S.O.A.P. for 04-01-2009 UNITY

Unity

S: Luke 9:49&50
John said to Jesus,"Master, we saw someone using Your Name to cast out demons, but we told him to stop because he isn't in our group." But Jesus said,"Don't stop him! Anyone who is not against you is for you!"

O: Jesus was explaining that if the focus is on Him, it doesn't matter what group, what church, what clique, what town, what race you belong to. Don't fight or create dissention amongst yourselves when your goals and beliefs are the same. No group is better than the other if the focus and heart is on Jesus.

A: I must remember to love my neighbor and encourage my neigbor, even if he is not in my circle, or does not go to my church. If he is a believer, then he is my brother, no matter his status, his church, whether he attends the same bible study, listens to the same music... If his walk is in line with mine, then we should be united, whether or not God has placed us together... He is on my side. We are not wrong.... just different. :) We should honor and respect each other in those regards.

P: Father God,
Please remind me that if I know a believer, and that believer is "living the life" just as I am trying to, I must remember that it's okay that we go to different churches or are in different groups or associations. We can't just have one tremendosusly large group of like minded people or we would lose our diversity, and we would stunt our growth!! Neither of us is better than the other and we are on the same team so who cares about the "details". Help me to see in that light and respect and honor that person for their Faith. Help me to remember to "rejoice" and not try to sway to my way of thinking. There is beauty in the diversity that you've created and one person does not have it all "right". I love You dearly, and thank You for everything You bring to light, everything You offer, and everything You share with me.

In Jesus Name,
Amen

*They call us Diverse City, we're color for good,
It's like a freak show.. in your neighborhood.
SO if you wanna praise, you can come on down.
Cause this freak show, is leaving the ground*
Toby Mac