The hate word

Today’s Reading: John 15:18-19 (NIV)

18 [Jesus said,] “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. 19 If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”

Good morning!

I remember the first time someone told me they hated me. Someone in the lunch room didn’t want me to sit next to them. The words rolled off her tongue effortlessly and everyone laughed; thinking it was entertaining to watch me cry. I’m not exactly sure what I did to deserve the hate word – I imagine it had something to do with how I was dressed. You see, many of the girls I went to school with wore blue jeans, crop tops and floppy sandals. My mother insisted I wear dresses and tennis shoes. I didn’t look like them or fit in. The children liked to play hard and they were rough on the playground. I could run just as fast as they could, but hard and rough were not a part of how I was built. We choose to use the hate word when we really don’t want to know or understand someone who may look or act differently from us. Do you think it is easier to hate someone rather than try to find some common ground?

People have practiced hatred since the beginning of time. The color of your skin could launch a world war. Can you change the color of your skin to suit the personal preferences of others? Many have tried to do this through cosmetic surgeries, chemical peels, and tanning beds. Does the color of your skin change who you are on the inside? Would you be more acceptable in the culture where you live if you were fairer, darker, or maybe purple? Purple people eaters were popular where I grew up. Why do people hate each other based upon the color of someone’s skin?

Have you ever wondered what it might be like today if Jesus had chosen to hate the world? We are certainly different from Him. Christ was fully human yet fully divine. It is no wonder He was scorned, ridiculed and judged. He was unique and everyone knew it. Some hated Him, others were jealous, and many wanted Him dead and gone. There is not a human heart alive in the world today who does not struggle with sin. Maybe you have a bad attitude or an addiction to overcome. You may suffer from jealousy or pride. Are you lazy, moody, or hormonal? Isn’t that the catch phrase we sometimes use to excuse our behavior when we have a bad day? What if Jesus had chosen to hate us because we were sinners? What if He said, “Forget it, Dad. I’m not laying down my life for this worthless bunch. They will never change; this is one big, hopeless situation!”

Without the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ, humanity would be forever lost and separated from a perfect and holy Father. Even when the world chose to hate Him, Jesus Christ willingly loved. His love melted hearts, bridged the gap to heaven, and brought sinful man into fellowship with a sinless Father. Hate is conquered once and for all on the cross of Calvary.

We are called to turn from the popular world view and choose to love like Jesus. Will you take the harder road and choose to love 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.

An appointment to keep

Today’s Reading: John 15:16-17 (NIV)

16 [Jesus said,] “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. 17 This is my command: Love each other.”

Good morning!

My fall appointment calendar is beginning to fill up quickly. Much of what I do revolves around the things that are most important to me: ministry, family, work and school. The calendar gives me an opportunity to prioritize my day, and yet, some of what goes in my date book is not necessary of my own choosing. There are some things that I do simply because I’m called to do them.

At work, I devote the last week of each month to coding, recording and submitting invoices to accounting for payment. Of the projects I complete each month, this is my least favorite task. Every month, it pops up on my Outlook calendar, and I stop what I’m doing and focus on this important work. It is no secret that I am mathematically challenged; I work with even greater determination to ensure that the data I record accurately reflects the amounts due as presented by various vendors for payment. I review incoming bills, verify account information, and look for duplication errors. I double check balances due, verifying that timely payments are made. Keeping an accurate accounting is of great value to my employer. Even though I may struggle through this task each month, I willingly submit myself to the project, knowing if I give my very best to it, the Lord will take the service I offer and He will bless and multiply it. I am striving toward perfection, and I know that the Father has called me to a higher standard. I look forward to the day when I am fully perfected in His love.

You and I have an important appointment to keep. This may not be the task we would willingly choose to undertake. Jesus Christ has commanded that we love each other. He did not make any exceptions to the rule, nor did He give us personal privilege or an opt-out arrangement. In fact, Jesus said that we did not choose Him; rather, the Father chose each of us to bear fruit that will have eternal consequences. We are expected to step up to love. Jesus wants us to bear real fruit by really loving each other. This one requirement will take everything you’ve got, and then some. For me, I cannot fully love without seeking heavenly help from the Lord.

What task has the Father recorded on the pages of your life’s calendar? What requirement has He called you to fulfill that you continually shift to the bottom of your to-do list? Father, help us recognize the utter necessity and the urgency of Your commandment. Help us not to do this one thing with a half-ditched effort. Teach us how to love each other the way you love us. 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.

