Scripture for Today

April 2, 2008

VERSE: Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with oneanother in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spiritthrough the bond of peace. -- Ephesians 4:2-3 http://www.SearchGodsWord.org/desk/?query=Ephesians+4:2-3

THOUGHT: Effort, sweat, and dedication seem to have become the profanity of western Christianity. To our age of grace-abusers, the HolySpirit reaches out with his truth and reminds us that relationships on earth, even those in Jesus' Church, are going to require a lot of effort, gritty love, personal sacrifice, and rigorous determination. If we read Jesus' prayer for unity in John 17, how could we not make every effort to keep his Body unified and ourrelationship with his people loving and patient? Since oursalvation was purchased at the cost of Jesus' sweat and blood, howcan we balk when our best efforts are required to preserve theunity of his family?PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, forgive my impatience with others and lack of forgiveness for them. Stir your Spirit within me to curb my tongue, soften my heart, and extend more of an effort to others whoneed your blessing. Please use me to be a peacemaker in yourKingdom, O Lord. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/todaysverse.cgi?day=20080402Today's Verse is also available in:PORTUGUESE - http://www.iluminalma.com.br/dph/3/0402.htmlSPANISH - http://www.laluzdelalma.com/vdh/3/0402.html