“There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good.”
1 Corinthians 12:6-7
I have the privilege of writing this post after all of my teammates spent the afternoon pouring into theirs. Knowing what would be expected of me, I have been processing and praying over my words. I hope you see Jesus here.
If you’re looking for me to describe El Salvador, the people, the weather, the ministry, and the contacts we’ve made – I’m sorry to say you’ll be disappointed. Our experiences thus far have been God-ordained – which my teammates have done a phenomenal job proclaiming in their writings (see below).
I’d like you to peak through a different looking glass, one that shimmers with reflections of the heart. A terribly glorious fountain of truth.
“The Kingdom is the renewal of the whole world through the entrance of supernatural forces. As things are brought back under Christ’s rule and authority, they are restored to health, beauty, and freedom.”
(When Helping Hurts, p.32)
Every evening, my ministry team sits in an oblong-shaped arrangement and has a bit of time together with the Lord. Every night looks different. We may play games, worship, share testimonies, haphazardly stretch, or play a bizarre game of iPod karaoke. If you’re lucky you make peak in on a night full of strawberries, wisdom, and wonder. Like tonight…
“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. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.”
Ephesians 4: 15-16
What does it mean to live as the body of Christ? To experience The Kingdom on earth?
I believe the body of Christ is what happens in these moments. These very special moments when a group of girls who have only known each other for such a short time, come to speak words into one another. These are not ordinary words. They are gifts from God. Words of affirmation. Words of correction. Encouragement. Love. His presence is overwhelming in truth.
The body of Christ is a setting aside of some sorts. Setting aside the pride. Setting aside the fears and the worry. Setting aside the insecurity. The control. The body of Christ is setting aside “self”. It is the lifting one another up in such away that our weaknesses no longer hinder us or cling to our name. The body of Christ is you exalting your sister’s strengths in such a way, as if she was Jesus on the throne.
What results is the Kingdom…the Kingdom being the presence of the Lord striking down the corrupt thoughts, attitudes, and judgments and replacing all weaknesses with his strength, truth, and love.
Kathryn – No Words
Ashley – Let Me Sing of These Heroes
Mel Jo – When Life Gives You Coconuts
Kelly – A Man Named Raul
Dani – We Serve a God of Surprise Hugs
Show me how to treat others in such a way that they are inspired to a higher level…
