True cleanliness

Today’s Reading: John 13:11(NIV)

11 For He [Jesus] knew who was going to betray Him, and that was why He said not every one was clean.

Good morning!

My mother had a thing about cleanliness, especially on Sunday mornings. When I was a young girl growing up in the early “sixties,” Sunday mornings were celebrated as a holy day, set apart for worship and relaxation. All of our neighbors went to church on Sunday. We knew every neighbor on our street, which I think is a rare phenomenon now. If someone asked you the names of the folks living on your block, could you name them, along with their children’s names, and maybe tell a little bit about their family history? On our street, we not only knew our neighbors – we could tell you where they were attending worship on Sunday and approximately what time their cars would leave their driveways. Saturday nights were always spent preparing for Sunday. Everyone on our street retired early on Saturday night – it was rare to see living room lights on after 9pm. Mothers cooked a good portion of their family’s Sunday meal on Saturday afternoon. It would have been wrong to spend all day cooking in the kitchen on Sunday. That’s because Sundays were special. On Saturday night, we bathed, rolled our hair in pink sponge curlers, painted our finger nails, and laid out our “Sunday-go-to-meeting clothes” which included hats, gloves and black patent shoes. My father owned one Sunday suit, and he wore it faithfully each week. I would watch him as he pulled on his neck collar during the pastor’s sermon every Sunday morning. I truly don’t think Daddy enjoyed wearing a tie and jacket all that much.

In 2008, we advertise our worship services with church marquees and slogans that say “Come as you are!” In the last fifty years, US culture has made a complete 180° turn in the time-honored traditions of personal preparation and cleanliness for Sunday morning worship. We don’t seem to care nearly as much about how folks are dressed or whether they’ve bathed and shaved before walking through the sanctuary doors. It is our hope that people simply care enough to get out of bed on a day they could have chosen to sleep in, to come and worship the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s not nearly as important to come clean to church. It’s much more important to come clean at church, where we lay down the dirty baggage of our personal guilt and shame at the foot of the cross. We find healing and wholeness in the presence of the Lord. This is the place where true cleanliness occurs.

When we prepare to purchase a new automobile, our eyes are often drawn to the exterior. Is this vehicle a make and model which we find personally appealing? How many added accessories can we get for the least amount of money? Is the chrome shiny and does this vehicle have that “new car” scent? Would we purchase an automobile solely based upon the condition of the exterior, without first checking to be sure this car has an engine that actually works? Would we not want to pop the top and take a look on the inside first? No matter how clean and shiny we may be on the outside, we must first be concerned about the condition and reliability of the interior.

How did Jesus know who would betray Him? The answer to this question is not nearly as difficult as one may think. Christ looks beyond our exterior; He reaches past our motivations and traditions, our culture and complacency; Christ looks underneath the hood to see our heart’s innermost desires and motivations. He offers complete restoration for every human soul. Jesus can do a complete overhaul if we will simply let Him. Come to Christ just as you are; He will clean you up from the inside out. I’ll see you at Faith Church!

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Overexposed!

Today’s Reading: John 13:10(NIV)

10 Jesus answered, “A person who has had a bath needs only to wash his feet; his whole body is clean. And you are clean, though not every one of you.”

Good morning!

I saw an ophthalmologist this week for an eye exam. The physician’s assistant ran several preliminary tests, identifying the best corrective contact lens for my particular need. She placed special drops in my eyes and left me in the dark for a short time, while my pupils dilated. My doctor examined the circulatory system and my optic nerves. I was over-exposed and I knew it. The lights were excruciatingly bright. The magnifiers he placed in front of my eyes enhanced the brightness as I blinked back tears. Even though the examination was painful, the end result was certainly worth it. I received the good news that my optic nerves look healthy and pink.

Have you ever allowed yourself to become completely vulnerable to a soul searching by the Master? It can be quite painful, although the end result is worth the cost. Every human heart has a spiritual condition measured in the depths of our hearts. Like the ravages of an overload of sugar in our blood stream, unrepentant sin in our lives can slowly build up and begin to eat away at our ability to see clearly, think rationally, and act responsibly. If we do not allow the Master healer an opportunity to dilate, expose and examine the recesses of our hearts, we cannot become completely clean before Him. It is kind of like taking a sponge bath: once we’ve showered, we may only need to wash our feet to rid ourselves of the unwanted dirt on our bodies. But there are days when we must submit ourselves to a total cleansing, to rid ourselves of the dirt in our lives, both seen and unseen.

