Guiding light

Today’s Reading: John 12:44-46(NIV)

44 The Jesus cried out, “When a man believes in me, he does not believe in me only, but in the One who sent me. 45 When he looks at me, he sees the one who sent me. 46 I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness.”

Good morning!

Last night, one solitary flame of hope and hundreds of brightly shining luminary candles lit the way for the 2008 American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. I walked alongside my mother, a breast cancer survivor, and my daughter, a cervical cancer survivor, around the track at Fox High School in Arnold, Missouri. People lined the perimeter of the race track and applauded for the cancer survivors. We couldn’t help but remember the ones who died and now walk silently with us in our hearts and minds. I thought about Pastor Jim and how his faith walk made an impact on so many people in Missouri. Every luminary represents a human heart struggling with a disease that is no respecter of age. There were children walking the track, riding in wheelchairs, and some who were carried in the arms of their parents. It is no secret they are fighting for their lives. One family waited by the edge of the track with teddy bears, and as the children walked by, they were given a new furry friend to love. Tears of sadness and joy dripped from faces in the crowd. I did not know their names, but I recognized them by their love. This experience was a rare and holy moment, and a precious memory I will cherish for the rest of my days.

Can you imagine seeing holy hearts on fire as they heard the words of Jesus that day in Jerusalem? They must have burned like tiny luminary candles, when they realized they were seeing God Almighty in the flesh. Jesus is the light of the world, and when we see the light for what it is, we see the Father of light. It is His light that makes our pathway clear. It is His light that draws us together in love. We can make the journey together without fear, knowing the light of life is leading the way. As I walked around the high school track last night, I wondered if I was getting a tiny taste of the agape love I will one day experience as I walk with my Savior along the golden streets of heaven.

Cancer is one of the dirtiest words I know. I hate what this disease does to people’s lives. I long to see it cured once and for all, and I will continue to walk the path for a cure and I will work to raise much needed research dollars for the day when this insidious disease will be a thing of the past. Isn’t it good to know that we have a Savior who does not leave us alone in the dark? Jesus walks with us, instilling hope for healing, purpose for each new day, and His promise of new life in His holy presence forever. If you are facing cancer today, you do not have to do this alone. Ask Jesus Christ to be your guiding 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.

Loving you more

Today’s Reading: John 12:42-43(NIV)

42 Yet at the same time many even among the leaders believed in Him. But because of the Pharisees, they would not confess their faith for fear they would be put out of the synagogue; 43 for they loved praise from men more than praise from God.

Good morning!

One of my mother’s favorite sayings is, “If you can’t say anything nice about someone, just don’t say anything at all.” Her words motivated me to look for something good in every person I know. A genuine and heartfelt compliment is far-reaching and can turn an unhappy attitude into a joy-filled moment. People appreciate recognition for their work and sacrifice. It’s nice to know you are loved.

Yet, there are times when we take human praise to the extreme. With each passing day, I become acutely aware that there is only One worth pleasing. It will not matter what my family or friends think of me when I stand before the Lord on judgment day. God sees my heart; He hears the words I speak, and the motivation behind them. He not only observes what I do each day – He knows what I don’t do. He has a handle on whether I am acting selflessly or out of pure selfishness. He knows whether my motivation is sincere or fake. God knows whether I’m seeking to praise and glorify Him, or whether I am seeking to receive praise from others, thereby glorifying myself. Have you ever asked God in prayer to reveal what He sees in you to your heart?

I have learned when I cannot sleep, there is a spiritual reason why. Most often, God calls me out of slumber to pray for someone whom I may or may not know. I’m learning to how to pray the prayers He would have me pray when I feel that Holy Spirit nudge. Last night was one of those long nights of the soul. I have been grieving over the floods and tornadoes in the Midwest; for the Boy Scouts and their families who lost their lives while attending camp this week. Downtown Cedar Rapids is under water today and more rain is expected. Peoples’ livelihoods are literally being washed away as homes and businesses are destroyed. The agony experienced in the Midwest is just a minute part of the terrors reaching around our world today. The earth is shifting gears; the seasons are changing rapidly. Can you see the changes occurring where you live?

