Tuesday, December 06, 2005

Time to Tune

Dear Worshipers,

Time to tune. We have worked for months preparing for this weekend. We have rehearsed phrases, diction, breathing, entrances, cut-offs, dynamics, tempos, transitions, etc. The time has finally come when all that remains to be done is…tune.

We have scheduled and signed-up. Recruited and rearranged. Prayed and paused. Called and cajoled. Rehearsed and reviewed. The time has almost come to…tune.

We have sent invitations, put up banners, stuck roadside signs around town. We have spoken about the musical to family and friends, co-workers and classmates, neighbors and well…you name it. We have done what could, or what we were willing to do to let others know. This is a special night at our church. Now about all that is left to do is…tune.

The preparation has been lengthy, tiring, productive, sacrificial, blessed, fun, ______ [fill in the blank] Somewhere in the midst of it you asked yourself, “Is this really worth it. This is a lot of time to commit. I have a lot to do at this time of the year. I am not certain I will say, “yes!” to Pastor Scott next year.” But let us keep in mind I am not the One asking the question, I am just bearing it to you. If you listen closely I believe you will hear the One who asked telling you it is worth it, for the return will only be fully known in eternity.

The same could be said of every commitment in your life, ultimately all expressions of your ultimate commitment of your entire life to Jesus. The parallels struck me during some quiet time this morning. Though the musical is upon us, this is simultaneously a season of preparation for other big events in your life, other moments of ministry that the Lord is grooming you for that you may not even be able to dream of just yet.

I think of the Markle’s. Pastor David mentioned in his prayer on Sunday that the Lord is instructing their hearts through these difficult days as they wait to hear the diagnosis for little Eli. He is teaching them His love in a way that neither they nor we would ever choose, but that is best according to His plan for their lives. Let us pray they will see His great mercy and love clearly as they walk this path.

You may be facing something difficult, or wonderful that the Lord is using to prepare you for what lies ahead. Hear is my point. We have been preparing for the musical, and are about to tune to share it. We do not know exactly how God will use it but we offer it with hearts of love for His enjoyment and employment, that he may delight in it and use it to make Himself know. God is preparing you for something. When the time comes, tune your heart and give Him praise, then trust Him to use you as well.

Let us be every ready to tune our hearts to sing His grace. Sometimes you will have advance notice, like a few months. Most of the time however you will have only a few moments, so you had better stay in tune the best you can.

I am here to help you tune should you need some assistance. I don’t have perfect pitch, but I know Someone who does. He delights in tuning the hearts that are truly His.

In Christ,

Pastor Scott

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