Unity in Jesus

How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity! It is like precious oil poured on the head… For there the Lord bestows His blessing, even life forevermore. – (Psalm 133:1-3, NIV)

Oh, how wonderful, how pleasing it is when God’s people all come together as one! It is like the sweet-smelling oil that is poured over the high priest’s head… It is there that the Lord has promised His blessing of eternal life. – (Psalm 133:1-3, ERV)

How wonderful, how beautiful, when brothers and sisters get along! It’s like costly anointing oil flowing down the head… Yes, that’s where God commands the blessing, ordains eternal life. – (Psalm 133:1-3, MSG)

God calls us to live in community with unity. His intent and purpose are for us to get along and work together as one body. When we do, it is like a fragrant anointing, as those around us can see and experience the goodness of God. His blessings are bestowed upon us as we do, for in such space we are continually reminded of His goodness now, and the glorious hope of all that is yet to come. Yesterday, amid mourning and heartache with a beautiful young couple from our church, we witnessed this in a very real and tangible way. Many gathered to celebrate the short life of their baby, who died a few days before his due date in the womb. Despite devastating heartache, there was joy in celebrating together the hope of being reunited one day in heaven. Though the precious boy never was able to experience life with his family, he will never know heartache, sickness, or pain, for he is already in the arms of Jesus where there is perfect peace. The love and support of their family and community was overwhelmingly evident. Together, we gathered as one to celebrate the life and grieve the loss of the precious baby boy. Incredibly, the blessings and joy were more evident than the sorrow. Only in Jesus, is such hope possible. My heart was blessed, despite the tears, in witnessing and supporting the beauty that is found in a community that comes together as one. (For more of Luca’s story, click here) May we ever seek the Lord and His purposes for us, as we rely on Him to help us be in communities that are united, not divided in His perfect love.

Oh, how wonderful,

Is community;

That stands side-by-side,

In true unity.

United purpose,

Love is what is seen;

Brothers and sisters,

Choosing live in peace.

This is the calling,

God give to us all;

Love one another,

Help up those who fall.

When the trials come,

To stand side-by-side;

Love well and support,

With arms open wide.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You call us to be united in community. Thank You that You lead us and equip us to love one another and to encourage and support each other as sisters and brothers. Forgive us for the times that we have allowed differences to divide us rather than unite us, for each of us have strengths and gifts to share that make our community stronger. Show us how to see You in all those whom we encounter. Lead us to love and be in community as You intended. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we love You and love one another, together as one. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. – Ephesians 4:3

When Forever Begins

There will come a day,

when all evil ends;

as the Lord returns,

His judgment He’ll send.

For those found in Him,

have His hope to hold;

He’s prepared a place,

where beauty unfolds.

He who hung the stars,

and painted the sky;

is waiting for us,

welcomes when we die.

For this end is not,

truly our demise;

glory does await,

promise realized.

Imagine the sound,

as we enter in;

the angel voices,

promised peace begins.

Imagine the thanks,

for Him, holy Lord;

He who was and is,

above righteous horde.

In power He reigns,

now forevermore;

let’s worship and praise,

He whom we adore.

“We give thanks to You, Lord God Almighty, the One who is and was, because You have taken Your great power and have begun to reign.” – (Revelation 11:7)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for the glorious hope that is held in You. Thank You that despite the decay of our earthly shells, a day will come when we will stand before You and behold beauty unimagined. Thank You that our end on earth is not the end. Thank You that our ultimate hope and future are held in heaven with You. Forgive us for fearing our own demise, and help us to long for our heavenly home. Please provide Your perfect peace to all those in pain, and may many come to trust in You, so they too, will see You reign. Let us live in Your love so that many may come to be covered by the cross You bore on our behalf. Be glorified in all that we say and do. Amen.

Anne update: Yesterday must have been a good day, as when I checked in with Anne, she was at the mall. 🙂 Please continue to join me in contending for her complete healing here, and that hearts will be prepared as she will be moving to her new place tomorrow. Thank You Father, for raising up warriors – Your people who are praying on Anne’s behalf. Thank You for surrounding her with those who love You, and love her. All glory to God, for He is so very good. Blessings to you all, Shannon

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present