There were a lot of people who believed in Christ’s salvation message. They heard Him, saw His work, and were convinced. But because they were afraid to speak the truth in love, they chose to keep silent so to retain the respect of their community of faith. Have you ever stopped short of sharing your faith for fear of judgment by others?

Father, help us live what we believe. Teach us how to love you more than we love ourselves. Help us forego our desire for human praise. The only heart we long to please is yours. Help us find ways to care for those who have lost so much in the storms of life, especially those who have lost all hope. If we are willing to endure the scrutiny of human judgment, we can truly become your hands and feet in a world that desperately longs for Your mercy today. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

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

Healing hearts

Today’s Reading: John 12:39-40(NIV)

39 For this reason they could not believe, because, as Isaiah says elsewhere: 40 “He has blinded their eyes and deadened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes nor understand with their hearts, nor turn – and I would heal them.”

Isaiah 6:9-10(NIV)

9 He said, “Go and tell the people: “’Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing but never perceiving. 10 Make the heart of this people calloused; make their ears dull and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed.’”

Good morning!

What goes together like peanut butter and jelly on a slice of fresh-baked bread? Children and scrapes on the hard playground asphalt. Children, concrete and scrapes seem to go hand-in-hand. Our home was situated on a circle drive. We were at the end of a dead-end street, and this became a perfect place to play outside with my friends. It was a quiet neighborhood, secluded from the rest of the busy world. Every afternoon, the circle would erupt with activity as we played hopscotch, kickball and tag outside. A large weeping willow tree grew tall in the center of that turnabout, providing a shady respite on a warm summer’s day. We had our very own secret playhouse underneath those long, dangling branches. Inevitably, one of us would slip and fall while running across the pavement. My mother kept the Bactine®, a bag of cotton balls and Band-Aids® handy. She was always outside, tending to someone’s scraped knee or elbow.

I’ve had a few scrapes in life. In fact, I wear many of these scars today. I don’t think a day went by when I didn’t pick up a new bruise or cut playing outside. The scabs on my knees and elbows never really got a chance to fully heal. I would invariably fall and scrape up my arms and legs in the exact same place I did the day before. Some of those scars have become calloused over the years, where the skin is leathery and taut from over exposure, wear and tear. Do your scars bring back memories of days gone by?

God whispered in Isaiah’s ear approximately seven hundred years before Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem. He said to Isaiah, Go and tell the people that their calloused and hard hearts are getting in the way of seeing and hearing my message of salvation. They bear the deep scars of sin and shame, of disobedience and rebellion. Yet, even when they see me, they do not understand; they hear me, but cannot perceive my Word. If they would just stop and turn around, I would heal their scarred and calloused hearts once and for all. Isaiah knew the Savior was coming. He had the Father’s Word on it.

Is your broken heart so calloused today that you cannot hear the voice of God whispering in your ear, “I love you, dear child. If you let me, I will heal your scars once and for all. Turn around; come home.”

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 arm of God

Today’s Reading: John 12:37-38(NIV)

37 Even after Jesus had done all these miraculous signs in their presence, they still would not believe in Him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet: “Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

Good morning!

Do you ever wonder what God’s arm might look like?

I’m learning a great deal in the World Religions cluster I am taking this quarter. There are many fascinating religious traditions to explore; yet, it is the non-religious traditions that totally have me puzzled. One such belief system teaches that every facet of life can and should be proven with tangible, physical evidence. Therefore, if the existence of a holy God cannot be proven with pure fact, then it raises enough doubt in the minds of some human beings to question whether God exists at all. “I don’t know; therefore, it is not possible” is a philosophy embraced by many highly intelligent, well-educated people. There seems to be a clear disconnect between faith and reason. This is not a new way of thinking. According to Isaiah, this mindset has existed for thousands of years.

