poetspirit: Christian poem: this I know is true

poetspirit: Christian poem: this I know is true

A-live demonstration!

Today’s Reading: John 20:8 (NIV)

8 Finally, the other disciple who had reached the tomb first, also went inside. He saw and believed.

Good morning!

Do you remember when savvy salesmen dressed in three piece suits and ties would knock on your front door and ask for a minute of your time to demonstrate the latest and greatest vacuum cleaner? They would tell the lady of the house, “You’ve just got to see it to believe it!” When Jeff and I were first married, I remembered thinking that we needed to purchase a certain brand of vacuum; otherwise, we just wouldn’t be able to get our house really clean. The bells and whistles that came on these vacuum cleaners made one believe they could almost do the work all by themselves. And as much as they cost, that should have been true, don’t you think?

A live demonstration can speak volumes when it comes to believing. It is one thing to hear about a person, place or thing. It is something else to see it with your own eyes. I was amazed by the canister of dirt the dapper salesman would pull from his suit coat pocket, just to spill all over my mother’s clean carpet. Salesman have to spill the dirt before they can make their point, and there was no doubt that this one wanted to make a point. His vacuum cleaner would clean up any mess anywhere in record time, without even breaking a sweat. He was the master of attachments! Use this wand and clean the door frame ledges; the nozzle is perfect for apholstery and curtains, and this cord will stretch the entire length of your living room – no need to keep moving the plug-in. My mother was totally impressed! The problem would be selling my father when he came home that night.

We would try to gently tell him about the unannounced visitor during dinner. Hopefully his eating would distract him from getting angry. My mother kept the color brochures hidden until just the right moment during dessert, and we would all chime in together to validate how truly magical this machine really was! My mother didn’t bother telling him about how easy it might be for her to have this self-propelled vacuum; rather, she looked for ways that might appeal to Dad. After all, he would obviously want to use the vacuum when he washed the cars, or vacuumed out the air conditioning filters, or worked in the attic. Daddy wasn’t nearly as impressed, even with the artwork sitting right in front of him. Mom knew Dad would be a hard sell. He wasn’t going to jump into anything until he could see it for himself. When the salesman returned the next week, Mother asked the gentleman if he might be willing to loan his equipment to her overnight so she could give a personal demonstration of the vacuum for her husband. Surprisingly, the salesman agreed. It must have been a tough year in sales. But he was one wise man. He knew the sale was as good as done. My father tried out the vacuum for himself, totally liked what he saw, and left the money on the kitchen counter the next morning as he left for work. Seeing is definitely believing!

Peter and the other disciple had forgotten about Christ’s words, or maybe they just simply didn’t understand them. It wasn’t until they saw that Jesus was not there, when they recalled that He would rise again from the dead. This is why we can be sure that Jesus Christ is who He says He is – the Son of the Living God and the Savior of the world. Without His rising, the truth of Christ would be a holy stretch. The resurrection power is the same power available for you and me. He will bring our spiritually dead souls back to life in Him. It is His righteousness, His blood, His rising, that sucks the deepest dirt from our souls and makes us whole and clean in Him. There is no need for fancy attachments or gadgets to make this happen. Christ’s resurrection completes the job – it is finished and the battle with sin has been conquered forever!

What will it take for you to believe? Do you need to see Him to believe it? If you do, you are not alone. Ask the Lord to reveal Himself to you through the power of His Word. Then pick up your Bible and see it for yourself. Seeing is believing!

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 gathering table

Today’s Reading: John 20:5-7 (NIV)

5 He bent over and looked in at the strips of linen lying there but did not go in. 6 Then Simon Peter, who was behind him, arrived and went into the tomb. He saw the strips of linen lying there, 7 as well as the burial cloth that had been around Jesus’ head. The cloth was folded up by itself, separate from the linen.

Good morning!

