Wednesday, February 13

First "published" work......for the Lenten observation

Words In Red Lenten Devotional
United We Stand, Divided Promotes A Fall!

Posted: 11 Feb 2008 11:00 PM CST

By Jim Hutson
February 12, 2008

Read: Matthew 12:25-37 ACCUSED OF WORKING WITH DEMONS

THOUGHT STARTER: Do you believe you will be judged by Jesus when he comes again? Does trusting and believing Jesus give you assurance of being with Him for all eternity?

KEY VERSE: vs 25: “Every kingdom divided against itself is ruined. And every city or household divided against itself will not last.”

“A house divided upon itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved – I do not expect the house to fall – but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing or all the other.” Abraham Lincoln delivered this impassioned speech in 1858.

As a member of a “blended” and “multicultural” family, I can relate to division and the effects upon the whole. As most ‘blended’ families will attest to, this brought clashes in discipline, nurturing, parenting styles, personalities, and the involvement of the other outside influences of the “non-custodial” parents. Two distinct and separate families have been brought together, and common ground is the priority for advancement and survival. The needs of the one outweigh the needs of the few or the many, and it is that focus on the One that makes my family such an effective force for Christ.

Christ gave each of us, regardless of our personality, talent, skill, or passion, the same commission: To proclaim the Good News. Regardless of our denominational titles, we are all a blended family in the body of Christ united by the common truth of Jesus Christ.

“Our cause, then, must be entrusted to, and conducted by, its own undoubted friends – those whose hands are free, whose hearts are in the work, who do care for the result… We gathered from the four winds and formed and fought the battle through, under constant hot fire of a disciplined, proud, and pampered enemy…..We shall not fail--if we stand firm, we shall not fail. Wise counsels may accelerate or mistakes delay it, but, sooner or later, the victory is sure to come.” Wise words from a preacher? No, these are additional thoughts from Abraham Lincoln that we can add to the call for the harvest in the Kingdom work.

What differences in the body of Christ do you come across and how do they keep you from fulfilling the Great Commission?

What are key beliefs that you find are common to true believers regardless of the denominational beliefs that are part of the body of Christ?

Lord Jesus, Heavenly Father, and Holy Spirit, we praise You and give You thanks that You are the common thread of our lives. Dear Father, In all things, we can agree upon who is the Truth, the Light, and the Way: Your son, Jesus Christ. Help each of us to discover the true meaning of “loving our neighbor” seeking to offer the truth and live in loving tolerance with brethren regardless of what denomination they claim, for they are part of Your family. United we stand, divided we fall is the call of our nation. Let us realize the truth in this for ourselves, for the Kingdom. AMEN

Again, if you would like to follow along with the other authors for the lenten period, you can subscribe to the emails at www.st-matthew.org

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