Scripture:
Romans 15:5-7 NASB
Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept one another, just as Christ also accepted us to the glory of God.
Romans 15:5-7 NIV
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Song:
Glory in the Highest “Chris Tomlin” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AL1eKGNMbKw
Worship is one of the best ways to connect with the Father. In my personal times of worship I often start by pouring my heart out to Him, but I always try to end proclaiming who He is. Don’t let the fact that this is on a Christmas album sway you from listening to and proclaiming the truth of the words.
“You are the first, You go before. You are the last, Lord, You’re the encore…No one else could ever compare to You, Lord. All the earth together declares, Glory in the Highest!”
(Contributor OGS)
Lesson: Unity in the Spirit
According to Webster’s dictionary “unity” is being together or at one with someone or something. It’s the opposite of being divided. This is a word for togetherness or oneness. Simply put – unity in the Spirit is being “together with” the Spirit. In our lesson from last week we were encouraged to start and end our day in prayer; relating to the Father. Being together with someone is spending time with them, learning them, enjoying them and loving them.
Another word for “unity” is “harmony”. (Ephesians 4:1-5) Having unity with the Spirit produces harmony and cohesiveness. “Harmony” means friendship, consistency, peace, understanding. If you find an area of your life is lacking those things you can draw the conclusion that you are not in unity with the Father in that area. Integrity is the state of being whole and undivided. Lack of integrity is a lack of faith.
In Beth Moore’s bible study, Believing God, she has you memorize and repeat this pledge of faith:
1) God is who He says He is.
2) God can do what He says He can do.
3) I am who God says I am.
4) I can do all things through Christ.
5) God’s Word is alive and active in me.
I’M BELIEVING GOD!
I find myself saying this pledge of faith often. Anytime I sense that I am letting my circumstances dictate my outlook on life. Believing God and who He is puts us back on “the right side of the equation” as Donna always tells us. It keeps us looking up and it keeps us in unity.
The opposite of unity is division. In “Overwhelmed By My Blessings” by Robin Meadows (https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/3437-overwhelmed-by-my-blessings-encouragement-for-moms/day/2), she makes this statement:
“If I was connected to the Source, His fruit was there. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness. But when I was not connected, fruit was still there. Bad fruit. Unkindness, harsh words, discord, impatience. It’s like my Holy Spirit connection had a crimp in it. In the midst of all the chaos, crying, rolling eyes, and huffy attitudes, I forgot to stay connected. My circumstances became larger than my relationship with Jesus”
Robin was referring to her relationship with her children, but I believe that this applies to ANY relationship or circumstance. When we aren’t connected to The Source, when we aren’t united with Him, our circumstances overwhelm us and our relationships suffer. We are always producing fruit, but the extent to which we are connected to the Father and His spirit is the measure of good or bad fruit.
Matthew 12:33 (The Message) “If you grow a healthy tree, you’ll pick healthy fruit. If you grow a diseased tree, you’ll pick worm-eaten fruit. The fruit tells you about the tree.
(Contributor OGS)
Homework/Journaling:
Review the Burn the Ships message (Cultivate Faithfulness Gathering on 11/2/19) Click Here
Read Ephesians 4 in at least 2 translations and journal your thoughts about unity, community, and how your life lines up with His word. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians+4&version=NIV
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=ephesians+4&version=MSG
Spend time praying for your community today. Pray for harmony and peace among those you live life with on a daily basis.
Write a prayer asking God to make you authentic. Ask Him for eyes to see areas where there is a lack of integrity in your life and fully submit those things to Him.
Write John 17:20-25 from any translation and journal about Jesus’ heart to be “one” with us. https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=john+17%3A20-25&version=NIV
Listen to “Way Maker” by Leeland https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EXQGTInPpZU
Take time to proclaim Who He is. Take heart and know that He is moving and changing our hearts. Journal about how He is making Himself known to you.
(Contributor OGS)
Word study, Resources, Tools:
Read these scriptures about Unity and journal your response
Definition of unity according to Webster Dictionary:
http://webstersdictionary1828.com/Dictionary/unity
(Contributor OGS)
Life Application:
Take some time to list the key relationships in your life. Next to each one consider the fruit you are producing in that relationship. Is there good fruit? Have you connected to the Source about that relationship? Journal your discoveries and response to God’s revelation.
(Contributor OGS)