Finding the One you seek

Today’s Reading: John 6:24-25 (NIV)

24 Once the crowd realized that neither Jesus nor His disciples were there, they got into the boats and went to Capernaum in search of Jesus. 25 When they found Him on the other side of the lake, they asked Him, “Rabbi, when did you get here?”

Memory Verse: 1 How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (Psalm 84:1-2 NIV)

Good day!

Our children enjoyed playing hide and seek when they were little. Our son Benjamin loved to disappear, and he was a master at silence. Benjie was hard to find, because he didn’t giggle or make any noise. He never willingly gave away his secret place. He was small for his age, and could easily fit into tight places without much difficulty. Some of his favorite places to hide were underneath the sink, in between the bed frame and the wall, and inside his toy box, buried underneath his toys. Benjie liked to disappear just about the time we were ready to walk out the door for school, work, and especially for church. I remember some frustrating Mommy moments on Sunday mornings with that boy. I was making breakfast, dressing wee ones in church clothes, and packing a diaper bag filled to the brim with our Bibles, offering money and craft materials for Sunday school. It never failed - Benjie would invariably disappear on me. I had two of the three children strapped in their seat belts in the car, and Benjie would somehow manage to escape my line of vision. His little game did not make Sunday a fun day for me.

Payback can be a wonderful thing! Now Benjamin has two children of his own, Jett and Madison. Jett is just like his dad. He loves to play hide and seek. The biggest difference between Jett and Ben is that Jett is not quiet while hiding. He giggles, coughs and pretends to burp. Jett will do anything he can to help you find where he is hiding. Maddie has just started walking. It won’t be long before she will follow in her brother’s big footsteps. She is a tiny thing, and will have no difficulty stowing away in some of those hard-to-fit spaces. I find hide and seek much more enjoyable now as I watch my grandchildren play the game with their parents.

Jesus wasn’t trying to play hide and seek with the crowd. He knew they would seek Him out, because they had tasted the bread of life, and when that happens, people long for more. They revisited the mountainside where Jesus had fed them. They looked for the boat and wondered where He disappeared to. When they couldn’t find the Lord, they crossed the lake to Capernaum. Surprised to see their Master, they asked, “When did you get here?”

Jesus Christ has a way of showing up just when we least expect Him. As we seek a relationship with Christ through worship, He reveals His nature to us in surprising ways. Bishop Robert Schnase describes the mystery of worship in his book, “Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations.” He says: “God uses worship to transform lives, heal wounded souls, renew hope, shape decisions, provoke change, inspire compassion, and bind people to one another. God through Christ actively seeks relationship to us through worship.”

There are moments when I have sought the Lord’s face and wondered if He was trying to hide from me. Part of the wonder of experiencing worship is in knowing that the Lord is right there, waiting for me to come back to Him. Jesus never ceases to surprise me with His amazing grace.

The Lord is waiting for you to earnestly seek Him out. This is a great weekend to worship the Savior of the world. Our world needs to experience the love of Christ today. I’ll see you at Faith Church! We can share the mystery of His holy presence together in worship.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

We are looking for You in worship, dear Lord. Give us a taste of Your Living Word today, for it is only in You that our lives are made whole. Amen.

___________________________

© 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.

Rowing hard, yet getting nowhere

Today’s Reading: John 6:19-21 (NIV)

19 When they had rowed three or three and a half miles, they saw Jesus approaching the boat, walking on the water, and they were terrified. 20 But He said to them, “It is I, don’t be afraid.” 21 Then they were willing to take Him into the boat, and immediately the boat reached the shore where they were heading.

Memory Verse: 1 How lovely is Your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty! 2 My soul yearns, even faints, for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out for the living God. (Psalm 84:1-2 NIV)

Good day!

During her childhood, my mother, along with her brothers and sisters, would take a dip in the spring-fed pond that emerged from the creek bed, nestled behind their farm. On sticky and hot Mississippi afternoons, they found great pleasure in swinging on a tire rope wrapped around the kudzu laced branches of the tall pine trees overlooking the deepest part of the pond. They would let go of the rope, falling feet first into the ice cold water. My mother never had a swimming lesson. Her brothers just threw her into the water and said, “Swim, sister!”

