The greatest name of all

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:18-20 (NIV)

18 Then [the Sanhedrin] called [Peter and John] in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to obey you rather than God. 20 For we cannot help speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Good morning!

While attending a Faith Sharing© class at my church just a few short weeks ago, we talked about how we just can’t help ourselves when it comes to telling others about the love of Jesus Christ. Do you remember what it was like when you first invited Jesus into your heart?

I do not remember a time when Jesus was not there for me. I have always loved to sing, and when I was a little girl, my favorite part of the week was the Sunday school sing along at church. All of the children would gather in the fellowship hall and sit near the feet of our pianist. If I got close enough to the piano, I could feel the notes vibrate as our musician played the beautiful accompaniment. I loved watching her feet, as she pumped the piano pedals. I learned many songs about Jesus, as I sat at her feet and sang. One day in heaven, I intend to thank that wonderful musician for leading me to Christ. I may not recognize her face, but I would know her feet anywhere! They are forever beautiful to me. After church, I would run outside to our swing set and sail through the air on my glider, singing every Sunday school song I had learned that morning. I know my neighbors could hear me singing through their open windows, as the words of the songs floated through the breeze. I was sharing the love of Christ as I sang my joyful songs and I didn’t even realize it! I just couldn’t help myself.

I grew up in a culture when families went to church faithfully. Not only did we know our where our neighbors worshipped, but we knew the days and times of their worship services! There were several families on our block who attended the Catholic parish just down the road from our house. Our next door neighbor attended a Disciples of Christ church just a few blocks from our United Methodist church. There were many Sunday mornings when we would follow each other down the road as we traveled to our respective sanctuaries. On Sunday afternoon, my sister and I would go outside to play and we would sing Sunday school songs to our friends, retelling the stories of Jesus that we had shared that morning in circle. They would tell us about the art work they made during craft time during class. We loved re-enacting the preacher’s sermon with our own personal spin, of course! We would try to imitate our pastors’ voice inflection, as we recited the Scripture verses that he read out loud. We asked each other questions and tried to understand the deeper meaning of what we had learned. There is just something very special about being able to share our faith with our neighbors and friends.

How well do you know the neighbors in your subdivision today? Do you know something of their beliefs? Do they worship anywhere? Have you invited them to come and worship Jesus Christ with you?

Peter and John knew they could not obey the Sanhedrin’s order. They couldn’t wait to tell the world about their risen Savior, who is alive and working in the hearts of all who call on His name! In Jesus’ name, people were finding real joy, for the very first time in their lives. They knew what it meant to be truly loved and forgiven for all the wrongs they had committed against the Father and each other. Their bodies were becoming whole and healthy; their souls strong and encouraged in the faith. Who could keep the love of Jesus and His salvation story a secret? Who would want to? There is life-changing power in the name of Jesus. His name is the greatest name of all.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.

The truth is in His name

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:17 (NIV)

17 But to stop this thing from spreading any further among the people, we must warn these men to speak no longer to anyone in this name.

Good morning!

We used to play the telephone game at Vacation Bible School. Do you remember playing it? The children would all sit in a circle. The leader would start by whispering a short phrase into the ear of the child on their right. That child would then whisper the phrase to the next person, and continuing on until everyone had a chance to hear and convey the secret message. The leader would then announce the message as she originally said it, and the last child who received the message would speak the words she heard whispered in her ear. Do you think the messages matched? This game was used to teach a point about how we listen, filter and convey information to others. Have you ever tried to share a little truth but just didn’t seem to get it right?

This happens quite often on the worldwide web. I will receive a chain email, conveying what the sender believes to be a piece of important public information. It may pertain to some health issue or an important safety measure. Unfortunately, the message may be from a dishonest person trying to make a fast buck with a phishing scam. Not long after that first message is received, I often see a retraction with a personal apology from its sender, stating that the information forwarded was inaccurate. Has this ever happened to you?

The name of Jesus had become a household word among the Jews in Jerusalem. If you lived the city, you knew about the man who had spent the last three years of his life traveling from village to village, healing the sick, casting out demons, and raising the dead to life. The Romans tried to stop all the Jesus gossip by killing him. They thought if they just eliminated the source, eventually all the gossip would cease and folks would lose interest in His name. The Sanhedrin didn’t know what to make of the new “Jesus” development. All of sudden, people like Peter and John were speaking the name of Jesus and crippled men were up walking around! There is wonder-working power in the name of Jesus! The Sanhedrin presumed the only way they could stop this new Jesus phenomenon was to forbid people from speaking His name out loud.

