Jesus was warmly welcomed in the Samaritan village and he stayed there for two days, offering living water to all who were thirsty.

Your personal testimony is very important. We often assume our family and friends know how we feel, but if we are unwilling to talk about what we believe and why we believe it, they may not know! It is not always a comfortable thing to share what you believe with someone else. Being rejected is never a pleasant experience, and many of us choose not to risk it, for fear of failure. Do we really fail when we share the Gospel with someone and they turn away? Just before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave His disciples one final instruction, known as The Great Commission. You can find His words at Matthew 28:18-20. Christ called His faithful followers to go and preach the Gospel to all the nations, baptizing in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and to teach them to obey everything He had taught them. And Jesus promised He would be with them always, even to the end of the age. Once we get our job description straight, the fear of failure subsides. It is not our job to do the saving. The power of the Holy Spirit enables a seeking heart to accept Christ and follow Him. Jesus simply instructed us to go and tell the Good News. We need to tell others what Christ has done in our lives.

My family and friends would be the first to tell you that I have not lived a perfect life. I’ve made many mistakes along the way. The amazing gift of God’s grace through Christ’s sacrifice has changed me! Like the Apostle Paul, I was the worst of sinners, and He died for me, even while I still sinning. That alone proves just how much He loves us. If there is anything good in me at all, it is Jesus, living in me. He takes broken hearts and heals them, remodeling us for His glory. Jesus Christ saved me! And I know if He can save someone like me, He can save you too!

It could be your personal testimony today that opens the door for someone you know to meet Jesus Christ. If you could offer someone one gift that would give them peace and joy today and assurance of hope for every tomorrow, wouldn’t it be a risk worth taking?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Help me share Your love Lord, through my personal testimony today. In Jesus’ name, 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.

Feeding the need with His love

Today’s Reading: John 4:27; 31-33 (NIV)

27 Just then His disciples returned and were surprised to find Him talking with a woman. But no one asked, “What do you want?” or “Why are you talking with her?”

31 Meanwhile, His disciples urged Him, “Rabbi, eat something.” 32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” 33 Then His disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought Him food?”

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

Good day!

When the disciples returned and saw Jesus talking to the Samaritan woman, they were concerned. Thinking Jesus may have become overheated and weak, they thought a little food might somehow help him regain his senses. Jesus knew what they were thinking. Once again, He encouraged them to open their minds and hearts to see the greater need. By example, Jesus showed genuine compassion for the least, last and lost. As followers of Christ today, do we care for every person unconditionally and without reservation?

Robert Schnase, Bishop of the Missouri Area of the United Methodist Church, wrote and published a book in 2007 entitled, “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations.” He coins the first practice as “Radical Hospitality.” Schnase makes this important observation: “At every turn, the disciples seem ready to draw boundaries and distinctions that keep people at a distance from Jesus. They have a thousand reasons to ignore, avoid, and sometimes thwart the approach of people, reminding Jesus that some of these people are too young, too sick, too sinful, too old, too Roman, too blind, or too Gentile to deserve His attention.” [pg.13] We have lots of comfortable, newly padded pews in our sanctuary at Faith Church. We have ample space for people to come and worship the Lord. I wonder why there are so many empty spaces. Is it because, like the Samaritan woman, we didn’t know how to radically welcome the least, last and lost into our church?

Christians have a nasty little habit of forming preconceived assumptions about whom they believe Christ calls into His kingdom. We base those assumptions in part by how we are raised, through our cultural lens, and time-honored traditions. If we could only see others the way Jesus sees them, our world would be a radically hospitable place to live. Our churches would be overflowing with grateful hearts, worshipping and thanking the Lord for His love. It’s the kind of world I’d like to be a part of. Wouldn’t you?

This morning, I would encourage you to look beyond what you see with your physical eyes, setting aside your personal opinion, and begin to truly recognize the heart that God loves. We can taste the bread of life as we choose to embrace radical hospitality in our families, churches, communities, and the world.

A little unconditional love goes a long way. Will you choose to love like Jesus loves you?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Help me, Lord Jesus, to love people unconditionally, just like the way You love me. 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.

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.