Real friendship

Today’s Reading: John 15:15 (NIV)

15 [Jesus said,] “I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you.”

Good morning!

I changed schools seven times in twelve years without moving once! In the mid-sixties, the population in Florissant grew exponentially. Young families had moved to North County, and there were children everywhere! New schools were being built to accommodate the rapid growth spurt. This caused the district boundary lines to constantly change. After attending a private kindergarten offered at my church, I attended six different public schools from first grade through my senior year of high school. And I managed this without moving once from our family's home. What a rich experience this was!

I made a lot of friends at every school I attended, some of whom have remained in contact with me through the years. Many of the children I hung out with on the playground and in the lunchroom I have not seen or heard from since then. My mother used to tell me that I should be a friend to all but I should choose my best friends carefully. Have you ever been disappointed by a friend? Have you ever failed to be the friend you should have been to someone else?

Jesus amazed His disciples by demonstrating friendship like no other. He did not treat His disciples as mere servants. His entourage willingly served the Lord during their three year traveling ministry tour. Yet, Jesus chose to share everything the Father had told Him with His friends. He held nothing back and kept no secrets; conveying the truth of God to all who would listen and receive Him into their hearts. He called them friends, even knowing that one of them would betray their friendship, selling his soul for thirty lousy pieces of silver. Jesus placed His life on the line for all people, even the greedy ones. He calls us friends. What friend would give up His own life just to save yours?

Are you a friend to Jesus? He died to set you free from the sins that separate you from a perfect and loving Father. He came to be your friend; a constant companion for life and the life to come. Jesus told us everything the Father told Him. We are not merely His servants: we are His friends and He is counting on each of us to share the Father's love with the world. How will you choose to share Christlike friendship in your community? Will you take a risk and love others the way Jesus 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.

First day jitters

Today’s Reading: John 15:14 (NIV)

14 [Jesus said,] “You are my friends if you do what I command.”

Good morning!

What does it mean to be a friend?

When I was in elementary school, the first day of class always began the day after Labor Day. I spent many Labor Day nights lying awake in my bed with a belly ache, suffering from first day jitters. Would I like my new teacher and would my teacher like me? How much homework will I have to contend with on my very first day back to school? Will I find my homeroom before the tardy bell goes off? Will there be any familiar faces in class? Will I be able to make some new friends? What if these people don’t like me?

We all share an essential human need to be in relationship with each another. We look to our friends to provide support, encouragement, and their honest opinion. We want to know that even in the midst of our unique differences there is a commonality that draws us to one another. Having a good friend to share life with is a precious gift. Friendship is a relational, two-way street. In order to have a good friend, we must willingly be good friends in return.

Jesus knew that being a friend is more than mere lip service. It is one thing to tell someone you care; it is another thing to be present when they need you most. Friendship requires commitment, especially when disagreements erupt. Jesus knew that His true friends would choose to listen and obey the instruction of the Father. He knew His real friends would root themselves in the foundation and stand firm together throughout the storm.

Every now and then, we fail to be the friends we should be. Fortunately, Jesus taught us how to forgive and love each other, in spite of ourselves. We can learn a lot about what real friendship is by looking at the one raised the bar on friendship. Jesus Christ is the best friend you will ever have. He will not leave you nor forsake you; Christ will stand with you through every circumstance in your life. Jesus loves you more than you will ever be able to love Him back. Give Jesus Christ your whole heart today. He will ease your first-day jitters and that belly ache twisting in the pit of your stomach. With Christ by your side, you will know the meaning of true friendship and you will never have to face another day 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.

Love in action

Today’s Reading: John 15:12-13 (NIV)

12 [Jesus said,] “My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends.”

Good morning!

On my cell phone, I saved a priceless voice mail message from my soon-to-be two year old granddaughter Madison Marie. She called me over the weekend just to say hello! Her message sounded like this: “Hi’ya Ma Caw! Ma Caw! I wuv wu! Wuv wu! (giggle) Ma Caw! I wuv wu! Bye bye!” This grandmother had absolutely no difficulty understanding the message. Madison is a quite the girly girl! She has no trouble expressing herself, and if you watch her facial expressions, she will let you know exactly what she means. When Maddie wants something, everyone knows it! She is a busy bundle of light and life. Whenever I’m with my granddaughter, I see love in action.

