Love
Fil-UCC Prayer and Fasting Emphasis Week
January 2018 – Day Five
Devotional for the Week: CULTIVATING UNITY
By Brittany Rust
Matthew 22:36-40
““Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.””Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
4th word: Love
Love is our greatest mandate; to love God first and our neighbors as ourselves are the greatest commandments. In fact, Matthew 22 says that the law hinges on this very mandate.
When we commit to love others–to show them brotherly affection–we are doing one of the most important things we can be doing on this earth. It’s not an afterthought or something meant only for those closest to us; love is your highest calling.
In fact, Romans says you should outdo one another in showing kindness. Imagine if everyone aimed to go above and beyond in loving each other. Imagine how transformed the body of Christ would be if this one principle was implemented.
Make it a point to show love to your spouse, your family, your coworkers, your friends, and the people you come in contact with at church. If you can do this–if you can be a carrier of God’s love–then you’ll be a catalyst for unity.
Unity is incredibly desired by God, for His people. He longs to see His children live out humility, gentleness, patience, and love among each other and in a broken world. Begin to take steps in growing in these areas and living them out, and you’ll certainly honor Him.
Seek unity in your relationships, among other believers, and in your church, and watch as they flourish in ways you’ve never witnessed before. Unity is very important, so be a carrier of it today. Bring unity into your world!
Prayer Items: FRIENDS AND CO-WORKERS
1. Good and healthy relationship
2. Display of Active Christianity
3. Opportunity to share help of any kind
4. Chance to invite them to church and/or Bible studies, and fellowships
5. Opportunity to be a godly influence and a great blessing in the workplace
6. Opportunity to be “salt and light” to co-workers and acquaintances
7. Consistent in following up to those been exposed to the Gospel leading to intentional discipleship
Church Concerns
1. Ministry of Worship
2. Ministry of Outreach
3. Ministry of Resources
4. Ministry of Discipleship
5. Ministry of Prayer
Prayer for our Pastors
1. Pastor Victor Quarto (wife and kid’s visa application)
2. Pastor Fronnie Silla (good health and search for a day job)
3. Pastor Joel Saladaga III (physical strength and guidance)
4. Pastor Val Malinis (studies and ministry)
Prayer for our Leaders
1. Council Members
2. Organizational Officers
3. Other Church staff
4. Bible Study Leaders
5. Sunday school teachers and assistants
6. Sunday servants (Musicians, techs and other volunteers)
Upcoming Events
1. Missionfest 2018, Feb2-4 at Church of the Rock
2. Missionfest Youth Event, Tonight at Immanuel Pentecostal Church
3. Council meeting, Feb11
4. ONE VOICE “True Love Waits 2.0” Fellowship, Feb16 at FilUCC fellowship hall
5. Joint Partners, Seniors and YA/YM hearts day fellowship, Feb17 at CanadInn
6. Special Commitment Ceremony of Youth and Parents, Feb18 during Tagalog Worship Experience
7. Church hosting of FICFW (Filipino Inter Church Fellowship Winnipeg) Pastors and workers meeting, Feb1 (thanksgiving for last night)
8. Implementation of changes and enhancements in our worship services (Mid Feb)
Other Concerns
1. Homeless and the Needy
2. Peace and order in our city, the Philippines and the world
3. Our government leaders
4. Ministry partners