"Is the message contained?"

Today's reading Acts 5:22-26 (NIV)

When the high priest and his associates arrived, they called together the Sanhedrin—the full assembly of the elders of Israel—and sent to the jail for the apostles. 22But on arriving at the jail, the officers did not find them there. So they went back and reported, 23"We found the jail securely locked, with the guards standing at the doors; but when we opened them, we found no one inside." 24On hearing this report, the captain of the temple guard and the chief priests were puzzled, wondering what would come of this.

25Then someone came and said, "Look! The men you put in jail are standing in the temple courts teaching the people." 26At that, the captain went with his officers and brought the apostles. They did not use force, because they feared that the people would stone them.

My dad owned a family style restaurant in the late 1960’s in West Plains, Missouri and one way we were able to get free radio advertising was to provide broadcasters for 30 minutes one afternoon per week. Wow, was it my time to shine, I had a voice that wanted to speak. A friend and I read funny news happenings from around the country, plugged the breakfast & buffet menus and described the aroma of a 25 cent cup of coffee with all the refills you could hold.

Weaving the advertisements in and out of funny stories got the message across in a way we hoped that people would listen to. When great feedback started at the restaurant we knew the message was clearly received. They liked what they heard. Our following began.

The apostles had a message to share and they had people listening intently but they also had the opposition to contend with. Who contends you when you have something important to say? How do you react? How do your contenders react? When you speak the message God gives you is it like jumping into a boxing ring fighting off your contender or is it like the advertisements I shared on the radio that were well received and unopposed?

Daily, people began to believe in the risen Christ and were baptized – God’s message was not going to be stifled by a group of guards. When you and I face opposition, we must remember that the world is not directing the journey - God is! God’s guidance cannot be contained anymore that the apostles were contained in jail – for they were in God’s protection. So are you my friend.

Dorothy Brucks, honored to be Deb's friend

Aldersgate UMC

Nixa, Mo.

A daybreak calling to Deb
Today's reading Acts 5:18-21 (New International Version)
18They arrested the apostles and put them in the public jail. 19But during the night an angel of the Lord opened the doors of the jail and brought them out. 20"Go, stand in the temple courts," he said, "and tell the people the full message of this new life."
21At daybreak they entered the temple courts, as they had been told, and began to teach the people.

No, this is not Deb, this is Dorothy Brucks, of Nixa, MO. I am a friend of Deb’s just as many of you are. I met her about a year and ½ ago on-line (imagine that), and soon found out we have so many life experiences in common, one being we both love to write and we both love to tell the story.

After visiting with Deb on the phone Friday evening for over an hour I told her that I would attempt to share a message of devotion on her site until she was able to return. I am not as eloquent as she, but I’ll do my best and who knows, I might improve.

I have had the blessing to give birth to two boys and felt the pains of childbirth to watch new life come into this earthy heaven. This all happened for me 25 and 28 years ago before epidurals. It was strapped into the bed and felt fearful of what was ahead, I was behind closed doors just as the apostles were behind the jail cell walls.

I picture heavenly light as the angel appears and speaks to them – did he cry out like a newborn baby, did he use a thunderous voice from the heavens … I don’t know. What I do know is that the angel gave instruction and they followed, simple as that, stated very matter of fact. Sounds so similar to my cries and screams and being told to follow orders to bring my boys into new life.

New life is wondrous; a contrast of what the temple courts must have been like. The apostles were headed to trial, yet instructed to teach the people of new life. And so they began to teach, to speak of the life one has at the foot of the cross, the life one has by accepting the great "I Am" into their hearts, to believe without a moment’s hesitation that Christ was raised from the dead for YOU and for ME.

I have stood on the temple mount in Jerusalem; I can picture the scene, the echo of their voices on the stone walls and pathways, the sounds and smells of animals in the market, the morning sunlight peaking up over the hillside, shining on the city of Jerusalem. Our friend Deb is standing in a very different place in her life right now, contemplating surgery, not knowing the outcome but ever so desirous to share the gospel of new life in Christ, yet her devotional ministry is on hold.


God’s divine providence will show up at just the right moment in time for her just as it does for you and me. I believe she will be a wonderful witness to her physicians and care givers and she will be rewarded by the angels announcement once again to ‘go and tell them of the full message of new life” and it will be at daybreak some morning and she will sit at her computer once again rejoicing and sharing!


Shalom to my new friends! Dorothy Brucks, Aldersgate UMC, Nixa, Mo.

Medical leave

Today’s Reading: Philippians 4:8-13 (NIV)

⁸Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. ¹⁰I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. ¹²I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. ¹³I can do everything through Christ who gives me strength.

Good morning!

I love reading the writing of the Apostle Paul. If he had only had Internet access and a laptop computer while sitting for years in prison! Can you imagine the messages that would have been sent? As it is, his letter writing is awesome, forever preserved in Holy Scripture, and we have the opportunity to read his personal testimony every single day. God spoke to Paul even in his most difficult hours, as he gave his life over to listening to the voice of the Lord through the Holy Spirit, and he was faithful to record everything He heard. He held nothing back, speaking the Truth in love. Whenever I sit down to write, I think about Christ’s transforming power over this man, and I realize, without a doubt, there is hope for someone like me.