I’ve decided that dinner time is not what it used to be. When I was a little girl, supper was served at 6pm sharp. It seemed as if all the families on our block sat down for their evening meal at approximately the same time. When mothers sounded the dinner alarm; children came inside to wash up. The circle drive became quiet, as we inhaled the delightful scent of suppertime floating around the neighborhood. When our own children were growing up, we made it a point to share the family meal together around the table every night. Unfortunately, life became way too busy with evening meetings and after school practices and games. Dinnertime became unrecognizable, often served out of a fast food bag in the back seat of the family station wagon. Our dinner table became a place to finish homework and a catchall for books and coats. If I could go back in time and change a piece of my personal family history, I would want to restore the time-honored tradition of family meal time around the table in our home. It is an event that warrants our very best effort as we share time together. We are far too busy to realize what it is we miss when we do not make time to come to the gathering table. Wouldn’t you like to slow down a bit and make time for a meal with your family tonight?

Dinnertime is an important tradition in Jewish family life. The servants prepare the table for the feast that is being offered. The Master would take his place at the head, reclining and enjoying food and fellowship with his children, family and friends. The servant would wait patiently and watch for the Master to finish eating. He knew when the meal had ended as the Master took his cloth napkin, wiped his mouth and beard, and tossed it onto the table. This was the servant's que that the meal had was over. If, however, the Master folded his napkin and placed it neatly at the head of the table, it meant that he was not yet finished would be coming back to finish what He had begun. When this happened, the servant knew not to clear the table, but waited patiently for His Master’s imminent return.

Simon Peter and the disciple whom Jesus loved could not believe what they were seeing. The strips of linen that had wrapped Jesus’ body were laying there, in the exact same position as the body had been placed inside the tomb. It was as if the Master had passed right through it! Even more amazing was how the burial cloth that had covered the Lord’s face had been folded neatly and placed near the strips of linen. Jesus was clearly not finished and He is coming back real soon!

Jesus Christ is calling all of us to the gathering table. Can you smell the sweet scent of salvation wafting in the air? Come join me as we wait together for our Heavenly Host. Dinner will be served shortly!

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.

Running for your life

Today’s Reading: John 20:3-4 (NIV)

3 So Peter and the other disciple started for the tomb. 4 Both were running, but the other disciple outran Peter and reached the tomb first.

Good morning!

Fear and disbelief can cause a person to run pretty fast. I used to work on Main Street in a small rural town many years ago. Just down the road from my office was a residential subdivision. One of my co-workers had a grandparent living within a block’s distance of our building. One day, as we sat typing documents, we heard the sound of sirens race down the street past our building. Of course, both of us went to the window to look outside. Realizing the emergency vehicles were stopping down the block in front her grandfather’s home, my coworker took off running as fast as she could down the sidewalk. I’ll never forget that sprint. She actually lost her shoes as she raced down the street. Her grandfather had a heart attack that day and a neighbor had dialed 911.

It’s as if Mary had dialed 911 with her unusual story. Racing back to where the disciples were sleeping, Mary set off an alarm system that would change the course of human history. Simon Peter and the other disciple found themselves running for their life. They couldn’t believe that the Savior’s body had been taken or that the heavy stone had been rolled away by someone in the night. Fear and disbelief caused them to run as fast as they could through town and past the garden gate. It was only when they arrived at the tomb that fear caused them to hesitate. Do you ever hesitate when you are not certain of what you may find around life’s corner?

I wonder, if at the tomb, the disciples thought about Jesus’ last words to them. Do you think they knew at that very moment that Jesus had risen from the dead, just as He had said? Peter was far more concerned with who to blame than seeing the miracle. He was running for his life and had no earthly idea of what it meant to the world.

If you are living in a time of fear and disbelief and find you are running for your life today, there is a Savior waiting to welcome you with open arms. Jesus lived, died and rose again so that your sins could be forgiven once and for all. Running for your life is not a bad thing when you know who it is you are running to.

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.

Holding onto hope

Today’s Reading: John 20:2 (NIV)

2 So she came running to Simon Peter and the other disciple, the one Jesus loved, and said, “They have taken the Lord out of the tomb, and we don’t know where they have put Him!”

Good morning!

I seem to lose things quite easily these days, especially my car keys. I try to toss them in my purse as soon as I walk in the house, and yet, when I’m in a hurry to leave for work, or school, or to get to a meeting at church, it is the car key I cannot seem to find. My purse is not so big that I shouldn’t be able to easily access my keys. I spent fifteen minutes one morning last week trying to retrace steps and look in all the familiar places where I may have laid them down, only to find the keys buried in the bottom of my bag. The next time, I need to turn it upside down and see if they will simply fall out.

