The gift of our tears

Today’s Reading: John 11:32-33 (NIV)

32 When Mary reached the place where Jesus was and saw Him, she fell at His feet and said, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come along with her also weeping, He was deeply moved in spirit and troubled.

Good morning!

Jesus knew what it was like to be troubled in spirit. Have you ever been troubled in spirit? There are moments when the Holy Spirit speaks to my heart, and it is all I can do to hold the tears back. I’ve learned that my tears are a gracious gift from God. The tears we shed help us express inexpressible emotions we feel and cannot capture with words. Tears overwhelm us in times of extraordinary happiness or even in moments of deep sadness and regret. Tears fall as we cry out to God for help to feed, clothe, shelter, educate and provide medical care for our brothers and sisters around the world who are struggling for survival. Our tears are reflective of the prayers we pray each day, washing over us in waves of anguish and despair, mercy and grace. Like tidal waves running against the shoreline, washing away the footprints we left behind in the sand just moments before, our tears help us move beyond grief, so that we can see evermore clearly the path that is set before us.

We cannot be in the same room with someone who is grieving loss and not respond to that pain. One would have to have a heart of stone not to care about a brother or sister who is hurting. One of my pastors stopped to inquire about the health of my children during a ten-minute break at the 2008 United Methodist General Conference. As I spoke, I noticed the tears welling up in her eyes. The compassion she felt for my family was overwhelming to me. Without uttering a word, I knew she understood my heart. Tears are confirmation of shared empathy. Often times, our tears cry out the words we simply cannot.

Jesus knew when He arrived at Bethany that the Father would give Him the authority to raise Lazarus from the dead. Yet, the Lord was moved to tears by the shared grief of his friends. Jesus was troubled in spirit, even though He could see beyond the grief. He knew how this story would end, and yet, Jesus stopped to grieve with His people. Of all the passages of Scripture written about my Lord, this particular account brings me great personal comfort. It puts a real face on a real Savior. Our Lord understands what it means to be grieved and troubled in spirit. He cries with the brokenhearted and troubled ones. Only He can dry our tears and give us His direction for a future with hope. Offer yourself today to the One who personally understands what it means to grieve. Jesus cries with us as we cry out in love for one another, even as He knows how this story will end. We are so not alone.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

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

When He asks you to come, will you?

Today’s Reading: John 11:28-29 (NIV)

28 And after she had said this, Martha went back and called her sister Mary aside. “The Teacher is here,” she said, “and is asking for you.” 29 When Mary heard this, she got up quickly and went to Him.

Good morning!

I witnessed a living miracle on Monday afternoon during the 2008 United Methodist General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. Twenty-three children from Uganda’s Hope for Africa Children’s Choir walked onto center stage and began to sing, as the Holy Spirit enveloped the entire arena. Big smiles on little faces expressed thanksgiving to the Lord Jesus Christ through worship in song. They came specifically to share the Gospel message with all who gathered here. The people of the United Methodist Church rejoice with these precious children, who receive hope and help each day through the ministries of Humble School. The Humble United Methodist School in Mukono became a reality through the visioning spearheaded by Bishop Michael Watson and the people of the South Georgia Regional Conference. Partnering with the East Africa Conference and the Ugandan church, the South Georgia conference, along with United Methodists from Virginia, Kentucky and Pennsylvania and the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, purchased land for the building of Humble School in 2001. The school opened its doors in 2004 to serve the children of this war-ravaged country and for those who had lost parents to HIV/AIDS. Here, the Hope for Africa Children’s Choir and Academy was birthed. The children’s choir will remain in the United States through July of 2008, as they offer their gift of music ministry. To learn more about the Hope for Africa Children’s Choir, please send your e-mail inquiry to infor@hopeforafricachildrenschoir.org.

There is a future with hope for the children of the world, and it all begins when one person takes a God-given vision and pursues it with passion. The Lord calls each of us to help the children of the world. When we link our hearts and hands together the vine begins to grow, and it stretches to places like Mukuno, where children are fed, sheltered and loved. They receive an education with an opportunity of one day becoming future leaders in the communities where they live. At Humble School, the children experience the love of Christ each day. His love is the love than transforms us all.

