Ah – Joshua the story speaks to the people working the Lord’s intentions – the Lord is powerful – we work for Him (whether we know it or not)…  I pray to be knowing it – and knowing Him – and working not in our element but in our (my)chemistry with the others around us. What a blessing to have friends to share with – yes…

I know that I myself am called to be an encourager – that is good for us to know and can grow in that – but also see that when placed in a position to help, hug, hollar, who knows – that is my job to do…  And love people – and “People who need people” – we can clearly see people whom the Lord uses to further His plan – sharing His love – being the difference in someone’s life….  

At the funeral that I just attended yesterday, so many spoke about the “captain charisma” joyfulness of our friend’s son – really someone who changed other’s lives. And yes it is so sad – as this young man passed away suddenly at just 35 years – apparently God knew the timing… The first to give the eulogy was a friend who told of how Justin came into his life at the right time and when he was struggling and this new friendship brotherhood brought life and wit and adversity like a brother (quoting proverbs 17:17) for good – and brought purpose into his life/scene everyday. This gentleman spoke so emotionally eloquently about their relationship. Others spoke of the amazing glue that this “captain charisma” was holding each group together where he was. We were in sorrow but in joy to know this young man. We pray for the family as they all struggle with this loss. “Unfailing Love” and “Amazing Grace” – oh the holy spirit goosebumps I had to hear strum the guitar and to sing…  Ah – my church family I am so grateful…

Also yesterday I heard of a church friend who passed in her 60s, with early dementia – ah so sad – she was such joy…  She especially was joy for her grandkids… JOY is in our sharing with her life and sorrow in her passing as we loved her in our women’s retreat group – and my connection with her started years ago when we stepped into then our new church and she toured us and introduced us around… with her also being one of the first people I was able to share my awakening with, 10 years ago now. 

And wonderfully yesterday I gathered with women whom I shared the table with at a “Walk to Emmaus” weekend many years ago – and we caught up for our 44th (yes 44th!) visit (either in person or virtually) – missed our other table mate and send hugs and love and prayers her way…  It is SO good how God gives us family… We love even though we don’t always see each other… 

It is SO good to have brothers and sisters in Christ – who understand us or at least try to understand and help and correct and support….

So – God works through humans for good – and even “brothers for adversity” scripture comes after the Proverbs 17:17 part of “A friend loves at all times”...

And in Joshua? Well even though I have not read this book on Joshua (yet) from author Steven Lennox – I know from the sense of a leader instilled in Joshua by God, chapter 1 – the FEAR NOT passage – that we are to work WITH God – for God – by God – and not be afraid or discouraged – because God goes with us – and especially we are to go meet the people we are to meet – and to be that glue and that joy and that friend and that family and that

Let us all be courageously the glue of the Love of the Lord and spread it not thin but thick – because God makes endless opportunities to love…  and we work for Him… Courageously!!!

Amen

Joshua 1:6-9 God says: “Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. … Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”