Jesus prayed for his followers, “Holy Father, protect them {the disciples} in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one, as we are one” (John 17:11b NRSV). Jesus’ desire was for the disciples to live in supernatural unity just as God the Father and Jesus the Son are united. The unity Christ prayed for included not only the twelve disciples, but “all who will ever believe” (John 17:20 NLT). Thankfully, Jesus’ prayer began being answered within the earliest years of the church when “all the believers were one in heart and mind” (Acts 4:32 NIV). Yet as the church became more diverse, the unity became strained and broken. In 1973, in a city torn by racism and hate the Woodlawn high school football team experienced a supernatural unity through faith in Jesus and the Spirit of God. The miracle of 73’ was over forty years ago and the unity described in Acts 4 was over 1,900 years ago. Is Jesus’ prayer still being answered today?

 

For a full version of this Your Faith Journey devotional download the Worship Guide from the Avon UMC website:

 

The Your Faith Journey Bible verses for this week are listed below:

 

Sunday (8/16)

Today I’m going to offering God _____________________________________________________.

 

During the worship service God revealed _____________________________________________________.

 

This week memorize Jesus’ message from Matthew 12:25 (NIV):

 

“Every kingdom divided against itself will be ruined,

and every city or household divided against itself will not stand.”

 

Monday (8/17)

Read Psalm 80 and pray in response to the verses.

 

 

Tuesday (8/18)

Read Acts 19:1-22 and pray in response to what you read.

 

Notice the revival that took place in Ephesus in Acts 19. What part must believers play if revival is to happen today?

 

Wednesday (8/19)

Read 1 Corinthians 15:30-34 and pray in response to what you read.

 

Thursday (8/20)

Read Daniel 3 and pray in response to what you read.

 

Have you counted the cost of being a committed follower of Jesus?

 

If you were going through a “fiery ordeal” because you follow Jesus, what two other people would you want by your side walking through it with you?

 

Friday (8/21)

Read John 17:20-23 and Acts 4:32-35 and pray in response to what you read.

 

You are invited to watch the Woodlawn: ONE episode #2 on YouTube using the link below sometime this weekend or before your group session next week.

 

Woodlawn: ONE episode #2 – “The Cost of Following”

 

 

Saturday (8/22)

Read Acts 1:1-14 and pray in response to what you read.

 

How do you feel about being a witness?

 

What will you do to carry out Jesus’ vision described in the verses?

 

*To download the entire Worship Guide, which includes the extended version of the Your Faith Journey Guide, go to www.AvonUMC.com.