A GOOD GIFT
(Mat.7:7-11)


” God, high above, sees far below; no matter the distance,
He knows everything about us.” (P2.138:6 / The Message Bible)


I’ve recently returned from my tenth sojourn to the continent of Africa. The mystery and majesty of what God has deposited in that land and those who dwell there always amazes and humbles me. The kindness and hospitality of the African people is often overwhelming. And the grandeur of the Creators handy-work revealed through nature truly is astounding to witness first hand (Rom.1:20). But, on this trip my Lords involvement in the smallest details of my life has prompted me to give testimony to His Fatherly benevolence to His children.

Here’s what happened:

I’ve wanted an instrument from Africa for several years. It’s called a Mbira. History traces its roots to the nation of Zimbabwe hundreds of years ago.

{You might know of it as a “thumb piano” but that’s not a term that Africans care for. That’s a name coined by the English and (I feel) that it is a slight to the region and the indigenous craftsmen who designed and perfected how it is to be played}.

Pardon my multi-cultural venting and getting back to my testimony…

Through prayerful contacts I have with some brethren in Zimbabwe I managed to purchase one made locally. I was overjoyed to finally get my hands on one I could call my own. Having researched its use I know that playing it correctly (the Shona way) takes patience, practice, prayer, and perseverance from anyone interested enough and serious enough to begin the process of learning. I also knew that the first real problem I might encounter would be related to how it is tuned and kept in tune after the long trip back to the U.S. and the months and years of hands-on-attention it would take to eventually coax music out of it. So, connecting with someone in America that could perhaps assists me was a priority once I returned home.

As a worship pastor, minstrel, and psalmist unto the Lord I take the spiritual act of consecration very seriously (see Jos.3:5 / 1 Chron. 15:11&12 / 2 Chron.29:5). So, in one of the services I was to minister the Word I made a request of those attending the gathering and of one of the bishops who was also there to bring a “word from the Lord”. I ask him, and the congregation to allow me a few moments at the beginning of the service in order for him to anoint my Mbira (and me) with oil and to pray a prayer of consecration for kingdom service. They all graciously consented to do so. Having done that I'm taking to heart what we did and I'm trusting the Holy Ghost to honor my request for my musicianship and my instrument to be used in any way that will glorify Christ Jesus, and advance the kingdom here on earth.

This is where the really amazing part comes into play: I’ve been home only two weeks. Nonetheless the Lord has already made a way for me to link up with the best know female Mbira player in America. It turns out (through Divine happenstance) that she will be conducting a weekend workshop in Chicago in October where our daughter just happens to live.

My wife and I are headed there for a visit in three weeks. Arrangements were firmed up today for me to take my Mbira with me and leave it with my daughter. She is going to drop it off at the workshop --- which just happens to be only 1 ½ miles from here apartment (in a city of 2.8 million). The Mbira master has agreed to set mine up properly making certain that it’s tuned according to the Zimbabwe (Shona) tradition.

I’ve said all that to say this: The little things (the very little things) that are important to us are also important to our heavenly Father.

Someone who’s reading this perhaps needed to be reminded of that.


“YOU ARE LORD (Kenya Song)”
(Ps.138:4-6)

Over every tribe and nation, over every generation
Over all of Your creation, You are Lord
You are awesome, high and holy, but You bring comfort to the lowly
Thru Your presence and Your glory, You are Lord

Over wilderness and wasteland, and in every place where we stand
All of life is held in Your hand, You are Lord
Over every joy and sorrow, over Mount Kilimanjaro
Yesterday, today, tomorrow, You are Lord

Over every hopeless pilgrim, over all who seek Your kingdom
May Your prefect will be done, for You are Lord
Till the day of Your appearing, as eternity is nearing
I’ll tell all within my hearing, You are Lord

CHORUS:
I worship You, I worship You, Lord
I worship You, I worship You, Lord


By: W. Berry / See & Say Songs, BMI