July 29th- “For who is our hope or joy or crown to boast of before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not of course you? For you are our glory and joy!” 1 Thesalonians 2:19-20 (Cris’ verse of the day)
Today was an amazing day! My verse of the day was 1 Thesalonians 2:19-20 talking about ME being the glory and joy. I went in to the day thinking, “wow, what a great verse! We’re going to be sharing our gifts and the gospel with people in the market place and a school. Our Team is the “glory and joy.” We ended up going to an extra school so I stepped up to deliver the gospel and lead 100 kids to you today, God- how cool was that?! The amazing thing about that was- I don’t remember thinking clearly, like I was rambling but it all came out orderly and was actually effective. It was all you, God, through your Holy Spirit- it was by nothing I did… all you! So cool to be a part of that!
Anyhow, when we got back from an amazing morning- more was in store for us around the corner. The dance team was chosen to be on TV with Reid Saunders to spotlight the festival in Xela on Thurs. & Fri. So now the verse just got narrowed down to The Dance Team being the “glory and joy.”
Our “surprise” (they loved springing those on us) after lunch was a trip to Prayer Mountain. A huge hill that overlooks the Triangle of Cantel and the whole city. Pastors and intercessors go up there to pray for the city and we were able to go their as well, to pray and worship. It was amazing! Such a beautiful sight! You revealed to me the insight to the verse and I felt completely humbled and honored, once again, to be your servant. Who am I that you would use me?
Unfortunately, the dance team didn’t get to stay long, we had to get back to the hotel to be ready for the camera crew for our spot on TV. But before we left, you gave me a verse to read to the team- Philippians 2:1-8 about being humble. I didn’t want us getting a big head about being chosen to be on tv- this was all for your glory, God, and I wanted to keep you at the center- not us.
The dance went well and they ended up interveiwing us as well, which also went pretty well (except butchering Ian’s name). Everyone sat in the lobby after dinner in order to watch Reid and the dance team on tv. A truely hubling experience after being told that this particular show has 2,200 viewers! Whoa! All For Jesus!
Brian had asked me how I felt about sharing a devotion- I was a bit shocked, but said yes. He then asked if I could do it tonight- I said yes and took that opportunity to talk about what the dance team was challenged by this week in “no longer holding back in our worship.” You gave me just the right words and put it together very clearly and boldly. I didn’t even cry all that much when I talked, which I prayed specifically for. Thank you, Jesus, that you used me to deliver such a challenge to the team and end the day with narrowing down that verse one more time in making ME your “glory and joy.” I love you, Lord, and all I want is to serve you wholeheartedly for the rest of my life! Praise you Lord, for what you’ve got planned for Guatemala… and for me! Amen!