When we say Jesus’ name, we speak the Truth. He is the way, the truth and the life, and no one comes to the Father except through Jesus. We somehow think our culture has evolved and changed from past generations. We look at these words written over two thousand years ago and wonder how they could possibly apply to our lives today. Take a closer look! Diversity teaches there are many ways to find God. If we speak Christ’s name, we are no longer respecting others’ belief systems, and we wouldn’t want to offend our neighbors. We are admonished not to speak the name of Jesus in our public schools or even in the workplace. And yet, His name is the only name that bears truth. People are saved and healed every day in Jesus’ name! We must learn not to hesitate to speak His name out loud, because Jesus Christ is the Lord of all.

What will you choose to do with the name of Jesus 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.

Just one more step of faith

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:15-16 (NIV)

15 So they ordered [Peter and John] to withdraw from the Sanhedrin and they conferred together. 16 “What are we going to do with these men?” they asked. “Everybody living in Jerusalem knows they have done an outstanding miracle, and we cannot deny it.

Good morning!

There is no denying a faith miracle when it happens to you. I have asked for and received special permission to share my friend’s story, so that you might find encouragement and hope in the midst of suffering and loss.

Harold made a split second decision while riding a lawn mower along his property line Friday morning. He was mowing a familiar strip of land along the slope of a dam he had installed a few years ago. When the mower began to tip, Harold jumped off in the opposite direction, hoping it would somehow miss dragging him down the hill. The loss of sudden weight caused the tractor right itself, and when the mower landed, the blades caught Harold’s feet. In desperate need for immediate help, Harold began to cry out loud Jesus’ name. He doesn’t remember how he was manged to get back on the mower, or how he drove it several hundred yards to the front driveway of his home. When Harold reached the garage door, he stood up on what was left of his shredded flesh, while crying, “Please, Lord, help me take just one more step.” He punched in the correct keypad number and waited for the garage door to open. Harold crawled through the back door, into mud room, up a few steps and into the kitchen, where he pulled the telephone off the counter and onto the floor. He dialed 911 before passing out. A few seconds later, the dispatcher at the other end of the line was able to get his attention and talked with him, assuring Harold that help was on the way. He was air lifted to a nearby hospital where Harold is now receiving around-the-clock care.

The Sanhedrin did not dispute that a miraculous event had obviously occurred in the life of the crippled man. They, along with the rest of Jerusalem, were witnesses to his amazing healing at the temple gate. Still, the chief priests and elders refused to believe in the wonder-working power of Jesus’ name. My friend Harold can tell you all about what happens when you employ the power of Jesus’ name. What physical proof would you need to convince you to take just one more step of faith and trust Jesus to save you today?

We never quite know where our life’s journey will lead. Sometimes we end up in the places we would rather not be. My friend has a long recovery ahead. Yet, Harold’s faith in Jesus Christ is more than enough to see him through. Of this, I have absolutely no doubt. Please continue to pray for my friend Harold and his family, during this time of physical suffering and loss.

When we walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Jesus Christ is there. You may not be sleeping tonight, because you are grieving the loss of a loved one, or you are struggling with physical or emotional pain. You may be longing for a supernatural healing, a miracle to restore your loss of physical mobility. You may be struggling tonight with the heartbreak and pain caused by a failed marriage. Maybe you are missing your child, who is fighting a war half way around the world just to keep our country free and safe. My prayer for you is that you will know, without a doubt, that you are not alone. Jesus Christ feels your pain. He loves you so much and wants you to trust Him completely. If you will ask Him into your heart right now, He will run to you and you will sense His amazing strength. He will become your sure foundation and help in time of need. Cry out to Him today; ask Jesus Christ to be the Lord of your life. He will help you take the next step of faith.

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.

Speechless!

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:14 (NIV)

14 But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say.

Good morning!

Nine years ago today, when I held my first grandchild, Jett James, in my arms, there were simply no words to describe what I felt inside. He was pink skinned and flushed from his very first bath, tipping the scales at eight pounds two ounces and twenty-one inches long. That boy had the longest fingers and toes I have ever seen on such a wee one. When the Father dazzles us with His amazing, miraculous love, we become speechless in His presence!

One year ago today, my friend Meredith exhaled her last breath on earth and the very first breath of new life with the Lord. How do we gracefully let go of the precious ones God has placed in our path for a season? There were no words to describe the utter grief I felt in losing a friend so dear, and yet, I knew where she was, and one day, I will join her there, praising the Lord together inside the heavenly gates. There are simply no words to convey what that amazing moment will be like, the day when my faith becomes sight.

I was absolutely ecstatic this week, after having my second eye examination following lasik surgery. I am now seeing 20/15 in both eyes, for the first time without the assistance of corrective lenses. It has only been a few short months since I had this procedure; what a miraculous gift it is to be able to see clearly! When I awake every morning, the first thing I see is the alarm clock perched atop our night stand. I can read the numbers clearly now, without having to squint or grab a pair of eye glasses to double check the time.

