Replacement needed - apply within

Today’s Reading: Acts 20b-21 (NIV)

20b and, “’May another take his place of leadership.’” 21 [Peter said,] Therefore, it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of His resurrection.”

Good morning!

The sign on the front window said, “Replacement needed - apply within.” I turned the brass door knob and pulled on the heavy plate-glass door. I took a step of faith and used all my physical strength just to open the heavy door. Once inside, I stood staring into an open reception area, sparely decorated. I immediately noticed the stark white walls and Linoleum flooring. As I walked, I could hear the echo of my shoe heels clicking across the room. There were no chairs to sit down; no standard office decor like magazine racks or coffee tables. The natural light streaming in through the large front window was the only light inside. The entry way was spotless. I walked toward the front counter and rang the polished silver bell. A pretty little girl with golden curly hair tied with a satin white bow, appeared out of nowhere. When she reached the front desk, she stepped up on a footstool so that she could see over the top of the clean counter. “May I help you?” she asked. I thought the child looked strangely familiar, although I could not put a name with her face.

“Good morning, Miss,” I said, smiling. She stared at me. “I would like to inquire about the replacement needed sign posted in your front window.” “What are your qualifications?” she asked. I wasn’t sure exactly how to respond to her question. The sign did not detail the type of replacement needed, nor was I certain about the requirements of the open position. “Miss, I have been looking for a long, long time to find the one thing I know I am supposed to do with my life. I’m not exactly sure about the replacement position you are offering, or whether I would have any qualifications that would fit your need. I was drawn inside simply out of sheer curiosity, and it took a leap of faith for me to see whether you could use someone like me. What specific replacement help do you need?”

The little girl’s lip began to quiver, ever so slightly. I could see the crocodile tears welling up inside her big blue eyes. I fumbled for a tissue inside my black bag, and handed it to her, wondering if I had said something to upset her. “We’ve been waiting for you to come inside,” she whispered. “The qualifications necessary for the replacement position requires a willing heart. You must possess a deep desire to grow, and enough faith to open really heavy doors and the courage to walk through them.” By this time, the sunlight had filled the front room and had formed a blinding white puddle on the Linoleum flooring. Its brilliance caught the corner of my eye and I glanced away to look at it. When my gaze returned to the child, instinctively I knew her. She stood there on the footstool, clutching a baby doll in her arms. Standing beside her was my Lord and Savior; and it was His light that filled the dark room. He had wrapped his arms around the child’s shoulders, holding her steady on the footstool. I couldn’t take my eyes off of His face. And in that holy moment I recognized that the child in me. I knew I had found my life's work here.

Peter was looking for a suitable replacement disciple, someone who had experienced the life, death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. He would become a living witness to the Resurrection power.

What qualifications must you possess to be a living witness for Jesus Christ? You must have a willing heart, a deep desire to grow, and enough faith to open really heavy doors and the courage to walk through them. Have you received the Lord Jesus Christ into your heart today? If so, there is an open replacement position that only you can fill, and the Master is waiting for you to apply within right now.

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. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

His Love that will NOT let you go

Today’s Reading: Acts 1:18-20 (NIV)

18 With the reward he got for his wickedness, Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong, his body burst open and all his intestines spilled out. 19 Everyone in Jerusalem heard about this, so they called that field in their language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood. 20 “For,” said Peter, “it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it.’”

Matthew 27:3-5 (NIV)

3 When Judas, who had betrayed him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was seized with remorse and returned the thirty silver coins to the chief priests and the elders. 4 “I have sinned,” he said, “for I have betrayed innocent blood.” “What is that to us?” they replied. “That’s your responsibility.” 5 So Judas threw the money into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

Good morning!

My heart was breaking as I listened intently to the preacher’s life story. He was raised in a home where his family sold drugs to support their own addictions. He grew up watching the ones he loved daily drug themselves into the zone, a stupor where no one has to assume responsibility for their words and actions. As a young boy, his parents would have him carry the concealed illegal substances across state lines in a backpack. They were able to hide their own guilt by forcing their son to physically carry it for them. One crime led to another and it wasn’t long before the teenager found himself serving time in a state penitentiary.