I received a life verse in confirmation class. This precious piece of Scripture was selected for me by my Pastor, and I have carried it in my heart ever since. Philippians 4:13: I can do all things through Christ, which strengthens me. I held fast to this Bible verse, when, nine years ago, on the morning of December 26, 2000, I woke up unable to move my left hand. I had sharp, shooting pain up and down my left arm and in my jaw. I was certain I was having a heart attack. After a run to the emergency room and the determination made that my heart was fine, I was placed inside an MRI tube for forty-five minutes while magnetic imaging located the origin of the problem. The disc space between in my cervical spine had been compromised at C6-C7, one of the largest discs in my neck. An accelerated degeneration and years of poor posture, too much time at the computer, weight gain, and lack of exercise had contributed to its ultimate collapse. The disc had herniated onto the spinal cord and when I rolled over in bed, I nearly snapped the cord. I was placed on an immediate medical leave from work, was told not to turn or twist my head, and I wore a neck brace around my neck until the day I had surgery. Eight long hours later, the neurosurgeon had successfully removed every fragment of disc that had herniated onto the spinal cord, allowing it freedom to expand and heal. I could feel my hand again; I could move without debilitating pain. I was cautioned at my follow up visits not to do strenuous activities, like lifting grandchildren, or heavy groceries, or sitting at the computer for long periods of time. No pushing, pulling, lifting, typing, filing – anything that might cause this injury to reoccur. I’ve never done well at following directions. It didn’t seem right to me, after having been given a brand new lease on life, not to be able to live it to the fullest.

I gave up running and bouncing around with my children, but when our grandchildren came along, I just couldn’t abide by those limitations any more. I held my grand babies, and I bounced them, and ran with them all over life’s playground. I swung them in my arms, and we wrestled together on the floor. I can honestly say if I had to do it all over again, I wouldn’t change a single thing. Every ache and pain was worth it. The joy of these moments will last a lifetime. It is that same joy I experienced when I went back to school full-time to study God’s Word. It didn’t matter to me that I would work all day long and then come home at night to crack open a Bible and a few commentaries and read until the wee hours of the morning. I held tightly to Paul’s words that I could do all things through Christ, who is my strength. Even with brittle bones, I would succeed by Christ’s grace alone.

So when I began losing the feeling in my fingers this spring, I did my best to ignore it. I told myself that it was simply a pinched nerve that would heal with a little more stretching, extra rest, and an occasional deep tissue massage. I found that even with this new limitation, I was still able to do all the things I was doing, but not nearly as well as before. It was becoming harder for me to concentrate on school assignments; I kept dropping things constantly, like my car keys. I simply couldn’t hold on to them. Every time I bent over, I had more and more difficulty standing up. If I closed my eyes, I would lose my balance. I began to think that being fifty years old was not going to be as much fun as I had once hoped. I found myself so fatigued that if I sat down on our Lazy Boy® recliner for even a moment, I would fall asleep for hours in the evening. I knew what was happening to my body; I just did not want to admit it was true.

A couple of weeks ago, I slipped and fell in our garage. I completely missed the top two stairs and landed hard on my left side, hitting my head and neck on the front car tire of my automobile. If it had not been for the help of one of our college students visiting our home that morning, I would not have been able to get up. Medical tests revealed what I suspected to be true; nine years later, the disc space in three of my cervical vertebrae are all but gone; the spinal cord is compromised at several locations, as well as the rotator cuff space in my right shoulder. There is definitely a tear in the rotator cuff, but it could be from an accelerated degeneration. I can no longer ignore the consequences of my lifestyle choices.

Have you ever tried to ignore your preferred lifestyle? You think to yourself, “I can do this now and get away with it, and, it will all be okay. God isn’t going to really hold me accountable.” We push and we pull; we stretch ourselves so unbelievably thin that eventually our life’s rubber band can snap in a moment’s notice. Doing all things, as Paul puts it, may not mean, “doing all things all at once, and doing all things well.” Maybe in our doing, we need to be focused completely upon His doing, and in all things, we need it to be His thing, not ours. Take it from someone who is learning a very hard lesson this morning.

I hear God best as He whispers in my ear and I write what I hear Him say. Today, I am barely able to hold a pen in my hand to write. Now I must learn to hear and respond to God’s call in a new and different way. I’ll confess that after I received my test results, I was pretty angry. Mostly, I was angry at myself; yet, not trusting God enough to let go and let Him do His best work through my infirmity. It is human nature to have pity parties when we get the news we do not want to receive. Fortunately, I knew exactly who to call. I spoke with a couple of my pastors and their spouses, and received the strength I needed to face what I face today. In Christ, I’ve declared an end to my unhappy attitude. I rejoice in knowing that I can be content in all circumstances, in plenty and in want – because I can do all things through Christ, even this thing, as He strengthens me.