Martha went to Mary and said, “The teacher is here, and is asking for you.” Mary got up quickly and went to the Lord. When Jesus calls you to act, are you quick to respond? Together, we can make a lasting difference in the lives of these children. Come and find out how you can be part of this life-giving mission and ministry. We look forward to meeting you this weekend at Faith Church!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

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

There is no space quite like Hope's place

Today’s Reading: John 11:27 (TNIV)

27 “Yes Lord,” [Martha told Jesus], “I believe that You are the Messiah, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.”

Good morning!

When I arrived at the 2008 United Methodist Church General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas USA, I had no doubt where the Lord would have me invest my time and energy. I’ve been spending it in the prayer labyrinth located in the Exhibit Hall at the Fort Worth Convention Center. For months now, I have been preparing for this moment in time. My faith has been strengthened in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit as I walk the labyrinth each day. I find hope here.

This prayer labyrinth is constructed in the design of that found in the Chartres Cathedral near Paris, France. It is an eleven-circuit design divided into four quadrants. There are three parts in experiencing a prayer labyrinth: releasing (praise and confession), illumination (listening and receiving), and returning (home to Christ). There is only one way into the labyrinth and only one way out, which I find extremely meaningful in understanding the redemptive work of our Savior. The walk takes a pilgrim through many narrow paths, filled with many twists and turns, leading to the center. As we weave our way along the path, it is symbolic of one’s spiritual journey to the cross. I find great peace in praying the Scripture as I walk around each narrow turn. Because I am seeking His Word and will for my life and for the life of the church I love, my thoughts and words become insignificant; while His Word is all I long for. There is hope here; of this I am certain.

Around the perimeter of the prayer Labyrinth are eleven distinct stations, each display evoking a particular message of God’s grace and beauty. One of the prayer stations contains a tree, whose leaves bear the names of every annual conference around the world. It is a reminder of how we are united through Christ to be His body in the world today. Another display contains a beautiful depiction of the river of life, intertwined from many colorful fabrics. I can hear the river running as I sit on its bank to pray. There is no space quite like hope’s place.

When Jesus asked Martha what she believed, she replied, “I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who was to come into the world.” As we journey together through life, it is my humble prayer that you find yourself on the path that leads to the cross. It is at the cross we find forgiveness for the sins we have committed, restoration of body, mind and spirit, and His peace that passes all human understanding. Place your hope today in the giver of new life. He is waiting for you to take your journey to the cross. Won’t you join me on a prayer walk today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

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

Do you believe this?

Today’s Reading: John 11:24-25 (The Net Bible)

24 Martha said, “I know that he [Lazarus] will come back to life again in the resurrection at the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even if he dies, 26 and the one who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Good morning!

Yesterday, our air flight carried us to a cruising altitude of 32,000 feet. We ascended high above the storms that were pealing across the St. Louis metropolitan area. I watched, awestruck, as streaks of lightening shot past our window pane. I could feel the turbulent winds shake the aircraft as it moved beyond the clouds and into a patch of bright sunlight. And oh, what a beautiful sight it was - high above those storm clouds. The lining of the cumulonimbus cloud formations coupled with the bright sea of sunshine reminded me of a hymn I learned as a child: “There’s a land that is fairer than day and by faith we will see it afar, for the Father waits over the way to prepare us a dwelling place there. In the sweet by and by, we shall meet on that beautiful shore.” The view from my seat in that airplane was spectacular! For the very first time, it was as if I could see heaven’s shore just over the way, shining in a place where there was total Son light. I sat back and closed my eyes, and asked God if this is how it will feel to be carried away one day to heaven. I am traveling with Him through the storm clouds of this life, one sweet day to suddenly feel the arms of my Lord lift me into the land that is fairer than day. God gave me a glimpse of the eternal on that airplane, and I will never forget it as long as I live.

Martha knew that her brother would one day rise at the resurrection of the last day. Then Jesus said the words that we hold so dear: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live even if he dies, and the one who lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

Today, we celebrate the resurrection and the life! This is the reason we have come to Fort Worth to join in the mighty chorus together! Yes, we believe that You Jesus, are the resurrection and the life, and we believe that even if we die, we live; and when we live and believe in You, we will never die! It is a gift of inexpressible mercy and grace, and it is a gift to be shared.