It is frustrating that something so simple can be so easy to lose. I’ve often thought of hanging my keys by the back door, but that doesn’t seem like a particularly safe plan, especially in the unfortunate event of encountering an unwanted intruder. Jeff is very patient with me as I continually search for the stuff of my life. I walk out of the house in the morning, only to walk back in because I forgot to grab my lunch out of the fridge, my medication on the bathroom counter, or the badge that allows me access into my office. Is it just me or do you also struggle to hold on to the things that are truly important to your day?

Mary Magdalene was shocked when she reached the Garden tomb and found the stone had been rolled away. Just three days earlier, they had buried the Master there. Who could have possibly moved that stone, or taken His body away? I can see myself in Mary’s shoes, racing frantically from burial plot to burial plot, double checking my steps, and wondering if I had been mistaken about the place where I had left my Savior. Do you ever feel like you’ve somehow lost the Savior along the way?

It is common at times to feel abandoned and alone. We hold fast to faith, only to wonder where faith has disappeared to in the midst of personal hardship and tragedy. How can we lose sight of the Master when life is hard? Shouldn’t Jesus be right where we’ve left Him, within reach? Did we somehow forget to take the Master with us when we began our day? Why do we not hold fast to His promise that Christ is with us always, no matter where we are in life’s journey?

Mary thought the Lord had been misplaced, when He was right there, all the time. Christ is with us, even when we struggle to see where we’ve last laid Him. Hold on to His hope and don’t ever let go.

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.

Waiting for signs of new life

Today’s Reading: John 20:1 (NIV)

1 Early on the first day of the week, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been removed from the entrance.

Good morning!

The days can be long when you are waiting for signs of new life. If you’ve ever been pregnant, you may have a greater understanding of what it means to wait. In the birthing process, we get a glimpse of new life as we wait with anticipation for the baby’s birth. Ultrasound technology has changed how we wait to experience signs of new life. Now, many parents choose to learn the gender of their unborn child long its birth. Digital photographs of baby’s tiny frame reveal the most intricate observations. Not only can one count the fingers and toes of the unborn, but they can see the shape of its nose, tiny eyes forming, and its precious heart beating inside the womb. I saw my granddaughter Madison sucking her thumb in the womb at 20 weeks gestation. It was the most wondrous thing!

I’m looking for signs of life where I work, as I wait for word. Are we going to move forward? Will there be a resurrection in this dismal economy? How many people will lose their jobs before we begin to see signs of new life in the marketplace? We wait patiently for signs of new life in our children, as they continue to grow and mature. We pray that new life will take hold of old bodies. We look forward to the hope of yet another springtime thaw, when new life pushes out of the cold, frozen ground. It can be a long wait when we’re looking for a miracle, looking for signs of new life around us.

Mary Magdalene had waited long enough. She, along with all the other disciples, observed the Passover celebration together. For three long days, she waited in tears and silence, longing to get back to the One she loves. Mary wanted to see her Lord just one more time, to kneel at His feet; to tell Him once again how much she loves Him. She got up while it was still dark outside. The others were sleeping, and the household was quiet. So as not to wake anyone, Mary tiptoed out the front door, then ran to the garden tomb, unafraid of the darkness surrounding her. When we are desperate to see signs of new life, sometimes the darkness is not as scary as having to wait patiently for the dawn to come.

Mary was stunned when she saw that the 2,000 pound stone had been removed from the entrance to the tomb. This was not what she had expected to find. Was this the sign of new life she had hoped for? Where was Jesus?

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.

Garden stroll

Today’s Reading: John 19:41-42 (NIV)

41 At the place where Jesus was crucified, there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb, in which no one had ever been laid. 42 Because it was the Jewish day of Preparation and since the tomb was nearby, they laid Jesus there.

Good morning!

I’m looking forward to my first of many springtime strolls. It won’t be long before the azaleas are in full bloom in Missouri. Yellow forsythia bushes and pink red bud trees will open in flowering splendor. The peach blossoms on the tree in my front yard will decorate my kitchen table in just a few short weeks. Clematis vines will shoot up from the ground, while tender daffodils and tulips will bloom in garden beds. It’s time to clean out the water garden and prepare the fountain for the returning birds. We see new birth surround us in the spring - it is just around the corner. Can you sense the anticipation of a beautiful spring day?