Three years ago, I began writing a daily devotional message online. Originally, it began as a simple way to encourage my Faith Sunday School friends to read and pray each morning before they started each day. What was birthed from simple email meanderings became such an incredible, joyful experience! I began to meet and pray online with folks from all over the world. I got to hear their stories and share with them in ministry. My most favorite thing to do early in the morning was to log in and intercede in prayer online with a pastor from half way around the world. We could pray for each other in real time, in tandem online. Only Jesus can make things like this happen. What a privilege it is to serve my Lord in an online devotional ministry. The blessings I have personally received have far outweighed the cost. I think the thing that would please me most would be to see all my friends writing and sharing their own faith stories online. No one can tell your story like you. When we share Christ and what He personally means to us with the people God has placed in our path, hearts are softened to His truth, and lives are forever changed. You can be a change maker for His kingdom, if you are willing to serve Him. Are you willing?

So now, it’s your turn and I’m passing the baton to you. I’ve taken a medical leave from work and I’ve withdrawn from college while I heal. The doctor’s orders include, no typing, no pushing, no pulling, no lifting, no weight bearing activities (even though I fully intend to continue with the spiritual weight bearing that comes through intercessory prayer). I need to rest and allow my body to heal as I prepare for surgery very soon. I’ve asked my husband Jeff, my daughter Rachel, my daughter-in-law, Kymberly, and my editor, Terry, to consider posting occasionally on the www.songofdeborah.com website while I am convalescing. If you are willing to share your faith story on my website, please call me and I will arrange for you to do that. I will not be online much in the upcoming weeks. It is too tempting to respond to emails and other posts. I hope that you will visit the devotional website to see whether there is an occasional new post. When I am well, I pray the Lord will allow me to share faith stories with all of you again. I thank you for your service to the Lord Jesus Christ, and I covet your prayers as I journey on into a brand new level of trusting Him.

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, 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.

Life's puzzle

Today’s Reading: Acts 5:16-17 (NIV)

16 Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed. 17 Then the high priest and all his associates, who were members of the party of the Sadducees, were filled with jealousy.

Good morning!

Can you recall the most popular stocking stuffer in the winter of 1980? The Rubik’s Cube® became a worldwide puzzling sensation, and as of 2009, over 350 million cubes have been sold. The Rubik’s Cube® is considered to be the world’s best-selling toy puzzle ever! The cube has six faces, covered by nine colored stickers, in red, white, blue, orange, green and yellow. Each face turns independently. To correctly solve the puzzle, each face must become one solid color. If you have not yet experienced the frustration and joy in solving a Rubik’s Cube® puzzle, let me encourage you to pick up a cube at your nearest toy store and play today.

Speedcubing is a competition in trying to solve the Rubik’s Cube® puzzle in the shortest time possible. Did you know there are books published on solving the Rubik’s Cube® mystery and championship competitions are held worldwide in various formats for puzzle aficionados? Some of these competitions include: solving the cube with your feet; solving the cube using one hand, solving the cube blindfolded, and my personal favorite is solving the cube underwater in a single breath; I definitely need to practice my technique in the bath tub. Now when my husband wonders why I’m spending so much time in the bathroom, at least I’ll have a good excuse! “Honey, you know I’m practicing my famous Rubik’s Cube solution under water - glub, glub.”

It takes a mathematical mind to solve the cube quickly. While I do enjoy a good puzzle, I confess my mind was not built for memorizing the algorithms necessary to quickly solve the cube. I get caught up in the artistry of the color scheme, lost in the intrinsic beauty of each twist and turn. The human mind is an amazing gift. I stand in awe of the brilliant ones who make solving the Rubik’s Cube® look like child’s play.

It is a puzzle to me, how the High Priest and the Sadducees could get so worked up over the healing of its people. It wasn’t enough that Jesus had died and rose again. His healing love was power over sin and sickness, and yet, those placed in positions of authority could not stand to see it continue. It seems their personal desire to control the outcomes in any given situation was much more important than the health and wellbeing of the people whom they had been charged to nurture and care for. Some of life’s puzzles have never been solved; they continually perpetuate themselves from generation to generation.

There is one true solution to world’s sin sickness. His name is Jesus, and if you call on Him, He will save you. You do not need to a range of memorized transliterations to find the Savior of the world. He is right here, in front of you, right now, with arms outstretched, waiting to hear you call His name out loud. His Word is the best stocking stuffer you will ever receive! Won’t you call on the Lord Jesus Christ today? He will help you resolve your life’s puzzle once and for all.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, 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.

Hanging out in the shadow

Today’s Reading: Acts 5:14-15 (NIV)

14 Nevertheless, more and more men and women believed in the Lord and were added to their number. 15 As a result, people brought the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and mats so that at least Peter’s shadow might fall on some of them as he passed by.

Good morning!