On the other hand, I cannot imagine my life without the love of God in it, especially given the world I live in today. I see walking, talking miracles all around me. Every morning when I awake, I realize I’ve been given a brand new day to enjoy. I see His beauty in nature and I know the arm of God alive and well in the world. I experience God’s love through my children and grandchildren. They are proof positive of His amazing grace.

Isaiah said, “Lord, who has believed our message and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” Jesus, Almighty God in human flesh, reveals the arm of God in every aspect of His earthly life. People witnessed unimaginable physical and emotional healing; they saw dead people raised to life again. They heard His teaching, and observed the impact He made upon the lives of family members and friends; yet, many walked away unconvinced, refusing to believe.

It is His holy connection that draws us together in love. We extend the arm of God when we choose to make a lasting difference in the life of another human heart. We build homes for the homeless, feed hungry children and provide medical care for the sick and infirm. Can you imagine what the arms of Jesus Christ must have looked like as He stretched them out on a crossbeam of splintered wood? Jesus surrendered His earthly life to offer new life for a sin-sick humanity. When Jesus conquered sin and death, His earthly body was “high, and lifted up,” nailed to a Roman cross of shame. It was at that moment when the arm of God literally embraced the world.

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's no place like home

Today’s Reading: John 12:35-36(NIV)

35 Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. The man who walks in the dark does not know where he is going. 36 Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” When He had finished speaking, Jesus left and hid himself from them.

Good morning!

In the movie, The Wizard of Oz, young Dorothy is longing for home. Clicking the heels of her ruby red slippers, with fingers crossed and eyes closed, every heart string understood her need as she cried, “There’s no place like home; there’s no place like home.” Last night, Jeff and I returned home from the Missouri Area Conference of the United Methodist Church, an annual meeting that I look forward to every year. It is great catching up to friends in ministry across the state, hearing the wonderful testimonies of new life extending within Missouri United Methodism, and taking some time away from our churches to learn and grow, and encourage one another as we step forward in faith. I had a wonderful time, and yet, this morning, as I write, I share the sentiment of my young friend Dorothy – There is no place like home.

If you’ve ever stayed away from home for a conference or vacation, you know what it is like to try to get a good night’s rest in a strange place. We stayed in a hotel that had all the amenities of home - a full kitchen, sitting room, and a great big bed to sleep in. It was very similar to being at home, but it wasn’t home. There were unfamiliar noises in the dark – I found it difficult to move from one room to the other without a flashlight to guide my steps. And when the thunderstorms came late at night, it became very hard to sleep.

Jesus knew He was heading home soon. The light of life would soon be extinguished and the darkness would fall upon the people He loves. Jesus knew they would soon be longing for some sense of familiarity, yet they would find themselves feeling their way in the darkness. It would not always be a comfortable existence, in the places where they lived. There would be times when Christ’s followers would yearn for His light, but it would be hard to see, Jesus knew what was coming and He did His best to prepare them for the dark, when they would yearn for His light to return and the promise of a new day fulfilled. He knew how they would long to go home.

Jesus said, “Put your trust in the light while you have it, so that you may become sons of light.” It is His light that illuminates our hearts! When we have His light to guide us, we can rest assured that even when we move into not so familiar surroundings, the light of Christ is with us, guarding and guiding the way. Your surroundings may not be very comfortable right now. You may be feeling a little bit homesick today. I have good news for you! The light of Christ is with us, and if we choose to trust Him completely, His light will become our light and it will illuminate The Way home.

There is no place like home, when your home is with Jesus.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

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

The end result

Today’s Reading: John 12:31-32(NIV)

[Jesus said,] 31 “Now is the time for judgment on this world, now the prince of this world will be driven out. 32 But I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to myself.”

Good morning!