The Sanhedrin was having a tough time understanding what actually had happened in the courtyard that day. Peter and John were standing there, next to the man who had been instantaneously healed. They spoke about the risen Christ, who continues to heal people even today! There was absolutely nothing they could say to dispute it. Isn’t it funny how the Truth tends to reveal itself as we realize just how far Jesus had to reach just to grab our hearts, heal and redeem. There are no human words to express our gratitude and love for Him!

Do not miss out on your miracle today! Allow the Lord Jesus Christ to leave you speechless, as you kneel in the presence of His awesome wonder and power. It is only in the experiences of birth, rebirth, and the gift of a brand new life that we begin to perceive His saving power. What more can I say?

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.

Taking note

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:13 (NIV)

13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.

Good morning!

I was frightened the first time I was asked to teach a Sunday school class. Because my husband was a history major in college and a seminary graduate, I compared his vast Bible knowledge and gifts in public speaking to my high school diploma. I wondered whether I might have something of value to offer new Christians who were coming to learn. I hesitated to accept the invitation. There was an urgent need to find a teacher willing to lead. My comfort level was in teaching children, since I spent time with my own children, sharing Bible stories and singing praises together. This new adult class was intended to offer new members and prospective folks an opportunity for fellowship and to dig deep into the Word on a weekly basis. Was I the right person to lead this class?

I decided if I were going to facilitate an adult Bible study, I needed to take note of some of the teachers in my life. I paid especially close attention to other adult Sunday school teachers. Many of them had been teaching forever. I thought about Miss Myrtie, and her spiritual gift mix. She must have started leading adult Sunday school as a young woman. The folks in her class were faithful fans of the Word and their teacher, and they never missed a Sunday. When I get to heaven, I plan to find Miss Myrtie and thank her for serving the Lord with her life!

I learned about prayer by observing Miss Vista, as she interceded daily for the needs of others. Now here was a woman who was called to a life of prayer. When she would walk into church, her face would reflect His heavenly glow; it is a peace that comes from having a deep and abiding relationship with Jesus. She was a tiny little thing, frail in stature; yet, very strong in spirit. When she prayed those power packed prayers in UMW circle meetings, the floor would shake underneath our feet. In the still quiet of a sleepless night, I knew exactly where Miss Vista was - on her knees praying for me.

I realized that the many teachers placed in my life all shared one similar gift. It happens when we choose to make Jesus our first priority. He alone has the power to take a willing heart and fill it up with His purpose. We hear Him speaking as we study the Word, receiving His wisdom and holy instruction through prayer. Christ Are you willing to listen and obey His Word today? We have been given the Holy Spirit power to equip us in aceepting the invitation to serve in teaching, preaching and praying ministries. Following His lead will help us lead others. changes us from the inside out.

Peter and John were uneducated, ordinary men. Jesus saw something extraordinary in them, when He said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” When we choose to follow the risen Christ, our lives are going to change!

I love to hear the testimonies of ordinary men and women who walk with Jesus every day. This is one reason I enjoy participating in Lay Speaking Ministries offered through the United Methodist Church. Every time I attend a weekend course of study, I get to hear life-changing stories and experience the risen Christ through others. Lay Speaking Ministries is not just for folks who feel called to preach. This course curriculum trains people to share their faith gifts in many ways. If you have never attended a Lay Speaking class before, I would strongly encourage you to enroll for the next class offered in your area. You can learn more about opportunities offered through Lay Speaking Ministries of the United Methodist Church by asking your pastor, and checking out this website: www.layspeakingministries.org.

Have you taken note of the leaders Christ has placed in your life? He is looking for ordinary people to reach out and share His Gospel message with the world. Do not be afraid to take this first step of faith. Christ will send His Holy Spirit help to give you whatever you need to share your gifts with the people in your life. Now get out there and make a difference for His kingdom 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.

The capstone

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:11-12 (NIV)

[Peter said,] 11 “He is the stone you builders rejected, which has become the capstone. 12 Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to me by which we must be saved.”

Good morning!

There was no cool breeze under the hot summer sun, the day we sifted sand for the mortar used to erect a 12’x14’ concrete block home for the Jose Cortez family in Rio Bravo, Mexico. Christian volunteers and from Salem, Cherryville and Edgar Springs, Missouri, offered a helping hand and came to share the Gospel of Christ through hard work and open hearts with the people who lived in this neighborhood. The living environment and community culture was vastly different from anything I had ever experienced. Many of the families lived day to day in extreme poverty, struggling to have life’s essentials. Their housing consisted of makeshift walls of cardboard and blankets, tin roofs, and dirt floors. Small homes were going up all over the place, being built by Volunteer in Missions teams from around the world. Their hope was to provide much-needed shelter for the families who lived there.

It has been ten years since I visited Rio Bravo. The photographs and journal entries I kept throughout the trip bring back vivid memories. I did not speak fluent Spanish, and was grateful for two of our volunteers, Angel and Holly, who helped bridge the language barrier. We led a Vacation Bible School for the children. I will never forget their bright, smiling faces. The mothers stayed with their children and helped design t-shirts, using puff paints and dye. The wee ones loved to sing and dance, and we played “Hokey Pokey” more times that week than I had played my entire life.