If you do not yet know Jesus Christ, I invite you to come and worship with me this weekend. There is a United Methodist Church waiting to greet you with open hearts, open minds and open doors. Won’t you come and join us as we celebrate the resurrection and the life today!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

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

Rise again

Today’s Reading: John 11:21-22 (NIV)

21 “Lord,” Martha said to Jesus, “If you had been here my brother would not have died. 22 But I know that even now God will give You whatever You ask.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother will rise again.”

Good morning!

Martha was convinced that Jesus could save her brother. Martha’s faith in Christ was stronger than the stench of death coming from outside her brother’s tomb. Do we trust the Lord enough to let Him resurrect our lives today?

This is the time when we need to experience the resurrection power of Jesus Christ! We need to understand there is more to our lives than living in the self-service lane. The creature comforts we surround ourselves with do not have the power to make us happy or bring us eternal peace of mind. We cannot buy our way into a personal relationship with the Lord, no matter how hard we try. Faith is a gift from God. Do you personally know the gift giver?

For many months now, I have been mentally preparing to attend our denomination’s General Conference. The day has finally arrived! My husband and I will stand this weekend in worship, singing praises to our Lord, alongside thousands of United Methodist Christians from around the world. Together, we will experience the resurrection power of Jesus Christ. We need the church of Jesus Christ to rise again! It is His resurrection hope that I cling to today.

Martha trusted Jesus enough to know that whatever He asked for, the Father would give Him. Jesus assured Martha that her brother would rise again! Do we trust Jesus enough to know that when He intercedes to the Father on our behalf, He will receive whatever He asks? If it is truly our desire to experience a resurrection in Jesus Christ, will it not happen here and now?

Pray for the church to rise again through the power of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

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

The road between life and death

Today’s Reading: John 11:13-16 (NIV)

13 Jesus had been speaking of [Lazarus] death but His disciples thought He meant natural sleep. 14 So then He told them plainly, “Lazarus is dead, 15 and for your sake I am glad I was not there, so that you may believe. But let us go to him.” 16 Then Thomas (called Didymus) said to the rest of the disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.”

Good morning!

I remember the day we laid my grandfather to rest. Grandpa had lived a long life, and his last ten years were riddled with physical and emotional infirmities. Hardening of the arteries coupled with dementia made the last days of his earthly existence extraordinarily difficult for all who loved and cared for him. As my father and his siblings stood around the casket, holding hands and wiping their tear-streaked faces with handkerchiefs, I began to wonder about the mystery of life and death. I was twelve years old and my grandfather was gone. For me, death had taken on a whole new meaning. This time, it was personal.

Jesus knew his friend Lazarus had succumbed to the illness he had battled. He knew that his sisters were grieving, that the neighborhood was mourning the loss of a well-respected member of their community. Jesus realized if he went to Bethany to be with Lazarus, he would place himself in the firing line of the Pharisees who wanted to have Him arrested for blasphemy. Still, the Master went, knowing a great miracle was about to be fulfilled in the presence of the people.

At some point, all of us struggle with losing the ones we love. We wonder about the greater purpose of our days. We wonder if and how our lives might be remembered after we’re gone. Where did Lazarus go when he moved from illness into eternal rest? Will we see him again? How would his sisters survive without him physically present to help care for their needs?

Thomas recognized the Lord's great risk in returning to Bethany. He exclaimed, “Let us also go, that we may die with him.” As we begin to ask the harder questions about life and death, we become like Thomas, knowing that one day, we too will die. Do you have His assurance of salvation? Thanks to Jesus Christ, for we do not have to walk the road between life and death all by ourselves. He understands our grief when we lose the ones we love to death. We can have His assurance of salvation today: all you have to do is ask Him for it.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

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

Sleepy seeker

Today’s Reading: John 11:11-12 (NIV)

11 After [Jesus] had said this, He went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep; but I am going there to wake him up.” 12 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.”

Good morning!