A prison minister’s love for the lost made all the difference. He came each week, sharing Christ’s love with the incarcerated. The young man spent days pouring over the words of Scripture given to him during a worship service. Physically, he was locked up behind thick steel bars. When he gave his life to Christ, repented of the mistakes he had made, both knowingly and unknowingly, his soul had been set free by faith.

Once he was released, the man re-entered the world expecting never to return to the life he had once lived. He believed he could leave the sins of his father behind and begin a brand new life. It was not long before Satan’s fiery darts began striking the young Christian. He experienced a series of devastating blows – losing his first real job and realizing that potential employers want nothing to do in hiring ex-cons. With no money to pay the rent, he found himself living on the streets once again. He was completely heart-broken and disillusioned when his wife left him the day they were locked out of their apartment. In deep despair, he stopped trusting the Lord and let go of Christ’s hand, falling back into the way of life he simply despised.

Choices do have consequences. Little children who are wrongfully subjected to the sins of their parents are not responsible for their parents actions. And yet, like most little children do, we tend to blame ourselves for our parents’ poor choices, carrying the dead weight of their guilt around for years. Some experience instantaneous freedom from the sin cycle while others seem to perpetuate it over and over again as adults. Living a life of remorse and guilt will steal away your very last breath if you let it.

Judas Iscariot walked with the Lord Jesus Christ for three years. He listened to the Lord’s teaching and saw the incredible miracles happen first-hand. He knew Jesus Christ had the power to overthrow Roman rule. By making this one fatal choice, Judas set into motion a plot that could not be reversed. Scripture tells us that Judas hung himself on a tree in the field he purchased with the thirty pieces of silver; it is presumed that the rope or branch broke and his body split open upon impact and his intestines spilled all over the ground.

Can you walk away from Jesus Christ twice and be completely forgiven? This preacher would tell you unequivocally YES! Christ has the power and is willing to forgive every wrong choice we have ever made, even if, at some point, we let go of His strong hand. You see, when God forgives you, He forgives you completely. The slate is wiped clean. He doesn’t bother keeping track of your sin. You need to let go of the things that have caused you great remorse, because the Truth is this: Jesus Christ will never let you go. And once you’ve given your life to Him, He will follow you to the ends of the earth to redeem you, if you will just simply humble your heart and ask.

Don’t follow in the footsteps of Judas. Confess your sins at the foot of the cross, where you will find His love that will not let you go. Come to Jesus and live!

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. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

The betrayer within

Today’s Reading: Acts 1:15-17 (NIV)

15 In those days Peter stood up among the believers (a group numbering about a hundred and twenty) 16 and said, “Brothers, the Scripture had to be fulfilled which the Holy Spirit spoke long ago through the mouth of David concerning Judas, who served as guide for those who arrested Jesus – 17 he was one of our number and shared in this ministry.

Good morning!

Have you ever been betrayed by a friend?

It is not easy to be hurt by someone you trust. I’ve never met anyone who has not been hurt at some point in their lives by a family member or friend. It seems to sting a whole lot more when the ones we love do and say things that cut us to the quick. The life scars that form become thick and tough, and it is nearly impossible to get past a world of hurt and pain.

This is the sad story of Judas, the betrayer. He was welcomed unconditionally into the group by Jesus and, even though he was a different kind of guy, the brothers accepted and loved him as one of their own. They didn’t always understand his thoughts about the Master, and wondered how he could have acted with such disregard after being exposed to all the same teachings and experiences while walking with Jesus in the flesh.

We may never know what Judas was truly thinking, or why he chose to act in the manner in which he did. It is sometimes easier to take at face value what little information we have about the heart of this man, and form our own judgmental conclusions.

Have you ever said or done something to someone that you would give anything to take back today? Did your actions leave deep scars embedded in the heart of someone who once loved and trusted you? Judas’ life story could have been Simon Peter’s story, or my story for that matter. It is hard for me to look at the condemned and conclude from what little I know that his soul intent was to betray our Lord into the hands of evil men. Inside the chest of the betrayer beat a bleeding and broken heart.

