In the Form of Christ

One Body (Unity in Christ)” by Meghan Williams of Dyed4you Art

{vision} I saw different American Olympic athletes posing as if for a photoshoot meant to display their new team uniforms. What stood out to me was that, although the athletes had different types of uniforms based on their sport, all of the uniforms used the same set of colors. (Royal blue was the predominant color.) The consistency of the color is what would make it clear to others that they were all on the same team. Continue reading “In the Form of Christ”

You Were Born for Greater Works

In Christ, you are destined for great things. We have a blessed hope and expectation to, at minimum, walk in the power and authority that Christ walked in upon the earth. But today, God is stirring us to reach even higher. Let us remember, we were born for greater works than our Savior displayed because He went to the Father. Christ is in heavenly places, cheering us on, and calling us to arise in the fullness of our calling as His Body.

So shake off every limitation that is holding you back. Trample upon the mindsets that tell you that you’re not good enough or will never amount to much. Arise, shine, and let the Kingdom of Heaven be released through you.

John 14:12 (VOICE) I tell you the truth: whoever believes in Me will be able to do what I have done, but they will do even greater things, because I will return to be with the Father. I know what it means to lack, and I know what it means to experience overwhelming abundance. For I’m trained in the secret of overcoming all things, whether in fullness or in hunger. And I find that the strength of Christ’s explosive power infuses me to conquer every difficulty.

Key to the Kingdom: Keep Godly Company

Psalm 1:1 (VOICE) God’s blessings follow you and await you at every turn: when you don’t follow the advice of those who delight in wicked schemes, When you avoid sin’s highway, when judgment and sarcasm beckon you, but you refuse.

Beloved, be wise in the company you keep. Be intentional in fostering life-giving relationships that are rooted in a shared love of Me that you might grow together in the way I have intended.

Be mindful not to pull one another off course and be quick to restore each other in love when you stumble. Encourage one another to be your best self and to intentionally make choices that are righteous and pleasing to Me, for that is the path of life.

There is a time to connect with those who walk in a manner that opposes Me, but do so with the intention of releasing My light and love rather than allowing your own light to be diminished. You have been called for such a time as this. Shine brightly and love well.

Intertwined Strength

Ecclesiastes 4:11 (AMP) Again, if two lie down together, then they keep warm; but how can one be warm alone?

Beloved, I have created you for multiplication. Though yes, you can accomplish much alone, I have made you for connection, and for the power that is found there. Resist the urge to to avoid it, it is worth the effort.

It is worth the frustration in moments of misunderstanding, and worth the character building that occurs when you must operate in grace and humility to create unity. Though it takes work – without a doubt, it truly is worth it.

So resist the temptation to protect your heart by holding others away, and choose instead to love as if you’ll never get hurt. Trust your heart to me, and choose to walk in love and experience intertwined strength. Continue reading “Intertwined Strength”

Flow as One

Ephesians 4:3 (AMP) Make every effort to keep the oneness of the Spirit in the bond of peace [each individual working together to make the whole successful].

Beloved, flow as one, for you are one. The Body of Christ. One body. United in purpose: bringing glory and honor to Me. Refuse to be distracted by personal agendas and selfish goals or motivations. Stay focused on Me – My plans, My direction, My kingdom.

Just as a physical body works together to keep the air that maintains life flowing through the body, work together as one to allow the flow of My Spirit throughout the Body of Christ – My breath invigorating and quickening.

Stronger Together

1 Corinthians 12:12 (VOICE) Just as a body is one whole made up of many different parts, and all the different parts comprise the one body, so it is with the Anointed One.

Beloved, be one as I AM One. Whole, but unique. Individual, but connected. Separate, but the same. An eye can see much, but without the legs to take it places and the brain to process its vision, it is without greater purpose. In the same way, remember you are stronger and more effective together.

And in the same way an eye, an ear, and a nose process the same situation differently, understand that your unique perspective may seem foreign to some. So extend grace and patiently educate, helping others to understand what is different from them just as you should seek to do for things that are unusual to you.

Strengthen the Body

1 Corinthians 12:27 (TLB) Now here is what I am trying to say: All of you together are the one body of Christ, and each one of you is a separate and necessary part of it.

Beloved, be intentional to strengthen the connections within the Body. The enemy seeks to divide, so resist the urge to allow your focus to remain on differences or areas of possible offense. Instead look for ways that giftings and strengths can best compliment one another. There is room and purpose for all within the Body of Christ. Each person is vital to success. Because each person is different, it is easy to become tempted by feelings of loneliness, discouragement, or despair. So be vigilant to create connection and build one another up.

Beloved, in the same way that a puzzle cannot be completed if you lose even one tiny piece, so you must ensure that your brethren in Christ are not lost or stolen. Each of you is vital to the whole. Each person is worth the time and effort to draw in and strengthen. And even as your iron sharpens iron and the sparks fly, simply wait for those sparks to fade and choose to live in peace and harmony as one—one strong one. Continue reading “Strengthen the Body”

Care for Your Body

1 Corinthians 12:25 (KJV) That there should be no schism in the body; but [that] the members should have the same care one for another.

Care for your Body, beloved. Whether you realize it or not, when one of you hurts, the whole is effected. Pause to minister. Pause to tend. Give help where help is needed. You are to be known by your love, and you are called to love like Me.

Be intentional to give grace. Be intentional to operate with patience. Be intentional to reject offense. Walk in love. Walk in unity. Walk in peace. Cultivate that which is good. Care for and strengthen the Body, for it is your Body, beloved, and well worth the effort. Continue reading “Care for Your Body”