It was a holy moment when the roof was raised over the Cortez home. Our work was complete and it was now time to leave. The family and all of the volunteers gathered inside the home to seal its foundation in prayer. Pastor Don prayed that this family would be kept forever safe in the power and presence of Jesus Christ, our risen Lord. As he spoke, his words were being translated into Spanish, so that the family could hear and participate in the blessing of their home. Every time Pastor Don spoke the name of Jesus Christ out loud, I remember a cool breeze flowing in and out of the two open windows and doorway. There was no doubt in my mind from where the wind was coming. It is the cool breath of the Holy Spirit, responding to the name of Jesus, as it pours out new hope, new life. Even ten years later, when I close my eyes and remember, I can still taste His breath of fresh air.

The spiritual capstone of the Cortez home was firmly placed in the name of Jesus. It is in His name alone that we receive everlasting life. Jesus Christ is the only One who saves. No matter where you live, you can have that same holy capstone in your home today. Offer your living space up to the Lord Jesus Christ right now. Give Him your whole heart. Invite Jesus to come in and be Lord and the head of household. I can feel His cool breeze coming. Can you?

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.

Missing in action

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:8-10 (NIV)

8 The Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! 9 If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a cripple and are asked how he was healed, 10 then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.”

Good morning!

Have you ever, in a moment of sheer ignorance, lost something so precious and valuable, and didn’t even realize it was gone? I had the unfortunate experience of leaving my husband’s laptop yesterday near the coffee bar where I spent time in prayer and devotion before going to breakfast. It was the last place I remember seeing it. I had packed my automobile early with the intent of helping others get their luggage loaded. The last thing I did before I left the dorm where I was staying was to take some time to study, pray and write. This is the second time in less than one month when I’ve managed to lose school work. Inside the computer bag was our laptop and thumb drive. All the work I’ve completed for two classes is missing in action.

So here I sit, in a state of unbelievable shock and embarrassment, trying to figure out where my brain disconnected from the rest of my body when I literally left a very expensive and valuable piece of equipment behind. I cannot figure out how I could do such a thing! I must have really needed a cup of coffee yesterday. I was way too busy thinking about everything I was learning at the School of Lay Ministry to go over and fix a cup of coffee. Talk about being on fire – I think my brain must have burned to a crisp during this event.

I didn’t even realize the computer was gone until I unpacked the car after I returned home. I was so upset about the loss, that I was having difficulty telling Jeff about all the incredible things that I had heard and learned there. I was fully focused on that missing computer. How could I have left it there?

Peter and John boldly stood before their accusers, answering the question of the hour. By what power or what name did you heal this man? Peter didn’t even hesitate to tell them what they had seemingly missed out of sheer ignorance. Jesus Christ, the one you left hanging on a cross to die, has risen from the dead. He is the great healer! It is only by Jesus’ name that this man can now walk. You left Him hanging out there on a limb to die; now He has the power and authority to absolutely change your life from the inside out. What were you thinking?

In my life, I have seen the Lord heal things that could not have been healed any other way. He forgives the unforgivable, comforts the grieving ones, feeds the hungry, and fixes what should have been forever broken. If Jesus Christ can do all these things, then I know He can help me recover what I have lost. So I knelt down and began praying fervently for the recovery of my husband’s laptop. I think the word “stupidity” cropped up in my prayer several times, as I blurted out my confession and plea for heavenly intervention. As I was praying out loud, I heard the unmistakable voice of God speak to my heart. “Daughter, you worry so much about the “things” in your life. What about the people I have placed in your path - do you worry about them?”

Jesus Christ, son of God, stood among us in the flesh. He lived with us, taught us, and we walked away from Him, not even realizing what we had done. He died to save us, and we still have a hard time comprehending this gift of grace. He commanded that we get out there and share His saving love with all people, everywhere. I went to the desk by the refrigerator in our kitchen and pulled out our church’s membership books, and began looking at the names and faces of all who have worshipped at Faith Church in the last ten years. Some folks have passed on to glory, others have moved away. Yet, there are a significant group of people who have left our congregation; they slipped out the back door seemingly unnoticed, and I didn’t even realize they were gone. How in the world could I have not missed them?

Losing a computer out of sheer stupidity is traumatic. Losing a life and not even realizing it is just not acceptable. Father, help me seek out and reconnect with the people that you placed in my path, who have seemingly disappeared into thin air. Forgive me for being so totally focused on my own stuff that I have missed seeing what you see, as you watch the ones you love walk through the front doors of our churches and slip out the back way totally unnoticed. In Jesus’ name, I pray, 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.