My mother and I sat together on the sofa and watched as Hurricane Gustav barreled onto the Louisiana and Mississippi shores Monday morning. Cities had been evacuated; volunteers spent countless hours last week helping folks leave and find a safe place to stay while the storm passed through. Medical professionals and service personnel stayed behind to help with clean up efforts and care for those who could not leave due of extreme illness and infirmity. Work will resume as soon as it is safe for residents to return, and people from all over the United States will reach out and lend a helping hand. People will place their lives on the line to help a neighbor in need. This is love in action.

How do we learn to love each other? There is no greater love than the love of Jesus Christ. He came to demonstrate the Father’s love for all, and did so in the most unusual way. He put others first, even when it cost Him his earthly life. Christ’s perfect love is a love unlike any other you will experience this side of heaven. Perfect love dispels fear; it hopes and endures and never, ever fails. Once you’ve experienced the amazing love of Jesus Christ, you cannot help but want to share His love with the world around you.

We begin to see Christ-like love blossom in the life of a little child, just like our sweet Maddie. She may not be able to say the name Jesus just yet, but He knows and loves her and she hears His voice. Jesus will be there to guide her every step as she grows and learns and becomes all that He has created her to be. It is that same love that compels folks to reach out, love unconditionally, and help our neighbors in need. We are the body of Christ and this is love in action.

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.

Complete joy!

Today’s Reading: John 15:10-11 (NIV)

10 [Jesus said,] “If you obey my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have obeyed my Father’s commands and remain in His love. 11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”

Good morning!

Have you ever experienced complete joy? I remember walking down the aisle, hand-in-hand with my husband after our wedding. That, for me, was a moment of complete joy. I’d say the birth of our children were definitely up there in the complete joy category. I just wish I hadn’t been so tired after giving birth! Watching my grandchildren come into the world was truly a moment of complete joy for me, and it was so much easier than the first time around! Yet, there is one joy-filled moment that shines brighter than all the rest – the day I gave my heart to Jesus.

I was thirteen, hanging out at the church, waiting for my mother to finish up in a meeting. I had wandered into the sanctuary where I found myself alone with God. The sanctuary was dark, except for one light shining behind the cross of Christ. I went to the altar, got down on my knees, and prayed. Something happened. There was no earthquake, no roof collapse, and no one to witness the shift occurring in my heart. Yet, I know, without a doubt, that the Father heard and answered my prayer. I knew the Lord Jesus Christ died to take away my sin, and in that holy moment, I was completely forgiven, redeemed by Christ’s blood, and loved. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit to me that day, and it was definitely a time of complete joy. Was the experience something like a strange warming of the heart, as John Wesley described in his Aldersgate experience? Did the mountains move, volcanic eruptions occur, or tidal waves rise high in the ocean? I don’t recall any significant weather changes outside; but I do recall the faint brushing of angels’ wings as they danced before the Father’s throne in praise.

I wish I could say that since that day in the sanctuary, my life has been perfectly joyful, with no problems, no frustrations, and no sin to distract me! That, my friends, would be a lie. It is easy to lose that childlike joy, joy, joy, down in your heart, when you choose to turn and disobey God, not remaining under the umbrella of His love. I’m sure I am the only person on the planet who has ever disobeyed God, questioned matters of salvation and faith, after having received it. The miracle of complete joy was not so much what happened that day in the sanctuary, but in the moments that followed, when I turned, kicked up my heels, and ran in the opposite direction. God let me go, but He never let go, and that is the amazing, miraculous beauty of complete joy.

Jesus said that when we choose to obey His Word and remain within the shelter of His love, His joy will become our joy, and our joy will be complete. If you find yourself wandering far and away from Jesus, I urge you to turn around now. Come back home where you belong. As long as you have breath in your body, it is not too late to begin again. Jesus is waiting, and His joy can be your joy 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.

The sweet return on an investment of a lifetime!

Today’s Reading: John 15:8-9 (NIV)

8 [Jesus said,] “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 9 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.”

Good morning!