When I deny Jesus Christ by not loving others the way that He loves me, my heart becomes hardened, just like that of the betrayer. It is really easy to think more highly of ourselves that we should. We want to believe that we would never intentionally hurt another; yet, we often do, and we know it when it happens. We want to profess that we show unconditional Christ-like love to all people, not just our neighbors, co-workers, family and friends. How true is that statement in your life today? How far would you go to reach them if you knew their souls were at risk of eternal separation? How can we live, knowing there are people who are lost, who desperately need to know and experience the love of Christ and we choose to keep silent?

If we are truly honest with ourselves, then we can say there is a little Judas living in each of us. Here’s some really good news for a day like today: Jesus Christ carried our lame excuses, self-justification and preconceived notions that push our personal preferences and self-will ahead of God’s plan for His creation. By His stripes, we are healed. His blood was poured out for every bleeding and broken heart who knows the overwhelming pain of betrayal. We can be finally free of the Judas within when we choose to humble our hearts, confess our sin, and repent.

Please do not hesitate another minute, for every human heart needs to know the Lord Jesus Christ. Will you tell them?

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. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Praying in my sleep

Today’s Reading: Acts 1:14 (NIV)

14 They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.

Good morning!

I woke up this morning in mid-prayer with the Lord. This is not an easy thing for me to explain, since I am still acquiring the daily benefits of the Apostle Paul’s prescription to pray without ceasing.

True confession: I like to talk – I like to talk a lot. My husband Jeff will attest to this. I function best when I’m able to think things through out loud; while Jeff digests most everything that he learns quietly, in a reflective state of mind. Speaking the words out loud often helps me understand what it is I’m experiencing. When I pray, I tend to pray out loud, and sometimes, I even read out loud, especially if I’m struggling to grasp the concept on the printed page. Sometimes, I hear the still small voice of God tenderly whisper in my ear, “Deb, honey, shut up!” Yes, I confess there are moments when God literally has had to shut my mouth so that I can hear Him speak. And I thank Him for not giving up on me, and finding rare moments of quiet stillness to breathe His holy breath into my spirit. Jesus constantly draws me back to him in prayer.

God knows it is hard for me to sit still and wait for Him to move. I like to see things happen, to witness the answers for every intercessory prayer prayed. This is definitely a control issue. My unwillingness to sit and wait upon the Lord so that He can renew my strength keeps my spirit flailing around in a nest, like a tiny baby bird, rather than soaring high in the skies on His wings. Letting go of the reign is a hard thing for me to do. Opening up to the possibilities of all that God has planned for my life is one scary adventure. If I stop to look down, my fear of heights may make me a nervous wreck and know I could fall. Waiting for His timing to spread my wings and fly has everything to do with my looking up to the Lord, and trusting His Word completely. It has absolutely nothing to do with me. When Jesus says jump, will I be willing let go and just do it?

Before the Holy Spirit baptized the disciples with holy fire, they prayed together constantly, along with Mary and the brothers. I love it when the Lord chooses to speak to me at night, when my body is at rest and my mind is open to His will. I know without a doubt that I was born to praise and worship the Lord Jesus Christ! This is my life’s work – the one thing He has asked me to do. When I’m all talked out, and I finally relinquish my control and humbly enter into His Holy presence, His Word speaks to me! There is nothing more wonderful than knowing Jesus Christ is with me always, even at night when I’m sleeping.

Do you hear the voice of Jesus calling to you at night? Allow the Lord to help guide you into a lifetime of constant prayer, even while you sleep.

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. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Coming home

Today’s Reading: Acts 1:13-14 (NIV)

13 When they arrived, they went upstairs to the room where they were staying. Those present were Peter, John, James and Andrew; Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew; James son of Alphaeus and Simon the Zealot, and Judas son of James.

Good morning!

One of the most difficult transitions a family makes is when grown children leave home for the very first time. Our daughter Rachel lived at home and commuted back and forth to college, but we rarely saw her, as her clinical training required she stay overnight at hospitals for 24 hour shifts in various parts of the state. Every now and then, she would come home to sleep, do a little laundry and maybe eat breakfast with us leaving us again. Rachel bought a house and moved out as soon as she landed her first full-time job, two and half hours away from home. That spring, we were preparing to relocate to a new church, and we were moving another two hours away from her. I remember that awful sense that I had somehow left of piece of myself behind in that house. She knew where she could find us if she needed anything at all; yet, Rachel was making a new life for herself. Letting go is not an easy thing in this mother's heart.

