What Gift Do You Have to Offer?

Posted on December 25, 2012 by thelookingglassbykathy

As the old classic song says, “Christmas cards have all been sent, the Christmas rush is through but there’s one thing I wish for you…”  There’s another old classic Christmas song that has brand new meaning to me this year:

Little Drummer Boy

Come they told me
Pa rum pum pum pum
A new-born King to see,
Pa rum pum pum pum
Our finest gifts we bring
Pa rum pum pum pum
To lay before the King
Pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
So to honor Him
Pa rum pum pum pum,
When we come.

Little Baby
Pa rum pum pum pum
I am a poor boy too,
Pa rum pum pum pum
I have no gift to bring
Pa rum pum pum pum
That’s fit to give our King
Pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Shall I play for you!
Pa rum pum pum
On my drum.

Mary nodded
Pa rum pum pum pum
The ox and lamb kept time
Pa rum pum pum pum
I played my drum for Him
Pa rum pum pum
I played my best for Him
Pa rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Rum pum pum pum
Then He smiled at me
Pa rum pum pum pum
Me and my drum.

This song, penned in 1958, is also known as the “Carol of the Drum”.  Unlike the gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh the Wise Men brought to Jesus, the little drummer boy was too poor to afford a gift for the baby Jesus.  He saw himself in Jesus as he was a poor boy, too!!  But he knew that this poor boy was a King. The Messiah.  The Christ Child.  With that realization came the only response he could give.  Worship.  He wanted to worship Jesus by offering Him a gift.  But, what could he give? He offers what he has in hands.  A song of worship played with his drumsticks.

handsholdingpresentSmall2

What a simplistic but powerful song of worship.  It’s a visual that even the simplest mind can comprehend.  Each one of us has a personal way to worship God by offering Him what we have in our hands.  No matter how small, it pleases the heart of God.  Do you believe that?  It’s a gift that’s received with a smile. Dear one, what do you have in your hands?  Think about it.  Is it a ball, a pen, money, a song sheet, an instrument, a steering wheel, a smartphone, a key, sports equipment, a sewing needle, a stethoscope, a cooking utensil, knitting needles, a gardener’s tool, a paintbrush, a cup of coffee?  Whatever it is, your hands hold the perfect gift to offer to the King.  Offer it to Him at this moment as a spiritual act of worship.  (refer to Romans 12:1)

As the little drummer boy’s hands tapped his tattered drum, Mary nodded in response to the gift given to Jesus, her baby boy.  The baby Jesus smiled.  With this, there is one wish I have for you today.  Merry Christmas!

Jesus, Simply Jesus!

First Look:

+ Read the Gospel’s accounts of Jesus’ Holy Birth.  Is God speaking to you in a special way? What do you see that you’ve never seen before?

+Read Romans 12:1.  Hold out your hands.  Offer them to God today.

Through The Looking Glass:

+What gift do you have to offer The LORD Jesus Christ?

+Prayerfully offer it to him today.

Posted in Christmas, Hope, Issues of the Heart | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Posted on December 18, 2012 by thelookingglassbykathy
Photo courtesy of SermonCentral.com Photo courtesy of SermonCentral.com

There are frenetic sounds all around me.  Do you hear what I hear?  It seems that everywhere I go during the Christmas season, I can hear the hustle and bustle of people trying to ‘get ready’ for Christmas.  Just yesterday I was asked this question. Do you hear what I hear?

I hear footsteps scurrying from store to store, the sound of fingers clicking away at keyboards sending messages and making online purchases, voices saying “Merry Christmas”. I also hear parents yelling at their kids, people yelling at the cashiers, complaining about everything under the sun to anyone who will listen.  Do you hear what I hear? 

I don’t know about you, but when I am drowning in the sea of hustle and bustle, I want to put earplugs in.  I want to drown out the frenzy, anxious, negative vibes and fill my heart with joy and laughter.  Oh, I desperately need that.

Just a few days ago, I heard the wails of people all across the world who are grieved and saddened over the tragic, senseless murders of 20 children and 6 adults. My voice was among them.  I heard people asking, “Why?” Asking how a loving God could allow something like this to happen?  Wasn’t He powerful enough to stop it? I also heard people offering prayers and words of comfort. So many questions.  So many unanswered questions.  We have to trust God with it all.

Holidays tend to expose what tends to be covered up at less stressful times of the year.  Here are a few examples:

  • Loneliness and depression
  • Anxiety and unrealistic expectations of you and you of others
  • Lack of energy and resources
  • Challenging family relationships

These things weigh heavily on people at this time of year. They are scene-stealers and joy-stealers.  Now, throw the tragedy at Sandy Hook into the mix this season and these stressors are multiplied.  Many people want/need to hear some good news.  Especially now.  As Christ-followers, we can offer good news.  A word in season, if you will.  Let someone hear your voice.  Do you hear what I hear?

