Encounter
the Word:
In light of all this, here's what I want you to do. While I'm locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don't want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don't want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness. –Ephesians 4:1-6 [Message]
The
church is the people who have come together in Christ's name to worship and
honor His name. It's not about individuals, such as your youth leader, a local
pastor, or a religious spokesperson. It's about us. . . being together, in Jesus.
Paul was in jail, the local authorities thought that incarcerating this mastermind, "the head
honcho," would disable the movement. But the government didn't understand that
Paul wasn't the head of the church, Christ Jesus was back then, and He is today. The body of
Christ, the believers, kept on going because Christ still lives. As we travel together, the good news continues to be shared by the church.
The passion and task of spreading the gospel isn't limited to a handful of people, but it is the task of every follower of Christ. We are all one body, with one Master, who have all been baptized in His name and received His presence directly into our hearts. We are all headed down the same path and it is GOD’s desire that we maintain a constant pace, not running ahead, pausing, take a step back, run ahead some more. It is through constant progress that keeps us from burning out or holding back the rest of the body. As we travel together, we are to be in sync with the body of Christ.
When we are baptized into Christ, we accept Him as our sole source of life. He is the ultimate voice in our life, guiding us in our actions and words. But just because you've been baptized is no excuse to stop pursuing GOD. In the grand scheme of things, you're still an infant and how easy is it to deceive and distract an infant from their ultimate goal. Renew your passion for Christ Jesus. Being a part of the body of Christ means continually pursuing His word and will for our lives, staying in constant contact and listening to His voice in the quiet moments. In doing these things, we'll continue to grow and mature and because of that, the devil will have a harder time grabbing your attention. As we travel together, we grow together...becoming more like the One.
The passion and task of spreading the gospel isn't limited to a handful of people, but it is the task of every follower of Christ. We are all one body, with one Master, who have all been baptized in His name and received His presence directly into our hearts. We are all headed down the same path and it is GOD’s desire that we maintain a constant pace, not running ahead, pausing, take a step back, run ahead some more. It is through constant progress that keeps us from burning out or holding back the rest of the body. As we travel together, we are to be in sync with the body of Christ.
When we are baptized into Christ, we accept Him as our sole source of life. He is the ultimate voice in our life, guiding us in our actions and words. But just because you've been baptized is no excuse to stop pursuing GOD. In the grand scheme of things, you're still an infant and how easy is it to deceive and distract an infant from their ultimate goal. Renew your passion for Christ Jesus. Being a part of the body of Christ means continually pursuing His word and will for our lives, staying in constant contact and listening to His voice in the quiet moments. In doing these things, we'll continue to grow and mature and because of that, the devil will have a harder time grabbing your attention. As we travel together, we grow together...becoming more like the One.
Encounter
Prayer:
“O
GOD, in the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace;
and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our
minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation; through
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.” —The
Book of Common Prayers
Encounter:
- Have you been listening to GOD lately? What is He sharing with you through this devotional?
- Read Ephesians 4:1-16. What of Paul's counsel is particularly relevant to your life today?
- Being present with GOD helps us grow stronger in our love of His body, the Church. With whom in His body is He asking you to share kindness and grace? How?
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