The boys ended up moving in and out a couple of times before they eventually took wing and flew the coop for good. Their transitions into independence were not smooth. When our youngest son David moved out, the house became almost too quiet. It was quite an adjustment from a few short years ago, when the stability of the parsonage roof was tested with Saturday band practices in the basement, soccer games in the back yard, and the ritual pizza deliveries to the front door. I’ve embraced the quiet of our empty nest, and enjoy visiting my children and their families in their homes. It is good to know they have made their way and have found happiness in the fullness of their lives.

It is an important thing for families to come home and gather together often to celebrate holy days and remember their youth. We tend to lose touch with each other in the rigors of daily living. It is a real challenge to have all of our children, grandchildren and extended family together even at Christmas. Quite often, we all get together, but we’re so exhausted that even though we’re physically present, it is hard to reconnect because we’re emotionally drained. Holiday preparations brings us to the place where we need to be, only to find ourselves falling asleep on the comfy sofa after consuming Christmas dinner, or retiring to a spare bedroom for a late afternoon nap. It isn’t enough to be physically present if our minds are somewhere else.

It was crucial for the family of Christ to arrive together, in one place. So important, in fact, that the author took time to identify every person present by name. This is why the family of Christ gathers together each week to worship, learn and enjoy fellowship. Everyone is important to the body as a whole. We share in the joy of knowing that one day, we will all go home together to live forever in the everlasting light of Jesus.

Learn to make family time a priority. Be present, physically, emotionally and spiritually. There is nothing more important than engaging in weekly worship with the body of Christ. We need you here, and when you are not with us, our faith family is simply not the same. Come home this weekend. You have a place waiting especially for you at Faith Church.

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. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

A Sabbath Day's Walk

Today’s Reading: Acts 1:12 (NIV)

12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the hill called the Mount of Olives, a Sabbath day’s walk from the city.

Good morning!

How far is a Sabbath’s day walk? Bible Scholars speculate this walk could be no longer than ¾ of a mile. If you wear a pedometer to track your daily steps, you may be surprised to know just how far you walk in a day, even without purposefully exercising. Keeping your walking to a minimum of ¾ mile is very hard to do.

How far is too far to go to worship the Lord? We live approximately ½ mile from the front door of our home to the front door of Faith Church, and I do enjoy walking the subdivision to church. I will confess that I don’t walk very often, because it is difficult to provide shuttle service for friends who need a last minute lift when you are traveling on foot! Many from our Faith family drive long distances to come and worship each week. We have folks who travel from Cahokia, Illinois, the greater St. Louis area, and as far west as Wentzville and Warrenton to worship at Faith each week. I recently read a bumper sticker on the back of a car while sitting at an intersection in town. It said, “A church that is alive is worth the drive!”

In this fast-paced culture, it is not uncommon for folks to hop in their automobiles and travel here and there, especially on the Sabbath. There are sporting events, shopping sprees, family get-togethers, and even work to attend to. How many people do you know who are required to work every weekend? It seems as if our culture has all but forgotten the Father’s command to “Remember the Sabbath Day by keeping it holy. Six days you shall labor and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates. For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but He rested on the seventh day. Therefore, the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.” Exodus 20:8-11 NIV

In the busyness and business of life, I have a deep desire to make each Sabbath day’s walk a holy walk. I’ve found that my Sabbath does not necessary fall every seventh day – I can enter into Sabbath rest every morning as I enter into the presence of the Lord through worship and prayer. I believe that keeping the Sabbath holy has a whole lot more to do with our mindset and heart song than with the physical mileage we burn in travel time to and from the places we go.

Won’t you join me today in a Holy Sabbath Walk with the 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. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Is the sky falling?

Today’s Reading: Acts 1:10-11 (NIV)

10 They were looking intently up into the sky as He was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go into heaven.”

Good morning!

I became enamored with the skies at an early age, sitting on the rich, velvety bluegrass in my back yard, counting the clouds above. There is something absolutely captivating in the sky; we sense it every time we look up. My mother used to sit outside in the back yard, and we would share a picnic lunch together while enjoying the beautiful skies above. She would read the fairy tale, Chicken Licken, and it was by far one of my favorite picnic stories. Do you remember the rhyming names of the cast of characters? Let's see - there was: Chicken Licken (or Chicken Little), Henny Penny, Lucky Ducky, Loosey Goosey (or Gander Pander), Turkey Lurkey and Foxy Loxy. I could relate best to Loosey Goosey. In fact, my mother used to call me that every now and then. Which character best describes you?

