Persevering faith

Daily Reading: James 1, 2, 3

James 1:2-4 (NIV)

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

Good evening!

I’ve been thinking a lot about my father this week. Had he lived, Ben would have been eighty four years old on December 14^th. He grew up on a farm in Central Missouri, and learned how to hunt and fish at a young age. Dad absolutely loved being outdoors in every kind of weather. The cold never bothered him, and extreme heat seemed to roll off his back like tiny beads of sweat forming across his brow. I think of him often, especially at this time of year, because he seemed happiest in the cold, snowy winters of life. It was nothing for him to put on a pair of thermal long johns, a hunting vest, and stand knee-deep in a foot of fresh snow, just to enjoy a deer hunt with his brothers. I’m not surprised the Lord came to take him to his heavenly home as he was standing outside in his back yard one cold, January night in a short-sleeved shirt, admiring the new fallen snow.

Ben was born very prematurely in the farm house where he and his siblings grew up together. Dad was so tiny that my grandmother made a cradle for him out of a large shoe box and warmed his tiny frame by the wood-burning stove in the kitchen. Grandmother’s midwife didn’t think that child would survive the night, but Ben was tough little guy and became quite the scrapper growing up.

Dad knew a lot about perseverance simply from learning how to survive. He fought hard to overcome adversity in his childhood, and worked even harder to find his place in the world. Dad received an eighth grade education. After serving in the Marines during World War II, he went to work for a local Union on construction teams, wiring buildings and running plumbing lines. His parents didn’t go to church. Their world revolved around survival during the deep Depression. Everything they had to live on, hinged upon the success of their family’s farm, and they invested seven days a week there. Dad to recognize the voice of God through time spent in the great outdoors. Whenever Ben struggled with a broken heart, he would take refuge in the woods. Dad felt much more comfortable with the Lord outside, than inside the church’s walls. He went to church with my mother, because she insisted upon it. One of his very first corporate worship experiences occurred at his own wedding in Brookhaven, Mississippi, on December 5, 1945. He learned to appreciate the benefit of corporate worship, but refused to go to Sunday school with our family. Ben found quiet ways to serve the Lord by providing free electrical service for the church and parsonage. The testing of my father’s faith revolved around his life experiences. He would have been the first one to admit that he did not understand the Bible. Yet, even in his confusion and fear, Ben found himself able to trust in the One who created such an incredible world.

I stood at the picture window this evening, looking out into the snowy hue, and I couldn’t help but remember how my father would stand at the front door of my childhood home, gazing out into the white winter’s night. There was a longing in his eyes for something more, a deep desire to experience God’s greatness at a deeper level. Perseverance through tough times can help us become mature and complete, not lacking for anything. Dad’s life example illustrates a deep soul’s desire to become mature and complete in faith. On the day Ben passed from his earthly journey into eternity, his longing was fulfilled. All of the questions he held inside were answered by the Father in the new-fallen snow that night.

Just like my dad, my soul longs to one day be mature and complete, not lacking anything in faith. Perseverance through the difficult moments of life is a true testimony of God’s grace in our lives. I may not understand why things happen the way they do, but one thing I know for certain is that we are loved by the Savior who understands perseverance through trials. He came into this world on a cold winter’s night, inside a dark and dirty stable, with only the starlight to illuminate his arrival. Mary placed the tiny baby on a bed of hay and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, just to keep him safe and warm.

We have an opportunity to become mature and complete, especially in the wintertime of our lives. God reveals Himself to each and every one of us in different and unique ways. May we learn from the testing of our faith, as we walk with Jesus Christ each day. Learning to persevere through the tough times is a very good thing. I think I’ll go outside and stand for a little while in the beautiful snow. I have no doubt I will find my Father there.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: pure joy! It comes through the testing of our faith, which brings perseverance, and perseverance must finish its work so that we may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. May we find His perfect, pure joy, as we learn how to persevere in the storm.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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.

Entertaining strangers

Daily Reading: Hebrews 12, 13; Proverbs 19, 20

Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)

2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.

Good morning!

What is it like to entertain a stranger, helping someone out whom you do not know? Have you ever been the recipient of a extravagant gift of hospitality?