I always looked forward to summer vacation, because I knew I was going to visit my favorite aunt in Baton Rouge. She is hard one to describe – Aunt Vee was a like an exotic, tropical drink – a true southern belle with a tom boy twist. My memories of her are colorful, to say the least. She was one crazy lady! But the thing I loved most about being with Aunt Vee was how she could make me feel so very special and loved with just a wink and a smile.

Aunt Vee’s health was never good. For as long as I can remember, she struggled with some serious health issues, including a couple of brain tumors that nearly took her life in her mid-forties. She was the runt of the litter, the smallest of her seven brothers and sisters. I was even taller than Aunt Vee, and since I’m only 5’1”, that is not saying much. She was full of energy, vim and vigor. She had a southern accent as thick as that jar of molasses sitting on her kitchen table. I loved being the recipient of her bear hugs and sweet smooches every time she would greet me with a hearty, “Hey darlin!” But most of all, I loved being around Aunt Vee because she brought so much life and light to everything she touched. She was a healing presence even in the midst of her own physical infirmities. Walking in her shadow was a sweet treat on a hot and muggy summer’s day.

Aunt Vee lived life large. She loved her husband and children, and was always there for them, whenever they needed a shoulder to cry on. She lovingly took care of my Uncle Frank in their home, as he suffered from and eventually passed away with cancer. She fell in love again and married a younger man later in life, and together, they opened a house church in their neighborhood. When Aunt Vee praised the Lord, the rafters literally rattled. She did absolutely nothing in a half-hearted way. I think I’ve inherited a little of my Aunt Vee’s holy rolling spunk. I suspect she will be one of the first ones to greet me when I walk through heaven’s gate, jumping up and down in her pearly white Keds® tennis shoes and choir gown, shouting, “Get in here, darlin’ and let me see just how much you’ve grown!”

People know when they are in the presence of someone special. Simon Peter had a presence about him, and when folks were near, they felt better. It was the Holy Spirit working within Peter to do the healing miracles that were happening all around him. That holy glow remains today. We see it evidenced on the faces of our Christian friends. I get goose bumps just reading about Peter’s miraculous transformation from a red-headed, quick tempered fisherman, to one of God’s chosen vessels. He never did anything half-way. We can hang out in the shadow of our mentors and teachers, learning much from whence they came, and whose they were. I think Simon Peter and my Aunt Vee had a lot in common.

When I grow up, I’d like to be a reflection of their lives: the Apostle who walked in the Spirit and my charismatic Aunt, who knew how to praise the Lord in a powerful, earth-shattering way. When I get to Heaven, I hope my Aunt will see just how much I’ve grown toward Christ-likeness. I may still be taller than her, but her faith in Jesus Christ will always be a huge inspiration to me.

Take a minute to thank the Lord today for the people who continually inspire you to move closer to Jesus Christ. Folks just like the Apostle Peter and your favorite Aunt.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, 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.

Pastoral call

Today’s Reading: Acts 5:12-13 (NIV)

12 The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon’s Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people.

Good morning!

When my mother told me that our pastor would visit us in our home, it was a huge deal! My sister and I had to go wash up and put on our Sunday best. That meant, of course, we had to put on our freshly pressed dresses, panty hose without holes and our shiny black patent shoes. Fortunately, Mother didn’t make us put on our hats and gloves. I was personally relieved. The house had been cleaned from stem to stern. There was not a speck of dust anywhere - it was kind of like living in Mayberry. Mother baked a warm apple crisp to serve the pastor as he visited with our family about becoming members of the church. My mother did a good job of convincing him that we were membership material. Most pastors love to take in good cooks because they know a Sunday dinner invitation is just around the corner. There is something really special about a pastoral call that made you want to get out there and trim the hedges, sweep the sidewalks and wash the windows. Funny, now that I’ve lived in a parsonage married to a pastor for over thirty years, I find extreme motivation to deep clean when I know our trustees are coming for a house tour and visit. As a matter of fact, I’m baking the dessert I will serve to my special guests tonight!

Don’t you wonder what the Apostles talked about when they gathered at Solomon’s Colonnade? The people had seen their miraculous works throughout the city; they had heard about the fate of Ananias and Sapphira, knowing that the men saw right through their lie. The Apostles were hated by the Romans and the Jews. The people were awestruck and afraid – afraid to get too close for fear that the secrets of their hearts might be revealed; fear of being killed because they were associated with these men; fear of not knowing what it was that made them so very different in the way they chose to order their lives.

Last night, I listened intently to a conversation held in my living room, as my husband spoke to several of our college students about Christian disciplines and the living examples set by the Apostles. I was caught up in the conversation, and watched with great intrigue as they searched Scripture for a specific passage about Simon Peter. Every time I think about the lives of the men and women who walked with the Lord in the flesh, I feel I’m inching just a little bit closer to the steps of Solomon’s Colonnade; longing to glimpse the holy glow of the ones whose lives have been transformed by the hand of our Savior. It is that same holy glow I see on the faces of my pastors, teachers, and Christian friends, who are daily ordering their lives after the example of Jesus Christ.