I remember the first time I learned how to tread water in the deep. My sister and I were taking swimming lessons at Bangert Park at the neighborhood pool. Our instructor was trying to teach us how to tread water. My treading looked more like the dog paddle. I was laughing out loud, while spinning around in the chlorinated water, my toes not touching the bottom of the pool. It was the first time I had ventured into the deep on my own. It was exhilarating, at first. It didn’t take long, however, to suddenly begin to feel fatigued. I was hoping my swimming coach would let me grab hold of her hand, but she kept moving backwards, saying, “Come on, you can do it.” “Do what?” I thought to myself. “Drown?” I was working really hard but my efforts alone were not taking me very far. I remember drinking a large a gulp of the pool water just as my head went under. It was at that moment that two strong hands lifted me up. I was coughing and spewing and very frightened, as my swim coach carried me back to the water’s edge. She said, “You did good! Now let me help you.”

We think we can do it on our own, launching out into the deep. We let go of the life line, jumping in feet first into the cold, brisk water of life. Off we go, totally pumped, and paddling as fast as we can toward the goal. About three to three-and half miles, minutes or years, depending upon how you do the math, you get just about half-way there, only to run out of energy. Beginning to sink, there is nothing else one can do except to reach out for the hands of the One who walks upon the water. We all need a life guard to lift us up and carry us safely back to shore.

The disciples were rowing hard, yet getting nowhere. They needed to be willing to let the Master into their boat, and once they did, they reached their destination, almost immediately. Stop trying to do it all by yourself. Why not choose to swim in the loving protection of Jesus Christ today? He is, after all, the Only life guard you will ever need.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Come into my boat today, dear Savior, and save me from myself. Amen.

___________________________

© 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.

A change of weather

Today’s Reading: John 6:18 (NIV)

18 A strong wind was blowing and the waters grew rough.

Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Good day!

The State of Missouri, where I live, is known for its unpredictable weather. We not only have four seasons, we can change at a moment’s notice. Two days ago, I left work at lunch to go home and check on my son. The temperature was a balmy 72°F, very odd for January weather, but I wasn’t complaining. I rolled down the car windows and cranked up the Ernie Haase and Signature Sound on the CD player. I figured my fellow commuters could all use a little extra blessing on this absolutely gorgeous day. Thirty minutes later, I was surprised to discover that the sun had disappeared behind some thick clouds and it had started to rain. The temperature had dropped 22° in a short window of time. I don't know why I was surprised. I should have grabbed my winter coat and hat. At least I did roll up the windows before I backed down the driveway. I was looking forward to a little spring delight. I know spring never comes before Groundhog Day. I guess it was just wishful thinking.

All afternoon, I could see the weather changing rapidly outside my office window. It changed from rain, to hail, to sleet, to snow and ice. When I left work around 6pm, an inch of ice had to scraped off the windshield before I could drive. The wind was wicked, blowing in mighty strong gusts. I had a hard time keeping the car on the road way. It’s no wonder I’ve had a head cold this week. That’s the thing about Missouri weather. If you don’t like it, just wait a few hours. It will change.

God uses dramatic changes in the weather of our lives to gain our undivided attention. We become so unaware of what is going on around us. And then, almost without warning, the winds pick up and the waters get rough, and we wonder, where did that come from? There is a strong and mighty wind blowing across our world today, and the waters are getting rough. We can sense the change in the atmosphere. It is time to pay attention to what is going on.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Thank you, Father, for sending high winds and rough waters. Please do whatever it takes to get my undivided attention. Melt my heart of stone and give me a heart of flesh. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

___________________________

© 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.

Unlikely messenger

Today’s Reading: John 6:16-17 (NIV)

16 When evening came, his disciples went down to the lake, 17 where they got into a boat and set off across the lake for Capernaum. By now, it was dark and Jesus had not yet joined them.

Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Good day!

Jesus was hanging out at the mountain, in the holy presence of His Father. His disciples had waited all evening for Him to return. Not really understanding His character at all, they left the hillside where Jesus had fed thousands earlier that day, and got into a boat to cross the lake. Why did they choose to leave without the Lord? Did they get tired of waiting for Christ to return or were they just too tired to wait any longer? If they could just get back to home base, they could take a power nap, knowing Jesus would meet them there.

Oh Lord, I am such an unlikely messenger. You promised You would be with me always, even to the end of the age; I have Your Word on it. I too, have my moments when I behave just like Andrew, Peter, and the others. I become impatient and grow road weary, longing to simply get across that lake and go home.