In the story, Chicken Licken fears that the sky is falling when an acorn falls from a nearby tree and bops her on the head. She frantically spreads the scary news to all the animals as she goes to tell the King. What is most interesting about this story is that it has a garden variety of endings and morals, depending upon your point of view. In one ending, the storybook animals are saved by the King’s hunting dogs. In another version, the sky actually falls and takes out Foxy Loxy. My takeaway is that I am not to be a Chicken Licken but to face my fears with faith and step out in courage each new day.

I imagine the disciples were caught up in the rapture of the moment as they watched their resurrected Savior rise up into the heavenly skies. With eyes fixed upon the clouds above, their mouths gaping wide open; it took two men dressed in brilliant white to bring them back down to earth. “Why are you standing here looking up?” they questioned the believers. “This Jesus who was taken up will return in the exact same way.” I can’t blame the men and women from not wanting to divert their eyes from the sky, knowing that He will one day soon return in the clouds.

The truth is simple. Because of Jesus Christ, we have His resurrection hope pulsing in our veins. We know He is coming back! We could stand around staring at the skies and waiting for Christ’s imminent return. He didn’t say to His disciples, “Now stand here and wait for me. I’ll be back!” No, Jesus commanded His disciples to go and make disciples of all the nations – there is much work to be done before He returns.

We can now face our every fear with faith. In a world where the sky seems to be literally falling down around us, we have Christ’s Word to assure us of full salvation in Him. He will not forsake us. We will see Him coming again on the clouds one day soon, and that’s a bonafide lifetime guarantee! Until then, we need to stop gawking at the skies above and get busy spreading the news! Jesus Christ is alive! He heals the sick, frees us from sin, and brings everlasting hope to the hopeless. Spread the Good News today, in Jesus’ name!

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. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

The pedestrian bridge

Today’s Reading: Acts 1:9 (NIV)

After [Jesus] said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight.

Good morning!

I couldn’t help but notice a most captivating sunset Saturday evening as I walked across the pedestrian bridge that linked the parking garage to St. Louis University Hospital. The sunlight streaming through a few colorful clouds beamed across the sky and literally fell along the path where I was walking. I stopped to look up. The light was so bright that I could not keep my eyes on it for more than a second; yet, it was the most beautiful thing I think I’ve ever seen.

I wonder if this is similar to the disciples’ experience when Jesus was taken up into heaven. One minute, He is standing there, speaking to them, and the next, He is high and lifted up, moving across the sky. The disciples strained their eyes to see Him pass through the clouds but the light was so intensely bright they could not watch Him go. Eventually, a cloud hid Him from their physical sight.

Just because we cannot see Him in the flesh, does not mean that Jesus isn’t here with us right now.

When I make hospital visits, it is my practice to pray silently for the people in every room that I walk by. On one floor, babies are being born every minute and new life is birthed into every heart who peers into the nursery window for the very first time. On another floor, people are waiting for any word of hope for their loved ones who remain patients in intensive care units. Pastors and physicians gather with family members who are holding vigil as their friend is fighting for life. Here the battle is often won in a brand new life. We wait as they breathe their last earthly breath and take their first, fresh new breath of everlasting life in heaven.

I couldn’t help but wonder if that beautiful sunset wasn’t the grand welcome for a precious child of God, who was crossing over at that very moment from death into new life. They are here one minute and gone the next; we strain our eyes to see them go. Yet, this precious one lives on in our hearts and minds forever. As I moved across the pedestrian bridge, I was reminded that all of us will one day walk across the bridge that leads from this life into the next. Who will be there to greet you on that day? When I make my crosswalk journey, there is only one face I long to see, and His light will be the light that guides my every step home.

If you have lost a loved one in the past week, my prayer is that you will remember Christ’s everlasting promise; Jesus is with us always, even to the end of the age. He has gone to prepare a place for you and me; where we will be live in His light forever. This is not the end, but a brand new beginning. Learn to embrace the sunsets of life, for it is a gift of all that is to come.

