Tag: unity

On One Accord

On One Accord by Kirk Hunt

Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Philippians 2:1-2 NKJV
Please also read Philippians 2:1-18

The collapse of the physical building was the most visible (and final) sign of a flawed community. The lack of cooperation or collaboration among the residents fostered further deterioration of their shared residence. Without accord and unity, death and destruction almost inevitably followed.

Years of warnings from experts did not bring community or unity. The easily discerned physical conditions in the building did not foster cooperation or cohesion. Only the roar of collapse, the cries of the trapped, and the silence of the missing forced unified effort.

The Church, the universal community of Christians, is in a similar situation. Years of warnings from Bible scholars and Church leaders have not fostered community or unity among God’s people. Too many believers discount or discard the evidence of discord visible to their own eyes.

It is not too late for God’s people to work together. The Church, through the power of God and His Holy Spirit, could be a unifying force in the nation and the world. First though, we must be on one accord. Are you ready to set aside your individual concerns for our joint mission?

Think: Unity gives God’s people strength and fosters advancement of God’s Kingdom.

Pray: “Lord, help me to foster unity and cooperation in Your Kingdom.”

Copyright © July 2021, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press. You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Gathered In His Name

Gathered In His Name by Kirk Hunt

“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

Matthew 18:20 NKJV

God’s people must gather.  Perhaps, they are gathered by a cause.  Perhaps they are gathered by the call to worship.  Or service.  Where a small number of men and women who are true Christ disciples gather, Christ also is present.

We gather for strength of numbers.  Even if that is only or two.  Leviticus 26:8 promises that God’s faithful people will have an impact out of proportion to their numbers. 

We gather for accountability.  James 5:16 directs us to confess our errors to each to fellow believers.  Who better understands the successes and failures of the Christian life than faith Christians?

We gather for fellowship.  1 John 1:7 reminds us that we walk in the light with other believers.  Since we are going the same way, would it not be better to walk together in friendship and mutual aid?

We gather for joy.  Acts 2:46-47 prove God’s people know how to have a good time and not be hung over the next day.  God’s presence among His people adds, if not multiplies, our joy, peace and comfort. 

If you are one of God’s people, you should gather with us.  If you are not one of God’s people, you should come and see what we are talking about.  After all, there even two or three Christians are, Jesus is there also.

Think:      I must gather together with men and women of Christ.

Pray:         “Lord, help me to find my place among Your faithful people.”

 

Copyright © July 2019, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is brought to you courtesy of CadreMen Press.  You can purchase a copy of Blessed and Blessing: Devotionals For Gospel Champions from your favorite bookseller or directly from CadreMen Press.

Thankfulness In Peace

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“Thankfulness In Peace” By Kirk Hunt

 

And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.

Colossians 3:15 NKJV

 

Unity.  Peace.  Thankfulness.  All three concepts are bound together.

 

Keep in mind that unity is not the same thing as uniformity.  Unity is when the rough-looking biker-type is serving the vegetables right next to the skinny nerd dishing out the entrée.  And everyone in the food line is thankful they work together.

 

Spike and Specs work together they are both Christ-followers.  Since they are at peace within themselves, they can be at peace with others.  They are grateful, not just for each other, but for the opportunity to advance the Kingdom of God, here and now.

 

Which comes first, the peace or the community or the thankfulness?  Pick one and work for the others.  Do not even think of apologizing if you have all three, just send me the secret formula for that state of affairs.

 

Be grateful your peace comes from God and enables you to have unity with others, especially saints.  Be thankful for your community of saints, which gives you the place and space for peace.   The saints around you are enabled by, and thankful for, the peace of God that has rule within you.

 

Think:            I am grateful for internal peace for myself and my local Church.

Pray:              “Lord, thank You for peace, community and unity.”

 

 

Copyright © December 2013, Kirk Hunt

This devotional is a ministry of https://devotionals.cadremenpress.com.

No Further Mention

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“No Further Mention” by Kirk Hunt

And the contention was so sharp between them, that they departed asunder one from the other: and so Barnabas took Mark, and sailed unto Cyprus;

Acts 9:39 KJV

This verse is the last mention of Barnabas in the Book of Acts. In separation. With broken fellowship.

We forget that we live and work with human beings. Even the saints filled with the Holy Spirit. Stuff will happen. Sometimes ugly, messy stuff.

Still, there can be more to the story. It may take weeks, or months, or years. There may have to be acts of serious remedial brotherhood.

Galatians 2 makes full mention of Barnabas. In fellowship. In unity. Even, in disagreement again.

Gospel family is a lot like actual family. There are episodes of fussing and fighting. There are chapters of reconciliation and reunion. “Fall out if you must, but don’t forget to fall back in.”

There is no further mention of Barnabas in Acts, but his story (and Paul’s) didn’t end there. Maybe there’s a chapter in your life with an awkward ending. How do you want the story to end?

The story can have a happy ending. Maybe there’s a brother or sister you need to call. I pray you will take their call, when it comes. Either way, let God continue to write the script of your life.

Think: How do you want your story of Gospel fellowship to end?

Pray: “Lord, help me to be the Gospel brother or sister who heals.”

Copyright © October 2009, Kirk Hunt