Last weekend, my husband Jeff and son David put together a set of bookshelves for our family room. We are avid readers, and the one thing we seem to lack is bookshelf space. I stopped by my favorite furniture store and purchased yet another set of cherry-stained ladder bookshelves to add to our collection. When the shelves were delivered, the kit came unassembled. Our son David has become pretty good at putting bookshelves together. He has had plenty of practice! While the assembly is similar to the other sets we own, there seems to be inconsistencies in cut and pattern. Sometimes, we have a hard time visualizing how the finished piece will look. In our limited vision, we only see individual parts and pieces. We wonder how we will use all those screws supplied with the kit. Once David moved the shelves to an upright position, they looked rather wobbly and insecure. It was not until David fastened the solid cross beam at the back of the unit that the shelves took its finished form. The crossbeam gave the needed support to these bookshelves so they could stand strong under the heavy weight of the added books on its shelves.

Do you ever struggle to see the end result?

Jesus was speaking about his imminent death and resurrection. He had come to earth for this moment in time – to bring judgment upon the prince of the world and drive him out of humanity’s hearts. Christ would be lifted up from the earth on a crossbeam, and all the world would be drawn to Him. Everyone there was thinking the same thing: Jesus had come to Jerusalem to overthrow the Roman government. His rule would usher in a season of peace and prosperity; persecution would finally come to an end. They could see the plan unfold, piece by piece; yet, they did not understand the Master’s perfect plan of salvation.

It took a crossbeam to hold the weight of humanity’s sin on a tree. It took the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ to reconcile sinful hearts to a sinless Father. It was His love that He chose to die on the cross to save you and me our present state of sin and separation. Without this sacrifice, we wouldn’t have a solid foundation to stand on. It is the crossbeam that draws our eyes toward Christ. Can you see the end result? Do you understand what Jesus Christ has done 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.

The voice of benefit

Today’s Reading: John 12:30(NIV)

30 Jesus said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine.”

Good morning!

How many voices do you hear in the course of a day? I spend a good portion of my day reading and assimilating the thoughts and words of others. I review online news clips, study required texts for school, and process legal correspondence and documents at work. I receive and read approximately 60-100 e-mail messages a day. I’ve not yet taken up text messaging for this very reason. It’s all I can do just to get through the daily e-mail messages and respond. I listen to the kind voice of my supervisor, giving me instructions related to work projects. I have a great supervisor at work; I respect her thoughts and follow her directions to the best of my ability. It is a blessing to work with her. I love to listen to the voices of my children as they call me on my cell, and I laugh with my grandchildren, who absolutely love to call their Granny Deb up just to jabber in baby lingo. I review the recorded messages on my home phone at night and return phone calls. I can hear and recognize the voices at the other end of the telephone line. Of all the voices I listen to each day, I love the sound of my husband’s voice. He has a calming effect in my life. His voice is clear, understandable, and gentle. When all of the other voices in my life bring confusion or frustration, Jeff’s voice is the voice I listen to above all others.

There is One voice that speaks above every human voice we hear. It is God’s eternal voice. He conveys Himself to each of us through His Word, in prayer, and through the beauty of His created work. I listen for the beautiful voice of the Lord each day. I wait for His presence to consume my heart each morning when I awake. He is the first voice I hear, and His voice is the last sound of the evening, as I whisper my confessions and prayers of thanksgiving at night just before I fall asleep. Sometimes, God’s voice speaks to my heart in the stillness of the night. I can hear Him calling in my dreams. I feel His presence ever near. His Word will come to me in a moment of prayer and praise, and I recognize He is speaking directly to my heart. I know that one sweet day I will hear His voice as easily as I hear the human voices of my family and friends now. This is the day I will walk with Christ forever in His holy presence. I will live in a place where His light will be the only light I see, and where His sweet whisper will fulfill my heart’s every longing.

When God cried out from the heavens, Jesus turned to His disciples and said, “This voice was for your benefit, not mine.” The voice of God speaks today, and His voice is for our benefit. Will we choose to listen and hear Him?

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.

Voice of thunder

Today’s Reading: John 12:28-29(NIV)

[Jesus said,] 28 “Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” 29 The crowd that was there and heard it said it had thundered; others said an angel had spoken to them.

Good morning!

Thunder speaks! Late at night in the middle of a storm, the foundation of our home shakes as thunder peals across the dark sky. On a stormy night, it was not uncommon to have three little Spaulding prototypes crawl into bed with Mom and Dad. It became a true adventure when the dogs and cats joined us too. No one in our family slept through those midnight thunderstorms. It did, however, bring a whole new meaning to the concept of togetherness!