Jesus is with us always: yesterday, today and forever. Choose to walk in the light of His love today.

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. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Living Witness

Today’s Reading: Acts 1:8 (NIV)

8 [Jesus said,] “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Good morning!

Lord, you really want me to be your living witness where?

This is a question that comes up daily in my personal devotion time with the Lord. Christ commands us to go make disciples of all the nations. That is one tall order for this short order cook! Being a person who finds herself directionally challenged, I struggle to unpack the specifics of this direct command.

I begin the process by trying to define where Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria are in my life. Jerusalem is the place where the disciples gathered, as they waited for the Holy Spirit power to come upon them. It was there they first saw the Lord, alive and well, after His crucifixion and burial. The disciples found the Upper Room in Jerusalem to be a holy place of refuge in a volatile social and political climate. This room had become their home away from home. My Jerusalem is definitely home; home with my family; home with my Faith family. It is the one place I can go and know that I will be loved unconditionally and without reservation. It is a safe oasis in a difficult social and economic climate. I can express my love for Christ freely, knowing that the people who surround me understand what I feel because they feel it too. I am called to be a living witness in my home, with my family, and at church, in the presence of my Faith family.

Judea takes the disciples out of their comfort zone and moves them out into the communities surrounding their home base. Moving into unknown territory can be frightening, especially when folks who do not share your enthusiasm or love for the Lord begin to judge you. How did the disciples convince people who did not yet know Jesus to believe in Him? They put themselves in harm’s way just to share Christ’s saving message outside the walls. The Holy Spirit equipped the disciples to go into Judea, standing on Christ’s Word alone. My Judea is the place where I work and study and live each day. It is the neighborhood where I reside. Jesus holds me personally responsible to share the Good News with the folks I meet, everywhere I go. This is where I need to improve my spiritual serve, knowing that I will surely face rejection, judgment and hostility from many. Am I willing to take Christ's message to the streets?

Samaritans were considered despicable by the Jews. They were the outcasts of all good society. Jesus had no problem hanging out with Samaritans. His love broke every social class, boundary, and cultural standard. Jesus was judged harshly for eating with tax collectors, healing lepers, and befriending Samaritans. Where is my Samaria? Is Christ calling me to go to the place I would rather not go to serve Him? Maybe I need to make a visit to the local bars in St. Charles. This is a very hard place for me to go, given my childhood upbringing. Nothing scares me more than an out-of-control drunk than a convicted felon. Maybe Christ wants me to take His Word into the prisons. Am I willing to walk through my Samaria and love as Christ loves me?

I realize that the Holy Spirit power is not manufactured in America. I cannot purchase it in any other country, for that matter. The Holy Spirit power is an amazing gift from the Father, given freely to all who believe and receive Jesus as Lord. When we believe with our hearts and confess with our lips that Jesus Christ is Lord of all, we ask by faith to receive the Holy Spirit power, and He pours it out over our lives. This power is the exact same power that the disciples carried with them throughout Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria. He equips us to leave the creature comforts of our homes, our churches, and go outside the walls in ministry and service for His kingdom.

Where is Jesus Christ calling you to be His living witness today?

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. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

The Father's timing

Today’s Reading: Acts 1:6-7 (NIV)

6 So when they met together, they asked Him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 [Jesus] said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority.”

Good morning!

It is hard to understand the Father’s timing.

During World War II, my grandparents experienced great emotional anguish as all four of their boys left the country to fight overseas. They had lived a simple and peaceful existence as cotton pickers in the Mississippi back woods. There was a great celebration when two of their sons returned home safely. My mother remembers the day officers arrived at the front porch of their farm, bearing the grim news that her oldest brother was held as a prisoner of war. The news was almost more than her family could bear; and then, just a few weeks later, they learned their youngest son had also been taken captive. Grandmother walked away from the uninvited guests on her front porch and headed toward the clearing at the end of their property line. She sat down, and stared into thin air. When Grandpa finally found her, it was nearly dark, and she was in a state of physical and emotional shock. He had to fetch the wagon and have help lifting her, just to bring her home. She didn’t speak or move for weeks. Grandpa thought he had lost her too. The first words she said were uttered to her Methodist preacher, who came and sat with her every day and read the Scriptures out loud. Grandmother looked him squarely in the eye and said, “Preacher, when will God bring my boys back home?”