I remember making weekly visits to the nearby savings and loan with my mother and sister. We would go during the daytime, when the inside lobby was open. My sister and I each had our own savings account deposit booklet. The cashier’s desk was very tall; so tall that they provided a staircase just for wee ones to climb up to see the teller waiting patiently behind the counter. I would take my savings account booklet and the few coins I had saved from my allowance, and climb those steps to meet the woman smiling at me from behind the counter. She would take my money, place a red ink stamp in my savings booklet, and hand me a brightly colored lollipop in return! The teller would thank me for making an investment in the future, and then she would hand me my favorite grape lollipop! The lollipops from the bank were the best lollipops in the world! They would leave a sticky, sugary coating on my fingertips and lips. I liked our bank teller, and knew I could expect to see her radiant smile each week and receive a sweet return for each investment made. I continued to save my pennies with the savings and loan, even when I no longer needed to climb up the steps to see the teller. The money that I saved as a child helped pay for my wedding eighteen years later. That investment made over many years had a significant impact upon my future. I appreciated the gift all the more, understanding that it was the journey that made the destination priceless.

Jesus knew His earthly destination before the world could comprehend it. He willingly came for one purpose alone - to become a holy and perfect sacrifice for an unholy and imperfect world. Christ took on the very sins of humanity; all of them, to bridge the eternal chasm between the Father and His lost children. Jesus could have chosen to skip through thirty-three long years, investing his earthly time with the ones He came to save. Christ chose to demonstrate the gift of relationship, by investing His heart all of us. He is not just our final destination, but Jesus is the one who journeys with you and me every single day. He is our pathway toward holiness. Can you imagine what the world might be like without the lifeline of our Lord to guide and direct along the way?

Jesus said, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love.” This is where the real journey begins. As we live each day in intimate relationship with Jesus Christ, we learn how to love others the way He loves each of us. And when we invest ourselves relationally into the hearts of others, we begin to share Christ’s love with the world. Climb the steps and invest your life with the eternal. Give your heart, your mind, your all to the Lord Jesus Christ. The sweet return in relationship that you receive today cannot compare to the glory you will share with Christ at the final destination.

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.

This is the time

Today’s Reading: John 15:7 (NIV)

7 [Jesus said,] “If you remain in me and my words remain in you, as whatever you wish, and it will be given you.”

Good morning!

Storms are coming. I’ve been watching the satellite radar, in particular, the fury of Hurricanes Gustav and Hannah. One hundred people have already lost their lives in the eye of these storms. My heart is grieving for their families, and for the devastation that has already occurred. I cannot help but wonder how many more storms we may face in the upcoming days.

I couldn’t sleep last night after an abrupt and scary dream. Have you ever had a nightmare keep you awake? In my dream, one of my children had been severely beaten. I could see the red rope burn branded across his face; I could hear the terror in his voice. He was crying and I was trying to reach him. My arms were not quite long enough, but I know whose arms are. I continued to cry out to my child, “Trust God! Ask the Lord to save you, to heal you, in Jesus’ name! Give Him your fears and all your pain! He will hear and answer you!” All night long, the same dream with the same prayer was prayed over and over and over again.

I believe with all my heart that God hears our every prayer. He hears our cries for help, the hushed whispers in the midnight hour, when there is no lasting light but His. We know He is there, even when we cannot see Him clearly. When King Solomon had finished building the temple of the Lord, the Lord came to him at night and said, “I have chosen this place for myself as a temple for sacrifices. When I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or command locusts to devour the land or send a plague among my people, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:12-14 NIV) I couldn’t help but think about the Lord’s promise to the wisest man who ever lived. What if God has chosen our land for Himself as His temple of sacrifice? IF we were willing as a nation today, to really humble our hearts, pray and seek the Father’s face and turn from the inherent evil that continues to plague our families, our communities and nation, God promises to hear our prayers and forgive and heal our land. How many more storms must we endure? When will we humble ourselves before the Lord?

I am convinced this is the time to unite hands and hearts in prayer. Our people must depend upon the Lord to save them, to forgive us and to heal our land. Won’t you join with me this weekend to pray? On September 11^th, folks will be gathering at their county courthouses at the noon hour to pray and seek God’s help for our nation. If you would like to join with Christians around the US in a time of prayer, go to www.awakeningamerica.us and sign up for a prayer vigil in your community. I would invite you to join with me, especially this weekend, as we pray for the storms that are headed our way, and for those who find themselves in the path of destruction. God’s promises are sure. IF we are willing to turn, repent, and believe, He will hear us, forgive our sins and heal our land.

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.

Dead wood

Today’s Reading: John 15:6 (NIV)

6 [Jesus said,] “If anyone does not remain in me, he is like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned.”

Good morning!