The Apostles, great men and women of the faith, were human beings with human flaws, just like you and me. We tend to place our pastors on pedestals, expecting perfection 100% of the time. When they fail us, we wonder how that can possibly happen. Yet, it is through the miraculous work of the Holy Spirit that we see amazing transformation in the men and women who walk with Jesus daily. The most incredible miracles performed were not the healing of the ill, but what had actually happened in the disciples’ own hearts, from daily walking with the Lord. It is their stories that captivate us so, for we know that if Jesus could change them, there is hope for you and me at the foot of the cross.

May you experience the transforming power of Jesus Christ today, as He cleans out the cobwebs of your heart. When Jesus knocks, will you be ready to greet Him?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, 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.

The fear factor

Today’s Reading: Acts 5: 11 (NIV)

11 Great fear seized the whole church and all who heard about these events.

Good morning!

Whenever I’m afraid, I get a belly ache. Sometimes it passes with a little antacid and a cup of soup. Yet, unaddressed fears can literally hold you back in life, leading you to make poor life choices; keeping you from moving on, moving up, and moving out into the world. It is kind of like getting stuck behind a door that will not open no matter how many keys you try. You may find yourself sleep deprived in the middle of the night, worried and fearful of what the morning will bring. Scripture teaches that fear is not of God and that we must choose not to walk in fear but live by faith. Do you remember the words of the angel when He appeared to the Shepherds the night our Savior was born in Bethlehem – He said, “Fear not!” Knowing not to fear and not giving in to fear are two very different choices.

There are times when fear is actually a very healthy response. Fear teaches that we are not in control; we need to be aware of the imminent danger ahead, and to watch our next step. If you’ve ever seen a toddler leap off a sofa, or climb upon a counter totally fearless, then you may understand why the fear factor can actually be a very good thing. We must learn to understand and maneuver through the danger zones of our lives. We must face our fears head on, address them, repent, and receive the peace that can only come from Jesus Christ.

The Father allowed fear to seize the church after witnessing the sudden deaths of Sapphira and Ananias. Often, we portray the Lord as a God of perfect love; holy and good, with rich mercy and everlasting kindness. He is every bit of this, and so much more. Yet, we tend to disregard and even forget that the Father is also a jealous and righteous God; He judges the unrighteous and holds each of us accountable for the sins we’ve committed in life. We need to remember that God takes sin seriously at all times; especially within the church. When we choose to lie to each other, we not only single-handedly destroy our interpersonal relationships; we jeopardize our living witness for Jesus Christ. God will not allow the stain of sin to continue inside or outside the walls of His church.

There is no perfect pastor, parishioner, believer, seeker, or skeptic alive. All of us are human vessels; suffering from the sin sickness that has plagued us since the beginning of time and the first fall. Jesus obediently and willingly gave His life so that we might receive forgiveness for the sins we’ve committed; we can be restored to a right relationship with the Father. We must learn to recognize and avoid the sins that get in the way of living a life that is pleasing to God. And if it takes a little healthy fear to get us there, then I say, “Bring it on!” Father, give us a healthy fear of sin; lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and power and the glory forever and ever! Amen.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, 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.

Dirty feet

Today’s Reading: Acts 5:9-10 (NIV)

9 Peter said to her, “How could you agree to test the Spirit of the Lord? Look! The feet of the men who buried your husband are at the door, and they will carry you out also.” 10 At that moment she fell down at his feet and died. Then the young men came in and finding her dead, carried her out and buried her beside her husband.

Mary,

The last thing I remember was seeing their dirty feet. It was obvious to me they had been out in the garden, where many of our kin are buried. My husband’s dead body is mere inches from my head. Our lies have brought us to this place, where our physical bodies will rot together. The dirt in this grave is very cold. This is the coldest place I’ve ever known.

My husband was called the rainmaker, for he could close some of the biggest deals in town. Many thought he was the most influential and successful land owner in our city. No one would have ever dreamed were living a lie. We pretended we had a relationship with the Master– that we had found new life in Him. But my husband was a great spin master. He could tell a tale as tall as that mountain; as wide and as deep as the Galilean lake. I knew there were times when he would willfully step across morality’s line just to finish a deal; yet, he never seemed to get caught. I somehow thought it would all be okay in the end. Mary, I was wrong.

Many people thought my husband was as honest as the day is long. Some who doubted his integrity may have feared what he might do had they tried to expose the man who he really was. I’ll admit I was frightened of what he might do to me, if I even questioned his impure motives. Ananias was a good provider, giving me everything that could be bought. But I never knew real love because the Truth is not for sale.

I’ve wasted my life, Mary. I traded the truth for a lie. I realized it when I saw the feet of the men who came to carry my dead body away. The dirt of death is never far behind. We may try to fool ourselves into thinking we can outlive the lies just to make ourselves look good in the eyes of man. But we can never fool the Lord. He sees right through our filthy hearts. His Truth has a way of finding you, one way or another. And in the end, we all face the same dirty grave.

