Hope At Easter: An Anchor For The Soul . . . .

Featured ~ Kathie at HisGlory SM ~ 13 Comments

It was a miracle. The morning after watching the blazing fire that ravaged Notre Dame Cathedral, there was little hope that there would be anything left but an empty, burned out shell. Yet, even as the fire raged, something miraculous took place as newscasters talked about the historic roots of the 800-year-old cathedral:

  • How those involved with the construction of the Cathedral–over the course of 200 years–dedicated what they were building to the Glory of God.
  • They noted that there are NO NAMES of those who built the architectural marvel, nor are there names attached to the multiplicity of statues or its world-acclaimed stained glass windows during those first 200 years.
  • They marveled at the mysterious dedication of a people (servants of Christ) who loved God and wanted nothing more than to pour out their lives to glorify Him.
“We have this HOPE as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”  Hebrews 6:19a

After burning through most of the night the fire was finally extinguished. The next morning, the world watched and wondered: Would there be anything left within the charred ruin?  The first pictures taken of the altar, showed the Cross of Christ anchored firmly in its rightful place for all to see. After watching the blazing inferno of just hours before, it was nothing short  of another miracle!

As I reflect on this week, knowing that Jesus declared victory over death with His Resurrection and is coming again, I am struck by an even greater mystery:

 Why did Jesus follow the trail that eventually lead to taking the punishment we deserved upon Himself?

That question has fired up many a theological discussion that I have no intention of entering into here. Instead, I offer to you a word picture given in Hebrews that invites all to look to and learn from Christ’s example witnessed that horrific day:

Therefore, . . . let us throw off everything that hinders
and the sin that so easily entangles.
And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us,
fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and perfecter of faith.
Who for the joy set before Him, endured the cross,
scorning its shame, and sat down
at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Hebrews 13:1,2

Joy? Yes . . . JOY.

Despite His pain and suffering, Jesus saw beyond His immediate circumstances to the fulfillment of His Father’s Eternal Goal. With this call to repentance and faith in Christ, comes an assurance that brings about an eternal peace rooted deeply in the souls of all who trust in Him:

We have this HOPE as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.”
Hebrews 6:19a

I just saw a news report of multiple churches bombed in Sri Lanka with many fatalities and injuries. While mourning the pain of loss and suffering inflicted this Easter morning, we find courage and strength in the promises given in Revelation so long ago:

“Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4)

Christ has risen . . . He has risen indeed . . . Come Lord Jesus, COME!

All to His Glory!

 

 

 

 

 

Seasons . . . .

~ Kathie at HisGlory SM ~ 4 Comments

“To everything there is a season,
and a time for every purpose under heaven:
a time to be born and a time to die,
a time to plant and a time to uproot,
a time to kill and a time to heal,
a time to break down and a time to build,
a time to weep and a time to laugh . . . .”
Ecclesiastes 3: 1-4

Some of my fondest memories of growing up are tied to being part of an outstanding high school choir.  There was no “magic” associated with our excellence, except for the relationship between choir director, Leonard Cesene–who clearly enjoyed and respected his students–and the students who worked hard to please him. Five mornings a week we met to learn and practice a diverse variety of music that ranged from popular tunes to the deep richness of the sacred. With every opportunity  to perform, there was an almost palpable electricity that connected each choir member, as we watched for the nod of Mr. Cesene’s head and the movement of his upraised arms that signaled us to begin.  As the modulated, energized sounds were delivered, Mr. Cesene’s eyes danced with approval as the audience enjoyed our singing almost as much as we did.

So many years later, I still appreciate the blessing of having been part of something so special in the awkward season of my teen-aged years. For me, the balance of respect and discipline under Mr. Cecene (as well as the wonderful exposure to sacred music) positively impacted future seasons in my life.

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” Galatians 5:25

When I first read Mother Teresa’s observations on the seasons of life, I felt that same intense excitement of performing so long ago:

“Yesterday is gone.
Tomorrow has not yet come.
We have only today.
Let us begin!”

I like the way she set the stage, with three simple truths:

  1. “Yesterday is gone.
  2. Tomorrow has not yet come. 
  3. We have only today.”