Jesus said, “The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light.” Leaving the doctor’s office that afternoon, I was acutely aware of the bright sunlight pressing through my eyes and into the recesses of my heart. I was overexposed; my eyes unable to readjust to the bright light of day. I just wanted to go home, and I knew if I was going to get there, I would need the Master’s help. In this moment, I chose to completely depend upon the Lord to be my personal chauffeur and guide.

All of us long to get home. The road trip requires that we submit ourselves to overexposure by God. The light of life reveals the darkest sins hiding inside our hearts. He has the power and authority to remove the deep stain of sin that prevents us from experiencing complete relationship with a holy and perfect Father. Allow yourself to be overexposed in the Master’s presence today. He will fill you with His brand new light. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Him. It is time to be examined by the Lord.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

The greater good

Today’s Reading: John 13:7-9(NIV)

7 Jesus replied, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” 8 “No,” said Peter, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.” 9 “Then Lord,” Simon Peter replied, “not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!”

Good morning!

As parents, we often make decisions for our young children based upon the greater good. We may choose not to feed them sugary sweets, even though the neighbor’s kids have full access to the candy jar and a pantry full of junk food. Studies have proven that prolonged high fat, high sugar intake can cause deadly diseases, even in our young ones, whose high metabolisms cannot compete with sugar overload. Our babies are not happy campers when Mom and Dad continue to say no. They just want their cravings satisfied, not caring at the moment what the long-term effects may be. Some children wrestle with a sweet tooth long into their adult years. I’ve met many adults who struggle with cravings in their food choices: I am one of them.

We make decisions, knowing that the ones who depend upon us will not understand why at this particular moment in time. Maybe they do not have enough foresight to grasp the bigger picture. Often, our selfish side rails against a choice less savory. We would much rather stay up all night playing and watching movies, than go to bed at a decent hour, to give our bodies the much needed 6-8 hour minimum window of rest. Have you ever met a child who didn’t get frustrated when they hear their parents say, “Time for bed!”

As Jesus prepared to wash Peter’s feet, He said, “You do not realize now what I am doing, but later you will understand.” I’m sure Simon Peter didn’t enjoy hearing this particular comment. He longed to know the deeper meaning of faith. Yet, Peter was ashamed that the Master whom he served would choose to wash his feet. They were stinky and filthy, and Peter knew it. He was embarrassed and humbled, and could not possibly grasp what greater good could come from Christ’s act of servant leadership. He did not understand that Jesus was preparing Peter for the life he would lead after He had been crucified, dead and raised. At that particular moment, he could not see that allowing the Lord of life to wash His feet would become a way of life everlasting for all who followed Jesus.

It is not always easy to see the greater good when it comes to matters of faith. We may not completely understand how and why right now. Still, our loving Father calls us to simply trust and obey His Word. We can rely upon Jesus to lead us in the way that leads to life eternal. It is for the greater good.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

It's a wash!

Today’s Reading: John 13:6(NIV)

6 He came to Simon Peter, who said to Him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?”

Good morning!

It is sometimes a difficult thing to let others serve you. We live in a mindset of self-sufficiency. We raise our children up, hoping they will one day become independent, productive adults. We pray they will learn to take care of themselves and not depend upon the graces of others for their daily needs. It doesn’t always work that way; many parents are still out there dreaming of the day when their children will finally assume full responsibility for their lives.

There are times, however, when we need to rely upon others for help. When we become ill and our bodies are in a weakened condition, we may need someone to assist us with even the simplest of tasks. I remember the helpless state I found myself in after having neck surgery some years ago. The anesthesia completely made me immobile for a period of time while my body healed. I could not open my eyelids without the assistance of my physician. I could not lift my arms or legs without the help of the charge nurse. I was unable to ring a call light for help. I’ve never experienced anything so frustrating or frightening. I was thankful that the time I spent in temporary paralysis was short-lived. Yet, there are many people today who suffer with long-term paralysis, who find they are wholly leaning upon the assistance of others to help them survive each day.