Fall is my favorite season of the year. I enjoy the cooler temperatures, when leaves begin to turn on the trees and the overgrowth of flowering chrysanthemums flourish in garden beds. In the fall, trees begin to move toward sleepy hibernation, and the dead branches begin to break, falling to the ground. When you walk through the woods in the fall, you can feel the crackling of dry leaves and loose branches breaking underneath the weight of your feet. Only the branches that remain firmly rooted in the trunk of the tree survive the coldest blast of winter. And in the springtime, when all things are made new again, the branches begin to burst forth in buds, with flowers and colorful new foliage - it is a sign of new life.

One of my favorite fall activities is to visit the pumpkin patch, enjoy a hayride on the back of a tractor trailer, and roast marshmallows and hot dogs around a campfire. The dead wood crackles and burns brightly in the cool evening air, giving off the unmistakable scent that fall has truly arrived. It seems the only good thing about a piece of dead wood is its ability to burn to mere ash when thrown into the flame. It will never grow again, or bear the flowering beauty given by the Master Creator.

Is your heart splintering away like dead branches falling from the tree? Are you struggling to stay connected to the life-vine? Jesus said that when we choose not to stay connected to Him, we begin wither and eventually dry up, becoming good for nothing except to light up the sky in a holy fire. Fortunately, we have a Savior who hears our cries for help. If you ask Him, Jesus will reinvigorate your dry and brittle bones with His love. Come home; root yourself today in the Word of God. He will save you and keep you to everlasting life, in the place where you will never die.

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.

Having dessert first?

Today’s Reading: John 15:5 (NIV)

5 [Jesus said,] “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Good morning!

Whenever I go to market, I prefer to shop the perimeter of the store first. I enjoy spending time in the produce aisle, checking out the fresh variety of fruits and vegetables. There are so many sweet and healthy treats to choose from! The blackberries have been outstanding this summer. Have you tried them? I like to eat blackberries with a little Splenda® and milk. They make a great topping over bran flakes and sugar-free ice cream. Of course, blackberry cobbler is my all-time favorite baked dessert; it is a rich and yummy treat, especially served on a chilly fall day. Fall is coming, and blackberries are definitely on my grocery list.

Every fruit has its own unique flavor. During the summer, I make fruit salad at least once a week, and every time I use my grandmother’s glass bowl, I think of all the berry picking we did together. We would take a stroll down the gravel road, past the chicken coop and large brown barn, walking down a small dirt path into the berry patch. There, we would pick strawberries, gooseberries, blackberries and blueberries, trying our best to avoid sharp briars and chigger bites. My grandmother always wore a large apron with pockets, and we would fill it to the brim with berries. What a sight we were, as we strolled back to the farm together with fruit-stained hands and faces, carrying our newly picked treasures in the lining of her soft, cotton apron. I vowed then I would never skip dessert, even when I’m watching my daily calorie intake. This is a sweet memory of time well spent with my grandmother. I am convinced that fresh fruit is the very best part of any meal. Please don’t tell my mother I said this, but you have my permission to go ahead and eat your dessert first!

What kinds of spiritual fruit would you select from the vine of life? Of the sweet treats borne from the Master’s heart, would you choose to taste a bowl full of love, complimented with sweet joy, abiding peace, and fresh patience? Would you add a dollop of tasty kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and gentleness to the mix, and top it off with a large slice of self-control? When we are attached to the life-giving vine of Christ, we become His fruitful branches, and the produce we yield is the best dessert in town! People long to taste real love, to know true joy, and have His sweet peace that passes all human understanding. Who would pass up an extra portion of patience, or the gift of goodness? We can feast from the sweet fruits of the Holy Spirit each day, if we are willing to stay firmly connected to the gift giver.

Jesus said that He is the true vine and we are the branches, and if we will stay firmly rooted in Him, we will yield a bumper crop of sweet fruit.

Let’s have dessert first today! Father, I thank you for your fruit that saves us day by day. Help us remain completely connected to your life-giving vine, so that we may bear Holy Spirit fruit that will draw others to you. 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.

Waiting for the go-ahead

Today’s Reading: John 15:3-4 (NIV)

3 [Jesus said,] “You are already clean because of the Word I have spoken to you. 4 Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.”

Good morning!

