Ministry for Life

Ministry For Life With Jennifer Devlin

Thumbprints There have been numerous times lately that I have found myself talking with others about the topic of unity. As a military wife, unity in battle is a topic I understand on a very foundational level. Unity is such a basic necessity in battle – for without a unified front, there will be no success. We need to be unified, especially in battle . After all, why would an enemy need to attack something that is attacking itself from the inside out? What would happen if soldiers disobeyed the orders of the leader and did whatever they felt like doing? In such an environment, a unified front is critical, or lives are instantly at stake. Yet in a worldly example of unity, we see that today anyone can be united about anything – whether it is something that is positive or destructive; and unity can also bring forth an amazing amount of compromise – by those who lay down their own beliefs in order to simply appear unified with others (with no real sense of mission). Although unity can be tremendously positive, we also know by negative examples we see around the world today that unity in and of itself is not automatically a good thing. With a conversation about unity with other believers, I have always been quick to point out that as Christians the source of all unity is the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Without His sacrifice for man and his sin, there would be no salvation, and without this sacrifice, there would be no link between me and you in Christ. We could say we were linked by our church affiliation or our proclamation of faith, but true Christian unity is far deeper, far more meaningful, and far more lasting than any other type of unity we could forge with our fellow man. And, it is essential to living a victorious Christian life. See, we have an enemy, and find ourselves in a different kind of battle than military forces. We as believers are constantly confronted with a spiritual battle, with an enemy who masquerades as an angel of light! (2 Cor. 11:14) Christian unity far exceeds any other type of unity because it is the only unity forged by God Himself. And Christian unity goes way beyond the politically correct tolerance of all religions that is mistakenly called “unity” by those who don't believe in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. In the seventeenth chapter of John, Jesus prayed for a type of unity that we should be exhibiting as we are unified by the gift of salvation that only He could give. That part of His prayer for all believers reads, “…that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me.” (John 17:21, NASB) We can read Jesus' prayer request and see His heart for the people of God. He wants us to show the world that we agree that God sent Him, and in doing so, that the world would be moved to believe the same. We have a tremendous impact on those around us through every action and interaction, and why not have an impact that leaves the “thumbprint of God” as well? Thumbprints of God , or moments where the presence of God is obvious in a situation, can happen in many ways: Like praying for those around you, leaving a lasting effect on their life. By help, comfort, and a kind word to those around you who are in need. Like talking with friends and neighbors about the God who brings you comfort even in the darkest moments of life. Encouraging others in their daily lives, and giving a word of praise and admiration when you see a job well done. By exhibiting a life that reflects your beliefs in Jesus within your daily actions and choices. And also by always being prepared to give an answer for the hope you have to those who wonder why you believe the way you do. As found in 1 Peter 3:15, we should “…sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence...” No matter what battles or struggles you may face or what may come against you, never forget who you are in Christ and never pass up an opportunity to share the hope you have in Christ with others! You never know what kind of impact you may leave on their life…it might even make an eternal difference. Since this is posted online, open to the world of the internet, it could be reaching you literally across the world from me or you could be a neighbor in my hometown. Wherever God has you in this very moment, I thank you for being unified with other believers, and I pray that you would have a “holy boldness” to share your faith wherever your feet may tread. Hebrews 4:16 reminds us of the following, “Let us therefore come boldly before the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Whatever your need may be today, ask the Lord for mercy and grace for your situation. With the grace and mercy received, impact your world mightily! I pray that God would surround you with others who stand in their faith in Jesus Christ, and that together, unified and passionate about God, you would leave “thumbprints” everywhere you go! This is my prayer for us all today… “That with one accord [we] may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:6) “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13) Amen! “Thumbprints” (Adapted from a Spiritual Sandbox article originally posted in 2006 on www.agreaterfreedom.com) By Jennifer Devlin Jennifer@ministryforlife.com

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There have been numerous times lately that I have found myself talking with others about the topic of unity. As a military wife, unity in battle is a topic I understand on a very foundational level. Unity is such a basic necessity in battle – for without a unified front, there will be no success. We need to be unified, especially in battle . After all, why would an enemy need to attack something that is attacking itself from the inside out? What would happen if soldiers disobeyed the orders of the leader and did whatever they felt like doing? In such an environment, a unified front is critical, or lives are instantly at stake.

Yet in a worldly example of unity, we see that today anyone can be united about anything – whether it is something that is positive or destructive; and unity can also bring forth an amazing amount of compromise – by those who lay down their own beliefs in order to simply appear unified with others (with no real sense of mission). Although unity can be tremendously positive, we also know by negative examples we see around the world today that unity in and of itself is not automatically a good thing.

With a conversation about unity with other believers, I have always been quick to point out that as Christians the source of all unity is the shed blood of Jesus Christ. Without His sacrifice for man and his sin, there would be no salvation, and without this sacrifice, there would be no link between me and you in Christ. We could say we were linked by our church affiliation or our proclamation of faith, but true Christian unity is far deeper, far more meaningful, and far more lasting than any other type of unity we could forge with our fellow man. And, it is essential to living a victorious Christian life. See, we have an enemy, and find ourselves in a different kind of battle than military forces. We as believers are constantly confronted with a spiritual battle, with an enemy who masquerades as an angel of light! (2 Cor. 11:14)

Christian unity far exceeds any other type of unity because it is the only unity forged by God Himself. And Christian unity goes way beyond the politically correct tolerance of all religions that is mistakenly called “unity” by those who don't believe in the Son of God, Jesus Christ. In the seventeenth chapter of John, Jesus prayed for a type of unity that we should be exhibiting as we are unified by the gift of salvation that only He could give. That part of His prayer for all believers reads,

“…that they may all be one; even as Thou, Father, art in Me, and I in Thee, that they also may be in Us; that the world may believe that Thou didst send Me.”

We can read Jesus' prayer request and see His heart for the people of God. He wants us to show the world that we agree that God sent Him, and in doing so, that the world would be moved to believe the same. We have a tremendous impact on those around us through every action and interaction, and why not have an impact that leaves the “thumbprint of God” as well?

Thumbprints of God , or moments where the presence of God is obvious in a situation, can happen in many ways:

Like praying for those around you, leaving a lasting effect on their life.
By help, comfort, and a kind word to those around you who are in need.
Like talking with friends and neighbors about the God who brings you comfort even in the darkest moments of life.
Encouraging others in their daily lives, and giving a word of praise and admiration when you see a job well done.
By exhibiting a life that reflects your beliefs in Jesus within your daily actions and choices.
And also by always being prepared to give an answer for the hope you have to those who wonder why you believe the way you do.

“…sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence...”

No matter what battles or struggles you may face or what may come against you, never forget who you are in Christ and never pass up an opportunity to share the hope you have in Christ with others! You never know what kind of impact you may leave on their life…it might even make an eternal difference.

Since this is posted online, open to the world of the internet, it could be reaching you literally across the world from me or you could be a neighbor in my hometown. Wherever God has you in this very moment, I thank you for being unified with other believers, and I pray that you would have a “holy boldness” to share your faith wherever your feet may tread. Hebrews 4:16 reminds us of the following,

Whatever your need may be today, ask the Lord for mercy and grace for your situation. With the grace and mercy received, impact your world mightily! I pray that God would surround you with others who stand in their faith in Jesus Christ, and that together, unified and passionate about God, you would leave “thumbprints” everywhere you go!

“That with one accord [we] may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:6)

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

(Adapted from a Spiritual Sandbox article originally posted in 2006 on www.agreaterfreedom.com)