A large clap of thunder peals in the heavens and suddenly our electricity goes out. An amazing light show begins to reveal itself across the black sky, as the wind rattles the windows and rain beats down the newly planted flowers outside. In a torrential storm, golf-ball sized hail pellets leave their marks on our siding, roofs and car hoods. We’ve experienced a lot of thunderstorms here in the Midwest. Do you think God may be trying to get our attention?

Thunder bears a distinct and mighty voice – it may be very scary for some and comforting to others. Greek philosopher Aristotle speculated that the sound of thunder was caused by the collision of clouds. Modern science teaches that the sound of thunder is a supersonic shock wave caused from a sudden increase in the temperature and pressure that lightning produces in the air. It can begin as a low rumble, with tremors, and increase to a deafening loud boom that sounds like an explosive device detonating. The voice of thunder causes me to look up and listen. Are you captivated by the sight and sounds of the thunderstorm?

The voice from heaven sounded like the voice of angel to those who stood with Jesus that day in Jerusalem. When He shouted, “Father, glorify Your name,” the voice of thunder could be heard pealing across the heavens. It said, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again.” Can you hear the voice of God speak in the thunderstorm 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.

Troubled heart

Today’s Reading: John 12:27-28(NIV)

[Jesus said,] 27 “Now my heart is troubled, what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour?’ No, it was for this very reason I cam to this hour. 28 Father, glorify your name!”

Good morning!

Can you imagine what it might be like if you knew ahead of time how and when your earthly life would begin and end? It is a great gift to live out our days to its fullest measure, trusting in a greater plan beyond our realm of comprehension. Most everyone I’ve asked cannot remember their actual birth, only the stories told to them by their parents. It helps today to have colorful photograph scrapbooks and cinematography to aid us in knowing what it was like on the day we were born. We seemingly have no control over our first or last breath of air. Medical advances and technology have assisted many parents in planning for a specific day when their children are to be delivered. Near-perfect mathematical calculations, coupled with sophisticated ultrasound technology and labor-inducing medications remove the surprise element from the impending moment of birth. Not only do we know the day, we often know the sex of the child to be born far ahead of baby's first appearance.

It’s not quite as easy calculating the exact moment of death. We know it is coming – a life cycle that completes itself as we move from this world into the eternal. Why is it difficult for human beings to embrace life’s endings the way we embrace its beginnings?

It is like watching a rerun over and over again. Or starting a book with the last chapter first – if we know how the story will end, will the beginning really matter? Are you someone who longs to know how the story will end, before it begins?

Jesus had a troubled heart. Fully human and fully divine, the Son of God knew what was coming. He was with the Father in the beginning. He will be with the Father in the end. Jesus knew the moment He would leave His heavenly throne and enter into the womb of a virgin. He knew the time ordained for His earthly life. Every second mattered; every Word vitally important. Jesus came to give life, to redeem the lost, and leave an eternal path for humanity to follow. His earthly life was nearing completion. He knew the day and hour and how His last earthly breath would be spent. Jesus had a troubled heart, yet He chose to proclaim, “Father, glorify Your name!”

We are not promised tomorrow; each new day is a gift hand-crafted for you. We can walk humbly along the path that God has prepared for us, praying the Word of our Lord this morning as we arise: Lord, thank you for today. Help me walk in The Way that You have planned for me. I trust You to lead me wherever You choose, knowing Your purpose is greater than my limited perception. I trust You for this day, dear Lord. Father, glorify Your name!

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.

New do

Today’s Reading: Psalm 139:14(NIV)

14 I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Good morning!

Yesterday, our youngest grandson, Andrew, celebrated his first birthday with a “new do.” Mom finally broke down and got his hair cut. The smile on Andrew’s face pretty much says it all. You rarely see this boy in a foul mood. He is happy every day, quiet and content just to be watching the world around him. Andrew is an observer. He is strong and capable, and nothing gets past his watchful eyes.