What is God trying to say to you above the din?  Right now?  Today? Listen.  Do you hear what I hear?  I can hear Him saying, “I love you.  I want to fill your heart with my Spirit. My joy.  I want to give you My peace. Do you know how precious you are to Me?  Slow down and walk with Me.  Abide in Me.  Stop this frenetic pace.  My pace is the only rhythm that can bring healing to your soul. Trust Me.”

Dear one:  Do you hear what I hear?  Would you dare to be still long enough to hear His voice?  That still, small voice?  Shhh…listen…  Do you hear what I hear?

1st Look: 

+Which one of these stressors has been a scene/joy-stealer in your life?

+How would you encourage someone dealing with these issues?

+What scripture(s) would you offer them for hope?

Through The Looking Glass:

Pray for yourself or ask someone to pray for you.

Pray for others dealing with these issues.

Posted in Christmas, Hope | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Jesus, The Hope of the World!

Posted on November 16, 2012 by thelookingglassbykathy

Why, my soul, are you downcast?  Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God.  Psalm 42:11

For the past two weeks our country has been rocked, shaken, flooded, and shocked by the state of current events.  From the super storm, Hurricane Sandy, to the election results, an explosion, an earthquake, train accident and loads of scandal, many have lost hope of seeing anything good happen in our world.

I’ve always believed that we Americans have a tendency to place our hope in the wrong things.  We put our hope in people, government, institutions, health, wealth, and the life we’ve mapped out for ourselves.  We can get so rocked to the core when things all around us seem to be spiralling out of control.  Out of our control.  Let’s face it, we are people who like to have control but rarely admit it.  Very soon we come to realize that what we’ve placed our hope in disappoints.  It’s then that we lose hope.  This is because we’ve misplaced our hope.

Why, whatever should we do?  Who or what deserves the faith we have?  Who or what is worthy of our undying devotion and trust?

Eternal Hope is our only answer.  The Word of God says that The LORD Jesus Christ is our Eternal Hope.  Jesus Christ is the Name we are to put our hope in.  The only One deserving of our undying devotion and trust.  He can handle the state of this world, our economy, your finances, family, job, etc.  All of it.  Rest in that name, dear one.  It’s your only hope.  With Him that is no shadow of turning. (James 1:17)  Dear one, if you feel like your hope is fading faster day by day, hold on.  Look to Him, He’s got it all under control.  Do you believe it?

“Oh My child, rest in Me.  Yea, quietly settle down in My care, as a bird settles in a nest.  For I am watching over thee, and in love will I care for thee.  There is no danger with which I am unable to cope.  There is no enemy too formidable for Me to handle.  I am able to carry out all My purposes, and to keep thee at the same time.  Be not afraid; neither allow terror to strike at thy heart.  My power is at thy disposal.  My presence standeth round about thee, and NOTHING can harm thee so long as ye are in My care, and that is forever…”

from: Come Away My Beloved by Francis J. Roberts

1st Look:

+Take a look at John 3:2-3.  What hope does this passage give you about the future?

Through The Looking Glass:

+Make a list of your fears, concerns and worries.

+Use a concordance to lookup passages with the word “hope” in it.

+Journal to God what you’ve learned and what ministered to your heart.

+Listen to the attached song.  As you listen to the song, throw your list away as a symbolic gesture of putting your cares in His Hand.  1 Peter 5:7

Posted in Hope, Issues of the Heart, Lessons from Scripture, Spiritual truths | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Fall is my all-time favorite season!  The colors, textures, smells, and crispness in the air all minister to my soul and my senses. My love of fall aesthetics is fulfilled as I drive south today. I’m taking in the beauty of my surroundings. I marvel at the beautiful array of colors of the leaves on the trees. The beautiful hues and colors of God’s majesty manifest themselves in rich jewel tones of burgundy, orange, red, emerald, magenta, goldenrod, and purple.  These beautiful leaves loosen themselves from their branches as they are dying.  Their season is complete. 🍁🍂🍁🍂

As I take in the splendor of it all, I am reminded that God has appointed the seasons–time to live and a time to die. He has appointed my seasons. As fellow Christ-followers, your seasons are appointed by Him, too. To everything in life, there is a season. [see Ecclesiastes 3:1]  A season of life and a season of ministry. A season to begin things, a season to end things. Spiritually speaking, a season is ‘an appointed time to carry out an activity or to fulfill a purpose. In Biblical Greek, the word time (‘kairos’) is a season of strategic significance. Kairos, then, is a season that is set forth by God to accomplish His purposes.