Then, with a soft yet theatric, WHAM! . . . her words, “Let us begin,” reflect the divine call of Scripture:

“Therefore, since we are surrounded
by such a great cloud of witnesses,
let us throw off everything that hinders
and the sin that so easily entangles.
And let us run with perseverance
the race marked out for us . . . .”
Hebrews 12:1

It is a passage that speaks to the rhythm of seasons ebbing and flowing as God’s people seek to live their lives by faith. That call continues to echo across time and generations to Christians today.

Two thousand years ago, the Apostle Paul wrote to convict and encourage some friends who were in trouble. They had been duped by false teachers who entered their ranks after Paul left them.  He sought to encourage them with this wisdom and call:

“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.
Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.”
Galatians 5:25, 26

Paul also wrote to warn them:

  1. To NOT lose sight of what they had been taught and
  2. To remember Christ’s promise of the Holy Spirit who was there to help them with every step they took.

Following up on the importance of the Holy Spirit’s availability to help them (and you and I), Galatians 6:8-10 warns of the pitfalls as well as the goal of living life well before the One who saves:

“Whoever sows to please their flesh,
from the flesh will reap destruction;
whoever sows to please the Spirit,
from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
Let us not become weary in doing good,
for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.
Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people,
especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

But how? How are we to enter into the rhythm of such a life? The answer is remarkably simple:

  • By treasuring Christ as the Source of all that is good.
  • By putting off old patterns–confessing our sins as forgiveness is sought.
  • By putting on the newness that is ours in Christ, when we receive Him into our hearts through faith.

No matter what season in life you find yourself–in plenty or in want, in stability or in a season of uncertainty–God is right there to help you. Consider the reassurance, encouragement and hope offered by God in Jeremiah 29:13:

“You will seek Me and find Me
when you seek Me with all your heart.”

It is your faith in Him as the Shepherd of your heart, that will provide the courage needed to carry you through whatever you are facing.

As I remember Mr. Cecine’s eyes that encouraged us to give our best with every note we sang, I can also picture the eyes of a loving Shepherd who will lead His flock safely home . . .❤️

All to His Glory!

 

To Live a Fulfilled Life . . . .

~ Kathie at HisGlory SM ~ 5 Comments

“I have come that they may have LIFE,
and have it to the FULL.
John 10:10

To live a fulfilled life . . . isn’t that what most of us desire?  Yet, living in a culture where money and fame are held as the ultimate markers of success/ fulfillment, it is often a shock when people who appear to “have it all” take their own lives. The question that invariably comes to mind is, “Why?”

While researching this question, thinking specifically of notables Robin Williams and Kate Spade, I was struck by this observation posted on Millionaire Before 50:*:

“That they may have LIFE, and have it to the FULL.” John 10:10

“You can have all the money in the world,
but you’re still a failure
if you’re not fulfilled.
Success without fulfillment is worthless.”*

As that last sentence wound around in my mind, I wondered, “So what is true fulfillment?” 

Fulfillment can be many things for many people. According to WordNet Dictionary fulfillment is:

  1. A feeling of satisfaction at having achieved your desires.
  2. The act of consummating something (a desire or promise.)

The tricky thing about fulfillment, is the challenge of maintaining satisfaction. Typically, once we achieve what we set out to do–no matter how many accolades are received, or how much the bank account swells–our human penchant for “more” kicks in and we become dissatisfied. Because of this:

Fulfillment is elusive
because satisfaction is often fleeting.

There is no resting place when it comes to holding onto fulfillment in the world around us. When Jesus proclaimed, “I have come that they may have LIFE, and have it to the FULL, He was offering fulfillment that can never be found apart from Him. 

The Apostle Paul shared the secret to holding onto authentic fulfillment in a letter he wrote from a Roman prison cell:

“I know what it is to be in need,
and I know what it is to have plenty.
I have learned the secret of being content
in any and every situation,
whether well fed or hungry,
whether living in plenty or in want.
I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.”
Philippians 4: 12, 13

Fulfillment is not found by living a problem-free life and traveling the world. Jesus said, “In this world you WILL have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
So how can the fullness of life promised by Jesus become ours? We uncover such fulfillment when we: answer His call to “come” to Him in our brokenness and disappointment.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened,
and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me,
for I am gentle and humble in heart,
and you will find rest for your souls.”
Matthew 11:28-19

Authentic fulfillment becomes ours when we take our focus off of ourselves and cultivate a thankful heart–no matter what our circumstance.