That same look of contentment and pure joy was apparent on Andrew’s face from the moment he was born. Once he took his first breath of air and his little eyes adjusted to the bright lights outside the womb, Andrew began to grin and rest happily in his parents’ arms. His transition from womb to world was smooth, even though Mom had quite the road to recovery afterward. Parents sacrifice many things so their children can grow into adulthood. They give of themselves to meet the needs of their young. The love of family is a priceless gift.

Our Father’s love is clearly seen on the face of every child. We are fearfully and wonderfully made. His handiwork is wonderful, and we know that full well. Our Father gave His only Son so that we could one day be birthed from this world into eternity with Him. We are traveling toward our new do, knowing that the heavenly Father is waiting there to welcome us home. One day, we will experience His peace that passes all human understanding in the arms of our risen Lord and Savior. The gift of new life is a gift of immeasurable worth. Do you know Jesus? Are you ready to receive a new 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.

Hidden treasure, fine pearls and crab legs

Today’s Reading: Matthew 13:44-45(NIV)

[Jesus said,] 44 “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.” 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”

Good morning!

Jeff and I celebrated our thirty-first wedding anniversary together at one of our favorite local restaurants in St. Charles last night. I ordered one of my favorite dishes: crab legs. If you’ve ever eaten crab legs, you will understand the amount of work one goes to just to get at that priceless piece of meat on the inside of the hardened shell. I confessed to our waitress that I was not very good with cracking crab leg shells, and asked that she bring me a bib and some sort of armored protection for my husband, who was sitting within firing range.

Now, my sister is the best crab leg cracker I know. She can crack a crab leg, pull out the meat and consume the delicacy within seconds. Pam is a real pro at this. How I longed to have her sitting next to me last night, giving me a few pointers. It was not pretty and she would have laughed herself silly just watching me work. Jeff is not a seafood connoisseur and had long finished his steak dinner before I finished my meal. He had to suffer through watching me whack away at those crab legs. I took a break once so that I could wash my hands. One has to work hard to get to the good stuff underneath the hardened shell.

My friend Jesus joined us for dinner last night. He is always there just when I need Him the most. A trained fisherman, I’m sure He got a kick out of watching me struggle with those crab legs. I could hear Him whispering in my ear while I worked to get to the good stuff. Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven is the most valuable acquisition we will ever receive. It is more precious than gold, more valuable than all the riches of this world; a priceless treasure worth pursuing above all. Like the merchant who sold everything he had, simply to acquire that pearl of great price, the kingdom of heaven is worth pursuing with everything you’ve got. When the man found the hidden treasure in a field, he sold everything he had to buy the field. Tasting that crab meat was worth persevering for, just like experiencing God's best for my life today, and for the eternity He has planned for me in glory.

Do not hesitate to share your faith in Jesus with others, especially when seems hard to do. You may be fighting with some tough exteriors, trying to break through the hardened shells of complacency, selfishness, and disbelief. The treasure of heaven is a gift that has eternal value. Jesus does not want anyone to miss out on the feast He is preparing for all who will believe on Him. Do not give up when the walls seem insurmountable. Work hard to share the good news with everyone around you. The sweet taste of an eternity in Jesus’ holy presence will make your every effort worthwhile.

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.

Sure foundation

Today’s Reading: John 12:25-26(NIV)

[Jesus said,] 25 The man who loves his life will lose it, while the man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. 26 Whoever serves me must follow me; and where I am, my servant also will be. My father will honor the one who serves me.

Good morning!

Love and hate are strong words, evoking pure emotion from deep within the heart. What does it mean to truly love others? How did humanity learn to hate so well? Do we love our lives so much that we cannot seem to see the ones who are suffering? How much of yourself would you be willing to give away if you could help another human heart survive and thrive?