When I was a little girl, my father would arrange his vacation over Christmas break, so that we could visit my mother’s family in Mississippi. While Daddy was at work, we would help Mom pack the suitcases and fill picnic baskets with Christmas food to share, placing everything by the front door in anticipation of the trip. He loved driving at night. I personally find night driving to be terribly difficult, especially in bad weather, but it never seemed to deter my dad. Long before the days of seat belts and mini-vans, we packed our luggage into the trunk of our four-door Chevrolet, and set out for a Christmas Eve adventure. Daddy liked it when his children slept quietly in the back seat. Before our trip, Daddy cut a piece of sturdy plywood that fit perfectly across the floorboard of the back seat. Mom lined it with soft quilts and blankets, thereby creating an extra space for my sister and me to rest. I preferred sleeping on the floorboard. There, I would spent hours lying on my back, looking out the rear window while watching the great North Star up above. We would listen to favorite Christmas crooners, Bing Crosby and Elvis Presley, on the AM radio dial. My father couldn’t carry a tune in a bucket, but he enjoyed trying to imitate these men. The roadways were not always in the best shape. Back then, interstate highways were two-lane and narrow, and it was not uncommon for us to drive in a fair amount of snow and ice. What now takes about eight hours to drive on a four-lane divided interstate, would have taken a good fourteen hours. If we left our home around 6pm on Christmas Eve, we could anticipate arriving at my grandparents’ farm around 8am on Christmas morning.

There was one particular road trip that I will never forget. It was Christmas Eve and the weather was rotten. We had a lot of snow in St. Louis, and the further south we went, the more ice we encountered. Daddy didn’t believe in stopping at a motel. He was way too thrifty to pull over and spend money just to sleep. It was difficult enjoying the view from the back window that night. The snow and wind was coming down so hard and fast that even as I lay on the floorboard looking up, all I could see what a blanket of white fluff piling up on top of us. We did a lot of slipping and sliding that night. What a scary ride it was.

I had just fallen asleep when I remember Dad pulling the car over to the side of the road. I hopped up, wondering if we were having car trouble. A young woman, traveling alone, was stranded along side the road, her car had spun out in the ditch nearby. She stood at the edge of the roadway, shivering and crying, hoping someone might stop to help, yet fearing the worst. This poor girl needed immediate help. My mother had to get out of the car and coax her to come with us. She assured her that we would get her back home to her family. Finally, after some coaxing, she agreed to let my father load her luggage into our car, as she sat in the front passenger seat to warm up. Daddy turned the car around and drove her back to South St. Louis that night. It was way out of our way, but he was far more concerned about the woman’s safety. I will never forget her sweet face, as she sat sobbing in the front seat of our car. I don’t know how many times she said “thank you.” We never saw her again after that night. We were late arriving to my grandparents’ farm on Christmas day, and they were worried sick. Can you imagine making a long trip without having the benefit of a cell phone to call ahead? Had my father not stopped to help the stranger in need, I can only imagine what might have happened to her.

The best gift I received that Christmas was not found underneath my grandparents’ tree. This particular holiday held a much greater meaning, because I knew that someone who was lost and alone had managed to get back home, safe and sound. Are there strangers in your midst today, who are stuck along life’s highway? Maybe there is something we can do to help the lost find their way back home.

The best gift you will ever receive is the gift you willingly give away.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: the strangers in your life. When we choose to reach out in extravagant generosity, we share the love of Christ with the lost. Don’t miss out on the opportunity today to be a blessing to the stranger in need.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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.

What do you want for Christmas?

Daily Reading: Hebrews 7, 8, 9

Hebrews 9:28 (NIV)

28 So Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.

Good evening!

This is the time of year when my husband asks me to make a “list” of the things I want most for Christmas. We’ve been married thirty years and I would say he knows me better than I know myself. So why in the world would he need a list from me? I wonder that every year, as I’m jotting notes on a piece of paper.

What do I really want for Christmas? I already have everything I need. Early this morning, I found myself sitting in a surgery holding area of a local hospital, waiting while Jeff underwent a minor surgical procedure. We had to be there at 5:30am, and I found myself enjoying a few brief moments of quiet time, while sipping on a cup of decaf coffee and praying. There were only a few people in the room with me and all of them were sleeping, except for one man, who was typing furiously on his laptop computer.

As I sat in the stillness of this moment, I realized just how important my husband is to me. When the doctor stopped by to give me some very good news, I knew I had just received a special Christmas present. The gift of good health is something we should never take for granted. Jeff’s surgeon corrected the problem, and reissued his extended warranty. It would be at least another thirty thousand miles before Jeff would need to revisit the body shop for “wear and tear” repair work. He’s a little feisty and cantankerous tonight, but I can live with it.

There is something really special about preparing our hearts to receive the greatest gift of all – the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ in our daily lives. We celebrate His birthday with grateful hearts. Without Christ’s atonement for our sin, we would all be lost forever. Believers everywhere are preparing to celebrate the coming of the newborn King. Christ’s love makes life worth living. We are promised many gifts through His Word. What would you choose from God’s gift list this year? He offers His very best through His Son. Jesus sends His personal comforter to guide and direct us all our days. We have the gift of His holy presence – Emmanuel – God with Us. We have the assurance of salvation, of abundant and eternal life. What more could we possibly want?