Are there times when sleep does not actually make you better? I had a very busy day last Sunday, and when I arrived at home at 5:30pm, I was tired. I needed a nap, especially if I was going to continue reading the course text required before the class scheduled on Monday. So I curled up on the sofa, flipped on the television, and kicked back while half listening to a teaching sermon. No offense to the pastor who was speaking, but his powerful presentation wasn’t able to keep me awake for long. If you’ve ever spoken in worship on Sunday morning and watched some of the people half snoozing through the message you are giving, then you may understand why I feel led to publicly apologize to that teaching preacher on television. It’s not your fault, really.

I woke up an hour later and a new pastor was preaching. I had trouble following his message too. I felt a little better at first, but then, as I sat there reading and writing, I began to feel really sleepy again. I finally turned off the television, changed into my pajamas and went to bed. Jeff was watching the movie “Moses” back in the bedroom. Well, he was kind of watching it, between snores. I curled up underneath the covers and my thoughts were redirected to the days of the first Passover, as I saw the mystery of faith unfold on the big screen. I think the movie went off the air around 12:30am and I had managed to stay awake and see the whole thing. I closed my eyes and took a power nap, awaking around 4am with a nasty migraine. I don’t think my taking a nap in the early evening hours actually made me any better, even though I’m sure my body needed it. What little rest I did receive had not re-energized me the way I had hoped.

The disciples somehow thought if sick Lazarus could just take a little nap and get some sleep, he would get better. Our bodies grow weary as we carry the burdens of each day. If we could just get an extra hour of sleep, all will be well. Yet, Jesus knew the only thing that would truly heal Lazarus was for Him to go and wake him up. We need Jesus to wake us up from our slumber today! He is the only source of strength we need to move forward by faith. Will you allow Christ to wake you up? He will give you the strength that you need to do what He has called you to do.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

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

Twelve hours of daylight

Today’s Reading: John 11:9-10 (NIV)

9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours of daylight? A man who walks by day will not stumble, for he sees by this world’s light. 10 It is when he walks by night that he stumbles, for he has no light.”

Good morning!

This is the time of year when I like to take early morning walks. The sun rises just a little earlier in the morning, and I can clearly see where I’m walking. In the subdivision where I live, the sidewalks are not very smooth. Years of wear and tear have eroded its once-level pathway, and now the sidewalk sports cracked and raised portions of concrete. If I take a walk in the dark, often times, I will catch the rubber sole of my tennis shoes on the uneven places of the sidewalk and end up tripping. It is an easy thing to do, especially for someone whose middle name is definitely not grace! I look forward to spring mornings, when the sun is up just enough so that I can see where I’m walking at 6am.

Twelve hours of daylight; eight hundred twenty minutes to see clearly where I’m going; forty-nine thousand two hundred seconds to soak up the sunlight! It sounds like a lot of time; yet, if your days are anything like mine, the hours passes quickly. I often find myself wondering where the day disappeared to. Do you ever lose track of time?

Jesus knew that His time was passing quickly. One day soon, He would no longer be a physical presence, walking along the sidewalks next to His disciples. How He wanted them to value the time they had left together in the daylight. The night was coming, when no one would be able to see Him clearly. Jesus knew they would stumble in the absence of His light. Knowledge of God’s will, His plan and purpose is essential to the continued growth of the fellowship of believers. Would there be enough daylight left to help them walk the walk without tripping?

If you find yourself stumbling around in the darkness, there is a little daylight left just for you! Open God’s holy Word today and allow Him to light your path. His Word is the only light we need to walk victoriously along the rough and cracked sidewalks of our lives. Jesus Christ is the One true light.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

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

Walking the road

Today’s Reading: John 11:7-8 (NIV)

7 Then [Jesus] said to His disciples: “Let us go back to Judea.” 8 “But Rabbi,” the said, “a short while ago the Jews tried to stone you, and yet You are going back there?”

Good morning!

Throughout history, men and women have placed themselves in harm’s way when they believed it was for the ultimate protection of another human heart. Our military personnel demonstrate extraordinary bravery each day, as they work to bring help and hope and freedom to innocent people around the world. Missionaries have been sent into hostile environments. Some have lost their lives for the sake of taking the Gospel message to people who have not yet heard the Good News. Would you risk your own life for another if it meant that someone else might be saved?