Love and hate are demonstrated within our homes. We understand what it is to love and hate by the way we choose to live out our days with grandparents, parents, siblings, spouses, children and grandchildren. Many homes are filled with angst and anger. Parents are mean-spirited with their children. Children show no respect for parents. Yet, there are other homes where love is its sure foundation. Siblings learn how to show kindness to each other because Moms and Dads care more about the other's needs than our own. How do your actions and words demonstrate love and/or hate to your family?

The created ones longed for a deep and abiding relationship with their Creator. He is holy and perfect, full of knowledge and wisdom and truth. Humanity was far from perfect. They let their self-perceptions and deep-seated emotions rule their hearts and minds. They learned to fear each other, becoming self-absorbed. In seeking personal happiness, they stopped caring about whom they may have to step on in order to take a step up. Their sins kept them from understanding a Holy Father, who gives life to all. It was the Son’s perfect love for the Father’s world that sent Him to earth in human flesh, to demonstrate the vast differences between perfect love and pervasive hate. He came to show the world a love like no other.

Jesus’ life emulates the perfect love of a perfect Father, who longs for His children to be made perfectly whole in Him. Christ offers healing to all who long to love completely. He promises a place where hate will one day be cast away into an eternal lake of fire; a perfect home where love will reign supreme over all. Jesus came to rescue the Father’s beloved world. He did this to honor His Father, the Lord and giver of life. The Father honors those who honor His Son. Because of Christ’s great sacrifice, we can begin to understand why perfect love must become our sure foundation for daily living.

If you’ve experienced Christ-like love, one cannot help but set aside the trappings and promises of this world and follow the life-giver toward perfected love in Him. Would you be willing to give up the comfort and security of this life as you know it, if it meant you would live in perfect love with Christ for all eternity?

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 love

Today’s Reading: John 12:23-25(NIV)

23 Jesus replied, “The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. 24 I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.”

Good morning!

After one sleepless night listening to the hail and high winds and torrential rain beating down on the parsonage roof, I awoke early and went outside to see if the plants I had just installed into the soil had survived the storm. To my delight, they were still there, even after the rains came. How do you survive the dark night of the soul, when the storms of life are raging?

I spent some time yesterday thinking about all of the families who lost their homes and businesses to tornadoes devastating many parts of the US Midwest region. I wondered about the 70,000 people lost in China’s earthquake, and those who are experiencing dire need for food and clean water in Myanmar. I prayed for the many men and women serving in our armed forces, defending our nation’s freedom and preserving the dignity of those who do not yet have the resources to defend themselves. Humanity’s need is great, no matter where we look today.

I remembered the millions who have gone on before us; those who paid the ultimate price for our country’s freedom. I couldn’t help but think about the war my father fought in. Two of my uncles were taken as prisoners of war during World War II and during the Korean conflict. One of them survived his personal terror and lived a long and happy life. My other uncle died young, suffering from post traumatic stress syndrome and mental illness after his return home from the war. I thought about his children; how they grew up without a father’s love to comfort and guide them.

The circle of life continues to perpetuate itself. I am experiencing the love of my third generation through the eyes of my own grandchildren. My father died twelve years ago. He never met his great grandchildren. Still, I can see him in the mirrored reflection of their young lives. He was just one man, with a wife and two daughters. Those daughters blessed him with four beautiful grandchildren to love, and now there are five great grandchildren to walk the path he forged for them.

Jesus understood humanity’s need for a perfect sacrifice through death and resurrection. He said that a kernel of wheat must die and fall to the ground before a new crop can arise from its ashes. If it lives on, it remains a single seed. In death, it produces a harvest crop of many. The disciples did not want to lose the Lord they loved – they were certainly not ready to let Jesus go. He knew it could only be through His ultimate sacrifice, that Christ would offer new life to the millions who would be have otherwise perished in their sin.

We celebrate our many memories, cherishing our loved ones who have gone on before us, and thanking them for the perpetuation of new life even in the midst of personal sacrifice. We thank the Lord Jesus Christ for His willingness to die for our sin, so that we may forever live in the light of His perfect love. It is this gift we cherish especially today, as we encounter the rolling storms clouds overhead.

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.

Would you like to see Jesus?

