We are Family - Eph 4:1-6
"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." Ephesians 4:1
"As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received." Ephesians 4:1
"A life worthy of the calling you have received." Let's recap. What's the calling we've received? Our salvation, the privilege of getting to know God, having His power within us, being made into His people regardless of our blood heritage, a testimony to angels, as well as knowing and being filled with His love. This is a high calling indeed! And Paul implores you and I to live a life worthy of all this.
A worthy life is characterized by being "completely humble and gentle, [being] patient, bearing with one another in love" (v. 2). There's no leeway, justification, or situation to be anything less than these. And did you catch the last word? "Love". If we are filled with God's love, these are a natural out-pouring with His power. Each of these characteristics brings about something: unity. Within the body of Christ, the church, we are to be completely humble, gentle, patient, and bear with one another in order to "keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (v. 3). Eph. 2:14 told us that Christ is our peace! He bonds us together, so let's live that way.
Why is this unity so important?! Realistically, there will be division and strife within the church body, but what we have in common in Christ is greater and more important than any differences we have. "One body...one spirit...one hope...one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (v. 4-6). This is what we share in Christ. Your sister who wronged you, and your brother who mistreated you share in all these. Don't be a doormat, but don't seek your own interests; seek what is best for you and your brothers and sisters around the world.
Pray:
Lord Jesus, Thank You for bonding us together and the high calling You have given us. Please help us keep unity by giving us the strength to be humble, gentle, patient and bearing with one another in love. Amen.
Challenge:
Take time to examine yourself in the areas listed in verse 2. Are you continually seeking to keep unity within the body through Christ? Focus on what you have in common with your fellow believers.
CLIMB DAY 7
Today is another wonderful day for our hikers! Today will be even better than yesterday with the focus on testing their acclimation to the altitude, but our team is likely hurting. Sleep was certainly more difficult last night, and energy is running low. It is common that hikers gain altitude at the expense of appetite. Every bite taken today is important, and even more so is every sip of water. The anticipated respite is camp tonight: Barranco Camp is situated 650 feet lower than Moir Hut Camp, and that seemingly slight difference can mean altitude sickness won't seem so bad. But first they have to get there!
While yesterday was an exploration of beautiful rock formations, today will be filled with delightful landmarks. Our team is walking above the clouds and ascends to the base of Lava Tower, a small peak sitting around 15,000 feet. They'll rest here for a few minutes and enjoy the view. Those feeling especially adventurous can try to scale its face!
Once they get back on their feet, our team will enjoy an easy descent to the enormous Senecio Forest. The trees are beautiful and a pleasant scene in comparison to all the rocks they have been viewing. They will even have the pleasure of passing waterfalls and over many streams. Our team may be reminded of Dr. Seuss' drawings, as this portion of the hike has been compared by those who have travelled before them. As they exit the forest they'll find themselves in camp - at the base of a giant 500 foot wall.
Pray for safety for those who may scale Lava Tower, continued acclimatization for all hikers, and renewed encouragement to persevere to the end.
A worthy life is characterized by being "completely humble and gentle, [being] patient, bearing with one another in love" (v. 2). There's no leeway, justification, or situation to be anything less than these. And did you catch the last word? "Love". If we are filled with God's love, these are a natural out-pouring with His power. Each of these characteristics brings about something: unity. Within the body of Christ, the church, we are to be completely humble, gentle, patient, and bear with one another in order to "keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" (v. 3). Eph. 2:14 told us that Christ is our peace! He bonds us together, so let's live that way.
Why is this unity so important?! Realistically, there will be division and strife within the church body, but what we have in common in Christ is greater and more important than any differences we have. "One body...one spirit...one hope...one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all" (v. 4-6). This is what we share in Christ. Your sister who wronged you, and your brother who mistreated you share in all these. Don't be a doormat, but don't seek your own interests; seek what is best for you and your brothers and sisters around the world.
Pray:
Lord Jesus, Thank You for bonding us together and the high calling You have given us. Please help us keep unity by giving us the strength to be humble, gentle, patient and bearing with one another in love. Amen.
Challenge:
Take time to examine yourself in the areas listed in verse 2. Are you continually seeking to keep unity within the body through Christ? Focus on what you have in common with your fellow believers.
CLIMB DAY 7
Today is another wonderful day for our hikers! Today will be even better than yesterday with the focus on testing their acclimation to the altitude, but our team is likely hurting. Sleep was certainly more difficult last night, and energy is running low. It is common that hikers gain altitude at the expense of appetite. Every bite taken today is important, and even more so is every sip of water. The anticipated respite is camp tonight: Barranco Camp is situated 650 feet lower than Moir Hut Camp, and that seemingly slight difference can mean altitude sickness won't seem so bad. But first they have to get there!
While yesterday was an exploration of beautiful rock formations, today will be filled with delightful landmarks. Our team is walking above the clouds and ascends to the base of Lava Tower, a small peak sitting around 15,000 feet. They'll rest here for a few minutes and enjoy the view. Those feeling especially adventurous can try to scale its face!
Once they get back on their feet, our team will enjoy an easy descent to the enormous Senecio Forest. The trees are beautiful and a pleasant scene in comparison to all the rocks they have been viewing. They will even have the pleasure of passing waterfalls and over many streams. Our team may be reminded of Dr. Seuss' drawings, as this portion of the hike has been compared by those who have travelled before them. As they exit the forest they'll find themselves in camp - at the base of a giant 500 foot wall.
Pray for safety for those who may scale Lava Tower, continued acclimatization for all hikers, and renewed encouragement to persevere to the end.