Simon Peter was appalled when Jesus approached him with the towel and basin. There was no way this independent, capable man was going to let the Lord of life wash his dirty feet. In complete surprise, I can hear Peter say: “Lord, I couldn’t possibly let you wash me. I can do this myself.” Just like Simon Peter, we all think we can wash our own dirty feet, removing the gunk of sin-buildup over our years of independent life experience. We don’t think we’re sick enough for a Savior, yet. We can slough off all the things we’ve said and done through the years that have hurt others. If we just do ten good things, we can maybe wipe out that one really big mistake we made in a fit of childlike rebellion and anger. We can wash our own feet, thank you very much – we just don’t need God to fix the messes we’ve made, do we?

Imagine the Lord Jesus Christ standing before you today with a towel and basin in His hand. He is quietly waiting for you to give Him your dirty feet, your broken heart, and your sin-sick soul. He is waiting to take your sin upon Himself because He loves you! In fact, He has already done this for you at Calvary. Jesus is pleading with you to give it up now, give it all to Him. We think we can do this squeaky clean thing all on our own. Without accepting Christ’s gift of salvation, we will never be able to rid ourselves of the sins that separate us from the Father. What will you do? Are you willing to lay aside your self-sufficient attitude, get real with God, and allow Jesus Christ to wash your sins away, once and for all?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Barefoot living

Today’s Reading: John 13:3-5(NIV)

3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under His power, and that He had come from God and was returning to God, 4 so He got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around His waist. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him.

Good morning!

When I’m home, I like to go barefooted around the house. I wear dress shoes every day of the week and it is a treat for me to put my shoes in the closet and not look at them for a few hours each day. Because I enjoy going barefooted, my feet tend to get really dirty, especially if I run outside to the garden or make a quick trip to the curb with the trash. Jeff laughs at my small feet and tiny toes. He claims my toes do not touch the ground, but I know better; they certainly get dirty when I’m running around without socks and shoes.

Once a month, I make a visit to one of my favorite nail salons for a pedicure. Through the years, I’ve developed thick calluses from going barefoot. Pedicurists are very special people. They willingly scrub and massage sore and swollen feet, removing the dirt that has embedded itself inside the tough, leathery skin, moisturizing all the rough edges with lotions and crèmes that make your feet feel brand new. It is a treasured gift for those who enjoy a little barefoot living. If you’ve never experienced this type of foot washing, I would highly recommend it.

When Jesus washed His disciples’ feet, He did so much more than wash away the dirt that had caked around their sandals. This one act of love expressed so much more than words could ever say. In this culture, people got dirty every day outside on unpaved paths and in the fields. When they entered the home for the evening meal, their feet and hands were filthy. Customarily, a servant would greet each guest at the door, and offer them a towel and basin to wash their hands and feet. Jesus took it upon Himself to kneel down before His disciples, and quietly wash away the dirt that had collected on their feet. What kind of love is this?

Jesus is washing away more than just a little dirt. He literally softened the hardened hearts of His people, by removing the thick calluses of sin that kept them from experiencing a brand new life in Him. In this genuine act of humility and love, Christ completely cleansed and made whole broken and well-worn hearts; through His healing touch and power. All of us need to experience the healing touch of Jesus, not only on our dirty feet, but for every aspect of our lives.

It’s time to take your shoes off and experience a little barefoot living in the presence of the Lord. He will cleanse and make you whole today, if you will simply ask Him.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Don't let the devil make you do it

Today’s Reading: John 13:2(NIV)

2 The evening meal was being served, and the devil had already prompted Judas Iscariot, son of Simon, to betray Jesus.

Good morning!

I think we all probably have a little bit of Judas in us. Maybe it’s just me. I know I have my moments, when the words that spew from my mouth come quicker than I can catch and retain them. I attended a funeral service yesterday for a woman with whom I hold a great deal of respect. Sylvia lived her life by helping others. She was a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend to many. But the thing that made Sylvia so unique was how she never had a harsh word for anyone. She was truly kind-hearted person and never was cruel, especially with her words. What a testimony to a life well-lived! Sylvia emulated the spiritual gifts of kindness and goodness, patience and self-control, in every aspect of her living and dying.