Historians tell us that on the day Jesus died, the skies turned dark. It may have been storming as Joseph and Nicodemus carried the body of the Lord to the garden tomb. In my mind’s eye, I can hear the rain falling; the wind was whipping around the garden, as tree branches bent low in reverence to the Lord’s passing. Flowers had closed up and were drooping toward the ground. Even the rocks were crying. Puddles were forming along the path. It was not a day to take a stroll through the garden. Yet, the disciples could not help but be drawn to this humble place. The body of our Lord was there, and no one wanted to leave.

We can get lost in the wintertime of our lives. It seems that the cold air is simply a mirrored reflection of the grief we hold in our hearts. The pain of separation, of losing someone we love, can leave us feeling numb and hopeless. We wonder if springtime will ever return.

It is cloudy and cold where I live today. Knowing that spring is just around the corner makes this day worthwhile. I plan to take a stroll in the garden, because I know what is coming. New life will be here before we know it, and when new life returns, everything changes. Take a walk with me today. Come to the garden where Jesus was buried, and wait with me as we watch for signs of new life.

Resurrection is coming.

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.

Celebration of Life

Today’s Reading: John 19:39b-40 (NIV)

39b Nicodemus brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about seventy-five pounds. 40 Taking Jesus’ body, the two of them wrapped it, with the spices, in strips of linen. This was in accordance with Jewish burial customs.

Good morning!

Joseph and Nicodemus could not bear to leave Christ’s body unattended. Jewish tradition celebrates life in the burial act; it is the recognition of gifts that were ours as a result of the one who has gone on before us. They took on the role of the Chevra Kadisha – the ones who prepare the body for burial. In accordance with Scripture and tradition, Joseph and Nicodemus prepared Christ’s body, not as an act of death, but of new life. As they bathed and wrapped his torn flesh with strips of linen and liquid spice, they performed their act of kindness, with no regard for remuneration. On a day like today, as the people prepared to celebrate the Passover feast, Joseph and Nicodemus took upon themselves an even greater responsibility: they prepared the body of the Father’s sacrificial Lamb for new life.

Jewish tradition compares a dead body to that of a damaged Torah, no longer useful for its intended use; yet, deserving of respect for the purpose which it once served. Remembrance is an important part of the burial process. Prayers are offered up, expressing deep gratitude for the life of the deceased and all the good that has been brought forth as a result of their living. I would have loved to have heard the prayers offered up by Joseph and Nicodemus as they prepared His body for burial.

If it had not been for the kindness of Joseph, there would have been no sacred place to have laid his body. Jesus lived the life of an itinerant; owning only the clothing on his back. The Romans confiscated his outer robe at the cross, which left Christ with no burial garment for his body. What shame this must have brought to the Master’s heart as he clung there upon the cross. The gift of purification, the wrapping of his flesh, is one of the greatest acts of kindness ever offered.

When death comes, we grieve what is lost and hold onto hope for what will be. If you are grieving the death of a loved one today, hold on to the assurance of new life. Celebrate what is coming! Christ died and rose again so that we may experience new life, everlasting life, in His presence. This is our celebration of 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.

Landing right side up

Today’s Reading: John 19:38-39a (NIV)

38 Later, Joseph of Arimathea asked Pilate for the body of Jesus. Now Joseph was a disciple of Jesus, but secretly because he feared the Jews. With Pilate’s permission, he came and took the body away. 39 He was accompanied by Nicodemus, the man who earlier had visited Jesus at night.

Good morning!

There is something to be said for landing right side up. My sister said these words to me last night, and I’ve been thinking about them ever since. Our grandson Jett took gymnastics every Saturday morning for two years. Occasionally, he would fall off the balance beam or not quite get high enough while swinging on the pommel horse. Every now and then, Jett would miss clearing the vault and fall onto the mats underneath. When he fell, Jett found a way to land right side up. There are times in life when we fall. The key to getting back up is in how we land.