If you’ve ever flown on an airplane, you may know what it feels like to be waiting at the edge of the runway, with motors running, while the pilot listens for the go-ahead from the tower. There is a reason why we must wait. Even experienced pilots, with their unobstructed view of the airstrip, cannot always see what is happening up above. They wait for the all-clear sign from an air traffic controller high in the tower, who has a view of the skies, the flight plans, and knows when it is safe to begin takeoff. The minutes spent waiting on that runway can seem like an eternity to antsy passengers who are anxious to get to their next destination on time. Waiting for the go-ahead signal is never easy, whether it is on a plane, or anywhere else as you may travel along life’s highway.

I am continually amazed at how the Holy Spirit works within human hearts. Several folks have been gathering together for several months, through a prompting of the Holy Spirit, to offer ourselves in service to the college community in our neighborhood. We hope to extend a little radical hospitality on campus, make some new friends, and be there to listen and assist however we can. Plans have been made to open a free coffeehouse for the entire college campus one night each week during the school year. We hope to provide a creative space where students can come and enjoy a free cup of java, a place to study; to network and relax together. We’ve made plans, purchased supplies, sought the help of volunteers, and we are now ready to launch into this new outreach opportunity. Right this minute, we are sitting at the edge of the runway, waiting for the go-ahead signal from above.

When we find ourselves in a holding pattern, we need to remember that we must never try to go it alone. While it may be tempting to run full-steam ahead, without the go-ahead signal from above, our feeble human attempts will falter and fail. This is the time to turn to the Lord in prayer, seeking His guidance and blessing. Holding patterns are uncomfortable for all of us, but these precious moments have eternal consequences. When God prompts you to go, He will equip you with everything you need at just the right moment in time. He will give the go-ahead signal and we will hear and know when it is time to launch. Jesus said we need to remain in Him, and He will remain in us. Good fruit cannot grow apart from the vine.

Are you in a holding pattern today? There is a reason why we wait. Use this time to prayerfully remain focused on the Lord Jesus Christ. He will let you know when it is time to go!

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.

Saturday night special

Today’s Reading: John 15:2 (NIV)

2 [Jesus said,] “He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful.”

Good morning!

When our daughter Rachel was a little girl, she had the most beautiful head of long, silky blonde hair. I believe it was one of her most striking physical features. She would sleep on foam rollers every Saturday night so that her hair would lay in ringlets down her back on Sunday morning. I would spend time every morning braiding and putting her hair up in pigtails, buns and French knots. Every six months, we would trim two inches off the length, to remove any split ends from her hair and open the door for new growth. It’s amazing what a quick trim will do to ignite a growth spurt.

Our boys did not enjoy having their toenails trimmed. Benjie was extremely ticklish, and every time I would try to trim his toenails after a Saturday night bath, he would cackle and flinch and moan. As he wiggled uncontrollably, I would sometimes clip a little too close to the cuticle and Ben would end up nursing a sore toe for a couple of days. Telling him to be still didn’t work, because he just couldn’t control himself. To this day, I don’t think that boy would willingly let anyone touch his feet. David wasn’t nearly as ticklish as Ben, but he really did not enjoy those Saturday night pedicures. Have you ever noticed how quickly a child’s toe nail grows after being trimmed?

Generally speaking, trimming hair and toenails should not be painful, but sometimes, when the Father prunes our hearts, it can hurt a little, maybe a lot. It seems that, in order to continue growing in grace, we all need to experience a Saturday night special. The Father longs for each of us to mature in Christ, to bear fruit that will lead others into a meaningful, everlasting relationship with Him. Every now and then, God trims off some of the outgrowth and our tell-tale split ends that prohibits new growth. He focuses on the cuticle of our hearts, removing those tiny hang-nails that hinder us from reaching our fullest faith potential. Sometimes, God has to remove the debris of self-service, exclusivity, and prideful thinking before He can use us to bring people to Him. Are you in need of a Saturday night special before you come to worship the Lord this Sunday?

Father, today I’m asking you for a Saturday night special in my life. Remove the damaged split ends from my heart. Cut back the overgrowth and remove the lifeless branches that fail to bear fruit for your kingdom. The only growth I long for is to be firmly rooted in your Son, Jesus Christ, the one true vine. 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.

Master Gardener

Today’s Reading: John 15:1 (NIV)

1 [Jesus said,] “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.”

Good morning!

Do you have runaway weeds in your garden? I’ve been nursing a jammed toe since mid-July, and, have not spent any significant time outside working in my garden beds. This is truly unfortunate, because I do enjoy growing and cutting summer flowers. I confess that my flower beds are not very pretty this year; I have managed to grow a mega crop of weeds. The weather has been near perfect this August; not too hot with lots of rain. Runaway weeds are happily growing and they are doing their best to choke out the plants in my garden bed.