Jesus’ disciples were justifiably worried about the safety of their Lord. They had seen the looks and demeanor of the Pharisees, who were determined to catch Jesus committing a crime. They had been chased out of several villages, running from those who were determined to stone them all. Some even bore the marks of those stones upon their bodies, as they became a human shield for the Master. They knew that the closer Jesus went to Jerusalem, the less likely they would be able to protect Him.

But Christ knew Lazarus was waiting for his miracle. The Father had given Him yet another opportunity to express His saving love for all. There was no question in Christ’s mind that He would willingly lay down His body and blood as a perfect and holy sacrifice for the sins of the world. The disciples didn’t seem to understand Christ’s mission at the time; yet, they loved Him enough to follow Him down the road.

We all face defining moments in our lives when we must choose whether to walk the road with Jesus. Are you willing to follow Him today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

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

Wake up call

Today’s Reading: Mark 13:3-8 (NIV)

3 As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked Him privately, 4 “Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?” 5 Jesus said “Watch out that no one deceives you. 6 Many will come in my name, claiming ‘I am he,’ and will deceive many. 7 When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8 Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.”

Good morning!

This morning, I revisited the memory of a chilly fall day in my childhood, when the New Madrid fault decided to make a little noise in the Midwest where I lived. I was sitting on the kitchen floor, watching my mother as she stirred dinner on the stove. Our house suddenly began to quiver. The dishes in the cupboard began to rattle as the light fixtures swayed overhead. I looked at the doll baby in my arms and noticed how her porcelain eyelids kept opening and closing. At first, we didn’t realize what was happening. The movement only lasted for a minute; yet, it was a feeling I would never, ever forget. This morning, I felt the tremors once again.

An earthquake occurred early this morning, its center originating in Southern Illinois. The US geological survey reported that it measured 5.4 on the Richter scale, just one-tenth of a point under the November 9, 1968 Midwest earthquake. It reminded me of how the freight trains used to rattle past our bedroom window on the railroad tracks just behind our church parsonage in St. Clair. While I was pregnant with our son David, I would wait until the 6:00am train came through town, and the vibrations would literally roll my body off our water bed, planting my feet firmly on the shaky floorboards. This morning’s earthquake grabbed my undivided attention, as I stood there, listening for the trumpet sound. Did you sleep through the earthquake this morning?

Jesus described what the Father’s wake-up call would one day look like. Wars and famines, earthquakes and false teaching would captivate our interest, making worldwide news. Yet, these life events would somehow manage to distract our hearts and minds away from God. Sometimes, a little quake can shake us back to reality. Was this a wake up call for you?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

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

Perfect timing!

Today’s Reading: John 11:3-6 (NIV)

3 So the sisters sent word to Jesus, “Lord, the one you love is sick.” 4 When He heard this, Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” 5 Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 Yet when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was two more days.

Good morning!

Do you ever run late? My days are filled with meetings at work and church, to-do-lists to complete, school papers and built-in study time. There are moments when I meet myself coming and going. Jeff and I have learned to laugh at each other because our schedules are so varied. I gave up trying to track him on a refrigerator calendar. It’s impossible! Jeff keeps his dates electronically, carrying them in his cell phone. I prefer to use a notebook calendar and print tasks from my computer calendar. Even with automated technology at our fingertips, it does not always keep us from running late.

When Jesus heard that His friend Lazarus was sick, He knew what the Father would do. Yet, Jesus hesitated to go. Why do you think He waited? There are times when I wonder why Jesus waits when I’m right in the middle of a crisis. There are moments when life is hard. We cry out to the Lord for help, and then we wonder where He is. I’m certain that Mary and Martha were wondering why Jesus didn’t come right away to help their brother who was dying.

Can I tell you something? Jesus Christ is NEVER LATE. In fact, Christ knew what was happening with Lazarus before He received word of his illness. Jesus already knew what his friend would endure and how the Father would reach out with miraculous healing. It may have appeared to everyone else that Jesus was running late, but let me tell you, my Lord is always on time. I serve the Lord of the last second! He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and end. He goes on before me. Jesus holds my life in His hand. He created the time, and knows every moment full-well. I believe my Lord is always here, especially in the moments when I cannot see Him clearly with physical eyes.