Joseph and Nicodemus landed right side up. It took the Savior’s death to bring them both out of hiding. They were members of the Jewish council and followed the Master secretly. Fearful that others might find out, Nicodemus snuck around to see the Lord at night, asking questions in the dark. Joseph had earned the respect of his brothers in the Jewish community. Joseph’s family had a tomb in the garden near Golgotha. He was compelled give His Lord a proper burial. Joseph waited until the crowd had disbursed, asking Pilate for permission to take Christ’s body and personally bury him.

Fear can grip us when we lease expect it. You may be struggling today with fear of what the future holds. We watch as fires, floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, disease, and starvation take its toll all over the world. Wars continue, stock prices fall, and instability in the job market has caused families to lose jobs, homes, and their life savings. It is easy to become discouraged when fear sets in. For Joseph and Nicodemus, their fear of sharing faith in Christ kept them silent even as He died upon the cross. Death has a way of forever changing people’s hearts. We realize just how much we miss the one we’ve lost. We set ourselves to a higher standard, purposing not to comprise who we are and what we believe simply out of fear of what may come.

Joseph and Nicodemus allowed their fears to catapult them into a faith freefall. Yet, they both managed to land right side up. Christ’s death was more than they could bear. It was time to stand up and tell the truth; expressing love for the One who gave His life in exchange for theirs.

If you have fallen from faith, it is not too late to land right side up. Reach out to Jesus today. Tell Him you are ready to take that first step in Him. When people place their hopes in earthly things, even our best laid plans are bound to crumble and fall. There is only one secure hope that will stand the test of all time, and He is the One who died and lives so that we might have eternal life with Him. Reach out to Jesus; confess Him as your personal Savior today. It is time to land right side up.

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.

Look up!

Today’s Reading: John 19:36-37 (NIV)

36 These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,” 37 and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.”

Zecharaiah 12:10-11a (NIV)

10 And I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem a spirit of grace and supplication. They will look on me, the one they have pierced, and they will mourn for him as one mourns for an only child, and grieve bitterly for him as one grieves for a firstborn son. 11 On that day the weeping in Jerusalem will be great.

Good morning!

I have always been fascinated by the beautiful crosses in many of the churches I’ve visited through the years. At Faith Church, we have a large wooden cross in the front of the sanctuary. At the center of the cross beams is a gold stripping that catches the light and shines brightly, especially when the sun streams through the large plate-glass windows on Sunday morning. When I’m kneeling at the altar, I look up and see Jesus there. The symbol of an unthinkable human act of vicious savagery has become a precious reminder of our perfect Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world.

Crosses come in many sizes, shapes and varieties, and each one is beautiful to me. Jewelers manufacture crosses in fine gold, sterling silver, encrusted with tiny diamond chips and fine gems. Some crosses are made of pewter, wood, or steel. I’ve been known to wear a cross fashioned from nails. Occasionally, if I lean a certain way, I feel the tip of nail push against my skin and it is a sharp reminder of the pain Christ endured for my sin.

When the prophet Zechariah wrote these words some 480 years before Christ’s birth in Bethlehem, he had no way of knowing just how important the cross would be to all generations. It is there at the cross, that we find healing and forgiveness for the pain we have caused by our words and actions. It is there we see Christ’s blood flowing down, covering you and me. When the Roman soldier pierced Christ’s body with his sword, he knew Jesus was already dead. Yet, he thrust the sword deep into his side, perforating the sac around Christ’s heart. A mixture of blood and water poured out all at once, drenching the executioner and covering the whole of humanity. I can only imagine what it must have been like to see Christ’s blood flowing down from the cross that day. Can you see what I see?

There are a lot of people weeping and grieving around me. I have a friend who is burying his mother-in-law today, another friend who is frantically looking for work in a job market that is flooded with applicants and no available positions. Children are crying because they are hungry and their mothers and caregivers are weeping because they have no food to feed them. Families are grieving the losses of sons and daughters in wars that seem to go on and on. It’s as if the city of Jerusalem has never stopped weeping, since the day Jesus died on the cross.

Take time today to gaze at the One who was pierced for our transgressions and crushed for our iniquities. We have His hope in the crosses we bear. Jesus died and rose again to give us a brand new life, everlasting life in Him. The things that grieve us so now will fade one day when we meet our Lord face-to-face. Look up at the cross, for our salvation is here.

