Devotionals

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Scripture Reading: KJV Prsalms 133:1, "Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"

United We Stand

The pastor had worked hard for nearly forty years, preaching and sharing God's Word, ministering to the sick, spreading God's love with passion. As he grew older his health gradually diminished and his ability to articulate sermons began to decrease. Since the denomination had no retirement age, the congregation grew frustrated with the pastor they dearly loved. The pastor's son, in an attempt to save his aging father from embarrassment, asked the church elders to restrict his dad's sermons to once per week. Sadly, the pastor took offense at this request and began to speak poorly of his son, causing strife among the congregation. The more the church elders tried to reassure the congregation, the more disgruntled they became.

One surprising Sunday morning, a child of 12 approached the pulpit, taking the microphone boldly. You can imagine the stillness that followed as she read from (NIV) Mark 3:25, "If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand." She continued in her own words, "If we stand together our church will continue to be a light in this town - if not, we should all go home rather than to stay and be crushed beneath the falling beams."

The elderly pastor wept as he stood - the first to his feet. One by one each parishioner stood, united by a child. The pastor spoke briefly on child-like faith, encouraging all to trust God for the future of the church, as he humbly expressed faith in God's plan for his personal future as well.

Prayer: Lord, let us always remember that unity reflects your character. Amen.

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