Devotional/Discussion Thought of the Day:

 ¹⁰ All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. ¹¹ Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name; now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are   .John 17:10-11 (NLT)

It’s been an interesting day, that as a “work day” is nearly over.

It started this morning, as I watched Pope Benedict leave behind the papacy, as he was escorted everywhere.  It was then I noted that it was a day to especially pray for the church, as I noted many people who seemed to either loose hope, or who attacked a man, who finally could find some rest.  I hurriedly posted to FB that this was a good time to pray, and then headed out to teach a Bible Study.

In the Bible Study, we talked about Hebrews 9, and how the tabernacle pictured the ministry of Christ.  What a great discussion it was!  One of my dear ladies declared that this was the kind of things that kids need to hear today – about how long God has planned and worked the clues to the cross – and to the depth of His love and how He would make us His people, His children.  She is right…. that’s what we are to be about!

Lunch with a friend then followed – as we talked about the churches we go to, those we’ve worked with…. and how we need to find our lives, first in Christ…and then with each other in Christ.  For that makes the difference.

It also brings me back to my comment… this is a day to pray for the church.  For all its leaders, for all its divisions, for all of its people.

That we would find ourselves in the presence of God, and healing of all the damage of sin.  For there is much to be healed of… and that healing… and the fellowship that we are made for…happens as we are the church.

Pray as well, especially for the future leaders, including the new pope – that they would be able to bear the burden of their ministry, and that they would see their work focus on revealing the love of God.