Max Lucado's devotion is in regular text. My emphasis is added by color and varying of texts.
UNITY---
Grace make three proclamations.
First, only God can forgive my godlessness.... Thank goodness He is willing!
Second, only God can judge my neighbor... Why do WE want to judge? We should not judge each other but think - Lord, show mercy to them like you have to me.
Third, I must accept who God accepts... We are all on spiritual journeys; some of you may be more mature than I am. Some may be weaker or a baby in Christ - a new Christian. Some may be unsaved in our group and need an invitation to my church. Some have graduated homeschoolers; some have only a preschool child.
Easier said than done.
God has enlisted us in his navy and placed us on his ship. The boat has one purpose-- to carry us safely to the other shore. This is no cruise ship; it's a battleship. We aren't called to a life of leisure; we are called to a life of service. As ORCHARDS, we are a support group at our foundation. We want to help moms help their children and give moms confidence to accomplish home education. We offer classes and field trips as a secondary mission. Our first goal is to support moms in the battleship with us.
Each of us has a different task. Some concerned with those who are drowning, are snatching people from the water. Others are occupied with the enemy, so they man the cannons of prayer and worship. Still others devote themselves to the crew, feeding and training the crew members. Though different we are the -same. We all have varying roles in our coop - cooperative - a word that connotes working together for a common goal. My job is not superior to your job in the eternal perspective.
Though different, we are all the same. Each can tell of a personal encounter with the Captain, for each has received a personal call. He found us among the shanties of the seaport and invited us to follow Him... JESUS is the Captain; if you need an encounter, let me know and I will take you to the great Captain of our ship.
Though the battle is fierce, the boat is safe, for our captain is God. The ship will not sink. For that, there is no concern. We are in a battle dear mom. You have chosen to take your child out of the school system - public or private - and Satan does not like this. You now have a target on your back, because, if you are like me, the main lesson you're trying to teach child(ren) is to love the LORD and to follow HIS purpose for their life. Since you are on a battleship, be ready for the attacks. Answer the attack with the Word of God. Remember that we war not against flesh and blood - the people who are causing any difficulty are not the ones to whom we become angry. The real enemy is Satan and His purpose is to steal (your family, child, marriage); kill (you physically, mentally, or emotionally - or all the above); and destroy (your reputation, your family's testimony, or the good you're doing in your 'schooling') BUT WE HAVE THE VICTORY - remember that and remind Satan.
There is concern, however, regarding the disharmony of the crew. Unity creates belief. Disunity fosters disbelief. Who wants to board a ship of bickering sailors? Life on the ocean may be rough, but at least the waves don't call us names... Could it be that unity is the key to reaching the world for Christ? Any time you have more than one person in a ministry, there will be the possibility for disunity. Realize that this is another area Satan wants to steal, kill and destroy - our fellowship and edification of one another. Satan whispers in your ear, "She's different; I don't like her...." or any of another million lies to sew discord among the brethren. We need to guard against this occurrence in our group and support each other - much more so as THE DAY draws closer to HIS return!
If I can be a support to you in any way, let me know! That is my calling....
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