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.

True Testimonial

Today’s Reading: John 19:34-35 (NIV)

34 Instead, one of the soldiers pierced Jesus’ side with a spear, bringing a sudden flow of blood and water. 35 The man who saw it has given testimony, and his testimony is true. He knows that he tells the truth, and he testifies so that you also may believe.

Good morning!

How important is your testimony?

I see a lot of testimonials on television. Public service advertisements offer one testimonial after another. Buy our product and you are guaranteed to lose weight, acquire six pack abs and lower your blood sugar and blood pressure by 20 points. A certain brand of blue jean will make you more popular with friends at school. You can be athlete of the year if you wear a certain name brand apparel, shoe, or have the “right” gear. I especially enjoy the “no obligation” and “money-back” guarantees that are placed alongside these promotions. The fine print flies by so quickly on the screen that it takes speed reading and a magnifier to see and understand the disclaimers that come with these ads.

Should our written and verbal testimony need a disclaimer?

We often think of the courtroom witness when we think about giving testimony. Speaking the truth is something we should do every day, not only when we take an courtroom oath to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. Sometimes the truth is hard to hear, even harder to speak. I am fascinated by the candor and transparency of online chatter. On social networking sites, we read the thoughts and views of the people we know. Our perspectives are so varied and unique. How do we choose to share the truth with others? This morning, as you launch into your day, be especially aware of God’s truth living within you. Focus on the things you think, say and do. Would your life’s testimony stand up in a court of law?

The beloved disciple was an eyewitness to the Truth. He walked alongside His Lord, and stayed with Him even at the cross. Was He the only disciple brave enough to follow Jesus to Golgotha? I’ve often wondered if this is why John did not die a martyr’s death like all the other disciples. He was exiled to the island of Patmos where He spent the remainder of his days seeing visions of rapture and writing an account of Christ’s coming return. His eyewitness account of Christ’s death at Calvary is important for all believers everywhere.

John’s personal testimony to Christ’s physical death on the cross is the key in sharing Christ’s resurrection with the world. How will you personally testify to the saving power of Jesus Christ?

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.

Broken bones

Today’s Reading: John 19:32-33 (NIV)

32 The soldiers therefore came and broke the legs of the first man who had been crucified with Jesus, and then those of the other. 33 But when they came to Jesus and found that he was already dead, they did not break his legs.

Good morning!

If you’ve ever suffered a broken bone, then you will understand just how limiting and useless that limb can quickly become. I broke a toe last summer. I had no idea how important toes are to balance and walking. It has been months and I still find myself nursing it along. Up until a couple of weeks ago, I couldn’t wear regular shoes, and I may never be able to wear a shoe with a heel again. I find it amazing that something so small could hurt so much.

My husband is nursing a broken elbow. He is in a cast from his fingertips to his shoulder. Simple things we think so little about have become quite the challenge, like putting on a pair of socks. We know his cast is short-lived, and we wait with eager anticipation for the day when he will no longer need it. Until then, Jeff can choose to color coordinate his arm with the liturgical season of Lent. It is a good thing that we really like purple at the parsonage!

When my father-in-law broke his leg a few years ago, I watched as he worked hard to regain mobility. After the cast came off, he went through months of physical therapy, just so he could walk without the assistance of a cane, sit down and stand up. We do not fully realize the support our bones give to flesh and how our entire bodies can be adversely affected when one bone is broken.

In the grizzly act of crucifixion, the condemned hangs in a suspended fashion from the cross, fighting for every breath. It is only by pushing up with the legs that another breath can be taken. If the legs do not function, then the prisoner cannot breathe, and he will suffocate in his own bodily fluids.

Jesus willingly gave up His Spirit. The Romans discovered there was no need to break his legs. The breath of life left the Master’s frame and entered into human hearts. His broken body became our salvation. His blood was shed so that we might inhale the fresh breath of everlasting life. Jesus died to heal our brokenness, whether it is a broken bone, a broken heart, or a broken life.

Ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior today. He has the power to heal the broken things in your life, and make you completely whole in Him.

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.