I sometimes wonder about Judas’ motivation. Honestly, I don’t think he was trying to frame Jesus. I think Judas must have thought if he could just convince Jesus to confront the Roman authorities, He would speak and they would listen to Him and things would change. He was eager for Jesus to act, to overthrow Roman rule once and for all. Even after three years in His presence, Judas didn’t get it. He didn’t see the master plan. Judas couldn’t understand that even after he betrayed the Lord, there would have been forgiveness for him, had he asked and believed. It is an ongoing debate within theological circles about Judas’ intent and motivation. Yet, when I look at this man’s life and compare it to my own, I realize I could have been him.

Comedian Flip Wilson may have coined the phrase, “The devil made me do it!” but did you know it was Scriptural? Even during the evening meal, Satan was tempting Judas to betray the Lord. Judas knew he had a window of opportunity to connect the Roman guard with Jesus’ whereabouts. Did he want Jesus to die? Do you think he realized what was going to happen?

Today is a very good day to remember that the choices we make have lifelong consequences; not only for ourselves but for all those we know and love. We make decisions each day. We must remember just how easy it is to slip into sin, especially when we take our eyes off Jesus and focus on our own personal agenda and desires.

Don’t let the devil make you do it. Just say no, in Jesus’ name.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

The full extent of His love

Today’s Reading: John 13:1(NIV)

1 It was just before the Passover Feast. Jesus knew that the time had come for Him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved His own who were in the world, He now showed them the full extent of His love.

Good morning!

I had a dream last night. I was watching an old black and white rerun on television. The story was about the life and death of someone I thought I knew. There were no masterful touch ups, no obvious second takes in this show. The truth of his reclusive life was revealed without sweet sugar-coating. This was a documentary film, revealing a life of one whose sad existence went seemingly unnoticed by the world around him. It told the story of who he was, what he had become, and how he might be remembered, if anyone cared to remember him at all.

I entered the room alone, lined with empty chairs. There were no flowers along the walls near the casket. There was no one to speak words to, no bereaved ones to comfort. The deafening silence was so shrill that it hurt my ears to hear. No one seemed to care he was gone.

My mind began to wander as I thought about what it might be like to die, having no one there to miss me. What if the poor choices I made in life far surpassed any tangible memory of the goodness God planted inside my heart? If the demons that destroyed my earthly flesh continued to hold me in solitary confinement for all eternity, what could I possibly have to look forward to in death? Would my soul rest in peace? Would my soul rest at all?

Suddenly, the scene changed. A pastor, dressed in a black tweed suit, stood at the head of the dead man’s casket. His feet planted on a soggy, rain-drenched tarp, he spoke words of hope into the thick, stormy air. The wind was whipping wildly around the white funeral tent, where a few blank faces stared out into the pouring rain. He said. “We are here today to grieve the things that could have been. We write our own funeral sermons by the life we choose to live. God Almighty is crying today for this precious child, and the heavens have opened up with healing rain.” In that breathless moment, when I thought my own heart would break with grief for a man who I did not know, I watched in astonishment as the light of life moved through the garden gate. Coming toward the casket, His nail-scarred hands were reaching out in love, extending eternal friendship to the one the world had forgotten to love. I heard my Jesus say, “Rise up, dear one. Today, you will walk with me in paradise.”

He lived his earthly life in black and white. In the fleeting moments preceding his very last breath, this man made a deathbed confession that only God would hear and understand. How could a loving Father send His only Son to bear the shame of a sinful world on a cruel cross? The answer is clear. Jesus willingly came for the sick, the road weary and the lost. His love reaches beyond human understanding or life experience. Jesus died for the friendless. He lives so we can live again with Him.

At the end of our earthly journey, there is a new beginning. As the memory of this earthly life was washed away, I saw Him take hold of the Savior’s hand. They walked together through the garden, disappearing in the rain. Jesus Christ came to show the full extent of His love, not just for some, but for all who will cry out to Him in faith.

I woke up this morning with hope in my heart.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2008, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.