My Uncles survived a nightmare most of us cannot begin to imagine. They suffered cruel and inhumane punishment. They watched helplessly as many of their friends died in prison. Both men were freed after the war ended and they returned home, forever changed by the experience. Rhe lives of all who knew and loved them were effected. We knew first hand what war can do to families, countries and the world. My grandmother knew that two of her baby boys were in harms way and there was nothing she could do to save them from it. She was able to lay this burden down at the foot of the cross where Jesus picked it up carried it for her.

The Disciples had seen witnessed the atrocities of life under Roman rule. They could not stand to see their people suffering the same torment they had endured for thousands of years. Jews believed in the prophecies of old; there would be one who would rise up – He had the Father’s power to change everything and would restore the kingdom once and for all. It was their promise just waiting to be fulfilled. They asked the Lord, “When will God save us? When will we live in peace and harmony again? How much longer do we have to wait to see His promises fulfilled?”

In our greatest adversities, we cannot begin to know or understand the Father’s timing. Like the Disciples, we stand in line and ask the age old question, “How much longer, Lord?” Jesus said, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority.”

We wait for the day when all suffering will cease; when humanity will live in peace with each other. Christ will return to redeem His people and restore His kingdom on earth. It is this promise that we rely upon. This is our time to wait in faith, trusting the Father’s timing even when we do not understand 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. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Wait for it!

Today’s Reading: Acts 1:4-5 (NIV)

4 On one occasion, while [Jesus] was eating with them, He gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”

Good morning!

Here’s a personal question to ponder today: When traffic lights change from green to yellow, does your driving foot generally react by (a) putting on the brakes; or (b) stepping on the gas pedal?

I ran a yellow light yesterday. Sometimes, if I’m in the intersection and the light suddenly changes, there is no choice but to add a little acceleration and move on through the exchange; but this was not the case. The light was yellow and I had time to stop, but I chose to go instead. The light turned red while I was making the turn, and as soon as I did it, the Holy Spirit jabbed me in the gut. I knew I should have waited. However, I also knew that if I had applied the brake at that particular moment, the person driving in the car behind me, who was obviously in a bigger hurry than I was, would have probably rear-ended me right then and there. Is this a good excuse to run a yellow light? How would this defense hold up before a judge in traffic court? “Your honor, if it pleases the court, I offer this evidence as my "soul" defense: the brother behind me made me do it! Please check your video camera recording and you will see that my decision to run the yellow light was solely based upon the automobile that was riding my tail and pushing me through the intersection. Your honor, with all due respect, he is the one that deserves the punishment - not me.”

How many times do we run the cautionary yellow lights of life, forgetting that the slow down plan is often best? Our youngest grandson Andrew is almost two years old and every bit of it. He is one busy boy! Of our five grandchildren, I think Andrew shows the least amount of fear. This is a scary age, when wee ones love to climb and jump and explore the unknown, without any cognitive recognition of imminent danger. I’ve seen that child climb up furniture quicker than I can say “No, Andrew” and take a running leap, laughing hysterically as gravity quickly pulls him back down to earth. Saturday night, I could see that Andrew was wearing down. When Grandmothers get tired, they lie down and rest. When two year old boys get tired, they begin to go a whole lot faster, for fear of having to actually lie down and rest. Three times this child decided to take a running leap off the living room sofa; and three times I told him to stop. The third time was the kicker. I immediately put Andrew in time out and you would have thought the world stopped spinning. Andrew cried and wailed as big old crocodile tears rolled down his flushed face. After he expressed his sincere dislike of Granny Deb’s slow down plan, he calmed himself, and was well behaved the rest of the evening. It’s amazing what a little time out can do to right an upside down world.

Jesus wasn’t kidding when he told His disciples to wait for it. He gave them a monumental task; to go and share His message of salvation with the entire world! The adversity they would face and the judgments and punishments of others would follow them wherever they went. Many would believe and just as many would not. His beloved would face serious consequences for their actions, and it would cost them their lives. Jesus knew without the help and power of the Holy Spirit to lead and guide them, they would become like a tired two year old, tired and rambunctious, running from here to there with no real sense of purpose or call. They would not heed the cautions that come with ever-present danger, and would surely fall along the way. Jesus wanted them to have the tools they needed to effectively take the message around the world.