If you longing for the Savior’s touch today, don’t you worry about when He will arrive. Jesus is already there with you, right where you are struggling, right now. He has perfect timing.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

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

The great caregiver

Today’s Reading: John 11:1 (NIV)

1 Now a man named Lazarus was sick. He was from Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.

Good morning!

Have you ever gotten sick really quick? Jeff and I took his folks out for Sunday dinner after worship. I ordered a Cobb salad. It looked good. Unfortunately, I had an almost immediate adverse reaction to the salad dressing. Not even thirty minutes after I finished my meal, I went from feeling pretty good to thinking, “I’m going to see Jesus now.” After spending a good twenty-four hours in the master bathroom hugging a trash can to my chest and promising I will never eat a Cobb salad ever again, I am crawling back into the land of the living. No one I know enjoys being sick. It is a part of our humanity. At some point, all of us will face a time when our health is not at its optimum, and we will find ourselves in dire need of divine help.

It takes a whole lot of love to care for someone who is really sick. Isn’t it amazing how little children can become ill in a moment’s notice, and then simply move on to something else? Our grandson Andrew was sitting on his mother’s lap yesterday, playing happily, when suddenly and without warning, managed to lose his lunch all Mommy. After making this unexpected deposit, Andrew took off crawling, laughing and playing like nothing had even happened. Rachel, on the other hand, had to go change her clothes, wash up, and try to move past this little life event. Moms have a way of modeling unconditional love, especially in those unexpected, stinky moments of each day.

Lazarus was Jesus’ friend. He was really sick and near death, but his sisters truly believed if the Lord would come, Lazarus would recover. There is just something about being in the holy presence of the Savior that heals us. We cannot help but feel better when we know He is right here. Like a loving parent who stays up all night rocking a feverish child, Christ holds the sick in His nail-scarred hands, comforting the suffering especially in these wretched moments of pain and anguish.

I have good news to tell you! If you are feeling sick today, you do not have to go it alone. If you ask Him, the Lord who loves you more than life itself will be right there with you, holding you close. Jesus lives, and because He lives, He will stay with you even in the midst of your suffering and pain. If you ask Him to, the great caregiver will see you through this sickness. Just look into His face and cry out His name. He loves you so very much! You do not have to bear your burden alone.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

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

Your personal testimony could make all the difference

Today’s Reading: John 10:40-42 (NIV)

40 Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. Here He stayed 41 and many people came to Him. They said, ‘Though John never performed a miraculous sign, all that John said about this man was true.’ 42 And in that place many believed in Jesus.

Good morning!

One chilly fall weekend, my junior high youth group attended a lay witness mission event just across the river at a neighboring United Methodist Church. I remember the cold night air, and the genuine warmth of this congregation. There were a lot of people there, ranging in age from tiny tots to seniors. We attended small group meetings all day long, gathering together in the sanctuary to worship as one and witness to the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The pastor asked anyone who was willing to come forward and speak. I watched the tears roll across the faces of my friends and sponsors, as young and old alike went forward to share their personal faith story with the entire congregation. Their sincerity and conviction of heart lifted them off the pew and carried them to the front of the sanctuary, where they stood trembling and shaking before the crowd. The time of testimony continued until every person who felt compelled to speak had an opportunity to do so. There was no coercion, no one forced another to get up and talk. It was simply a move of the Holy Spirit and there was no doubt that the Spirit was working on every heart in that room.

It was close to midnight when the worship service came to a close. I remembered not wanting to leave. Something tangible and real had happened that night. I can still see their faces as clearly as if it happened yesterday. While many of these congregants remain nameless to me today, God knows who they are. As they shared their testimony of faith, their names were written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. I know I will worship together with them one day soon in the eternal presence of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

John stood by the river and commanded the people to repent of their sins, be baptized with water, and watch for the One who would come and baptize them with the power of the Holy Spirit. When John instructed the people to follow Jesus Christ, many listened and obeyed. John was just one man, and yet, his testimony of the coming Messiah opened the door for many to place their faith in Jesus. His testimony made all the difference. Do you realize that your personal testimony could make an eternal difference in the life of another human heart? Take every opportunity to share your faith whenever you can, however you can, and with whatever means you have available to you. Do not hesitate to tell others about what Jesus Christ has done for you. Your personal testimony could make all the difference.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

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

The miracle of life

Today’s Reading: John 10:37-38 (NIV)

[Jesus said,] 37 Do not believe me unless I do what my Father does. 38 But if I do it, even though you do not believe me, believe the miracles that you may know and understand that the Father is in me, and I in the Father.”