I’ve wasted my time here on earth. I wish I could turn around and change the things I’ve done. I’ve been fooling myself all these years, believing my husband could talk our way right out of hell. Now I know I bought into a raw deal. His lies became mine and now I must face the penalty for my sin.

Dear sister, do not wait until you see the dirt from the graveyard caked upon the feet of the undertaker before you seek His Truth. Cry out Jesus and ask Him to forgive you, while there is breath left in your body. I am spending my eternity in torment, totally separated from God’s peace. If you want to live in Truth, then you must give your whole heart to Jesus Christ now. He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Only Jesus can cleanse you if you seek Him now; invite Him into your heart by faith. He will help you know and understand what Truth is. Please do not waste your life living a lie.

Sapphira

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, 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.

Dying lying

Today’s Reading: Acts 5:7-8 (NIV)

7 About three hours later his wife came in, not knowing what had happened. 8 Peter asked her: “Tell me, is this the price you and Ananias got for the land?” “Yes,” she said, “that is the price.”

Good morning!

Sapphira had a choice to make – would she tell the truth about the money or keep her husband’s secret? If you suddenly found yourself in a similar situation, what would you do?

This is such a tough teaching. I don’t know about the rest of you, but it certainly speaks to me. I often find it is much easier to make excuses than accept responsibility; to try and justify an action rather than see it for what it truly is. I’ll confess this is something I have struggled with for years. I could blame my obsessive “sweeping the family dirt under the rug” habit upon my childhood upbringing. I was raised in a time when it was not proper etiquette to talk about addictions, abuse and anger management issues. There were no self-help organizations where people could go and find assistance for the things that were utterly destroying their lives. It is much easier to make excuses for the ones we love and look the other way, rather than embarrass them (and yourself), facing the problem head-on, admitting it, and beginning the process of healing and restoration.

Sapphira lived under the rule and thumb of her spouse. He was not just her marriage partner; he owned her, as women were considered to be the property of their husbands. If she had chosen to confess the dishonest actions of her husband, it may have saved her life for the moment, but surely it would not have spared her from the wrath of an angry man. If Sapphira had known that Ananias died lying, would it have somehow freed her to speak the truth without fear of certain death?

When we choose to cover up the truth, we die lying. This story rings true in all our lives today. When we give our hearts to the Lord Jesus Christ, we are committing not just a portion of our lives to Him, but all of ourselves and all that we have to give. Jesus takes us as we are, with all the garbage we carry from our past, the choices of our present, and He holds our very future in the palm of His nail-scarred hands. Jesus died to free us from living a life of lies. If Sapphira had really understood that the Lord of life would have seen her through to tell the truth, I am convinced she would not have tried to cover up her husband’s sin. When she lied to the Apostles, she took Ananias sin and made it her very own.

Lord Jesus, we need your help today, to be honest with ourselves and each other. Pinch us hard when we refuse to see the truth, speak the truth, and live in truth. Help us trust you completely to free us from the sins that separate us from our Father. Help us let go right now. Amen.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, 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.

The fall

Today’s Reading: Acts 5:5-6 (NIV)

5 When Ananias heard this, he fell down and died. And great fear seized all who heard what had happened. 6 Then the young men came forward, wrapped up his body, and carried him out and buried him.

Good morning!

I took a fall on Saturday morning. Jeff and I were leaving the parsonage to attend a visitation, and this just happened to be one of Jeff’s first trips out of the house other than to see the doctor since his elbow surgery on August 5^th. He had just walked down the two steps into the garage and was headed for the car when I came out the door behind him. As I turned to shut the door behind me, my sandal strap broke and I completely missed the two steps, free-falling onto the hard concrete floor. I found myself suddenly wedged between the car and the wall. It happened so fast that I didn’t even have time to scream. I fell really hard. When Jeff realized I was no longer behind him, he turned around to see where I had disappeared to. Talk about a blessing in disguise – I could have fallen on him and caused even more damage to his slow-healing arm. After the struggle he has to heal, I’m not sure I could have forgiven myself had that happened. I just sat there on the floor of our garage, trembling and shaking, wondering how I was going to get up.

Have you ever fallen down and not been able to get back up? Fortunately, I had not broken any bones, but, I was literally stuck between a rock and a hard place. I couldn’t move, wedged between the front tire of my car and the wall. Jeff opened the back door and asked one of our college students who was staying with us this weekend to come outside to help me up. I couldn’t decide which actually hurt the worst – my back side or my pride. Either way, it was not a pretty sight. I decided I needed something along the line of a bridge crane to help get me up off the floor. That’s when I noticed all of the dirt. It was everywhere –and now it was all over my clean white jacket. Sometimes it takes a fall to wake you up. For me, the fall brought my mind back to reality. The Father’s message to me was coming through loud and clear.

Ananias had made a huge error in judgment. It wasn’t just that he lied to the Apostles, or that he had tried to withhold some of the proceeds of the sale for himself. The biggest mistake that Ananias made that day, as best as I can tell, is that he was not sorry for his sin. The floor of his heart was just about as filthy as the floor of my garage. He looked pretty good on the outside, but his heart was an absolute mess, rotten to the core on the inside.

