His word for me today....

from my devotional reading this morning;

"All people will know that you are followers if you love each other" (John 13:35) ..... could it be that unity is the key to reaching the world for Christ?
If unity is the key to evangelism, shouldn't it have precedence in our prayers? Should we, as Paul said, "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit throught the bond of peace" (Eph. 4:3)? If unity matters to God then shouldn't unity matter to us? If unity is a priority in heaven, then shouldn't it be a priority on earth?
Nowhere, by the way, are we told to build unity. We are simply told to keep unity. From God's perspective the is but "one flock and one shepherd" (John 10:16) Unity does not need to be created; it simply needs to be protected.
How do we do that?......Does that mean we compromise our convictions? No. Does that mean we abandon the truths we cherish? No.
But it does mean we look long and hard at the attitudes we carry.

What can we do to protect the unity of God's flock?

Max Lucado
In the Grip of Grace

I know that I have burned many bridges in the past. Many of them with other christians. I have failed in both keeping and protecting unity. so.....

After chewing on that for awhile, I opened my bible this afternoon to this passage....

Romans 12 (The Message)

"Love from the center of who you are; don't fake it. Run for dear life from evil; hold on for dear life to good. Be good friends who love deeply; pratice playing second fiddle.

Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don't quit in hard times; pray all the harder. Help needy christians; be inventive in hospitality.

Bless your enemies; no cursing under your breath. Laugh with your happy friends when they are happy; share tears when they are down. Get along with each other; don't be stuck up. Make friends with the nobodies; don't be the great somebody.

Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody."


I know there has been alot said recently in regards to unity, love and peace. But I thought that a reminder of protecting & keeping each other was worth mentioning. We are all family. Clearly it was an important reminder for me too, seeing as He had me read it twice today!! It's also worth remembering that the mistakes of the past are in the past and that in His strength we can move ahead. May we continue to protect each other. May we want to keep each other.