Good morning!

Have you ever experienced a miracle? Webster’s dictionary defines miracle as an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs. The mere fact that I woke up today is a miracle. If you are breathing air right now, you too are experiencing God’s great miracle of new life!

I am alive today because of His divine intervention. The gift of life is extraordinary, especially when we think about all the close calls we’ve experienced along the way. I remember riding in the back seat of my family’s 1958 Chevrolet, as we traveled home from Mississippi, after visiting my grandparents one summer. Interstate 55 did not exist then. It was Highway 55, a narrow, two-lane roadway, surrounded by cotton fields and farms. If you were unfortunate enough to get behind a slow-moving pickup truck or farming implement, your trip home would take a whole lot longer. Our average journey lasted approximately fourteen hours from Mississippi to Missouri, and my father was longing to get home. He was tired of sitting behind the steering wheel and totally frustrated with the slow-moving traffic. Dad decided to play leap frog with seven vehicles crawling behind a large tractor, who had no place to pull off the road, allowing other cars to pass. My father always drove with a lead foot and it was no surprise when he pushed the “pedal to the metal” and began the hop, skip and jump around the long line of vehicles. We could see the large freight truck coming toward our vehicle, but my dad really believed he could beat it. Suddenly, we found ourselves playing chicken on the highway of life. I remember watching my short-lived life float across my mind’s eye like a slow-motion film. My mother was screaming in the front seat; my sister and I grabbed hands and prayed. We needed a major intervention right then and there. Daddy laid on the car horn and tried to weave his way back into the right lane, but there was seemingly no place to go. Somehow, God opened a small space in the line of traffic and he managed to avoid what would have been a fatal head-on collision within seconds. We were so close that the freight truck took the ditch and ended up in the cotton field.

When we choose to live our lives in the fast lane, always in such a rush to get to our next destination, we may miss the miracles happening right in front of us. The people didn’t really know what to make of this teacher from Nazareth. Jesus knew they might not believe in Him, but if they could just believe in the miracles, they might begin to know and understand His Father and the love He has for us all.

We experience amazing miracles every day. Take time to count yours. Can you see just how much your Heavenly Father loves you?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

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

Talk back

Today’s Reading: John 10:36 (NIV)

[Jesus said,] 36 what about the One whom the Father set apart as His very own and sent into the world?”

Good morning!

You may find this very hard to believe, but occasionally my children talked back to me! Do you find this to be a peculiar anomaly of parenthood? Out of the mouths of our babies, the first talk back word I heard from my pretty princess Rachel was “NO!” Now, when we shake our heads and say the word YES to our eighteen-month old granddaughter Madison, she will grin from ear to ear and shake her head NO just as fast as she can. There is something very intriguing about our innate predisposition to express wholehearted disagreement and do things our own way. I actually believe there is a genetic chromosome yet to be discovered by modern science and when it is finally identified, it should be labeled TK-BK, also known as the talk-back gene.

Now that I am parent of adult children, recognizing that one day, they may very well be parenting me, I appreciate the TK-BK gene much more now than I did twenty years ago. There are maddening moments in parenthood when we can see the dangerous drop off just over the hill; yet, our children are bent on riding their skateboards along the edge of disaster. We instruct them, mostly from the hard knocks we encountered while choosing to hang ten on our very own skateboards. There is something endearing about wanting to protect your child from taking harm’s path, but they do not listen, or they listen, but refuse to hear. TK-BK is alive and thriving in every human heart today.

Jesus is speaking truth but there are many who will not listen or accept His Word. What about the One whom the Father sets apart as His very own and sent into the world? Will you talk back to the God who saves you by grace? Can you, in good conscience, shake your head NO and walk away from the Lord who loves you more than life itself?

Genetic predispositions will bring us great pain in the end, if we remain unwilling to lay down our will for His. Help me Jesus, to place my faith and trust in You alone. I relinquish the TK-BK gene in my life and place it into your healing hand today. Thank you, Lord, for saving me. Amen.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

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