31 DAYS OF UNITY CAMPAIGN

DAY ONE

  • 1 Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them. He said: 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. 10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 11 Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Our spiritual journey begins with revelation, a new understanding of ourselves through the eyes of our Creator. We discover who we are, who we have been created to be, and who we can become through the love of Christ. This starting place creates space to hear from God, to gaze upon the beauty of God’s kingdom, and to gain sober judgment of ourselves. We seek truth in reflection, and we surrender ourselves to God’s call of repentance that always precedes our rebirth and healing. We lament together for the ways in which we have fallen short of God’s glory. We grieve the brokenness in ourselves, the church, and the world around us.

As you reflect on the passage for the day, ask yourself these questions:

  • What is God revealing to you about God’s nature?

  • Is there a call to repentance in this passage?

  • What is the Spirit showing you in this passage that we need to be encouraged by or challenged with?


TODAY’S PRAYER

Lord, reveal the ways in which we have failed to live in obedience to you and to love one another as the children of God. We long to be unified through your love and to live as the body of Christ. Renew our hearts and minds through your unending love, and give us the courage to surrender ourselves to your Spirit this day. Amen

Commentary: (Re)flect

Video Reflection

Today’s video reflection is from Dr. Greg Arthur, Vice President of Ideos Institute.