Ministry in motion

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:5-7 (NKJV)

5 And it came to pass, on the next day, that their rulers, elders, and scribes, 6 as well as Annas the high priest, Caiaphas, John and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, "By what power or by what name have you done this?"

Good morning!

I looked around the room yesterday and listened to the table discussions happening during the afternoon workshop at the Missouri Area School of Lay Ministries. There were holy sparks flying everywhere! I wish you could have heard some of the discussions being birthed around these tables. So many wonderful ministry ideas emerged as the laity brainstormed together on how to reach people who have not yet met the risen Lord.

Folks were up really early this morning, continuing the discussions around the coffeepot. Right now, as I'm writing, I can hear one discussion about servant evangelism, another about lighting a holy fire under the congregational pews. Someone is telling a story about a recent mission trip they took with their church, and the spiritual impact that experience had on them.

I love hearing their stories. That is one of the reasons I enjoy the School of Lay Ministries. I get to experience ministry in motion through the words and hearts of fellow laity around the state. It draws us deeper into connection, as we serve Christ in our local churches. How beautiful are the feet of those who serve Him!

Nothing happens by coincidence. I was sitting at the table with a woman who attends Liberty United Methodist Church near Kansas City. I did not know her personally, but I knew of her congregation. For the last two years, their cancer prayer team has been sending cards filled with personal, handwritten prayers and words of encouragement for my children. They have been faithful in remembering them daily in prayer. I had the opportunity to thank her for their faithfulness and perservering prayer. When I looked into this woman's face, I felt a deep sense of gratitude for her ongoing intercessory prayer ministry.

There are so many integral ways we can serve the Lord together and reach out to people in Jesus' name. There were no strangers in this room. We are all family, wrapped together in the blanket warmth of His sweet Holy Spirit.

Peter and John knew from whence their power came. Their accusers could not understand it. They were bound, but not held by the physical shackles they wore on their hands and feet. They were yoked in the power and presence of the Holy Spirit, who equips all who love the Lord Jesus Christ, to accomplish His great work in the world. Sometimes, we feel shackled by the circumstances or demographics of our local churches; we get stuck in a rut of status-quo, wondering how to break out and reach out beyond our walls. We want to share the Gospel with the people God has placed in our path. Yet, the body of Christ, our community of faith, becomes an unbroken cord, stretching hands and hearts toward heaven. We find that our reach is truly limitless, every obstacle can be conquered, when we are filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. The family of God is amazing thing. The School of Lay Ministry is quite an experience. You should come with me next time! There is a place at the table for you.

Just like Peter and John, we are better together, bound in Christ's love and filled with His Spirit of hope! May you sense the urgency we feel in our hearts today. There are people in our communities who have not yet met our risen Lord. They are searching for something more in life. We have Christ's love and salvation message to offer them. What are we waiting for?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

Holy heartburn

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:4 (NKJV)

4 However, many of those who heard the Word believed; and the number of men came to be about five thousand.

Good morning!

Would you be willing to risk your own life to see 5,000 people in your community come to a saving faith and personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ? This was the hot topic of conversation last night during the opening session of the 2009 School of Lay Ministry. I am here with 120 of my United Methodist friends from around the State of Missouri, who are working through their local churches to reach people in their communities with the Gospel. There is a new great awakening being birthed around the world and we can see it growing right here in the Show Me State. Can you sense a new move of the Holy Spirit in the places where you live?

Peter and John knew before they entered the temple gates they would be risking their lives to share the Good News here. This crowd would be a difficult group to convince. Many of the men gathered were the same people that condemned Christ to death in the temple courtyard just weeks before. They did not know who Jesus really was. Peter and John’s determination to reach these folks far outweighed their fear for personal safety. They boldly proclaimed Christ’s message, filled with the power of the Holy Spirit, and that same Spirit gave them comfort as they waited their fate all night long in a dark Jerusalem prison cell.

While Peter and John sat in seclusion, conversions were occurring minute by minute. Folks who heard their life-saving message ran to tell others, while the Holy Spirit was moving people to give their hearts completely to Christ! Lives were being changed, almost instantaneously – a new great awakening was occurring all over the city!

Sitting in the upper room last night during the keynote presentation, I was having an attack of holy heartburn. I didn’t need an antacid to quench this fire; in fact, I wanted more of it! I looked around the room and saw Holy Spirit sparks erupting everywhere. There was a clear sense of hunger and direction being birthed. Folks were getting charged up with new ideas, new ways to reach their communities with the Gospel. The question is this: how much of ourselves are we willing to give to see this happen in our cities, states, and countries around the world?

Peter and John didn’t have internet access in the prison cell that night. They had no Blackberries® or I-Phones® to text message their friends on the outside. All they had to go on was the power of Christ’s Holy Spirit encouraging and supporting them while they waited. It was more than enough. Somehow, they knew they were doing exactly what Christ had commissioned them to do. There was no turning back.