Because Jeff asked, I made up a wish list, though I suspect he will not be going shopping anytime soon. Of all the presents I’ve been received, the one I look forward to receiving is Christ's return. Jesus promised He would come back for those who are longing for more of Him. One day soon, I will receive the fullness of His grace as I stand before my Heavenly Father at the judgment throne. It is through the righteousness of Christ alone, that I will stand, washed white as snow before my King. The very best gift of all is salvation. This is one gift that cannot be purchased at the mall. It has no price, for Christ's sacrifice is simply priceless. Jesus paid the cost for humanity 2,000 years ago at Calvary. I know it’s hard to believe, but His gift of salvation is offered free to you, right now. All you have to do is ask Him to come into your heart today. Tell Him that you are sorry for the things you’ve done wrong. Ask Jesus to forgive you and give you a brand new life. Invite Him to become your Lord and Savior. The gift of eternal salvation is offered to you. Will you choose to accept the gift of God's grace?

What do you want for Christmas?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: God’s gift to become your present. You do not have to wait to know Jesus as your personal Savior and Lord. You can meet Him right now, right where you are at. God's salvation through Jesus Christ is the best gift you will ever receive.

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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.

Christmas feast

Daily Reading: Hebrews 4, 5, 6

Hebrews 4:16 (NIV)

16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Good evening!

This is the time of year when I begin to plan our family’s Christmas feast. I had an amazing role model when it came to planning holiday fare. My mother used to make our family’s Christmas dinner one of the most spectacular events of the year. She invested hours into preparing and serving the meal. Being the frugal woman she is, Mom would begin working at the “little touches” in the fall, by designing a special tablecloth for our dining room table. Mom would cut bells and holly leaves from red and green felt, stitching colorful sequins to each piece. She quilted the unique appliqués onto her handmade tablecloth as festive decorations. Every little detail was trimmed with love. Mom made matching placemats, adding brightly colored felt mittens to each mat. Our silverware fit perfectly inside each mitten. A menu was carefully planned, so that every member had a taste of their favorite Christmas dish. Mom loved to make sweet potato casserole, cranberry relish, and roast turkey with cornbread stuffing. We had homemade mashed potatoes, whipped with condensed sweet milk and butter. Banana pudding and pumpkin pies were prepared on Christmas Eve day. After the holiday baking was finished, we would gather together at the kitchen table and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa, garnished with a dollop of whipped cream and cinnamon.

There’s something to be said about sheer anticipation. We know that something really wonderful is about to happen; so we prepare for it. We string cranberry garland and make colorful popcorn balls. We construct candy cone ornaments out of red construction paper and white cigar cleaners. On the tree; we fill the ornamental cones with peppermint candy and chocolate Hershey Kisses®. We listen to the story of how the stable animals watched in wonder, as the greatest miracle on earth became a reality for the whole world. How do you prepare your heart during Advent to receive the greatest gift of all?

This year, I am adding a very special dish to my family’s Christmas feast. I’m serving up an extra helping of grace. It will be a rare treat indeed, prepared especially by the nail-scarred hands of my Savior. He is the One whose birthday we celebrate. Advent is the time we anticipate with joy the hope of the world that comes through new life. Christ’s grace knows no end. He offers it freely to all who will offer their hearts back to Him in love.

One day, we may find ourselves feasting at His banquet table, and I can guarantee you that our Lord has spared no expense for this feast. After all, He died to save you from your sin. I can see His Christmas table, covered with food fit for royalty. The invitation has been extended - we are His honored guests. There will be an endless supply of living water to drink; and we will never thirst again. The manna we share together will be a breaking of the Bread of everlasting life. Christ is seated at the head of the table. His amazing countenance will cause every morsel to melt our hearts in praise. We will experience the eternal banquet. This is one feast worth waiting for.

This is the time we prepare our hearts in anticipation of the great Christmas feast. One day, we will approach His throne of grace with confidence. The banquet will be served to all who place their hope in Christ alone. May you find yourself feasting in the presence of the Lord, receiving the extra portion of grace. He has prepared this meal especially for you.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: anticipation for the day to come! His feast is almost here – it is time to herald our Savior’s birth. How will you prepare your heart in anticipation of the great Christmas feast? Bon appétit!

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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.

Visual aid

Daily Reading: Hebrews 1, 2, 3

Hebrews 3:1 (NIV)

1 Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess.

Good evening!

Upon arriving at Faith Church Sunday morning for 11am worship, I was surprised to see an amazing portrait of Jesus’ face, captured across the big screen at the front of our sanctuary. We use PowerPoint in worship during our 9am celebration service. It helps to illustrate Pastor Kim’s sermons and features the words to the morning’s praise and worship songs. The screen is usually tucked neatly away long before the 11am service. I was drawn to the peaceful, kind look of my Lord on the big screen. This made a lasting impression in my mind. It has been said that a picture is worth a thousand words. I have an eternal picture of my Savior that is absolutely priceless. Would you like to see it?