About an hour later, I drove back through that intersection, much slower than before. I saw two ambulances and a fire truck flashing lights in the roadway. I saw the crumpled vehicles in the street. It appeared that someone tried to run a yellow light and collided with an oncoming car who was also in a hurry to go. Are we willing to risk the lives of others because we’re too busy to stop and wait?

Just like a yellow light cautions us to slow down, Jesus tells us not to launch out into the deep without His powerful Holy Spirit directing our lives. We must not try to go it alone. Ask Jesus to pour out His Holy Spirit upon your life today. Then wait for it! You will know when to go in Jesus’ name! 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. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

The next forty days

Today’s Reading: Acts 1:3 (NIV)

3 After [Jesus] suffering, He showed Himself to these men and gave many convincing proofs that He was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the Kingdom of God.

Good morning!

A lot can happen in forty days. Our five-year old granddaughter Emily participated in her very first Gymnastics program this past weekend. She began classes just a few months ago, and within a matter of two months, moved up from the beginning class into the intermediate program. Even I was surprised at the new skill sets she acquired in the last six weeks. Emily has always been quite the tumble bee, preferring to hang upside down while watching television or playing on the swing set in their back yard. She has a great sense of balance and a strong upper body, which is why I’m sure she did well on the uneven parallel bars and was able to complete her balance beam routine with only a minor wobble. My favorite moment was watching Emily run as fast as she could toward the pommel horse. She jumped high and stuck her landing, throwing her arms up in the air while waving to the cheering crowd. It was an amazing thing to see. Baby brother Andrew had passed out in my arms, completely oblivious to the activities happening around him. Older brother Joshua sat by my side and cheered his little sister on. At the end of the program, Emily got to carry the team banner, leading her group to the awards ceremony. The smiles on the faces of her team mates pretty much told the rest of the story. This is the time to celebrate!

Parents know that for every success, there will be just as many failures. Our Emily will wear the bumps and bruises of her ongoing gymnastics training, as she continues to learn. We can anticipate future sprained ankles, broken bones, and many other physical injuries that she will fight to recover from. Sometimes, the worst sporting injuries scar our emotions, if we fail to accomplish what we’ve trained to do. If you’ve ever seen an Olympian fall at the world games, then you have some sense of the devastation athletes feel. Human compassion surfaces when we sense the pain of others. Awards should be given to each and every person who tries and fails, as opposed to the ones who are so afraid of failing they do not try at all.

Jesus completed yet another forty days of spiritual training with His beloved. After His death and resurrection, Jesus continued to appear and teach the disciples about the Kingdom of God. There was no doubt that Christ had succeeded in the life’s mission; taking upon Himself the sins of humanity in exchange for new and everlasting life in Him. For those who did not yet know Him, Jesus' life work may have seemed to be a dismal failure. Many wondered why the man who could heal so many and raise people from the dead could not save Himself from the cruel cross. They could not see that He had conquered death once and for all. Yet, the disciples who saw Him high and lifted up, who placed their fingers in his wounds and held their hands in His side, knew the whole Truth. Jesus Christ is the real deal! And the smiles on their faces pretty much told the rest of the story. This is the time to celebrate new life!

A lot can happen in forty days. Disbelief melts at the foot of the cross. Ordinary human hearts are transformed into Christ followers. Belief gives rise to courage as fearless ones share His message of salvation around the world. Facing guaranteed physical punishment and cruel emotional suffering, Jesus' physical presence in the world was more than enough hope to sustain the faithful as they began taking His Word out into the streets. The only reward they long to receive is the crown of life from the One who died to set them free - the same crown they will lay down at His feet in heaven.

Where will your heart be in forty short days? Will you place your faith in Jesus Christ? Will He take the mustard-seed faith that has been planted in you and grow it exponentially for Kingdom work? Will the fear of following Him melt into strength and courage that you cannot explain away? Are you willing to run full force into the arms of your Savior, knowing He will be there to catch you, even if you fall?

The next forty days could entirely change the direction of your life.

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. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.