Are you willing to trust the Holy Spirit power to lead you out into the community where you live? Wherever there are people breathing, there is a message to be proclaimed. We have a job to do right here, right now. Is Jesus calling you to be like Peter and John today?

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

www.songofdeborah.com

The hand on your shoulder

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:3 (NIV)

3 They seized Peter and John, and because it was evening, they put them in jail until the next day.

Good morning!

It was torture for our young son Benjamin to sit still and be quiet in church. He was a very busy boy, always on the go in perpetual motion. As his father would begin to preach the Sunday morning sermon, Ben would lean forward and ask me for a back rub. He seemed to calm considerably as long as my hand rested upon his shoulder.

We had just celebrated Benjamin and Jett’s birthdays at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants. After dinner, we returned to the parsonage to watch one of Madison’s favorite movies and relax. I was giving Benjamin a shoulder rub, when two-year-old Maddie decided to help. I smiled at her and said, “Madison, this is my boy,” pointing at Benjamin sprawled out on the family room floor. She placed her tiny hands on Ben’s shoulder, shook her head and said, “No Grandma, this is my boy – this is my Daddy boy!” I realized that this time-honored tradition had been successfully passed from mother to son to granddaughter. It is a true generational blessing to know that the hands of your loved ones are always resting upon your shoulder.

Peter and John must have been afraid that night, when they were seized by the Roman guards and thrown into prison. It is hard to sit still under the power of the Holy Spirit as it fills you up with God’s Holy Word. Even in times of supernatural courage and faith, these men knew the physical harm they would suffer for Jesus. Not knowing whether they would live to see another day or die that night, would have been a frightening experience for any one of us. Yet, both of these men experienced God’s holy hand on their shoulder. Jesus was right there with them in the dark night. Because they could feel His nail-scarred hands on their back, their faith remained firm, as courage overshadowed fear.

I don’t know what your day may bring, but I do know that you do not have to face the day alone. Jesus Christ reaches out through the generations, holding us firm with nail-scarred hands. He bled, died and rose again just to free you and me from the things that keep our lives in perpetual commotion. His reassuring hand upon your shoulder is the only strength you need to meet whatever you are facing right now. You can relax, for the hand of the living God is resting upon you.

Father, may we feel your Holy hand upon our shoulders today. Help us know beyond a shadow of a doubt that You are with us always. Never let us go, in Jesus’ name, I pray, 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.

Life song

Today’s Reading: Acts 4:1-2 (NIV)

1 The priests and the captain of the temple guard and the Sadducees came up to Peter and John while they were speaking to the people. 2 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.

Good morning!

I first learned about politics and religion at home. Our father put his foot down about discussing either topic, unless of course, he had something in particular that he wanted to share. Daddy was the only one allowed to express his point of view and it was expected that we would all completely agree with him. Our mother made it clear that we were to show respect for our father’s opinions by not challenging him. This basically meant we were not allowed to ask questions or comment, or even hint that we may feel differently. She felt it was better to keep the peace within our family inasmuch as possible. Are you the peacemaker or the pot stirrer in your house? I find it intriguing that even after two thousand years, not much has changed culturally when it comes to working through our religious and political differences of opinion. We do not have to look far to see the distinct correlations between the early church and our cultural worldview today. Flip on any news television channel or open a breaking news website online, and watch the religious and political wars raging on and on in high definition.

The Sadducees and Chief Priests were furious with Peter and John, stirring up the crowds with what they believed to be pure blasphemy. They thought the problem with Jesus had been resolved when he was put to death by the Roman soldiers just outside the city gates. Rumors that Jesus resurrected from the grave continued to spread around town. His body had, after all, disappeared from the tomb on the third day after his execution. The Roman government wanted nothing more than to see this new spiritual fire quenched immediately. The body of new Christian believers continued to grow in exponential numbers. They insisted that Jesus Christ is God’s only Son, and He proved it when He physically rose from the dead. The Sadducees knew if they could not stop this religious frenzy, they stood to lose their religious traditions and beliefs, along with all the financial support received from a corrupt Roman government. It is no wonder they pursued Christ’s new disciples with a vengeance.

At home, in school and at work, we are taught to respect diversity, treading lightly on each others’ points of view; often, we keep silent in an effort to maintain some semblance of peace. Peter and John saw something far greater than maintaining the status quo inside the temple gates. Because they knew that Jesus had been given all authority in heaven and on earth by the Father, they were compelled to follow His great commission and go, make disciples of all the nations. For them, this started at home. They longed for all people, and most importantly, their Jewish brothers living in Jerusalem, to come into a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. They were completely convinced by Jesus’ teaching and in the power of the Holy Spirit, that Jesus is the only way to the Father, and because of this Truth, Peter and John refused to remain silent.

If you had the key to heaven in your hand, would you choose to hide it away in your back pocket just to keep peace with others who may believe differently? Would you withhold the love of Christ from your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers? We must learn how to share our faith without attacking one another, by simply by sharing what Jesus Christ has done in our own lives, allowing the Holy Spirit power to do the rest.

