WHAT MAKES A FAMILY?
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WHAT MAKES A FAMILY?
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As we work through difficult issues in the nation to determine what is true and how to take a united stand in prayer as believers, we must agree to work together on the foundation of God’s Word and the resurrected power of Christ. Even when we disagree, our mutual love and concern for one another should be a testament to the world that Christ’s Body is one. Our united stand and unified voice have the power to shift things in both the natural and the spiritual realms.
I appeal to you, brothers and sisters, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree with one another in what you say and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly united in mind and thought. (1 Cor 1:10)
This has become a core conviction to me personally since my own family history is a picture of the Church at large. Even with all our differences, we know we are family and will stand together for what truly matters: My paternal grandmother was Irish Catholic. My maternal grandparents were Amish. My father was a first generation Christian and my mother was Mennonite. My father became an evangelist who reached out to the homeless and spoke in many denominations through his years. As a youth I attended a neighborhood Evangelical Free Church. My next-door neighbor was a Catholic and my best friend in high school was Methodist. I married a Spirit-filled Mennonite and we went to a Charismatic university (Oral Roberts) where we interned at a Methodist church. My oldest brother was a cessationist. My oldest sister married a Baptist and my other sister married a Lutheran. My younger brother loves Jesus but doesn’t attend church anywhere.
Can you imagine what our family reunions are like!?
In my younger years, I struggled with how to relate to my siblings on religious matters. In my zeal to convert them to my personal convictions and experiences, I ended up alienating them and sowing discord. Eventually, I learned to keep Jesus central and our differences in their proper place. Though we will probably never attend the same church or agree on every doctrine, our bonds of fellowship are now held together by a mutual love for Christ, our desire to be change agents for good, and the knowledge of our eternal home.
That all of them may be one, Father, just as you 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. (Jn 17:21)
The Bride of Christ is a collective family. We may prioritize different aspects of our faith and demonstrate our love for the Lord in different ways. Our experiences will differ and viewpoints will vary. Yet, when we have determined to honor one another and reach for the same finish line as sons and daughters of the King, our corporate witness and testimony is powerful.
Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul… and great grace was upon them all. (Acts 4:32-33 ESV)
In the end, it’s not about you or me. It’s about US. As we set our hearts and minds on Kingdom purposes, there is a corporate grace available that empowers us to defeat our enemies and turn the world upside down. Let’s celebrate our diversity and set our gaze on the prize.
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I agree with these prayers. Father, make us one, as you and Jesus are One.
Wow, this was exactly what I needed to hear today! I share a lot of similarities to the author in my family dynamics! Yes, I agree, keep the main thing the main thing! Let’s treat our brothers and sisters with honor, love and respect and remember the important One is Jesus! Let’s not try to change others, but pray for and encourage one another! Praying today for unity in the Body of Christ!
The Family
What makes a family, from where does it come?
Some say its your DNA, or the print on your thumb.
The search is unending to discover its course.
Was it your parents or mine that determine it source?
Like a great mystery, it one day appeared
To stand as a monument to the One who is feared!
Like a master builder He fashions its parts, but
How impossible it seems to assemble these hearts.
The family endures every fire and flood,
A place of acceptance to escape from the crud.
Build up and encourage is My heart’s desire.
All perfectly flawed, yet refined by My fire.
But my family is broken, its children are scattered.
Has it failed in its mission, or merely been battered.
The devil is laughing; his victory is sure,
God’s family is divided and there is no known cure.
But then comes our Savior to lay down his life.
His grace is sufficient to cover all strife.
He heals our hurts and bares all pain.
He redeems our families from unbearable shame.
Be forgiving and merciful, watch over each one.
Not a day passes by, where evil is not done.
My family remains a work of My grace,
Through trials and testings, I strengthen My race.
So when the day comes and I will appear
You stand as My trophies; all heaven will cheer.
For victory comes by Faith, Hope and Love!
My family made perfect, it comes from above!
Lord, I praise Your name, Holy Father. You know the mess we’re in, but also, the mess the Church is in. Judgement begins in the house of the Lord. Thank you for the prayers shared here. Bring unity to the Body. Bring clear wisdom for the Church to cling to the Truth of your Word and not be blinded. Fill our hearts with so much love for You that it will overflow to everyone we’re with-friends, family, acquaintances. Our main goal should be to lift up Jesus. He came to change hearts. We can’t do that, but we can point others to the One who can. You know our prayers and concerns. Keep us in the center of Your will, not ours. Put in each one of us a deep desire to know your Word, not just about your Word. To quote a few verses does not mean we know what Your Word says about the cultural issues of the day. We need to go deep. Your Word is clear, though not popular. Give us strength to stand firm. Amen!
Last night at a Prayer for the City, we prayed for unity of the Church. This is something that God has been whispering for a while and now is echoing though the nation. We must have unity of the Body of Christ. Unity is not uniformity as you so clearly point out. The truth of the Trinity and the Gospel are not negotiable, but some things are not salvation issues. When we become religious in practicing our faith, we break the bonds of love which are so important. As a Pastor’s wife, I often remind others that we cannot expect unbelievers to behave like Christians or new believers to totally understand some things. Jesus’ love for the lost and weak must be our guideline. To quote, “a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand”. Believers must stand together as the Body of Christ, love one another and BE Jesus in this divided nation. We should be the ones to bring love, forgiveness and hope to our broken nation. We must shut our mouths rather than speak against one another and pray for those brothers and sisters who are caught in socialism because they care about the poor; let’s pray for eyes and hearts to be opened to the Truth. Our nation needs a fresh outpouring of God’s Spirit so that hearts and minds will believe the truth of the Gospel. May God help us to fulfill the call of God on our own lives and the purpose of the Church of Jesus Christ in America.
I believe that, unfortunately, the Church that became comfortable and lethargic is the cause of our present situation and we are the ones who must endeavor to change that with by returning to our “first Love” and all that that means.
Heavenly Father, In the Name of Jesus,Lord of Lords and King of Kings let all peoples by the power of the Holy Spirit seek a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, God Incarnate. As we celebrate His coming to Earth as a baby in a manger, cause all to desire to know Jesus, the Truth. Put a hunger in the heart of people to desire to explore and read the Holy Scriptures written by God through men inspired by the Holy Spirit. I pray for revival around the world and an awakening to Truth that all need a Savior as we are all fallen and unable on our own to earn our restoration so we can stand before a perfect, Sovereign Creator. I rebuke in Jesus Name the powers of evil that deceive which encourage people to move away from the truth rather than towards the truth and the comfort of repentance knowing our sins are forgiven. Jesus paid the price. Amen.