|
Listen to this devotional: |
Listen while you read: "Hail Thou Once Despised Jesus"1 (Lyrics) |
Ephesians 4:3-4 – Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace. For there is one body and one Spirit, just as you have been called to one glorious hope for the future. (NLT)
Ephesians 4:13 – This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God's Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. (NLT)
Soon after moving into Arcadia Gardens, one of the activities that caught my attention was the steady line of walkers that were heading to the chandeliered dining room. I followed behind with my walker and was led to a table where I had three tablemates. Thus began my socialization at Arcadia Gardens.
While this new group of us was learning how to relate, we discovered each other's background as well as our likes and dislikes. However, during this time, difficulties surfaced. I found that I was the talkative one and my tablemates, for the most part, were quiet. After a while, I learned to tone it down; at the same time, my new friends improved their ability to express themselves. As a result, we had a positive effect on each other.
In psychological terms, what was happening at my table is referred to as group dynamics: interactions that influence the attitudes and behaviour of people when they are grouped with others.
As I thought about this process, I began to look at it from a Christian perspective. I realized that the power of the Holy Spirit is the dynamic which brings together the body of Christ in one accord. Then, we, as believers, begin to take on His personality. In this way, our fellowship will be Spirit-filled, bringing glory and honour to God.
Think about it: What dynamics are at work in your group? What insights has the Holy Spirit revealed, allowing you to become a better friend and member of your church?
Ephesians 4:32 – And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. (NKJV)
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for uniting us in the body of Christ. Assist us to work together toward the goal of presenting the attributes of love, joy, and peace to those who are looking to see if they would want to join our group. This we ask in Jesus' name. Amen.
Forward this devotional Share this devotional on Facebook Like PresbyCan on Facebook
Although PresbyCan doesn't have a mobile app, you can still have a PresbyCan icon on your mobile phone home screen. 
Thursday, September 21, 2023 – Worldwide — International Day of Prayer for Peace — Pray for our brothers and sisters in so many countries in the world where they are being persecuted, imprisoned, and killed for their faith. Pray that their faith will stand strong in the face of adversity.
Broken friendship-CB: "September 21,2023. Please pray for the restoration of a lifelong friendship. Their friendship has..." 
Please pray for Shawn: "September 21, 2023. Shawn has struggled to breathe for many years and is in the hospital again..." 
Mrs--a former devotional writer: "September 21,2023. I humbly request healing prayers, I am having some very serious health problems..." 
Thank you Parise.
Good insight Parise. God bless.
Beautifully said and a good reminder.
Parise, your devotionals so encourage me. Thank you for writing and sharing with us. Blessings.
Hi Parise;
Thank you so much for your devotional message today. I was struck by its simplicity, clarity, and gentle melding with scriptures of unity in both spirit and church.
God bless you well today.
Thanks for sharing Parise,
Enjoyed hearing about your experience.
It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord puts the right people in the right place at the right time to do His work.
May God continue to bless you in your witness to others.
Dear Parise:
Thanks for sharing your experience. Right now I have a stress fracture in my leg and my church family is simply, amazing. They have been with me through thick and thin for the last few years for the many surgeries I have undergone. God has blessed me abundantly.
God bless you.
Dear Parise,
Thank you for this thought-provoking devotional applying the dynamics of group interaction to the work of the Holy Spirit in the body of Christ. What an interesting concept to consider from a Christian perspective. I always appreciate your insights – keep up the good writing!
Love and Blessings.
Thank you, Parise, for your helpful message.
My wife is confined to a wheelchair and is in a good Christian nursing home. I’m 80 and lead a healthy lifestyle… so, I wheel her to the dining room and observe her interacting with the 3 other residents at the table. She is the garrulous one and they get along fine. I’m pleased.
Blessings.
Hello again, Parise. I always keep watch for your writings, knowing how much I will be blessed by your thoughts. You surprised me with this one today and I’ll explain.
Every Wednesday our ladies group meet for Bible study and fellowship. At one point something was said about “having nothing to say” and one of the young ladies said, “that’s sure not Grandma’s problem” and everyone howled with laughter. She was talking about me, of course. I’m the only Grandma she and her family have had in a long time. My daughter tells everyone that it takes me a long time to tell a short story. So, you and I may be more alike than we know.
God loves you and so do I.
Dear Parise,
Spirit filled group dynamics.
Thanks.