Every Christ-follower is called to a season of strategic significance for such a time as this–for His purposes. [see Esther 4:14-17]  We don’t know how long a season will last, so it would behoove us to embrace the season we are in. Much unhappiness and disillusionment with life come because we will not acknowledge or embrace the season we are in. Whether we are married, single, divorced, a parent, stay-at-home mom, children, no children, waiting on children, raising children, struggling with issues, struggling with people, struggling with loss, loneliness, embracing life, empty-nester, employed, unemployed, healthy, ill, confident, doubter, etc., we are called to meet with God there. Right in that place.

Dear Reader, this is a season of strategic significance for you and me. Do you believe it? Do you recognize what season you’re in? Are you embracing it?  Does your season bring about bitterness in your heart? We are poised to be developed, challenged, and changed to take on the brilliant Glory of Christ, just like the beautiful jewel-toned leaves. Just as leaves display their most brilliant hues and colors when they are dying, we, too, look more and more like Christ when we ‘die to ourselves. Consider what keeps you from displaying the most brilliant Glory of Christ. As the fall changes to winter and you die to yourself, what do you need to put on to look more like Him? Is it humility, trust, hope, rest, compassion, gentleness, forgiveness, peace, patience, joy?  Remember, you are a jewel. A gem. A ‘displayer’ of the Glory of God. Shine!

🍁🍂🍁🍂

First Look: Read Ecclesiastes Chapter 3.  Look for phrases that describe what season you may be in.  Journal about it and/or reflect on it.  What is God saying to you about it?

Through The Looking Glass:  What old way of life is God calling you ‘to die to today?  Surrender.

“If you have heard His voice and learned from Him the truths concerning Himself, then throw off your old evil nature…Now your attitudes and thoughts must all be constantly changing for the better.  Yes, you must be a new and different person, holy and good.  Clothe yourself with this new nature.”  Ephesians 4:21-24  LAB

Posted on October 15, 2012 by thelookingglassbykathy | 4 Comments

A Picture Is Worth a Thousand Words

Posted on October 4, 2012 by thelookingglassbykathy

I just celebrated my 55th birthday.  Birthdays are a great time to look back and reassess. They are also a great time to look forward to the future. I had an opportunity to do just that over the last couple of days.

A couple of days before my birthday a few years ago, I stumbled (literally) across some pictures in my basement. Some of the pictures were taken more than thirty years ago. I even found a pic when I was pregnant with my now 37+ year old daughter, Kathie. I was 16 at the time. Oh so young and so not having the slightest clue! The batch also included pictures of my great-grandmother, my grandparents and my dad. My dear loved ones are all now in the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ.✝️

Looking back at old pictures of myself gave me reason to pause, stare and ponder. I wondered: How old was I? What was I dealing with back then? Where was my life headed? Did I have a clue? What dreams did I have for myself?  For my family?  Each picture was very revealing.  They spoke a thousand words to me. As I stared at some of the pics, I remembered that I was thinking–“I don’t see how the future can hold anything different from the pain I feel right now.  This is an endless pit.”  aaah, But God…He is faithful. While I had a picture of my future, He knew the path that He laid out for me. He knew the years I had to carry out His will and the legacy I would leave behind to carry on that work. Psalm 139 reminds me of this amazing truth:

For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well.  My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your Book they all were written, the days fashioned for me, when there were none of them yet. How precious also are Your thoughts to me O God!                 (Psalm 139: 13-17a, KJV, Italics Mine)

When I dare to look through the looking-glass, I am acutely aware that He has walked with me every step of the way. He created a picture for my life long before anyone could snap one. He knew who I would become. My future is not a mystery to Him. He knows how many years I have to do His will. I don’t want to waste any of them. He knew my ups and downs, my ins and outs. Placing my faith in the shed blood of Christ created a new picture. One of purpose and hope, promise and passion.  Happy Birthday to me. He’s blessed me to see another one. Now, that’s a picture I always want in the forefront of my mind.

First Look:

Read Psalm 139 and reflect on it.  Journal what God is saying to you about you.

Through The Looking Glass:

+ Did the pictures you had of your future turn out the way you hoped it would?

+Did your life (so far) turn out better than your dreams or has it been a huge disappointment?  Why or why not?

+Is it possible to recognize that there are no accidents or coincidences in our lives?  Nothing that’s happened in our lives will ever be wasted.  Do you believe that?

Posted in Issues of the Heart, Spiritual truths | Tagged , | 12 Comments