2021 Advent Devotions
Monday, November 29 - Joy Grant
John 17:20-23 “I ask not only on behalf of these (disciples), but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and I have loved them even as you have loved me.”
Jesus wanted His church to be so loving, forgiving and united that the secular world would take notice. He desired the evidence of this amazement to not be theatrics, but to “give the godless world evidence that You’ve sent me and loved them.” And so, when a church is uncommonly united, this contrasts with the disunity found in most worldly organizations. It reminds the watching world that something supernatural is at work in our churches, and it models to the world the undivided nature of God.
I am longing for the church as I knew it – without political connections or divisiveness. I am so disappointed with all the social media and social statements creating a feeling of “us” vs “them” mentality. We are all God’s children here to minister to those in need. I would like to think our church does that. I see so many good things going on within our church and our neighbors. Let’s not get pulled into the political morass which is engulfing our society. Our church welcomes all – “red and yellow, black and white, we are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.” I love that song. It embodies what we are all about. Let’s stay focused on the tasks at hand and care for one another. I long for our church to be a place where I can continue to feel close to God (although I feel very close while outdoors as well) and commune with you all. Peace, goodwill toward all.
Prayer: Lord, I pray for unity of spirit as we traverse these somewhat choppy roads. Help us to nourish each other with our words and actions. In your name I pray. Amen.
John 17:20-23 “I ask not only on behalf of these (disciples), but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and I have loved them even as you have loved me.”
Jesus wanted His church to be so loving, forgiving and united that the secular world would take notice. He desired the evidence of this amazement to not be theatrics, but to “give the godless world evidence that You’ve sent me and loved them.” And so, when a church is uncommonly united, this contrasts with the disunity found in most worldly organizations. It reminds the watching world that something supernatural is at work in our churches, and it models to the world the undivided nature of God.
I am longing for the church as I knew it – without political connections or divisiveness. I am so disappointed with all the social media and social statements creating a feeling of “us” vs “them” mentality. We are all God’s children here to minister to those in need. I would like to think our church does that. I see so many good things going on within our church and our neighbors. Let’s not get pulled into the political morass which is engulfing our society. Our church welcomes all – “red and yellow, black and white, we are precious in His sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.” I love that song. It embodies what we are all about. Let’s stay focused on the tasks at hand and care for one another. I long for our church to be a place where I can continue to feel close to God (although I feel very close while outdoors as well) and commune with you all. Peace, goodwill toward all.
Prayer: Lord, I pray for unity of spirit as we traverse these somewhat choppy roads. Help us to nourish each other with our words and actions. In your name I pray. Amen.