Remembering to thank God for His love and mercy
extended to us through His Son,
helps foster humility and
quiets the ugliness of dissatisfaction.

We discover true fulfillment when we are intentional in loving our neighbor and pray for our enemies–in remembrance of Christ’s sacrificial love extended to you and to me.

The Bible is full of direction and insight when it comes to living a fulfilled life.  In a letter written to encourage a young man he regarded as a son,  Paul wrote about accessing “life that is truly life:

“Command those who are rich in this present world
not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth . . .
but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us
with everything for our enjoyment.
Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds,
and to be generous and willing to share.
In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves
as a firm foundation for the coming age,
so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life
 I Timothy 6:17-19

Ultimately, it is through our willingness to share with others (a reflection of Christ’s sacrifice for us), that we take hold of “life that is truly LIFE”—authentic fulfillment.

All to His Glory!

*From a blog article posted on, Millionaire Before 50 titled, Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk, Be Thankful For What You Have.

 

An Upfront and Personal God . . . .

~ Kathie at HisGlory SM ~ 7 Comments

I’m not sure where the phrase, “Hindsight is 20/20” came from, but I appreciate how it pictures the process of connecting-the-dots of blessing after going through tough times. Sometimes it takes a while to recognize those blessings, but ultimately they all fall together to provide peace to those who trust in Him. It is during such times that I learned to give thanks for such an upfront and personal God.

I was reminded of His upfront and personal way of getting our attention while reading about an encounter between Mary Magdalene and Jesus on the morning of His Resurrection:

“But Mary stood outside the tomb weeping. And as she wept, she bent down to look into the tomb, and she saw two angels in white sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and the other at the feet.

“Woman, why are you weeping?” they asked.

“Because they have taken my Lord away,” she said, “and I do not know where they have put Him.”

When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there; but she did not recognize that it was Jesus.

“Woman, why are you weeping?” Jesus asked. “Whom are you seeking?”

Thinking He was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried Him off, tell me where you have put Him, and I will get Him.”

Jesus said to her, “Mary.”  

She turned and said to Him in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher).
                                                                                                    John 20:11-16

It appears that when He spoke her name, Mary realized it was actually Jesus speaking to her. I wonder . . . was it was simply the way Jesus pronounced her name that reminded her of Him? Or maybe, having spent hours listening intently to Jesus, did Mary remember Him speaking about what was to come for Him:

“The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected
by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law,
and He must be killed
and on the third day be raised to life.”
Luke 9:22

“He who began a good work in you WILL carry it to completion . . . .” Philippians 1:4-6

There’s no way to know what was going through Mary’s mind, but it reminded me those times when a soft yet upfront and personal voice has spoken to my heart, “Kathie, will you trust Me in this?

The first time it happened, I was in a quandary about something that seemed important at the time but years later, I have no idea what it was about. What I DO remember was NOT responding to the question because I didn’t want to be rude to God–as if He didn’t know what was in my mind!

So . . . for about two weeks I sensed this sort of cloud following me that continually echoed the question, “Kathie, will you trust Me in this?” Finally, feeling totally worn down, I turned back to the Lord and said, “YES! Lord, I will trust You in this!” In that instant, though my situation had not changed, the cloud dissipated and a wonderful peace filled the void–bringing relief and comfort to my mind and heart.

In the years since that same question has, with prodding gentleness, helped me get through many a trial. I admit that at times I have been hesitant to answer, especially when fear grips my heart and mind. There have been times when I have prayed as the father who asked Jesus to heal his son prayed: “I believe, help me in my unbelief!”* But as time passes and I remember the lessons taught me in previous years, I have learned to respond more quickly–“Yes Lord, I do trust You in this!”

How about you? What is your experience with this upfront and personal God?Are you facing something unexpected that you don’t know how to respond to? Or maybe you’re tired of fighting a battle that never seems to end? Perhaps He has asked–or is asking you right now–“______, will you trust Me in this?”

These words written by the Apostle Paul to a church he deeply loved, lend encouragement and hope to followers of Christ,

“In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy
because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now,
being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 1:4-6

With every problem that comes in your walk with Him, you can rest in the promise that, “He who began a good work in you WILL carry it to completion.” When we do step out in faith–affirming that, “Yes Lord, I will trust You in this,”–our situation may not necessarily change, but WE are changed as we gain courage and strength to trust Him with every portion of our lives. Give thanks for an upfront and personal God!

