Faithful in persecution

Today’s Reading: John 16:1-2 (NIV)

1 [Jesus said,] “All this I have told you so that you will not go astray. 2 They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, a time is coming when anyone who kills you will think he is offering a service to God.”

Good morning!

When Jesus spoke these important words to His disciples, they probably didn’t fully grasp the implications and consequences of accepting Jesus as Meshuah, their long-awaited Savior. How these words have proven themselves over and over again throughout world history. How many thousands of believers have died in 2008, simply because they profess that Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior?

Just last month in Mexico, a mother, father and child were brutally killed by their next-door neighbor, convinced that his young daughter’s ailment was the result of Christian faith and practice, comparing its beliefs to the practice of witchcraft. In Saudi Arabia, a young woman is murdered by her brother, a Muslim cleric, for sharing her faith in Jesus Christ. Religious persecution continues to devastate Christian believers in India, after the recent assassination of a prominent Hindu World Council leader. The Christian community has been targeted for this crime, and, as a result, Christian churches and orphanages, the elderly, young women and children are being murdered. If you want to learn more about religious persecution happening around the world today, go to www.persecution.com.

Shortly after Jesus’ crucifixion in Jerusalem, Saul of Tarsus began persecuting Christians by order of the High Priest. He stopped at nothing to hunt down and kill new Christian converts and their families. Saul was convinced that he was doing the right thing. It took a holy encounter with the risen Christ, before Saul’s eyes were opened to the Truth.

I have not personally experienced the extreme religious persecution of many of my Christian brothers and sisters around the world; yet, I daily grieve for the deceased and their families, asking the Father to restore His peace to our broken and fragmented world. American citizens have held firm to its First Amendment rights in freedom of religion, established by the US Constitution in 1787. It has become very clear to me that our religious freedoms have never been free. We continue to pay a price for our freedom to choose.

A burning question rises up from the pit of my belly this morning, as I ask myself this pointed question: Would I profess faith in Jesus Christ if I knew that my family’s lives were in imminent danger? Jesus gave us fair warning so that we should not fall away but remain faithful, even to death. This morning, I pray that I may be found a faithful follower, holding firm to His Word, especially in times of persecution.

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.

Testify to love

Today’s Reading: John 15:26-27 (NIV)

26 [Jesus said,] “When the counselor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, He will testify about me. 27 And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.’”

Good morning!

Imagine that when you opened this email message today, that you were issued a subpoena to give your personal testimony on behalf of the Lord Jesus Christ. What you say about the One who saves you? What life examples could you offer to defend Christ’s sovereignty to the world? Is there some irrefutable evidence that may persuade a judge and jury to hear the truth and act upon it? People’s lives depend upon your testimony. This is serious stuff and most folks don’t take it nearly as seriously as they should.

We romanticize the courtroom with the help of many popular television shows and movies. We listen to the well-written arguments offered by our favorite actors who portray the winning legal team, and we somehow equivocate this to reality. While there may be some similarities, one must actually experience what it is like to take the stand and give oral testimony in order to grasp the importance of this responsibility. Testifying to the Truth is the most important witness we will ever offer to the world today.

Several years ago, I was asked to give verbal testimony at trial on behalf of someone I love. At first, this responsibility seemed too hard, and I wanted to run from it. There were important points that needed to be made and my personal witness was critical to the outcome of this trial. Spoken words do not come easily for me, even though it may appear so on the printed page. I must have felt a little like Moses, when he needed his brother Aaron to speak to the Pharaoh on his behalf. I knew I needed heavenly help to speak the truth in love, with conviction, clarity and authority. I wanted someone greater than myself to intervene. The Lord has never left me alone and He will never forsake me. I have His Word on it. Jesus Christ presents His case through His compelling life’s witness. As promised, Jesus sent me His Counselor, straight from the Father’s heart to mine; He is the Spirit of all Truth and the living testimony by which I stand. When we willing to allow God’s voice to speak through us, especially when it is hard, the testimony which has stood for all generations, will be heard, interpreted and acted upon, even in our world today.

Christ calls us to testify on His behalf, from the moment we awake until we lay our heads back on the pillow at night. The things we say and do are our living testimony to the Truth. Standing up for Jesus may be the hardest, most difficult thing you have ever done. If you struggle with words and actions like I do, then I have some great news to share! We do not have to give our witness alone, and we shouldn’t try to do it by ourselves. Christ has promised us the help of His perfect counselor, the Spirit of all Truth, who will speak, help and guide us as we testify to Love.

It is time for you to take a stand and offer your personal testimony for Jesus Christ. Are you ready?

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.

Hate, without reason

Today’s Reading: John 15:24-25 (NIV)

24 [Jesus said,] “If I had not done among them what no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin. But now they have seen these miracles, and yet they have hated both me and my Father. 25 But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law, ‘They hated me without reason.’”

Good morning!