Because of the way in which I was raised, it has been an ongoing and personal struggle for me to learn how to effectively share Christ with the ones who do not yet know Him. I have found that the best way for me to express my personal faith is to simply share what Jesus Christ has done for me. I know that without His grace and forgiveness, I would be forever separated from the Father. I cannot imagine living this life without His love to guide and direct me. I would not want anyone else to miss out on the One relationship that has truly become my life song.

If you are seeking Truth today in the midst of a political and religious tug of war, pray for Jesus to reveal Himself to you. Read His words; learn about His life song. I believe that you will find everything you have been looking for in Christ alone.

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.

Holy reprimand

Today’s Reading: Acts 3:26 (NIV)

26 “When God raised up his servant, He sent him first to you to bless you by turning each of you from your wicked ways."

Good morning!

There are times when I find it hard to accept a holy reprimand. When I was a little girl, my parents would correct me if I said something I shouldn’t, or behaved badly with my sibling. There was always an excuse, some reason why I acted the way I did. I would jump right in with my loose lips and floppy tongue and try to defend my wrong actions, refusing to listen to the important points being made. At the time, I didn’t really feel very blessed by my parents’ persistent instruction. It took three children of my own and many years for me to begin to fully understand and appreciate my parents’ point of view.

Many companies train their supervisors in mentoring skills, to help their teams grow, learning to work together to achieve a common goal. You don’t have to look far on library shelves or in the bookstores to find training manuals that help teach people “how to” be more disciplined in their personal lives, get more out of each day, and find blueprints designed to teach goal setting and achievement skills. Some supervisors are born visionary leaders; they lead by serving and setting life examples that others will be drawn to and follow. Especially when servant leadership doesn’t seem to come naturally, there are certain principles and skill sets that can be acquired if one sincerely desires to serve the Lord and be used for kingdom work.

Peter was probably the least likely to be voted “Servant Leader of the Year” by his co-disciples. They knew him far too well. Now here was a man who had a temper! He was loose lipped, not hesitating to say whatever he was thinking without hesitation. Peter had very little patience with others. When he would get really angry, I imagine his physical features would change as his skin became fire engine red, especially along the neckline and his ears. He had a hard time being corrected by someone else, and struggled through many of his own life’s blunders in a stew. When Jesus changed Peter’s heart from the inside out, many of his nasty habits began to disappear. He wasn’t quite as quick to spout off, being much more attentive and willing to listen to the instructions being given. His patience level with others grew as he learned how to convey Christ-like love in action. When Peter fully surrendered his life under the authority of Jesus Christ and became a student of His love, the Father was able to use Peter to bless others by helping them see the errors of their way.

I look at Peter’s spiritual transformation and realize that if God can change his life, there is surely hope for me! Father, in the name of your Son, Jesus Christ; melt my hardened heart today. Help me see the error of my ways. Redirect my thoughts to conform to your plan for my life. Teach me how to surrender my stubborn will and self-righteous attitude, and mold me into the kind of person you would have me be. Help me learn from the servant leaders you have placed in my life. Teach me to fully obey Your Word, Lord, not just with lip service but in action. I willingly choose to turn today from the things that are offensive and grieve your heart. Father, forgive me. Help me experience the blessing in your holy reprimand. Amen.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

___________________________

© Copyright 2009, Deb Spaulding

All rights reserved

Articles may not be printed in any “for profit” publication without further permission by the author. Articles may be freely distributed via e-mail, reprinted in church bulletins or in other non-profit publications without further permission. Please keep this copyright and Web Site information intact with copied articles.

The blessing of the generations

Today’s Reading: Acts 3:25 (NIV)

25 “And you are heirs of the prophets and of the covenant God made with your fathers. He said to Abraham, ‘Through your offspring all peoples on earth will be blessed.’”

Good morning!

I remember the hot summer nights, sitting in the dark nursery at 2am, rocking and feeding my newborn daughter Rachel, and praying she would fall asleep soon. Most often when I would go to the crib to feed her, she would be drenched in a pool of sweat, her long hair sticking to the nape of her neck. I didn’t want her to catch a summer cold; and yet, I had such a hard time keeping her room cool enough for Rachel to sleep comfortably and soundly straight through the night. Quite often, I would feed and diaper her, and lay her in the crib uncovered. Because we lived in the country, many of the varmints outside our walls looked for cool places to hibernate in the heat of day. We had a bumper crop of scorpions that summer. We kept a prescription in our medicine chest, just in case one of us got stung. For babies, a scorpion sting can be lethal, and we knew how important it was to protect Rachel. We found that the scorpions would most often enter our home through open doors, electrical outlets and through our wood burning fireplace. Once we covered the fireplace opening and plugged all of the unused outlets, it cut the number of scorpion sightings inside the walls by about half. Sometimes at night, I would find a scorpion climbing up the side of the crib, headed straight for the mattress where Rachel lay. I kept a hard sole shoe next to Rachel’s bed where I quickly eliminated the unwanted visitors with one sound swat.