Whenever I work outside, I think about the time my father spent in his garden. He would have a cow if he saw my garden beds right now. This man would come home after working all day in the summer sun, to shower and change and go back outside and work until dark. Gardening was something he truly enjoyed. The neighbor children all liked to play in our front yard, because our grass was the softest, greenest, most fertile grass on the block. It was kind of like walking on a thick, billowy green carpet. You could tumble on it and not get hurt. Daddy weeded and edged the yard routinely. There was never a dandelion in sight.

When our babies were young, we used to spend time outside weeding the garden beds together. It took awhile for the children to figure out what to pull and what to leave. Some vines are rather pretty and can seem ornamental at first. After a closer inspection, we begin to tell the difference between a pesky weed and a healthy plant. This is one summer when I wish my children were little again, so I could have them help me outside. The laughter we shared in the garden will remain in my heart forever.

Jesus said that He is the true vine and that His father is the master gardener. There is no mistaking the risen Christ. His vine is healthy and strong; it produces real fruit that offers life giving food to all who will consume it. The master gardener carefully prunes away the runaway weeds, allowing the true vine to flourish and grow. He cares for the vine, and all its new growth, as only a loving Father can.

Can you tell the difference between the true spiritual vine and a runaway weed? If you are seeking the Truth, ask the Master Gardener to lead you to the one true vine: 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.

Holy Bakeoff!

Today’s Reading: John 14:31 (NIV)

30 [Jesus said,] “But the world must learn that I love the Father and that I do exactly what my Father has commanded me.”

Good morning!

Do you do follow the directions exactly as they are written? This morning, I am preparing my all-time favorite potato crock pot recipe to enter into the potato bakeoff at Faith Church. We are raising money to help OASIS, St. Charles County’s local food pantry, so they can relocate its growing ministry to a larger facility. Feeding the hungry is important to the people of Faith Church. Won’t you stop by today for worship, and participate in the potato luncheon and bakeoff contest? I’ll see you there!

My grandmother was one of the best cooks I knew. She never used a cookbook, and never ran out to the store for a missing ingredient. She had everything she needed to make the perfect meal right at her fingertips. Her mother coached her on how to prepare the perfect meal, and my grandmother learned to follow her instructions exactly. Most every dish she prepared was either home-grown, raised, or canned from the farm that she and my grandfather maintained. Fresh vegetables and fruits were plentiful all summer long, and from them, she made some of the best homemade pies! Even the sour pies, like gooseberry, would melt in your mouth with a thick, rich coating of sugar. I think of my grandmother often, especially when I try out a new recipe. I wonder today how a pinch of this and a pinch of that might make a winning difference in the quality and texture of the perfect potato!

Grandmother cooked over a wood-burning stove. She had no heat control – the fire got hot and then she cooked it! Her cakes were perfect and I still, to this day, do no know how that happened. She had no boxed cake mixes, no recipe card file – just a little flour, oil, water, sugar and all of sudden, there it is – perfection in a pan! I wish she was here today to teach me everything she learned about cooking with her mother, and how she became an expert by following oral instruction exactly as it was given to her.

This is what Jesus was referring to when He spoke of following His Father’s commands. He didn’t do them partially; Jesus didn’t try to fudge on the details or hit the highlights. He did His Father’s will exactly as He was told and the end result was perfect salvation for an imperfect humanity. What might happen today if we all learned how to follow the Father’s Word exactly as it is written? Would our lives be miraculously transformed into Christ-likeness? Would we taste heaven on earth with the Father’s perfected recipe for daily living?

Now this is a holy bakeoff I would like to be part of. Lord Jesus, teach us how to follow the Father’s instruction, exactly as He gave it. 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.

Bonus: Here’s a copy of the recipe I am submitting today:

Slow Cooker Cheese Potatoes

2-lb. package Western Style cubed hash brown potatoes, thawed

10-3/4 oz. cans cream of potato and cream of mushroom soup

8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese

8 oz. grated grated Parmesan cheese

1 pint sour cream

Mix together in slow cooker. Cover, cook on low 7 hours or high 4 hours.

Submitted by Deb Spaulding, Faith UMC St. Charles, MO

Recipe came from Clarice Williams, Fairbank, IA