I’ve decided it is much easier to hate than to love. Expressing my passion has never been a problem for me; I learned how to convey my likes and dislikes quite well, even as a young child. My mother tells me that I was not a picky eater, but I did not hesitate to share when I didn’t care for a particular food. I learned to spit my carrots and beets at her from the high chair, and I must have had pretty good aim since she lost several of her favorite shirts as flying vegetables permanently stained her clothing.

We often choose to hate the things we do not understand. Have you ever prejudged someone, not really knowing their particular circumstance? I was pretty good at this in school. I had my preferred teachers, and made up my mind after only one or two classes which instructors I might try to avoid. It may have had something to do with their physical presentation, how they dressed, what they said, or even their demeanor. Sometimes I allowed another student’s opinion to persuade me not to even give that teacher a chance to win my favor. I’m probably the only one who has ever done this, but have you ever formed a strong opinion based upon someone else’s opinion, rather than taking the time to gather all the facts and weigh it for yourself?

We do not know whether the teacher who comes to class in a wrinkled shirt, jacket and pants did not sleep in his automobile the night before because the bank just foreclosed on his home. We do not know whether the supervisor who constantly snaps at everyone around her today has not come from an extremely trying family situation. There are so many things that we do not know, and yet, we base our opinions and share our passions about others without having all the facts first. We choose to hate or to love. For some, there is no in-between, only black and white; no room for even a little bit of gray.

Maybe I’m not so different from the people who lived with Christ. Jesus said that even the miracles He offered through the Father were hated by the ones who did not understand. They refused to open their hearts to the truth, even when the truth stood right in front of them. These people chose to hate without reason, for it is far easier to hate something they could not understand.

Have you ever hated your neighbor? Jesus said, “For inasmuch as you have done it to the least of these, you have done it to me.” Father, forgive us for relying on misinformation and conjecture. Help us move beyond the passion of mere feelings and choose to really love each other, especially when it is not our first choice. 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.

The Top 5

Today’s Reading: John 15:23 (NIV)

23 [Jesus said,] “He who hates me hates my Father as well.”

Good morning!

How do we hate God? I’ve been asking myself this question for awhile now. The Lord has been speaking through the pastors’ Sunday messages on prayer, and yesterday, during the rain storm, the answer became very clear to my heart. We may say we love Jesus, but it is only through obedience that we demonstrate real love for our Lord. How do I convey real love to the One who saves me? I believe that the opposite of hate is obedience through Christ-like love.

One of my favorite television game shows is Family Feud. I like watching how different family members would answer a “top five” question, just to see if their choices were in agreement with each other and the results of the popular poll. I began to make a list of the top five things I would give back to God. I wonder if your list will match mine:

5. The first ten minutes of each new morning, spent in prayer, thanking Jesus for saving me and giving me yet another day to serve and love Him by loving the ones He has placed in my path.

4. The first ten percent of my income, as a love offering to the Lord. There is a lot of need today, and if every human heart would willingly and joyfully share the first fruits of our monetary income, together we could make an amazing difference in our world.

3. A tenth of my week wholly devoted to helping someone else. I’ve been given twenty-four hours a day, one hundred sixty eight hours each week to live. If I willingly donated 16.8 hours to someone else, by investing in relationships, providing for needs, and simply being a good neighbor and friend, the quality of our lives together would be enriched immeasurably.

2. Setting aside the first day of each week to worship and honor the Lord with my life. Starting each new week by celebrating Christ’s love in community is one of the greatest blessings we have received. Don’t miss out on a minute of it!

And the number one answer is:

1. A tenth of each day spent in prayer and Bible study. How will I know what the Father wants me to do if I don’t take time to read His Book? In one 24-hour period, how much time do I waste on the unnecessary? Can I not find 2 hours to spend with the Lord?

What is your top 5? Remembering that all we have and all that we are is an undeserved, unmerited gift of favor from the Father through our Lord Jesus Christ. Do you love God? How will you choose to express your love for 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.

Excuse maker

Today’s Reading: John 15:21-22 (NIV)

21 [Jesus said,] “They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the One who sent me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not be guilty of sin. Now, however, they have no excuse for their sin.”

Good morning!

One of my favorite hobbies is scrapbooking. My daughter Rachel, daughter-in-law Kari, sister-in-law Linda, and nieces Courtney, Katie and Ashley all like to spend time filling the pages of our Creative Memories® albums with pictures and memorabilia that illustrate our family’s history, who we are, and how we choose to spend our days. We have set aside special places in our homes where we scrapbook. Some of us even have entire rooms devoted to this task. During one of our summer scrapbook crops, Emily was working on her own scrapbook, when she told her mother that she wanted her own scrapbook room as a birthday present! This girly-girl is definitely my grandchild!

I’ve been admiring the many unique paper punches in Rachel’s scrapbook collection. She has a paper punch for every season of the year. As we begin scrapbooking our fall memories, we have leaf makers, pumpkin makers and candy corn makers to help us decorate pages in festive fall colors. As I held the leaf maker in my hand, I couldn’t help but wonder whether I should design a very different kind of punch – one that illustrates who I am in the season I find myself in. If I were to design a unique punch that describes my life today, it would have to be called an “excuse” maker.