When I would finish nursing and rocking the baby, I would lay my Rachel down on the mattress and sing quietly to her, as she drifted back to sleep. While my hand was on her back, I would pray for my offspring, asking the Father to watch over and protect her as she slept. I prayed for her life, her future, the man she would one day wed, and the children she would bear. I prayed over her children and their children, knowing in my heart that through her offspring, our lives would be blessed, just as the Father promised. Rachel never got stung by the scorpions hanging around our Texas parsonage. I believe this was the miraculous intervention of the Holy Spirit, birthed through intercessory prayer.

Sometimes it is hard to see the blessing God promises in our offspring. For many years, Abraham and Sarah had no children. They were assured of a great blessing; that the number of their offspring would be as many as the stars of the night sky, and yet, it took generations before that promise was fully revealed. We look at our temporary circumstances and worry about the things our children and grandchildren struggle with daily, wondering where God’s blessing is hiding. We keep swatting at the sins sneaking up on our children from behind while they are trying to sleep, and we cry out prayers of holy intercession, looking for His miracle in the making.

The blessing of God’s love is revealed in the generations. It has been passed from one to the other, through the Word of God, manifested in the love of Jesus Christ. We can see His blessing at work when we look back at the faith of our grandparents and parents, and then fast forward to the hopes and dreams of our children and grandchildren and their children who will carry Christ’s love into the future. The power of intercessory prayer is magnified one hundred fold as we continually pray the prayers of faith God has given us to pray over the generations. We see His blessing in the coming of our Lord, when we will look beyond the slats of our present day crib and the sneaky scorpions in their futile attacks. One day, Christ will return to redeem the generations for all time. Can you see His blessing 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.

A promise fulfilled

Today’s Reading: Acts 3:24 (NIV)

24 “Indeed, all the prophets from Samuel on, as many as have spoken, have foretold these days.”

Good morning!

Samuel was quite the boy! Strong and inquisitive, he lived and served Eli the priest, in the temple of the Lord. His very life had been prayed into existence by an obedient and faithful mother, whose name was Hannah. For years, she could not conceive and give her husband a child; yet longed for this special blessing of God. Hannah would go to the temple year after year to weep and pray, vowing that if the Lord would fill her womb, she would give back her son to serve the Lord all of his days. Eli saw Hannah praying with great passion; he heard her petition, and offered up a special blessing asking God to grant her prayer. When her baby boy was born, Hannah and her husband returned to the temple for the child’s dedication, keeping her promise and leaving Samuel at the temple to Eli’s mentoring and care.

What would our world be like today if we learned to pray and trust God like Hannah did? Would we realize just how precious the gift of new life truly is? Our children are gifts from God. He loans them to us for a time, and as they begin to grow, we learn how to trust God all the more, opening our hands and hearts to His plan and purpose for their lives.

I sat in the sanctuary yesterday, a witness to His amazing promise fulfilled, as my friends James and Jen exchanged their marriage vows. I’ve known James now for nine years. When I first met him, he was a teenage boy, fighting to overcome the cancer attacking his young body. He had faced such adversity at such an early age; yet, his faith in Christ helped James overcome his physical infirmities. Yesterday was a miracle, a gift of God’s amazing grace, and I was a witness to the promise fulfilled. His bride was simply radiant as she walked down the aisle toward her love and the future they would share together in Jesus. I saw the fervent prayers of two mothers rise up toward heaven as the smoke rose from their family candles toward heaven. I praised God for His gift of new life.

In life, we learn how to pray the prayers that God gives us to pray. The Father has blessed us with a blueprint of what will one day become His new heaven and earth. The prophets, like the young boy Samuel, provide guidance and hope for all who are willing to trust and obey. The Father’s gift of His Only Son to save a lost and fallen world is by far, the very best present we will ever receive. His child is our Savior and Lord. The only hope for the salvation of the world is in Jesus Christ alone.

A new family emerged from the sanctuary. Two hearts are joined as one. We see the fruition of a lifetime of prayer and rejoice in the hope that comes from trusting in the One who holds our future. Can you see God’s grace written across the pages of your life? Will you trust Him enough to let go and pray the prayers He would have you pray? Are you willing to return the gifts you’ve been given?

Father, we come to you in the name your Son, Jesus Christ, and ask that your will be done in the lives of our children today. We thank you for your gift of new life and the hope that comes through loving and obeying you. Help us understand that before we held our babies in our arms, you held them in yours. Our children belong to you, Lord. We give them back to you today. When difficulties arise and we cannot see the future clearly, help us trust in your promises. Be our everlasting future and our hope, 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.