Last night Missio Lux Launched!
As I was praying for it Friday morning, the Lord gave me a specific instruction. He has been showing me much about Joshua these days; Joshua was one who knew how to spend time in the presence of the Lord and in that, he was given big responsibility to lead God's people into the Promised Land.
But, he was tested. When the 12 spies were sent into scout out the Promised Land, only two, Joshua and Caleb came back saying that "because God was with them, they could go in." The other ten chose to look at the giants instead, and gave a report of fear instead of faith.
I was challenged on Friday to respond to the giants that came big and strong until the Launch with faith, not fear. And, they did come~in lots of different ways, including not getting all the sound and technology together until 5 minutes before the service started. But, in it all, I knew that the giants build our faith if we choose to respond in faith, not fear.
I feel like Elijah this morning, after he was confronted by all the false prophets and saw God bring forth the miraculous.~but he was exhausted when it was all over.
I will write more about the Launch. But, until then, let's walk in the spirit of Joshua as we respond to the giants in our life in faith, knowing that the God of miracles is much bigger!
2 comments:
Tamara,
I just spent the last hour catching up on all the past Blog Posts since it has been too long since I have logged on. Max Lucado's Daily Devotional seemed very appropriate for me to share as much of what we are learning is to celebrate and press into Jesus through community over the enjoyment of sharing a meal with one another; welcoming each other and acknowledging how we all make up the "Body of Christ".
--------
"They had a dinner for Jesus. Martha served the food, and Lazarus was one of the people eating with Jesus. Mary brought in a pint of very expensive perfume made from pure nard. She poured the perfume on his feet, and then she wiped his feet with her hair. And the sweet smell from the perfume filled the whole house."
- JOHN 12:2–3
Your Place in God's Band
by Max Lucado
Two of my teenage years were spent carrying a tuba in my high school marching band. My mom wanted me to learn to read music, and the choir was full while the band was a tuba-tooter short, so I signed up. Not necessarily what you would describe as a call from God, but it wasn’t a wasted experience either.
I had a date with a twirler.
I learned to paint white shoe polish on school buses.
And I learned some facts about harmony that I’ll pass on to you.
I marched next to the bass-drum player. What a great sound. Boom. Boom. Boom. Deep, cavernous, thundering.
And at the end of my flank marched the flute section. Oh, how their music soared. Whispering, lifting, rising into the clouds.
Ahead of me, at the front of my line, was our first-chair trumpet. He could raise the spirit. He could raise the flag. He could have raised the roof on the stadium if we’d had one.
The soft flute
needs
the brash trumpet
needs
the steady drum
needs
the soft flute
needs
the brash trumpet.
Get the idea? The operative word is need. They need each other.
By themselves they make music. But together, they make magic.
Now, what I saw two decades ago in the band, I see today in the church. We need each other. Not all of us play the same instrument. Some believers are lofty, and others are solid. Some keep the pace while others lead the band. Not all of us make the same sound. Some are soft, and others are loud. And not all of us have the same ability. But each of us has a place.
Some play the drums (like Martha).
Some play the flute (like Mary).
And others sound the trumpet (like Lazarus).
Mary, Martha, and Lazarus were like family to Jesus. After the Lord raised Lazarus from the dead, they decided to give a dinner for Jesus. They decided to honor him by having a party on his behalf (see John 12:2).
They didn’t argue over the best seat. They didn’t resent each other’s abilities. They didn’t try to outdo each other. All three worked together with one purpose. But each one fulfilled that purpose in his or her unique manner. Martha served; she always kept everyone in step. Mary worshiped; she anointed her Lord with an extravagant gift, and its aroma filled the air. Lazarus had a story to tell, and he was ready to tell it.
Three people, each one with a different skill, a different ability. But each one of equal value.
---------------
Thank you for your Joshua spirit and Elijah courage.
Hey Tamara, it was great to connect w/u the other day @ the retreat.
God bless u guys in your endeavors,
till the next time we meet
Wayne
Post a Comment