My mother often comments that she can’t hear without her glasses. Since she is a pro at lip-reading, it is no wonder she depends upon her ability to see, in order to hear. I look forward to holy moments, as I separate myself from the cares of the day and simply fix my eyes upon Jesus. Looking at Him helps me hear a whole lot better. I think that is why the portrait of Christ on the big screen really touched my heart. I spend time in worship listening. I focus my mind and heart upon God’s Word and how it speaks while it is read by the liturgist. I pay close attention to my Pastor who brings the morning message. I listen to the words sung by the chancel choir. Focusing on Christ’s face brings a whole new dimension to my hearing ability. In the stillness of corporate worship, it is seeing the face of my Lord face that helps me hear so much more. When you can see clearly, doesn’t it improve your hearing?

About a month ago, Faith Church rented a petting zoo, complete with a donkey, llama, goats and sheep, so that our children could have a “hands-on” experience with the story of Christ’s birth. The children and many of the adults in our congregation dressed up in costumes and posed for pictures in the stable, with the animals. The photographs that were taken of the live nativity put a face on our Lord’s birthday. I saw Jesus through the precious eyes of an infant child, in the twinkle of the angels’ message, and in the smile of the baby’s sweet mother. I could hear the story in a brand new way, simply because my hearing was greatly enhanced with a visual aid.

Every now and then, we need visual aids to help us focus on His truth. During Advent, we have lots of opportunities to experience the sights and sounds of hope. Leave the crazy hubbub of mall shopping behind, and look for a more something a little quieter. Light a candle and concentrate on His light that shines in the darkness. Ring a glass bell with your hands, and hear the angels’ voices announcing the birthday of the King. See the snow and ice falling outside your picture window and remember the cold night when Mary labored in a stable to give birth to our Lord. Touch the cheek of a newborn baby’s face and feel the gift of new life with your fingertips. Pet a fidgety donkey at the petting zoo and think about the ride a very pregnant woman endured just to register in her husband’s home town. Can you hear the sounds of Christmas rising up from the things you see?

Keep the portrait of Christ front and center during times spent in worship and prayer. His face is a perfect picture of the hope we have in Him. Thank you, Father, for helping us hear Your still, small voice through the images we see each day.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: visual aids to help you hear His Word in a fresh, new way. Won’t you open your eyes and ears to the sights and sounds of Advent?

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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.

Pack up your tool box - it's time to go outside!

Daily Reading: Titus 1, 2, 3; Proverbs 15

Titus 3:14 (NIV)

14 Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.

Good morning!

Yesterday was a cold and nasty day to be outside installing water and electrical lines. I watched as fourteen willing volunteers waded through the mud and rain to continue the construction of the new Habitat home in Wentzville. I have no earthly idea how to install electrical or plumbing lines. My father was very talented with projects just like this. The cold never seemed to bother him. He would have loved helping build a Habitat home.

He was a hands-on kind of guy. Dad carried a tool box wherever he went, just in case there might be something that needed to be fixed. Dad was in charge of the St. Andrew United Methodist Church’s Christmas tree lot every year. He spent every evening and weekend at that tree lot, helping to sell Christmas trees and garland decorations for our church. Dad loved spending time outside. Lots of memories flooded my mind as I watched the building crew work. I’m no good with a hammer or wrench, but if you give me a pot and a spoon, I actually know how to use these tools to others’ benefit. I made a big pot of chili and brewed fresh coffee, and we took it to the workers. I knew they would be hungry. They were. The chili was pretty good, but I imagine anything hot would have tasted great to these volunteers. They were literally caked in mud, freezing from the rain and wind, and looked visibly tired. I pray they were all able to go home and take a nice hot shower, and make time for rest. I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of love prompts someone to go out in the freezing weather and volunteer their time to build a warm space where another family can live?

Paul wrote to Titus, instructing his beloved brother how to go about building up the body of believers in Crete. There was a lot of work to do there. Whenever we choose to give ourselves over for the sake of helping another human being, our efforts will not be in vain. One good way to reach people with the Gospel is simply by risking our own personal comfort to reach out in mission and service whenever we can. My Dad was smart to pack his tool box and carry it with him at all times. We too, should be packed and ready to go at a moment’s notice, even when the weather is nasty.

Our lives will never be unproductive when we choose to love your neighbors as ourselves. I would encourage you to look for ways during this season of Advent preparation to give a little of your time and energy away to benefit someone else. It’s a big job, spreading the Gospel message all over the world. If each of us commits to taking hold of one need and following through, we can build up the body of Christ together. Be sure to pack your tool box! It’s time to go outside.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Pray for: a productive life! We have so much to offer each other. Our gifts are different. It is our love for Jesus Christ that calls us to serve each other. We have the capacity to do good things, providing the necessities of life for someone today. What kind of love does it take to break a heart of stone and transform it into a heart of compassion?

___________________________

© Copyright 2007, 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.