My three girls and I begin our school day together, reading from the Bible. We read a chapter discussing the history, timeless principles evidenced, how it applies to us and our modern lives and how that particular selection is important to the overall purpose of the Bible, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We will also read a verse from the chapter in Proverbs that corresponds to the current date (e.g. we read from Proverb 18 today because it is January 18) and discuss what we can learn from these verses of wisdom. Finally, we read a Psalm as an act of praise, thanks and worship of the Creator...our Creator. Today, we read Psalm 23.
As we read through the verses, we noticed that the verbs were present tense..."The Lord IS my shepherd...he LEADS me beside quiet waters...he RESTORES my soul...He GUIDES me in paths of righteousness...you ARE with me...your rod and your staff, they COMFORT me." Now, this portion of Scripture is often read during funerals, providing comfort for those left behind, because the focus is usually about walking through the valley of death. But, as we studied these words, it became obvious to us that this a Psalm for the living. It can provide comfort throughout life if you rely on the Good Shepherd...if you let him lead you...restore your soul...guide you in paths of righteousness.
As we wrapped up our discussion, my 15-year-old remarked, "It seems that it would be more appropriate to read that when a child is born than when someone dies...I think I'll do that when my children are born." What a wonderful tradition using this beautiful piece of Scripture that will be! But...rest assured...I can wait to experience it. :)
That morning when we had all crawled out of bed, we had been a gathering of strangers...though Joel Juarez, our mission coordinator at Forever Changed International had reminded the group that God had ordained each of us, out of the entire world's population, to be there together at that specific time. By the end of the week, we had shared laughs, tears, hugs, worries over gastrointestinal issues, prayers, perspective and dish washing duties. And our experience would kick off that morning in church...offering praise and worship to Jesus Christ...our common ground.
The church could fit into any city in the United States. The lights...musicians...camera crews to broadcast online...children's programs. And we found ourselves singing familiar songs...though in Spanish (thank goodness for projected lyrics!). And I was reminded of a song by the Newsboys.
The pastors at my church, Robert Dickie and Eric Stewart, often include petitions in their pastoral prayer that the sounds of worship rise to heaven as the earth rotates into the sun's light each day. And as we began worship in Guatemala City...two hours after my own church had begun their service back in Michigan...I felt like I was living that prayer out...I was struck by the unity of the Body of Christ. I listened to a message that could have been taught in my own church...taught from the same Scripture that I open up daily to teach my own children...I felt at home...3000 miles away from home. It felt like a little peek of what the throne room of heaven will be like...with praise rising from many. And now, I will always remember that...though sometimes it seems like our culture can drown out the message of the Gospel...I am not alone. There is a body of believers spread throughout the Creation, offering praise, and living out the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20 each and every day.
This entire memory came rushing back to me yesterday...exactly one month after that morning in church...as I darted around in my busy life back at home. I was in the car with kids and Chris Tomlin's song "Our God" came pouring out of the speakers. It was one of those "familiar" songs that we had sang. And I was transported back to Guatemala City... worshiping Jesus with my new friends from the States and my Guatemalan brothers and sisters in Christ.
