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Day 17: John 17/Psalm 34
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Friday March 12, 2004
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… May they be
brought to complete unity to let the world know that you sent me and
have loved them even as you have loved me.
John 17:23 (New International Version)
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The unity
of the Church
In John 17 Jesus is praying with the disciples. He first prayed for
himself, then for the disciples, and finally for all believers (verses
20 - 24). He prayed for the Church to be brought together in complete
unity. However, His focus wasn’t simply for more effective ministry
through shared resources. He was asking that the unity of His believers
would serve as a witness to the world of His divinity and of God’s
love.
Imagine this: You are seriously ill and
in debilitating pain. After overcoming your distrust of medical
institutions, you finally yield to your family's pleas and rush to the
best hospital in town.
You are wheeled into an examining room equipped with the most modern
medical technology. Friendly, competent staff hurry to assess your
rapidly deteriorating condition. Although you’re in great pain, you
relax as you recognize the skillful leadership of the medical staff.
All too soon an argument rises from the
huddle of specialists called in to consult on your care. One will not
proceed with treatment until more tests are performed. Another will not
agree to surgical intervention but believes a non-surgical approach is
better. One insists that homeopathic cures are a superior path to your
healing while another questions the appropriateness of any medical
intervention.
In horror, you feel your life slipping away
while the experts debate the fine points of medical practice only feet
from your bed.
Unfortunately, this
may be the perception (or the experience) that many have of the Church
today. How much more credible and relevant are we when, as a body of
believers, we chose to focus on what is principle to our faith rather
than what is preference?
Today’s
Prayer:
Father, reveal to me the parts of my heart that need softened
towards fellow believers. Show me the areas of division, prejudice and
exclusion. Help me be a promoter of unity in my community and let that
unity bear witness to Jesus’ sacrifice and Your love.
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Memory Verse of the Week:
“If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you
wish, and it will be given you. This is to my Father's glory, that
you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”
John 15:7-8 (New International Version)
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For a complete
listing of all the previous devotionals in this "50 Day Experience,"
click here.
To read the chapter or psalm of the day online, click on one of the
following links:
o
John
17
o
Psalm
34
Kevin Peyton, peyton@cincyvineyard.com, Director
of Facility Operations at VCC
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Reminder:
Today is a day of fasting.
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