Sunday, July 1, 2007

Ephesians 4:1-16

1 As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.

2 Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. 3 Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit--just as you were called to one hope when you were called-- 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. 7 But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. 8 This is why it says: "When he ascended on high, he led captives in his train and gave gifts to humankind." 9 (What does "he ascended" mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? 10 He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.) 11 It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, 12 to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

9 comments:

Jennifer Garrison Brownell said...

Dear Friends,
We're househunting today - please pray for the right house to be found that meets the needs of each member of our family (wheelchair accessible and comfortable - dad; awesome kitchen - mom; near decent school - kid).

Also, yesterday I got a little social ouchie, and I'm trying not let it be a distraction today. Help me to keep the little things in perspective as we do this big thing.

Specifically yours,
Juniper

Rainbow Pastor said...

Juniper, prayers for the home search.

I need some clarity right now--I'm feeling very confused about a number of things, from the direction of my call to ministry to my feelings for a couple of people, to what my next steps in life should be.

So--clarity and discernment and then the wisdom and strength to follow the Spirit's leading, wherever She takes me.

Thank you sisters and brothers...

Terri said...

Prayers for each of you. I understand the need for a home that accomodates a variety of needs and desires. And I understand the need for some clarity. (and for the discernment process)...

Dorcas (aka SingingOwl) said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Dorcas (aka SingingOwl) said...

I'm praying for you both. And I so resonate with your comment, R.P....clarity and discernment and then the wisdom to follow...I too am feeling very confused right now, about life, direction, calling, place, on and on.

Theresa Coleman said...

Wow.

Speaking the truth in love --

Y'all I'm asking for prayer today:
Chaos is puny; I think it may be simple anemia, but it may be more serious, I'm off to the Dr. right now.

Second: we are having to kick out the homeless couple out of our transient housing b/c they did not keep covenant with us: long and short - alcohol, smoking and drugs. They have had ample warning (12 visits with plans for remediation) and so today is the day.

Di said...

Hey,

I've been wrestling with whether I should comment or not, but will smama has a really heartwrenching post, and I'm want to badly for us to be able to offer her some shelter.

Unknown said...

Ah, Mrs. M, I came with the same thought.
I would also like to ask for prayers for Stacey at The Almond Branch, who is in the hospital.

Anonymous said...

thank you mrs m I was here for the same reason.

also SB for the news of stacey

prayers for junper, chaos, clarity for rainbow p singing owl and others.

Lord in your mercy hear our prayers -and an especially loving hug for our sis will smama. help us love her back to life.

Amen