If we are not careful, we can let our human heart condition advance to the place of no return. When we begin to compromise the truth for a lie, we may be able to fool others for awhile, but we cannot fool the Lord. He not only sees all the dirt in our heart, clogging up our arteries and veins, but He knows for sure whether we’re truly sorry or just trying to squeeze by. Now that my house guests are gone, the first thing I intend to do today is clean my garage. I’m also going for a nice, long walk. And while I’m out, I intend to have a heart to heart with Jesus. He is the only one who can clean up the filth in my life and recreate me from the inside out. He can take that dirty white jacket of mine and make it clean and whole again. It won’t be long before I am squeaky clean, covered in Christ’s righteousness alone. When we are truly sorry for the mistakes we’ve made, Jesus Christ will help us even after we take a sudden and hard fall.

Poor Ananias. If he had only said, “I’m sorry, Lord” and meant it.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, 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.

The lie

Today’s Reading: Acts 5:3-4 (NIV)

3 Then Peter said, “Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit and have kept for yourself some of the money you received for the land? 4 Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold? And after it was sold, wasn’t the money at your disposal? What made you think of doing such a thing? You have not lied to men but to God.

Good morning!

We were playing tag in the back yard with my friends when I first saw it. Lying on the driveway next to the car of Mrs. Baker, my Brownie leader, was a tiny, square floral bag with a small handle. It wasn’t much larger than a coin purse. On the front of the bag were colorful appliquéd daisies. I took a peek inside and found a pretty rain bonnet, the kind my mother would wear out of the beauty salon after getting her hair done every Friday morning. I picked the bag up and slipped it into the pocket of my Brownie uniform. I immediately turned to see whether any of my friends had noticed what I had done. Everyone else was running, laughing and playing; there was obviously no one to tell.

After dinner that night, after slipping into my pajamas, I took the bag from my pocket and gave it to my mother. “Look what I found Mommy, just for you!” I handed her the pretty bag with the rain bonnet inside. Mommy seemed surprised, yet not as pleased as I thought she would be. Mother said, “Debbie, where did you get this?” “I found it on the ground today,” I proudly announced. After all, that wasn’t a lie. I did find it on the driveway. “Where was it?” Mother said, looking at me with her piercing blue eyes. Somehow, I knew if said that the rain bonnet was sitting next to our Brownie leader’s car, then she would presume it belonged to Mrs. Baker. Brownies were not supposed to lie, but in the moment, this Brownie did. “I found it on the playground at school,” I bit my upper lip as the words rolled off my tongue before I could stop them. It was such a beautiful bonnet. I wanted my Mother to have it so badly. After all, Mommy was the prettiest woman I knew, and I simply wanted to give her something beautiful to wear after she had her hair done on Friday.

I never saw Mommy wear that bonnet. In fact, she kept it in her purse until the next Brownie meeting. It was as if her Mommy radar knew exactly who the bonnet belonged to. When we arrived at Mrs. Baker's home, Mommy took my hand and went inside to ask the leader if she was missing a rain bonnet in a tiny floral bag. “Why yes indeed,” she exclaimed. “I’ve been looking for it all week.” Mother pulled it out of her purse and handed it to me. Crocodile tears began to form inside my eyes. I could feel my face flush a thousand shades of red. Trembling, I reluctantly handed the bag back to my Brownie leader. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Baker,” I said. “When I found the bag outside, I wasn’t sure who it belonged to, so I took it home and gave it to my Mommy.” She smiled and thanked me for returning something that I had no intention of ever giving back. I don’t think Mrs. Baker knew what I had done, but my mother certainly did. The disappointment and hurt I saw on her face was more than I could bear.

What does it feel like to break God's heart?

Ananias knew that he was deceiving the Apostles that day, when he withheld some of his sale proceeds, thereby stealing from the church's treasury. What he didn’t realize was how much it would grieve God’s Holy Spirit, and the damage it would cause to the entire body as a result. He couldn’t believe how Peter saw right through the lie. I imagine it was the realization of what he had done, that made Ananias’ heart skip a beat. When you choose to take something that does not belong to you, and you know that you know that you know you are wrong in doing it, can you feel your heart skipping a beat or maybe two or even three?

When we lie, we are fooling ourselves if we think the Father doesn’t see and know the deceitfulness we hold inside our hearts. It is something to think about this morning, while there is still breath in your body and your heart is beating. You and I have the opportunity to confess our sins and seek forgiveness for the lies we’ve told. Stop lying to yourself. You cannot fool God. Satan is the great deceiver. He came to steal and destroy your life, and if you do choose to turn away from the Lord, He will make your lies seem justifiable, and eventually, you will believe buy into the lie instead of God’s Truth. Today, you have one more opportunity to turn around, confess your faith in Jesus Christ, and ask Him help you see the difference between His Truth and the world’s lie. He will help you IF you call on Him, but the choice is entirely yours to make.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, 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.

