John 17:20-22 – I ask not only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one. As you, Father, 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. The glory that you have given me I have given them, so that they may be one, as we are one, I in them and you in me, that they may become completely one, so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me. (NRSV)

A couple of years ago, I had the pleasure of working with St. David's Relief Foundation in Bosnia. We were in a small town that had been attacked during the war. While our job was to put on roofs and help rebuild the town, I noticed that the church looked brand new. What I found out was that the church had been levelled during the war. When peace returned, the first thing that the people did was rebuild the church — even before rebuilding their homes. These simple people of faith knew how to please God. In return for putting Him first, God brought people like us to help them rebuild their homes, de-mine their fields, and put in a water system. When I visited the village a few years later, it had been fully resurrected from the grave. The lesson is simple: put God first, and everything else will fall into place.

Romans 8:28 – We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. (NRSV)

Prayer: By the words of today's Scripture, Lord Jesus, You challenge us to become one with You in mind, body, soul, and spirit, and not to quibble needlessly over doctrines or denominations or who has the better understanding of Your Word. The world is full of work to do. In Your name, Lord, let us begin. Amen.

Forward this devotional     Share on Facebook

About the author:

David J. Sheehan <davidjsheehan100@yahoo.com>
Crowley, Texas, USA
Send your feedback to the author