My Offering

Sunday morning started like any other Sunday morning. We got up from our basement bedroom at the home we stay in while ministering in a small town in western Iowa and headed to church. It was windy and starting to snow. Winter is here. While my husband checked on things for the morning I set up my keyboard to help with the music. It didn’t take long. All went well so I had time to play a bit before everyone started to come.  There in a the multi-purpose room of a small church in Iowa God showed up in a very real way in my heart and in my mind. My heart often hears God but sometimes getting my mind to focus doesn’t come as easy. My mind can be distracted thinking, it’s hot in here or so and so needs help. You know what I mean. But this Sunday morning I was all there. As I played and the words to this song were sung I recognized God in my life in a fresh way.  (You can listen here – Offering – Christmas Version )

Over the skies of Bethlehem appeared a star while angels sang to lowly shepherds.

Three wisemen seeking truth traveled from afar, hoping to find the child from heaven. Falling on their knees they bowed before the humble Prince of Peace

I bring an offering of worship to my King.  No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing.

Jesus may you receive the honor that your due, Oh Lord I bring an offering to You.

Memories of the past and present life flooded my mind. Tears came to my eyes with a realization of all that God has done for me and my family, all of us.  Visions of six years ago expierencing the death of our son-in-law at age 24. We knew he was healed and in heaven but we grieved our daughter’s loss, our loss, his family’s loss of his life, in our life. Thinking about our beautiful 5 month old grand-daughter who is alive and healthy and a 4 pound 1oz baby boy born to a co-worker and friend of mine 11 days ago.My friend doesn’t know God personally. Her baby is doing well. Then twin boys born to a faith-filled couple from the church where we are ministering 10 days ago. They were good-sized but had to be resuscitated and there was concern for several days as to their health. Wednesday night their church family came together and prayed. Thursday night we heard they are fine. In a matter of moments life and death all interwoven in my life played before my eyes like a movie. It didn’t escape me that my friend who doesn’t know God had a tiny baby with much potential for trouble didn’t have trouble and the couple who does know God, did have a scare. They had God to lean on, to pray to – mercy. Then a bit of reality thinking about God giving up His Son to come to earth to be with us, to save us. Allowing His son to leave heaven where He was protected and safe and come to earth where He would experience us, our sin, our broken world. I can’t even imagine allowing my son to do that. I hate it when my kids hurt. I’ve tried to protect them their whole lives. God loved us so much He sent His Son to earth for us, fully knowing the pain and ultimately death He would experience. He loved us THAT MUCH.

I bring an offering of worship to my King. No one on earth deserves the praises that I sing.

My tears of reality that I have only an offering of worship to give back. I realized that my “offering of worship” was trusting God with the life and death of our son-in-law, the life of our kids. I was overwhelmed with God’s mercy to not give my friend more than she could bear for her tiny son born early and for the twin’s parents who knew they could look to God for help. A year ago when Mom died, our daughter was able to share life with my Dad. She got to tell him she was pregnant. Death but at the same time, life when he needed it. I’ll never forget her kneeling in front of Dad as he sat in his chair by the window looking so worn out and pale. Her words brought a quiet smile to his face. That baby continues to bring smiles. Aviana and her daddy Ryan are such a blessing in all of our lives.I’m sad that my Mom never got to meet Aviana. She would have smiled and called her a “little dolly.” But,I’m grateful for God’s mercy that Mom died before our son got a divorce. Her heart would have broke and grieved for his pain very deeply. She loved her grand-children very much and wanted only the best for each of them. I’m thankful she didn’t have to grieve Seth’s loss and pain. God is merciful, so full of mercy.

Many of you have experienced loss and life in this past year. Won’t you take a few minutes to allow God to get ahold of your mind and spirit. Honestly offer Him the only thing we can, our love and trust of Him. Trust Him with the broken circumstances of your life. Trust Him with the blessings in your life. Honor Him by trusting Him with your whole heart.

Jesus may you receive the honor that your due, Oh Lord I bring an offering to You.