Today’s Reading: John 12:20-22(NIV)

20 Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast. 21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. “Sir,” they said, “we would like to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.

Good morning!

We have been blessed this weekend to spend time with family and friends, celebrating the birthdays of our great niece Samantha and youngest grandson, Andrew. How quickly this year has passed. I remember our last Memorial Day weekend, awaiting Andrew’s imminent arrival and swimming in a very chilly swimming pool on a warm spring day. A lot has happened in the last year. It is good to spend time together again.

Everyone looks forward to the Memorial holiday weekend for lots of reasons. Families gather together around a barbecue grill or at a park; some travel to visit friends who live far away. Many attend worship services and ceremonies commemorating the holiday with remembrance and gratitude for the sacrifices made to keep our country free. Families share the grief of loved ones lost in the war, or who have passed on to life eternal. Some people take this time to simply kick up their heels and rest.

The Greeks came to the Feast to worship. We may assume these folks were converts to the Jewish faith. They went to Philip first with a very special request. “Sir,” they said, “We would like to see Jesus.” The festivities drew folks from far and wide, and many came to see the man whom they believe was the long-awaited Messiah, the Son of God.

In the midst of your holiday celebration, are looking for Jesus? He is here today, holding the grieving military widow in His arms. He comforts those who have lost loved ones in the war. He rejoices with the wee ones as they celebrate the end of the school year and the beginning of summer. He grieves with those who have lost homes and livelihoods that have been destroyed this weekend in flooding, fires, and tornadoes. Are you looking for Jesus today? He is as close to you as a whispered prayer. Simply ask Him to reveal Himself to you. Just say, “Lord Jesus, I’d like to see you now.”

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

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

Spread the Word!

Today’s Reading: John 12:17-19(NIV)

17 Now the crowd that was with [Jesus] when He called Lazarus from the tomb and raised him from the dead continued to spread the Word. Many people, because they had heard that He had given this miraculous sign, went out to meet Him. 19 So the Pharisees said to one another, “See, this is getting us nowhere. Look how the whole world has gone after Him!”

Good morning!

Every day, I take a tour of the world and national news online. In this day of advanced technology, we find instantaneous accessibility to breaking news virtually at our fingertips. We can flip on the television set and hear what is happening being broadcast all over the world. A few short keystrokes, and I am transported half to places I have never been. Spreading the Word has taken on a whole new meaning for humanity today.

I’m concerned for the people of Myanmar, who desperately need humanitarian assistance for survival. I grieve with the people of China. The death toll continues to rise following the devastating earthquake that claimed thousands; people continue to search for family members and friends. I cannot wrap my mind around the tragedies that continue to occur around the world today. Here in the United States, I’ve mourned the losses of singer/songwriter Dottie Rambo and five-year-old Maria Chapman. Their families have nourished my spiritual growth for years by their beautiful songs of prayer and praise. We hold a deep compassion for each other, understanding what it feels like to grieve the loss of the ones we love.

In my hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, firefighters successfully rescued a mother and her children from a burning home this week. We rejoice that this family was saved from the fire. It takes great courage to enter into a burning building to save the life of another. There are a lot of courageous people in our world who place themselves in harms way every day just to save the life of another human being. Isn’t it amazing how quickly the Word is spread?

The people had heard about the healer from Nazareth, and Lazarus, who had been raised from the dead. They wanted to see the one who received new life, and the Lord who gives new life to all who choose to receive and believe. Folks were coming from everywhere just to meet and greet the Master, to hear Him speak, and see His holy face. There were no computers, newspapers, or satellite dishes to carry the Good News of the Gospel; yet people were hearing the story, leaving their homes and seeking out the Savior. Good news travels fast! Today, we can spread the Word of a Savior who knows our pain, shares our griefs, and carries our sorrows. He took stripes for our healing, bruises for our sin, and by His perfect sacrifice of love, we can receive new life in Him. This is the message of hope that we need to share, especially in times of great turmoil and grief. Jesus Christ is alive and He longs to save you today! Spread the Word!

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.