Teach me to wait patiently for Your return. Help me gain a greater understanding of Your perfect nature – who You are and who I am in You. Remind me continually there are people out there who desperately need to experience Your healing power right now. Send me, Lord. I will be your unlikely messenger. I am willing to offer Your Word to the ones hovering in dark and lonely spaces today.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Are you are missing someone you love? You are not alone! There is a Savior! He knows and understands your grief. He will not leave you or forsake you. Ask Jesus Christ to help you now.

___________________________

© 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.

Leaving nothing to waste

Today’s Reading: John 6:14-15 (NIV)

14 After the people saw the miraculous sign that Jesus did, they began to say, “Surely this is the Prophet who is to come into the world.” 15 Jesus, knowing that they intended to come and make Him King by force, withdrew again to a mountain by Himself.”

Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Good day!

Where do you go to find God?

The people were flocking to Jesus in mass numbers. Word of His arrival had spread quickly, and lots of hungry people showed up to listen and be fed. The most incredible part of Jesus’ miracle was not that he fed 5,000 men with a little boy’s five small barley loaves and two fish. He also fed all the women and children who were there. No, the best part of this miracle was the twelve baskets of leftovers that were collected after the meal ended. Nothing was left to waste. The miracle was in the leftovers. When you offer up to Jesus your life, He takes whatever resources you have and multiplies them beyond your wildest dreams. Andrew volunteered that little boy’s lunch to the Lord’s service. The child could have taken his lunch bag and run away, but he was willing to share what little he had with God. Can you imagine what God might do to multiply your offering if you were simply willing to share it with others?

Oh, what a lunch hour it was! People were eating soul food, the very bread of heaven, and how they longed for more! Even after their bellies were full, they did not want this Prophet to go. But Jesus knew their hearts. He recognized His need to spend time alone with the Father. So Jesus slipped out the back way, withdrawing to the mountain by Himself.

We can see God both in the giver and the gift. Where will you find God? Are you looking for Him right now? As we enter into His holy presence, remember that He will forever protect your soul in the cleft of the Rock. You are standing, this day, on holy ground.

Do not be afraid to offer up your gift to the Lord. He can multiply it for kingdom work, if you are willing to let Him use you. Go ahead! Take a peek at all those heavenly leftovers!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

All I have to offer You is me, dear Lord. Please take my gift and use it to feed hungry people with Your living Word. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

___________________________

© 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.

Feeding the masses

Today’s Reading: John 6:5-6 (NIV)

5 When Jesus looked up and saw a great crowd coming toward Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” 6 He asked this only to test him, for He already had in mind what He was going to do.

Memory Verse: “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” (Romans 15:7 ESV)

Good day!

I remember many years ago, enjoying some wonderful Friday evening meals with our friends, Mel and Barb, at their home in St. Louis. In the mid-seventies, when plaid pants, wide ties, and bell-bottomed blue jeans were all the craze, this family would host get-togethers for their youth group in their home on Friday nights. There was always plenty to eat! Barb owned the biggest spaghetti pots I’ve ever seen. She made cooking for the masses look easy! Part of learning how to prepare food in large quantities comes when regularly cooking for a large crew. Mel and Barb were blessed with six wonderful children, and it was no big deal to add another pot or two on the stove. My mother grew up in a family of seven siblings. My grandmother would begin preparing breakfast long before sun-up, and she would wash the last dish after the evening meal long after the sun went down. She fed hungry people all day long. They would work in the fields all day, stopping after the sun set, ready to eat dinner. When they came inside to eat, they were starving! In today’s single-serve, microwavable moments, we sometimes find it hard to imagine what it may be like to offer food to lots of famished folks.

How can we reach mass numbers of hungry people the Bread of Life? I found myself pondering this question yesterday. Standing in the entry way of the information center at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, I viewed a piece of stunning artwork painted over the door frame of the welcome center. In this eye-catching mural, one can see our Lord Jesus Christ, victorious, coming in the clouds, seated upon His white horse. He is returning for His bride, as promised in Holy Scripture. Jesus knew how to satisfy hearts who are starving to taste the Bread of Life. After His death and resurrection, Christ commanded His disciples to get out there and offer His Word to hungry masses. Men and women come to this seminary every year from all over the world, simply seeking answers on how to best reach starving hearts with His bread, the food that nourishes both body and soul. We are called to answer Christ’s Great Commission, until the moment He returns to bring us home. Christ asked Philip, “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” How would you respond to the Master’s question today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

Teach me Lord, how to offer the bread of life to starving masses. I think I’m going to need a bigger pot. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

___________________________

© 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.