Our Plans for the Day

Today’s Reading: John 19:31 (NIV)

31 Now it was the day of Preparation, and the next day was to be a special Sabbath. Because the Jews did not want the bodies left on the crosses during the Sabbath, they asked Pilate to have the legs broken and the bodies taken down.

Deuteronomy 21:22-23 (NIV)

If a man guilty of a capital offense is put to death and his body is hung on a tree, 23 you must not leave his body on the tree overnight. Be sure to bury him that same day, because anyone who is hung on a tree is under God’s curse. You must not desecrate the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.

Good morning!

“Hurry up and die! We’ve got more important things to do.” I can hear their words rip through the winds of time. Jewish law strictly prohibits leaving the body of the condemned exposed overnight or doing any work after sundown on the Sabbath. Religious leaders were anxious for Jesus to die so they could take care of business before they ate the Passover meal with their families and friends. It seems the people were far more concerned about following the letter of the law than living with the guilt of murdering an innocent man.

Have you ever placed your personal plans ahead of God?

The Christmas holidays were exhausting when we lived seven hundred fifty miles from home. We had two families to visit in just a few short days. We would drive twelve hours straight just to get back home in time for Christmas Eve services, and then try to split our time equally between Jeff’s parents and my parents. Everyone wanted to see the children. But I think they would have preferred seeing happy kids as opposed to cranky ones. Our children were tired when we arrived and they just wanted to run and play and squeal a lot, after having been belted in a car seat for hours on end. If the weather was bad and we had to slow down on the highway, it might take even longer to reach our final destination. I found it very hard to focus on worship at Christmas Eve services after arm wrestling two wee ones in the car, not to mention my own fatigue and stress level. To stop my mind from spinning in a thousand different directions, thinking of all that had to be done and the people we needed to see and things we needed to do before we turned around and drove back home to Texas, was like living a nightmare that would not end. Are we having fun yet? Often, we would spent a good portion of our Christmas day drying tiny tears and trying to take cat naps in between visits to grandparents, aunts and uncles. Time spent in sweet communion with the Lord was lost in the utter chaos of trying to complete our time-honored family tradition. Whatever was I thinking?

It’s little comfort, but obviously, I was not alone in this. Having the Martha mentality is not a great way to grow in grace. I found it hard to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His Word when there was so much time spent in time-consuming preparation. I missed seeing the Master because I was too caught up in the moment. Can you imagine the irony on the day of Preparation, as Christ hung, dying on the cross, and the people were so busy trying to meet their obligations that they missed seeing their Savior?

Father, forgive us for being so busy that we forget what is most important in life. Help us stop what we doing and make you our first priority. This is the day that the Lord has made. It is not your day or my day – it is His Day. How will you choose to spend 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.

Final Resignation

Today’s Reading: John 19:29-30 (NIV)

29 A jar of wine vinegar was there, so they soaked a sponge in it, put the sponge on a stalk of the hyssop plant, and lifted it to Jesus’ lips. 30 When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, He bowed His head and gave up His Spirit.

Good morning!

Humans tend to be born fighters. If you’ve ever been to a NICU on a maternity ward of a hospital, you can see that fighting spirit live in the tiniest of frames. If a tiny baby just hours old, with no real understanding of its environment, can fight with every fiber of its being to breathe on its own and reach out toward life, it is no wonder that the Father has placed a fight for life in every human heart.

Jesus was fighting for human life on the cross – not so that He could live but that we would live in His presence with Him forever. What a fight He fought!

Have you ever experienced a deep sense of resignation? People come together in community, whether it is at work, school, or charitable and civic organizations. We unite around a common purpose and goal. Giving up is not something we choose not to do. That fighting spirit lives and works within us. We share our strengths, looking for new ways to learn and grow together, moving toward a common goal. When resignation occurs, we look back on the path we’ve walked, knowing we’ve given our very best. There are times when we must resign in order to move forward. Resignation is one of the hardest things we do in life.

Jesus resigned himself to one final task. Knowing all had been accomplished, He was ready to finish the mission. When He said the words, “It is finished,” He knew He had accomplished the Father’s will. With one final confirmation, Christ gave up His spirit and relinquished His will into the Father’s hand. It was the bravest resignation ever offered in human history.

