Thursday, September 25, 2014

Let God Lead Thursday Devotion


Theme:  Prayer for Our Community

  
First Word: Romans 12:4-7 For as in one body we have many members, and not all the members have the same function, so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another. We have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us: prophecy, in proportion to faith; ministry, in ministering; the teacher, in teaching; the exhorter, in exhortation; the giver, in generosity; the leader, in diligence; the compassionate, in cheerfulness.

High Noon: Ephesians 4:1-6 I therefore, the prisoner in the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  There is one body, one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope of your calling, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in all.

Last Word: Luke 10:27 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.

Questions:  
In Scripture, it is clear that community is the heartbeat of the gospel. To be in unity with one another, be in unity together for the sake of His kingdom, and to love one another. 
  
Within the body of Christ and at Resurrection we all have different gifts, and they are valued.  What gifts do you have that God is asking you to use within the congregation or in your family or your community? 

How is God calling you to live a life worthy of the calling?  How can we become more unified in our church family?

How can practice Luke 10:27?  How can we love the Lord with every ounce of our being, and to love our neighbor, our community, or church?

Reflections:  Community is something we cannot fit in a box.  Community is a beautiful mess.  Community involves real people, real feelings, and real stories.  When real people are involved people will get hurt, and people will feel loved and unified. We cannot force community, or force people to like each other. Though our hearts have to be open and willing to step into community.  When we do those things, we will experience the real gift that community has to offer!
 

In the three scriptures above, it is clear that Jesus cared about community as it is mentioned or referenced over 84 times in the Bible.  When we approach community with humility, gentleness, patience, bearing with one another in love, and making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit, we are able to fully experience the joy of community. 

Lets rejoice together, mourn together, worship together, serve together, gather around a table together, and experience the power of Community at Resurrection!

Prayer Starters:
Lord Jesus, we thank you for the gift of community.  May we experience the vibrant life of Christ at Resurrection together, and may we live into the calling of unity with one another.  Amen.

Heavenly Father, as family and members of Resurrection, may we approach each other with humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and making every effort to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  Amen.

Let God Lead in Prayer - Lord Jesus, thank you for your steadfast love for our family and our congregation.  We ask that you would clearly lead Resurrection Lutheran Church into the future you want us to have.  Guide us to be your church for people far into the future. You grace us and call us to a vibrant life of faith in Christ, a life we are asked to share with others.  Take away our fear and give us courage and strength to trust that you go with us.   Holy Spirit, give us ears to hear your voice, give us eyes to see your path, and give us faith to follow you. (Pause for silence and listening.) In Jesus’ name. Amen.


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