I have an excuse for almost everything that doesn’t fit into my life’s plan. If I’m late finishing a paper for class, it is invariably because the demands of my day job kept me from it. If I miss a family get-together, I excuse it away because I’ve double-booked myself with too many other obligations. If I don’t get the house dusted and vacuumed before company arrives, the excuses are as numerous as the leaves that cover my scrapbook page. I wonder what excuse I will use if I show up late to my own funeral. Are you like me? Do you need an excuse punch to illustrate who you’ve become?

We excuse ourselves from weekend worship services, because something more important has come up. We skip Bible study and prayer time with the Lord, excusing ourselves from the banquet table that He has prepared for those who love Him. We are too busy, too tired, and have far too many commitments in the record-setting pace we choose to set for ourselves, and the one thing that keeps us from doing the only thing we need to do, is covered up by our personalized excuse punch. How will you try to cover up the things that you did not accomplish today?

Jesus said that His name would bring judgment, prejudice, and even provoke violence toward those who believe. If Christ had not come to earth in human flesh and spoken to us, we would not be guilty of sin. But because Christ did come, and we now know the Way, the Truth and the Life, there is no excuse big enough to hide our sin from the Father’s eyes.

Father, forgive me for making excuses instead of choosing to obey Your Word. I need the grace of Jesus Christ to cover my lame excuses. Hold me accountable. Help me be the person you’ve created me to be, 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.

The day when the world stopped to pray

Today’s Reading: John 15:20b (NIV)

20b [Jesus said,] “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.”

Good morning!

Yesterday, I made my way to the rose garden at the Historic Courthouse in St. Charles, Missouri. My heels made a loud clicking noise against the cement sidewalk. It is hard to be quiet when you are in a hurry, and I was sprinting to get to get to the prayer meeting already in progress. As I neared the iron gates, I could smell the fresh scent of the roses floating in the breeze, and hear the prayers spoken over the microphone. From the edge of the garden, one could sit and enjoy the breath-taking beauty of Old Town St. Charles and watch the grand Missouri river roll by. I slipped into a chair underneath one of the garden's shady oak tree, and took in the panoramic view. It was the first moment of real silence I had experienced all morning, maybe even all week, and I was thankful to have found my way to this place at this particular moment in time.

In the quiet of the garden, there was a buzz of activity happening all around me. From busy bumblebees seeking refuge in the rose bushes, to the buzz of the IPOD’s humming in the ears of joggers who were exercising their right to exercise on their lunch hour, the garden was filled with static electricity. I remembered how the country came to a screeching halt just seven short years ago, as four US airplanes crashed and burned in an act of terrorism on our own American soil. Where were you on September 11, 2001? Do you remember the day when the world stopped to pray together?

Jesus reminded His disciples that they will experience persecution in life. Conviction of heart and matters of faith seem to fan the flames of war throughout human history, and that has not changed even in the year 2008. Jesus said that if we would choose to obey the Father’s teaching, people would obey us also. From where I sit, it appears that Americans have somehow forgotten the importance of obedience. Is it far easier for folks to simply forget than stop and take a moment to remember the price that was paid for our ultimate freedom long ago.

I pray that my country will once again choose to humble its heart and become willingly obedient to the Word of our Lord. Jesus Christ is the hope of our salvation and true freedom will only be found in Him. Remember the cross that was pulled from the rubble of the World Trade Center seven years ago? It still stands.

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.

Amazing love

Today’s Reading: John 15:20a (NIV)

20a [Jesus said,] “Remember the words I spoke to you: No servant is greater than His master.”

Good morning!

Today is a very special day! The Ugandan Hope for Africa Children’s Choir will sing at Faith United Methodist Church tonight (Sunday, September 7, 2008) at 6:30pm, 2950 Droste Road, Saint Charles, Missouri. This is a free concert - please come and hear the children sing! Jeff and I cried tears of joy as we heard the choir share the Gospel message last spring at our United Methodist General Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. The children continue to share their story of hope with the world. It is hard to imagine what it might be like to wake up one day with no one to care for you. These little ones lost their family to AIDS and/or to civil war, and they were left behind. Out of this great need, the United Methodist Church in the United States partnered with the East Africa Conference and the Ugandan Church to build a school and home for these precious ones. The Humble United Methodist School in Mukono opened its doors in 2004, and the children continue to come. They understand in a tangible way what it means to be given the gift of hope through new life; these children are a living witness to salvation.

The congregation of Faith Church have been praying and preparing for the children’s visit. The church will house and feed their family while they are here, and we will offer up the fellowship hall so they can continue their academic studies while traveling on the road. Their witness will impact our congregation in the days ahead. You cannot help but be moved when you see their smiling faces and hear the songs they sing.

Jesus said that no servant is greater than his master. We are all called to serve the Lord Jesus Christ by sharing community with each other. Our cultures may not be the same, and yet, we share a commonality through flesh and blood. Our individual lives are unique and when we’re willing to share our stories, we can learn from each other. Come and be served; come and serve. This is the gift of Christ’s amazing love.

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 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.