Help us Lord, to fight the good fight with every breath we take. Teach us to share the Gospel of your saving grace and mercy around the world in whatever opportunities you give us. Let us not grow weary in this work for there is much to do and only a little time in which to do it. Give us the courage to willingly relinquish our lives into the palm of your hand when it is finished. 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. Articles are sent originally to subscribers only. You may have received a forwarded or reprinted copy.

Thirsting for more

Today’s Reading: John 19:28 (NIV)

28 Later, knowing that all was now completed, and so that the Scripture would be fulfilled, Jesus said, “I am thirsty.”

Psalm 69:20-21 (NIV)

20 Scorn has broken my heart and has left me helpless; I looked for sympathy, but there was none. 21 They put gall in my food and gave me vinegar for my thirst.

Good morning!

The Lord has given His all for all of us. There, on the cross, in excruciating pain, Jesus knew He had completed His mission. Looking at the people, Jesus found no one to comfort His broken heart. There was no sympathy that could ease His pain. I can only imagine that the physical suffering Christ endured was mild compared to that of His Spirit, writhing in agony as He took upon Himself the sins of the world.

It is easy to be tempted to turn away from the Father, especially when we feel completely beaten up by the things of this world. Many have lost their jobs, health insurance, benefits and financial resources that provide the necessities of life for their family in this difficult economy. Retirement incomes are disappearing; our elderly are wondering who will help them pay their utility bills or buy groceries for their table. Families are losing their homes to foreclosure, and finding themselves living in their cars or out on the streets. Half way around the world, little children are starving to death, through no fault of their own. Food is scarce; supplies are nearly non-existent. In times of great suffering and pain, trusting in God may seem rather pointless.

Even in His worst agony, Christ’s thirst for more compelled Him to speak the Word. He said, “I am thirsty.” Was He thirsting for water, or was Jesus thirsting for more of His Father? Even when He could have given in to the pain and called upon His angels to bring Him down from the cross, Christ remained steadfast and resolute. He continued to pray even when He felt no one was listening.

Jesus knows your deepest need. Rejection, humiliation and outright fear can blind us to the Truth. Cast your cares upon the Lord today; He is here, right now, and He will not abandon you in your time of need. Jesus can quench your deepest thirst if you will simply ask Him for a drink. Are you thirsty today? Look beyond your circumstances; look to the Lord Jesus Christ and be thirsty no more.

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.

Going home

Today’s Reading: John 19:25-27 (NIV)

25 Near the cross of Jesus stood his mother, his mother’s sister, Mary, the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,” 27 and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.

Good morning!

I cannot imagine the grief Mary must have felt watching her Son die such a cruel death. She and Joseph had been given a holy glimpse into this child’s purpose when the angel appeared to each of them in Nazareth nearly thirty-four years ago. Unlike the others who feared for their lives, Mary chose not to abandon her Son at the cross alone. She stood at the foot of the cross with her sister and dear friend. Only one of the disciples, the disciple whom Jesus loved, waited nearby, praying and grieving for His master.

Any mother would rather suffer themselves than see their child hurt. The unthinkable had happened and Mary would have gladly traded her life for the cross if she could have spared Jesus this agony. She remembered with vivid clarity taking the back roads to Egypt with Joseph when Jesus was just a baby. They fled to escape the death sentence of Herod as first-born sons were being slaughtered all across Bethlehem. Every time the angel spoke, they found a way to obey, and they stayed together in Egypt until the angel told them it was safe to go home. I imagine Mary wondered how she would ever find her way home after losing her son and the Lord of life. Without Him, there would be no safe place to live.

Jesus looked down from the cross and saw His mother weeping. Their eyes met and silent words were spoken between the two of them. Jesus raised His voice and said, “Dear woman, here is your son,” and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” Jesus made a provision for his mother. He knew she would need someone to be there for her, to care for and comfort her as she continued to live out the days of her life. Jesus knew that his friend would need the loving support of His mother. They would find comfort together in their memories, and hope for His imminent return.

It has been my personal experience that God seems to provide the right people in times of need. He gives us the precious gift of family and friends to help each other endure seasons of grief and pain. Jesus provides a home for all who draw near to Him in faith. We are not alone; we have each other, and we can watch and wait together for our Lord’s imminent return.

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.