All to His Glory!

*Mark 9:24

Formula For Blessing In The New Year . . . .

~ Kathie at HisGlory SM ~ 2 Comments

There’s a familiar lilt to the greeting, “Happy New Year!” that generates excitement and energy. In years past we have welcomed family and friends into our home to get a little crazy as we greet the New Year together.

This year was different. My husband and I had just returned from gathering with all 15 members of our family over Christmas break. We thought about inviting friends in to welcome the new year, but in the end my husband went to bed at 10:00 on New Years Eve and, just before midnight, I realized I couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer.  So I crept up to bed and listened to fireworks being set off at a distance as I drifted off to sleep.

Since then I have greeted many family, friends, and even strangers with “Happy New Year”, not thinking much about it until yesterday . . . .  Curious about where the greeting, “Grace and peace to you,” is recorded in the Bible, I looked it up online. What I discovered was that the Apostle Paul extended that greeting (in various forms) in every one of his letters recorded in the New Testament:

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father
and the Lord Jesus Christ . . . .”
Galatians 1:3-5

“To the church of the Thessalonians
in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:
Grace and peace to you . . . .”
I Thessalonians 1:1

“To Timothy my true son in the faith:
Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father
and Christ Jesus our Lord.”
I Timothy 1:2

“Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” Philippians 1:2

What stood out to me initially was the richness of Paul’s greeting, compared to the impersonal, almost generic quality of how we greet one another today.  I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with wishing happiness to others. But compared to the richness of Paul’s extension of “grace and peace” (especially as it is founded in God the Father and Christ Jesus), Happy New  Year” and “Happy Birthday” seem almost trite!

I decided to write about this because, as Christians, we can and should do better in choosing the words we speak because they matter before God:

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt,
so that you may know how you ought to answer everybody.”
Colossians: 4:6

“Then we will no longer be infants . . . blown here and there
by every wind of teaching and by the cunning, craftiness of men . . . .
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become
in every respect the mature body of Him who is the head, that is, Christ.”
Ephesians 4: 14, 15

“Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart
to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth,
so let your words be few.”
Ecclesiastes 5:2

I appreciate the way Paul reminds us of our ultimate responsibility before God:

“And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.
We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
II Corinthians 5: 19-20

As we enter this gift of a new year, my prayer is that as Ambassadors for Christ we will walk worthy of Him. To speak truth in love and to guard our hearts against anger and fear must be our priority.   May His grace and His peace guide you, as you choose to love those He puts on your path with the same love He has invested in you.❤️

All to His Glory!

A Hope-Filled Perspective At Christmas . . . .

~ Kathie at HisGlory SM ~ Leave a comment

Having lost four friends in November and early December, tears tumbled easily after receiving word that yet another friend died last week. It wasn’t totally unexpected, Denise had battled cancer for more than a year. But when we met for lunch two months ago, that battle was barely a blip in our conversation. Instead, she talked about “God’s kindness” in allowing her to travel to Portugal with her sister the previous month and how exceedingly grateful she was for her family.

While still trying to process the thought of her family navigating Christmas and life without her, it was the observation of another friend that brought comfort and perspective:

”Denise went home to be with the Love of her Life: JESUS.”

Denise loved the people God put in her life deeply, but it was her love for Him that drew others to Jesus. The thought of Denise and my other friends receiving the things promised so long ago, brings comfort and, yes, a joy-filled hope to my heart, mind and soul:

“Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His Name . . . .’

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,
and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain,
for the former things have passed away.
And the One seated on the throne said,
‘BEHOLD, I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW.’”
Revelation 21:4-5b

The thought of tears no longer tumbling and death and separation no longer being a threat, are beyond my comprehension in this life. Yet we can have full confidence that, the God who can change even the hardest heart, will indeed do this.

Are you suffering the loss of a friend or loved one that makes it difficult to celebrate Christmas? Then I invite you to join me in celebrating the HOPE of heaven, won for us through faith in God’s only Son:

“Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His Name,
He gave the right to become children of God—
children born not of natural descent,
nor of human decision or a husband’s will,
but born of God”
John 1:12, 13.

As we celebrate the birth of Christ Jesus, may we also look forward to the day when the tawdriness of this fallen world will be replaced by the goodness of our faithful Shepherd . . . Merry Christmas!

All to His Glory!