Full disclosure

Today’s Reading: Acts 5:1-2 (NIV)

1 Now a man named Ananias, together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. 2 With his wife’s full knowledge he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Good morning!

Have you ever kept a little secret that should have been brought to light? Have you ever shared a secret that caused so much grief and pain that it totally ruined another person’s life? Which side of the white picket fence will we choose to sit on? Where will truth end and all the lies begin?

It is human nature to try to convince ourselves that things are not as bad as they seem. If we spin the truth long enough and in just the right way, we may be able to self-justify why we make some of our biggest mistakes. But does it right a wrong? As I think about it, I’ve yet to meet the perfect family, with cookie-cutter children, who live fairytale lives with virtually no problems at all. There is only one I know who walked a perfect and sinless life here on earth; He is God made man. Fully human yet fully divine; the Lord of life, and his name is Jesus. He never withheld anything back from His heavenly Father. So why do we try so hard to hold back the things that have never belonged to us in the first place?

Sapphira loved her husband. She trusted him. She was fully aware when her husband sold that piece of property to donate to Christ’s cause. She knew its full value and that he intended to keep some of the proceeds from the sale. I imagine the conversation to justify this wrongful act sounded something like this: “Honey, no one will ever know that we did not give it all. We didn't know Jesus when we purchased that property. He did not see how hard we worked for years just to pay it off. With what little we keep for ourselves, we can use it to take that dream trip we’ve always wanted to make – a two week cruise around the Mediterranean! You know we deserve this. This money belongs to us! I am convinced the Apostles and our new faith community will never find out or even blame us for our decision. It can be our little secret.” Then Ananias planted a sweet kiss on Sapphira’s blushing cheek just to seal the deal. It kind of reminds me of how Judas kissed Jesus’ cheek just before he was taken away by the Roman guard.

So here’s the question I wrestle with today: do you think Sapphira should have kept her mouth shut about the money? Should she have risked her marriage to betray her husband’s dishonestly in publicly confessing the sin? We may think we can fool each other and may even deceive ourselves along the way. It is not possible to fool or deceive the Lord, no matter how hard we try. Jesus sees not only what we withhold in our bank accounts; He knows what we withhold from Him in our hearts. How much are you unwilling to give back to the Lord? What price will you and I ultimately pay for not giving full disclosure?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, 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.

The gift of encouragement

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:36-37 (NIV)

36 Joseph, a Levite from Cyprus, whom the apostles called Barnabas (which means Son of Encouragement), 37 sold a field he owned and brought the money and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Good morning!

Have you ever been around someone who is a constant encouragement and support to you? I’ve been blessed with many people in my life, who seem to know just the right thing to say at just the right time. When I’m especially discouraged, I turn to Barnabas, and seek hope for what may seem to be a hopeless situation.

I think this is why I really like Joseph from Cyprus in Scripture, most recognized by his nickname, Barnabas. His name means Son of Encouragement. He’s the kind of guy that makes you feel instantly better just knowing he’s around. Biographical information on Barnabas states he was Levite from Cyprus, but did not work in the temple. Barnabas had the courage and determination to introduce Paul of Tarsus to Simon Peter. He encouraged Mark to accompany Paul on one of the first missionary trips. Even in the fray of disagreement, Barnabas remained a constant encourager, seeking relationship and love between the Apostles and the early church. He was one amazing man!

Encouragers tend to be big givers by nature. They give whatever they have to help the cause. Barnabas knew that it would take financial resources to help spread Christ’s Gospel to the people who had not yet heard. He was one of the first believers to willingly sell his personal possessions and give it away to the Apostles to help spread the Word. Maybe you have the heart of an encourager, but do not have a field to sell. Is there something else you would willingly put out there on E-bay, and the proceeds used to spread Christ’s love around the world? Everybody has something they can give, even you.

Yesterday afternoon, my husband Jeff and I had a Barnabas stop by to visit with us after worship. This couple is such a source of encouragement, and has been an integral part of our lives for many years. Because Jeff is recovering from surgery, he was unable to lead worship yesterday, which for most pastors, is pure torture. It was such good news to hear about the encouraging message that was preached, knowing the Good News continues to be proclaimed, and that our congregation is pumped and primed to share Jesus Christ outside the walls of our church. After they left the parsonage, we thanked God for all the encouragers in our life, who help us through times of discouragement.

You can be a Barnabas today. You may be blessed with the financial resources to be able to give something away that can make a lasting difference for another. If you can give it, then give it with gusto! You may be able to share your time with someone who is hurting and struggling to see the light of day. If you are willing to offer a ministry of presence, then give your time away with joy! A simple smile or a handshake to a stranger on the street, may mean more than you realize to someone who has not been noticed or spoken to at all.

When Barnabas showed up, people recognized Jesus Christ living and working through His hands and heart. We can all be sons of encouragement to each other, as we find new ways to give our resources, our wealth, our blessings, and our lives away so that others may live. Get out there and be a blessing to someone else today, in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, 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.